AN: Real quick. I apologize for any and every spelling error within this chapter. But I have to study for this stupid bio test and I wanted to ship this out before hand. Thank goodness for Veteran's Day, I need this Tuesday off.
Klover: faithful and steady reviewer, gotta love the support.
Dakki: Thanks for making an apperance. The time crunch made sending this first via email a little off.
Miracle: Don't forget to space...

Disclaimer: Like every other chapter. I don't own the newsies! Disney does.




Chapter 7

Lampton was strange surroundings for Tess. She'd only seen the country passing by in a blur on trains or in the stories her father had told. But now, the dust, trees and open sky made her feel awkwardly out of place. They'd arrived to a country farm house late the night before, after waiting two days in Chicago for Denton's arrival and been immediately welcomed by an older man holding a lantern above his head. The boys were directed to stay in the barn attached to the house while Denton and Glance were shown towards the only hotel in the town. Tess and Klover, despite insisting that the barn would be just fine, were led to upstairs to one of two bedrooms within the house. There was one bed in the far corner, already occupied by two small lumps hidden beneath heavy woolen blankets and one other bed, of equal size, that Klover and Tess would be sharing.
That night, the silence was eerily quiet and something Tess was unaccustomed to. She missed the noise of the city, or of the lulling train, but burrowed deep within the covers, relishing in the cushioned mattress below her. Sleeping on the cold wood platform of boxcars had formed a painful ache in her lower back, which, she was sure, would be relieved after nights on that mattress.

The morning had come and gone before Tess woke, the space next to her still occupied by Klover. She dressed quickly into her skirt but not the blouse, noticing also that the other bed was only a mess of blankets and sheets. Sticking her head out into the hall she followed the noises coming from the kitchen, noticing all the new furnishings along the walls that had been concealed by darkness and her weariness the night before. Half way down the stairs she was able to see the small table, neatly arranged with plates and glasses, three of the places already occupied by Mush, Skittery, and Blink. They looked up when she entered, Skittery and Blink with mouths full of some sort of oatmeal. Mush tried to wave in greeting but was limited in movement due to the two little girls climbing all over him. They giggled with delight at their new toy, heads of dark brown curls disappearing and reappearing as they climbed.

Girls! Let the boy eat his breakfast. Listening to their mother obediently the girls, no older than five, broke out into a sprint around the small kitchen, twirling circles around Tess before stamping upstairs. I'm sorry, son. What did ya say you're name was?

Me friends call me Mush, ma'm.

A wooden spoon in her hand, the woman paused, reflecting on the odd name before noticing Tess over by the stairs. Oh, she's up. The other one's still asleep though, eh?

Tess entered further into the room, aware of the fact that she was under scrutiny from the woman. After a moment the woman smiled and offered a bowl of oatmeal, placing another in front of Mush. Thank you, ma'm.

Please children, call me Bessie. She placed three more bowls on the table before busying herself with cleaning up. Tess ate her cereal slowly, watching as discreetly as possible the movements of Bessie. She had the motherly air about her that Tess' mother had never possessed, humming and clucking to herself, seeming perfectly content with running a home.

Before Bessie could prod Tess to eat more heartily the door opened, the man from the night before entering in a gust of sun and dirt. He patted his pants, creating more clouds and a scolding from Bessie. He laughed loudly and hugged his wife before the pitter of tiny feet drew his attention towards his two daughters. Ugh! Not so fast now He laughed, picking up one girl with one arm.

The two giggled and prodded their father much like they had Mush, before being placed in one of the wooden chairs surrounding the table. Did you eat your breakfast?

Yes, Daddy. They replied.

Drying her hands on a hand towel, Bessie turned away from her kitchen chores. Yes, like little hungry monsters. And ever since then, they've been running crazy all over this house.

How's about coming with your daddy to Mr. Finkel's today. The girls squealed in delight about their trip, excited because going to the grocers meant candy if they behaved.

Tess sat in silent awe, watching the scene of familial happiness unfold before her eyes and realizing what she'd missed as part of her childhood. Scanning the faces of Skittery, Mush and Blink, all uncommonly quiet this morning, she realized they were thinking the same thing.

