AN: Next chapter up and counted for. It took a little while and it's sort of a filler but it's important to the story about Leif and the Spot/Miracle fiasco (winks to Miracle). The next chapter will be a little more uppity, hopefully, if I can somehow take what I have in my head and work it on paper. So, don't give up yet!

Disclaimer: No newsies for Teepot...boohoo. *shakes fist at Disney* Walt Disney was a genius, though. I gotta give him that much.

Chapter 3

He spotted her down the street, jogging with a small group of younger boys who had opted for playing instead of selling the afternoon edition. Skipping at her feet was Thumper of course. He hadn't left her side except for sleep since that night more than a week ago. And thankfully, Tess didn't seem to mind. She and Klover had taken to the younger boys quickly, providing the maternal aspect that their lives had lacked and enjoying their playful tricks.
They ran by a cart full of apples and the boy selling along with his father smiled warmly at Tess, tossing her an apple in an attempt to get her attention. The other boys squealed in delight as she thanked the boy quickly, the blush of her cheeks no longer covered by the tint of bruises, before continuing towards Tibby's.
After taking one bite of the apple, she popped it in the air with the inner part of her elbow, a trick Skittery had taught her during her last week of bed stay. Thumper caught it and chomped heartily on the treat, beaming at the other boys because of the fact that she'd given the apple to him. Ruffling the younger boy's hair she walked towards Jack, smiling easily at a newsboy who was heading in the opposite direction. Even though the swelling around her lip could still be seen slightly and the cut down the side of her face had formed a light scar, her eyes were bright and cheerful.
The change in character had surprised Jack. Over the past week Tess had become the newest thing among the Manhattan newsies as each night she was entertained by a new group with new stories. And althought Jack had been the one to encourage her stay at the lodging house he'd been hesitant as to how she would fit among the other boys. But she'd laughed with them and joked as best she could from the confines of her bunk, Dr. Kloppman's orders. Her recovery, what seemed to be both physically and emotionally, had produced a woman eager to take on the New York world.
The only time he'd noticed her shy away or tense was when he hovered around, an observation that made him equally hesitant.
Sorry bout dat. She bent to rest on her knees and tie her shoe. After a short period she stood, batting haphazardly at strands of hair that had come undone from the ribbon tied at the base of her neck.
He nodded to the space next to her, the papers he still needed to sell propped on his shoulder. She turned to look at what he was motioning towards and standing there next to her with only an apple core in his hand was Thumper. He tugged on her sleeve. Tess, are ya gonna eat lunch?
She bent so that she could be eye level to the younger boy and fixed his cap. Today, Jack and I are gonna eat at his friend's house.
Okay, let me tell the odda guys. Cause dey were gonna save He was about to run off when Jack caught his arm, spinning him back around.
Sorry bud, but you gotta stay here. We've got some business Thumper looked helplessly towards Tess, who hit his cap so that it fell over his eyes and tickled his sides.
Fixing it quickly, Thumper reached for her and glared up at Jack. But I'm her helper. You said so Jack
And I'll see you at dinner. Save me a seat, will ya? Although his lower lip stuck out further than normal and he crossed his arms stubbornly in front of his chest, he nodded his head. Tess saluted him lightheartedly and after a few moments he did the same.
ova hear. Called his friend Goose, at the perfect moment. Looking back at Tess one last time he rushed over to his friend, slipping into Tibby's and jostling with the rest of the boys inside.
Tess watched until his fair head blended with the other customers, before standing up and brushing off her pants with equally dirty hands. Turning she began walking next to Jack. I don't think he was very happy wit me.
Tess laughed at Jack's remark. Well, you did tell him to stay by my side, Kelly. What did ya expect.
He's a good kid.
Using her hand to block the light that shone directly from behind Jack's head, Tess squinted in his direction, her voice even and serious. The best you've got. She reached for one of his papers, folding it open to the front page headline which read: CITY POLICE SAY YOUR CHILD COULD BE NEXT!'
Jack nodded in understanding. Spot and I are meetin wit some of da otha boroughs. I'm not gonna let anything happen to em so you focus on a full recovery.
I am better. She scoffed, kicking at the cobblestone. Being injured had never flattered Tess. She was impatient and the first to admit it. Sitting in bed for the past ten days had made her legs twitchy and she'd jumped at the chance to go to Denton's with Jack. But only after smooth coaxing from Jack and a promise to Kloppman that she'd return immediately had she'd been released. And I'm still mad that I had to miss going to Denton's last week.
