Silent Knight
by Damsel and Clink
He didn't say a word. He just took me in his arms and carried me away from the flames that would soon take me away, as they had my mother. I could feel his breath, not matching the heat of the flames, as he ran out the door. We burst into the night air and I gulped it in, filling my lungs. The stars were hard to see as he laid me on the ground. The smoke clouded everything. I couldn't even see this hero's face. He ran back into the building and came out with my cousin and her dog. The fire carriage arrived, and took over for the hero. I could hear him coughing, and I struggled to find him. Finally spotting him, I grabbed his arm and he winced in pain. My hand found it's way to my mouth as I saw what had caused his pain. His right upper arm was burned, and blisters were forming even as I watched. An utterance could not even be managed, as I quickly crawled back to my cousin.
*~Inside The Hero~*
'Where are they? I know they're in here...I heard their screams. I've got to find them. I couldn't save that woman, but I can save them. Oh! There's one! In the corner!' I groaned and lifted the child into my arms. As I ran, I looked down at her. She didn't look that much younger then me, actually. 13 or 14, I guessed. Laying the girl safely on the ground, I ran back into the building. Another scream led me to the missing child. She had a puppy with her, and I scooped both of them up. I screamed, and watched the burning wood hit my arm. Somehow, I put the fire that was burning my flesh out, and once again ran through the door. I practically threw the other girl down, and collapsed to my knees. I coughed, trying to get the smoke out of my lungs. I felt a hand grab my burned arm, and winced. It was the girl, the first girl, that I had gotten out of the fire. Her face twisted in confusion and she crawled away from me. Although I wondered what that was about, I let myself lay down. My eyes felt as if they had melted shut, and I let myself sleep.
~*~
"Where are we going?" My cousin whispered to me in the darkness. Her shivering hand clasped my own as her other red, freezing palm moved to push her blonde hair away from her eyes.
Funny, I hadn't noticed how cold it was until I noticed that she was shivering. My body continued to radiate from the heat of the fire that was now behind us. After the screaming neighbors and fire department had come to us, I grabbed my cousin and ran. We ran into the nearby woods, escaping the flames and fear, as Poppy, my cousin's small mutt followed us closely. I didn't care where we were going, as long as we got away from the hushed whispering and the staring eyes.
"Chloe? Chloe, didja hear me?" My cousin asked, her big brown eyes staring up at me.
"I...I dunno where we're going, Dora." I mumbled back. I didn't know what to say! How could I tell my own cousin, who was five years younger than me, that her parents had died in the blaze that we nearly escaped? If it hadn't been for that stranger...."That boy" I said out loud.
"What boy??" Came the inevitable question. She was a very curious girl.
"The boy who saved us." I stated. For the first time that night I saw a tear slowly make it's way down Dora's cheek, as if she finally realized the grave danger we were in.
"Oh." And then there was the silence as we walked on down a forgotten path.
*~The next morning~*
"Honey? Honey, are you awake?" 'Uckgh, mom it's not even light outside,' I thought as I winced against the soft feminine voice. A slight throbbing ran it's way up the left side of my body straight up to my head, and I certainly didn't feel like waking up.
"Is he awake yet?" A man's voice asked near me. Where was I?
"No, doctor, he hasn't waken, yet." Doctor?? I finally opened my eyes slowly, a confused look on my face.
"What the...?" I breathed staring at the white walls that encircled me. A man with glasses and a woman (who were both dressed in white) looked at me expectantly as I blinked my eyes. "Uh, hi."
The man, who I assumed was the doctor, stepped towards me and clapped a hand over my shoulder lightly. It was then that I noticed the bandage on my left arm. "Do you know where you are, son?" The doctor asked me, his green eyes flashing slightly under the glasses. I could see my weary reflection in the lenses, and the sunken, tired looking face frightened me.
"My first guess would be a hospital." I stated, resisting the urge to laugh.
"That's right, young man. There was a fire. Do you remember?" The nurse piped up.
"Fire..." I trailed off as flashbacks from the night before began to flood my mind. I was walking through the woods when I felt smoke. Heard screams.
An old farm house was on fire, people trapped inside, I couldn't breath, I could hardly think...the woman...
