"Justice, come here." The slender girl leapt at Spot's voice but
obediently trotted over. Most of the girl's except for Striker and Harlot
were scared of Spot. His notoriety went before him in most of New York
City's boroughs. Justice stood in front of Spot, Striker and Sadie, her
arms crossed in front of her, elbow's straining at the weak fabric of her
gingham shirt.
"What did the kid look like what took your money? And how much was it?" Unlike at the lodging house, the girls who lived in the warehouse didn't have a manager nor did they have to pay. Eventually, they would move into more suitable quarters and acquire a manager if they wanted. Most of the girls pitched in a dime a week for Striker to buy things they needed. Sam's wife Becca was often over at the warehouse cleaning, or looking after a sick girl. She mended their clothing and was also teaching Speckles and Trips how to read. Sadie secretly thought that Harlot and Mischief didn't know how to read either, but neither girl would admit it.
"He...I'm pretty sure it was a he, I couldn't see his face he was wearing a scarf wrapped 'round his head. Dressed like one of us, ratty clothing and all y'know? Wore a cap to cover his hair. Pretty big fella too. Tall, with nice shoulders. Looked like he was fair burstin' out of his jacket." Justice had a soft Irish brogue. Most of Brooklyn's population was made up of Irish either fresh off the boat or a few generations old. Spot lit a cigarette and picking a few flecks of tobacco off of his tongue, rubbed his narrow chin.
" Rooster, Dice, Whispers c'mere." Calling over the three boys who had gotten their money taken besides Justice, they stood in a line in front of Spot. Dice was a newcomer to the group. He was missing his two front teeth, and had brown hair that was forever sticking up. At nine, he was one of the younger ones so Spot had taken him under his wing. Dice always tended to have his hands wrapped around his pair of die that he used to win many a craps game. Sadie was always slightly taken aback at the knowledge of some of the younger kids. Another new boy Fingers had lied straight to her face when she met him about his parents being dead while picking her pocket as she held him after he had started to 'cry'. At eight years of age, it was quite an accomplishment, which Spot had rewarded with a cuff to the head and a job as a newsie.
"Justice describe to them what you just told me." Justice rattled off her description of the thief, and the other three boys nodded before jabbering excitedly that the scum who taken their money looked exactly the same. Spot exhaled a cloud of smoke out of his nostrils and looked off across the river thoughtfully.
"Now that we know what he looks like, we'll have to keep an eye out for him. Any of you kids see anyone dressed like that who starts to show up in places you do more than once you let me know. We have to figure out how he's picking his areas. He's obviously picking on you little kids, which means he's a coward," with this Spot spat in disgust and a few of the older boys cracked their knuckles.
The bell began to ring, signaling the kids back to the Distribution center for the afternoon addition. Spot caught up to Sadie and took her elbow pulling her back away from the group of kids as they made their way up the docks. Looking at him questioningly, she waved good-bye to Spider, Lefty, and Frog. Settling down onto a crate, Spot sat her down onto his lap. Snorting with laughter, she caught his chin in her hand and tugged at it.
"What and the fearless Brooklyn doesn't have to work like the rest of the other kids?" Spot rested his forehead against her shoulder and took a deep breath before responding.
"Spot went to Sheepshead with Race last night and made five bucks. God you smell good, how do you always smell so good?" Lifting his head up he waited for her to answer. Sadie smiled down into his blue eyes that for once seemed totally relaxed yet still vigilant.
" I work with babies, Conlon. Babies have a natural good smell to them." Spot chuckled.
"What, you mean shit and throw-up? That doesn't sound good to me." Sadie rolled her eyes and tried to pull away in mock disgust, but Spot tightened his grip around her waist and buried his head against her once more. His shoulders were moving and it took Sadie a second to realize that he was laughing.
"No babies for me. I couldn't stand it." Sadie shook her head in disagreement.
"I don't think so. I think you'd make a good daddy once you put your mind to it. You're always taking care of the little kids. Wouldn't you like to have a kid of your own to take care of?" Spot's blue eyes held hers as he raised an eyebrow sardonically.
"Sweetface, I'd rather stick a needle in my eye. Sure," with this he nipped at her shoulder before rising and catching her hand in his own.
"I wouldn't mind having an army of Conlon brats to overrun Brooklyn and insure that my rule here would never end. But not for awhile, 'ey?" Whirling her around in a spin, he winked and waggled his eyebrows suggestively at her.
