Authors Note: Thank you to all the people who HAVE reviewed I appreciate
it. And to the rest of you people out there, read and review PLEASE!!! I am
really looking for feedback here! Now I'm not the type of person to beg,
I'm more the type of person ta beat you up 'til you review, but I'll
restrain myself if you review NOW!!! :::Smiles sweetly, and goes back to
typing story::: ;-)
******
Chapter 4-The Stalker Returns
The minute Spot had left the room, Slick spun around to the mirror again, breathing hard. It took a couple minutes for Slick to regain her self- control, she couldn't believe she had let herself slip so much that day, 'what were ya thinkin' commin' back Slick? Yer jus' gonna be trouble'. Picking up her hat that sat on the sink next to her, Slick reached inside and pulled out a folded black bandanna, on one side was a unique design painted in blood, a hieroglyphic symbol of a bird with a flame surrounding it. She traced the bird and flame with a finger, remembering when whenever that sign was seen carved on living flesh or into a pole or side of a building respect and fear was shown. Smiling ironically, Slick put the bandanna on, it's symbol side down, covering her dark blonde hair and keeping it out of her silver eyes. Her worries about causing trouble were wiped away, as she stared at herself in the mirror, once again she looked like the Chicago girl that had been respected and feared by all but a slim few. Still smiling to herself, Slick turned and walked out of the washroom and to the open window in the empty bunkroom that would again lead her to the roof and out into the freedom New York had to offer a troublemaker.
Jumping to the ground from the last rungs of the escape ladder, Slick looked around, she was free in this city she realized, there wasn't anyone who could stop her. Grinning, she retraced her steps back to the Brooklyn Bridge and finally back into Manhattan by late nightfall. Making her way swiftly to the nearest roof, Slick curled up and promptly fell asleep.
*******
Spot stalked into the other bunkroom, filled with his own newsies, his thoughts currently occupied with Slick. Or they were until he saw what had been so urgent. He stood gaping at two of his younger newsies laying in bunks covered in blood and bruises. "Gawd, what happened now?" Spot's voice was even despite his surprise and anger.
"Dey was beat up." A voice timidly stated from the crowd.
"I can see dat." Spot snapped, "now who done it?" No answer. Spot's notorious temper was rising, it was rare to see any Brooklyn Newsie beaten like this, Brooklyn was known for it's tough fighters, no matter how young they were. He walked slowly over to stand between the two bunks containing the two figures, Grime and Mic. "Get 'em cleaned up." Spot ordered before retreating from the room back to the one he'd left Slick standing in.
Gone. He knew it shouldn't surprise him that she'd left without a word, he was still fuming, sitting on one of the bunks in the spare room, so many things had happened the last few days. He was angry, and frustrated, not a good combination for Mr. I-have-a-bad-temper Spot Conlon. Standing up suddenly, Spot let out a curse that would have caused any mother to faint in dead shock, before he smashed his fist into the unyielding wall. "Oy, dat was stupid." (A/N: Spot WILL survive, him hitting the wall just seemed to work, so all you Spot fan's I'm sorry, I love the guy too!)
***********
**BACK AT TIBBY'S**
When Jack had finished re-counting his tale of being stalked that afternoon, four Manhattan Newsies decided there was definitely a new kid in town that they needed to meet. (A/N: rocket scientists aren't they?)
"Spot seemed ta know who ya were talkin' about Race, maybe we should go see 'im an' try an' get some answers." Mush piped up. Race nodded his agreement.
"Spot won' tell us nothin' 'less 'e wants ta. And it didn' look like 'e had any information 'e wanted to share with us." Jack reasoned, knowing the his friend worked.
"True. Whaddaya say we jus' wait 'til tamarra? We can figure stuff out then. Anyways, I'm tired an' wanna get back, we havin' pokah game tanight?" Blink asked the other three, who merely shrugged. Blink rolled his one good eye, put some money down on the table to pay for his measly meal and headed for the door, noticing his friends do the same.
