Past Secrets and Present Times
Chapter 20
By Megan
Those who reviewed deserve some shout-outs.
Pina: thank you.Tiger: Of course, us girls need ta be tough.
Discord: I try to update. Get on my back about it if I stop.
Lange: Sorry about bashin' Spot but it fits with the story line.
Spot: You makin' fun a me again?
Megan: Yeah, you got a problem with that?
Spot: Yes I do.
Megan: Then go visit Lange.
(Spot storms across computer wires and smiles. "Hi Lange.")
MoonStar: Thank you for that review. Nice to know some people think I'm good (sisters make fun). Your story is great too.
SaL: Where's chapter four. You need to call me. I'se stuck in a house with Shelli, Krissy and Josh. Ugh!
Baby309blue: muchos gracias.
Moth Stafu: Thanks for the review.
Liz: You're right, there do need to be more stories about Specs. Cough, cough **hint, hint everyone**.
And now on with the show…After buying papers Hotshot walked through the streets with Specs, Dutchy, Pickpocket, and Cover. They all spent the first ten minutes selling papes before Cover ventured a question.
"So why'd ya soak Spot?" he asked.
She turned to the group of curious newsies biting her thumbnail. "He said sumthin' I didn't like," she said.
"And you just soaked him! Hots, if he fought back he coulda killed you!"
She looked at Pickpocket as he used his pet nick for her, "Ya know how he always knows what's comin' when he fights? I don' think he did this time. I surprised him and he was sorta in shock after the second punch."
"What'd he say?" Dutchy asked glancing past Specs at her.
"He was trying to get me ta do sumthin' that I used ta do 'fore I came here. When I said 'no' he threatened me wit' somethin' he shouldn't a said."
"Whatta ya mean?" Cover was back again with another question.
"I mean, he pulled rank on me," she said calmly.
The two Brooklyn newsies both let out a low whistle while Dutchy looked at her confused, "So?"
"Spot is the only Brooklyn leader who refuses to pull rank. He'll tell you sumthin' as a good friend but neva as youse boss." Pickpocket explained, "What'd he threaten ya wit'."
"Ta kick me outta Brooklyn."
"What was you fightin' 'bout to make 'im do that?" Pickpocket asked.
"Me," the voice was quiet, but loud enough for the newsies to hear. "Spot wants her ta go out wit' him again and get riddah me."
"How much'd you hear?" she asked.
"Jus' that Spot thought I was a threat and that you hit 'im. Why would any girl want me ova Spot Conlon an' when did you date 'im?" Specs looked at her curiously.
"When I lived in Brooklyn." She said selling her last pape. Throughout the whole conversation they'd been selling them and most of them were almost done. Pickpocket had the most left so he gave her some of his.
"Keep the money ya make," he said out of habit. He had given up picking pockets, most of the time anyway, and only picked locks when needed. He was going by either Lockpick or Pickpocket now. Didn't really matter to him.
She nodded and finished selling. The money she made from his papes held in her fist she slipped into his pocket. He'd taught her how to do everything at Spot's order but she was the first to admit she wasn't near as good. Today he was busy and didn't notice the change entering his pocket. He'd find it later but she wouldn't take it back. After everyone had sold their last paper the group headed for Tibby's.
Specs lingered back seeing Spot in the window. Hotshot saw Spot and glanced at Specs. She stopped and walked back to him, again biting her nail. "I would pick you ova Spot." She said.
"What?"
"When you said no goil would want you ova Spot you was wrong. I told him last night that I'd get back tagether wit' you afta the trial was ova if ya still wanted ta go out," she looked toward the diner as she spoke. "He wouldn't do anythin' ta you. He knows I can soak 'im and I think he's ova it."
"Jus' 'cause ya hit him ya think he's ova it?" Specs raised an eyebrow in doubt.
"No it was sumthin' he said." She nodded toward Tibby's, "C'mon, I'll buy ya lunch."
Spot barely glanced up at them as they entered. He was engrossed in a hushed conversation with Jack, Rebel, and a few of the other higher powered newsies. They joined another group stuffed into one of the booths.
"Hotshot, afta the trial is ova you gona steal our man Specs to sell wit' ev'ryday?" Skittery asked referring to himself, Dutchy, Bumlets, and Kid Blink when he was well. Pie Eater and Snoddy were also part of the group sometimes. "'Cause ya know he's the one that explains everythin' to us."
"Yeah," Racetrack added coming to join them, "Like why these five are so stupid."