He rolled his eyes and nudged her lightly as they split to let a pushcart pass by. Hangin around with Thumper has made you whinny.
The rest of the trip, Jack pushed through the crowd and Tess followed close behind, snapping only once at a man who'd roughly pushed her to the side, tearing the bandage that still covered her abdomen. Denton, a man that many of the newsies had reassured her was honest and helpful, lived in a nicer part of town that Tess only had sold at during the summer, when the freckles on her face made her smile more innocent and becoming to the richer folks.
Jack knocked on the apartment door roughly, hands now free of all papers. And after a couple moments of footsteps heard from behind the door, it opened to reveal a man in his early thirties with warm eyes that strongly resembled Leif's. Tess held her head high, one of the few words of advice her father had offered her, and watched silently as Jack was pulled into a hug. The two men chatted quickly before she was introduced.
Denton offered his hand, which Tess made sure to shake firmly. I'm glad you could make it this time.
Yes, I'm sorry about last week. I would of come Tess followed the two into the plainly furnished apartment, her eyes wondering over the pictures and bookshelves that lined the walls. ,,,but Jack told me what you two spoke of and I've thought a lot about what we could do next.
Her enthusiasm was apparent, filling the other two with the energy needed to face the task at hand. I'm glad to hear that. Denton smiled and offered them both a seat. Now, as Jack told you, a colleague of mine is in Chicago right now, working for a local paper that is affiliated with The Sun and I've been in contact with him concerning this story. Right now the New York papers are just picking up the pieces while in Chicago the story has pretty much died down. Tess was unable to hide her surprise. My friend, Glance is his name, believes that this is the work of a Mr. Sotheby.
Denton handed over a picture which looked to have been ripped from a newspaper of sorts, the paper and ink resembling the printed quality. The man was finely dressed with a mustache that covered most of his mouth and a large top hat on his head. Jack and Tess examined the picture while Denton explained that the man was a railroad tycoon, making his money by expanding the railroad system that had been situated in and around Chicago. Now it seems, his money is running a little short, thanks to his gambling problem and some bad stock advice. He was the prime suspect and according to Glance this was overlooked after a generous donation was acquired by the newspaper. Denton struck the picture firmly, pinning it to the table, with his pointer finger. This is our man.
Tess stared hard at the picture, committing everything to memory as her heart pounded beneath her chest. So now what? Asked Jack, leaning back in his chair so that it tipped on two legs.
Glance has done some of the leg work for us, checking up on Sotheby who owns a large amount of land in a village outside of Chicago, acres of land very secluded and very fitting for housing kidnapped boys. Tess shook her head in confusion and utter disgust. I know, it sounds insane, but it seems that these boys are being sold to factories all over the country and sometimes as servants for the very rich. We'll never know until we go there and see it for ourselves though.
When do we leave? Tess asked, resting her elbows on the table and leaning in eagerly.
Denton wiped at his forehead with a handkerchief. Immediately, if I could I'd leave immediately. Unfortunately I have business that is taking me to Washington DC for the next couple days. So I figured you and JackI'm assuming that you're going too, right Jack?
Tess turned to face Jack, the question one she'd been asking herself for the last few days. He'd helped her enough by involving Denton and she understood that he could step out and avoid the risk she was willing to take. he exclaimed, addressing and reassuring Tess more than Denton.
Good, you might want to get a few more of the guys to accompany you, just for safety. Tess checked off the few she knew would be willing: Klover, always ready for an adventure, Mush sympathetic with her situation, and Skittery, if she twisted his arm enough. For the rest of the time they discussed the specifics, when Jack and Tess would leave from New York and where they'd met Glance and eventually Denton. The train ride would take at least four days, Tess figured, her previous experience with train hopping coming in handy.
When she skipped out of Denton's that afternoon, nerves making in impossible for her to stop moving despite the twinge of pain in her side, two weeks seemed millennium's away to Tess.
Who were you thinkin' of coming wit us. Jack asked, puffing lightly on a cigarette.
Klover. Mush Tess balanced on the curb on the sidewalk, arms extended sideways as far as they could reach before knocking into other pedestrians. Skittery, if I can convince him.
What about Race and Blink. Jack offered, ticking off the number of people on his fingers. He agreed with Klover and Mush, making four so far.