The day was well on it's way towards an end by the time all the Manhattan Newsies were back at their Lodging House and had a good poker game started. Most of the day's previous events had been laid aside, except for a quick explanation here and there as to Race's newly accommodated black eye. The Manhattaners were more laid back than those from Brooklyn, they weren't as tough and as respected either, but it really didn't bother them, they had their own lives to live, and most of the time they enjoyed them.
*******
Slick Rylan made sure she was at the Manhattan Distribution Office early the next morning before any of the Newsies arrived. This wasn't stalking, she was actually waiting for Jack and his Newsies to arrive so she could have a word with them, or with Jack anyway. Slipping into a corner, Slick made herself as invisible as possible, hiding in the shadows, leaning casually against the outer wall. It wasn't her style to just stand out in the open waiting, she liked the feeling of seeing, but not being seen. 'Where are those damn boys? (A/N: oh! First swear word! That's why this story got it's rating, well that and...uh.other things that will happen) Does it honestly take 'em a century ta get here in the mornin'?' Slick thought annoyed. But no sooner than she had thought it, boys of all ages started pouring into the D.O. for the morning addition of the World.
*******
As usual Jack Kelly was the first one in the D.O. followed closely by his fellow newsies with the addition of David and Les. But soon after entering Jack felt unwelcome eyes watching his back, he brushed it off though after a few backward glances, and headed to where Mr. "Weasel" was stationed, waiting for the daily demands. "Da usual." He said curtly slamming his 50 cents down, not even bothering to "pruse da merchandise" The rest of the daily orders went about in the usual manner.
"Hey Jack what's the matter? You keep looking around as though you expect someone to jump out at you."
Jack visibly jumped and looked over his shoulder guiltily at David. "Uh, it's nothin'. I's jus' a lil' jumpy." Jack suddenly cut himself off, there, over in the corner, in shadow. A tall figure stood there, leaning casually against the wall. "Hey Blink, Race, come 'er a sec." The two mentioned made there way over to stand by Jack and looked in the direction he was indicating, "Do ya see that kid ova there? I think it's me stalkah, I got da feelin' I was bein' watched again, an' I looked ova there an' that kid ain't moved, an' 'es lookin' ova here at us, or me." Race and Blink nodded their agreement that the kid seemed to be watching their every movement. "Whaddaya say we go met my stalkah?" Three faces grinned, while David remained totally clueless, but followed his friends to where the figure stood, waiting.
"Ah so my stalkah returns an' actually shows 'imself. But do 'e care ta introduce 'imself before we soak 'im?" Jack asked casually to Dave, Race and Blink, all the while glaring at the still shadow hidden figure.
"Introductions, introductions, so formal. Personally I don' think we need 'em, I know you and you know me, so why waste valuable time?" The shadow answered calmly.
Jack glared, that voice was mocking him, and he really didn't appreciate it, and who did this kid think he was? Jack sure had no idea who it was. "I think yer mistaken, cause whoeva ya are, I ain't neva met ya before, ya might know who I is, but I soah as 'ell don' know who you are. But why are ya hiding back dere? Come forward, sos I can soak ya good for followin me!"
"Geez, yer manners ain't improved any. An' I'm hurt Sullivan that ya don' 'member me."
Jack started at the name Sullivan, he hadn't been called that or known by that in a LONG time. An unwelcome shiver ran up his back, the voice was undeniably familiar, he just couldn't place it. "Da names Kelly now, Jack Kelly." He responded almost automatically, ignoring the insult, and just concentrating on the voice.
"Ah that's right, Spot informed me a that, guess it jus' slipped my mind. Yer still Cowboy though ain't ya? An' still dreamin' o' that ranch a yers down in Santa Fe? Gorgeous place San'a Fe."
Blink looked back and forth between his friend and the shadow, this kid really seemed to know Jack (no pun intended).
"Wait a sec. Didja say Spot? Ya know the weasel?" Race butted in suddenly. The head of the shadow suddenly snapped towards him, and he could almost see the smirk emerging on the face.
"Yeah, I know 'im we was good friends, me, Cowboy, an' Spot."
