Promise to Keep

  Promise to Keep

By Laces Kai

Fourth Story in Rain or Shine Series

Summer 1902

 

She stood on a street corner of Brooklyn carelessly dusting off her skirt, a stack of newspapers near the tip of her dirty black kid boots with too many buttons. Her hair had been up at some point possibly the day prior, but now it was a beautiful mess of strains that fell around her face. She stood proud, almost defiant on a corner that she had often been on; some might even say the spot was legendary or at least historic. More would notice the girl upon it, and realize the girl was more legendary and rather more breathtakingly historic than the old stone she stood on. 

 

Laces Kai, the only girl to ever make all of New York City fall to their knees. She had affected the street kids by causing bloodshed, being characterized in whispered myths, and having a smile that was sweeter than butter. But she had long before sent the prestigious and rich into turmoil by being the daughter of an important family that was blemished by misfortunes. The death of her family, the disappearance of her sister, and then the vanishing act she herself had pulled had long since established Audrey Alexander Kai as a dead member of society. As the streets bustled with the morning businessmen the witching hour for this girl had arrived. As she lingered in her newer world of legends, leaders and power and her older existence of created opportunity, lavish surroundings, and riches. 

 

It was Spot Conlon’s selling spot, that corner in Brooklyn, the best place to catch newspapermen and make a pretty penny. The corner was well protected by mystic and fear but little did anyone know that Spot Conlon, the fearless and unforgiving leader of Brooklyn, had left the week prior on a train. New York had changed despite itself and Brooklyn and Manhattan were no longer led by the boys turned men overnight of the past. Today was a new day, the sun was the same and the corner remained, but those who once walked the streets in powerful strides no longer did.

 

Laces kicked at the dirt beneath her boot, her long skirt swaying uncontrollably as she rustled to pick up her stack of papers. From across the way Matthew Kai, Slingshoot, watched and chuckled at how absurd his cousin looked. She was determined to stand her ground, stay on her corner and remain untouched by change in her time of being powerful and respected. Matt stepped out of the alley and walked across the street and coughed a bit to let his presence be known before he got to close.

 

“I believe this is my corner miss, I would be glad to oblige and sell those papers for you.” Matt cracked a mocking smile. Laces glared at Matthew and seemed to grow taller in her defense. Matt laughed and carefully took hold of the stack of papers that Laces held in her arms.

 

“You know that as soon as Critter gets word of where you’ve been for the last week he’s going to be mighty angry.” Matt shook his head and in the light he had the strength that had always surrounded Spot. Laces coughed and her breathtaking presence seemed to leave her with each cough and she suddenly stood less tall, without as much power, and in all as a young and helpless girl. Matt looked upon his cousin sadly; she had been considered lost most of her life but had never been lost until this moment. She was no longer struggling to remain alive and survive as she had done for years with her broken family, she was no longer the center of a political street war, and she no longer had the support of an adopted brother and the attentive lover. Her friends, her very family had been slowly but surely growing up and moving away from the life she had clung to and now she was forced into a situation she had never sought.

 

“Critter hasn’t been around for the last week. I could only be a good little girl for so long Matthew,” she said the words disdainfully. She had remained at the Longfellows for a week following the departure of Jack and Spot. She had been dressed, pampered and fed, but she did little else. She did not speak; she rarely left the luxurious guest room that she slept in. Cricket worried over her very existence, she seemed ghost like and weak and he could no longer take it after the third day. He allowed her, against his better judgment and his word to Critter to go back to the Manhattan Lodging House. Laces spent a week there before the boys insisted that she return to where she belonged, as they feared for her safety. So she left that lodging house and spent the next week in her old room at the Brooklyn Lodging House.

 

“My dear, I don’t think anyone has ever thought of you as a good little girl. Or expected you to be anything close to it really.” Matt paused in the conversation as a businessman walked by and he sold his first paper of the morning.

 

“Yes well, I don’t belong with the Longfellows. And Critter, Cricket and South may just have to deal with it. I belong here with you in Brooklyn.” Her pride drained back into her cheeks and the defiance that had always been her stronghold brought back her energy. 

 

“Critter O’Connell is going to get sick of you defying him one of these times. I would think you would at least be afraid of him tanning you one of these days.” Matt looked sideways at Laces to see if his comment had affected her. She looked shocked at the very idea.

 

“Oh, don’t act like you don’t think he would. I’ve heard he was rather rough with you when you first met. He acts more like your father than your father ever did and you know it. So what would put it passed him to tan your hide for being disobedient. That’s what my pop would have done.” Matt shrugged hoping he would at least scare her with the threat enough to return her to the Longfellow’s before Critter decided to check on her.  But she stood there and smiled a knowing grin that let her eyes sparkle a bit. She took a stride and stole a stack of papers back from Matthew.

 

“You’re on my corner, I inherited it.” She pushed him with her hip.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The sun was climbing over the dirty streets of New York and a man with a gray suit was striding up to the Longfellow Estate. The man look confident and powerful and seemed to fit in the block of prestigious people of the city, that was until you looked at his face. His face was different and most of those people would be unable to tell you what exactly the difference was but Thomas and Casey Longfellow would know the answer. They would look into that face and not see a man at all, but a boy who had grown up overnight and seen more sorrow then anyone should. They would look at the man in gray suit, with the dark eyes and slick back hair and grimly smile at the memory of the charming shaggy hair, the passionate bright eyes, and the slacks that were too big and the shirt that was always dirty. Critter O’Connell was good at life, he always had been, but life wasn’t always so good to him. He dived into his future shortly after Spot Conlon and Jack Kelly and he had found his key to success off the streets.

 

Critter had always been charming and his charm had gotten him a job at the newly restored Hudson Theatre in New York. Critter O’Connell was in the business of entertaining people and dealing with those that entertained was something that suited him well. The job was new and demanding but before working day and night to establish his new legend, Critter O’Connell had to check up on his previous investment, Laces. Critter walked up to the dark hand carved doors of the Longfellow estate and confidently knocked as though he himself owned a home with Italian windows, French doors, Roman statues, and British tea. The door creaked open and revealed a grand entrance of white marble and dark ruby red carpet on a wide French empire staircase.

 

“Good Afternoon. May you please follow me to the sitting room. Are the Longfellow’s expecting you?” A busy looking maid hurried along the long corridor past the stairs and opened two double doors into an antique looking library. Critter stepped onto the soft green carpeting and leisurely looked about the room, it was stuffy and elegant. As he was starring at the walls lined with books the maid coughed uncomfortably.

 

“Will you be needing anything, Sir?” she asked out of obligation rather than any desire to serve another pompous looking man. Critter cracked a light smile, he could tell her desire to get back to her work and not have to deal with yet another set of callers to the newly wed couple.

 

“No thank you, but if you could please have someone send Miss Audrey down,” Critter asked as he glanced at the large oil painting of Cricket when he was younger.

 

“Sir, I apologize but the young lady seems to be visiting other family. Mr. Longfellow will be down shortly and Mrs. Longfellow may be available after her society tea has ended in the tea room.” And with that the maid closed the double doors quietly and left Critter staring at the young Thomas Longfellow, a boy he once knew in what seemed another lifetime. Critter sighed and walked over to the large paned window that supplied all the light of the library. He cracked it open, sent out two high sharp whistles and one low and drawn out whistle. He then closed the window and took a seat near the brandy cart. The double doors opened only moments later when a well-tailored man looking like a guilty child slid in.

 

“Morning Cricket. Would you care to explain where Audrey is?” Critter was speaking softly and slowly a clear sign of anger. Cricket stood tall, his suit well pressed, his shoes showing Critter’s reflection and his hair combed, but his face revealed a youthful worry and fear. Both Critter and Cricket were men now but years of Cricket answering to Critter were not easily dismissed and the youthful desire to please and remorse of disappointing him were deeply ingrain.

 

“Well Crit, I didn’t want her to run off. We couldn’t just take her away from everything and everyone right away.” Cricket stood over the brandy cart and started nervously pouring out two glasses of brandy.

 

“Didn’t you think it might be dangerous?” Critter was maintaining his calm. It had only been a few days since Spot and Jack had disappeared and the rumors were only beginning to be whispered. The lack of obvious power struggles in Brooklyn and Manhattan had stalled the looming cloud of violence, but it would only distract for a little bit longer. Though Brooklyn and Manhattan seemed to be functioning as normal as they had three weeks prior, there were whispers of how long the legendary leaders had been gone and that there seemed a shift of power to newer and younger faces. Critter, as well as all the newsies of Manhattan and Brooklyn knew that Laces would only present a threat and danger to the boys. She had to be removed and kept at a distance from the newsies until the power and strength was established once again under the reigns of Snipes and Matt.

 

“Of course I did. But she would have run off by herself and that would have been even more dangerous. She has been escorted back to our estate each night by one of the boys before it gets dark. She has been happy and has responded well to the restrictions of her staying with the newsies. Crit, she needed to be happy, I needed her to be happy.” Cricket sighed and handed his old friend a glass of brandy. Critter took a sip and nodded slowly and stared at the window out into the rose gardens.

 

“Happiness is short lived.” Critter pulled out a wrinkled piece of newspaper from his waistcoat pocket. “According to The World’s society section, the newlywed Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Longfellow are to spend the season by the shore in their newly purchased summer estate.”

Cricket shifted his weight uncomfortably looking young for a second longer and then with a sigh he seemed to grow older. He slowly began to smile as he took a big gulp of his brandy.

 

“Ah yes, mother made sure the newspaper would print that. I forget you are a newspaperman. I knew the newsies would not bother to read the society pages. Nothing there to sell to people who aren’t already buying a paper.” Cricket almost laughed to himself. The boys who shouted headlines would never think to even read the print of the society pages about people who had more money, more privileges, more food than they could ever even imagine. Cricket and Critter sat in silence for a few seconds, drinking their brandy.

 

“You called for her then?” Cricket asked. Noticing that the window was slightly cracked open, he knew that Critter had already ordered the birds to retrieve Laces from wherever she might be.

 

“I want to know her whereabouts. So have you informed Laces of the impending departure? And I see that there is no mention of the Longfellow’s ward so the society does not know of her?” Critter put the glass down.

 

“We have to present her. We have to make sure that she is ready. We were going to announce her residence in our home soon, proclaiming that she returned from an extended stay with family in Europe. She was once as everyone remembers a member of the highest society in New York.” Cricket did not look directly at Critter. At this point the window swung open and Matches came tumbling in, he jumped to his feet and nervously fidgeted for a second.

 

“Sorry! I know Crit, I’m a mess and made too much noise and I don’t know the value of surprise and I should have learned better and Jasper should beat my head in a bit to see if I remember how to be quiet.” Matches spit out the words in a fast jumble of nervousness.

 

“Matches?” Critter groaned. Matches took a deep breath and composed himself.

 

“She’s at Conlon’s old selling spot. Matt joined her moments ago and she doesn’t seem likely to go anywhere soon. I think she intends to sell papers. She spent the last few nights in Brooklyn and the previous week she was in Manhattan before the boys insisted she return to Cricket.” Matches gave his report and Cricket seemed to slide lower into his chair as his report ended. Critter stood quickly and turned and glared at Cricket.

 

“Thomas Longfellow, you lied to me.” Critter looked dark, his anger was brimming in his eyes as they looked down on Cricket.

 

“Well I always knew where she was, I just didn’t think you’d like to hear she hadn’t been staying here.” Cricket shuddered a bit at his own fear. Critter started walking and left the room in a storm and Cricket followed only steps behind, while Matches exited the way he entered through the window. Both men were on the street in moments and the pace that Critter was walking was demanding but Cricket didn’t falter once in keeping up.

 

“You lied to me sir. You know what lies can do and how they can affect the very well being of this child. She is a child, do you understand that. We were children.” Critter almost whispered the last part.

 

“Yes sir, I understand.” Cricket no longer attempted to defend himself. He knew the lecture he was about to receive, he had heard it countless times before. For months after the incident that shaped his young life, when he was constantly in trouble and often times bruised up for not following orders he had heard this lecture. His own recklessness had always been his fault and he knew better than not to listen to what he deserved.

 

“Do you understand, I left her in your care. I need to know if you can take care of her, she is the last child I have left. The rest of you are grown. The rest of you I don’t have to lose sleep over. No, but her, she has beauty and passion that seems to attract trouble at every moment of her life. I am not as young as I once was Thomas, I have no naïve view of the world and I no longer believe in the individual right as a child. No, I don’t believe in her as an adult and I know better than to trust the world she lives in. She may be out of lives, she has escaped death too many times before.” Critter was furious as he walked and he barely looked to his side to make sure that Cricket was still there, but he knew that he was there.

 

“I know Chris. But Audrey isn’t Sarah. We are not in the mist of a war.” Cricket tried to lessen the fury with little success.

 

“We are not. No we are adults now, she lives in a different world. But she doesn’t, not yet, she is on the brink of a war and you know that. And still you let her decide to endanger her life, to be reckless as we once were.” Then there was silence and the men walked on towards the center of the business district a place they had been on many occasions as men of business and as children of power. It was almost like a walk down memory lane itself, for this was the path that on many occasions Cricket and Critter would walk. Often times in their youth Critter would walk down this path and lecture Cricket on life, on his actions or his lack thereof. As they got closer to their destination, they saw her standing proud and facing away from them.

 

“She’s beautiful,” Cricket commented finally.

 

“She’s going to be trouble. I suppose to be part of society she will have to attend balls and such over the summer, be sure she always has a chaperone present,” Critter grumbled. Cricket laughed.

 

“It is a must of society for any young unwed lady to be always accompanied by a chaperone if not by her guardians. I will not let her out of my sight for a single second.”

 

“Oh yes, like she has been staying with you the last few days?” Critter said bitterly but before Cricket could respond he kept going. “I’ve been told she tends to slip away, and that she has a habit of drinking more than she can handle. Also she likes to kiss and can be considered improper at times.”

 

“I heard she use to hide in closets with Pockets?” Cricket seemed more concerned at this point.

 

“My dear cousin seems to not have any decency to her.” Matt laughed as he noticed their arrival. Laces did not turn around though, assuming that it was just another Brooklyn newsies.

 

“Audrey Alexandra Kai, I can not express how disappointed I am to find you here.” Critter growled the statement a bit. At her full name, she dropped the papers and seemed to become a mess in seconds turning sheepishly to face her adopted guardian.

 

“Critter, I’m so glad to see you.” Her voice trembled because she knew by the look on his face that happiness was not one of his current emotions.  Critter stood taller than her and without hesitation he took hold of her arm carefully. 

 

“Young lady, you and I are long overdue on a revisit to our agreement I see.” Critter gritted his teeth.

 

“I don’t think our agreement is satisfying to me anymore Critter.” At this Laces twisted her own arm and took off in a panic run. Cricket whistled but took off in the opposite direction from which she went running and Critter shook his head, she wanted him to chase her, but he wouldn’t. He stood on the corner of his past with Matthew for a second.

 

“You won’t hit her will you?” Matt asked cautiously. “She’s a bit hard headed and rebellious I know and I know you can be tough.”

 

“I will take care of her, and she needs to learn that childish behavior will receive childish responses.” Critter nodded as he took out a nickel from his pocket. 

 

“She’s just confused. And scared.” Matt shrugged.

 

“No excuse to endanger her own safety. But in response to your request, I won’t hit her. There are better ways to deal with our dear girl.” With that Critter handed Matt a nickel grabbed a paper and walked away.  Matt sighed, he knew that would be the last time he would see his cousin for a few months because he, unlike the rest of the newsies, did read the society pages.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The clanking of climbing boots rang through the alley as Laces desperately clung to the fire escape of the Rose. She climbed steadily, though she lost her footing more times than she usually did before hoisting herself into the open window. She clattered loudly onto the floor and sat upright as she began to untie her boots muttering to herself.

 

“And they think you’re going to be a lady of society?” Pockets whistled. He sat on the bed looking down in a mess of dirty cloth and muddied hems, beneath the dirt stained face and untidy hair was Laces.

 

“Oh shut up would you,” Laces responded angrily as her fingers shook and did not succeed in untying anything. 

 

“Let me do that for you. I thought the Longfellows would have ladies to do this sort of thing for their pretty new little ward. Pampered every waking moment?” Pockets sat on the floor and bent over the delicate shoes and within seconds the circulation had returned to Laces’s legs.

 

“Where did you learn to untie those things so quickly?” Laces demanded as she stood to sit on the bed.

 

“There are some secrets you have yet to learn about me dear Laces. Now, I suppose we have little time before whoever you are running from finds you?” Pockets smirked as he sat next to her on the bed and pushed the hair lovingly out of her face. Laces smiled sincerely at him, it was strange how much Ben Harper still captivated her heart with such ease. 

 

“I lost them ages ago. They won’t come here. Besides I am not going back to the Longfellows. I have decided that I will stay with the Brooklyn Newsies.” Again the defiance gave her strength.  Pockets laughed at her attempt at confidence though and shook his head.

 

“That would be nice wouldn’t it, to never have to leave what we know.” There was silence between them after this statement because it was not only Laces that faced new beginnings and strange surroundings. No the gang life had finally come to an end, it was just a little bit of time as Blue found a respectable job. Angel and Spades had been saving money from the pocketing business since they were young and both had a decent amount of savings to live off of while the others would wander away and find their new places in the world.

 

“I could have stayed had I been a boy,” Laces whispered her response and again Pockets laughed at her.

 

“You could have ruled New York had you been a boy my dear. But God saw it fit that we not have to endure a ruler so powerful as you. No, you are meant for greater things and have a heart that will lead you away from this life. Had you been a boy though, I would have fought at your side until neither of us could fight any longer.” Pockets stood at this point because he knew that their time was coming to an end, he could not only feel the presence of Critter, but he had seen the light shaking of the fire escape outside the window. 

 

“I won’t go, they can’t possibly make me.” Laces shook her head.

 

“Haven’t you ruled the streets enough? I am sure you will soon enough capture the hearts of the rich, and if you don’t you are sure to steal them.” With that Pockets kissed her on the cheek and whispered softly to her.

 

“Take care of yourself and if ever you need me, you should know how to find me.” With that he started to leave the room as Cricket crawled through the window.

 

It was a sight to behold a grown man of riches, dirtying his tailored suit by crawling through a window of an abandoned building. He stood and dusted himself off and seemed to straighten out like a character coming out of a book. Critter was not so graceful, nor as quiet.

 

“AUDREY ALEXANDER KAI, I swear to you upon your brother’s grave child that I will not tolerate anymore of this.” Critter grabbed her elbow and pulled her to her feet. Laces stayed limp, but her eyes burned at Critter.

 

“I am not a child anymore.” She gritted her teeth. 

 

“You are a child, you are seventeen years old and you are a child. Even if you weren’t a child, I take care of you always, do you understand me? You are never too old to be protected and cared for by me. Do you understand Miss Audrey?” Critter shook her and was glaring straight at her now.

 

“Yes sir,” Laces whispered. 

 

“Critter, I think you might be hurting her.” Cricket sighed as he tried to pry away his new ward from his old guardian.

 

“You are not to disobey my instruction again, do you understand me?” Critter asked darkly.

 

“Yes sir.” Laces nodded again, at this point trying to move herself out of Critter’s grip.

 

“And you will listen to Cricket, because he is going to care for you? You will not embarrass me, or his family?”  Critter growled this but finally let go of her elbow and forcefully pushed her a bit. Laces stumbled and Cricket steadied her from behind.

 

“Why don’t you get those boots back on Audrey,” Cricket said softly as he bent down to pick them up.

 

“I would rather not wear the boots.” Laces mumbled.

 

“What was that Audrey?” Critter took a step closer to her but she just shook her head.

 

“When we return to the Longfellow estate you will bathe and be redressed in something presentable. We are going to pick up your summer season dresses. You are going to have to be the top of society with the Longfellows.” Critter was speaking directly to Laces, as her head was bent down over the boots she was beginning to loathe. Cricket was shaking his head because he knew where the conversation was going and that Critter was going to tell Laces she would not be spending her summer in the city.

 

“Audrey, dearest. I have something I’ve been meaning to tell you.” Cricket bent down and aided Laces in tying her boots back up. Cricket was even quicker than Pockets had been because he had years of practice. The times he had spent bent over Casey’s boots in the dark, and in quickness inspired by fear he had learned where to tie without even looking.  Laces watched his nimble fingers and she knew by the tone he had adopted that the news he had would not be good.

 

“We are going to the countryside for the summer season, to a beautiful estate I purchased before the wedding. We won’t be back in the city until the late weeks of September.” Cricket sighed and looked up at his ward. She wasn’t looking at Cricket though nor even Critter, she was actually staring at the door where Pockets stood smiling brightly at her. She giggled at the sight of him because he was smiling for her but in his eyes were those tears, the tears of knowing that he might be gone before she returned and that the moments before were the last of their childhood together.

 

“There will be balls, and I believe that Casey and I were discussing a coming out ball to present you to society. That way you can be a socialite, a position I’ve always been sure you will enjoy. And of course Critter will come to visit us during the season, and I might be needing to come back to the city on weekdays so if you are good I might be able to bring you along so that you can see the boys.” Cricket was rambling and not watching Laces at all but Critter was and he knew she was resigned to her fate. 

 

“That is why we will go shopping. I will be riding with you to the countryside and Laces, I expect you to be on your best behavior this afternoon.” Critter held out his hand and Laces took it to help her stand.

 

“We are going to have to travel the back ways, she looks less than presentable.” Cricket laughed.

 

“Yes well. She won’t be that way anymore, will you?” Critter bent his arm and Laces took it obediently and nodded.  The three walked out of the Rose without much more noise and walked the back ways back to the luxurious property of the Longfellows.  As they approached the door Laces finally spoke.

 

“Crit?” she said meekly. Critter looked down at her nodding she may proceed.

 

“Do you know how they are?” She asked a silly question, to ask anyone about two boys who had jumped on a train west only the week before was silly. It would be weeks before a letter was written and mailed and sent back to the city but somehow Laces knew that Critter would know.

 

“They are well, though I can assure you they would worry less if they knew that their girl was not gallivanting the city streets,” Critter said it angrily but at the look on her face he smiled. “They know you are in good hands, now go on, chasing after you has lessen our time to carry out these errands.” With that Laces ran up the stairs and a maid chased after her.

 

Casey came storming into the room from the hallway at this point. She had a stream of maids following her carrying a variety of objects from baskets to newspapers. 

 

“Thomas, I am going to go crazy!” She threw a few things onto the ground before noticing Critter.

 

“Oh heavens, you aren’t going to kill him are you?” Casey looked neither scared nor shocked by Critter’s presence. 

 

“I believe it may have been just as much your fault as his,” Critter responded shaking his head as the maids carefully attempted to pick up everything that South had decided to drop. Casey shook her head and waved a hand towards the parlor.

 

“Ma’am, the tea is ready.” Another maid appeared from behind the parlor doors and motioned for the three to sit in the parlor. South led the men in and dismissed the other maids instructing them to prepare for the shopping outings.

 

“You are looking handsome indeed Critter, I think if you had looked like this more often when we were younger I would have fallen for you instead of Thomas.” She laughed.

 

“I think your ability to distract me was never that great South, my love. I thought you were going to help take care of her?” Critter had a piercing look on South as he received his tea from the maid that was quietly pouring and handing. 

 

“She was moping about and looking dreadful and making my husband miserable.” South sighed. Critter shook his head, Casey McCain had not changed since he had met her. She preferred to plan and plot rather than get involved. She was tough and loyal and helplessly in love with Cricket. She was constricted by society, controlled by her mother, and always trying to please Cricket. Casey always got along with boys, she hardly understood nor cared to understand the girls in her life. Laces was going to be a challenge, South had agreed to take in this girl because she had been asked. But Critter knew that Laces had intrigued South, she was a girl of power and strength and many of the same attributes that South had, but the difference was that Laces had escaped her societal shackles and now Casey would have to put her back in them. 

 

“This is when I get that responsibility lecture of yours.” South sipped at her tea and looked mockingly at Critter.

 

“Casey, you know that she is important to not only myself, but to your beloved husband. Not to mention what she means to the boys, those boys you’ve known for so long and strived to protect. She’s a good girl who deserves a chance in the world and you are someone who can help with that. It is up to us to help her, if she wants it or not, to move away from that life. We can save this one,” Critter said the last words softly and South shuttered. There it was the guilt trip, the echoed words from her past, the very reason she had agreed from the beginning.

 

South slumped a bit in her seat and Thomas shifted in his seat uncomfortably but Critter did not lift his gaze until South looked back up at him and surrendered a nod.

 

“I’m sorry Crit,” she mumbled the words because she had always hated apologizing.

 

“As long as it doesn’t happen again I don’t see the need to kill anyone. Though I am going to have a long talk with our dear girl upstairs.” Critter chuckled a bit at the relieved faces of his old friends. Cricket and South were secretly grateful that the last lecture did not have their names attached to it.

 

“Are you going to accompany us on these errands?” Casey asked.

 

“Yes, I suppose I will join you for most of the afternoon.” Critter nodded.

 

“I can have an appointment made for the tailor to measure you both for new suits, I’m sure you need them. I also think you might get bored of frills and lace and necklines. God knows I will. Grace please make sure to set another setting for dinner, Mr. O’Connell will be joining us.” Casey didn’t skip a beat and Critter laughed. 

 

“Your mother would be proud.” At that the door creaked and in tip-toed Laces in clean walking boots and a toffee colored waist high skirts. Her hair was down and tied with a loose ribbon and she smiled carefully as she sat down and took her cup of tea without a word. 

 

“Do you have nothing to say for yourself then?” Casey asked. Laces sighed and looked at Critter, who nodded curtly signaling her to response.

 

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.  Before Critter could demand any more apologies from anyone Casey stood from her seat.

 

“Thomas, will you go secure the carriage and Audrey, ask Melinda to get a coat and hat for you to wear. We are going to be getting you fitted, so prepare yourself for a long afternoon.” With that the group dispersed, Critter aiding Cricket with the carriage and Laces to find her belongings. 

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The Manhattan Lodging House had changed over the years but today it looked like it was mourning. The dark clouds seem to hang heavy on its old paint and the windows seem to be crying with left over morning dew. It was quiet and haunting almost, but few would notice the difference of the building. Boys came and went everyday in the life of that building, but a selected few had grown up and left their boyhood and claimed their manhood within the walls of the Newsboys Lodging House. 

 

Blink and Mush had signed out with Kloppman for the last time that morning. They had packed up each of their items and carefully looked around the bunkroom one last time. Racetrack and Skittery stood outside of the lodging house, the last four boys turned men that remained, but today was the last day for all them. Skittery had arranged to leave before the week ended and Racetrack was leaving the day after tomorrow. The leader of their Manhattan was gone, the other boys had scattered days after Jack had left on his train only the new faces had stayed.

 

Skittery had found a job with Critter in the theatre and Racetrack was working at Medda’s Vaudeville. Skittery had decided to stay close to the only type of family he had ever known with Laces and Racetrack who could never bear to leave the city. All four knew that they had to escape before the coming storm because they knew they had finally outgrown the need to fight the street battles of power. The boys walked towards the shipping docks where they would have a drink waiting for Mush and Blink to climb aboard a boat and sail away from the only place they had called home. 

 

“Any luck finding Laces?” Mush shifted the weight of his bag as they walked past the Horace Greeley statue. 

 

“Last anyone saw her she was in Brooklyn somewhere, I never realized how much Spot and Jack always knew.” Blink laughed a bit.

 

“Do you think they are doing well?” Race chewed at his cigarette looking over his shoulder and glancing at the plaque he had so often read. Go West Young Man.  There was silence, no one was willing to respond, but each was only hoping the best for their old friends. 

 

“We can’t leave without saying good-bye to Laces, she is having a hard enough time with Conlon and Jack leaving.” Blink sighed scanning the rooftops looking for help from the legendary birds but they had become better at hiding. Then there was also the fact, that Blink dismissed, that these four newsies had grown and gone and were no longer of importance for the birds of Brooklyn. No one was watching them, no one was reporting on their whereabouts, no one cared about these men.

 

That wasn’t completely true, sitting quietly on the top of the Sun building was Daisy and Filly watching the boys walk away from them.

 

“Who thought they would ever grow up?” Daisy asked.

 

“I don’t think we planned for it.” Filly shrugged. But they had a moment watching the last of the striking newsies, grow up and push back their shoulders accepting the burdens of the adult world. 

 

“They didn’t tell her,” Daisy commented.

 

“We should make sure she knows.” With those words Filly took off in a skip down the building and into the maze that was Manhattan. Daisy stood there on the rooftop for another moment and laughed as she heard the echoing voices of the newsies below shouting the newest headlines. The World had to go on after all and so did the rest of New York.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

South was being fitted for her dresses and Laces was sitting patiently in the waiting room when there was a tapping on the glass behind her. She turned slowly and stared at the glass and onto the empty street outside of it. It was getting to be dinner time and the shops were closing but the business of the Longfellows might be enough business for a week so this particular shopkeeper was remaining open until the end of Casey’s fitting. Just as Laces was going to turn away from the window, Filly was staring at her for a second and then she disappeared again. Laces jumped quietly out of her seat and looked around. Casey was busy directing the dressmaker and no one was in the waiting room at all, Critter and Cricket were out of sight on the street. Laces walked to the door and held the bell over the door as she opened it slowly and slid without a sound. 

           

Once on the street she slipped away into the small alley between the shops and found Filly.

 

“Is everyone ok?” Laces looked fearful. Filly nodded and started walking quickly down the alley and Laces followed without hesitation. 

 

“No one is hurt, but we had to get you. Your boys are leaving, Blink and Mush, and we thought you might want to say your farewells. But we must hurry.” Filly took off at a run now and Laces followed, cursing the boots she was wearing every step of the way. They twisted and turned through the back ways and shortcuts of Manhattan until they reached the docks. Laces was red in the face and her skirts had torn and collected mud along the way. Her hair had fallen to her shoulders once again and she had regained her harsh look of the morning.  The boys had turned around at the sounds of the boots and no one said a word, Laces just ran into Blink’s arms.

 

It was a silent good-bye for the most part, Blink had picked Laces up off the ground and just held her in a hug. She kissed him on the cheek and he put her down carefully. Laces turned to Mush and slid her arms around him and stood there for a moment, he kissed her on the top of the head. Without a word to each other she pulled herself away and held out her hands to each Blink and Mush. They took a hand each and held on for a moment before mouthing their good-byes, and then they turned and climbed into the ship on the dock. Laces stood with her arms defeated on each side and Race and Skittery standing behind her. They stood there until the ship had disappeared into the horizon, the sun was going down and Laces sighed.  Racetrack lit a cigar and puffed for a few seconds and handed it to Laces, she took a few swigs and passed it to Skittery. Skittery passed it back to Racetrack and then took hold of Laces arm and started to escort her away from the docks and back into the city.

 

Racetrack whispered his good bye to his old friends and vanished in the rising darkness of the streets and Laces and Skittery kept walking. Skittery was leading the way back towards the Longfellow estate where he knew that there would be hell to pay for Laces going missing yet again. There were no words exchanged for more than half the walk back to the estate and Laces seemed limp and almost lifeless as she put one boot in front of the other. 

 

“Critter is going to kill me.” Laces finally gasped, the words seemed forced and unnatural. Skittery nodded, grinning to himself.

 

“I think he might kill me.” Skittery laughed the words, they seemed distant to him. Jack had been gone for three weeks, but it had been years since anyone had been so angry with him or that he had feared being roughed up for being careless that it seemed silly. 

 

“I am to go to the countryside for the season. They want me to have a coming out ball, and attend the summer season and become a lady of society,” Laces recited the story sounding like a schoolgirl repeating her times tables.

 

“I got a job at the same theatre as Critter.” Skittery sighed. There was silence between them again as the first stars of the night sky gleamed above them. Suddenly Laces stopped short two blocks of arriving at the estate.

 

“I feel like I might never see him again. Like I am moving on and away from him into a world that I don’t think I ever belonged in.” Laces owned these words, they were louder than the rest of the conversation had been and she was looking right at Skittery this time.  

 

“Well, truth be told love, you never belonged to us either.” Skittery smiled brightly at her. “We were just lucky to stumble upon you that one night. I can’t tell you where you belong, but sooner or later you might find your way home.”  He took her hand again and they took slow steps towards the estate again. Skittery had not solved anything, he hadn’t even acknowledge her fears about Jack, but he had been honest with her and he had led her when she did not know where to go.

 

The Longfellow estate was dancing with lights in every window when they arrived on the porch. Skittery faltered for a moment in front of the house, desperately wanting to leave Laces and walk away from the anger that he could feel seeping from the house. But Laces was clutching his hand tightly knowing her own fate would be less bearable without Skittery at her side. Before either of them knocked the door flew open and Critter stood arms crossed looking absolutely furious. 

 

Laces took a step in and shut her eyes bracing herself for the yelling she expected would begin soon, but instead in a surprisingly calm and steady voice Critter spoke.

 

“Go to bed.” She opened her eyes and stared at him curiosity overcoming her fear. Where was the yelling and the force of Critter O’Connell? She stood there in awe still holding tight to Skittery’s hand who stood equally shocked next to her.

 

“Now,” Critter growled. Laces took a deep breath and still clutching Skittery started walking up the stairs, Skittery looked carefully at Critter who seemed to nod curtly. The two escaped quietly up the stairs and into Laces’s room where Skittery shook his head as he closed the door.

 

“Your powers have grown over him.” Skittery laughed, as Laces dropped his hand. She walked to the bed and climbed into it curling up she started to cry uncontrollably. Skittery sighed he slid into the bed next to her. There was silence until she cried herself to sleep. 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The morning sunlight danced on her eyelids and she took a deep breath. Lingering in her sleep, where she felt the presence of Jack beside her, as long as she could. She imagined the warmth of the sun as his embrace and could almost smell him the mixture of newspaper and cigarettes. But she knew that was only the scent of Skittery, whom she expected to find when she opened her eyes. She had been holding her breath as she felt Jack, but as she released a sigh she opened her eyes. She turned only to find an empty bed next to her, a flower with an envelope lying on the pillow. Laces sat up looking towards the window that was opened just a crack and she stood up grabbing the flower.

 

“So long for now,” she whispered as she smelled the flower. She crawled back into the bed and grabbed the envelope and opened it. Her heart skipped a beat as she opened it because the writing was familiar not as Skittery’s though.

 

Good Morning Sunshine,

 

I have no idea when this will find its way to you, I left it to Skittery to decide when you might need a smile. You know what I’ve learned from newspapers is that if you write something down it last longer, it somehow makes it more real. So here I am watching you sleep, the morning before I leave without knowing when I will come back to this city and to you. But I wanted this moment to last longer, I wanted this moment to be real and I wanted you to remember me for a bit longer. I dreamt of you last night, maybe because you were sleeping next to me or maybe because I dream of you most nights. I think I will always think of you as I look at the night sky, the stars are almost as bright as your eyes and maybe that way I can remember you while I’m away. Someone once told me that the sun is the same everywhere, I figure the stars are the same everywhere too so we’ll see each other tonight under the night sky. 

 

Love Always,

Jack Kelly

 

Laces ran her fingers over the letter and traced the words Love Always a few times before she folded up the paper and walked over to the chest at the end of the bed. She opened it carefully and with natural ease peeled away the paper lining the inside and tucked the letter in-between the lining and the wood. She closed the chest and at that moment a maid walked into the room.

 

“Oh, excuse me miss. I did not expect the miss to be awake yet, do you wish to get dressed?” The maid walked to the cherry wood wardrobe and began pulling out an outfit. Laces allowed herself to be dressed and primped as two maids fussed over her hair, she looked into the mirror as they finished. She sat there staring at herself as the maids disappeared to bring her breakfast. She blinked slowly and then quickly, waiting to change back into herself any moment. But nothing happened, the image in the mirror remained a proper young lady with her hair falling to her shoulders being held in place by some fancy comb. 

 

“Do you recognize yourself?” Critter had entered the room undetected as usual. He stood behind her in a sharp brown suit, his hair combed and his eyes paler than usual. 

 

“Do you?” she replied, as she stood unable to look at the stranger in the mirror any longer. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Laces grew restless and walked to the window again and looked out into the tree envisioning Skittery climbing down in the light of the rising sun.

 

“He left early this morning,” Critter answered her unasked question. “I would have walked you to the docks had you asked.” 

 

Laces didn’t turn around for a while, but when she finally did she had a smile on her face.

 

“I know you would have.” She nodded and smiled at him, he wasn’t angry anymore and he had known where she was the entire time. That moment had been her last out of the wondering eyes of society, it had been her last moment as a newsie and as Laces the mysterious pretty girlfriend of the leader of Manhattan.

 

“Thomas and Casey left last night for the summer estate. I am going to escort you there myself today, it’s a long ride by buggy. So I suggest we leave after you have your breakfast. We are going to take this chest but the dresses you got measured for are going to be sent by and by next week.”

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Matthew Kai, or Slingshot as he was known these days was standing on the corner that he had inherited. He was almost out of morning papers, his selling skills had improved greatly since he first came to Brooklyn not to mention that his selling spot was prime for quick selling. He concluded that must be the reason that Spot Conlon never seemed to be selling papers yet he always had money in his pocket. He stood there pocketing his change and looked up and down the street, he knew what he was looking for was not going to come. Matt often found himself staring off expecting Spot to come strolling along ready to beat him with that horrible cane of his. Or sometimes he would be searching for Laces, waiting for her smile and mocking eyes to beam at him. 

 

He stood and stared at his surroundings and knowing that no one he was searching for was going to appear he began to walk. As Matt stared intently at the rock he was kicking with his ragged shoe, he noticed the sudden burst of dirt that flew around his ankles. He could feel the presence of people behind him and before he knew what was happening the fight began. 

 

Three boys, just about the size of Matt himself had appeared from the alley. It had been well planned, after the morning business rush and before Matt was joined by other Brooklyn newsies. The three boys danced around Matt and Matt swung with his might and impulse that had so well guided him before at anyone who was standing in front of him. 

