'Redemption's Run': Chapter 7 continues

A Star Tribune serialized novel by Jane Fredericksen

Chapter 7

The story so far: Kinney and Vince have a deal.

Kinney was impressed, but tried to cover. "I've seen her. Nice boat. Strange name, though."

Vince shrugged dismissively. "I didn't name her. Used to be owned by a born-again salesman. Maybe you can think of a new name for her; I haven't had time. But she's a classic beauty and …" He smiled at Ronnie. "I appreciate classic beauty."

"Don't we all," agreed Kinney.

Vince smirked. "So, Kinney, think you can handle her?"

Kinney glanced at Ronnie. "I'm sure we'll get to know each other."

Pete smiled at his bottle of water. "Kinney's one smooth sailor. You'll see."

* * *

Kacie leaned in closer. Vince was speaking rapidly. "Tonight, at the marina. Say 10. We'll finalize the deal. You can board over in the boat, if you like."

Kinney's soft voice. "Thanks, I'll do that. In the meantime, I'd better get ready."

There was a clink of bottles and sounds of general clean up. Footsteps grew louder.

Kacie looked about wildly for a place to hide. She finally decided to dart back onto the dock, as if she'd just arrived. She barely made it down the gangway when the others emerged from the cabin.

Ronnie waved to Kacie as she strolled down the walkway. Vince was close behind, trying to engage Ronnie in small talk. Kacie observed that she kept a polite distance while conversing. It was a delicate dance, but Ronnie was very good at it.

The other two captains lingered on the deck, not noticing Kacie.

"Thanks, Pete. For everything," Kinney was saying.

"It's the least I can do," Pete answered. "Jack, I'm sorry about …" He broke off as he spotted Kacie. "Hullo there, Kacie."

Kinney whirled around like a cornered cat.

"You remember Mr. McKinney," Pete continued.

Kacie moved to the edge of gangway and smiled. "Hi."

Kinney gripped the railing, too tightly. "Hi." He turned back to Pete. "I'm sorry we didn't have time to catch up."

"We'll have time when you get back," Pete assured him.

Kinney nodded and hurried down the ramp.

Kacie moved to let him pass. "See you."

He glanced at her nervously. "Yeah. Take care." And he was gone, pacing down the dock.

Pete motioned Kacie aboard.

* * *

Inside the cabin, Pete grabbed a soda from the cooler and handed it to Kacie.

"Thought you didn't know him," she challenged.

"I said I didn't know him well," Pete countered. He picked up his lemon water. "Still don't."

Kacie smirked. "Bet he'd like to know Ronnie …"

"Kacie …" Pete warned.

"But maybe not as much as Mr. Treiland does," she finished.

Pete's eyes narrowed. "I would remind you that you are talking about my daughter, and not some cruiser out for a test spin."

"Oh, she can handle either of them." Kacie sipped her soda. "But at least you care. That's a nice trait in a father."

Pete's face softened. "Kacie, I…."

Tomorrow: Chapter 7 continues.