Jack was fuming as he made his way through the wet and darkening streets. "Can't take care of 'im. What's his name? I'll show them." Petey was still crying and Jack figured he had to be hungry. He went right to a small tavern a short distance from the boarding house. Just before he entered, he heard someone call his name. "Jack!"
Turning, Jack saw Crutchy hurrying toward him. "Hey Jack." He said, breathless. Jack looked at him suspiciously, expecting Crutchy to make fun of him. "Honest Jackie, I just wanna hear about the baby." Crutchy said. Jack grinned. "Okay, Crutchy." Throwing his free arm around Crutchy's shoulders, the two entered the tavern together.
Jack quickly made his way to a corner table. A young woman stepped over. "Hi Jack." She said. "Who's baby?"
Jack shrugged, trying to quiet Petey. "Hey Kate. Mine, I guess." He said, with a grin. "I, uh, I adopted him today after I found him in an alley." He added quickly, seeing the look on her face. She nodded slowly.
"But, hey Kate, we needs some milk for the kid, and some soup or somethin' for Crutchy and me."
Kate nodded again and, turning, made her way through the crowded tavern to the kitchen. She was back shortly with the milk, warmed slightly, and in a bottle. Jack looked up at her admiringly. "Good work, Kate!"
Petey settled down quickly as the warm milk made its way to his stomach and he emptied the bottle before Kate got back with stew for the boys. She brought more milk, and, by the time Jack and Crutchy had finished eating, Petey was asleep, warm and full.
Jack had told Crutchy the story of finding Petey while they were eating and now Crutchy asked, "So how you gonna take care of 'im Jack? I mean, you'll be gone all day. And, besides, babies cost money."
Jack fiddled with his mug of coffee. Crutchy had brought forth concerns that he had not thought out yet. "I dunno Crutchy." He said finally. "I'll have to figure it out, but right now, I'm beat."
After paying for the meal and some extra milk, the boys left the tavern and headed back to the Lodging House. They were met with catcalls and questions, which Jack answered until he grew too tired. Then he crawled into bed, with Petey snuggled next to him. Crutchy came over and knelt beside the bed. "Hey Jack, maybe we could join together and split costs."
Jack grinned. "Thanks Crutchy, I'll sleep on it." Crutchy smiled and rose. "G'night Jack." He said as he made his way to his own bed.
