Excuse
quick? I was expecting you to throw up a picket line next.”Melissa grinned. “Well . . . Don’t think I’m not tempted.” The grin faded. Her face grew a little weary. “I don’t like it, Mike. Not one bit. But I imagine you don’t either. And—well, you’re right, much as I hate to admit it. The alternative is just to drive them and their camp followers out.”
Underwood cleared his throat. “Excuse me, folks, but I’ve got to say here that I think we should consider that alternative.” Hastily: “Well, the soldiers anyway.”
Frank Jackson started to speak but there came a knock at the door. Ed got up and went to open it. When he saw who was standing there, his eyebrows lifted in surprise.
Jeff Higgins. Flanked by his three friends, Larry Wild, Jimmy Anderson and Eddie Cantrell. All of their faces bore the same expressions. An equal mix of stubborn determination and deep apprehension.
“What’s up, boys?” Ed asked. “We’re in a meeting, you know.”
Jeff took a deep breath and spoke.
“Yeah, Mr. Piazza, we know and I’m sorry to barge in