Chapter Nine – The Cripples

The pub was just as it always had been; noisy, crowded, smoky; the befuddled scents of sweat and alcohol filling the air. Fagin paused a moment in the doorway to take in the scene and soak up the familiar atmosphere, a broad grin stretching across his face.

He made his way over to the bar, somewhat amused at the reactions of people who recognized him. He hadn't been here in weeks; what did they think had happened to him? That he'd been caught and hung, probably.

The old man took a seat at his old table, ordering a significantly smaller measure of gin than usual. He didn't want a repeat performance of the last time he'd been in a bar.

The serving girl sallied off and Fagin turned his attention to the tavern's occupants, curious as to whether he'd see a familiar face. He did see a few; old acquaintances of his casually sipping from mugs or glasses, playing at cards, eating a very late meal…

But he didn't see any of the gang. He didn't see any of the faces he truly wished to see.

A sudden commotion behind him soon broke Fagin from his reverie. He turned to see what had happened and almost fell off his chair in shock, despite his glass of gin not even having arrived yet.

The sandy haired boy seemed to have forgotten about the glass he'd dropped or the shout of his surprise which had made many people stare. His eyes were now fixed on the man before him; he hadn't changed a bit…

"F-Fagin?" he stammered. Surely he couldn't be here, surely this was a trick of the light, or he was dreaming, or…

"Charley?" Fagin replied, incredulously. "Charley Bates?"

"The one an' only!" Charley replied weakly, sinking into a chair opposite Fagin. "Wot're you don' 'ere? I…I thought you'd left! Or…got caught!" He fiddled nervously with his hat, tossing it from hand to hand.

"We…the Dodger and I that is-"

Charley's mouth dropped open in shock.

"Dodge?" he managed to choke out. "Dodge is still with ya? I don't see 'im!"

Fagin chuckled, pleased at Charley's reaction.

"Don't fret, my dear. He's safe, back at the den."

Charley still looked anxious.

"Fagin," he hissed. "Don't you realize the danger we're in?"

Fagin rolled his eyes. "Of course I do!"

"Then why are you an' Dodge back at the den? The traps are everywhere; the wanted posters are still up! They'll find ya!"

"Is that what happened to the others, my dear?" Fagin asked, somewhat hesitantly.

Charley nodded.

"The traps know everythin'. They managed to trace Sykes to you; they know 'e used to work for you, they know all about the gang…" He tailed off, looking very uncomfortable. "A bunch of 'em got hauled off to the clink the same night Bill died," he whispered. "They all hung. But someone peached."

It was Fagin's turn to gasp, his eyes wide. One of the boys had peached, told the police everything! When Fagin got his hands on the boy…no, how could he? He was surely hung by now.

Charley nodded, seeing Fagin's expression.

"''Orrible, ain't it? After all you did for us!" A pause. "Me, Jamie an' 'Arry came 'ere; the Cripples folk let us stay, they know us. We've been 'idin' 'ere ever since tha' night…"

Fagin shook his head again.

"Why don't you three come back to the den, my dear? Dodger and I are there, the traps haven't been…when we got back earlier this evening it was just the same as when we left, I'm sure of it!"

Charley bit his lip. Was this a wise decision? After what he'd done?

"Well…sure. Alright. Sounds good," he blustered. "Just let me go an' get the others."

He hurried off, ramming his cap back onto his head. Where were Harry and Jamie whenever he needed them? The pair had been relatively new to the gang when it was forced to split, but they'd stuck with Charley anyway, not knowing how he felt…

"Charley!"

"Wot you lookin' so miffed about mate?"

Harry and Jamie had, as always, decided it was best to creep up on Charley when he wasn't expecting it. Harry, with his face of freckles and flaming red hair and Jamie with his brown curls and big brown eyes; they looked polar opposites when, in truth, they were thick as thieves. Partners in crime just like Charley and Dodger had been.

Charley quickly filled the boys in on who had just seen, and what they were going to do. Both lads were easily excited and this news was exciting indeed! They and Charley said their goodbyes hurriedly, noticing Fagin waiting for them at the door.

Moments later and the trio were walking alongside Fagin back to the den. Charley kept his eyes on the cobblestones beneath his feet, while Harry and Jamie chattered away nineteen to the dozen.

Fagin noticed the unusual change in Charley's persona but decided not to mention it. Whatever was troubling him wasn't any of his business.

Or was it?

--

A/N: Ooh, some suspense there! =)

Hope you liked this chapter; please R&R! ^^