The Queen of New York:

By Smudge Conlon and Tricks Lawrence

Spot was sauntering towards the Brooklyn Lodging House when he heard three soft short whistles and two long ones. "Oh come on!" he groaned beneath his breath. His Brooklyn Birds had been bothering him all day with different bits of news, none all that important, but if he wanted to stay the most famous and respected newsie in all of New York then he had to know every little thing that was going on. "Fine." He sighed, and changed direction, heading towards a near by alleyway. The minute he turned into the alleyway he let out a long whistle, and muttered under his breath, "just hurry up! Dang it!" Only seconds later a figure emerged from the crevices of the alleyway. "So what's this bit of news?" Spot asked, trying with all his might to hold back his temper. The figure sauntered towards him and came into the light where Spot could see who it was. "Ise been in Queens." Stated the young bird. Spot waited expecting more, but the bird didn't say anymore. Spot couldn't hold his temper anymore, and he exploded. His fist went flying and hit the brick wall that was to his side. "Dang it!" he hissed, "just tell me what ya hoid!" The bird backed away slightly and held up its hands. "Okay, okay! I get it! Youse in a bad mood!" Spot put the tip of his cane against the bird's chest and pushed slightly. "Jist tell." He growled. "They is appointin' a new leadah in Queens. Her name is Tricks. She's being appointed tamorrow evenin'." The bird blurted out. Spot nodded, satisfied with the work his bird had done, but shocked at what had just reached his ears. "I want ya ta be there, and take Deer with ya." This Spot said with no emotion then turned and left without waiting for a reply. As he walked away he muttered the name under his breath, "Tricks." but then he shook his head, "nope nevah hoid of a goil named Tricks. nevah."

~*~

Tricks lay in bed that night staring at the ceiling above her. It wasn't every day that someone got appointed leader, and it wasn't normal that the position was offered to a girl, but then things in Queens were never normal. Tricks sighed deeply, and turned onto her side. The role of leader was going to be a big responsibility, one she hoped that she could handle. The previous leader, Harts, had been one of the best leaders Queens had known. He didn't impose upon his newsies personal life, nor did he command them as the famous Spot Conlon did. That's how Tricks wanted to lead. She definitely didn't want to lead anything like Conlon did. He had put fear into everyone's heart, and had established his reputation by force. That wasn't something that Tricks wanted to do at all. She wanted people to respect her, but not fear her. Slowly Trick's thoughts began to drift off as she fell into a dreamless sleep.

~*~

June 16th, 1893

A small boy, a train station, blonde hair that fell into the boy's icy blue eyes; crystal clear tears that trickled down his face; small hands that waved as he ran after the departing train. A little voice that called for his mother.

~*~

Spot suddenly woke up in a cold sweat. The nightmares that he'd had when he was young had returned to him. These nightmares. they were memories from his past. a past that he'd forcedly forgotten. "Tricks." Spot whispered into the dark night. For some reason, a reason that he didn't know, he recognized the name. maybe; maybe it was something from his past. Something from his childhood. something that might connect him to. but no, he thought, Ise nevah membered me past, an' I ain't gonna start now. Sides it ain't important.