“Battle?”
“That’s right, Vi!” Joshua said. “We have piles of rocks ready to throw down on the street and water at the ready in case Ferryman tries to smoke us out.”
“And I’m collecting bottles of gin,” Georgie said. “We stuff rags in them and light them on fire then throw them on top of the invaders!”
Violet’s mouth dropped open, and she gave King a disbelieving look. “Was this your plan?”
“Of course. Might as well do something with all those books I read on military strategy.”
“King, I hardly think this will work.” But truth be told, in the short term, it was a good counterattack. Ferryman and his men wouldn’t be prepared for that sort of assault. Not at first, anyway.
“I’m fashioning some weapons as well,” King said. “I’ll be ready if it comes to hand-to-hand combat.”
“Can I have armor?” Georgie asked.
“I think you could do with a shield,” King said. “Maybe a pot would work for that.”
Violet shook her head. This plan was so absurd, and yet she couldn’t help but believe it might just have a chance.
“I know what you’re thinking,” King said. “What about when Ferryman returns with a counteroffensive?”
“You mean when he comes back with enough men to storm the tavern or just burn it down?”
“We can’t let it get to that,” he said. “We have to strike first.”
“What does that involve?”
“I don’t know yet. I need to go to his headquarters, which, as I understand it, are the Black Bear. I need to get a sense of the place. Joshua and I will plan our reconnaissance mission.”
“Your what?”
“It means we sneak around and take a look at everything,” Joshua told her.
She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s wise. He knows both of you.”
“That’s why we sneak around, Vi,” Joshua said as though this should be obvious.
“There’s one more part to the plan,” King said. “And this is the part you won’t like.”
“Don’t tell her,” Joshua said.
“Yes, tell me. I don’t like any of the plan, so I can only imagine what you have in mind.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“I told Joshua we would rescue Lizzie. And that’s what we’ll do.”
“No!” Violet shook her head. “That’s too dangerous.”
“We can’t leave her there when we attack Ferryman,” Joshua argued.
“You can’t bring her here! Absolutely not.”
“I’m getting that girl out, Violet,” King said. “I gave my word, but more than that,Icouldn’t live withmyselfif I left her.”
“Then go and get yourself killed. But I forbid you from taking Joshua.”
“I’m going, Vi,” Joshua said. “You can’t make me stay.”
“King!” She glared at him, but he shook his head. “I need him with me, Violet. I can’t do it without him.”
