Friendship, Love, Thieves, And Secrets

by Julia's.Fantasy

My name is Julia McGrath. When my friend Anissa and I run away to London, we get kidnapped after seeing thieves steal from a man. Feelings and friendships twist, turn and end up far away. Trust fades, rules are made, and bonds may possibly break. But then, I realize that the love of my life feels the same way I do.

14. Fight or Flight

CHAPTER 14

Fight Or Flight

...

Previously on Friendship, Love, Thieves, And Secrets

(Chapter 12)

"What's Dodger hiding?" I asked. They looked at each other and then at me.

"What are you talking about?" Nicky asked.

"Anissa said that Charley and he were talking about me."

"So what if we were?" Charley said, but it was more of a statement instead of a question.

"What was it about? Dodger won't tell me." I was suspicious.

"It's nothing," Charley said, but there was a tone in his voice. I smell a lie!

"Liar," I pointed my finger at him.

"I'm not hiding anything, Little Lady." He had a surprised look on his face.

"Stop calling me Little Lady!"

"You are little."

"No, I'm not. Stop calling me it."

"I'm not listening to you." Charley stuck out his tongue.

"Charley, I know that Dodger told you something, and I know it's about me. Anissa said so."

"So?" Charley crossed his arms.

"Anissa. Isn't. A. Liar." I said in syllables so that he could understand.

Nicky turned to Charley, "Should we tell her?" he asked.

"Tell me what?" I raised an eyebrow. Now I really know that something's going on. Does, Dodger, like me? I'm not so sure, but I think he does.

Charley looked at him, "No, Nicky, it doesn't matter."

"What doesn't matter?"

"They'll never tell you." Someone replied.

I turned around and saw, Dodger, behind me with his arms crossed. How long has he been standing there? Did Charley and Nicky see him? Would they have told me what he's hiding if he wasn't there?

"Dodger, do you want us too?" Nicky asked.

"No, she doesn't need to know yet," Dodger said. I saw the feeling in his eyes again, but I can't put my finger on the feeling. What are his eyes saying? A person's eyes say more than their mouth. I can say that much.

"I wasn't going to Dodger, honest," Charley said.

"I know, Charley," Dodger turned to Nicky, "You just found out a while ago. Just don't say anything unless I say so."

Nicky saluted, "Alright, Dodger."

...

"I'm guessing that you're Monks?" The man asked, but it was more of a statement.

Monks pulled off his hood and smirked. "Yes, I am. I'm assuming that you're Mrs. Corney, well was Mrs. Corney and Mr. Bumble." Though, it was a statement, not a question.

"No, it's Mrs. Corney."

"So we are." Mr. Bumble leaned back into his seat, across from Monks while his wife sat next to him. "So, you wrote a letter to us about Oliver Twist." And with that being said, he took out the letter from his inside coat pocket.

Monks held onto the letter. "Yes, I did. I want the two of you to tell me how you know him, and everything that you know about him."

Mr. Bumble leaned in, "His mother's name was Agnes Fleming. She gave birth to him, but she died after the process. You see, I get the baby, and I name them, so Twist isn't his real last name, but he doesn't know that, nor does he need too."

"What about his father?"

"No one really knew that much about him. Though, a woman that Mrs. Corney took care of, who just died recently admitted to pickpocketing the poor lady and took a locket with Oliver's name in it. It shows his baby picture and his parents."

Now Monks is interested. "Can I see it?"

Mr. Bumble took it out and gave it to him, and Monks examined it, realizing that it's the same exact picture that his father showed to him many years ago. To his advantage, he carries the same picture. "You carry it with you?" He looked up at Mr. Bumble.

"Well, you asked about the boy, so I knew that it'd do you good. Why are you so interested in him anyway? You seem like you know him."

"Oh, I do. He got himself into a small business of criminal activity; pickpocketing to be exact. He's wholesome, I'll tell you that."

"Oliver? No, he was horrible! He asked for more food, so we gave him away to a coffin seller, and he beat one of the boys there."

A small smirk formed on Monks' face. Oliver isn't as virtuous and meek as everyone thinks. He might be able to use his little brother sometime. He then turned his attention to Mrs. Corney, who remained quiet the entire time they were here. He knows that she never met, Oliver, he called her here because he has two young ladies that he's interested in knowing about. "I'm guessing that you owned a workhouse of your own, Miss?"

Mrs. Corney smiled, "Why yes, I have. Why do you ask?"

"Because I know two girls that you can, and will, tell me about. They're Anissa Schreiber and Julia McGrath."

The lady gasped, "You know them?"

"My, what a small world!" Mr. Bumble added. He's never seen these two girls, but Mrs. Corney talked about them often, and she loved having them around. She was sad that they ran off, but it was their decision. Mrs. Corney and he don't realize the trouble that they're in, for now, at least.

Monks smirked, "Let's just say that they're in the same trouble that Oliver is in."

"Oh dear, oh dear," Mrs. Corney sighed and shook her head. "They are good girls, they really are, but only when they wanted to be. Schreiber is the instigating, smart-mouthed, disrespectful one. I'm surprised that she didn't get physical, and that no one taught her a lesson in manners. Julia is the quiet, smart one. She's nice, but she'll be mean when she wants to be. Juxtaposing her to Anissa, she isn't half bad; Julia's very straightforward, defiant, and blunt."

"How did they get into the workhouse?"

"Well, Julia's parents separated, and her mother left. Her father took care of her the best he could, but his income went down, and he couldn't afford her. He gave her to us, and I never saw a parent as distressed as he was. I found Anissa in a box at our doorstep, like a lot of the kids at workhouses end up starting their lives."

Monks has some sympathy for the girls' because he can relate to the two with his own parents, but something to him doesn't seem right. Why would Dodger and Charley bring them to Fagin? Obviously, because they saw Fagin's two best pickpockets steal, but there's more to it than he knows. These girls' pasts will help him in the near future, when he'll need to use the two, counting his brother, Oliver. Anissa's too bold for his liking, but Julia, on the other hand, is calmer and has a serious look on her face, and the aurora to her that makes her comforting.

"Are you bringing the girls back?" Mrs. Corney asked, with hope in her words and eyes.

Monks looked up at her, hearing and seeing her hope. "No, I'm not able to do that. You see, they decided to leave and go out into the real world, a dangerous place. Don't worry, you might not think so, but they're safe."

'For now, at least. Oliver and Anissa won't last long. Julia, on the other hand, I know that she won't run away because where will she go? She can't get a job right away, and she'll need a place to live, and food. She isn't stupid. Anissa will find her fate in Bill's hands, or she'll be hung, whatever Fagin and Bill want to do with her. Oliver, on the other hand, will be dead, and that's my job. If anyone will hurt Oliver, it'll be me. Anissa won't have much time to do whatever she's up too because I'm coming. I have the feeling that she's peaching on, Fagin, but of course, uneducated, low-class citizens like Fagin, and his little pickpockets won't be able to figure that out. Dodger, is the one with common sense, even though he was never educated. Though he probably wouldn't last in the real world, all on his own, or maybe he will. Dodger is full of surprises.'

"Will you allow them to send a letter?" Mrs. Corney asked, with pleading in her eyes.

Monks looked at her and thought for a moment. "I'll think about it."

"What do you mean you'll think about it?" Mr. Bumble rose a brow.

Monks leaned in, "None of them know that I'm doing this. None of them know the truth about Oliver, me, or anything that is going on or that will happen later."

"Then what's the truth about you? Why do you want information on the three?"

