Rain or Shine

 

Rain or Shine

By Laces Kai

First of the Series

Continuing the Sunny Days Stories

 

March 1901

 

It was early morning and New York seemed almost peaceful.  It had been for a few weeks and to everyone’s surprise it had calmed down some since February.  Angel and Pockets came back safely.  Poor Angel felt left out and Pockets didn’t like the idea of Cheeky and Candy getting married so young, but he had to deal with it like everyone else had.  The only thing that had not happened like it was supposed to was that Critter had disappeared again.  Spot had thrown a fit when Critter was not anywhere to be found when he got out of the refuge.  No one could find him and of course not was all that Spot could say.  It had only been a month but Spot had already forgotten the incident or acted like he didn’t even know it happened. 

 

Critter had been doing that for as long as anyone could remember, except for Jack and Spot.  He had come and gone and disappeared for only short times.  But ever since a few years back he would come for short times and leave for long ones.  No one really understood the importance that Spot held for him because when he first disappeared a few years back and didn’t come back Spot sent all the birds out in search of him.  No one found him though and the assignment even lost Spot some of the older birds who had been friends with Critter.  They left without mention, but Spot didn’t care about them, just about Critter. 

 

The sun was getting higher and Matches was heading towards the nest, as it was sometimes referred to.  When he heard a tune that he knew but no one used anymore.  None of the new birds knew it cause after Critter had left it wasn’t used anymore.  It was a song that no one really even knew anymore, an old Irish immigrants children’s play song. 

 

“I have a secret I won’t tell you, unless you’ve got a secret to tell me too,” Matches whispered along with the tune.  He looked around him but didn’t see anything, just old boxes, and trash cans but that was it. 

 

“I’ve got a secret,” Matches said a little loudly. 

 

“Do you now Matches?” Someone responded.  The voice was familiar to Matches, the voice knew his name. 

 

“Critter?” Matches said softly.  A figure rose from behind some trash cans, he pushed his hat up and stepped out into the sun. 

 

“Matches?” he said grinning.  Matches just stood there looking shocked. 

 

“I thought I trained ya better then that.  Is that how you react when ya find something out important for Spot?” Critter asked. 

 

“No of course not, it’s just that I wasn’t, I didn’t think that.” Matches shook his head. 

 

“I just might have to train ya again if that’s how ya dealing with the unexpected.” Critter frowned. 

 

“No, really Critter.  I ain’t like that I promise.” Matches snapped out of his shock at the words training again coming out of Critter’s mouth.  Critter laughed. 

 

“I’m sure.  Who’s in charge now?” Critter asked. 

 

“You,” was the automatic response from Matches.  Critter laughed. 

 

“Loosen up kid, ya look like ya seen a ghost, now who’s in charge?”

 

“Jasper.” Matches nodded. 

 

“Of course, Jasper was always the best after me and the rest left.” Critter nodded. 

 

“The rest who left?  They knew where you were didn’t they?” Matches suddenly asked. 

 

“Matches they were the best, we were the birds.  Of Course they knew where I was and they didn’t feel like they could tell Spot so they left.” Critter put an arm around Matches. 

 

“But why did you leave?” Matches asked. 

 

“Now you’re asking too many questions.  So what new kids did we get to replace my three who left with me?” Critter asked. 

 

“Oh well we’ve gotten a few new ones, there’s a lot going on in this city,” Matches responded. 

 

“Yes I know.” Critter nodded. 

 

“The latest ones are Firecracker and Voodoo, but they’ve both been here for about 7 months now.  So they ain’t that new.  I actually got two new ones that I want to get trained, but ya know Spot’s got to look ‘em over first,” Matches said as they walked into the building. 

 

“And are you going to train ‘em?” Critter asked. 

 

“I don’t know maybe.” Matches shrugged.  Critter nodded.  They entered the big room where not many birds were sitting, only the owls and Jasper of course.  Critter started to whistle the little tune that he had whistled outside, some of the birds looked up.  Jasper fell out of his chair.  Critter laughed and walked over to Jasper offering him a hand. 

 

“O’Connell.” Jasper took his hand and stood up. 

 

“That’s me, but I thought we didn’t use last names in this operation,” Critter said. 

 

“Not many.” Jasper shook his head. 

 

“I see we have expanded.” Critter looked around the room. 

 

“Yeah, we have “nests” in every borough in this city and we got birds all over.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“I’ve heard people talking Jasper, talking about us.  Not sure if we’re fact or fiction.  Some even claim to know that we are fact.  Now what does that come from?” Critter asked. 

 

“Well there have been a few slip ups in the recent years.” Jasper took a deep breath. 

 

“A few huh?  Must of been quite a few if people now are talking about us like that.  We got to fix that Jasper.” Critter nodded.  Jasper was going to get defensive as he always did, but Critter shrugged. 

 

“But let’s not talk about that now, how’s Conlon?”

 

“Mad, he was mad when you didn’t come back after the refuge,” Sugar said from behind them. 

 

“Ah Sugar, wow you’ve grown.  Ya were ye high when I last saw ya.  I heard about what happened with ya and Conlon.  I always warned ya, but ya held onto him for a while.” Critter held his arms open for Sugar. 

 

“I figured ya find out sooner or later.” She laughed as she hugged him. 

 

“So Conlon was mad huh?  Never could control that temper of his.  I also heard that Spades decided to come back?  She in the Rose?” Critter asked. 

 

“Yeah she’s in the Rose.” Sugar nodded. 

 

“I suppose I should go talk to Conlon.” Critter nodded to himself.  Relic walked in with RB and they looked at Sugar who had Critter’s arm around her shoulder and then at Matches and Jasper. 

 

“Someone new?  He’s cute, but of course Sugar’s already got him.” RB sighed. 

 

“Let’s go introduce ourselves, I wonder if he’s one of the new ones that Matches wanted to train,” Relic said as they walked over to the group. 

 

“Well afternoon ladies, taking a midday break.  I see that Jasper is very flexible on that,” Critter said.  Jasper again was going to get defensive but Matches just shook his head. 

 

“Hey, you new?” RB asked.  Sugar started laughing uncontrollably. 

 

“Did we say something funny?” Relic asked.  Critter just smiled. 

 

“You could say that, now I’m going to go visit Conlon.  Then maybe I will visit Kelly and meet this girl that seems to be causing most of the problems now.” Critter started to walk away. 

 

“If you are new let me warn ya Spot don’t like to be talk to in public by his birds because he thinks it ain’t safe for them,” Relic said. 

 

“Now if that’s true I might have to train the whole lot of you.” Critter rolled his eyes as he walked out. 

 

“Him train us?” RB said confused.  Sugar was still laughing, she had tears falling from her eyes. 

 

“Relic thanks for telling him that about Spot, God just another thing that he’ll be on my case about.  Thought I was finally out of his shadow and he has to come back,” Jasper mumbled. 

 

“What?” Relic said confused. 

 

“Goyls that was Critter O’Connell, the bird of Brooklyn.” Matches sighed. 

 

“Oh my god.” RB looked after him. 

 

“And he’s going to see Conlon?  What is he crazy?” Relic asked mouth gaping open. 

 

“No, he ain’t crazy, he’s Critter,” Sugar provided. 

 

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

 

Spades was sitting on her counter with Blue sitting at her side.  Angel and Pockets were sitting on the couch and Cheeky, Tapper, Candy and Stage walked in. 

 

“Hello,” Candy smiled brightly. 

 

“Oh look the love birds,” Pockets mumbled, Angel elbowed him lightly. 

 

“What have you four been doing today?” Spades asked ignoring Pockets comment. 

 

“We’ve decided when we’re getting married,” Cheeky said. 

 

“Already?” Blue asked. 

 

“Well we’re heading out west on the train in June.” Candy nodded. 

 

“So when have you decided?” Blue asked. 

 

“In May we are getting married.  We’re going to start looking for the church,” Stage responded. 

 

“I was thinking maybe that church that’s near here that we go to sometimes,” Cheeky said. 

 

“I would have liked to get married in the church that my parents went to, but that’s in Coney and well.  I don’t want to make everyone go over there.  And I don’t even think that it’s still there,” Candy said. 

 

“I wish my mother was still around to see me get married.” Cheeky sighed.  Spades looked at Blue and then at Angel and Pockets. 

 

“Now goyls this ain’t no time for sadness, smile.  Ya going to get married before those two over there, that alone should make ya happy,” Pockets said, he didn’t like moments like that.  He didn’t like regret it was something he was not fond of. 

 

“No of course not.  We were coming to tell you the good news and ask you something,” Tapper said. 

 

“I never thought about it that way, we are getting married before Spades and Blue.  Wow.” Cheeky laughed. 

 

“All right we aren’t talking about me and Blue we’re talking about you.” Spades rolled her eyes. 

 

“I guess I just thought of them as always being married, I mean they act like it and it’s like they already even have kids if ya think about it.” Candy laughed. 

 

“We ain’t that old goyls.” Blue sighed. 

 

“Yeah, I suppose your right.” Cheeky nodded. 

 

“Well you had questions to ask?” Angel said. 

 

“Yeah, we were wondering.  I was wondering if Blue you would walk me down the aisle?” Candy asked as she looked at Blue. 

 

“And Pockets, if you would walk me down?” Cheeky looked over at Angel. 

 

“Why it would be an honor to walk ya down the aisle.” Blue laughed. 

 

“I don’t know,” Pockets said.  Cheeky looked distressed, and Angel and Spades glared at Pockets.  “I mean are ya telling me that I old enough to be your father or that I act like Blue?  Cause neither is very flattering.” Pockets laughed.  Cheeky picked up the pillow on the seat near by and threw it at Pockets. 

 

“Wait, what is this about me being old?  How is it that I act?” Blue asked. 

 

“You two are just the closest we have to fathers or brothers, Blue has been like a father to us and Pockets like an older brother,” Cheeky said. 

 

“That or the younger annoying little brother!” Shady walked in. 

 

“Hey!” Pockets said.  Everyone laughed. 

 

“Business good?” Spades asked. 

 

“If it wasn’t I made it good,” Vigor said as she threw a rolled up wad of money. 

 

“Good.” Spades put it into her shirt pocket. 

 

“So what great things brings us the boys who are splitting up our gang?” Scorch asked as she sat down. 

 

“We ain’t doing it on purpose,” Stage said. 

 

“Don’t listen to her.” Cheeky smiled. 

 

“Coise, no one else does.” Scorch nodded. 

 

“They decided they getting hitched in May.” Pockets said. 

 

“That’s so soon.” Vigor said. 

 

“They leaving in June,” Angel responded. 

 

“But, well.  Yeah I guess.” Shady nodded slowly.  There was an awkward silence when someone walked in. 

 

“Who’s there?”

 

“Ireland may have been left behind but the Irish rose was brought from her shores,” The voice said as he came in. 

 

Angel and Pockets smiled.  “I thought you were coming home after getting out?” Pockets said. 

 

“I was going to but I knew that Conlon would be expecting me then, and I don’t like to be expected.” Critter laughed. 

 

“O’ Connell!  Critter!” Spades jumped down in hugged Critter. 

 

“Spades Fia, I’ve heard that ya can finally gamble like you once said ya could.” Critter laughed. 

 

“I can gamble better than you ever could,” Spades replied. 

 

“Now is that so?” Critter smiled. 

 

“It is.  I would be careful with her.” Blue held his hand out. 

 

“Why if it ain’t Blue O’Riley are you two married already?” Critter asked.  The group started to laugh. 

 

“No, we beat them to it Critter.” Cheeky laughed. 

 

“What?  You too young to be getting married.” Critter looked over at Cheeky and Tapper. 

 

“I’m getting married too,” Candy said. 

 

“Now how did this happen?” Critter asked. 

 

“I don’t understand if Spades and Blue could be married why can’t we be?” Candy said. 

 

“Cause those two have been together since they could walk,” Angel provided. 

 

“Oh.” Cheeky nodded. 

 

“We’re getting married and moving out west,” Candy said. 

 

“Spades, ya letting this happen?” Critter asked. 

 

“I can’t stop it, they want to get married.  It will make them happy, so I guess I am letting it happen.” Spades nodded. 

 

“Well, I guess you always did know when to give in.” Critter nodded. 

 

“That she did.” Blue nodded and kissed Spades. 

 

“What about the rest of you, any future prospects?” Critter asked. 

 

“No not really.” Vigor shook her head. 

 

“Guys are good for nothings,” Shady said. 

 

“Now really Shady?” Critter smiled.  Then he turned to the two boys. 

 

“Hello I’m Critter O’Connell and I can break every limb in your body if you ever hurt these girls, and let me tell you I will know.” Critter smiled as he held his hand out to the boys. 

 

“Stage.” Stage shook his hand nodding. 

 

“Tapper, it’s dangerous marrying one of your girls Spades,” Tapper said. 

 

“Only if you make it Dangerous.” Spades replied. 

 

“Spades, Blue I need to talk to you,” Critter said.  Blue nodded and the three headed to the parlor. 

 

“So what does Critter do?” Stage asked. 

 

“He sells newspapers, gambles, shoe shines, sells matches, anything that comes along.  He is a man of many enterprises.  And a close friend to us,” Angel said. 

 

“Oh.” Tapper nodded. 

 

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

 

In the parlor Critter sat down, and Spades and Blue sat down too. 

 

“So what’s on your mind?” Spades asked. 

 

“Well a lot of things, like the fact that the birds are slipping up to much.” Critter said. 

 

“Well not that much, they are very good at getting information,” Spades said. 

 

“But people in the city talk about them.  Not sure if they’re fact or fiction.  Some even claiming that they know who they are.  I going to fix that,” Critter said. 

 

“Of course.” Blue nodded.  “You always were one to fix things.”

 

“But what I want to know is about this girl.  The one that causes all the trouble lately,” Critter said. 

 

“Ya haven’t meet her?” Spades asked. 

 

“No.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“Then you have been gone a long time.” Spades nodded. 

 

“I had things to do, some things that I would like to get done,” Critter said. 

 

“So you’re leaving again?” Blue said. 

 

“Not for long, I need to bring what I have found,” Critter said. 

 

“What were you doing and what did you find?” Spades asked. 

 

“Asking too many questions Spades.  Ya have a gang, but I ain’t part of it,” Critter warned. 

 

“Yeah.  I’m sure sooner or later we’ll know right?” Blue asked. 

 

“Right.  Now about her, her name is Laces?” Critter asked. 

 

“Yeah, she’s a Kai,” Spades said. 

 

“As many have told me, the kids seem to think that because she’s a Kai all the trouble was started.”

 

“Well it pretty much was, well sort of.  That and her charm and beauty and the fact that she’s like Jack and Spot.” Spades nodded. 

 

“What started it?” Critter asked. 

 

“I don’t know, we weren’t here.  She came to us after it started.  She found us, we pretty much came back after her,” Spades said. 

 

“Ah.” Critter nodded. 

 

“What about this I hear about a Pixie,” Critter asked. 

 

“That’s the little girl, Peach’s little girl.” Spades nodded. 

 

“Peach?  Like orphanage Peach?  Who later became Bobby’s Peach?” Critter asked surprised. 

 

“Yeah, she died.” Spades nodded. 

 

“What?” Critter said. 

 

“Yeah, Pepper, Bobby’s little brother killed her.  She saved Laces and well, it’s a long story,” Spades said. 

 

“Well I have time, tell me about this,” Critter said.  Spades took a deep breath and nodded.  She went on to tell the story of what happened with Bobby and Pepper. 

 

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

 

The day was growing late and Critter was just leaving Spades’ place but he still went over to the Brooklyn Lodging House. 

 

“It hasn’t changed, the same thing it has been since I was a newsie here.” Critter shook his head and walked in. 

 

“Why hello.” Rick looked up when he noticed that Critter was leaning on the counter looking at the old man. 

 

“Evening Rick.” Critter smiled. 

 

“Oh lord.  I thought that you weren’t ever coming back, I thought that you swore you wouldn’t,” Rick said. 

 

“Nah, that was when that bullhead guy was in charge,” Critter said. 

 

“Well now we got an even more stubborn and bullheaded guy.” Rick smiled. 

 

“Nah, ya just got to know how to deal with this one.  How mad do you think he is at me?” Critter asked. 

 

“Oh sky rocket.” Rick laughed. 

 

“Ah figures.  How has he been holding up as leader?”

 

“One of the best Brooklyn has ever had.” Rick nodded. 

 

“That’s good,” Critter said back.  “And what’s your opinion of the girl who causes trouble?”

 

“She’s a great kid.  Sweet as a button, but as stubborn as Brooklyn.” Rick shook his head. 

 

“Of course.  So what happened between them?” Critter asked. 

 

“Nothing.” Rick shook his head. 

 

“You never were one to tell much, even if I was your favorite.” Critter winked at Rick as he turned around, expecting Spot to be standing on the stairs.  And of course there he was glaring at Critter. 

 

“Evening Conlon.” Critter smiled. 

 

“Where…” Spot was about to start when Pixie came running down the stairs with Bottle Cap tumbling after her.  Pixie grabbed hold of Spot’s shirt and hid behind him. 

 

“Make him stop Spot!” Pixie screamed.  Critter looked at the scene smiling.  Bottle Cap though missed Spot and kept going down the stairs, Critter moved into his range and Bottle Cap ran straight into him. 

 

“Where’s the fire?” Critter asked.  Pixie buried her head into Spot and hid behind him.  Bottle Cap looked up. 

 

“Critter?  The fire?” Bottle Cap stood there dazed for a moment. 

 

“Wow ya still around kid.  Wait I can’t call you a kid anymore, jeez you’re scrawny.” Critter smiled. 

 

“Am not,” Bottle Cap defended. 

 

“Why were you running around?  How many times have I told ya not to run around?” Spot asked Pixie. 

 

“She took some of my bottle caps again, I was trying to get them back,” Bottle Cap said. 

 

“Ya still collecting those?” Critter asked. 

 

“Yeah.” Bottle Cap nodded, Critter dug into his pocket. 

 

“Here, I got these off some pop.” Critter handed them to Bottle Cap. 

 

“Thanks Critter.” Bottle Cap nodded.  Pixie poked her head out. 

 

“Can I have one?” she asked.  Critter laughed and looked over at the little girl with curly blond hair and dark eyes who was looking out from behind a very mad looking Spot Conlon. 

 

“Now what is your name young lady?” Critter asked. 

 

“Pixie,” she responded as she started to creep out from behind Spot. 

 

“Well, I’m a good friend of Spot here.” Critter held his hand out to her small one.  “I’m Critter.”

 

“Critter?  Why do they call you that?” Pixie asked. 

 

“Ya know, I really don’t know, I think that’s just what me mother called me.” Critter laughed as he handed her a bottle cap. 

 

“Why don’t you give the ones that you took from Cap back, you can start your own collection.  You don’t even have to collect bottle caps, you can collect other things,” Critter suggested. 

 

“Look Cap!” Pixie smiled.  Cap nodded and then looked at Spot. 

 

“Come on Pixie let’s go look at these upstairs.” Cap started pushing Pixie up the stairs. 

 

“No, I want to talk to the nice man.” Pixie frowned. 

 

“No come on Pix, I think he needs to talk with Spot.” Cap lifted the little girl into his arms.  Bottle Cap was beginning to grow, he was going to turn 12 soon and was growing taller every day and stronger. 

 

“Cute kid, who’s is she?” Critter asked. 

 

“You know,” Spot replied. 

 

“Yeah, yeah I do.  I sorry about that,” Critter responded. 

 

“Where the hell have you been?” Spot asked. 

 

“Why don’t we talk in here,” Critter said as he headed towards the parlor. 

 

“No, the roof.” Spot shook his head.  Critter shrugged.  They headed to the roof. 

 

“Cap where did Spot go?” BC asked. 

 

“He’s with Critter,” Cap responded. 

 

“Who’s Critter?” BC asked. 

 

“An old friend,” Cap responded. 

 

“Where did Pixie go?” BC asked. 

 

“She says she’s going to start her own cap collection.” Cap frowned. 

 

“Don’t get annoyed with her she just wants to feel like she’s like you.” BC smiled. 

 

“Yeah well I wish she would just do her own thing,” Cap responded as he walked away. 

 

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

 

The sun was setting on the city and Critter and Spot were standing on the roof.  Critter was taller then Spot and darker then him but other then their appearances they were quite similar.  Critter was about two years older then Spot though, more around Jack’s age. 

 

“Where the ‘ell have you been?” Spot demanded. 

 

“Don’t get all high and mighty with me Conlon,” Critter warned. 

 

“I ain’t being nothing, I just would like to know where ya disappeared to for the past three years!  Ya didn’t say nothing or nothing.” Spot glared at Critter. 

 

“I had things to take care of.  I was doing some things,” Critter responded as he lit a cigarette. 

 

“What?  What were ya doing where were you?” Spot asked. 

 

“In time.  Your birds are a mess and a half.  I thinking I might have to re-train all of them.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“They ain’t that bad.” Spot shook his head thinking it over.  He was annoyed with Critter for not telling him what he wanted to know, he wasn’t use to that except from him. 

 

“Who are your best ones?” Critter asked. 

 

“Well before Sug and me, she was.  Now she slacks more then she watches,” Spot said. 

 

“I saw her this morning.  She’s beautiful.  I don’t believe ya.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“It was too early for what she wanted, now though she knows that I’m in love,” Spot said. 

 

“With Sophie?” Critter asked. 

 

“What?” Spot looked quickly over at Critter. 

 

“Oh what she going by now?” he asked. 

 

“Buttercup, but you knew?” Spot asked. 

 

“Yeah I knew.  Conlon look at who you’re talking ta.  Coise I knew.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Spot asked. 

 

“There was no need to.  She was harmless, but I knew she came back as a different person.  She was sweet.  But there was always one way to tell, that wooden band around her finger.” Critter nodded.  “She would move it from finger to finger but she always had it on.”

 

“I don’t believe you knew.” Spot shook his head. 

 

“Think about it,” Critter said.  “Well anyway who are the best?”

 

“Daisy has grown to be very good.  Smalls has too.” Spot nodded. 

 

“Dais always was good, she needed to be whipped into shape though, she was so timid when they first brought her to me.” Critter nodded. 

 

“The boys?” Critter asked. 

 

“Matches is a good kid, Checkers and Patches are all right but they goof off sometimes.” Spot shrugged. 

 

“So what your saying is that Dais and Matches two of the last kids I trained are the best?” Critter said. 

 

“I guess I am, but you left.” Spot glared at Critter. 

 

“I did, and now I’m back.  Coise I ain’t taking Jasper’s position.  But I am taking over.” Critter said. 

 

“As I knew you would.” Spot nodded.  “Back when I thought you were going to come out of the refuge.”

 

“You were waiting for me then, I don’t like being expected you know that,” Critter said. 

 

“What you planning on doing?” Spot asked. 

 

“The city been quiet?” Critter asked. 

 

“Mostly yes.” Spot nodded. 

 

“So you can deal with being left semi in the dark for a while?” Critter asked. 

 

“We have birds all over the city now though Crit, five different groups,” Spot said. 

 

“I’ll go to each, separately.” Critter shrugged.  “But can you handle it?”

 

“I can handle anything.”

 

“That’s what I thought.  I am retraining all of them,” Critter said with a determined air. 

 

“That’s a pretty big job,” Spot commented. 

 

“As it is, but I have been finding out about this trouble maker that has been roaming around.  Laces,” Critter said. 

 

“What have you heard about her?” Spot asked. 

 

“Oh I heard all about that Pepper incident but that’s about it.  I didn’t have time for anymore.  Where did she start?  And I have heard that she was a Kai, not Caroline though.  The youngest one ain’t she?” Critter asked. 

 

“You are the best.” Spot nodded his head.  “Yeah she is the youngest.”

 

“And as I have heard she is quite a charmer that has caused trouble,” Critter said.  “And I suppose she must be because I always found her sister very pretty.”

 

“You knew Caroline?” Spot asked. 

 

“I have been gone long if you have to ask that question.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“Well I guess so.” Spot nodded. 

 

“So what is she pretty?  I heard Jack got her.  What’s wrong with you?” Critter asked. 

 

“Nothing is wrong with me.” Spot got defensive.  “It was quite a battle we had over her.  But she’s to much like Fiona.” Spot shook his head. 

 

“Is that where it started, the fight for her ain’t it?” Critter asked. 

 

“You could say that, but ya know what.  You should talk to her, she’s going to be the one that the birds are going to be watching for half the time anyway,” Spot said. 

 

“Really?”

 

“Just last month the entire group of them all over the city were looking for her all one night because she ran away to the Bronx to the group of people that were attacking her,” Spot said. 

 

“Now why would she do that?” Critter asked. 

 

“Talk to her.  You’ll see what she’s like.  Jack and I can’t tame her,” Spot said. 

 

“That’s cause you fell in love with her first, that’s always your problem with trying to control a girl.”

 

“Yeah, you be careful you’re known to be a charmer.  And she’s known to cause problems to the heart.”

 

“Well see.” Critter nodded.  “I wanted to go see her tonight, but looks like it’s a little late so I’ll just stay here.  I’ve been hearing that your birds ain’t allowed to come and talk to you?” Critter said. 

 

“It’s dangerous, they say something or another, people will find out who they are.” Spot shook his head. 

 

“I’ll fix that.” Critter nodded.  “They’ve been slacking long enough.”

 

“Yeah well, come on I’ll introduce you to BC Tate.” Spot nodded. 

 

“I’ve had the pleasure, but I’ll let her think she fooled me too.” Critter nodded as the two boys headed back downstairs. 

 

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

 

“Is Critter coming back tonight?  I would love to see.” Dais smiled. 

 

“I really don’t know Dais, you know Critter.  He hasn’t stayed very long in one place in about three years.” Jasper shrugged. 

 

“You’re mad aren’t you that he’s back cause you know he’s going to stay for a while,” Matches said. 

 

“Why would I be?” Jasper asked. 

 

“Because Spot will hand us over to Critter like this,” Matches snapped his fingers.  “And ya know that Critter is the best,” Matches added. 

 

“God if he would have trained me, then I could have been as good as he is, but no Cricket trained me and he was good, but not as good as Critter.” Jasper shook his head. 

 

“No one is as good as Critter, he trained me,” Matches commented. 

 

“I don’t know.” Jasper shook his head. 

 

“I can tell you one thing, he ain’t happy with the conditions that we’re in.  And he will do something about it because it wasn’t really Spot Conlon who started the Brooklyn birds it was Critter O’Connell,” Matches said as he looked around, at the several groups playing poker and drinking here and there.  Jasper nodded, he knew it. 

 

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

 

The next day the sun rose and Critter was out of bed with the sun, he looked over the city then turned and glanced at Spot.  He had slept in Spot’s room because there was an empty bunk in there and they made themselves comfortable, Spot catching Critter up on a few things here and there.  There were other things that they wanted to talk about but they would not go as far as to ask each other about them. 

 

“I wonder how he’ll take it.  He’s grown so much and for the better as I can tell,” Critter mumbled to himself as he got up and went out of the room. 

 

“Where you going Mr. Critter?” Pixie sat near the banister of the stairs. 

 

“Now what are you doing up so early?” he asked her.  

 

“When you’re made to go to bed as early as I am sometimes then you get up early.” Pixie shrugged.  Critter laughed a little and got down and sat down on the step next to her. 

 

“Now why do you call me Mr. Critter?  You can just call me Critter you know.” He smiled. 

 

“I don’t know, you seem like a Mister to me.  That’s all.” Pixie shrugged. 

 

“Ah well.  All right Miss Pixie, I must be going.” Critter got up. 

 

“But you didn’t answer my question where are you going?” Pixie asked. 

 

“To visit some other friends,” Critter responded. 

 

“Oh, do you know Laces?” Pixie asked. 

 

“No I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“Oh you should meet her.” Pixie smiled.  “Have fun meeting your other friends.”

 

“Thank you.” Critter tipped his hat to her and walked down the stairs and out the door. 

 

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

 

Critter walked towards the Brooklyn Bridge, he whistled his song to himself.  As he crossed the bridge he saw Filly sitting with her legs dangling over the edge.  He had known Filly when she was brand new, she had come two days before he had left.  But he knew who she was, he never forgot a face that’s why he was such a good bird. 

 

“Hey kid, what ya looking for?” Critter asked.  Filly jumped. 

 

“Nothing sir,” she responded as she turned to look at him.  As he figured she did not remember him, so he decided to test her. 

 

“You look like you’re looking for something, you aren’t working for that hot headed kid in Brooklyn.  Conlon I think his name is,” Critter said sternly. 

 

“Conlon who?  I don’t know no Conlon, I was just taking a break from chores Mister.  I didn’t know I was annoying anyone by sitting here.  I like the water it’s soothing if that’s any of your business,” Filly snapped back.  Critter nodded, she was good under pressure. 

 

“Yeah well ya shouldn’t waste your time sitting doing nothing,” Critter said.  Filly shrugged. 

 

“It’s my time,” she responded as she walked away from him.  He nodded, he was going to fix that was all he kept saying to himself as he continued down the bridge. 

 

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

 

Everyone was waking up, Jack jumped down from his bunk. 

 

“Laces, get up sleepy head.” Jack pushed Laces lightly. 

 

“It’s so early in the morning,” Laces mumbled. 

 

“Get up,” Jack said.  Laces nodded and sat up yawning she rubbed her eyes before she stood up to head to the washroom. 

 

They all went through their morning routines and were heading down the stairs when Critter walked in. 

 

“Well morning everyone.” Critter smiled. 

 

“O’Connell?” Jack asked a little surprised.  Some of the newsies continued past Critter, not really thinking anything about him.  Some stayed behind, the ones who knew who he was. 

 

“I thought you were out of town,” Blink said. 

 

“I was.” Critter nodded. 

 

“Who are you?” Laces asked as she looked at him.  Critter smiled. 

