Never Bet on Love

By pmochizuki

Author's Note: Since you guys have been waiting for this new chapter for sooo long… this chapter is VERY long! Hurray! It's lots of fun, one of my most favorite chapters to write! I hope you all enjoy it!

A lot of new characters in this chapter, a lot of them mine! :P Hope you like them all!


New Characters:

(Brooklyn Newsies)
Tyler 'Rebel' Anders – Akiko Iris (aka Cerridwen Kelter)
Brandie 'Milkshake' – C.M. Higgins
Vinnie 'Pike' Blair' – C.M. Higgins
Stella 'Blades' Reeves – pmochizuki
'Pirate' Eversome - pmochizuki

(Bowery Newsies)
Raphael 'Smokes' Desmandes – pmochizuki
Luisa 'Sweets' Desmandes - pmochizuki
'Juggler' – pmochizuki

(Queens Newsies)
Marcus 'Iceberg' Matheson – pmochizuki
'Viper' – pmochizuki

If you're worried that there are too many new characters to worry about, don't worry! Most of them are only coming out for verry small cameos, especially my own characters. I just want to have some fun by adding in an assortment of characters! Enjoy!

Special thanks to reviewers at the bottom of the chapter


Chapter 11: Day Two – Poker Night in Brooklyn

Arianna felt someone grab her shoulder. "Come on, Arianna!" a voice yelled into her ear.

Groaning at the interruption of her somewhat peaceful nap, considering how noisy the other newsies were, Arianna shoved the hand away. "Go away, I sold my 'papes' as you call them, let me sleep!"

For a moment, she wondered if she was really going to be left alone. But that thought vanished as soon as she was pushed completely off her bed. And Arianna did not like to be pushed around.

She jumped up, sleep completely leaving her mind as she faced her tormentor. Her tormentor being Emotions whose hazel eyes were dancing with barely concealed mirth. Her tormentor being the person in charge of her.

Meaning Arianna had to watch her mouth. Something she really wasn't good at…

But she took a deep breath anyway and tried to relax. "All right, I'm up. Happy?"

Emotions threw Arianna's cap at her from where it had been placed on a nearby table. "Spot wants ya to be downstairs when we have da pokah night."

"Poker night?" Arianna asked with curiosity as she placed her hat on her head and tried to straighten her sleep-rumpled clothes.

"Oh yeah, you wasn't heah yet."

Arianna wrinkled her nose. Ok, it wasn't really her fault that she wasn't used to selling newspapers yet. It had only been her first day today, and she had taken a lot longer than the others in selling all her papers. Obviously Spot had made some sort of announcement while she had been gone.

"All right then," Emotions continued. "Ya have ta get a pep talk on what's going ta happen tonight. There's a few things ya gotta know in case you try puttin' yoah foot in yoah mouth."

"Ya gotta be careful… like me!" The new voice came from the top of the bunk bed besides Arianna's assigned bed.

Arianna eyed the girl careful. Besides Emotions, and another newsie named Milkshake, she hadn't spoken to any of the other girls. No one had approached her, and had left her pretty much on her own.

Emotions had quickly pointed out a few girls, especially the girls to stay away from. She had warned her that only a very few Brooklyn newsies would accept her quickly, let alone accept her at all. Until she had proved her worth… whatever that meant.

This new girl appeared somewhat friendly. At least she wasn't giving the two different looks Arianna had received from everyone else: either a very cold stare or a very hot glare. Instead, the newsie's dark brown eyes were semi-warm, a noticeable smirk on her full, pouty lips.

Seeing as she was being analyzed so careful, the girl jumped off the bed and shook her shoulder length brown hair. "Heya, I'm Rebel."

Didn't anyone have 'normal' names around here? Arianna thought sarcastically. But she held her tongue and instead held out her hand. "I'm Arianna."

"Arianna, huh? Ok, if that's the way it's gonna be…" the girl accepted the hand, "My name's Tyler. But call me Rebel, everyone does."

"That's cause she rebels against everything, dontcha Rebel?" Arianna turned to see that Milkshake had joined them, walking in her jaunty, proud strides despite her somewhat short height.

"All right, dat's enough," Emotions cut in before Rebel could retort. "Arianna's gotta know a few rules of how to act around da Bowery and Queens newsies."

Emotions caught Arianna's eyes as she continued. "First, da Bowery – "

"Yes, I had the pleasure of meeting the nasty Hornet," Arianna remarked dryly.

