Warning: This story contains adult language, graphic violence, attempted rape, attempted suicide, and sexually explicit themes. Reader's discretion is advised. Rating - R.

Disclaimer: I do not own Newsies or any of the Newsies characters. Apollonia, Giselle, Checkers, and other miscellaneous characters are all mine.

Chapter 24 - Destination: Santa Fe

"A beautiful evening to break a wonderful day." Jack thought to himself. He stopped and purchased a paper from a girl newsie on his way home from work. She thanked him with a trademark smile that seemed to make the male customers melt. Off on his way back to his place, he witnessed many others preparing for the daily departure of heading back to their homes from the grind of labor that touched every New Yorker who was fortunate enough to find employment. He decided to make a detour and swing by a place he hadn't seen in a long time.

Jack walked along the train tracks, with a pape in hand, looking at the hundreds of kids who were boarding the train in droves. Seeing faces of kids, ranging from different ages and backgrounds, made Jack ponder on what these youngsters will face out west. He caught sight of a young boy, around age seven, who eyes were lit up like a neon sign at Coney Island. He was short, had shaggy, light blonde hair, and a smile across his face. He seemed all too eager to board the train. But it wasn't only his smile, or his hair, or his eagerness that captured Jack's attention. It was the cowboy hat that the boy had hanging down his back.

He remembered all too well when he was that close to leaving New York and everything and everyone that meant something to him when he won the strike. He did the right thing in following Teddy Roosevelt's advice. He did have some things to work out. And he did have family. The years had past and even though he accomplished much in his young lifetime, he finally found the road to ultimate happiness and he, at last, found love. It was amazing how something so sweet had come and rearranged his life for the better. He felt kissed by destiny.

In time, he made it to his apartment building. He walked into his apartment, threw his keys onto the table, and headed straight for his bedroom. Opening the door to his wardrobe, he looked up and spotted a dark object at the top on a shelf. He still had his cowboy hat in his closet. He pulled it out slowly and placed it on his head. He closed his eyes and pictured himself riding a horse, lassoing a calf, and roaming through a cattle drive. Seeing beautiful landscapes with cacti, tumbleweeds, desert sand, and crystal blue skies motivated his desire to see the land he had dreamt of for so long. He never let go of this dream. And although New York would be a part of his life always, he needed to make this lifelong fantasy a reality. New Mexico had his name written all over it.

He heard his door opening, breaking his concentration. He was met by the pitter-patter of small feet as he walked out of his bedroom. Apollonia had come in with a bag full of groceries.

"Jack, it's me, cherie." She said as she placed the bag on the table. Jack walked up to her greeting her. "Hi, darling." After they kissed, she looked up at the hat sitting on his head.

"Where did you get that chapeau?"

"I've had it for a while. I just haven't worn it until now." She reached up and lightly tapped it with her index finger, smiling. "It looks good on you. You should wear it more often." Jack warmly smiled at her.

"You don't know how happy I am to hear ya say dat, baby." After a brief hugging, Apollonia proceeded to prepare a delicious dinner for the two of them. Jack made himself a seat in his comfortable chair, exhaling as he closed his eyes and pushed his hat over his eyes.

~

Weekends were the days people enjoyed more than any other time of the week. Apollonia would stay over at his diminutive apartment on said weekends while Jack would return the favor and sleep at her place some day's during the week. He loved having two homes. Three if he counted the Jacobs' place. The weekend had finally come and Apollonia had finished making up their bed. She began picking up Jack's soiled shirts and prepared to have them ready for the laundress to pick them up later. As she gathered the shirts and placed them in the basket, Jack crept up behind her, running his hands around her waist. She smiled as she turned her head to the side and upwards, looking into her love's face.

"Do you wanna go to see Medda tonight? We haven't seen her in a while."

"Certainly. What time are we leaving?"

"6:30 that should give you enough time to do whatever duties ya have planned and stuff."

"Well, once the laundry is done, I'll have to wash dishes after we eat and

"Oh, I didn't know that you had so much stuff on your agenda for today."

"Well, I do have a man to look out for." She said as she reached up to pull his face down towards hers and kiss him. Jack kissed her back, rubbing her back at the same time.

"Well, in that case, why don't we just stay indoors and relax with each udda. Besides, you may need your strength for the work I'm gonna put you through tonight."

"I'm being put through a lot of work as it is looking after you, chere."

"That's not the type of work I'm talking about."

