Dear Diary,

I've had a most disturbing day. But first I shall give you the background. I'm now in Manhattan. I know what you're thinking- what have you gotten yourself into, Sharon Roberts? But this is hopefully the last strike. After this I should have all the money I need to fulfill my dream. I'm posing as Charlotte Higgins this time. The younger sister of a wealthy man. I have only to find out where he is keeping his fortune.

I'm also Micaela Jones to another young man, Troy. He will add to my already swelling purse as well.

But, as you know from experience, I only write to you if something deeply concerns me. And something does.

For years I have played with boys' hearts without understanding the true feeling. I have now met a boy who has turned the tables. He's Spot Conlon; a charming boy with somewhat decent manners, though he is a bit forward.

Two days ago, he showed me around Brooklyn. While we strolled down the streets at a nice slow pace, I got several envious glares from other girls. At first it disturbed me. Then I decided to play it for all it was worth and I gently put my hand in the crook of his elbow.

For once I wish I wasn't who I am. My goal now is to get out of here as quickly as possible. I have a fairly sound plan. Every Thursday Troy steps outside to buy a newspaper from the dirty boy a block away. I will be waiting outside of his door and when he steps out, I will slip in. I will quickly collect my payment and then leave.

I will then come here, to the lodging house, and gather the rest of my fortune. Then I will board a train for South Carolina. I have only to purchase my ticket, which I will do later when I better know my plans. I have to go, but I hope I will have a bit of leisure time in which I may write more in you.

***

Charlotte was searching through a small bookshop when a gentle touch to her elbow caused her to whirl around. "Troy!"

"I didn't think to see you in this musty old shop."

"I was looking for a new journal. My other is nearly filled up."

"I haven't seen you for days!" The handsome boy said taking both of Charlotte's hands.

"I'm so sorry. My uncle has grown ill. I'm afraid he has to remain in bed."

"I hope you won't become ill."

Charlotte laughed- a pleasant thing to hear. "What have you been up to?"

"My father may accept a job further south, in which case we haven't much time left together."

"Then we shall have to make the most of our time now."

Troy smiled. "I like you a lot, Micaela. Would you honor me by accompanying me to my father's company ball?"

Charlotte's heart skipped a beat with all the excitement. "I would love to. When is it?"

"A week from yesterday. May I pick you up at six?"

"Yes. I'll see you then."

"Micaela!" Troy called as Charlotte turned to leave. "I need to know where you live."

"Oh. I will be at the café around the corner from 88th Avenue with my cousin, Justin. You may pick me up there."

"I thought your cousin was Jonathan?"

"Well, he is. Justin is a year younger."

"I see. Do you have any more cousins I don't know about?"

Charlotte smiled. "Not to my knowledge."

Troy laughed. "I shall see you soon."

"Yes." Charlotte agreed as she left the bookshop.

"Charlotte?"

"Yes!" Charlotte whirled around to fine Race looking at her suspiciously. Charlotte cleared her throat and answered more calmly, "Yes?"

"Da boys an' me are gonna eat at Tibby's taday. Wanna come?"

"I'd love to," Charlotte smiled anxiously as she hurried Race away from the bookshop.

"Didja need a book er somethin?"

"I was just browsing."

"Oh. K. If ya need anything jus ask."

"Actually, I was wondering why you live in such a run-down place."

"Cuz I kin afford it."

"But Mother and Father left us money, didn't they?"

"A liddle."

Charlotte's heart beat faster. A little to him would be like millions to her! "Where is it?"

"Da money?"

"Yes."

"Ya mean ya didn't know?"

"Know what?" Charlotte was growing impatient.

"Dat-"

"Charlotte!"

Charlotte turned, very upset at the interruption. Her anger quickly melted into delightment when she saw Spot standing before her. "Hi, Spot."

Spot grinned and casually draped his arm around Charlotte's shoulders. Little did he know the effect his touch was having on her. "How ya been, Charlotte?"

"Fine, thank you. Yourself?"

"Poifect. Race, mind if I steal yer sistah?"

"Dat's fine. See ya tanight, sis."

"Bye!" Charlotte called over her shoulder as Spot led her away. She was having mixed feelings about this. She had been so close. If Spot could have come just a minute later…Not that she was complaining about Spot's company. She very much enjoyed his company. But she was…worried about herself. She knew she should drop the whole plan and leave while she still could- while her heart still let her leave. But her dream was so important to her, and she had worked so hard to get here- to find Race and his fortune. How could she throw it all away?

"Do ya like da docks?"

Charlotte snapped back to attention. "Yes. They're beautiful."

Charlotte soaked in Spot's warm smile, completely missing the figure standing on the side of the street, watching it all very carefully.

Please read and review! (I'm almost done. There are probably two more chapters)