The Girl Who Owned a City

As commander, Craig runs the first real meeting of the Grand Avenue Militia. Lisa observes while he and the others make plans for their defense, and although she sees he is good in his role, she recognizes that he’s not happy in it.

Toward the end of the meeting, Lisa notices the Chidester Gang watching them from a distance. At first the kids begin to run away, but Lisa tells them to stay there and act fearless. Tom Logan, the gang’s leader, asks to speak to Lisa alone, and offers the Grand Ave kids protection in exchange for a share of their supplies; he apologizes for their previous attack, and he argues that there are other, potentially stronger gangs around. Lisa declines, telling him that she could never trust him, and that the neighborhood is building a militia and will soon be strong as well.

After the gang leaves, Lisa suggests they all go to nearby Lake Ellyn for a campfire, which lifts the kids’ moods. Christmas is approaching, so while there, they decorate a tree and sing Christmas carols.

Later, Jill calls Lisa aside and tells her that the small children she cares for need food and medicine rather badly.