CHAPTER V
SPIES AND LIES
Strider and Illusion headed quickly towards the Newsboys Lodging house, their minds racing and wondering if the girl the boys had talked about earlier was Reverie.
" Are ya sure dis is da right way?" Strider asked, stopping to catch her breath. She pushed back some of her blond hair out of her face. Illusion paused and looked back at Strider.
" I's think so. I's mean, dis looks familiar, don't it?" Illusion asked gazing around the city around her. Strider stood straight up, putting her hands on her hips and glanced around, shaking her head.
" I's don't remembah dis, not at all." She frowned. "We's lost?"
" We's ain't lost!" Illusion snapped back at her. She turned around and saw something she recognized. "Look, we's getting close," she pointed down the street. "Dat's da alley dat Jack danced in when he sang 'Santa Fe'." Strider smiled as they started walk down the alley towards the Lodging House. "Just think, we's gonna see Reverie soon," Illusion grinned.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Luna pressed up against the back of an old building, watching the boy she was trailing stop and look behind him. He shrugged and turned to continue walking. Luna slowing came out from behind the building just as the boy stopped and turned around, to stare at Luna in the face.
" I's thought I's was being followed," he said with an evil grin. " You's wit Queens o' something?" he asked, stepping closer to the frozen Luna.
" I's ain't wit Queens," Luna suddenly hissed back at the boy.
" You's got a lot of guts ta be following me 'round," the boy replied, " an' ta even talk ta me like dat," he shook his head. He moved closer to Luna as she tried to hold her ground.
" Look, I's just lookin' foah Spot Conlon," Luna said trying to back up, but bumping into the building behind her.
" Spot Conlon? An' what you' looking foah him foah?" the boy questioned.
" I's heard dat dares stuff goin' on, I's thought dat I could give him a fresh pair o' ears." Luna replied.
" Spy, o' snitcher?" the boy asked.
" Whatever it takes," Luna hissed at him, getting in his face slightly.
" Where you's from?" he questioned.
" Manhattan, foah da time being," Luna answered with a stiff shrug.
" You ain't from Manhattan, unless you's part of da huge group o' goils dat's showin' up suddenly 'round New York."
" So, we's new, what's it to ya?" Luna snapped back, suddenly realizing that the girls showing up all of a sudden was getting attention from all over.
" How I's know dat we's could trust ya? Say I's ta take ya ta Spot Conlon, what's ta say dat you ain't gonna go ta Queens?"
" I's could go ta Queens, but not 'cause I's want ta. I's a true Brooklyn at heart," Luna confessed still sounding as tough as she could. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a sling shoot, taking aim at a bird that was perched up on the top of a building. She loaded and pulled back swiftly, and released as the marble propelled itself through the air, striking the bird. Luna grinned as the boy turned back around, impressed.
" Nice aim," the boy nodded in approval. " But, ya realize dat if I's take ya ta Spot, an' you's become part of dis, if we's find you's cheatin' us."
" I's ain't gonna cheat ya," Luna reassured.
" Well, if you's do."
" I's get da picture," Luna shook her head as the boy nodded and grabbed her arm, pulling her with him. She shrugged him off, and followed him.
" Dis is it," she thought to herself. "Spot Conlon, here I's come."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bolt looked around, trying to figure out where she wanted to go next. She had decided earlier that she was going to sell by herself. She glanced around, feeling her stomach growl.
" You's hungry?" she heard a voice and turned around to see Moxie coming towards her.
" You's heard dat?" Bolt blushed.
" I's been doing da same thing, don't worry." Moxie confessed. She sighed and looked around.
" Dat bread from da nuns just ain't enough ta keep me full foah a day."
" I's know what ya mean," Moxie nodded. "So, how's sellin' foah ya?"
" Ain't too good. I's can't come up wit any good headlines ta day. I's just don't feel like it, ya know? I's miss home." Bolt gazed down, trying to keep herself from crying.
" I's know what ya mean," Moxie replied, placing her hand on Bolt's shoulder, trying to comfort her.
" What'd ya goils doing standing 'round here foah? You's got papes ta sell." They turned to see Aura standing before them with half her stack already gone. " What's da mattah?" she questioned, taking notice to the girls sadness.
" Miss home," Bolt muttered, noticing that a few people were now staring at them.
" Come on, let's get going," Moxie said, nudging them into an alley. " We's shouldn't be talking 'bout home like dat, Luna wouldn't like it."
" I's really don't care what Luna likes," Bolt said annoyed. " I's just being honest."
" Come on, cheer up. We's saw da boys ta day," Aura smiled at them. She had been in a good mood all day.
" Yeah, well, dat's nice foah ya, but I's like Oscar, remembah?" Bolt snapped at her.
" Oscar?" Aura laughed. "He's bad, evil." She shook her head.
" I's don't care, he's cute," Bolt.
" Yeah, well, just be careful, 'cause ya know how dey's is." Aura informed her.
" I's know, an' I's don't care," Bolt said, storming off back into the street.
" What's gotten inta her?" Aura asked looking at Moxie.
" I's just think she's home sick," Moxie replied with a sigh.
" I's is too, but I ain't acting like dat."
" Well, we's all act differently ta da same things," Moxie shrugged as the two watched Bolt disappear into the crowd.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Windy, Bubblegum and Floaty walked down the crowded street, trying to get away from the boxing match.
" Dat wasn't very productive," Floaty shook her head. "I's axed twice ta go inta an alley wit an' older man." She stuck out her tongue in disgust.
" Dat's da way some goils woik," Bubblegum shrugged. "Dey do what dey can ta get money."
" I's ain't going evah do dat," Windy shook her head. "Dat ain't right at all."
" Well, some goil's can't help it. Dey's starve if dey don't. I's read 'bout it befoah." Bubblegum told them.
" Where we's headed now?" Floaty asked, trying to change the subject to a nicer one.
" I's don't care, why not walk 'round? Maybe we's run inta some of da boys an' ask 'em where we's should go." Windy suggested.
" Dat sounds good ta me," Bubblegum nodded as they turned down an alley.
" Watch where ya's going!" they heard a voice yell.
" Dat sounded like Skittery," Floaty whispered as they walked faster and turned a corner to see Skittery helping Bumlets stand up.
" Hi-ya," Bumlets smiled, seeing the girls behind Skittery, who was now turning around to look at them.
" Hi-ya," Bubblegum smiled, slightly disappointed that it wasn't Blink.
" You's da goils dat Jack was talking ta dis morning?" Skittery asked. Windy blushed and nodded.
" Yea, dat's us."
" Well," Bumlets started, brushing off his pants with his hat and picking up his papers, " how's da sellin' going foah you goils? Any luck?"
" Nah, not really." Bubblegum confessed. " Da headlines stink, an' we's can't come up wit any good headlines foah ourselves."
" Dat, an' da fact dat we's keep getting knocked 'round at da boxing fight," Floaty added.
" Foist mistake dare," Skittery shook his head.
" What?" Bubblegum asked confused.
" Well, dat is foah da tough guy's an' goils. You's three seem too sweet foah ya own good." Bumlets told them. " Ya might want ta try Central Park, probably easier foah ya's."