 

“Look at what we found here, what are you doing standing on Spot Conlon’s corner?” One of the boys taunted.

 

“Is this what Spot left in his stead?” another teased. 

 

“You are the great new leader of Brooklyn, you aren’t even half of Conlon.” The last one surveyed Matt. With that comment Matt lost his temper and his footing and moved into the last boy pushing with all his body and sending the two onto the ground. It was against everything that Matt had ever learned from Spot, it was as if the old legend was standing over him lecturing his every move.

 

“No, you never get on the ground that’s stupid. What if the guy was twice as big as you, you are giving them the advantage. Get off the ground would you? Quickly, at least try to kick him…” Spot was echoing in the ears of Matt as he struggled to get off the ground and throw punches at the same time. He knew his folly before he had even landed on the ground, his other two attackers were soon kicking at his legs and crushing his attempts to stand. But Matt kept on fighting, he knew better than to lose on account of stopping. 

 

Matt was cursing at the attacker on the ground when he realized that no one was kicking at his feet anymore. He gave one last kick at the boy on the ground before being able to jump to his feet, putting up his fists he surveyed his surrounding. The other two boys were being pummeled by Cap whom had appeared out of nowhere and without a sound to the aid and rescue of Matt. Matt came over to Cap and took over one of the fights and before many more punches were thrown the boys were off in a sprint and Cap and Matt stood side by side watching them flee.

 

Matt started walking and Cap followed slowly looking around carefully. Cap pulled out two cigarettes and handed one over to his newly elected leader. 

 

“They know then?” Matt lit both cigarettes. 

 

“I suppose they do, we should send word to Manhattan.” Cap pushed up his cap a bit and scanned the rooftops. Matt whistled without so much as a look to where there might be a bird. Rootbeer came strolling along as if she had been walking with the two boys always and almost laughed.

 

“You’ve got that leader thing don’t you? First you get beat up, then you whistle and think the whole world is going to bend to your command?” She flipped her red hair off her shoulder and looked mockingly at him. 

 

“Well you bent didn’t you now?” Matt sighed. Cap almost laughed, Matthew Kai would do all right for himself as Brooklyn’s new leader.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The road was long but beautifully lined with trees that draped the path with fallen flowers. In the breaks of the trees there were long driveways that lead to houses larger than any in New York City, with gardens and fountains and breathtaking entrances. The countryside was a place for the wealthy and well established, so Laces had never seen it. The Kai family had once owned a vast and stately property in this area but had since sold it to pay off debts even before Laces had been born. 

 

Laces couldn’t pry her eyes away from the windows of the buggy as she stared at the houses and searched for signs of life among the vast surroundings. She was barely breathing as she listened to Critter explain the summer season in the life of the wealthy and privileged.

 

“In two weeks the balls will begin, of course before then you will be introduced to the families of the area by Thomas and Casey so that you will actual receive invitations to these balls. I believe that Casey is deep in planning of a coming out ball for you that will be held in about three weeks something about your age and it being necessary for the rest of the season, you must have her explain that to you though darling because I do not know enough about that. I am sure you are going to get everything explained because there are things like dance cards and appropriate times for you to be at a ball and such things, you of course will have a chaperone at each of these events and I hope that you don’t think that you can run off at these things.” Critter was talking on and on but he watched as Laces sat and just stared not saying anything and almost beaming. 

 

Critter O’Connell would be lying to himself if he didn’t accept that he was scared of leaving his girl in the mist of this finery. He worried that the luxury might soften her, or worse that she would withdraw from the life of the rich and subject herself to seclusion which was never good to her. He was scared that she might miss her old life and her old friends too much and too often, and that would lead to destructive behaviors. Worse than those things he worried that this beautiful and passionate girl in front of him would lose her passion and become yet another drone of the high society he so often disliked. He was rethinking his decision to place Laces in the care of Thomas and Casey, maybe he could take care of her in New York and put her up at in his home. He could employ the help of Skittery whom now was also working within the theatre.

 

No Critter, the war. She would not know how not to get involved and would surely finally get herself killed. Besides…

 

He stared at her, sitting up and gleaming. She was radiating as her white skirts flowed over her lap, and her eyes were hidden under the shadow of her wide brimmed hat. Her smile was back, the one that had left her lips so many times in the past months as she had lost her childhood, her friends, the love of her life, and her family.

 

She needs this.

 

“Remember Laces, you are now Miss Audrey Alexandra Kai, the ward of Thomas and Casey Longfellow. You must act accordingly, and if anyone cares to ask you have been traveling and staying with family in Europe and no longer wished to stay away from the United States. You were graciously received by Thomas, an old close friend of the family’s.” Critter reminded Laces for the hundredth time of the story she was to recite if anyone were to ask where she had found herself since her late father had reached poverty and died unknown.  

 

That settled his thoughts and Critter sighed, she would do well among these people. The rich were often about shows and pretending and if it was one thing that Laces Kai had perfected in her life it was pretending to be something she wasn’t. They arrived at the entrance of a grand white home, there seemed to be more windows than walls in the front of it and Laces felt that by the height there must be at least ten floors inside of it. 

 

“This is your home for the summer,” Critter commented as he held out his hand to help her out of the carriage. She stepped down and stared and smiled. 

 

Cricket and South were on the front porch awaiting their arrival with lemonade and sandwiches.

 

“Why you have turned into a true lady of society Mrs. Longfellow. I believe I remember many conversations about the never ending need for fresh lemonade in your home?” Critter laughed as he sipped his cup and winked over his glass to Laces. Cricket meanwhile bent over and whispered to Laces.

 

“We were worried about you last night, he wasn’t too angry was he?”

 

Laces shook her head lightly and almost laughed. Everyone would forever be afraid of Critter O’Connell.  Cricket nodded again.

 

“May I go look around?” Laces asked finally after finishing her glass of lemonade. Cricket looked at Critter for approval before saying anything, but Critter was immersed deep in a conversation with Casey about the politics of President Teddy Roosevelt.

 

“Well I don’t see a problem with that, try not to wander too far though.” Cricket nodded. At that moment Casey paused in her debate of the newest progressive reform.

 

“Dinner will be served at six, make sure you are dressed and not late young lady.” 

 

“Yes and Miss Audrey, be sure not to run off.” Critter laughed at Casey and her stern voice but made sure to give Laces a glare of warning. 

 

“Jack rode in a carriage with Teddy Roosevelt once.” With that she walked away from the group and onto the grounds. She walked around the house and into the gardens. The back of the house was no less extravagant than the front of the house with its rose gardens lining the stone paths. There was a stable house at the end of one of the paths, Laces felt inclined to see the Longfellow horses. As she walked though she felt someone watching her. After living for years under the supervision of Brooklyn birds it was hard not to know when someone was watching you. But then again, Laces thought she might be imagining the sensation. 

 

As she reached the stable she looked around the garden in search of someone that might be watching her but saw no one. Out of habit she looked up and around at the sky and towards the rooftops of the houses, knowing there was no one that not one of the Brooklyn birds had left their posts and followed her here but nevertheless still looking. She sighed to herself and shook slightly at the thought that she had indeed left her old life behind her.

 

The horse stable was grand and elaborate as well and the horses were large and magnificent. She walked admiring the horses and wishing that she knew how to ride because if she did she would mount one now and just ride until she figure out where she belonged.

 

“I thought the Longfellows were a young married couple,” a voice suddenly said. Laces jumped and lifted her arms to in front of her face ready to fight with whoever had intruded on her peace.  She scanned the room to see a young man sitting on the door of one of the empty stables. He was well dressed in an afternoon suit much like the one that Cricket and Critter were wearing. He was tall and dark from the sun, his eyes were gleaming and matched the color of the oak wood around him.  

 

“What if they are?” Laces responded not putting down her arms and still ready to fight the stranger. He jumped down from where he was sitting effortlessly. He stood taller than Laces, his hair flew out of place a bit as he had jumped. His hair was as black as night and short with curly ends that seemed to be hard to control. 

 

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a girl who knows how to make a proper fist, did someone teach you how to fight?” The young man took steps closer to Laces and she was unsure of where to go.

 

“Who are you?” Laces finally asked dropping her arms but standing ready for a fight.

 

“Oh, where are my manners. Of course I am sitting in this stable that doesn’t belong to me, but you know that has little to do with manners and more to do with my boredom. But surely I must remember to introduce, my name is Jacob Henry Canterbury.” He held out his hand politely to Laces and she looked stunned and did not hold out her hand. 

 

“I’m from the manor next door, the eldest son of the Canterbury Family from Virginia. My Father does occasional business in New York and my Grandfather owned this estate and so my family is vacationing here for the summer. I assure you I am not a thief nor a villain, I’ve never been to this estate before and was looking for some way of having a lark you see,” Jacob rambled and finally Laces took her cue and held out her hand politely.

 

“Forgive me, I was surprised to see anyone out here.” With that Jacob smiled sheepishly and bent down to kiss Laces’s hand.

 

“You must tell me you aren’t Mrs. Longfellow, you seem far younger than I would have expected.” Laces hand dropped and she shook her head.

 

“No, I’m Audrey,” she responded still unsure of this young man and his intentions. 

 

“Just Audrey. Well that’s a fairly shorter introduction than my own.” Jacob laughed.

 

“I’m sorry, I’m still overcoming my shock. I’m Miss Audrey Alexandra Kai, and I will be staying with the Longfellows during the summer,” she responded and as she looked at the welcoming smile of Jacob’s face she eased up and relaxed.

 

“Oh, Miss Kai. Yes I’ve heard buzz of that from my Mother, something about a great mystery you are. Also the neighbors, the old couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wiley were speaking of how the Kai Family was once great and that your Father must have owned one of these houses back in the old days.” Jacob spoke as he strolled around the stable looking around like a child in a candy store. When he received no response from her he laughed.

 

“Excuse my manners once again, talking out of place. Well I must say I am glad to hear you are not the Mrs. Longfellow, for I rather would like someone to entertain before the summer season begins. Do you ride?” He asked. Laces did not understand the question and was confused to this way of conversation, formal. 

 

“Ride?” she questioned.

 

“Why horses my lady, we are in a stable.” Jacob stuck his hands in his pockets, and Laces could feel his frustration that he didn’t seem to be getting a grasp of the conversation.

 

“No I’ve never tried honestly,” she responded and watched him. 

 

“I can teach you to do that, of course that would be if you would allow it. I fear I haven’t made much of an impression, my mother would die at my lack of manners.” Jacob laughed at himself. Laces could tell he cared less about what his mother thought and more about what he wanted to do. She laughed and watched him regain his confidence.

 

Jacob pulled out his hand from his pocket and with it came a gold pocket watch. She watched him dangle it and play a bit with it nervously in one hand.

 

“Well are you going to check the time?” she asked finally. Jacob looked startled by her bluntness.

 

“Yes, I suppose I could.” He popped it open and looked at it and then held out his arm for Laces. She took it quickly. “It’s about a quarter past five and I expect that you must be changing into something more suitable for dinner.” 

 

The two, newly met, walked out of the stables and Jacob let go of her arm as soon as they reached the path back into the garden. 

 

“Here I leave you, because though you have been kind in finding me and even kinder to befriend me I must go before my family finds out I’ve been prowling around the Longfellow estate. I also do not think that your guardians would be as inclined to my wandering in their yard. But I will call later this week and make a formal introduction of myself Miss Audrey.”

 

And with that Jacob Henry Canterbury slid away from her and walked through the bushes that separated the two estates. The sun was setting as Laces watched him walk away from her and she smiled to herself, this might be an interesting summer after all. She decided to keep her meeting of young Mr. Canterbury and his stories to herself as she entered the house. A flustered maid came towards her carrying on about how the young miss needed to get prepared for dinner, and Laces was dragged to her new room.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Matt and Cap strolled confidently across the Brooklyn Bridge. Both boys carried themselves with strength and daring attitudes that only Brooklyn boys could have. They had said very little to each other since they had fought side by side a few hours before. The sun was on its way down in New York City and when most people were hurrying home these two boys were walking away from home.

 

Cap had not left Matt’s side all day. They had sold their afternoon paper in close proximity to each other and both were in a silent pact to protect each other and defend Brooklyn. It was strange to Matt as he looked to his side how quickly he had become part of this Brooklyn lifestyle, a leader and a newsie and a part of a legend. He had been thrown out of a town of dark legends, of bloody secrets and uncrowned kings and rulers only to find himself a boy king of an empire larger than any he had been privy to before. Meanwhile Cap walked along shuffling his feet knowing that his fate had not been to protect the leader of Brooklyn but to be the leader of Brooklyn. Cap was strong and held his head high though because he was the old Brooklyn walking along side the new Brooklyn and he would take his new fate in strides and know that he would make Spot Conlon proud of him. 

 

The battle had begun in the city amongst the street kids, it had taken its time and the storm had been delayed, but it had finally arrived. The others had realized that Spot Conlon and Jack Kelly were indeed carried off by the winds of age without a word. Without a bloody battle among the Brooklyn and Manhattan kids it took time for the other street kids to depict who the new leaders were, but after a week of waiting and watching it had been discovered. Brooklyn was being run by an already notorious Slingshot and Manhattan was headed by the young and reckless Snipeshooter. The histories and mysterious of the boys had been running around the city in whispers as everyone decided the risk in taking on the newly led powerful Manhattan and Brooklyn.

 

Slingshot was notorious for his involvement with Little Italy. Many were whispering his involvement with the death of a well known enforcer of Brooklyn, Bullseye. His mystic was empowered by the rumored relationship with Laces, some said they were involved romantically and others believed that he was related to her in some way though no one was sure which was true. It was not shared knowledge between anyone of the new regime that Slingshot was related to the infamous Laces. Also, there was fear rising within each challenging group that it was strange and unlike previous successions in Brooklyn that there seem to be little to no fight for Slingshot to gain power. The last point of concern for a fight with Brooklyn was the unfaltering presence of Bottle Cap, a tough and powerful legend in his own right. Cap was known to fight alongside Spot Conlon and learn how to throw a proper Brooklyn punch for his old leader. Bottle Cap was also tougher than he once was, after being part of the most violently control band of pick pockets of New York City. It was a clear fact that the new Brooklyn might not be any weaker than the Old Brooklyn, but it was worth the new shift to attempt a chance of glory.

 

While the same rumors did not surround Snipeshooter, he was less feared. Snipeshooter was a well-known gambler and was still young. Though he was about the same age as Slingshot, it was rarely recognized because Slingshot was known to have experienced so much more. Few remembered that Snipeshooter had been part of Manhattan for many years now and had seen much of Jack Kelly and his glory. The problem was that Snipeshooter was known for having a temper and being slightly reckless. Though it was well noted that he also took power without a known battle and no violence that anyone had heard of on the streets. It was not understood if the new leaders of Manhattan and Brooklyn were to keep in time with their predecessors and be allies but tonight that would be settled.

 

The battle had begun it was in opening stages of course. As tradition had it there was the initial period, after the first attack to gain support for a side and gather allies. Slingshot was seeking his one and only supporter, Manhattan.

 

“Do you think they’ve tried to jump Snipes yet?” Matt asked. He was not as well rehearsed in the way of street kid wars.

 

“I wouldn’t doubt it. Or at least one of the newsies from Manhattan, I cannot say who attacked us. I have no idea where the boys from earlier were from. But honestly it doesn’t matter, we just have to go beat some kids up. We prove we are still tough and in charge and that if you mess with Brooklyn or Manhattan you won’t be able to walk for a week.” Cap shrugged. As they stepped off the bridge they saw it, in the dark shadows of the dusk three newsies being pushed into an alley. Slingshot spit into his hand and held it out to Cap.

 

“I see we might have ourselves a fight to get into, ready?” Slingshot asked. Cap laughed and pushed his cap up above his forehead and spit into his hand.

 

“Brooklyn is always ready.” With that the boys shook hands and sealed the deal. Brooklyn was re-established. The two walked heads up, shoulders back and fists clenched into the alley and without hesitation began to throw punches at unfamiliar faces. It was in that alleyway that Manhattan and Brooklyn didn’t lose even a step to re-claiming their power, their fame, and their infamy. 

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~       

 

Under the stars of a clearer sky than New York had ever seen, somewhere near the border of Ohio and Indiana sat Jack Kelly, Spot Conlon and David Jacobs smoking a cigarette. It had been a confiding trip thus far and the restless boys were growing weary of being on a train and not in the city. Jack had started to doubt his decision to leave Laces and his life, though not the best, at least comfortable and free. Spot was feeling powerless in his new situation of being aboard a train and unable to strut around a city he had owned through his youth. David was the only one that did not seem as antsy though he grew homesick for the smell of the city and the faces of his family. 

 

As they had grown restless in a moment of impulse they had jumped off the Northern Pacific line train and landed in a barely established state with little city qualities. Now though they were stuck until the next train came to stop and then they would have to climb aboard one of the cargo cars until they reached the New Mexico territory where they would find work. They had made camp near the railroad and the matches that had been intended for their cigarettes to build a fire for the last few nights, which is why they were now rationing their only cigarettes between the three of them. 

 

“It’s cold here at night.” David commented.

 

“It was cold in New York at night too Mouth. You never had to sleep out on the streets though. A New York winter is the meanest kind of winter there is.” Spot sighed as he looked up at the sky.

 

“Sometimes the cold would seep through the walls of the lodging house, you could freeze out on the streets of New York.” Jack nodded as he took his puff from the cigarette.  There was silence again for a few moments as the boys shivered at this countryside cold and tried to remember the cold of their city.

 

“How do you think they are all doing?” David asked suddenly. It was now a usual conversation among the three boys, trying to think of how their old friends and past lives were doing without them.

 

“I suppose that the war must have started by now.” Jack pulled his hat down over his ears a bit. 

 

“Yes, it must have started by now. No way those boys could pretend we are coming back any longer. They would have attacked Brooklyn first, seeing as Matt is unknown and everything. Snipeshooter is recognized.” Spot nodded as he handed off the last bit of the cigarette to David. 

 

“Those boys can hold their own though, I don’t doubt they crushed whoever was stupid enough to challenge them.” David was confident.

 

“Let us hope.” Jack shifted down onto the dirt and curled up a bit as he tried to make the ground more comfortable. Spot soon did the same and David followed suit.

 

“I think a train might be coming tomorrow.” David yawned.

 

“Let us hope so. The sooner we get to New Mexico, the faster we get home to New York.” Jack responded as he turned to try and sleep. He closed his eyes to see the city, to remember the bunkroom of the lodging house. He would travel his old life in his sleep, going through buying papers and selling from his spot to watching Laces sleep and then he would fall asleep at last. 

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Rise and shine child, you have a caller.” A maid happily hummed as she threw open the heavy velvet curtains of Laces large new room. Laces rolled around in her grand bed and pulled the covers over her head. She had arrived at sixteen Windy Road a week before and had settled into sleeping late and dawdling around the manor during the day.  Casey had been teaching her how to sew and play the piano, both tedious tasks that weren’t meant to train, but were used as ways to not die of boredom. While Thomas when he appeared from his study in the afternoon would teach Laces how to dance and had begun to promise her that he would soon teach her how to ride.  Critter had dawdled about the manor only a few days before disappearing back to the city to work and get away from the life of the rich he was unaccustomed to live.

 

“Miss Audrey, you must get out of bed. The caller is appointed to arrive for a luncheon. Mrs. Longfellow has invited the entire family on the request of the young caller that came looking for you. She has been huffing about the kitchen mumbling to herself about proper manners and how you have offset them on account of you meeting this young man without so much as a word to her.” The maid kept talking cheerfully of the gossip of the kitchen as she pulled the covers off of Laces’s head and headed to draw a bath. Laces groaned.

 

“Wonderful, all I need is Casey angry that I didn’t follow some unspoken absurd rule of the rich. Stupid Jacob coming and looking for me knowing that I hadn’t told Casey or Thomas of our meetings in the gardens.”  She had little time to dwell in her thoughts though because moments later came Casey storming in.

 

“Are you to tell me young lady that you have been meeting with the Canterbury boy in the gardens and you did not so much ask for an introduction! Or even more so tell Thomas or I so that we could arrange a proper introduction and luncheon or dinner to invite the family, it’s the proper thing to do! I say if word gets out on this, we will be the laughing stock of this shore.” Casey kept going on as she dismissed the maid’s choices for what Laces was to wear. 

 

“He is the one who came over here and started talking to me, what is so wrong with that anyway?” Laces asked as she sat up in bed. The maid came over to her and started fussing over her hair.

 

“What is wrong with it! Improper Audrey, you are not to go off wandering with a young man that you have not been introduced to properly. In society there are rules, it’s not like being on the streets, you do not befriend people without being introduced. Simply put you should have told Thomas, he could have arranged for the meeting and then there would have been nothing wrong with it.” Casey sighed as she handed over a cotton blue dress for the afternoon to the maid.

 

“Oh to hell with society,” Laces mumbled.

 

“What was that?” Casey asked and glared at her.

 

“Nothing ma’am. I suppose I can get yelled at later, I have to get ready if I am to be down for the luncheon on time.” Laces sighed and almost rolled her eyes. Casey shook her head and walked out of the room before another word was said.

 

“Misses, you are treading on light water with Mistress Longfellow. I wouldn’t test her. Mr. Longfellow loves you dearly, but test his wife and you won’t win.” The maid advised as she led Laces to her bath. Laces shrugged, power struggles she understood and she knew that Casey Longfellow and herself were in a power struggle for who could be listened to more by Thomas.

 

It had not been that bad in the country as Laces had expected. The weather had been great, the manor was large and the grounds were vast and Laces had spent most of her last week exploring the gardens and the manor itself. It was lavish and well furnished inside and gorgeously decorated outside. She had been walking the paths every afternoon with Jacob during Casey’s nap and Thomas’s tea and reading in the study. He had proven to be excellent company and was willing to walk the estate and search out hiding places with Laces in case she needed to run from her new found opportunities. 

 

Jacob had been commenting for the last two days that they must get a proper introduction before someone realized that they had been spending time together without one. He had said something about the fact that neither of them were young enough to escape with such a show of bad manners. He had been at this with her for the last two afternoons but Laces neither understood nor cared about the proper steps in society, she was use to being free to do whatever she pleased and these sudden restraints on her clothing, on her eating, on her very talk and attitude were beginning to make her wonder what Critter thought would keep her here. She could not bare the thought that even her friends must be controlled by her new guardians and their society. 

 

As she was primped and combed and confided to her blue afternoon dress, a pair of white gloves and her loathed black boots Laces sighed and resigned to what would be a long afternoon of boring proper talk of others and her own silence. She walked down the staircase and entered the main parlor of the manor where Casey and Thomas were seated with a stuffy looking older woman, a jovial looking man, a young lady sitting up straight as she stared out the window and a guilty looking Jacob. He was attempting to conceal a face of pure amusement as he watched Laces enter the room and pretend not to recognize him.

 

“Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Canterbury I must introduce a dear friend of the family’s Miss Audrey Alexandra Kai. She will be staying with us for sometime, most of the summer here at our estate and possibly sometime with us in the fall at our city home. Miss Audrey, these good people are our neighbors, also early to arrive for the season. Mr. William Canterbury and Mrs. Hetty Canterbury from Virginia.” Thomas had stood at her entrance, as had Mr. Canterbury and Jacob. 

 

“Please to meet you Mr. Canterbury.” Laces smiled and held out her hand to him. She curtsied on command and she nodded at Mrs. Canterbury. Then her attention turned to Jacob, whom she glared for mere seconds before looking sweet. Jacob was attempting not the laugh at her anger.

 

“And this young man is their son, Mr. Jacob Henry. While the beautiful young lady next to him is their youngest daughter Miss Emma Ada.” Laces smiled at Emma, and surveyed her. Emma was beautiful. She was sitting up straight and perfectly smiled and acknowledged Laces without moving. It seemed that she was engulfed in her own world, and her hair was a dark shade of brown close to her brothers that curled softly around her face. She was dressed in a simple but well tailored lilac afternoon dress that had a wide waist in an ivory fabric that established a well-defined waist. Jacob had pulled out a chair that happened to be nearest to him and once the introductions were concluded he politely motioned for her to sit and even pushed her chair in.

 

Lunch was served as a smaller three-course meal of salad, broiled chicken and a bowl of ice cream. Through the meal Thomas and Mr. Canterbury discussed the politics of Teddy Roosevelt, a conversation that Laces felt that she might soon bore of. The women and children kept quiet on the most part, Jacob occasionally inserted his more liberal view of the political debate and usually sided with Thomas. Every so often Jacob would mumble under his breath to Laces and she would have to hold her tongue and not respond or worse try not to choke on whatever might be in her mouth at the time. As they finished the ice cream, Thomas stood and gave a small nod to everyone on that table.

 

“Mr. Canterbury if you would join me in the study, we can smoke a bit and talk about more politics.” The men left the table without another word and Mrs. Canterbury and Casey went into a conversation about household help and the ball season in the area. Jacob stared at Laces as he slipped his hand into hers underneath the table. Laces squeezed it hard, being bored out of her mind already of all the conversation and wanting nothing more than to walk around the grounds and away from this room and its conversations.  Jacob took his cue well and coughed dramatically into his hand.

 

“Why darling are you growing ill?” His mother cooed a bit at him. Jacob shook his head and gave Laces a sideway wink. 

 

“No, no mother. I apologize. I think I need some fresh air. If you would excuse me, I might just walk around a bit, if that would be all right?” Jacob looked questioningly at his mother and Casey.

 

“Well I suppose, we could just head back to the Manor.” His mother started though she looked disappointed. It was not often that Mrs. Canterbury had a conversation with someone who didn’t work for her these days and she was delighted to have been invited to call on a new young housewife. 

 

“No, Mrs. Canterbury please stay and converse with Mrs. Longfellow. I will walk around with Jacob, we will return in a bit.” Laces stood.

 

“Yes, Audrey can keep him company and show him the gardens.” Casey gave her a suspicious look but nodded at the same time. Laces and Jacob walked out of the kitchen and as soon as they were on the stone path of the flower gardens, Laces hit Jacob.

 

“Ow, now no need for violence! I say, you should be more grateful to the boy who just saved you from an afternoon of tea and cross stitch.” Jacob rubbed his arm. He unexpectedly hit her back in the shoulder and took off running towards the stables, still their favorite place to be. Without a moment hesitation she started after him, regretting the fashionable dress that she was forced to wear with each stride. It was amazing how much a dress could constrict her run compared to her usual slacks that she wore in the city. Not to mention the cursed kid boots that she was also wearing. So the chase was pathetic and not a chase at all as Laces arrived at the stable quite a bit after Jacob. 

 

“Girls can’t run.” Jacob rolled his eyes.

 

“You try running in kid boots and three petticoats and a dress.” Laces grabbed the loose rope from the nearest stable and threw it at his head. He ducked and stood back up quickly with the broadest grin on his face. Laces couldn’t help but smile back and notice his well-defined features as he smiled.  She looked away quickly though and turned her attention to the horses, the Longfellows owned a variety of beautiful horses that were bred and kept in the stables at this estate throughout the year. 

 

Jacob walked over to her and stood behind her admiring the horse as well. They stood in silent for a bit, Jacob watching the horse and Laces carefully and Laces completely lost in thought. She stared at the horse and thought about the thousands of conversations with Jack about them, about their beauty and the use of them in the west. She could see his face and hear his voice talking to her about them and could only imagine that now he was in the west and he was one of the men riding them instead of just being a boy dreaming about them. 

 

Her eyes suddenly became sad and Jacob could not understand the silence and the shifted mood of the stables. He was never one to enjoy sadness he avoided it at great costs and often became the source of laughter and happiness. Though as much as he couldn’t handle the sadness that had suddenly slipped into the stable, he couldn’t help but be intrigued by this young woman standing in front of him. She looked silly sometimes in her prim and proper dress, like a rag doll out of place because she rarely acted prim and proper. But she was one of the most beautiful woman that Jacob had ever seen, their first meeting he had planned as he had watched her from his yard walk into the gardens.  It was a strange draw that he had to her, she was more outspoken and passionate than any other woman that he had met. For that matter Jacob was convinced that Audrey was actually more passionate than most of the men he had ever met in his life and what he loved was that she was passionate about things she knew. He didn’t know how she understood the world around her so well but she did, she could talk about the city as a city and not just as a place where she shopped or where she lived.  Jacob was sure that he had never met anyone like Audrey Kai before and he was beginning to think that he would never meet anyone like her again.

 

“Audrey?” He finally broke the silence between them, but Laces was lost and still had not grown use to being called Audrey. It was as if someone else was in the room, someone distant and different that wasn’t her. No she was Laces, she had always been Laces for she could no longer remember a time before that when she met her boys, her family, her protectors and her love. Audrey was a girl of lives before the one she had now, a girl of fancy things and rich surroundings and no hardships to speak of.

 

“Audrey?” Jacob repeated this time softly turning her with his hand on her shoulder. That broke her concentration on the horse, on her past, on her dreaded thoughts that she so often ignored. She turned to him and smiled a sad, lost smile.

 

“Sorry, I was just thinking that it was a pity that I still don’t know how to ride.” She gave a hurried explanation and widened her smile. Jacob knew that it was an act, and that something had bothered her beyond her desire to learn to ride but he ignored it and winked at her.

 

“Well, if that is all that is worrying you. I say we teach you how to ride today.” With that he swung over the stable gate and carefully climbed onto the horse. Laces looked skeptical at the prospect of learning from Jacob, Thomas had made it seem that a bit more training was involved then simply climbing on the horse’s back.  But Jacob clicked at the horse and it moved forward and then he held out his hand to her.

 

“I don’t believe this is a good idea, and I also don’t think you have any idea how to teach someone to ride a horse. Isn’t there suppose to be a saddle involved?” She took a step back from him. But at that moment Jacob smiled recklessly at her and held out both hands.

 

“Don’t you trust me?” he asked her. A question that she had been asked many a time, and often times she would never have to answer it. Trust, was a silly ideal among street kids but it had always been there and it is what ensured their survival amongst each other. She squinted up at him and stared at the smile, it was not of cruel intent and she couldn’t help but smile back. She shrugged.

 

“Well I do want to learn how to ride a horse.” With that in a swift motion Jacob got her up on the horse sitting in front of him. He carefully wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled on the horse mane and they took off in a gallop out into the grounds of the Longfellow estate. 

 

It was a sight to behold, two of the most prestigious young people on the shore that summer were off gallivanting in the gardens on a saddle less horse, had their guardians seen them in such a state they were sure to have a word or two to say about it. But luckily enough for Audrey Alexandra and Jacob Henry, no one ever paid enough attention to them.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

It was one of the darkest nights of the year, or at least it felt like it to the Brooklyn and Manhattan boys that were ducking in and out of alleyways in Harlem. The lights were dim and air was brutally cold and unnatural. They were carrying bars and chains and of course slingshots, but the idea was force and slingshots rarely inspired the same fear as bars and chains did. 

 

It had been a rash and necessary decision that Snipes and Slingshot had made quickly. It had been years since Brooklyn nor Manhattan had to use that type of force in their fighting, not to mention that Jack and Spot had been about real fighting and proving your worth with the force of your hands. But the time had dawned and before the power could be re-established the fight would have to take place because the boys were no longer protected by a fairy tale legend of leaders long past. 

 

So there they were in the dead of the night, Snipeshooter, Slingshot, Bottle Cap, Sand and a hand full of other newsies brave enough to create the new destiny. The plan was simple enough, though rather dangerous as it required the boys to enter into someone else’s territory and fight outnumbered and after spending the night out on the street. They had arrived after dark and stationed themselves a few blocks from the Harlem Lodging House, on the usual beaten path of the newsies to reach their selling dock for The Sun. Now it was just staying awake and not falling asleep in the dark alley, basically the entire plan was on the hope that the boys who had come could fight well enough to win even though they were outnumbered. 

 

It had been discovered that Harlem had sent the boys who had attacked Brooklyn and Manhattan on the same day. So now to make the point once and for all that no matter who was in charge Brooklyn and Manhattan were still as strong as ever, the boys had planned their attack. Snipes and Slingshot were hoping that it would be the only fight they would have to fight, because the whispers would hopefully be carried around the city and no one would challenge them again unless they were of course stupid. When they boys first arrived they were stirring with anticipation, but after an hour most of the boys had fallen asleep except for Slingshot, Snipeshooter and Cap. Cap and Snipes had often been part of the groups of muscle that had been sent by Jack and Spot, though they were young they had always been good fighters.

 

After a while of silence Cap pulled out a cigarette and lit it, he puffed a few moments at it before passing it to Slingshot. 

 

“We’re in charge of this,” Snipes whispered after making sure that the other boys were well asleep around them. Cap nodded, it had been bound to hit them sooner or later that this wasn’t a game and they were just pretending to be the leaders of the two largest and most powerful places in New York City. 

 

“Spot’s not giving the orders tonight.” Slingshot handed off the cigarette to Snipes. 

 

“Do you think they are doing all right?” Snipes asked. There was silence as the boys looked around, almost as if looking for the answer in their own surroundings.

 

“They must be.” Cap shrugged and responded with the only answer that came to mind.

 

“Do you think they miss it?” Slingshot asked.

 

“Miss what? Sitting in cold dark alleyways preparing to beat the insides out of some poor unsuspecting fools that thought for a second they could take down Manhattan or Brooklyn?” Snipeshooter laughed nervously.

 

“Maybe they miss being in charge, or being comfortable, or knowing where they belong.” Cap sighed. He sometimes felt out of place with these new leaders, with these younger faces, with his older self. This was his New York, these were his boys, this was what he had been taught to do and he couldn’t let it go but sometimes he didn’t understand what he was doing anymore. 

 

“Jack always talked about going west,” Snipes provided as he handed off the cigarette again.

 

“Spot never talked about much.” Slingshot laughed a bit. Conlon was often quick and more often kept to himself, but Cap smiled. Spot had never thought about anything beyond being a newsie, beyond being the strongest leader in all of New York City. He had never once thought that the day would come when he would have to leave his perch on the docks, possibly because he never thought he would live to see the day or possibly because it was never something that he wanted to think about.

 

The sun was peaking over the dirt on the building tops now, Snipes and Slingshot kicked at the boys asleep on the ground behind them. Within seconds everyone was tense and ready to jump on the unsuspecting boys that would come walking by and before the city had a moment to wake up the fight had begun. It was truly an art the fighting of street kids because the object was never to kill anyone, but just severely hurt them to the point where they might wish they were dead. It was also a known fact that Brooklyn and Manhattan fought fairly and though they were mean and threw a vicious punch they never hurt anyone beyond what they deserved. The fight was uneven, Harlem having the advantage of more boys than Brooklyn and Manhattan combined but that meant nothing. Cap and Slingshot were fighting side by side and each were taking on two newsies from Harlem and in swift movements had knocked out four boys already. While Snipes and Sand were also well into a devastating fight with the leader of Harlem and his second in command. A few of the Harlem boys knew better then fighting and had taken off in a run to the selling docks instead of staying, others were just standing outside of the fight watching and almost admiring. 

 

It wasn’t a long fight, Harlem backed down and as soon as the leader stepped away from them Brooklyn and Manhattan dropped their weapons. All the boys from Harlem walked away from them without so much as a glance back at their defeaters and without much gloating Snipes and Slingshot slipped back into the alley they came from and headed home.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

It was Sunday morning and the Longfellows and every other prominent family on the shore was attending the church service. It was the official start of the season at the end of the current week the balls and activities of the shore were to begin. So in turn with the season the church was having a social that afternoon and of course everyone who was anyone was to attend and it was the time be introduced and ensured an invitation to every ball and every event. Laces had been instructed, encouraged and threatened to be good and make an impeccable impression on everyone. Critter had even arrived on the afternoon before, because he would be visiting often enough throughout the season it had been advised that he be present for introductions over the weekend as to make the right impression on everyone, besides Casey believed that his presence would ensure Laces’s behavior. 

 

“I suspect that you haven’t been too much trouble Audrey,”’ Critter whispered as they walked into the church.

 

“I have been a perfect lady, I can assure you,” she responded while rolling her eyes. She saw the Canterbury family and Jacob winked at her, as Mrs. Canterbury signaled for Casey to sit with them. Laces walked into the pew and sat next to Jacob before anyone could object. 

 

“Nicely done,” Jacob mumbled as he nodded politely to Casey, Thomas and Critter who had a suspicious look on his face.  

 

“Who is the man that is with you?” he again mumbled, not wanting to be overheard by his family or hers.

 

“That is Christopher O’Connell,” Laces responded quietly and firmly as if Jacob should know who this man was and understand his presence. But before the conversation could be carried any further the service started and for both of their sakes Jacob and Audrey remained quiet throughout it.

 

“And learn to let go.” The homily ended with those words and Laces took a sharp deep breath that earned her a concerned look from Jacob. Soon thereafter the service ended and Laces couldn’t find a way out of the church fast enough. Jacob slipped his hand into hers as she looked around quickly trying to gauge the easiest way out of the church with the fewest introductions and stops.

 

“What is wrong with you Audrey?” Jacob asked quietly. But before the answer came, Critter grabbed Laces arm and led her out of the church leaving Jacob behind.

 

“Who is this boy?” he demanded as they were walking.

 

“A boy?” she responded lost in her attempts to get out of the church. It had been years upon years since the last time that Laces had been in a church, she could not actually remember the last time, but she felt uneasy about this time and the service itself. 

 

“Yes the boy. The one sitting next to you, and he was holding your hand a few minutes ago,” Critter said again as he steered her out of the church and onto the front lawn where tables had been seat up for the picnic. 

 

“Oh him,” Laces responded as she blinked at the sunlight. She took a deep breath she could breathe again. She was no longer inside. 

 

“Audrey, Christopher.” Casey and Thomas came walking up and Thomas took Laces arm away from Critter not knowing what was wrong with either but knowing better than allowing Critter to get angry. 

 

“Audrey why don’t you go over with Casey and meet some of the young ladies, then I’m sure that Jacob can properly introduce you to some of the young men.” With that Casey hustled away with Audrey in tow to introduce her to the ladies of society.