" – where the leader is Smokes Desmandez," Emotions spoke without missing a beat even after Arianna's interruption. "His sister Sweets is also a newsie. She and Hornet are the only girl newsies besides us Brooklyners."

Milkshake spoke next. "Then there's Queens, led by Iceberg Matheson."

Oh, brother… a leader named 'Iceberg'? Rebel must have noticed Arianna's expression as she grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. "Yup, Iceberg. You're just gonna looooove his cool attitude."

"Anyway…" Emotions made it clear by her gaze that there would be no more interruptions. "Smokes and Iceberg haven't been on very good terms after the strike in the summer. Smokes and his gang have been accusing some of Icerberg's guys of selling out to Pulitzer during the strike."

"Dere's no worse reputation than ta be a scab," Rebel said, shaking her head solemnly.

"So, is it true?"

The three other girls all shrugged. "Who knows, no one's saying nothin'," Milkshake said carelessly.

"In any case, it's over and done with." Emotions crossed her arms over her chest. "Spot got woid dat they're makin' up, so dat's why we're having a friendly little poker night heah in Brooklyn."

"So we'se gotta make sure dat there's no trouble, eh?"

Rebel's only answer was a swat on the head from Milkshake's newsie cap. "Riiiight," Milkshake said with a laugh. "If dere's gonna be any trouble, let's make sure we get ta see da fun."

Emotions snorted. "If dere's any trouble, it's probably cause you two'll start da trouble."

Both Rebel and Milkshake pretended to look hurt while Arianna wondered just what kind of 'trouble' these two could make.

There was no time to think about it as the door was thrown open and a newsie walked in, his arms outstretched as if waiting for some sort of applause. "Nevah feah, Pike is heah!" the newsie called out. But before he could say anything more though, everyone in the room began throwing their hats at him much to Arianna's surprise.

"GO AWAY!" was the general gist of the yells as Arianna suddenly remembered that the girl's room was actually off limit to guys.

Pike, or Arianna assumed that was his name, pretended to look hurt after no one had any more hats to throw. "Ladies, ladies, is that how you treat your sweet Pike?"

"Oh, get a life," Rebel said with a roll of her eyes.

"But I'm full of life, that's why everyone loves me!" Pike winked at Arianna as she realized she had been staring at him. How could she not though? His roguish smile and sleeked back dark hair made him appear dashing, even though he wasn't exactly handsome or cute in any special sense. Except for the special way he was looking at her now…

Milkshake walked straight up to him and punched him in the arm. "Hey, you'd bettah have a good reason for bein' heah, casinova!"

Pike smirked and wrapped his arms around her and Arianna looked on with curious eyes as she actually didn't fight back but let him hold her in his arms. "You know you love me," Pike said, bestowing Milkshake with a peck on the cheek.

"In yoah dreams," Milkshake said dryly.

The newsie was just about to retort when Rebel and Emotions cleared their throats loudly. "Um… excuse me?" Rebel said, narrowing her eyes. "Pike is still in the girl's room…"

"As Milkshake said, you'd bettah have a good reason for being heah," Emotions added.

"Oh, yeah, Spot wants you to come down and bring Arianna along." Pike turned away to put his face close to Milkshake's. "So, where were we…?"

Milkshake pushed him out the door. "I know where you are... OUTSIDE!"

Arianna barely had enough time to put her coat on before Emotions grabbed her and dragged her out the door. Pike stood in the hallway, smirking at the girls as they passed by. He winked at Arianna as Emotions proceeded taking Arianna down the hall, past the guys' room, down the stairs, through the main hall, then finally out the door.

But just as Arianna exited the door, being dragged along as she was by Emotions, she could hardly keep her balance. After being let go she tripped over a loose board and went headlong right into someone.

Fortunately, whoever it was caught her just in time. But instead of letting Arianna get up on her own two feet, the person continued to hold her in his arms. Arianna looked up but immediately closed her eyes. Why me…

"'ello Pretty Face," Spot said and she could just imagine the look on his face. A smirk on his lips, a twinkle in those blue eyes of his.

She pushed herself away from him and glared at him. "It wasn't my fault," she said defiantly.

"I'm shoah it wasn't," he replied, disbelief written all over his face. He walked a few steps away, stopped then after gesturing everyone to follow him, continued in the direction he was heading. Realizing she really had no choice as everyone else was obeying compliantly, Arianna sighed loud enough for him to hear her and rushed to catch up with him.

