'ello, hope you guys are enjoying the story, and reviewing! This chappie is really short, I know, but I wanted a cliffhanger…in a way…read and find out!

Chapter 5

The lodging house was eerily silent. No one was there. The only sounds were the faint scratching of Kloppman's pen on the ledger. Thinking he would know where everyone was, I bombarded him with questions.

"Kloppman, where is everyone?"

"Dunno."

"No one told ya where dey were goin' taday?"

"Uh."

"Youse must have some ideas."

"Shoah."

"Care ta share 'em?"

"Nah."

"Aw, Kloppman! C'mon, I really need ta know!"

"Ise undah strict ordahs ta not divulge any important information."

"Who told ya ta keep yoah mouth shut?"

"Not tellin'."

"Was it Race?"

"Not tellin'."

"Mush?"

"Not tellin'."

"ARGH! Foah cryin' out loud, Kloppman! I am da leadah of da Manhattan newsies. Youse can tell me!"

"I know who ya are."

"I promise I won't blab an' say ya blabbed."

"Nope. Still not tellin'."

"Kloppman, don't make me hoit ya."

"Go ahead. I'se'll jus' throw ya outa da lodgin' house."

That put an end to my fruitless questioning. Heaving heavy sighs and shooting dirty looks at Kloppman, I headed upstairs to the still bunkroom. I laughed to myself. At least I wouldn't have to wait for Race to get out of the shower or worry about being seen by anyone.

Half an hour later, I was ready to leave. I had managed to find my favorite pair of black pants and my nice dark green shirt, and luckily, they were clean. I left my dark hair loose and flowing, but under control thanks to my black newsboy hat. The only jewelry I wore was my four-leaf clover necklace and my silver pocket watch. I pulled on my boots and headed to Medda's.

Shoutouts:

You know, it is kinda really sad that six out of seven of my reviews are from people I know. So people, please review even if it's just to say "I read your story!" Cuz that means alot to me! Thanx!

blitz: hehe, that would be funny...but no, fortunately. Jack decided that NYC wasn't good enough for him, and headed off to Santa Fe. He might, just might come back later, but I don't know yet, that chappie hasn't written itself yet. keep reading!

Smileycad: Girl, you have got to get back to school soon or otherwise your senior quote will be something along the lines of "I really don't feel well...I'm going home...hold the tests" but don't worry, you didn't miss anything of any importance. Except there's this notice on Mooney's board about a Peter Pan production and we were thinking we'd make an 8GM outing out of it...you'll have to see the sheet.

chatty291: you didn't like spot?!?! are you off your rocker?!?!?