Disclaimer: I don't own anyone from the movie Newsies..
A/n: heres another chapter for anyone who is still reading, thanks again to people who actually review! And I hope if u do like this story that you would let me know. The more reviews I get the faster I will try and update.
Naomi: thanks for the reviews! and just to let you know there will be more Spot...soon:)
After what seemed like eternity of running I finally slowed my pace trying to see where I was. I groaned when I noticed my surroundings, I had run the opposite way of the Bronx, ending up in Manhattan. Sighing I went towards Central Park to rest on ones of the benches.
As I slumped down in the nearest one I looked myself over. I still had my knife out and slid it into my boot for safe keeping. I had a good size cut down my arm that I wasn't aware of and I could feel the bruises forming on my body already.
I sighed and closed my eyes trying to compose myself. My life seemed to be spinning out of control, and only got worse when I opened my eyes again. Staring back at me was concerned deep brown eyes. I smirked pretending nothing was wrong with me. A cigar was held out in front of me which I gladly accepted.
Racetrack took a seat next to me and looked me over before shaking his head. "I would say don't ask, but I know ya will" I said turning to him handing him the cigar back after I took a few puffs.
"Well I know ya love trouble, but what happened?" I took a long sigh knowing if I was to tell anyone besides Haze it would be Race. He knew the history between me and Club, since he used to be friends with him when he was a newsie.
I started to speak but I seemed to pause again, scared to talk about this. Race noticed it and spoke first, "it's Club isn't it?" I nodded with a distant look on my face.
"I knew he was back but I didn't think he'd be back to ya like this"
I turned to him, "it was my fault" the moment I said it, I could see the anger on his face "Phantom, ya know ya never give him a reason to do this to ya."
"I held a knife to his throat, does that count?" he smirked knowing I wasn't kidding
"But what was the reason for ya to use the knife" I lowered my head and closed my eyes; I needed to keep my emotions back.
"Did he try anything with ya?" I kept my head down, "He tried, saying it was like last time, but I pushed him off for a little, we just fought nothin' else"
Race made a fist in anger, knowing last time I was "with" Club he had forced himself on me, something I still take with me today.
I knew Race wanted to go after him but he understood I didn't want him to. Race was the only one I kept in contact with when I moved over to the Bronx, which he usually didn't tell Jack or Spot about. His gambling brought him to many different boroughs and the Bronx used to throw big games back then as well. Club and I would always deal in and Race had never approved of me seeing Club; now I understand why.
Between him and Haze no one else understood my real fear of men, the one that I keep hidden behind my leader roll.
"Listen Phantom, I know ya not gonna like this but ya gotta stay away from him" I turned to Race, as he brought me back to reality.
"I know Race, and there is no goin back after today, he would kill me for this"
"I don't want ya goin through Harlem any time soon, I'll walk ya back when ya wanna go, besides I hear there'd a good game over in Queens later."
I shook my head at him; "I need to sit for a little" he nodded and sat back with me. But it didn't take long for the silence to be broken
"Heya Race" I cringed when I heard the voice, just the person I didn't want to see right now.
"Heya Spot, how's it rollin'?" Race got up to greet him which luckily blocked me a little from his view.
"Just on my way to the races, thought you'd be over there already"
"Nah, I aint got money today, savin it for poker later." At that moment I felt eyes on me, and I noticed Spot glancing over at me. I still wasn't sure how bad I looked but I could tell by his shock it wasn't good.
"Phantom?" he asked stepping closed to the bench.
"Ya it's me, what ya aint glad to see me?" He shook his head ignoring my question, "What happened, ya alright?"
I glanced from Race back to Spot, hoping he wouldn't say anything. "Nothin' I cant handle Spot"
"Who did this to you?" He said getting angrier. He glared at Race, who put his hands up in defense, "Spot ya really think I could do that to her?"
He turned his attention back to me, "It was that kid Club wasn't it? I remember what he was like, and now that he's back and getting' more power. What'd ya do go with him to take his power or something?" I stood up in a heart beat, standing inches from Spot.
"Don't ya ever say anythin' like that again, or I will come after ya power. For someone with all theses little birdies goin around ya no shit." I turned and walked out of Central Park with Race in tow. Spot stood in the background with confusion written all over his face, I could see a hint of hurt. But I faced forward and left him there on his own.
Race stepped up and fell in line with me as I continued walking, not really caring where it led me. It began to grow darker around me as I groaned at how long I was away from the Bronx, again.
"Come on, youse can sleep at the lodging house tonight" Race said, figuring I didn't want to show my boys the state I was in. I nodded slowly and we turned towards the lodging house.
As I walked in I held my breath, not sure of what would happen inside. Luckily it was late enough most of the newsies had moved upstairs for poker and such. But I still had to sign in…and see Kloppman. I wanted to see him again but not in this state, I didn't want him to worry about me.
Race signed in and I reluctantly followed his lead, but the moment I put down the pen I felt eyes on me. I looked up to see Kloppman starting at me; his face was full of concern.
Before he could ask anything I spoke first, "I'm fine Kloppy; I just had a little run in and figured it was closer to stay in 'Hattan for the night." He shook his head and disappeared in the back rooms. Confused I turned around looking for Race, and unfortunately I saw him talking to Spot.
I huffed, "What are ya doin' Conlon? Haven't ya done enough to me today?"
He turned towards me, "Well if it's alright with ya, I had some previous business with Jack."
"And what would that be Spot?" I heard Jack ask from the top of the stairs. Spot frowned and walked up the steps to talk to Jack, although I doubt it was business. Race shook his head and followed them upstairs.
I turned back around and saw Kloppman coming back out of the room with water and a cloth.
"Come on lets get you fixed up so you can get some sleep" I nodded and followed him towards my old room.
After Kloppman fixed me up and warned me about staying out of trouble, I finally relaxed in my old bed for the night. I hoped Race wouldn't talk to Jack and Spot about the whole story of why I was here, but I'd just have to see tomorrow.