"My God, Doctor, he's shaking." The woman muttered softly. I took a shake breath and held it for a minute to regain control. I looked at the nurse and noticed that she was clutching a newspaper in front of her. She saw me looking at it and held it out to me. "Oh, I should probably mention to you that you made the paper." She rested the paper face up on my lap, where the headline for The Sun read, "Fire claims life of woman-- two young children saved by unknown hero and than vanish."
"You're a knight in shining armor, now, boy." The doctor said with a slight smile on his face. "You suffered a large burn on your arm, I'm afraid. And a few cuts on..."
"The girls," I interrupted quickly. "They disappeared?"
"Yes," The nurse replied, the creases on her face deep. "No one's been able to find them. Authorities think they may have ran to the city, but we don't know."
I sat quietly for the rest of the doctor and nurse's stay. They described in technical detail to me the burns on my arm and the smoke inhalation that I suffered. Bottom line was that they wanted to keep me in the hospital for a few days. I couldn't get the young girls off my mind. The horrified look on the older girl's face as she saw the hurt on my face after she touched my arm. The scream of the dying woman overtook my ears. I had to get out. I had to get out of the hospital and find those girls. And I had to do it soon, before they're life became in danger again.
~*~
"Dora, at least PRETEND you're trying to keep up." I told my cousin.
"But Chloe, I'm so tired!" She replied, rubbing her eyes. I pushed her soot- covered hand away from her eyes, and pulled her down to the ground.
"Alright Dora, you win. We'll sleep here tonight, okay?"
Dora nodded her head and laid down next to me. Within seconds she was snoring. I sighed and looked around. My thoughts drifted back to our hero, and I couldn't help but thinking about where he was. Dora shifted her head on my lap, and I patted her head. Humming softly, I began to sing the lullaby my aunt had sung to my cousin and I since we were babies. My mother had died of a fever when I was just two years old. I was sent by my father to live with my aunt and uncle. Five years later, just after Dora was born, my uncle was killed in the factory where he worked. My aunt raised Dora and I by herself. Now my young cousin's life was in my hands, and the responsibility was overwhelming. The reality of my aunt's death had sunk in, but surprisingly, I did not cry. I sat for a minute, staring up at the stars, and wondering why. Poppy jumped up and licked my face, bringing my thoughts back to Dora. Where would we go? I was only 14, how was I supposed to care for my cousin and myself without a penny to my name, or a family member to rely on? I decided to put my thoughts aside for the night, and settled back against the tree.
~*~
I waited until the nurses and doctors had gone, then quietly climbed out of my bed. I squinted my eyes, trying to find where they had put my clothes. I tripped over a wooden chair in the corner of my room, and winced as something crashed to the floor. Praying that no one had heard, I continued the search for my clothing. My hand found a doorknob, and I twisted it, revealing a closet. Sighing with relief, I grabbed my coat and hobbled out the door. I had brought the newspaper with my article in it with me, now looking through it again for information about the girls. I found out they were cousins, and they both lived with the woman that had died. As I read about the woman, a wave of grief came over me and I looked at the ground. A crash of lightning jerked me from my thoughts, and I ran into the closest building just as the first drops of rain began to fall.
~*~
"Great." I said out loud, as I shook Dora awake. "That's all we need."
Dora rubbed her eyes, yawned, and propped herself up against me. Poppy greeted her in the usual fashion- jumping up onto her lap and flopping on her back, hinting for a good belly scratch. I laughed at the duo and stood up, taking Dora's hand.
"Come on, it's starting to rain. We have to find somewhere to go."
"But Chloe, why can't we stay here? The woods aren't that bad!"
"It's not healthy to stay in the rain, Dora. Besides, you're afraid of thunder." I whispered. Dora's lower lip jutted out and she crossed her arms.
"I am not, you liar! I'm staying!"
With that, she plopped down on the ground and closed her eyes. I was not in the mood to deal with her stubbornness, so I waved a goodbye and walked away, knowing that she would follow. Sure enough, with the next boom of thunder came Dora and Poppy, grabbing my hand with fright. I smiled and put my arm around her shoulder.
"Come on now, we have to hurry." She picked Poppy up in her slender arms, and we ran into the city.
~*~
"Hello there boy. Can I help you?"