"Let's just say that I know of someone that is and was related to Oliver Twist. I know some people that have the girls, and him. I just wanted some information."

"Who is this someone, and who are these people you speak of?" Mr. Bumble asked, in a more demanding manner.

"That's my business."

"Look, we told you everything that you needed to know about those kids, at least tell us what you know." Mrs. Corney stepped in.

"I already did. Anissa and Julia were kidnapped, and Oliver was brought into the gang by the lead pickpocket's favorite."

"Who's the lead pickpocketer? How old is he?" Mrs. Corney asked.

"He's a little older than Julia by about three months."

"What's his name?"

"That's all I'll tell you about them. The last thing I'll tell you is that you are right, Mrs. Corney. Julia and Anissa decided to make the decision to leave and go on their own, with no real experience of the real world, except being in a workhouse. I don't think they'll be safe for long; Oliver's been framed as a thief, even though he hasn't done anything, and Anissa's opening her mouth, and hiding secrets about things that she shouldn't be hiding. There's a lot of drama going on, but they'll see what the real world is like, sooner or later. It was nice talking to the both of you." Monks began to stand up, but Mr. Bumble stopped him.

The older gentleman handed him Oliver's locket, "You forgot this."

"I don't need it."

"You know, Oliver. It'll do better if it's with him than the two of us. We'll never see him again, and nor do I want too. I have too much to do rather than worrying about a kid that ran off with a past. Take it."

Monks took the locket in his hand, put it in his pocket, and nodded at the two and left the bar, seeing the carriage he came in still parked on the road.

...

(Chapter 13)

"What's wrong, Julia?" Dodger asked

I looked at him and said, "May I talk to Anissa?"

"No." He replied without thinking of what to say.

"Why not?" I asked, "I said, May I."

"Cute, she's got manners," Charley added with a chuckle, which caused me to glare at him and for him to look away.

I turned to see Dodger smirking a little. He looked at me and responded with, "Because, if you do you'll whisper and talk privately. Also, Bill doesn't want you two talking anymore."

I sighed and sat back. This is getting ridiculous. Should I just tell them that Anissa's peaching? What happens if I do? No, I have to stick to my plan, and it's that every action has a consequence. She has to stop thinking about herself all the time because she'll get everyone else around her in trouble. She'll figure it out, eventually, and the traps will have her, and she'll be in jail.

"Do you want a drink?" Charley asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"No, I don't like gin."

"This isn't gin. This is Bourbon."

I stared at him wide-eyed. "You're no older than me and you're drinking whiskey?"

"Julia, a lot of people do." Charley defended himself. "We barely drink alcohol anyway. Sometimes it's refreshing. I think you should try it."

"After my experience with gin, I'm good."

"Suit yourself." Charley shrugged and took a sip from his cup. Dodger's sitting there listening to the two of us and smoking his pipe like he always does.

"You can get cancer by smoking."

Dodger smirked, "We've got a doctor, a good cook, and a babe. We hit the jackpot, Charley."

I blushed.

"Yeah, she's fresh. She doesn't drink, smoke, or mouth off as much as her friend. She's a good one."

...

NORMAL POV

Anissa walked upstairs to Oliver's room and peeked in to see him sleeping on the bed. About five minutes ago, she heard arguing about Charley reading a comic strip and Julia telling him to read real books. She never found Charley that funny anyway, so him reading comics makes him look even more corny and annoying than he actually is. Fagin eventually went to check up on them but went back to cleaning the fireplace. After he scolded her and made her put some of the laundries away, since Julia does a lot of the work, she can finally talk to Oliver. She closed the door and walked up to him. "Oliver," She shook him.

He yawned and sat up, "What's wrong, Anissa?"

"Look, I need to tell you something," she whispered, "but you can't say anything."

"Alright, Miss, what is it?" Oliver looked at her with narrowed eyes. He knows that something's going on, but he doesn't know what. Though, he's just acted like he didn't notice her change in demeanor; pretending to illiterate can be helpful in certain situations, no one expects him to know what is going on.

"I'm peaching on Fagin, and Nancy's helping me with the job." She said so low that no one would hear her.

"Anissa, have you lost it?" Oliver gasped.

She shushed him for being a little loud. Then in a quieter voice, she replied with, "Oliver, it's best for all of us. Julia was going to escape and take you with her but she was scared and thought it would be better here, so she forgot about it. I hate it here and I want the three of us to leave."

"You can't do that. Don't tell me that Julia is with you on it."

"No, she isn't. She begged me to change my mind, but I wouldn't. Why do you think Dodger and Charley got suspicious? Dodger won't let me go near her because we kept talking when they weren't around, and everyone knew that it wasn't anything good, and they know that Julia isn't part of it." Anissa pointed out.

"What are you going to do now, Anissa?"

"It's my intention to get us out of here, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm leaving now, I wanted to tell you. I knew you would think the same as, Julia. I wasn't going to tell her, but she became questionable, so I had too."

"Anissa, if you peach, they'll think Julia had a part in it."

"No, they won't. Julia wanted me to forget about it, but I wouldn't. They know that I'm hiding something and they know that Julia won't tell them, that's part of the reason why Bill got involved. He actually thought they could get the secret out of her, but she'd never tell a secret, especially to them." She then hugged him, "Goodbye Oliver, see you soon."

Oliver hugged her back, "Goodbye, Anissa." He has the feeling that this won't last well.

Anissa walked out and glanced at, Fagin, who is putting dishes away, oblivious to the fact that she came down the stairs. She scurried through the kitchen and went down the stairs that lead to the kitchen. She looked around to make sure the no one's around and walked out the door, quickly, and quietly. What she didn't know is that Dodger was watching her from his bedroom door. He walked quietly to the door and opened it. He saw Anissa turn the corner, and he followed, quickly and quietly. Nicky came out of his hiding spot, which was in the dark hallway.

"Good luck, Dodger." He touched his hat to say farewell.

...

"Fagin," Charley walked in. Fagin turned around. The two of them broke me out of my thoughts.

"Did Dodger leave?" The elder asked.

"Yeah, he said a quarter after ten. Its twenty minutes after."

Fagin clapped his hands and smiled, "Well, I bet no one saw him leave." I saw him glance at me and I raised a brow at this.

Why would he glance at me? Wait a minute, I bet it has something to do with Anissa or me! They're acting very strange. Wait a minute, why would, Fagin, say that no one saw him leave? Now I'm suspicious. They really are up to something.

"Only Julia knew that he was leaving since, Dodger, told her, I have to watch her. Nicky and Jackson know too." Charley most likely noticed the glance that Fagin sent me.

"Julia doesn't know why he left, does she?"

"No, Fagin, of course not."

"Very good." Fagin nodded.

That's when I remembered that Anissa's meeting Nancy on London Bridge at midnight to talk to Mr. Brownlow. Anissa was leaving early because Nancy has to find a way to leave without Bill knowing. Anissa just left, and Dodger left right after she did. That's when I realized why Dodger left. He's going to spy on them! I knew that what Fagin and the older boys' were up to was bad, I just didn't know it was this bad! I stood up and looked at Fagin. "Fagin, is he eavesdropping on Anissa?"

"My dear, where did you get an idea like that?" He asked in a weird tone of voice. Dodger is spying on Anissa! Fagin put him up to it.

"Anissa left at ten fifteen, and so did Dodger, I believe. He never told me what his errand was." I turned to Charley. "Is he following Anissa?"

Fagin sighed and said, "You see my dear, Anissa was acting strange, and so I had Dodger do some work for me. That's all."

"No, you don't realize how bad that'll turn out!" I shouted.

