By the time she reached Brooklyn's side of the Brooklyn Bridge, it was growing dark out. Lorraine couldn't help but be paranoid about walking through Brooklyn in the dark, but knew there was little she could do about it. A couple blocks from the lodging house, she thought she heard a noise behind her, but when she checked, there was nothing but shadows. She quickened her pace. She paused on a corner, waiting for a carriage to pass.
"Did ya have fun with Jack?" A low, raspy voice whispered behind her. She whipped around, but no one was there. She quickly crossed the road and continued to the lodging house, her nerves shaken. A wave of relief washed over her as the house came into view. Out of nowhere, a strong hand grabbed her by the back of the neck and threw her face down on the ground. His fists pounded repeatedly into her back as she gasped for breath.
***Meanwhile, in Manhattan***
"What was she doin' heah?" Race asked with a laugh. "Don't she know she ain't welcome?"
"Cut it out Race," Jack scolded. "She was askin' about you."
"Me? Should I be worried?" Race asked sarcastically. He, Jack, Blink and Sway were seated in a circle, playing poker.
"She was worried 'bout ya. I guess she t'ought somet'ing happened to ya, and came ta ask me if you were alright," Jack answered coldly, silencing Race immediately. A million thoughts raced through his mind. They hated each other, why would she care if he was hurt?
"Ya know, she ain't dat bad," Sway added. "Doncha t'ink you were a little hard on her?"
"She stole from me!" Race pouted.
"You're tellin' me you never stole nothin'?" Sway retorted. Race was speechless again. Maybe I was too hard on her, he thought guiltily. He decided that the next time he saw her, he would try to be civil with her, assuming she was willing.
***Back in Brooklyn***
Lorraine lay motionless on the sidewalk. Her mystery assaulter had fled at the sound of an approaching carriage. Before he ran, he grabbed her by the hair and pulled her ear to his mouth.
"Betta stay outta Brooklyn, or I'll be back for ya!" The raspy voice warned.
She could hear the people in the carriage gasp as they saw her body, but they didn't stop to help. Time passed, and Lorraine slipped in and out of consciousness. Once she was coherent, she attempted to stand, but was unsuccessful. She started to fall, but was caught by an unknown pair of hands.
"Damn, looks like someone was mad at you!" Lorraine groaned when she recognized the voice as Spot's. "Come on, I'll help you inside." Spot half carried, half dragged Lorraine inside and into her bed. She passed out as soon as her bruised head hit the pillow, but Fleet was still awake to see Knox sneak in a few minutes after Spot carried Lorraine in.