Flash Gold - Hunted Part 10

He lifted it, aimed, and fired. The potato chunk soared across the workshop and took the target in the eye. It was amazing that someone so tall, muscular, and battle-hardened could grin like a school boy, but he managed it.

"Accurate, good velocity, nice." He lowered the gun, and his grin softened to something warm and intimate.

She blushed, remembering their kiss, and stuffed her hands in her overall pockets while studying the floor. "So, uhm, sorry you didn't get any closer to finding Cudgel. Blazes, we didn't even get to collect a bounty on anyone up there."

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you about that. First, I need to apologize for getting you involved in that mess. I didn't realize just how despicable Bosomhall was. You never would have walked into his trap if it hadn't been my idea to use him and his claim. Second..." Cedar drew a purse from within his duster, counted out a stack of Morgan silver dollars, and set them on her workbench.

Kali scratched her head. "You're not trying to pay me for the spud launcher, are you?"

"No, that's your fifty percent from Koothrapai."

"You don't have to do that." She eyed the stack, thought of the parts she could buy with it, and her fingers twitched toward it. She forced those fingers back into her pocket. "You were right," she made herself say. "I didn't do anything, so it's not fitting I get a cut."

"No, you were right. We have a deal. Fifty-fifty on everything. And anyway..." He was the one to stick his hands in his pockets now. "I didn't get in this for the money. My reasons for hesitating to give you your share earlier were...personal."

"Oh?" What was he about? Kali tried to read his face, but he was studying the floorboards.

"I was concerned that you'd get your airs.h.i.+p put together and leave the Yukon forever."

"That is my plan," she said.

"Without me," Cedar added.

Kali blinked. "Oh. I didn't realize that was a concern of yours."

"I can't leave without getting Cudgel, and if Wilder spoke the truth, he's either in Dawson or on his way. Thanks to the gold, I reckon half the world will be up here before long. He's not going to miss out on it."

"Uh huh. So, what you're really saying is you'd miss me if I left."

He looked up from the floor. "That's what I'm saying. Did you think I'd let someone I wasn't partial to curl up in my Euklisia Rug?"

"I've known men who would curl up with just about any woman."

"But not in their expensive, mail-ordered-from-Wales Euklisia Rug."

"So, I'm special?"

"Oh, I think you know that." Cedar tapped the barrel of the potato launcher.

"Well, yes, but not everyone appreciates it."

"I do. And I'd be honored if you'd accompany me to the dancing hall tonight."

Kali bit her lip to keep from grinning like a fool. Then a realization struck. "I don't have a dress!" Sebastian had given her a couple-he'd said it was embarra.s.sing to be seen in public with her when she was wearing her greasy work clothes, the a.s.s-but she hadn't bothered to hunt for them after her home in Moose Hollow had been burglarized.

Cedar nodded to the stack of silver coins. "Perhaps you could purchase a suitable garment with your earnings."

"You want me to buy a dress with my airs.h.i.+p money?"

"It was just a thought."

She considered him for a moment, then plucked at her grime-streaked overalls. "Would you dance with me if I wore this?"

"Of course." His blue eyes crinkled. "Though now that most of the snow has melted, nudity is an option too."

"I'll buy a dress."

"If you insist."

THE END.

AFTERWORD.

Thank you for sharing this adventure with Kali, Cedar, and myself. If you'd like to see more "Flash Gold" stories, please consider leaving a review online or telling a fantasy-loving friend about these ebooks. Those little things help an author a great deal!

You can also stop by my site and sign up for the newsletter. About once a month, I give out ebook coupons or run a contest with book giveaways. And, of course, you'll be the first to know when I release a new story.

Happy reading!

~Lindsay.

ALSO BY THE AUTHOR.

NOVELS:.

The Emperor's Edge.

Dark Currents.

Encrypted.

SHORT STORIES AND NOVELLAS:.

Flash Gold.

The Goblin Brothers Adventures.

Ice Cracker II (and other short stories).

end.