A/N: thanks Naomi..again!! heres another chapter, sorry its not a lot, and it took kinda long to update this but this was the best place to stop it, and I hope to get another chapter soon..but once again college seems to own my life right now. But ill try!

Once again I seemed to withdraw into the colder version of Phantom, I guess I did fit my new name, no more did I Glimmer. It's been a few days since I talked to Haze and Razor about Club, and during that time I sold fast and made rounds on my territory. I kept an eye on where Harlem's line was, but also around my selling spot. I knew he wouldn't be coming to ask for lunch again soon, but the thought of him maybe watching me selling spot worried me.

I wandered around the streets until about dusk, when I decided to head back towards the lodging house. On my way back though, I passed the poker house and I could hear voices from inside. Curious as to why there were people in there I entered not expecting what I found. I pushed the door open and was met by about 15 or so people staring at me. I frowned and narrowed my gaze at Razor, whom sat at the larger table. I wouldn't have minded if it was just Bronx newsies, but I noticed Race and Spot were in the crowd along with some other random newsies.

Razor noticed my gaze and walked over to me, "Listen Phantom, this isn't what it looks like"

I cocked my head to the side, "really it looks like ya holdin'a game without askin' me"

Razor searched for something to say as I waited patiently for his answer, "I know I didn't ask Phantom, but it's not a huge game, and I tried to find ya to ask, but ya haven't been around lately."

I stated emotionless back at him, "I haven't been around lately because I have been watchin the borders and my newsies, keepin' ya safe." I could tell he wanted to talk back but he stopped himself, figuring it would only make it worse.

"I'll let ya keep playin' but next time ask before ya throw a game" he nodded and went off to join the games again. I watched as Spot and Race glanced back at their cards, indicating that they had been listening to me and Razor.

I went to find my hidden stash of alcohol that I kept for poker games, or in this case when I needed it. After taking my fill of the bottle, I continued to watch the games going on. To my surprise I didn't notice Haze around, maybe he was back at the lodging house, or maybe Razor didn't tell him either. I shrugged it off and noticed that two tables died down and they left. That left the one bigger table with the final hand.

It didn't take long for Razor to collect his winnings and the table to start to pack up. I smirked realizing Razor represented the Bronx with that win. I watched as everyone left, Razor glanced over at me; I nodded as if to say everything was ok, and he too made his way out the door. I sighed and glanced around once more before locking it up.

As I finished locking it, I turned around to see two figures in the shadow. I squinted and realized it was no threat, "Race, Spot" I said acknowledging them. They stepped forward in the little light the street gave off this late.

"Heya Phantom, to bad ya didn't deal in tonight I was feelin lucky" Race said smiling, trying to get my hardened face to lighten. But I stared back, questioning why they were still here.

"Listen we didn't come here to watch ya Phantom, we came for the game" Spot said stepping closer.

I turned my head to look at him, "Then why ya still hangin' around?" Spot seemed glance at Race looking for help.

I crossed my arms and leaned against the building while I waited. "Well, Phantom, ya seem a little distant, and we was concerned bout ya"

"Well thanks for the concern guys, but I'm fine, now if ya excuse me I need to get some sleep"

Spot put his cane up to stop me from moving forward, "We ain't done yet. I know youse concerned with Club comin in ya territory and all but ya can't leave ya newsies without a leader"

I narrowed my eyes, getting madder…if that was possible, "I'm right here Spot and I ain't goin' anywhere. And I am protectin' my newsies, so if they don't appreciate it then maybe I'll let Club and his boys come in" I yelled back at him. I growled in anger and took a few steps away from them.

But the light didn't reach me as I retreated away from them, and when they tried to find me I was hidden in a nearby alley. "Good goin' Spot, next time let me do all the talkin'" I heard Race say before they both left my territory.

I turned and went my own way, hoping to get some sleep before I had to patrol and sell again.

The next morning I got up earlier than the newsies and headed out into the streets. I made my way over to the poker house and let myself in. I had been doing this sometimes, it gave me privacy to think and get a morning work out. I went into the back where sometimes the boys would fight or teach each other to. I spent my time here practicing fighting, not that I needed more but only because it realized my anger towards Club.

When he was ready to find me, I wouldn't be taken by surprise. Everyday I woke up I faced the facts that today might be the day I see him again. After my little morning work out I went over to the distribution office to get some papers for the day. Haze and Razor were standing up front when I arrived and I casually stepped in front of them.

Razor seemed to be quieter today, but I just figured that was from last night. Haze however; I wasn't sure why he didn't speak to me. But my mind was elsewhere and I let it go, knowing if they needed me they would talk.

I took my papers and headed out into the streets hoping the overcast sky wouldn't send rain just yet. I found myself quickly selling my stack, although I wasn't sure what I was yelling out to people. Today I kept getting the feeling someone was watching me.