Who's gonna stay and help Kloppman while you're gone Jack? Tess asked. She stumbled, rolling her ankle on the cobblestone. She caught herself before smacking into the pavement. I thought you'd want Blink to stay and help.

So with you, me, Race, Klover, Mush and maybe Skittery that's six Jack grabbed Tess' elbow and pulled her gently out of the way of a messenger boy, her train of thought continuing without interruption. That's smart for traveling.
And I'll have Spot stop by, check up on tings while I'se gone. Speaking of Spot, Tess caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye and tugged Jack lightly as he bent to snub his cigarette. But then, with arms suddenly wrapped around Spot's waist, Miracle occurred. The two had been together, secretly Tess had learned, for weeks before Tess had returned. And although the reason behind hiding the relationship was unknown exactly, Tess wasn't to keen on the idea of letting Jack find out. She'd given Miracle her word, a promise she was now cursing, and she fumbled for some sort of distraction.
Tess panicked as Jack began turning to see what she was oohing' about. You're your tuggin'. He chuckled, removing her fingers that had dug into his forearm. Frantically she watched as Spot and Miracle moved crossed the street.
She pulled Jack so that his back was towards the pair and grabbed with her free hand at her side. it hurts. She felt ridiculous, holding onto Jack tightly, pretending to be so helpless. He was staring at her in astonishment, arms out at his sides and not exactly sure what to do. After a few more seconds of agonizing moaning, her grabbed her elbows and aided her in standing.
It was as Tess was lifted over his shoulder that she noticed Spot and Miracle, clutching each other beyond the rim of people that had formed because of her yelling. They had obviously seen Jack and Tess, and as it became obvious that their secret wouldn't be discovered, they smiled sheepishly at Tess, her head bobbing as Jack carried her in the opposite direction.
They turned the corner and Tess lost sight of her little crowd. She propped her head as best she could, steadying the up and down motion, listening with only one ear as Jack rambled on about Kloppman being right and if you'se hurt again I'm gonna leave you in New York If she really had been hurt her current position certainly wouldn't have been helping the pain. But she didn't say anything until the lodging house was in view and she began to recognize a few faces. She knocked on Jack's back and he let go so that she could scurry to her feet.
He watched as if expecting another sudden outburst of pain and was confused when she walked calmly into the lodging house, hollering for Klover.
Heads appeared from the windows above, one of which belonging to the blonde companion. A voice called, Cowboy's back and out rushed Race and another newsie named Heart. He was a friend of Miracle's, originally from Brooklyn but a regular around the Manhattan bunch.
Skidding to a stop in front of Jack, his normally cheerful features were twisted in concern. Jack, it's Snipes...
He ain't been back. Race concluded.
Jack shrugged, pulling his hat over his eyes and blocking the sinking sun. Snipes can handle himself, Race, don't worry.
He moved to walk past the two with the idea of making sure Tess had returned to her bunk. He'd seen Thumper jump on her upon entrance to the lodging house and he was sure they were entertaining each other. But Heart stopped him suddenly, a large open palm pushing backwards on his chest. No Jack, he ain't returned from yesterday. He wasn't here last night and no one say im sellin' today. Ususally he meets us fo lunch, no matta where he's been sellin. But today he was a no show.
Jack was steadied by the monotone of Heart's voice. You sold da edition today Jack. Race added. You saw da headlines...
Everything clicked now and Jack began to shout orders. He wanted everyone accounted for and in the lodging house early that night. Tess appeared in the doorway, Thumper and Goose hanging on off her sides. Tess, you make sure all da boys...I'm gonna go wit Race and Heart...talk to Spot.
He turned to look at the crowd that had accumulated. I don't want no one goin out tonight He shouted, voice harder than most boys had heard him reach. You got that.
The group stared in surprise in awe as silent whispers spread the rumor revolving around Snipeshooter's disappearance and everyone slowly dispersed. Jack stood in the middle of the room, roughly tugging at strands of his hair as he decided what to do next. He could send some other newsies to look for the boy but that risked their own lives. Tess walked up to him slowly, the younger boys all upstairs. She picked up the cowboy hat that had fallen from Jack's head during his mini rampage and placed it in his hands. I got it, Jack. She explained, aiming towards the door. Go see Spot, take Race and Heart wit ya. Everything will be fine here.
The only reponse was the sound of his boots scuffing the floor as Heart and Race slipped out the door before him. He halted at the exit, turning to look at her one last time before slipping his hat over his head and disappearing into the dimming light of outside.