An elderly man with glasses and a bowler hat greeted me. Apparently the building I had wondered in to was a lodging house where I could pay to stay. He introduced himself as Jason Kloppman, asking me to just call him Kloppman. I told him I simply needed a place to stay for the night, out of the storm. He smiled a kind smile, and pushed a book towards me.
"What's this?"
"It's our log. Our sign-in book. Just put your name down right there."
This time he handed me a pen. I stared at it, then glanced back up at Kloppman. He narrowed his eyes at me,
"You know how to write, boy?"
I looked away and shook my head, catching his eyes as I looked the other way again. The sympathy in his eyes caused a pain in my stomach, and I looked down.
"What's your name?" He asked quietly.
"Callahan." I answered, "Freddie Callahan."
~*~ PART TWO ~*~
Sure enough, I was right about the storm and soon it started to rain. I held on to Dora's hand as we ran through the streets of Manhattan. I glanced around for a place to stay, but the rain made it difficult to see. We rounded the corner into a particularly dark alley, and the rain made it even harder to see.
"Hold on to my skirt." I told Dora, as I felt my way along the slimy walls.
Poppy, who had previously been held by Dora, jumped from her arms and ran ahead of us. I sighed and tried to follow.
"Poppy! Come back here you stupid mutt!" I yelled.
I muttered to myself as my cousin called for her dog. We stumbled along in the dark, searching for the dog and shelter from the rain. Dora's hand slipped from my skirt and she ran ahead to find Poppy.
"Dora! Dora come back here. Dora!" I groaned and pushed off the wall, jogging further down the alley.
"Chloe I'm over here! Chloe! Poppy found something! Come here!" I struggled in the dark, following my cousin's voice. I gasped when Dora grabbed my hand and led me towards Poppy's discovery.
"What is it, Chloe?"
I kneeled down next to the dog, patting its head. He was pawing at a piece of wood that was propped against the alley wall. Grunting, I pulled the wood away from the wall, and muffled a scream at what lay beneath it. A child, who couldn't be much more than 4, was huddled against the wall, a thin line of blood making a path from his nose to the ground. A cut ran down the left side of his face, streaking blood across his features. I turned Dora around.
"Go over there, and wait for me. Don't look over here."
She did so obediently, and I turned back to the young boy. Not knowing how badly he was injured and completely lacking medical knowledge, I poked his shoulder. He moaned and jerked a little at my touch. I sighed in relief, and turned him onto his back.
"Hello. I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm going to try and help you. My name is Chloe. Don't be afraid, I want to help."
The little boy opened his eyes slightly, moaning again with the effort. A flash of lightning illuminated the scene, and I noticed his right eye had a nasty shiner. His little hand found mine, and he squeezed.
He whispered, "Take me home. Please, take me home."
"Where's home? Tell me where you live."
He took in a raspy breath, and lifted his arm, pointing back down the alley.
"Alright. You show me." I took off my blue over shirt and wrapped his tiny body in it. Lifting him into my arms, I found Dora and Poppy and led them back down the alley.
*~*
"Racetrack! Come here!" Kloppman yelled.
A boy with dark hair, and a cigar dangling from his lips, made his way to the desk. "Yeah, Kloppy?"
"This here's Freddie. Show him where he can sleep, alright?"
"Shoa thing Klopp. Dis way Freddie."
The boys turned to leave, and Kloppman reached out, grabbing Freddie's sleeve. The boy turned and Kloppman whispered, "This'll stay between you and me.", pointing to the ledger. Freddie smiled, and followed Racetrack up the stairs.
*~*
The next hour was an exhausting one. The boy led me through the streets of Manhattan, growing weaker with every step. Thankfully the rain had let up a little, and it was easier to see where I was going. Dora clung to my skirt, and said nothing. The silence was an unusual thing for her, and I wondered what she was thinking. Glancing down at her, she met me eyes and I smiled reassuringly. She smiled back half-heartedly and the boy raised his arm once again.
"Heah." he whispered, almost too soft to hear.
I looked up at the building before us, and readjusted my arms beneath the boy. The sign that hung from it read 'Newsboys Lodging House'. So, the child was a newsie. I looked down at the boy once more, before making my way up the stairs.
*~*
The newsies looked up as three knocks were heard from the door.