 

Critter stood huffing a minute and looking around. 

 

“Who was that boy Cricket?” he asked quietly.

 

“What boy?” Cricket seemed amused at the annoyance in Critter’s voice.

 

“The one that she was sitting next to in the church.” Critter looked around again, as he watched Laces from afar as she met the other young ladies of the shore. 

 

“Him, why his name is Jacob Henry Canterbury.” Cricket smiled again. 

 

“Who is he? And what is his relation to her?” Critter asked again.

 

“I wouldn’t worry about it Crit, they have become friends. You know our girl, she has spent the last few years of her life being friends with only boys that is where she feels comfortable. She is about to meet the other young ladies and be required to spend more time with them, Jacob is a good young man.” Cricket sighed.

 

“A good young man.” Critter nodded though didn’t seem to agree. He was busy watching Laces, the young lady that was a few feet in front of him. She was radiant, with her hair down in a soft curl and under a summer hat. She was dressed in a blue that was deep and reminded Critter of the midnight color of the sky, she was smiling but there was something about her that was strange and he couldn’t quite figure out what it was. The men were walking up to Critter and Cricket and introducing themselves and discussing business in New York City and politics.

 

“Oh Miss Audrey, I’ve heard about you from Miss Emma, what a wonderful young lady she is. We heard you’ve been traveling the last few years, you must have seen so much of the world. It’s a wonder you like New York City so much, a dreadful place.” An older woman was speaking to Laces and she was smiling and nodding politely though she was already bored of the introductions and the same fancy words that came out of everyone’s mouths. 

 

“Yes ma’am, I suppose it is dreadful sometimes. The winters are particularly dreadful. It’s a wonder people don’t travel to the shore during the winter, but I would think it might be cold here as well,” she responded. Casey had introduced her to everyone who was standing there and throughout the formal introductions she was suppose to speak to everyone individually for a few moments while helping with the food. Emma came over to her after the first few conversations. The two girls stood together arranging pies, though Laces couldn’t figure out the benefit of making them look pretty before people ate them. As she stood there quietly engaged in the tedious work, she could hear the whispers from the other young ladies clearly around her. 

 

“So that’s Miss Audrey, I was told she was rather breath-taking,” Came one loudly carried whispered. 

 

“I heard she spends time with young Mr. Canterbury,” another whispered.

 

Laces smiled, even here in the lap of luxury she was subject of silent whispers, but unlike the city none of these would lead to violence and destruction. Or so she thought, Laces had not yet experienced the viciousness of high society gossip, but Emma who stood quietly next to her knew the danger in the words. 

 

“You know you must be careful of their talk,” she mumbled to Laces.

 

“Be careful of what talk?” Laces asked.

 

“My brother says you are not one for formalities,” she whispered. Laces smiled, Emma rarely talked to her though they had been in contact a few times since their first meeting. Emma was proper and did what she was told, so she didn’t seem to like Laces and her liberal appeal to the world.   The other young ladies seem as interested in their tasks as Laces, every girl was looking longing at the young gentlemen.

 

“No, I suppose I am not,” she responded quietly. As she stood there she glanced around watching the people around her, these were going to be her new people. The young ladies around her were giggling and whispering about the young men not to far off. The young men made her smile because they unlike their older counterparts didn’t feel the need to respectably stand still and discuss the latest news. No the young men were frolicking around the grassy knoll in front of the church, pushing each other and showing off for the girls that had to help with the food. As she laughed at the nearby couple of boys making fools of themselves, she saw Jacob jaunting up to the food table with a mischievous look in his eyes. He nodded politely to the group of women and greeted Casey with a smile and without wasting another word on the rest of the women he leaned on the table where Emma and Laces were working.

 

“This looks like a thrilling way to spend the afternoon.” He laughed a bit. Emma looked annoyed at her brother but Laces just smiled at him. 

 

“Jacob Henry, you know that we are trying to set up for lunch,” Emma stated clearly.

 

“Well Miss Emma, I am sure that each man here will pay careful attention to how the pies are arranged.” Jacob rolled his eyes a bit.

 

“This is what they were talking about, you two are indecent.” Emma sighed.

 

“People are talking about me?” Jacob looked around Laces and Emma to the group of the rest of the girls. All young women of high society, some whom Jacob had meet on occasion on other shores or on this one many years ago. They giggled as he winked at them but quickly focused his attention back to his friend and sister.

 

“They are talking about you and me.” Laces couldn’t help but smile at how amused he looked at the thought.

 

“Well we’ll give them something to talk about won’t we?” Jacob asked as he held out both hands, one to Laces and the other to Emma.

 

“Jacob what are you doing?” Emma asked again looking horrified. Laces wondered how it was that Jacob Henry and Emma Ada were even related. 

 

“Well you see Miss Emma, there are a few gentlemen over there that are just begging for an introduction. And well Sirs Gregory and Phillip are in dire need of some more skilled players in cricket and I let them know that you my darling sister were an excellent player.” Jacob winked at his younger sister who had flushed as she looked over at two young men standing looking hopelessly in her direction.

 

“But Jacob we shouldn’t just go be introduced while the others…” Emma started but Laces had already taken his outstretched hand willing to get away from the prying eyes that she could feel on the back of her head.

 

Casey had ushered over to them quickly at the sight of Jacob.

 

“Why Jacob aren’t you a dear going to introduce your sister Emma and your friend Miss Audrey to the other young gentlemen. Aren’t you a dear to do that favor for Mr. Longfellow has he gotten caught up speaking with the others about President Roosevelt again?” Casey laughed nervously and glared at Jacob. He dismissed her lecturing tone, knowing the rules of society was enough for Jacob he did not feel inclined to always follow them.

 

But Casey Longfellow had sensed the danger and knew that Laces was treading lightly on the good nature of the young women around her. She was beautiful and outstanding at small talk more than Casey would have ever expected of her, but Miss Audrey was also already dangerously well acquainted with one of the most eligible young men of the shore, Jacob Henry was a handsome college man who came from a rich and prestigious family; a desirable catch for any of those young women. Not to mention that from the looks of the situation Jacob Henry might be smitten with her already or if he wasn’t had found her another match among his equally handsome, rich, well learned friends.  

 

Jacob had held out each hand one to his sister who looked annoyed but still intrigued, and to Audrey who just smiled brightly. As they walked away from the table, Jacob leaned into Laces a bit and whispered.

 

“Everyone of those girls might hate you now, and I must say it might be my fault. We have to try to make sure you make friends later, otherwise getting to the balls this season might be difficult but you’re a charming girl you should be just fine.” He laughed nervously, now thinking about how his actions might have not been in his companion’s best interests. He shook off the fear knowing his social status and desire for Audrey’s attendance would trump any girl’s jealous nature.  If there was any doubt to the words that Cricket had mentioned to Critter earlier about Laces comfort with boys over girls, it was put aside as the girl walked into the crowd of boys and immediately became the center of attention.

 

Critter glared at the crowd, noticing that his girl’s hand was discreetly but surely tucked in Jacob’s. It was unnoticed by all the other eyes watching, yes she was good at hiding it and Jacob was also talented in the art of deception. Cricket had also noticed and sighed, this might be more trouble than he had anticipated.

 

“Do you think she knows she does that?” Cricket whispered to Critter.

 

“Honestly Cricket, I don’t even think the girl knows she’s pretty.” Critter sighed, because he knew in reality that Laces was the last person to understand her predicament. She stood there, charming and beautiful in the spot that every other girl wanted to be in and he knew that she didn’t think anything of it. He knew that she was dying inside for Jack, for the comfort of her attentions from Spot and Skittery. She would, of course, he knew grow accustom to this life and these people’s attention and he worried that in her despair that she would become just as emotionally attached to these new and less dependable people as she had to her newsies. But what Critter didn’t understand is that Laces never planned to get attached to anyone it just seemed to happen. 

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“We are going to have to pick some more fights you know?” Cap was pulling himself out of the East River as Slingshot was sitting on his inherited perch. 

 

“Why, we already had our one battle and we won. It was barely a fight.” Slingshot puffed a bit of his cigarette. 

 

“That’s why we might have to pick more fights, it was barely a fight. I am actually surprised that Harlem hasn’t sent over more goons to fight with us. It isn’t like anyone not to try to win a few more times before declaring defeat. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard from the birds that there is a decent amount of talk of our power and strength as leaders, but still. We are still new and young and everything else.” Cap sighed he was talking to deaf ears, as Slingshot seemed uninterested and more importantly preoccupied. Cap rolled his eyes and jumped back into the East River, it was an unbearably hot day in the city and the newsie was doing the only thing that he could think of to cool off.

 

Slingshot sat and watched his second in command descend under the water, it had been weeks since he had assumed leadership of the strongest and most powerful section of New York and he felt like he was settling into his role nicely but there was something missing. Anyone who looked at him would know that he was a Brooklyn boy, strong built, fists usually clenched and an air of power and arrogance. But anyone who could recognize him would be amazed at the difference of the young man sitting upon that perch and the boy who had arrived only months before to Brooklyn. Slingshot was the leader of the newly established Brooklyn, but Matthew was the boy from Little Italy with the troubling past. Soon in city folklore he would become the same person Matt and Slingshot just has Spot and Patrick had before him, but right now he was still lingering between who he was and who he had become. As Cap resurfaced yet again and pulled himself onto the dock Slingshot pulled out a cigarette.

 

“Are you sure that I’m as good of a leader as Spot was?” he suddenly asked. Cap squinted as he shook the water out of his hair. He shook his head to not only get the water out of his hair but to also respond to Slingshot.

 

“I think you shouldn’t care if you are or if you aren’t,” he responded. Cap had known this would be a problem with his new leader, not only because they were succeeding the most successful and intimating leader of Brooklyn that had existed in years but also because Matt had the unfortunate or fortunate opportunity to live under Spot’s reign. It was only nature to want to be like Spot Conlon, but it was something that Cap had learned long ago was not possible and definitely not worth it to try. 

 

“Listen to me Matt, you aren’t going to be Spot Conlon. No one can ever be Spot Conlon again. You are going to be Slingshot Kai, and believe everyone will soon learn that last name and know you as they knew Spot, in fear. You will have your own battles, your own enemies, and plenty of your own fights. So would you stop worrying about if you are as good as Spot, just be as good as Slingshot and Brooklyn will be as good as Brooklyn always is.” Cap smiled carelessly.

 

Slingshot seemed at ease with this answer and started to think about why he was feeling like he was missing something as Cap started to redress himself and get ready to sell another edition of papers.

 

“Maybe you should go visit Little Italy tonight, clear your head and we can deal with the rest of New York City tomorrow?” Cap asked. As he had been talking to Slingshot for the last three minutes and not gotten a response about the looming problem of keeping their reputation. 

 

“That’s a great idea, I know West probably has some watch I can help him mend and some lecture about how I don’t go see him often enough anymore. And then I haven’t seen Cammie in months…” the conversation trailed off into mumbles and Slingshot jumped from his perch and walked away from Cap. 

 

As Slingshot walked away, Cap scanned the rooftops and nodded towards a pair of reflecting lights moved slightly and then completely out of sight. The Brooklyn birds were still functioning and existing for the same purpose as they had been established to keep and protect the leader of Brooklyn.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The other young women of society had soon joined Emma and Laces, and Miss Audrey proved to be just as charming and intriguing to the young ladies as she had been to the young men. She held conversations about the life of the city and the wonders of traveling though she had never actually traveled and the city she spoke of she didn’t know. But she held her own and lying was something that not only had Audrey learned, but that Laces had made a living off of as a newsie. Soon the crowd of young people was playing a variety of games and Laces watched as Jacob and his friends Gregory and Steven threw a football around. After Miss Emma walked past Greg his perfect throw was completely ruined and the ball took off behind the church building. Jacob couldn’t help but laugh and Laces offered to go retrieve the ball quickly and Jacob jumped to accompany her as Greg was trying to talk to his sister and Steven fell to enchanting the girls that were giggling at Greg. Jacob and Laces walked away from the crowd and around the ancient looking white washed building of the church. They both scanned around the back of the church where buried under overgrown grass and weeds was the old shore’s cemetery and amongst the dead and old was their football.

 

“You are a little social lady, making friends with everyone. Barely paying any attention to your humble first friend of the shore.” He laughed. Laces rolled her eyes and took quick steps away from Jacob.

 

“Well there are some attractive young men, and of course most of them are better educated than you are and socially more acceptable.” She said in a higher pitched voice as she mocked the older ladies she had heard talking about the young matches of the summer.

 

“I knew you would stop finding me so entertaining once you met some of them.” Jacob didn’t look so pleased and Laces giggled at his pitiful face.

 

“Oh Jacob Henry most of those boys are too busy trying to impress all the girls at once to be of any interest to me, besides they seem unbearably socially constrained.” Laces rolled her eyes.

 

“So you find them stuffy and refined?” Jacob looked brighter.

 

“I much rather prefer the rough and rebellious friend.” She winked at him and turned to search for the football. Jacob caught back up with her and they walked among the stone and wood memorials to people long past.  The tombstones were a curious mystery to Laces, she had actually never stepped foot within a graveyard, even though she had seen many dead at this point. She had scarcely been to a funeral, so as she walked following Jacob to the bench at the back of the graveyard she couldn’t help but examine the tombstones and setting around her. It wasn’t that large of a graveyard but it seemed that it had stood there for years, because the tombstones were aged. It almost seemed as no one had been buried there in years, the grass was well kept but few flowers or other decorations were spread among the graves themselves.

 

Laces let her eyes wander over the tombstones reading the names of the unknowns, the dates of birth and the dates of death. Beloved mothers, Young angels, loyal patrons, and few politicians scattered among the dead but then as she was almost at the bench she saw something that caught her eye. She stopped in front of a battered looking half circle of stone with a familiar looking angel etched in the top. The words that had caught her eyes, she read again. 

 

Loyal Son, Beloved Brother. 

Take into your arms a young angel. 

1872 – 1888

 

Laces let her eyes wander a little bit to the name of the tombstone, though the inscription gave her a sinking feeling. Jacob had noticed she had stopped following him and walked over to her. 

 

“Are you all right?” he asked. Not looking at what her eyes were fixated on. She had found the name of the tombstone though and as she read it she lost her ability to breathe and stand at the same time. She swayed a bit and Jacob reacted quickly and held her steady in his arms. 

 

“What is wrong? Have you gotten ill?” he asked with panic in his voice. Laces was gasping but her eyes hadn’t moved from the tombstone where the name was imprinted, Bryan Evan Kai. Her brother was buried here, in this unknown graveyard among other unknown people. She had never even thought about the fact that he might be buried somewhere, that he might be among those unaccounted for deep within the ground. Why was he here, behind this white washed ancient looking church. Why had no one told her she would find him here. Cricket was sure to have known that he would be here in this place where she was now standing. Had they thought she might not wander back here, that she would stay away from the dead something that she had always been so familiar with and never forgot about. No her protectors had died, her friends, her family. Everything around her seemed to be suddenly taken, what would make them think that she might not somehow stumble upon her first and most beloved protector. 

 

Jacob had now noticed her fixation and moved his eyes to the tombstone and read it carefully. This was a Kai, yes he had heard this story from the hired help when he was young it was all anyone would talk about. How the wonderful Kai’s family downfall came from the tragic death of their eldest son. It had been a dreadful thing in the papers, a murder in the streets with no cause, no reason but the help would gossip that it had something to do with some forbidden love. Jacob had no idea that he had been buried here though, but he was even a little more startled to notice that Audrey apparently had no knowledge of her brother’s final resting place either. 

 

She stood there starring for a few moments, breathless and unable to think or move. It was as if the world had suddenly stopped, in that moment it was like Audrey was seeing her brother for the first time. She still had little recollections of him but based on his description and the one picture of him that she owned she could see him standing there in front of her. Once she gained the ability to breathe again she took steps away from the tombstone and walked away from Jacob and towards the bench once more. Jacob was perplexed, but turned and followed her unsure of where the conversation may now turn.

 

As she walked though, she seemed to have forgotten how to breathe all together. With every step she took away from her brother’s grave she got a lighter head, and seemed to get a hazy view of her surroundings. Jacob a step behind her noticed how her body seemed to lose strength before his very eyes and before he could think his arms were out behind her as she fell back. Jacob got worried at this point, though he knew that girls had a tendency to faint often times because their corsets were far too tight, but Audrey did not seem the type to faint from overt sense of fashion. He pulled her to the bench and used his hands to fan her face in hopes to wake her.

 

“Come on Audrey, wake up,” he whispered, but she didn’t stir, her eyes didn’t flicker and her chest was barely rising. Jacob softly placed her head on the bench and ran towards the front of the church. He scanned the crowd unsure of whom to inform of Audrey, not sure what Casey or Thomas reaction would be. He didn’t have to decide though because within moments of him appearing near the crowds again Critter O’Connell was by his side. 

 

“Where is she?” he asked without so much as an introduction. He could tell something was wrong, he had also watched as Laces slipped behind the church with this boy and had been waiting for them to reemerge together.

 

“She’s behind the church. She fainted,” Jacob whispered and the two of them headed quickly but discreetly to the back of the church. She was still very motionless on the bench and Critter knelt beside her for a moment making sure she was still breathing regularly.

 

“Go inside the church and get some water, if we give her a few minutes she should wake up all on her own,” Critter commanded and Jacob ran off without a moment of hesitation. Critter sat on the bench and lifted her head gently.

 

“Come on now kid, wake up. Don’t make me beg,” he whispered. Laces started to gasp a bit and Critter sat her up fearing she might choke herself attempting to breathe so deeply while lying down. She coughed a bit and Critter held her hand and rubbed her back while she seemed to wake up from her deep sleep. 

 

“Calm down kid. Your friend is getting you some water, just take some time to breathe will you?” Critter sighed. Jacob came running back out and handed Laces a cup of lemonade, which seem to be all he could find. Jacob stood there looking scared for a moment, as the color flushed back into her cheeks and she seemed to breathe at a regular pace. 

 

“We should get you home,” Critter commented. Jacob nodded vigorously at this suggestion and held out his hand to help her up.

 

“You really should make sure to say farewell to the people you’ve been introduced to though, it’s the proper thing. You know without being proper you might not get all the invites to the balls this season, and that would ruin the season for you.” Jacob was rambling but Critter knew that he had a point. Laces nodded and Critter held out his arm for her to lean on him. Jacob took a second and held out his arm and Laces took it as the two young people walked back to the crowd. Jacob made sure he had a good grip on Audrey in case she had another fainting spell and took her around where she explained she was feeling light headed, probably from the heat and excitement of this morning and wished to lie down for the rest of the afternoon. She received many well wishes and Jacob walked her back to where Cricket and Critter were standing. He nodded his good byes to both men and then winked at Laces before leaving her. Jacob was in a bit of a hurry to get away from Cricket and Critter who made him slightly uncomfortable.  He got the feeling of tension that came from Critter, whom seemed to be watching his every move.

 

“What were you two doing behind the church?” Critter asked in a quiet tone as he led her to the grassy knoll where the crowds of well dressed people were socializing.

 

“Nothing Crit, we were looking for a football.” She sighed a bit. Cricket was walking to one side of her looking at her through the corner of his eye.

 

“What happened to you?” Critter asked.

 

“Nothing. Just the heat got to me is all.” Laces sighed.

 

“Audrey you’ve never been a good liar.” Critter gritted his teeth but decided to not push the subject any longer as they were approaching the older couple that Laces had met earlier.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Jack woke up startled as the train’s steel wheels screeched underneath him. David shifted and mumbled in his sleep but Spot sat up silently. The boys were sleeping behind some crates of cargo, market supplies for one of the nearby western towns that would be their final destination. It was dark in the train car, with very little of the moon and starlight streaming in through the cracks in the wood. 

 

“You all right Kelly?” Spot asked quietly. The startled waking was quiet, Jack had made little noise and barely any movement but years of a fighting dirty had left Spot a light sleeper. 

 

“Yeah Spot, yeah fine,” Jack whispered back. Neither boy wanted to wake David though. They had learned early on in the trip that David was a heavy sleeper and little to nothing woke him from his dreams.

 

“What woke you up, something seemed to really wake you.” Spot was starring directly at Jack with that questioning gaze that had broken so many of New York’s finest in the past. Jack could not see it but he could feel the gaze upon him, but he wasn’t pressured into telling Spot but rather wanted to tell his old friend.

 

“It’s strange really,” Jack responded. 

 

“What is strange Kelly? Can we get to the point, I would like to get back to sleep.” Spot was getting grumpy, he was alert and ready for the fight but when there was no fight he was not about to forfeit his time for restful sleeping.

 

“Well, I think there is something wrong with Laces,” Jack mumbled a whisper but Spot heard him.

 

“What kind of wrong, you don’t think she’s hurt or something has happened to her?” The painc was rising in Spot’s voice. He didn’t even seem to question how Jack would know any of these things, it was odd still to believe that Jack wouldn’t just have access to information from New York City. It still happen daily that Jack or Spot would forgot momentarily that they were not in the safe haven of their city in their powerful rites, but rather on a train in the middle of nowhere with no gang or power.

 

“No not exactly like that, there is just something wrong with her. Like I can just feel her, she seems sad.” Jack sighed and let himself slide back down into his makeshift bed.

 

“Sad huh, well she might be sad.” Spot was trying to be sympathetic at this point to his old friend because there were moments when Spot also missed his girl. He had to admit his connection to Buttercup was nothing like that of Jack and Laces. Jack would sometimes smile, and he had commented more than once that he could feel Laces smiling for him and that he knew she was happy.

 

“Sorry I woke you up Spot,” Jack mumbled as he closed his eyes and tried to convince himself that Laces wasn’t that sad, and that it was all just part of the dream he was having and couldn’t remember.

 

“No worries Kelly, just try not to do it again.” Spot closed his eyes and both boys were soon back asleep.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The curtains were closed and the gloom was seeping from the windows and door of her room. From the moment she had re-entered the Longfellow home, Laces had crawled up to her expensive room and curled up in the bed. Critter had ignored her hoping that she would come to him when she was ready to talk about what made her faint, but Critter was not used to her fits. He had dealt with her when she was challenging and when she was stubborn but sadness was something that he had always let the other deal with. No, Critter O’Connell underestimated the sadness that could consume Laces.

 

When they had entered the house Cricket had been silent as they lost Laces to her sadness and as Critter tried to pretend he could ignore her. But after the sun had set and Casey had returned from the afternoon of socializing and they sat drinking their evening drinks of whiskey, he finally spoke what had been on his mind all afternoon.

 

“I think she saw him you know,” he whispered at first. He wanted his two friends, his wife and guardian, two of the people he had known the longest in his life to know what he was talking about. But he knew that they wouldn’t, that he would have to explain more than just this and that over two decades of friendship couldn’t make them know something he never spoke about and they didn’t live.

 

“She saw who?” Casey asked quietly. Critter didn’t say anything though his eyes were drilling into Cricket who was looking at him. And when Cricket looked up he knew that Critter, in all his knowing power and his two decades did know but was still waiting for the explanation. 

 

“She saw Bryan’s grave. Where he was buried, after his death in the city. The family rushed the body here, away from wandering eyes and questioning reporters to a place where he would rest and they would put him to rest peacefully. She must have seen it. I completely forgotten that Bryan’s grave was there among my grandparents and his mother. Her mother is in that graveyard, maybe she saw her too.” Cricket sighed.

 

“You didn’t forget he was back there, you just didn’t think that anyone would ever notice his grave besides you.” Critter had lit a cigarette, a newsies nervous habit they had never quite grown out of in all these years.

 

“No, you couldn’t have forgotten because she’s back there too. And we all visit her when we don’t think anyone would notice.” Casey nodded. There was silence between the three old friends, old legends, old kids with old wounds reopened. Yes, she was back there because the myth of the lost legendary bird was not myth, one of them had died many years ago in Little Italy much as Bullseye’s memory would become more myth than fact so had hers.

 

“You visit him at least once a year, you have since I met you. I hadn’t thought about the fact that Audrey might stumble upon him, but our girl has every right to him as much as you do.” Critter nodded. “She will be fine.”

 

So Critter waited all afternoon and all evening and she had not moved and barely made a sound and completely refused to eat for the rest of the day and he retired for the night more worried than he had been at midday. 

 

Cricket unlike his friend had dealt with her sadness and knew that it could fully consume her and render her unable to function. Audrey had always let her emotions control her fully, even when Cricket had first met her years ago. And though she was good at masking her pain, her anger and even her disappointment, it was sadness and despair that she could never deal with well. Cricket had tried to knock on her door and attempted to talk to her but her sadness had become more than just Bryan, more than just a brother that had been dead and lost to her, it had become so much more than Cricket could understand. After moments of whispering to the mound of blankets and listening to the silent whimpering, he could no longer stand how lifeless his ward had become.

 

Laces had curled up under her heavy taffeta bedspread and let herself wallow into riches of the pillows around her. She had managed to close her curtains and create her own darkness before she fell into her despair, and now she was crying softly so as not to attract too much attention. Years of living in close proximity to boys who cared too much about her had taught her that silent tears were much less trouble than louder ones. She choked into her feather pillows and clutched to her soft sheets every time she shook with tears. She cried herself to sleep long before the sun even went down that day. She fought in her sleep with her sadness but more importantly with her fears.

 

She dreamt of being in New York City, the only place she had ever known but it was different than she had left it. She walked on the empty streets and could hear the dirt shuffle under her old shoes it was as if she had entered a ghost town. As she took in the silence, the gloom and the despair of this New York City she was attracted by voices growing louder down an alley. She had been in this alley only once before, and only once though it had been part of her history many more times than that. It was like any other regular alley but the red of the brick was more distinct and reminded Laces of blood. The voices seemed to be echoing from the very walls of the old buildings, at first she heard a scene familiar to her of her Brooklyn boys, of a battle from years before that had long been done and over with. But those voices echoed around her like the distant memory that they were, but suddenly the ghostly alley teemed with life and the sounds were closer and real. Laces stood in the middle of a battle that she had never seen, a battle that had affected her life for every moment past when it happened. She heard the gunshot as it was fired, she watched the bullet travel as if in slow motion, and she watched as the blood poured from her brother’s body.

 

Fear had her glued to the ground where she was convinced that the blood was going to reach her. But she stood there unable to move, unable to pry her eyes from a crying and screaming Peach as she stared at the face she barely remembered. Before her legs could move though the bricks were gone, the blood had ceased to exist and she was in the back of a church that seemed drowned in a sea of black. Instantly she understood it was a funeral but who had died, could she be at Bryan’s funeral and she saw her family alive and well as they had once been far from her own memories. As the cries of her family and her family’s friends grew louder she found herself walking out of the church and back into the ghostly city of her dream. Unable to wake up, unable to understand she fought with her pillows and sheets as she ran through her dream. She slowed as she seemed to reach another familiar house, she wandered inside finding the door unlocked. It was darker inside even though all the curtains were open and the house appeared to have many sources of light. Without much thought and no action at all, Laces had a candle in her hand and was taking steps towards the darkest room of the house. She entered knowing that her entrance would lead to nothing better then what she had seen in the alleyway but being unable to stop herself nonetheless. 

 

The room was spacious and made her feel small and lonely. A bed larger than any she had ever seen before sat in the middle of the room and then the screaming began, as quickly as it had happened before a person appeared in agony and without console. Laces startled looked at the bed, and saw within it trembling and helpless her mother. Unlike the first encounter of death Laces ran from this room and covered her ears not wanting to hear the last dying sounds of those moments she did remember. She ran right into a narrow opening between two old buildings and as she ran she tripped. Here she found the body of her dead father and by this point she had enough of the death that she seemed to be finding at every corner on her dream venture. She was crying and unable to breath and screaming loudly herself, she had woken most of the household staff and the household itself.

 

Critter had come storming into her room, ready for a fight mostly expecting to find an unwanted intruder attacking his girl. But when he entered the dark room, his eyes caught no movement and felt no other presence than his own. When the maid came rushing in after him with a candle he understood that there was no one attacking Laces but Laces herself who had worked herself into a frenzy without being awake. Critter sighed, as he looked at her helpless. She was pale and sweating, she was beating the bed around her and was out of breath yet trembling from crying so hard. Critter sat down on the bed near her and held her down, to keep her from hurting herself any further and started hushing her. 

 

“She won’t calm that way.” Cricket sighed from the door. He looked as pale as Laces and made no attempts to come further in the room. Critter did not respond, if Cricket was going to just stand there and not make any other suggestions then Critter would continue his own attempts as feeble as they may be. 

 

“NO! STOP IT! I DIDN’T MEAN TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!” she screamed. Her hair wiped around her face and her face was flushed.

 

“Laces, wake up it’s just a dream,” Critter whispered. 

 

“It’s all my fault.” She stopped whipping around and started crying again though still asleep. That’s when she started chanting to herself through tears about it not being her fault and how she wished none of it had ever happened. 

 

“When she was a baby, years ago, her family would sing to her. Cause even then the poor thing seemed to live her nightmares,” Cricket whispered from the door. Critter looked at him surprised by his hesitation, but understanding his suggestion. He in a moment pulled her head into his lap and bent down over her and whispered into her ear, as he sang quietly and in a soothing tone.

 

“On this night so fair, your angels have sent you a song. They wish you well, and that your dreams become sweet and to remind you of times better off and that life is love and loved you are.” 

 

Critter sang the tune and repeated the words softly and as he kept repeating the tears seemed to stop and her breathing started slowly again. A peaceful sleep had washed over her pale, tired looking face and Critter combed the wet hair away from her forehead. He lifted her head again and placed her softly on a dry pillow, before untangling the sheets that gave the impression of strangling her. He then stood as softly as he could and moved away from the bed and went to the maid and took her candle and lit a lone candle sitting on the dresser. 

 

“Critter?” Cricket questioned meekly from the doorway still.

 

“I will watch her, go back to your wife Cricket.” Critter nodded at the maid as well and both were gone from the room moments later. Critter made himself comfortable in one of the maid chairs that was usually used for dressing the young lady in the mornings. It was wooden and a terribly uncomfortable place to spend a night but Critter had experienced worse in his years and was determined he would be there should Laces attack herself again throughout the night. He sat down and watched her, as her face regained its normal colors and her breathing took place in regular intervals, and her fists unclenched from their tighten grip on the blankets. With every ease and calm that came back into her body, his eyes grew heavier and heavier and soon Critter O’Connell had fallen asleep slumped in a wooden chair meant for lady’s maids. 

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Slingshot had spent the afternoon with West, surrounded by clocks of all varieties. The ticking and hourly bell ringing he had once been accustomed to were now like distant echoes of a past long lost. He tinkered away most of the low hours of the sun on a pocket watch that belonged to Sir Francis, a particular rich gentlemen from Brooklyn, as West worked on a fancy new fangled alarm clock and lectured Slingshot. 

 

“Matthew, how is it that it has been weeks since you last came to visit?” That is how the long afternoon started, after of course making sure that the boy made himself useful. But as West lectured he watched his young friend and knew that life had changed him in those last few months. He couldn’t help but realize that he stood taller and prouder than he had before and it was startling because Matthew Kai had always been a cocky boy. But more surprising to the older man was that the young man who stood bent over a pocket watch tinkering with the springs seemed to be confused when referred to as Matthew.

 

Slingshot kept his hands busy and his eyes from making eye contact too often with West, he felt uncomfortable that his old mentor would be able to read his feelings too easily if he made too much eye contact. The afternoon had been enjoyable and almost amusing, as Slingshot had not been lectured in weeks since Spot Conlon had left the city. It was almost refreshing to know that he still evoked the need to have someone give him a lecture, and he had missed the bantering of West. 

 

Before those moments in that afternoon Slingshot had not realized how much he missed Little Italy and his life that he had left behind so unceremoniously. The soft smell of sawdust, the constant ticking and tocks with the cranking of gadgets and the smell of food that was from home and made by the strong Italian mothers of each home he missed. The street had the smells of cigars and pasta mixed with wine seeping from its very seams. Those smells, this place, everything that he had known for so long made Slingshot become Matthew once again.

 

“Are you happy now?” West was asking as Slingshot snapped the pocket watch he had fixed closed. He held it up to his ear to ensure that it was ticking correctly, and then he caught the eye contact he had so far avoided.

 

“Happiness.” He sighed as he smiled at his old mentor. The eye contact had been made and Slingshot knew that his answer was no longer necessary. West gave him a sad smile back. 

 

“I see your still searching for that then,” he responded and looked away back at his own work. Slingshot pulled out a cigarette in a nervous response to where the conversation might be going and lit it. As he puffed at the smoke West looked back up and glared at the boy.

 

“Matthew Kai, put that out this instant. Or step outside, where did you pick up that horrible habit!” West had the anger that was so familiar and so much more comfortable than disappointment that Matt laughed and put out his cigarette. 

 

“Oh it’s not that bad of a habit, it keeps you warm at night sometimes.” Matt shrugged and smiled recklessly. Every one of the newsies, from the legendry to the barely known had used their cigarettes as their mask for nervousness.

 

“Not a bad habit. Filthy,” West started mumbling. As Slingshot searched around the workbench for another clock to tinker with a bell rang that was out of place. At first Slingshot’s eyes searched the faces of each of the clocks thinking that the hour had struck too early and incorrectly on one but as a different scent and the shuffling of feet settled he looked up at the door. 

 

There she stood. Childhood had not only left him. This was the moment he realized that not only had the world changed and had he grown, but his childhood had matured as well. 

 

“MATTHEW!” she screeched and threw herself into his widespread arms. Her hair had grown more beautiful since last time he had seen her, as she was in his arms he realized that she had become stunning. Her hair was no longer free and flowing as it had been years before but tied majestically in a bun held by a fancy comb. As he took in her smell, of a dark rich wine and a sweet honey, he was snapped out of collecting his memory because she had pulled away from him and hit him rather hard across the face. 

 

“Ow, Cammie what did you do that for?” he whined

 

“Matthew Kai! I have not heard from you, or seen you in a rather long time. If I didn’t keep hearing whispered fairy tales from the street boys that sell papers and matches about a boy that resembles you greatly I would think you might be dead. How dare you just run off and forget what little people you had left behind here, now that you are out of danger! You didn’t have to come back and stay, but would it have killed you to at least return for a glass of wine, a bowl of pasta.” Cammie was fuming but as she raved for a few moments she also took in the matured friend in front of her. Matt was no longer scrawny as he had once been and though less kept than he had been in their youth he had a commanding appearance. West smiled, yes his children might if asked their age still be considered children, but as they stood in front of him he knew that Matthew Kai and Cammie Venice were grown. They spent the rest of the late afternoon talking and enjoying themselves as West gave them tea refusing to give them the wine that both pleaded for.

 

“You two think you’re more grown than you are,” he mumbled but he knew they didn’t, but that he thought them younger than they were. As the sun set Matt offered to walk Cammie home and bid his farewell to West promising to visit again and stepped out of the shop with his hand slipped in Cammie’s. West knew that he would visit more often now, now that he had rediscovered the girl that had him mesmerized since he could walk. They walked without saying a word to each other and when in front of her door, without a word, without a warning, and without surprise, Matt leaned in and kissed her. Without another word he winked, bowed and walked away.

 

Matches and Daisy had been sitting on the rooftop across from the young couple and Daisy laughed and Matches shook his head.

 

“Just what we need, another girl. Another Brooklyn leader with a pretty girl, that’s never been done before.” Matches sighed. “Why do you laugh, you know how much more work this means?” he asked Daisy.

 

Daisy stood up straight and looked down at her new charges, her new responsibilities. But she smiled because below her she didn’t see the young Matthew taking his cocky steps away from the pretty girl. No she saw the young Spot Conlon many years before, before he was anyone to anyone but her and few others. She saw Spot Conlon walking away from Buttercup Tate with that same confident look.

 

“He’s finally the leader of Brooklyn.” She laughed. Because though it had always been the boys, the boys that had ruled fiercely over Brooklyn and Manhattan, it had been in those moments of adolescent awkwardness when they had gained the confidence of being accepted by a girl that they had learned how to lead. Yes, Matthew Kai was now the powerful, mysterious, dangerous leader of Brooklyn. He knew he was good-looking and charming and that he had someone to impress.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The morning light was fighting hard against the curtains of the Longfellow’s ward to bring some sunshine into the darkness but the room would have none of it. Laces was asleep, she had curled into a ball with her knees tightened to her chest by her arms. She looked far from peaceful or rested. Critter knew she was awake, and he knew that she knew he was present in her room and it was for him she was putting on this charade of sleep.

 

He stood from his chair and made a point of making noise with every step he made towards the bed. He crossed his arms and looked down at the huddled mess that his girl had become. He coughed loudly, he knew that she knew what was expected of her at this moment and that she knew where he was standing and what look he was giving her. She did not stir, her eyes did not even flicker for a moment and her breathing seemed to almost stop being the only aspect of her body that gave away her true state of consciousness. When she made no response his patience gave out, a night without much sleep and what little sleep he got filled with worry he was in no mood to be patient.

 

“Audrey, I know you are awake. You need to get up and dress, have breakfast,” he said harsher than he had desired. The words came tumbling out with his little patience and he knew his mistake at once with her in this state.  She moved but her eyes did not open, rather her body seemed to bury itself more into the massive bed and luxurious sheets.

 

“Audrey, come on love. Get out of bed, I might teach you to ride. Cricket’s been saying you wanted to learn. Him and I can take you out together?” His voice was hopeful this time, for though his patience still grew thin his worry increased by the moment.

 

“No, I rather would not,” she whispered. But again her eyes did not move and she made no further attempts to stir within the bed itself. 

 

“You will eat then? I will have one of the girls bring something up if you won’t get up, and you will eat.” There was no question in this statement, it was a demand, it was an order to her now that she would do as he said. With no response, he took her to understand this command and left the dampen room with brisk steps.

