Morning Glory and Amiboshi no Miko -Thanks for the review!!!! Glad u like it ( Your wish is my command...here's Ch. 3!



Chapter Three



"Heya Jack." A boy called out as the group walked up to the gates of the distribution office.

"Hey Davey! Dere's someone I's want ya ta meet." Jack said greeting his friend. "Dis here's me best friend, Sky."

"Please to meet you." David said shaking Katie's hand.

"Same 'ere." Katie smiled.

"Uh oh. We'se got trouble." Race said indicating to the approaching Delancey Brothers.

"Well, well. Look's who's back!" Oscar sneered. "We'se missed ya, Katie."

"Oh boys! It's been too long. I didn't think it was possible but youse two have gotten uglier since I've been gone." Katie said in mock affection. Morris and Oscar lunged for her but were stopped when Jack, Mush, Blink, and Race stepped in front, blocking her.

"Now youse two should no bettah. It's against da rules ta hoit a goil, 'specially dis goil!" Jack threatened. Katie just rolled her eyes and headed over to the window to get her papers. Since when did they all get so protective of her? Katie just shrugged it off as she places her coins on the counter.

"Fifty papes." She said.

"Well if it ain't Lil' Miss Katie." Weasel sneered from behind the desk.

"Hello to you too, Weasel." Katie sighed, never having to be able to stand this so-called man.

"What are youse doin' back 'ere? Last I 'eard, youse were in Boston."

"Ain't none of yer business. Just give me my papes!" Katie glared.

"Fine, fine." Weasel laughed and handed her a pile of fifty papers. "Next!" The line kept moving as Katie took a seat and started to go through the headlines. It was a few minutes until Jack sat down next to her.

"Took you long enough." Katie said casually, keeping her eyes on the paper.

"If youse didn't notice, I's was defendin' yer honah." Jack replied.

"Yeah and my honor doesn't need defending, tank you very much." Katie replied gathering up her papes.

"Well `xcuse me fer bein' a friend." Jack said. Katie laughed, unable to stay annoyed at him.

"Can I sell wit youse, Sky?" Cap asked appearing with his papers under his arm.

"Sure thing." Katie smiled as the boy joined them. "So where we sellin' at?"

"Central Pawk'll prob'ly be best since we'se got da kid." Jack said and then grinned, "An' cause youse rusty since ya `ave been gone so long."

"I'm warnin' you, Cowboy. Youse shut yer mouth or youse gonna get soaked." Katie threatened with a grin.

"Only woiks if ya say it wit'out a smile." Jack teased. Katie reached out and punched him hard in the shoulder. He then decided to keep his mouth shut as he gingerly rubbed his arm.

They headed to Central Park and began shouting headlines in effort to sell their papers in good time.

"Extra, Extra! Pack of rabid dogs runs loose round Brooklyn. Threatens lives of women and children!" Katie shouted. Jack smirked at her headlines that she had 'slightly' altered, but was surprised when several people stopped and bought from her. Katie smiled sweetly over at Jack and proceeded to shout out more altered headlines. They worked fast and were finished with the stack by mid-afternoon.

"Yous goin' ta Tibby's wit us?" Jack asked as they exited Central Park.

"No. I gotta do some shoppin'. The kitchen needs to be restocked if you all want me cookin' again." Katie said stopping in front of the LH.

"Ya bet we'se do." Cap spoke up. Jack let out a laugh but silently agreed with the kid.

"You wanna come wit, Cap? I could use someone to protect me from the thieves and muggers." Katie said giving Jack a wink.

"Shure!" Cap grinned happily, proud to be Katie's protector.

"Okay then. Let's head inside so I can change and we'll be off." Katie smiled.

"I'sll see youse two tanight. Be careful, Sky." Jack said giving his best friend a kiss on the cheek.

"Always." Katie smiled and then disappeared inside to change into a navy skirt and white blouse, which was socially more appropriate for a girl of her age. But that didn't make her like it any more or less.

**********

"Where 'r we'se goin'?" Cap asked as he followed Katie down the street.

"It's a surprise." Katie grinned taking the boys hand. They turned a corner and came in view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

"We'se goin ta Brooklyn?" Cap asked surprised.

"Yup. There's a bakery that sells this real good chocolate cake so I thought I'd treat you to a slice. But if you don't want any, we can just turn back." Katie said knowing full well that no boy would pass up chocolate cake.

"No! I's wanna go! It's jist."

"Spot Conlon?" Katie guessed. Cap nodded. "You let me worry 'bout Spot Conlon, ok?" Cap nodded once again but she could tell that he was still bothered.

"I bet that I can beat you across the bridge." Katie taunted, trying to take the boy's mind off of his worries.

"No youse can't! I's da fastest. Everyone knows dat." Cap boasted.

"Fine then! One.. two.. THREE!" Katie yelled out and they started sprinting across the bridge. Katie stopped at the end and paused to catch her breath.

"Told ya I's da fastest." Cap announced proudly.

"You sure are." Katie laughed. "Now come on. The bakery's not too far away." They started walking but Katie could tell they were being followed. Her suspicion was right when she was suddenly shoved into an alley. Katie whirled around and saw three large boys blocking the exit.

"Oh shit." She swore as she slowly backed away.