My name's Peter, by the way. The man said, smiling widely and offering his hand to all sitting around the table. The girls had been ordered to find their coats and shoes, their little voices filling the rooms upstairs. Your friends Denton and Glance came by earlier this morning but ya'll were still asleep.

Three of us still are, sir. Tess explained, collecting the empty dishes. Before she could offer to help clean they were swept out of her hands by Bessie and she was nudged back to the table.

Peter nodded. Yes, you had a long trip. Tess had so many questions, namely revolving around why this nice family had opened their home to her and her friends. They're coming back a few hours, probably going ta grab some dinner in town.

The four nodded in understanding and the conversation came to a close as the girls returned. If you'd like, feel free to come with Gracie, Emma and I. See the sights of this wee town. He chuckled. Nothing in comparison to your fine New York, but we've got a nice life. After Tess politely refused, the trio left, a calming silence settling over the house.

Klover was the next to appear, setting Bessie into a whirlwind as she produced a warmer bowl of oatmeal. Tess jumped at the opportunity to introduce Klover and offer to help clean up the kitchen, or at least the bedroom they were graciously being allowed to stay in. But Bessie would hear nothing of it and as soon as Jack and Race had appeared and eaten, the group was ushered outside with strict instructions to explore until four o'clock.

So among species of wildflowers she'd never smelled before, Tess worried over her predicament. Denton and Glance had taken care of so many little, but very important, details that Tess hadn't begun to consider. She felt indebted, more so than before, and worried about the possibility of an unsuccessful trip. So many other people would be affected. Before she'd been on her own and the single receiver of any bad decision.

Gracie and Emma returned with their father and found the group lazily lounging in the yard surrounding the house and barn. From what Tess could see, the Lords lived a mile out of town, in a picturesque country farmhouse, complete with chickens, no cows, and a dog named Jasper. One horse was tied for the purpose of pulling the family carriage, not a plow. The girls, young and adventurous, had taken to the boys with curiosity and eagerness. Their climbing had expanded to sitting on Race's shoulders and piggy back rides from Skittery. Although Jack's cowboy hat had obviously become the favorite of little Gracie, for she sat perched on his shoulders, the hat on her head, until Denton and Glance arrived later that afternoon.

We'll be back after suppa, now go wash your hands. Jack urged, nudging Gracie gently into her home. The girl pouted at the fact that her new friends were leaving her, if only temporarily. As Tess and the others waited patiently in Peter's wagon, Jack laughed again at the dimples now evident through the frown. Bessie was watching from the window and in an last attempt, Jack dropped the overlarge hat on the girls head, and watched as she finally rushed inside.

The ride to town confirmed Tess assumptions regarding the Lords' house. And many questions were explained over dinner. The Lords had become friends of Mr. Glance's and had been very helpful when he'd checked out the area earlier. They knew of Mr. Sotheby's home and the illegal business he'd been running their. In the only way they could, they'd offered their home for the newsies to stay in, feeling that that would be their piece in disclosing Sotheby's horrible injustice. Mr. Lord had a business in town, fixing odd things such as chairs, tables and plows for the surrounding citizens of Lampton. Mrs. Lord, a New York native herself, was a superb seamstress but had focused on raising her twins in the past five years.

They're very nice Klover mused, sipping on her drink at the pub the group was now eating in.

Mr. Glance nodded is agreement before laying money down on the table to pay for the dinner they'd all enjoyed. Klover and Tess exchanged a worried glance, the boys surrounding the pool table in the other room, and accustomed to Denton's generosity. Don't even think about it. Warned Denton, adding his own money to the pile growing on the table. You focus on how you'll get your brother out of there.

Mr. Lord is taking us by the Sotheby place, when?

Glance and Denton stood, deciding to return early to their hotel room. You'll be alright here?

The girls nodded, standing also and parting with the two. They moved into the pool room, which was also located closer to the bar. The boys welcomed them, Tess joining Jack and Blink at the bar and Klover subbing in for Race half way through the game he and Mush were in. They were competeing against two locals, a large man with a hat that had wild red fur lining the inside and a gruff beard covering most of his face and a younger one, around the same age as Jack and of the same built. He was skilled in pool and was the main reason why his team was winning. Looking at his watch, he swore loudly. Mista Crumbs gonna kill me

Tell Mr. Sotheby dat he still owes me for dat land. Joked the heavier set man. Tess turned at the mention of Sotheby.