"And why Race is so short," Pie Eater shot back. Race reached foreward and smacked the taller newsie with his cabby hat.
Specs also earned a swat by saying, "Even I can't explain that."
"The only reason I'se so short is 'cause all you tall bum stole all the food," he desperately tried for an insulting comeback.
"Nah Race, smokin' an' caffeine stunt ya growth." She took his cigar from between hit teeth and threw it into the ashtray. A cheer erupted not only from the boys at her table but also the surrounding ones. She stopped one of the boys' laughter when she continued, "Yeah Race, but don't feel bad. The caffeine part is the reason Spot is so puny too."
"Ooohhh…"
Every newsie in the restaurant made the call that was usually made when the Delancy's were chasing Jack.
Spot just grinned at her, "Youse jus' lucky I don't hit goils, Hotshot."
"Anytime, anyplace Spottie. There ain't no rule sayin' girls can't hit guys."
"Brooklyn lodging house, the loft, eight pm, tonight." He said with a strange, forced smile on his face.
Was he serious? Spot had never challenged another newsie from his group to fight him before. Hopefully he just wanted to discuss what had happened. "I'll be there," she agreed.
Everything went back to normal except for a few more comments about their fight the previous night.
"So what's up this afternoon?" she asked Specs.
"Visit Kid Blink." That was the end of the discussion. They walked to the hospital in silence.
A doctor recognized Hotshot and quickly pulled her aside. She immediately thought the worst and, despite her training in Brooklyn, paled. "No, Miss don't worry, I have good news."
"How good?"
"I believe Trey will be waking up within the hour."
She froze. This was too good to be true. She had to be dreaming or something. It couldn't possibly be that easy.
"Now he won't be out of the woods yet, but I believe he is going to recover."
She finally found his voice, "He's gonna be ok?"
"In time, I believe so," The doctor was smiling at her.
"Will he umm… Will he be able to talk or anything."
"Yes, he'll be able to talk. His throat might be a little sore but that's about it. The only thing is he might be tired and a little confused."
"That's Blink for ya." She laughed, "Seriously though, thank you so much." It was the first time she actually looked at the doctor. He couldn't have been more than a few years older than Rebel.
"Well, why don't you get going so you can be there when he wakes up." He dismissed her with a wave of his hand and she ran across the hall to his room.
Once she saw the three boys' sad faces she knew they hadn't been told. She jumped on Specs, hugging him furiously. "They said he's gonna wake up in less than an hour!" she said loud enough for them both to hear.
Specs smiled and mumbled some kind of prayer under his breath while Mush and Bumlets cheered. Mush snickered at Specs and Hotshot.
"Another perfect opportunity for the two a youse ta be all ova eachotha," he said suggestively.
"I swear I'll soak ya, Mush." She threatened
Obviously Bumlets had filled his friend in on her and Spot's fight because Mush immediately shut his mouth.
After a few minutes of celebrating they settled around the room. Hotshot was falling asleep over a poker game with Mush when she heard a familiar voice whispering, "Specs, Specs whatta ya doin' here? What happened?"
Instantly the three boys were surrounding the bed. Hotshot made her way over more slowly because her legs hurt from sitting in the same position for over an hour. She also thought it was right to let them see Kid Blink first since they'd known him longer. He was talking to his three friends about what had happened and they told him truthfully. After a minute of being depressed by his near-death experience they talked about everyone at the lodging house. The doctor had already told them that everyone could come the next day.
One by one each of the boys talked to Kid Blink and moved away to give someone else a turn.
First Mush, then Bumlets, then Specs. After he was finished he left the chair open for Hotshot. She took the seat and found Kid Blink smiling at her, "Heya Hotshot."
"Hey Kid. How ya feelin'?"
"Like crap, but the othas say I'se gonna feel better in a few days."
"I'll hafta bring Blackjack 'round in a day or two."
"I t'ought that was youse brudah's name."
"It is. Spot found him locked in the attic a me place in Brooklyn."
"Ah, Spot. I hear you an' him had a fight 'bout your love life an' you soaked him if Bumlets told me correctly."
"Yes, I soaked him. He wanted to be part of my private life again and I didn't want him there. He pulled rank on me and I just lost it." She glanced at Specs in an unnoticeable way.
"Would you just tell him you love him and get it over with." Kid Blink hissed it quietly.
"Excuse me?" she turned back to him, "Who says I love him?"
"No one hasta. You beat up Spot who youse known forever for a guy you known three of four months. For all you know what happened to me could happen ta him tomorrow. He loves you too, trust me. Just tell him you love 'im." He yawned, "Am I supposed to be tired?"