" 'Sides are you offering to have my babies?" Sadie snorted with mirth, as she shook her head, no. Spot pouted before adjusting his cane securely in his belt loop and pulling her down the docks with him.
"Let's go find out what this brother of yours wants. I'm in the mood for a little adventure." It didn't take them long to get to Manhattan after Spot showed her how to hop a carriage. They held on and she enjoyed the luxury of not having to walk for once. The driver didn't notice them until they reached the Square, and hauling the carriage to a stop, horses rearing, he swore at them while they laughed and ran away.
The Manhattan newsies had long ago returned to work like the Brooklyn kids, so they only exchanged a few nods with some of the boys selling as they walked to Mr. Foster's shop. Seeing Crutchy, Spot nodded at him and asked after his leg. It hadn't been the same since the strike a few months ago after the Delancey brother's had worked him over. Reaching the shop, they went inside, the little bell over the door tinkling merrily.
Jeremiah poked his head up from behind the counter where Sadie knew he was counting the bolts of fabric that lined the wall in cubbies. Beaming from ear to ear, her brother leapt over the counter with ease and embraced her.
"What and you can't come say hi to your family when you stay in Manhattan? It takes this one to bring you down here?" He jerked a thumb in Spot's direction before shaking hands with him, minus a wad of spit in the palm. Sadie crossed her arms over her chest and lifted an eyebrow at him.
"Same goes to you big brother. I heard you were all the way in Brooklyn this morning. You know where the orphanage is. Say, why were you in Brooklyn anyway?" Jeremiah winked at her and tapped his nose.
"That's my secret, little sister. I have news from Boston. News you won't like anyway." Sadie felt her stomach tighten as Jeremiah handed her a letter. It was post-marked a week ago. She felt her mouth compress into a thin line as she recognized her cousin Emma's handwriting.
Dear Aunt Martha, Jeremiah, and Sadie, I know it's been awhile since I've seen you but I'm in a spot of trouble here in Boston. My mother told me that you wouldn't mind helping me out and suggested I come to stay in New York with you. I know it's short notice, but I should be arriving within the week. Tell Sadie I'm looking forward to seeing her again.
Love, Emma
Spot was snickering over the word's 'spot' and 'trouble' in the letter. He had been secretly taking lessons with Becca to improve his reading. He had already known how to read but he wanted to be able to read books. Anything to help calm him down in his spare time. Sadie was a patient girl, but she had already voiced her displeasure with his drinking. He drank entirely too much in her opinion and although Spot was loathe to give it up he didn't want to lose her because of it.
Sadie growled in displeasure and almost tore up the letter. Emma Fitzgerald was nothing more than a meddlesome pest who got her kicks out of making other people miserable. Her whole life Emma had been right alongside teasing her, flirting with the boys she liked, hiding her school books ten minutes before school so that she would be late, and in general pissing Sadie off to the point of where one day she soaked her. The tanning she got from her father before he died for beating up family had been both ironic and painful. Emma hadn't been an easy girl to beat up either. At 5'7 she was a little taller than Spot, and a lot taller than Sadie. Sadie didn't know what the girl would look like now, and she wasn't looking forward to finding out.
Jeremiah smiled sympathetically at her and explained the situation to a thoroughly amused Spot, who kneaded her neck muscles while trying to hide his smile. Sadie gave him a venomous look and declared that she was going to find Diamond. Spot lost his grin and eyed her pointedly. He still didn't like to be around Diamond or Jack, but was learning to get over it. Last week he had actually gone to the Manhattan Lodging house for a game of poker with Race and a few other boys.
"Fine, you go ahead then. I'll just stay here with your brother." Spot crossed his arms and tried to give Sadie's mother a winning smile as the woman appeared from the apartment overhead. She looked at Spot sternly before pinching his cheek and telling him to gain some weight. Spot rolled his eyes behind her back, which prompted Sadie to cuff him and Jeremiah to burst into laughter.
"Oh you children! You're going to be the death of me." The bell over the door chimed again and a snooty looking well-dressed woman swept in followed by three loudly complaining children. Spot eyed them with disgust before turning back to Sadie.
"On second thought, maybe I will go with you. Let's get the hell outta here." The woman sniffed loudly at his language and he looked at her and laughed in her face before grabbing Sadie's hand and swaggering out of the store. Sadie snickered and pinched his arm as they walked towards Irving Hall, where Diamond sold her papers.