Wait, you woik for Sotheby! She asked. But it was too late, he'd dashed out of the bar, leaving the door swinging in his wake.

Tess sank back into the barstool she'd been occupying, drawing the attention from some of the others in the room. You lookin' for Sotheby? Asked the bartender, an older gentlemen with a bad comb over and a bow tie. She nodded silently. Sophie deres friends wit dat boy.

Tess turned to where the man motioned towards a blonde on the other side of the room. She was busing the table, reaching for empty glass after glass and doging the wandering hands of the men still sitting at the table. Sneaking out of their grasp, the tray of empties perfectly balanced in the air, she returned to behind the bar. Excuse me, The girl turned and Tess was caught off guard by her stunning green eyes. You know that boythe one who just left.

Oh Daniel, sure, I know She wiped the glasses in one swift motion, passing them down to the bartender as soon as they were done, all the while maintaining eye contact with Tess.

Tess glanced at Jack and Blink, one sitting on either side of her. He said he worked for Sotheby, and well, we're sorta lookin for him.

It was obvious by her tone and the height of her raised eyebrows, that Sophie was surprised. Some advicedon't get involved with that man. He's trouble.

Again, there was something in her voice, and the way she leaned forward, lowering her voice slightly, that led Tess to believe she knew more than she could tell at the moment. Well, we don't really have a choice. You see, I'm looking for my brother.

She could see the wheels turning inside the girl's head and a connection had been made between the missing brother and Sotheby's mini workcamp. Avoiding eye contact for the first time that night, Sophie finished with the glasses. the bartender glanced sleepily towards his young employee, I'm gonna head home.

After surveying the slowly dwindling customers, Mev nodded the okay and Sophie stepped out from behind the bar. She caught Tess' eye and nodded her outside. Jack followed, while Blink was ordered to round up the rest and meet by the carriage in ten.

Stepping into the cool night air, Tess followed Sophie a few steps away, Jack and now Klover right behind. The streets were free of anyone else and the four formed a loose circle.

Sotheby's where you looking for your brother? Tess nodded. Yea, thought so. Daniel there, he's one of those boys. He's originally from DC, came up here more than a year ago. Somehow he got out of being sold for labor. Now he does all of Mr. Crumbs errands around town, covering up for Sotheby.

Who's Mr. Crumb? Tess asked, wrapping her arms around her chest to keep warm although the chills running through her body weren't caused by cool nighttime air.

He's the one who oversees the boys, while Sotheby sits in his pretty mansion.

Jack looked at Tess. That's where Peter's takin us tomorra.

Tess agreed, slightly distracted. She turned to face Sophie again. How far out is his place?

She motioned in the direction of the Lords. 'Bout two, maybe three miles out datta way. Past the Lord's farm

That's where we're staying. Klover interjected.

Really? Nice family, huh? The three agreed. Cutest little girls I've ever seen.

Blink, Mush, Race and Skittery exited the bar, joking noisly as they did so. But the silence of a town that does sleep greeted them unexpectedly and they quieted down quickly. Tess turned away from the four, glad to see that they were heading towards the wagon. Thanks a lot. You've been a big help, Sophie.

No problem. And by the way, folks around here call me Dakki. Only Mev theres one a real name basis. Her hand shake was firm, her smile genuine and as Tess climbed into the wagon she waved to the girl, curious about whether or not they'd see each other again.

The Lords' place was dark and motionless when the group returned. The boys drifted off to the barn, smoking a last cigarette outside if they desired. Klover and Tess climbed the stairs with their boots in their hands, careful not to wake Gracie and Emma from their sleep, for everyone's sake.

But lying in bed, covers pulled up to her chin, Tess couldn't sleep. She was anxious to see Sotheby's, especially with the knowledge that it lay closer to the Lords' than the town. After what seemed hours of not a wink of sleep she stirred from the sheets, careful again to carry her shoes with her until reaching outside. She thanked the moon for it's shining light and followed road Dakki had directed them to. After jogging most of the way, she reached a large gate blocking a long driveway from the outside world. Tall bushes lined around the premises and Tess followed them, letting her fingers skim the outside branches until twenty minutes passed. She peaked through the bushes at this moment, surprised to find herself at the rear of a large mansion. Slipping between the branches she continued to follow the bushes, this time on the inside. They stopped a couple yards down, the natural foliage of the area becoming her shelter as she moved around the property. At this point she was so discombobulated she wasn't sure she was still on Sotheby's property and feared losing herself among the forest.

