Disclaimer: I don't own newsies, although I really wish I could.

A/N: Did anyone get the email alerts for the last chapter? I didn't get them or emails about the reviews and I wasn't sure if it was just my email or fanfic. Oh well, I hope most of you found this was updated. I somehow found time to update this. Although it isnt the most interesting chapter here it is.

Thanks to my reviewers, Flick. TheLighter, Racerchick, and Peculiarjuliar. Glad you guys are still enjoyin this!

Spot left the lodging house in a blur, the only thing on his mind was to get his clothes back. Although he wasn't really sure why, he didn't need them now…but then again maybe it was the only reason he could make himself believe.

Spot wandered through the darkening streets. But as he got closer to the building he paused. Running his hand through his hair, he thought over what to say to Nicole, he knew she was in trouble, but he like her had a strong pride, and he wasn't about to back down after yelling at her. Then again he didn't think she would take his help. Smirking at the stubbornness of both of them, he casually slipped into the house.

Immediately he was hit with the sound of life. Tonight seemed to be busy and he hoped he could find his sister in the crowds. He scanned the bar and frowned not seeing her around it. As he made his way towards the bar he noticed one of the girls staring at him.

This normally would have made him happy but he was in Manhattan…and he had a mission. He shook his head to clear his mind as he sat down on a stool at the bar. Nodding to the bartender he ordered a drink and waited.

As his drink was passed to him, he noticed the girl from earlier had slipped into the stool next to him.

"Ya Spot Conlon right?" the girl asked softly, quickly glancing around the room a few times. She figured it was him but had to make sure.

Spot turned, he was a little taken aback but then again he was Brooklyn, girls would most likely know him in Manhattan as well. He smirked, "Yeah and who's asking?"

She smiled seductively at his smirk, "What ya doin' here?" most cases that would be a pointless question but she could tell he was here for someone…and she wasn't about to let him leave.

He laughed and took a sip of his drink, not quite answering the question. She shook her head, "My names Spring," she leaned in closer to whisper in his ear.

"Follow me if ya wanna talk to her" she stood up and held out a hand, hoping it looked like business, she knew Brady was around and probably was keeping an eye on her for Autumn's sake.

He frowned a little but set his glass down and took her hand. He followed her up the stairs and when they were out of sight from the downstairs she let go.

"Ya came to find Autumn, or um Nicole right?" she said not sure if he knew her other name. Spot shrugged a little; "Yeah but I ain't goin in there" he nodded to the closed bedroom door. His mind was trying to block out anything and everything about this place since his sister was behind one of its doors.

Spring laughed softly, "don't worry she's not workin' tonight" she moved forward and softly knocked.

When she received no answer she pushed the door open slowly, making sure Autumn was ok before letting Spot in. "Oh hey Spring, thought ya was someone else," Spot heard the voice from behind the door. Spring smiled and pushed the door open more before lightly pushing Spot forward as he headed towards another room.

----POV change----

I sat up instantly when I saw Spot standing in my doorway. I was still in bed, hoping and trying to fall asleep so that maybe if I was asleep I wouldn't get another visit tonight from Brady's friends. But this was a completely different visit, narrowing my eyes I looked coldly back at him. His eyes matched mine, like he didn't want to be here in the first place.

"What are ya doin' here Spot?"

He leaned against the door frame, placing his hand on his cane as he stared back at me. "Ya stole my clothes" I almost chocked on my laugh. With one motion I got up and threw him the pile of clothes I had on the floor.

"There ya go kindly shut the door on ya way out."

Spot smirked thanks and turned. But instead of leaving the room he slammed the door shut, leaving him and me in the room to talk.

"Anythin' else Spot?" he threw the clothes back on the ground and sighed out loud.

"Well not like I care much, but why aren't ya workin? Ya thinking of changin' careers?" I could see some concern hidden in his eyes.

"I have the day off, and no I'm not changin' careers, sorry" I crossed my arms waiting for some other argument to come out of this.

