“On it!” Wendy parroted Leq with a wink.
She led Michael to the edge of the ship, refusing to let him go until her brain and body both agreed he was safe. The yawl was already heading for the ship. They had likely heard their chance when the boys started arguing.
It took Tam’s presence, Wendy’s explanations, and all three sheeries to calm the Lost Boys. Lunchtime had come and gone before any of them agreed to follow John aboard the boat. Gharza’s idea to bring the hot food out of the galley may have been what finally convinced them.
The Darling brothers took Wendy at her word, but Tam had to explain his story twice and pass out iron pieces before the rest of the Lost Boys began to accept that the despicable Captain Hook had once been one of them. And was a good guy, to boot.
Wendy was completely drained by the time they got everyone situated that evening. James wanted to head straight for Malu and the naval police, but they knew the kitsune needed to be dealt with first. TheJolly Rogeranchored off the beach the kitsune usually haunted, with plans to free the faery in the morning.
Wendy returned from tucking her brothers (and the other five Lost Boys) into the makeshift beds that now occupied the captain’s quarters. They had moved Wendy’s things in thatmorning so James could trade places with her. She found him talking quietly with Mücahit near the enormous stack of cargo that covered the trapdoor.
He nodded to the bosun and walked her way. “I’m about to take my shift in the brig. Walk me there?”
She accepted his hand. “Wanna tell me about the fact that your hook shoots iron spikes?”
James coughed sheepishly. “I thought you saw me use it on the crocodile. Then I forgot.” He held up his wrist and did something that triggered the hook release. “It won’t shoot unless I flex this muscle”—he dropped her hand to point to his arm—“andthe hook is out of the way.”
“How do you move the hook out of the way?”
“I bump my elbow against my side,” he said, reattaching the hook.
“Very nice,” Wendy said around a yawn. She grabbed his hand again and started for the brig. “Let’s get you to guard duty.”
As they neared the modified jail cell, they could hear Peter shouting that they would be sorry when Sophus returned.
Wendy tugged James down for a quick kiss. “Have fun!”
“Thanks,” he drawled. Then he went to relieve Smee and Maaka.
*****
The kitsune problem was solved with a judicious application of Wendy’s iron filings. It wouldn’t let them approach untilTam calmly explained everything that had happened with Peter Pan the day before. Wendy wasn’t sure how much the creature understood, but it deigned to be anointed with metal dust after the story.
They left the rest of Neverland alone at present. The authorities would have final say, and they needed to transfer Peter as soon as possible. Traveling to Malu with seven extra boys became an unending exercise in patience for Wendy. While she loved each one dearly, she had a hard time redirecting their boundless energy on a ship with distinctly limited boundaries.
The naval police listened to their stories for three days before sending for someone from the capital. The royal representative from Auki took his own time hearing their testimonies and flipping through Smee’s record. Finally, a week and a half later, Peter was transferred out of theJolly Rogerand into a reinforced wagon guarded by men wearing iron.
It was a relief to pass on the burden, but Wendy also felt uneasy trusting someone else to do it well.
James found her on the deck the day after Peter had been moved and the Lost Boys taken into royal custody. He brushed the line between her brows. “Are you concerned about the boys? Maaka volunteered to stay with them until he was sure the Crown was taking good care of them.”
“I know.” She relaxed her face. “That’s not bothering me. I’m—” She paused.
“Do youneed a cookie?”
“No!” She glared at him with a laugh. “Yes, actually, I would like a cookie.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “It’s like I know you.”
Her “yeah” was fond.
“Which is why I know there’s more.”
“I’m selfishly wondering what happens next.”
“That’s not selfish.” James turned her to face him. “I have plans for you, Wendy. Plans that don’t involve losing you now.” His liquid black eyes held promises, so many promises. “I have an idea about your brothers, as well.” His lips edged into a smirk. “But we’ll have to talk to that stepfather of yours first.”
She grumbled under her breath, then took in a lungful of the briny air that guaranteed adventure. “Let’s do it, then.”