" Speakin' o' sweet, where ya's from? I's hear dat you's staying at Gibby's an' she got a lot o' new goils." Skittery questioned. Bubblegum gulped. What where they going to say? 'Hi, we've come from the future because there's a huge war going on?' Her mind raced.
" We's from all ovah, I's guess." Windy shrugged. "I's from da country," she lied.
" Ah, hayseed's, dat explains da sweetness 'bout you's." Bumlets nodded.
" I's just met dem when I's got here. Seems like a lot o' goils has been coming ta New York lately," Windy made up again, trying to keep their secret save. Skittery and Bumlets smiled at themselves.
" We's noticed," they both blushed, Bumlets and Skittery leaning on their walking sticks.
" So, which way ta Central Park?" Floaty asked.
" We's can take ya dare, if ya want," Bumlets offered.
" Sure," Windy smiled as they headed off with Bumlets and Skittery towards Central Park.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" You's goils seem good at dis," Dutchy smiled as they walked around the Harbor, Punky and Hades selling paper after paper, coming up with great headlines.
" Wild Indians found attackin' cities! Read all about it!" Punky hawked as an older man came up to her and bought a paper, muttering about how dirty the Indians where. Punky smiled, trying to keep herself from laughing.
" Dat's a real good headline," Dutchy smiled at her. " I's used some like dat me self. People don' like dem red's." he shook his head. "I's guess I's don't blame 'em. Attackin' all da settler's an' scalping women an' children, you's nevah gonna find me in da west."
" Dey really don't do dat," Hades shook her head.
" How you's know? Ya been out west?" Dutchy asked peering at her through his glasses. Just then Hades realized she couldn't stick up for them, that if she was going to, she would probably reveal the fact that they were from the future.
" Nah, nevah been out west," Hades shook her head.
" I's think dat me friend is just a dreamah," Punky covered for her, still nervous around Dutchy. Part of her wanted to just jump on him and lay a big fat kiss on his beautiful lips, but she knew she had to restrain herself from her urges.
" Hi-ya Dutchy!" Mush's voice came from behind Hades. She spun around to stare at her crush in the eyes.
" Hi-ya Mush," Dutchy smiled walking over and shaking their hands. Blink put his papers under his arm and stood there smiling proudly.
" I's got me a date," he boosted.
" Wit who?" Dutchy asked.
" You's not gonna believe dis one," Mush shook his head.
" Who?" Dutchy asked, staring at Blink who was now grinning from ear to ear.
" A nun," he laughed.
" A nun?" Dutchy said in disbelief. " Why would a nun date you's? Dey's nuns!"
" It's a new nun," Mush laughed. " Blink here thinks dat he can get 'er ta get out of da nunnery. How funny is dat?" Mush laughed.
" You's pulling me leg!" Dutchy shook his head as Blink shrugged.
" Figured it was worth a try," he laughed, slapping Dutchy in the face. " Why's won't ya evah fall foah me jokes?"
" 'Cause dey ain't good jokes. Plus, Mush here don't make it seem real," Dutchy said just as Blink slapped the side of Mush's face. Punky and Hades giggled.
" Who ya friends?" Mush asked, staring at Hades.
" Dese are some o' da goils dat we met dis mornin'. Punky, an' Hades," Dutchy introduced.
" Hi-ya," Blink smiled shaking Punky's hand and Mush reached for Hades. When they touched, Hades could feel her face flush.
" Nice ta meet ya," Mush greeted.
" Da.da same ta ya." Hades blushed as Mush released her hand and shook Punky's.
" So, ya goil's are new, huh?" Mush asked, the two nodding. "Well, watch out foah Dutchy dare," he laughed. " He likes his goils."
" Put a lid on it!" Dutchy yelled, hitting Mush with his hat. " I's ain't like dat," he tried to reassure the girls.
" Sure," Blink laughed.
" I ain't!"
" Dat's okay, ain't nuttin' wrong wit dat!" Punky smiled at him, as he blushed looking at her. Blink and Mush laughed at Dutchy's reaction. Hades stared at Mush until he looked back over at her. She gazed down and blushed.
" We's bettah get going, starting ta get late. Dutchy, don't foah-get dat we's got a meetin' wit Jack ta-night." Mush said as Blink and Mush turned to walk away.
" I's won't foah-get!" Dutchy yelled as the two walked away.
" Was dat a dream, o' was it real?" Hades whispered to Punky. " Just pinch me." Punky smiled and pinched Hades hard on the arm. "Ouch!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Look, see I's told ya we'd get here," Illusion said proudly as they stared up at the building with a sign that read NEWSBOYS LODGING HOUSE on it.
" Well, let's go den, I's wanna know if it is Reverie o' not." Strider said, pushing Illusion to go in first. She pushed a little too hard and Illusion suddenly fell into a boy that was walking out.
" Easy dare," he said catching Illusion and pulling her up by the arms to look at her. " Ya have to be careful." Preacher smiled at her.
" Sorry," Illusion apologized, finding her footing on the cobblestone and standing up straight.
" It's all right," Preacher shrugged. "Is there anything I could help you with?"
" Actually, yes. We's lookin' foah a friend o' ours. She's been missin' foah da past two nights." Illusion told him, as Strider walked up closer.
" Well, I don't know if it's ya friend, but Kloppman said that the boys found a goil the other night. She's inside if ya'd like ta see if it's her." Preacher offered as the two girls nodded enthusiastically. He led them inside the Lodging House, which exposed the familiar sights from the movie. The sign, 'Speak The Truth' hung in the same location above the stairs.
" She's over here," he said, leading them into another room on the bottom floor. They walked in to see Kloppman placing a wet cloth on a girl's forehead. " Kloppman, these goils are here ta see if this goil is they're friend or not." Preacher informed the old man who stood up to look at them. He nodded and moved to the side, allowing the girls to run over to the bedside.
" Reverie!" Strider shouted excitedly as the girl on the bed slowly opened her eyes.
" Strider?" Reverie moaned, seeing her friends looking down on her.
" Hi-ya Rev," Illusion smiled, sitting down on a stool that was next to the bed. She grabbed a hold of Reverie's hand and squeezed it tightly. "We's didn't think we's was gonna see ya again."
" Why'd ya leave me?" she asked, her eyes trying to focus on the girls.
" I's didn't want ta," Strider shook her head, her heart breaking remembering the night where they had left Reverie in the alley to die.
" We's couldn't risk getting anyone else sick," Illusion tried to comfort her, feeling guilty for leaving Reverie by herself. Reverie suddenly started to shiver.
" Cold." she moaned turning her head away from the girls.
" I'll get another blanket," Preacher said, walking out of the room and coming back in with a heavy blanket and placing it over Reverie. He took the cloth, feeling Reverie's head with his hand. " Still hot," he shook his head. " Goils, could ya come back later? She needs rest." He said watching as Reveries eyes fluttered and then shut. Illusion released Reverie's hand and stood up.
" I wanna stay," Strider pleaded, looking at Illusion.
" We's can't, she's sick, she needs rest," Illusion told her.
" I's don't want ta leave 'er again." Strider cried, Preacher looking down at her with a sympathetic smile.
" Ya can come back ta-morrow," he tried to comfort her.
" But." Strider let her head fall, realizing that it was no use arguing.