"Don't get too loud, Little Lady," Charley put a hand on my shoulder, "You wouldn't tell us what she was up too. So we now have to find out the hard way."

...

"I will tell you everything you need to know, but you must promise that you won't ever tell anyone what you know, and who told you. The only people you'll inform is the police, that's it. You tell them that Oliver has been kidnapped by a man —"

"— who's the man?" Mr. Brownlow asked, interrupting Nancy.

"Fagin," Nancy answered.

"Fagin?" He repeated. He sounds like he's never heard of the villain before.

"You find Fagin, you'll find the boy," Nancy assured.

"Where is he?"

"He's in Spitalfields. Just go to the traps, they'll know who you're talking about."

I was about to say something, but Mr. Brownlow spoke before I had a chance too. "The traps?"

Wow, this guy's so proper he doesn't know slang! Well, he's wealthy and old, it explains a lot. I bet he's highly educated too. If Oliver's with him, the boy will have people that will care for him and give him a great education. He's going from an orphan to living with wealthy people. Wow, his life just got better, and he doesn't even know it yet! I wish it were easy for Julia and I like it is for him.

"The police. Fagin is a very well known pickpocket and criminal of his time, he just hasn't been caught yet." Nancy explained. "When you get there, Oliver and a girl will be there. Take her with you."

"And me," I added.

"Right, sorry." Nancy gave a small smile, and I returned it. I can't believe it, Julia, Oliver, and I will finally be free! It only took eight months, but that's okay. It doesn't matter anyway. All that I care about right now is that we'll be free. I can't thank Nancy enough for helping me. She's done so much and I'll always be grateful for that, and to her.

"I'll see what I can do." The man nodded his head.

"You aren't just dealing with, Fagin, Mr. Brownlow."

"What do you mean? Who else am I going to have to deal with?"

"There's this man that's a friend of, Fagin's, and my boyfriend. His name is, Monks."

"I remember him! He's been coming over a lot lately, and he was with, Bill when I was being scolded about my behavior." I said.

Nancy sulked, "He isn't what you think, Anissa." Then she turned to, Mr. Brownlow. "Monks is Oliver's older brother. His father married a woman by the name of Agnes Fleming, Oliver's mother."

"What? No way!" Mr. Brownlow gasped.

"What? They're related?" I shouted.

"Be quiet!" Nancy hissed and I apologized as she turned back to Mr. Brownlow, who has a look of shock on his face. It's probably because Oliver has a criminal for a brother. What a small world. "As I was saying, they are related, and have the same father, but different mothers."

"I noticed that the two look a little alike. It's probably the hair color and skin tone, but it's also the nose that's similar."

"Yes, they do look a little alike." Then she turned to me, "Anissa, you have to listen to me. Monks is a horrible man, but his father preferred Oliver over him. Their family was rich, and the father wanted to give the family inheritance to Oliver; he said if Oliver was apart of any criminal affliction, he wouldn't get the fortune. Monks wants him dead, and if it ain't Fagin or Bill, it'll be Monks himself!"

"What?" I gasped. No wonder why I got a bad feeling about him. "I knew that there was something about him. It's the way he looks at people. It's like he's trying to read them, but then he'll deceive them at the same time. It's kind of like he tricks people into getting what he wants."

"That's what he's doing!" Nancy whispered but cried out at the same time. "I think he's using Fagin and Bill to get to Oliver because he hates Oliver with a passion! It's because of his father, but Monks doesn't want to share the family fortune, he wants it all for himself."

"Then that means that as long as, Oliver, is alive, he'll never get it." Mr. Brownlow stated.

"Right, and I have to stop him from doing so. I also need to stop Fagin and Bill because they too want to kill Oliver."

"Why?" I asked, horrified. Julia will never believe this! This is horrible! Who in the world would want to kill their family member? Or have them die?

"Oliver was framed, and, Mr. Brownlow, has been looking for him. Bill thinks that Oliver will peach on them, so he wants to drown him in the river!" Nancy turned her head to the side and squeezed her eyes tight, but then opened them five seconds later. "The only way they'll succeed is killing me first. I won't let them lay a hand on Oliver or Julia, Anissa, you can count on it."

I smiled, feeling tears form in my eyes, "Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate that, and I thank you for helping me."

Nancy smiled back, "It's my pleasure. The three of you aren't fit for thieving. It isn't a blessing, it's a sin, and it won't get you anywhere. The only place it'll get you is in jail or hanged if you're caught. I should know, I was once a thief, and at the tender age of fourteen, I became a stupid prostitute, and it haunts me to this very day." She looked away in shame.

I gasped and grabbed her arm, "Don't worry, Nancy, everything will be okay." Wow, she was a prostitute, that's new. Everyone learns something new every day? But why did she become a prostitute? Fagin probably forced her to be one. I scoffed at that thought. I wonder if Fagin would turn Julia and me into prostitutes? I gulped at that thought. Oh Lord, who knows what Dodger would do to Julia if she became one? Not that she would.

"Can you tell me more about this Monks guy and this woman that's Oliver's mother?" Mr. Brownlow asked, ignoring the touching moment between us two girls.

"Somehow, Monks is a friend with one of our other pickpockets, a man with ginger hair and about ten years older than himself. Oliver's mother, I know nothing about."

"I have something to tell you, Miss." Mr. Brownlow muttered to Nancy.

As she asked him what he wants to tell her, I turn to look at the staircase and felt like someone, or something is watching us. I don't know why, but I do. Before I could stop myself, I blurted, "I'll go and make sure that no one is spying, or watching us, I should say."

"Alright, be careful," Nancy warned.

As they began to talk to each other again, I went to see if anyone is spying or watching us. I got to the top of the stairs and before I could turn, someone grabbed me by the waist and put their hand over my mouth. They pulled me by the corner of the building with me kicking, thrashing, and trying to scream with their hand over my mouth. The mysterious pulled me over to some tall buildings, covered with darkness and only one street light. Then, I got free of their grasp, and turned around, seeing the culprit is the one and only Artful Dodger.

...

ANISSA'S POV

"Anissa, what are you doing?"

Great, Dodger's here. How did he know that I'd be here? How did they get into my room? I had a piece of paper on my desk! How did he—wait a minute—that's what he was up too all along! How much did he hear? "I'm obviously with, Nancy. Why are you here?" I put my hands on my hips. "I guess you are smart after all."

He smirked, "Well, thank you for your compliment. I'll remember it for when you're done for." Then he narrowed his eyes. "I was sent by Fagin. I had no idea you were peaching on Oliver, Monks, and him." He crossed his arms. What does he mean by 'I'll remember it for when you're done for?' Hm, he's probably just trying to scare me, which isn't working.

"Well, I am. What's it to you?"

"I can't believe you're peaching. I knew you were up to something, and I had the feeling that it was about us, but I didn't know it was this bad. Is that what you were telling Julia a few days ago?"

"Why does it matter?" Wow, he basically knew all along. I guess he's a lot smarter than he appears to be. If he partly knew the entire time, then that means, Fagin, Charley, Nicky, and Jackson must have too.

"You're lucky I didn't find out sooner."

"Please, you just said that you knew it was about us. If you knew, then why did you follow me?"

"I wanted to make sure you were doing what I thought you were. Since Julia refused to tell me, Fagin wanted me to dodge you. I can see why. You even turned Nancy against us."

"She hates what you did to Oliver. He doesn't belong to you, and neither does Julia and I. And speaking of my best friend, I heard what you said to her." I scowled, "I'm warning you, stay away from her."