 

“You my dear must be Laces.” Critter took her hand and kissed it lightly. 

 

“My girl Laces.” Jack put a protective arm around Laces. 

 

“Yes I know.  Anyway I am Critter O’Connell my dear.” Critter smiled.  Laces nodded. 

 

“Laces, why don’t you sell with me today?” Race asked. 

 

“All right.” Laces nodded. 

 

“Hey aren’t you going to ask me if that’s all right?” Jack asked.  Laces gave him a look. 

 

“No.” She shook her head and headed out with Race.  Critter laughed a bit. 

 

“So Critter where ya been?” Blink asked. 

 

“Around,” Critter responded. 

 

“Oh yeah.” Blink nodded and walked out.  Jack and Critter also headed out. 

 

“Guessing ya got something to talk about?” Jack said. 

 

“Oh yeah.  We got a few things to talk about, but that goyl is one of them.” Critter nodded. 

 

“Why?” Jack asked. 

 

“She is very pretty.” Critter nodded. 

 

“Mine Critter, and I don’t care how long I’ve known you.  She’s mine,” Jack said defensively. 

 

“As I thought.  I don’t want her Jack, she’s yours don’t worry about it.  I’m back to doing what I use to do.  And I hear she’s a problem for people in my trade,” Critter said. 

 

“She can be.” Jack nodded. 

 

“Guessing Conlon doesn’t handle her any better then you do?” Critter said. 

 

“I’d say he’s worse,” Skittery commented. 

 

“Is he?” Critter nodded.  “I’ll see.  I’ll see.  I’m staying here today and tomorrow and I am taking her back to Brooklyn with me,” Critter said. 

 

“And what gives you the right to do that?” Skittery demanded. 

 

“How long?” Jack asked. 

 

“Maybe a week or so, I have to watch her see if I can trust her,” Critter said. 

 

“Jack you’re going to let him do this?” Skittery demanded. 

 

“Yeah, yeah I am Skitt.” Jack nodded. 

 

“Don’t worry Skittery, I’ll bring her back,” Critter said.  “I just need her for a little while.”

 

“So how did Conlon react when you saw him last night?” Jack asked. 

 

“Ah you know Conlon.” Critter shrugged. 

 

“So what have you been doing?” Jack asked. 

 

“Things, you’ll see in time.” Critter nodded. 

 

“So what’s do you know about her?” Jack asked. 

 

“A lot of I have found out.  She is quite a handful.” Critter nodded. 

 

“Yeah she is.” Jack nodded. 

 

“I heard about Peach, I’m sorry,” Critter said. 

 

“Yeah we all were.” Jack nodded. 

 

“So Laces still see her sister?” Critter asked. 

 

“Caroline yeah all the time.” Jack nodded.  “Well actually only sometimes.”

 

“What she up to now?” Critter asked. 

 

“She’s married and has a little boy,” Jack responded. 

 

“The same guy she ran away with to get married?” Critter asked. 

 

“Yeah that’s him.” Jack nodded he had his papers by now and Critter even bought some.  They sold papers together all day and went to lunch at Tibby’s. 

 

“Dave I want you to meet Critter O’Connell.  An old friend of mine,” Jack introduced Critter as they sat down at their booth.  Laces was sitting next to Dave. 

 

“Jack, I think Laces talks too much,” Race commented. 

 

“I do not!” Laces replied. 

 

“Only to you Race.” Jack leaned over the table and kissed Laces.  She kissed back. 

 

“Come on you guys.” Dave nudged Laces a little. 

 

“Oh, I know.” Laces sat back down and Critter smiled. 

 

“Laces my dear, I should warn ya now that tomorrow morning you will be heading back to Brooklyn with me.” Critter smiled.  Laces looked at him and frowned. 

 

“Who says?” she asked. 

 

“Spot has some important things to tell you,” Critter said. 

 

“Is everything okay?” Laces asked. 

 

“Yeah, but he needs to discuss some things with you.” Critter nodded. 

 

“But why didn’t he come himself then?” Laces asked. 

 

“Laces come on, I’m leaving!” Race called out to her.  She looked over at him and nodded. 

 

“I’ll talk to you later,” she said to Critter and then kissed Jack before she walked out. 

 

“Just a warning now Critter, Laces Kai does not like taking orders from anyone,” Jack said. 

 

“Well I ain’t anyone.  I’m Critter, and she’s going to have to get use to it,” Critter said. 

 

“I would like to see this, not even Jack or Spot can have a handle over her.” Dave laughed. 

 

“More the reason for me to do it.” Critter nodded as he looked after her. 

 

“Spot doesn’t have any news for her does he?” Dave asked.  Critter shook his head. 

 

“I don’t know he might.  Kelly can she be trusted?  Or does she give out information?” Critter asked. 

 

“She would die before she told anyone any kind of secret that could put any of us in danger,” Jack replied. 

 

“Good.  Then I know how I’m going to tame her.” Critter nodded. 

 

“Tame her huh?” Blink walked over. 

 

“This is going to be interesting.” Jack nodded. 

 

“If Race was here I believe he would make a bet.” Dave laughed. 

 

“That he would.” Critter nodded. 

 

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

 

“Race what do you know about Critter?” Laces asked. 

 

“I know a few things not much though, he’s an old friend of Jack and Spot.  He’s quite a character.” Race shrugged. 

 

“Why haven’t I met him before?” Laces asked. 

 

“Because he left about a week before you even showed up.” Race shrugged. 

 

“Oh.  Why did he leave?” Laces asked. 

 

“I thought you didn’t talk that much?  Try selling some papes!” Race laughed at her.  Laces nodded and walked a bit away from him so that she could call out some headlines.  The day went on and night fell and Race and Laces came back from the tracks.  Critter and Jack were sitting in the parlor. 

 

“Good evening.” Critter nodded. 

 

“Heya,” Laces said back as she sat down next to Jack. 

 

“So you ready to leave with me tomorrow early morning?” Critter asked. 

 

“Early morning?” Laces repeated. 

 

“Laces here doesn’t like mornings and the word early added to them doesn’t make her like it even more.” Race laughed. 

 

“Well getting up once a year early morning won’t kill her.” Critter smiled.  Laces just looked at Jack, and Jack shrugged. 

 

“I know Spot can wait,” Laces replied. 

 

“No, he can’t.  I suggest you go to bed now if you have such a problem with early mornings.” Critter grinned.  Laces frowned at him, she didn’t like this but she was never one to be rude right off the bat.  But she wouldn’t take this for much longer. 

 

“Night Jack.” Laces kissed Jack on the cheek.  “Night Critter, Race.” She nodded as she jogged up the stairs towards the bunkroom. 

 

“Wow.” Race nodded. 

 

“That wasn’t that hard,” Critter said. 

 

“She listened to me for the first week too.  She is a polite person,” Jack responded. 

 

“We’ll see.” Critter nodded again. 

 

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

 

The sun was just coming up over the horizon when Critter pushed at Laces. 

 

“Laces get up,” He whispered not really wanting to wake anyone else up in the process.  Laces though just grabbed her sheets and pulled them over her head not wanting to get up.  Critter sighed as he pulled the sheets off of her and then slipped his hands under her and picked her up and carried her to the washroom. 

 

“Rise and Shine Laces,” he said as he took his hand and dipped it into the water and sprinkled some onto Laces face. 

 

“Oh, go away,” Laces moaned as she felt the water. 

 

“Can’t do that unless you’re planning on coming with me and then I still haven’t gone away from you.” Critter laughed as he set her on her feet. 

 

“Yeah, yeah.  I heard ya I’m getting ready,” she mumbled as she went back to her bunk to get her clothing.  She got dressed and then washed her face and then walked out looking tired. 

 

“Ready to go?” Critter asked. 

 

“Yeah.” Laces nodded as she looked at the guys peacefully sleeping and then walked out with Critter. 

 

“So do you know what Spot has to talk to me about?” Laces asked. 

 

“No idea.” Critter shrugged. 

 

“So how did you meet Spot and Jack?” Laces asked. 

 

“I met them a long time ago,” Critter replied. 

 

“How, though in the orphanage?  Or did you meet Jack before then or Spot before then.  Did you know Spot before the fire?” Laces asked. 

 

“You know about all of that?” Critter sounded surprised. 

 

“Yeah I found out.” Laces nodded. 

 

“How?” Critter asked. 

 

“Oh I have my ways,” Laces replied. 

 

“Interesting, but what do you know about Jack?” Critter asked. 

 

“Jack, he was in the orphanage with Spot and then they came to the Manhattan Lodging House and they dealt with Luv and then Spot went to Brooklyn,” Laces replied. 

 

“Oh.” Critter nodded.  He didn’t understand how she could have found out so much about Spot and yet nothing about Jack. 

 

“So when did you meet them?” Laces asked. 

 

“I don’t remember.” Critter shrugged.  “It was a long time ago.”

 

“Oh.” Laces nodded.  There was only silence the rest of the way to Brooklyn.  When they got into Brooklyn the boys were just coming out of the lodging house. 

 

“Spot!” Laces called out.  Spot turned around and saw Laces. 

 

“Is something wrong?” he asked. 

 

“Is everything okay?” BC asked when she noticed Laces.  Laces frowned not understanding their worried faces. 

 

“Yeah, everything’s great.” Laces nodded. 

 

“You’re up real early.” Spot frowned. 

 

“Yeah what was so damn important?” Laces demanded as she put her hands on her hips. 

 

“What?” Spot looked confused. 

 

“Critter said that you had something to tell me that you couldn’t go tell me yourself and I needed to get here early.” Laces frowned. 

 

“Oh, he did?” Spot looked over at Critter who was smiling.  “Why don’t you go sell with BC, I’ve got to talk to Critter.” Laces frowned. 

 

“If you only needed to talk to him why the hell did you wake me up so damn early!” Laces mumbled. 

 

“Come on Laces.” BC shook her head and the two headed off to the selling docks.  Spot and Critter went a different way towards the selling docks. 

 

“Why did you tell her I had something to tell her?” Spot demanded. 

 

“I figured she would come if I told her that.  I couldn’t tell her cause I said so, she ain’t that far yet,” Critter responded. 

 

“What did you want with her in Brooklyn anyway?” Spot asked. 

 

“I need her, and sides someone’s got to be able to control her if we want a more peaceful city,” Critter responded. 

 

“She ain’t going to like that, what do you need her for?” Spot asked. 

 

“Something,” Critter responded. 

 

“Now Critter, I don’t care you don’t tell me anything else cause that’s the way ya have always been, but things with Laces you have to tell me about.  Laces is different and I don’t care who the hell you are but you always tell me what is going on with Laces, or what you’re doing with Laces understood?” Spot’s eyes got a darker shade to them and his face looked like stone.  Critter looked at Spot a moment and then looked like he was thinking about it. 

 

“Fine, I using her when I train the birds and that way I can get her used to listening to me.” Critter nodded. 

 

“She isn’t going to like that.” Spot shook his head.  “But if it means that she might stay out of trouble it would be good for her.”

 

“Of course.  It’s going to be good for her.” Critter nodded. 

 

“Does this mean that you’re taking her to the birds?” Spot asked. 

 

“That I am, tonight.  Ya might not being seeing her for a while, unless you come to see us.  But you’re not going to.” Critter looked over at Spot.  Spot nodded. 

 

“I won’t interfere unless it takes a really long time.  But don’t let her notice where the nest is, it ain’t safe.  There are people who would use her to get there if she really knew, it would be dangerous,” Spot warned. 

 

“No, I wouldn’t show her.  Not yet, not until I’ve taught her a few things.” Critter nodded.  “Can she fight?”

 

“Spades taught her how herself.” Spot nodded. 

 

“Good.” Critter nodded.  The boys got their papers and started to sell. 

 

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

 

Lunchtime rolled around and Spot and Critter had discussed all the details of their arrangement for Laces.  Now all that was left was to tell Laces of what was going on.  BC and Laces walked into the small diner that they always ate in, The Brooklyn Tibby’s. 

 

“Laces!” Spot called over. 

 

“I should feel jealous whenever she’s here I feel ignored.” BC laughed as she sat down next to Spot and Laces sat down next to Critter. 

 

“Ah, I love you.” Spot kissed BC lightly and then hurried on to talk to Laces.  BC rolled her eyes but listened. 

 

“Laces, Critter here is going to take you with him for a little while,” Spot said to Laces. 

 

“What?  Where to?” Laces asked looking at Critter. 

 

“Well, he just needs you to help him with some things.  I know your such a great goyl that you would help him out,” Spot said quickly. 

 

“But,” Laces started. 

 

“We’ve got to leave now though,” Critter cut in. 

 

“For how long?” Laces asked getting confused at how fast they were throwing this on her. 

 

“A couple of days tops, then I can bring you back here and Spot will take you back to Manhattan,” Critter said. 

 

“What am I going to help you with?” Laces asked. 

 

“I’ll tell you on the way.” Critter started to get up from the table.  Laces looked at Spot for a moment, she knew this was more then they were telling her, but her curiosity got the best of her and she got up. 

 

“See you in a few days Spot.” Laces smiled.  “BC, keep him in line.” Laces winked as she followed a fast moving Critter. 

 

“Where is he taking her?  And that was mean what you guys did,” BC said. 

 

“What did we do?” Spot asked surprised. 

 

“You told her so quickly, just so she wouldn’t ask questions, you two are up to something.” BC shook her head. 

 

“Always are,” Spot mumbled and then smiled as he kissed BC.  “You just think to much.”

 

“Sure.” BC nodded. 

 

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

 

Critter and Laces were going at a fast pace walk through one alley and then through the next.  Taking sharp turns and climbing over several fences, over and over again in places that all looked the same to Laces. 

 

“So what is it I am helping you do?” Laces would ask but Critter was busy climbing or to far ahead of her to hear her.  When she would catch up she would be out of breath and unable to ask him anything.  Finally Critter stood still. 

 

“We’re here,” he said. 

 

“Where’s here?” Laces asked getting annoyed with the whole situation. 

 

“Come on in here.” Critter pulled her into the building before she got a chance to look around.  Once they were in the abandoned looking building Laces put her hands on her hips as she tired to regain her breath. 

 

“What is going on?” Laces demanded. 

 

“Audrey Alexandra Kai.” Critter looked at Laces. 

 

“How do you?” Laces looked at him. 

 

“I’m Critter O’Connell, the bird of Brooklyn.” Critter looked at her.  “I know everything.’

 

“But, but…  What do you, where are we?” Laces stood there for a moment trying to regain her senses. 

 

“We are at the nest and I need you because you have been causing problems for me birds.  Now I’ve been gone for a while, but I am back now and these birds are out of shape.  So with your help I am going to whip them into shape,” Critter said.  “Understand?”

 

“Yeah.” Laces nodded. 

 

“Ready for this?” Critter asked. 

 

“Yeah.” Laces nodded dazed.  Critter nodded and walked to the back of the room where there was a door that he opened.  He started down the stairs, Laces followed. 

 

“Jasper!” Critter called out.  Jasper came over. 

 

“I ain’t deaf.” Jasper rolled his eyes.  “Laces?”

 

“Hello.” Laces nodded. 

 

“Sit down in that chair Laces, don’t move.” Critter pointed to the chair and Laces walked over.  Jasper followed her with his eyes and then looked at Critter. 

 

“What is she doing here?  Does Conlon know where she is?” Jasper asked. 

 

“I brought her here, and he does to an extent know where she is.” Critter nodded.  “But that’s not what I wanted to talk about.  I’m going to re-train all of the birds.  Seeing as you’re in charge though, do you want me to do the whole group at once?  Or start with a group of five and then add and by the end of the week I’ll be done here.” Critter said. 

 

“What?  You don’t need to retrain everyone.” Jasper shook his head. 

 

“Yes I do.  Ya know it, they’ve been slacking and I can make them into what they were meant to be.  I ain’t trying to be the leader Jasper you know that I ain’t cut out to just receive the information and give orders, I need to be out there with them.  But you also know that I know what I am doing and could be the leader if I ever wanted,” Critter said. 

 

“Are you threatening me?” Jasper asked. 

 

“Nah, I like you.  Just reminding you of some things, now how would you like me to work?” Critter asked. 

 

“Do so as ya want.  I don’t care either way.” Jasper shrugged. 

 

“Don’t look so down Jasper, I don’t need to retrain you.  And as I said I don’t want to be the leader,” Critter replied. 

 

“Yeah, I know.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“When will all the birds be here?” Critter asked. 

 

“All of them or just Brooklyn’s?” Jasper asked. 

 

“Do you think that ya boyds can get all of their feathers in here by tonight?” Critter asked. 

 

“I really don’t know.” Jasper shrugged.  “But I guess you could test ‘em that way.”

 

“I guess I could, where’s Matches?” Critter asked. 

 

“Can’t say that I know, all I know is that he’s out watching.  But he changes his perch a few times and I never can keep track of them.  You taught him to do that,” Jasper said. 

 

“Yes at least he keeps some of his habits.” Critter nodded.  “All right, I’ll send word out.  Someone does perch around here right?”

 

“Filly on the bridge, just go a few buildings down onto the roof and send word,” Jasper suggested. 

 

“Fine, I’ll be right back.  Keep your eyes on her,” Critter said as he walked out quickly.  Jasper nodded.  He went and sat down next to Laces. 

 

“Why are all these people sleeping during the day?” she asked. 

 

“They are sleeping because they owls, they go out at night and watch the city,” Jasper responded as he looked around at the several people sleeping on the couches and in hammocks that were set up everywhere. 

 

“What are you?” Laces asked. 

 

“I’m the leader, Jasper.” Jasper smiled bit. 

 

“Oh, did Spot put you in charge?” Laces asked. 

 

“That he did.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“You must be very important then to have to be in charge of the birds.” Laces looked around. 

 

Critter came back and walked over to Laces and Jasper. 

 

“Now we wait, Matches should be here first with those two new ones that he thought would be good.” Critter sat down.  

 

“What are we going to do?” Laces asked. 

 

“You’ll see my dear.” Critter nodded.  “If you’re tired you can take a nap over there.” Critter pointed to an empty spot, Laces nodded but sat there listening to Jasper and Critter talk about a few of the different birds. 

 

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

 

“Ah great.” Matches mumbled as he started walking towards a small boarding house, where he had left his two new recruits to stay.  He stood near the window of the building and put his two fingers into his mouth as he took a deep breath.  He let out long whistle, two heads popped out of the nearby window.  They looked over at him and stumbled out of the window and down to where he was. 

 

“About time,” the taller girl said. 

 

“Yeah, well some things have been going on.  It ain’t all me fault ya know.” Matches shrugged.  The two girls nodded. 

 

“So are we really going to start now?” the other girl asked.  Matches nodded. 

 

“Yeah, we better get going.” He walked away towards the alleyway.  The two girls followed, Matches took them around buildings, in circles, then over fences and under walkways, in and out of alleys and then he stopped.  The girls were exhausted and annoyed with the whole thing because they weren’t even sure where they were going. 

 

“Come on,” Matches said as he walked in to the old abandon building that they were standing in front of.  He walked to the back of the room and opened the door. 

 

“Pick up the pace we’re already late.” Matches pushed as he jogged down the stairs.  The girls glared at the back of his head but he didn’t notice.  Once Matches walked in, Critter stood up. 

 

“About God damn time!” Critter snapped.  Matches nodded as he looked at his shoes for a moment. 

 

“We took the long way here,” He responded as he looked up at Critter.  Critter nodded. 

 

“Girls,  take a seat at the table over there, I’ll get to you in a moment.  You must be tired.” He flashed them a smile taking away the effect that he was ordering them to do something.  It was more like he was thinking about their health and comfort.  The girls nodded and walked over to the table.  Critter said something to Matches and then said over his shoulder. 

 

“Laces join those girls.” Laces glared at him and didn’t move from her spot.  At first Critter didn’t notice but Matches was smiling a bit at her and Jasper was also smiling at her.  Critter noticed the smile on Matches face and he turned around to look at Laces. 

 

“Is there some reason why ya are still sitting there?” he asked. 

 

“Maybe I don’t want to sit over there, I ain’t someone ya can order around.” Laces glared at him.  Jasper looked over at Critter then at Laces.  Both had their eyes dancing with an unspoken challenge.  The battle had begun and Jasper was wondering who was going to win this one, both Critter and Laces were use to winning. 

 

“Laces will ya please go join the girls and chat some.” Critter smiled.  Laces smiled sweetly, she stood up and turned to walk to the other table.  Critter nodded and then motioned for Matches to follow him to the table.  Jasper looked after Laces for a moment and then turned his attention to Critter and Matches. 

 

Laces sat down at the table and smiled at the girls. 

 

“Hello, are ya birds?” Laces asked. 

 

“That’s what we’re here to be,” the taller girl said. 

 

“So you’re not birds yet?” Laces asked. 

 

“No, we’re new.  Are you a bird?” The younger one asked. 

 

“No, I’m Laces Kai.”

 

“Really?” both of the girls said. 

 

“Yes.” Laces laughed a bit.  “Who are you?”

 

“My name is Bitter,” the younger one said. 

 

“And I’m Outsider,” the taller one said. 

 

“And how did you two end up here?”

 

“Matches over there found us roaming around, as he put it, in the outskirts of New York City, Outsider said. 

 

“Oh, Matches is that the one that brought you in?” Laces asked.  Bitter nodded. 

 

“Yeah that’s him.”

 

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

 

“So what’s going on?” Matches asked. 

 

“I’m re-training the whole lot of ya.” Critter shrugged. 

 

“WHAT?” Matches almost fell out of his chair, he wore a terror stricken face. 

 

“Don’t look so pale Matches, I was thinking if ya pass me test I might let ya help me train the rest of ‘em.  Ya and Daisy, and Jasper here as the overseer and I’m calling in an old friend.” Critter smiled. 

 

“An old friend?  Which old friend?” Matches looked at Critter. 

 

“Ah ya see me boy.” Critter smiled.  Jasper laughed at the uneasy face that Matches had. 

 

“What kind of test are ya getting Dais and Matches to take?” Jasper asked. 

 

“They’ll see,” Critter answered. 

 

“Critter is never one to give out information,” Matches said. 

 

“Of course not.” Critter smiled. 

 

“So we waiting for the rest of ‘em to show up.” Matches looked around. 

 

“That we are.” Critter nodded. 

 

“What about her, what are you planning on doing with her?” Jasper asked looking over at Laces. 

 

“I am going to do what Kelly and Conlon couldn’t do.  She is going to listen to me.” Critter got a determined look. 

 

“I wouldn’t be to sure about that,” was all that Matches said as he looked at her. 

 

“I will do it,” Critter said. 

 

“Ya might want to think about a compromise on this one Critt.” Jasper sighed.  Critter didn’t pay any attention to that though, he looked at Laces.  She was laughing she looked so innocent, he was going to get to her.  He kept thinking to himself. 

 

“Game of poker?” Bookie came up to the table.  Critter nodded and he sat down. 

 

“So who are those three?” Bookie asked. 

 

“One of them is Laces.” Critter said frowning.  He thought they all knew who she was.  Bookie looked over his shoulder and at the girls. 

 

“Ah yes, I see her now.  What about the other two though.  They don’t look like anyone that has been around here.” Bookie looked back at the table. 

 

“That one right there is Outsider and the other one is Bitter.” Matches pointed the two girls out.  All the boys at the table followed who he was pointing to and nodded. 

 

“New boyds?” Bookie asked.  Matches nodded.  Bookie dealt the cards out and the boys began to play. 

 

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

 

The sun was setting on New York City, people were trotting home from work.  Then there were the few birds running towards their destination.  Critter was leaning back in his chair watching the birds stream in twos or by themselves. 

 

“Jasper tell me when they’re all here,” Critter said over to Jasper.  Jasper nodded he looked over the room. 

 

“We’re only missing Relic,” Jasper responded. 

 

“All right.” Critter nodded.  Relic ran through the alleys and then burst into the building and ran down the stairs almost falling on the last one. 

 

“A little late?” Critter said.  Relic rolled her eyes and walked over to the large group of birds that was standing in a group. 

 

“That it?” Critter asked. 

 

“Yeah that’s it.” Jasper nodded.  Critter took a moment as he looked at the ceiling of the basement that they were in.  The birds all stood there looking at him, Matches and Daisy stood to the side.  Daisy had not gotten a chance to talk to Critter yet, but Matches had informed her of the situation.  She stood looking almost annoyed with the whole thing.  Critter let the front legs of his chair drop and he went over to the door that was wide open and closed it, by slamming it.  Everyone looked surprised, he turned around and looked at them all for a moment. 

 

“What a sorry looking bunch ya all are,” he said loudly.  They all sighed at the words, all expect for Jasper, Daisy, Matches, Outsider and Bitter.  No one moved though and that’s where Critter shook his head. 

 

“WELL, WHAT ARE YA WAITING FOR?  An invitation?” Critter demanded.  The birds looked confused at his statement.  Daisy and Matches just cringed. 

 

“Get into lines ya pathetic excuses for birds!” Critter was yelling by this point.  They all scrambled into lines, whispering to each other. 

 

“Don’t talk! This ain’t your time, it’s mine!” Critter said.  They got into two lines and Critter went up and stood in front of them. 

 

“I called all of ya together because I wanted to mention a few things.  My name is Critter O’Connell and I am the bird of Brooklyn.  I don’t like the mess ya all have made of the birds.  It’s so unbelievable that in so little time that I have been gone ya could mess this up so much,” Critter said as he started to pace back and forth.  Laces picked up the action, something that Jack and Spot did when they were mad or nervous either way it was never a good sign. 

 

“The other thing that I had to tell ya all is that I am re-training ya all.  Anyone have an objection to that?” Critter was almost daring someone to question his authority.  Someone to say something against his plans, but no one moved to make one.  He nodded satisfied with the fear he had instilled in all of them. 

 

“And for those of you that are wondering, I am not in charge.  Jasper is still in charge, I have my own sort of being in charge.  And Matches and Dais over there might be helping me re-train ya all,” Critter said. 

 

“Why don’t they got to be re-trained?” Relic asked.  Critter walked right up to her and looked at her a moment. 

 

“Want to know why?  Because I’ve already trained them.  But they might have to be retrained again if they don’t pass me test,” Critter said. 

 

“Oh.” Relic nodded, feeling slightly uncomfortable under Critter’s glare.  Critter nodded and walked back to where he had been standing. 

 

“My next order is that I want to introduce you all to the newest birds.  Hopefully they won’t cause me as much grief as the rest of ya.  Outsider and Bitter.” Critter pointed to the girls.  They stood and walked over to the group joining the lines that they had formed. 

 

“And that is Laces.” Critter pointed to Laces.  The birds looked surprised at her being there and looked towards Critter for an explanation.  But Critter gave none and kept going. 

 

“Tomorrow we will start training again, so everyone I propose that ya get a good night’s sleep.” Critter clapped, signaling to them that he was done.  No one moved though except for Matches and Daisy that gave the rest of the group a clue. 

 

“Dais, Matches,” Critter beckoned the two over. 

 

“Yeah Critter?” Dais asked, as the two approached him. 

 

“Ya remember when I trained ya?” Critter asked.  The two nodded vigorously. 

 

“Coise.”

 

“Good, member the tests that I would give ya?” Critter asked.  The two bit their lower lip, not sure of what he was referring to.  He took the hint and nodded. 

 

“An hour in this city each of ya have to find out what I tell ya to find out.  If ya can find it out then I will let ya train them with me, if ya don’t then I am retraining ya,” Critter said.  “Don’t screw this up.”

 

“What do ya want us to find out?” Dais asked. 

 

“Daisy I want ya to find out what happened to Dreamer,” Critter said. 

 

“Dreamer.” Daisy nodded, she had no idea who the person was but she knew that was part of it. 

 

“Matches, I want ya to find Chesapeake and bring her back here.” Critter smiled at Dais and Matches surprised faces. 

 

“That’s the old friend?  That’s who’s going to help?” Matches stood there gaping. 

 

“If she’ll accept.” Critter nodded.  “Ready?”

 

“Ready as we’ll ever be.” Daisy smiled weakly. 

 

“Ain’t up to this Dais?” Critter asked looking her over. 

 

“I’m up to anything ya want me to do,” Daisy responded frowning. 

 

“Coise.  An hour,” Critter reminded them.  “And I will give you 5 minutes, late time.  Just because ya haven’t done this in a while.” Critter smiled.  Daisy and Matches rolled their eyes. 

 

“Go,” Critter said calmly.  Matches and Dais sprung out the door in no time. 

 

“Where are they going in such a hurry?” Laces asked, she had gotten up and quietly walked over to where Critter had been talking to Matches and Daisy. 

 

“To prove to me that they’re as good as they can be,” Critter responded watching after them.  Hoping, and almost knowing that they would come back in the hour with what he wanted.  He looked at Laces. 

 

“Now miss, to talk about yourself.  Ya are here to help me train these birds because ya seem to give them the slip a lot of the time and cause trouble,” Critter said. 

 

“So what if I do?  Are they watching me all the time.  I don’t know if I like that,” Laces said. 

 

“Well that’s just tough for you,” Critter said. 

 

“What do you mean tough for me?  Listen here, if I don’t want them to learn how to keep track of me every moment, I might just leave right now,” Laces said.  Critter looked at her a moment. 

 

“I would like to see you try to get home,” Critter challenged.  Laces glared at him and started to walk away, she climbed the stairs and then out of the building.  Critter followed her, she stood outside and looked around.  She had no real clue where she was going.  She started walking though.  She was well aware that Critter was behind her, or so she thought.  He soon slipped away from her and started climbing to the roof where he could follow her without her seeing him.  She got to a dead end alley and looked behind her to not find Critter. 