"Wondah who dat could be." A boy with curly black hair said, momentarily glancing up from his card game.
"Why don't ya go find out Mush?" Another boy, who sported sandy blonde hair and a cowboy hat said.
"Shoa thing Jack." Said the first boy, setting down his cards. He glanced around the table and narrowed his eyes.
"Nah." He said, and put the cards in his pocket. He walked to the door, and turned the handle. On the other side stood a girl, who was dripping wet and carrying a small boy. Another girl poked her head out from behind the older girls' skirt. Suddenly, a puppy ran from behind the girl, and through Mush's legs into the lodging house. Mush glanced behind him, grinning slightly as his fellow newsies chased the soaked mutt around the room. A cough turned his attention back to the girl, and he asked, "Can I help ya?"
The girl shifted her weight, "Yes. I found this boy in the alley, and he led me here. He says this is where he lives, do you know him?"
A tiny voice called from beneath her over shirt, "Mush.Mush it's me.Joey."
Mush's eyes grew wide and he gestured behind him. "Guys! Guys it's Joey!"
He took the boy from Chloe's arms, and ran inside, slamming the door behind him. Still outside, Chloe looked taken aback and took a step backwards.
"Well, your welcome.."she muttered, as the door opened again. She turned to find Mush standing there, a sheepish grin on his face.
"Sorry lady. I wasn't thinkin'.with Joey an' all."
Chloe grinned wearily and shuffled her feet. "That's quite alright. But me and my cousin need somewhere to stay. Just for tonight. Could we stay here maybe?"
Mush shrugged, "Don't see why not. Come on in."
He moved aside and ushered them into the lodging house. The boy, Joey, was laid out upon a table, his shirt having been removed, revealing more bruises and cuts.
"What happened to him?" Chloe asked, pointing to Joey.
"Prolly some hot heads from Queens. Manhattan ain't on real good terms wit 'em right now. Hey thanks fer bringin' him in. He's only foah. We was wonderin' wheah he was. A few guys went lookin' for 'im already."
Chloe shook her head and winced, "It was just lucky that my dog found him. I hope he's going to be alright."
He didn't say a word. He just took me in his arms and carried me away from the flames that would soon take me away, as they had my mother. I could feel his breath, not matching the heat of the flames, as he ran out the door. We burst into the night air and I gulped it in, filling my lungs. The stars were hard to see as he laid me on the ground. The smoke clouded everything. I couldn't even see this hero's face. He ran back into the building and came out with my cousin and her dog. The fire carriage arrived, and took over for the hero. I could hear him coughing, and I struggled to find him. Finally spotting him, I grabbed his arm and he winced in pain. My hand found it's way to my mouth as I saw what had caused his pain. His right upper arm was burned, and blisters were forming even as I watched. An utterance could not even be managed, as I quickly crawled back to my cousin.
*~Inside The Hero~*
'Where are they? I know they're in here...I heard their screams. I've got to find them. I couldn't save that woman, but I can save them. Oh! There's one! In the corner!' I groaned and lifted the child into my arms. As I ran, I looked down at her. She didn't look that much younger then me, actually. 13 or 14, I guessed. Laying the girl safely on the ground, I ran back into the building. Another scream led me to the missing child. She had a puppy with her, and I scooped both of them up. I screamed, and watched the burning wood hit my arm. Somehow, I put the fire that was burning my flesh out, and once again ran through the door. I practically threw the other girl down, and collapsed to my knees. I coughed, trying to get the smoke out of my lungs. I felt a hand grab my burned arm, and winced. It was the girl, the first girl, that I had gotten out of the fire. Her face twisted in confusion and she crawled away from me. Although I wondered what that was about, I let myself lay down. My eyes felt as if they had melted shut, and I let myself sleep.
~*~
"Where are we going?" My cousin whispered to me in the darkness. Her shivering hand clasped my own as her other red, freezing palm moved to push her blonde hair away from her eyes.
Funny, I hadn't noticed how cold it was until I noticed that she was shivering. My body continued to radiate from the heat of the fire that was now behind us. After the screaming neighbors and fire department had come to us, I grabbed my cousin and ran. We ran into the nearby woods, escaping the flames and fear, as Poppy, my cousin's small mutt followed us closely. I didn't care where we were going, as long as we got away from the hushed whispering and the staring eyes.
