March 1902

"Nothing? What do you mean nothing?" Amelia asked, grabbing for the will.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Vanderbilt," said the lawyer.

"Could it be an oversight?" asked Amelia.

"He was very insistent about his," said the lawyer.

"Why? We were married. Why did he change his will this soon? Did he think he was in any danger?"

The lawyer was hesitant. "He did receive threats and was concerned."

"And if something happened to him, he didn't want me to get anything?"

The lawyer swallowed. "He kept getting threatened by streetkids."

Amelia closed her eyes, realizing. She sighed. "So, he really left me nothing."

"That is correct. The money and property goes back to his family. I'm very sorry. If you'd like, I can talk to the family. Due to the nature of his death, they may be willing to provide you some compensation."

"Yeah right." Amelia sighed. "And what about this upcoming trial of the murderer? Do I have to show up?"

"That is up to you, Mrs. Vanderbilt. Though it might look…odd should the widow of the deceased not show up to his murderer's trial."

Amelia sighed and stood up. "Thank you."

The lawyer stood and extended his hand. "I'm very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Vanderbilt. Should you or your family ever need my services, please don't hesitate to call on me." He handed her his card.

Amelia took it and walked out of the law office.

Amelia walked around downtown, until she came upon Tibby's. Through the windows, she could see the newsies talking and laughing. They were happy. They had nothing but each other, and they were happy. She wanted so bad to walk in and join them, but was terrified of being thrown out.

"Amelia?" said a familiar voice behind her.

Amelia turned around. "Hi, Jack," she said.

"Long time, no see," he said, smiling. "Are ya goin' in to see everybody?"

"Oh, I don't think so," said Amelia, shaking her head. "I really ought to be off home."

"Ah, come on," said Jack. "Just come say hi to everyone. I know Baby would kill me if I let you go without getting you in to say hi to her. "

Amelia smiled at him. "Okay. For you."

Jack smiled opened the door for her. A hush fell over the restaurant as she entered. Amelia stood there with Jack, suffering through an awkward silence. No one was sure how to react.

"Amelia!" Specs waved from his table. "Over here – we got a seat for you."

Amelia gave him a grateful smile and she walked over, sitting between Specs and Maggie, who had Sofie on her lap. Skittery, Penny, and Baby were also at the table, and Jack joined them.

"It's good to see you, Amelia," Penny smiled.

"Thanks," said Amelia with a small smile. "It's really good to see you all too." She looked at each person at the table in turn.

"You okay?" Specs asked, putting his hand on her arm.

Amelia looked down and nodded. "I will be."

Lily walked into the restaurant.

"What are you doin' here?" Race grinned.

Lily gave him a kiss. "I'll explain in a bit. Amelia?" Amelia looked up and Lily gestured for her to come over.

Amelia stood up and walked off to the side with Lily. "What is it?"

"I wanted to warn you," said Lily. "No one will be there when you get home tonight. All the staff have been taken to the Long Island house."

"That was fast." Amelia frowned.

"I overheard Mrs. Vanderbilt – your mother in law – talking to the staff about being glad to be rid of you. She was going on and on about the family's money being wasted on poor kids."

Amelia rolled her eyes. "Of course she was. What about you?"

She shook her head. "I quit. I can't go to Long Island. Race and the girls are here," she said. "I'll probably sell papes again. But I wanted to let you know, so you're not surprised when you get home."

Amelia nodded. "Thanks."