Note: I'm really excited about this chapter! Featured is David (not my favorite lol) and a new character, who my dear friend, Austra has donated to this story. If you haven't read her works, check them out!
Place To Believe Chapter 4 - The Newsie and The Pickpocket
David Jacob's was feeling bored. He walked along, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a sheaf of newspapers. He had found himself paired with Shadow and Bekah. Today, the former was bouncing on her toes, and wearing a large smile. The boy couldn't help but wish to be at the train yards with everyone else, saying goodbye to Crutch. But Lillith had said it was important to spread the word.
David glanced at his two companions. Young Bekah smiled at passersby, and Shadow chattered endlessly. David pulled his cap low. He knew he should try to sell the papers- that's why he had bought them after all- but he didn't feel like doing much of anything right now.
Bekah and Shadow paused to speak to a group of girls. For some reason, David was always paired with these two (not that it was a bad thing,) and Blink seemed to end up with Zoo David had the suspicion that there might be more between them then a friendship, but for now he kept the thought to himself.
"This place sounds nice," said one of the girls who Bekah and Zoo were conversing with.
"How much does it cost?" asked another girl suspiciously, absently rubbing the ragged ends of her short blond hair. David immediately felt sorry for her. She looked as if she worked in a factory. He had heard enough from his father to know how dangerous the big machines were. He could imagine the girl with very long hair.. but perhaps one day she drew to close to the machine.. He shut his eyes, shuddering while trying to forget the thought.
It wouldn't work anyway, his logical side told him, It would have been torn from the roots.
"It doesn't cost anything," Bekah said with a soft smile.
"Not a thing," Shadow added emphatically. The factory girls thought for a few moments, before the first girl finally spoke.
"I'll come when this home opens."
"I will too," another girl stated, while a third nodded her agreement with a smile.
The girl with short hair finally relented. "I suppose we all will be there."
Shadow clapped her hands as Bekah responded, "That's wonderful. We're so glad!"
They continued down the street, stopping every now and then to speak with girls of all ages. David had practically been ordered to watch the two girls by Megan.
"You watch out for 'em," she'd said, her blue eyes bright. "They need a protector."
David didn't understand why she'd chosen him. He wasn't the best fighter, after all.
They stopped once more, to talk to a young girl with a kerchief over her hair. The girl's eyes widened, just as David felt a subtle tugging from his pocket. He instinctively clamped his hand down, feeling flesh, and hearing a high gasp. Before he could turn, he found himself in severe pain. Someone had kicked him behind the knee! The hand was pulled free, and as David turned, painfully, he saw a figure sprinting away.
The boy immediately checked his pockets once more. To his dismay, he realized that the little newspaper money he had made was gone. With the thief still in sight, David felt himself turning red, and he sped after them.
"I'll be right back," he called over his shoulder to the wide-eyed girls.
"Well, that was interesting," Shadow said brightly.
X-X-X-X
Hot. That's what the day was. It felt like the sun was in a bad mood, and wanted to take its anger out on the people of the city. It didn't bother the girl leaning in the shadow of an apartment building. She was used to it. She hadn't been told to "Move along" yet, so she stayed in her spot, watching the goings on of the city carefully. Her stomach rumbled, and she frowned. Time for breakfast.
Glancing around one more time, she casually left the shadows, pulling a cap over her head, and covering her chin length dark hair. She began walking, acting as normal as seemed possible.
In one hand hung a shoeshine kit. It was just the box, but it served its purpose. She didn't advertise her services, and if someone did want their shoes shined, she would act so unfriendly that the customer would leave. She caught sight of a man dressed in a waistcoat. The corner of her mouth turned up. A stiff. Perfect.
As she was about to pass the man, she dropped her box, quickly bending over to pick it up. The man stopped, frowning, and a bit confused. As she came up, her hand slid into his jacket, locating a pouch that seemed promising.