" You staying at Gibby's?" the boy asked, Illusion nodding. "I'll walk ya there. It's starting ta get dark out, might rain ta night too." They started to walk out of the room, as Strider stood there for a moment, listening to her friend's silent moans before turning and walking out behind Illusion and the boy.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" We's almost dare," the boy looked at Luna who was still walking slightly behind him.
" Good," Luna thought, "I'm finally going to see Spot." They walked up to an old warehouse and stepped in, as she glanced around.
" What ya doing?" she heard Spot's voice.
" Brought ya someone dat was following me. Says she wants ta help ya."
" I can speak foah me self." Luna said as she heard Spot jump down from a higher location and step out from the shadows. His cane clinked with every step he took, before it stopped with a loud bang in front of her.
" You's got a mouth on ya," he said pointing the cane in her face. She pushed it away.
" An' if ya," she paused as Spot stared coldly at her. "An' if ya need an extra pair o' ears, I's here." She said looking at him.
" Extra pair o' ears?" he repeated. " What makes ya think I need a new pair?"
" I's figured, Spot Conlon needs more boirds 'round." Luna rephrased it. Spot gave her a half smiled.
" Boirds, yea, I's got me boirds, didn't say I's needed new ones."
" Well, I's a friend o' Sneaks,"
" Sneaks?" Spot asked, cutting her off.
" Yeah, she stayed wit me goils da utter night." Luna said. She was getting pissed now that she had to use Sneaks' name to get attention from Spot.
" Well den, we's see what we's can do. Right now, why don't you an' me friend here," he said pointing at the boy she had followed, " go ta Queens. See what ya find dare," he said turning around.
" So, I's ya's spy?" Luna asked smiling.
" I's didn't say dat, I's said go ta Queens." He repeated, walking away back into the shadows.
" So what's dat mean?" Luna asked the boy. He only shook his head, and led her back outside and towards Queens.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Sneaks!" Sneaks turned to see Graft behind her. She had spent the day helping Dodge and Sling sell papers.
" Let's go," he called.
" Back ta Brooklyn?" Sneaks asked, glancing at her friends that were looking disappointed.
" Stop asking questions an' lets go!" he ordered.
" I'll see you goils latah. Sling, I's hope ya have a good time at Gibby's. Da goils are nice." Sneaks smiled at her.
" D'anks foah bringing me here, I's might go back ta Brooklyn 'dough." Sling smiled at her.
" When do I's get me sellin' partner back?" Dodge pouted at Sneaks.
" Don't worry, I's come back again." Sneaks smiled at her friend.
" Sneaks!" Graft yelled again. She turned to see Jack Kelly standing with her brother.
" Dat's Jack!" Dodge tried to keep her excitement concealed to a loud whisper.
" Look, I's try an' come back ta-morrow. Tell da goils I's said hi, an' watch afta me kitten, Spike foah me, Dodge." Dodge nodded as Sneaks turned and ran over to her brother.
" Let's go," he said putting his arm over her shoulder.
" Hi-ya Sneaks," Jack smiled.
" Hi," Sneaks blushed. " Where we's going, Graft?" she asked, looking up into his face.
" We's gonna go ta Medda's foah a little," Graft smiled.
" Oh boy!" Sneaks smiled excitedly.
" Da boys are comin, o' should anyway." Jack informed them.
" Good," Graft nodded as the walked over to a building.
" Graft, dis ain't Medda's." Sneaks whispered.
" I's know dat. We's getting Dave. Come on," he said as Jack climbed up the fire escape. Sneaks smiled, and followed after her brother up the fire escape.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Welcome ta Central Park," Bumlets smiled as the girls looked around.
" Wow, it's so big!" Windy exclaimed, looking around with wide eyes.
" We's betta be going 'dough, it's getting dark. Ya want us ta take ya back ta da Lodging House?" Skittery asked.
" Nah, d'anks 'dough." Floaty smiled looking around.
" See ya round," Bumlets called as the two left the girls standing in the thick forests of Central Park.
" Wow," Bubblegum smiled, "It's so big."
" Goils, it is getting late," Windy said gazing around as the sun started to set, hiding behind buildings and trees.
" We's can go in a second," Floaty said, skipping around and dropping her papers in the grass. " Don't need dem now."
" We's really should go, Floaty," Bubblegum said, watching other people hurry out of the Central Park.
" Okay," Floaty moaned, picking her papers back up and heading out of Central Park.
" It was nice of da boys ta show us where Central Park is," Windy smiled.
" We's can come here ta-morrow," Bubblegum nodded.
" We's shoulda asked 'em ta stay an' show us back ta da Lodging House," Windy frowned looking around in both directions. " I's mean, which way is it?" The girls looked around, trying to figure it out.
" Lost?" they heard a voice snicker behind them. They turned to see Oscar and Morris DeLancey behind them grinning.
" Ain't it a little late ta be out at night?" Oscar winked at the three as he stepped closer.
" Shoo fly!" Floaty snapped at him, pushing him back as Morris laughed grabbing a hold of Bubblegum's arm.
" Let go o' me!" Bubblegum screamed, trying to pull away from Morris as he just laughed at her.
" What'd ya doing?" Spec's voice came from another direction. Floaty and Windy turned to see Crutchy, Spec's and Itey walking over, Snitch following closely behind.
" Let 'em go, Morris," Crutchy said picking up his crutch like he was going to swing at Morris' head. Morris released Bubblegum's arm as Spec's stepped closer.
" What ya going ta do 'bout it?" Oscar asked walking closer.
" Knock it off be foah we's knock you's dome's off!" Itey yelled. At seeing the boys surrounding them, the DeLancey's looked at each other and took off down the street, looking behind them to make sure that the newsies weren't following.
"You's alright?" Crutchy asked, gimping over to Bubblegum.
" I's fine," Bubblegum replied, rubbing her arm that had turned a bright red from how hard Morris had been squeezing her arm.
" Dem DeLancey's, you's gotta watch out foah dem," Snitch shook his head frowning.
" D'ank ya," Floaty smiled at the boys.
" It was nuttin'." Specs shrugged. "Ain't you's da goils dat Cowboy was talking ta dis mornin'?" he asked.
" Yeah," Windy blushed nodding.
" What ya doin' out here dis time o' night? You's shoulda been heading back ta da Lodging House an hour ago." Crutchy said.
" Well, Bumlets an' Skittery took us ta Central Park a few hours ago, den dey offered ta take us back, but we's wanted ta look 'round a little." Bubblegum answered. Specs took his hat off and pulled out his pocket watch.
" We's need ta get going, we's got a meetin' with Jack, but I's don't know if I's want ta let ya walk back by yerselves. You's new, ain't ya?" Specs asked, putting his pocket watch back in his pocket and placing his hat back on his head.
" Yeah, we's new," Windy replied.
" Look, I's sure we's can find da Lodging House," Floaty protested, not wanting the boys to miss their meeting.
" Nah, why's don't ya come wit us?" Itey offered, looking at Specs.
" I's don't see why not. We's going ta Medda's." Specs said looking around. Crutchy sighed and looked around.
" But, fellas, Jack don't know dat dey's coming. What if he don't like it?"
