June 1899
"I don't wanna go back without you," said Snipeshooter.
"I can't go back," said Adelaide. "Tumbler's gone, Skittery's in jail…I'd just rather stay here."
They stood on the Brooklyn Bridge, with Spot leaning against the railing a few yards away. Snipeshooter had his bag in hand, ready to go home.
Snipeshooter watched Adelaide for a few moments. "Take care of yourself, okay?"
Snipeshooter nodded. "You know, Aide…I know the past few months have been pretty rotten…but at the same time…I'm kinda glad, coz, you know, we're okay now."
Adelaide smiled. "Me too." She pulled him to her and they embraced. "I love you, kid."
"Love you too, Aide."
Adelaide kissed the top of his head through his cap. "You be good, okay?"
"I will." Snipeshooter nodded.
Spot walked up to them. "I'd keep a low profile if I were you," said Spot. "After your little outburst, some of the fellas suspect you had a hand in what happened to Ralphie."
"Spot, I swear, I didn't."
"I know you didn't. Just be careful."
Snipeshooter nodded. "I will."
He turned and headed across the bridge. He turned and waved to them once more before the crowd swallowed him up.
Adelaide and Spot walked to Flannigan's in silence. Every movement out of the corner of Adelaide's eye, every look a stranger gave her, every time she saw a fellow newsie, she was sure they were coming to get vengeance for Ralphie.
Soon, they were seated in the restaurant.
"I'll have the turkey sandwich," said Spot, when the waiter walked up to them. "Aide?"
Adelaide looked up. "Same."
The waiter nodded and walked away.
"You okay?" asked Spot.
Adelaide nodded. "I'm fine."
Spot watched her for a few moments before taking a drink of water. "We're movin' out of the warehouse tonight," he said.
Adelaide looked up at him. "Where are we gonna sleep?"
"The newsies and me will stay at the Poplar Street boys lodgin' house. Fire and Blade and the rest are staying in the basement."
Adelaide paused. "What about me?"
"Aide, it's been two weeks. Go home."
"I can't," she said quietly.
"The dust has settled enough. No one will suspect anything."
"What's the point?" Adelaide shrugged. "There's nothing there for me anymore."
"I'm not lettin' you use your brother as an excuse anymore," said Spot. "I'm sure Ralphie had enough money stashed away somewhere in the basement for a train ticket. He told you where Tumbler is. Skittery will be gettin' out of the Refuge any day now. So what's the story?"
Adelaide didn't say anything.
"Is it coz of what Ralphie did?"
Adelaide shrugged, swirling her finger tip around a knot in the wood of the table.
Spot sighed and set his water glass down hard, startling Adelaide. "Aide, you've gotta get past that," he said.
"How?" asked Adelaide, whispering harshly. "How am I supposed to just get past getting raped every other night, getting pregnant, and having my baby taken away from me?"
He sighed. "You're right. But you gotta try."
"You don't think I've been trying?"
"You're still sleeping in the same bed that Ralphie did all of those things to you. You tell me."
Adelaide chewed on her lip and traced her finger along the grain of the table.
"Even though I hated him…with him bein' gone…" Adelaide felt the tears sting her eyes. She sighed and shook her head, wiping her eyes. "Why am I upset about this?"
"Well…seein' as how he died…" Adelaide put her face in her hands. "Aide," Spot reached over and put his hand on her arm, "it's okay. Okay? You stay here as long as you need. You know Fire and Blade won't let anything happen to you."
"Thanks," she said as the waiter brought their food and refilled their waters.
"You know you're always welcome in Brooklyn. But you've spent the past six months dreamin' of nothin' but goin' home."
Adelaide watched him for a few more beats before she slowly picked up her sandwich and took a bite. They ate the rest of their meal in silence.