"Chloe? Chloe, didja hear me?" My cousin asked, her big brown eyes staring up at me.
"I...I dunno where we're going, Dora." I mumbled back. I didn't know what to say! How could I tell my own cousin, who was five years younger than me, that her parents had died in the blaze that we nearly escaped? If it hadn't been for that stranger...."That boy" I said out loud.
"What boy??" Came the inevitable question. She was a very curious girl.
"The boy who saved us." I stated. For the first time that night I saw a tear slowly make it's way down Dora's cheek, as if she finally realized the grave danger we were in.
"Oh." And then there was the silence as we walked on down a forgotten path.
*~The next morning~*
"Honey? Honey, are you awake?" 'Uckgh, mom it's not even light outside,' I thought as I winced against the soft feminine voice. A slight throbbing ran it's way up the left side of my body straight up to my head, and I certainly didn't feel like waking up.
"Is he awake yet?" A man's voice asked near me. Where was I?
"No, doctor, he hasn't waken, yet." Doctor?? I finally opened my eyes slowly, a confused look on my face.
"What the...?" I breathed staring at the white walls that encircled me. A man with glasses and a woman (who were both dressed in white) looked at me expectantly as I blinked my eyes. "Uh, hi."
The man, who I assumed was the doctor, stepped towards me and clapped a hand over my shoulder lightly. It was then that I noticed the bandage on my left arm. "Do you know where you are, son?" The doctor asked me, his green eyes flashing slightly under the glasses. I could see my weary reflection in the lenses, and the sunken, tired looking face frightened me.
"My first guess would be a hospital." I stated, resisting the urge to laugh.
"That's right, young man. There was a fire. Do you remember?" The nurse piped up.
"Fire..." I trailed off as flashbacks from the night before began to flood my mind. I was walking through the woods when I felt smoke. Heard screams.
An old farm house was on fire, people trapped inside, I couldn't breath, I could hardly think...the woman...
"My God, Doctor, he's shaking." The woman muttered softly. I took a shake breath and held it for a minute to regain control. I looked at the nurse and noticed that she was clutching a newspaper in front of her. She saw me looking at it and held it out to me. "Oh, I should probably mention to you that you made the paper." She rested the paper face up on my lap, where the headline for The Sun read, "Fire claims life of woman-- two young children saved by unknown hero and than vanish."
"You're a knight in shining armor, now, boy." The doctor said with a slight smile on his face. "You suffered a large burn on your arm, I'm afraid. And a few cuts on..."
"The girls," I interrupted quickly. "They disappeared?"
"Yes," The nurse replied, the creases on her face deep. "No one's been able to find them. Authorities think they may have ran to the city, but we don't know."
I sat quietly for the rest of the doctor and nurse's stay. They described in technical detail to me the burns on my arm and the smoke inhalation that I suffered. Bottom line was that they wanted to keep me in the hospital for a few days. I couldn't get the young girls off my mind. The horrified look on the older girl's face as she saw the hurt on my face after she touched my arm. The scream of the dying woman overtook my ears. I had to get out. I had to get out of the hospital and find those girls. And I had to do it soon, before they're life became in danger again.
~*~
"Dora, at least PRETEND you're trying to keep up." I told my cousin.
"But Chloe, I'm so tired!" She replied, rubbing her eyes. I pushed her soot- covered hand away from her eyes, and pulled her down to the ground.
"Alright Dora, you win. We'll sleep here tonight, okay?"
Dora nodded her head and laid down next to me. Within seconds she was snoring. I sighed and looked around. My thoughts drifted back to our hero, and I couldn't help but thinking about where he was. Dora shifted her head on my lap, and I patted her head. Humming softly, I began to sing the lullaby my aunt had sung to my cousin and I since we were babies. My mother had died of a fever when I was just two years old. I was sent by my father to live with my aunt and uncle. Five years later, just after Dora was born, my uncle was killed in the factory where he worked. My aunt raised Dora and I by herself. Now my young cousin's life was in my hands, and the responsibility was overwhelming. The reality of my aunt's death had sunk in, but surprisingly, I did not cry. I sat for a minute, staring up at the stars, and wondering why. Poppy jumped up and licked my face, bringing my thoughts back to Dora. Where would we go? I was only 14, how was I supposed to care for my cousin and myself without a penny to my name, or a family member to rely on? I decided to put my thoughts aside for the night, and settled back against the tree.
