Disclaimer: I don't own anyone from the movie newsies, I do own Phantom and anyone from the Bronx that is not familiar.

A/N Thanks sooo much to Betchya OConnor, midnight1899, and Naomi. Your reviews kept me going and I hope to make this one as good as or better than the last. This chapter wasn't as much action as I wanted but I hope its ok. Sorry this is taken me longer to update now, I just moved back to college and I hope to find time to write more.

-----

That day I spoke little, only when I needed to and as the rest of the newsies held a poker night I spent the time observing the games and drinking some alcohol I had hidden away.

As I walked through the building, checking up on certain games, I felt Haze's gaze on me, I knew he would be watching my movements but tonight I was not in the mood. Instead of confronting him, I shook it off and continued to watch over my newsies.

As I became more withdrawn I noticed most of the newsies had left going back to their own territories for the night. Some of mine were still playing games but I saw the majority start to pack up and head to the lodging house. The night was late, and we would all have to get up early so I decided to shut down the poker for the night.

"Alright boys, collect your winnings, if there was any and let's close this place up." I heard tired answers as they pocketed their money and followed the previous newsies out the door. I started after them but paused at Haze's voice, "Phantom" was all he said but I knew what he wanted.

"I'm fine Haze" he looked me in the eyes, searching for the truth, but my eyes were mirrors right now and he shook his head. "Did ya go after ya brother?" I walked out the door with Haze in tow heading back "home".

"Ya I went after him, but with no luck" I figured if I told him something maybe he'd leave me to rest. And for once that seemed to be enough information for him, he knew he was already pressing his luck and chose not to pursue the matter.

I crawled into my bed and hoped that for once I could sleep most of the night.

-----

About two weeks had passed since I had gone to see my brother, and since then I had stepped back into my colder side. I lead my newsies like I had before and although none of them had complained; I could tell they were becoming a little wary of me again. Haze and Razor were always watching me. But none had confronted me about my behavior, and I was grateful for that.

"Hey Phantom" I turned around after selling another paper to see Razor walking up to me.

I nodded to him "Razor" he glanced down at the few papers I had left, it was getting close to noon and I wasn't finished.

"Rough day?" he asked pointing to the stack.

I rolled my eyes, "Takin' my time today, that's all"

He laughed, "Well I was thinkin'of holdin' another poker game tonight. I was goin to invite all boroughs"

I seemed to think it over, "I could always use more money" I answered smiling.

"Hurry up and sell those so we can go eat, I'm starvin'" I nodded realizing I was getting hungry and my selling was taking too long today.

I hurried up to sell that last of my stack and then followed Razor off to eat.

By night time all of my newsies were settled into the poker house awaiting the rest of the newsies to show up. It didn't take long for more newsies to start to file in and the tables to become filled. I watched over the building for awhile until I felt most of the people were here for the night.

I found a table with the "bigger" players located in the far corner, and I made my way through the crowd towards it. I stood back waiting for the current hand to be over before I could jump in. I took in the people at the table and noticed Jack, Race, and Spot; and of course Razor and Haze. I also noticed that Twister from Harlem was there, but we had already resolved our previous problems, the person that really bothered me was to the right of him. I knew the face, he like Twister had a scar on his face, but it ran along his cheek and somehow made him look powerful.

I quickly glanced around the room to see if any of his boys were to be seen, but as far as I could tell he came alone; stupid idea on his part. "Ya want in Phantom?" I heard Razor ask me. I nodded and pulled up a chair next to him and Race. I nodded to the people at the table, but stopped at the kid, and deciding to let it slide for now I turned back to my cards.

The game went on for awhile, and with the winnings being distributed evenly. I made sure no one was cheating in the poker house and especially at this table, but one thing I kept a closer eye on was the one person across from me.

Jack and Haze soon took their winnings and left the game. As it got later the game died down and most newsies seemed to be clearing out. As our table cleared out, I stood up in front of him. "Ya got some nerve Club" was all I could say to him.

He moved his body closer to mine, and put his hand on my cheek, "Your lookin great Phantom"

"Don't start Club, what are ya doin back here?" Although I was lookin so cold at him, he smiled and winked to me, "Calm down Doll I'm back with my boys in Harlem, I just thought I'd look ya up" I narrowed my eyes at him.

He moved in closer and kissed my lips, before turning around and disappearing out the door. I clenched my fists and glanced around the room hoping no one was looking. I relaxed a little when I noticed everyone was busy cleaning up and heading home.

"I didn't know ya and Club had a history" I spun around to see Spot in the shadow of the corner. My eyes narrowed again, "We don't"

He laughed, "That didn't look like nothin' 'doll'"

"Should ya be headin back to ya throne Spot?" this time his eyes narrowed to match mine. "I'll see ya around Phantom, and thanks for ya money tonight"

As he walked out with everyone else I followed closing the door and locking it for the night. Luckily Haze had already gone back and Razor was to drunk to talk to me right now. I wasn't in the mood for them to ask about Club being back in the picture.

-----

As I found my way to the bed that night I couldn't help thinking about Club. I wasn't sure what this meant, and as much as I wouldn't admit it, I was scared. He was my ex-boyfriend when I first came to the Bronx; he was a newsie here for a little then moved to Harlem and started up his own gang.

And if he was back, I knew his boys were back in full power as well. We had a bad past and his gang was just as bad. I just hoped tonight was all I would see of him.