Author's Note: I originally posted this story in the summer of 2015, but had subsequently taken it down when I found out there had been other sites mirroring . Luckily that has passed, and I will be reposting all of my old stories! My apologies to my followers who will be bombarded with "New Story/Chapter" alerts. Enjoy!
"That ain't good enough, Jacky boy," Spot said, taking a few steps away. He turned back to Jack. "You gotta show me."
Jack stared him down for a couple beats. Every Brooklyn newsie's eye was watching the scene.
"We will, Spot," David said with more confidence than he felt. "You wait and see."
Spot smirked. "I'll keep my eyes across the river," said Spot.
Jack chuckled and clapped David on the shoulder. "Come on, Dave. Spot's got a borough to rule."
With that, Boots, Jack, and David walked down the docks toward the street.
Spot paced around a bit, tapping his cane on the boards underneath his feet. Most of the newsies went back to swimming or playing cards, but a few stuck around Spot.
"What are you gonna do, Spot?" Grace asked, fiddling with the cuff of her shirt, her eyes following Spot.
"Wait for them to prove that they got what it takes," said Spot. "Until then, just keep doin' what you're doin'."
"We keep sellin' papes?" Blaze asked.
Spot nodded. "We gotta eat, don't we?"
Spot tapped his cane and stared at Manhattan across the river, thinking.
"Come on, Gracie, let's get some lunch," he said, abruptly turning around.
"So long as you're buyin'," Grace smirking, standing up.
"Don't I always?"
Grace followed him off the docks to Antonio's, their usual lunch joint. They sat in their usual spot, and the waiter didn't even bother to ask them for their order. He just put in for their usual lunches.
"So what do you think?" Spot asked, leaning back in the booth.
"I say we go for it," said Grace. "I mean, if Manhattan is already on board, and they're rallying the rest of the kids in the city, what's the harm of joining them?"
"I don't think Pulitzer is gonna listen to them," said Spot. "There are thousands of kids in this city. All of them would jump at the chance to make some money, no matter how little."
"I think if we could get all the kids in the city, like the Mouth said, we got a good shot," said Grace.
"That's key," said Spot. "We need all the kids on board with us, so he's got no one to sell his papes. But I don't think they can do it. Too many hungry kids need that money."
Spot sipped his water as the waiter brought their food. Turkey sandwich for Grace, roast beef sandwich for Spot.
"It's worth keepin' an eye on," said Spot. "If I see they mean business, Brooklyn will help 'em out."
"You know the other Brooklyn leaders are with you," said Grace, swallowing her bite. "Navy Yard, Red Hook, Coney, Flatbush…And as much as they loathe to admit it, Queens will follow your lead too."
Spot nodded, taking another bite and mulling the situation over in his head. He furrowed his brow and swallowed. "I'm surprised Race didn't come over with them."
Grace shrugged. "Maybe Jack sent him somewhere else."
"He hasn't come over in a while," Spot said, frowning a bit.
Grace shrugged. "You're always busy," she said. "I usually walk with him for a few blocks when he's on his way to the track."
Spot ate in silence for a few moments.
"You've got savings, don't you?" Spot asked.
"Some," said Grace.
"Good," said Spot. "You'll need it if we go through with this strike. Come to me if you run out, okay?"
"I'll be fine," said Grace.
Spot smirked. "Always the independent one."
"I learn from the best." She winked at him.