"What are you talking about?"

"I heard what you said to her; that you would make sure she would never ever leave. How could you say that?"

"We knew you two would peach if we let you out alone, and that's what you did." Dodger pointed a finger at me. "Do you realize the mistake you've just made? You're going to get Julia into huge trouble and she didn't do anything." Then he paused. "Why would she lie to me about something like this?" He sounds aggravated. Though, I can't really blame him.

"Because she's my friend and she would never, ever, peach!"

He leaned me toward the wall, "Look Miss; you're in huge trouble. Because of you, we're all in big trouble. Especially, Oliver and Julia. We're taking them with us. You didn't think that much did you?"

"Actually, I did. I'm going to help them escape, and you'll never see us again." I assured. He actually thinks I haven't thought all of this through.

"It doesn't work like that. Have you forgotten? Or are you just plain stupid? Oh, right, you were never around, so you wouldn't know how the police work around here."

"What are you inclining?"

"If the traps don't believe you, you may reach your fate and be hanged. When you're hanged, you'll never see your lovely friend again. Did you ever think of the consequences that could be put on her? Did ya?"

I looked down, realizing that I could get Julia in a lot of trouble, especially with Fagin, even Sikes. Wow, I guess I don't have all of this figured out like I thought I did. "Why didn't Julia say to me what you're telling me? She told me to stop, and I didn't want too. How come you know all of this and she doesn't?" Or does she? She does know! She obviously didn't tell me for a reason, but why?

"She's just like you. She doesn't know a thing about the traps, and I'm reckoning that's one of the reasons why she stays. Plus, I know that she'd never peach on us. You know, Schreiber, she said to me that she wasn't going to tell you that what your doing is a lose-lose situation because she said you have to figure it out all on your own."

"Figure out what?" I raised an eyebrow.

"That every action you take has a consequence to it, and you're always thinking about yourself. You never think and stop for a minute to see what can happen. You think that everything will be okay after this, but nothing will because the traps won't believe you. Then, you'll be hanged!"

I gasped, "I won't be hanged!" Julia should have told me all of this, but she is right. Even if she did, I wouldn't have listened. I'm so stupid! Maybe I'll get away with this! The police will believe me, won't they?

"I bet you will."

"The traps will believe me."

"No, they won't," Dodger said confidently. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Okay, I haven't thought all of this through and I hate to admit it, but Dodger's right. What if the traps don't believe me? What if Sikes find out? What will he do to Nancy, Julia, or, Oliver? What about that Monk's guy? What will he do? What is he capable of? "I'm going to Fagin." Dodger went to turn around.

"No, Dodger, you can't."

"I can, and I will." He turned to face me. "He told me to do this and I know the truth. You were going to peach this entire time. I can't believe I thought, Julia, was the enemy at first."

"Julia was going to escape and take Oliver with her and start her own life, but she didn't, and you know why? Because she was scared of the risk, so she forgot about it."

"Because unlike you, she uses her brain." Dodger hissed. "Besides, she already knows that if she did leave, I'd go out to look for her, and I know that she doesn't have the heart to tell on me." Then he grinned. Uh-oh.

"Isn't it obvious? She fears you." At least I think she does. I can't let him believe that she likes him because I know she does. If he finds out, he'll make sure that she's always with him, and friends and family come first.

"Unlike you, she knows how to listen; and she actually argues with me quite a lot. You miss out on all the fun." He smirked. "And you think that she fears me? I'm only half of what Sikes is like."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Sikes is the evilest criminal in the world. When he's dead, I'll be next."

"And you're actually proud of that title? Wow, Dodger, you're a real piece of work."

He scoffed, "Just be lucky that Sikes isn't here because if he was, he would have killed you already."

"Say what you want I'm not listening. I'm warning you, let Julia go."

"Why? So you could run off and squeal? I don't care about you."

"Oh, so you like Julia?"

"I never said that."

"Please, Dodger, your nothing but a fake and a coward! I heard you say that you like her to Charley, and I know that you won't let her go because you love her. She doesn't like you, not to mention that you're not her type." I know that's a lie. I know she likes him.

"So what if I like her?" He asked, narrowing his eyes at me a little bit. Ha, I got him! "Is it a crime to like someone?"

"Why don't you just tell her?"

"I don't like her in that way. You're making up stories." He replied in a weird tone of voice. I have him twisted around my pinky finger.

"Please, Dodger, don't give me that nonsense. You do like Julia, but you're upset because she most likely doesn't like you back. She doesn't like bad boys like you, she likes charming, nice, and cute guys. Don't worry, when the traps find you guys' we'll finally be free."

"Oh yeah, and what happens if they don't?" He asked. I sulked because I didn't think of that. Wow, I'm really getting everyone and myself into trouble. It was supposed to be, Fagin, only, and maybe, Dodger if I got around to him, but no one else. "You'll never see your friend again. And when they think you lied, they'll hang ya."

"It's the truth, and I'll make sure they find you."

"Oh, really?" Dodger began to pressure me, "Try me, but this is your last warning."

"Don't threaten me."

"I'm not threatening you. You just made a big mistake, and you're going to pay for it."

"How?" I asked.

"I'm going to tell Fagin, and when I do, we'll be gone. The traps are too stupid to look too far and when they don't find us, they'll think you lied. When they think that, you'll be put to death." He said the last few words slowly.

"Run away, I don't care, but you're not taking Julia with you."

"Yes, I am and you can't do anything about it. You opened up your big mouth and deserve punishment for it."

"No, you deserve punishment for kidnapping us! We weren't going to tell anybody because we were too scared. If Julia says that she isn't going to tell then she won't, but you're too stupid to realize that."

"It's not her that I'm worried about, it's you." He barked. Wow, I never knew he could get this angry.

"Don't worry Dodger, after this blows over, I'll be gone with Oliver and Julia."

"They're not going anywhere." Dodger got close and it scared me a little bit, "Fagin won't let Oliver, leave and I won't let Julia!"

"Why not?" I raised my voice

"Julia and you saw us pickpocket and Oliver got framed. At first, we were worried, but we can trust the two of them. It's just you!" He pointed his finger at me. "And unlike you, we care about Oliver and Julia. They have nowhere else to go, and as long as we're alive, they're with us."

"Don't point your finger at me you git, you're not keeping them," I spat, "We were fine on our own until you took us."

"Anissa, who are you talking to?" Nancy asked as she got closer. Then she saw Dodger. "Dodger, what are you doing here?" She questioned, with shock and confusion in her voice and facial countenance.

"Nancy, Fagin sent him here. He's going to tell on us and take Oliver and Julia with him!"

Nancy looked at me, and then she turned to Dodger with a scared expression on her face.

"Nancy you betrayed us." Dodger coaxed with betrayal in his voice.

"I did what was best for Oliver, Anissa, and Julia," Nancy admitted.

"What's best for Oliver and Julia?" Dodger asked, "What's best for the two of them is with us. Did you really think we would let them go that easily?"

"Dodger, look, I only mentioned, Fagin, Monks, and Oliver."

"But why, Nancy? And what does Monks have anything to do with the gang and your disloyalty?"

"Fagin and Bill are going to kill him, Dodger. I can't let them do that." Nancy teared up. "Monks wouldn't let them do it because he wants to get rid of Oliver all by himself!"

"You're lying! They aren't going to hurt him!" Dodger snapped.

"Yes, they are, Dodger." I said, "And I don't want it to happen to Julia either. That's one of the reasons why we told Mr. Brownlow."

"Why would they want to hurt him? He hasn't done anything."