"Where are we going?"

"Just to da front line."

The 'front line' Arianna had been told was the main path for anyone hoping to reach the Brooklyn Lodging House. Of course, there were plenty of other hidden entrances and exits besides the waterfront. But the front line was where any other newsie from different boroughs would go through if they were coming on friendly terms.

When they arrived, it was quite clear that newsies from both the Bowery and Queens had arrived: two groups of newsies were facing off, both sides staring at the other with cold looks.

Arianna stole a look at Spot and saw that the humor in his face had disappeared. On his face was instead a look of complete seriousness, a tinge of cold in his eyes. Without thought, Arianna thrust her hands deep in her pocket hoping to find some warmth in there.

Spot walked forward to stand right between the two groups and eyed who Arianna guessed were the two leaders: Smokes and Iceberg.

Smokes was obviously the one irritably smoking on a cigarette. He was all Latino, from his dark hair and eyes to his lithe, slim body. He was a bit taller than average, and his shoulders were broadly visible even under a warm coat.

As for Iceberg… though not as big as Wolf, to Arianna he was one of the biggest guys she had ever seen. Very tall, very broad shouldered, shaggy blond hair, and a don't-mess-with-me look on his face.

On the whole, they were both teenagers definitely pleasant to look at for any female. They were like the opposite sides of any scale. Smokes seemed irritable with a fiery temper, the scowl on his face as probably as easy to come as a devil-may-care smile. On the other hand, Iceberg was calm and collected, seemingly hard to antagonize. Arianna doubted he had ever smiled in his life.

Spot signaled for the two leaders to come forward and the three leaders of Bowery, Queens, Brooklyn all gathered together in the middle of all the newsies. The air felt almost hostile and Arianna dearly hoped it didn't mean that there'd be any sort of fight tonight.

Fortunately, Spot seemed to only speak a few words before Iceberg and Smokes spit-shook hands. As if everyone had been holding their breaths until that moment, a general feeling of goodwill seemed to envelop all those around. Smokes was smiling again, and Iceberg looked like he was almost smiling.

Arianna watched as a young girl from the Bowery group ran to Smokes and hooked her arm in his, her expression all smiles. By the similarities between the two, Arianna guessed that she was the girl Sweets, Smokes's brother. Out of the corner of her eyes, Arianna also noticed another girl walking towards her. She narrowed her eyes as she noticed it was Hornet.

The Bowery newsie wrinkled her nose as she approached Arianna. "Smokes said I'd betta make shoah dat dere's no bad feelings between us. Either dat or I gotta go back home."

Slightly relaxing her guard, Arianna shrugged her shoulders. "Fine, whatever."

"Yeah, whatever."

The two girls eyed each other nervously until Arianna decided to make her point first. She poked a finger into Hornet's shoulder. "Don't you ever steal anything from me again, you hear?"

Hornet sighed and nodded. "I'se sorry, ok?"

Surprised at the apology, Arianna finally relaxed and even gave the other newsie a smile. "Friends? Or at least, not enemies?"

The red head laughed. "All right. Not enemies." She stuck out her hand and Arianna took it firmly. This was good, some sort of ally… it wouldn't do her any good to make any enemies at this point…

"Well, at least you two are getting' along."

Arianna turned to see Spot observing them, a smile actually on his face. Before neither girls could reply however, Spot tipped a hat at Hornet then grabbed Arianna. "C'mon, Doll. I got some boys ta intraduce ya to."

"How can I refuse?" Arianna remarked sarcastically as he began taking her to a group of newsies. She pulled her arm out of his grasp but was immediately met with his cold stare. Ok, maybe it wasn't a good idea to be sarcastic around this guy…

Fortunately, a shadow of a smile suddenly graced his lips and Spot said, "You don't take no dirt from nobody, do ya?"

"Umm… not really."

For a moment, Spot gazed at her steadily then gave her a quick nod. "Neither do I." He cautiously took her hand and had her put her arm in his. Strange as it was to be in this position, linking arms with the most powerful newsie of all New York, she felt very comfortable at such close quarters with the leader of Brooklyn. A smile of satisfaction in his face, Spot led her to a group of newsies who must have arrived just a bit after Iceberg and Smokes had shook hands.


At least she ain't fighting against me, Spot thought to himself as Arianna walked complacently alongside him. Of course, she seemed to rebel against his orders, but she'd only been with the Brooklyners for a few days. She'd soon know how things were around here.