"Yeah, the doc said you would be. Get some rest. I'll stop by tomorrow an' I'll bring the guys."
"Send Mush over. I need a game of cards first."
"Sure," she forfeited her seat to Mush and walked over to Specs. She looked over to find Mush dealing cards to himself, Bumlets, and Kid. The latter of which didn't seem to notice his eye patch was missing. Specs made room for her on the couch and she collapsed next to him.
"No offence but I think I'm gonna be glad to get back to my house tonight," she told him.
"Well sanity has basically left the lodging house since you got here. I dunno how Brooklyn ever let you stay there and not have the whole place in complete hysteria." He turned to her grinning.
"Sanity left the lodging house then. From Spots stories I heard it was worse 'fore I got there."
"Then you hafta think about the increase in fights wit' scabs, deflation of Race's ego, other newsies, an' all the court stuff. No I can't say it was all bad; deflating Race's oversized ego was great."
"So overall…" she left it hanging.
"Overall I think the lodging house has been better since you came." Sarcasm dripped from his voice but she knew he was really serious.
"Thought so," she agreed. After that she ignored what Kid Blink had told her. She kept it in the back of her mind and was more aware of I now than ever. She'd tell him, eventually.
Specs, Race, and Dave were meeting her in Brooklyn at nine pm and they were going to walk home together. Well, Specs was going to the hospital but David and Race were going back to the house.
She walked slowly through the Brooklyn streets on her way to the pier. It didn't matter how fast she want; she was still going to be there early. The d pier was covered with newsies, all of whom she knew. They nodded to her and a few of them asked her how life in Manhattan was.
"Hey Scorpion, Stretch." She said reaching the door to the bunks, "Spot here yet?"
"Inside," Scorpion nodded.
"Talk to you later then," she opened the door and closed it behind her. A lot of the guys seemed to be in a bad mood or uptight about something. Maybe Spot was in a bad mood. When she reached the bottom of the ladder she looked up to see if the trapdoor was closed; it was. She was about to ask Stretch why when Spot stepped out of the shadows. She jumped, "Jesus, Conlon!"
"I'm sorry," he stepped forward and hugged her.
She had already decided that if he tried to kiss her she would leave without thinking but this surprised her. "What made you change your mind?"
"Something Reb told me just made me think and realize I like you like you like me, not how you like Specs."
"Didn't I tell you the exact same thing on the roof last night?" She grinned at him, knowing he'd have to admit he'd been wrong for once.
Spot groaned at the smug look on her face and sat on a crate, "Alright, alright, you was right and I was wrong. Are ya happy now?" When she nodded he continued, "You ready to go up?"
She began to climb the ladder with him following her closely. She pushed open the door and climbed into the loft. When she stood and looked around and noticed the rooms other inhabitants. Jack, David, Rebel, and Lockpick were all seated on one side of the room while Oscar and Maurice Delancy, as well as Mitchell sat on the other half. She gasped and turned around, "Spot, what's going on?"
He said nothing but lead her to an empty crate and told her with his eyes to sit down. In a hushed whisper he told her, "This is an arranged meeting. None of 'em are stupid enough o try anything with the rest of the Brooklyn newsies downstairs." She relaxed under his arm and he removed his hand from her shoulder. Spot took his seat directly between the two groups.
"You boys are here 'cause youse supposed to testify against Hotshot in court. Now, Oscar and Maurice they might put you back up there, and Mitchell, youse up the end a next week. Youse supposed to tell the truth, which this far youse done. But I'se been hearin' t'ings from little birdies. They sayin' that Edwards has been makin; some sorta deals wit' youse; sayin' he'll pay youse if you lie. If you do decide to take the money and lie I swear that if any a youse ever set foot in Brooklyn again youse gonna wish you'd neva been born, even you Mitchell. And the idiotic Delancy's, even if ya don't come to Brooklyn me and Jackie-boy here are gonna send all our best fightas afta youse."
The other newsies that were on Hotshot's side said a bit after Spot was finished. After each of them had said their threats Spot stood again. "Youse bums got half an hour ta get outta Brooklyn."
The Delancy's quickly filed out of the room silently glaring at Hotshot as she passed them.
Mitchell moved at a slower place. He knew the streets of Brooklyn like the back of his hand. He could be across the bridge in ten minutes if he had too. He wasn't going to take that much time tonight though, because he knew Hotshot and Spot maybe even some of the others could do it in five.
