Tony began to wake, the sun was warm but he felt a sudden presence, something blocking its strong light. He slowly opened his eyes, adjusting to a small gang of kids huddled in front of him; watching him. A tall girl with jet black hair tied into wild ponytails held with purple ribbons towered directly over him. She was wearing a long, wool, black coat over a dark, blue dress that was cut shorter than normal dresses he'd seen on girls. Black stockings reached and covered her knees. He rubbed his eyes confused to what he was actually looking at. She glared at him through squinting eyes, her face scrunched in an angry snarl. Her hands were on her hips. She worked her mouth, chewing on…a cigar? Tony had seen boys his age smoking cigars but never a girl.
"You're new to the streets...What's your name?" She pulled the short stub from her mouth then blew a puff of smoke above his head.
Tony glanced over the other kids...Next to the tall one, was a smaller girl dressed like a boy, her blonde hair tucked under a cap; sucking on a candy stick. He knew she was a girl because she had a very pretty...Delicate face. Her brows were furrowed as she glared at him with disdain. On the other side of the tall girl, stood a boy wearing spectacles with tape wound tightly around the bridge of the nose piece. With his hands stuffed in his front pockets, he fidgeted then cleared his throat as Tony's eyes glanced over him. He was about the same age as himself. Next to him was a kid about the same height as Tony with black, curly hair. He had a newspaper bag over one shoulder.
As mean as these kids tried to appear Tony felt a sort of innocence about them. He got the feeling they were harmless and more than anything only curious.
Tony stood, stretching with a yawn. He acted disinterested as he walked past the tall girl, lightly bumping her shoulder, heading towards the street to check for Tim. "What's it to you?" he called back in response.
The City Hall clock indicated seven o'clock, much too late to go to work but it didn't matter. He would spend the day looking for Tim. He looked up and down the street then glanced over his shoulder checking the alley hoping to see some sign of him but knew it was futile. If Tim hadn't been curled up by his side when he awoke he knew it meant he was still missing. He did his best to conceal the incredible desolation he was now experiencing, hoping to keep his tough image intact for the sake of these kids he knew nothing about. A girl that smoked a cigar? He heard stories about just how tough kids were that lived on the streets, he couldn't afford to take any chances in jeopardizing his safety, he needed to rescue Tim.
Could these kids be any help? He could offer them money if need be. Just as he was about to address them, he felt a hand on his shoulder, the tall girl pulled him around to face her.
"Hey, I'm talking to you. You shouldn't be here. This is Dornie's street. You're in his territory."
"So. Who's Dornie?-"
The tall girl jabbed her thumb in the black-haired boy's direction. "He's a newsie."
Tony glared at Dornie giving him the best 'angry face' he could muster until the kid gulped in fear. "Well I ain't selling no papers. I got another job so I ain't no threat to…Dornie."
"Why are you alone?" The small girl sucking on the candy spoke up, "Don't you have any friends?"
"I don't need any…I have a brother-"
"Then where is he?" she asked, interested. Tony softened when he caught a glint of concern in her voice.
Tony felt his throat constrict then turned to face the group. He couldn't stop the tears that filled his eyes but kept his expression; sullen and resentful. "We just got kicked out by our step father's…I went to work yesterday and …Timmy was gone when I got back." Tony knew he couldn't keep talking if he wanted to hide the tremor that was growing in his voice.
The blonde girl stepped forward, reaching towards Tony with realization in her stare, "Wait…Timmy is his name?"
Tony nodded, excited, "Yeah. Have you seen him?" His mouth gaped as he grabbed the girl's shoulders, earnestly.
The blonde girl inhaled then holding her breath bit her bottom lip, her face twisting with worry. Tony gave her shoulders a slight shake. "Well?"
She exhaled then blurted out, "Well, we heard he went up against Butch and his gang yesterday at the docks."
Tony's hands dropped from her shoulders, "Butch? And his gang? Who are they?"
The tall girl grabbed his arm, "Hey listen…We can help you find him."
"But!" The blonde girl pulled on the tall girl's arm then shook her head, vigorously when they made eye contact.
The blonde girl brought her attention back to Tony. "I hear it wasn't pretty."
"What's that supposed to mean…it wasn't pretty? Did Butch hurt him?"
The tall girl stepped towards Tony and reached out her hand to shake his, "I'm Abigail-"
"Miss Abigail of Lower Manhattan!" The kid with specs piped in.
"You can call me Abby. This here is Jimmy, and that's Ellie. And you already know he's Dornie." She pointed at the kid with the black hair with her cigar. "Word on the street is they stabbed him..Uh, your brother-"
"Stabbed?" Tony fought a sob climbing from his chest into his throat as his shoulders crumbled.
"But, we won't know for sure till we check it out. Kids like to make up tales to keep their reps in good standing. It happened over at the seaport and I know just the person that can help us."
"Jethro?" Jimmy asked Abby with a bright smile on his face.
"Jethro." nodded Abby.
"So, Timmy could be okay? Where are the docks? Can you show me? And who's Jethro?" asked Tony. Abby wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "This is your lucky day, Tony. Not only have you been fortunate enough to have come across the likes of me and gifted with my presence and the presence of my wonderful gang, but I also have friends in high places." Abby looked over her shoulder as they left the area. "Have a good day, Dornie!"
"Bye, Miss Abigail!" Dornie waved.
They crossed the street then made their way down Lexington. "Where do you work, Tony?"
"Triangle Shirt Company. Tim was fired so he's on his own while I go to work-"
"How old is Timmy?" asked Ellie.