Spot went right up to Jack Kelly who stood just a few steps ahead of his boys. "Yoah late, Jackie-Boy."

The tall teen just smiled. "Well, better late den nevah, as I always say."

"Riiiight…" Spot eased Arianna's hand off him so he could shake hands with the Manhattan leader. "Told ya I could take care of things, didn't I?"

"Well, let's just see how well dis pokah night goes, shall we?" Spot could tell that Jack and his newsies were eyeing Arianna carefully though Cowboy was pretending to have a conversation with the Brooklyn leader. Knowing that they were probably dying with curiosity, Spot looked at Arianna and with his eyes 'asked' if she would come stand right next to him. 'Asked' because he still wasn't sure how she would take to being ordered around any more. And he didn't want any incident while others were watching…

Thankfully, she didn't protest as she seemed as curious of the Manhattaners as they were of her. She boldly stood next to Spot, meeting each and every one of the other guys' gazes, even making some of them look away with a red face. Spot couldn't help but smile smugly. I shoah can pick em'…

"Dis is Arianna, she's one of me newer newsies."

Jack Kelly took of his hat and bowed slightly. "Pleasah ta meet ya."

"And dis is Jack Kelly 'Cowboy', leader of da Manhattan newsies. As for da rest of the newsies, I'll let dem intraduce demselves to ya." Arianna was met with lots of whoops and shouted out hellos but before any of them could shake her hand, Spot tapped his cane hard on the ground. Naturally, everyone immediately froze and looked towards the Brooklyn leader. Heaven forbid they should speak when Spot had something to say.

"Remember guys, she's one of my newsies. No funny business." He accompanied his 'threat' with a firm look. As the Manhattaners tried greeting Arianna again, Spot noted they were a bit more restrained as they clamored around the new face.

The Brooklyn leader stepped back to watch the spectacle as the Bowery and Queens newsies began mingling with the Manhattaners, exchanging greetings and long-time-no-sees. It was a bit rowdy but Spot had complete faith his newsies could handle anything. Even now he noticed that Wolf, Emotions, Pike, Pirate, and many others were coolly watching the proceedings with a sharp eye. If anything happened, Brooklyn would handle it.

Feeling a light tap on his shoulder, Spot turned to see Racetrack was grinning at him. "Heya, Brooklyn. Ready for some pokah?"

Ahhh… Spot was indeed ready for some poker. He hadn't forgotten his little visit from Mr. Collins that afternoon. After getting some very good descriptions of the boys involved in sending Mr. Collins to the Brooklyn Lodging House, Spot had quickly surmised that the boys were in fact Racetrack, Kid Blink, and Mush. Yes, Mr. Collins was actually a fairly observant man and good at descriptions, except he was stupid enough to believe that Racetrack was an enemy of the other two boys.

Anyway, he'd sent Mr. Collins along with a promise of a free newspaper tomorrow and a threat that if Mr. Collins ever breathed a word to anyone…

Spot had left the threat hanging in the air. Fortunately, the man seemed to take a hint.

Well, the Manhatteners were going to have to be taught some kind of lesson… Spot smiled at Racetrack. "Yeah, I'm indeed ready for some pokah."

Racetrack watched Arianna as he began lighting himself a cigar. "She ain't a real red head ya know?"

Knowing where this was heading, Spot folded his arms over his chest. "Her hair's red enough."

"Are her eyes green?"

"Green enough."

Racetrack thoughtfully chewed on the cigar. He slowly looked back at Spot, a sly grin on his face. "She's pretty. Planning on bringing her to da party?"

"Most definitely."

There was a slight pause, then Racetrack finally smiled. "All righty, dat's settled." Racetrack blew a smoke ring. "Wanna play pokah?"

Spot smiled. "Oh yeah."


Wolf carefully took a swig from the bottle and made a face. With a disgusted look, he handed the suspicious looking bottle back to the other newsie. "What is dis poison?"

Juggler wiggled his eyebrows. "It's a secret."

"Well, keep it a secret and keep it away from me," Wolf said, still eyeing the bottle with disgust.

The Bowery newsie shrugged and took off, most probably in search of another victim. Juggler had always loved mixing drinks, trying to find the perfect blend. More often than anything he found the blend which even pigs wouldn't stoop to drink. Pity on those Juggler forced to drink his stuff.