" Aw, Crutchy, dey know Jack!" Snitch waved him off. " It ain't gonna hoit. Plus, I's think dat Graft's sista is gonna be dare too, an' you's know 'er, don't ya?"
" Sneaks?" Bubblegum asked grinning.
" Yeah, dat's Graft's sista." Snitch nodded.
" Sure, we's know 'er!" Floaty said.
" Alright den, we's betta get going now, den." Specs said as they headed off towards Medda's. Floaty, Windy and Bubblegum smiled at each other, giving themselves little 'low fives' so that the boys wouldn't notice.
" Boy are da goils gonna be jealous," Bubblegum whispered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Strider and Illusion ran into the Lodging House, leaving Preacher at the door, and dropped their money on Gibby's desk and flew up the stairs. Gibby glanced down at the money and back at the girls with a curious look.
" You's know, I's miss getting showers. I's stink!" Minty frowned sniffing her armpits.
" I's know what ya mean. I's nevah woulda thought dat da day would come when I's miss not havin' a shower," Gin agreed.
" O' warm wattah," Legs added.
" Goils! Goils!" Strider yelled at the top of the steps, bursting through the door and in the bunkroom.
" What?" Atlantic frowned looking at them.
" We's..we's." Strider breathed, trying to catch her breath.
" We's just come from da boys Lodging House," Illusion spat out for Strider.
" We's saw Reverie!" Strider yelled.
" Reverie?" Klutz asked, running over to them." How is she?"
" Well, she ain't dat good, but we's saw 'er. She's alive!" Strider smiled.
" But, we's don't know how much time she's got left," Illusion reminded Strider, who sat down sulking.
" We's.we's need ta do something foah 'er." Strider shook her head.
" But what?" Rave asked, strolling over and sitting next to Strider.
" Something," Strider shrugged.
" We's could visit 'er ta-morrow, can't we's?" Lavender pleaded more than asking. Illusion shrugged.
" We's could ask dat boy," she offered, looking at Strider.
" What boy?" Lute asked.
" Dis boy dat was takin' care o' 'er. We's nevah saw 'im be-foah. At least, we's don't remembah if we's did." Strider answered. "He's down stairs."
" Why don't we's get 'em?" Cards suggested, leaning on the top bunk with her forearms.
" I'll go get 'im," Strider said, standing up and heading back down the steps.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dutchy looked down at his watch as the sun set below the horizon. Punky and Hades were quietly whispering next to him, with no papers in hand.
" I's can't believe we's sold all o' dem!" Hades gushed.
" I's know!" Punky smiled glancing over at Dutchy. "What's da mattah?" she asked stopping and putting her hands on her hips.
" I's got ta go ta a meetin' at Medda's," Dutchy frowned, trying to figure out what to do with the girls. "I's gonna be late if I's walk ya back ta da Lodging House," he said looking at them.
" We's can walk ourselves," Punky shrugged, wishing that Dutchy wouldn't let them.
" I's don't want ta do dat, it's dark out, an' you's new an' all. I's suppose I's could take ya dare, you's could watch da show when we's have our meetin," he shrugged. "'Sides, Grafta's sista is s'posed ta be dare."
" Ya mean Sneaks?" Hades asked.
" Yeah," Dutchy nodded. "You's two know 'er don't ya?"
" 'Course we's do!" Punky nodded as they started to walk down the Harbor back towards the city.
" Good, den I's sure dat it ain't gonna be a problem if you's two come wit me. Jack'll understand, I's think," he frowned again, looking around. "Don't mattah, not much he can do if ya show up any way." Hades and Punky winked at each other as Punky walked closer to Dutchy.
" Sure does get cool out when da sun goes down," Punky shivered, looking up at Dutchy.
" I's give ya a jacket if I's had one," Dutchy frowned. "Da best I's could do is give ya me shoit, I's got me an under shoit under dis," he offered.
" Dat's okay," Punky shrugged, blushing at the fact that Dutchy would give up his shirt for her. Hades nudged her out of her fantasy before she tripped over a bench that was in front of her. Punky dodged it right before smacking into it as Hades shook her head and giggled to herself.
" What's da meetin' 'bout?" Hades questioned.
" We's having a problem wit some boroughs." Dutchy shrugged. "Basically, it's like a war wit some o' dem."
" War?" Punky gulped, thinking about the war that was now taking place in the future.
" Yeah," Dutchy nodded. " But I's didn't tell ya dat, I's ain't positive dat's what's going on, but I's been hearing dat dares a lot o' spies hangin' 'round da city." He looked at them oddly for a moment.
" Ya don't think dat Punky an' I's are spies do ya?" Hades asked defensively.
" We ain't!" Punky shouted.
" I's nevah said dat. I's don't think dat ya are any ways. You's all new, it's been going 'round da city 'bout all you's goils showing up. Where ya's come from any way?" he questioned. Punky and Hades suddenly turned to each other, not sure what to say.
" We's not from New York," Punky answered with a smile.
" Well, I's figured dat, but what parts?" Dutchy questioned again.
" Huh, I's from Boston," Hades lied.
" An' you's from Boston too?" Dutchy asked, turning to Punky who was turning a pale color.
" Uh. yes," she nodded smiling, and trying to make him buy it.
" I's hoird a lot 'bout Boston, it nice?" he asked.
" Yeah, it's real nice," Hades lied; turning away to watch a wagon drive past with loafs of bread on the back.
" Well, we's bettah hurry befoah we's late, come on," Dutchy said as they turned down the main street towards Irving Hall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" How ya been doing?" Preacher asked, sitting down next to Gibby.
" I's been busy, if dat's what ya mean." Gibby smiled warmly at him. "I's should be asking 'bout you. I's haven't seen ya 'round here since, oh my, it's been too long," she shook her head trying to remember.
" I's believe it was last winter," Preacher thought patting at this Bible. " You had dat goil dat got sick an' died."
" Ah, yes, Cleio, I's remembah 'er. She was a good goil. Felt bad foah 'er. Left behind," Gibby shook her head.
" She was so small too," Preacher thought, shaking his head trying to forget about the little girl that had touched his heart.
" So," Gibby tried to start the conversation over, remembering how close Preacher had gotten to Cleio. " What brings ya back ta Manhattan?" Gibby smiled.
" I's thought it was time foah me ta come and check things out, make sure no one was in trouble," Preacher leaned back.
" An' what ya find?" the old woman questioned, her shaking hands picking up the sign in book. " Ah, we's got a new goil," she muttered to herself. " Sling. I's gotta remembah dat," she marked a spot where Sling had signed in
" I's found that Kloppman's boys found a goil in da street, an' she's sick at his Lodging House."
" Dese goils," Gibby glanced at him through her cataract eyes. " Dey all o' a sudden show up in great numbahs. Dis is da busiest I's been in a few months, since Cleio."
" I's been wondering where they've been coming from too," Preacher nodded.
" Excuse me," they turned to see Strider standing before them, playing with her shirt. " I's.well, we's all wonderin' if we's could go see Reverie ta- morrow wit ya," she asked nervously.
" Sure," Preacher nodded. " Not all of ya, but most of ya can. As long as she ain't getting worse." Strider smiled and ran up stairs, full of excitement, and at the same time, nervous about the conversation she had just over heard.
