Jack walked around the streets of Manhattan, Davy, and Boots in tow. It had been only around fifteen hours since the strike. There had been some sightings of Snyder around Manhattan, but every time someone would try and follow him, he'd just…. disappear.
The Newsies knew New York in and out better than anyone. Jack had sent out patrols around the perimeter of Manhattan. One group came back with a few black eyes due to come stupid policeman who didn't like them. Jack was fuming when he heard about that, so he was headed to go and find the policeman and give him a piece of his mind.
Davy strongly advised him to not go, saying that "it's dangerous Jack, don't do it." To which Jack responded with, "I'm only gonna go an' talk to 'im."
He followed the Newsies' route down to a dark alley way which was littered with trash. Jack looked around. "Hey, Davy." He called over his shoulder, "Check this out." Jack found something on the ground, something vaguely familiar.
David walked quickly over to him and knelt, picking up the thing. It was a cap. A cap really only Newsies ware. "It looks like Spot's." David mused. Boots took a look and agreed. Jack looked around the alleyway, up at the fire exits and around the trash cans. If it was Spot's hat, then Spot must be close.
A shiver ran up his spine as he stood there. "Davy, Boots…" he muttered quietly, "we gotta get outta here." He'd seen something in the corner, something dangerous. He picked it up quickly and shoved it in his pocket.
"Why?" Boots asked, still holding Spot's hat.
"We gotta go," Jack repeated, "Now!" he turned around, and grabbed Boots and David, shoving them out of the alleyway. "Go, go, go."
"Jack!" Daivd protested, shaking off his hand as they were pushed into the open street, "What's wrong with you, man?"
Jack glanced back into the alley, the hair on the back of his neck was still standing on end. Boots had a worried look on his face as well. He must have the same feeling too. Newsies usually got the Feeling faster than a normal person because they had to rely on their instincts more often than others.
"Don't look back. Just keep walking." Jack muttered, making sure the two boys were in front of him.
"Jack…" David started again.
"Shh!" Boots shushed him.
"Act like everything is fine." Jack whispered. "Oh!" he raised his voice, "Guys, look at that pigeon." He pointed up at the bird that was flying overhead. Boots played along and looked up, "Boy, that pigeon looks great! Bet-der than all the other ones I've ever seen." He spoke.
David still wore a confused look on his face, but he kept quiet. Finally, the feeling left and Jack breathed a sigh of relief.
"Get to the Lodging House. We'll discuss there." Jack spoke into the dusty New York air. David and Boots nodded, and they continued walking as nonchalantly as possible.
Jack opened the door to the Lodging house, and they walked inside. "Jack," Daivd turned to him, "What was that all about?"
Jack took a deep breath, glancing around and pulled out a small bottle. "Chloroform," he said, "used to drug people to put them to sleep." He put the bottle on the table, and grabbed Spot's cap. "His cap. Both were in the same alleyway. I believe that Snyder chloroformed Spot and hit in him there."
David let out a breath. His eyes were slightly widened in shock. "How do you know about chloroform so well?" he asked.
"Cause he'd used it on me before."