He grinned at her, knowing no matter what he said she couldn't do anything about it. Spot was sending her warning glares and it was well known because of Daniel that she no longer carried her knife. His grin widened and he smirked suggestively at her, the way he and some of his friends did when they picked up girls in the pitiable part of town. He took the risk of her wrath and Spot's; he ran his thumb across her jaw and whispered, "Don' worry, I won't tell 'em it's youse problem youse a slut. Like mudah, like daughter and then youse gotta consider youse friends."
She tried to launch herself at him but David had been listening and held her back. Rebel, Lockpick, Jack and Spot all had slingshots in their hands within seconds. Spot released his and the marble connected with the side of Mitchell's face. "Get out of here now. Youse only got ten minutes."
Hotshot spat in his face but he merely wiped it off. Mitchell nodded and left, daring to flash another grin at Hotshot before he disappeared through the trapdoor. She snarled with anger and pulled, trying to release herself from David's firm grip. He didn't let go and Spot stepped in front of her. She calmed down after a minute and David let go of her arms. All of the others, except David were downstairs by now. Spot gave David his instructions.
"Go wait for Race and Specs downstairs, call up when they's both here." David followed his instructions without question and left the two of them alone. It was then that Spot turned to Hotshot. "He always knows just how to get to you, ever since you first came wit' youse brudah."
"I swear Spot, if I had my knife I think I woulda killed him." She was cracking her knuckles wishing that she could go after him. Mitchell was the person who had enjoyed taunting her when they both lived in Brooklyn. He hated the fact that there was a girl anywhere in New York who could sell more than him, and threaten his job as second in command. Every look and thing he said to Hotshot had a threat hidden in it. She hadn't spoken to him in a long time so she wasn't sure what this one meant. All she knew was that she didn't like it. "He don't have no job anyway, just that gang a his. Why ain't someone killed him yet?"
"No one has the guts to," Spot said, "not even me. He's too good a fighter. You are the only person I ever known to say they want him dead out loud. Don't let him get to you."
At that moment Race came up the ladder and called, "Hey Spot, youse gonna let her go any time soon so we can get 'er back 'fore curfew?" He walked over and shook hands with Spot. Spot whispered something in the gambler's ear that was not heard by Hotshot.
She started toward the trapdoor with Race and Spot called after her, "If he gives you a good enough reason take it."
She was shocked that Spot would suggest she kill Mitchell if she had the chance. The only thing that stopped her form looking back at Spot was Racetrack yelling for her to get down the ladder.
The walk was silent until they crossed the bridge. None of the boys would speak so Hotshot took it upon herself to start a conversation. "So is Blink doin' any better?"
"Yeah," Specs answered, "He wants to se everyone tomorrow, but he wants ta talk to you alone first. We filled him in on everything that happened while he was…" The tall brunette trailed off and then started a new sentence; "The doc said he might be able to be in court the last few days." At this point the group stopped in front of the hospital. "I'll see youse tomorrow," Specs mumbled, "Bumlets is takin' me place afta tonight so I'll be back at youse place Hotshot."
She nodded as the others called see you tomorrow. The two boys started walking, leaving her with him. "Thanks for staying wit' him Specs." She said.
"Step on it Lynn," Race called back, "We'se only gots ten minutes!"
She kissed Specs quickly on the cheek and took off after the two who were already together. She passed them and they sped up to catch up with her. The three were soon out of sight to Specs who was still staring after them. He sighed and walked into the hospital, where he took his usual place next to Kid Blink's bed. The only difference was tonight Kid asked what had happened. He just shook his head and tried to explain.
Hotshot and her friends entered the house with two minutes to spare. She hit Race in the arm for calling her Lynn and watched Rosa come out of the kitchen.
"Racetrack, what on earth happened to you?" Rosa yelled seeing the bruise along his jaw.
Racetrack and David exchanged glances and in the same instant pointed to Hotshot.
"What happened to never tellin' on another newsie?" Hotshot asked. She started upstairs with the other two in close pursuit. They played poker until Rosa came in and yelled for them to go to bed. The boys retreated to their rooms and Hotshot curled up on her bed, wishing Specs were there to talk to.
A/N: Another chapter done. I was sorta disappointed with how few reviews I got for the last two so press that button and write me a review. I had a brainstorm today that might change the rest of the story a little. Don't worry it'll still have the same ending. But the new part has something to do with and event mentioned in this chapter cough, cough **hint, hint FIGHT** cough, cough. Anyway, hope you liked the latest chapter. Tell me whatcha think a the story so far. Byes! ~Megan~~~