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Jacob Henry had been starring out his window every few moments since the later afternoon the day before. From the moment he had arrived from the social at the church, he had been preoccupied with starring out his window. The window in the tower of the Canterbury Estate where Jacob was residing was the window directly across from the tower of the Longfellow Estate where a certain young lady stayed. Since the night before though the curtains had been drawn tightly and nothing seemed to stir and Jacob was growing weary of not knowing any news. He had wanted to believe it was a regular fainting spell, like those of so many of the girls had known in his life but from the moment it happened he knew it was different.

 

It also intrigued him that this presence, this new character at the estate seemed greatly invested in Miss Audrey. He seemed protective, almost familiar, and Jacob wondered what their relationship was because he had not recalled being introduced to the man as any family of Audrey. He sat impatiently awaiting for the curtains to be open, for sign of life, for the ability to be able to walk over and call on his friend. But nothing stirred in that room between those curtains all morning. He settled to pretending to study the recent current events and some textbooks for his upcoming semester, but watching the movements of the neighboring home.

 

On the porch of the estate sat Mr. and Mrs. Longfellow discussing for some time with their friend Mr. O’Connell over breakfast. It seemed, or so he imagined, that Mr. O’Connell looked worn and tired and that through their body language both Mr. and Mrs. Longfellow were agitated. He was unable to figure out if Audrey was just inside, or if she had not moved from her bedroom all morning and he promised that if by nightfall she hadn’t appeared anywhere in sight that he would call to ensure her safety and health. 

 

But as he watched the house movements, and let his eyes wander to the window he became more and more convinced that she was not well. She could have fallen ill though he thought it strange for something to come on so suddenly though he knew it was a possibility. As he sat debating what major illness could have befallen her, he saw a carriage arrive in front of the house. He stood and starred expecting a doctor to have arrived to prove his musings of the day but instead a rather young man dressed in a simple afternoon suit stepped out of the carriage.

 

He seemed amused by his surroundings and confident in his arrival. Jacob did not know what to think of this new character, he had a friendly face and well combed hair from what he could tell. His step was confident, youthful and excited but his pace led Jacob to believe that this young man though maybe not a doctor was still here for Audrey. As he followed the man along the path and came to the porch he saw Mr. O’Connell and Mr. Longfellow stand and looked relieved at the new man’s arrival. 

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Good afternoon, old friends.” Skittery nodded his greeting to each. His eyes meet the empty seat and paused with worry. 

 

“She’s not been feeling well.” Provided South who knew Skittery’s purpose on the shore. 

 

“She had a bit of a fit.” Cricket shuffled his feet a bit as he shook Skittery’s hand.

 

“A fit did she? Skittery smiled a bit because he could see how much the three older people were at their wits end with Laces. 

 

“What you doing out here, I didn’t send word?” Critter asked as he shook hands and the three men sat back down.

 

“Not everyone still only acts on your orders Crit.” Skittery laughed. But at the murderous look on Critter’s face, he choked up the rest of his sarcasm and answered the question.

 

“I knew you were out here for the week, make sure she got off to her ball season all right. And well we didn’t have too much work so I thought I would come and see her, knew she was probably getting ready to be going into some kind of fit. The girl gets lonely, probably start missing the boys so I thought I might come see her and maybe see her off to this first ball.” Skittery mumbled the last part. He was unsure how his older more sociable friends might like or even allow his idea of accompanying their ward to the first ball of the summer season.

 

“Well that is understandable.” Cricket started. But Critter cut him off and stared at Skittery.

 

“I’m not sure that you seeing her is a good idea.” 

 

“I’m not sure you know what is good for her,” Sktitery said, regaining his confidence and becoming combative. It was an interesting test of wills, Critter sighed after a few minutes of silence.

 

“You don’t think you’ll make her worse by seeing you and then you leaving again?” he asked.

 

“No, I don’t. I think that me seeing her and assuring her that no one has forgotten her will make her better. It’s not like it will be the last time I see her, I do plan on visiting that is of course if it is all right with Mr. and Mrs. Longfellow.” Skittery looked for approval from South.

 

She laughed and Cricket grinned a bit.

 

“Only if you swear never to call me Mrs. Longfellow again. I am South, or Casey to you never Mrs. Longfellow unless of course we are out and about in society and well then I’m sure you know how to act accordingly.” She laughed at the thought.

 

“How long has she been in her fit?” Skittery asked his eyes wandering over the empty spot again. He couldn’t help but be focused on the reason he came, though he loved to see his old friends it was Laces he had traveled for and her he wanted to see. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of responsibility towards her, much as if Jack or Spot had left her in his care. Yes, Critter O’Connell would protect her from the dangers of the city and battles, and Cricket Longfellow would keep her safe and well kept, but who would make sure that she stayed happy and healthy and didn’t convince herself that she was alone. No, there was no way that Critter and Cricket could understand her that way, they had not grown up with that and they had not experienced the nights of her tears and days of her fears. They could not and would not dare to understand the magnitude to which Laces could and would be consumed by her own self-destruction and belief that things were her fault.

 

“Well since earlier this afternoon, your timing is unbelievable,” Cricket commented. But South smiled a knowing smile Skittery got the sense that she understood. South seemed to have guessed that one of the boys would appear this afternoon or within the few days, as if Laces throwing a fit was like a hidden signal to her protectors. It was strange because she of the three had seemed to be the less inclined to be involved with her, but she out of the three seemed the best informed of her situation. Laces, or Miss Audrey Alexander Kai, had many protectors, many brothers, many fathers, many guardians. She was surrounded by people who would bend over backwards for her well being and whom understood her better than she understood herself. South understood but her love and protection was different. She gave tough love, and believed in making a person stronger and knew that Laces didn’t need anyone else to cuddle her but to guide her without force and without babying. South would be her friend, no doubt after getting over the bit of jealousy that sometimes possessed her over her husband’s attentions to this young girl, but she would be a friend and no more. She understood the intense importance of Skittery, and even some of the other boys in Laces life because she would get no further without these people just as she, South, would have not gotten through life without Cricket, Critter and Hunter. Also she knew that the boys would appear, and that the Brooklyn and Manhattan boys would clean up well and look smart for her to be escorted to balls and provid her with sociable marketability, being mysterious and desirable not only among the men of the shore but also among strangers from other parts. 

 

“Did something happen?” Skittery asked, as the maid appeared out of nowhere and poured tea for him. Skittery sipped out of the fine china and sat poised as if he had always belonged to higher society.

 

“She stumbled upon Bryan’s grave, her brother you know,” Cricket commented.

 

“Ah yes, that might be problematic for her. Has she been fine besides that?” Skittery asked.

 

“She has been doing quite well, being very engaged in a friendship with the boy next door,” South commented, watching for a reaction from Skittery. 

 

“Good to hear, may I see her then?” Skittery seemed to ignore the idea of the boy altogether. He seemed to feel he had wasted enough time gathering information and just wanted to see her. Critter nodded wearily and stood up to lead him to her. Skittery walked through the Italian carved doors, down the imported marble floor and glanced at the fineries that seemed subtle in the grandeur of the house itself. He was a little taken aback, he knew that Cricket and South came from money and society of New York but he had never really thought about it. He had never connected the richness around him to what he knew of Cricket and South, the two street kids whom had taken care of his friends in their youth never seemed any richer than he was but they were. After climbing an extravagant staircase, they reached a door down the first floor corridor and Critter stopped and sighed.

 

“She hasn’t eaten, you think you can get her to eat?” he asked.

 

“I should be able to, I was never that good at that, Pockets was much better at getting her to eat.” Skittery sighed.

 

“Right, Pockets.” Critter shook his head. And slowly opened the door and walked into the all consuming darkness and sadness with Skittery not far behind. Once in the room the lead changed from Critter to Skittery, because Critter stood near the door motionless and unable to grasp what to do. While Skittery took strides towards the curtains and pulled them open with force, and then he push open the windows before turning his attention to the bed. She had stirred and even peeked out from the blankets at the sudden un-welcomed light. She gasped as her eyes rested on Skittery standing there in front of her but she made no more effort to move.

 

“Come on now Laces, you won’t even get up to give your favorite newsie a hug?” Skittery asked as he shuffled his feet over to the bed slowly hoping she would stand by herself.

 

“Is that really you?” she asked from underneath her current haven. She sounded distant and scared from underneath her blanket, Skittery stared down at her confused.

 

“What’s the matter with you, of course it is me!” Skittery sat down on the bed now and began to try to pry the blankets off her. He pulled on them and the longer he sat in silence the more she loosened her grip, as if convincing herself that he was truly there the longer she could feel his presence. When he had uncovered her head, she looked at him and smiled.

 

“Morning Skitt,” she said meekly.

 

“Morning Sunshine, it’s almost evening you know.” He said this as he nodded to the windows, where the painted colors of the sky were visible and signaled the setting sun. She seemed to regain the colors in her cheeks, the glitter of her eyes and the altogether life in her face in moments and sat up with ease. 

 

“What are you doing here?” she asked as she sat up.

 

“Well, I was hoping to spend some time with you. But I can see you are rather busy being sad.” Skittery made to stand and Laces jumped out of the bed faster than even Skittery had expected.

 

“I am not sad, I was just not feeling well. Didn’t Critter tell you?” Laces asked. She looked over to Critter with a resentful look.

 

“Yes, I informed him you weren’t feeling well.” Critter nodded.

 

“You’re sure it’s not being sad?” Skittery asked, though he knew the answer and the response would be different.

 

“No, not at all. I had a bit of a fainting spell yesterday, must have been the heat is all.” She smiled brightly.

 

“Oh yes, the heat. Of course you aren’t use to the shore heat being a city girl your whole life.” Skittery nodded and gave an understanding look to Critter. He would pretend to believe her story, knowing that Laces didn’t want to be seen as weak and understanding her need to be her regular self for him.

 

“Yes that must have been it.” Laces nodded.

 

“Well Audrey, you should get dressed for dinner then.” Critter coughed from the door. She looked surprised for a second and then nodded quickly.

 

“Yes, of course.” She sighed.

 

“We’ll take a stroll, heard these grounds are some of the most beautiful on the shore.” Skittery winked at her as he walked out of the room with Critter. She nodded as she looked around and then out of the window, she stared and saw Jacob waving at her from his window. She smiled at him, easing the worried look in his eyes as well and the maid came rushing in muttering about having to get the girl dressed on such short notice. 

 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Critter O’Connell and Skittery had left New York City just in time to miss the explosion. A night after Skittery departed the city seemed to be teeming with youthful life hidden in shadows and sauntering through streets. 

 

“They are heading to Brooklyn.” The whispers of the city were being carried by the wind as the sun set rapidly in the distance. It was an urgent and excited whisper, the fight the climax of the last month was coming. This was the moment, the one that every kid on the streets was waiting for and expecting. There had been small skirmish throughout the city since the moment when all had realized that power had been unseated and was up for the taking. Brooklyn and Manhattan had fought well, had re-established themselves as good fighters as they had always been known. But there was something that was still missing, this moment was what was missing the last true struggle for who was powerful. The others were all coming, each hoping to prove their own strength and wishing that this might be the night that Brooklyn and Manhattan were no longer the voices of rulers but merely of the followers. Each was looking for their own glory and each leader in his own rite had searched and sought the others so that it would be a united front that would fight together against the oppressive rule of Brooklyn and Manhattan and once they were defeated they would fight each other to proclaim a new dynasty.

 

Cap had warned that this might happen, that in a moment of desire for power the others would team up against them. He had suspected that this might be the only way that the others in the city might be able to unseat the current power, and that it must happen soon if they had a chance at destroying the new and naïve leadership. He had warned the birds before even telling Snipes and Slingshot, knowing that the ones who would be able to warn them would be the birds. Brooklyn and Manhattan were as prepared as they would ever be, and if it was their night to face their downfall they would do it with grace but Cap doubted it. He felt the strength of Brooklyn and he saw the resilience of Manhattan whenever he spoke to Snipes.

 

The moment had come suddenly, unexpected almost, but truly nothing was ever a surprise to the birds. They always knew, and so in turn Brooklyn was always prepared. As the others around the city started mobilizing to head to Brooklyn, to the alleys and dark corners where they thought they might attack, the boys of Brooklyn were well on their way to protect themselves in broad daylight. The newsies of Brooklyn were ready for those that might come to oppose them, as they sat and waited for their moment on the bridge.

 

After the whispered wandering had been heard by Brooklyn it was carried to Manhattan, and those boys also were ready to take their stand. It was one of the largest battles that any had seen in the city in over a decade, and it took place on that warm summer night on the Brooklyn Bridge. As the sun set and the light reached the bridge the shadows of the new legends of the day danced. The fight began as the daylight kissed the moonlight on the horizon and boys poured onto the bridge. No one is quite sure when the first punch was thrown, or even who threw it but it was as if the fight had no beginning and no end and just existed on the bridge that night.

 

It was raging for hours, well into when the night sky mingled with morning light. There was the sound of skin beating on skin, as punches flew from every direction. Ammunition from slingshots had long since run out and energies were running low, but the fight remained as no boy was willing to surrender. Slingshot moved with step and punch, his reckless fight becoming more and more dominant as the hours wore in on him. But for every misstep he took and punch he missed, Cap was never far behind to remedy his leader’s folly. Cap was a well-kept shadow in the darkest of the night. Not far from their Brooklyn counterparts Snipes held his ground and lost his temper rarely amongst his enemies. While Sand, though young and still very much untrained compared to others, held his own ground and fought as elegantly as Jack Kelly himself would have at that young of an age. 

 

When the night was at the twitching hour and boys were growing weary, the cavalry arrived from the most unexpected place. Brooklyn and Manhattan were powerful and taking the lead in the fight but tired arms missed targets easily and in the dark it was beginning to take a toll. But at the hour when most were sleeping, guided by the moonlight and unexpected completely arrived the boys from Bronx led by Decker who had a skip in his step. For a rare moment time seemed to slow, as no one was quite sure where the Bronx had been and why they had decided to show up now. It was well known fact of course that Decker had tried to overpower Brooklyn and Manhattan years before and had failed miserably in the attempt and no one had really expected that these boys would attempt again even if new leaders were present. So their arrival on this stage was as strange as if the Jack and Spot had reappeared.

 

Even more strange was that in the moment that seemed possessed with silence and stillness, was as they approached it was with Slingshot and Snipes that Decker stood near. He nodded his acknowledgement to them, a signal of friendship and aid that was well accepted among the boys. So the fight began again, though it never really stopped but this time the strength came beating down and the legends were re-crowned in that quiet moment. Because this time around it was not only the strength of the boys, and the fear that they instilled that crowned the boy kings but their inspired loyalty in forgotten enemies. Brooklyn and Manhattan would reign again, in the last great empire of the New York street kids before the turn of the century caught up with them all.

 

As the sun rose and the bustle of the city seemed to arrive on that very bridge the fight had ended in the same quickness that it had begun. No one knows how it happened but it is told that in a moment of glory Slingshot took down the leader of Midtown and the last of the boys carried their leader away as the light of the morning sun touched the soles of his shoes. In those whispered tales that have never quite been forgotten it is remembered that Slingshot, Cap, Snipes, Sand and Decker stood drenched in morning dew overlooking the city they had won in the dead of the night.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“AUDREY, where are your gloves? I swear to you child if you are not properly dressed in a minutes time you are going to be left behind!” South shouted as one of the maids scampered in search of the missing gloves. Laces stood at the end of the staircase in an elegant gown of the finest silk and trimming. It was slimming, with a high waist and low neckline and she felt as if she had walked off of one of the fashion billboards she had seen on Broadway so many times. Her hair was stunningly curled and brought character to her face that had never been there before but it kept her playfulness with the daisies that had been carefully placed.

 

“Casey might take a belt to you soon child.” Critter commented as he walked out of the study looking dashing and devilish in his fine clothing. 

 

“She worries far too much about what society will think, Jacob has told me that I am well enough liked and need not worry much more about it.” Laces smiled. It was as if the days before, when she had collapsed were only a persistent dream of Critter’s at this point. But from the arrival of Skittery, she had regained color and even a merriment that he had so often missed in this last month. Critter took steps towards her, admiring the way she stood perfectly still on the last step of the stairs as so her dress might drape appropriately around her on the different step behind and in front of her. 

 

“My dear girl, I do believe that you might be society yet.” Critter laughed and slipped his hand into his pocket.

 

“Not without those dreadful gloves.” She rolled her eyes and moved her skirts a bit as her eyes dropped with amusement. She might never change though she might be dressed in fineries and be schooled in eastern thoughts while learning every craft of a desirable wife, Audrey Alexandra Kai would always be Laces.

 

“I do believe you are missing another part of that ensemble you are wearing dear,” Critter said slyly as he held a box in his hand. She looked at him curiously and then glanced into the grand mirror of the entrance at her reflection. None of her boys would believe that she stood there, she felt herself she did not know her own reflection. She appeared as she starred as an oil painting that might be hung upon the great walls of a political building of the homes of the rich. But as she thought it she remembered that she was in the home of the rich, and she herself as a person might be considered as worthy as those oil paintings. 

 

“I’m not wearing gloves but I see nothing else wrong, and as Casey has seen it fit to drill me in the proper etiquette of dress for these affairs I highly doubt I missed anything else.” Laces said. Cricket and Skittery walked out of the study at this point laughing and stopped in their tracks as they beheld her on the steps as well.

 

“Who is this magnificent creature?” Skittery gasped. He had almost tripped over the carpet as he had taken notice of her. Her eyes glittered as she moved with grace that she had been born with but had long forgotten down the step and in front of the three men.

 

“She’s missing something though.” Cricket winked at her. She glared at them and then noticed the box that Critter balanced on his hand.

 

“What’s that?” she asked.

 

“This darling is something we all thought you might do well with.” Critter pulled of a golden chain that at the end had a heart, he turned it around in his fingers.

 

“You use to wear a necklace with a key on it, that Conlon gave you years ago.”  Critter was rubbing on the back of the locket, where engraved was a key that Laces now had her eyes fixated on. 

 

“It isn’t the most societal thing, which is why you might not wear it anymore.” Skittery commented. 

 

“We thought this might be a nice way to still wear it in a way.” Cricket smiled brightly as she looked up and her eyes glittered. Her hand went up to her neck, searching for that necklace which she had worn for years but had since arriving on the shore taken off because Casey had suggested it was less than fashionable. The necklace now rested with letters from Jack, and the photos of her family. Critter took his cue well and fastened the necklace around her neck, adding elegance and emphasis to her chest. 

 

“Now all you’re missing is these gloves, and child I swear if you misplace them again I will not allow you to the next ball! Which is Jacob’s, and I daresay he will be rather disappointed.” South handed off the satin gloves to her ward and walked to Cricket and took his arm. Critter winked at Laces, though he had an amused disapproval in his eye as he turned and followed the Sir and Lady out of their household to the carriage. Skittery took slow steps to her, never once did he look away from her eyes but he was taking in every bit of her.

 

“If only Jack could see you tonight.” Skittery held out his hand which was also gloved and Laces found it strange for him to be in such elegance but happy for his known comfort.

 

“Jack is miles away,” Laces replied as she took the hand.

 

“Are you angry with him now?” Skittery asked noticing the tone in her voice. She didn’t respond though, she smiled softly in a way that was perfectly taught by society as a way a lady responded to an undesired question. So Skittery nodded understanding and led the way to the carriage, but as they were several feet from their adult counterparts, he whispered to her.

 

“You know he would find you breathtaking if he could see you, but Jack always did find you one of the most beautiful girls around.” 

 

“Well we aren’t children anymore.” She sighed before Critter helped her into the carriage beside him. Skittery was confused by the comment and did not understand where the hostility was coming from. He could not understand because it had all happened so quickly, they were not children anymore. Laces had finally come to realize as she stood in that parlor that evening and as the once boys now men of her life presented her with a symbol of not only her childhood but of her adulthood that she no longer could be a child. She had been in love with Jack Kelly, true she still ceased to breathe at every moment she thought of him. She loved him so much still that it was painful, but at that moment when Skittery told her that he thought her beautiful she noticed that he had as a girl, as a child. She had loved Jack Kelly the boy, and at this point as she glanced at Skittery who sat in front of her she knew that she did not know Jack Kelly the man. She barely recognized Skittery the man, he sat poised and elegant, though as dashing and charming as he ever was as a boy there was something different about him. He’s face remained the same, the hands that had known the hard work of the city also had not changed, but something had and though she did not know what it was she knew it had. She knew that now she sat there, and by the look in Skittery’s eyes she knew she had changed as well. 

 

As she thought of this she had stopped breathing and gone pale. Critter slipped his hand into hers and nudged her with his shoulder, worried that she might throw herself into another panic.

 

“I’m beginning to fear these social gatherings might be too much for your weak constitution.” Critter sighed.

 

“Weak?” laughed Skittery.

 

“How can a girl that fell into the East River in the mist of a battle, and ran from a convicted criminal and trained to be a mysterious Brooklyn bird and survived the years of legacy possibly be weak of constitution.”

 

“Maybe because those years caught up to her and she is a woman now,” South commented, as she had seen the look in the Audrey’s eyes and knew what thought had come to her mind.

 

“Nonsense, our girl will always be strong.” Cricket smiled encouragingly at his ward. She smiled back and the color flushed back into her face having everyone talking about her always had made her uncomfortable. She held tightly onto Critter’s hand and he allowed it glad to see though she looked and acted like a grown woman, she was still his Laces and might well always need his protection. If Critter’s boys had never outgrown their guardian he would not have his only girl outgrow him either.

 

The carriage came to a halt in front of a magnificent house with three towers, a Roman fountain, and Parisian columns. It was a slight to behold and currently candle torches lit the carriage entrance road and the grand windows open sight to the dancing and gallivanting of the better society. Laces smiled brightly and seemed to forget her thoughts as her eyes beheld the party itself.

 

“It’s our girl’s first ball.” Cricket laughed as he climbed down.

 

“Be sure to behave yourself in a ladylike manner.” South nodded curtly.

 

“Oh naturally, Miss Audrey surely doesn’t know how to behave in any other way.” Skittery helped her down and she stepped out of the carriage as a glittering picture of perfection. She took a deep breath of the evening air around her and knew that this was the moment to start her adult life, out here in the countryside at the door of this extravagant home on the arm of one of her many guardians.  Miss Audrey Kai entered on the arm of her escort Skittery, her strides into this new world were much different than the turmoil of being discovered in her last world. 

 

As she entered the sitting room, she was noticed by quite a few of the shore’s youth. Many of the young ladies and even some of the young men had met her on the afternoon of the church gathering and all eyes follow her and her unknown escort. No one was more intrigued by her entrance than Jacob Henry, he first was caught off guard by her glittering appearance. He had seen her in those flowing and flowery morning and afternoon dresses, but an evening gown made a girl appear like a princess. She was breathing taking from her curling hair to her dainty shoes and Jacob Henry couldn’t help but smile at her. Then his eyes found her escort, the young confident man who had arrived at the Longfellow estate a few days before. He had watched him that afternoon enter Audrey’s room and saw his positive impact on her state, and he couldn’t help but wonder about their relationship. He felt a pang of jealously and hurt when he thought about how much Audrey had never told him about her life. He didn’t know who this man might be to her, he could be family from the way he had arrived to stay or maybe he was even a suitor. Jacob Henry decided that moment that he would start talking more to Audrey about her life, about his life, and that they would talk more about everything in these days on the shore. But first he was determined to find out who that young man escorting her was and how he was related to her.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Matthew!” Cammie pushed at the leader of Brooklyn.

 

“Don’t call me that, how many times do I got to tell you it’s Slingshot now!” Matt grumbled a bit. 

 

Cammie shrugged and skipped along the streets of Manhattan enjoying her newly found freedom and long awaited relationship with a childhood love. Cammie was beautiful, and perfect by anyone’s standards for the leader of Brooklyn. Cap followed not far behind the new couple and watched with a sad smile. They were happy, and Cap had seen this story unfold before and hoped that this new flickering motion of characters in front of him would be different than the last. Love had suppressed many transitions, Cap had seen it do so, but many times it took its beatings and had to walk away before ending happily. Cammie had been in love with Matthew Kai, and her love had resurfaced when Slingshot had waltzed back into her line of vision. Cap smiled there was no doubt in his mind that the two children in front of him would grow together, would love each other, would hurt each other and he only wished that they might end with each other.

 

As the group came closer to Medda’s and more boys joined them on the street, Cammie stepped back and waved for Cap to catch up. As soon as he was in the lights of the entertainment district of the city, Cammie hooked her arm into his.

 

“Matthew, we have to find Cap here a girl!” Cammie laughed.

 

“Don’t call me THAT! Christ Cammie, how many times!” Slingshot grumble, his temper was rising.

 

“You know what we’re celebrating tonight Cam?” Cap asked her looking amusing at the anger of a Brooklyn leader.

 

“Not particularly.” Cammie shrugged as she looked around to the boys and girls crowding around. 

 

“Tonight is the crowning of the new Kings. Brooklyn has re-established its thrown you see, and that is rather important to us. So you must understand that you are making us look a bit weaker when you insist upon calling our leader Matthew when he is known as Slingshot.” Cap spit at this moment and winked at Slingshot.

 

“No wonder he has such a big head, a king of boys.” Cammie giggled but she seemed to understand as Snipes and Decker joined the group.

 

“So Snipes and I have been talking and we think you’re reputation is worth announcing.” Decker shook hands with Cap and then with Slingshot. Cammie was not acknowledged at first. 

 

“My reputation?” Slingshot looked from face to face.

 

“They mean we should start calling you Slingshot Kai.” Cap nodded as the boys walked in to the vaudeville hall. It was crowded with the boys of Brooklyn, the boys of Manhattan allies of decades enjoying their new found power, their well deserved legacy and the mere joy of being from Brooklyn or Manhattan. The battle had returned their cockiness, their strength, their charm, but more importantly it had gained them another ally and another strength in the boys of the Bronx.

 

“Yes, they should call you Slingshot Kai,” Cammie finally spoke, for in that moment she had noticed that it was not Matthew Kai she had walked in with but rather Slingshot Kai the leader of the Brooklyn newsies.

 

“Do well forgive our manners Miss.” Decker winked and bowed a bit. “Who is this beauty?

 

“I’m Camila. Cammie though unless you’re my mother.” She giggled a bit and was greeted by each of the boys. They had entered and positioned themselves at Spot and Jack’s old table near the bar, where the first round of drinks was passed around as the introductions and finishing talk of business continued.

“She’s your girl then?” An old familiar voice came with the arm that carried the first round of drinks.

 

“She is. You have a problem with that?” Slingshot shot before turning around, and Cap kicked his new leader and threw his hand out to Racetrack Higgins. 

 

“Race! I forgot that you were working here!” Cap grinned like a boy for a second and then his new maturity resettled.

 

“And I never noticed how much time we spent in this joint as young newsies.” Race pulled out a cigar and looked around.

 

“We ain’t that young Race and you ain’t that old.” Snipes laughed a bit. Race looked at him as if seeing him for the first time.

 

“Snipes?” he said his eyes searching for the boy he knew and Cap smiled. He wasn’t the only one that noticed the change it was reassuring to know that some of his old regime noticed his new regime. 

 

“Yeah Racetrack, what’s wrong with you don’t you recognize me?” Snipes asked.

 

“Of course I do, of course. A drink then Bottle Cap?” Race asked, the only boy who didn’t seem unfamiliar to him in the bunch though he had watched many of the others grow up. Cap nodded and stood, though Slingshot looked unhappy with the situation but he nodded his approval and Cap laughed. He would have gone with or without the approval of his new leader but he gave Slingshot the satisfaction of thinking he held power. 

 

Racetrack led the way to the bar, where he order two drinks and handed one to Cap. Cap accepted and thought for a moment of the milestone presented to him in that glass, that he was now no longer considered a child among his peers or among his elder heroes.

 

“So we remain on top?” Racetrack asked as he looked around.

 

“Yes, well Brooklyn and Manhattan do.” Cap corrected softly, he clarified because it was no longer Racetrack’s Manhattan.

 

“And what is Decker doing here?” Race asked.

 

“He has become our newest ally, part of the reason we remain on top. He discovered, no doubt with help from Laces, through the years that it is little worth it to put up a fight with us so he rather join us when he could.” Cap looked over to the leaders table he had just left, Slingshot had his arm nestled around Cammie. Decker was sitting deep in conversation with Snipes, while Sand was being a well trained lookout scanning his surroundings for danger and entertainment.

 

“Have you heard from Laces?” Cap asked suddenly. Race shook his head and looked around, the mention of her name made him think that she might possibly be hanging around the bar itself as she had so many times before.

 

“No I haven’t. I believe that Skittery and Critter are on the shore currently visiting her. I heard her first ball of the season was soon possibly tonight. I did receive a letter from Jack though to try to get to her when I might see her, he doesn’t know where to send them to her so he tends to direct them to me or Skittery.” Race was rambling a bit.

 

“I miss them all too you know.” Cap finally sighed.

 

“Is it different then?” Race asked looking longingly at the boys around him. 

 

“Yes, it is.” Cap nodded. “Are you unhappy?” 

 

“Nah, not unhappy. Just you know that feeling you sometimes get of missing something but you’re not sure when you lost it.” Race laughed at bit.

 

“What you been doing?” Cap asked.

 

“Working here, you know sometimes I run the bar. Medda started some gambling tables I run sometimes. Not a bad gig, I get along well enough.  I see Skittery on occasion, seeing this great girl that I met years ago.” Race nodded.  “What about you?”

 

“I find I’ve turned into Bullseye and I now know how important he truly was to Conlon.” Cap smiled.

 

“You miss him?” Race asked.

 

“You miss Jack?” Cap retorted. There was silence in between the two boys, almost a tribute to their old leaders but more like a meditation on what had been lost. Naturally the boys missed the leaders, missed being told what to do and protected by someone other than themselves and it was a different world when you had to face it for yourself.

 

“Brooklyn doesn’t change.” Race smiled.

 

“Why do you say?” Cap asked.

 

“He’s dating a pretty little thing.” Race nodded towards the girl.

 

“Pretty and complicated he runs right on in Conlon’s footsteps.” Cap laughed a bit. The boys drank and were merry as they celebrated until dawn as the sun rose on the new story of the legacy of the Slingshot Brooklyn and Snipeshooter Manhattan.

 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 If Critter didn’t look down every so often at his dance partner he would have been convinced he was dancing with an unknown beauty. But as he led her around in a fancy waltz, he was amazed that the girl in his arms was the same girl he had once pushed up against a wall. He felt a pang of guilt for mistreating such a lady but when he looked down at her he remembered she hadn’t always been dancing in a grand ballroom and once upon a city she had been more trouble.

 

“That dance card of yours is rather full,” Critter commented as he twirled her a second. From the moment she had entered Jacob Henry had not wasted time making sure he had a few dances with her and that she met his other friends. 

 

“They are being polite,” she retorted. Her eyes glittered a bit though as she said it because even she knew that it was more than being polite. 

 

“I’m not sure I like how pretty you look.” Critter laughed a bit.

 

“I’m not sure that it matters much what you think at all.” She smiled while she said it, a smile that broke even the tough old leader of the birds. He smiled down at her and as the song ended walked her back to where Skittery had returned from a dance with a young lady of society.

 

“That young lady was hoping rather a bit much that I was British.” Skittery laughed. “She seemed rather disappointed to find out that I was just from New York.”

 

“Yes apparently there is a trend among these girls of society to be courted by British titles. Or so Emma tells me.” Laces shrugged off and turned to find Jacob at her side.

 

“I do believe the next dance is mine.” He smiled as he held out his hand.

 

“Oh Jacob, if you would, I might like a break from dancing for a moment.  Only if you don’t mind though?” she asked. Jacob smiled brightly.

 

“Of course, why don’t we take a small stroll, then you can get some fresh air. I’m sure you feel stuffy in here anyway, being use to running around free.” Jacob whispered the last part, knowing well enough that South and Cricket were listening and that even Critter and Skittery were watching him unnervingly close.

 

“Oh that would be wonderful.” Laces nodded and carefully took the arm that Jacob offered her and he quickly ushered her away out a pair of double doors. Skittery made an attempt to follow them but was cut off by Casey who reminded him that he owed her a dance. As Skittery escorted her past Cricket and Critter to the dance floor, she whispered to the two of them.

 

“You leave them alone, don’t even think about following her out there.” Cricket and Critter fumed a bit but did as they were told. South was not sure what to think of Jacob, or of his relationship to Laces but she knew better than the boys how determined a young man of society could be. Even more she knew that the more confined Laces was, the more she would rebel and it was not worth the trouble to restrict her relations when it would only lead to more rebellion.

 

Jacob led her outside to the balcony that wrapped around the back of the mansion, where many others were sitting and lounging away from the heat. She looked around and smiled, even here in the lap of luxury the same habits were formed because many of the young elite and fortunate sat puffing away at their cigarettes. The smoking of the rich might be more refined being done by the women with the fancy and fashionable holder so as not to touch the cigarette but to Laces it seemed all the same, rich or poor it was an escape and something different. 

 

“Are you smiling because you are such a hit?” Jacob asked her. Laces didn’t hear him though because she was concentrating on the smoke rising from a particular cigarette, here the smell, the sight sent her a vivid reminder of the world she had left behind. She was hearing the sound of boys laughing, she could feel them around her, and she laughed a bit. 

 

“And now you laugh?” Jacob asked puzzled as he tired to see what she was seeing. With this question she snapped out of her trace and turned her attention back to him.

 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh at you. I was just remembering something.” She smiled brightly at him.

 

“I have found Miss Audrey that often times I find myself outside of your thoughts, left wondering what it is that you see that I don’t.” Jacob sighed, a frustrated sighed that Laces recognized.

 

“I have a bit of mystery to me Sir Jacob, I might say that might be why I’m so socially acceptable.” She winked.

 

“Oh, is that why you are the hit of the party, and I thought it was merely because you look stunning.” Jacob laughed, ignoring the nagging feeling he had that there was so much he didn’t know about the girl who stood in front of him.

 

“There is a charm that I have about me. I might have danced with even more charming men had some certain young male not felt so inclined on claiming so many dances for the night.” She teased him a bit as she slipped her hand into his. She knew that he was frustrated with her, more than that though she had seen that flash of worry in his eye and she sighed inward. She had gained another protector, another person to worry without ever desiring to but now she had to make sure he didn’t worry about her. Jacob held her hand and laughed.

 

“Half these other young men are not suitable for the young Longfellow Ward, Miss Audrey Kai, to be socializing with. They are not of good manners and socially unacceptable for such a maiden.” Jacob shrieked mockingly.

 

“I must say, I could just find a suitable British Duke or Count, they might even be considered better company than a current Sir Jacob Henry Canterbury. A young Canterbury that may I say is often the centerpiece of hushed gossip among of the sociable young ladies.” Audrey laughed.

 

“And what pray tell are these young ladies saying?” Jacob asked but before the two young people got further into conversation another gentlemen approached them.

 

“Miss Kai?” He asked. Audrey looked up at the young man and smiled politely, though she was annoyed to be disturbed in the middle of teasing Jacob.

 

“Yes?” 

 

“I’m Lord Gregory Bishop, I believe that I have the pleasure of the waltz that is beginning?” The man smiled. Audrey brought up her dance card, and stared at it a moment, realizing for the first time this night that Jacob had apparently had more gentlemen sign than she had at first noticed.

 

“Yes, Lord Gregory Bishop. I apologize, I believe we haven’t met quite yet this evening?” She held out her hand carefully. Lord Gregory took it and bowed politely, and Jacob almost choked on his laughter.

 

“It was entirely my fault darling, Lord Gregory is a friend of Thomas. You remember him? Thomas and I were speaking about how charming you were and he requested a dance. Lord Gregory, this is Miss Audrey Kai from New York, a rather charming young lady.” Jacob was trying desperately to not look guilty. Audrey took Lord Gregory’s offered hand but not before stomping over Jacob’s foot in what seemed like an accidental misstep.

 

As Laces walked back into the ballroom on the arm of Lord Gregory, she heard the whispers and giggles of the groups of girls she passed. She couldn’t help but smile, for the comments were mostly about how Miss Audrey gained such popularity. It was true, her dance card was full, it possibly was overly full and she owed dances to young men she might never dance with. But the more important speculation among the young ladies of society was how many of the eligible and desirable unmarried young men she seemed to be snagging. 

 

“And where are you from exactly Lord Gregory?” she asked as they positioned in the middle of the dancing crowd. 

 

“I’m from Northern Scotland,” he responded. He was stiff and seemed uncomfortable in his own skin, much like many of the young men she had been introduced to in this new world.  They danced in silence for a few moments, Audrey being aware and well educated enough to know that it was of course her responsibility as the young lady to formulate and control the introductory conversation.

 

“You are named after an English princess, was your family English?” Lord Gregory commented. His body seemed to ease at the comment and suddenly his stiffness disappeared and he gracefully led her along the dance floor.

 

“I believe we’ve been American now for quite a few more generations than I can remember,” she responded being taken back by such an oddity in formal conversation.

 

“She has a festival you know, Princess Audrey. I believe she might even be a saint of some sort, though my religious inclination is left for wanting.” He was starring at her now.

 

“And you’re a Lord? I know very little about Lords, and the English really.” She responded.

 

“It’s something of how your American society works, families with money. But you see Lords and such from England are once rich families that no longer have much income left,” he stated blatantly.

 

“Do you live in a Castle?” She asked suddenly remembering talk of how the girls wanted to marry English society to live in Castles and have romantic relationships on foreign shores. He laughed a friendlier laugh than his solemn face would have ever lent him, and she smiled despite herself.

 

“Castle, yes. A run down old estate, where windows need mending and doors don’t open. But it must have been grand once. As far as living there, not much these days though I spend my times traveling around the world. Currently here on business and searching for a wife to be a lady.” The song was slowing now and she was starting to like this strange man, he had dropped his act and seemed as honest and blunt as the boys whose memories she was desperately trying to hold on to.

 

“You seem less then happy about the prospect,” she stated.

 

“I’m less than happy to do as I am told by society, by family and by duty. A wife matters little to me, but I suppose if I find a woman able to capture my attention then I will do as I must.” He sighed. She said nothing but followed his steps back to where Critter stood waiting for her, He was charming the lady next to him.