~*~
I waited until the nurses and doctors had gone, then quietly climbed out of my bed. I squinted my eyes, trying to find where they had put my clothes. I tripped over a wooden chair in the corner of my room, and winced as something crashed to the floor. Praying that no one had heard, I continued the search for my clothing. My hand found a doorknob, and I twisted it, revealing a closet. Sighing with relief, I grabbed my coat and hobbled out the door. I had brought the newspaper with my article in it with me, now looking through it again for information about the girls. I found out they were cousins, and they both lived with the woman that had died. As I read about the woman, a wave of grief came over me and I looked at the ground. A crash of lightning jerked me from my thoughts, and I ran into the closest building just as the first drops of rain began to fall.
~*~
"Great." I said out loud, as I shook Dora awake. "That's all we need."
Dora rubbed her eyes, yawned, and propped herself up against me. Poppy greeted her in the usual fashion- jumping up onto her lap and flopping on her back, hinting for a good belly scratch. I laughed at the duo and stood up, taking Dora's hand.
"Come on, it's starting to rain. We have to find somewhere to go."
"But Chloe, why can't we stay here? The woods aren't that bad!"
"It's not healthy to stay in the rain, Dora. Besides, you're afraid of thunder." I whispered. Dora's lower lip jutted out and she crossed her arms.
"I am not, you liar! I'm staying!"
With that, she plopped down on the ground and closed her eyes. I was not in the mood to deal with her stubbornness, so I waved a goodbye and walked away, knowing that she would follow. Sure enough, with the next boom of thunder came Dora and Poppy, grabbing my hand with fright. I smiled and put my arm around her shoulder.
"Come on now, we have to hurry." She picked Poppy up in her slender arms, and we ran into the city.
~*~
"Hello there boy. Can I help you?"
An elderly man with glasses and a bowler hat greeted me. Apparently the building I had wondered in to was a lodging house where I could pay to stay. He introduced himself as Jason Kloppman, asking me to just call him Kloppman. I told him I simply needed a place to stay for the night, out of the storm. He smiled a kind smile, and pushed a book towards me.
"What's this?"
"It's our log. Our sign-in book. Just put your name down right there."
This time he handed me a pen. I stared at it, then glanced back up at Kloppman. He narrowed his eyes at me,
"You know how to write, boy?"
I looked away and shook my head, catching his eyes as I looked the other way again. The sympathy in his eyes caused a pain in my stomach, and I looked down.
"What's your name?" He asked quietly.
"Callahan." I answered, "Freddie Callahan."
~*~ PART TWO ~*~
Sure enough, I was right about the storm and soon it started to rain. I held on to Dora's hand as we ran through the streets of Manhattan. I glanced around for a place to stay, but the rain made it difficult to see. We rounded the corner into a particularly dark alley, and the rain made it even harder to see.
"Hold on to my skirt." I told Dora, as I felt my way along the slimy walls.
Poppy, who had previously been held by Dora, jumped from her arms and ran ahead of us. I sighed and tried to follow.
"Poppy! Come back here you stupid mutt!" I yelled.
I muttered to myself as my cousin called for her dog. We stumbled along in the dark, searching for the dog and shelter from the rain. Dora's hand slipped from my skirt and she ran ahead to find Poppy.
"Dora! Dora come back here. Dora!" I groaned and pushed off the wall, jogging further down the alley.
"Chloe I'm over here! Chloe! Poppy found something! Come here!" I struggled in the dark, following my cousin's voice. I gasped when Dora grabbed my hand and led me towards Poppy's discovery.
"What is it, Chloe?"
I kneeled down next to the dog, patting its head. He was pawing at a piece of wood that was propped against the alley wall. Grunting, I pulled the wood away from the wall, and muffled a scream at what lay beneath it. A child, who couldn't be much more than 4, was huddled against the wall, a thin line of blood making a path from his nose to the ground. A cut ran down the left side of his face, streaking blood across his features. I turned Dora around.