Jack's thoughts were still racing, he knew he knew that voice, and the owner of it seemed to know him, and Spot. But that voice, it was so calm, so slick, so cool, and almost provocative and mocking. Slick, that word rang a bell, or rather a train whistle, as his thoughts screeched to a sudden halt. Slick, that was it. "Slick? Slick Rylan?" Even to his own ears Jack thought his voice sounded incredulous (not that he would know that word ;-) )
The shadow stepped into the light and took a bow, "The one and only. How's it goin' Cowboy?" The grin on Slick's face was wild, obviously pleased with herself. Jack just stood and gaped, shocked to say the least to see his old childhood partner in crime standing before him eight years later. "That's all ya gotta say ta me? Geez, yer manners really ain't improved any." Slick said still grinning.
The other boys that had gathered around took in the sight of the newcomer with slight surprise, to them it looked like at tall, gangly, skinny teenage boy, with too long of hair for their own taste, and the bandanna covering it was new to them as well. Sure Jack wore one, but his stayed around his neck while this kid had 'his' covering 'his' hair. (A/N: just to make this more interesting later, all Newsies w/ the exception of Jack and Spot think Slick is a guy)
Snapping out of his shock, Jack took a hesitant step towards Slick, she met it by wrapping her arms around him in a hug. Stepping back, Jack held her shoulders and looked her up and down, "Man Slick, youse changed."
"Not as much as you Jacky-Boy. Callin' ya Jack is gonna take some getting use ta, ya understand doncha?" Slick said looking at Jack seriously for a second.
Jack looked at her and grinned, "Yeah, jus' lay off callin' me Sullivan, da bulls are prolly still afta' me an' know me by dat name. Ok?" Slick grinned and nodded.
"Ahhhhem." Jack turned around quickly, most of the other newsies had scattered, figuring they'd see the new kid later, and right now they had a living to earn. But those who hadn't moved included Blink, the 'ahhhhemer' (Race), and David.
"Oh, sorry guys, uh, Slick, I'd like ya ta meet some a me guys, dat dere is Kid Blink, who wes jus' call Blink, Racetrack, we jus' call 'im Race fer short, and dis is Dave, da Walkin' Mouth. Guys dis is an old friend a mine, Slick Rylan. Race studied Slick, 'he' looked oddly familiar to him.
Slick noticed the short Italian kid with the heavy black eye studying her rather hard. 'Wait. Sort Italian kid. Black eye...' Slick's face went slightly pink with embarrassment. "Oh gawd! I's really sorry 'bout that black eye, Race is it?"
Race had finally recognized the kid in front of him as 'he'd' said that, Blink had too, it was the kid from the alley, the one with the stunning silver eyes, that they could both see now as they turned towards them. Jack looked between the three and suddenly cracked up laughing. "An' what is so funny?" Race asked coolly trying to keep up a calm outward appearance.
"I jus' 'membered that Slick hadda killah right 'ook. Gave everyone a black eye, free o' charge, Spot an' I occasionally get one if we didn' watch what we'd say!" Jack managed to get out while laughing, and backing away from a aggressive, still embarrassed Slick.
"Arg, we gotta be goin' Jack if wes wanna get all dese papes sold a'fore lunch." Blink said suddenly glancing at the street.
"Yeah Blink, youse right, common guys, Slick, how 'bout ya keep us company?" Jack invited, as he turned and started walking out into the streets.
"Shoah, not like I's got anythin' betta ta do." Slick agreed her New York accent being overly dominant.
"So Slick, why did you give Race that black eye?" Dave asked falling into step beside her.
A brief look of almost panic shone on Slick's face. "Uh, he scared me."
"Race scared you Slick? I don' 'member youse eva bein' afraid a somethin'" Jack looked around Dave to look at Slick curiously.
"Well, things have happened in the last few years. One hasta be more careful, especially in big cities." No matter how hard she tried Slick could not repress a shudder.
"I didn' mean ta scare ya. I was gonna say somethin', but ya got me too quick." Race interjected sulkily.
