Saving Peter

Chapter 33: Hook

I sit at my desk looking at those gathered around me. Tiger Lily, Tink, Junior, and even John are all gathered in my cabin to discuss the Wendy situation. I find it a little amusing that that is what we are calling it. The Wendy situation. It sounds so stupid. 

So far there has been nothing but bickering going on. I am getting increasingly annoyed with all the immature behavior going on between all of them. I roll my eyes in annoyance and take a deep breath. Why do I have to be the professional one that keeps them all in line? They should all know better. 

"Enough!" All of their attention snaps towards me at my outburst. I plant my hands on the top of my desk and stand up. I glare down at the others. "Wendy is out there with all the information she needs to get what she wants and we're here acting like children. We will never get anything accomplished this way." My tone and posture emanate authority. This is another thing my father taught me. It has never been more useful than right now, making me grateful once again for everything he taught me. 

It gets suddenly silent at my words. They look between each other as though ashamed at their behavior. I nod, good they should be ashamed. They have been squabbling like children for the past twenty minutes. It is honestly embarrassing. Slowly I sit back in my chair. "Can we please act like civilized people and discuss this rationally?" I lower my voice a little, hoping to encourage them to follow my example. 

My eyes skirt between each of them, looking at them carefully. I almost expect some of them to jump to their own defense. But I'm pleasantly surprised when none of them makes a move to argue. When no one says anything I take a moment to collect myself before I continue. "I have people posted to watch Skull Rock. They are to notify me if she shows up." It seems a little redundant to do so. But so far we have been caught off guard by not being as thorough as possible. So hopefully taking a road of caution will help us regain the upper hand. 

"How does she even expect to get there?" Tiger Lily questions, a little confused. "It's miles away from the main island. And surrounded by rocky outcroppings and dangerous waters. Very few people know the safe route there. And that's even if she is able to get a boat to get out there." I know what she is saying is true. But there were other things we assumed to be impossible before. Yet she managed it. We can't afford to make assumptions again. 

I glance at Tink who has a thinly veiled disheartened look on her face. Just the fact that Tink is visibly emoting is extremely troubling. Understandable, but troubling all the same. I take a deep calming breath and beg for patience before I try to reply. "It was supposed to be impossible to break into your territory. Yet she accomplished that. She also escaped from your territory. Both were supposed to be impossible. So maybe instead of continuing to state what is impossible and telling us to stop worrying, you stop underestimating her." I know throwing those insults to her people in her face may not be the wisest decision, but I do not the the lime, luxury, or patience to be diplomatic at the moment. She can just suck it up. 

For once, Tiger Lily doesn't snap back at me with her usual sharp reply. Instead she lowers her eyes in a sign of submission. She presses her lips tightly together in a line as if to stop herself from replying. This is surprising behavior for her. But it is appreciated that she understands the importance of what is going on. That it is much greater than her pride. 

"So, what are you suggesting?" Tink asks, her voice so small and almost broken it breaks my heart. I have never seen or heard her like this. My heart goes out to my oldest friend. I know that I have to do something, for her. 

I square my shoulders and look at each of the people gathered in front of me. "I'm saying we can't let our guard down. I am preparing for her to find a way to Skull Rock." I sigh, the gravity of the situation settling on my shoulders. "Each of you should consider what you can do to do the same. What can each of us do to prepare for her next move? And then do it. We can't afford to be caught with our guard down." We can't afford not to work together either. I hope this point gets across as well. 

The silence that I'm met with is deafening. I can tell that everyone is thinking on my words. Well, that's it then. I've said my piece. Now they have to do their part as well. I'm about to tell them to disperse when an urgent knock sounds at my door. I look up and call for them to enter. 

The door is thrown open and one of my crew members rushes in. "Sorry to interrupt Captain," they manage to say between pants. I wave off their apologies and encourage them to continue. "They've spotted her. She's on her way to Skull Rock." 

And just like that my calm and confident facade shatters. My heart starts to beat faster in a mix of panic and anger. I don't know why this is a shock to me. I was expecting this to happen, just not this soon. 

I don't have time to try to figure out the details of just how she managed to accomplish this. The how doesn't seem nearly as important as the why. But I know why she's doing this. And I can't let that happen. I won't let it happen. 

I gather myself, pulling together my confidence. I nod in determination and stand. I completely forget about the others in the room with me. All that I can think about is what I have to do now. I rush to the door, grabbing my belt and coat. I pull them on without even thinking as I rush to the nearest boat. My crew already have one ready for me, and there are crew already waiting in it, ready to row me to Skull Rock. 

There is only one thing on my mind. One thing fueling me now. It's time for me to fight for the island. It's time for me to save Peter.