SPIES AND LIES
Strider and Illusion headed quickly towards the Newsboys Lodging house, their minds racing and wondering if the girl the boys had talked about earlier was Reverie.
" Are ya sure dis is da right way?" Strider asked, stopping to catch her breath. She pushed back some of her blond hair out of her face. Illusion paused and looked back at Strider.
" I's think so. I's mean, dis looks familiar, don't it?" Illusion asked gazing around the city around her. Strider stood straight up, putting her hands on her hips and glanced around, shaking her head.
" I's don't remembah dis, not at all." She frowned. "We's lost?"
" We's ain't lost!" Illusion snapped back at her. She turned around and saw something she recognized. "Look, we's getting close," she pointed down the street. "Dat's da alley dat Jack danced in when he sang 'Santa Fe'." Strider smiled as they started walk down the alley towards the Lodging House. "Just think, we's gonna see Reverie soon," Illusion grinned.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Luna pressed up against the back of an old building, watching the boy she was trailing stop and look behind him. He shrugged and turned to continue walking. Luna slowing came out from behind the building just as the boy stopped and turned around, to stare at Luna in the face.
" I's thought I's was being followed," he said with an evil grin. " You's wit Queens o' something?" he asked, stepping closer to the frozen Luna.
" I's ain't wit Queens," Luna suddenly hissed back at the boy.
" You's got a lot of guts ta be following me 'round," the boy replied, " an' ta even talk ta me like dat," he shook his head. He moved closer to Luna as she tried to hold her ground.
" Look, I's just lookin' foah Spot Conlon," Luna said trying to back up, but bumping into the building behind her.
" Spot Conlon? An' what you' looking foah him foah?" the boy questioned.
" I's heard dat dares stuff goin' on, I's thought dat I could give him a fresh pair o' ears." Luna replied.
" Spy, o' snitcher?" the boy asked.
" Whatever it takes," Luna hissed at him, getting in his face slightly.
" Where you's from?" he questioned.
" Manhattan, foah da time being," Luna answered with a stiff shrug.
" You ain't from Manhattan, unless you's part of da huge group o' goils dat's showin' up suddenly 'round New York."
" So, we's new, what's it to ya?" Luna snapped back, suddenly realizing that the girls showing up all of a sudden was getting attention from all over.
" How I's know dat we's could trust ya? Say I's ta take ya ta Spot Conlon, what's ta say dat you ain't gonna go ta Queens?"
" I's could go ta Queens, but not 'cause I's want ta. I's a true Brooklyn at heart," Luna confessed still sounding as tough as she could. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a sling shoot, taking aim at a bird that was perched up on the top of a building. She loaded and pulled back swiftly, and released as the marble propelled itself through the air, striking the bird. Luna grinned as the boy turned back around, impressed.
" Nice aim," the boy nodded in approval. " But, ya realize dat if I's take ya ta Spot, an' you's become part of dis, if we's find you's cheatin' us."
" I's ain't gonna cheat ya," Luna reassured.
" Well, if you's do."
" I's get da picture," Luna shook her head as the boy nodded and grabbed her arm, pulling her with him. She shrugged him off, and followed him.
" Dis is it," she thought to herself. "Spot Conlon, here I's come."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bolt looked around, trying to figure out where she wanted to go next. She had decided earlier that she was going to sell by herself. She glanced around, feeling her stomach growl.
" You's hungry?" she heard a voice and turned around to see Moxie coming towards her.
" You's heard dat?" Bolt blushed.
" I's been doing da same thing, don't worry." Moxie confessed. She sighed and looked around.
" Dat bread from da nuns just ain't enough ta keep me full foah a day."
" I's know what ya mean," Moxie nodded. "So, how's sellin' foah ya?"
" Ain't too good. I's can't come up wit any good headlines ta day. I's just don't feel like it, ya know? I's miss home." Bolt gazed down, trying to keep herself from crying.
" I's know what ya mean," Moxie replied, placing her hand on Bolt's shoulder, trying to comfort her.
" What'd ya goils doing standing 'round here foah? You's got papes ta sell." They turned to see Aura standing before them with half her stack already gone. " What's da mattah?" she questioned, taking notice to the girls sadness.
" Miss home," Bolt muttered, noticing that a few people were now staring at them.
" Come on, let's get going," Moxie said, nudging them into an alley. " We's shouldn't be talking 'bout home like dat, Luna wouldn't like it."
" I's really don't care what Luna likes," Bolt said annoyed. " I's just being honest."
" Come on, cheer up. We's saw da boys ta day," Aura smiled at them. She had been in a good mood all day.
" Yeah, well, dat's nice foah ya, but I's like Oscar, remembah?" Bolt snapped at her.
" Oscar?" Aura laughed. "He's bad, evil." She shook her head.
" I's don't care, he's cute," Bolt.
" Yeah, well, just be careful, 'cause ya know how dey's is." Aura informed her.
" I's know, an' I's don't care," Bolt said, storming off back into the street.
" What's gotten inta her?" Aura asked looking at Moxie.
" I's just think she's home sick," Moxie replied with a sigh.
" I's is too, but I ain't acting like dat."
" Well, we's all act differently ta da same things," Moxie shrugged as the two watched Bolt disappear into the crowd.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Windy, Bubblegum and Floaty walked down the crowded street, trying to get away from the boxing match.
" Dat wasn't very productive," Floaty shook her head. "I's axed twice ta go inta an alley wit an' older man." She stuck out her tongue in disgust.
" Dat's da way some goils woik," Bubblegum shrugged. "Dey do what dey can ta get money."
" I's ain't going evah do dat," Windy shook her head. "Dat ain't right at all."
" Well, some goil's can't help it. Dey's starve if dey don't. I's read 'bout it befoah." Bubblegum told them.
" Where we's headed now?" Floaty asked, trying to change the subject to a nicer one.
" I's don't care, why not walk 'round? Maybe we's run inta some of da boys an' ask 'em where we's should go." Windy suggested.
" Dat sounds good ta me," Bubblegum nodded as they turned down an alley.
" Watch where ya's going!" they heard a voice yell.
" Dat sounded like Skittery," Floaty whispered as they walked faster and turned a corner to see Skittery helping Bumlets stand up.
" Hi-ya," Bumlets smiled, seeing the girls behind Skittery, who was now turning around to look at them.
" Hi-ya," Bubblegum smiled, slightly disappointed that it wasn't Blink.
" You's da goils dat Jack was talking ta dis morning?" Skittery asked. Windy blushed and nodded.
" Yea, dat's us."
" Well," Bumlets started, brushing off his pants with his hat and picking up his papers, " how's da sellin' going foah you goils? Any luck?"
" Nah, not really." Bubblegum confessed. " Da headlines stink, an' we's can't come up wit any good headlines foah ourselves."
" Dat, an' da fact dat we's keep getting knocked 'round at da boxing fight," Floaty added.
" Foist mistake dare," Skittery shook his head.
" What?" Bubblegum asked confused.
" Well, dat is foah da tough guy's an' goils. You's three seem too sweet foah ya own good." Bumlets told them. " Ya might want ta try Central Park, probably easier foah ya's."
