They all helped, but the townspeople did most of the work. The pirates landed several hundred men to attack from the land side, and then tried to land...more on the docks behind the defenses. My engines took out the ships, and these men were able to deal with the landing force.”“Allow me to tell you that I am very impressed with your men. You have combined the Roman legions’ shield wall with spearmen from the old Greek phalanxes. As long as they stand their ground and work together, they can only. They sounded like pros.There was something bigger going on here. The rise in crime, the influx of gangs, and now a kidnapping to tell the police to stay out of it. This sounded like organized crime to me. But why here in the middle of nowhere?My train of thought was broken by a little girl sitting down next to me. I looked at her and she must have guessed from my worried look what was on my mind."Are you going to find Nick? He was my friend." her blue eyes were sadder than a child's should ever. “Heya!” Chrissy called out.I could tell that both of them had had a few glasses of wine, but it was adorable and they were adults.“What are you two trouble makers up to?”“What, us?” Chrissy said, feigning shock.I laughed.“Yes, you!”“Oh, nothing really.” Jennifer said conspiratorially.“Oh really?” I asked.“Yeah, just a little shopping.” she replied with a wink“Like what?”“Oh, I don’t know. We stopped at this store and picked up a couple of things.” She replied.“Such as?”“Chrissy, should we show. " Fair enough," I noticed the group of young men standing near the grocery. I really should have known better than to go in, but I didn't give it near enough thought.We were third in line for the checkout counter when they invaded the store. It should have been a quick snatch and grad of the money but they didn't seem in much of a hurry. It looked as though it was a harassment of the owner. I had a bad feeling about it all. I heard the bell on the door and realized why.Marian came walking in.