Wolf resumed his watch from the stairs over the bedlam of the main hall of the Brooklyn Lodging House. The poker night was in full swing, almost a dozen tables set up with at least four players at each table. Anyone who wasn't playing had several other choices of what to do: watch the poker games, bet on the poker games, or find some company to share some kind of story. Most everyone seemed to be either smoking or drinking.

Also, this was Brooklyn, the only place where there were plenty of newsies who were not male. All the girl's were on equal levels of the other guy newsies, and most everyone respected that. Girls were allowed to play poker, smoke, and drink as much as any other guy. And if she told a guy to bug off, he'd better or risk a black eye. Wolf knew that these Brooklyn girls were rare ones to be found anywhere in the world.

For example…

Turning his head slightly, Wolf was able to keep Emotions in his sights. He sighed, wondering why he even bothered keeping an eye on her. She could take care of herself, just like every one of her girls. But she could be a flirt, and he didn't want her getting hurt with newsies from so many other boroughs present.

"Hey, Wolf."

Wolf looked to his left and saw Arianna watching him. She narrowed her eyes. "Who're you watching?"

Avoiding her gaze, Wolf pretending to scan the room like he was supposed to. "Nobody."

"Uh huh. You know, if you like Emotions, why don't you tell her?"

Wolf didn't know what to say, so he just closed his mouth, refusing to answer.

He felt Arianna come closer to him and whisper, "You're acting like a love-sick puppy, Wolf. And that's a pun intended."

He smiled and shook his head. Yes, he had always liked Emotions. She had waltzed into his life three years ago, and had liked the way she was so confident, bright, and ready to defend her friends. Not too mention she was unbelievably cute…

Wolf finally glanced at Arianna who was still watching him closely. "We won't get along. I'm too serious, she's too energetic. She'll feel tied down to a fella like me."

"You're making decision for her instead of letting her decide for herself."

"Den lets just say I'm afraid I might lose a good friend." Wolf held up a hand to make Arianna be quiet. "Drop da subject, 'k? I can handle me own problems."

Wolf could just see the retort in Arianna's eyes. Fortunately, they were interrupted and Wolf glanced down to see that Pirate was calling for him. "What is it, Pirate?"

"Spot wants ya at his pokah table. Da fun's gonna begin!"

Grinning his grin he knew many called 'wolfish', Wolf couldn't help chuckling. Spot was ready for his little prank on the Manhattaners, huh? Well, he wasn't going to miss it. He motioned for Arianna. "You should come to, this should be interesting."

Arianna frowned. "Do I have to be near Spot?"

Her words caused Wolf to also frown questioningly. "Whatdya have against Spot?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don't you get sick and tired of taking orders from him? Him and his high-and-mighty manners?"

Ahh, this was what was getting on her nerves. Wolf leaned down so he was level with her. "I'd get sick and tired of takin' orders from anyone but him."

"Why?" she bit back.

Wolf smiled. "Because he's Spot."

Arianna looked ready to pull on her own hair and scream. "That's what everyone has answered when I asked the same question! It's sooo infuriating! What's that supposed to mean, 'because he's Spot'? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"

Like to a little child, Wolf patted her head. "Someday you'll undahstand."

"That's what everyone says, too! ARGH!"

Shaking his head, Wolf went down the stairs and after making sure she was following, spoke to Pirate. "Yoah gonna take watch for me?"

Pirate, with his trademark bandana around his head, nodded. "Anything I should keep an eye on?"

Wolf shrugged. "Not really. Except you might wanna keep an eye on Blades. She's not in a good mood." That should explain everything…

"Ahhh…" Pirate winked, obviously understanding, then headed up the stairs to where Wolf had been keeping watch.

As they walked towards Spot's table, Arianna grabbed Wolf's arm to get his attention. "Who's Blades?"

Wolf paused a moment to point in the direction of the bar set up in the corner of the hall. "See da girl with black hair over dere? With the high black boots?"

"Yeah."

"Dat's her. Stella 'Blades' Reeves. Whatever you do, don't get in her way."

Arianna furrowed her eyebrows. "I know you newsies all have nicknames that somehow how relate to you. Why is she called 'Blades'?"

Wolf smirked. "Well, you see… well, you're gonna see. Watch."

A Queens newsie whom Wolf knew as Viper approached Blades, and it was obvious to all that Viper wanted very much to start a conversation with Blades. On the other hand, Blades, looking totally bored, was trying very hard to avoid him. Suddenly, Viper laid his hand on her shoulder and before anyone realized what had happened, Blades had Viper flat on the ground, a little knife held at his throat.