"You really are somethin' else Conlon," Sadie said shaking her head. Spot lit a smoke and gave her one, which she deftly lit off of his.
"Ain't I though? Look, there's Diamond." Diamond was waving a paper over her head and hollering a headline. Coming around full circle, her face broke into a wide grin as she saw the pair heading towards her.
"Brooklyn! Trouble! How's it rolling?" Sadie hugged the tall girl and eyed her curiously. Diamond's skin seemed to be glowing, and she was obviously in perfect health. But there were circles under her eyes and she wouldn't look at Spot except for nervous darting glances.
"I ain't gonna soak ya Diamond, why're you lookin at me like I'm goin' to try to kill ya?" Spot had noticed her furtive looks too. Diamond threw back her head and laughed just a bit too loudly.
"Oh no reason Spot, no reason. So how's Brooklyn?" This time she obviously meant the other boys, so Sadie and Spot gave her details about the comings and goings of the newsboys. Diamond was curious about the group of girls and how they were faring.
"Striker's a good choice for a leader. She's got a good head on her shoulders. And well, damn if she doesn't act like we could be related. That's definitely a good sign of a great leader." Diamond winked at Sadie who struggled not to snort with laughter. Spot brought up the kid or man or whoever it was that was stealing money from Brooklyn newsies. Diamond looked concerned, and asked what he was going to do.
"I'm going to find the S.O.B and beat him so hard he won't think twice about even setting foot in Brooklyn ever again. Nobody messes with my newsies, NOBODY." With that, he emphasized his point by striking his cane on the cobblestones. Diamond handed a gentleman two papers awarding him with one of her beaming smiles before glancing up at the sky and then back to them.
"If you help me sell my papers we can head back to Duane Street. I hear Race is having another poker night in light of the winnings you both acquired at Sheepshead last night." Spot looked arrogantly down his nose at her.
"He won nowhere near what I did and there's no way he's going to try to win it back tonight." Casting a curious glance at Sadie who nodded her approval, he inclined his head towards Diamond.
"However, I think we'd both like a night of poker if there's a good game going on." With that, the trio set about to sell all of Diamond's remaining papers as quickly as possible. Sadie was troubled by Diamond's weird behavior, and even more troubled at the prospect of having to live anywhere near her cousin Emma again. Sighing, she vowed to pry out what was wrong with Diamond later on that night.
"What did the kid look like what took your money? And how much was it?" Unlike at the lodging house, the girls who lived in the warehouse didn't have a manager nor did they have to pay. Eventually, they would move into more suitable quarters and acquire a manager if they wanted. Most of the girls pitched in a dime a week for Striker to buy things they needed. Sam's wife Becca was often over at the warehouse cleaning, or looking after a sick girl. She mended their clothing and was also teaching Speckles and Trips how to read. Sadie secretly thought that Harlot and Mischief didn't know how to read either, but neither girl would admit it.
"He...I'm pretty sure it was a he, I couldn't see his face he was wearing a scarf wrapped 'round his head. Dressed like one of us, ratty clothing and all y'know? Wore a cap to cover his hair. Pretty big fella too. Tall, with nice shoulders. Looked like he was fair burstin' out of his jacket." Justice had a soft Irish brogue. Most of Brooklyn's population was made up of Irish either fresh off the boat or a few generations old. Spot lit a cigarette and picking a few flecks of tobacco off of his tongue, rubbed his narrow chin.
" Rooster, Dice, Whispers c'mere." Calling over the three boys who had gotten their money taken besides Justice, they stood in a line in front of Spot. Dice was a newcomer to the group. He was missing his two front teeth, and had brown hair that was forever sticking up. At nine, he was one of the younger ones so Spot had taken him under his wing. Dice always tended to have his hands wrapped around his pair of die that he used to win many a craps game. Sadie was always slightly taken aback at the knowledge of some of the younger kids. Another new boy Fingers had lied straight to her face when she met him about his parents being dead while picking her pocket as she held him after he had started to 'cry'. At eight years of age, it was quite an accomplishment, which Spot had rewarded with a cuff to the head and a job as a newsie.
"Justice describe to them what you just told me." Justice rattled off her description of the thief, and the other three boys nodded before jabbering excitedly that the scum who taken their money looked exactly the same. Spot exhaled a cloud of smoke out of his nostrils and looked off across the river thoughtfully.