"Dodger, Monks is related to Oliver!" Nancy cried out.

Dodger stared at her, "I heard everything you said. Monk's father had an affair with his mother, Agnes Fleming. His father preferred Oliver over him and wanted to give the boy the family fortune. However, he said that if Oliver had a part in criminal affairs, Oliver wouldn't get it. When Oliver was framed and was taken by Mr. Brownlow, Monks realized that his brother would get the fortune, so now he wants him dead. And you know what?" He glared at her, "I don't believe you!"

I gasped for two reasons. The first is how Dodger remembers all of that information since he's never been to school, and the second is how he doesn't believe Nancy. Is he serious? Though, I don't blame him. She just ratted out, Fagin, Monks, Oliver, and a little bit of, Bill, just a little.

Nancy teared up a little, "What? Dodger—"

"How should I after you just gave us away like that?" Dodger interjected.

"I know, and you have every right to be mad at me."

Dodger faced her, "We're not going to hurt them, we never intended too. I can't believe that you'd lie like that. First, you peach on us, and then you make up lies to get, Fagin, Monks, and the rest of us into trouble. How could you do that?"

Nancy sighed, "Dodger, listen to me—"

"You two are in serious trouble, especially after I tell Fagin about you two peaching and making such lies!" I gasped as Nancy stared at Dodger with shock, sadness, and guilt. "Did you ever think that Fagin would get skeptical? Well, he did because he had me come here. You two aren't as sneaky as you think you are."

"Anissa, run, get to the traps," Nancy said.

"But—"

"Go!" She shouted at me.

"What about Mr. Brownlow?"

"When you left, I told him to go in the morning where more people will be out to help him. You need to leave because you're in danger right now, and I don't want to lose you because I have the feeling that we'll lose Julia and Oliver since the gang will run away and leave town. You helped me, and I helped you, and you can't stop now. I did my part, now you do yours. This is your chance to get away. Run, and don't look back!"

I listened to her with no thought and ran the opposite way, not stopping as Dodger failed in trying to grab me. The only thing I thought about was Julia, Oliver, and the traps. I didn't think all this through! How could I have been so stupid? Of course, Dodger knew, he just needed proof; and Fagin did get suspicious. A person doesn't have to be educated to have common sense. I'm going to get everyone into huge trouble, and I never intended for that to happen. Nancy only did this because of me, and she probably never would have if it wasn't for my selfishness. I turned the corner and ran down the street as quickly as I could, with tears beginning to form in my eyes. There's no turning back now.

...

JULIA'S POV

I am sitting down at the table with Charley. I'm up because I couldn't sleep. Fagin and Bill are upstairs checking on Oliver. I sighed and closed my eyes because I'm getting tired. I wonder how Nancy and Anissa reacted to seeing Dodger? Maybe they didn't see him. I hope they're okay because Dodger's been gone for a while. What if Anissa and Nancy got hurt, or went to the traps? What about Mr. Brownlow? From downstairs, a door slammed closed and loud footsteps were heard.

"Fagin," A voice cried out silently at midnight. "Fagin!"

I looked up and saw Fagin and Bill come down the stairs as Charley stood up and put a hand on my right shoulder.

"Is that, Dodger?" Bill asked. He turned to Fagin, "You said he was sick, Fagin."

"He must be better," Fagin replied lamely.

Did Dodger run in looking scared? I can't believe it. Dodger, scared? That's a first. Why would he be scared? He pretty much knew that Anissa was peaching all along. What exactly was said there?

"What's gotten into you, Dodger?" Bill asked. Dodger saw the two adults. His eyes widened a little, not knowing that Bill Sikes was going to be here, uninvited.

"I need to speak to Fagin alone."

"What is it, Dodger?" Fagin got close. "Come on, tell me. What did they do?"

"Nancy and Anissa," Dodger began in a whisper. Unfortunately, Bill heard him.

"What about them? What about Nance? What's gotten into her?" Bill threw out questions. Charley's grip on my shoulder tightened and he glanced at me as my heart began beating out of my chest.

"I'm in huge trouble now," I mumbled.

Charley heard me, "Don't worry, Little Lady, I'll make sure Bill doesn't hurt you."

"Oh yeah? And what about Anissa and Nancy?"

"Well, that's a whole different story." He rubbed my shoulder as I sighed and turned back to the scene in front of me.

"Bill, I had him do some work for me."

"What do you mean? What type of work?"

"I had him dodge Nancy and Anissa."

Here it comes.

"What about them? Say it." Bill got closer.

"Only to Fagin."

"It's okay, my boy. Let Bill know."

"But it isn't intended for him. The only person I'm supposed to tell is you, Fagin." Dodger glared at, Bill, who hovered over him, and he went from courageous to scared. He began to back up, but Bill took a step up toward him.

"Come on, Dodger, I'm a friend, aren't I? You can and will tell me."

Dodger sighed in defeat. "She met an old man, a gentleman." He began, "And,"

"And what? Say it, will ya?!" Bill shouted, impatiently causing me to jump and for Charley to put an arm around me. I didn't question it, I moved closer to him, never knowing that he can be so serious and caring. I'm starting to regret being mean to him.

"She peached! She told of Fagin, Oliver, and Monks!"

"What?" Bill asked, but he sounded more shocked and betrayed than angry.

"She did. Worst of all, Anissa was there too. Nancy made up lies about Monks. She told the man how Monks is related to Oliver, and that he wants Oliver dead because his own father had an affair with Oliver's mother. The father was rich and said Oliver would get their family fortune unless he was part of criminal actions, so Monks wants him dead so he can have the fortune to himself." Dodger finished "Can you believe that she lied just to get us into more trouble?"

"And what of the gentlemen?" Bill questioned with anger fully shown in his voice.

"The older gentleman is going to the traps, now, tonight."

Fagin's eyes widened, but he didn't say anything. I felt Charley looking at me as Dodger glared at and shook his head. Dodger's really mad at me now, not that I blame him. I bet he'd do the same if he didn't want to live a certain way. And is what Nancy said about Monks true? How would she know? He and Bill are friends but he couldn't have just told her, could he? She had to find out somehow. Though, I never trusted him anyway. I knew that there was something off about him. I believe Nancy; she wouldn't lie.

Bill turned to me, "You knew this whole time that those two were peaching and you never told? I told you to listen to Dodger and I bet he asked you. Not just that, your stupid friend just lied about Monks! Who does she think she is?"

Charley pulled me behind him, "Bill, we're dealing with Anissa, the Queen of Secrets. She probably didn't want Julia to tell. Besides, I'm pretty sure Julia didn't know the whole gist of it." Whoever knew Charley could be so protective? Dodger glanced at me but said nothing.

"Of course she knew the whole gist of it!" Bill shouted.

"Bill, please, let's be reasonable here. Julia is with us, isn't she? That tells us that she is loyal and can be trusted."

"It doesn't matter; Julia should have told Dodger when he asked her."

"Bill, don't blame Julia. She was trying to be a good friend." Fagin scolded.

"I didn't tell anyone because Anissa needed to figure out that it's a lose-lose situation. Even if she told, all of you could have been hanged, her and Nancy would be in trouble either way, and we'd be out in the streets, or with Mr. Brownlow, but it won't make anything better. She has to think about others and stop being narcissistic and selfish for once." I stepped in, "Besides, they knew all along, and everyone knew I'd never say anything, so they should have told you."

Dodger and Fagin looked at me and then at each other. Fagin sighed and shook his head as Dodger turned away, face looking down at the dirty floor.

Bill looked at me, "You still should have told Dodger."

