Ralphie walked into the tenement, a middle-aged woman with a carpet bag behind him.

"Ralphie," said Violet, standing up.

Ralphie looked at her. "What are you doing here?"

"Trying to stop you from making a huge mistake," said Violet.

"And what business is it of yours?"

"You want to keep this girl around for a while, right?"

Ralphie didn't say anything.

"You want her to do what you want, then you gotta give her something. You let her keep this baby, and she will do anything to protect it. That baby is a commodity to you."

Spot's stomach turned hearing Violet talk about Adelaide and her baby like that, but if it convinced Ralphie to let Adelaide keep the baby, the end would justify the means.

"She already does what I want her to do. I've got the kid to keep her in line. And no one tells me what to do," said Ralphie.

"We aren't tellin' you what to do," said Spot. "We're just…tryin' to help."

"I don't need help."

With that, Ralphie shoved Spot with his shoulder as he passed by. As he approached the sheet that divided the room, Snipeshooter stood up and stood between Ralphie and the sheet. He crossed his arms and tried to look tough, but everyone in the room could see him shaking.

"Don't tell me you're coming to her rescue too," said Ralphie.

"She don't deserve this," said Snipeshooter. "I won't let you touch her."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," Snipeshooter said, standing up straight and jutting his chin out.

Without warning, Ralphie landed his fist square on Snipeshooter's jaw, and Snipeshooter landed on the floor, holding his jaw. While he was down, Ralphie kicked him in the stomach.

"Oof!" said Snipeshooter, curling into a ball, still holding his jaw.

At the sound of Snipeshooter falling, Adelaide rushed out from behind the sheet.

"Snipes!"

Ralphie stamped his foot down on Snipeshooter's legs and arms, kicking him wherever a weak spot opened up.

"Ralphie, stop!"

Ralphie grabbed Snipeshooter's collar and hauled him up. He dragged him across the room and out the door, throwing him down into the alley.

"I'll deal with you later."

Snipeshooter wheezed, having the wind knocked out of him and began to crawl towards the mouth of the alley

Ralphie turned around and walked back inside. "Anyone else have anything to say?"

None of the other boys had anything to say. "Good. This way, ma'am."

Ralphie guided the woman toward the sheet and threw it back.

"Ralphie, please, no," said Adelaide.

"Sit down and shut up," said Ralphie.

"Please," said Adelaide. "I'll do anything. Anything!"

Spot sighed and put his arm around Violet. "Come on. Let's go. Everybody out."

Adelaide looked at Spot over Ralphie's shoulder.

Spot gave her a backward glance before he walked out the door. He tried his best to communicate his apology with a look, but he knew it wouldn't do it justice.

"No," said Violet, pulling out of Spot's arm. "I'm staying."

Violet marched through the basement and walked behind the sheet.

"What the hell are you still doing here?" barked Ralphie.

"I'm here for her," said Violet. "Lord knows you're hell for anyone to deal with on their own."

Adelaide looked at Violet, puzzled.

"Lay down, Aide," Violet said softly.

Adelaide shook her head. "Please don't let him do this," she said, her voice tight and tears coming to her eyes.

Violet put her arm around Adelaide and gently guided her down onto the mattress. "It'll all be over soon. I promise."

"Violet, please, help me," begged Adelaide.

"Shhh," Violet smoothed Adelaide's hair as she lay on the mattress. "Just focus on me. It'll all be over soon."