She playfully pinched him as he grabbed her around the waist and twirled her around, making her dizzy. "Jack, you are so crazy when you want to be."

"Crazy about you, sweetie." He said kneeling down to kiss her on the forehead. Later on that night, Jack and Apollonia walked to the Brooklyn Bridge just to stroll down the walkway and enjoy a view of the city skyline and the night air. She had not been to the bridge since she contemplated suicide. That was a long time ago. Things were different now. She was with Jack, a man who loved and cared about her a great deal. They walked to the middle of the bridge and paused. She steadfastly stood in front of him, encircled by his muscular arms, gazing up at the sky.

"It's beautiful."

"Isn't it? There aren't very many night's like this one anymore. Too many lights in the city nowadays."

"I know. It's different in Santa Fe from what I've read."

He nodded. "Very different. It ain't big like New York."

"I'll have to go visit you when you go then."

"I wouldn't go without you." Jack stated.

Apollonia looked at him in astonishment. "I want you to be with me. I love you and I want you to be at my side at all times."

"Mon Dieu, Jack." She said as Jack took her hand, kissing her gently before looking back and staring up at the sky. She stared straight ahead, totally dumbfounded by his revelation. "Jack, are you serious?"

"I'm dead serious. Everyone knows we are a couple. Everyone knows how we feel about each udda." Apollonia was both stunned and pleased by his offer. But she couldn't help thinking about leaving her life in New York. She loved New York.

"But what about our lives here in Manhattan? Everyone we know is here. Don't you like it here?"

"We'll always have New York. Our friends will be here. They can come and visit us anytime. I want ta live out my dream of owning a ranch in Santa Fe and I want to share dat dream with you."

Looking up into his warm, heavenly eyes, she saw a glint of sincerity. She knew he was not a figment of her imagination. He was real. "I'll always want you near me. I've waited for you for so long and I don't plan on letting you go. Come away with me."

Words could not express what she was feeling right then. She stared at him for a few seconds and dashed her eyes back and forth trying to take in everything that Jack had just said to her.

"Apollonia, what's wrong?" He said waiting for an answer.

"Uh, oh mon Dieu! Um, I-I don't know what to say."

"Say yes." Apollonia smiled at him elated. "Yes!" Jack hoisted her up into the air, hugging her tightly as if she were going to be blown away by the New York wind. He gently placed her back on her feet and gave her a meaningful gaze. This time, she took the initiative and brought his head down to meet her mouth. The swirling, enchanting dance of their darting tongues licked Apollonia's desire into flames. There were no conflicts, no second thoughts, and no guilt trips between them now. Just the all- consuming passion of a man and a woman who could never deny what was so obvious between them.

~

**** Two Months Later ****

A party was heavily underway and everyone was in high spirits. Tibby's was especially alive tonight. The guys of Manhattan were drinking and singing along with their dates. It had been three months since Jack and Apollonia announced their plans to leave New York and head out west. Many arrangements had to be made. Giselle would run the bookstore on Apollonia's behalf and keep her posted on the store's progress. Jack had already informed his boss of his departure and was met with a mixture of happiness and regret. He was well-liked by all of his co-workers and supervisors and knowing that Jack was no longer going to be around dampened everyone's morale. His buddies, Bryan, Russ, and Patrick, were all present along with David, Giselle, Race, Blink, Mush, Mayer, Esther, and all of the rest of the former Manhattan newsies.

Holding up their glasses, David proposed a toast to the two, wishing them well on their journey to a new and different place where cattle roams free and the air is fresh and lucid. Jack's co-workers also stood up and gave their spin on Jack and they even declared that he was a lucky man to be living his dream and with such a beautiful companion. Crutchy stood up and relayed to everyone the first day he met Jack. They met in the refuge where Jack was incarcerated before escaping. Race, Mush, and Blink also put in their two cents of how much they will miss them.

"Remembah, Jack, we all love ya are back ya 100% And ya bettah take great care of our little Apollonia, not that you weren't taking care of her anyway, but take extra care of her. You're taking away our favorite doll." Apollonia smiled at her "brother". She reached up and pulled him into her. Race fought back tears as she did this. "You bettah write ta us, okay? Keep us posted about how you guys are doing in Santa Fe."

"Don't forget ta send pictures. We don't wanna forget dat pretty face of yours." Blink reiterated.

"I can't begin to tell you guys how much ya mean to me. I came into da world as an only child. Now, I'm leaving with a whole lotta brothers, and a few sisters, and a great set of parents." Mayer and Esther sat teary-eyed at Jack's toast. Many of the guys held back tears, not wanting to break their macho bravado.