 

*-*-*-*-*

 

“Critter?” she whispered a bit, the moon was shinning brightly over her head.  She looked up there was darkness everywhere.  Critter watched her from the roof, he was wondering what she was going to do.  Try and get herself out of this mess or just sit there.  He wasn’t sure yet what he wanted her to do.  He decided though that this was the perfect type of position to corner her in.  He jumped down quickly, making noise as he went down on purpose.  He scared Laces, she stood there trying to hide from him.  But he was watching her and when he reached the ground he grinned a bit. 

 

“Come out of there, that ain’t even a decent hiding spot,” Critter said.  Laces stood up. 

 

“You’ve been following me?” she asked. 

 

“Of coise, ya think I would let ya do that by yourself?”

 

“I don’t care what power ya think ya have over me ya ain’t got any,” Laces replied. 

 

“Yes I do,” Critter responded.  Then he took his hands and put them on Laces’s shoulders and pushed her lightly but forcefully onto the wall. 

 

“Listen here Audrey Alexandra Kai, I don’t care if you’re a Kai, if you’re Jack’s goyl, if ya like Spot’s little sis, or if ya won the hearts of everyone else, I ain’t going to treat ya like everyone else.  I don’t like being undermined and I won’t take it,” he said to her.  Laces glared right at him though.  He shook her a bit. 

 

“Understand?” he asked.  She nodded slightly and he put her down. 

 

“Enough of this nonsense.  Come on.” He took her hand and started walking her back to the building. 

 

“I have found someone worse then Spot.” Laces kept thinking to herself. 

 

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

 

Laces sat in the chair next to Critter, being placed there by Critter himself.  He was again leaning back in his chair.  There were some of the birds sitting around the building, but almost none of them came up to where Laces and Critter were sitting.  Laces longed to join their conversations and games, but she decided that she had pushed Critter enough for one evening and so she sat playing with her hair, something she did when she was bored. 

 

Jasper sat at the table near them, but he didn’t say anything as he watched Laces play with her hair and Critter lean back in his chair.  Critter suddenly fell forward and startled Laces.  He took out of his pocket watch and opened it.  He let out a sigh and then went back to tilting.  He was driving Laces up the wall, she couldn’t handle much more of this isolation he was putting her through.  Jasper could see that in her. 

 

“Hey Kid,” he said.  Laces turned to him and frowned. 

 

“Don’t call me that.” Was almost an automatic response.  Jasper held his hands up in defense. 

 

“How do you know that I’m calling you that?” he asked. 

 

“I don’t see anyone else around.” Laces looked around her quickly.  Jasper nodded and laughed a bit. 

 

“Why don’t you like me calling you Kid?  Ya ain’t that old,” Jasper said. 

 

“I’m 15. I’m turning 16 in two days,” Laces responded. 

 

“Wow 16.  Practically a young lady.” Jasper smiled. 

 

“I am.  Sides, only Brooklyn and Manhattan call me that,” Laces said in a matter of a fact way. 

 

“Brooklyn and Manhattan as all of the people in them, or just Spot and Jack?” Jasper asked. 

 

“The newsies,” Laces replied. 

 

“Oh.  So what we boyds can’t call ya Kid?  What if ya are a kid?” Jasper asked. 

 

“I don’t like it.  No one should call me that,” Laces responded. 

 

“Well, I’ll see what I shall call ya.” Jasper nodded.  “So Kid, anything planned for your birthday?”

 

“I think my sister may have something planned.  Spot and Jack and the boys might be doing something.  Spot might come to dinner with me and my sister, wish me a happy birthday then go off with the boys.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“Ah yes ya and Conlon have the same birthday.” Jasper nodded.  “Any wishes?”

 

“Wishes?” Laces thought about it a moment.  By this time, even though Critter was still leaning back in his chair and didn’t look like he was paying attention he had a close ear on the conversation. 

 

“I do want to find Pixie.” Laces nodded. 

 

“Pixie?” Jasper looked confused. 

 

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

 

“God damn it, I hate this,” Matches whispered.  He had always hated the timed errands that Critter sent him on.  He actually wasn’t one that was fond of errands.  He crawled through a narrow area, Chesapeake use to hang out in certain bars and liked certain parts of town.  He got up and dusted himself before entering the Lilies of Shore bar.  It was a beat up, old place that no one really came to any more because it was half hidden away but it was still open for business.  Matches walked up to the counter and sat down. 

 

“How can I help ye lad?” the bartender asked. 

 

“Ise looking for Chesapeake.  Seen her lately?” Matches asked. 

 

“Chesapeake.  Nope.  Can’t say that I’ve even heard of the name.” The man had a sparkle in his eye as he plucked at his beard.  Matches watched his face expression and nodded. 

 

“It’s for Critter.  An old friend of hers, he’s looking for her to do something for him,” Matches whispered to the bartender. 

 

“An old friend?” The bartender said a little louder.  Matches nodded and sat there for a moment. 

 

“So ya haven’t heard of her?”

 

“Well let me see, maybe she’s in this bar.  I ain’t heard of her, but I ain’t heard of half the people in this bar,” The bartender said.  Matches nodded.  The man went a bit away from Matches and cupped his hands over his mouth. 

 

“Is there a Chesapeake here?” He asked loudly.  There was no real movement at first and then he added.  “There is a young man who is an old friend here.” He put strength on the words old friend and then walked over to get a drink for someone.  The bar went back to what it had been doing and Matches turned and started to stand. 

 

“Giving up?” someone asked.  Matches let out a sigh of relief this had been the fourth place he had been too.  He was almost sure that she was here too because he had seen it in the bartender’s face.  He turned to see a smiling girl, with blue eyes and light brown hair. 

 

“Nice seeing ya again, Chesa.” Matches smiled a bit.  Chesa laughed. 

 

“Look pale as a ghost ya do.  What ya ain’t been taking care of yourself, or Critter’s back in town and ya’ve been slacking to your heart’s content?”

 

“Critter wanted me to get ya,” Matches responded. 

 

“So he is back in town, that damn...  I don’t believe him.  I’m going to give him a piece of my mind,” Chesa mumbled to herself.  “How much time ya got left?”

 

“Only oh twenty minutes if I’m lucky,” Matches replied. 

 

“We haven’t moved have we?” Chesa asked. 

 

“Nope.”

 

“I might have forgotten the fastest ways.” Chesa looked out to the window. 

 

“I haven’t.  You’re coming?” Matches asked. 

 

“Coise I’se coming.  What’s wrong with ya?” Chesa jumped up.  Matches nodded and the two hurried out.  Matches led the way, leading quickly but never looking back to make sure that Chesa was still there.  He knew that she was still there, first she would not lose him and second he could hear her. 

 

“Careful while ya do that.  You’re doing that too quickly.” This and that, he could hear her all the way even though they were practically running she found the breath to say this to him.  They got to the building and they stormed through and ran down the stairs. 

 

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

 

The door flew open and in came Matches and a tall girl behind him.  Critter fell on his front chair legs, and quickly grabbed and snapped open his watch and looked at it with a smile. 

 

“5 minutes early.  Go sit down and wait for Dais,” Critter ordered of Matches.  Matches nodded looking a little worried that Daisy hadn’t come in yet.  He went and sat next to Jasper. 

 

“Good job,” Jasper said. 

 

“Thanks.” Matches nodded.  Critter hugged Chesa, and then turned to call Jasper over. 

 

“Jasper!” he said.  Jasper rolled his eyes but got up and walked over to them.  Laces looked at Matches, she frowned.  When he looked up he grinned. 

 

“What?” he asked. 

 

“Why do you let him order you around like that?  What kind of power does he have?  I don’t even think you let Jasper order ya around like that.” Matches started laughing. 

 

“Ya ain’t one much on just old plain respect?” he asked. 

 

“If it was respect, then he would treat ya with respect and ya would treat him with respect.  But it ain’t like that, he just plain orders ya around.”

 

“Ain’t Conlon like that?”

 

“He is with most people, and with me only when he’s real mad at me.  I don’t take it half the time.”

 

“I guess it’s plain fear.  He’s instilled it in me and I respect to him.  And he’s like a father figure to me, as much as one as I can have.” Matches shrugged. 

 

“How old is he?” Laces suddenly asked. 

 

“I ain’t sure.  I know that he’s around what Spot’s older sister would be if she were around.  Caitlin, but she died in the fire with the rest of the Conlon children, except for Fiona who died later,” Matches said. 

 

“Caitlin.  The oldest one.” Laces nodded at remembering the days they had spent in the basement talking about a past that wasn’t easy to recall for Spot. 

 

“Yes.” Matches nodded as he looked towards the door.  “Come on Dais,” he whispered.  Laces smiled and then also looked towards the door. 

 

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

 

Daisy had gone all over Brooklyn, in and out of bars, asked thousands of people.  People who she hadn’t talk to in years, in months, in days.  She was standing on the bridge for a moment, she was out of breath.  She had been running everywhere and hardly stopped for a moment.  She stood up and looked towards the sky. 

 

“Ah shit!” Daisy moaned as she began to sprint across the rest of the bridge.  She ran through an alley and then she turned a corner and ran through abandoned buildings.  She got into the building and fell down the stairs. 

 

“Dais are you all right?” Matches jumped up and went over to her.  He bent down to help her up. 

 

“She can get up by herself, can’t you Daisy?” Critter stood up and looked at her.  Daisy coughed and turned to her back as she looked up at Matches and Critter. 

 

“Coise I can.” She nodded and she rocked herself to her knees and then looked at Critter’s eyes.  He looked back at her a moment and then got out his watch, he held it for what seemed forever. 

 

“Dreamer left town after James jumped off the bridge.  She went to Jersey to see her brother.  Hasn’t been back in New York since.  There is a thought that she was the one who told Jack and Spot what happened with James before she left.  She knew them from before, but she was much different when they knew her.  She was one of the first people they met together when they came out of the orphanage,” Daisy said. 

 

“Just in time,” Critter responded.  “Go get some rest with Matches over there I still ain’t done with Chesa.” Daisy nodded and pushed away Matches hand from her.  She walked over to the table and collapsed in the chair.  Matches sat next to her looking down at the table. 

 

“Were you guys trained together?” Laces asked. 

 

“Sort of, Dais was in the middle of her training when I started training,” Matches responded. 

 

“What’s wrong with ya, ya know better to try and help me when Critter’s around Matches.” Dais sighed.  Matches nodded. 

 

“A long time with no practice can get to a person.” He shrugged. 

 

“Does this mean that you’re not going to get trained with the other birds?” Laces asked. 

 

“No.  Thank heaven for that,” Daisy mumbled. 

 

“Yeah.” Matches nodded. 

 

“I would have been surprised if ya didn’t make it, ya did get the easier of the two.” Daisy looked at Matches. 

 

“Me?  Going looking for Chesa was like trying and look for Critter,” Matches said. 

 

“Right, well ya knew where to start.  I had no idea where to start,” Daisy replied. 

 

“Well it was almost the same thing with Chesa, who knew if her old haunts were the same,” Matches responded. 

 

“Oh, right.  Like that was really a big question,” Daisy snapped back. 

 

“Are you two fighting over there?” Critter asked.  Daisy and Matches snapped their attention to Critter. 

 

“Of course not,” Matches said. 

 

“Good, I thought I would have to send you out on another run.” Critter nodded. 

 

“No, we were just comparing notes,” Daisy said back.  Critter rolled his eyes as he went back to talking to Chesa. 

 

“God see what you almost did,” Daisy hissed. 

 

“Are you two always like this?” Laces suddenly asked.  Daisy and Matches looked at her. 

 

“No,” They responded together. 

 

“Then what is wrong with you?” she asked. 

 

“It’s the whole idea of him being back, I guess it just happens,” Matches responded. 

 

“I don’t know if you’ve ever gotten that feeling when someone has always treated you in a certain way, and Critter has never treated us much like children but then again he has.  So I guess we act differently around him.” Daisy shrugged.  Laces nodded, she had never had that experience. 

 

“Oh,” was all she said.  Daisy and Matches stopped their fighting at that point.  It was like they had been snapped out of trace that they had been.  Critter finally walked over. 

 

“That was pathetic,” he stated.  Daisy and Matches hung their heads, Laces shook her head.  She still didn’t understand what Critter seemed to hold over them.  There was nothing she could see in him that would make her like them ever. 

 

“Sorry,” they said. 

 

“But you did do what I asked you.  Go get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a long day,” Critter said.  “Sometimes training makes you work harder then being trained.” Daisy and Matches nodded as they got up and headed towards the corner of the rooms where they slipped into two separate hammocks. 

 

Chesa came over and sat down at the table with Laces, Critter sat down also. 

 

“Hello dear, I don’t believe we’ve meet.  I’m Chesapeake.” Chesa smiled. 

 

“I’m Laces.  As Critter probably already informed you.” Laces smiled back.  Chesa nodded. 

 

“He has.”

 

“Did you have a problem with that Laces?” Critter asked.  Laces looked at him a moment. 

 

“No of course not.  That’s what you do.  You inform people of things.” Laces smiled sweetly. 

 

“Bookie!” Critter called.  Bookie came walking over. 

 

“Yeah Critter?” He asked. 

 

“Why don’t you show Laces somewhere to sleep,” Critter said. 

 

“What if I ain’t tired.” Laces glared at Critter. 

 

“I’m sure you will be,” Critter responded.  Bookie looked at her a moment and then shrugged.  Laces glared at Critter. 

 

“I’m sure.” She gritted her teeth and stood up and smiled sweetly. 

 

“Goodnight,” she said.  Bookie cringed at her sweetness and then led her up the stairs. 

 

“Wow.  That was something intense.  I really don’t think she’ll take what ya want her to.  Maybe a few years ago, when she was younger.  When ya catch them when they’re younger then you are able to handle them more easily, but if you really think so.  She’s got spirit though.” Chesa looked after Laces. 

 

“Spirit?  She shouldn’t have that.  That’s what gets her into her trouble,” Critter mumbled. 

 

“Since when have you considered that type of spirit bad?” Chesa asked. 

 

“I don’t know.  Don’t you start with me Chesapeake,” Critter warned.  Chesa laughed. 

 

“Of course not.  So what are we starting with tomorrow?” Chesa asked. 

 

“Speed,” Critter responded. 

 

“We’re starting at such basics?  And you want to be done by the end of the week?” Chesa was surprised. 

 

“We’ll see how long this takes.  But that I am going to make them be like the birds we were, I will.  Even if I break them before we get there.  And I will have that girl listening to me when this is over.”

 

“Critter ya have to remember we’re not as young as we use to be.  And this girl has been through a lot from what I’ve collected.  A lot of a person would be needed to be able to take charge of her,” Chesa warned her ambitious friend.  He frowned. 

 

“Don’t ya think I can?” Critter said in soft tone. 

 

“I may think you can, but that I think ya will is different.” Chesa shrugged.  Critter nodded at her response. 

 

“Ya always were one for words.” He nodded. 

 

“So tell me Critt?  Did ya finish what ya started?” she asked. 

 

“Not yet, but I did finish a part of it.  Just need to finish it all.” Critter nodded.  “I have to find the right moment.”

 

“Of course.” Chesa nodded. 

 

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

 

“Birds are chirping why are ya all still in bed!  GET UP!” Critter was going around pushing everyone out of their hammocks, poking people on the couches, kicking at the birds on the floor.  Chesa was sitting at the table whistling very loudly.  Birds came tumbling down the stairs, eyes barely open. 

 

Bookie was leading Laces down the stairs, she was still asleep.  There were 26 birds that were being trained and one by one they crawled to a standing position cursing Critter under their breath. 

 

“I don’t have all day, I would like to get started soon.” Critter stood in the same spot he had the day before.  At first the birds didn’t understand what he wanted and then they suddenly remembered.  They slowly scrambled into their lines.  Daisy and Matches leaned against the wall and Chesa stood near Critter.  Laces sat at the table where Bookie had left her. 

 

Laces put her head on her arms and closed her eyes lightly, she was listening, but her eyes were closed.  Critter looked over the group and then looked behind him. 

 

“Jasper, is there still food being left here?” he asked in a whisper.  Jasper shook his head. 

 

“That ended somewhat,” Jasper responded. 

 

“Ah, Jeez.” Critter shook his head.  “All right, everyone ya got half an hour to get breakfast and believe me ya better not be late,” Critter warned.  The birds scattered out of the room.  Laces got up quietly and started to walk out of the room.  Critter watched her for a moment. 

 

“Where are ya going?” he asked. 

 

“For breakfast,” she replied. 

 

“Ya can’t go by yourself, ya’ll get lost.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“I won’t get lost in daylight.  I can see where I am going,” Laces replied. 

 

“Be back in half an hour,” Critter said glaring at her.  Laces smiled sweetly and skipped out. 

 

“She won’t be back in half an hour,” Chesa said once everyone was gone. 

 

“Ya think she’s going to get lost?” Critter asked as he started walking out. 

 

“No, I just don’t think she’ll come back in half an hour,” Chesa replied. 

 

“Come on, let’s go have breakfast.  I have a place near here where we can get a good small breakfast and ya can see that I finished what I said I did,” Critter said. 

 

“I don’t doubt you did.” Chesa nodded. 

 

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

 

Laces ran up the stairs of the building, she knew that from the roof she would be able to see where she was better then if she tired to figure it out from the ground.  She knew that it was too late to catch the boys still at the lodging house but she could catch Spot at his selling spot.  She got to the roof and looked at the buildings around her, she could see where she was.  She climbed carefully to the other roofs until she was out of the abandoned building area and then she climbed down from the roof.  She followed the path she knew well to the Brooklyn Bridge. 

 

She got there in no time, she was surprised at how close the distance from the building where the birds stayed and the bridge was.  She saw Spot with BC and she smiled. 

 

“Spot!  BC!” She called out.  They both looked up at her BC smiled but Spot frowned. 

 

“What are you doing here?” Spot asked. 

 

“That’s a nice way to greet me,” Laces pouted. 

 

“Spot!” BC hit Spot lightly.  “How have ya been Laces?”

 

“I’ve been better.  Spot, I don’t think I want to help Critter, he’s the most unreasonable person I think I have ever dealt with.” Laces shook her head.  “I can not stand him.”

 

“I thought I was the most unreasonable person you had ever dealt with.” Spot looked amused. 

 

“No, Critter O’Connell is ten times worse.” Laces rolled her eyes. 

 

“Laces, does he know where you are?” Spot asked. 

 

“I don’t know.” Laces shrugged.  “I think he might be busy with Chesa.”

 

“Chesapeake?” Spot’s eyes got wide.  Laces nodded. 

 

“What is she doing with him?” Spot asked. 

 

“He got Matches to find her because she is going to help him train,” Laces responded. 

 

“God, he knew where she was.  She knew where he was.  They all knew.  I knew it.  God, I don’t believe him,” Spot said to himself mostly.  BC looked at Laces confused, but Laces shrugged. 

 

“Spot, what are we doing tomorrow?” Laces asked. 

 

“Tomorrow, what’s tomorrow?” Spot acted dumb for a moment. 

 

“You know what tomorrow is.” Laces laughed.  “Ya can’t forget considering it’s the same day as yours.”

 

“Oh, I know.  Ya can’t even have you’re birthday on your own day, ya have to take mine,” Spot joked.  Laces shrugged. 

 

“I must really love ya,” she responded. 

 

“I don’t know.  I know that Jacky-boy was asking about ya and tomorrow.  And Caroline did mention something about hoping to have dinner with ya.  I’ll go ask tomorrow.” Spot nodded.  “And ask if we can bring Critter along,” Spot said. 

 

“Why?” Laces whined. 

 

“Because Critter would most likely want to come,” Spot said. 

 

“But Spot!” Laces shook her head. 

 

“Don’t tell me there is finally someone that ya don’t like and that almost seems like he scares ya.” Spot looked at Laces a moment. 

 

“I don’t mind him and I am not scared of anyone,” Laces said standing straighter. 

 

“I didn’t think so, ya won’t mind,” Spot replied.  “After though we can go over to Spades’ place and have a little party Irish style.” Spot laughed. 

 

“Irish style huh?” Laces smiled. 

 

“Coise.” Spot nodded.  Laces smiled. 

 

“So, I’ll take ya back to the place and talk to Critter,” Spot said. 

 

“I don’t know if he’ll like that,” Laces mumbled but she didn’t say much on the subject.  Spot kissed BC on the cheek and then walked away with Laces at his side.  BC shook her head. 

 

“I really wonder about this Critter Character.”

 

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

 

Spot and Laces walked into the building.  Spot had taken Laces in a few circles, he wasn’t sure if Critter wanted her to know where the place was exactly.  Of course she knew about where it was, but he still doubted that she would be able to get there from any given point.  She could find her way out, but that was a different idea all together. 

 

“So, what have you been doing?  Are ya happy now that ya seen me boyds?” Spot asked. 

 

“I suppose.  Critter has your ego problem,” Laces mentioned. 

 

“Oh, is that was bugs you about him?” Spot asked.  

 

“No, well maybe a bit.  But he has it much worse then ya do.  I just don’t like the way he treats everyone,” Laces responded. 

 

“He treats them all like kids,” Spot whispered a bit.  Laces looked at him through the corner of her eye.  Was it possible that the all mighty Spot Conlon was treated the same way by Critter O’Connell. 

 

“Yeah, all like kids.  We ain’t kids anymore.  Most of those birds don’t look like they had much of a time to be kids in.” Laces shook her head.  Spot smiled a bit, had she been around then.  But then again she would have given in back then without everything that had made her the way she was.  He would not give into it now, but then it was different. 

 

“Laces ya got to understand that Critter is about 9 years older then the rest of us.  He has seen more things, he knows of more.  He was older and wiser about things when we came into this world.  And ever since that, he has been the one who understood, the teacher.  Ya can’t argue with someone like him, when ya have always been treated the same way no matter how much older ya seem to get.” Spot shrugged.  Laces listened and her eyes didn’t move from the fixed glaze on Spot’s eyes. 

 

“He treats ya that way too, don’t he?” she asked. 

 

“More or less.  I guess he does.” Spot nodded.  Laces smiled at the confession.  Spot was opening up to her more and more everyday.  He really did trust her now.  They walked down the stairs together, they could hear Critter’s booming voice. 

 

“At least all of ya got back in time,” he was saying.  When Spot and Laces walked in Critter had a sense for people and he turned almost as they stepped in. 

 

“Audrey, Conlon.  In there.  I need a word with you.” Critter pointed at Laces.  “And I am guessing ya need a word with me?” Critter looked at Spot.  Spot nodded and then he ushered Laces into the small office.  While Critter continued his speech, Chesa slipped into the small office after Spot and Laces.  She lightly closed the door.  She looked at Spot, he had grown. 

 

“Why Spot Conlon.” she said.  He turned to her and smiled. 

 

“Chesapeake.” He smiled and hugged her. 

 

“You’ve sure grown, since I last saw ya.” She laughed. 

 

“About that, Chesa.  Ya knew where he was!” Spot accused.  Chesa stepped back a moment and nodded. 

 

“I did, ya knew that though.  Ya had to have known that’s why the five of us left without warning, we couldn’t come back.  I couldn’t look into your cute face and tell ya I didn’t know where he was, I knew where he was and what he was doing, and I couldn’t tell you.  There was no point for me to come back.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“What was he doing?” Spot asked. 

 

“Seeing as he hasn’t told you himself, then I ain’t going to tell.  And don’t try to get me to tell ya Spot.  I won’t.” Chesa stood firm.  They stood silent for a moment, Critter’s yelling could be heard through the door. 

 

“Faster!  Fly!  Ya boyds, Ya crawling!  Ya ain’t a snail!  Pick up those feet!  Or I’ll pick them up for ya!” Critter was saying.  Chesa then turned to Laces. 

 

“Ya missy are pushing him and take everyone’s advice don’t do that.” Chesa pointed her finger at her. 

 

“What has she done to push him?” Spot demanded glaring at Laces.  She shrugged. 

 

“From when I’ve been here, she denies to do what he says.  Plays games, that I don’t understand why he plays along.  And right now, she got back about 30 minutes later then she was supposed to.” Chesa shrugged.  Spot crossed his arms and looked at Laces. 

 

“What, not like ya didn’t know.” Laces smiled.  Critter came in. 

 

“Chesapeake, go make sure they don’t slow down,” Critter said.  Chesa nodded and walked out and closed the door. 

 

“Conlon, I thought I asked ya not to come around here?” Critter asked. 

 

“I know, Critt.  Tomorrow though is March 5th and well Caroline is having dinner.  Then we’re going to Spades’ to have a party.  She has to come, I ain’t letting her not come.  And I figuring that ya would want to come.”

 

“Thanks for the invite Conlon.  I probably will join ya.  I have this new goyl I want ya ta meet.” Critter said, his face softening at the later part of what he said.  Spot nodded and Laces looked at him curiously.  A girl, what kind of girl was this girl?  Then Critter turned his attention to her. 

 

“Ya miss, are late,” he said.  Laces nodded. 

 

“I suppose I am,” she replied. 

 

“I told ya not to be late, why are ya late?”

 

“No real reason,” Laces replied. 

 

“God damn it.  You aren’t special.  Understood?  There ain’t nothing better about ya then everyone else in that room.” Critter pointed to the door.  “When I say something to everyone it includes you.  Can ya get that?”

 

Spot looked at Laces, she wasn’t one to be able to handle being talk to strongly.  She usually broke down when Jack or himself talked to her that way.  But there she stood, her jaw set firm, her eyes glaring at him, Spot shook his head.  If Critter didn’t break her, he would make her more difficult to handle. 

 

“Of course I understand.” Laces nodded. 

 

“I don’t even think that you’re as special as those birds out there, at least they good at something,” Critter said as he looked at her.  Laces’ eyes got wide. 

 

“Are you saying that I can’t do what they can?” she demanded. 

 

“Ya know ya can’t.  God.  I think ya wouldn’t even last a day getting trained to be a bird,” Critter challenged. 

 

“I could to.” Laces crossed her arms. 

 

“Could ya?  What do ya think Spot?” Critter asked.  Spot held his hands up in defense though. 

 

“I ain’t getting into this one.  This is your doing.” Spot smiled. 

 

“I can!  And I can prove it to you,” Laces said. 

 

“Prove it to me, then.” Critter smiled. 

 

“Fine.  How do ya want me ta prove it ta ya?” Laces asked. 

 

“Be trained like the birds,” Critter said. 

 

“Fine.  I can do that.” Laces nodded.  Critter held out his hand for her.  She shook it firmly and stood there smiling. 

 

“Well then if you’re being trained as a bird, let me tell you now.  You were late.  And ya know what that means?” Critter asked. 

 

“What?” Laces asked giving him a funny look. 

 

“Have ya seen all that firewood that’s step out on the top of the stairs, take it all up to the third floor,” Critter said.  Laces smiled. 

 

“All right.” She nodded and walked out of the room. 

 

“That was mean,” Spot said. 

 

“Mean Conlon is what ya should have been to get her to listen to ya.  It would have avoided a lot of your problems.” Critter shrugged. 

 

“I was mean.  It didn’t work.  She listens to me enough I suppose,” Spot replied.  Critter nodded. 

 

“See ya tomorrow night.  Jacky will probably swing by here to get Laces,” Spot said. 

 

“Coise.  Jacky boy sure has a thing for this girl,” Critter said. 

 

“Yeah, but he says the same things about her ya know.  Tells her to stop acting like a princess,” Spot said. 

 

“Jack was always sensible like that.” Critter nodded.  Spot turned around and began to walk out. 

 

“Let me warn ya Critter, we will hurt ya if ya hurt her.” Spot left.  Critter looked into the large room, birds were running back and forth.  Chesa was mocking some, scolding others, and being her old self.  Critter smiled and walked out to help.  Daisy, Matches, and Jasper watched from the other side of the room. 

 

“What’s the point of this?” Jasper asked. 

 

“Oh, simple.  This is to prepare them for his hour runs,” Matches responded. 

 

“Like what he had ya do?” Jasper asked. 

 

“Basically, speed is something that Critter believes to be very important.” Daisy sighed. 

 

“Oh.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“What is the kid doing?” Matches looked into the hallway, Laces was bending down and then walking away and then coming back and doing the same thing. 

 

“I really don’t know.” Daisy said back. 

 

“Looks like she is picking up that wood and carrying it somewhere.” Matches frowned. 

 

“Why would she do that, that wood needs to be there.  The warming stove is there.” Jasper shook his head. 

 

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

 

“All right, ya can sit and rest before ya start racing.” Critter smiled.  The birds collapsed onto the ground they were standing on directly. 

 

“Dear Lord in the heavens.  I don’t think I’m going to be able to get up again,” Bitter mumbled. 

 

“Oh better be able to or ya gonna be doing this all day,” Daisy warned.  Critter stood there for a moment looking at the pathetic state that the birds were left in after a little bit of fast pace running.  He shook his head and walked over to the place were Laces was sitting on the steps catching her breath. 

 

“Done?” he asked her.  She nodded, unable to respond. 

 

“Good.  Hmm.  Wait a minute, the heater’s down here.  Oh dear that’s why the wood was down here.  Move it back,” Critter said.  Laces snapped up and glared at him, even though she was a good head shorter then him. 

 

“WHAT?” Laces said rather loudly.  Everyone turned their heads towards the hallway. 

 

“Ya heard me, now get up and do it,” Critter said.  Laces shook her head. 

 

“There’s no way in hell that I am moving anything.  Ya knew all along.  Ya can move it,” Laces responded. 

 

“What did ya just say to me?” Critter asked. 

 

“Ya heard me.  I ain’t moving nothing.  Ya can move it.  I moved it the first time, but there ain’t no way I can move it again.  I rather run then move it again.” Laces put her hands on her hips.  Critter looked at her a moment and then smiled, flashing his white teeth at her. 

 

“I make ya a deal.  Ya can outrun, let me see, Relic.  I will carry the wood back down.  And if ya don’t then ya will,” Critter said. 