Feeling Arianna grab his arm, Wolf calmed the girl down. "Don't worry, she won't hurt him. She's just tellin' him ta back off."

And indeed that was probably what she was doing. Wolf could make out Blades speaking to Viper, then sheathing her knife back into its slipcase in her boots, let him up. Viper, red with embarrassment, slinked off to find someone else more 'sociable' to talk to. As for Blades, she calmly ordered another drink and was unaware how everyone around her made sure to give her plenty of room.

Wolf spoke to Arianna. "And dat's why she's called Blades. Dat's not the only knife she has on her you know."

Arianna grimaced. "I think I may be sharing a bunk with her."

"Hey, you two should get along quite nicely."

Easily avoiding her punch aimed for his arm, Wolf chuckled and continued to where Spot sat.

Spot was in the midst of a poker game with Jack Kelly, Smokes, Skittery, and Dutchy. The Brooklyn leader noticed his newsies heading his way. He grabbed a chair and motioned for Arianna to sit next to him. Arianna gave Wolf an exasperated look but he only shook his head, hoping she'd take the hint and just sit down. It wouldn't do any good to get Spot upset.

Arianna sat down, however, without a fuss, though she refused to meet Spot's eyes. There was some silence as cards were passed around until Jack Kelly triumphantly laid down the winning hand. Groans were heard around the table as Cowboy took in the winnings.

Smokes sighed and threw his finished cigarette on the ground. "Dumb luck, Kelly, dat's what it is." He stood up and saying that he was retiring from the game, went off to the bar, Hornet and another Bowery newsie tagging along after.

Skittery and Dutchy also stood up, signaling that they were done playing. As for Spot, Wolf saw that the Brooklyner was ready to lay his trap. Spot spoke to Racetrack who was hovering nearby. "Hey, Race. Ready for dat pokah game we talked about?"

A ripple of surprise went around the onlookers. Spot, asking Racetrack for a game of poker?

Hiding his surprise, Racetrack grinned cockily. "Of course, King o' Brooklyn." The Italian sat across from Spot. By that time, the onlookers had suddenly doubled. A game between the two best poker players in all the newsie boroughs! No one was going to miss this!

"How 'bout having yoah friends join?" Spot said, motioning to Kid Blink and Mush. They sat down quickly, jumping at the chance of playing in a game where the stakes would most probably go high. Wolf smiled. They have no idea just how the stakes might get…

The cards were dealt and the game began.

It was quiet for the most part, except for the sounds of pennies, nickels, and occasionally dimes being thrown into the increasing pot. Finally, it was coming around time for the players to show their cards.

From what Wolf was hearing from some of the onlookers, all the Manhattaners had good cards, especially Racetrack. Unfortunately, the tension was high as no one seemed to know what cards Spot had. Spot was keeping his cards close to himself, barely looking at them. But Wolf had a pretty good idea that Arianna knew what those cards were. She was acting nonchalant but to Wolf she looked slightly pale.

Since the game began, Spot spoke for the very first time. "Well, I raise you all a quarter." There was a general gasp of surprise as Spot threw in some coins. Just as Kid Blink was about to comply, Spot interrupted. "Ya know, I was visited today by a very interesting person."

Kid Blink froze, as did Mush.

"A Mr. Collins, dat was 'is name," Spot continued, pretending not to notice. "It seems some newsies sent him ta me, telling him dat if he 'ad any complaints he was to tell me." Spot chuckled. "Imagine, complaining to me?"

The two Manhattaners tried to laugh along, failing miserable. No one had a clue what was going on. Because Spot had asked for the Manhatteners' descriptions privately, nobody knew that it was Kid Blink and Mush who had sent Collins to Brooklyn. Except for Wolf.

"Anyway…" Spot leaned back casually, "I think I may have an idea who da stupid idiots are dat would send someone to accuse Brooklyn, me, of being a liar. And a cheat."

There was a general hush. Everyone knew that no one got away with calling Spot anything, especially a liar and a cheat. Who could have possibly done such a thing?

Now looking very nervous, Kid Blink and Mush were staring at their cards and avoiding everyone's gazes. Wolf tried to keep a smile from forming on his face. They looked sooo guilty…

Seeming not to notice the discomfort of the other two players, Spot smiled. "Wait till I get me hands on da two bummers, they'll wish dey'd nevah been born. Unless…"

Perking up at the words 'unless', the two culprits looked up. "What?" Mush blurted.