"Didn't you hear what I just said? He already knew!" I raised my voice, causing Bill to come closer and for Charley to back himself and me up.

"Julia knew but she didn't want to rat us out, and even if she did escape or go about all on her own, she'd never peach on us." Dodger looked up, stopping Bill. "But she knew. Don't get mad at her Bill, we pressured her to tell us, but she wouldn't. I found out for, Fagin, didn't I? She's right, we kind of had an idea of what the two were doing, but she wouldn't tell us anything. That's why Fagin wanted me to dodge the two of them."

Bill went to walk out but Fagin stepped in front of him blocking the door, with Dodger next to the old man, "Bill no violence, no violence!"

"Where's Anissa?" Bill asked.

"Nancy told her to run to the traps. She's going to tell on us." Dodger answered.

I can't believe what I'm hearing. I already know about Nancy and Anissa peaching, but running to the traps? Isn't that Mr. Brownlow's job? Is what Nancy said about Monks true? Is he really related to Oliver? It does make sense because they look a little alike.

"I'm leaving. Nancy's in trouble," Bill said coldly. "And so is Anissa. If I find her, I'll deal with her." He stomped to the door to open it.

I went to leave to go and find Anissa, but Charley put his arm out, blocking my path and not allowing me to leave. I decided to stay behind him because I'm not in the mood to argue with him. Plus, it's probably better that I stay behind. The thing I don't get is why Bill isn't attacking me? He could have pushed Charley out of the way and hit me for disrespecting him and not saying anything about what Anissa and Nancy were up too, but he didn't. That's weird.

"Bill, let me speak a word!" Fagin pleaded.

"Let me out!" Bill got louder, "Let me out!"

"Hear me speak a word."

"It's not safe!" Bill shouted. Fagin tried to stop him, by repeating what he said a few seconds ago, but he was pushed into Dodger by the angry criminal. Bill barged out of the house. Fagin and Dodger ran out the door and stood by the staircase watching Bill leave, knowing that they can't do anything.

"Don't be too violent, Bill!" Fagin shouted. There was a slam at the door. I'm happy that I stayed behind Charley.

Dodger glared at me, "And you're lucky you weren't there. It's a good thing you're smart. You should have told me when I asked you. I told you if you did, you wouldn't be in trouble. Now you are."

I glanced into the living room where two of the younger boys were looking at me, whispering to one another. The other two were asleep, unaware of everything—how they didn't wake up from all the yelling, who knows?—and others were downstairs.

"Dodger, don't blame Julia." Charley defended me, "I bet she tried to stop Anissa. Secret Keeper didn't listen, so it's her that should suffer the consequences from the traps and Bill, not Julia."

The boys' were in the other room and Fagin said, "Boys, pack up! We're staying with Toby Crackit for a while! Charley, wake the others downstairs!" Why he didn't tell Dodger to do it, I have no idea.

The four younger boys' ran around the house, gathering their things as, Charley, ran downstairs to wake the others. I went to go and find Anissa, but Dodger grabbed my arm.

"Let me go!" I shouted.

"No, Anissa might be free but you're not. You're coming with us." He hissed.

"Why? I didn't do anything!"

"You did enough to get yourself into trouble by not saying anything. If you said something to us before, we could have gotten rid of, Anissa."

"That's another reason why I didn't rat her out to you! Either way, all of us will lose something important, so why did it matter?"

"Because if we're caught, we'll all be in trouble, including you!" Dodger snarled. That's when I saw the anger in his eyes. I know he's mad at me, but Anissa's my friend, and we always keep each other's secrets, but it wasn't really a secret. She even said to tell them, but I didn't. I guess it is my fault. He dragged me with him and said, "Pack your things."

I started to pack my things as Fagin opened the door and shouted in fear, "Flee, Flee, the traps will be here any minute!"

Dodger ran out, holding my arm and the boys followed.

"What? The traps?" Cameron asked.

"What happened?" Jake questioned as I heard Nicky mumble to Jackson, "I guess it's true."

I narrowed my eyes. What did he mean by that? What does he know? Did he already have an idea of what Anissa and Nancy were doing? That's when I realized something. I tried to get out of Dodger's grip, but he's too strong.

"OLIVER!" I shouted. Where is he? Dodger kept dragging me along. "ANISSA!" I shouted five seconds later.

"Be quiet!" Dodger hissed at me. Wow, he really is mad at me.

Fagin caught up to us, holding onto Oliver's arm and the gang followed behind us. Phew, he's safe, but none of us will be for long. We stood at the corner, waiting for carriages to come by. Dodger stood to my left and Charley at my right. Charley looked at me and smiled, and I returned it. We're in huge trouble now, I just hope that whatever happens, no one gets hurt. Anissa knows nothing about the police, so she really doesn't know what she's getting herself into.

...

NORMAL POV

Bill pushed past people in the streets, ignoring their comments. All he cared about was getting vengeance on Nancy and Anissa for opening their mouths. Even if the traps don't find them, he doesn't want to risk anything. He walked into his house, opened the door, and slammed it. Nancy shot out of bed in her pajamas and hugged him, seeing that he's upset about something, a candle lit in her hand.

"Bill, what is it? Tell me!" she said frantically. He sent her a killer glare and she wrapped her arms around him, wanting to know what was wrong.

"You were watched tonight. Everything you said was heard!" He shook with anger.

Nancy's eyes widened. How could Dodger tell Bill? Unless he was forced too. "I never said anything about you, Bill. Never." She sounded startled, moving back.

He grabbed her hair and she yelped, "Not only did you tell on Fagin and the others, you had Schreiber help you!"

"It was her idea!" Nancy shouted at him and his eyes widened. "She wanted to leave, and she told me that she wants Fagin and the others, gone. She wants them in jail for their crimes and that we should tell on them. At first, I thought it was a bad idea, but I care for them. Oliver is a sweet, innocent boy, and the three of them deserve better. So, I helped her!"

Bill threw her onto the floor and her arms scraped the wood, and she winced. "You even made lies about Monks!"

"Lies?" She shouted, "Lies? You were there when he told me that he wants Oliver dead!"

"I know how you think, Nancy. I'm not stupid! You think he's using us, don't you? You think he's using us to get to Oliver."

"He is, Bill."

"Stop lying! Just give it up!"

"They aren't lies! They're facts, and you should know that because I speak only the truth! He wants Oliver for himself. And I bet that he'll peach on you any day so he can have Oliver all to himself!"

"You don't know that!" Bill shouted.

She stood up, "I do too! If a person wants someone dead, they'll want to do it themselves, unless it's a conspiracy!" Then she pointed a finger at him, "This isn't a conspiracy, it's a one on one person crime, and Monks will do anything to have Oliver gone. I think he wants all of you gone as well. He's a criminal Bill, and criminals usually work alone and want the best title out of the others. And do you want to know something? After this is all over, you won't have that title anymore."

"You're so foolish!" Bill them picked up a wooden stick and Nancy cried out, "Oh god, help me!" Then he began hitting her as Bulls-eye began to bark.

Bill hit her over and over, seeing that she stopped moving, but he doesn't care. He's too angry that she betrayed him, and not just that, if she is right about, Monks, then he'll kill, Monks, first, then, Anissa and Oliver. "Fagin can keep, Julia. They can do whatever they please. She hasn't done a thing, so she won't meet my wrath, not now at least." Then he stopped beating, Nancy, and stared at her bloody body on the floor, seeing that she's dead, and he doesn't feel any remorse.

...