An ironic smile slid onto Slick's face, "Yeah I know ya didn' but I's had some trouble in big cities. An' just a warnin' for ya if ya eva go ta Chicago or somethin', don't do that ta someone, 'specially in an alley, youse prolly end up with lots worse den a black eye. Lucky fer you my dagger was in my boot, or you couldda been toast." Three and a half pairs of eyes looked at Slick shocked, only to see a dead serious look on her face. Race gulped rather loudly, and Slick smirked, "Didn' mean ta scare ya, but I am serious, don't go 'round doin that."
"We'll keep dat in mind." Jack said quickly, eager to get onto a different subject. "So, ya wanna sell with one a us? I'm shoah ya can still 'improve' da headlines withoutta problem?" He turned to grin at her, knowing she was good at talking her way out of or into things, whichever her current situation called for.
"Yeah, I'm sure I can still 'member howta do it, it's been awhile though, jus' ta tell ya all ahead a time, sos I don' get blamed if ya don' have the besta luck." Slick answered easily.
Blink grinned, "Ya can sell with me Slick."
"Alright, we meet back at Tibby's when wes all done, so da two a ya met us dere k? An' Slick, try not ta get in ta too much trouble k?" Jack looked at his grinning friend.
"Okay Jacky-boy, not too much, I'll do my best!"
Blink shook his head as he was quickly pulled away by an eager Slick, "Jus' relax, we ain't ina race ya know."
Slick just smirked and pulled a paper out from under his arm, to search for a good headline to improve. Her gaze caught on one, 'Fishing Industry and Government Pleased With Doubled Amounts of Fish Being Caught.' "MURDER OF INNOCENTS GOES UP BY THOUSANDS!!! GOVERNMENT IN NO HURRY TO PUT AN END TO IT!!!" Within seconds Blink and Slick were bombarded by flocks of people wanting to read the 'improved' article. "Come on Blink, we don' wanna be here when they read da real headline." Slick whispered fiercely, pulling Blink away after over half of his papes had been sold by the 'improved headline'. The two took off running for a different section of town to finish their paper selling.
"Wow Slick, youse gotta come with me more often, yer good at dis!" Blink exclaimed when his papers were sold out by only the third yelled out headline.
"What can I say? I's gifted."
*******
***TIBBY'S***
"Dat didn' take youse guys long." Slick and Blink glanced up from their lunch and conversation at the sound of Jack's voice.
"Oh hey Jack, nah, Slick 'ere's a natural." Blink grinned, scooting over to make room for Race and Dave, as Jack slid in beside Slick.
"So Jack, whose da new kid?" A newsie asked coming over to stand by the table, he was followed by several other curious ones.
"Oh sorry Bumlits, an' guys, I didn' introduce ya ta me old friend Slick 'ere. Slick dese are some more a my guys, dats Bumlits, dats Boots, Skittery, Specs, Dutchy, Snitch, Itey, Swifty, Pie Eater, uh, dat ova dere is Rice an' Crispy. An' I believe ya know da guy comin' through the door. Heyya Spot!" The rest of the newsies gave Slick a wave and a quick "HI" before returning to their tables as Spot Conlon walked through the door.
"Hey Spot, how's it goin'?" Slick asked casually as Spot slid into the seat Dave vacated as he moved to Jack's side of the table so Spot and Jack could face each other.
"Ah, Slick, nice ta see yer still in one piece."
"Ya honestly thought I couldn' take care a myself fer one night? I've been doin' it for the past eight years Spot." Her voice had lost it casualness, and now had a slight edge to it.
"Do I wanna know what happened?" Jack asked looking between his two best friends and sensing the tension.
"It was nothin'" Slick answered soundly, making no room for arguments from Spot.
"So Jacky-boy, 'ow long did it take ya ta figure out it was Slick 'ere who was yer stalker?" Spot asked turning his attention to Jack.
Jack laughed, "Only a few minutes." His statement was rejected by snorts from four of the table's other occupants.