 

“Very rude of me though to talk of things that such a beautiful girl doesn’t understand. I apologize, I’m afraid I wasn’t a very good dance partner.” He stated before they reached the table. She stopped at this point and stared at him.

 

“How would a man like you ever know what I understand? I believe that what you just said might have been the rudest part of the entire dance.” She spat at him.

 

“Well. I apologize than Miss Audrey, no offense was intended.” He looked bewildered by the sudden outburst. 

 

“Why did you want to dance with me anyway?” she suddenly asked.  Lord Gregory must have gaped at her a bit at this point. There she was standing in a ball gown, draped in fineries, glittering with fury and he was confused to what emotion he should be feeling anger or amusement.  The couple stood staring at each other and were not noticed by the rest of society, but South had noticed the change in their tones from across the hall and was making her way quietly and quickly towards them.

 

“Well my lady, you seemed to be more than just a pretty face. And maybe I did think you might understand me.” And with that Lord Gregory bowed a bit and walked away towards his next dance partner. Audrey stood there quite still for moments, she didn’t know where she was anymore and she understood what was happening even less. After what seemed an endless moment to her, Skittery had taken her hands and was leading her in a dance. South never made it all the way, but she had seen the abrupt manner in which the Lord had parted and even though it seemed seamless to everyone else she knew that Skittery had saved Laces, because he had seen her coming. 

 

“What was that about?” Skittery asked her. She smiled, looking about a minute and realizing she was still at the same ball and she was in a dance with an old face. 

 

“Nothing. Nothing at all,” she responded.

 

“South was heading over here, she might not accept that answer,” Skittery commented.

 

“Well she is just going to have to isn’t she.” She smiled and winked. Skittery shook his head.  Laces finished dancing the night away with the finest, best looking young men in society. She was a hit and charming as ever and the Longfellow couple knew that she was ready for her own ball to be held soon.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Sitting atop a horse on a horizon that seemed to never end and held no interruptions made sunsets something magnificent to city boys no matter how many times they had seen it already. Jack sat comfortably upon his caramel horse, heaving a bit from his galloping and waving the cattle in from moments before. Spot was leaning into the black mane of his horse, taking in gulps of air fresher than any he had ever had in his entire life. While David was not as intent on the sun, but scanned the horizon with the last bits of radiant light to ensure that they had accomplished their job and there were no animals left astray.

 

Dreams of being a cowboy were long gone from Jack Kelly’s mind for dreams had become reality in an instant of a moment. Dirt of the west was now encrusted into boots that had never touched city mud, and the Santa Fe sun had drenched once bright-lit faces in hues of brown and gold. One look at the men on horses and not one person would suspect that they had even been near a city, and less that they had lived in one for most of their lives. It had been a month since these men had arrived on this scene, more wandering cattle workers who stumbled upon a job somewhere in the western territories. No one questioned them much, work was openly available and the community was well use to and welcoming of wandering cowboys.

 

Jack Kelly, Spot Conlon and David Jacobs had settled well here with these new people in a place that barely had a main road that was considered a town. The town consisted of a jail, that often housed only a drunk or two, a saloon with two tables and four bar stools, a general store, an inn with a closet dedicated to state business, a post office, a church that doubled as a school on Saturdays and a post for railroad business. Yes, they had traveled far from New York City, but they couldn’t seem to fit more. Somewhere in the travel on the trains they had picked up more acceptable clothing to men working the open range, and had lost some of their city speak. 

 

Working had aged them only in body while the fresh air had made them younger in spirit and the new adventure made their eyes glow with enthusiasm only found in youth. 

 

“We start work for Jonathan Timbers soon?” Jack sighed. The night sky was well upon them and the stars were brilliant.

 

“We get settled tomorrow afternoon, Mrs. Timbers offered us the barn. But well no one works on Sunday, and they wanted us to meet the family.” David sighed.

 

“The Timbers, they have all the children?” Spot asked.

 

“I believe they have 6, mostly girls but I believe they had two boys though not over the age of 10,” David responded.

 

“Well, we can look forward to a home cooked meal, Mrs. Timbers is known for her pies.” Jack smiled. There was silence for a few moments as the men admired the night sky.

 

“I could almost follow the north star home from here.” Spot sighed. He out of the three men was the one more prone to homesickness. Spot Conlon never knew how much New York City had been his family, until he had no buildings around him and he could suddenly see the stars above him clearly.

 

“You’d lose sight of it once you hit the city buildings.” David sighed. He missed his family, but he wrote to them often and had received a few letters from them since leaving, his connection to the city was strong.

 

“It’s getting late.” Jack commented again on food. He rarely allowed his mind to wander to the city, possibly because he had suddenly found himself living his dream. But in honest truth, Jack knew if he thought of the city he too would be like Spot, longing for his buildings, his boys, and most of all for Laces.

 

“Or we’re getting old.” Spot chuckled, as he clicked a bit at his horse and took off in a gallop towards a warm light in the middle of darkness.

 

“Maybe both.” David agreed and took off as well. Jack nodded, but before following his friends, he noticed a shooting star and caught himself wishing to be home.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The sun was beating down on the beach and even underneath a ridiculous sun hat Audrey Kai could still feel the summer heat. She was carefully walking along the shore, clutching three picnic baskets wishing society would allow her to remove not only the ridiculous hat but also the unnecessary shoes. She just wanted to sink her feet into the sun and feel the sea she often slipped away from the Longfellow home and sat on the beach to stare at the ocean. The smell, the sound all reminded her of the city a raw power just beyond her reach.

 

“These stupid baskets.” She thought to herself as she trudged along, she had been chosen out of the crowd to help Mrs. Samson with the baskets for this youth picnic. The picnic on the shore was a sponsored event being thrown by the Samson family, another matchmaking event for their three daughters. And somehow Laces had been in the wrong place at the wrong time and due to the constraints of society had been more than willing to help.

 

“Would you like some help carrying those?” Came a familiar voice, though Laces couldn’t place from where.

 

“Lord Gregory?” Laces looked at him surprised.

 

“And Princess Audrey.” He nodded and grinned a bit. 

 

“Well, not quite a princess,” she responded as he took two of the baskets in her hands.

 

“My mistake, of course not. It’s just a way to remember your name of course, though you do have an air of royalty that is unmistakable in you,” he mumbled the last part but Laces had heard it. She looked at him curiously.

 

“My apologies for the last time we parted, I fear I might have insulted you,” she said abruptly, remembering the lecture from South about always maintaining a cheery disposition with all of one’s dance partners.

 

“Oh no. I might have been rather harsh with you and for that I apologize.” He shook his head. They walked along the beach for a few minutes in silence. Laces stared at the ocean for a moment before glancing at her escort. Sir Lord Gregory Bishop was a tall man, elegant in all forms, from his dainty clothing to his well set jaw.

 

“May I ask where we are heading with these baskets my lady?” He finally spoke.

 

“Right the baskets, surprising how easily I forgot them once I didn’t need to hold them. Here we are suppose to put these three here, where the blankets were laid.” 

 

Three blankets had just been set by another young lady of society, and Lord Gregory placed the two baskets he had and Laces arranged the three nicely in the center of each blanket.

 

“Thank you for your help Lord Gregory.” Laces nodded politely.

 

“You’re welcome, the least I could do. I must go greet some others who have just arrived, hopefully we will see each other later.” With that he walked away and Laces heard a girl laughing from behind her. She spun around to see the youngest Samson daughter Elizabeth.

 

 

                                    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Jasper stood tall on the rooftop of the nest watching the sunrise in front of him. He took in a deep breath and pulled out a cigarette. The air in New York City even seemed to smell different these days, and he could no longer seem to concentrate as much as he once had. This morning he was waiting, for his owls to come in to make their reports but these days less and less seemed to be happening in the streets of the city. It almost seemed that the years of turmoil, the years of blood and battles had long since passed and the birds were almost obsolete. But only experience could make Jasper weary of his current situation. When there was silence, that only meant the storm brewing was bigger than could be imagined and that things that the unimagined would be seen and the violence would be felt.

 

Moments into his thoughts, Firecracker came tumbling out of what may seem like thin air.

 

“Is something s’matter?” Jasper asked her calmly. Firecracker stood and composed herself for a moment and then cracked a smile at her fearless leader.

 

“Well, nothing is really s’matter.” She smiled.

 

“There isn’t a reason you came tumbling onto this rooftop, didn’t Critter teach you anything?” Jasper asked annoyed a bit.

 

“If you don’t want to hear what I’ve got to say, I don’t have to tell you nothing,” Firecracker retorted. Jasper glared at her a moment, the kind of glare that only a parent or leader could ever really give accurately.  She shuffled her feet a bit and then smiled brightly again. 

 

“Yeah, right. Daisy had me keeping on an eye out for Cammie, Dais seems to think there might some kind of problem something to do with history of Brooklyn girls. Though I can’t say I remember too many conflicts involving Brooklyn girls.” Firecracker was rambling a bit at this point.

 

“Fire, you have about ten more seconds before I just push you off this rooftop.” Jasper sighed.

 

“Yes, back to what I was saying. Dais has me watching Cammie, and though nothing has happening in particular to her Daisy thought it important for me to tell you that the girl has a habit of traveling alone a lot. Particularly at night, Daisy says there is something in the wind.” Firecracker finished sounding confused.

 

“Yea the wind.” Jasper nodded and waved his hand a bit. Firecracker looked relieved and traveled down the stairs to the nest to take a nap. Jasper scanned the buildings again and sighed, he threw his cigarette down and crushed it into the ground.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Mother underestimated you.” The young Samson girl stated as she helped Laces arrange the baskets on the blankets.

 

“What do you mean Elizabeth?” Laces asked.

 

“You know why she asked you to help?” Elizabeth asked, as she dusted herself off.

 

“Because she wanted help?” Laces asked, slightly annoyed with the girl in front of her. Elizabeth Samson was 17 years old, the youngest of three daughters, and slight know it all.

 

“Come now Miss Audrey, my mother had three daughters you can’t guess why she might ask the young beautiful Longfellow ward to help?” Elizabeth asked, looking playfully at Laces. Laces frowned.

 

“I have no idea what you are suggesting Elizabeth,” she said shortly.

 

“Ah, but see you do. Otherwise you wouldn’t sound so short. But please call me Liz, I feel that we might be kindred spirits.” Elizabeth looked sincere. When Laces didn’t respond but just stared at her.

 

“I finished reading this novel where the girl had so many kindred spirits, I thought I might start collecting them myself. Father says I read too much, and that men don’t like women who read. I think he might be wrong, you seem to be a well learned, I even heard you read newspapers.” Elizabeth was rambling at this point and suddenly Laces stopped her.

 

“Liz, you’re mother asked me to help?” she asked.

 

“Right, well Miss Audrey, mother was trying to keep you busy while Abigail and Gretchen mingle, get in their charm with certain young men before you had the chance to steal away all the attention.” Liz shrugged. Laces giggled.

 

“See you are a kindred spirit! I knew it. Laughing at mother is how I spend most of my time.” Elizabeth sighed.

 

“You shouldn’t laugh at your mother.” Laces sighed, she sounded like South. But part of her heart believed that particular statement.

 

“Well I suppose I shouldn’t, if she weren’t so silly I might not.” Elizabeth shrugged.

 

“Why would your mother want you to help, if she wanted your sisters to be charming? Shouldn’t you also be mingling?” Laces asked patiently.

 

“Well, I am too talkative according to mother and father. Also they believe I’m too young, and of course they have to marry off my sisters first, proper society you know. Its all right, I find most of these men dull. Though Sir Jacob Henry, he seems interesting. Is he?” Elizabeth asked.

 

“He’s more trouble than he’s worth,” Laces said distractedly as she looked over at the group of young people formulating.

 

“You find me too talkative as well?” Elizabeth sighed.

 

“No, no I’m sorry. I was just thinking, what does it matter if I am charming.” Laces smiled brightly. “Forgive me Liz, please call me Audrey.”

 

“Of course! I felt we might be wonderful friends since that afternoon at the church where you left with Emma to play with Jacob and the other young men. My sisters thought you were dreadful, but I knew better. They were just jealous.” Elizabeth kept talking as they walked over to the group and Laces nodded every so often, until they reach the group again where Jacob and Lord Gregory walked over to her almost immediately.

 

“Miss Audrey, might I join your group for the picnic, I’m afraid I still don’t know too many people here,” Lord Gregory asked. She smiled politely.

 

“Of course, Lord Gregory feel free.” Laces winked at Jacob, as he looked disgruntled that someone else had offered her his arm first. Jacob, kindly offered his arm to Elizabeth after being introduced himself. Emma and Thomas, a college friend of Jacob’s, joined them as well on their picnic blanket. The young people sat and chatted the afternoon away. As the sun began to set, they set to walking along the beach and Jacob attempted to swap partners so that he might get to speak to Audrey but no such luck was bestowed on him. Instead Audrey remained on the arm of Lord Gregory for the rest of the twilight, as they walked leading the group arm in arm.

 

“So are you truly here looking for a wife?” Laces asked suddenly.

 

“I am here to enjoy myself, what are you here for?” Lord Gregory responded smartly.

 

“I’m here to be,” but Laces caught herself for a moment.

 

“To be?” Lord Gregory encouraged her.

 

“To be part of a wonderful season on the shore.” Laces saved herself.

 

“I find it impossible that you are as shallow as that,” Lord Gregory responded.

 

“And I doubt you don’t believe in marriage,” Laces retorted.

 

“So we are both good actors. We agree upon one thing,” Lord Gregory responded. They walked in silence for a few minutes, as the sunlight was sucked from the sky around them.

 

“You are more enjoyable than I thought a Lord would be,” Laces finally said, as soon as the words escaped her mouth she wanted to bite her tongue. If South were near her, she was sure that she would have hit her upside the head. 

 

“And you are nothing like I thought an American girl would be,” Lord Gregory stated.  “So, we are both surprised.”

 

“I feel that I might have insulted you again,” Laces responded.

 

“If you insulted me, than I insulted you. So we are even once again, we tend to say what we feel rather than what is expected, and if you don’t mind Miss Audrey, I rather prefer it that way.” Lord Gregory nodded.

 

“Yes well.” She was left speechless.

 

“I apologize, I speak out of turn when I am with you quite often. I feel that you make me too comfortable, please know my manners are much more refined than this.” Lord Gregory apologized as they were coming back to the group of chaperones.

 

“I’m sure mine are as well, outside of when I’m in your presence.” Laces laughed.

 

“Miss Audrey, might I be able to call on you sometimes?” Lord Gregory asked, as he slipped her arm out of his. Laces smiled politely and nodded, thinking nothing of it.

 

“Of course, whenever you please Lord Gregory.” With that Lord Gregory bent down and kissed her hand good bye. Seconds later, Jacob slide up next to her.

 

“You will pay for making me spend the night with Elizabeth Samson,” he whispered. Laces giggled.

 

“She must have been charming,” she whispered back. South was walking towards the two of them, and before she took her last step to them Jacob coughed.

 

“The stables tonight?” he asked, or stated in-between coughs because there was no time to respond as South was near them and Emma had finished saying her good-byes to Thomas. The three young people rode home with South, joking politely and talking nonsense but still enjoying the ride. Jacob and Emma were dropped off and as they left, South began to question Laces about Lord Gregory.

 

“You were walking with Lord Gregory tonight, I didn’t know you two were that well acquainted.” South peered at Laces. Laces could feel the peer and knew that South was sitting in front of her as a bird tonight, looking for answers without asking questions. But lest, South often forgot Laces was trained by birds and not by any bird, but by Critter O’Connell and Chesapeake, the best of teachers. If anyone had taught her anything in her life, it was Critter and Chesa, and it was how to hide a secret.

 

“Well, I suppose we didn’t. We conversed at the ball a bit, and well today before the picnic. He doesn’t know anyone too well, so we had already been talking I just seemed obvious.” Laces shrugged as she jumped out of the carriage into Cricket’s arms.

 

“Look at you, a sight for sore eyes. Come play a game of poker, will you?” Cricket asked.

 

“I was never very good at remembering poker, but throw in some whiskey and I’m in.” Laces responded giggling.

 

“Thomas Longfellow, you will not give her any whiskey tonight. She is doing sewing circle tomorrow at the church, and I will not have her showing up cheerless and un-charming because she spent the night drinking with you,” South stated.

 

“She won’t drink that much, will you?” Cricket winked.

 

“Not terrible much.” Laces nodded. “Won’t you play South, I know there is still a bottle of southern comfort left.”  South looked undecided for a second and then laughed.

 

“Fine, we’ll play. But a betting game, you lose first hand and you don’t drink past that game.” South stated as they walked into the mansion.

 

“And if I win the first game, I can drink the whole night away and don’t have to attend the sewing circle tomorrow?” Laces said. She knew that South couldn’t resist the Southern Comfort and then that she couldn’t resist the bet.

 

“That’s a bit steep Laces.” Cricket laughed.

 

“The sewing circle is for charity,” South responded.

 

“And anyone who needs charity shouldn’t have anything sewn together by me anyhow,” Laces responded. “Bet, or no Bet?”

 

“You’re on Laces Kai, but know that if you lose more than one hand, you will be there the whole afternoon and not just the first hour as before planned,” South added.

 

“And what if I win these games girls?” Cricket asked amused.

 

“Since when don’t you state your gains?” South pushed Cricket playfully.

 

“If I win, we’ll go play racquet ball this Saturday instead of the tea?” Cricket stated.

 

“Very well, but if you lose, it’s the tea for both of you.” South winked. “Now let me go change.” She strolled up the staircase and Cricket looked down at Laces.

 

“Well played baby doll, very well played. Though I’m not sure I like how well you can get your way with South.” Cricket winked.

 

“She knows I can’t play poker well, so I’m not sure who played it better.” Laces laughed, though any liquor she was allowed these days was well fought for. South rarely let her partake in drinking, saying that young ladies of society were not to drink in public, proper young ladies took better care than to do that. Laces often fought that obviously South cared little about being proper herself in her younger days, but often her protests about hypocrisy were ignored. 

 

Cricket led her to his study, where he poured her a generous drink thinking that it might be her only one.

 

“How was the picnic?” he asked. Laces settled down and reached for the cards on the table to shuffle.

 

“Dull and frivolous. Cricket, when can I go into the city with you?” Laces asked as she accepted her drink.

 

“The season just started here, believe me princess it will go by faster than you think.” Cricket avoided her question. He often did, he had been teaching Laces to ride horses in the past days and she asked him constantly about going back into the city but he often ignored the question. Thomas Longfellow still went into the city at least once a week for business and often he thought about taking Laces, but with him working all day she would be left in the city by herself and no one felt she would be safe. South often committed Laces to some social obligation the same days Thomas went into the city for business to keep her busy and without ability to go with him and thus far that Longfellows had kept Laces away from temptation.

 

South walked into the room, wearing a pair of old trousers and a big shirt and it was as if a shadow of history had come alive.

 

“Why South McCain, I didn’t even know you still owned clothing like that.” Cricket whistled. 

 

“Are we here to talk about clothing or poker?” South laughed.

 

“I’m here for the whiskey, poker just happens to be involved,” Laces commented and the two adults in the room snapped out of their moment. South glared at her and Cricket grinned.

 

“I would not get to comfortable with that glass child, I am a mighty poker player.” South growled as she sat down and took the cards from her and re-shuffled them.

 

“Yeah once upon a blue moon, back in the days when you were not so interested in hand gloves and petticoats.” Laces rolled her eyes.

 

“Watch your tongue.” Cricket sighed, as he lit a cigarette and looked down at his cards. Laces looked down at her cards, not bad a decent hand and as she sipped more whiskey she decided she wanted to win. Racetrack Higgins had taught Laces how to play the game of poker so many times it was impossible to count, though she never was good at remembering the game. It wasn’t until Shady taught her the art of distraction that Laces started winning hands with her trickery rather than her skill. She could hear Racetrack mumbling about what her cards would win and odds, but she heard Shady saying it wasn’t about your cards as much as how you played the game. She decided to listen to both and not only try to get a good hand, but also try to win with distraction and she knew just how she would do it.

 

“So at the picnic today Sir Lord Gregory spent quite a bit of time talking to me,” she simply stated.

 

“You shouldn’t believe what the other girls say about English Lords Laces, they are all worse than scabs.” Cricket puffed at his cigarette slowly.

 

“Sir Lord Gregory seems rather brash,” South commented without taking her eyes off her cards.

 

“He is actually rather interesting, and didn’t seem to want to associate with many others today.” Laces persisted and carefully tugged at Cricket’s cigarette to signal wanting a puff. Cricket looked disapprovingly at her but handed over his cigarette.

 

“I don’t think you should smoke,” Cricket said sternly.

 

“Well thinking is nice,” Laces snapped.

 

“Audrey.” Cricket growled as she took more than one puff and she conceded and handed it back.

 

“Rather mouthy tonight aren’t we?” South said. “Maybe it’s the liquor.”

 

“I might be distracted, so might it be acceptable if Sir Lord Gregory starts paying me calls. He asked formally tonight and I agreed.” Laces stated right before the last moment of the game. South choked on her drink a bit and Cricket finally looked away from his cards.

 

“What do you mean he wants to start calling?” Cricket asked.

 

“Show you’re cards,” Laces stated.

 

“Were you indicating that you were interested?” South asked.

 

“I was told to play the part to society,” Laces said as she laid down her cards, South and Cricket also put down their cards but were not looking down.

 

“But you were being proper?” South asked.

 

“To hell with being proper, what do we know about him?” Cricket asked.

 

“I win.” Laces clapped her hands and scooped up the cards without hesitation.

 

“You what?” South asked but her cards were no longer on the table.

 

“You little cheat.” Cricket tapped his fingers on the table where his cards had been.

 

“I did no such thing. And Lord Gregory did ask to call. I believe he might be coming some time this week.” Laces smiled brightly as she drank the last sip of her whiskey. Cricket shook his head as South took her glass.

 

“I don’t believe I want you to have anymore. And you must be sure to act proper around Sir Gregory at all times, he’s an Englishman he has impeccable manners.” South took a sip from her own drink.

 

“The bet was I could drink if I won the first hand, I won if you saw it or not.” Laces retorted taking her glass back.

 

“Same bet for this game?” Cricket said quickly sensing danger. Without a word South began shuffling cards and dealing, she was glaring at Laces but years of training had taught her to respect the rules even if someone had cheated. Laces shook her glass a bit signaling for more, for she knew that it would be her last glass. Cricket frowned at her but poured her a second glass, not as generous as the first by far but still plenty. This game was silent, tension and annoyance were thick and Laces enjoyed her glass of whiskey rather than paying much attention to the game she knew there was little to no chance she could win the hand.

 

Surprisingly enough Laces did win the next hand, and South was more than a little annoyed while Cricket was amused. The bet was called this time, South committing Laces to cross-stitching lessons all week, and Laces demanded drinks every night, while Cricket asked for little and sat back to watch the competition. After a few more rounds, Laces had lost and was not being allowed any more whiskey past her third glass and was sentenced to the cross-stitching lessons all week. But Cricket had won them no tea on Sunday, and somewhere along the fifth hand it had been compromised to only half the afternoon tomorrow.

 

“To bed then, I’ve had more than enough. Though I must say, Racetrack taught you well.” South shook her head at Laces, still bitter over the first hand that was won unfairly.

 

“And you should have learned to lose more gracefully.” Laces rolled her eyes.

 

“Good night Casey.” Cricket stood to usher his wife from the room knowing Laces treaded on thin ice. As he led her away, Laces picked up the cards and empty glasses. Setting the bottles of liquors back onto the fancy office cart, she stared out the window and saw the candle flickering towards the stables. She stared at the clock and knew that it was about ten and Jacob would be waiting for her. She looked around the room and saw a coat sitting on the chair and she moved to take it.

 

“Why would you be needing a coat to go to bed?” Cricket asked, as he had slipped back into the room undetected.

 

“To bed?” Laces repeated, searching for an answer with her eyes darting towards the window.

 

“Didn’t Critter teach you not to look where you don’t want others to look?” Cricket asked as he walked towards the window and pointed out into the darkness to the spot of light in the stables.

 

“I don’t know what you are talking about Cricket,” Laces responded as she starred around the room desperately looking for something else to focus on.

 

“Such a disappointment, being trained by Critter O’Connell and Chesapeake. Though that game was well played, that would have made Chesa proud.” Cricket sat on the window sill and watched his ward fidget under his gaze.

 

“Cricket, I think I might be going to bed,” she said uncomfortably.

 

“I will walk you to your room,” Cricket said making a movement to stand up.

 

“No, no need.” Laces shook her head.

 

“Because you aren’t going to bed,” Cricket responded.

 

“Of course I am,” Laces responded.

 

“So no one is waiting for you out in the stable, if I were to go out there and check,” Cricket asked.

 

“Cricket,” Laces responded.

 

“You know you are my responsibility now. South would throw a fit if she knew you were going out to meet someone in that stable, and its him isn’t it?” Cricket asked looking sincerely at her.

 

“Him who?” Laces asked.

 

“If you are trying to be coy with me, I could get Casey. She will not be so tolerant,” Cricket responded.

 

“Tolerance isn’t something that runs in the family,” Laces mumbled.

 

“Now young lady, I ask again were you going out to the stables?” Cricket looked mad and though Laces rarely saw her guardian angry it did not seem to make a difference. At the words young lady, something had snapped in her.

 

“Do you know that I spent nights on the street of New York City, before I meet the boys I slept outside and dealt with the big bad scary world by myself,” she started, her words were angry and she was moving towards Cricket. “I’ve been in and out of alleys in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Midtown, and the Bronx. I have been in the refuge, and spent time with the harshest pick pocketing gang of New York. I’ve seen people die, and I’ve almost died one or more times myself. And let me tell you something Thomas Longfellow, I have spent many nights by myself with a boy, so what exactly are you afraid of?” At this point Laces was nose to nose with Cricket. He had not taken a step back, he had not said a word, and his eyes hadn’t moved from hers.

 

“Do you love him?” Cricket finally asked. As he looked towards the stable where the light was flickering.

 

“Love who?” Laces took a step back, and looked small again. Cricket turned from her and sat down in his chair where he poured himself another glass, but made no attempt to offer her any. He didn’t say anything, but he took a few slips of his drink and stared intently at her. Thomas Longfellow had never been an angry person, but he had his moods and he knew how to get through to his girl without the yelling and violence of Critter.

 

“I love Jack,” she whispered, she had gone pale and she sat down next to Cricket. He still didn’t say a word though. “Who would you think I love?” she asked. At this question she slid her hand over his drink and took a swig of it.

 

“I don’t know who you love.” Cricket shook his head. They were silent for a second.

 

“I don’t even remember what he smells like, and sometimes I can’t remember what his eyes looked like,” Laces whispered the words again, in fear that they might be true if she said them louder. Cricket nodded and poured more whiskey into the now empty glass. 

 

“Can you remember anything?” Cricket asked.

 

“He was taller than me, and he was strong, his arms would wrap around me. And he made me feel like home.” Laces took another sip.

 

“Jacob is waiting.” Cricket stated.

 

“Jacob?” Laces looked confused and then saw the light and remembered.

 

“And I am afraid, you don’t know who you are in love with and who is in love with you.” Cricket had stood up and walked out of the room.  Laces blinked a few times, ignored her gut and grabbed the half empty bottle of whiskey and crawled out the window. She walked carefully over to the stable.

 

“I was beginning to think something had happened to you.” Jacob swung down from the beam he had been sitting on. He smiled brightly at her and then noticed the bottle of whiskey in her hand.

 

“Why you have brought with you something rather unladylike.”

 

“Are you going to lecture, or would you like some yourself? If I recall you are anything but a gentleman,” she spat as she opened the bottle and took a swig.

 

“We are cheerful, did something bother thee?” Jacob took the bottle from her and took a swig of it himself. 

 

“I am not a child, and I can take care of myself,” she stated, taking another swig. Her hair had flown into her face and she looked fierce, but Jacob was trying not to smile.

 

“Of course you can, did someone dare suggest you couldn’t?” he said blatantly. She looked at him surprised.

 

“Well, yes,” she stated.

 

“Little do they know you, I’ve never met anyone more able to take care of herself than you. You are unlike so many of the girls here. You can do anything I could ever do. Certainly you can out drink me by the looks of it.”  Jacob was speaking in truth, he was not smiling and he sounded sincere.

 

“A trait many years in the making I can assure you.” She laughed.

 

“Am I about to hear about the mysterious past of Miss Audrey Kai?”  Jacob joked.

 

“There is no mystery,” she replied.

 

“Yes of course not, every well bred girl in society knows how to drink. Can tell me how to get around in New York City, and doesn’t know how to tie her own kid boots.” Jacob rolled his eyes.

 

“I had a different type of finishing school.” She laughed.

 

“You didn’t attend finishing school.” Jacob shook his head, as he sat next to her.

 

“So what if I didn’t, silly type of things they teach you there,” she snapped.

 

“Yes, just how to land a husband from what I hear. I suspect you need little help in that subject.” Jacob took the last bit of the whiskey bottle, and set down an empty bottle. There was silence for a few moments between them and then suddenly Jacob spoke.

 

“I didn’t know that you and Sir Gregory were so well acquainted,” he stated.

 

“Neither did I, I believe he is going to call sometime this week. He is an interesting man, where did you meet him?” Laces asked.

 

“Yes interesting,” Jacob grumbled. “I met him at the San Vincent’s home, he arrived from London over three weeks ago on business with Mr. San Vincent something about stocks in steel I believe. He planned on staying with them for a few weeks, he seemed rather dull at the time. But I suppose he’s a fine enough chap.”

 

“Yes, well he seems to hold himself well enough in conversation so hopefully I will not be bored half to death when he calls. Are you going to attend the sewing circle charity?” she asked.

 

“No, I will be walking Emma there though. Mother won’t be attending, so I will more than likely be there for a while. I might stay and play a game of chess with old Mr. Greyson.” Jacob shrugged.

 

“Yes.” Laces nodded, she had curled up a bit into the hayloft.

 

“Audrey you mustn’t fall asleep here, you’re sure to be caught in the morning.” Jacob pushed her a bit.

 

“Let me be caught.” She yawned, as she settled herself more.

 

“That’s the liquor speaking, you don’t want to ruin the week. I can only imagine that Casey would have your head.” Jacob shook the already asleep Audrey. She mumbled into the hay, and grabbed her hands to help her up.

 

“No come on, I will help you to the window, you can’t sleep outside,” he stated. Audrey opened her eyes grudgingly and let herself be pulled up. Jacob blew out the candle and they walked in the dark towards the window, Jacob trying to keep Audrey from stumbling. They got the window and Jacob was holding her body up as her head jerked around because she had fallen asleep standing.

 

“Come on Audrey.” Jacob shook her a bit.

 

“Why are you mad at me Jack?” she mumbled.

 

“Jack, who’s Jack?” Jacob asked confused. She was silent again though.

 

“Audrey, you have to wake up to be able to get back into the house. Come on.” Jacob shook her again. She stood by herself, and he grabbed her chin. “Wake up.”

 

“I don’t want to sell papers today.” Laces shook her head, and squinted her eyes shut.

 

“Papers? Why would you be selling papers?” Jacob asked again confused. No answer but suddenly Laces opened her eyes.

 

“You’re not Jack,” she whispered, she clutched Jacob’s hand.

 

“Audrey, are you alright?” Jacob asked. She yawned and nodded.

 

“More tired than I thought,” she responded automatically. They stood there in the darkness for a second.

 

“Are you able to get up thru the window?” Jacob asked.

 

“Maybe a boost,” she responded and Jacob moved to help her up. Seconds later Laces was inside the parlor that was pitch dark now and she tripped and landed onto the ground. She didn’t move to get up though instead she stayed on the ground, let sleep wander back to her.

 

“This is what I was worried about.” Cricket’s voice wandered down to her.

 

“Not now Cricket.” Laces curled into the ground. There was a flicker of light above her and Cricket growled.

 

“You finished the whiskey?” he asked. She didn’t responded, she had curled into herself more at this point and Cricket knew there was no use in talking to her. He bent down and picked her up in one swoop and she didn’t object. She curled into him and mumbled whispers into his chest.

 

“This is how they found me.” She sighed.

 

As Cricket went up the stairs to her room, a maid scurried out her room with a candle.

 

“Master Longfellow, is something wrong with Miss Audrey?” She whispered in hushed tones.

 

“Nothing that isn’t her own fault,” Cricket mumbled. The maid opened the door of her room for him and scurried to find a nightshirt for Audrey.

 

“Don’t bother yourself with her, she will sleep contently with what she is wearing in her state.” Cricket laid her down and tucked her in carefully. He bent down and whispered.

 

“We’re not done with this Laces.” With that he left her room and Gina scurried leaving her a candle and glass of water in case she might need it during the night.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 “Lord, we pray to keep us out of temptation.” The preacher dismissed the congregation. Jack, Spot, and David stood in the back of the church fidgeting a bit uncomfortably. The traveling preacher had finally arrived into the small town the day before and would be there for about a month, and it would be socially hazardous to their work if the boys did not attend the service. It had been years since Jack Kelly or Spot Conlon had stepped foot inside a church, and the mere memory of it sent a shudder up both boys spines.

 

They hurried walked out the one room schoolhouse and shuffled to a shady spot around the corner of the schoolhouse away from the rest of the people flooding out. The boys watched as the families came walking out, adults speaking to each other about the service and waiting for the preacher while the children stood twitching to play with each other but resisting in fear of ruining their Sunday best.

 

“I haven’t been in a church since Fiona’s…” Spot started.

 

“Peach would have been rather disappointed that we haven’t attended in years.” Jack nodded as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

 

“You didn’t attend services in the refuge?”  David asked curiously.

 

“There are ways to not attend those.” Jack laughed.

 

“Warden just use to say we all attended, to keep the nuns happy. They were the ones who brought us food, saving him money. They also took us off his hands for a few hours a week with teachings and whatnot.” Spot nodded.

 

“Well it looks like we won’t be attending for the next few weeks at the very least, it seems that the preacher travels between three towns. So we won’t see him again for another three weeks, assuming we are still here.” David commented again. At that moment a young woman came walking towards them, she was wearing a plain but nicely made white dress. They couldn’t see her face under her sunbonnet, but her hair draped down her shoulders in a golden brown and she walked as if she was floating. As she got closer she lifted her chin, allowing the men to see her childish round face and young sparkling eyes.

 

“Mr. Kelly? Mr. Conlon? And Mr. Jacobs? Correct?” she asked. Her voice was full of old energy and high pitch, giving away her true age.

 

“Yes Miss, is there anything we can do for you?” Jack asked. As he tipped his hat in her direction, he couldn’t help noticing how her hair and eyes sparkled under the western sky.

 

“My father and mother are meeting with the preacher now, but wished to extend an invitation to you to come early to our home to get settled. Mother wishes you to join us for supper this evening, and wants to make sure that you have a restful afternoon on the Sabbath.”

 

“You are one of the Miss Timbers?” Spot nodded.

 

“Yes, I apologize, I’m Miss Samantha Timbers.” She smiled and bowed a bit. “Will you be joining us?” she asked.

 

“Of course, lead the way.” David smiled back and she turned on her heel and began walking back to the crowd. The men followed her to a row of children, where she turned and smiled again.

 

“Let me introduce my siblings.” She nodded at each of them individually as she announced them. “That’s Emily, Hetty, John, Mark, Simon, and Mary.” Jack, Spot, and David smiled at the children who were each younger than Miss Samantha and the boys looks up admiring them and the girls each look terrified. The group stood there saying very little, Jack and Spot whistling to each other quietly communicating about the situation in their ancient language of the birds of the streets of the city. Miss Samantha was watching them intently, intrigued by these men, so different from the tight conservative unadventurous farmers of the town she had grown up in.

 

David coughed at Spot and Jack, as their whistling was almost continuously. Jack glared at him a moment and David glared back and nodded towards the older couple coming towards them. As Mr. and Mrs. Timbers strode over the whistling stopped and the group of young people stood unnaturally quiet.

 

“Samantha?” Mr. Timbers said harshly. 

 

“Yes, I’m sorry father. This Mr. Kelly, Mr. Conlon, and Mr. Jacobs are my mother and father. They have accepted our invitation.” Samantha nodded at each man as she said their name and introduced them to her family. Mrs. Timbers smiled brightly and held out her hand to her youngest daughter Mary.

 

“Come now, we have a lunch to prepare. These men must want to rest this afternoon before their meal. They worked hard all week. Everyone thinks you boys are hard workers, and so handsome, where are you from?” Mrs. Timbers started.

 

“Why Elizabeth, give them room to breathe.” Mr. Timbers laughed.

 

“We don’t mind Mrs. Timbers. We travel a lot,” David responded.

 

“Ah tumbleweeds, true spirit of the young men these days. You must learn men that settling down is not as bad as it seems.” Mr. Timbers laughed.

 

“I suppose it won’t be Sir after we see a bit more of the world.” Jack nodded.

 

“Yes everyone should settle down.” Mrs. Timbers smiled again. The Timbers family was a happy, hard working, well-established, conservative and strict the kind of family Jack had only read about in his dime novels.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 “You’re spending quite a bit of time with Cammie lately.” Bottle Cap yawned as he leaned against the door frame of his leader’s room.

 

“Well that’s usually what you do with a girl, Cap.” Slingshot rolled his eyes as he tightened the band on his slingshot. “Maybe we should get you a girl?”

 

“Don’t go playing match maker.” Cap growled.

 

“Doesn’t Pixie have a rather large crush on you, she follows you around whenever she comes around. You must be attractive.” Slingshot smiled amused at his friend’s sudden discomfort.

 

“She’s a little girl.” Cap sighed, as he sat on the bed.

 

“She isn’t that little anymore.” Slingshot shrugged.

 

“She’s too young either way, you are making sure that Cammie is being careful?” Cap asked.

 

“I wish you would find someone else to be protective over.” Slingshot rolled his eyes again. 