"Now that we know what he looks like, we'll have to keep an eye out for him. Any of you kids see anyone dressed like that who starts to show up in places you do more than once you let me know. We have to figure out how he's picking his areas. He's obviously picking on you little kids, which means he's a coward," with this Spot spat in disgust and a few of the older boys cracked their knuckles.
The bell began to ring, signaling the kids back to the Distribution center for the afternoon addition. Spot caught up to Sadie and took her elbow pulling her back away from the group of kids as they made their way up the docks. Looking at him questioningly, she waved good-bye to Spider, Lefty, and Frog. Settling down onto a crate, Spot sat her down onto his lap. Snorting with laughter, she caught his chin in her hand and tugged at it.
"What and the fearless Brooklyn doesn't have to work like the rest of the other kids?" Spot rested his forehead against her shoulder and took a deep breath before responding.
"Spot went to Sheepshead with Race last night and made five bucks. God you smell good, how do you always smell so good?" Lifting his head up he waited for her to answer. Sadie smiled down into his blue eyes that for once seemed totally relaxed yet still vigilant.
" I work with babies, Conlon. Babies have a natural good smell to them." Spot chuckled.
"What, you mean shit and throw-up? That doesn't sound good to me." Sadie rolled her eyes and tried to pull away in mock disgust, but Spot tightened his grip around her waist and buried his head against her once more. His shoulders were moving and it took Sadie a second to realize that he was laughing.
"No babies for me. I couldn't stand it." Sadie shook her head in disagreement.
"I don't think so. I think you'd make a good daddy once you put your mind to it. You're always taking care of the little kids. Wouldn't you like to have a kid of your own to take care of?" Spot's blue eyes held hers as he raised an eyebrow sardonically.
"Sweetface, I'd rather stick a needle in my eye. Sure," with this he nipped at her shoulder before rising and catching her hand in his own.
"I wouldn't mind having an army of Conlon brats to overrun Brooklyn and insure that my rule here would never end. But not for awhile, 'ey?" Whirling her around in a spin, he winked and waggled his eyebrows suggestively at her.
" 'Sides are you offering to have my babies?" Sadie snorted with mirth, as she shook her head, no. Spot pouted before adjusting his cane securely in his belt loop and pulling her down the docks with him.
"Let's go find out what this brother of yours wants. I'm in the mood for a little adventure." It didn't take them long to get to Manhattan after Spot showed her how to hop a carriage. They held on and she enjoyed the luxury of not having to walk for once. The driver didn't notice them until they reached the Square, and hauling the carriage to a stop, horses rearing, he swore at them while they laughed and ran away.
The Manhattan newsies had long ago returned to work like the Brooklyn kids, so they only exchanged a few nods with some of the boys selling as they walked to Mr. Foster's shop. Seeing Crutchy, Spot nodded at him and asked after his leg. It hadn't been the same since the strike a few months ago after the Delancey brother's had worked him over. Reaching the shop, they went inside, the little bell over the door tinkling merrily.
Jeremiah poked his head up from behind the counter where Sadie knew he was counting the bolts of fabric that lined the wall in cubbies. Beaming from ear to ear, her brother leapt over the counter with ease and embraced her.
"What and you can't come say hi to your family when you stay in Manhattan? It takes this one to bring you down here?" He jerked a thumb in Spot's direction before shaking hands with him, minus a wad of spit in the palm. Sadie crossed her arms over her chest and lifted an eyebrow at him.
"Same goes to you big brother. I heard you were all the way in Brooklyn this morning. You know where the orphanage is. Say, why were you in Brooklyn anyway?" Jeremiah winked at her and tapped his nose.
"That's my secret, little sister. I have news from Boston. News you won't like anyway." Sadie felt her stomach tighten as Jeremiah handed her a letter. It was post-marked a week ago. She felt her mouth compress into a thin line as she recognized her cousin Emma's handwriting.
Dear Aunt Martha, Jeremiah, and Sadie, I know it's been awhile since I've seen you but I'm in a spot of trouble here in Boston. My mother told me that you wouldn't mind helping me out and suggested I come to stay in New York with you. I know it's short notice, but I should be arriving within the week. Tell Sadie I'm looking forward to seeing her again.
Love, Emma
Spot was snickering over the word's 'spot' and 'trouble' in the letter. He had been secretly taking lessons with Becca to improve his reading. He had already known how to read but he wanted to be able to read books. Anything to help calm him down in his spare time. Sadie was a patient girl, but she had already voiced her displeasure with his drinking. He drank entirely too much in her opinion and although Spot was loathe to give it up he didn't want to lose her because of it.