Ten more minutes she moved forward and was at the point of turning around when she heard the distinct sound of footsteps coming in the opposite direction. Crouching behind the closet shrub she watched as a young boy ran by. He stopped momentarily, possibly listening as Tess had been, and moonlight caught his face.

Tess jumped at the sight of Daniel, praising her good luck. As he continued by she stuck out her leg, tripping him and restraining him before he could yell for help. Daniel, I'm a friend of Dakki's. She whispered. He mumbled something into her hand. If I let you go, will you let me ask you some questions. He nodded and his relaxed body posture convinced Tess that he wouldn't bolt at first chance.

He fell away as soon as he hand left his mouth, sinking into the fallen leaves as the two crouched in front of each other. You know Dakki? He asked, squinting in the dark light. Why haven't I met ya before?

I just got here. I'm from New York.

No kidding! What're ya doing around dese parts?

Tess shifted so that she was sitting cross leggeded on the ground. I'm looking for my brother, Leif, he was kidnapped and I think he's here. At the mention of Sotheby, Daniel's shoulders sank and he moved onto his knees. Do you know him? Please, if you do I gotta sneak him outta here

Before Tess could finish her plea, Daniel jumped to his feet, dragging Tess with him and slipping under the cover of low branches. She was about to continue but heard what he'd sensed coming moments before. Two voices, low and gruff, were kicking through the forest. Damn kids, had two try to sneak off just dis week.

Ah, it's so fun watchin' em run. Cackled the other, moving by right in front of where Daniel and Tess were hiding. Tess clenched her fists, about to pounce until she noticed the large shot guns hanging at their sides. She melted back into the darkness, fuming silently until they were far enough away and Daniel pulled her away. They continued through the trees, Tess trusting that Daniel knew where he was going. Not until they slipped outside the boundary of the shrubs did they rest or speak.

Your brother's Leif?

Yes, is he here?

Daniel nodded. Ya, but don't think you're gonna get him out. Sotheby's got his thugs roaming the woods all night. One movement and dey shoot.

Tess became defensive, the thought of escape her only plan. Oh yea, den why were you'se walking about?

Cause I'm not one of day boys. Crumb's got me sending messages. Dey know not ta touch me. Daniel seemed proud of his duty, puffing up his chest in pride. He brushed off his pants and picked his way through the roots and trees, appearing on the road Tess had thought she'd never see again less than an hour ago.

Tess growled lowly, resisting the urge to sock Daniel in the stomach and chased after him. Look, I'se came all dis way and I'm getting him out. She stood in his way, blocking him from continuing.

He was taller than her and leaned down to speak to her, briefly resembling Jack in that manner. Sorry dere sweetheart. Only boys dat come out of dese woods are packed for da factories or in back of da rich people's carriages. He shoved her out of the way after that speech, leaving Tess to her anger as he followed a shortcut through the woods.

By the time she reached the Lord's house, covered in a thin film of sweat and dirt, the sun was peaking gently over the horizon. She sat at the kitchen table until Bessie appeared in her pink freshness and joy. Taking one look at Tess however, still brooding with elbows rested on the table to support her head, Bessie focused on what needed to be accomplished before the rest of the house woke and Denton and Glance arrived. Peter was up as early, tending the chores around the farm until returning with Denton and Glance in tow.

Tess jumped at the sight of the two men, unaware that Jack was also among the group. Feverishly she explained her nighttime activity, the anxiety creating a lump in her throat and tears in the corners of her eyes. I don't know she sniffled, what can I do now? All I can hear is dat stupid Daniels saying Only boys dat come out of dese wood.' blah blah, blah. She slammed her hand onto the kitchen table, shaking a large portion of the house. The only way we're getting him outta dere, alive, is if we bought She laughed. Like we were rich people, or somethin.

The four men sat in silence, unable to come up with any reassuring comment. But Bessie, throwing her towel onto the table top, cocked her hip to the side. Well baby, den we're gonna have ta make ya into rich people.