"So sorry, sir," she said as she withdrew the pouch, slipping it into her pocket in an instant. "It's me eyes.." With that excuse, the girl hastened away, not waiting for the shouts of "I've been robbed!"
The old man would probably forget about her soon enough. But she thought she might have to lose the shoe shiner gimmick for a couple of weeks, and swap hats with someone. Scabs always went to the bulls about robberies, she new that for certain. When she was younger, and less experienced, she had spent several months in the refuge for pinching a quarter from an old rich lady. The girl had been more careful ever since.
She reached the mouth of an alleyway. Glancing around to make sure no one was watching her, she slipped into the shelter of the dark alley. Behind a pile up of trash, she found her little corner. There was a broken crate, a tattered blanket, some candles, and a few old bottles.
Sitting down on the crate, the girl opened her box, which contained several nickels and pennies. Opening the black leather pouch, she pulled out several coins, and even a few dollar bills. She rolled her eyes. Apparently this scabber was smart. He couldn't have more then eight bucks on him- probably left the rest at home. Still, that was a nice profit.. and the leather pouch would be worth something.
The girl made to stuff a dollar into her pocket when a cold voice interrupted her.
"You'se tryin' ta trick me Ace?" The girl felt a sweat break out on her forehead as she watched a boy drop down from the pile of trash. He was short, maybe five feet tall. Only a couple inches shorter then Ace.
"Naw Snatcher. Jus' bout to get somethin' ta eat." He raised his eyebrows, his dark eyes stern, clearly not buying it.
"Oh yeah? You need a whole buck?" The girl quickly shoved the dollar into her box, exchanging it for a few pennies. The boy nodded, holding out his hand. Ace closed the box and handed it to him.
"Sorry Snatch, won't happen again," she said in an effort to sound sincere.
"It bettah not. Don't wanna lose one of me best," he muttered dangerously. Then he was gone.
Ace sighed, pulling her hat off, and pushing her short hair behind her ears. Sometimes she felt her "deal" with Snatch wasn't fair-like he'd tricked her. He had offered protection from other gangs, and out to rat her out, in exchange for at least half of her profits. Somehow, when they split the money, he always ended up with more. And now, she practically worked for him, and he gave her what he thought she deserved.
Maybe I should just leave the business. Go somewheres else, she thought, but knew it was useless. Snatcher would find her. And he wouldn't be happy. Shaking her head, Ace replaced her cap, before leaving the alley.
She wandered down the street until she spotted a bakery. Opening the door, she listened to the tinkling of bells. The lady behind the counter watched, disgust clear in her face. Street rat. That was probably what she was thinking. Ace ordered a lemon muffin, paid for it, and left. She didn't want to endure the woman's stare any longer.
As she savored each bite, her eyes sought out another target. Ace realized she was in the working class section of the city. There weren't any stiffs round here. But there was still a chance of profit. Her eyes caught sight of two girls. There was someone with them.. was it a boy or girl? She squinted, and realized it was a boy.
Ace stuffed the rest of the muffin into her mouth, and fell into walking a few yards behind them.
She wasn't sure why she picked the boy.. He was carrying newspapers, so he didn't have much money. Then again, his clothes were clean, so he wasn't street trash like her.
When the small group paused to talk to a young girl around ten years of age, Ace decided to make her move. As her hand slipped expertly into his pocket, finding a few coins, her eyes caught sight of the little girl staring at her in shock.
Ace's hand barely flinched, but it did. And with surprising speed, the boy, still facing away, had entrapped her hand with his. Ace gasped, then breathed to stop herself from panicking.
She eyed the back of his knee, and lifted her foot, striking his foot with painful accuracy. Jerking her hand free, Ace fled down the street, feeling a bit bad about the pain she had inflicted. Her feelings of remorse departed as soon as she heard feet slapping the pavement behind her. Ace groaned, cutting down at Side Street. That boy was pretty fast! She could hear him panting behind her.
"Wait!" he called. Ace kept running.
Note: So what did ya'll think?