 

“Fine.  Deal,” Laces responded. 

 

“RELIC!  And the rest of ya idiots get up.  We’re heading outside to start racing now,” Critter hollered.  There were a great deal of moans that arose from the birds but they got up and walked out.  Critter stood there, Laces at his side waiting for everyone to be out of the building.  Chesa stayed in the back while Daisy, Matches and Jasper stayed within the group itself. 

 

“All right, for those of ya that don’t know what we are doing.  Right now Daisy and Matches are going to demonstrate.” Critter smiled.  Daisy and Matches mouths hung open for a few seconds, but they snapped out of it and walked over to middle of the two buildings. 

 

“Move back,” Critter said.  “Chesa ya start ‘em off.” Critter began to walk down to another building.  The birds moved back and Chesa stood there with her hands on her hips.  Daisy and Matches set themselves in a light lunge position. 

 

“Ready and on set!” Chesa said smiling.  Daisy and Matches took off, running down Daisy stepping closely together but quickly and Matches taking longer strides, but both of them were no doubt flying down the small area and in less then no time they passed Critter stopping almost perfectly at were he was standing. 

 

“Wow that was fast,” RB mumbled.  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them that fast.”

 

“Oh get use to it, now that Critter’s back not only them, but we are going to be going that fast if we want to stay alive,” Sugar responded. 

 

“All right, Relic, Laces get on up here.” Chesa pushed Laces.  Relic looked a bit nervous about the whole thing but took a deep breath. 

 

“1 and on 2!” Chesa said.  Catching both Laces and Relic off guard but they regain the lost time quickly.  They went tumbling almost tripping over their own feet down to where Critter was.  Relic stopped before Laces did and nearer to Critter. 

 

“Well, go on get going with ya Laces.  Go finish picking up that wood.” Critter motioned his head. 

 

“What?  But I won!” Laces said. 

 

“Well, ya might have been faster but Relic stopped closer to me.  That was another part of this, you’re supposed to run fast but stop at certain points with no problem.” Critter shrugged.  “And ya didn’t.”

 

“Wonderful.” Laces frowned and walked away and back into the building as Chesa called up two more people. 

 

“Bookie and Smalls.  Come on.” Laces walked in mumbling to herself about this and that, and how much she really didn’t like Critter O’Connell at the moment.  But she wasn’t going to give him any satisfaction and so she moved the wood back down quicker then she carried it up.  She figured out that she could just slide the wood down and then arrange.  She was done in no time. 

 

“They’re still out there working.” Laces peeked out the door.  They were no where being done and Critter sounded like he was going to keep them out there all night.  Laces sat there staring at the mess that the birds had in the main part of the building that they were in.  She shrugged and started to go around and pick everything up. 

 

When the sky was dark and sprinkled with stars Critter, Chesa, Jasper, Daisy and Matches walked in and the rest of the birds crawled in and to the nearest bunk or hammock.  When Critter walked into the main room, he looked around. 

 

“There is something different about this room, and where the hell is Laces?” he said. 

 

“I think it’s clean.” Daisy frowned. 

 

“This room, has never been this clean.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“There’s Laces.” Matches pointed to the near by chair that Laces was slumped over with a broom in hand. 

 

“That Kid.” Critter shook his head.  She sure was something else.  He went over and lifted her into his arms and started carrying her upstairs. 

 

“Critt, ya coming back down?” Chesa asked. 

 

“No, not tonight.” Critter shook his head.  He walked out of the room. 

 

“What do ya make of that?” Chesa asked. 

 

“Laces’ belongs to Jack.” Jasper shrugged. 

 

“Don’t say the word belongs to her.  She might just prove ya wrong.” Matches shook his head. 

 

“By the way have ya two heard of a Pixie?” Jasper asked. 

 

“Oh ya mean that doll that Laces, Spot and Jack take care of.  Peach’s babe.” Daisy smiled. 

 

“No, I mean a different Pixie.  Laces was talking about wanting to find one,” Jasper said. 

 

“The Pixie?” Chesa said softly. 

 

“There was another Pixie?” Daisy looked at Chesa. 

 

“There was.” Chesa nodded.  “She was a friend of mine, but one day she just didn’t come around anymore.  I heard she was part of Bobby’s gang and I didn’t hear much after that.”

 

“Why would Laces want her?” Matches asked. 

 

“I don’t know.” Jasper shrugged. 

 

“Who do ya think is the fastest?” Daisy asked. 

 

“Well, I would say that Scout was fast and then Filly,” Chesa said. 

 

“The rest of them need work.” Matches nodded. 

 

“Well, I don’t know about ya but I’m dead tired,” Daisy said. 

 

“Yeah.” Matches yawned.  Chesa laughed. 

 

“I guess we can tire you out.”

 

“Ya sure can,” someone groaned from the floor.  The four laughed and headed towards their sleeping areas. 

 

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

 

The sun was coming up slowly onto the sleepy city of New York.  Critter was sitting at his window sill, he looked worried sitting there staring out onto the city. 

 

“What are ya worried about, ya did the right thing.  Conlon will be happy.  It ain’t like...  Well then again,” Critter mumbled to himself.  Laces slipped into his room, she stood there staring at him.  She smiled, she could almost like him when he was sitting quietly looking almost worried. 

 

“Something wrong?” Laces suddenly asked.  Critter snapped his head in her direction. 

 

“How long have you been standing there?” Critter asked his eyes shadowing.  Laces recognized the tone of voice and his eyes and replied softly. 

 

“Only a few minutes.  I haven’t been here long.”

 

“Good.  Don’t ever come in here without knocking.  Understood?” he asked. 

 

“I understand.” Laces nodded. 

 

“Go on.  I have to get some training with ya done today before Jack comes to get you.” Critter motioned his head.  “Oh by the way happy birthday.”

 

Laces nodded but she gave Critter one last look before she walked out. 

“I wonder what is on his mind,” she said to herself.  Laces walked down the stairs and into the basement where people were just beginning to stir.  Laces sat down at a nearby table.  Critter came bellowing all the way down the stairs. 

 

“THE SUN IS SHINNING!  Get Out of bed!” He was saying.  He walked into the basement and whistled loudly.  Chesa tumbled out of her hammock and started pushing people out of hammocks that were near her.  Everyone again crawled to the basement and to the middle where they stood in their lines.  Laces sat there staring at everyone.  Daisy and Matches stood with the lines and Jasper sat down with Laces.  Chesa stood with Critter. 

 

“Lovely site, to see ya lazy faces in the morning.” Chesa smiled. 

 

“Got 25 minutes to get breakfast,” Critter said. 

 

“It’s getting shorter?” Ax asked. 

 

“Yeah.  To practice your speed,” Matches responded. 

 

“Wonderful,” was all that was heard. 

 

“Get.  Laces!  Ya coming with me and Chesa,” Critter said.  Laces shrugged and walked to Critter. 

 

“Why?” she demanded. 

 

“Because you were late yesterday,” Critter responded.  “Now come on.” He started quickly walking out with Chesa.  Laces fell behind.  They walked out of the abandoned building area and into a small restaurant. 

 

“Pick up the pace Audrey,” Critter snapped at Laces.  Laces quickened her pace and sat down at the booth with them.  She ordered and then sat there listening to the conversation between Chesa and Critter. 

 

“So, I wondered what’s going to happen tonight,” Chesa said. 

 

“I don’t think we should talk about that now,” was all that Critter said.  Chesa nodded. 

 

“Laces sit up straight,” Chesa mentioned.  Laces straightened up and that’s how the breakfast went, all 25 minutes of it.  Critter or Chesa would tell Laces she was doing something wrong here and there.  Laces was about to scream when they got back to the building.  Jasper saved her from Chesa and Critter. 

 

“Hey Kid, come here,” he beckoned her.  And even though she would have preferred he had not called her Kid, she was thanking him for pulling her from Chesa and Critter. 

 

“Don’t call me Kid,” she said as she approached him. 

 

“Right.  Ain’t it your birthday?” he asked. 

 

“It is.” Laces nodded. 

 

“And they’re driving you insane?” Jasper asked. 

 

“No, why would ya ask that.” Laces shook her head. 

 

“Honesty is a good thing in people, contrary to what Jack and Spot may say.” Jasper smiled. 

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Laces responded. 

 

“Right, I should have known.  Don’t worry on those two.  They strive to make your life impossible until you’ve gained their trust.  Or so I’ve heard,” Jasper said. 

 

“ALL RIGHT!  EVERYONE HERE?” Critter projected his voice. 

 

“Here and accounted for.” Matches nodded. 

 

“All right.  Right now we’re going outside and we’re going to race again.  Everyone needs to get the lead out of their shoes!   FLY! Understood?” Critter asked.  Everyone nodded and filed out. 

 

“Get into groups of two and start running and stopping at certain points.” Chesa said once they were outside.  Laces was the odd one out and Jasper decided he would run with her.  They began to run and stop, Laces was a fast runner but she couldn’t stop.  And she was being careless when she ran and only thought about how to stop and stopped too earlier or too late and started to run much slower. 

 

“LACES!  Pick up the pace!  LACES!  Stop there!” It was as if Critter only had eyes for her and her only.  He didn’t bug anyone else about anything else, only her.  After about 30 minutes of running and nonstop lecturing from Critter Laces stopped in the middle of a run. 

 

“GET OFF ME BACK!” she yelled at him.  Critter stood there glaring at her. 

 

“Ya want me to get off your back?  I will get off your back when ya can beat me at this!” Critter replied. 

 

“I probably can.  I don’t see you doing this and it’s probably been years since you have.” Laces snapped back.  Matches and Daisy bit their lower lips. 

 

“Oh is that so?” Critter started rolling up his shirt and took off his hat. 

 

“It is,” was the short response. 

 

“Chesa stand over there.  Come ‘ere Laces.” Critter stepped back.  Everyone had stopped by now and stood staring that what was going to happen. 

 

“Matches start it!” Critter commanded.  Matches took a step forward and took a deep breath. 

 

“Ready set, Go!” he said.  Critter took off and Laces was behind him.  She was slower then him, practically eating his dust, and when she did gain speed she past Chesa.  While Critter stood right next to her right where he was suppose to be.  Critter even ran up to where Laces was and tripped her.  She fell onto the ground. 

 

“I made this up, I can do it better than anyone can.  Don’t ya think for one moment that ya can be better than me, or anyone of these birds because ya ain’t even bird material.  Had Spot not found ya on that doorstep there would be no way that you would even know what we were.  Ya ain’t ever going to be good at this and that I can assure ya.  The only point of this is for,” Critter stooped down to her ear and whispered, “me to break you.”  Laces took a deep breath and started to cough.  Jack stepped in front of the building, finding all the birds out and about.  He looked to where everyone was staring and saw Critter talking to Laces.  He started walking towards them and Critter was finishing off what he was saying. 

 

“Ya never will amount to much in this business don’t get you’re hopes up.” He turned and barked at the group.  “GET BACK TO WORK!”

 

Jack walked up to Laces and held out a hand.  She took it and he pulled her into a hug. 

 

“Happy birthday Laces,” Jack whispered. 

 

“Thanks Jack,” Laces almost choked. 

 

“Ya stand right here, I’m going to go have a word with Critter.” Jack was pulling away from Laces. 

 

“Don’t say anything about this.” Laces begged. 

 

“Fine.  I will just say we’re leaving.” Jack walked over to Critter and told him that they were leaving.  Critter shrugged acting like he didn’t care.  Laces stood there watching.  She was so mad and yet disappointed at the same time.  Jack walked back to her and put his arm around her shoulder. 

 

“Jack, what do you think of Critter?” Laces asked. 

 

“He’s one of the best people I think I’ve ever meet, but he has his ways of doing things.  I think Spot picked up a few of his habits and even me.  He been treating you badly?” Jack asked. 

 

“Horribly, but Jack I can’t stand him.  Then again, I want to beat him.  I want to show him that I am capable of doing everything he thinks I can’t.” Laces gritted her teeth. 

 

“So show him, I think you can,” Jack responded. 

 

“But I think and know it’s going to be so hard to please him.” Laces shook her head. 

 

“Ya’ll figure out how.  Ya always do.” Jack smiled he kissed her on the cheek. 

 

“How has Pixie been?” Laces asked. 

 

“The kid’s growing faster then anyone would think.  She’s going on 6,” Jack said.  Laces nodded. 

 

“I know.  I feel like we’re all growing.” Laces smiled.  Jack hugged her lightly. 

 

“So we’re heading to Caroline’s, but we have some time.  What would ya like to do?”

 

“I don’t know.  Maybe sit somewhere, talk about things.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“What do you want to talk about?” Jack asked. 

 

“I want to talk about us, I want to know more about ya Jack.  Critter made me notice.  I don’t know anything about you.  Your family, anything.” Laces looked at Jack.  He looked a little nervous. 

 

“Me family?” he echoed a bit, but then he nodded. 

 

“Come on, I’ll take ya to a spot I use to go to with me mother when I was younger.” Jack almost smiled as he took her hand lightly and led her away. 

 

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

 

Jack took Laces to Manhattan to Central Park, to a small place where not many people went.  He sat down on a patch of grass and put his arm around Laces. 

 

“You were always the curious one, but more about Spot then anyone else.” Jack whispered a bit.  Laces nodded. 

 

“Spot was so sly about it, it intrigued me.  He still had such a wound for it,” Laces said.  “You always gave off the idea that you had no real past.  That you had been and would always be the person you were.  So confident.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“But Spot has more confidence then I do, he needs it in Brooklyn.” Jack sighed. 

 

“But that confidence is different and Spot’s natural sometimes made me think he was a trapped animal.  I don’t know how to explain it, there was just a feeling there.” Laces smiled. 

 

“Yes.  I know.  My mother use to tell me she had feelings, and that’s how she knew I was feeling bad or I did something wrong.” Jack smiled a bit. 

 

“How long has she been dead?” Laces whispered.  Jack’s smile faded and he closed his eyes. 

 

“I’m 19.  I went to the orphanage at 6.  My mother has been dead for 13 years.” Jack opened his eyes.  Laces took a deep breath.  It had been so long since Jack had lost his mother and yet his memory seemed so vivid of her.  Jack went on to tell Laces about his father and that he was in jail.  He didn’t say why, nor where, nor much on the subject and Laces did not question.  Then he went on to tell her that he did have a brother. 

 

“My brother died three years before I was born though of scarlet fever.” Jack sighed. 

 

“Oh.  I’m sorry.” Laces sighed. 

 

“His name was Jacob,” Jack said.  Jack and Laces sat there talking for some time, Jack told her what he did to get into the refuge and about how he met with Spot and what they did together after the orphanage.  He even told her the story of how they meet Critter, but he didn’t give much detail, he just said when, where and maybe who, but that was it.  Laces didn’t mind, at least she was finding out more then she knew.  She had learned from experience not to push to far on these subjects. 

 

 

The day passed quickly and late afternoon fell with Laces and Jack walking towards Caroline’s.  They were mostly walking in silence, not saying much to one another, but they held hands and Laces positioned her head on Jack’s shoulder as they walked with much ease and comfort to them both.  They arrived in no time and Caroline was prepared for them and Spot and BC.  She had received word earlier from an unknown person that Critter would not be joining them for dinner, but that he would come later that night to Spades. 

 

“Happy Birthday Audrey dear.” Caroline embraced her younger sister strongly.  Laces laughed. 

 

“Thank you.” She smiled.  “I can have a few more if ya let me breathe.” Caroline blushed as she released her from her hug. 

 

“Let me look at you, oh how you’ve grown.” Caroline smiled. 

 

“Never did I think that little toddler that enjoyed climbing trees and was a torment to Caroline would become such a lovely young lady, that hasn’t change a bit,” Jim teased. 

 

“I think she’s changed plenty since I’ve met her and you met her long before I did,” Spot said from the door.  Laces turned her eyes smiling. 

 

“Have I?” Laces asked. 

 

“Yes, I think you use that smart little head of yours more now.  But then again, I might be wrong.” Spot shrugged.  Laces laughed. 

 

“Happy Birthday Spot!” She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.  Spot kissed her back and also gave her a hug. 

 

“And Happy Birthday to you too.” He smiled. 

 

“Well come on, before your dinner gets cold.” Caroline ushered everyone towards the table.  She got the dinner out and Pixie and Scott smiled and acted as if it was their birthday instead of Laces’s and Spot’s.  Everyone had a great time during the dinner, teasing and joking with each other. 

 

“You know Laces, at the age of 16 when every young girl gets her first silk dress in the society we use to live in.” Jim smiled.  Laces scrunched up her nose. 

 

“Dress?”

 

“A silk dress, it was to start courting and to find yourself a husband.” Caroline nodded. 

 

“A husband?” Laces frowned. 

 

“Laces is too young for marriage,” Spot interjected. 

 

“I wouldn’t think so, that’s how old I was when I ran away.” Caroline shrugged. 

 

“Mommy, you ran away?” Scott asked.  Caroline looked worried at once.  Jack came to the rescue. 

 

“What you’re ma means is that she got married, she just using what they use to call it.  Get it squirt?” Scott nodded. 

 

“Laces, are you going to run away?” Pixie asked. 

 

“No, she is not.  Not for a long time,” Spot replied. 

 

“Well, Spot, you might be surprised.” Laces smiled. 

 

“What?  Who are you going to marry?” Spot asked. 

 

“Yeah who?” Jack asked. 

 

“You two are too over protective.” BC shook her head.  Caroline laughed.  And then the whole group laughed, even Scott and Pixie even though they didn’t understand why they were laughing. 

 

“Dinner was a pleasure, but we must get going.  Spades is waiting for us.” Spot stood up. 

 

“Oh, wait a minute I do have gifts for you both,” Caroline said as she hurried off into one of the rooms of the place.  She came back quickly holding two wrapped items.  The smaller of the two she handed to Laces and the other she handed to Spot.  Jim pushed them both to open them in front of them.  Spot opened his and inside was a hand woven scarf that Caroline had made for him. 

 

“Thanks Caroline.” Spot smiled as he hugged her. 

 

“You’re welcome.  I know that winter is over, but hopefully it will come in handy next winter.” Caroline shrugged.  Spot nodded and put it around his neck at once.  Laces opened hers carefully and inside was a small trinket, a small book.  The cover was hand bound and it looked worn. 

 

“It’s where mother wrote about you, it’s a book she wrote for you.  I suppose she didn’t get much written while she was sick, but there is a lot in there about you.  She wrote one about Bryan and one about me also.  I found it while cleaning out an old trunk that mother had. 

 

“Oh thank you,” Laces whispered.  She was a person of curiosity that was searching for her past as well as the past of everyone she knew. 

 

“Welcome.” Caroline smiled at Laces’s beaming face.  She went up and whispered.  “When you’re done with that one you can come over and borrow, if you promise to keep them in good condition, Bryan and my books.” Laces nodded vigorously to the suggestion. 

 

“Thank you Caroline.” Spot, BC, Pixie, Jack and Laces walked out of the apartment and headed towards Spades’ place. 

 

“That was fun, what are we going to do at Spades?” Pixie was jumping off the wall.  Spot shook his head. 

 

“It might be getting too late for you, I think we might put you to bed,” Spot said.  Pixie shook her head. 

 

“NO!” She grabbed onto Laces’s shirt.  “Don’t make me go to bed, not on your birthday.  I want to help you celebrate!  Please don’t make me go to bed!” Laces smiled lightly.  She looked at Spot with pleading eyes, knowing he would deny her nothing on her birthday. 

 

“Fine,” Spot grumbled.  Jack and BC smiled at them. 

 

“That’s why I love you Spot Conlon.” BC laughed.  Spot nodded and Jack put an arm around Laces. 

 

“See that’s what ya know how to do.  Ya’ve learned to control Spot, who is a practically a lesser image of Critter.  Ya should have no problem with him.” Jack winked at Laces.  Laces nodded and the group walked into Spades’ building. 

 

“HAPPY BRITHDAY!” the group yelled as they walked in.  Laces laughed and Spot rolled his eyes. 

 

“Thanks.” Laces smiled. 

 

“Ready for an Irish style party?” Blue asked as he hugged Laces. 

 

“Irish can’t be that different from every other party,” Laces replied.  Blue shook his head. 

 

“Spades!  Angel!  Ain’t there a difference between and Irish party and a party?”

 

“Coise there is a difference, Irish are the only people who know how to throw a real party,” Spades responded. 

 

“Ready, one, two and three.” Pockets said as he started the instruments.  Tapper, Stage and Pockets were playing a few instruments.  Blue laughed and bowed to Spades as he held out his hand to her.  They began to dance in a jumping rhythmic way that looked fun.  Spot laughed at the scene and pulled BC to dance to.  Leading her with his slow steps that soon got faster and BC got a little tangled up but stayed with it.  Laces looked at Jack. 

 

“Do you know how to dance that way?” she asked. 

 

“Well, I ain’t Irish, but I did learn to dance that way.” Jack smiled as he held his hand out for Laces.  The group was dancing soon, everyone clapping, laughing and of course there were drinks, where they came from is still unknown to this day, but it was an Irish style party and those always had drinks. 

 

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

 

“No, I’m not going in there.  You never told me it was in there.  I didn’t know it was this building.  How could you do this?  How can they live there?  I can’t.  I won’t.” A girl stood feet planted in front of Spades’ building.  Critter stood there holding her hand. 

 

“I didn’t tell you because I knew you would refuse to come.  But look, we’re already here.  They’re expecting us, listen to the music.” Critter stood there.  The girl looked wishfully at the building she was fighting with the urge to run in and with the sense to stay out.  She had many fears and the fact that it was in this building did not help her settle them. 

 

“I don’t want to go in there.  How are they going to react?” The girl had water coming into her eyes.  Critter saw it and came close to her body and put his strong hands on her cheeks. 

 

“This is going to work out.  You can’t keep hiding from them.  It isn’t right,” Critter said. 

 

“But I can’t do this.” The girl again shook her head.  Critter took a step back. 

 

“You can do this.  I would not love you if you were a person who couldn’t do things!  You can do this, and you will,” Critter said.  The girl swallowed her tears and nodded.  She picked up her feet and let Critter walk her where she didn’t want to go. 

 

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

 

The group was tired of dancing and a bit drunk and sat on the couch laughing and telling jokes when Critter walked in quietly and the girl followed him. 

 

“Happy late birthday greetings!” Critter smiled.  The girl stood timidly behind him studying all the people in the room.  Spot, Spades, Angel and Blue stood up. 

 

“O’Connell, who is this?” Blue asked.  Spot was looking at the girl curiously.  She was dressed in a plain blue dress that made her blue eyes stand out.  Her blonde hair was picked up on the top of her head in a bun.  She was a beautiful young woman even in plain clothing. 

 

“Happy Birthday.” The girl hugged Spot suddenly and whispered in his ear, “Patrick.”

 

Spot pulled away from her quickly.  His eyes pierced through her and Spades and Angel looked at them a moment and then to Critter for an answer to Blue’s question.  But Critter was caught up with watching Spot’s reaction to the girl.  Spot stood there though just staring at her, piercing through her. 

 

“Spades,” Spot almost choked.  Spades frowned and walked over to stand next to Spot.  Spot leaned into her and whispered. 

 

“She looks familiar, she knows me name.  Doesn’t she look familiar?” Spades looked at her a moment, and also pierced through her with her eyes.  She saw nothing though until she looked into her eyes, there she stood as puzzled as Spot. 

 

“Angel,” she said a moment later.  Angel already stood staring with the most puzzled look on her face.  Everyone else still sat on the couch more confused then ever.  Blue lightly hit Critter. 

 

“Who is she?” he asked as he saw the confused faces everyone wore.  Critter turned to Blue and looked at him, he still hadn’t seen it. 

 

“That’s Cat,” Critter responded.  Spot’s eyes flared quickly and he turned to Critter. 

 

“What did you say?” he asked.  Critter looked almost surprised at how fast Spot reacted. 

 

“Her name is Cat,” Critter repeated.  There could be no way that her name alone made her suddenly come back to mind.  Spot looked back at her and then spun towards Critter again. 

 

“This is the most cruel joke I think, I don’t believe you Critter.  I know you like a good laugh, but this!  I don’t believe you.  How did you find this person?” Spot asked. 

 

“Conlon, what are you talking about?” Critter was getting confused.  Meanwhile, Angel and Spades were trying to find what Spot had already figured out. 

 

“Ya know what I am talking about.  She almost could be, but she isn’t.  She’s dead.” Spot gritted his teeth.  At this Spades eyes flared as did Angel’s. 

 

“How could you do something like this O’Connell.  I didn’t believe you were capable of being so low.” Angel was angry.  Critter held his hands in defense for a moment, being aware that he was treading on thin ice, but he was not going to back down now. 

 

“She ain’t dead.  She’s standing right there,” Critter whispered.  Spot was about to lunge at him when Cat stood right in front of him looking at him in the eye. 

 

“I’m not dead Patrick,” she said to him.  Spot looked at her.  He pushed her away from himself again. 

 

“You are though!  Spades, Angel, ain’t she?” Spot asked looking for his cousins.  Spades took a deep breath and looked at her again. 

 

“She is.” She nodded. 

 

“But Christine I am right here.” Cat shook her head, tears were streaming down her face. 

 

“NO.  NO.  She’s dead.  You are not her!” Angel shook her head.  Laces sat on the couch. 

 

“Jack, Jack what are they talking about?” Laces whispered to Jack. 

 

“Sh,” he responded.  Cat was near tears, Critter walked over to her and put an arm around her. 

 

“She ain’t dead.  She never was.  She went out looking for you that day.  I’ve been seeing her for years,” Critter said. 

 

“Christine.  How could ya come back here?  How can ya live here?  At this place.” Cat closed her eyes, almost picturing the atmosphere that the lobby used to be. 

 

“You are making it up.  Can’t you stop.  Don’t you know what this is?” Spades was screaming at her. 

 

“I can’t do this Chris.  I can’t.  I just can’t.” Cat sniffled as she let her tears fall in great numbers.  Spot looked at her a moment and then he looked at Critter’s arm placed around her.  He suddenly caught a glimpse of a glitter on Cat’s neck.  He took steps closer to her and got close enough that he could grab the necklace she was wearing.  He looked at it, it was a heart shaped pedant.  He clicked it open and looked at the pictures inside, his eyes got lighter and he looked at her. 

 

“But how.  I don’t understand,” Spot said. 

 

“I wasn’t in the building,” Cat replied. 

 

“But where did you go?” Spot demanded his eyes again getting dark. 

 

“I ran away, I was scared,” Cat replied. 

 

“Caitlin, but ya knew we weren’t in the building.  Ya knew that!  Why didn’t you come back?” Spot asked.  Spades and Angel stood there surprised and Blue kept shaking his head. 

 

“Patrick, I didn’t know what was going to happen to you and I didn’t even know if you were still around.  I couldn’t stay though, not after that.  I knew everyone was gone, I had to get away.  I had to not think about it.  Brig and Devon were gone.  Ma and Pa were gone.  Our aunts and uncles were gone.  I didn’t want to believe it.  I preferred to believe that I ran away and that they were still alive.  I even held to that story and almost came to believe it.” Caitlin shook her head the tears still streaming down her face. 

 

“How could ya be so selfish!  Fiona and I were left behind!  EVERYONE LEFT US BEHIND!” Spot stood fierce.  Critter at Spot’s voice getting louder and stronger came to step in front of Cat and him. 

 

“Conlon, don’t yell at her.  Ya respect her,” Critter warned him.  Spot’s eyes flashed quickly at Critter. 

 

“This don’t involve ya Critter O’Connell, get out of the way.” Spot’s breathing started to become hard as he said the words.  Critter shook his head. 

 

“That’s where you’re wrong.  This has a lot to do with me, I found her Spot,” he said.  Spot threw himself at Critter quickly and the two got into a fist fight.  Spades and Angel who until then had been too stunned to move now stood not knowing what to do with Spot and Critter.  Blue walked over to them and tried getting Spot off of Critter. 

 

“Come on Spot, this is stupid,” Blue was saying, but Blue soon got a fist in his face. 

 

Caitlin reacted for everyone in the room who didn’t. 

 

“CHRISTOPHER! PATRICK! STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!” she said loudly and determined.  Spades looked at Angel. 

 

“It is Caitlin Conlon,” she said eyes getting tearful.  Spot and Critter stopped in their tracks and Blue helped Spot up to his feet. 

 

“I never want to see you again in my life,” Spot spit at Critter.  Critter shrugged indifferent about it. 

 

“See if I care.  Ya a spoiled little brat anyway,” Critter responded. 

 

“Conlon, why ya doing this.  Critter ain’t done nothing,” Blue said. 

 

“What ya mean O’Riley, he knows where one of our last family members is and he don’t tell us where, he don’t tell us he knew or nothing about it.” Spades glared at Blue. 

 

“But maybe he had a reason.” Blue sighed trying to be reasonable. 

 

“Ya on the side of this scum O’Riley?” Angel asked.  Blue shrugged. 

 

“I just don’t understand the way this is being treated.  Caitlin is standing there crying and her brother is angry at her for being alive.” Blue shook his head. 

 

“GET OUT!  O’Riley!  O’Connell!  Get out!” Spades started stamping her foot. 

 

“Why don’t ya take her with ya, ain’t ya scared now Caitlin?” Spot glared at her.  Caitlin couldn’t believe what was going on, she ran out.  Blue walked out after her, Critter glared at Spades, Angel and mostly Spot. 

 

“I don’t believe ya three.  This ain’t near over,” Critter said. 

 

“It is for us,” Spot replied. 

 

“We’ll see Conlon.  Who’s word is stronger,” Critter responded as he walked after Blue and Cat. 

 

“Laces, we’re leaving, get Pixie,” Spot commanded.  Laces stood up for a moment clutching to Pixie.  She looked at Jack.  Jack made a face at her but sighed as he nodded. 

