Chapter 9

My heart is pounding inside my chest. I didn't even turn my head to see who was dragging me down into the street, I knew it was Spot. Much like I knew I was about it get crushed by one Brooklyn leader. And OH MY GOSH I forgot to hide the cane! It still sitting under my mattress, just waiting to be found. Once Spot asked one of the newsies which bunk was mine, that would be the first place he checks. I started to panic, and with good reason. I suddenly yanked my arm while trying to step on his toes, and twirled my wrists in an attempt to escape. Although Conlon was surprised, his grip on my arm just got stronger, and he continued to haul me towards the Manhattan Lodging House.

As he stepped in the door, there was a bunch of "Spot! Whatcha doing here?" which quickly turned into confused expressions once they saw me being held captive. He didn't bother to answer any of them and marched me up the stairs to Jack's room. Without knocking, he kicked the door open and I saw Jack lounging on his bed, not a care in the world. Boy was that gonna change. I gulped.

"Jackyboy, we got an issue to iron out. Now." Spot stated. Jack jumped up.

"What's dis "big" issue Spot?" Jack asked, a hint of sarcasm in this voice. "And whatcha doing with me new recruit?"

"Dis idiot girl decided to take somethin of mine. I want it back."

Jack rolled his eyes. "And what would dis somethin be?" He clearly thought Spot was just being over dramatic. He probably thought I snagged a marble or newspaper from Brooklyn's leader.

Spot gritted his teeth. Either Jack was getting under his skin or he didn't want to admit that I stole his prized possession.

"My cane."

Jack's eyes got huge. He turned to look at me, then Spot, then me again.

"How?"

I smirked. "Well, I-"

"The details don't matta Jackyboy. What I need is the cane back." I glared at Conlon for interrupting me, but under the circumstances there was little I could do about it.

"So where is her bunk Jack?"

Jack shrugged. "I wouldn't know. I wasn't with her when her and Polka picked."

"Polka?" Spot spat. "You took her lazy arse in too?"

Spot shook his head and started to stomp out the door, hauling me with him. I glanced at Jack. He didn't look mad at all. He looked almost proud. Definitely approving.

He mouthed "Nice job" with a big thumbs up. Apparently he was happy to take in a newsie with guts. I grinned at him, right before I was yanked out of the room.