Sadie growled in displeasure and almost tore up the letter. Emma Fitzgerald was nothing more than a meddlesome pest who got her kicks out of making other people miserable. Her whole life Emma had been right alongside teasing her, flirting with the boys she liked, hiding her school books ten minutes before school so that she would be late, and in general pissing Sadie off to the point of where one day she soaked her. The tanning she got from her father before he died for beating up family had been both ironic and painful. Emma hadn't been an easy girl to beat up either. At 5'7 she was a little taller than Spot, and a lot taller than Sadie. Sadie didn't know what the girl would look like now, and she wasn't looking forward to finding out.
Jeremiah smiled sympathetically at her and explained the situation to a thoroughly amused Spot, who kneaded her neck muscles while trying to hide his smile. Sadie gave him a venomous look and declared that she was going to find Diamond. Spot lost his grin and eyed her pointedly. He still didn't like to be around Diamond or Jack, but was learning to get over it. Last week he had actually gone to the Manhattan Lodging house for a game of poker with Race and a few other boys.
"Fine, you go ahead then. I'll just stay here with your brother." Spot crossed his arms and tried to give Sadie's mother a winning smile as the woman appeared from the apartment overhead. She looked at Spot sternly before pinching his cheek and telling him to gain some weight. Spot rolled his eyes behind her back, which prompted Sadie to cuff him and Jeremiah to burst into laughter.
"Oh you children! You're going to be the death of me." The bell over the door chimed again and a snooty looking well-dressed woman swept in followed by three loudly complaining children. Spot eyed them with disgust before turning back to Sadie.
"On second thought, maybe I will go with you. Let's get the hell outta here." The woman sniffed loudly at his language and he looked at her and laughed in her face before grabbing Sadie's hand and swaggering out of the store. Sadie snickered and pinched his arm as they walked towards Irving Hall, where Diamond sold her papers.
"You really are somethin' else Conlon," Sadie said shaking her head. Spot lit a smoke and gave her one, which she deftly lit off of his.
"Ain't I though? Look, there's Diamond." Diamond was waving a paper over her head and hollering a headline. Coming around full circle, her face broke into a wide grin as she saw the pair heading towards her.
"Brooklyn! Trouble! How's it rolling?" Sadie hugged the tall girl and eyed her curiously. Diamond's skin seemed to be glowing, and she was obviously in perfect health. But there were circles under her eyes and she wouldn't look at Spot except for nervous darting glances.
"I ain't gonna soak ya Diamond, why're you lookin at me like I'm goin' to try to kill ya?" Spot had noticed her furtive looks too. Diamond threw back her head and laughed just a bit too loudly.
"Oh no reason Spot, no reason. So how's Brooklyn?" This time she obviously meant the other boys, so Sadie and Spot gave her details about the comings and goings of the newsboys. Diamond was curious about the group of girls and how they were faring.
"Striker's a good choice for a leader. She's got a good head on her shoulders. And well, damn if she doesn't act like we could be related. That's definitely a good sign of a great leader." Diamond winked at Sadie who struggled not to snort with laughter. Spot brought up the kid or man or whoever it was that was stealing money from Brooklyn newsies. Diamond looked concerned, and asked what he was going to do.
"I'm going to find the S.O.B and beat him so hard he won't think twice about even setting foot in Brooklyn ever again. Nobody messes with my newsies, NOBODY." With that, he emphasized his point by striking his cane on the cobblestones. Diamond handed a gentleman two papers awarding him with one of her beaming smiles before glancing up at the sky and then back to them.
"If you help me sell my papers we can head back to Duane Street. I hear Race is having another poker night in light of the winnings you both acquired at Sheepshead last night." Spot looked arrogantly down his nose at her.
"He won nowhere near what I did and there's no way he's going to try to win it back tonight." Casting a curious glance at Sadie who nodded her approval, he inclined his head towards Diamond.
"However, I think we'd both like a night of poker if there's a good game going on." With that, the trio set about to sell all of Diamond's remaining papers as quickly as possible. Sadie was troubled by Diamond's weird behavior, and even more troubled at the prospect of having to live anywhere near her cousin Emma again. Sighing, she vowed to pry out what was wrong with Diamond later on that night.