"I'm going back up to the fort, around sunset, to sort out details."
"I wish you wouldn't." She took his hand. "Why don't we just get whatever men we can manage and leave?"
"That'd mean a fight." He kissed her lightly. "Don't worry. I'll handle Jacques. We just have to keep our wits."
"Well then, I want to go with you."
"As a matter of fact he did ask you to come. But that's out of the question."
"It's just as dangerous for you as for me. If you're going back, then so am I."
"Katy, no . . ."
"Hugh, we've done everything together this far. So if you want to get men from this place, then I'll help you. And if that means I have to flatter this insane criminal, so be it."
He regarded her thoughtfully, then smiled. "Well, in truth I'm not sure a woman can still turn his head, but I suppose you can give it a try."
Serina approached them and reached to touch Winston's hand. "Senhor, was your council of war a success?"