"Go over there, and wait for me. Don't look over here."
She did so obediently, and I turned back to the young boy. Not knowing how badly he was injured and completely lacking medical knowledge, I poked his shoulder. He moaned and jerked a little at my touch. I sighed in relief, and turned him onto his back.
"Hello. I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm going to try and help you. My name is Chloe. Don't be afraid, I want to help."
The little boy opened his eyes slightly, moaning again with the effort. A flash of lightning illuminated the scene, and I noticed his right eye had a nasty shiner. His little hand found mine, and he squeezed.
He whispered, "Take me home. Please, take me home."
"Where's home? Tell me where you live."
He took in a raspy breath, and lifted his arm, pointing back down the alley.
"Alright. You show me." I took off my blue over shirt and wrapped his tiny body in it. Lifting him into my arms, I found Dora and Poppy and led them back down the alley.
*~*
"Racetrack! Come here!" Kloppman yelled.
A boy with dark hair, and a cigar dangling from his lips, made his way to the desk. "Yeah, Kloppy?"
"This here's Freddie. Show him where he can sleep, alright?"
"Shoa thing Klopp. Dis way Freddie."
The boys turned to leave, and Kloppman reached out, grabbing Freddie's sleeve. The boy turned and Kloppman whispered, "This'll stay between you and me.", pointing to the ledger. Freddie smiled, and followed Racetrack up the stairs.
*~*
The next hour was an exhausting one. The boy led me through the streets of Manhattan, growing weaker with every step. Thankfully the rain had let up a little, and it was easier to see where I was going. Dora clung to my skirt, and said nothing. The silence was an unusual thing for her, and I wondered what she was thinking. Glancing down at her, she met me eyes and I smiled reassuringly. She smiled back half-heartedly and the boy raised his arm once again.
"Heah." he whispered, almost too soft to hear.
I looked up at the building before us, and readjusted my arms beneath the boy. The sign that hung from it read 'Newsboys Lodging House'. So, the child was a newsie. I looked down at the boy once more, before making my way up the stairs.
*~*
The newsies looked up as three knocks were heard from the door.
"Wondah who dat could be." A boy with curly black hair said, momentarily glancing up from his card game.
"Why don't ya go find out Mush?" Another boy, who sported sandy blonde hair and a cowboy hat said.
"Shoa thing Jack." Said the first boy, setting down his cards. He glanced around the table and narrowed his eyes.
"Nah." He said, and put the cards in his pocket. He walked to the door, and turned the handle. On the other side stood a girl, who was dripping wet and carrying a small boy. Another girl poked her head out from behind the older girls' skirt. Suddenly, a puppy ran from behind the girl, and through Mush's legs into the lodging house. Mush glanced behind him, grinning slightly as his fellow newsies chased the soaked mutt around the room. A cough turned his attention back to the girl, and he asked, "Can I help ya?"
The girl shifted her weight, "Yes. I found this boy in the alley, and he led me here. He says this is where he lives, do you know him?"
A tiny voice called from beneath her over shirt, "Mush.Mush it's me.Joey."
Mush's eyes grew wide and he gestured behind him. "Guys! Guys it's Joey!"
He took the boy from Chloe's arms, and ran inside, slamming the door behind him. Still outside, Chloe looked taken aback and took a step backwards.
"Well, your welcome.."she muttered, as the door opened again. She turned to find Mush standing there, a sheepish grin on his face.
"Sorry lady. I wasn't thinkin'.with Joey an' all."
Chloe grinned wearily and shuffled her feet. "That's quite alright. But me and my cousin need somewhere to stay. Just for tonight. Could we stay here maybe?"
Mush shrugged, "Don't see why not. Come on in."
He moved aside and ushered them into the lodging house. The boy, Joey, was laid out upon a table, his shirt having been removed, revealing more bruises and cuts.
"What happened to him?" Chloe asked, pointing to Joey.
"Prolly some hot heads from Queens. Manhattan ain't on real good terms wit 'em right now. Hey thanks fer bringin' him in. He's only foah. We was wonderin' wheah he was. A few guys went lookin' for 'im already."
Chloe shook her head and winced, "It was just lucky that my dog found him. I hope he's going to be alright."
