Chapter 26: Running Out of Time

Audience POV - - Brooklyn

Spot walked back to the lodging house with a couple of his boys behind him. They were unable to catch Jimmy or the others and since it was pointless to search in the dark, he called them off. This frustrated Spot to no end because he knew Jimmy was working with someone else but didn't know who. He had a feeling that they were very close to finding out when they took off.

Once they reached the lodging house, he stormed through the front door and immediately went to his room to think. However, when he opened the door, he was greeted by an even worse sight.

There, in the middle of his room, was Clover pacing back and forth mumbling to herself. Just the past couple of days she had been feeling better and began to beg Spot to let her help. He decided to give her a simple job that he had hoped would be low key, keeping an eye on Remy. Clover being in his room could only be bad news.

Spot slowly walked across the room, pulling out his cane and slingshot in the process. He sat down on the window sill and crossed his arms in preparation for what he was about to be told. Clover wrung her hat in her hands nervously.

"Everything was going fine at first…she wasn't doing anything or going anywhere. She was hangin round da bridge a lot so I think she was a bit anxious ta get some info but…"

"Where is she Clovah?"

"Well, she went foah a walk and ended up at dat opera house and just sat there foah ages. I finally thought I would just come get you but as I was leavin Jimmy and some 'a his boys came. I couldn't get back to warn Remy but I couldn't leave the ally where I was without bein seen. So I waited and waited and finally got up da stairs b-but…"

"But what?"

"She wasn't there." Spot stood up in alarm and Clover cowered under his stare. "I looked everywhere but I couldn't find her."

"She wit Jimmy?" He tried to control his sudden anxiety but it showed in the sudden climb of his voice.

Clover shook her head. "No. It didn't sound like it. She just got away from me. I'm sorry Spot." Clover dropped her head in shame. Brooklyn Birds don't screw up like she just did and she was sure Spot wouldn't let her go easy.

Spot sighed, "Go ta Hattan and make sure she ain't dere. Den we'll talk."

She nodded and began to leave the room. "And Clover," She slowly turned to face a very stern looking Spot. "If she ain't dere-"

"I'll find her Spot." Clover said this with a little more confidence then she actually held but Spot nodded.

After the door closed behind Clover, Spot collapsed on his bed. It was late but there was no way he would be able to fall asleep, even though he was exhausted. He felt claustrophobic and anxious. Everything was going to plan and he didn't want it to screw up now; not after it was so carefully orchestrated. It was his gut that told him this controlled chaos was about to become just that; chaos.

He just hoped that Remy was staying out of trouble…where ever she was.

Normal POV

I couldn't tell exactly where I was (somewhere around Harlem I guessed) but I knew it was cold; definitely cold. This made me wonder what happened to the warm summer nights as I stood shivering. I had been following Jimmy and his two boys, each roughly pulling Ebony, for the past hour so I was extremely relieved when the Harlem lodging house came into view. That was, until I realized I couldn't go inside with them.

Making sure that Ebony was inside the building for the night, I went to an ally across the street and huddled into a corner for the night.

What a stupid idea this was. What did I think I could do anyway? I decided I would stake the place out for a couple of days; give Spot a chance to find her and save her himself. Then, if things got out of hand, I would have to go in and get Ebony myself. I could just imagine the look on Spot's face if he knew I was doing this. It would probably be a cross between anger at my ignorance and humor at my stupidity.

Why I felt it necessary to help Ebony was beyond me. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I knew she meant something to Spot or that she once meant something to Skittery…and that they both meant the world to me. I chuckled at the thought of Skitts. He would probably laugh at me for thinking I was being stealthy when really, I was just sitting in an ally probably about to freeze to death.

And with those last thoughts, I tried to fall asleep.

Audience POV - - Manhattan

Clover was practically shaking; not only from the cold but from fear. It was late and Remy hadn't come back to the Manhattan lodging house. The boys each said they hadn't seen her that evening and immediately became concerned, especially Skittery and Jack. Skittery, because he was the last one to see her that afternoon and Jack, because he knew he had just lost one of Brooklyn's own in the middle of a fight.

Dreads was the first to speak reason. "I'm suah she's fine. Remy's always been able ta take care 'a herself."

Skittery nodded in agreement but Jack wasn't so easily calmed. He knew more about what was going on in Brooklyn and so he knew that there was more trouble for Remy than thought.

"Let's spread out and see if we can't find her heah befoah youse go back ta Spot." He looked down at Clover.

The girl nodded and took off on her own before any of the boys could protest.

Dreads rolled her eyes at them and followed Clover out. "She can take care 'a herself too Cowboy."

Jack grabbed Dreads and pulled her back into the room. "She ain't invisible. And neithah are youse."

"Jack-"

"Youse stayin heah Dreads. You ain't in Brooklyn no moah; you'll do what I say." Jack pointed to himself proudly and waved for the boys to get going. "We'll be back soon ta report anythin." He cut her off before she could object and ran down the stairs, after the other boys.

Dreads stood back with her arms defiantly crossed.

