Page 25 of Kissing the Sheriff

Conrad gulped. “Mermaids.”

“Aye! And you know what else I’ve got?”

Conrad jumped. The man was mad! “What?”

“Gumption! Do you know who else in this town has gumption, lad?” Captain Stanley backed up a step and arched an eyebrow at him.

Conrad shook his head. “I haven’t the foggiest.”

“Sheriff Laine. Or haven’t you noticed?”

“She, um, did mention something about shooting me the other day …”

The captain slapped his leg. “That’s my Cassie! Aye, and you’d best listen to her. She’s a crack shot, that one.”

Conrad’s curiosity was piqued. “She is?”

“She’d win a shooting match against you sure as the whiskers grow on my face.” Captain Stanley slapped his leg again, then headed for the doors. “Well, don’t just stand there. Come along!” He pushed through the swinging doors and outside.

Conrad took one last look around the saloon and followed. “What are you doing?”

“Gotta load apples.” Stanley stopped and spun around. “Or have you already forgotten?”

Conrad stopped short so as not to run into him. “No, not at all. Lead on.”

The captain nodded curtly and did, around the building to the back where a horse and wagon waited. “Climb up,” he ordered. “I want to get this load to Virginia City before noon.”

“Tomorrow?” Conrad squeaked.

“Best time to sell ‘em. Mr. Abernathy at the general store will have had his lunch by then, and when the man’s belly’s full, he’s more agreeable. He may even buy the lot!” He shooed Conrad to the wagon.

Conrad climbed onto the wagon seat without question. He could do with a little adventure, except for one thing. “I’m afraid I can’t help you deliver the fruit. I’m working on Cassie’s house …”

“I know you are, and you’ll do good by her, you hear me?” Captain Stanley scowled as he climbed up beside him.

Conrad nodded. “Of course.”

The captain took up the lines and gave the horse a slap. The wagon lurched forward and they were off. “So, I hear you’re going fishing with our dear sheriff.”

“Where did you hear that? Have you been talking with Billy Watson?”

“I speak with Cassie often enough. So, you like fishing?” The old salt’s eyebrow rose again as he glared at Conrad.

Conrad noticed the captain wasn’t wearing an eye patch, and tried to remember if he had been the night they saw him chasing a dog down the street. “Er, yes. I do like to fish.”

“Cassie loves to fish. Used to go fishing with her pa all the time.” He looked Conrad over. “You’re not him.”

“Indeed, I’m not.” Conrad squared his shoulders. “Billy has been pestering Cassie to go fishing for a couple of days. I believe we’re going tomorrow.”

“Good. She needs the outing. So does my first mate.” He gave Conrad another pointed look. “Don’t mess it up.”

“I wouldn’t think of it.” Conrad looked straight ahead. If he said something to upset the captain, the man was liable to shove him off the wagon.

“Best not,” the captain went on. “And no funny business, or shewillshoot you.”

Now Conrad was more worried. “Funny … business?”

“Be a gentleman.”