" Speakin' o' sweet, where ya's from? I's hear dat you's staying at Gibby's an' she got a lot o' new goils." Skittery questioned. Bubblegum gulped. What where they going to say? 'Hi, we've come from the future because there's a huge war going on?' Her mind raced.
" We's from all ovah, I's guess." Windy shrugged. "I's from da country," she lied.
" Ah, hayseed's, dat explains da sweetness 'bout you's." Bumlets nodded.
" I's just met dem when I's got here. Seems like a lot o' goils has been coming ta New York lately," Windy made up again, trying to keep their secret save. Skittery and Bumlets smiled at themselves.
" We's noticed," they both blushed, Bumlets and Skittery leaning on their walking sticks.
" So, which way ta Central Park?" Floaty asked.
" We's can take ya dare, if ya want," Bumlets offered.
" Sure," Windy smiled as they headed off with Bumlets and Skittery towards Central Park.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" You's goils seem good at dis," Dutchy smiled as they walked around the Harbor, Punky and Hades selling paper after paper, coming up with great headlines.
" Wild Indians found attackin' cities! Read all about it!" Punky hawked as an older man came up to her and bought a paper, muttering about how dirty the Indians where. Punky smiled, trying to keep herself from laughing.
" Dat's a real good headline," Dutchy smiled at her. " I's used some like dat me self. People don' like dem red's." he shook his head. "I's guess I's don't blame 'em. Attackin' all da settler's an' scalping women an' children, you's nevah gonna find me in da west."
" Dey really don't do dat," Hades shook her head.
" How you's know? Ya been out west?" Dutchy asked peering at her through his glasses. Just then Hades realized she couldn't stick up for them, that if she was going to, she would probably reveal the fact that they were from the future.
" Nah, nevah been out west," Hades shook her head.
" I's think dat me friend is just a dreamah," Punky covered for her, still nervous around Dutchy. Part of her wanted to just jump on him and lay a big fat kiss on his beautiful lips, but she knew she had to restrain herself from her urges.
" Hi-ya Dutchy!" Mush's voice came from behind Hades. She spun around to stare at her crush in the eyes.
" Hi-ya Mush," Dutchy smiled walking over and shaking their hands. Blink put his papers under his arm and stood there smiling proudly.
" I's got me a date," he boosted.
" Wit who?" Dutchy asked.
" You's not gonna believe dis one," Mush shook his head.
" Who?" Dutchy asked, staring at Blink who was now grinning from ear to ear.
" A nun," he laughed.
" A nun?" Dutchy said in disbelief. " Why would a nun date you's? Dey's nuns!"
" It's a new nun," Mush laughed. " Blink here thinks dat he can get 'er ta get out of da nunnery. How funny is dat?" Mush laughed.
" You's pulling me leg!" Dutchy shook his head as Blink shrugged.
" Figured it was worth a try," he laughed, slapping Dutchy in the face. " Why's won't ya evah fall foah me jokes?"
" 'Cause dey ain't good jokes. Plus, Mush here don't make it seem real," Dutchy said just as Blink slapped the side of Mush's face. Punky and Hades giggled.
" Who ya friends?" Mush asked, staring at Hades.
" Dese are some o' da goils dat we met dis mornin'. Punky, an' Hades," Dutchy introduced.
" Hi-ya," Blink smiled shaking Punky's hand and Mush reached for Hades. When they touched, Hades could feel her face flush.
" Nice ta meet ya," Mush greeted.
" Da.da same ta ya." Hades blushed as Mush released her hand and shook Punky's.
" So, ya goil's are new, huh?" Mush asked, the two nodding. "Well, watch out foah Dutchy dare," he laughed. " He likes his goils."
" Put a lid on it!" Dutchy yelled, hitting Mush with his hat. " I's ain't like dat," he tried to reassure the girls.
" Sure," Blink laughed.
" I ain't!"
" Dat's okay, ain't nuttin' wrong wit dat!" Punky smiled at him, as he blushed looking at her. Blink and Mush laughed at Dutchy's reaction. Hades stared at Mush until he looked back over at her. She gazed down and blushed.
" We's bettah get going, starting ta get late. Dutchy, don't foah-get dat we's got a meetin' wit Jack ta-night." Mush said as Blink and Mush turned to walk away.
" I's won't foah-get!" Dutchy yelled as the two walked away.
" Was dat a dream, o' was it real?" Hades whispered to Punky. " Just pinch me." Punky smiled and pinched Hades hard on the arm. "Ouch!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Look, see I's told ya we'd get here," Illusion said proudly as they stared up at the building with a sign that read NEWSBOYS LODGING HOUSE on it.
" Well, let's go den, I's wanna know if it is Reverie o' not." Strider said, pushing Illusion to go in first. She pushed a little too hard and Illusion suddenly fell into a boy that was walking out.
" Easy dare," he said catching Illusion and pulling her up by the arms to look at her. " Ya have to be careful." Preacher smiled at her.
" Sorry," Illusion apologized, finding her footing on the cobblestone and standing up straight.
" It's all right," Preacher shrugged. "Is there anything I could help you with?"
" Actually, yes. We's lookin' foah a friend o' ours. She's been missin' foah da past two nights." Illusion told him, as Strider walked up closer.
" Well, I don't know if it's ya friend, but Kloppman said that the boys found a goil the other night. She's inside if ya'd like ta see if it's her." Preacher offered as the two girls nodded enthusiastically. He led them inside the Lodging House, which exposed the familiar sights from the movie. The sign, 'Speak The Truth' hung in the same location above the stairs.
" She's over here," he said, leading them into another room on the bottom floor. They walked in to see Kloppman placing a wet cloth on a girl's forehead. " Kloppman, these goils are here ta see if this goil is they're friend or not." Preacher informed the old man who stood up to look at them. He nodded and moved to the side, allowing the girls to run over to the bedside.
" Reverie!" Strider shouted excitedly as the girl on the bed slowly opened her eyes.
" Strider?" Reverie moaned, seeing her friends looking down on her.
" Hi-ya Rev," Illusion smiled, sitting down on a stool that was next to the bed. She grabbed a hold of Reverie's hand and squeezed it tightly. "We's didn't think we's was gonna see ya again."
" Why'd ya leave me?" she asked, her eyes trying to focus on the girls.
" I's didn't want ta," Strider shook her head, her heart breaking remembering the night where they had left Reverie in the alley to die.
" We's couldn't risk getting anyone else sick," Illusion tried to comfort her, feeling guilty for leaving Reverie by herself. Reverie suddenly started to shiver.
" Cold." she moaned turning her head away from the girls.
" I'll get another blanket," Preacher said, walking out of the room and coming back in with a heavy blanket and placing it over Reverie. He took the cloth, feeling Reverie's head with his hand. " Still hot," he shook his head. " Goils, could ya come back later? She needs rest." He said watching as Reveries eyes fluttered and then shut. Illusion released Reverie's hand and stood up.
" I wanna stay," Strider pleaded, looking at Illusion.
" We's can't, she's sick, she needs rest," Illusion told her.
" I's don't want ta leave 'er again." Strider cried, Preacher looking down at her with a sympathetic smile.
" Ya can come back ta-morrow," he tried to comfort her.
" But." Strider let her head fall, realizing that it was no use arguing.