JULIA'S POV

It's been about five minutes since we've been standing at the curb. All of a sudden, Fagin waved at two carriages coming by. No one is out, just some elders, police, a few teens, and prostitutes. Most grandparents, parents, and children are inside sleeping. The carriages stopped, opened the doors and Dodger shoved me a little into the second one.

"Ow, what the hell did you do that for?"

"Don't say a word," Dodger whispered to me.

"You didn't answer my question."

Charley pushed past. Dodger grabbed my arm and dragged me into the carriage. Dodger took a seat next to me and I punched him, and he rubbed his arm, glaring at me. Nicky and Jackson got in and sat down, as the driver gave a questioning looks at what has just happened, but minded his business. Fagin told our driver to get to East London River, and went into the first carriage with Oliver and the smaller boys'. Then, both of the carriages took off.

"Dodger, why are we leaving?" Jackson whispered.

"I'll tell you later," Dodger answered, looking straight ahead.

The boys looked at Dodger and then at each other. They weren't paying attention when Dodger told Bill and Fagin that Nancy and Anissa went to Mr. Brownlow. They were either playing cards and sleeping when Fagin told them to pack their things. I looked out the window, hoping that Anissa's okay.

"Dodger, why are we going to Toby's?" Nicky asked. The driver glanced at us again, but turned away, not saying a word.

"I'll tell you two when we get there."

"Is it true, Dodger? Everything you told us, did it actually happen?" Jackson questioned.

"I said I'll tell you two when we get to Toby's." He replied and then he looked at me and took my arm.

"Get off my arm," I whispered.

"No, when we get out, I'll keep ahold of your arm until we get inside so I know you won't run away."

"I don't see why you're mad at me; I wasn't a part of anything."

"I'm not mad at you," Dodger replied, quietly.

"Whatever." I turned to the window.

"I'm annoyed because you wouldn't tell me when I asked you too. I never knew it was this bad."

"Fine, be mad at me. I don't care anymore." I snapped but still looked out the window. "Besides, if you were in the situation that Anissa was in, you'd do the same thing. And I told you why I didn't tell you anything. Open your ears a little more, clean them out, and then maybe you'll learn something."

I heard the others snicker as Dodger rolled his eyes with a sigh and turn away, but he didn't release his grip off of my arm. The driver narrowed dark eyes at us suspiciously but didn't say anything. After about five minutes, we were on the other part of town and the boys got off as Fagin paid the carriage drivers. Wow, he actually paid for something.

I was about to get off, but the driver stopped me and I looked at him. "If there's trouble, then I apologize."

I faked a smile, "Oh, it's nothing serious." But he didn't seem to believe me. I got off and he drove away, not saying anything to me.

It took about ten minutes to get to, Toby's, house. We crossed a bridge and walked down the alleyway and turned right and went straight. We saw a building and Fagin knocked on the door. Someone came down and opened it. A man with ginger, curly hair in a black hat, a red coat, and brown knee-high boots, tan pants, and a vest looked at us. He's very tall, at least 6'2.

"Fagin, what brings you here?" The man asked surprised.

"Toby, Nancy and Anissa peached. Not just that, I'm suspicious about Monks. Apparently, Nancy has talked to him before. She said to some man that he's Oliver's brother and wants to kill the boy because of their family's fortune."

"Really? Wow, that's interesting. Now, what of this fortune?"

"She said that Oliver's mother had a relationship with Monks' father, who favored, Oliver over him. Now, I don't know if it's true or not, but I don't want to risk anything. We need to stay here until it passes." Fagin explained to him in a whisper, but I heard it since Dodger and I were close to the two of them. The boys aren't listening anyway, there talking to each other about what happened earlier. I glanced to see Nicky glaring at me, and Jackson nudged him. I sighed and looked away, this is going to be a long week.

I turned back to see Toby nodding at Fagin. "Alright boys and girl, come on in." The ginger-haired man replied and we walked up two flights of stairs and entered a living room with a couch near the door, a couch in the middle and on the sides of the room, and a small table in the middle. There's also a fireplace on the wall next to the couch near the door. "Let me get the mattresses' I've kept." He disappeared for a second and came back with four, mattresses. He put two in the middle of the room, one near the couch on the right side of the room, and one near the fireplace. "Alright, pick a mattress, any mattress, but I don't have enough for all of you since Fagin's gang used to be smaller. Some of you will have to sleep on the couches."

Dodger dragged me to the mattress behind the couch on the right side of the room. The boys' put their coats on the couch next to where Dodger and I will be sleeping next to and hopped into the mattresses. I took my shoes off and turned to the wall, away from Dodger. I didn't take the blanket because I don't want to look at Dodger, even though I'm freezing. I curled up a little bit and tried to close my eyes.

After about ten minutes, Dodger shook my shoulder, "Julia, I'm sorry." He whispered. "You're right, I shouldn't have blamed you."

I turned and looked at him, but didn't say anything. I turned my head back to the wall. He sighed and put the blanket on the both of us and was still after that. I felt him snuggle near me, but I closed my eyes and fell asleep after that.

...

FAGIN'S POV

Toby, Barney, and I are in Toby's bedroom with the lights on and the door closed. I was pacing around the room. I can't believe that Anissa and Nancy peached on us! Me! Even, Monks! I'm not so sure if Monks is who Nancy said he is, but I'm having second opinions about him. I never really trusted him that much. Dodger was right, he told me that he had the feeling that Anissa was telling on us but he wasn't sure, so he wanted to wait and see what would happen.

I was in the kitchen at midnight, putting some things away before I go to bed when I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. I turned around to see Dodger enter the kitchen in his pajamas.

"Dodger, what do you want to talk about?" I questioned. Dodger goes to bed the same time as the elder boys. But when he wants to talk to me privately about something very serious and important, he waits until everyone is asleep. I'm surprised that he didn't wake Julia up because she's in his room until this whole Anissa and Nancy thing passes over, but Dodger is, The Artful Dodger, for a reason.

He looked at me and said, "I need to talk to you about Anissa."

"Well, my dear, let us both sit down and have a small chat then." Then we both sat down at the table across from each other. "What do you want to talk about?"

He stared at me with his usual, serious expression. "I think I know what's going on with her."

I looked at him with some interest. "Really? And what's that thought that you have?"

"I think she's...peaching." He whispered.

I shot up and my hands hit the table and Dodger jumped in his seat. "What? What makes you think that, my boy?"

"I just have a feeling. There's a reason why you're having me dodge her, Fagin. Come one, even Nancy's been acting a little strange, and she's a good one."

"She is, isn't she? Well, she was, and it's not just Schreiber, Oliver and Julia have been a little off also, haven't they?" I thought for a moment.

Dodger nodded, "I don't know about Oliver, he seems the same; it's just Julia. She's been more secretive and hasn't been listening to me as much as she used too. Anissa's starting up trouble, and we have to do more than just having me dodge her. Besides, Julia won't tell us what's going on because she said that Anissa needs to realize that her actions and choices aren't the best. It's a lose-lose situation for Anissa, and Julia's right."

"Julia said that?" I asked, astonished. I never thought of her as stupid, but she's going against her friend a little, and that's pretty amusing.

"Yes, she did. I think she makes a fair point because she'll get punished by those around her. Don't worry, if Anissa's stupid enough to go on and take the risk to peach on us, she'll waste everyone's time since we'll be gone. The traps don't look far anyway, so she's in for a huge surprise."

I smirked. Dodger's a good one, raised by me of course. But even though he isn't a proper gentleman, or doesn't have proper education, he's got common sense, a lot of it. "You're right, my boy. You see, maybe, just maybe, we can give her to Bill."

