'Redemption's Run': Chapter 8 continues

A Star Tribune serialized novel by Jane Fredericksen

Chapter 8

The story so far: Kinney learns that Ronnie is engaged to Vince.

Kinney gripped the wheel tighter. "I am grateful. I'm grateful that he hired me. That doesn't mean he owns me. You're a captain. You understand."

Ronnie did. She'd been hired by many types of clients for many types of runs. Some trips turned out to be blissful, some boring, some wretched or downright terrifying. She always did her best to make sure everyone had an enjoyable and safe journey. But every time she stepped onto a boat, Ronnie knew the secret truth.

She really sailed for herself.

She stepped onto the pier. "I've got my own boat to worry about. My crew's waiting. You might want to get ready for yours. Grab a comb or something."

As if in answer, David and Matthew emerged from True Wind's cabin. Both men wore expensive sunglasses and shorts. They peeled off their shirts, revealing their well-toned muscles.

"OK," Kinney conceded. "Maybe not everyone." To Ronnie, he added, "Like I said: Options open."

Ronnie could barely suppress her laughter. "You're clearly misreading this wind." She climbed onto her boat.

David and Matthew donned life vests, hopped onto the pier and uncleated True Wind's mooring lines.

Kinney watched with vague envy. "I don't think so."

"I don't have to be at Madeline Island until 10 a.m."

"Didn't Vince tell you?" Ronnie caught the mooring lines as they were thrown to her. "Your crew's coming over on the morning ferry."

Kinney stared at Ronnie. "They're coming here?"

David jumped back on board as Matthew held the stern line.

Ronnie pointed. "Look. Here comes Vince. I'm sure he'll fill you in."

Ronnie fired up True Wind's engine as Matthew walked the boat to the edge of the pier and jumped on board. Ronnie stood between the two handsome men. She smiled. They beamed back at her. All three waved at Kinney.

"Happy sailing," shouted Ronnie. "Call you later! Have fun!"

"One more thing about you, Captain Jamieson," Kinney yelled from his boat.

"What's that?" Ronnie called, her voice fighting with the growl of the engine.

"You can't say goodbye."

* * *

Vince Treiland strode up the dock, all business. He came to a sharp stop at Redemption's slip.

"Kinney," he said brusquely, "Change of plans. Your crew's meeting you here and …" He broke off, staring at his captain. "You might want to shave."

Kinney hid his bandaged hand behind his back. His other hand crept to his face. "Everyone looks like this in the morning."

Vince, perfectly groomed, eyed him skeptically.

Vince glanced at his watch. "Ferry's docking now, Kinney. Keep everyone happy, and you'll go home with the wind at your back."

Suddenly, True Wind, in the distance, hoisted her sails. Kinney and Vince glanced at her.

Vince smiled broadly. "She's a pretty little sloop. Not quite Redemption, of course."

Kinney watched the distant boat. "I'm not sure … yet."

Vince's smile faded. He gripped Redemption's forestay as if inspecting her mast. "Mind your speed, Kinney. She's agile and quick and can get away from you before you know it. Be very careful in how you handle her. I trust you know how to be careful?"

"Very good," Vince gave him a curt nod. "Go out and have your fun. But remember, at the end of the day …" He smiled at Kinney once more, but this smile held a hint of warning. "At the end of the day, she's mine. You see?"

Vince turned and exited briskly, heels clicking on the wooden pier.

Kinney watched him coolly. "We'll see," he muttered. He stomped downstairs to the cabin.