" You staying at Gibby's?" the boy asked, Illusion nodding. "I'll walk ya there. It's starting ta get dark out, might rain ta night too." They started to walk out of the room, as Strider stood there for a moment, listening to her friend's silent moans before turning and walking out behind Illusion and the boy.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" We's almost dare," the boy looked at Luna who was still walking slightly behind him.
" Good," Luna thought, "I'm finally going to see Spot." They walked up to an old warehouse and stepped in, as she glanced around.
" What ya doing?" she heard Spot's voice.
" Brought ya someone dat was following me. Says she wants ta help ya."
" I can speak foah me self." Luna said as she heard Spot jump down from a higher location and step out from the shadows. His cane clinked with every step he took, before it stopped with a loud bang in front of her.
" You's got a mouth on ya," he said pointing the cane in her face. She pushed it away.
" An' if ya," she paused as Spot stared coldly at her. "An' if ya need an extra pair o' ears, I's here." She said looking at him.
" Extra pair o' ears?" he repeated. " What makes ya think I need a new pair?"
" I's figured, Spot Conlon needs more boirds 'round." Luna rephrased it. Spot gave her a half smiled.
" Boirds, yea, I's got me boirds, didn't say I's needed new ones."
" Well, I's a friend o' Sneaks,"
" Sneaks?" Spot asked, cutting her off.
" Yeah, she stayed wit me goils da utter night." Luna said. She was getting pissed now that she had to use Sneaks' name to get attention from Spot.
" Well den, we's see what we's can do. Right now, why don't you an' me friend here," he said pointing at the boy she had followed, " go ta Queens. See what ya find dare," he said turning around.
" So, I's ya's spy?" Luna asked smiling.
" I's didn't say dat, I's said go ta Queens." He repeated, walking away back into the shadows.
" So what's dat mean?" Luna asked the boy. He only shook his head, and led her back outside and towards Queens.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Sneaks!" Sneaks turned to see Graft behind her. She had spent the day helping Dodge and Sling sell papers.
" Let's go," he called.
" Back ta Brooklyn?" Sneaks asked, glancing at her friends that were looking disappointed.
" Stop asking questions an' lets go!" he ordered.
" I'll see you goils latah. Sling, I's hope ya have a good time at Gibby's. Da goils are nice." Sneaks smiled at her.
" D'anks foah bringing me here, I's might go back ta Brooklyn 'dough." Sling smiled at her.
" When do I's get me sellin' partner back?" Dodge pouted at Sneaks.
" Don't worry, I's come back again." Sneaks smiled at her friend.
" Sneaks!" Graft yelled again. She turned to see Jack Kelly standing with her brother.
" Dat's Jack!" Dodge tried to keep her excitement concealed to a loud whisper.
" Look, I's try an' come back ta-morrow. Tell da goils I's said hi, an' watch afta me kitten, Spike foah me, Dodge." Dodge nodded as Sneaks turned and ran over to her brother.
" Let's go," he said putting his arm over her shoulder.
" Hi-ya Sneaks," Jack smiled.
" Hi," Sneaks blushed. " Where we's going, Graft?" she asked, looking up into his face.
" We's gonna go ta Medda's foah a little," Graft smiled.
" Oh boy!" Sneaks smiled excitedly.
" Da boys are comin, o' should anyway." Jack informed them.
" Good," Graft nodded as the walked over to a building.
" Graft, dis ain't Medda's." Sneaks whispered.
" I's know dat. We's getting Dave. Come on," he said as Jack climbed up the fire escape. Sneaks smiled, and followed after her brother up the fire escape.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Welcome ta Central Park," Bumlets smiled as the girls looked around.
" Wow, it's so big!" Windy exclaimed, looking around with wide eyes.
" We's betta be going 'dough, it's getting dark. Ya want us ta take ya back ta da Lodging House?" Skittery asked.
" Nah, d'anks 'dough." Floaty smiled looking around.
" See ya round," Bumlets called as the two left the girls standing in the thick forests of Central Park.
" Wow," Bubblegum smiled, "It's so big."
" Goils, it is getting late," Windy said gazing around as the sun started to set, hiding behind buildings and trees.
" We's can go in a second," Floaty said, skipping around and dropping her papers in the grass. " Don't need dem now."
" We's really should go, Floaty," Bubblegum said, watching other people hurry out of the Central Park.
" Okay," Floaty moaned, picking her papers back up and heading out of Central Park.
" It was nice of da boys ta show us where Central Park is," Windy smiled.
" We's can come here ta-morrow," Bubblegum nodded.
" We's shoulda asked 'em ta stay an' show us back ta da Lodging House," Windy frowned looking around in both directions. " I's mean, which way is it?" The girls looked around, trying to figure it out.
" Lost?" they heard a voice snicker behind them. They turned to see Oscar and Morris DeLancey behind them grinning.
" Ain't it a little late ta be out at night?" Oscar winked at the three as he stepped closer.
" Shoo fly!" Floaty snapped at him, pushing him back as Morris laughed grabbing a hold of Bubblegum's arm.
" Let go o' me!" Bubblegum screamed, trying to pull away from Morris as he just laughed at her.
" What'd ya doing?" Spec's voice came from another direction. Floaty and Windy turned to see Crutchy, Spec's and Itey walking over, Snitch following closely behind.
" Let 'em go, Morris," Crutchy said picking up his crutch like he was going to swing at Morris' head. Morris released Bubblegum's arm as Spec's stepped closer.
" What ya going ta do 'bout it?" Oscar asked walking closer.
" Knock it off be foah we's knock you's dome's off!" Itey yelled. At seeing the boys surrounding them, the DeLancey's looked at each other and took off down the street, looking behind them to make sure that the newsies weren't following.
"You's alright?" Crutchy asked, gimping over to Bubblegum.
" I's fine," Bubblegum replied, rubbing her arm that had turned a bright red from how hard Morris had been squeezing her arm.
" Dem DeLancey's, you's gotta watch out foah dem," Snitch shook his head frowning.
" D'ank ya," Floaty smiled at the boys.
" It was nuttin'." Specs shrugged. "Ain't you's da goils dat Cowboy was talking ta dis mornin'?" he asked.
" Yeah," Windy blushed nodding.
" What ya doin' out here dis time o' night? You's shoulda been heading back ta da Lodging House an hour ago." Crutchy said.
" Well, Bumlets an' Skittery took us ta Central Park a few hours ago, den dey offered ta take us back, but we's wanted ta look 'round a little." Bubblegum answered. Specs took his hat off and pulled out his pocket watch.
" We's need ta get going, we's got a meetin' with Jack, but I's don't know if I's want ta let ya walk back by yerselves. You's new, ain't ya?" Specs asked, putting his pocket watch back in his pocket and placing his hat back on his head.
" Yeah, we's new," Windy replied.
" Look, I's sure we's can find da Lodging House," Floaty protested, not wanting the boys to miss their meeting.
" Nah, why's don't ya come wit us?" Itey offered, looking at Specs.
" I's don't see why not. We's going ta Medda's." Specs said looking around. Crutchy sighed and looked around.
" But, fellas, Jack don't know dat dey's coming. What if he don't like it?"
