Peter narrowed his eyes at Smee, and then looked at James again, contemplating them both. “Go on,” he said, and James couldn’t tell if Peter seemed intrigued and amused by Mr. Smee, or if he was just humoring him. Either way James was happy Smee had gotten Peter’s attention.

“What if I were to tell you three nights from now we were having a splendid party, and that you and your Lost Boys were all invited? There will be music, food, dancing, and games. Will you join us?” asked Smee, smiling. James thought that idea was brilliant and wished he had thought of it himself.

“Food and games you say?” asked Peter with his hand on his hip.

“Oh yes! The most delicious food you’ve tasted. Smee here is a splendid cook,” said James.

“Will there be cakes?” asked Cubby.

“And jellies? Will there be jellies?” asked one of the Raccoon Twins.

“How about candy? Do you have any chocolate?” asked Foxy.

“And chocolate cake? Will there be chocolate cake?” asked Peter.

“Yes, my friends, the biggest chocolate cake you have ever seen! Please join us. I promise it will be a night to remember,” said James, smiling.

“Very well. We will see you then,” Peter said with a mischievous grin.

“Delightful! And Tinker Bell, you, too, are most welcome, I do hope you will join us,” James said, returning the smile and devising his plan to kidnap Tinker Bell.

Chapter XIII

Smee provided James with the perfect opportunity to capture Tinker Bell with his suggestion to host a party for the Lost Boys, but he needed to plan carefully. James didn’t want Peter to know he was involved. He felt terrible, really, starting off like this, deceiving his friends in this way. He wished he was just throwing a party for his friends to show them he could be trusted, but he hadn’t been smart about his arrival at Never Land, landing right there in the lagoon in front of Peter and the Lost Boys. If he hadn’t been so excited to see them, so happy to be home again, he would have thought better of announcing his return. He should have been more stealthy, showed up in secret, and hidden himself away, and then found a way to capture Tinker Bell. But it was too late for stealthy plans; Peter knew he was there and he had to make the best of the situation.

The crew was thrilled that James had suggested they dock the Jolly Roger at a daunting island in the shape of a skull. “It’s the perfect pirate hideout! I bet there is no other crew with digs like this.”

“Imagine all the treasure we can hide in there. We don’t ever have to worry about another crew taking our loot.”