*********
Authors Note: Just a quick note to you people. First off, thank you for reading my story! Second thanks to those of you who are planning on reviewing, which I hope is all of you! And third, I know this chapter didn't have much action, and I'm sorry, but I can't tell you when the next chapter will be up because as of this coming Monday, I have basically NO free time! I will do my best to get the next one up ASAP! Thank you!
******
Chapter 4-The Stalker Returns
The minute Spot had left the room, Slick spun around to the mirror again, breathing hard. It took a couple minutes for Slick to regain her self- control, she couldn't believe she had let herself slip so much that day, 'what were ya thinkin' commin' back Slick? Yer jus' gonna be trouble'. Picking up her hat that sat on the sink next to her, Slick reached inside and pulled out a folded black bandanna, on one side was a unique design painted in blood, a hieroglyphic symbol of a bird with a flame surrounding it. She traced the bird and flame with a finger, remembering when whenever that sign was seen carved on living flesh or into a pole or side of a building respect and fear was shown. Smiling ironically, Slick put the bandanna on, it's symbol side down, covering her dark blonde hair and keeping it out of her silver eyes. Her worries about causing trouble were wiped away, as she stared at herself in the mirror, once again she looked like the Chicago girl that had been respected and feared by all but a slim few. Still smiling to herself, Slick turned and walked out of the washroom and to the open window in the empty bunkroom that would again lead her to the roof and out into the freedom New York had to offer a troublemaker.
Jumping to the ground from the last rungs of the escape ladder, Slick looked around, she was free in this city she realized, there wasn't anyone who could stop her. Grinning, she retraced her steps back to the Brooklyn Bridge and finally back into Manhattan by late nightfall. Making her way swiftly to the nearest roof, Slick curled up and promptly fell asleep.
*******
Spot stalked into the other bunkroom, filled with his own newsies, his thoughts currently occupied with Slick. Or they were until he saw what had been so urgent. He stood gaping at two of his younger newsies laying in bunks covered in blood and bruises. "Gawd, what happened now?" Spot's voice was even despite his surprise and anger.
"Dey was beat up." A voice timidly stated from the crowd.
"I can see dat." Spot snapped, "now who done it?" No answer. Spot's notorious temper was rising, it was rare to see any Brooklyn Newsie beaten like this, Brooklyn was known for it's tough fighters, no matter how young they were. He walked slowly over to stand between the two bunks containing the two figures, Grime and Mic. "Get 'em cleaned up." Spot ordered before retreating from the room back to the one he'd left Slick standing in.
Gone. He knew it shouldn't surprise him that she'd left without a word, he was still fuming, sitting on one of the bunks in the spare room, so many things had happened the last few days. He was angry, and frustrated, not a good combination for Mr. I-have-a-bad-temper Spot Conlon. Standing up suddenly, Spot let out a curse that would have caused any mother to faint in dead shock, before he smashed his fist into the unyielding wall. "Oy, dat was stupid." (A/N: Spot WILL survive, him hitting the wall just seemed to work, so all you Spot fan's I'm sorry, I love the guy too!)
***********
**BACK AT TIBBY'S**
When Jack had finished re-counting his tale of being stalked that afternoon, four Manhattan Newsies decided there was definitely a new kid in town that they needed to meet. (A/N: rocket scientists aren't they?)
"Spot seemed ta know who ya were talkin' about Race, maybe we should go see 'im an' try an' get some answers." Mush piped up. Race nodded his agreement.
"Spot won' tell us nothin' 'less 'e wants ta. And it didn' look like 'e had any information 'e wanted to share with us." Jack reasoned, knowing the his friend worked.
"True. Whaddaya say we jus' wait 'til tamarra? We can figure stuff out then. Anyways, I'm tired an' wanna get back, we havin' pokah game tanight?" Blink asked the other three, who merely shrugged. Blink rolled his one good eye, put some money down on the table to pay for his measly meal and headed for the door, noticing his friends do the same.
The day was well on it's way towards an end by the time all the Manhattan Newsies were back at their Lodging House and had a good poker game started. Most of the day's previous events had been laid aside, except for a quick explanation here and there as to Race's newly accommodated black eye. The Manhattaners were more laid back than those from Brooklyn, they weren't as tough and as respected either, but it really didn't bother them, they had their own lives to live, and most of the time they enjoyed them.