" Aw, Crutchy, dey know Jack!" Snitch waved him off. " It ain't gonna hoit. Plus, I's think dat Graft's sista is gonna be dare too, an' you's know 'er, don't ya?"
" Sneaks?" Bubblegum asked grinning.
" Yeah, dat's Graft's sista." Snitch nodded.
" Sure, we's know 'er!" Floaty said.
" Alright den, we's betta get going now, den." Specs said as they headed off towards Medda's. Floaty, Windy and Bubblegum smiled at each other, giving themselves little 'low fives' so that the boys wouldn't notice.
" Boy are da goils gonna be jealous," Bubblegum whispered.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Strider and Illusion ran into the Lodging House, leaving Preacher at the door, and dropped their money on Gibby's desk and flew up the stairs. Gibby glanced down at the money and back at the girls with a curious look.
" You's know, I's miss getting showers. I's stink!" Minty frowned sniffing her armpits.
" I's know what ya mean. I's nevah woulda thought dat da day would come when I's miss not havin' a shower," Gin agreed.
" O' warm wattah," Legs added.
" Goils! Goils!" Strider yelled at the top of the steps, bursting through the door and in the bunkroom.
" What?" Atlantic frowned looking at them.
" We's..we's." Strider breathed, trying to catch her breath.
" We's just come from da boys Lodging House," Illusion spat out for Strider.
" We's saw Reverie!" Strider yelled.
" Reverie?" Klutz asked, running over to them." How is she?"
" Well, she ain't dat good, but we's saw 'er. She's alive!" Strider smiled.
" But, we's don't know how much time she's got left," Illusion reminded Strider, who sat down sulking.
" We's.we's need ta do something foah 'er." Strider shook her head.
" But what?" Rave asked, strolling over and sitting next to Strider.
" Something," Strider shrugged.
" We's could visit 'er ta-morrow, can't we's?" Lavender pleaded more than asking. Illusion shrugged.
" We's could ask dat boy," she offered, looking at Strider.
" What boy?" Lute asked.
" Dis boy dat was takin' care o' 'er. We's nevah saw 'im be-foah. At least, we's don't remembah if we's did." Strider answered. "He's down stairs."
" Why don't we's get 'em?" Cards suggested, leaning on the top bunk with her forearms.
" I'll go get 'im," Strider said, standing up and heading back down the steps.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dutchy looked down at his watch as the sun set below the horizon. Punky and Hades were quietly whispering next to him, with no papers in hand.
" I's can't believe we's sold all o' dem!" Hades gushed.
" I's know!" Punky smiled glancing over at Dutchy. "What's da mattah?" she asked stopping and putting her hands on her hips.
" I's got ta go ta a meetin' at Medda's," Dutchy frowned, trying to figure out what to do with the girls. "I's gonna be late if I's walk ya back ta da Lodging House," he said looking at them.
" We's can walk ourselves," Punky shrugged, wishing that Dutchy wouldn't let them.
" I's don't want ta do dat, it's dark out, an' you's new an' all. I's suppose I's could take ya dare, you's could watch da show when we's have our meetin," he shrugged. "'Sides, Grafta's sista is s'posed ta be dare."
" Ya mean Sneaks?" Hades asked.
" Yeah," Dutchy nodded. "You's two know 'er don't ya?"
" 'Course we's do!" Punky nodded as they started to walk down the Harbor back towards the city.
" Good, den I's sure dat it ain't gonna be a problem if you's two come wit me. Jack'll understand, I's think," he frowned again, looking around. "Don't mattah, not much he can do if ya show up any way." Hades and Punky winked at each other as Punky walked closer to Dutchy.
" Sure does get cool out when da sun goes down," Punky shivered, looking up at Dutchy.
" I's give ya a jacket if I's had one," Dutchy frowned. "Da best I's could do is give ya me shoit, I's got me an under shoit under dis," he offered.
" Dat's okay," Punky shrugged, blushing at the fact that Dutchy would give up his shirt for her. Hades nudged her out of her fantasy before she tripped over a bench that was in front of her. Punky dodged it right before smacking into it as Hades shook her head and giggled to herself.
" What's da meetin' 'bout?" Hades questioned.
" We's having a problem wit some boroughs." Dutchy shrugged. "Basically, it's like a war wit some o' dem."
" War?" Punky gulped, thinking about the war that was now taking place in the future.
" Yeah," Dutchy nodded. " But I's didn't tell ya dat, I's ain't positive dat's what's going on, but I's been hearing dat dares a lot o' spies hangin' 'round da city." He looked at them oddly for a moment.
" Ya don't think dat Punky an' I's are spies do ya?" Hades asked defensively.
" We ain't!" Punky shouted.
" I's nevah said dat. I's don't think dat ya are any ways. You's all new, it's been going 'round da city 'bout all you's goils showing up. Where ya's come from any way?" he questioned. Punky and Hades suddenly turned to each other, not sure what to say.
" We's not from New York," Punky answered with a smile.
" Well, I's figured dat, but what parts?" Dutchy questioned again.
" Huh, I's from Boston," Hades lied.
" An' you's from Boston too?" Dutchy asked, turning to Punky who was turning a pale color.
" Uh. yes," she nodded smiling, and trying to make him buy it.
" I's hoird a lot 'bout Boston, it nice?" he asked.
" Yeah, it's real nice," Hades lied; turning away to watch a wagon drive past with loafs of bread on the back.
" Well, we's bettah hurry befoah we's late, come on," Dutchy said as they turned down the main street towards Irving Hall.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
" How ya been doing?" Preacher asked, sitting down next to Gibby.
" I's been busy, if dat's what ya mean." Gibby smiled warmly at him. "I's should be asking 'bout you. I's haven't seen ya 'round here since, oh my, it's been too long," she shook her head trying to remember.
" I's believe it was last winter," Preacher thought patting at this Bible. " You had dat goil dat got sick an' died."
" Ah, yes, Cleio, I's remembah 'er. She was a good goil. Felt bad foah 'er. Left behind," Gibby shook her head.
" She was so small too," Preacher thought, shaking his head trying to forget about the little girl that had touched his heart.
" So," Gibby tried to start the conversation over, remembering how close Preacher had gotten to Cleio. " What brings ya back ta Manhattan?" Gibby smiled.
" I's thought it was time foah me ta come and check things out, make sure no one was in trouble," Preacher leaned back.
" An' what ya find?" the old woman questioned, her shaking hands picking up the sign in book. " Ah, we's got a new goil," she muttered to herself. " Sling. I's gotta remembah dat," she marked a spot where Sling had signed in
" I's found that Kloppman's boys found a goil in da street, an' she's sick at his Lodging House."
" Dese goils," Gibby glanced at him through her cataract eyes. " Dey all o' a sudden show up in great numbahs. Dis is da busiest I's been in a few months, since Cleio."
" I's been wondering where they've been coming from too," Preacher nodded.
" Excuse me," they turned to see Strider standing before them, playing with her shirt. " I's.well, we's all wonderin' if we's could go see Reverie ta- morrow wit ya," she asked nervously.
" Sure," Preacher nodded. " Not all of ya, but most of ya can. As long as she ain't getting worse." Strider smiled and ran up stairs, full of excitement, and at the same time, nervous about the conversation she had just over heard.