"…unless I'm compensated for."

Taking the hint, Kid Blink looked at the money in the middle of the table and sighed. He put his cards down. "I fold." This caused everyone around the table to talk at once. Kid Blink was folding? When he had a chance of winning?

Kid Blink risked a look at Spot. The Brooklyn leader winked at him and Kid Blink seemed to breathe easier.

The same was said for Mush as he, too, folded.

Racetrack, who had no idea what was going on along with everyone else, rolled his eyes. "Givin' up so easily, my friends?" He threw a quarter into the pot and took out a cigar from his pocket. "Dis cigar is worth a two bits." Race threw the cigar into the middle of the table.

"Raised two bits," Spot said, putting in his own money. "And I'll raise a dollar." The pot now consisted about close to five dollars, quite a fortune!

Wolf felt someone whistle next to him. Seeing that it was Viper, having got back some of lost pride after being thrown to the ground by Blades, Wolf shrugged. "Spot's played for moah."

"Yah? Well, I've seen Race's cards, dat Italian's gonna win. Spot's bluffing."

"Oh yeah?" Wolf grinned. He usually never bet, but since this was a sure thing anyway… "Bet ya two bits dat Spot'll win."

Viper grinned. "Yoah on."

Too easy…

Racetrack was eyeing Spot carefully now, but there really was nothing to be learned. Spot had put up his poker face, there was no way anybody could read what was going on behind those cool blue eyes. Just as Racetrack seemed ready to agree to the pot being raised a dollar and throw more money in, Spot spoke. "You haven't asked what Collins came heah to complain about."

Puffing on his cigar, Racetrack furrowed his eyebrows. "Huh?" He wasn't expecting Spot to bring that subject back up.

Spot nodded. "Collins came to complain about a newsie cheatin' on him. Seems some stupid teen exaggerated on a headline too much, even lying about what page the story was on."

Realization seemed to dawn on Racetrack as the Italian choked on his own cigar smoke. Even as he was coughing, Spot spoke. "Ya know, I don't mind people 'expanding' on da headlines. But when da newsie gets caught and get others involved…" Spot shook his head. "Dat ain't good, is it, Race?"

The Manhattaner shook his head while still coughing. "Who would indeed?"

"Indeed. Well, I don't really mind, except for da fact dat someone would actually come complaining to Brooklyn. Oh, well. So, you gonna put a dollar into da pot or what, Race?"

Racetrack stared at Spot, trying to come to a decision. Wolf knew that the stakes were high. On one hand, Spot may be bluffing and Race could win the whole pot. Of course, Spot may know what Race was the one who had caused Collins to complain to Spot. Would the Brooklyner become upset? Should Race save his one dollar at least?

Coming to a quick decision, Race grimaced. "I fold."

Wolf watched as the onlookers looked ready to die from the shock. Racetrack was folding? Now?!

Spot stood up. "Well, it seems like I've won. Thank you gentlemen for a very interesting game."

"Yeah, interesting…" Wolf heard Kid Blink mumble. Both he and Mush looked glumly on as Spot gathered the money up and deposit his winnings into his pocket.

On the other hand, Racetrack, who could never be kept down, chuckled. "Well, Brooklyn, we must have another game in da near future."

Spot went over to Racetrack and they shook hands, causing the onlookers to begin dispersing. The game was over, and what a game! Spot whispered something to Race and the Italian suddenly turned pale. The Brooklyn leader only smiled then patting Kid Blink and Mush on their backs, left the table.

Wolf grabbed Viper who tried to walk past him. "Where's my two bits, Viper?"


Jack found Spot calmly looking over the wharf from the Brooklyn leader's perch on a pile of crates. The Manhattan leader shivered in the cold night air. He couldn't see how Spot could act as if wasn't cold at all.

"Hey Jackie-boy. Join me."

Climbing the crates, Jack leaned against of the crates facing Spot. "You know Spot, if you got a problem with me newsies, tell me foist, will ya?"

"What?" Spot said innocently.

"You know what I mean. I know dat most probably Race, Kid, and Mush had been involved with that Collins who gave ya such a hard time."

Grinning, Spot leaned against his cane. "Just having a bit of fun. Besides, dey needed to be taught a lesson. I don't like being left with da short end of da stick."

Jack rolled his eyes. Spot was sometimes too proud for his own good. "Good to know ya don't hold grudges, Spot."

Spot pretended to look hurt. "Hey, dat hurt."