*******
Slick Rylan made sure she was at the Manhattan Distribution Office early the next morning before any of the Newsies arrived. This wasn't stalking, she was actually waiting for Jack and his Newsies to arrive so she could have a word with them, or with Jack anyway. Slipping into a corner, Slick made herself as invisible as possible, hiding in the shadows, leaning casually against the outer wall. It wasn't her style to just stand out in the open waiting, she liked the feeling of seeing, but not being seen. 'Where are those damn boys? (A/N: oh! First swear word! That's why this story got it's rating, well that and...uh.other things that will happen) Does it honestly take 'em a century ta get here in the mornin'?' Slick thought annoyed. But no sooner than she had thought it, boys of all ages started pouring into the D.O. for the morning addition of the World.
*******
As usual Jack Kelly was the first one in the D.O. followed closely by his fellow newsies with the addition of David and Les. But soon after entering Jack felt unwelcome eyes watching his back, he brushed it off though after a few backward glances, and headed to where Mr. "Weasel" was stationed, waiting for the daily demands. "Da usual." He said curtly slamming his 50 cents down, not even bothering to "pruse da merchandise" The rest of the daily orders went about in the usual manner.
"Hey Jack what's the matter? You keep looking around as though you expect someone to jump out at you."
Jack visibly jumped and looked over his shoulder guiltily at David. "Uh, it's nothin'. I's jus' a lil' jumpy." Jack suddenly cut himself off, there, over in the corner, in shadow. A tall figure stood there, leaning casually against the wall. "Hey Blink, Race, come 'er a sec." The two mentioned made there way over to stand by Jack and looked in the direction he was indicating, "Do ya see that kid ova there? I think it's me stalkah, I got da feelin' I was bein' watched again, an' I looked ova there an' that kid ain't moved, an' 'es lookin' ova here at us, or me." Race and Blink nodded their agreement that the kid seemed to be watching their every movement. "Whaddaya say we go met my stalkah?" Three faces grinned, while David remained totally clueless, but followed his friends to where the figure stood, waiting.
"Ah so my stalkah returns an' actually shows 'imself. But do 'e care ta introduce 'imself before we soak 'im?" Jack asked casually to Dave, Race and Blink, all the while glaring at the still shadow hidden figure.
"Introductions, introductions, so formal. Personally I don' think we need 'em, I know you and you know me, so why waste valuable time?" The shadow answered calmly.
Jack glared, that voice was mocking him, and he really didn't appreciate it, and who did this kid think he was? Jack sure had no idea who it was. "I think yer mistaken, cause whoeva ya are, I ain't neva met ya before, ya might know who I is, but I soah as 'ell don' know who you are. But why are ya hiding back dere? Come forward, sos I can soak ya good for followin me!"
"Geez, yer manners ain't improved any. An' I'm hurt Sullivan that ya don' 'member me."
Jack started at the name Sullivan, he hadn't been called that or known by that in a LONG time. An unwelcome shiver ran up his back, the voice was undeniably familiar, he just couldn't place it. "Da names Kelly now, Jack Kelly." He responded almost automatically, ignoring the insult, and just concentrating on the voice.
"Ah that's right, Spot informed me a that, guess it jus' slipped my mind. Yer still Cowboy though ain't ya? An' still dreamin' o' that ranch a yers down in Santa Fe? Gorgeous place San'a Fe."
Blink looked back and forth between his friend and the shadow, this kid really seemed to know Jack (no pun intended).
"Wait a sec. Didja say Spot? Ya know the weasel?" Race butted in suddenly. The head of the shadow suddenly snapped towards him, and he could almost see the smirk emerging on the face.
"Yeah, I know 'im we was good friends, me, Cowboy, an' Spot."