"I already told you that's a bad idea. He'll kill her, and then who knows what'll happen with Julia. If we give her friend away, she'll go running after her, and at first, I didn't think we could trust Julia, but I do now. I know she won't do us harm, but I think she wants to leave Fagin. We can't keep her trapped here forever. Just take my word and my thought, let me be your eyes and let me find out what's going on with the girls because Julia won't say anything, so we need to figure this out by ourselves. After that, then we'll get rid of Anissa because if she goes to the police we can escape. Besides, the traps don't go far, and when they don't find us, they'll think she lied, and then she'll be sent to the gallows. It will be only after that she'll realize that she has to be careful of her actions and decisions because they can affect and hurt those around her."

I grinned, let out a chuckle and patted him on the shoulder, "I like the way you think, Dodger."

He smiled, "I learned from the best. Well," then he stood up, "I have to get to bed, it's getting late, and I'm pretty tired."

I stood up also, "Of course, my dear, get a good night's sleep. Oh, by the way, my boy, if you need help with Julia just let me know." I smiled.

Dodger blushed, "Um, sure, I'll let you know." Then he turned around and went downstairs.

I smiled to myself. I've raised many boys' in my life, and a few girls', but if there's one thing I know about boys', it's if they like a girl. I know that Dodger and Julia like each other, and I think all the boys' have noticed, but no one has said anything, not yet at least. I just hope that Bill doesn't find out because he'll test Dodger to see how much he likes her. I've also been questioning Charley and Anissa, but I doubt that Charley likes her. He treats everyone the same. Even the girls' he liked, he treated them like everyone else, so he's a little difficult to figure out. I sighed, feeling more tired than I was a few minutes ago. I turned off the lights and slowly went into my bedroom, since I have had problems, and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

"Fagin,"

I was taken out of my flashback, stopped walking around, and looked up at, Toby and Barney. I sighed and felt my forehead, able to feel how sweaty it is. "Oh dear, oh dear, I'm so nervous, I'm sweating!"

"Yes, we can see that. You've been walking my room back and forth for ten minutes." Toby pointed out the obvious.

"I can't believe Dodger was right!" I cried out, startling the two. "Anissa did peach on us."

"Why wouldn't he be right?" Barney, Toby's friend, asked.

"He had the feeling that Anissa was peaching, but he wasn't sure. He wanted to wait a while, and since Julia wouldn't say anything he found out the hard way."

"You had him dodge the two?" Toby asked.

"I didn't think it would be this bad!"

"Relax, the traps won't come far," Toby replied.

"The man that Dodger and Charley stole from had Oliver, and he knows of us! If they don't believe Anissa, they'll have him since he's a witness. We're all done for!" I threw my hands up in the air. My life must be done for!

"Maybe he doesn't know of you. If he did, we would have gone to the traps a while ago." Toby implied. "Besides, Oliver isn't fit for this life. When he was taken by the man, he seemed to have forgotten all about you."

I was silent for a moment. "You do have a point, but I still think that he knows something about us; stuff Nancy hasn't told him."

"Fagin, even if they do tell the truth, the traps won't go that far anyhow. We're far from London. No one will suspect anything because they only have knowledge of Oliver and Bill, not the rest of us. In fact, they probably forgot all about him!"

"Even if they did, that doesn't mean they won't go out looking."

"Relax, if anything, we just have to watch out for Bill and Monks. Bill is the one that's taking this hard since his love told on you, and Monks does seem like he's hiding things from us. He has too many secrets if you ask me," Barney said.

"Yes, I agree." Toby nodded.

"What if he helps Anissa and says that she's right?"

"I don't think so. Nancy said to that man that he's out to get Oliver, and if he is then he'll try to get rid of Bill since Monks also wants him gone." Toby hypothesized, crossing his arms. "Criminals like Monks will kill anyone who gets in their way of completing their goals. Stay out of Monks' way and you won't be a threat to him."

"I agree with Toby. If anything, Monks'll give out Bill, not us." Barney hoped. "There's too many of us to catch. If they get Bill, we'll have to spread out so we won't be easy to find."

I took a deep breath and sighed, hoping that they are right. Maybe they are, I'm just probably over thinking this. But Nancy doesn't lie, so I'm going to keep Monks at a distance unless he needs a favor of some sort. In the meantime, we'll have to stay here until this all passes over because who knows what'll happen? The traps can be stupid, but it's mostly because they're lazy. They've solved big cases before, I just hope they don't solve this one.

...

ANISSA'S POV

I've been at the police station for an hour or so, and I'm sleeping in one of the cells since the cops let me sleep here tonight. A while ago, I came in yelling that I needed help. It was after, Dodger, found out that, Nancy and I, peached. I'm not that surprised that Dodger didn't follow me; he isn't stupid. If he went after me, the police would have put him in jail. Plus, he went back to tell Fagin that Nancy and I went to tell Mr. Brownlow about the gang. They're probably gone by now, and they have Oliver and Julia with them.

I ran into the police station as fast as I could, and everyone stopped to look at me. "Help, I need help!" The police and elders looked at me as some younger people continued to do what they were doing. Some are filling paperwork, complaints, or other things.

"What's wrong, young lady?" Some elder asked.

"My friend and myself, and some other boy have been kidnapped a while ago by a pickpocket gang! Fagin is the leader."

The elders and the police gasped, "Fagin?" They shouted. The younger people turned and looked at me confused. Of course, they wouldn't know who Fagin is.

"He's still alive?" One asked.

"Apparently so." Another stated.

An officer with blonde hair came up to me. "The man is, Fagin? The wanted pickpocket from the 1700s?"

"Yes, Fagin, and he has my friend named Julia McGrath and a boy named Oliver Twist."

"Wow, he's alive. I would have thought he was sent to the gallows by now." A lady said.

"He's older than his time. No one has heard of him for at least ten to twenty years. I remember a story of a lad that came in and said he was still around, but he was sent to the gallows because there was no evidence, so people suspected that he lied." Another office explained.

"Well, if we find this man, we'll know that child was honest, but not entirely innocent since he joined thieves."

"Yes, if he is still living his life, he's much older; most likely in his seventies."

"How do you know of him? No child of this era knows of the dangers from years ago." One cop demanded to know.

"He had two of his best pickpockets out and thieving. My friend and I saw them at their job, and they kidnapped us. I went with another lady and we told an elder that knows Oliver and one of the pickpockets dodged me; he's gone home to tell Fagin. They have Julia and Oliver. I fear for both of their lives. Please, help me!"

Everyone began talking over each other when a police officer with dark hair came up to me, "Come and follow me. We'll help you, and it'll take your mind away from all the commotion in here."

I smiled and sighed in relief as the man lead me into a room further into the station.

I sighed and cuddled under the covers and looked out the window. Who knows where Fagin and the others are? I just hope that Julia and Oliver are okay because knowing Dodger, he's probably mad at Julia, even though she didn't do anything. It's most likely because she knew that Nancy and I were peaching all along, but Dodger pretty much knew all about it this entire time, so it wasn't that much of a surprise to him. What I don't understand is why Mr. Brownlow hasn't come to the station yet? Well, he's an elder, so he's probably too tired right now, but that doesn't make any sense. She did tell him to go in the morning? Wouldn't a regular human being go to the police right away? Maybe it's because Nancy told me to go to the police station, but he wasn't around when Dodger was...did Nancy know what we would be followed by Dodger? Hm, that's something I have to keep in mind. I turned around onto my back and closed my eyes, feeling safe for once.