 

“Ya be careful,” he mouthed to her before taking Pixie into his arms because the girl was falling asleep. 

 

“Take her with you when you go back to Manhattan tomorrow,” she said. 

 

“She ain’t going to Manhattan,” Spot said. 

 

“She is,” Laces responded.  “And Spot, ya know I love ya, but that wasn’t the way to handle that,” Laces responded. 

 

“What in the hell are you talking about.  Haven’t ya learned not to meddle.” Spot gritted his teeth. 

 

“Spot, listen to me a second.  How many times have ya been mad at me, have I done things that are stupid, careless, youthful mistakes?” Laces asked a moment. 

 

“This isn’t important now.” Spot glared at her. 

 

“But it is.  See, even after everything, I still wear this and we don’t even have the same blood.” Laces held the key around her neck. 

 

“She should be wearing this and if she doesn’t wear it she has it in her.  Spot ya can’t do this to her.  And I may hate Critter O’Connell for me reasons, but I know from what I know he has been a close person to you and he must have his reasons,” Laces said. 

 

“You coming back to the lodging house with me now.” Spot grabbed her wrist. 

 

“No, I am going back to the nest,” Laces responded. 

 

“What?” Spot asked. 

 

“I am…”

 

“I don’t want you there anymore,” Spot said. 

 

“It ain’t you decision anymore,” Laces responded. 

 

Spades was fuming about many things, mostly about Blue though.  He had abandoned her and taken Critter’s side over hers!  Angel was still in shock and angry about the whole thing as they stood behind Spot. 

 

“Laces Kai, I don’t want to have to deal with this right now,” Spot responded, eyes tried. 

 

“Don’t then.  Night Spot.” Laces kissed him on the cheek and walked out.  “Night everyone else thank you for trying.” She walked out. 

 

“LACES!” Spot said after her. 

 

“She always had a mind of her own,” Jack replied as he held Pixie. 

 

“Kelly, ya never help in these situations,” Angel said. 

 

“I may be a cloudy person when it comes to that goyl, but when it comes to Laces and Spot I don’t meddle.  It ain’t healthy for no one.” Jack smiled a bit.  Spot glared at him and Jack shrugged. 

 

“Spades?  Angel?  Are ya all right?” Scorch asked. 

 

“No!  Did ya see what Blue did?” Spades demanded. 

 

“Well Spades, ya might have…” Pockets didn’t finished because he was elbowed by Shady.  Spades glared at him but didn’t say anything. 

 

“Come on Conlon.  We better head back to the lodging house.  This kid is falling asleep.  We’ll talk some.” Jack pushed Spot to move.  Spot took a look around and then nodded. 

 

“Spot.” BC whispered a bit.  Spot looked at her and tried smiling but didn’t achieve it well. 

 

“Night Goyls,” Spot said. 

 

“Don’t do nothing stupid Conlon.” Spades warned.  Spot shook his head. 

 

“Why would I do anything stupid,” Spot replied. 

 

“Just saying,” Angel said before her and Spades headed to their sanctuary of Spades room where they would sit up until all hours of the night trying to convince themselves that Caitlin Conlon was dead.  That they had not just run out one of the only relatives they had left.  And that Critter O’Connell was the worst person on earth. 

 

The gang was left sitting downstairs, Pockets hit Shady on the top of the head for her elbowing earlier.  Tapper and Stage held onto Candy and Cheeky, almost like they felt they were going to have to run soon. 

 

“A lot of things happen here,” Stage finally said. 

 

“Yeah, they do.  I think we’ve gotten use to the sudden outbursts,” Scorch replied.  This though had been a shock even for them.  The girls who should have seen everything and not be caught off guard by anything were never expecting to see a walking dead girl.  Or a girl they all believe to be dead come waltzing back into their lives with a wink of an eye. 

 

“Did ya see the way Critter looked at Cat,” Vigor suddenly said. 

 

“Why?  What about it?” Candy asked. 

 

“He likes her,” Vigor responded. 

 

“Or loves her.” Tapper nodded at the statement. 

 

“We betta get some sleep.  I got a feeling we’re still going to be working tomorrow.” Shady sighed.  The other girls nodded and each one by one went up the stairs.  The last to go up were Cheeky and Candy who lingered a little longer with Stage and Tapper. 

 

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

 

Critter was furious with the reaction to Cat he had gotten, especially at Spot.  He walked with his arm around Cat comforting her the best he could.  Laces and Blue walked in silence behind them.  Every so often Blue would ask or say something and Laces would respond but they didn’t do much talking.  The night air was cold and Laces shivered at a moment and Blue saw her out of the corner of his eye.  He put his arm around her shoulders to keep her warm.  Laces smiled at him and they kept walking.  Once they were at the nest all the birds looked up to see what had happened even though half didn’t even know about Cat.  Chesa shook her head as Critter walked passed everyone with Cat in his arms up the stairs.  Laces and Blue walked in after and Chesa whistled for them. 

 

“Laces,” she said.  Laces looked over and Chesa motioned for her to come to her. 

 

“Yeah?” she asked. 

 

“What happened?” Chesa asked. 

 

“I don’t want to talk about it right now.  Why don’t you ask Critter lata,” Laces responded.  Chesa gave her a look. 

 

“Laces, when I ask ya something I expect an answer,” Chesa snapped.  Blue stepped in front of Laces. 

 

“And when she doesn’t want to talk about something like this Chesapeake, she don’t got to,” Blue said. 

 

“O’Riley?  Something happen between you and Spades?” she asked, seeing how mad he was.  Blue’s eyes flickered but he didn’t say anything. 

 

“Laces, get on upstairs and lata we’ll have ourselves a little talk about this,” Chesa warned.  Laces shrugged she really didn’t care at this point.  Blue and her walked up the stairs. 

 

“What room you staying in?” Blue asked suddenly. 

 

“The one next to Critter’s,” Laces responded. 

 

“It’s got a window don’t it?” Blue asked.  Laces nodded. 

 

“Why?” she asked. 

 

“Cause that way I can get out and sit on the roof,” Blue responded.  “I need myself a smoke.”

 

“Mind if I join you?” Laces asked as she opened the door to her room. 

 

“I didn’t think you were one to smoke, but sure Kid.” Blue nodded as he opened the window and climbed out holding out a hand for Laces.  They climbed up to the roof and sat there staring out onto the abandoned buildings’ tops. 

 

“Blue I’m worried,” Laces whispered. 

 

“About Conlon?” Blue puffed out some smoke as he lit another for Laces. 

 

“I am, I mean Spot has been through a lot.  And he didn’t take getting Spades and Angel back well and they were just his cousins.  Not like they weren’t important to him, but I know that they left him, but again they came back and they weren’t blood related.  Now Cat here is older, she left him and Fiona and he’s going to regret it later that he acted like he did to her.”

 

“Conlon has a way to acting to things, sooner or later he’ll get over it, but he’s not the only Conlon to hold a grudge.  Cat might hold one against him too.  I really wouldn’t know, I haven’t been around her for 11 years.” Blue sighed. 

 

“Are you worried about Spades and Angel?”

 

“Yeah, now those two will probably regret what they said by morning.” Blue nodded. 

 

“Critter was mad,” Laces mentioned. 

 

“Yeah he was.” Blue nodded.  “How are ya holding up ‘ere Kid?”

 

“He hates me and I can’t do nothing right.  I can’t run fast, I can’t stop fast, I can’t do nothing.” Laces sighed. 

 

“Now why is that?  I don’t think I’ve heard ya admit that ya can’t do nothing.” Blue smiled. 

 

“I don’t know.  I just can’t and when I try Critter always finds something wrong with it.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“Well, what he doing with ya that ya think ya need the most work on?” Blue asked. 

 

“Well, we’re still pretty much working on speed and I ain’t nowhere close to getting good at that.” Laces let her head hang for a moment. 

 

“Well.” Blue sat there for a moment then threw his cigarette over the ledge and then jumped up.  He held his hand out to Laces. 

 

“Come on get up.  We’re going to practice then,” Blue said.  Laces looked at him oddly. 

 

“No, I ain’t kidding get up.  I ain’t letting anyone I know not be able to do something I know they can do.” Blue pulled Laces up quickly. 

 

“But, how are we going to do it?” Laces asked looking down to the alley. 

 

“We’re not going down there.  We’re doing it up here.  So you have to run fast and then you have to stop or you’re going to fall,” Blue said. 

 

“But Blue!  What if I can’t stop and I fall over the edge.” Laces started to shake her head. 

 

“Better hope you don’t.  Now come on.  Or are you scared?” Blue said as he walked toward the other ledge.  Laces glared at him but positioned herself at the end of the building where she was.  Blue was quiet but he said the ready set go and Laces was off.  She stopped right on the ledge. 

 

“That was a good stop, but you weren’t nearly fast enough, that was a fast pace walk.” Blue shook his head.  “Do it again.”

 

“But Blue, can’t we,” Laces started, but Blue just shook his head.  “Why are all of you so stubborn?” Laces demanded. 

 

“Because, that’s the way we got to be when we dealing with goyls like yaself and Spades’ gang,” Blue responded. 

 

Laces grumbled as she returned to where she had started and Blue set her off again. 

 

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

 

Spot, BC and Jack were walking, Jack with Pixie in his arms.  Cap came up to them. 

 

“Why ya heading home so early?” Cap asked. 

 

“Cat,” Spot responded. 

 

“Cat?  Where?” Cap started looking around. 

 

“No, Caitlin.  She came,” Spot responded. 

 

“Is Spot sick?” Cap asked Jack in a whisper. 

 

“No half-wit, I ain’t sick,” Spot responded. 

 

“But she’s lying with Mary and the angels,” Cap responded taking off his cap.  Spot shook his head. 

 

“No, no she ain’t.  She walking with us still,” Spot replied. 

 

“Well where is she then?” Cap asked. 

 

“I didn’t want to see her, I don’t want to see her ever again,” Spot replied. 

 

“Spot Conlon, you drove away ya own sister?” Cap asked.  Spot glared at him. 

 

“Stop Cap,” BC whispered.  She had not said much the whole night after the whole incident.  She didn’t really know what to say, or how to say it and she didn’t want to say something wrong and make Spot mad. 

 

“Ya got a problem with that Cap?” Bottle Cap shrunk a bit under the glare and shook his head. 

 

“I don’t.” Then in a whisper he added, “but she might.” Spot ignored the comment, and even felt a little bad for glaring at Cap, seeing as Cap was never the same after Pepper. 

 

“Well, what did ya all want me to do!  She just waltzed back in!  It was like I was supposed to act grateful that I find out that my older sister could have been around for me and my dead little sister!  My dead little sister is the only one who stayed with me!  And then even she left me, but Cat! Cat walked away from us.” Spot gripped his cane tightly.  Jack shook his head. 

 

“Conlon, I loved Fiona.  Ya know that.  I probably would have married that kid one day.  She was as beautiful as your mother was said to be.  She was a sweet as sugar itself, and I was heart broken when she died.  But her suffering had been tearing my heart into pieces too.  She is an angel now, who can not only watch over us but everyone else too.  She is in a better place, and it happened a while ago.  And I ain’t saying forget her, but ya can’t hold the kind of grudges that ya hold Conlon.  I mean think about it, she’s your sister,” Jack said.  Spot shook his head though.  They approached the Brooklyn Lodging House and entered.  All the newsies smiled and wished Spot a happy birthday but Spot didn't stay downstairs long and soon headed upstairs.  BC followed and once on the second floor took Pixie from Jack’s arms and kissed Spot goodnight. 

 

“Think things over Spot.  And member, I love ya,” BC said.  She would have added and I will never leave you, but she knew there were too many possibilities with that statement.  There might be one day when she would leave him and she didn’t want to be added to his list of people who had left him. 

 

“Night Jack,” she said as she closed her door to her room.  Spot walked into his room, Jack following him.  Jack sat on the window and looked out onto the moon. 

 

“Kelly, what do ya think of me?” Spot suddenly asked. 

 

“Well, Patrick “Spot” Conlon, I can’t say that you’re the most tolerable person and ya got a quick temper, but ya strong, ya got courage, ya honorable, and ya one of the best people I ever met,” Jack responded. 

 

“Even after what happened?” Spot asked. 

 

“Even after what happened and even after what will happened in the future,” Jack responded. 

 

“What would ya have done if your brother were to come walking in somewhere like that,” Spot asked. 

 

“Spot, I never knew my brother, but let me ask ya something, if Fiona were here today, what would she have done?”

 

“Fiona would be 15 about.  It would make no matter though, she would have had to go with when I said it.  I doubt that Fiona would have recognized her, but after I said it she would recognize her, and open her arms and hug her.  She would kiss her and I would have my fit.  Fiona would assure her that I would get over it to give me time.  Then I would demand that she get away from them, Spades would kick them out and I would grab Fiona and get her out of there.  Then she would talk to me in her sweet voice, that probably would be like my mothers was.  She would make me feel bad even though I wouldn’t act like it.  She would kiss me on the cheek when she wished me goodnight and that I prayed for my answer,” Spot smiled as he remembered his little sister. 

 

“She was always one for praying.  Even at her young age.” Jack nodded. 

 

“That’s why God wanted her as one of his angels.  That what she told me a few days before she died ya know.” Spot sighed. 

 

“Cat is beautiful,” Jack said. 

 

“She is, she looks so grown up.  She must be in her early twenties.” Spot spread himself on his bed.  Jack nodded. 

 

“Well Conlon, I can tell ya one thing that this has reminded me of, member when we were little once we played that game in the attic with Cookie and Tangles.  The one were we asked each other what we would do if our parents suddenly appeared or our families suddenly came back for us and then we would act it out,” Jack said as he rested on the extra bed.  Spot looked at Jack a moment and nodded. 

 

“Yeah I get you’re point Kelly.” Spot nodded and started to try and remember what he had said to that game.  He knew what he had said for what he would do if Devon came back, he would hug him and then go out and play a game of baseball.  Then he had said if Brig came back he would hug her and then tease her some for old times sake.  But then he remembered that when it came to Caitlin he had to think about it, then he said he would hug her also and then he would ask her to sing to him.  When he was young she would be the one who watched him sometimes and always the one that put him to bed when their mother was working or busy with Fiona.  Caitlin would sing to Spot and her words would come out softly in an Irish melody.  Spot turned to say something to Jack, but Jack was fast asleep. 

 

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

 

“That wasn’t Caitlin.  It just wasn’t.  She’s dead.  This building proves it.  Our apartments are not here anymore, they were burned down and now there only exists a patch.” Angel shook her head.  Spades was trying to convince herself of something she knew was not true. 

 

“Christine, it was her.  Ya saw it, the necklace like the one that auntie gave her on her birthday.”

 

“No.  She’s dead.  We know she’s dead!” Spades shook her head again. 

 

“Then explain how come she looks like auntie so much?  How come her eyes are like Spot’s.  How come she knew our names?  How did she get a hold of that necklace?” Angel demanded.  Spades shook her head and covered her ears. 

 

“STOP!  I don’t want to hear your reasoning,” Spades said.  Angel smiled a bit despite what was going on. 

 

“Spades!  Look there’s Blue!” Angel pointed out the window.  Spades jumped and looked out the window.  There was no one there though, she turned to glare at Angel. 

 

“So, missing Blue?” Angel smiled. 

 

“That was mean,” Spades responded. 

 

“Hey ya kicked him out, it ain’t like he walked out.  He isn’t going to come right now, he has known ya forever, he knows he wouldn’t get nowhere,” Angel said. 

 

“Blue was being an idiot.  He was on their side.” Spades sighed as she looked out the window one more time. 

 

“Now Spades, I know we’re known to over react and I actually admit when I do and well  Spades, we just drove out one of our last relatives.  The last one we have alive that we know of.  Someone who took care of us when we were wee babies.” Angel smiled. 

 

“We had a right to,” Spades said back. 

 

“A right to?  A right to?  Maybe Spades, maybe.  I don’t know maybe you’re right.  We didn’t need Cat before, we’ve learned to live without her what’s the point of learning to live with her,” Angel replied. 

 

“Are you working tomorrow with me?” Spades asked changing the subject.  Angel laughed as she turned the subject change against Spades. 

 

“Cat would have a fit if she knew what we’ve been up to.” She laughed.  Spades glared at her. 

 

“I don’t care.  We’ve been doing well lately.  We ain’t even had to play as much as usual, now we just gamble and we get what we want.  Sides I am going to need a drink.  Better yet why don’t we go out now?” Spades asked. 

 

“Now?” Angel asked.  Spades nodded. 

 

“I guess, but not for too long.  Ya know the bulls start rounding the bars in case of things around midnight.” Angel shrugged.  The two girls headed out the window and down the street to the nearest bar. 

 

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

 

Critter cradled Cat in his arms, she had fallen fast asleep dry tear streaks down her cheeks.  Critter was mad and determined to make Spades, Angel and especially Spot pay for making Cat cry like she had.  He ran his hand through her hair softly and looked at her sleeping restless in his arms.  She had hoped so much that her younger brother would accept her with open arms.  He knew that if Fiona was still around she would have made up for Spot’s stupidity.  She would have made everything all right, that’s the way that kid was. 

 

He remembered when he had told Cat about her younger sister’s death, Cat had cried for days on end about how she hadn’t gotten to see her one last time.  She was depressed for days on end, he cursed the orphanage that Fiona had so carelessly died in for making so much harm come to two of the most wonderful girls in New York. 

 

He stopped breathing hard and was calming down slowly, only slightly annoyed with everything, but he couldn’t stay like that not with Cat in his arms.  He sat looking out the window, how things had changed.  Soon he would not be the only one getting too old for the games they played.  New York City was getting new kids running around everyday; soon it would be out with the old and in with the new.  One can’t be a child forever, he knew it.  The game they were all playing would last longer then except that he also knew because they were legends more then anyone was ready to believe.  The game had given all of them power, the kind of power that only adults are suppose to have, they had.  They could change something with a simple word out of their mouth.  Critter shook the thoughts out of his head though, it wasn’t time yet and he would not stop until it was time.  He slowly put Cat down and got the covers to put on her and then he fell asleep next to her never letting her out of his embrace. 

 

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

 

The sun was hardly into it’s morning sky when Jack was up and ready.  Spot was just opening his eyes. 

 

“Kelly why are ya up so early?” Spot asked. 

 

“Going back to Manhattan and taking Pixie with me,” Jack responded. 

 

“She’s staying here Kelly,” Spot responded. 

 

“No Spot.  When things calm down here maybe.  Sides, I was planning on taking her and Laces back with me anyway even fore this all happened.  Which also means when this Critter thing is done Laces is coming to Manhattan,” Jack said. 

 

“That depends on how she feels about that,” Spot responded with a yawn. 

 

“No it doesn’t.  She will come if I have to drag her.  Spot she spends too much time in Brooklyn.  It ain’t good for her or fair to me or me boys,” Jack responded. 

 

“We’ll see Jack.” Spot nodded.  “Ya make sure ya boys don’t over spoil that kid.  She betta listen to everything I say when she comes back.”

 

“Coise Conlon.  She ain’t getting away with nothing that she wouldn’t get away with here,” Jack responded.  “Bye Conlon, member Ise just over the bridge to talk.  I hope this works out.” Jack sighed as he walked out of the room and knocked lightly on BC’s room door before opening the door.  He walked in lightly his steps barely being heard and didn’t even wake Pixie, but just carried her out of the lodging house.  Spot sat looking out his window and staring at the city.  Suddenly at the window stood Spades and Angel.  Spot glared at them but nodded for them to open the window. 

 

“What are ya two doing up so early in the morning?” Spot demanded. 

 

“We should ask ya the same thing, where’s Kelly?” Spades asked. 

 

“He just left with Pixie,” Spot responded.  “Now why are ya up this early?”

 

“Well we ain’t actually gone ta bed.  We went out on the town last night,” Angel responded. 

 

“What do ya two get stupid when Blue ain’t around ta make sure that ya don’t get into any trouble.” Spot frowned.  Spades jumped to her feet fists in the air. 

 

“Shut up Conlon.  Blue ain’t never gotten me out of trouble that I couldn’t get meself out of,” Spades responded. 

 

“Yeah, convince yaself of that Spades, then maybe one day it might come true.  Ya two should not have been out all night.  It ain’t safe for two reasons, the kind of people that are out in the early morning in the type of places that ya were in and the bulls.  Ya two sure don’t got any sense left in ya.” Spot shook his head.  Spades was ready to punch him, but Angel stood in her way, purposely. 

 

“Conlon, we’ve dealt with a lot of things like that.  We needed time to think about things.  And well we’ve decided that we acted too harsh last night with Caitlin,” Angel responded. 

 

“Coise ya two would think that.  Ya should, ya did the same thing.  Run, all of ya too afraid to face things and too selfish to take us, ran away,” Spot spat.  Angel was out of Spades way by now and Spades slapped Spot.  He jumped to his feet ready to fight back. 

 

“Damn ya pride Conlon and ya stubborn ways,” Spades said to him. 

 

“Patrick, she’s Caitlin and I know that ya ready as we are to forgive her ya eyes say so.  I know ya Patrick, but ya head ain’t listening ta ya heart,” Angel whispered almost. 

 

“Shut up Nicole,” Spot replied. 

 

“No, I’m going to ask ya this once and once only and then I will let your conscience eat ya alive,” Angel said. 

 

“Spit it out and be out with ya,” Spot said. 

 

“Come see Cat with us Spot, come see your sister,” Angel said.  Spot shook his head. 

 

“There’s no way!  Not after what she did to me!” Spot stood with his arms crossed. 

 

“Ya bull headed,” Spades started. 

 

“Suit yourself Spot,” Angel responded.  “We’ll leave ya now.” Angel grabbed onto Spades shirt and pulled her out of the room leaving Spot staring after them. 

 

“DAMN THEM!” Spot started throwing things around and slamming his fists against the wall.  BC ran into the room. 

 

“Spot, Spot stop,” BC said.  Spot glared at her. 

 

“What do ya got to say about this?” He demanded. 

 

“I don’t got nothing to do with this and to tell you the truth Ise glad I don’t got anything to do with this.  What I do got to say is that I love you and I know that you will do what ya know is right.” BC went up to Spot and kissed him on the cheek.  “Now I’m going to sell papers before ya decided to throw something at me.” BC skipped out.  Spot stood there, why is it that everyone walked into his room throw him for a loop and then walked away as if nothing had happened he asked himself.  Bullseye stood at the doorway staring at Spot who looked blank. 

 

“Bad night?” he asked.  Spot glared at his friend.  Bullseye ignored the glare though and was skimming the room. 

 

“Oh, I suppose Spades and Angel were around this morning?” Bullseye asked. 

 

“I don’t want to hear any of your wisecracks right now,” Spot responded. 

 

“But I wasn’t going to say nothing.  Just going to mention my whole thoughts on this situation, but seeing as you don’t want me help or advice I might as well leave and go see me goyl.” Bullseye smiled. 

 

“Get over here and pick that up by the door,” Spot said as he looked around at the mess he had made.  Bullseye sighed as he bent down and picked up the chest that Spot had thrown off his counter. 

 

“Rick’s going to say something about this tonight.” Bullseye laughed. 

 

“Yeah well, Rick won’t ever do nothing about it,” Spot responded.  Thousand of times, Rick had told Spot that if he kept having his temper fits and throwing things and making places a mess that he would throw him out.  But Rick would never throw Spot out, they had lived together for years and Rick felt like he was his grandson.  So many boys had come in and out and no matter how much Spot made himself to be tough he wasn’t that tough with Rick. 

 

“So Conlon, what ya have a fit about this time?” Bullseye asked slyly as he picked up a few more things and Spot got his slingshot. 

 

“Ya already know, I ain’t stupid.  I might be mad, but I ain’t stupid.” Spot picked up his hat. 

 

“Well, it was kind of hard not to know.  I heard the kid walked away from ya,” Bullseye said.  Spot nodded. 

 

“She did, she said something about having to prove herself to Critter.  I hate the hold he gets over everyone!  What is so damn special about him!  I don’t understand!” Spot was getting mad again.  Bullseye noticed that it was not a good subject to talk about right now and made a mental note to keep everyone from mentioning either Laces or Critter for the time being. 

 

“What about the doll?  I haven’t seen her running around,” Bullseye said in reference to Pixie. 

 

“Jack took her this morning.  Laces asked him to take her.  She didn’t believe it would be good for her to be around right now.” Spot shook his head.  Bullseye nodded at this. 

 

“We got to eat Conlon, why don’t we go get some papes,” Bullseye suggested.  Spot nodded and they headed out. 

 

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

 

“Where the ‘ell is she!” Critter was tearing Laces’ room apart.  He had called on the birds earlier then usual being in a foul mood.  He had not seen Laces and when he had called for her she didn’t come.  He came storming into her room only to find her not there. 

 

Laces and Blue had spent most of the night practicing on the roof and by the time Laces started getting good at it they were exhausted and fell asleep on the roof instead of crawling back down.  Laces was wide awake from hearing Critter almost right below her.  She shook Blue awake. 

 

“What?” Blue yawned annoyed at being awake so early in the morning. 

 

“Critter’s mad,” Laces responded. 

 

“Really?  I would have never noticed,” Blue responded rolling his eyes. 

 

“Blue!” Laces smacked him. 

 

“So, what are you waiting for?” Blue asked as he stood up. 

 

“I ain’t going down there.  Not when he’s this mad,” Laces responded. 

 

“You’re scared of him.” Blue smiled. 

 

“Am not!” Laces responded. 

 

“Really?  Prove it then and go down there.”

 

“But he’s going to be mad at me and get on my case.”

 

“So weasel your way out of it like you do with everyone else.  Why is Critter any different?” Blue asked.  Laces stood there for a moment and looked at Blue his manly state being silhouetted against the morning sky. 

 

“He ain’t.” She nodded. 

 

“Well, then get.” Blue smiled.  Laces took a deep breath and climbed down the stairs and hopped into the window.  Blue chuckled and then went over to the other side and hopped down and into another window. 

 

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

 

Critter was almost expecting Laces to crawl through the window.  He stood there watching her as she carefully slipped in without making any noise.  Thinking that Critter was already out of the room, then she turned around to find him glaring at her. 

 

“Where the ‘ell were you?” Critter demanded. 

 

“On the roof,” Laces responded throwing her hair. 

 

“Didn’t ya hear me when I called ya?”

 

“No.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“What were ya doing on the roof?’ Critter asked. 

 

“Nothing,” Laces responded.  Critter grabbed Laces arm in a tight grip. 

 

“Don’t play your games with me, now tell me what ya were doing?” Critter demanded. 

 

“You’re hurting me,” Laces cried a bit.  Blue stood in the doorway, no wonder the kid is afraid of him he thought to himself. 

 

“Tell me.” Critter gritted his teeth. 

 

“I don’t got to tell ya nothing, ya got no power over me,” Laces spit out. 

 

“I have power over ya and ya know it,” Critter responded. 

 

“Let go of me.  I’m going to tell ya what I did not because I have to because I want to,” Laces slowly said.  Critter though did not release her arm, just stood there. 

 

“Fine, I was looking at the stars all right.  They fascinate me,” Laces said.  Critter loosened his grip. 

 

“If Kelly and Conlon were ever to discover the way ya treat her ya would be a dead man.  You’re lucky that I haven’t done anything,” Blue said from the door.  Critter turned and let Laces’s arm drop. 

 

“O’Riley, ya got a sensible head on ya shoulders and I know that ya won’t open your mouth.” Critter walked out.  Blue shook his head. 

 

“Ya do know that he knows you were lying to him,” Blue said. 

 

“No he don’t!” Laces said.  “He wouldn’t have let me go.” Blue shook his head. 

 

“He did know.” Cat stood in the hallway. 

 

“Caitlin Conlon, I don’t think I have had the true pleasure of welcoming ya back.” Blue smiled his perfect Irish smile and took Cat’s hand and kissed it. 

 

“O’Riley.  You sure have grown into quite a young man.” Cat smiled softly. 

 

“I would hope so, I wouldn’t want to shrink.”

 

“Ya always were one with a mouth.” Cat laughed.  

 

“A mouth was made for talking, I ain’t going to refuse nature.  Ya have blossomed into a beautiful woman.”

 

“An old maid, that’s what I am,” Cat responded. 

 

“An old maid, I think someone might have something to say about that, but we won’t talk about that now.” Blue winked at her. 

 

“No, no we won’t talk about that now.  I am sorry about Christine,” Cat said. 

 

“Chris, Spades ya mean.  Don’t worry about her, she gets like that.  Ever since she was a little girl it ain’t something I ain’t use to,” Blue responded.  Laces watched the conversation but mostly she stood starring at Caitlin.  She remembered the picture she had looked at a few times that Spot hid in his drawer.  The family, the two mischievous looking boys, the two peaceful girls the older stunningly beautiful and very much resembled to her mother.  The older Cat was not any less beautiful from her childhood days.  She had grown even more like her mother and looked just as peaceful.  Then Laces took a moment to reflect on Fiona, the baby of the family who even as a baby seemed to have this fire in her eyes.  When Laces snapped out of it she noticed that Blue had walked away and Cat was staring at her. 

 

“I’ve heard about you,” Cat finally said. 

 

“And I about ya,” Laces responded. 

 

“What have they said about me?” Cat asked as she closed the door to Laces’s room. 

 

“Only a bit of what ya were like as a child.  Spot is not one much to talk about his family.  I had to lock him in a basement just to talk about his past and talk to Spades again.” Laces sighed. 

 

“Lock him in a basement?” Cat frowned. 

 

“That’s a long story.  Now what have ya heard about me?”

 

“I’ve heard you’re a Kai,” Cat said. 

 

“Like everyone else in New York.” Laces shook her head. 

 

“Yes, well I’ve always heard about the trouble ya have caused, not specifically, but about the amount.  And I have discovered by myself that ya are my younger sister to Patrick.” Cat looked at Laces straight in the eyes. 