"Yeah, right." Jack offered a cigarette to Spot who refused it. Jack lit one for himself then continued, "But seriously, why didn't ya let me handle me own boys, Spot?"

"I like taking care of me own affairs." Seeming to notice how glum Jack seemed, Spot narrowed his eyes. "I haven't told all of my boys, except for a few, dat Race, Kid, and Mush were involved with Collins: you know as well as I do dat Brooklyners don't appreciate being called liars and cheaters. I thought you'd be happy dat dere wasn't a fight and dat yoah boys wouldn't be limping home with black eyes."

Shrugging, Jack answered slowly, "I guess dat's true…"

"I like yoah boys a lot," Spot said truthfully. "All I did was win some money in a poker game. And made sure dey know dat I know everything."

"You scared dem into letting you win!"

Spot shook his head. "If yoah worried dat yoah boys will go home penniless, don't. I made sure dat da three guys get involved with plenty of other poker games, dey should be compensated very soon."

Jack looked at Spot with surprise. "What?"

"Jackie-boy, I ain't totally heartless, unlike my reputation has painted me." Spot winked. "Anything else yoah worried about?"

"Not worried about." Jack smiled, "Just wanted to say dat Arianna seems nice."

"She does, doesn't she?" Spot looked down at Jack condescendingly. "What 'bout you, found anybody?"

Laughing at how Spot was acting so superior, Jack replied just as smugly, "Maybe." Jack looked up at the moon which was high in the sky. "I'd bettah start headin' back to Manhattan along with da others. Dat is, if dey can still walk straight."

The Brooklyn leader smirked. "Especially since I saw Juggler passin' around his bottle again."

Jack groaned and hopped down off the crates. He suddenly stopped though and turned back to Spot. "Hey, what did ya whisper ta Race after the pokah game? Whatever you said shoah made him go pale."

"I told him dat I had been holdin' a two of spades, a nine of hearts, a king of diamonds, and a two, four, and jack of clubs."

Jack looked aghast. "You was bluffing da whole time?"

"Dat's why I'm called da King of Brooklyn."

Rolling his eyes, Jack headed back to the Brooklyn Lodging House. He should have known that at every visit into Brooklyn, something 'interesting' always happened…


Author's Note:
So, did you like it? Nice and long, right? Well, special news… I'm going to New Zealand this Sunday! Hurray! Yup, my parents and I are taking a well-deserved vacation to beautiful NZ, and I'll get to see a lot of the Lord of the Rings sites, woohoo!

So it might be a while to update a new chapter, please be patient with me!


Next Chapter:
David's chapter! Well, I'm actually having a hard time writing it as I don't seem to have many ideas… :P Feel free to give me any suggestions in your reviews!
Replies to Reviewers

Dimonah Tralon Well, here it is, chapter 11! Hope you enjoyed it a lot, it was so much fun to write, and it's very long, too!

aLeX24 Hey there, thanks so much for reviewing! Hee hee, your review though cut off had all the 'good things'? Hope you liked in this chapter what Spot had planned for Race, Kid, and Mush!

TheLoneReed Thanks for reviewing! Spot, the cocky little devil indeed… Oh, I think I like the nickname Specs Mex, very cute! :P Well, finally here is the new chapter for you! Hope you liked it a lot! Well, Spot doesn't really woo his girl in this chapter, maybe you can feel up to writing me a review to tell me what you thought about the super long chapter! Cheerio!

Hope Diamonde All right, glad you're so enthusiastic about your character making an early entrance! Hee hee! It should be a pretty cool scene, I hope it comes out well. Soo… how did you like poker night in Brooklyn? Was it up to your expectations? It was so much fun to write, and I'm sure you'll like all of Spot in here.

geometrygal Heya, thanks so much for reviewing! Yup, I've finally started writing again and putting this story up on This chapter is finally the 'new' chapter which I've never posted before. Hope I have permission to use your character in future chapters!

FrenchyGoil Oooh, jealous of Kathryn over jack? :P lol! I know what you mean about Greased Lightning, the little brother you'd love to have and hate! Ha ha! Yup, I've started chapter 12 but it doesn't seem to be going ahead too well. :P I don't know, David's a hard character to write, as I said it'll probably a chapter on the 'shorter side'. Anyway, hope you loved this super duper new chapter!

splashey I'm glad you liked the previous chapter with the whole slip-on-the-ice thingie. Very cute indeed… Anyway, hope you like this new chapter with the poker night in Brooklyn!