"Ya had the night off? Then why did Spring know I came to talk to ya? I know I can never afford to take a day off, so I doubt ya could too, so give me a real answer" If my eyes could narrow anymore they would, I took a minute to answer him, trying to cool down before I did it. I didn't want to have a full Conlon yelling match attracting Brady up here.

I wasn't sure which one of his questions to address first, but seeing he wasn't going to speak until I did. "It wasn't my choice to have the day off, again, but thanks to Jack getting me locked out, I received a few days off." I looked down hoping he couldn't tell I was hiding other things.

I was about to continue when the door opened, pushing Spot out of the way. Spring ducked inside the room and shut the door behind her.

"Autumn, Brady's friends are on their way up." She said trying to catch her breath. As much as I didn't want to show fear, I knew Spot noticed it in my eyes. I glanced around and quickly decided the window was too high to push Spot out of. I pushed Spring into Spot and hid in the small closet as I heard the door open with force.

"Autumn!" I heard the man yell, but pause as he noticed Spring and Spot kissing. I shook my head to get those images out of my mind and watched carefully as he surveyed the room.

"Excuse me, unless ya got some money get out" Spring said pointing to the door. He growled and left, probably to look for me else where.

I came out of the closet, and sighed. "Thanks Spring" she smiled back at me.

"Well Brady will probably find out about ya not bein here….so I don't know how much I helped ya out." I shrugged it off and sat down on the edge of my bed.

"Shit" I whispered to no one in particular. I looked up realizing Spring and Spot were staring at me. Spring looked concerned while Spot's face was barely readable, but I could sense the worry.

"Ya could just play it off as he went into my room not yours. I mean he was drunk, he wouldn't be able to tell which room is which."

I nodded thinking it might work, "Yeah, but than I think Brady will just show him my room later."

Spot cleared his throat, "I really don't want to know what that was about, but if ya already in trouble, just come back to the lodging house for the night."

I raised my eyebrows in confusion, "Ya offerin to help me? What's in it for ya?"

"The pride of knowing ya needed my help." I rolled my eyes. Time was wasting away and I needed to decide. But for the life of me I cant tell you why I said yes to Spot's offer. I knew I was already in trouble but I could have used Spring's plan….but then I really didn't want to be in Brady's debt for another night.

I grabbed some of my other clothes and stuffed them in a small bag. I wasn't sure how long I would be gone. For all I knew if I came back again Brady would kill me.

Spot and I snuck down the back stairs; Spring kept a look out and helped us sneak out into the darkness. I turned and looked back at Spring holding the back door open. I flashed her a smirk, "Thanks Spring."

"Just stay outta trouble Autumn" she laughed, realizing the task she just asked of me.

I turned and stepped into line with Spot as we walked through Manhattan. "How much trouble ya goin' be in after tonight?" he asked glancing over at me.

I didn't look over at him though; I just kept my head forward as we walked. "Between you and Jack comin' to check up on me, I'd say I'm diggin' my own grave."

"Why don't ya just leave? Just don't go back after tonight"

"I cant" I said simply and noticed we were nearing the Manhattan lodging house, Spot noticed too and slowed his pace down, wanting to talk.

He grabbed my arm and made me stop with him, as we were on the stoop of the lodging house.

"Why? Do ya love that job that much? Jack's bein tellin me ya had bruises on ya neck, now I find ya hidin from this drunk, and ya haven't worked in a few days. What is so great about that?" For once he let his emotions show through, he looked concerned for my safety like he did when we were little.

I hung my head and sighed, "He owns me" I barely whispered.

I had hoped he didn't hear me but when I raised my head up I saw the anger in his eyes, "He what?"

"He owns me until I pay him back, for takin me in and givin me a job. Apparently I haven't worked enough to pay him back yet" I watched silently as Spot played with his gold top cane. He was trying to hold back the anger. Spot was about to say something when he finally shook his head, "We'll talk about this tomorrow."

He pushed the door open to the lodging house and entered he dimly lit room. I took a deep breath and followed after him. Once again I was left with the fear of going back to work…but maybe I could find a way out for good this time, maybe I could get the help I needed.