 

“What do ya mean?” Laces stuttered. 

 

“Ya have taken her place haven’t ya.  It’s even in your eyes, it’s quite incredible if ya ask me.  Ya remind me of her somewhat, ya eyes though and the way that Patrick treats ya.  He would treat her the same way, like Devon treated Brig and me,” Cat said. 

 

“I suppose.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“What do ya think of me?” Cat asked tears lingering in her eyes. 

 

“I don’t know ya, I can’t say much on ya.  But you’re kind and beautiful and related to Spot.  Which might not always be a good thing, but if your his family then you are my family too,” Laces responded. 

 

“How long have ya known him?” Cat asked. 

 

“About 3 years now, but we have been through a lot.  He has taken care of me,” Laces said. 

 

“Tell me about him now,” Cat pleaded.  Laces sighed.  Critter opened the door. 

 

“Audrey, I ain’t waiting another minute ya either get down there now or pay the consequences!” Critter said.  Cat turned to him though. 

 

“Chris O’Connell, ya talk to her with respect that I know ya have for a woman,” Cat said.  Critter looked at Cat a moment. 

 

“Please,” he added. 

 

“Chris, can she sit and talk with me?” Cat asked her eyes pleading from Critter.  Critter took a deep breath. 

 

“Fine, but later today Laces dear ya and me and Chesa are going to have a nice little talk understood?” Critter said as he shut the door.  Laces nodded and looked at Cat. 

 

“All right, I’ll start on the night that I ended up on the doorstep of the Brooklyn Lodging House,” Laces started . 

 

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

 

Jack walked into Manhattan’s selling docks with Pixie tagging along behind him.  The morning was as usual the boys were waiting in line for the papers to be distributed.  Blink saw Jack first and looked disappointed. 

 

“Where’s Laces?” Blink asked. 

 

“Morning ta ya too Blink.” Jack sighed. 

 

“Sorry, but Jack we were expecting to see Laces with ya.” Blink smiled at Pixie. 

 

“She didn’t want to come,” Pixie whispered. 

 

“Why not?” Blink demanded. 

 

“Critter has still got her in his little plan.  She’s got her heart set on beating him.  She won’t leave until she does.” Jack shook his head. 

 

“How’s he treating her?  She ain’t in love with him is she?” Blink asked looking at Jack for the answers.  Jack shook his head. 

 

“No, she ain’t in love with him.  She hates him almost I would think, but she can’t hate people.  And he treats her badly enough, I’ve never actually seen it, but Laces acts different around him.  I know he treats her badly, otherwise she would not act like she does,” Jack responded. 

 

“So was the kid at least happy for her birthday?” Blink asked as the line moved.  Jack shook his head. 

 

“Not the last part.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Cause a goyl named Cat came and Spot and Spades and Angel got real mad,” Pixie spit out.  Jack rolled his eyes. 

 

“Pix don’t go around telling that to everyone all right,” Jack warned.  Pixie nodded. 

 

“Cat?  Who’s she?” Blink asked. 

 

“Spot’s sister,” Jack responded quietly for he knew that someone might be listening. 

 

“But his family is dead.”

 

“So we all thought.” Jack nodded and at that got his papers handed three over to Pixie and started walking away. 

 

“Don’t worry to much about anything though Blink.”

 

“Everything does have a way of working out.” Blink nodded.  Blink watched Jack a moment, he could tell that he missed Laces and that now he was thinking about Laces and Critter.  Laces did love Jack, but she was known to get distracted and Jack,  Blink knew had not thought about Critter ever being a distraction.  Critter was handsome and had a sense of power and authority like no other person.  Pixie skipped along beside Jack not detecting his bad mood and continuing to believe that the world was happy because it was sunny.  Once Blink got his papers he turned to see Skittery, Race and Mush. 

 

“So where’s our goyl?” Skittery asked. 

 

“She’s still with Critter.” Blink sighed. 

 

“But why?” Mush questioned. 

 

“Cause she wants to prove something to him or something like that.  I ain’t really sure.” Blink shrugged. 

 

“But we wanted to wish the kid a happy birthday.  She ain’t a kid anymore.” Race smiled a bit. 

 

“Jack mentioned that once she proved something she would come and stay with us for a while,” Blink said. 

 

“I don’t like this.  She shouldn’t spend this much time in Brooklyn to begin with,” Race mumbled. 

 

“I don’t like this Critter character,” Skittery thought as the boys split up to sell their papers. 

 

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

 

Critter came back up the stairs.  He had made the birds work harder than usual and now most were lying somewhere on the floor.  His mood had made him snappier then usual too and Chesa was ragging on him for Laces’s attitude and for not telling her what had happened.  But Critter didn’t feel like talking about it and he didn’t have to respond to anyone about anything.  Also Blue was watching Critter’s every move from the corners of rooms until finally Jasper had gotten him to sit and talk. 

 

Critter was annoyed with everything and everyone because nothing was going his way.  The birds were not improving fast enough and they were too tired out for him to work them anymore.  Even his helpers, Daisy and Matches were giving up on him.  He was mad, not to mention that Laces was still talking to Cat in her room.  That was enough of that though he decided it was about time that Laces did something.  She had to start proving herself soon or he would end up giving up on her.  Critter knocked on the door and then opened it.  Cat was smiling and laughing with Laces.  Critter frowned for a moment.  There really was something about this kid, she made everyone laugh and love her. 

 

“Laces,” Critter said in a softer tone then usual.  Laces looked up at him a bit surprised and Cat turned to smile at him. 

 

“Critter.” Laces nodded. 

 

“Chesa wants to have a word with ya.  And I would like one too, besides it’s about time ya get some work in,” Critter said. 

 

“All right.” Laces stood up ready to go with him.  No fight, no fuss, no nothing, now it was Critter’s turn to be surprised.  He didn’t show it though and just looked at Cat. 

 

“Why don’t you go down and talk to Blue,” Critter suggested.  Cat nodded and cheerfully stood up.  Critter meanwhile stood there for a moment and then turned around and walked out of the room with Laces following him.  Critter stood at the top of the stairs and called Chesa. 

 

“CHESAPEAKE!” he bellowed down the stairs.  Chesa came flying up the stairs knowing that she was finally getting a chance to talk to Laces. 

 

“Come on we’re going to talk in my room,” he said as he led the two girls into his room and closed the door.  Laces stood there and Chesa took a leaning position. 

 

“Laces, Chesa has told me that ya were giving her attitude yesterday when she asked ya something.” Critter sat on his bed. 

 

“I didn’t want to talk about it,” she responded with a shrug of indifference. 

 

“Listen here, when I ask ya something I have a right to know, I expect to get an answer,” Chesa said. 

 

“Well if it’s something that ya were supposed to know, then do ya know what happened last night?” Laces asked slyly. 

 

“No, but what does that have to do with anything.  You didn’t tell me how am I supposed to know,” Chesa asked. 

 

“Well if it was something that ya were supposed to know, then Critter would have told ya.  Or ya would have asked and he would have told ya.  But seeing as ya know nothing and I know that ya have asked him because ya ain’t one that enjoys being in the dark, hell ya hate it.  That’s why ya a boyd, but he hasn’t told ya.  So I don’t really have a right, nor a need, nor an obligation ta tell ya nothing about it.  Ya a boyd find out by yaself, ain’t that what ya boyds do,” Laces responded nodding.  Critter sat there watching her and Chesa’s reaction, but mostly he just watched Laces.  She was right, she knew what Chesa wanted, but she knew that she didn’t have to give it to her. 

 

“Well, Critter are ya going to let her talk to me like that.” Chesa looked at Critter for support.  Critter shook his head a bit. 

 

“Chesa, she’s got a point.  I should be almost disappointed that ya haven’t found out what happened last night.” Critter smiled a bit.  Chesa frowned and stormed out of the room slamming the door and heading to the roof. 

 

Critter and Laces stood there for a few moments in silence until Critter spoke. 

 

“What were ya doing last night,” he demanded.  Laces took a step back. 

 

“Watching the stars,” Laces responded. 

 

“Audrey, I know you’re lying to me.  It ain’t that hard ta tell.” Critter took a step towards her. 

 

“I ain’t lying,” Laces responded. 

 

“Ya are and ya know it.  Now what were ya doing on the roof.  I demand to know.” Critter looked at Laces with a hard stare.  Laces didn’t remove her eyes from his though no matter how much he thought she wanted to, never did they even flicker. 

 

“Even if I am lying it’s my own business what I was doing on the roof.  I don’t have ta tell ya Chris O’Connell.  I don’t belong ta ya or no one else.  I am me own person,” she said holding her head up high. 

 

“Oh yeah?” Critter moved his eyes a moment looking for something in her.  She nodded though in a way that her eyes still did not move from his eyes.  Suddenly he took a step forward and Laces flinched at this thinking that for sure he was going to hit her but he didn’t lift a hand against her instead he went to the door and opened it and shouted out for Matches.  Laces stood dumbfounded.  What did Matches have anything to do with her and Critter and why had he taken that from her.  Matches came running up the stairs and stood in the doorway in less then a second. 

 

“Yeah Critt?” he asked. 

 

“See her,” Critter said not even looking at Laces.  Matches nodded taking a look at her. 

 

“Take her outside and train with her.  I don’t care if she can’t even walk no more.  Ya don’t come in until she is able to beat you.  Understood,” Critter said. 

 

“But Critt, that might take all night.” Matches took a deep breath. 

 

“Then I suggest you get started,” Critter said and walked away from them both.  Matches stood there for a moment and looked at Laces. 

 

“What did ya do?” he asked. 

 

“Nothing,” Laces responded. 

 

“Ya lied to him,” Matches responded. 

 

“I did not!” Laces cried.  Matches shook his head. 

 

“Ya aren’t very good at it,” he said and with that he took a step in and grabbed Laces’s hand and pulled her all the way down the stairs and out the door. 

 

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

 

All afternoon Laces and Matches were racing outside of the nest and Laces was getting better, but she still couldn’t beat Matches.  Matches made her run on her own, he made her work out, but nothing was working.  All that it was achieving was making Laces tired.  The sun was setting and Critter came out. 

 

“Let me see your progress,” he demanded.  Matches knew that Laces was doing a lot better, she was getting really close to at least tying with him.  Laces knew she was getting better too and got in her set position to race Matches when an idea popped into her head.  

 

“1,2, go,” Critter said patiently from the stairs.  They were off but barely when Laces fell to the ground and Matches kept going until the end.  When he stopped he looked for Laces at his side but she wasn’t there.  Then he looked behind him and saw her sitting there looking at him from the ground, then he looked at Critter. 

 

“What the ‘ell happened?” Critter demanded as he walked down to see for himself. 

 

“I’m tired.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“You’re what?” Critter said. 

 

“Tired.” Laces yawned to add effect. 

 

“YA STOPPED A RACE BECAUSE YA TIRED!” Critter was about to have a heart attack.  “Get up!  I want ya to finish this race!” He grabbed her elbow and pulled her up.  She stood for a second but as soon as he let her go she fell to the ground again.  

 

“Get up!  Finish this race.  Ya will finish it if I have to drag ya to finish it,” Critter said.  Matches watched.  He wasn’t going to get involved with this one. 

 

“No, I can’t.  I’m too tired.” She shut her eyes and rested on the ground some more.  Critter looked like he was about to break something.  He grabbed Laces and lifted her from the elbow again but this time he didn’t leave her to stand, he basically pulled her to the end of the race.  Then he dropped her. 

 

“Never leave a race unfinished,” he said.  “Tomorrow ya do this again and ya will finish this race and ya will beat him.” At that Critter walked away from them both and back inside.  Laces sat there for a moment rubbing her elbow which hurt from Critter’s grip.  Matches stood there dazzled. 

 

“What the ‘ell was that.  Ya ain’t that tired!” He put his hands on his hips. 

 

“No, I’m not.” Laces stood up and shook herself off a bit. 

 

“Then what ya trying to do get me in trouble with him?” Matches demanded. 

 

“No, I just don’t want him to know,” Laces responded. 

 

“Know what?’

 

“That I am getting better, cause I was wasn’t I?”

 

“Yeah ya were, but why don’t ya want him to know?”

 

“I don’t all right Matches, I don’t want him to see me race until I can beat ya and maybe even him,” Laces said. 

 

“I don’t know if I like this, but if you’re sure then I’ll let it be.” Laces nodded that she was sure.  Matches shrugged and then sighed. 

 

“Let’s head in and ya miss, stay out of Critter’s path,” he warned with a point of his finger.  Laces nodded at his warning. 

 

“I may be a little crazy but I ain’t stupid.” Matches laughed and they walked into the nest. 

 

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

 

When Critter came in fuming and went straight to his room the person he least expected came waltzing in. 

 

“Ya trying too hard,” the voice said.  Critter looked up and there was Blue. 

 

“What are ya talking about?” Critter demanded. 

 

“I know what ya want, and let me tell ya that ya have the first part, but ya ain’t getting the second one like that, not from her,” Blue said. 

 

“Blue, ya know I don’t like when people beat around the bush.” Critter looked at Blue.  Blue nodded. 

 

“Ya got her to listen to ya out of fear, which is basically getting her to listen to you.  But to get her to be all of what ya want her to be, ya going to have to try differently.”

 

“How would ya know what I want and how to get it.  She listens to ya about as much as she listens to Jack and Spot.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“She does, but that’s where it really doesn’t matter to me.  I care for the kid, don’t get me wrong, but she ain’t my responsibility.  Yeah I’ll keep her out of trouble, but she don’t have to listen to me and I don’t care if she does.  And Kelly and Conlon when needed get that kid to listen to them, but they also know how to get her to do things without forcing her.  They know her, but you’re right, she flies as high and wherever she wants with them and ya are the type of person to bring her down, and to gain control back.  But that’s not the only thing ya want.” Blue looked at Critter. 

 

“No, she acts like some damn doll!  She ain’t a doll and I know it.” Critter gritted his teeth.  Blue laughed. 

 

“She only acts like that when she knows she can gain something out of it, she’s a smart one.  She acts like a weak little girl when she knows that she’ll get what she wants out of it, but most of the time she knows she’ll get what she wants out of her usual self.  If ya ask me, she’s found her match in ya.”

 

“I know she can do this,” Critter said. 

 

“Maybe she can’t, maybe you think too much of her.  Even though ya sure don’t act like it.” Blue shrugged. 

 

“What?  Ya think she can’t?” Critter looked at Blue a moment. 

 

“I don’t know what she can do, she’s never bothered to show me.  But I’ll tell you one thing, you keep playing this game she might give up,” Blue said.  “She doesn’t like to be pushed.”

 

“Yeah, well I don’t really want to think about her right now.  I have her under enough control.” Critter stood up.  “Something I would like to do something about is your girl and Conlon.”

 

“You won’t ever touch Spades.” Blue’s eyes flickered a little. 

 

“Not a thought that has crossed my mind.” Critter backed off a little. 

 

“I’ll deal with her and Angel.  They had their little tantrum, I thought that they would have gotten over it by now.  Enough is enough and I’m going to go home and have a word with them both,” Blue said.  “And Cat is going with me.”

 

“What?” Critter planted himself in his standing position. 

 

“I won’t let her get hurt,” Blue said.  “But she is going with me.  Spades needs it and so does Angel.  They will apologize for how they treated her.  I know my goyls, they will,” Blue said. 

 

“No, she ain’t going anywhere.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“Ya love her, don’t ya?” Blue asked suddenly.  Critter stood there looking at Blue, Critter knew only one other person who was anything like Blue and that was Spot.  The three together could’ve been mistaken for brothers if they looked like each other, but they didn’t.  They only acted alike and as brothers to each other.  Critter was the oldest striving for control and trying to protect everyone in his own way.  Blue, the middle one, was the sensible one who thought about the actions before stepping into them.  Spot, the youngest, impulsive and a lot like Critter.  The three were strong, stubborn, and handsome in their own ways.  They understood themselves in a way that no one else understood.  Critter nodded slowly though he knew that Blue needed no real indication because he already knew. 

 

“Conlon, if he ever comes around, won’t be happy about it,” Blue warned. 

 

“Conlon will come around if I have to make him, and he might as well have to get use to the idea because there ain’t nothing he can do about it,” Critter said. 

 

“She’s going with me and I don’t think you’ll make me ask her because ya know what her response will be,” Blue almost warned.  Critter looked at Blue and then out the window and nodded slightly as he turned back. 

 

“Fine, but if they make her cry again I swear I will have a talk with those goyls,” Critter said. 

 

“They won’t make her cry again.” Blue nodded and walked out of the room.  Before he walked downstairs though he ran into Laces.  He stopped her. 

 

“What were ya doing?” he asked. 

 

“What?” she asked. 

 

“Ya were ready,” he said. 

 

“No I was too tired Blue.”

 

“No you weren’t.  Why did ya want him mad at you?” he asked. 

 

“I was tired,” Laces protested.  Blue smiled a bit. 

 

“Tired of course because after all Critter shouldn’t expect so much out of a goyl,” Blue said. 

 

“What?  What are ya talking about?  I can do anything that any of these birds can do.” Laces got defensive. 

 

“Can ya now.  Well ya sure don’t show it.” Blue smiled. 

 

“I have a plan for your information!” Laces said to him as she walked away.  Blue laughed under his breath.  Of course, she always had a plan.  He knew she could do what Critter wanted her to do.  He knew that she was able of doing everything that the birds could do.  He walked down the stairs and found Cat sitting on the bottom step. 

 

“Cat.” He skipped down the last step and offered her his hand. 

 

“O’Riley, or Blue as they call you now.” Cat smiled. 

 

“I would like to give ya an invitation to join me in returning to the Irish Rose.” Blue smiled his charming smile. 

 

“Irish Rose?” Cat echoed the words a bit and Blue remembered she didn’t know that the Irish Rose was the name given to the building. 

 

“The building,” Blue said.  “I am sure that Spades and Angel are ready to talk with you now,” Blue said. 

 

“But what if they’re not?” Cat asked. 

 

“They will be, believe me they just need some sense talked into them if they’re not.  Ya know them Cat, they haven’t changed a bit from when they were two.  When something different happens something that ain’t suppose to happen they won’t accept it until they have to.” Blue laughed.  Cat nodded and took Blue’s hand.  Blue then put out his arm for Cat to hook onto him and she gladly did so. 

 

“What about Patrick, what do you say of him?” Cat asked as they walked out of the nest. 

 

“Well do you remember you’re father and Devon?” Blue asked. 

 

“Of course.” Cat nodded. 

 

“Ya remember how stubborn they were?” Blue asked.  Cat nodded again. 

 

“Well add them together along with maybe a bit of Critter and that’s how stubborn Spot is.” Blue laughed.  Cat looked disappointed though.  “Don’t worry about it though Cat, he’ll come around.  He has plenty of people to talk sense into him and I know that he knows it’s you, it’s just getting over his anger.”

 

“He has a temper doesn’t he?” Cat asked.  Blue nodded. 

 

“Irish temper indeed.” Blue nodded. 

 

“He even had it when he was younger.  He would get into so many scrapes because of it, Father one time punished him so harshly when Patrick was only four because of his temper and he just broke my heart.  I didn’t talk to Father for a week for hurting Patrick so, but I suppose they were just trying to make sure that he wouldn’t become an angry person.” Cat looked at Blue. 

 

“Well Spot’s real set in his ways, he’s been leader of Brooklyn now for a few years and he ain’t use to people telling him what to do and he don’t answer to no one.  After what happened there was only two people that I know of that Conlon was raised by or listened to, Peach and Critter,” Blue said. 

 

“Peach?” Cat asked.  Blue smiled a bit, he had not really known her but he knew enough about her. 

 

“She was a mother to him and Fiona right after the fire, and to Jack.  She was a young girl at the orphanage who took care of them.  Made sure they got some morals before hitting the streets.  Then she got out and they didn’t see her for years.  But those are all stories that I’m sure ya don’t want to hear.  We ain’t exactly been involved in things ya might call proper.” Blue smiled. 

 

“What do ya do?” Cat asked out of curiosity. 

 

“Oh, this and that.” Blue laughed knowing well enough that Cat would discover the workings of Spades and the gang and give a lecture on it.  That was if she was still like her old self.  Blue entered the Irish Rose first with Cat close behind. 

 

“Hello?” Blue said as he stepped lightly into the lobby.  Spades was lying on the counter as usual and Angel was sitting in the chair behind it. 

 

“Blue?” Spades sat up and looked at Blue and then saw Cat.  “I should have known that ya would.” She didn’t finish though because Blue flicked his finger at her knee.  She frowned and rubbed it in pain. 

 

“Angel, Spades I need a word with both of ya in the library.  Now,” Blue said as he picked Spades up and walked over to the double doors walking through them. 

 

“O’Riley put me down, or I’ll kick you out again!” Spades punched Blue.  Blue smiled and rolled his eyes and dropped Spades on the couch. 

 

“Are ya going to be nice?” he asked.  Spades glared at him. 

 

“Maybe,” she replied.  Blue glared right back at her. 

 

“You betta be nice,” Blue warned.  

 

“We’ll be nice O’Riley.  We were planning to head over there as soon as the girls came back,” Angel said. 

 

“I knew it.  I know my girls.” Blue nodded.  “Now is this nonsense done with?” Blue asked. 

 

“It was not nonsense.” Spades crossed her arms as she stood up. 

 

“It wasn’t?” Blue asked as he took a step towards her. 

 

“You haven’t apologized.” Spades didn’t look at Blue. 

 

“I ain’t going to apologize I didn’t do nothing.  Ya on the other hand are going to apologize to Cat,” Blue said. 

 

“O’Riley, ya thinking ya got power over us,” Spades said coldly.  Blue laughed a bit, he knew that she was going for that.  He took another step towards her and then pulled her in for a hug and kissed her lightly before letting her go. 

 

“Go talk to her,” he said. 

 

“I hate you,” Spades said. 

 

“I know you do, but for some reason I can’t help but to love ya.” Blue winked. 

 

“Pockets wants a game of poker when ya get around to it.” Angel smiled as she opened the doors and walked into the parlor to talk to Cat.  Blue smiled as he sat down, he of course was going to take no part in the conversation but was going to be present. 

 

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

 

Spot sat on the docks shooting at the small targets he had set up for himself.  Bottle Cap sat on one of the crates watching carefully.  Every so often when Spot was reloading Bottle Cap moved in a way that gave the impression that he was going to say something, but then Spot would get concentrated again and Bottle Cap would sit back forgetting what he was going to say.  Spot was watching him out of the corner of his eye trying to see if he would speak up.  He knew that a few years ago Bottle Cap wouldn’t have cared if he broke Spot’s concentration.  He would have spoken up by now.  Spot was waiting to see if maybe, just maybe he would get into the Bottle Cap that he once was again.  Bottle Cap was growing older, but he wasn’t getting tougher as had always been the belief.  Instead he was getting softer.  He was still strong and was beginning to take on the Brooklyn hard look but he wasn’t who he was supposed to be. 

 

After a while longer of Bottle Cap looking as if he was going to say something but never saying it, Spot stopped and turned to glare at him. 

 

“What?” he asked.  Bottle Cap sat shocked for a moment, he hadn’t said anything.  But he knew that Spot had been watching him, he could always sense when someone was watching him. 

 

“Well, nothing,” Cap said.  Spot glared at him and put his slingshot in his pocket. 

 

“Nothing huh?” Spot asked. 

 

“Well, it’s just that maybe ya should go talk to Cat,” Bottle Cap spit out. 

 

“Don’t ya start with me too Cap,” Spot warned him. 

 

“No, but Spot think about it.  I ain’t never meet her, but she’s your sister.  Ya know how much I would love to see any of my family members again.” Cap sighed. 

 

“No, I don’t care.  Why does no one understand!  They left me!  Everyone left me, just because now she wants me back I have to be waiting for someone I thought was dead to accept her like that!” Spot snapped his fingers.  Cap jumped down from the crate and glared at Spot, it was the first time in almost two years that Cap glared at anyone. 

 

“Conlon, ya are one of the most stubborn people on this earth!  Haven’t ya learned that when it comes to the people ya love ya stubborn ways don’t get ya nowhere!” Cap demanded.  Spot almost smiled, it was his Cap, the one that he had always known would come. 

 

“Don’t talk to me like that Cap,” Spot respond out of habit, it wasn’t like he wanted Cap to stop.  But Cap caught himself and stood there for a moment and then turned on his heel to leave. 

 

“Cap where are you going?” Spot asked. 

 

“I’m going to go visit Caroline,” Cap responded. 

 

“Why don’t you stand up to me anymore?” Spot demanded.  “You’re from Brooklyn God Damn it Cap!” Bottle Cap turned around quickly and glared at Spot. 

 

“I know I’m from Brooklyn Spot, I don’t think I can ever forget.  You will never let me and I am proud of it.  But I can’t be what you’re always wanted me to be.  Spot, I can’t, not anymore.  Please understand, I just can’t anymore.” Bottle Cap looked at his toes not ever glancing at Spot’s eyes.  Spot took a deep breath and looked at Bottle Cap. 

 

“But Cap, I know ya can be it.  I know ya can,” Spot said softly.  Cap shook his head though. 

 

“No I can’t, not now.  Not later, not anymore.  I can fight Spot and when ya need me to fight I can do that.  I can fight better then most Brooklyn boys and ya know that, ya taught me how.  It ain’t like I don’t live up to the Brooklyn reputation or nothing, but Spot, I can’t be what ya want me to be.  Not all of it anyway.  And I wish ya would listen to me,” Cap said as he looked up with his eyes soft and looked at Spot.  Spot glared right back and then closed his eyes for a second. 

 

“I’m sorry.  About all of it,” he said. 

 

“It wasn’t you’re fault,” Cap responded and then his steps were heard as he walked away.  Spot sat there for a moment.  Cap was right, but the only difference between him and Spot on the subject were that he had accept it and Spot was still not believing it. 

 

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

 

The night sky was falling and Critter was going insane.  Cat was still with Spades, Chesa wasn’t talking to him, Laces was shut up in her room, and all the birds were too afraid to talk to him.  There was movement in front of his door but he ignored it, knowing that someone was just trying to cross his door without being noticed.  Then there was a knock at the door, Critter frowned as he lifted his head to look at the door. 

 

“What?” he barked.  There was another knock. 

 

“Who’s there?” He said loudly.  There was no answer just another knock. 

 

“If ya don’t stop that right now I am going to open this door and personally escort you off the Brooklyn Bridge,” Critter threatened as he headed towards the door.  No one responded though and it was silent for a second and then there was another knock.  Critter swung the door open and the person who had been standing at the door jumped back.  Critter glared at her. 

 

“Daisy!  Ya know better then to do that!” Critter said.  She smiled though even though she was afraid that he would fulfill his threat of throwing her off the bridge. 

 

“I might but ya know, I don’t think anyone in this building learns from their mistakes.  And they surely don’t know better about anything.” Daisy shrugged. 

 

“What do ya want?”  Critter sighed. 

 

“I want to talk to you.” Daisy started to walk towards him now sure that he was not going to harm her in anyway besides making her tired of his lecturing.  Critter frowned but allowed her to come in and closed the door. 

 

“Why don’t you light a candle in here?” she asked. 

 

“Because,” Critter responded as he sat down on his bed.  Daisy went over to his counter and lit one of the candles sitting there.  She then sat on the floor in front of Critter and pushed her blonde hair lightly away from her face. 

 

“What’s on your mind?” Daisy asked. 

 

“Dais, I don’t want to talk about it,” Critter responded. 

 

“Then you wouldn’t have let me in.  Crit, ya know that you wanted to talk to someone.”

 

“There is no one to talk to, Chesa’s mad at me, Laces is scared of me and so are the rest of the birds and Cat is at Spades.” Critter sighed. 

 

“Crit, ya know ya did that to yourself,” Daisy said softly. 

 

“The old birds would have talked to me.” Critter looked at his shoes.  

 

“That’s cause they knew you, they knew your ways and they also weren’t that scared of you.  Every bird down there has respect for you, more then you could ever image, but they scared of you.  Me, I’ve always been scared of you, but I know that I can talk to you.  Matches is annoyed with everything that’s why he hasn’t come up.  He’s talking to Jasper about how the world is against him.  Matches always was one to swim in his own despair.”

 

“I’m getting too old for this.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“It was bound to happen, but ya still got some time.  So are ya and Cat planning to tell Spot about you two?” Daisy asked. 

 

“Daisy, ya don’t dare mention it to him.” Critter snapped up to stare at her. 

 

“Never would dream of defying ya.” Daisy smiled slightly. 

 

“Ya have.” Critter smiled back. 

 

“But did I ever learn my lesson.” She grinned. 

 

“I would hope so, ya can’t act that stupid.  Not in the job we got,” Critter said. 

 

“Some would hardly call this a job.” Daisy laughed. 

 

“It’s one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of holding.” Critter nodded. 

 

“So how about the birds speed?” Daisy asked. 

 

“We finish with that tomorrow.  Then we start on fact finding,” Critter said. 

 

“I hate fact finding.” Daisy shivered. 

 

“No what ya hate is my timed runs of fact finding.”

 

“Those are horrid!” Daisy shook her head trying to get rid of the memories of them. 

 

“Matches was always one for those, what he didn’t do well is follow orders.  And never wanted to spit out what he wanted to say.”

 

“He hated being the barer of bad news.” Daisy nodded. 

 

“And ya don’t like having to work,” Critter said. 

 

“That’s not true, I just don’t see why we have to work so hard.” Daisy laughed. 

 

“Yeah well go get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a long day.  But one more thing, Chesa find out what happened last night yet?” Critter asked. 

 

“She did.” Chesa opened the door.  Critter nodded. 

