“Who’s the captain?” Sally asked as Mrs. James walked back into the kitchen.
“He’s the owner of the Harborside—you know, the shop I work at on the days I’m not here.”
“Oh.” Sally adjusted a fork before moving on to the next table. Looking up with a frown, she asked, “Why doesn’t he like people to know he likes pasties?”
Katherine chuckled. “I suppose it’s because he likes people to think he’s a gruff old curmudgeon, but he’s actually very nice once you get to know him.”
Sally raised her eyebrows. “That’s strange.”
“It sounds stranger than it is,” Katherine said with a grin. “Actually, I think you’d like him, and the Harborside. Maybe we can talk your 'Auntie H.' into sending you over to fetch the tea order sometime this week.”
Sally’s eyes lit up. “I’d like that!”
“I know that look.” Mrs. James returned from the kitchen with a small tin, which she handed to Katherine. “For the captain, with my compliments… I happened to make extra this morning.” Turning to Sally, she smiled and asked, “Now, what is it you two were just planning?”
“Katherine was telling me about the Harborside. Can I go see it?”
“I thought she and I might fetch the tea order tomorrow,” Katherine interjected.
“That sounds like a very good idea! Let’s plan on it, then.” The older lady put an arm around each of the younger two and said, “How glad I am to have you both here!” Then, catching a glimpse of the clock, she pushed Katherine gently towards the door, saying, “Now, we’d better not keep you any longer. We don’t want you to be late!”
* * * *
“I hear you had a skirmish at the shop yesterday.” Captain Braddock limped over to meet Katherine as she took off her jacket and flung her scarf over her head.
“We did. I still don’t know what to think of it…” Handing him the tin, she said casually, “Breakfast. Mrs. James sent them. She said to tell you she made extra this morning.”
With a wary look at Katherine, the old man cautiously opened the tin. His eyes widened as a smile slowly spread across his face. “Well, now, that was kind of her.” Katherine caught a twinkle in his eye as he set the tin down and limped over to the wood stove, saying “I can’t think how she knew I’d like them, though.” He stooped down without looking at her and began to poke discerningly at the fire.
Katherine sighed. There was no getting around the captain. “I may have just mentioned…” she let her voice trail.
Captain Braddock looked up with a grin. “I kinda figured so. Well, I’m grateful, however it came about. Those are quite the treat.” Straightening up with a slight grimace, he shut the door of the old wood stove and turned to face Katherine. “This weather’s not too good on my old bones.” Crossing to the large shop window, he tugged deftly at the dark green rolling blind and eased it up.
“I suppose it won’t be too good for business, either.” Katherine said, joining him at the window and peering out into the dim gloom outside.
“I suppose not. Tea?”
Katherine nodded. Slow cozy days like today were just the kind of days she liked at the Harborside.
* * * *
The two had just settled into their chairs in the Captain’s quarters, when the bell over the door gave a sharp, cheerful jingle.
“Cap’n, are ya here?” A little boy blustered through the doorway before Katherine and the captain could even rise to greet their young customer.
“That I am, young man. What brings you here so early?”
“Mom wanted me to give you this.” He thrust a piece of paper towards the captain.
“What is it, Tommy?” he gave the boy a bewildered look.
“You have to read it, of course!” Tommy chuckled.
Captain Braddock held the paper up and squinted at it for a moment. Then he looked up at Tommy, who seemed to be holding his breath.
“Let me see if I understand this correctly,” he leaned forward. “Your mother doesn’t have anyone to watch you after school, and wants to know if we can keep an eye on you here each day, till she gets off work, is that it?”
Tommy nodded, eyes large and pleading.
With a quick look at Katherine, Captain Braddock broke into a grin. “Well, now. I suppose we can find enough around here to keep you busy. When do you want to start coming?”
Tommy let out a rather dramatic sigh of relief. “Mom says I can come tomorrow if you say ok.”
“Tomorrow it is,” said the captain, with a happy twinkle in his eye. “Now, don’t you have to get off to school? You wouldn’t want to be late, now would you?”
“No, Sir.” Tommy gave a little salute. “See you tomorrow!”
Katherine watched him bounce out the door, then looked over at the captain. Tommy always brought a smile to the old sea captain’s face. Having him around more would be good for them all.
“Well, wouldn’t you know it, we have an apprentice!” Captain Braddock's voice was soft with wonder, his eyes shining. He shook his head. “Never would have thought there would be a youngster hanging around the shop again.”
