"So here's how it is." Jack Kelley said slowly. He paused for a moment and scanned the crowd. About fifty some-odd eyes stared eagerly at him. Jamie rolled her eyes from the window ledge. Jack always liked drama. He liked the suspense. But she knew what he loved most of all was being in command. He would sacrifice almost anything to stay in his position, not that he needed to sacrifice much. Who would try and threaten his position? No one. He was well liked and looked up to not just by Manhattan, but by most newsies.
Jack's face contorted into some kind of wicked smile Jamie didn't like as he uttered what would be known as 'operation Brooklyn'.
"We wage war on Brooklyn. We'll have a huge rumble. In Central Park. In two days. How about it, huh?" Jamie gasped. She was horrified. She immediately stood up on the window sill and gave Jack a piece of her mind.
"I have never heard of a more ridiculous and violent plan. People will die that night. More will end up like Racetrack, barely conscious. There won't be any Brooklyn or Manhattan newsies anymore because they will have killed each other. The lesser groups will take over. Is that what you want? Why can't we untie with Brooklyn? For God's sake!" a few snickers were heard around the room. Jack smiled at her, amused. Kid Blink spoke up.
"Listen Jamie. As much as we love you, you're nuts okay? They nearly killed Race. Race, your best friend. And then, they captured Crutchy, a cripple God damn it! We can't let them walk all over us. I understand that Spot is your brother and all. But Jamie, be realistic." Jamie's eyes flashed with anger but she said nothing. There was she could say to change their minds.
"Then it's settled. Two days. Central Park. Manhattan versus Brooklyn. Once and for all!" Jack announced. He jumped off his perch on the washroom table. Jamie could feel the excitement in the air, the talk of different fighting techniques. She found her way over to where Racetrack lay half conscious on his bunk. Jamie sighed. Somehow he had slept through the entire meeting. Jamie jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She whipped around to see Jack standing there, his brown eyes pleading with her.
"It's going to be okay Jamie." He promised.
"You know what Jack? I always believed you when you said that. But not this time. You have really done it this time." Jamie said and went into the washroom, slamming the door behind her. It was time to get ready for bed anyway.