 

“Now see that’s why Chesa was one of the first birds.  She was eavesdropping when I found her and has gotten better and better at it ever since.” Critter smiled.  Chesa nodded and laughed a bit.  Daisy hopped up. 

 

“Night Critter, Chesapeake.” Daisy walked out. 

 

“I hate you for making me work so hard,” Chesa spit out as she walked into the room. 

 

“Funny a lot of people hate me for that.” Critter nodded. 

 

“I don’t understand why I had to work that hard.  If ya didn’t want to tell me then ya could have made Laces tell me,” Chesa said as she flopped down on the bed. 

 

“Ya should have made her if you wanted it so bad.  And Chesa dear, it wasn’t that important.”

 

“Right, so we started runs?” Chesa asked.  Critter nodded. 

 

“How long have you been standing there?” he asked. 

 

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Chesa responded laughing.  Critter glared at her. 

 

“Do ya feel right here?” Chesa suddenly asked after a moment of silence. 

 

“What do you mean, this is my place,” Critter said, knowing what she meant. 

 

“No, do ya feel like ya still belong.  Truly?  I miss the old birds.  I don’t fit.  I don’t understand.”

 

“We’re getting too old for this.” Critter sighed. 

 

“You’ve noticed too then?” Chesa asked. 

 

“I have, and I don’t feel like I belong and of course I miss the old birds.  The Birds.” Critter said. 

 

“Where are they?” Chesa asked knowing that Critter knew where every single one of the old gang was. 

 

“Some of them moved west, others stayed in New York, but they work in other things now.  Some even started families already.  Got themselves kids and all,” Critter said.  Chesa looked at Critter. 

 

“Do ya want a family?” she asked. 

 

“I do, don’t ya?”

 

“Yeah, someday I hope to have one.  But can’t say that I’ve found the right guy yet.”

 

“Right, the right guy.” Critter didn’t say much on that and silence again fell. 

 

“So when are ya going to tell everyone?” she asked. 

 

“Tell them what?”

 

“That we’ve gotten too old.”

 

“When we’re done training them.  This was my last visit to the birds and it was only to make sure that they were doing what they were supposed to be doing.  And they weren’t so my stay is longer then intended.”

 

“Well what about Laces?  Once you’re not around everything is going back to normal,” Chesa said. 

 

“Chesa, we’re not the only ones getting too old for this,” Critter stated.  “And it ain’t like I’m leaving New York, this is my city.  I would never leave it.”

 

“Neither would I.  So many memories of us running around this city.  God I can’t ever tell my kids about my childhood.” Chesa laughed. 

 

“Ya should be proud of what ya were.” Critter laughed. 

 

“I am, but can’t say that I’ve been a saint.”

 

“I’ve never met anyone on the streets whose been a saint.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“What about Cat?”

 

“She didn’t really experience the streets much.”

 

“I suppose she didn’t.” Chesa nodded as she put her head on Critter’s lap.  They continued to talk well into the night and Chesa ended up falling asleep on Critter’s stomach as he fell asleep against the wall. 

 

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

 

“So what is it that ya goyls do?  How do you make your money.  You’re not newsies from what I can tell,” Cat said.  Angel looked at Spades, and Spades looked at Blue, they then all looked at Cat. 

 

“Ya know it’s getting late.  Maybe ya would like a room?” Spades asked.  Cat frowned but accepted that they weren’t that open with her yet. 

 

“I would like it, but I am afraid that Chris would be worried,” Cat responded. 

 

“Critter knows where ya are.  No worries.  Angel will show you a room.  Spades, I need a word with ya,” Blue said.  Angel and Cat headed up the stairs and Blue sat with Spades. 

 

“So, what do ya want O’Riley.” Spades crossed her arms over her chest. 

 

“To say that I am proud of ya,” he responded. 

 

“I don’t need ya to be proud of me,” Spades said. 

 

“Stop with ya act already Spades.  Ya ain’t a spoiled little kid.” Blue smiled as he stood up and held his hand out to Spades. 

 

“What if I am what would ya do about it?” Spades demanded. 

 

“I would, lemme think.  I would pick ya up and throw ya over my shoulder,” Blue said as he went towards her.  “And then I would tickle it out of ya,” he said as he went to pick her up.  Spades jumped and threw the nearest pillow at him. 

 

“Leave me alone!” she screamed.  Blue laughed and caught her and threw her over his shoulder. 

 

“Blue!  Don’t make me hurt you!” she said. 

 

“Ya hurt me?” He laughed.  Spades hit Blue on the back of his neck that being the only real place she could hit.  Blue dropped her at the top of the stairs. 

 

“Night,” he said and walked away.  Spades stood there staring after him. 

 

“I hate you!” she said to him. 

 

“I hate you too.” He laughed back before walking into his room.  Spades frowned and crossed her arms as she walked to her room.  She slammed the door, knowing that Blue was waiting for her to do that and then she sat there watching the stars from her window. 

 

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

 

The morning sun was coming up and Laces quietly walked out of her room and down the stairs.  She walked into the main room and skimmed it looking for Matches.  She found him and tip toed over and lightly tapped him. 

 

“Wake up, Matches,” she whispered.  Matches stirred a bit and then opened his eyes slowly squinting. 

 

“What do ya want?” he demanded. 

 

“To practice, will ya come with me?” she asked.  Matches groaned but nodded.  He yawned and stretched out a bit before crawling out of his bed.  The two headed outside and Matches rubbed his eyes as the sun began to hit them. 

 

“All right, I don’t understand why ya want to practice so early in the morning.  We don’t get enough sleep as it is.  I don’t need ya waking me up so early,” Matches grumbled. 

 

“Sawry.  Matches, I just need to get better before this afternoon.  I think I won’t be able to get out of it this afternoon and I have to be able to beat whoever he puts me against.” Laces sighed. 

 

“You sure are something else.” Matches shook his head positioning himself to begin a race.  Laces started also and before either knew it they were flying down the narrow street.  Matches beat Laces the first few times even in his sleep mode, but she wasn’t far behind and he knew it.  She was getting better and improving rapidly.  When the sun was completely up, Matches and Laces stopped. 

 

“Think you’re ready.  He won’t think much of you being able to beat anyone, so whoever he teams you up with ya should be able to beat,” Matches said. 

 

“I would think so, why don’t you go back to bed.  Critter should be down in a few minutes unless he sleeps in,” Laces said as she went around the building and started climbing the fire escape.  Matches shook his head, she was a character all on her own.  He walked back into the building and crawled back into bed, being sound asleep again in less then a minute. 

 

Laces crawled back into her room through the window and hopped into bed pulling the cover over her head and closing her eyes. 

 

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

 

Critter did sleep in to everyone’s surprise, most of the birds were awake waiting for him to come tumbling down the stairs, but he didn’t come until it was about 9 in the morning.  When Critter woke up he shook Chesa awake and the two of them frowned at the sun beaming into the room. 

 

“We sleep in?” Chesa yawned a bit. 

 

“We did, well they got their break.” He smiled as he shrugged and walked out of the room.  He pounded on Laces door. 

 

“Get up!” he said.  Chesa followed him and the two headed down the stairs.  Laces yawned and stretched before she walked out and down the stairs also.  The birds hearing Critter come down the stairs all got up and into lines before Chesa and him were even in the room. 

 

“This is a nice sight to see.” Critter smiled.  The birds were of course more awake then usual, seeing as they had gotten about an hour more to sleep then usual.  Laces came walking down the stairs and sat down at the table with Jasper. 

 

“Enjoy the extra sleep?” Jasper whispered to her.  Laces smiled bit and nodded.  Jasper smiled back knowing that she had gone out early with Matches, he was a light sleeper he heard everything. 

 

“Well, ya will all be happy to hear that there will be no more speed training like what we have been doing for the last few days,” Chesa said.  The birds all smiled. 

 

“Instead, we will test today one last time and then move on to finding out what has been going on in this city for the last three days.  Everything that has gone on in the last three days.” Chesa emphasized her words.  There were several groans. 

 

“Oh does someone have a problem with that?” Critter asked. 

 

“I don’t expect they should, seeing as that is what birds do, find out what is going on,” Matches spit out. 

 

“God when are we going to be done with all of this?” Firecracker asked tried of the whole situation.  She wanted Critter to just go back into the hole he had come out of already. 

 

“Done?  When are we going to be done?” Critter looked around the room. 

 

“Yeah, I mean Critter no offense or nothing, but it ain’t like we don’t know how to be birds we all have been birds for a while.  And I mean I understand that we ain’t what ya wanted us to be but come on, get over it,” Relic stated as she crossed her arms. 

 

“Get over it huh?” Critter glared at her.  “I tell ya something, we’ll be done when I see a room full of birds.”

 

“But we are a roomful of birds, God.  Otherwise why else would we be here,” RB mumbled. 

 

“Jeez, never giving ya whining ninnies another morning to sleep in.  Stop ya whining.  We getting back to speed now and whoever says another word will have to run across the Brooklyn Bridge 15 times, unless they would prefer to be thrown off.” Chesa warned them.  That got most of them to shut up, some mumbled here and there but not many and not loudly.  They marched out for the last morning of races and runs.  Sugar stayed behind a moment and stopped Critter from going outside. 

 

“When are we going to be done with this all?  I know you know,” she asked looking at him. 

 

“We will be done in good time and I don’t see why ya worried about it.  Finding information use to be what ya were good at unless something happened and ya don’t remember how to use that charm of yours.” Critter smiled as he pushed her out.  Jasper was walking with Laces. 

 

“So, are ya ready?” he asked her. 

 

“Ready for this?” She pointed at Relic and Firecracker. 

 

“Yeah for that.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“I think I am,” she replied, at that Critter stood at the door and called for her. 

 

“Laces!” he said. 

 

“Look I’m being bellowed for.” She grinned as she walked away from Jasper. 

 

“What?” Laces demanded.  Critter glared at her but responded nevertheless. 

 

“Ya racing with Voodoo.” He nodded towards Voodoo.  Voodoo took a deep breath and positioned herself.  Laces quickly skipped over to where she was and stood there hands on hips.  Critter took one look at her and shook his head, she better not plan on playing any games with him he warned her in his head. 

 

“The end of the building.  Go,” Critter said patiently.  Voodoo took off and Laces was right behind her.  Without the positioning and everything she was doing well and at the very end she jumped a little and stopped right at the edge of the building with no difficulty in her movements.  All the birds stared at her, mouths hanging open. 

 

“When did you learn to do that?” Sugar who was standing nearest to her whispered.  Laces smiled slightly as she slowly turned her head to look at Critter, who had a small smile on his lips. 

 

“Get over here.” He motioned for her.  Laces grinned and as she passed Matches he nodded at her in an approving way before he yelled for RB and Sugar to get ready.  Laces went right up to Critter and smiled. 

 

“How did you do that?” he asked. 

 

“That?  I ran,” Laces responded. 

 

“Smart ass,” he said back.  “Now did Matches know you could do that?” he asked. 

 

“Maybe, I really wouldn’t know, ya would have to ask him,” Laces responded. 

 

“Ya stop responding like that, understand me.” Critter pointed a finger at her.  Just then Spot walked over. 

 

“Don’t ya talk to her like that,” Spot said as he grabbed her arm and pulled her away from Critter and into the building. 

 

“Conlon!  I need a word with ya.” Critter was about to walk in,  but Chesa stopped him. 

 

“Crit, ya got to finish this so we can start them on city hunting this afternoon.” Chesa reminded him. 

 

“Fine, but Jasper, ya make sure that Conlon doesn’t get away,” Critter called out.  Jasper nodded walking into the building. 

 

“Spot!  You’re hurting my arm.  What are you doing here?” Laces demanded.  Spot glared at her but let her go. 

 

“Where’s your room?” he asked. 

 

“The one next to Critter’s,” she responded knowing that’s where Spot wanted to go.  She headed up the stairs leading the way.  Jasper walked in when they were almost all the way up the stairs and called after them. 

 

“Conlon, Critter wants a word with ya when ya done with her,” Jasper said. 

 

“Well I don’t care for a word with him,” Spot said back. 

 

“Laces,” Jasper said.  Laces didn’t respond, but Jasper knew that she understood what was expect of her to do with Spot.  Once Laces had entered her room she closed the door behind her as Spot walked in. 

 

“What are ya doing here Spot?” Laces asked. 

 

“I want to know what you think of all of this?” Spot asked. 

 

“What?” Laces asked looking confused. 

 

“Everyone else has told me what they think!  What I should do!  What I should be thinking, everyone.  Everyone except the person who always tells me.  So I am waiting for it Laces, what do you think of me?  What do you think of her?  What do you know or think that I should do?  I am actually asking you.” Spot smacked his cane against the floor and sat down on the bed. 

 

“Spot, it’s eating you alive isn’t it?” she asked. 

 

“No, this ain’t me talk, this is ya talk.  I came to hear you talk about it,” Spot said.  Laces looked at him oddly, he was in a state.  That or she hadn’t been around him a while, which was partly true. 

 

“Well, to tell ya the truth, I like her.  And well, she is your sister.  And well, I don’t even blame you for how you acted.  Neither does she, not really anyway, she has been convinced that is just the way ya take things.”

 

“It happened to you, how did you react?” Spot demanded. 

 

“Happened to me, you mean Caroline?  Yes you are right, Caroline was the same, she left me too at a young age to run away and get married.  And then she sudden reappeared criticizing me for how I talked of a father that she never knew and I had to live with everyday for almost a year and a half by myself.  How did I react, well I can tell ya I had a fit.  I have lived with ya too long, I had a fit.  I hated her, with a passion.  Just like you hate Cat.” Laces nodded. 

 

“You did, I remember.”

 

“But you also made me more sensible to the whole thing.  And I guess it’s my turn to make you more sensible to everything.  Talk to her Spot.  That’s what I have to say, talk to her.” Laces smiled.  Spot shook his head. 

 

“I want you to come home.”  He sighed after a while. 

 

“I can’t.” Laces shook her head.  “Not yet.”

 

“I don’t want you here anymore.  Ya don’t need to do this,” Spot replied. 

 

“I do, I will.  And I can’t Spot.  I will be back soon enough,” Laces responded. 

 

“Come on Laces, all the Brooklyn boys are missing ya and Jacky boy is cranky cause ya still here,” Spot said. 

 

“Spot, don’t.  Just don’t,” Laces responded. 

 

“If Critter asked you to leave you would.  Wouldn’t you?” he asked getting defensive. 

 

“No,” Laces shook her head.  “He doesn’t have that type of power over me.  I am going to stay here as long as it takes me to prove me point,” she said. 

 

“Fine.  I’m leaving,” Spot said getting up.  Laces stood there for a moment. 

 

“Spot, would ya do something for me?” she asked. 

 

“What?” Spot asked. 

 

“Talk to Critter please,” Laces said quickly.  Spot glared at her. 

 

“Doesn’t have that much power huh?” he snorted.  Laces glared at him. 

 

“He doesn’t!  I just think you should,” she responded. 

 

“Fine, if ya think I should.  I didn’t think I could get out of here without him trying it at least,” Spot said.  The two walked down the stairs together and there at the bottom stood Critter waiting. 

 

“Conlon, a word or two now,” Critter said as calmly as he could.  Spot remained calm also and followed Critter into his small office, or what could be called his office.  Laces sat there staring at the door, Jasper sat next to her and so did Matches. 

 

“What do ya think is going on in there?” Matches asked. 

 

“I think it must be going well.  Come on kid, talk to us about something.” Jasper nudged Laces a little. 

 

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

 

Critter was glaring at Spot and Spot stood hands crossed over his chest, eyes on the nearest corner.  He didn’t care that Critter was glaring at him, even though he knew why. 

 

“Conlon!” Critter said.  Spot rolled his eyes as he took a deep breath and directed his attention in a careless manner towards Critter. 

 

“What?” Spot said.  Critter gritted his teeth a bit. 

 

“Sit, now.” He pointed at the chair and sat himself on the small table.  Spot didn’t think about it and took the seat without much hesitation, but still in his cool manner. 

 

“Ya apologize ta your sista yet?” Critter demanded. 

 

“I don’t have a sista, she’s dead member,” Spot said in a patronizing voice.  He had forgiven and accepted Cat in his heart, but his pride was of course getting in the way.  Critter jumped and in a swift motion he pushed Spot up and into a wall.  He had both hands on Spot’s shoulders.  Spot lost the indifference in his eyes and it became a fierce fire of anger, but he didn’t get an immediate chance to speak his anger. 

 

“Conlon!  God Damn it!  She’s Caitlin Conlon!  You’re sister!  The one that ya should be grateful for!  She ain’t done nothing but worry.” Critter shook Spot a bit, but as he took a breath Spot jumped at his chance and pushed Critter off of him and into the chair.  He pushed his hair out of his face as his hat fell to the ground. 

 

“No!  Ya listen!  Where has she been hiding?  And how the ‘ell did ya find her!  Why now!  What the ‘ell has she been doing because if I know you she’s known about me for a while now, how many years 3?  4?  Maybe 5?  That’s a long time!  And now she decides to come back!” Spot was yelling now as loud as Critter had before him.  Critter stood up, they were both in a fierce state by now.  Critter threw a punch at Spot that sent him stumbling against the wall again. 

 

“Get over it Conlon!  Did ya really want her here!  Where everything was going wrong?  Where she could have been hurt?  Conlon, she ain’t never lived on the streets in her life.  When she ran away from here she found a place that wasn’t the streets.  She doesn’t know what life on the streets is like.” Critter was angry that Spot could not consider his sister more, how could he be so selfish.  Spot shook his head and kicked at Critter. 

 

“How!  How could she have not lived on the streets!  She was left on the streets before we were, right after the fire.  Where did she go!  Where?” Spot demanded. 

 

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

 

At the first bang Laces stood up from the table and began to run over to the small room, but Jasper got up quickly and caught her around the waist. 

 

“Let them work this out.  It ain’t like you could do anything to stop them, unless you have been hiding some strength we don’t know about.” Jasper held her. 

 

“No!  They’ll hurt each other.” Laces shook her head. 

 

“Well, who are you worried about?” Matches asked.  Laces stared at him a moment. 

 

“What?” she demanded. 

 

“Are you worried that Spot is going to get hurt?  Or Critter?” he asked. 

 

“Both of them are,” Laces responded. 

 

“Are you sure?” Matches asked.  “Because well Critter is stronger than Spot.  Or he used to be.”

 

“So!” Laces said. 

 

“Well, it’s just a question.  But Laces, I wouldn’t worry about them much.  They deal with things in their own ways.  I am almost sure that you have seen Spot fight out his problems.  That is the way of the streets, or the way that the streets taught them a while ago, much longer then you have been on the streets they have been doing it that way.” Matches achieved in calming Laces enough for Jasper to let her go. 

 

“But,” Laces began when there was another bang coming from the room. 

 

“Sh, don’t pay any attention to them,” Matches responded.  “Now, why don’t we talk about what ya did wrong when ya raced with Voodoo.”

 

“I did nothing wrong,” Laces cried indignantly. 

 

“Really?” Jasper smiled lightly. 

 

“I didn’t.  I don’t know what ya guys are talking about,” Laces responded. 

 

“Well, then, I’ll tell you.  You took you’re last sprint too late.  And it should have been more of a sprint, and that was a nice touch not positioning yourself, but you started too slowly.  I understand ya were trying to pace yourself, but it was too slow,” Matches said. 

 

“What!  Ya are so full of it.” Laces frowned. 

 

“Hey, I am just telling ya the truth.  I hope ya do better with the fact finding,” Matches said. 

 

“What is that?” Laces asked. 

 

“Well, member what Matches and Daisy did that first night ya were here?” Jasper asked.  Laces nodded. 

 

“That’s what fact finding is, except you won’t be doing timed runs until the end.  Sometimes ya’ll have assignments and sometimes ya’ll just have an area,” Jasper explained to her. 

 

“Oh.  Well that shouldn’t be hard.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“Yeah, you’d be surprised.” Matches laughed.  There was silence, complete silence. 

 

“Why do ya think they’re quiet in there now?  Do you think they made each other pass out?” Laces asked. 

 

“No, they’re fine,” Jasper said even though he himself was getting nervous because of the silence. 

 

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

 

Spot was sitting on the chair again, his breathing was returning to normal.  Critter sat on the desk also regaining his breath. 

 

“You’re skill has gotten betta since the last time.” Critter sighed. 

 

“I have learned from experience, it ain’t exactly been peaceful in Brooklyn since ya left,” Spot responded. 

 

“Ya going to apologize to your sista,” Critter stated.  Spot rolled his eyes, but he wasn’t going to fight it anymore.  He knew that he wasn’t beat, but he also agreed.  It’s hard to fight for something that you don’t really believe anymore. 

 

“Yeah, I will.” Spot nodded.  “Where is she?” Spot asked. 

 

“Not here,” Critter responded. 

 

“Where the hell did you let her go?” Spot demanded. 

 

“Blue took her, Spades and Angel were going to apologize to her,” Critter replied. 

 

“Fine.  I knew they were going to do that, but I figured that they would come here.” Spot nodded. 

 

“Well, Blue thought that they were taking too long and that it was getting to be nonsense and so he left with her.”

 

“What about Laces, Kelly wants her in Manhattan.”

 

“Well, she could leave now, she could.  I ain’t keeping her here.  She beat Voodoo in a run this morning.”

 

“She did?  The kid wants to show you up, beat ya at your own game.  She might too, but I can tell you’ve already done most of what ya wanted.”

 

“Conlon, ya know when this is done.”

 

“I know.  Jacky boy was talking about it too the other day.”

 

“He was?” Critter sounded surprised. 

 

“Yeah, it’s time.  I am thinking about it too.  Me without Kelly and dealing with someone new.  I don’t think it will fit.  We haven’t talked when, it’s just kind of talk.  But it’s getting there, I will leave with Kelly.” Spot shrugged. 

 

“Well what got Kelly and ya thinking about this, I thought ya two would be around for another few years.  I mean, ya built this.”

 

“We did and we might be here for a couple of years maybe.  But Kelly is thinking about getting settled, he’s serious about her.” Spot nodded. 

 

“And ya?  What about ya?” Critter asked. 

 

“Me, well I ain’t ready for that type of commitment.  Also, I ain’t ready to provide for her, and I would never get into it without having some means of real money.” Spot shook his head.  “Where are ya heading?”

 

“I’m hoping to settle, which brings me to asking for something.  But I will do that when the time comes,” Critter said.  Spot looked confused but Critter didn’t provide more information. 

 

“Well let’s get moving, I want Cat to come back here tonight.” Critter stood up.  Spot nodded and stood up also.  The two walked out the door.  Laces jumped as she saw the door open.  Jasper and Matches laughed at the sight. 

 

“Where are ya going?” Laces asked. 

 

“To Spades.” Spot winked at her.  Laces smiled as she walked over and stood next to Spot. 

 

“Who said ya were coming?” Critter asked. 

 

“I did,” Spot replied.  Laces smiled and Critter frowned a bit but let it be.  Matches and Jasper watched from the table. 

 

“I wonder about them.” Jasper said out loud. 

 

“What about them?” Matches asked. 

 

“Well, Spot and Critter are like brothers.  We’ve said that before,” Jasper said. 

 

“Yeah, them and Blue.” Matches nodded.  “The only people that are able to really get away with being themselves with is each other.”

 

“Well, Laces is like a sister to all of them.  It’s interesting how she gets attached to them all like that.” Jasper smiled. 

 

“I think that girl is like a sister to everyone.” Matches laughed. 

 

“If not a girl, a love interest I’ve heard.” Jasper nodded. 

 

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

 

Laces, Spot and Critter walked into the Irish Rose.  Cat was sitting with Angel on the couch talking. 

 

“Has she started lecturing on something already?” Critter laughed being the first to walk into the view of Angel and Cat. 

 

“Ya could say that,” Spades said, she was behind the counter hidden from view. 

 

“What on dear?” Critter asked. 

 

“Do you know what they do?  It’s sinful.” Cat made a face.  Critter smiled a bit and shot a glance at Angel. 

 

“Sinful, ey?  Well Cat dear, they did what they had to do to survive,” Critter replied. 

 

“But they don’t have to do it anymore.” Cat shook her head. 

 

“Well, not really, but it’s so easy and natural.  It’s human nature, they won’t do it forever.  Huh goyls?” Critter asked. 

 

“We couldn’t do this forever if we tried,” Spades called out.  Cat frowned at the response, but before she was able to say anything Spot walked into the room.  He had been standing at the doorway but out of sight.  He wanted to make sure that he had the guts to do what he was going to do. 

 

“Caitlin can I have a word with ya in there.” Spot pointed towards the double doors.  Cat looked stunned for a minute and Critter nudged her a bit and Cat nodded as she stood up.  She walked with Spot and Spot shut the doors behind him.  Spades was now sitting up and she was looking after them, then she noticed Laces also standing in the doorway. 

 

“Is this your doing?” she demanded.  Laces shook her head. 

 

“He had already made up his mind,” Laces responded. 

 

“And I couldn’t say that I helped him along,” Critter mumbled. 

 

“Come sit down, this might be a while,” Angel said to Laces. 

 

“Yeah, just a little long.  So how have ya goyls been?” Laces asked. 

 

“We’ve been good.  Business has been betta then usual.  The wedding plans are going well, that’s where everyone is right now looking at something else for the weddings.  Ya know that we are putting down some money for it.  I hope those goyls are happy.” Spades smiled a bit in a sad way. 

 

“How much longer are you going to be doing this Spades?  I mean after you lose Candy and Cheeky your gang is slowly slipping, that leaves five of you, and Pockets and Blue,” Critter almost whispered. 

 

“Doing this?  We’ll do this for as long as we can.  Who knows how much longer that’s going to be, but I will be here as long as me goyls need me,” Spades stated. 

 

“Yes, we will be here as long as they need us.  Or until we get too old for it, but by that time we should have enough money to do what we want to do.” Angel shrugged. 

 

“Yeah.” Critter nodded at their response.  He knew that they knew it was coming to an end.  It’s just no one knew where the gang was going, or how it was going to end.  But it was getting there.  There was silence and then a sound of things hitting the floor coming from behind the double doors. 

 

“What?” Spades started. 

 

“Spot pushed some books off the shelf,” Laces stated.  They all looked at her oddly. 

 

“What?  I know Spot.” She shrugged.  Critter laughed and so did Spades and Angel. 

 

“Ya sure do.” Angel nodded. 

 

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

 

The time passed and night fell when Spot and Cat finally came out from behind the double doors.  Cat smiling brightly and Spot looking happy in his own way behind his Brooklyn facade.  Laces smiled at the scene, finally she thought. 

 

“About time!” Critter sighed. 

 

“Where did Angel and Spades go?” Cat asked.  Critter looked surprised by her using their nicknames. 

 

“They went to bed, they have an early start tomorrow.  Looking for dresses for Candy and Cheeky,” Critter replied. 

 

“Oh.” Cat nodded. 

 

“Laces, staying, going back, coming with me?” Spot asked. 

 

“Going back,” Laces responded. 

 

“Ya used to follow me,” Spot replied. 

 

“And ya use to be shorter.” Laces smiled back.  Critter shook his head. 

 

“Cat, let’s go,” he said.  Cat nodded. 

 

“Good night Spot, I hope that we can talk again soon.” She smiled at him warmly and gave him a hug. 

 

“I think that ya should spend some time at the lodging house, maybe this weekend.  Seeing as I do have an extra bed in Laces’s room.” Spot laughed. 

 

“I ain’t going to be gone forever Conlon,” Laces replied. 

 

“I know.” Spot nodded.  Critter, Cat and Laces walked out and Spot looked around for a moment.  He went up the stairs and knocked on Spades’ door. 

 

“I knew that you would be awake.” He smiled as he walked in.  Blue was sitting on the bed also. 

 

“Well, we are late sleepers,” Spades replied. 

 

“So ya talked to her and it didn’t kill ya,” Blue retorted. 

 

“Aw, shut up O’Riley.” Spot threw a punch at Blue. 

 

“We don’t need ya thinking that just because ya were more sensible this one time it means ya always sensible.” Spades nodded at him. 

 

“I am always sensible.” Blue laughed. 

 

“It’s already gotten to him Spades.” Spot laughed. 

 

“So what did you talk about with her Conlon?  And did ya pick up the books that ya threw?” Spades demanded with her hands on her hips. 

 

“No, I didn’t pick up the books.  And ya know what we talked about is between us.”

 

“Back to keeping secrets,” Angel said from the doorway. 

 

“It’s always good to have a few, it keeps people guessing.” Spot nodded. 

 

“Well, Conlon, Cat and Critter are quite a pair,” Spades said. 

 

“What?” Spot snapped his head. 

 

“Don’t tell me ya didn’t notice,” Angel said.  Blue was covering his eyes. 

 

“What are ya two talking about?” Spot demanded. 

 

“The boy who has dated so many goyls, can’t see when his own sista is in love with one herself.  And the boy who is like ya brother is in love with her too.” Spades shook her head. 

 

“Well sometimes, even Spot is blind to such simple things.” Angel nodded. 

 

“Would ya two keep your mouths shut!” Blue was moaning.  Spot glared at Blue. 

 

“O’Riley?” he said. 

 

“Yeah?” Blue asked. 

 

“Ya know something?” he asked. 

 

“Well it’s plain in sight, and well.  Yes, he told me so.” Blue nodded. 

 

“What did he tell you so?” Spot demanded. 

 

“Well, that ya know.  They do love each other.” Blue shrugged. 

 

“That’s why!  That’s why he went looking for her, why he was away for so long.” Spot nodded now understanding the whole situation in new light. 

 

“Spot?” Spades said softly. 

 

“I’m going back to the lodging house.” He stood up and opened the window ready to climb out of it. 

 

“Conlon are ya okay with this?” Blue asked.  But Spot didn’t respond, he just hopped out and climbed down quickly. 