Giselle pulled Apollonia to the side for some privacy. She looked at Giselle with a questioning. Eyes cast towards the floor, Giselle was anxious and content all at once.

"Cherie, I just want you to know that I am very happy for the both of you and I am pleased that you have found someone like Jack to love you tremendously. God bless you both."

With those words of blessing, Apollonia hugged her best friend tightly, wishing to herself that this night would not be full of heartache and despair. She knew that she was leaving a number of things by leaving New York. Although, she would not be leaving permanently, she would still miss her Manhattan and Brooklyn families. Giselle was like a sister to her. They vowed to keep in touch.

"I will miss you, Giselle." Slowly, they walked back to the crowd as everyone was benefiting from the drinking and presence of each other. On the opposite side of the room, David pulled Jack aside and presented him with an envelope. It contained $100.

"It's from Denton. He says that he was sorry that he couldn't come due to being away all of the time on assignment. So, he gave me this to give to you on his behalf. It's your gong away present. He also told me to tell you that not only is New York losing a star, Santa Fe is gaining a new sun. Bigger and brighter than the one that brightens the city."

Jack was so touched by Denton's generosity. David had tears flowing from his blue eyes. The two best friends shared a hug before returning to the multitude of friends and family that wanted to spend as much time in Jack and Apollonia's presence for a long a possible.

~

Elegantly dressed in a crimson red ensemble, Apollonia rode in the carriage throughout Brooklyn like royalty driving among her subjects, wishing to mingle among the commoners. She headed straight for St. Christopher's Cathedral, with a bouquet of red and white flowers in tow. Kneeling down before her soul mate's grave, Apollonia said a silent prayer. Jack stood by right behind her quietly. It was a humbling and sobering experience to be back in Brooklyn and visiting the Brooklyn leader's grave.

Before long, Apollonia broke the silence. "Spot, I hope that you can hear me from beyond the grave. I came to let you know that I will be leaving New York for a while, with Jack. We have been together for quite some time and we are going to live in Santa Fe. I will still have our home in Manhattan and Giselle will run the store on my behalf. We will visit New York periodically and I want you to know that even though we are apart, I will always love you."

She then bent forward and kissed his tombstone. "Je t'adore, Spot." She whispered. As soon as she finished, Jack proceeded to step towards the grave and speak his mind.

"Heya, Spot. Listen, um, I wanted ta thank you once again for forgiving me and all and I want you ta know that I am going ta take good care of her. I love her with all my heart and I intend ta keep her safe." He knelt down towards the grave and whispered. "You were right. She is a rare diamond. God bless ya, Spot." Gradually Jack stood up and walked over to Apollonia. Linking her arm with his, he escorted her back to the carriage, headed for the train yards.

Once they reached the train station, the driver immediately assisted with transferring the couple's luggage to the baggage cart. Jack had already purchased the tickets weeks ago and had anticipated going to the city of his dreams.

Apollonia walked up to him as Jack looked down at her. For a few seconds, words did not pass between them. "This is it." Apollonia relayed.

"Ya nervous?"

She nodded, her heart pummeling in her chest. He grabbed her by her white- gloved hands and kissed her sweetly. They then heard the conductor yell, "Train will be departing in five minutes, folks! Five minutes!" She then proceeded to board the train, turning back to look out at the city that she made her home for the past six years. Even though she was not leaving New York permanently, she couldn't help but be saddened by their exodus. After her moment of silence, she walked into the train with Jack closing in behind her. He, too, turned around to look back on the city of his birth, New York City, the city that opened its arms to immigrants and anyone who wished to start a new life. He tried with all of his mental might to seal the image of his beloved Manhattan. Although happy to at last live his dream and leaving New York and all of the bad memories that he still harbored, he admitted to himself that he would always have a part of him that would miss New York. And he promised Apollonia that they would visit Manhattan periodically. He and Apollonia then made their way to their seats in the moderately-filled car. Apollonia looked out of the window as Jack took her hand and held it tight. She looked over to him with a message in her eyes.

"This is it." Jack said to her as her heartbeat increased steadily. He placed his arm around her and implored her to lean on his shoulder. He kissed her forehead as she closed her eyes to prevent herself from crying. Within seconds, the train began to pull off from the station in the direction they were both headed for - west. Withdrawing from its current station, the locomotive left the train yards, leaving behind the metropolis of a million stories and a million dreams.