Jack's thoughts were still racing, he knew he knew that voice, and the owner of it seemed to know him, and Spot. But that voice, it was so calm, so slick, so cool, and almost provocative and mocking. Slick, that word rang a bell, or rather a train whistle, as his thoughts screeched to a sudden halt. Slick, that was it. "Slick? Slick Rylan?" Even to his own ears Jack thought his voice sounded incredulous (not that he would know that word ;-) )
The shadow stepped into the light and took a bow, "The one and only. How's it goin' Cowboy?" The grin on Slick's face was wild, obviously pleased with herself. Jack just stood and gaped, shocked to say the least to see his old childhood partner in crime standing before him eight years later. "That's all ya gotta say ta me? Geez, yer manners really ain't improved any." Slick said still grinning.
The other boys that had gathered around took in the sight of the newcomer with slight surprise, to them it looked like at tall, gangly, skinny teenage boy, with too long of hair for their own taste, and the bandanna covering it was new to them as well. Sure Jack wore one, but his stayed around his neck while this kid had 'his' covering 'his' hair. (A/N: just to make this more interesting later, all Newsies w/ the exception of Jack and Spot think Slick is a guy)
Snapping out of his shock, Jack took a hesitant step towards Slick, she met it by wrapping her arms around him in a hug. Stepping back, Jack held her shoulders and looked her up and down, "Man Slick, youse changed."
"Not as much as you Jacky-Boy. Callin' ya Jack is gonna take some getting use ta, ya understand doncha?" Slick said looking at Jack seriously for a second.
Jack looked at her and grinned, "Yeah, jus' lay off callin' me Sullivan, da bulls are prolly still afta' me an' know me by dat name. Ok?" Slick grinned and nodded.
"Ahhhhem." Jack turned around quickly, most of the other newsies had scattered, figuring they'd see the new kid later, and right now they had a living to earn. But those who hadn't moved included Blink, the 'ahhhhemer' (Race), and David.
"Oh, sorry guys, uh, Slick, I'd like ya ta meet some a me guys, dat dere is Kid Blink, who wes jus' call Blink, Racetrack, we jus' call 'im Race fer short, and dis is Dave, da Walkin' Mouth. Guys dis is an old friend a mine, Slick Rylan. Race studied Slick, 'he' looked oddly familiar to him.
Slick noticed the short Italian kid with the heavy black eye studying her rather hard. 'Wait. Sort Italian kid. Black eye...' Slick's face went slightly pink with embarrassment. "Oh gawd! I's really sorry 'bout that black eye, Race is it?"
Race had finally recognized the kid in front of him as 'he'd' said that, Blink had too, it was the kid from the alley, the one with the stunning silver eyes, that they could both see now as they turned towards them. Jack looked between the three and suddenly cracked up laughing. "An' what is so funny?" Race asked coolly trying to keep up a calm outward appearance.
"I jus' 'membered that Slick hadda killah right 'ook. Gave everyone a black eye, free o' charge, Spot an' I occasionally get one if we didn' watch what we'd say!" Jack managed to get out while laughing, and backing away from a aggressive, still embarrassed Slick.
"Arg, we gotta be goin' Jack if wes wanna get all dese papes sold a'fore lunch." Blink said suddenly glancing at the street.
"Yeah Blink, youse right, common guys, Slick, how 'bout ya keep us company?" Jack invited, as he turned and started walking out into the streets.
"Shoah, not like I's got anythin' betta ta do." Slick agreed her New York accent being overly dominant.
"So Slick, why did you give Race that black eye?" Dave asked falling into step beside her.
A brief look of almost panic shone on Slick's face. "Uh, he scared me."
"Race scared you Slick? I don' 'member youse eva bein' afraid a somethin'" Jack looked around Dave to look at Slick curiously.
"Well, things have happened in the last few years. One hasta be more careful, especially in big cities." No matter how hard she tried Slick could not repress a shudder.
"I didn' mean ta scare ya. I was gonna say somethin', but ya got me too quick." Race interjected sulkily.