"Five. He'll be six next week…"
Abby stopped walking. "Five?"
"Yeah, why?" asked Tony.
Abby didn't answer, a look of worry on her face.
"It's just that Butch is twelve." said Jimmy.
"Twelve? Then what the hell is a big kid like that picking on a little five-year-old-"
Abby put up a hand. "That's Butch's MO. He preys on the small and weak. Hey, let's not jump to any conclusions. We'll find out soon enough."
"Well, If Jethro was there…" Jimmy said encouragingly wagging his brows.
"Who's Jethro?" asked Tony.
"Who's Jethro!" Ellie jumped in front of Tony smiling, "Only the best grown-up we know. He acts grumpy but he's really not."
"He works at the docks." said Abby. "He kinda helps us out every once in a while. There was a time he grew up on the streets, too so he knows what it's like."
Tony felt positive. If this man named Jethro really looked out for kids that needed help, maybe there was a chance Tim was okay.
Tony smiled, a new found spring in his step. These kids were helping him and he didn't even have to ask for their assistance. He watched the sidewalk pass under his scuffling feet. He gasped when he noticed the shoes Abby was wearing; he couldn't believe he hadn't seen them sooner, then again, he was very distracted. They were shoes like he had never seen before. They were black with big, clunky heels that must have made the girl stand six inches taller than she really was. Tony figured it couldn't hurt to talk as they walked and get to know these kids a little bit better. "Abby?"
"Yeah?"
"Where did you get those shoes?"
"My father got them when he went to Europe."
"Europe?"
"He's a diplomat and travels everywhere."
Tony stopped; sudden bewilderment across his face. "Wait. If that's the case why are you on the streets?"
Ellie talked before Abby could answer, "Because she wants to be. She looks out for us."
"Let me get this straight. You're homeless but you don't have to be?"
"Hey. I look at it as a learning experience. I learn so much more out here on the streets then I can in any ol' classroom."
Tony shook his head as he let out a tight breath. "Now I've heard everything." They continued on their way.
Jimmy walked so he was beside Tony. "Consider yourself lucky we have her looking out for us. She goes home every once in a while and comes back with clean clothes and food. I'd be dead if it wasn't for her." Jimmy was looking at Abby admiringly. "She's really somethin.'"
"I'll say."
Tony's mind wandered as they walked. He realized what he had done wasn't much different than what Abby did. He had done the same for Tim. He supposed he could have stayed with his step father but he chose to follow Tim out onto the streets.
But, now Tim could be dead, murdered at the seaport by a kid that was probably three times his size. If he ever got a hold of this Butch kid…
Tony knew they were nearing the docks when the air became salty and he could hear the sharp squawks of seagulls in the sky. He started to run, eager now to know if his brother was alive.
"Wait! These shoes aren't made for running!" Abby yelled. Tony hopped, waving them to come faster. When Abby made her strides longer as she puffed her cigar Tony began to yell Tim's name toward the direction of the fish market.
Jimmy grabbed his arm, "Do you want to make a skeptical of yourself. Low key is the secret of survival my friend. Believe me, we don't want to draw attention from Butch and the likes of his gang."
"But-" Tony pouted.
Abby was now passing them out, "Wait here, I see Jethro. He's working the counter." A young man with dark, thick hair was standing behind a counter chopping fish. He wore a bloody apron over his chest and his long sleeves were rolled up. Abby made her way to him then stood at the counter, flapping her hands excitedly to get his attention.
"Is that-" Tony started towards the man and Abby but Ellie and Jimmy held him back.
"Abby always talks to Jethro first. She gets a feel for his mood…It's best that way." said Ellie. "Plus its not good to loiter near his work station...He could get into trouble and lose his job with all us hanging around him all day."
"But-" Tony released an exasperated sigh then frowned at Jimmy.
"Sorry, puppy eyes don't work on me."
Tony frantically scanned the market. It was busy and there were no signs of any other kids but themselves; but, it was also very busy and it was difficult to take in all the sights of the vast crowds.
"Hey!" Abby was waving him over. He didn't waste any time and took off in a flash.
When he reached the counter he was out of breath. "Hello Mr. Jethro, have you seen a little, blonde-haired kid?"
The man was focused on his work and did not look up. He talked to Tony without making eye contact. "Abby here tells me you have a little brother."
"Yes, sir, I do."
"So, its Timmy?"
"Yes, that's his name, have you seen him? It's important. I can't find him anywhere and I really miss him-"
The man finally eyed Tony giving him a soft smile. "You remind me of my brother. You're a strong kid, aren't you?"
"Figure I have to be, sir."
"And good manners?"
"It's a good thing to have when you need help to find something you really want back."
"I like honesty in a kid; that's not something I see too often these days." said Jethro with a wink.
Jethro motioned for Tony, "Come here." He wagged a finger at him to come around the counter. "I've seen your brother."
Tony felt his heart beat against his chest as he scurried over. Jethro crouched down and lifted a flap of plastic that draped over his work station, pointing to underneath his counter. Once Tony's eyes focused on the interior of the cramped space onto one of the dark nooks, he spotted a sleeping Tim. He was sitting, leaning against a crate with his chin against his chest in a deep sleep, a burlap sack over his legs. Tony dropped to all fours then quickly crawled to his brother pulling his sleeping form into his arms. "Tim."
Tim slowly aroused as his arms weakly circled Tony's body. "Tony? I missed you...But, I knew...You'd come back."