~

**** Two Weeks Later ****

"Extra! Extra! Read all about it! First National Bank of New York robbed blind! $25,000 missing from vault!"

Dozens of men and women scoured about the streets of Manhattan trying to obtain a newspaper to read about the bank robbery of the previous day. Several men scanned the paper, wishing to see the exact account of how so much money had disappeared, hoping that some of the money was not their own.

"This makes me want to put my money back underneath my mattress!" Relayed one gentleman.

Blink and Mush distributed the newspapers to all of the newsies as usual. They stood in single file waiting patiently for their turn to purchase as many papers to sell so that they could pay for their next meal, assist the financial need of their families, or catch the next vaudeville performance playing later on that day.

"How many papes, kid?"

"30 papes, please."

Mush politely gave the young girl newsie the stated amount of papers as Kid Blink took her money from her. Following her was as teenage boy, who stepped to the window promptly.

"And how many papes for you, son?"

"50 papes, sir."

"There's no need to call him 'sir.' He ain't dat respectable!" Mush said as he felt the back of a hand smack him right across the face by a snickering Blink. The newsies were laughing at the immature antics of the two close friends as they continued to wait uncomplainingly.

Racetrack came walking up to the distribution office amid the storms of laughter, smoking on his cigar and placing his racing form in his pocket.

"What's up, fellas?"

"Nothin' much, Race. Are ya up ta going ta Medda's tonight or what?"

"I think dat we can do dat, especially since I got a hot tip on a horse dat I'm sure won't lose." Mush and Blink just rolled their eyes at each other at Racetrack's statement. Race noticed their expressions.

"What?"

"Well, we hoped dat ya didn't want ta break our hearts, Race, but we got plans ta go ta see Medda wid some goils and we were hoping dat ya didn't go ta Sheepshead and bet."

Race looked at Blink confused. "We know dat ya like ta gamble, but we thought dat ya should take a break and go out on a date wid us. Whadda ya say?"

Puffing on his cigar, Racetrack nodded his head in agreement to the rendezvous. "Alright, you gotta deal. But remembah, you guys owe me big!"

"Not as much as you owe us, Dr. Funkenstein!"

Mush and Blink looked at each other grinning as Racetrack burned holes into them with his eyes for their reference when he almost burned the place down with his cigars, which was starting to smell up their apartment. The landlord was not too pleased with the ordeal.

"Alright, fellas. I'm gonna go ta C.M. James & Co. and try ta purchase something snazzy ta where wid youse ta Medda's. Besides, I think Medda has a thing for short, dark-haired Italians who gamble and smoke cigars!" Mush and Blink just looked at each other. On that note, Race left the World's distribution office while Mush and Blink conducted their business of dispensing the daily newspapers to their eagerly awaiting young clientele.

~

Dark and somber, New York was as quiet as it was busy. Lights were flickering throughout the buildings from people turning in to those burning the midnight oil. A man with worn clothes and a tough build entered the building with ease. Guards looked upon the man with suspicion, thinking that he had no business being there this late at night. There were more appropriate times to conduct such business. The callous-looking man made his way to another guard sitting at his desk, heavily involved with paperwork. The roughneck slammed a large, rectangular package onto the guard's desk, startling him. The sentry then took the package and inspected its contents.

"Wait here." He told the strange visitor. The sinister caller waited patiently, checking out his surroundings as he paced slowly back and forth. Finally, the guard reappeared. "You can wait outside. He will be sent out shortly." The stranger nodded his head and headed back to the side entrance from where he came.

Twenty minutes had passed and the gang was getting restless, but waited quietly until their comrade came to meet them. Suddenly, a tall, somewhat stout figure stepped into the area. "Well, it's about time. I thought that you rotted in there or something."

"Patience is obviously not one of your strong suits, Wainwright." The heavily built man said with a touch of a cold intensity in his voice. The other five men gathered around were a motley crew of ruffians who didn't have enough brains to work together even as a whole. They listened to the man presumed to be their leader. "Well, sir. It took more than patience to get the $5000 from the city bank to get you outta here. So, I suggest that you treat us with a little more respect." The newly released ex-prisoner gave him a stern look.

"Well, I think we'd better be heading back to the pub. We have a lot to discuss for the upcoming plans. Shall we?" Wainwright stated. Turning their attention back to Wainwright, the party followed him and their leader to their carriages.

"It's good to see you again, Snyder." Wainwright exclaimed before whipping the horses to transport them to their seedy destination.