Chapter 5
When Kate finally found the Manhattan lodging house, she went up the fire escape to the window of the bunkroom and knocked lightly on the window. When no one came, she knocked again.
Jack had been having a good dream when he was brought out of it by a knocking sound. He rolled over and hoped the knocking would go away, but when the knocking continued, Jack finally got up and went to the window. He was surprised to see Kate at the window shivering. He opened the window and she climbed through it.
"Do you have an empty bunk I can use?" Kate asked once she was in.
"Yeah, but why do you need a bunk? Aren't you supposed to be in Brooklyn? Spot didn't throw you out, did he?"
"No, Spot didn't throw me out. I just can't stay there anymore. Just don't tell him I'm here, ok?" Jack looked into her eyes and saw the emotion in them. Her eyes were silently pleading to him.
"All right, but why can't ya stay in Brooklyn?"
"If I stay in Brooklyn, I'd be putting Spot and the boys at risk and I just can't do that."
"At risk for what?"
"Just trust me Jack."
Jack thought for a moment. He would just have to trust her.
"All right, I'll trust you but you have to let me know right away if you're in danger or my boys are in danger. There's an empty bunk over there." Jack said and point to a bunk across the room.
"Thank you Jack and I promise to let you know right away."
When Spot woke up the next morning, he noticed the note Kate had left the night before. He picked it up and read it silently to himself.
"Fuck!" he yelled as he crumbled the note. Where could she have gone? He thought to himself. All of a sudden a light bulb came on and he smiled to himself. He knew exactly where she had gone, but he knew if he went now he might do something he would regret. He would wait and see if he got a messenger today. He knew she was in good hands and that the leader wouldn't let anything happen to her. He trusted those boys.
When Kate woke up the next morning, she had to think of where she was, then she remembered that she was at the Manhattan lodging house. She knew Spot would either send his little birds, as he called them, to find her or he would come himself. She also knew that she wouldn't be able to stay here for free. So where could she get a job? She could be a newsie. She was good enough to sell by herself, Spot had said so himself. That would just make it easier for him to find me. She thought and she really didn't want to be alone when he did. She knew Spot's temper; she had seen what his temper could do. Maybe Jack knows where I can get one. Kate looked around the crowded bunkroom for Jack, but she couldn't see him. Maybe he's already left. She thought. Just then she saw Jack walk out of the washroom.
"Jack!" called Kate, "can I talk to you?"
Jack stopped right in his tracks and turned to look at her. He walked over to her bunk and didn't say anything.
"What do ya want to talk about?"
"Well, I was wondering if you knew where I could get a job. I don't think it would be very good for me to be a newsie. It would be easier for Spot to find me. I've had singing lessons since I was six and I've been dancing for a long time too so maybe I could get a job singing and dancing. Do you know where I can one?"
"Let me think." Jack said racking his brain. Kate just watched him as he thought.
"I know exactly where you might be able to get one. Meet me downstairs in ten minutes." Jack said standing up and walking to the door. Kate hopped out of bed and quickly walked to the washroom to get ready.
"I'm ready." Kate said coming down the stairs.
"Let's go then. I know a place a couple of blocks from here. Medda's real nice. She might be able to give you a job." Jack said walking out the door and Kate followed him out.
Jack and Kate walked along the streets in silence. Finally they came to a building that looked like a theater. Kate looked up at the sign above the door. It read "Medda the Swedish Meadow Lark". Jack opened the door, Kate walked through the door first with Jack following her in. She followed him backstage and he finally stopped in front door and knocked lightly.
"Just a minute." Came a female voice from behind the door. There was more silence between Jack and Kate until the door opened and a beautiful red haired woman wearing a beautiful midnight blue dress came out.
"Where ya been Kelly? I haven't seen you here for a while." Said the lady.
"I've been busy lately. I got a girl here that needs a job. I thought you might need another singer." Jack said.
"I do need another singer. One just quite on me."
"Great! Medda this is Kate. Kate this is Medda." Jack said introducing them.
"Nice to meet you Kate. I'm so glad you came." Medda said shaking Kate's hand.
"Nice to meet you too." Kate replied.
"Well, I'll let you two get to work. I got papes to sell anyway. I'll see ya tonight Kate. Thanks Medda." Jack tipped his hat and walked back to the front doors.
"Well, do you have a song in mind that you would like to sing?" Medda asked.
"Yeah, I do. It's one my mother used to sing sometimes. I think you might know it." Replied Kate.
"Great! Let's get you practicing. We have to get you ready for Friday night." Medda said, then turned and started walking towards the stage with Kate in tow.
When Jack got to the Distribution Center, he bought his papers and was on his way to his selling spot when Kid Blink stopped right in front of him.
"So what's Spot's girl doin' here?" Blink asked.
"First off, she's not Spot's girl yet. Second, she's worried that Spot is at risk of something if she stays there." Jack explained.
"So what are suppose to tell Spot if he comes askin'?"
"Just tell she ain't here."
"Spot's gonna know we lied to him if he goes to Medda's."
"We'll just tell him that we didn't know. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got papes to sell." Jack said and walked off.
"I wonder what's eatin' him." Blink said to no one in particular and walked off to his selling spot.
AN: Well, here's the 5th chapter. I want to thank everyone who is reading this even though they may not be reviewing. I hope you like this chapter and don't forget to review.