TITLE: "LOOSE ENDS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Canon pairings

RATING: G. Series **CONCLUSION**

STATUS: SEQUEL to "ALLIES"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: None. All "Firefly" stories archived at Fireflyfans.net

SUMMARY: "The Sheriff has his talk with the Captain and all manner

of interesting things come to light."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"LOOSE ENDS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Is Cap'n Reynolds awake?"

Simon hadn't been up and about long enough to fabricate a lie. "Um, yes, though I think..."

Sheriff Bourne leaned on the door jamb to the infirmary, mildly amused by Simon's expression. Boy surely looked too young for the responsibility he carried on his shoulders. "I just need a word with him."

When Simon frowned, Bourne held his hands up - palms out. "Talk, okay?"

Not having a convincing reason to refuse Simon nodded but reluctance was in every line of his body. "Half an hour, no more."

The Sheriff nodded and waited for Simon to move to one side to let him in the room. Bourne paused and looked him in the eye. "This is a private conversation, *dong ma*?"

Alarm bells rang in Simon's head but the Sheriff was already smiling and waving him off. Before he could think straight the door had shut on him. He stood irresolute on the outside looking in, not sure whether he should barge his way back inside the infirmary and insist on being present. For a moment or two he stared through the window and watched as the Sheriff walked up to the infirmary bed, trying to gauge from the Captain's reaction whether or not he was making a mistake. The voice next to his ear made him jump.

"*Shenme shi*, Simon?"

Simon was relieved it