 

“If you took a few more moments of your day on being precautious I wouldn’t have to be protective, besides you know as well as I do that Cammie might fall into Laces’s footsteps.”  Cap shook his head. The banter of the boys was usual, Slingshot was impulsive and Cap too cautious. Slingshot gave Cap back his youth, and Cap forced Slingshot to mature it was a perfect match.

 

“What do you suggest I do Cap?” Slingshot sighed. 

 

“At least you should make sure she knows how to defend herself.” Cap shook his head. He had no better suggestions, he had never learned how to handle Spot Conlon’s relationships. Though Cap never knew that no one, not even Spot knew how to handle his relationships. Girls were often a problem for newsies, and more for the boy kings declared in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

There was a light knock on the door and in walked the subject of their conversation. Camilla Venice was a young beautiful girl, with dark hair that swooped over her oval face.

 

“Matthew, we’re going to be late for Mass.” She said in a huff, her soft features harsh and her voice annoyed.

 

“Camilla how many times have I told you not to call me Matthew.” Slingshot looked dark and angry. His voice growled and Cap tried not to laugh, Brooklyn would soon be Slingshot.

 

“Don’t you Camilla me.” She huffed back. “I will call you Matthew if I please.”

 

“Camilla.” Slingshot growled and glared at her. “Respect darling, if not because you love me then because you don’t want to be called Camilla.”

 

“Yes well, fine Slingshot.” Cammie rolled her eyes.

 

“It’s important Cammie.” Cap sighed.

 

“Yes, well you boys are the only ones who understand this world you live in. Such a game.” She sighed.

 

“Don’t call it a game, people died for less than someone knowing their real name.” Slingshot gritted his teeth.

 

“Yes, I’m sorry.” Cammie looked ashamed for a second because she too remembered, the death of the newsie at the expense of Matthew and how much of a soft spot it was with him. Before the conversation became more of a fight Cap held out his arm to Cammie.

 

“Are we going to Mass?” he asked.

 

“Must you go everywhere with him?” she asked.

 

“I might darling just be Catholic enough to go to Mass.” Cap winked at her.

 

“I heard you boys never participated in much God fearing activities.” Cammie flipped her hair a bit as Cap led her out of the room and Matt grudgingly followed.

 

“Why my dear girl, we pray most often. In our line of work you have to pray for any luck you can get, we can’t believe we’re forsaken. Though I admit Jack once convinced us all we were, but that was many years ago and it was a bad week for him.” Cap laughed as he let go of Cammie handing her off to Slingshot.

 

“Besides it is still dangerous for us, even on a Sunday.” Slingshot nodded at Cap.

 

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

It had been weeks since Lord Gregory had started visiting the Longfellow estate on a weekly basis. He usually came for Wednesday tea, and sat on the porch or in the gardens for hours with Laces. Sir Gregory and Miss Audrey often spent hours arguing with each other, and speaking of a variety of subjects from how to live to what was important to learn in life. They spoke candidly with each other and surprisingly developed a relationship despite their lack of manners with one another.

 

In the weeks their relationship had grown and progressed, Laces had been consumed with socializing. It was the climax of the season, as the end was fast approaching there were balls, outings, picnics, and society improvement projects daily. When not engaged in an event of the shore, she was off visiting with the other young ladies of society particularly Elizabeth Samson and Emma Canterbury or getting visits from many of the young men. Laces saw Jacob Henry daily still and Lord Gregory at least twice a week, and it was becoming increasingly impossible to find her alone at any moment in the day. She also seem to be avoiding her guardians, especially Cricket, she kept her distance and found ways to busy herself.

 

Thomas Longfellow was a patient person, but he was growing more frustrated with his young pretty ward. He knew she was keeping her distance and being trained by birds she was well schooled in avoiding situations and escaping unwanted encounters. He knew she faked sleep when he entered her room late at night, and he knew that she was hiding a bottle of whiskey under her pillow. But for days he had said nothing as he watched her grow dangerously close to Sir Gregory and Jacob Henry. Cricket stood by quietly as his girl lost herself in society just as he had watched from the shadows as his wife and lifelong friend South had years before her.

 

It was a late Wednesday afternoon, a rare moment of calm in the Longfellow estate, Laces sat on the window bench in the parlor reading the morning paper. Casey was away meeting with the ladies of society planning the final ball of the season, a large and extravagant affair to be held at the Longfellow estate. As the sun began to set, only Laces and Cricket were in the house trying to stay out of the way of the maids and of each other. Gina knocked lightly on the parlor door and poked her head in.

 

“Miss Audrey it is time for dinner.”

 

Laces looked up from her newspaper and smiled lightly.

 

“Might I possibly just get a snack in here Gina?” Laces asked.

 

“I apologize Miss, but Mr. Thomas has requested that you come to the table,” Gina responded.

 

“Can you please tell Thomas that I do not feel well and wish to stay in the parlor for Sir Gregory is due later tonight to call and I would hate to refuse him,”  she said sweetly. Gina looked unwilling for a second but nodded curtly before disappearing. Laces leaned her head onto the windowpane and stared at the gardens, the sky was a crisp blue that almost made her nervous. She rubbed the newspaper carelessly between her fingers, the texture of ink and paper reminding her it had been over two months since she had been in the city of New York. Two months she had been locked away in her golden cage, without real news from the city and little communication from Jack, Spot or David.

 

“Laces.” Cricket had entered the room quietly and stood directly behind her. His voice was stern and his eyes flickered with annoyance and anger.

 

“Cricket, I am sorry I do not feel well. I think I might go upstairs and lie down a bit.” She went to stand and Cricket shook his head, with his hand on her shoulder and a heavy push down kept her sitting.

 

“No Miss Audrey, I do believe you are feeling unwell because I have ceased to play along with your game of avoidance.” He crossed his arms and glared at her. She sighed and let go of her paper and cast down her eyes, staring intently at the ink now staining her fingers.

 

“Audrey. Look at me child.” Cricket took his hand and cupped her chin to move her eyes upward. Laces shook her head vigorously, forcefully removing her chin from Cricket’s grasp.

 

“We are back to the child notion of yours.” She glared at him. Cricket sat down next to her, in the gleam of the sunset his hair showed its true gray colors and Laces blinked hoping his age was no longer visible.

 

“You act childish,” he responded.

 

“As do you, we are both children.” She snorted back. But Cricket shook his head and chuckled to himself a bit. 

 

“You laugh, but you have avoided me as much as I have avoided you.” She glared at him annoyed.

 

“You are mistaken darling. I have let you have your bout of avoidance, I have let you be and bury yourself among these people you never wanted to be with. But we weren’t done and I fear for you daily.” Cricket sighed and pulled out a cigarette, South was not in the house and he did not feel incline to keep her rules of not smoking in the parlor.

 

“I have told you that I can take care of myself,” she responded.

 

“Yes, you have proven that so well in the past.” Cricket gritted his teeth a bit.

 

“I am done with this.” She stood, and in a rush of fury Cricket stood as well.

 

“By God child, you will not be drinking that whiskey under your pillow anymore. I do not want you sneaking off into the night anymore with Jacob Henry. And if I see you making anymore un-lady like advances towards Sir Gregory I will forbid you from attending the final ball. As for your eating habits, don’t you doubt that I will start feeding you myself. I will not allow you to run yourself into the ground and if I have to take care of you like a child I will.” Cricket was fuming now and Laces stood taken aback for a moment.

 

“I’m not drinking…” Laces started but Cricket glared.

 

“Are you going to lie to me?” he asked.

 

“No sir,” she whispered the words, but they were uttered and heard. Cricket took a long drag on his cigarette, Laces was his responsibility now and forever from that moment.

 

“I never claimed to be a lady,” Laces started.  

 

“You are playing with fire you don’t understand Audrey.” Cricket sighed.

 

“How do I not understand?” She retorted.

 

“I don’t think you know who you love,” Cricket whispered.

 

“Jack.” Laces eyes were wide and burned with tears.

 

“These men Audrey, they are not newsies. They are not boys, they are men and in this society. In this place these men are not after a short-term relationship to take you into a party and look stronger than another boy. They are after you and you are the prize, not to take to one party but to keep locked away in these grand halls you loathe.” Cricket stared down at her, handing her the last bit of cigarette.

 

“In those halls, am I not just another prize to make them look stronger than the other men. You think too much of me Mr. Longfellow.  I am neither rich, nor pretty enough for Sir Gregory and Jacob Henry is a friend after other girls.” She smiled carelessly. She began to walk out of the room, and Cricket grabbed her wrist.

 

“The bottle of whiskey, downstairs before you meet with Sir Gregory. And I will know if you put something else up there.” Cricket was out of wisdom but he would not let his demands go unheard.

 

“Yes sir.” She curtsied, cold and collected on purpose and strolled up the stairs.

 

“And you will still join me for dinner! Or I will send away Lord Gregory tonight.” He gritted his teeth, making sure his ward knew that her cold and collected attitude would not win her any battles today.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Jack splashed water onto his face and ran his fingers thru his hair after a long morning of work. He stared at his reflection in a nearby hanging pot where he stared at himself searching for something familiar. It was an abnormally quiet afternoon on the Timbers farm, with most of the children playing their last summer afternoon away and both Spot and David working elsewhere. Spot had been asked to build a fence for a neighbor of the Timbers and had obliged when Mr. Timbers had decided to go for supplies in Huntsville a city a day away. While David had offered to aid with a few repairs that were in need at the schoolhouse before the children returned the next day. So Jack Kelly was left without work and without company from his friends for the afternoon.

 

Jack started to whistle to himself and lit a cigarette as he sat down in his hammock. He pulled out a folded piece of newspaper from his pocket and he carefully flattened the creases running his fingers slowly on the paper and ink taking in every bit of texture. He was breathing deeply, inhaling the smell of ink and smoke, the smell of his childhood.

 

“New England Welcomes President Roosevelt. After a scandalous affair,” Jack mumbles. 

 

“President Roosevelt was in an affair?” A small voice calls out. Jack swings out of his hammock and looks around.

 

“I thought you were out with your brothers and sisters Sam.” Jack puffed out the last bit of his cigarette.

 

“No I spent the morning helping Mother bake pies.” She frowned and Jack laughed at her discontent. 

 

“I enjoy those pies your mother makes, so thank you for them now in case I forget my manners about me later,” Jack responded shaking his head.

 

“I didn’t know President Roosevelt had been involved in a scandalous affair, what was it?” Sam settled herself into the piles of hay rather unceremoniously.

 

“No such scandalous affair,” Jack responded again starring at the newspaper intently.

 

“But I heard you reading the headline,” she demanded.

 

“Maybe you didn’t hear me right, besides isn’t it rather un-polite to come into the barn unannounced. What would your father say?” Jack looked down at her sternly.  She looked up at him with eyes spark with curiosity for a second before bushing and blinking.

 

“Might you not mention this to my father?” she asked slyly. Jack laughed unwillingly, looking down at the beautiful looking blonde princess sitting beneath him.

 

“Would your father disapprove?” Jack bent down to look her in the eye. Samantha’s blue eyes pierced into Jack’s, she was unafraid of him and his strength.

 

“He might more than disapprove. My father has a high sense of morals and propriety to him.” She sighed.

 

“What were you doing wandering in here anyway?” Jack sighed himself as he stood back up.

 

“I thought you might be lonely. You are always with Mr. Conlon and Mr. Jacobs.” She shrugged blushing again.

 

“Yes, well sometimes a person chooses to be alone,” he responded carelessly. Samantha stood up at this point.

 

“Oh, I’m sorry Mr. Kelly. I thought it was just that.” She stuttered over her words and her confidence was drained from her instantly. Jack looked up from the paper and realized what his words had done to the confident child.

 

“Didn’t we tell you to call us by our names?” Jack smiled softly.

 

“My father would disapprove,” she responded shyly again.

 

“You don’t always follow your father’s rules.” Jack shrugged. There was silence between them for seconds that seemed like hours.

 

“Jack?” she said softly.

 

“Yes Sam?” Jack asked.

 

“Might you teach me to ride a horse?” She wasn’t looking at him at this point.

 

“You don’t know how to ride a horse? But your siblings they know how, why didn’t you learn how?” Jack stared at her.

 

“Hetty doesn’t know how and Mary the baby can’t ride either,” Sam defended herself.

 

“Yes but why didn’t you learn Samantha?” Jack rolled his eyes, thinking he must have a knack for attracting defensive girls.

 

“We had just moved from the city and Father still believed that girls should be taught how to be women not men.” Samantha shrugged.

 

“What changed his mind?” Jack was sincerely interested. As Samantha sat thinking about what change her father’s heart, Jack moved to the horses and began putting on saddles.

 

“My sister Emily, well and then the boys were also born. Emily, Simon and Mark were taught how to ride together. Emily is a tough girl, she spends most of her time with our brothers and learned how to help father on the farm. So now my father plans on teaching Mary, and well Hetty has no desire to learn.” Sam laughed.

 

“Why don’t you ask your father to teach you how to ride?” Jack asked.

 

“My father still believes I should be a lady.” She coughed. That moment Jack stopped with the horses and took a closer look at the girl standing in the barn. Samantha Timbers was a sixteen-year-old woman. She was almost as tall as Jack, coming just underneath his chin and she carried herself tall and proud into whatever room she entered. Samantha usually was dressed in a modern fashion of young ladies, in high waist skirts and blouses during the day. It was in her face where her shine came from with eyes that were piercing blue that never clouded and hair that glittered in a way that only gold watches could. From head to toe she was a lady, Jack had seen ladies of society and he knew what they were suppose to look like and Samantha Timbers was a lady. But then came her eyes, where the truth could no longer hide behind the well crafted lie, Samantha had a fire that Jack couldn’t help but recognize. Jack Kelly had known girls and women in his life and he remembered most worth remembering. The females that had paraded into Jack Kelly’s life and stayed all had those eyes, the eyes that defied their place in society as the weaker sex. There was a passion and burning desire to make history, to be heard, to do as they pleased. Jack Kelly loved those eyes, and before he knew it his heart ached because it wasn’t his girl standing in front of him just one that reminded him of her.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The stars twinkled brighter than the low burning lanterns around the covered porch of the Longfellow estate. Miss Audrey and Sir Gregory were far from having to be proper in their relationship and had long ago in the evening moved from the social constraining table and chairs to sitting carelessly among the porch steps. It had been a silent night for the most part, Audrey had said little since her confrontation with Thomas and not even Sir Gregory could drag her from her thoughts.

 

“Darling you seem rather distracted tonight,” Sir Gregory finally said as he had exhausted most of his conversational topics alone. He had told her about his latest business, where she had merely nodded and sighed a few responses. Then Sir Gregory had told her about his upcoming business trip into the city asking for her advice on any society happenings he should attend, hoping she would share her experiences but found she had less to say about the city than his business. It had been a rather dull visit, and completely unlike any other visit that Sir Gregory had ever had with the lovely Miss Audrey.

 

“Yes, I’m so sorry Sir Gregory. I had a rather long day and am rather distracted, but forgive me for being so dull.” She laughed a second and started playing with the hems of her skirt.

 

“Rather dull and nothing you care to share about.” He laughed back.

 

“Well I must keep some of my mystery.” Audrey started to tap on the porch steps. There was silence as Audrey’s fingers tapped away and her eyes wandered to the stars, and before she noticed Sir Gregory had captured each of her fingers into his. She looked down startled to see her hand holding his.

 

“Audrey, I fear the beginning of this evening did not go as I planned.” Sir Gregory smiled at her. Audrey stared dumbly at her hand in his and blinked before answering.

 

“You had the evening planned?” she asked without removing her eyes from their hands.

 

“A bit you might say, I may not do most things according to proper society but this isn’t about that but about tradition,” Sir Gregory mumbled a bit. At this point Audrey’s heart stopped and she seemed to forget how to breathe.

 

“Tradition?” she managed to choke.

 

“Yes, well romance is about tradition. You know as well as I that I never had any intention to find a wife here. I came to do business and enjoy myself, but I stumble unto you. Though you are nothing like the lady that I always saw myself doomed to marry, you are something so much more.” Sir Gregory paused to dig into his jacket pocket. At this moment, Audrey remembered how to breathe and reacted to the moment.

 

“Sir Gregory what are you doing?” She demanded harsher than she had intended. She tried in vain to pull her hand out of his hand.

 

“You have such a way with your words.” Sir Gregory laughed.

 

“My words were clear, what are you doing?” She asked again, this time sweeter. Sir Gregory pulled out something that gleamed in the starlight and again Audrey was caught off guard.

 

“Miss Audrey Alexander Kai, you are the cleverest girl I have ever met. You have more life in you than most of the people I’ve ever encountered and I could not imagine a better person to fulfill my family obligation with and make myself happy as well.” Sir Gregory then held out his hand with a glitter gold ring. It was the brightest biggest piece of jewelry that Audrey had ever seen in her entire life.

 

“Family obligation?” Audrey echoed.  Sir Gregory chuckled.

 

“You know I am not always proper. But in part yes family obligation, but I could think of no one better to gallavant the rest of my life with. So what do you say Miss Audrey?” Sir Gregory gave a nervous cough.

 

“What do I say to what?” Her eyes were still fixated on the ring, but she couldn’t or wouldn’t understand the question. Sir Gregory stared at her confused. The woman he was proposing to was not the woman he had fallen in love with. The Audrey sitting there staring at the ring was confused and lost and undecided, and though she had felt those things every day she had been on the shore Sir Gregory had never once noticed them until that moment.

 

“Will you marry me?” Sir Gregory said now himself uncertain that was the question he had intended to ask all evening.

 

“Marry you?” she echoed again.

 

“Why yes darling.” He laughed nervous. “I thought that we might marry before we leave America, because of course we will be heading back to England and I have heard that woman like at least three months to plan the affair.”

 

“Three months.” She nodded again. There was silence and Sir Gregory was not sure about what he was suppose to do now, he had never proposed to anyone nor had he ever truly intended to propose to anyone but here he sat on the steps of a porch with a beautiful confused woman. He took her silence to mean she would marry him and Sir Gregory took her finger to put the ring on when Audrey regain her ability to think and react.

 

“No,” she whispered.  Sir Gregory stopped and looked at her, his eyes imploring if he had heard her wrong.

 

“No, Sir Gregory I can not marry you. I am so sorry for the trouble you went to.” She said each word louder than the last and by the end of the statement was speaking normally.

 

“But we’ve been courting, and you’ve responded.” Sir Gregory stumbled thru his words. 

 

“I had no intention. You are a great friend.” She shook her head.  “You are the most honest person I’ve met this summer on the shore, but I can not marry you.”

 

“Why?” Sir Gregory stood at this point and asked her directly. Audrey stood as well, staring at the man before her. Sir Gregory had been the only person on the shore to know her, without knowing anything about her past. He had understood her feelings because many were the same as his, he had seen a kindred spirit in her eyes the first night they had met and never had Audrey dreamed they would come to this.

 

“Because I do not love you,” Laces responded. It looked as if someone had punched Lord Gregory.

 

“Yes I should have guessed you would marry for love.” He laughed as if at his own stupidity. Laces cursed the thoughts of how Cricket had been right in her head, but as she stared at Lord Gregory her thoughts began to swim. Silence again and then as Lord Gregory was grabbing his coat he took one last stare at her and smiled.

 

“Who do you love?” he asked. It was as if he knew, that the question was more loathed in her life than her imprisonment on the shore. She clutched her skirts and bit her lip. “A child. My mother told me I was proposing to a child, but not until now did I understand.” Sir Gregory shook his head and walked away from her. The air was getting darker, heavier and every breath was harder as Audrey stood hearing the same questions in her head, the same arguments in her heart and not knowing what to do. She knew that in moments Thomas Longfellow would see Lord Gregory out and he would know, because Thomas Longfellow was a bird and a person of many talents and he would know that there had been a proposal. In one motion she swooped up her skirts and ran into the stable, where she found Jacob Henry brushing one of the horses manes.

 

“Did he…” But before Jacob Henry could finish his question, Audrey gasped.

 

“I don’t know where I am,” she said. Jacob looked at her bewildered.

 

“You are in the stables,” he said uncertain.

 

“No, I don’t know where I am. I must go to the city. I have to be in Brooklyn, I have to know where I am.” Laces clutched her dress and her knuckles turned white and Jacob Henry stared at her.

 

“Are you all right? Do you need me to fetch a doctor?” he asked her. But she shook her head wildly.

 

“No, I need to go to New York City,” she repeated.

 

“Well we can arrange an outing I am sure that Thomas and Casey would allow it,” Jacob started but she shook her head again.

 

“No I must go tonight. Now before Thomas discovers what has happened.” She started to saddle up a horse and Jacob looked at her shocked.

 

“Have you lost your mind?” he asked. Audrey turned back around and looked calm and collected, she looked Jacob Henry straight in the eye.

 

“I need to get to the city, are you going to help me?” she asked.

 

“Well yes of course. But I am sure we can take my carriage, it would be more suitable.” He responded.

 

“No, no. There is no way, I will go alone and I will take this horse.” She tightened the saddle and hoisted herself onto the horse. Jacob reacted only with words at first.

 

“You will go nowhere by yourself. I can not allow it, merely because I think you might have lost a bit of sanity this night.”

 

But again in a moment she turned to him, her eyes a cool color and her body more composed than anyone had ever seen it. She took a deep breath and stared at Jacob Henry.

 

“I lost myself long before my sanity, and I must for all that I know in this world go back to the city, alone Jacob.” She was calm and anyone might have thought her in perfect condition but Jacob Henry could only stare at her hands, which trembled in their grips of the horse’s reigns. He shook his head though.

 

“You can not go to the city by yourself,” he repeated.

 

“And I can not go with you. For what would they say about you and I running off in the middle of the night unknown to anyone? What would they say when we returned? Your reputation would be ruined.” She sighed the thought.

 

“And yours.” Jacob nodded slowly understanding.

 

“But you must take my carriage, I might not be able to ruin yours or mine reputation so easily but I will not forget my wits about me. I will not allow you to ride horseback at night to the city. I do not care the beating I might receive from my father,” Jacob stated seeing Audrey beginning to object. “You need to go to the city, and I will make sure you can arrive there in one piece. I can even have him stay with you until you are ready to return?”

 

“I am not sure when I will be ready to return and I am also sure that someone will be willing to bring me back.” She laughed at the idea, willing, forcing the concept of coming back was quite the same.

 

“You must be back for the season end, one last dance before you run back to your world in the city and I am returned to my drudgery of books and learning?” Jacob pleaded. She laughed and nodded a bit.

 

“I doubt my running off will last too long, but you must if at all possible keep from saying a word to my guardians of my whereabouts. Though I am sure they will guess, but really I must go.” Audrey had heard footsteps and was beginning to worry that they had spent too much time arguing. Jacob nodded and held out his hand to her, she took it jumping off the horse. They both almost ran to the Canterbury estate, Jacob woke the driver easily enough apparently it wasn’t the first time that Young Mr. Canterbury had decided to take a midnight joy ride.

 

“Take her into the city, wherever she pleases to be left as quickly as possible.” Jacob instructed the driver who shook his head but agreed to the plan. Jacob opened the carriage door and gently aided Audrey in. Before she completely stepped in she looked down at him.

 

“Thank you,” she whispered.

 

“I understand you little if at all Miss Audrey Kai, but you are the most interesting creature I have yet to meet. May you find what you are looking for, and I will expect my dance when you return.” Jacob bowed.

 

“And may you find what you are looking for,” she whispered as the door closed on her and the carriage took off in a gallop in the mist of the night.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

A twitter came shooting out from above, a high pitch whistle followed but few on the streets of the city heard them. From beyond the dirt, above the working people, directly under the rays of the sun sat watchful eyes and one set had spotted something.

 

“What’d you see?” Daisy was half asleep, leaning against a wall in the shadows of the rooftop. She had heard shuffling and knew that someone had joined her after the whistle.

 

“I think Spades Fia is going to the Hudson.” Matches sounded a little less than confident with his answer.

 

“Why you wake me up over Fia,” Daisy mumbled.

 

“I said I think,” Matches responded again.

 

“You ain’t sure?” At this Daisy perked up a bit and glared up at Matches.

 

“She walks like Spades, and I think I could probably tell if I were looking her in the eye, but you know,” Matches responded again. Daisy sighed and stood up and went to look over the ledge. She squinted to the streets below and scanned the people, skirts, lots of skirts, and some businessmen. Then there in the mist of it, was a girl, well not really a woman at this point walking like Spades Fia. But Matches was right, she walked like her but Spades had never in the entire time the birds had known her worn anything but a pair of trousers, a beat up shirt, an old cap, and looked tougher than nails but this woman didn’t. 

 

“That’s Fia,” Daisy responded. Though she herself was unsure, but no one walked like Spades Fia. A walk that she had grown into over the years of fights and hardships, no one walked like Spades Fia and the gang. 

 

“You see what I mean.” Matches pushed a bit at his childhood playmate, his only close friend for birds didn’t trust many people.

 

“Yeah, I see what you mean.” Daisy sighed as she watched Spades walk into the Hudson. “Conlon might have been right.” 

 

With that Daisy walked away from the ledge and slid back down into her leaning position, pulled her cap over her eyes, and ignored the effects of time to go back to sleep.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

It had taken half the night to reach her destination and Audrey Alexandra Kai was sitting with eyes closed half asleep in her carriage. Even in her half sleep state she could smell the difference in the air, and she felt the light morning breeze free strands of her hair from her confined hairstyle. As she fought with her tired body to open her eyes, her heartbeat got faster and she began whispering to the driver.

 

“Please stop here,” she repeated the words a few times until they were loud enough to hear and the carriage came to an abrupt stop. She opened her eyes and smiled.

 

“Yes stop here,” she whispered more to herself. Audrey wasted no time and jumped out of the carriage, not waiting for any doors to be opened for her here.

 

“I would have gotten the door Miss, had you waited a moment,” the driver mumbled.

 

“No need. I don’t need all my doors opened here. I thank you for your kindness of bringing me here, but I will not be in need of your services to return me. I would not dare take you away from the Canterbury family for too long.” Audrey curtseyed and skipped towards the Brooklyn Bridge, the place that had been haunting her dreams.

 

She twirled in the morning air, smiling brightly and enjoying the walk of many of her memories. She inhaled and all her memories came rushing back to her, cigarettes and newspapers in early morning dew. She closed her eyes as she danced around a bit and at that moment she remember Jack Kelly more vividly than she had been able to in weeks. He stood there on that bridge with her and Spot, his hand was wrapped around hers and his smile was almost perfect. The dancing memory was cut short though, as she stumbled into someone.

 

“I knew I sense a storm brewing.” A familiar voice chuckled and Audrey opened her eyes to find a pair of piercing blue eyes laughing back at her.

 

“Why Benjamin Harper.” She gasped. Pockets eyebrows shot up and his face broke into a mocking smile.

 

“Miss Audrey.” He bowed and laughed. “I haven’t heard you call you Benjamin Harper since the first night you met me.”

 

They stood there and stared at each other, it had been almost two months since Laces had been in the city. The longest time she had ever been away, possibly the only time she had ever been away from the dirt and gravel. Audrey looked like a misplaced rag doll, looking disheveled in her evening dress and messy fancy hair.

 

“You are prettier than ever,” Pockets commented to break the silence. She smiled and he nodded again, yes prettier than ever. 

 

“You look handsome this morning.” She glanced him up and down and realized had it not been his familiar voice and his recognizable eyes she might have never noticed him.

 

“I was off to Manhattan, Spades was speaking to Critter about wedding arrangements.” Pockets shrugged and threw his hands into his pockets, and Laces laughed. He may look older and seem different, but some habits never die.

 

“Wedding arrangements?” she asked curious.

 

“Yea, Spades and Blue, they are finally tying the knot. I thought you might have known, you being…” Pockets trailed off as he saw her smile fading.

 

“I was Laces. The girl well informed on everything, but no one tells me anything anymore since I have been banished to fineries.” She sighed and Pockets laughed again.

 

“So dramatic always. I am sure that Critter would have assured that you would know, will you join me then I am sure he is expecting you.” Pockets grinned knowing well that Critter did not as of yet know that Laces had arrived in New York.

 

“About that…” Laces started but Pocket shook his head.

 

“No use hiding out now, I am sure that Critter O’Connell is going to know that Laces has arrived in New York City in about five minutes six seconds. I saw Filly not too far down, I am sure that she has ensured that your whereabouts are notified to not only the now infamous leader of Brooklyn but also to the whispered legendary leader of the original birds.” Pockets held out his hand for her.

 

“No, I will not go. He can know I am here all he likes. I will not go to him, if he wants me then Critter O’Connell can grace me with his presence,” She spat at Pockets.

 

“Feeling lonely and abandoned then darling?” Pockets looked at her sadly. And Laces glared at him.

 

“I don’t need your pity,” she stated as she started to walk again, but she had flinched. Pockets grabbed her arm.

 

“What has happened?” he asked her. She shook her head, flipped her hair out of her face and smiled sweetly at Pockets.

 

“You have changed.” Pockets looked at her shocked and let go of her arm. “A lady of society, you sure learned all those tricks well.”

 

Laces looked defeated for a second and then sat down no the edge of the bridge, it wasn’t suppose to feel this way to be back on this bridge.  Pockets sat down next to her and took out a cigarette playing with it a second before lighting it. 

 

“Are you going to tell me what happened?” Pockets asked disgruntled. 

 

“Have I truly changed that much?” Laces asked. Pockets puffed at his cigarette for a few moments before turning to study her. She was dressed differently and her hair was done, and there was no denying that she looked changed. But it was when he stared at her face that he noticed she had aged and her eyes were sad.

 

“They have always been sad,” he whispered, “but now you can see it, yes you have stopped hiding the sadness.”

 

“I was proposed to.” Laces sighed. She knew that Pockets had found the difference.

 

“I thought Jack had more style then to write it down.” Pockets laughed.

 

“Not by Jack,” she replied. Pockets looked surprised and handed her his cigarette.

 

“You have run away then.” Pockets nodded, no other explanation was needed between such good friends. There was more silence as they finished their cigarette together.

 

“Critter will find you,” Pockets said as he pushed himself up.

 

“As I know he will. But I will not be making it easier. Has Brooklyn truly found another infamous leader?” She asked. Pockets laughed as he held out his hand to her.

 

“Almost as whispered as the once reining Spot Conlon. Something about reckless charm, a mean left hook and a meaner right hand man.” Pockets nodded.

 

“They have fought?” Laces asked.

 

“More than you would have liked, and they are probably not done. But you should know there is fighting, so if you are heading to Brooklyn be careful.”  Pockets winked and started walking away.

 

“Yes careful.” She giggled as she watched after him. When he reached the end of the bridge he turned, knowing she was still staring after him. Pockets winked and threw her a kiss.

 

“To seeing you when the time comes again.” He waved at her and she laughed and turned around. New York changed every day, but in this moment she felt the same.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

The woods of the little town were picturesque with bright green trees swaying in the orange red sky painted by the setting sun. Walking along the dirt path, amongst age-old willow trees was Samantha Timbers and Jack Kelly. It was one of the last nights of the summer and Jack had promised Samantha he would teach her to ride before the fall came. She sat calmly atop a horse and Jack led it along carefully, making sure that nothing spooked the horse and caused the rider to fall. They had been quiet for the last few yards of their walk, admiring the beauty of nature around them. Samantha was smiling at the setting of her childhood and Jack was making memories of his life long dream becoming a reality. 

 

“Tell me a story Jack.” Samantha broke into his thoughts.

 

“What kind of story?” He yawned as he stared up at the sun.

 

“Something about your travels, you must have seen so much.” Samantha encouraged. Jack laughed.

 

“I think I saw more where I grew up, in my travels west I have seen small towns and the beauty of nature.”

 

“Where did you grow up?” Samantha asked intrigued, she rarely heard anything about the hired men’s past though she often heard them speaking about their past amongst themselves. Samantha was curious about these men, they were so mysterious, well learned and handsomer than most of the hired men her father had ever hired.

 

“I grew up in New York City, mostly in Manhattan to be exact.” Jack shrugged a bit, his heart seem to hurt at the mention of Manhattan. He missed his home, more than he ever cared to realize.

 

“You grew up in a city and then came out here? Why would you leave such an exciting life?” Samantha demanded.

 

“Sometimes it isn’t about life being exciting Sam.” Jack looked at her sternly. Samantha Timbers was a handful, emotional and spirited beyond the control of her conservative controlled father and mother.

 

“I don’t understand why not. I mean if I could go to New York City I might, or California. California sounds like such an adventure.” Sam laughed. Jack shook his head.

 

“It sounded like an adventure for us to come here, besides you can breathe here and there is space and freedom unlike anything in New York.” Jack shrugged.

 

“But so much is going on all the time in New York, to move from a city that lives such a life to this little town how can you bear it?” Sam let go of the reigns of the horse and Jack quickly grabbed them.

 

“It is quite bearable I can assure you.” Jack laughed at her once again. They reached the end of the woods, where David Jacobs and Spot Conlon were sitting discussing life on the plains.

 

“Jacky boy where you been?” Spot looked up at his oldest friend.

 

“I was teaching Sam here how to ride.” Jack held out his hand to help her down.

 

“How are you doing there Sam?” Spot asked.

 

“I think I have the hang of it.” Sam smiled brightly.

 

“What about your studies, are you prepared to take that exam for the teaching program your parents want you to enter? I can help you if you would like, your mother asked me to let you know.” David smiled up at her. Sam rolled her eyes though and he shook his head, studying was the last thing on the girl’s mind.

 

“Studying is rather boring way to spend such a splendid afternoon. Might you gentlemen care to go for a swim?” She gleamed as the sun disappeared behind the last bit of horizon.

 

“Swimming in the dark isn’t safe,” Spot commented.

 

“You don’t strike me as someone who is careful,” Sam commented back.

 

“And you strike me as someone who should learn to be,” Spot sighed back.

 

“At least for the sake that your father would be more than displeased by your carelessness,” David started walking towards the lights of the house. Spot and Jack followed suit and Samantha followed grudgingly.

 

“You never told me a story Jack.” She whined and Spot looked at Jack suspiciously. David sensing the danger of looming tension stepped back to walk alongside Samantha.

 

“Why don’t you recite your times tables for me, starting with seven. Then you can at least say you were studying and excuse yourself for being late to dinner.” David nudged her. She glared at him in the darkness surrounding them and nodded.

 

“Fine, seven times one is seven,” she started, and she mumbled the remainder as they reached the house she finished.

 

“Very good.” David nodded. On the back porch of the Timbers household the men left Samantha and walked towards the barn where they slept, silently. Once they reached the warmth of their barn that’s when Spot Conlon turned his attention back to Jack Kelly in a way only old leaders, burnt out rivals, and overprotective friends could.

 

“Kelly, what are you doing with that girl?” Spot asked.

 

“Being nice Conlon, you know that thing that you use to be years ago. You might not remember since the last time was before you were this tall.” Jack motioned his hand low to the ground and David laughed. Spot growled at David, but before he could say another word David jumped in.

 

“Spot is right Jack, that girl has a thing for you.” David coughed a bit, shifting uncomfortably as now both Jack and Spot were glaring at him. 

 

“What are you talking about?” Jack rolled his eyes as he started to undress.

 

“She is a child with a crush,” Spot responded.

 

“She isn’t that much younger than us.” Jack shrugged a bit.

 

“Have you looked at her Kelly, the girl is younger than we ever were. And she is a girl with a crush, and you if I recall you are in love with someone else.” Spot pointed out. There was silence while they undressed and settled into their hammocks.

 

“Does she remind you of her?” David asked quietly.

 

“There is nothing going on, she’s a kid and knows nothing is going to happen,” Jack responded. “Besides I could easily say she has a thing for both of you.”

 

“Yeah, but you are nicer than I am.” Spot sighed.

 

“And more interesting than I am.” David laughed.

 

“I would just be careful Kelly,” Spot responded. 

 

“I am being careful,” Jack grumbled. “A school-girl crush.”

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Critter O’Connell sat with his feet on his desk as he leaned back carelessly in his chair.

 

“So what’s this about Spades?” Critter looked across at Spades Fia who sat with an unfamiliar smile of happiness on her face.

 

“The wedding Crit. Blue and I are ready to finally get married and well, I was hoping that you might be able to help us with a few things. And of course if you would attend?” Spades ran her words together she was so excited. Critter laughed, that was where the smile was coming from Spades Fia was finally getting her happily ever after. 

 

“Congratulations Spades.” Critter brought his feet down from the desk and sat upright and looked her straight in the eyes.

 

“What might I be able to help with such a festive occasion?” he asked.

 

“Well, I know you might be able to get some of my family to attend,” Spades started. “I don’t talk to Cat much these days but I know you will let her know, and well I’m not sure where Conlon and Kelly are…”

 

“So you want me to round up the kids, I am not sure I can get Conlon and Kelly back.” Critter sighed.

 

“Yes, I thought if anyone might be able to it would be you. And well then there is Laces,” Spades commented.

 

“When are you planning on the ceremony happening?” Critter asked.

 

“The end of September, in the church where my parents married in Brooklyn. I know the priest there still, Angel and I have attended services there on and off for years,” Spades rambled.

 

“Yes well then, be sure to know that Laces will be there.” Critter laughed again. As if on cue with the conversation someone tapped at the window, Spades and Critter looked towards the noise and there stood Daisy. Critter sat confused at her presence while Spades opened the window.

 

“Sorry to bother you.” Daisy yawned.

 

“Were you sleeping?” Critter demanded.

 

“Yea Crit, I have to do that sometimes.” Daisy rolled her eyes, but when she caught Critter’s glare she mumbled an apology.

 

“You always had that smart mouth of yours. Is something wrong?” he asked.

 

“Laces.” Daisy yawned again. Out of instinct Critter stood up.

 

“What are you talking about?” Spades demanded.

 

“Laces is back in town. She was on the bridge with Pockets, arrived this morning by some fancy carriage, though Filly for some reason thought it might not belong to the Longfellows something about colors not being South’s favorites.” Daisy leaned against the window frame.

