I couldn't believe that she was still scared of him after all those years. The Jack I knew was kind to everyone but ever since she came to New York and he saw her, he had changed a little. He was acting like he could do anything he wanted to anyone. He stopped sticking up for the little kids so Mush, Racetrack, Specs and I started looking after Pop Bottle and Roots. Skittery and Boots looked after Les since David was in school some days.

Jack started acting like any girl would go for him and that he could have any girl. He started to flirt with any girl possible. He even tried flirting with Dodger and Fastdancer whenever they came to visit Specs and Racetrack, which wasn't very often. Fastdancer had moved her things out of the lodging house and moved to Midtown. Spot's been around a lot though. He's still sticking up for Jack, saying that what he did to Whisper was in the past and that we should just leave it there.

We finally found Whisper after 3 hours of searching. She had found a long alley and went to the farthest end and just stayed there. At first we walked past it, but then decided to double back check just in case. Low and behold, she was curled up and shaking. Her eyes looked relaxed so from that we took it she was sleeping. I picked her up and Dodger and Fastdancer led the way to her house. Samantha, the housekeeper I guess was home and let us take her up to bed. She had seen Whisper in this state before and knew what to do. She asked us to make sure Brina got home though.

Ever since we found her, she hasn't left her house and it has been 4 days since. Whenever one of us goes to see her, Samantha tells us she doesn't want to be disturbed. My stomach is starting to get knots in it just thinking of her all shut up.

"Maybe a talk with Specs and Mush might help."

I got up from my bunk and headed to Tibby's. Specs had started working there as a busboy when he and Dodger started going out so he could buy her a present for their one month anniversary that was coming up next week.

I walked into Tibby's to see Mush seated at our usual table talking to Dodger who sat across from him and Specs standing at the end. Crossing over to the table, Dodger saw me and scooted over for me to sit down.

"Okay Kid. Youse looks are down so what's up?"

"My stomach's got the knots guys. Just thinkin' of Whisper all shut up is buggin' me."

Mush smiled at me. I gave him a confused looked and he just laughed.

"I knew it! When you first started worrying about her, I knew you were hooked on her but now I'm definite. You need to let her know bud."

"I know I do but with the way she is right now, I can't. I think we need to get her friends here, you know Andrew and Michael. Maybe they can get her out of the house?"

"Well 'opefully dey can cause Jack is really startin' to git on me nerves when I'se visit Specs. 'E thinks dat I'se actually want to go out wit 'im. Afta what 'e's done, dere is no way in 'ell I'se would."

"I'm glad to hear that. I thought you were my girl."

"No worries Specs. I'se your goil. Now, wese gonna afta git Chattabox to tell us da boy's addresses."

We were interrupted by Tibby's door banging open and a very pissed off Chatterbox and Spot entering and heading to our table. Mush moved over so they could scoot in. They had been spending so much time together that Dodger and I had this bet going on, on when they would start going out. She thinks that by the end of today while I think that by the end of the week.

"What's buggin' youse two? Youse looks like youse got steam buildin' up in dose ears of yours."

"That meathead Francis Sullivan has finally done it. He actually thought I wanted to go out with him. He even asked me that in front of Spot. Oh ya, we're going out."

Dodger smiled at me and held her hand out waiting for cash. I fished through my pockets and pulled out the 3 dollars I owed her. She then gave Spot and Chatterbox each a dollar. I stared on in confusion.

"I'se told dem dat if dey finally gave into deir emotions by today, I'd give dem a dollar each."

I shook my head. Dodger always seemed to win our bets because she always got to the people and would divide the winnings with them. I should have learned by now. I looked to Chatterbox to be reminded that I wanted the guy's addresses.

"Do you have Andrew's and Michael's addresses in Chicago?"

"My father probably has it. He did a lot of business with their parents. Why?"

"I was thinking that maybe they'd be able to help in getting Whisper out of the house."

"You like her don't you?"

I groaned and banged my head against the table. I then looked up at her.

"How is it that people know that I like her? I don't tell anyone."

"Youse face is like an open book. It tells your emotions very easily."

I just groaned again and banged my head against the table leaving it there. Everyone else started laughing and for some odd reason, petting me on the head.