Prologue: David and Goliath
The newsboys of New York City were divided. During the days of the strike they were to choose one side and one side only. Those wishing to uphold their jobs and not risk sleeping on the streets grew loyal to Joseph Pulitzer and his newspaper empire. But the boys who wished for change knew that their voice was more important than maybe a quarter a day, and those were Jack Kelly's followers. No, they were more of an army than they were followers. And Jack was the famous and respected leader of this army. Not only did he have control of Manhattan, but he held Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and other territories in the palm of his hand. Full of courage and valor, Jack was a brave man in the eyes New York's children. He had conquered the beast Goliath and lived to tell the tale. Saying that he was a hero simply wouldn't do him justice.
The day that ended the strike marked the power of Jack Kelly. He was practically unstoppable as he made his way back into the distribution place with Teddy Roosevelt in his company. Jack humbly soaked in the triumph with his little soldiers applauding the gallant victory they had just won. And he kissed the girl. And the fighters smiled.
But don't be deceived. Not all was what it had seemed and not all were as overenthusiastic of Jack's conquest over Pulitzer. The smiles of some boys were painted upon their faces rather than grown naturally. Yes, the newsboys benefited much from Jack and the strike, and they were just as happy as the next. However, they were not naïve; they had the courage to look past the luster of Jack and what they saw did worry them. It disturbed them and daunted them. For what they saw was dictatorial likelihood in this champion. They were fearful of his potential. Two men did know this.
And the end of what was seemingly the worst of these newsboys' lives was quite simply only the start of something far worse.
A/N: I couldn't help taking a break from my other story to write this quick little prologue. I honestly couldn't tell you the next time I'll be updating this. I was reading a VERY good story and was filled with the urge to get right on this one lol. So tell me what you think and leave a review (we know you want to…)