"Redemption's Run": Chapter 7 continues

A Star Tribune serialized novel by Jane Fredericksen

Chapter 7

The story so far: Kinney auditions for a run on Vince's boat.

Kinney pulled back, startled, and stared at her. But Ronnie appeared not to notice. "Chewy retired," she said breezily. "He'd rather fish than babysit tourists."

She moved between Vince and Pete and sat down.

Kinney's eyes followed her every move. "Who wouldn't?"

The others laughed.

Vince turned to him. "Mr. McKinney, I'm paid to babysit tourists. Pete says you skip charters in Canada. How's the pay there?"

Kinney took an uneasy swig of beer and shrugged. "It's a living. It lets me sail."

Vince kept his eyes on Kinney. "Planning to stay in town long?"

Kinney's eyes strayed over to Ronnie. "A day or two. I didn't want to wear out my welcome."

"What would you say if I told you that you could make more money in a three-day charter here than in a month at Thunder Bay?"

Kinney's eyes snapped back to Vince. "I'd say you have my attention."

Vince sipped his drink. "A group of conventioneers are coming to town for a sailing trip. Big-city types, you know?"

Kinney nodded.

"Anyway, they've commandeered all the decent captains, and it's left me a bit short-handed to cater to my own clients, you see?"

"I see."

"I asked Pete for recommendations. He suggested I talk to you. Just a one-time deal, if you like."

There it was. A casual offer. Kinney responded in kind. He took a quick drink. "Ronnie skips."

She laughed. "Vince already has me sailing for a couple of lawyers. Don't think I can back out. I might get sued."

The charter owner pressed harder. "What do you think, Mr. McKinney? I'll make it worth your while. I want to serve my customers, because, you see," he turned to Ronnie, "I plan to be around Bayfield for a very long time."

Ronnie, aware of his gaze, suddenly became very interested in the label of her beer bottle, jabbing at its edge.

Kinney began to read the wind. "I see," he said. In one quick move, he looked from Ronnie to Vince, sized up the situation, calculated his odds and charted his course. "Mr. Treiland, I think I might be able to help you out."

Vince snapped his gaze back to Kinney and grinned broadly. "Good! Call me Vince, Mr. McKinney." He thrust out his hand.

Kinney hesitated, and then took it. He gave Treiland his full attention, like a poker player measuring a rival, and gave a half-smile.

"Call me Kinney."

* * *

Just outside the Mainlander cabin, Kacie carefully eavesdropped. She heard Vince say, "Client's an older gent. Well-off, tips well. Certified, but prefers not to skipper. Good sort, even-keeled. He and his family have the boat three days. To see the islands, lighthouses, the usual."

* * *

Inside, Vince sipped his brandy. "There are, however, a couple more things about your client that you may want to know."

"What's that?"

"He's a doctor, studying for the ministry."

"Lucky you," teased Ronnie.

"So I'll have to watch my language?" Kinney was amused, but then it struck him. "Doctor and a minister. You want to know if I'm superstitious."

Vince shrugged. "Some captains are."

Kinney shook his head. "Mr. Treiland, I don't believe in unlucky days, unlucky words, unlucky fruit or unlucky colors. I don't believe that women, redheads, doctors or ministers are bad luck. I'll sail anytime and with anyone who's got the money. I believe spilling wine on deck is a waste of good liquor. And if I believed that setting sail without paying your debts was tempting fate, I'd have been dead a long time ago."

Vince laughed. "Eloquently said, Mr. McKinney."

"When do we leave?"

"Meet them tomorrow at Madeline Island, 10 a.m."

Kinney looked at him in alarm. "Tomorrow? Not much prep time. What about the boat?"

"Cleaned, fueled, at the marina," answered Vince. "Maybe you've noticed her? She's an old-timer. The Redemption."

Tomorrow: Chapter 7 continues.