"Redemption's Run": Chapter 9 continues

A Star Tribune serialized novel by Jane Fredericksen

Chapter 9

The story so far: It's a perfect sailing day, but all is not calm aboard Redemption.

Another retching sound came from the cockpit. "Most of us," Kinney answered. "But we have one seasick passenger. Over."

"Have her take the wheel? Over."

"Tried. She doesn't want to. We may have to land for a bit. How about you?" Kinney tried as hard as he could, but couldn't keep a hint of jealousy from sneaking into his voice. "You having fun? Over."

"We're having a great time here. Thought we might pull in at Stockton Island for some hiking. Care to join us? Over."

Maybe he was just imagining it, but Ronnie sounded pleased. "See you at Presque Isle dock, then," she chirped. "True Wind out."

There was another anguished retch above. Dr. Sykes called out, "There's some anti-nausea patches in my bag, Pet."

A distant groan: "I don't wanna take aannyything. I just wanna get off this lousy boat."

Then Hattie's gravelly voice: "It's probably that God-awful guava juice she drinks."

* * *

"That crazy kid!" Thea exploded. "If she's not with any of us, then who is she with?" She reached for the telephone. "I'm calling the Coast Guard."

Pete's calming hand stayed her arm. She turned in surprise.

"You're absolutely right," he agreed. "But let me call Ronnie first. I think I know where our young adventurer is headed."

* * *

Kacie strained on the tiller of the Stowaway, as the Pirate hauled in the jib. The little dinghy heeled sharply in the brisk winds, dousing the two passengers with spray.

The Pirate's face — like Petunia's — held a sea-green tinge. "One used to a bigger boat." He gave a quiet urp, forcing down a wave of nausea.

"You and your rum," Kacie chided. "Bad idea." She pointed to the now-distant Redemption and True Wind. "They're headed to Presque Isle. We can sneak over to Quarry Bay. They'll never see us."

The Pirate, soaked and seasick, bravely sucked it in. "Sooner the better, Lass."

* * *

Presque Isle was the main boat dock for Stockton Island. A large concrete ramp jutted down from a forest of graceful birch and maple trees. A well-tended dirt trail led from the dock up a slight hill, to a small ranger station and visitor outpost.

She dropped to her hands and knees, kissing the solid surface. "Land," she gasped. "Sweet land. I never thought I'd see the day."

Hattie finished belaying the forward line. "You're kissing concrete, Pet," she pointed out. "And gull poop."

Petunia didn't seem to care. She scrabbled to her feet. "Which way to the restrooms?"

Kinney pointed to the top of the hill. Petunia wobbled off toward the outpost.

Hattie watched dourly. "She's gonna expect that they flush, you know."

Ronnie approached, arm in arm with David and Matthew. All three were beaming. "I am having the most fun this trip," she announced.

Kinney glumly watched the departing Pet. "Me too," he sighed.

* * *

Kacie quickly tied down the Stowaway at Quarry Bay and dashed into the woods.

The Pirate, recovered from his momentary bout of seasickness, climbed out of the dinghy and yelled after her, "What do you need a privy for? Any good tree'll do." He sauntered after her, singing a lively sea chantey.

As Kacie and the Pirate tended to nature's call, a young black bear lumbered out of the nearby woods. His black nose wrinkled as he snuffled the air.

Catching scent of the abandoned snacks, he wandered up the short wooden dock and clambered onto the boat. He tore greedily into the opened bags, scattering crumbs across the deck. He grabbed Kacie's windbreaker and shook it playfully from side to side.

Kacie and the Pirate emerged from the woods, spotted the bear and froze.

The bear glanced up from his feast, spotted them and froze.

They all stared at each other.

"Behind me? You've got the sword!" Kacie continued to stare at the bear. It continued to stare back. She forced herself to sound cheery. "Nice bear. Niiice bear." She, too, backed slowly into the woods.

The bear watched until they had disappeared. Then he happily turned his attention back to the chips.