"You don't get it do you." Switch stepped out from the back of the room and walked towards Dreads. "Dis is biggah den some goil takin a little midnight stroll. Brooklyn's at war wit Jimmy and Remy's da poifect opportunity ta gain da upper hand."

"Jimmy? What?"

"Dreads, deres a hell of a lot more goin on heah den you think so cheese it."

Dreads glared at Switch and mumbled, "If I was in Brooklyn I'd be able ta go…"

Switch scoffed, "Please. Spot wouldn'ta let youse out dere eithah. I know my brothah and he suah as hell don't let his goils out alone."

Dreads furrowed her eyebrows. "Yeah he does. What are you talkin bout?"

"Remy's always talkin bout how he won't let her do this or that…she said it took forevah ta convince him dat she can sell alone." She continued despite the look on Dreads' face. "Why else do youse think I came heah? I couldn't stand him watchin my every move. I don't know why Remy puts up wit it."

"Cause dats different. Remy puts up wit it…" Dreads realized what she was about to say and quickly changed tactics. "I mean, youse his sistah. He's gonna be protective cause he loves ya."

"Wait…" Switch stepped towards Dreads, curious. "What do you know?"

Dreads looked at her anxiously. "Nothin."

"What were youse 'bout ta say?"

A moment of silence passed between them as they each looked at the other, trying to read the other girl's thoughts.

Dreads hesitated. If Remy knew she was about to disclose very personal information, she would probably kill her. But seeing as she wasn't there…

Switch cut off her thoughts with a hopeful smile. "Does she…?"

Dreads smirked and was glad that Switch could guess it so she didn't have to come right out and say it. "I should think it was pretty damn obvious."

"Ah HA!" Switch slammed her fist down on one of the night stands triumphantly. "I knew it."

"I didn't and I can't believe I didn't catch it." Dreads sighed.

"But what 'bout Christopher?"

"Oh, dat ended long ago. Apparently he was da one who ended it."

Switch rolled her eyes. "How typical." Then she suddenly groaned. "Spot's gonna kill me!"

"Why?"

"Cause I was supposed ta be all upset about Fox and keep her heah. And now she's gone and disappeared."

"Wh- You mean…"

"Fox and I didn't break up. Spot just wanted Remy outta Brooklyn."

"Switch, what da hell is goin on?"

The other girl sighed, "Well, I guess it's all gonna come out soon anyway…"

Normal POV- - Harlem

A sudden crash woke me up from my restless sleep. It was still dark so it couldn't have been very long since I had miraculously fallen asleep. As I stood up, I realized it had come from the lodging house where only two lights were still on. I crept closer and heard indistinct shouting then saw the door to the building fly open and slam shut behind Jimmy and his boys. Seeing that they were coming down the street towards me, I threw myself behind some crates and held my breath as they passed. Waiting till I heard no more footsteps, I got up and out of the ally to look over at the lodging house again.

The light in the back of the building was turned out while the last stayed on momentarily. This may have been stupid to assume, but I had a feeling that Ebony was probably in the back room. Again, very little thinking was done as I crouched down and ran over to the back of the building. I couldn't see anything through the dark window but seeing as there was no sign of anyone in the room, I decided to break in.

This is where being a newsy comes in handy. Zig had taught me long ago, how to break into any building through a window. Unfortunately, I didn't have the right tools so I had to improvise.

Grabbing a stick from the ground, I was able to slide the lock and pry the window open. The window creaked loudly as I slid it up so I paused in a cold sweat, waiting for someone to come get me, but no one did. I was able to crawl silently through the window but couldn't cover up the loud thud I made when landing on the floor.

There was movement in the room and a muffled sound but the room was still pitch black so I couldn't see. Practically on the tips of my toes, I began to quietly search the room. "Ebony?" I whispered in hopes of getting some kind of response. My eyes began to adjust to the dark so I could see a figure in the corner of the room, whimpering. I reached forward to grab what I assumed to be Ebony's shoulder but was stopped when someone painfully, grabbed mine instead.

"Gotcha."

Audience POV - - Brooklyn

Spot had long given up on sleeping and was sitting in the main room when Clover came back. She didn't need to say anything as her face gave Spot the news he had been dreading. However, he didn't truly panic until Zig came bursting through the door.

"I found her! She's in Harlem."

"Harlem? What's Devin gots ta do wit dis?"

"Jimmy and Devin are in on it tagethah." He paused before continuing very slowly, "Dey got Remy."

Spot sent a glare to Clover who shrank back and lowered her head. He turned back to Zig.

"We gotta change da plan. Dis ends tonight. Wake da boys."

Zig nodded and ran up the stairs yelling. "Alright boys, wake up! Lets go!"

"And Clover," He looked down at his young bird to find a tear streaked face. "Go tell Dodge ta get his ass ta 'Hatten."

She also nodded and quickly climbed the stairs.

Spot turned to the window and looked out at the clear sky. He knew they were running out of time before Jimmy figured everything out, and fast.

