Page 28 of Kissing the Sheriff

They left the house, caught up to Billy who was already at the front walk, then headed down the street. “So where is this fishing spot?” Conrad asked.

“We’ll walk alongside the captain’s meadow,” Cassie said. “Then cut through the orchard behind it, and the woods beyond that. There are several ways to get there but this is the most direct route.”

“None of us have explored the creek yet,” Conrad said. “Of course, we’ve been busy.”

“And we appreciate it. But you should also take time out for yourself. After all, you came to this country to relax and see things, didn’t you?”

Conrad snorted. “We’ve seen some things, all right. But I have to say, none so … interesting as Apple Blossom.”

She laughed. “Was your time with the captain interesting?”

He chuckled low in his throat. “You have no idea.”

He said no more, and she wondered what the captain said to him. Captain Stanley was odd, not a complete lunatic, but he did have his own way of doing and saying things to get a point across. “I hope he didn’t threaten you with walking the plank.”

“No. Should I be worried if he does?”

“Very.” She widened her eyes and shuddered.

“That’s worrisome,” Conrad said and shivered himself.

She laughed but said nothing more. They walked past the bank and headed for the meadow. As they crossed it, she tried to imagine a dance being held there. “What would we do for lighting?”

“I beg your pardon?” Conrad said.

“The dance. What about torches and lanterns?”

Conrad stopped and looked around. “I say, but this is a good spot. Torches and lanterns would work fine. We could borrow Chester Smythe’s mower, cut down the grass for a dance area, another for refreshment tables and yet another for … oh dear. Are there any musicians in town?”

“A few,” she said. “Captain Stanley is one of them.”

“The captain plays all sorts of instruments,” Billy chimed in. “He can play the harmonica, the piano, the fiddle, and a flute.”

“He’s a one-man band,” Conrad said with a smile. He turned a full circle.

Cassie caught the gleam in his eyes. “What are you thinking?”

“You could put the musicians over there; the dance area would be …” He started for the middle of the meadow. “Give me a moment.” He began to step off an area.

“What are you doing?” she called.

He held up his hand and looked like he was counting to himself.

“Cassie,” Billy said. “Why is he walking like that?”

“He’s trying to figure out where to put everything.” She followed him.

When she reached him, he gave her a big smile. “As I was saying, the musicians could go over there.” He turned around and pointed with both hands. “The dance area here with the refreshment tables on the other end. Everyone could bring a chair and line them up on either side.” He gave her a triumphant look. “Well?”

She smiled. “Conrad, you’re a genius. That’s perfect. Dora couldn’t do better.”

“Dora?”

“She loves to plan these sorts of things. Maybe I should get you two together.” Her heart sank a little at her words. Good grief, she wasn’t that attracted to him, was she?

“Perhaps we should. I’ll make a sketch when we return from our little excursion. Better yet, I’ll have Phileas do it.” He returned to the picnic basket. “We’d better get going.”

“He’s right,” Billy said. “The fish only bite for so long.”