An ironic smile slid onto Slick's face, "Yeah I know ya didn' but I's had some trouble in big cities. An' just a warnin' for ya if ya eva go ta Chicago or somethin', don't do that ta someone, 'specially in an alley, youse prolly end up with lots worse den a black eye. Lucky fer you my dagger was in my boot, or you couldda been toast." Three and a half pairs of eyes looked at Slick shocked, only to see a dead serious look on her face. Race gulped rather loudly, and Slick smirked, "Didn' mean ta scare ya, but I am serious, don't go 'round doin that."
"We'll keep dat in mind." Jack said quickly, eager to get onto a different subject. "So, ya wanna sell with one a us? I'm shoah ya can still 'improve' da headlines withoutta problem?" He turned to grin at her, knowing she was good at talking her way out of or into things, whichever her current situation called for.
"Yeah, I'm sure I can still 'member howta do it, it's been awhile though, jus' ta tell ya all ahead a time, sos I don' get blamed if ya don' have the besta luck." Slick answered easily.
Blink grinned, "Ya can sell with me Slick."
"Alright, we meet back at Tibby's when wes all done, so da two a ya met us dere k? An' Slick, try not ta get in ta too much trouble k?" Jack looked at his grinning friend.
"Okay Jacky-boy, not too much, I'll do my best!"
Blink shook his head as he was quickly pulled away by an eager Slick, "Jus' relax, we ain't ina race ya know."
Slick just smirked and pulled a paper out from under his arm, to search for a good headline to improve. Her gaze caught on one, 'Fishing Industry and Government Pleased With Doubled Amounts of Fish Being Caught.' "MURDER OF INNOCENTS GOES UP BY THOUSANDS!!! GOVERNMENT IN NO HURRY TO PUT AN END TO IT!!!" Within seconds Blink and Slick were bombarded by flocks of people wanting to read the 'improved' article. "Come on Blink, we don' wanna be here when they read da real headline." Slick whispered fiercely, pulling Blink away after over half of his papes had been sold by the 'improved headline'. The two took off running for a different section of town to finish their paper selling.
"Wow Slick, youse gotta come with me more often, yer good at dis!" Blink exclaimed when his papers were sold out by only the third yelled out headline.
"What can I say? I's gifted."
*******
***TIBBY'S***
"Dat didn' take youse guys long." Slick and Blink glanced up from their lunch and conversation at the sound of Jack's voice.
"Oh hey Jack, nah, Slick 'ere's a natural." Blink grinned, scooting over to make room for Race and Dave, as Jack slid in beside Slick.
"So Jack, whose da new kid?" A newsie asked coming over to stand by the table, he was followed by several other curious ones.
"Oh sorry Bumlits, an' guys, I didn' introduce ya ta me old friend Slick 'ere. Slick dese are some more a my guys, dats Bumlits, dats Boots, Skittery, Specs, Dutchy, Snitch, Itey, Swifty, Pie Eater, uh, dat ova dere is Rice an' Crispy. An' I believe ya know da guy comin' through the door. Heyya Spot!" The rest of the newsies gave Slick a wave and a quick "HI" before returning to their tables as Spot Conlon walked through the door.
"Hey Spot, how's it goin'?" Slick asked casually as Spot slid into the seat Dave vacated as he moved to Jack's side of the table so Spot and Jack could face each other.
"Ah, Slick, nice ta see yer still in one piece."
"Ya honestly thought I couldn' take care a myself fer one night? I've been doin' it for the past eight years Spot." Her voice had lost it casualness, and now had a slight edge to it.
"Do I wanna know what happened?" Jack asked looking between his two best friends and sensing the tension.
"It was nothin'" Slick answered soundly, making no room for arguments from Spot.
"So Jacky-boy, 'ow long did it take ya ta figure out it was Slick 'ere who was yer stalker?" Spot asked turning his attention to Jack.
Jack laughed, "Only a few minutes." His statement was rejected by snorts from four of the table's other occupants.
*********
Authors Note: Just a quick note to you people. First off, thank you for reading my story! Second thanks to those of you who are planning on reviewing, which I hope is all of you! And third, I know this chapter didn't have much action, and I'm sorry, but I can't tell you when the next chapter will be up because as of this coming Monday, I have basically NO free time! I will do my best to get the next one up ASAP! Thank you!