 

“Where is she now?” Critter demanded.

 

“Don’t know.” Daisy shrugged. Critter walked over to the window and grabbed Daisy ear.

 

“Ow, Critter! I promise she ain’t hurt,” Daisy whined.

 

“What you mean coming here and not knowing where she is?” Critter growled. Spades laughed, Critter turned to look at her not letting go of Daisy’s ear.

 

“You will never change Critter. She was with Pockets, I’m sure she is not in harm’s way. Pockets is probably bringing her here now, he was going to come and meet me. We were going to go see an old friend about possibly making a dress.” Spades laughed.

 

“You are not worried, I know this girl,” Critter grunted.

 

“Crit, my ear. I ain’t done nothing to deserve this I was sleeping I just thought you might like to know that your girl was back in town. I am sure someone is watching her with Brooklyn still getting beat up every other day.” Daisy pulled herself out of his grip.

 

“One of you should bring her here.” Critter crossed his arms.

 

“Don’t look at me like that, I am not going to Brooklyn to fight with her about coming to you.” Daisy shook her head, as he came near her again she quickly added, “Sir.”

 

“Daisy.” Critter shook his head. Spades laughed again.

 

“She is right, I know Laces as well as you. She will not come. You are going to have to go to her, she knows you will find her. She might not make it easy though,” Spades responded.

 

“I should beat some sense into that child.” Critter shook his head.

 

“You wouldn’t harm a hair on that girl’s head.” Spades laughed again.

 

“You are happier than usual Spades,” Daisy commented.

 

“She’s getting hitched.” Critter smiled. “Like you didn’t know.”

 

“Well, it would be nice to hear it from her this time. Thanks for ruining that for me. I am going to go before you decide to pull my other ear.” Daisy started to walk away.

 

“I expect to hear updates about her Daisy, from you or Matches. Be sure to mind yourselves,” Critter called after her.

 

“You are still keeping tabs on Brooklyn then?” Spades asked.

 

“Can you blame me? That kid is just as hot headed at Conlon and Laces put together. I just want to make sure that he is keeping out of too much trouble.” Critter shrugged.

 

“So Daisy and Matches report to you and not Jasper?” Spades asked.

 

“You know too much about my birds there Spades.” Critter smiled again.

 

“And you know too much about my life, so we can be even.” Spades laughed again.

 

“Is there anything else you need Miss Christine?” Critter asked.

 

“Oh heavens don’t call me that. I was only wondering one more thing if you might be able to help Blue and Pockets with finding suits for the ceremony. I know who we are going to ask for my dress but the boys haven’t ever had anything decent to wear,” Spades mumbled the last part, not liking to admit they had never really provided well enough for each other.

 

“I will be honored.” Critter bowed. “And Spades if that child isn’t with Pockets and happens to show up on your doorstep later tonight, you be sure to inform me of her whereabouts. She will be returned to the shore tonight against her will.”

 

“Yes.” Spades nodded. “Thanks for your help.”

 

“I appreciate your future help.” Critter winked before walking out to find Skittery and make sure he knew his instructions in case stumbling upon Laces. Spades shook her head and walked out of the office herself, hoping that Pockets hadn’t been too distracted by Miss Kai on the bridge.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Slingshot Kai stood tall and proud, selling papers as his eyes skimmed the road searching for his cousin. He had heard on the selling docks that she had arrived this morning and he knew that she would sooner or later arrive on this very corner. He had newsies and birds watching out for her, he knew that she might stumble onto trouble but he hoped she would be unrecognized as a high lady of society by new and old foes. 

 

“Took you long enough to come see family.” He sighed as turned around to find her. Audrey Alexandra Kai stood eye to eye with her cousin, for a moment it was like starring into a mirror because both Kais had the family eyes.

 

“Brooklyn has been good to you.” She laughed as she took a step back to survey him. “Yes, very good,” she repeated. Slingshot had grown and Audrey suspected that the next time she saw him he would no longer be eye to eye with her. He stood taller than before and he seemed darker, possibly because he was covered in more dirt than he had been in inLittle Italy, or because the life of fighting had an effect on him.

 

“And you Miss Audrey, have become a sight to behold.” He laughed at her as he also studied his cousin. Audrey still stood tall, but now her clothing demonstrated her curves and she shone in a way unlike any street kid.

 

“What have you been doing with yourself?” Audrey laughed.

 

“Trying to piece together this place, the old leader left it in such a state.” Slingshot shrugged. Audrey smacked him in the head.

 

“Don’t you ever talk disrespectful about Conlon. You understand me?” She glared at him a second.

 

“What has gotten into you, defending Conlon. You ain’t never been respectful to him to his face, at least I have the common decency to mock him when he’s no longer here.” Slingshot looked around the street. It always seem to take on the feeling of ghost town whenever he saw Laces here, Laces represented a generation long gone and she brought shadows of yesterdays with her always.

 

“Well you should never say he didn’t keep up Brooklyn is all. Spot Conlon would have given his life for Brooklyn if he could have.” She sighed.

 

“Yes, yes. Spot Conlon oh mighty leader of Brooklyn, no one will ever be like him again.” Slingshot laughed, rolled his eyes but in his tone she knew that he meant it.

 

“You have been all right though, you look like a leader of Brooklyn might. I have met a few in my lifetime.” She smiled.

 

“Speaking of me being a leader of Brooklyn, do you know how dangerous it is for you to be walking around Brooklyn by yourself. We are in the mist of regaining our reputation and you know that, I can’t believe you would risk yourself wondering around like that. I thought you were smarter than that.” He looked at her critically. At that moment she started to laugh uncontrollably.

 

“What are you laughing at?” He demanded annoyed at her response to his authority. She giggled some more before finally looking at him.

 

“Leader of Brooklyn, I am Laces Kai. And I do what I please.” She winked at him and started walking. He followed her and shook his head.

 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Thomas Longfellow was a well loved gentleman of the shore, he was charming and good looking and far better natured than most of the men his age. While Casey was loved, she was known for her quick temper and commanding personality. It was true that Casey and Thomas were possibly the best loved married couple by all ages on the shore, the youth enjoyed their carefree natures and their pretty young ward while the wise appreciated their level heads and keen business sense. But on this particular morning, no one would have loved to be near the Longfellows. 

 

Thomas had spent the night sitting in the parlor smoking, drinking and cursing as he stared into the darkness of the porch. Casey had arrived shortly after sunset, finding her husband distraught over Miss Audrey again, she assured him that the girl would return before morning to the house and went to bed. It was no doubt that Casey had merely hoped she would return, for nothing more than her own good, but Mrs. Longfellow had forgotten that rarely did Audrey do anything in her best interests. So when the sun rose that morning, Casey Longfellow rolled out of bed cursing her pretty young ward as she blinked away sleep to find her husband.

 

“Cricket?” Casey had stumbled down the stairs in her nightgown and stood in the doorway of the parlor. She leaned her head against the frame and closed her eyes taking in the smell of the room. 

 

Thomas didn’t respond though, he saw her and smiled but didn’t say a word.

 

“She’s in New York,” Casey responded as she opened her eyes. She smiled at her husband, he was her oldest friend and in that wishing hour of dawn he looked seventeen again.

 

“Of course she is. Damn it. Southie how did she get there though?” He looked at her seeking answers. Casey laughed at his anger and question. 

 

“If anyone was going to find a way it was going to be her. You knew this might happen from the moment we came her. It took the girl long enough.” Casey walked into the room and glance out the window. 

 

“That child is going to be the end of me.” Cricket stood now as he saw Casey shiver.

 

“She has done so well though. Something must have happened that you aren’t telling me about?” she asked, as he placed his arms around her.

 

“I believe that Gregory fellow might have proposed,” he whispered as he stared at the window.

 

“What?” she asked but before she got an answer Cricket had let go of her and walked out of the room.

 

“CRICKET! Where in heavens name are you going?” she yelled after him. But he was quickly gone, walking out the front door of the house and towards the Canterbury estate. Casey stayed back not willing to walk outside in only her nightgown but knew that her husband had figured out exactly how Miss Audrey had gotten to New York and now someone was going to pay.

 

Cricket walked up the Canterbury estate where he had just seen a young gentleman walking from the carriage stables.

 

“Sir Jacob,” Cricket said loudly, the boy stumbled from the steps of his home and sheepishly turned around.

 

“Why Mr. Longfellow, such an early hour for a stroll.” Jacob smiled.

 

“Don’t test my nerves boy, where is she?” Cricket demanded. Jacob’s smile faded.

 

“Why would you think that I know, you can’t possibly think that we have…” Jacob choked at his own words.

 

“I would never do anything to dishonor her, sir,” Jacob whispered his eyes downcast.

 

“No, I don’t suppose you would. You might not even do anything you knew might harm her.” Cricket sighed. Love was so obvious in the boy, and if Thomas Longfellow didn’t want to currently ring his neck he might advise the boy that loving a certain Kai would never end well for him.

 

“Harm her, she can’t be in harm. Do you know where she is?” Jacob looked at the man in the eyes, searching for more answers to the mystery of his friend.

 

“I have my suspicions. But I believe you should tell me where she is before harm does come her way.” Cricket crossed his arms and looked at the younger male expecting nothing but answers.

 

“She said she needed to know where she was.” Jacob was watching Cricket carefully to see if he understood the words. “She took my family’s carriage to the city.”

 

“Yes the city.” Cricket gritted his teeth and nodded. “Your father knows where your carriage is?”

 

Jacob shook his head and Cricket laughed, he suspected the young Canterbury hadn’t asked permission. Mr. Canterbury would be dealing with his young love struck son with a heavy hand if that carriage hadn’t returned before the older gentleman needed it.

 

“You’ll receive a licking, all for the sake of my reckless ward. I am sure that you might get it worse when they find she took it?” Cricket asked. Jacob didn’t say anything though, he just stood with his shoulders squared. Yes, love was something else Cricket thought.

 

“Come now, I might regret this. But you go on inside and tell your father that Mrs. Longfellow needed to go visit her family late last night due to an telegram and you offered your family’s carriage when you discovered that ours was unable to ride. Let him know that ours should be repaired before mid morning, and if your carriage hasn’t returned that he is more than welcome to use ours.” Cricket sighed the last bit of the lie.

 

“But…” Jacob started.

 

“They won’t see Casey, she will remain inside. And your carriage should be back shortly, I am sure that Miss Audrey sent it back without herself in it. So I rather hope for your sake that it is back soon, so that I might go in search of my wayward girl.” Cricket smiled.

 

“But why Mr. Longfellow, would you lie for me?” Jacob asked confused.

 

“You meant well. Though Jacob, if I find you out in that stable again with any type of liquor and my girl I will personally lick you.” Cricket threatened.

 

“Yes sir.” Jacob nodded solemnly.

 

“And no more lying for her?” Cricket asked.

 

“I am not sure I can promise that sir,” Jacob said unsure.

 

“Why?” Cricket asked.

 

“Because sometimes confidants must stay that way. But if I believe it might be harmful,” Jacob said again quietly.

 

“You do not know what can be harmful to her.” Cricket shook his head.

 

“I will trust that I can tell.” Jacob shrugged hoping to satisfy the guardian.

 

“I trust that you can as well.” With that Cricket turned back around and Jacob wandered back into his house, sighing relief that he had gotten off the hook by the good graces of the Longfellows.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Audrey!” Slingshot fought his way through a crowded street after his cousin. Laces had taken off at the corner and Slingshot had all but lost her in the lunchtime crowds on the Brooklyn street. He let out a frustrated sigh as he collided with yet another businessman.

 

“Sorry mister, my sister has run off again,” he mumbled an apology with an excuse and then scanned the crowd again. He was sure that Audrey was losing him on purpose, they had spent lunch together and he knew she grew tired of his suggestions to go see Critter. He ducked into an empty alley and in swift movements climbed the fire escapes to the rooftops where if he couldn’t find her, he would at least be able to seek out a bird to find her so he could return to business.

 

“I ain’t going to be held accountable for her.” Slingshot puffed as he reached the rooftops and strained to see someone that resembled his cousin in the crowd.

 

“She was easier to spot when she wasn’t a lady of society.” Someone said from behind him. Slingshot grunted a response but didn’t turn around. 

 

“Yes well that was a nice greeting. I have half a heart to tell Critter you lost her on purpose,” the voice responded. Slingshot rolled his eyes and turned to face one of the legendary birds, with a little less than awe in his face.

 

“Didn’t you guys decide to go and grow up? When am I going to stop being in all these old Brooklyn shadows.” He sighed. Chesapeake laughed, and looked the new leader up and down.

 

“Brooklyn shadows never die. You should know that.” Chesa shrugged.

 

“I suppose, we are all about legacy. You are keeping an eye on my girl?” he asked.

 

“This is why she couldn’t stay you know.” She took out a cigarette.

 

“What?” Slingshot looked confused.

 

“Laces would never have listened to you, and you can mumble about her death and dismemberment all you want. But if Conlon and Kelly wouldn’t hurt her, you would hurt her less. She would have gotten herself killed, not that she won’t try this day anyway.” Chesa took off in a hustle after the glimmer beneath that had caught her eye.

 

“Should I follow you?” Slingshot called after her.

 

“You can’t keep up!” she hollered back and before he knew it, she was out of his line of sight. Slingshot Kai slammed his hands into his pockets, annoyed with the prospect of his cousin in Brooklyn without his protection.

 

“She has run into Bottle Cap.” Someone said from afar.

 

“Damn birds.” Slingshot grumbled again as he searched for some sign of life and found none. He knew that Irish was somewhere near but he couldn’t see her and didn’t care enough to find her. He climbed down again to the streets knowing that Cap would bring her back to Brooklyn safe.

 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Bottle Cap had grabbed her arm tightly as she ran past him. She had snapped back and almost tumbled into a puddle of laundry water behind him but he had held her steady. She looked surprised and scared as she glanced at her captor. Then familiarity glittered in her eyes and a smile appeared instantly.

 

“Why Bottle Cap how strong you’ve gotten.” She coughed. She looked down at her arm, that was held no looser than before but rather tighter. 

 

“My Laces how careless you’ve gotten, but wait you’ve never been very careful.” Cap shook his head as he led her away from the crowds towards the docks.

 

“Might you loosen your grip there, Cap.” She sighed as she dug her feet into the dirt, making Cap literally drag her along behind him.

 

“You won’t run away?” he asked, a note of desperation coming out and a glance that was young again.

 

“No I won’t.” She sighed. Just her presence seemed to inspire a difference in his demeanor, as she walked with him she could tell he had grown. Bottle Cap had step out of his destined path, and into the steps that no one had seen of becoming something greater than just the leader of Brooklyn. Bottle Cap had become the storyteller, he created the legend and the whispers, he controlled more than Spot Conlon ever had or ever desired to. Cap still carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, something that Laces feared he might never grow out of but he did so with a grace that she never thought he would regain.

 

“You changed,” she whispered.

 

“As have you,” he whispered back. They were silent until they reached the docks where Cap leaned against a post and Laces lifted herself up to a sitting position on a perch that felt like a deserted home.

 

“It’s dangerous.” Cap sighed finally.

 

“It’s always been dangerous.” She laughed. He glared at her, a cold angry glare unfamiliar to her sweet friend’s face.

 

“We can’t protect you like they could.” Cap grunted. Laces was surprised at this statement, she studied his face and then studied the docks and the streets beyond.

 

“Why not?” she whispered.

 

“Because we have our own battles, we have not yet come into our own. Because I will not allow anyone else to die for you,” Cap stated. Laces blinked and stared at him now, she felt like she couldn’t breathe and as if time had stopped. Cap noticed the effect of his comment and stepped towards her, wishing he could take back his last words.

 

“Look Laces, I’ve missed you. But I can’t protect you and Matt, Spot and Jack only had one Kai. Can’t you do me the same favor?” Cap laughed nervously. She didn’t respond. “I didn’t mean it.” He tried again.

 

“But you did.” She smiled sadly looking at him, his hair was long now and his eyes were older than they had ever been before. “And it’s all right. I understand. I always have I fear. But I just never thought you would really turn into Spot.”

 

It was Cap’s turn not to breathe. Bottle Cap had always wanted to be Spot Conlon but he had never until this moment understood what it meant to be the legend.

 

“I guess he might have finally been proud of me.” Cap smiled a crooked smile.

 

“He was always proud of you.” Laces smiled again. “And I would have you know that I had no intention of staying long.”

 

“Only because Critter will drag you back to the shore kicking and screaming,” Cap responded.

 

“And I made a few promises, I can’t bear them to be broken now.” She let out a breath of air trying to get her hair away from her eyes.

 

“Who has driven you away from the shore?” Cap asked.

 

“I didn’t know where I was,” she responded.

 

“You have never known where you are.” Cap shrugged as he helped her down.

 

“Thanks Cap, that’s what I needed to hear.” She laughed.

 

“Well it’s true Laces, I’ve missed you don’t get me wrong. But even when you were here, you were never sure where you were.” He held out his arm for her and she took it lightly.

 

“There was always something distracting me.” She winked.

 

“Who drove you away then?” Cap asked again.

 

“Why do you assume it was someone?” she asked. “Couldn’t I just miss my only home?”

 

“You have missed your only home daily, the ache is in your very touch. But someone drove you away, a man maybe. For in matters of the heart you have never stood your ground well.” Cap smiled.

 

“No more talk of this. Take me to Manhattan, if you insist upon protecting me you will go where I desire.” She laughed again.

 

“We must first advise the leader of Brooklyn that you are safe and leaving his reach.” Cap nodded towards a huffing Slingshot.

 

“Never changes.” Laces laughed again.

 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Samantha galloped through the fields of her family’s farm as the twilight of the stars came shimmering above.

 

“Slow down!” Someone called after her and she willed to forget she heard the words. No such luck was granted to her though as she kicked her heels in on either side of her horse and she came to a halt in the middle of the darkness.

 

“At least you listen well.” Jack laughed as he came galloping next to her.

 

“Why did I have to slow down?” Samantha spat angrily.

 

“Why did you have to go that fast?” Jack replied calmly.

 

“Freedom.” Sam shrugged in the darkness. Jack said nothing in response, but instead starting trotting away towards the house.

 

“You don’t respond?” she asked.

 

“You don’t need a response.” He laughed.

 

“I can go fast to be free?” she replied almost giddy at the thought.

 

“Riding a horse doesn’t mean you are free.” Jack smiled in the darkness at her, and she felt her heart beating faster at Jack Kelly’s grin.

 

“Are you free?” She pulled at her horse and trotted slowly near him.

 

“No. Are you?” he asked.

 

“Of course not,” she huffed.

 

“Why not?” Jack asked her again.

 

“I live confined to grounds away from a world. I can not do what I please, I am forever bound to this place and these rules.” Sam concentrated on the trotting of the horse beneath her.

 

“Because you think of it that way.” Jack stopped his horse.

 

“How should I think of it?” Sam demanded as she also stopped her horse and turned her head to look at the shadow that was Jack.

 

“You live in the most vastly free place I’ve ever been, but being free isn’t about where you are. And being cared for doesn’t make you less free. Being free is about how you feel and what you do. You don’t need to be careless and reckless to be free. Freedom is not as rare as you might think, the kind of freedom you think of glitters like gold but is not gold at all. The kind of freedom you think of is lonely and dangerous.” Jack sighed.

 

“Why aren’t you free?” Sam asked.

 

“Look at the stars, you don’t know how lucky you are to have grown up under these stars.” Jack began to trot again and Sam knew her answer would never come. They reached the house and under dimly lit lanterns, Jack jumped off his horse and held out a hand to Samantha.

 

“You’ve learned to ride well, I don’t think I have much left to teach you.”  Jack laughed.

 

“Well there is one more thing you could school me in.” Samantha giggled. But before Jack could ask what it might be that she had decided to learn next, he found himself on the receiving end of a naïve youthful kiss.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Cap, Slingshot, Snipes were fighting in the main entryway of the Manhattan Lodging House. It was a childish bickering, the sort that Laces was more than use to in her old and new world of men taking her decisions and making them her own.

 

“She will stay here tonight!” Snipes repeated the very words that seemed to live in the walls. Laces sat musing on the steps, hearing not the young boy’s voice, but the harsher more demanding voice of Jack Kelly. She could hear him clearly, all day she had felt him and now she could hear him in her head once again. She felt his voice, strong and demanding, almost begging for her not to be removed from his sight. She shook her head, how many times had she made Jack suffer through this fight because she liked staying in Brooklyn better.

 

“Of course she won’t, she will be safer in Brooklyn. No one will touch her there.” Slingshot was quieter, silent danger, again almost a moment of déjà vu for Laces who had seen this fight unfold before. It held little difference, she shrugged except that she was older and the fight was not about as much love as it once had been. She grew restless of the fight about a decision that wasn’t theirs to make, so instead of her intervening as she once would have she stood up and walked gracefully and quieter than usual up the stairs. As she moved away she heard Cap groan.

 

“I have told you both she won’t need to stay anywhere, Critter will come retrieve her before long. Someone must have told him by now.” Laces shuddered. Critter O’Connell was going to be very unhappy with her, but there was little time to think of such unpleasantness. If, and she knew it to be true, Critter would come for her soon she needed to enjoy her memories as they lived around her. She walked into the bunkroom, running her hand against the wall feeling every nook in the wood and breathing in every essence of the room. She could smell Jack now, she remembered his scent as if he stood downstairs arguing with Spot. She heard his voice, not a whisper she couldn’t recognize anymore but a strong murmur. She closed her eyes and she knew he was there in that room like he had always been for her. She moved to his bunk and touched every part of it.

 

Jack Kelly, the one that lived in her memories was the same. Unchanged by their time apart, unchanged by her change, he was everything he had always been. And then her insides ached. It had been months and she had convinced herself of many things and avoided many others but in this moment she fought the tears. She crawled into his bunk and knew she had forgotten him, or worse that she had no idea what was real and what wasn’t created in her memory. Was he really that tall and did his hair truly fall into his eyes like she thought it might. It was terrible to know that for months she hadn’t been able to recall his face so clearly and now to think she might just be imagining an image that didn’t exist. She had missed New York City, she had missed the newsies, but she never realized that she missed them because they allowed her to remember the people she really missed. It had been years since she had spent one day away from Jack Kelly, and in the mist of the moments of the shore it had been easy not to recognize how much she truly missed him. She wrapped the blanket around her attempting to recall what it felt like to have his arms around her. She couldn’t remember and that just made her heart hurt more.

 

Jack Kelly did not live here anymore. His body would not appear next to hers and his voice would not carry from the fight downstairs. She knew that. She knew that now more than she had all day, though she kept seeing him everywhere she had gone in the city. Love was a silly thing, and now Laces understood she had been in love with him and always known, but not to remember, not to think about it was so much easier than dealing with the pain of missing him. This was unbearable and now she willed herself to forget the love as easily as before.

 

That’s where Critter O’Connell found his girl, on that bunk in the lodging house. He walked into the room and in seconds was by her side thinking that something else had happened.

 

“What is wrong, who hurt you?” Fists forming ready for the fight with whomever the idiot was that came too close to her. She shook her head though and no words left her, while Critter stood fuming over her.

 

“That’s Jack’s bunk,” Slingshot finally whispered. His words were information he knew would lead everyone else to the right conclusion. No one said anything for a moment and Critter tried to lift her up, but she clutched to the bedpost not allowing him to move her. Critter gritted his teeth and sighed, moving away from her once again. After a few hushed whispers, there seemed to be no one else in the room. It was quiet and Laces stopped crying, stopped breathing, stopped living for just half a second. Then there were arms around her and humming in her ear.

 

“Now this is a silly thing to do when you come to visit your old protectors. That makes us all think we have failed.” A familiar voice hummed. Laces snuggled into the familiar chest and laughed unwillingly. “Ah, see laughter. That’s what we all deserve, instead you see fit to give us tears. Twice now, I have seen that haunting look in your eyes and I almost blame Jack Kelly. If only I could, but I know what it took him to leave you here. I know that you almost kept him in this imprisonment.” Pockets stroked her hair carefully.

 

“I wouldn’t keep Jack from anything, I just hadn’t remembered what this felt like…” Laces whispered.

 

“You had distracted yourself from the missing feeling. Yes, I knew you would do that. I think he hoped you would, but it was only a matter of time till you returned to us and then you would know.” Pockets nodded slowly moving to have her sit up.

 

“I have been distracted by others,” Laces choked.

 

“Also something I knew you would do, though I don’t think Jack expected that one. Maybe he was just being hopeful.” Pockets shrugged again, moving his hand carefully along her spine to get her up completely.

 

“I didn’t know it was happening.” Laces shook her head.

 

“Do you love someone new then?” Pockets asked confused for a second.

 

“I don’t think so. But how can I know Pockets, when I feel as if it has been another lifetime since I have been near Jack. How do I know he hasn’t changed as much as I have, and maybe he doesn’t love me anymore?” she asked. Pockets smiled recklessly and at this point jumped from the bed, holding out his arms to her.

 

“Audrey, always thinking you are the one that is the problem. We will see I suppose, but I don’t think Jack would ever want to make you this sad. I wouldn’t want to, and I loved you once too.” He winked and she allowed him to bring her down.

 

“I don’t know what to do.” She shook her head.

 

“Well, I would recommend not forgetting him again. Besides that I have no advice. It’s lucky that you make little of your own decisions, as I know that Cricket has just arrived below and that Critter intends you to return to the shore tonight. So there are little things you will decide for a while, I assume that you might not even be allowed to go out when you arrive back at the estate.” Pockets sighed, as he led her out of the bunkroom.

 

“They are going to be angry.” Laces nodded. “Cricket warned me, he might not let me attended the last ball.” Laces looked around the room one last time before letting herself be taken away. Pockets laughed at her statement.

 

“Might I detect you want to go to this ball?” he asked amused. They walked, effortlessly, a walk of many memories down the stairs of the lodging house.

 

“I might have promised someone I would attend, besides it is at the estate. That would look rather shameful that I don’t attend. Unless I could convince them to send me home.” She thought about this and Pockets laughed.

 

“You’re home is with them now.” He winked again.

 

“I don’t think so.” She shook her head.

 

“Well, I wouldn’t mind seeing you at a ball. A sight I have been told, Skittery said you are breathtaking.” Pockets laughed again. Always, Laces had always had a protector in her boys and every corner of the city was covered with someone that could guide her and keep her safe from others and herself. It was something she was familiar with, something that made her feel home, something she missed terribly everyday on the shore. 

 

“AUDREY ALEXANDRA KAI. I swear I might let Southie beat you with her riding crop.” Cricket was fuming from his spot in the parlor and she shivered at his tone. Pockets held her close, protectively for a moment before releasing her.

 

“You know you earned it,” Pockets whispered, his eyes smiling mischievously. Cricket came over to her.

 

“Are you all right?” he asked, as he lifted her arms and inspected her to ensure that her answer was truthful.

 

“I’m fine Cricket. You knew I would be.” She sighed.

 

“Why didn’t you say anything?” he growled.

 

“Like what? Hey Thomas, might I maybe run away to the city please? You wouldn’t have let me come. You were angry with me.” Laces rolled her eyes. Cap shook his head from behind Cricket, disapproving her sarcasm.

 

“What did you do?” Critter asked now.

 

“Nothing.” Was the automatic response though no one believed her. Critter crossed his arms and glared at her. She studied Snipes and Matt behind him though, amused at their irritation that someone older and stronger than them was dealing with her.

 

“She was merely being herself.” Cricket shrugged, his voice suddenly softer, in response to Critter’s anger.

 

“What happened?” Critter demanded again.

 

“She got proposed to.” Cap said from behind them. Now it was her turn to glare at him disapprovingly.

 

“Be on their side,” she snapped. Cap smiled but shrugged.

 

“Let’s say it’s payback.” He laughed at the words. He was doing it because he was mad that she still wandered around alone even after experiencing first hand what had happened to him many years ago.

 

“By Lord Gregory, didn’t I tell you?” Cricket asked astounded for a second.

 

“What did you say?” Critter demanded now. At this point many of the boys snickered and laughed.

 

“What do you think?” Laces rolled her eyes.

 

“That’s why you ran off?” Cricket shook his head.

 

“Completely irresponsible. The way you flagrantly disregard all we have done to ensure your safety. Everything to make you have a better more fulfilling life.” Critter was grumbling.

 

“Why can’t I have the life I want?” Laces demanded.

 

“Do you know what you want?” Cricket whispered the words. At this point she glared at him, gritted her teeth and twitched. She slid her hand into Pockets shirt pocket where she knew a cigarette would lay. Pockets knowing her desire pulled out a match and lit it for her before she had it to her mouth.

 

“Casey doesn’t like you smoking,” Cricket growled.

 

“Casey isn’t here,” she spat back.

 

“Dear cousin you have gotten rebellious, and here I thought you would learn to more willingly follow rules. With all those rules of society you have.” Slingshot laughed.

 

“Don’t encourage her.” Cap poked him in the ribs. She shook her head, and after another few puffs Pockets removed the cigarette from her hand.

 

“I think that’s enough.” He shooed her from grabbing it again and instead finished it himself.

 

“We are leaving, maybe I will let Casey deal with you.” Cricket nodded towards the boys and headed out to the carriage. He knew that Critter would grab her if she resisted and that there was little need for him any longer.

 

“Don’t think about fighting this, I will put you over my shoulder if I must and carry you from here. But you will return to the shore. I promised them we would keep you there, for your own well being,” Critter said taking a step closer.

 

“No fight was intended, let me say good bye.” Laces smiled weary of her surroundings. The city had given her so much this day that she didn’t want to leave, but she knew it was not worth the fight or the pain of staying and not finding everything she wanted there.

 

In seconds she said goodbye to her family, every one of them, so changed in her eyes but still the same nonetheless and followed Critter out the door. As they stepped onto the sidewalk outside she held onto his arm and took one last deep breath, trying to capture the city in a second of air.

 

“Critter?” she whispered before they got to the carriage.

 

“Yes?” He sighed, knowing from her tone she wanted something from him.

 

“Can you bring him back?” She asked this question quieter then even a whisper, but Critter heard, it was as if he knew the question was coming.

 

“I might be able to.” Critter shrugged. “But I think you should know that he will come back in his own time. Both of them will.”

 

“Yes. Own time. I should be able to wait. They would wait.” She sighed and was lifted into the carriage as the first star twinkled above them.

 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Spades wrote us.” Spot threw himself down onto the barrel of hay that was nearest to him. He wrinkled the worn paper in his hands weary of its contents before even reading it.

 

“What is she up to these days?” Jack asked the normal expected statement. Though it was the last statement that he wanted to ask, and the thought was the least close to his heart. In all honesty, Jack Kelly and Spot Conlon were the last people that wanted to know news from the city. They wanted to know that their family and loved ones were cared for and safe, but they didn’t want to know how the world that they had held on to for so long had and could survive without them. That was something almost intolerable to the two men that sat in the barn in the Midwest territory that had poured their own blood into the City of New York.

 

Spot skimmed the letter, pausing at points to digest the happenings before speaking again. It was silent, but the silence didn’t bother Jack. He was engrossed in thoughts of the city, in how Laces might look and how she might have changed. How Manhattan was sure to have become different under Snipes, who was never going to be like Jack, no matter how many years passed.

 

“The wedding date is set.” Spot finally announced. It was such a statement that most would think that Spot was unhappy about the prospect of his cousin marrying. But he wasn’t, it was just that it had been so many years that he had been in the city and available to celebrate the event that it was bittersweet that the time had arrived only for him to not be present. Jack had stopped focusing on his thoughts of what was left behind, his face fixated on Spot waiting for the joke to be announced. But when nothing came and the two old friends were left in silence, he coughed.

 

“Soon?” It was desperate, hopeful that the truth be something less painful than Spot Conlon and Jack Kelly not being at the wedding of Spades Fia and Blue O’Riley. 

 

Spot pushed his blonde locks out of his face and smiled grimly at Jack. No need for words, they both knew the answer. It would be soon. Spades and Blue had waited long enough not to have to wait for the two legends to return to the city when the wind decided to carry them back. The wedding would happen with or without their presence and they both knew it.

 

“Does it say anything about Laces?” Jack suddenly asked. At the mention of her, Spot smiled more genuinely than before and nodded.

 

“Something about her attending balls left and right. Critter saying something about young suitors taken an interest in her, at least according to Cricket, I don’t know much about society. She does tend to get attention though from whatever place she wanders into, so I wouldn’t doubt it. She does comment they haven’t seen her since the summer started which means that Critter is good on his end of the deal of keeping her out of harms way.” Spot shrugged, his eyes still scanning the tiny handwriting of all the news Spades had decided to write about.

 

Jack laughed, a hallow sort of echo that came from him. It was as if the light had been blown out his eyes and they were darkened thinking of how many more prospects had entered the running for her heart. It wasn’t as if he didn’t already think himself less than worthy of such a creature, but now there were men of society, with money and education and means to provide for her immediately.

 

“I wouldn’t worry about it much Jack,” Spot said suddenly. Jack looked up at his old friend and tried to smile.

 

“But I will,” he responded. Spot rolled his eyes.

 

“Yet, you are out here paying attention to some pretty little girl who can ride horses?” Spot’s eyebrows shot up.

 

“Conlon, I didn’t do anything. The kid just wanted to kiss me.” Jack defended himself, hands up in the arm surrendering. 

 

David laughed as he walked in.

 

“That child is sweet on you. And you have to know that Jack, are you really that blind?” David asked. “And Laces, well she’s more than sweet on you. I think she’s been in love with you since the moment she first saw you, at least as long as I have known her.”

 

“How are you so sure?” Jack demanded, furiously picking at the straw around him. 

 

“You don’t look at just anyone the way that girl looked at you.” David shrugged his response as he took the letter from Spot to read over the contents. Spot gave it up willingly and looked at Jack again frowning.

 

“She did have a way of looking at you.” He nodded.

 

“Yeah I remember.” Jack sighed. He did remember the way she looked at him. The problem was that it was only a memory, he couldn’t assure himself that she would still look at him that way when he returned. Even more so he was having trouble remembering memories of her that didn’t involve some trouble, some looming danger, and mostly anger on his part. He had always protected her and as these memories came to surface he was beginning to wonder if they had ever truly had a relationship for themselves or just out of circumstance. He couldn’t deny his feelings for her now, his fondest of the memory but more importantly the yearning that burned somewhere within him that almost caused physical pain. Then there was also the unexplained mental and emotional connection that he seemed to feel whenever he thought there was something wrong with her, Spot thought it was creepy but it had to mean something.

 

“We’re going to have to go back soon aren’t we?” David asked watching Jack’s face carefully.

 

“Maybe we could for…” Spot started to whisper.

 

“The wedding.” Jack nodded. “That would be good for you too Conlon.” 

 

“I don’t need to go,” Spot tried to huff.

 

“But you should,” David replied, soothing Spot’s ego quickly.

 

“Do you think we can manage it?” Jack asked looking at his two friends.

 

“We would just be going for a visit right? I mean there is going to be quite a bit of work out here this season,” Spot started.

 

“And it would never be good for your boys if suddenly you two reappeared on the stage so quickly after being gone,” David added, knowing that is what Spot was thinking of first and foremost but would never have brought it up.

 

“So just for the wedding.” Jack nodded.

 

“So how does Spades end that letter?” Spot asked David as he laid his head down.

 

“Not much else here. She says that it seems the boys won their first few scrapes out and that they are newly aligned with the Bronx, Decker is apparently a great asset to them,” David commented.

 

“Of course Decker moved in on that as soon as we were gone,” Jack scoffed.

 

“He wasn’t that bad of a kid,” Spot mumbled from his half asleep state.

 

“Yes if I recall you tried to beat him senseless a few times.” Jack laughed.

 

“I tried to beat you senseless too, but you ended up being my greatest friend and leader of Manhattan. So you know, I might not be the best judge of character.” Spot yawned.

 

“Did Spot Conlon just admit to being wrong?” David asked as he folded the letter back up.

 

“No. The leader of Brooklyn is never wrong.” Spot yawned again and then he was asleep. So there was no use arguing with him that he was no longer the leader of Brooklyn and thus could be wrong. David shook his head and shrugged at Jack.

 

“I could remind him of being wrong in the morning but he will deny it.” Jack laughed before closing his eyes to sleep.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Look here Laces!” South shouted as Laces tried storming out of the sitting room. She didn’t get very far before Cricket had his arm around her waist.

 

“Casey’s talking to you dearest.” He turned her around with one motion and set her on her feet facing Casey again.

 

“I’m going to go mad!” Laces screamed at Casey. “I listened to Critter yell at me and I’ve dealt with Cricket being disappointed. Will this night never end!”

 

“Do you understand what it meant if anyone from the shore had seen you running off in the night in the Canterbury carriage! After all these months, and everything going so well! What a mistake letting you run around with that Canterbury boy, I knew I should have restricted that friendship more. My mother warned me,” South huffed.

 

“Now you’re taking advice from your mother, because she kept such great restrictions on you,” Audrey shot back as she eyed Cricket next to her mockingly.

 

“Audrey. Disrespect.” Cricket’s eyebrows shot up sharply. Audrey didn’t respond but looked down rather than focusing on his gaze. The carriage ride back from the city had been mostly quiet, but Cricket had mastered the art of controlling Audrey through disappointment, something that made her thoughtful and remorseful without the theatrics of Casey. 

 

“You were expressly forbidden to go into the city. Not just by Jack, Spot, Critter but also by us and you so flagrantly disregard…” South was saying when Audrey started mimicking her.

 

“Everything we’ve done to ensure you’re safe. So many efforts wasted on such reckless behavior…”  she was saying louder than South when Cricket flicked her arm with his index finger and she stopped.

 

“And for what?” South said quietly. Her whisper was more dangerous than the yelling and Laces knew it, the temper of South McCain was legendary even outside her group of birds. She railed against Critter O’Connell on plenty of occasions, her temper had almost gotten her killed. It was a cold and calculated anger that made her see only one possible path and only one possible outcome, which is why it was so dangerous.