Normal POV - - Harlem

"Well Brooklyn suah is fast at sendin help ain't he." Devin circled me as one of his newsies began tying me to a chair next to Ebony. "I gotta admit I wasn't expectin it…especially a goil. Didn't think he was stupid enough."

He then laughed. "Jimmy's gonna love dis."

After his goon had finished, the two of them left only pausing to coldly remark, "Don't worry goils, we'll keep da windah open so youse can get some fresh air."

"How sweet." I mumbled as the door slammed.

"Remy-" Ebony began.

"Yeah I know, stupid Remy got herself caught."

"No…I-I can't do this anymore. Look at me! He's going to kill me. He's going to kill you! We've got to get out of here."

I couldn't see her too well but she was obviously pretty beat up. There was a lingering smell of blood and I could tell through the way she spoke that she had a fat lip. Who knew what else they had done to her. I shivered as a chill breeze swept through the room.

"Don't worry. I'm sure Spot will come."

She shook her head and began to cry. "No he won't. That's just it. As long as everything goes to plan he won't come and Jimmy will do everything possible to keep any information about you being here from Spot."

"Ebony, Spot ain't stupid enough to stand by while two of his girls go missing. I'd be surprised if he didn't know already." Sadly, I didn't believe my own words. "What's this brilliant plan Conlon's got up his sleeve anyway?" I asked rather crossly.

"Oh it was all a ruse to get Jimmy." She grumbled, "I can't believe I suggested it. I just want to get out of here!"

"What was a ruse?"

"Me. Spot. Everything."

My heart stopped beating for a minute as I tried to comprehend what she just said. "I'm sorry…what?!"

"Yeah, we were just acting as a couple to get Jimmy's attention. I mean, we don't even like each other! It's Skittery that I-" Ebony stopped on account of me struggling with my restraints. "What are you doing?"

I grunted as I tried to pull my hand out from behind my back. "Getting us out of here. If Spot finds out we're both trapped here, he'll send half of New York and someone will get hurt."

"But you said-"

"Yeah well your little secret changes things a bit!" I whispered harshly. I began to painfully wrench my hands from the tightly bound ropes. In my heart of hearts I wanted to think that Spot would react a little differently to me being caught. He just had to. I couldn't believe it was all a fake!

"How did you do that?" Ebony asked in awe as I began to undo my waist.

"It's just a little cooping skill I've picked up on the streets. It's practically required in Brooklyn." I paused to catch my breath before bending down to untie my feet. "You just have to clasp your hands together loosely and push against the rope as they tie it. Pretty simple actually, but most halfwits don't even notice."

I quickly removed my ropes and went to Ebony to begin untying her. After both of us were free, I gathered all the rope and slung it over my shoulder. At Ebony's curious look I shrugged my shoulders. "You never know."

I led the way to the window but she stopped me. "They may be halfwits but they aren't complete morons." She waved me over to the door. "I know they don't keep this door locked cause no one ever uses a key. And I'd be surprised if someone was actually standing guard."

I rolled my eyes as, sure enough, the hallway was empty.

"You'd think they'd at least have one kid out here. Maybe they are complete morons," Ebony said.

I put a finger to my lips to quiet her and she immediately obliged. "They're waiting for Spot. Devin knows Conlon would rather come with blazing fire then quietly in the night. They're all morons."

She had obviously been around the lodging house before because she was able to find her way to the front door rather quickly. This time I stopped her and shook my head. "No, you can see anyone coming out of the front door for blocks. If someone is out there, they'll see us."

"Well, what do you suggest we do?" She asked angrily.

"I suggest we take the back door," I answered in the same tone.

"Fabulous idea Remy, there is no back door."

"Well excuse me! I thought it was better than your idea which is apparently to walk right back into the enemy's arms!" I hissed at her.

She put up her hands in defense and calmly answered. "Alright, fine. We'll try a back window."

After minutes of tip-toeing around the Harlem lodging house, we found a window to crawl out of. Once outside, we ran straight into a prowling newsy but he didn't see us right away. Ebony stayed back as I cautiously walked up behind the boy. Thinking of a quick way to get him down, I kicked him right between the legs. He buckled to the ground and I threw the rope around him to keep him from moving just as Ebony ran up and clapped her hand over his mouth.

"Hang on a sec." I took off my shoes and pulled off my stockings. After putting my shoes back on, I jammed one in his mouth and tied the other around it. "That should do it." I stared proudly at my work while Ebony glared.

"Very good. Now can we go?"

At the end of the ally I checked to make sure no one else was around and started to run. I didn't make it far however, because Ebony was in a lot of pain and couldn't keep up with me.

"Here." I stepped in front of her and leaned down, gesturing for her to get on my back.

"You can't be serious."

"Get on or I'm leaving you behind! I can still get us out of here faster with you on my back then the both of us walking."

Ebony sighed and grudgingly climbed up.

"Hang on tight." And with her legs around my waist and arms around my neck, I began to jog towards Manhattan. I knew that there was no way we'd make it all the way to Brooklyn without more help and we were running out of time.