 

“You know what for.” Audrey sighed as she threw herself into the chair, knowing that she would never be allowed out of the room until she was dismissed.

 

The three of them were quiet for a second until South spoke again in a whisper, her anger would not be swayed by logic.

 

“You were forbidden,” she repeated.

 

“We’re going back to the city in a week, what is it that you’re so angry about?” Audrey stared at the ceiling refusing to meet anyone’s gaze.

 

“The social outcast that you could have caused,” Cricket started but South stopped him.

 

“Do you really truly understand the danger that you put everyone in?” She asked as she took steps closer to Audrey.

 

“Even their enemies know you, know you’re worth. Why, you’re the girl that started the war between the great Jack Kelly and the deadly Spot Conlon. And you were the spark that lit the fire for the bloodbath with the pocket gang, and you were the bait between the stupid fight of Decker,” South said each sentence slowly and Laces lowered her head and looked at her.

 

“And they all know I caused so many deaths.” She sighed.

 

“No baby doll, those deaths weren’t…” Cricket started to kneel down but South stopped him.

 

“They know your story, you walked on those streets alone and any of them might take you. Revenge on Brooklyn and Manhattan, they are already fighting. To move in that city by yourself, to make them use their resources on finding you instead of watching their enemies, acting so selfishly. Yes we go back to the city, but you must understand why you can’t be the Laces that left the city. You are not that girl anymore.” South was standing above Audrey now, looking down willing the message to be sent to the stubborn girl.

 

“No, of course not everyone gets to play the street games that Casey McCain got to play.” Audrey spat resentfully. South went to slap her when Cricket’s hand stopped her.

 

“No, Casey.” Cricket held his wife’s hand in midair, and glared down at Laces.

 

“We were careless once too.” He sighed. “You do not have the option anymore. We’re smarter than our parents were, younger and faster too.”

 

“You will stay out of the streets when we go back to the city, not for your sake. For theirs, understood?” South demanded.

 

I will not let anyone else die for you. Audrey heard Cap’s words in her mind and the look on his face when he said it.

 

“Yes.” Audrey agreed. South stormed from the room and Cricket rolled his eyes after her.

 

“She is bad at losing and winning an argument. Her temper.” He sat down across from Audrey and glared at her a moment.

 

“You’re still mad at me?” she demanded.

 

“Watch your tone,” he replied before continuing. “You know you’re confined to the house until the ball?” he asked.

 

“Yes, Casey made that clear. I’m sure she’s going to make me cross-stitch until my fingers bleed.” Audrey started fidgeting with her hands.

 

“Casey wasn’t going to hit you.” Thomas was looking towards the door after his angry wife.

 

“Yes she was,” Audrey replied not seeming to care.

 

“Audrey.” He started. “Laces, do you know…”

 

There was a pause and she looked at him. Tears filled Thomas’s eyes and his face looked young, lost, and terribly sad. Laces was alarmed, she had never once seen Cricket shed a tear for anything. She had some slight recollection a whisper of a memory of his frantic tears when Bryan died but there was no way to know if those memories were real; she had been so young. She knelt down beside his chair, placing her hands in his and looking up at him.

 

“Nothing was going to happen Cricket. You know South was just angry, and you know I probably deserved it. And nothing was going to happen to me in the city, I know I was being reckless but the city has always protected me…” Audrey started throwing the words out in a jumbled mess not understanding the sudden look of sadness that had overtaken her cheerful guardian.

 

“No dearest. Though those things worry me, no. I was going to ask, if you knew. Maybe you’d understand us, well at least South and Critter and myself a bit better. Why we’re so set and intent on protecting you against your own stubborn ways.” Cricket looked at her a moment and pulled out a cigarette that he had in his pocket.

 

“South doesn’t like it when…” Audrey started.

 

“You smoke.” He winked at her and lit his cigarette. He took a few puffs of his cigarette and nodded.

 

“You know how many birds there were when we started?” He asked.

 

“It was Critter, Chesapeake, Blaze, Hunter, South and you.” Laces responded looking puzzled.

 

“There was one more.” He sighed. “And she died, in Little Italy because we were careless and reckless and young. So believe me Audrey when I tell you, I know what it feels like on both sides and we will NOT lose you.” He lifted her chin and looked her straight in the eye making sure she understood.

 

Laces had so many questions but knew Cricket’s temperament would not support any inquisition.

 

“Yes. I understand Cricket.” She nodded. 

 

“Stop giving Casey so much lip.” He added smiling at her. “A little respect…”

“Yes sir.” She rolled her eyes but looked sincere enough.

 

“Go on to bed with you then.” Cricket motioned his head. But Audrey shook her head and scrunched her nose.

 

“But it’s so early yet…” She looked out the window.

 

“No it’s not and he won’t be out there. And for you to be thinking of sneaking off, I might lock you in your room tonight.” Cricket shook his head as he stood up and picked Audrey off the ground.

 

“Cricket!” she whined.

 

“Don’t test my patience anymore tonight will you?” he whispered. 

 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

It was barely breaking dawn on the morning of the last ball of the summer when there was a slight tapping on the window of Miss Audrey’s room at the Longfellow Estate.

 

Audrey was lying in bed, tossing and turning mumbling about choices. She was having another dream that had her screaming in her mind and crying without sound, a nightmare she had learned to have in silence weeks before. It took a few taps on the windows before she realized that she was sleeping and woke with a start.

 

The morning light danced along the tips of her fingers as she shoved the expensive fabrics of her bed linen onto the ground and lightly skipped to the window. She slid open the glass without a thought to her decency, with her hair curling into messes around her face and over her shoulders reaching the top of her breasts. Her light cotton nightgown was pale white and clung to her upper body as the morning breeze came rushing by her. She smiled brightly as her eyes blinked to the new day’s sunlight and Jacob rested his head on the windowsill laughing at her morning self.

 

“Sleepy head.” He laughed. 

 

“Well it being dawn, I would think I was entitled to sleep,” she responded to him, suddenly remembering to cover herself up, she sat behind the wall slightly. Obstructing the view of her body to her morning visitor.

 

“Only those who don’t know how to live sleep at dawn,” Jacob responded.

 

“And why would you say that Jacob Canterbury?” She demanded of him.

 

“Because why would you miss the beginning of the day, the sunrise is the most beautiful time of day.” Jacob looked out the horizon where the sun was almost completely up.

 

“No.” Audrey disagreed seriously, a tone that made Jacob look back at her face. He lifted his head and questioned her without any words.

 

“The sunset Jacob, that’s the most beautiful time of day. Right as the sun reaches the end of the earth and some of the stars have started to twinkle above head.” She laughed. He shrugged.

 

“So we disagree.”

 

The two were silent for a few moments before Audrey yawned and remembered he had woken her up this morning.

 

“Was there a reason silly boy, that you woke me up for the sunrise on this particular day?” she demanded.

 

“Are you going to be allowed to the ball tonight? I haven’t gotten to truly see you in ages, well not outside this window anyway. And that’s all done in great secrecy.” Jacob smirked.

 

“Are you tried of the secrecy? I thought you liked it.” Audrey laughed at him.

 

“I do, but I miss seeing you dressed.” Jacob winked at her. She slid further behind the wall as he said the words, hearing Critter growl in her mind and whisper lectures of men. She ignored the lighter whispers of Cricket warning about love.

 

“I believe that Casey and Thomas might let me off this absurd house arrest they have had me on.” Audrey sighed leaning her head into the wall.

 

“You did run away, most well behaved girls of society don’t do that. At least the rest of the shore believes you’ve been ill. Though the gossip about you and that Lord Gregory…” Jacob scowled.

 

“Gossip?” Audrey sighed as she stood up to walk back to bed.

 

“Yes, gossip.” Jacob took his cue well and jumped to sit inside the room, though still leaning onto the windowsill.

 

“What have they been saying?” she demanded as she curled back into bed.

 

“Things about how you were showing obvious affection and to just refuse like that, then there might be some talk about other young gentlemen that you are attracted to. I dismiss most of the talk, sometimes I know that Emma has snapped at the young ladies to stop their bickering about like hens.” Jacob rolled his eyes.

 

“Others.” Audrey yawned again.

 

“You ever going to tell me what you did when you ran off?” Jacob asked quietly.

 

“Jacob,” Audrey started. “I told you, I just needed to be in the city.”

 

“But alone, you really shouldn’t have gone to the city alone. I would have gone with you.” She could hear Jacob’s teeth grinding together.

 

“Yes, that gossip would have been lovely to endure.  Your father would have skinned you alive, not to mention I might have been de-warded.” Audrey sighed. They had this argument three times this week since the night she had arrived back and she had convinced Cricket to let her see him out in the stables. He had watched her from the window of the parlor, and given her a time limit and been very disagreeable about the whole experience but he had allowed it. Casey had thrown a fit about it but when Cricket put his foot down, she remained tight-lipped about it.

 

“You’re sure they are going to let you come to the ball tonight? I’ve been begging Casey to let me take you riding for days and she won’t allow it.” Jacob frowned.

 

“I am sure. Unless I do something terrible before then.” Audrey rolled her eyes.

 

“Try to behave? Maybe not sass back to Casey today?” Jacob pleaded with her.

 

“I will be at the ball. It’s the end of the season. Now let me go back to bed would you? Maybe we could escape tonight and ride the horses? You’re leaving tomorrow aren’t you?” Audrey asked.

 

“A few days still, so maybe if you behave we’ll get to spend some time together before I have to go back to the mundane existence of school.” Jacob winked and hopped out the window.

 

“Hey Jacob?” Audrey yawned after him.

 

“Yeah?” he whispered as he started shutting the window again.

 

“You owe me the sunset.” She snuggled down into her covers and closed her eyes before he responded, but she always knew he was going to say yes.

 

                                                            ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

“Slingshot can’t I come with you?” Sand asked casually as he leaned over the banister of the stairs in Manhattan.

 

Matthew Kai, better known as Slingshot these days, stood tall and proud in the entryway of the Manhattan Newsboy Lodging House. He was dressed in a nicely tailored suit. It was the same suit he had worn to the funerals of his old mentors in Little Italy a few months back slightly tailored to the new styles of the summer.

 

“Ignore him.” Snipes called down from the upstairs hallway.

 

“I don’t see…” Slingshot started.

 

“I said no.” Snipes came out from behind Sand and smacked the younger boy in the back of the head.  Sand’s dirty blonde hair flew into a mess, as his head fell forwards a second and he ducked out of Snipe’s arm as to not get smacked again.

 

“But Bottle Cap gets to go!” Sand whined as he scurried to the first floor, away from Snipes and closer to Slingshot who surprisingly had a reputation for being more level headed with the boys.

 

“I’m older than you.” Cap sighed from near Slingshot.

 

“But…”

 

“Sand, I swear I’m going to make you clean out the bunks every day this month if you try me.” Snipes gritted his teeth as he came down the stairs.

 

“Look kid,” Slingshot moved towards Sand and swung his arm around his shoulders. “We’re going to a boring Ball, with people in fancy dresses and tiresome attitudes. You would be bored, besides you are a bit too young to go. Not because we think so, but because those are the rules of society. You know you’re one of the best boys we got. We need someone to be here in case something goes wrong, to take charge. And well Cap would stay but you see that we’ve got to take care of Laces, you know how important Laces is?”

 

Sand slumped under the Brooklyn Leader’s arm but his face brightened.

 

“I can be in charge?” he asked.

 

“Of course you’re in charge. But if there’s trouble you make sure to try to get word to us, and don’t forget about Decker.” Snipes sighed.

 

“I won’t.” Sand nodded and smiled brightly at his leaders.

 

“That’s a good boy.” Cammie suddenly came out from the parlor and kissed the younger boy on the forehead. 

 

“I might get jealous there.” Slingshot laughed as he held out his arm for Cammie.

 

“We should stop babying him.” Cap commented as the four walked out of the lodging house.

 

“He’s still very young Cap,” Cammie commented maternally.  Slingshot curled his hand around her arm tightly as he smiled at her.

 

“He’s not that young, and he is second in command in Manhattan. It’s not going to benefit him to be treated like a child.” Cap shook his head.

 

“You’re too serious Cap.” Slingshot sighed.

 

“But he’s right. It worries me to leave him like that, when he can’t even take simple orders without being a cry baby about them.” Snipes gripped as the carriage pulled up in front of them.

 

The footmen of the carriage opened the door, revealing Critter O’Connell dashingly sitting next to a stunningly dressed Chesapeake with Skittery sitting across from the happy looking couple.

 

“He’s the only one being left out,” Cammie defended as Skittery helped her into the cab of the carriage.

 

“Cap is right.” Critter sighed.

 

“You should also learn to talk about affairs such as those in quieter tones,” Chesa scolded.

 

“Though he is very young.” Skittery sighed looking off into the distance, probably trying to decide if any of his friends were ever that young in the days of yester year.

 

The only sound that could be heard for the next moments of time was the soft crackling of gravel under the wooden wheels of the carriage with the heavy pattering of the horse hooves. The city swirled along as if it were a chalk drawing with blurring edges and vague details. Before leaving everything behind, the carriage stopped one more time and the door swung open to four more familiar faces.

 

“Is this really a good idea?” Pockets picked Angel up from the waist to help her into the carriage.

 

“You just don’t want to deal with her if she’s mad.” Spades laughed as she slapped away Blue’s hands from her waist to keep him from repeating Pocket’s maneuver.

 

“What makes you think she’s going to be mad to see her dearest friends?” Critter laughed. 

 

“Oh she will know we’re there to protect her. To keep her out of trouble, to watch her every move because you and Cricket and South don’t trust her judgment.” Cap rolled his eyes.

 

“She’s going to be so mad at me.” Pockets shivered.

 

“She’s a lady of society Pockets, she can’t be as angry as you think she is going to be.” Blue winked.

 

“You don’t know her like I do.” Pockets grumbled.

 

“Besides, she might just be happy enough to see us that she won’t notice,” Slingshot offered.

 

“Maybe.” Angel laughed. “Don’t bet on it.” 

 

“I don’t care if she’s angry, don’t forget why we are going. To keep our darling in check, Cricket says she has a tendency to run off with that boy from next door.” Critter instructed.

 

“That’s the Canterbury boy,” Skittery provided. “He’s been a good friend to her.” 

 

“Nevertheless, she runs off with him. Also we’re there to protect her from the possible society gossip about her and that other prat Lord high and mighty.” Critter pointed out again.

 

“That was Lord Gregory.” Pockets suddenly looked miserable.

 

“Stop worrying she’s going to be happy to see you.” Angel nudged him.

 

“And you look great,” Cammie added.

 

“You are too nice for this bunch.” Chesa laughed at the girl.

 

“We all grew out of being that nice, don’t worry about it darling.” Angel winked at her. 

 

The old friends sat there jibbing at each for the duration of the ride, Critter every so often instructing them and reminding them of their purpose at the final social event of the shore. It was a light-hearted ride filled with laughter and a carefree happiness that rarely existed in the lives of the young newsies, the former pocket gang, and the aging birds. Cricket and South had arranged for their old friends to be picked up from the city and brought to the shore for the last ball under the pretense to ensure the behavior of their ward was acceptable. But the newly married couple missed their friends, and Cricket was worried about Laces and how she might fall into another fit of despair. South was worried about her re-entering the city without properly understanding her new place in society and in the old world of the newsies and thought this might be a step to an easier transition for her whole family unit.

 

                                                ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 Thomas Longfellow stood at the top of the steps waiting for Audrey to come out of her room. He discreetly snapped his fingers at the passing maid, who scampered towards the young miss’s room and slid inside looking panicked. All the rich families from the shore arrived, young maidens looking fresh and flushed ready to impress all the young gentlemen one last time.  Thomas watched tapping his left foot irritably with impatience because it was considerably rude to not have arrived to his own household’s ball on time. 

 

“I swear if that kid isn’t out here in ten seconds…” Thomas mumbled to himself as he started counting. As he got to eight, Audrey emerged from her room in a stunning lavender ball gown. Tiny white flowers hung as a headband in her hair as it curled into ringlets down her neck. Thomas smiled at her and rolled his eyes when he saw the key necklace she wore around her neck.

 

“Miss Audrey, it’s impolite to be so late as the hostess of this ball.” Thomas chastised as he held out his arm to her.

 

“Why Thomas, I had to look stunning.” She winked at him as she wrapped her arm around his.

 

“You will behave tonight?” Thomas gave her a strict glare. 

 

“Yes sir.” Laces sighed, it was the hundredth time he had asked her the same question today.

 

“And Audrey, remember you have been feeling slightly ill the last week and were on bed rest to ensure you could be here tonight.” Cricket recited the lies that had been told to the people on the shore about why Audrey had been in the house. Though Jacob had informed Audrey that the gossip was that she was feeling ill because of her refusal to Lord Gregory.

 

“Ready?” Thomas whispered and Audrey looked up to see some of the guests in the entry hall, spilling into the parlor room.

 

“Announcing Mr. Thomas Longfellow and Miss Audrey Kai.” One of the attendants shouted as they entered the room. Audrey smiled as she was led into the main room, where Thomas left her near the refreshments and walked to find his lovely wife whispering a last warning. Seconds she stood by herself before Jacob appeared at her side. Jacob Canterbury was dashing in his summer suit, hair combed back and eyes bright with mischief.

 

“Why a week of being confined to the house has you almost radiant tonight. Maybe it did you some good, did you repent on your sins?” Jacob whispered to her. He was being careful knowing that gossiping ears were near and waiting for anything to spread.

 

“Will you not talk about that in here,” she hissed at him.

 

“Miss Audrey! Are you feeling better?” Emma came over and clasped her hands over Audrey’s. Emma was glaring at her brother making Audrey feel like she was in on the true story.

 

“Yes thank you so much Miss Emma.” She nodded.

 

“Jacob, remember how people listen.” Emma hushed.

 

“Drinks ladies?” he asked but without waiting for an answer he poured them punch.

 

“The first dance with me?” Jacob asked as he turned back around.

 

“Well you can dance with Emma of course, I was thinking you might offer me the first dance but…” Audrey giggled.

 

“Miss Audrey such a teaser.” Emma shook her head.

 

“I will dance with Emma first if you wish it so…” Jacob winked.

 

“Oh no you two figure this out, I have a dance with Frederick over there.” Emma moved away quickly laughing. “Be careful Audrey,” Emma whispered before moving away from them.

 

Jacob held out his hand to Audrey and led her onto the dance floor. They started to waltz around the room, and Jacob sighed.

 

“The gossips are out in open tonight.” 

 

“Yes, you know you can’t dance with me all night?” Audrey laughed.

 

“And why not? I will protect you from the gossip.” Jacob did a quick side step to avoid another couple dramatically.

 

“Stop bringing attention to us for heavens sake Jacob. And because South warned me that we weren’t to dance all night.” Audrey rolled her eyes.

 

“South?” Jacob questioned.

 

“I meant Casey, I was thinking about something else.” Audrey bit her bottom lip.

 

“Stupid women of society,” Jacob grumbled, as they did a few more twirls, not bothering to ask any more questions about South knowing Audrey preferred to stay secretive. As the song came to an end and on the last turn Audrey was sure she saw a familiar face in the crowd but when she looked again there was no one to be found.

 

“How about just one more dance for now?” Jacob asked as he pulled her in tighter instead of releasing her waist. Before Audrey could respond someone tapped her on the shoulder.

 

“Excuse me, may I cut in for the next dance.” The voice was familiar and comforting and for a short second Audrey caught her breathe. 

 

“Well…” Jacob started but Audrey had already turned to her new dance partner, her eyes happily surprised to find Pockets Harper.

 

“Do you know this man?” Jacob asked, not letting go of one of her hands.

 

“Yes, yes. This is Benjamin Harper please meet Jacob Canterbury.” Audrey said waving her hand out of Jacob’s and introducing her old friend.

 

“Pleased.” Jacob shook Pockets hand. “Are you from the city?” he asked suspicious.

 

“Yes, the Longfellows insisted that some of their old friends come down for their last ball. A few of our old friends are here.” Pockets winked at Laces’s confused face. “Pleasure. Maybe we can chat later?” 

 

With that Pockets started twirling Laces on the dance floor, holding her with experienced hands that made it seem like she was floating. 

 

“Pockets! What are you doing here and what did you mean friends?” Laces whispered into his ear as she fell into him after a turn.

 

“Why darling, aren’t you pleased to see me? Just a few days ago you ran to see me.” Pockets laughed.

 

“Hush you.” Laces sighed. Pockets led her around the dance floor, moving her softly with his hand in the nook of her back. Laces was enjoying herself too much to notice how the dance was protective, and Pockets was keeping her away from clumps of people.

 

“You looked cozy with that fellow. Is he that other one that has you confused?” Pockets whispered. He had decided to push his luck with her, seeing as she had yet to figure out that her protectors were here for her. 

 

“We are not talking about this.” Audrey snapped. The song was over and she let go of Pockets and walked away towards a crowd. He didn’t try to follow her instead looked over at Angel and winked as he held out his hand to dance with her.

 

Audrey wandered into the sitting room where she sat down for a second thinking about who else might be in the house that she hadn’t yet seen. 

 

“Did you see that Miss Audrey, how she gallivants with Jacob Henry is shameful only a week after she turned down that English Lord,” someone was whispering.

 

“Absolutely shameful,” another woman whispered back. Two younger ladies were giggling as they walked into the room when their eyes fell upon Audrey they stifled back the laughter.

 

“Why Miss Audrey, I’m surprised to see you’re not dancing,” one of them said.

 

“Yes will, I need to catch my breath a moment is all. Are you taking a break as well Miss Abigail?” Audrey jabbed at her lack of a dance partner.

 

“Oh we’re waiting for Lord Gregory and William Franklin to bring us our drinks. I was going to put my coat down.” The other girl maliciously smiled down at Audrey.

 

“Why there you are!” Slingshot stood behind the two ladies of society, a handsome reckless looking young gentlemen. 

 

“Matthew!” Audrey jumped up as she saw him standing there.

 

“Ladies. He pushed them aside and took Audrey’s hand carefully kissing it lightly.

 

“I’ve been looking for you. I believe you promised me this dance.” Matt chuckled at the confused young ladies faces. “Forgive me for stealing her away would you?” he asked but moved Laces out of the room before they could respond.

 

“What are you doing here?” Audrey asked.

 

“Can’t I come visit my cousin? You look dashing by the way.” Matt smiled at her brightly.

 

“How could you leave the city? What if something happened?” Audrey’s voice trembled suddenly with fear.

 

“Nothing is going to happen,” he responded reassuringly. But then Laces caught sight of Snipeshooter and Bottle Cap lounging near the staircase speaking to Elizabeth Samson and Emma Canterbury.

 

“But with Snipes and Cap being here…” She started but Matt held his finger up to her mouth.

 

“Those are issues of the city darling, no longer your concerns.” He raised his eyebrows daring her to question him.

 

“Look here Matthew Kai, just because you’re the leader of Brooklyn…” she started hotly.

 

“Audrey, your voice.” Cap was near her in seconds having seen the troubles from afar. 

 

“For you two to leave Brooklyn and Manhattan unprotected to come waltz with me and for what purpose…” Laces started again and then she frowned.

 

“Audrey, carefully. People might be listening and we already look younger than most of the men here.” Cap warned.

 

“We are younger, much better looking then some of these rich boys though.” Matt smiled over to Elizabeth as he said that.

 

“You’re all here for me?” Audrey frowned.

 

“Stop standing there like idiots and dance, and go dance with Elizabeth, Cap,” South hissed from behind them as Cricket circled her around them. 

 

Matthew held up his hand and placed his other arm around his cousin’s waist and before she could protest had her on the dance floor.

 

“Matt, you’re all here for me?” she demanded.

 

“Of course we are,” he sighed.

 

“Who is?” she demanded.

 

“Oh you’ll see everyone before the evening ends,” he responded.

 

“But why?” she asked.

 

“You know, we missed you.” Matt smiled charmingly at her. She rolled her eyes not believing him for a second but knowing that her cousin and newest leader of Brooklyn would not divulge any more information to her on the subject.

 

“You shouldn’t let those girls talk to you that way,” Matt commented.

 

“What girls?” Laces asked distracted as she scanned the room looking for more familiar faces, though she had her suspicions on who else was among the society of the shore. 

 

“The ones I found you with, they sounded fancy and mean. Jealous of you,” Matt commented.

 

“Oh, I don’t pay much attention to them.” Audrey sighed.

 

“It seemed that you were,” Matt commented again.

 

“Matt really, it was nothing. And sir, Brooklyn and Manhattan will always be in my concerns as long as my family is there.” She glared at him, remembering the fight she wanted to have as Cap winked at her from across the floor.

 

“But how we handle our affairs does not concern you, and look Audrey. You are Miss Audrey Kai now, so for the love of everything under the sun please don’t go trying to be Laces when you come back to the city. I do not have the time to keep an eye on you and to use up the birds when I have my own problems because you decide to risk your neck…” Matt started. 

 

“I don’t want to talk about this,” Audrey was starting to feel like she was repeating the same thing over and over again. She started to walk away when Cap was suddenly next to her and his arm was around her waist and Matt took over dancing with Elizabeth who looked delighted.

 

“Stop being difficult about what Matt is asking.” Cap sighed.

 

“How could you possibly…” Audrey responded.

 

“You forget how many years I had to eavesdrop on important conversations.” Cap winked at her.

 

“Cap, I will not be told that the affairs of my home is of no importance to me any longer. And just because I’m going to be living in a fancy house and wearing silk dresses does not mean that I’m no longer welcomed among my newsies,” Audrey angrily whispered.

 

“Look Audrey, we all made a promise. A promise to Spot to keep you safe from the streets.” Cap sighed.

 

“Even with the new gentlemen, she has them bewitched. Have you seen how many she has danced with, greedy little thing.” An older woman harshly snapped in an audible whisper.

 

“I hate society.” Audrey rolled her eyes.

 

“Come on, let’s get you some fresh air,” Cap commented.

 

“No I will go alone, I don’t want them to get ideas about my being forward.” She walked away from Cap to the porch. Walking out into the night, away from gossiping old ladies and vindictive young maidens Audrey took in a deep breath and grabbed hold of the railing.

 

She shook the railing a few moments in a rage fit and then looked up to the stars trying to breathe in and out with her eyes closed. 

 

“You’re upset.”  Audrey didn’t open her eyes or move but she knew that Sir Lord Gregory was standing next to her.

 

“Yes,” she responded.

 

“I didn’t say anything unkind about you to anyone,” he offered.

 

“No you wouldn’t. But they will talk anyway.” She sighed.

 

“But that’s not why you are upset.” He guessed.

 

“No. Are you upset?” she asked as she turned around.

 

“That you refused to be my wife?” he asked looking her straight in the eye.

 

Audrey looked at him carefully. Sir Lord Gregory Bishop had been good looking from the moment she had met him. He was the only person on the shore aside from Jacob that had an honest face and didn’t uphold the ridiculous standards of society. She had liked him as a friend, but apparently friends of the society were only meant to have a purpose. In Lord Gregory and Audrey’s case, the friendship was thought to become a marital contract and that is what it would have been. Lord Gregory spoke of marriage like a contract, a business transaction, nothing really about love and hope in their future and that’s what had truly struck Audrey as a reason to refuse.

 

“Are you?” Audrey repeated.

 

“No. No, I see now I had taken a fancy to your ways. But to have to tame you for proper English society would have been dreadful. Don’t get me wrong my dear, you should stay the way you are forever if possible. But in my society, where I would love you to be as frank and truthful it would be impossible.  You would embarrass yourself and me, so impulse saved by your denial.” He wasn’t looking at her as he stated the cruel fact.

 

“Miss Audrey!” Jacob had opened the door nearest to her and smiled brightly.

 

“Mr. Jacob,” she whispered. He looked at her pale face and then at Lord Gregory, seeing the gentlemen for the first time. 

 

“Is he bothering you?” Jacob demanded.

 

“Jacob,” Audrey hissed, reminding him of his manners.

 

“No I’m not bothering her Mr. Jacob. Though some words of advice, you should be careful.” Lord Gregory sighed as he turned to start walking away. Audrey step forward and grabbed his arm.  

 

“Gregory,” She started. “Lord Gregory, I’m sorry. I did enjoy talking to you.” 

 

“Yes, it was mutual darling,” he responded before walking back inside.

 

“Audrey!” Jacob threw his arms into the air. “Trying to keep people from talking and then you stand out here talking to the very reason for all the gossip.” 

 

“All the gossip?” She leaned against the railing and looked back up instead of at Jacob.

 

“Most of the gossip.” Jacob conceded and leaned next to her.

 

“You have a lot of friends here that I’ve never met. And you’ve never mentioned.” Jacob sounded hurt. But before she could respond to him, laughing distracted her. 

 

“Delightful, you look absolutely delightful!” Spades ran over to Audrey and clasped her hands over the girl’s shoulders. Caught off guard she just stared at Spades.

 

“Stunning really.” Blue agreed. “Evening, I’m Mr. O’Riley and this is my fiancé Miss Christine.” 

 

“More friends,” Jacob grumbled. “Always a pleasure to meet Miss Audrey’s friends, I’m Jacob Canterbury.”

 

“Yes, so much we’ve heard about you.” Spades patted Laces’s shoulder. 

 

“Yes, you’re a college man. What is your favorite subject to study?” Blue smiled at the young man, welcoming friendship. 

 

“I would say history,” Jacob responded, looking stunned by the open smile in Blue’s face.

 

“Yes, a fascinating subject. I personally enjoy the beginning of our great nation, those stories of the battles of the revolutionaries.” Blue nodded and Laces looked at him shocked. 

 

“We read a lot,” Spades whispered to her laughing.  “All this dancing stirs up some thirst doesn’t it Miss Audrey?”  She spoke louder.

 

“Of course, let me get you ladies something to drink?” Blue asked.

 

“Yes darling, that would be perfect.” Spades smiled brightly at him.

 

“Sir Jacob would you care to keep discussing your studies with me as we get the ladies drinks. I am intrigued by college men, having gone to the west to do industry work for my family I never got the traditional education.” Blue rambled and Jacob followed him into the house. As the men disappeared, Spades smacked Laces upside the head.

 

“Child when are you going to learn!” Spades chided.

 

“And here I was thinking all of you had been in such a good moods.” Laces rolled her eyes and rubbed the back of her head.

 

“If you for once thought with that pretty head of yours instead of letting your emotions control what you do. What were you doing out here alone with that Lord Gregory, and I swear you and that boy are far too close to each other.” Spades pointed at Jacob’s back inside the house.

 

“Why are all of you here?” Laces demanded of Spades.

 

“Haven’t you figured it out?” she responded.

 

“Because of me?” Laces sighed leaning against the railing. “But why?”

 

“The gossip is something that we’re trying to keep you away from, South was worried you would get a fair beating from these old society cows tonight.” Spades glared at the inside of the house.

 

“But there’s more?” Audrey pushed. But before there was an answer Blue and Jacob were back.

 

“Your drinks.” Jacob offered Audrey hers and Blue winked at Spades as he handed off her cup.

 

“A dance Miss Audrey? I’m sure my fiancé won’t mind.” He laughed.

 

“May I?” Jacob asked her.

 

“Of course.” Spades nodded. The four went back into the dance floor, Audrey dragging her feet a bit as Blue carried her into the lights and warmth of society.

 

“Being difficult. It’s for your own good that you stop slipping away.” Blue started the little jig that was playing. It was only fate that the Irish jig that was a bit of the summer fashion was playing when he was on the floor with her.

 

“Critter is angry at me, this is some kind of absurd punishment he’s come up with,” Audrey whispered.

 

Blue laughed and shook his head.

 

“We’re just protecting you dearest. We made a promise you know.” Blue winked at her. 

 

“A promise,” Laces grumbled. A promise, they all kept saying that.

 

“I need to go say hello to a few more people, you’ll excuse me?” Audrey asked. Blue eyed her questioning the truth of her words, but let her go. She walked around greeting a few guests she had not greeted earlier, explaining she was feeling better and how great it was that they came to the ball. She carried on meaningless conversation with many of the older couples around the room, being the perfect social host that Casey Longfellow had taught her to be. She kept moving though trying to avoid being caught up by yet another old friend.

 

“Avoiding us?” Skittery asked softly. Audrey closed her eyes and took in another deep breath.

 

“No. Bidding my time before talking about something besides the ball and my sickness,” she responded to him smiling lightly. 

 

“You look pale,” Skittery commented taking her elbow and moving her into the hallway.

 

“I’m just tired Skitts,” she replied, but closed her eyes again and leaned into his shoulder. 

 

“Tired and faint?” He frowned down at her.

 

“No, I’m fine. Critter mad at me?” she asked.

 

“Why have you done something wrong?” Skittery laughed.

 

“Usually.” She shrugged. Skittery petted her hair carefully and helped her sit on the staircase.

 

“You are all very bad at keeping people from talking.” Casey sighed as she came walking down the stairs. 

 

“Well that was only part of the deal.” Skittery nodded.

 

“Are you alright child?” Casey asked as she looked down at Audrey.

 

“Yes, just a bit tired,” she responded. Casey gave Skittery a knowing look but he shrugged.

 

“A dance Miss Audrey?” Quinn, one of Jacob’s college friends asked as he had suddenly appeared in front of Skittery and Laces.

 

“Of course.” She smiled up at him and let him led her back into the other room. The rest of the night went much the same, with Audrey slipping from one set of arms to another. Her old friends stepping in whenever any gossip decided to corner her about Lord Gregory, or when she snuck into a corner with Jacob, or slipped away alone. There wasn’t a moment all night when she was left to her own devices being watched by more eyes then she was use to in her small world. As guests started to leave, Jacob tried to sneak Audrey out the backdoor to the stables but that’s when Critter finally appeared.

 

“No,” he simply said to the two of them and Jacob looked like he was about to protest but Audrey stopped him.

 

“Good night Jacob?” she said lightly, squeezed his hand and trying to make him understand not to wait for her tonight.

 

“But, we were just getting some fresh air Mr. O’Connell,” Jacob started, remembering the older man’s name perfectly from the first time they had met. Jacob knew that this particular man was like a father to Audrey, he was not soon to forget their last encounter when Audrey fainted. 

 

“Yes, Miss Audrey looks faint but I believe she’s going to go up to bed. We don’t want you to get sick again.” Critter eyed her carefully.

 

“Yes sir.” Audrey nodded meekly and Jacob sighed. He had lost his battle.

 

“Are you not feeling well?” he asked. She shook her head. “Well good night, thanks for the dances.” He swooped down and kissed her hand lightly. Jacob tipped his hat to Critter.

 

“Good night, sir.” And then Jacob slipped out the back door.

 

“Of all the things you shouldn’t be doing.” Critter sighed. And that’s when Laces did faint unable to keep breathing at a regular pace anymore she slipped to the floor. Critter rolled his eyes and picked her up without much effort and carried her into the main room.

 

“It was only a matter of time.” Skittery shook his head.

 

“Is she all right?” Slingshot anxiously moved towards Critter.

 

“Give her a second.” Cap held him back.

 

“She had been looking pale all night, I should have made her go up to bed earlier.” Casey sighed.

 

“It was a stressful evening for her.” Blue laughed. Critter shook her in his arms for a few seconds, until she opened her eyes again.

 

“Why are you here?” she demanded when her eyes opened again.

 

“That’s our girl.” Critter laughed as he walked her up the stairs. 

 

“You all came,” she commented in his arms.

 

“Audrey, we can step into your new world easily enough. Some of us too easily,” Critter laughed as he looked behind him at Matt and Snipes.  His long legs took him to her room quicker than hers would have especially under the yards of heavy fabric in her ball gown.

 

“And?” Audrey demanded as Critter set her down on her bed.

 

“You do not move back into their world so easily. You are going back to the city, and you need to stay where you promised to stay,” Critter said sternly.

 

“I can’t wander the streets, or run to Brooklyn, or look for the memories haunting Manhattan.” Laces curled into her knees as she said the words. 

 

“For your own safety,” Cap said from the doorway. “I made a promise to keep Brooklyn and Manhattan safe. To myself and to some old leaders.”

 

“And I made a promise to keep you safe to those same people.”  Critter started to pull the little flowers out of Audrey’s hair.

 

“Promises are meant to be broken,” Audrey said bitterly.

 

“No.” Cap shook his head.

 

“We intend to keep our promises.” Critter nodded. “We will be here in the morning. I will let your girl come in and help you undress, you look weak.” 

 

“Yes, weak.” Audrey was left alone as quickly as if she had imagined her friends in the room. Gretchen came back into the room and slower than usual helped her out of the ball gown. Every thought in Audrey’s head was swimming, so many people here and so much gossip and so much aching pain in her heart. Out of all her friends she was happy to see, she had hoped to see Jack or Spot in those familiar faces but neither had appeared. By the time that Gretchen helped Audrey into bed, Audrey was convinced that she had dreamt the night completely and actually hadn’t seen all the kids of the streets at the social event of the shore. As soon as Gretchen left there was tapping at her window and quietly it was open without her getting out of bed.

 

“Jacob?” She whispered.

 

“Ah so you were expecting someone. Good thing I scared him off.” Skittery laughed.

 

“Why must you all torture me?” Audrey slid into her pillow. “Critter didn’t?” 

 

“No, he had me sit out there to make sure the boy didn’t try to come up here. But no.” Skittery laughed as he sat on the bed.

 

“Laces?” he said quietly.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Make me a promise to be more careful with the men of this new world of yours? They aren’t like us,” Skittery warned.

 

“Promises.” Laces spat the word.

 

They were silent for what seemed like forever until finally Skittery broke the silence.

 

“They will come back for you. Jack Kelly hasn’t ever broken a promise in all the years I’ve known him,” Skittery whispered and then he was gone again, slipped out the window.

 

“He has a promise to keep,” Laces mumbled as she drifted into a tormented sleep surrounded by her old protectors.

 

“And so do you.” Another voice in her dreams that sounded oddly like Critter reminded her quietly.

 

 

~*~ THE END ~*~