 

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

 

Chesa sat on the stairs waiting for Critter to come back to the nest.  When Laces walked through the doors first, Chesa almost pounced on her. 

 

“How did everything go?” she asked.  Laces smiled a bit. 

 

“Good.” She nodded as she walked pass Chesa and up the stairs.  Then Critter walked in with Cat. 

 

“Evening, I do recall ya wanting to train these boyds and for some reason I didn’t seem to see ya around all day.” Chesa rocked back and forth on her feet.  Critter laughed. 

 

“I know Chesa, sorry bout that.  All right, tomorrow I will join ya in torturing those boyds.” Critter winked. 

 

“Yeah, well if ya want to know they did terrible on their first runs.” Chesa sighed. 

 

“All of them?” Critter sounded shock. 

 

“Well most of them,” Matches said from the top of the stairs. 

 

“Who didn’t?” Critter asked. 

 

“Who do you think?” Daisy asked from behind him.  Cat was watching all of them, how they suddenly appeared everywhere was making her nervous.  She would turn her head one way and when she turned back she would see someone new.  Her hair whipped around quickly as she kept watch on as many corners of the room as she could.  Critter was use to the way of conversation where random people would suddenly join and come out of nowhere.  He cared not that they came from nowhere only that they told him what he needed to know, but that was just the way that Critter was.  Laces was busy trying to figure out when she would be returning to Brooklyn to care much about her surroundings even though she did keep a close ear on all conversations at all time, that way it saved her the trouble of asking for what she wanted to know later on. 

 

“I think that Sugar and Filly as well as Bookie should have done well enough.” Critter nodded as he thought about it. 

 

“I think I did well.” Sugar leaned against one of the sides of the doorway that lead to the main room. 

 

“And I thought I was better then everyone else.” Bookie opened the doors of the cabinet he had been sitting in revealing himself.  Cat’s eyes were scanning the room, where would the next one come from she asked herself.  She watched Laces with her calm attitude sit down on the stairs and place her chin on her hands.  She yawned at the birds need for entrances. 

 

“All right, don’t let your heads get big about it,” Chesa snapped. 

 

“Our heads big?  Never.” Filly appeared next to Sugar. 

 

“I would disagree.” Jasper came walking in from the outside. 

 

“Where were you?” Matches asked. 

 

“Around,” Jasper responded. 

 

“Anything new?” Chesa asked him. 

 

“Nothing that interesting.  Harlem has got a new girl and Midtown’s leader is stepping down,” Jasper responded. 

 

“Another one?  That’s three new leaders in the last four months.” Daisy sighed. 

 

“That’s how it happened when Jack came into power, most of the places in New Yawk were getting new leaders.  The only one who didn’t was Brooklyn, and about two years later Spot took over there.” Sugar reminded everyone. 

 

“I suppose you’re right.” Daisy nodded.  Cat perked up at the mention of her younger brother’s name.  Took over, she thought over in her mind, Spot took over Brooklyn what did that mean.  Critter was trying to push the thoughts of retiring leaders out of his mind, a topic he preferred not to think about.  His shaggy hair was in a mess that he slid his hand through to make it only worse.  His eyes, hardened brown, watched as his birds took turns discussing new points about the city to him.  He watched Cat though, she looked nervous and her eyes had been flashing about the room, almost as if they were following a fly around the room.  Then he looked over at Laces, her hair was in tangles because of the wind outside and her habit of not caring much for appearance.  Also the habit of simply placing a hat on instead of brushing her hair in a quick morning routine. 

 

“Critter, are ya even paying attention to us?” Chesa asked hands on her hips.  Her hat was pushed up as she looked at him with her eyes dancing almost smiling at him. 

 

“Of Coise.  We’ll see what we can do about some of these things tomorrow.  Maybe I will find something that ya can all find information on.” Critter shrugged his indifferent shrug.  Of course he wasn’t doing the running around New York finding information, it was them so he didn’t have a real feeling for it.  Filly, Sugar and Bookie groaned.  Bookie closed the cabinet doors again and confined himself into it and Sugar and Filly disappeared as quickly as they appeared.  Daisy and Matches along with Jasper vanished without a sound and Chesa poked at Laces, who has almost fallen asleep on the steps. 

 

“Yeah yeah,” Laces mumbled as she crawled up the stairs.  Chesa followed her and Critter and Cat were left standing alone. 

 

“Do they always do that?” she asked.  Critter laughed. 

 

“What?  Come in and out like the wind?” Critter looked at Cat who nodded.  “That’s what they’re meant to do, I hope they always do that.” Critter smiled at her. 

 

“So what about Laces, Critter.  I understand that she has only come here under your request and that now she only stays to prove herself,” Cat said.  Critter inwardly groaned at how proper she sometimes insisted on being, but replied. 

 

“She has caused more trouble then anyone can image for Brooklyn and Manhattan not to mention the rest of New York.  She can’t be controlled.  Spot, to the shock of many, can not control her because of his past with her.  Jack can not control her much because of the same reasons.  She caught them off guard and took them for a spin as Candy sometimes puts it.  So when I discovered her I decided to make it my duty to bring her down a notch or two and kept her out of so much trouble.  But to do that I needed her to see that I was not playing games.  And so I brought her here with the intention of treating her like a bird.  And for the birds to get a better idea about her,” Critter explained.  “Now as soon as she finishes this, and mind ya, I ain’t keeping her here, she can leave at any time.”

 

“But you would be disappointed?” Cat asked. 

 

“Yeah I would, because I knew she won’t be done.  But I always know that she’s a lot like Conlon and she won’t leave until she thinks she’s done here.  That might be soon because I am almost done with the birds.  They have become better, they’re speed.  Facts are the last part of being a bird and it ain’t hard.  They should all know how.  Laces will go back to Brooklyn in less then a week with more ways of protecting herself and a mind to stay out of trouble at least for a little while.” Critter winked at Cat.  Cat smiled. 

 

“Spot was complaining about her time spent here.”

 

“Yeah, well him and those boys are too attached to the girl.” Critter nodded. 

 

“She goes back and forth between Brooklyn and Manhattan?” Cat asked. 

 

“Yes, she has to.  That’s the way she’s been since she came to them.” Critter laughed. 

 

“What do you think that Spot will think about...” Cat was about to finish her sentence but Critter hushed her. 

 

“Never talk about things that are not known to everyone in open places, especially not in the nest.  There are always birds listening somewhere.” Critter winked at her as he kicked the cabinet which Bookie still sat in.  Bookie grunted but did not move.  Cat nodded. 

 

“I forgot where we were.” She laughed. 

 

“Let’s hope you don’t forget again.” He laughed as he picked her up lightly and carried her up the stairs. 

 

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

 

“Spot?” Bottle Cap knocked on the door.  Spot was sitting on his window sill staring at his room a dim lit candle sat on the small table near him. 

 

“What?” he mumbled softly.  Bottle Cap opened the door and stepped into the room. 

 

“I just wanted to let ya know that I was back.  I know that ya wanted me to.” Cap smiled a bit as he sat on the bed. 

 

“Didn’t meet any trouble on ya way home?” Spot asked moving his blue eyes slowly towards Bottle Cap.  The room was cold and poorly lit, but that did not bother either of the boys, they would have sat the same and had the same talk if they were in a warm place with candles everywhere. 

 

“No, I haven’t met any trouble in the last year about,” Bottle Cap stated.  “I wouldn’t worry about it much.  I think that I am able to protect myself.”

 

“I would hope so.  I still have to work with ya on being attacked from behind though, ya still aren’t very good at that,” Spot commented. 

 

“I know and I ain’t a great aim at the slingshot either.  I know that.” Bottle Cap shrugged smiling at his own faults.  Spot nodded. 

 

“Ya have to get better at that.  Tomorrow we’ll practice some.  We haven’t done that in a while.”

 

“Spot, anything happen?” Cap asked, knowing since the moment he walked into the room that something was wrong with Spot.  What he couldn’t tell, but he knew that something was wrong with him. 

 

“Well, not really.  Just thinking about something.”

 

“What ya thinking about, Cat?  Ya did talk to her?” Cap asked hopefully. 

 

“I did talk ta her all right.  I did.” Spot rolled his eyes. 

 

“Then what were ya thinking about, something she said?”

 

“Well, not so much that.  It’s more like something she didn’t say.  Something that Critter didn’t say.  Something that Angel and Spades said,” Spot mumbled. 

 

“And what was that?” Cap asked even though he already had an idea. 

 

“That Critter and Cat are a couple.” Spot sighed. 

 

“I would have thought so.” Cap nodded. 

 

“I didn’t see it, they didn’t tell me though.  I don’t know what I think about it.  I just got my sister back and Critter gets her.”

 

“He doesn’t get her.  If Laces heard ya talking she would have a fit that you are making women sound like guys own them.” Cap laughed. 

 

“Yeah well Laces isn’t here she’s still with the birds.” Spot frowned.  “And once she’s done with them she’s going to Manhattan for some time.  Jacky boy won’t have it any other way.  And it is only right that she should.  She does spend too much time in Brooklyn,” Spot said. 

 

“Are ya feeling all right?” Cap laughed.  “I thought that ya always thought that Brooklyn was the best place for everyone to be.  Especially Laces because it’s where you thought you could protect her more.”

 

“Laces needs to start protecting herself Cap.  We ain’t going to be here forever,” Spot said.  At that Bottle Cap shuddered, thinking about a Brooklyn without Spot at the head of it and a Manhattan with no Jack.  The newsies without them, he didn’t want to think about what hadn’t happened yet. 

 

“Critter and Cat though, aren’t you happy for them?  Critter has been a close friend of yours since you were young and Cat is your sister.”

 

“Yeah, but I don’t know.  I just don’t think that he’s the right guy for her,” Spot said. 

 

“Did you think that Jack was the right guy for Laces?” Cap asked. 

 

“What does that have to do with anything?” Spot pushed his hair out of the way.  Cap shifted his weight and then replied. 

 

“Ya didn’t.”

 

“No.  So?” Spot was getting annoyed with Cap beating around the bush. 

 

“So, ya will never think anyone is good enough for them.  That’s just the way it works.  Aren’t you happy that Laces is at least with someone ya trust?” Cap asked. 

 

“Ya are a smart one.” Spot laughed and took out a match and lit a cigarette. 

 

“Yeah, I try.” Cap nodded watching Spot puff away at the cigarette as he opened the window. 

 

“Scott was asking about Pixie.” Cap smiled as he began to inform Spot about everything new happening with Laces’s sister. 

 

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

 

“Jack, shouldn’t Laces be back by now?  I think I am going to check this out.  I don’t like that she’s taking this long.  I mean Conlon hasn’t even been over here to tell us how it’s going,” Skittery was complaining to Jack. 

 

“Skitt, Spot could well not be talking to Critter.  He might not know what’s going on either,” Jack replied. 

 

“But he should!  Laces should be here already.  Pixie, don’t run so far ahead,” Skittery called after the little girl that was chasing after a small butterfly, or what she thought to be a butterfly.  Jack looked over at her, she was in what looked like an oversized shirt but in actuality was an oversized dress for the little girl.  It was a worn blue and her hair was a mess, but she looked happy.  Jack smiled a bit as she slowed down at Skittery’s command and let the thing she was chasing go.  He then directed his attention back to Skittery.  He and some of the others had been ragging on him to get Laces back, but they understood as much as he did that when Laces made up her mind there were few things you could do to get her to change it. 

 

“Jack, I know that she doesn’t want to leave until she’s done, but enough is enough.  I say we just go over there and force her to come back.” Skittery frowned.  Jack laughed.  Forcing Laces to come back had been something he had thought over. 

 

“What are you laughing at?” Skittery demanded. 

 

“Have ya ever forced Laces to do something?” Jack asked.  Skittery watched Pixie for a moment, she was skipping along almost in front of them now. 

 

“Yes.” Skittery nodded. 

 

“Ya have?  What?” Jack was surprised. 

 

“Member when Laces ran away and we couldn’t find her for months,” Skittery said. 

 

“Ya didn’t know where she was, right?  Cause if ya tell me ya knew where she was I just might have ta soak ya,” Jack said cautiously. 

 

“No Jack, I was as clueless as you and the rest.  But when she came back, she wasn’t going to.”

 

“What ya mean she wasn’t going to Skitt?” Jack looked puzzled. 

 

“She didn’t want to come into Tibby’s.  She wasn’t planning on it.” Skittery took a deep breath remembering the day that she came back to them. 

 

“Jack, she ran away from me that day and I don’t think I would have been able to bring her back without Blink standing around the corner where she ran into him.” Skittery smiled. 

 

“What?  She did seem a little out of place when she came in.  Like she wanted to run.  You brought her back?” Jack asked.  Skittery nodded. 

 

“Ain’t that what I told ya.”

 

“Well, I’ve made Laces do a lot things against her will.  And it ain’t something easy and she will not act like herself if we make her come back here without letting her decided to come back herself.  I know her as well as you do.  When you make her do things, she doesn’t like it.  She will come here and pout and be mad and angry and I don’t want to put up the battle for it.  And ya know it.” Jack shrugged.  He wanted Laces back as much as Skittery, but he wouldn’t force her back.  He didn’t want to deal with her like that. 

 

“Yeah well, I guess.  But if she doesn’t come back by the end of the week I am going to check on her,” Skittery said. 

 

“That would be good.  Maybe take Blink or Race with ya.  I would but that’s the day I am meeting with Decker, the kid has got some news that he said might be interesting to me.” Jack shrugged. 

 

“Ah right.  Who ya taking with ya?” Skittery asked. 

 

“I’m thinking that I should get someone to run over to Brooklyn when I get a chance and get Spot to come along,” Jack said.  “Decker after all told me to tell him that he might want to hear what he has to say.”

 

“All right.” Skittery nodded.  “When do you think the birds will be back?”

 

“Soon enough.  They will be flying around making sure we know what we need to know.” Jack nodded.  “Pixie, are ya tired?”

 

The little girl was rubbing her eyes and pushing her golden locks into more tangles. 

 

“No.” She yawned.  Jack and Skittery smiled at her. 

 

“Now what have we been telling ya about lying?” Skittery asked. 

 

“I ain’t real tired, just maybe a bit sleepy.” Pixie smiled.  “To improve it.” Jack and Skittery laughed. 

 

“You’ve been around Snipes to much.” Jack shook his head as he scooped up Pixie and carried her as Skittery and him keep talking and walking towards the lodging house. 

 

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

 

The night came and went like it had for so many years.  It was nothing new that the sun should set and the rise again in the morning.  Laces watched it rise from her window that morning, she was going to get a mission today.  Or so Jasper had told her, he told her what he could sometimes.  He knew that she liked being informed about what she was going to be doing and Critter, Chesa, Matches and Daisy didn’t bother with telling her. 

 

Suddenly at her window sat Filly, right outside of it on the fire escape.  Laces had not been paying that much attention, but when she noticed her she almost jumped through the ceiling. 

 

“Where did you come from?” Laces demanded.  Filly smiled and opened the window, being skilled in the task of opening it from the wrong side.  She smiled as she remained outside but put about half of her body into the room. 

 

“Down there,” she responded casting her eyes down into the alley. 

 

“What were you doing?  It’s so early, I didn’t think that Critter was up yet,” Laces said as she sat back down on her bed. 

 

“I was out for a run.  I guess once you’re a bird you’re always a bird.” Filly smiled thinking about it. 

 

“What?  You were on that kind of run?” Laces asked frowning. 

 

“I don’t know how to take other kind of runs.” Filly smiled again. 

 

“Ya don’t?  How long have you been a bird?” Laces asked. 

 

“A few years.  Not as long as Daisy or Matches, but I’ve been around longer than Relic.  This city has been quiet lately, it’s sure something.  It’s like the city stopped all it’s activity, like it knew that Critter was back and what he was going to do,” Filly said.  Laces didn’t feel like she was really talking to her about that but shrugged. 

 

“So what was happening?” Laces wondered out loud. 

 

“Ah nothing much, from what I could collect Decker is having some kind of meeting with Jack this Friday and Spot is a possible show,” Filly said.  “Not like that is vital information that Spot needs to know, he should already know.” Filly shrugged. 

 

“Why are ya a bird?” Laces suddenly asked, she had been meaning to ask that of someone and Filly just happened to be the first bird she had really talked to alone that she felt like she could ask. 

 

“Me?  Lemme think, I think that Hunter found me in the back of a warehouse.  He wasn’t a bird no more, but like I said earlier once a bird always a bird.  I was crawling up the loft area I guess watching a meeting between this guy that I hated and the boss.  Hunter was there that day because he was delivering something.  Didn’t know that he had a family then, or that he had a baby and hadn’t been a bird for a good year.  I found that out later, but he found me right before I got caught by the boss.  Boy would I have gotten a good beating if I had been caught, anyway Hunter caught me.  It was like he had been looking up there, like it was a natural thing for him to scan places he entered.  Make sure there was no danger and observe everything, that’s what he taught me to do.  He trained me to some extent.  He was around often enough after he brought me here.  He found out about me, after that day he distracted the boss and the guy I hated as I got away, but he found me again.  He had discovered everything about me and offered me a place where I could at least learn how to eavesdrop.”

 

“So how did he train ya if he had a family?” Laces asked. 

 

“He came around every so often to check on me, to beat me into shape.  Not like he ever really beat me, but ya know sort of like what Critter does.  Critter and Hunter were good friends from what I can make, but Hunter never stayed and I haven’t seen him in years because he doesn’t come around anymore after Spot found out and everyone was on the look out for him.  He stopped coming after he knew I was ready.  He never told me where to find him, had something to do with the fact that Spot would ask and I might tell him.  It’s just the way it works.  So I haven’t seen him, but I guess I became a bird because of him and I can’t say that I don’t have fun doing this.  It’s a fine life we lead.”

 

“Yeah I guess it is.  What about when,” Laces was about to say something but Filly stopped her. 

 

“No, I had a question for you, our time is almost up.  I came up here because I saw ya from down there.  But I’ve heard about you and heard that you’re looking for Pixie,” Filly said.  Laces nodded. 

 

“I am, but…” She was going to ask how, but filly laughed. 

 

“Bird remember?  Anyway, I am almost sure that Critter will give you the run to find her.  And I know that you have no experience in this so as a tip look in Manhattan, East Side.  And don’t ask for Pixie, ask for Carey.  She goes by that now.” Filly winked and ran down the fire escape as fast as she came up it.  Laces looked after her. 

 

These birds were strange people, but she decided to ask Spot about Hunter, if not Critter himself.  She wasn’t sure which one would tell her more.  Critter came knocking to her door and then walked downstairs knowing that she would come out quick enough and if she didn’t he would come storming in for her.  Laces sighed as she closed the window and walked out of the room.  Cat stood in the hallway staring at her. 

 

“What?” Laces mumbled.  “Is my hair a mess?”

 

“No.” Cat frowned.  “You aren’t a morning person.”

 

“No.  I’m not, would you like a prize?” Laces demanded.  She was in an interesting mood, she didn’t know if she wanted to run around New York looking for someone she didn’t know anything about just pieces here and there. 

 

“You remind me of someone,” Cat said as she started to walk. 

 

“Really, who?” Laces asked yawning. 

 

“I’m not quite sure.” Cat shrugged. 

 

“Oh.” Laces nodded. 

 

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

 

Critter stood in front of the birds, but unlike many of the past mornings he was smiling.  He loved this part of being a bird, it’s what he did best, it’s what started them. 

 

“All right, to start it off in an easier way, we’ll do it in twos,” Critter said.  Everyone looked at the person they wanted to work with.  Of course that’s not what Critter had in mind. 

 

“Sugar ya working with Voodoo,” Critter said knowing that Sugar wanted to work with RB.  Voodoo was about to say something but Sugar cut her off knowing there was no way to win an argument with Critter O’Connell. 

 

“Fine, what are we doing?”

 

“You find out everything that has been going on in Harlem.  Everything,” Critter said looking at Sugar directly.  “But don’t go anywhere yet.”

 

Sugar nodded and stood there next to Voodoo.  Critter pointed out a few other pairs.  He paired off people he knew disliked each other on purpose.  He wanted them to not only learn to discover everything they could, but to get along and work together.  Because if a bird couldn’t count on the other birds then there was no one to count on.  Yes the newsies, but the newsies were not always aware of what was happening with the birds.  People groaned and moaned but everyone knew there was no way that they would get out of what they had to do.  The only people who hadn’t been paired off at the end were Filly and Laces.  Laces seemed happy that she would be paired with Filly, but as Critter was going to pair them off Chesa cut him off. 

 

“I am going with Laces, Jasper will go with Filly, won’t ya Jasper?” Chesa said.  Jasper looked surprised and looked at Critter a moment.  Critter looked at Chesa, he wanted to know what she was up to but he nodded.  Jasper shrugged. 

 

“Coise.” He nodded.  It had been a while since he had been on a run, but it wasn’t like you forgot how to do those things. 

 

“All right, Jasper and Filly ya both remember Hunter?” Critter asked.  Laces opened her eyes wide and looked at Critter and then at Filly.  It was like he knew what she wanted to find and he was sending her to find him. 

 

“Yeah.” Filly nodded. 

 

“Find him,” Critter stated then he turned to Laces and Chesa. 

 

“Pixie,” he said to them both.  Chesa already knew that’s what Laces was going to be doing.  No matter the person she was working on Chesa had wanted to go with her and that’s what she was going to do.  Laces moved her head at an angle looking at Critter in a curious manner. 

 

“Something wrong?” he asked her. 

 

“Why?  What about Pixie?” she demanded. 

 

“Ya have an attitude problem today?” he demanded back.  Laces shrugged. 

 

“Might,” she responded. 

 

“I don’t like it, get rid of it by the time you come back,” he spit at her.  “Or don’t come back.” Laces was taken back a step, that was the first time that Critter had told her not to come back.  He had always said mean things to her, treated her in a way that would make her want to leave, but there was always that strong sense of his order to stay. 

 

“All right all of you have until the sun sets, and believe me ya betta be here when the sun sets with something to report, or ya will be sorry.” Critter warned his voice sending chills up some backs.  Everyone nodded and was out of there in the blink of an eye, literately.  Laces and Chesa climbed outside through a window. 

 

“So where do we look?” Chesa put her hands on her hips.  Laces blew her hair out of her face before asking Chesa a question. 

 

“Why did ya want to come with me?” she demanded. 

 

“Because.  That’s not what you’re supposed to be finding out,” Chesa replied. 

 

“Really?” Laces had a defying look in her eyes. 

 

“I ain’t the one that Critter is going to make sorry about not finding anything out.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“Are ya so sure?” Laces asked moving so that shadows were cast on half of her face.  Chesa looked at Laces, of course she was sure, wasn’t she? 

 

“Yeah, why would Critter say anything to me?  I am his partner I am helping him train this sorry bunch.  He ain’t got a right,” Chesa stated. 

 

“Doesn’t he?  And if ya wanted to come, don’t ya have to deal with the consequences as much as I do?” Laces asked.  She was playing one of her games, that was plain and simple, and it was working. 

 

“Fine, all right.  Let’s get started before we do get behind and find out nothing.  The last of heard of her she was in Lower East Side of Manhattan.” Chesa sighed. 

 

“That’s what Filly said.” Laces nodded.  Now it was Chesa’s turn to look surprised. 

 

“When did you talk to Filly about that?”

 

“This morning we were talking before Critter woke up.  She mentioned that I would have to look for Pixie and that I should look there.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“How would she know where to look for Pixie and that you would have to look for her.” Chesa wondered aloud. 

 

“Well, she’s a bird.  And what she said to me is that once you’re a bird you’re always a bird.  She was probably listening in on one of the conversations that Critter had with you about it or something of that sort.  She probably picked up the information on Pixie at one point or another.” Laces shrugged again. 

 

“Once a bird, always a bird.” Chesa echoed a bit.  “Hunter used to say that.”

 

“Yeah, that’s what Filly told me.” Laces nodded.  “But we better get a move on.” Laces took off in a fast pace towards the bridge.  Chesa followed not having much difficulty in keeping up and still criticizing every movement Laces made.  It was just the way she was. 

 

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

 

Filly was fuming about Critter sending her to look for Hunter, he knew where he was and she knew it.  She was trying to figure out if Hunter knew that she was looking for him.  Of course Jasper was with her, but Jasper wasn’t being tested, it was Filly. 

 

“Filly, why don’t ya lighten up on the whole thing.  It ain’t like Critter wanted ya mad about it, probably just figured that ya would like to see him again or something,” Jasper said. 

 

“But he knew, that means he knows where to find him.  Unless Hunter has come around and I just haven’t noticed him.” Filly fumed as she scanned the area in front of her, trying to decided where to go and who to ask about Hunter. 

 

“Well, I don’t know.” Jasper sighed, he really hated trying to defend Critter under such circumstances. 

 

“How am I suppose to find Hunter, there’s a few people that I might be able to find that knew him by Hunter, but I never really learned anything about Hunter’s life.  Not really anyway.  I don’t even know his real name.” Filly scratched her head. 

 

“Henry Hummington,” Jasper said. 

 

“What?” Filly frowned. 

 

“That was his real name, Henry Hummington.  Ya got to remember Filly I was trained by those first few birds.  I am almost considered one of them, those first few.  Cricket was the one who trained me out of that first handful, but I learned their real names quickly, never used them, but knew them.” Jasper nodded remembering. 

 

“Jasper what’s you’re real name?” Filly suddenly asked. 

 

“Casper Jericho,” Jasper responded.  “But don’t tell anyone that.” He winked.  Filly nodded, she had never really thought of Jasper having a real name, Jasper was the name he had since she had arrived.  And when she arrived it was after Critter had left for a while, she had meet him when he came back that last time before he left for the years.  Jasper had been semi in charge, until the last of the first left.  Then he was fully in charge and no one questioned it at all.  Daisy and Matches didn’t mind because Daisy was put in charge of the Bronx and Harlem and Matches was never one for being in charge. 

 

“Well, where do you think we should look first for Henry “Hunter” Hummington?” Filly asked Jasper knowing that she would have to count on some of his knowledge to find Hunter. 

 

“I would think that we should start in Manhattan and ask Jack.  Jack and him used to be pretty close.  That’s how Hunter got into the birds.  He was like Critter’s second hand, much like Jack and Spot.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“Really?  Kelly and Hunter were good friends?  I don’t know why I never thought of that, Hunter and him are a lot alike.” Filly nodded.  And they turned into the nearest alley that would lead them to Tibby’s. 

 

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

 

“Laces do you have any idea where you are going?” Chesa demanded. 

 

“Me?  Of course,” Laces responded without even glancing at Chesa.  The two girls were climbing the rooftops of New York City, they were now somewhere near the ends of Brooklyn.  They had not talked to anyone, or seen anyone for that matter that might be able to help them in finding Pixie. 

 

“Where are you going then?” Chesa glared at the back of Laces’s head. 

 

“Somewhere, you wouldn’t think that I am doing all this traveling to get nowhere would you?” Laces asked. 

 

“All right no more smart responses.  You tell me where we are going or I will go back to the nest right this moment and leave you to fend for yourself.” Chesa put her hands on her hips.  At this Laces stopped she was almost a building away from Chesa.  She turned around whipping her hair lightly out of her face.  Her face was blushed from the running and small signs of sweat covered her face.  Chesa looked composed.  She hadn’t struggled with the run across rooftops, some would say she was fit as a fiddle. 

 

“Maybe you should go back to the nest,” Laces sneered. 

 

“What?” Chesa shrieked. 

 

“Maybe you should go back to the nest.  I never needed you to begin with.  I thought that I would be paired off with Filly,” Laces spit. 

 

“You wouldn’t be able to do this by yourself.  You wouldn’t know where to look,” Chesa said back. 

 

“If I don’t know where to look why are you letting me lead?  Why have I not asked for your help?”

 

“I am letting you try and figure this out.”

 

“Then what’s the point of this run, if you are the one that’s really going to find Pixie.  Why would Critter send me to have me try to find Pixie when he knows that you are going to do all the work and I can just lay back and watch?” Laces glared at Chesa. 

 

“I don’t know!  But I tell you something, I am not going anywhere,” Chesa said in a determined tone. 

 

“Well then you will have to deal with not knowing where we are going.” Laces settled.  With that she turned back around and started running again, what seemed like faster then before.  Laces knew where she was going.  She wasn’t sure if she was going to find anything there but it was somewhere to start and from there she knew that she would head to Manhattan.  She didn’t care if Chesapeake followed or if she didn’t.  Chesapeake was annoyed, she wanted to help Laces out with this mission.  She also wanted to find Pixie herself, but that was just a side thought.  She really did want to help Laces in her own way, but Laces was refusing the help. 

 

Chesapeake followed, she knew that she couldn’t return to the nest even if she wanted to because Critter would give her a lecture like no other and would send her out in search of Laces.  He would not let her back into the nest without Laces.  That was the other purpose of this run, to get along with all the other birds and because she had insisted on going he would insist that she carry out the whole run.  Besides, she wouldn’t want to disappoint him. 

 

Laces started climbing down in the old abandoned warehouse neighborhood no one really came around there anymore.  The city was going to rebuild it sometime or restore it, no one really knew, but they hadn’t gotten around to that.  There was too much corruption in the government for that money to actually go to restoring the area.  The street kids didn’t care, that meant that some of them had places to stay that weren’t the orphanage for a while or a lodging house because when you don’t got money any place that ain’t a box is luxury. 

 

“Where are we going?  What does this have anything to do with Pixie?” Chesa was asking.  Laces was a little surprised that Chesa had not discovered what the place was and how the connection to Pixie was.  But then she remembered that the place was a well keep secret until about a year ago when the whole incident happened.  Laces went around a building carefully, Chesa followed not as careful.  An instinct in Laces told her to go around the building carefully even thought there was no real need to anymore.  Laces entered through a window that was open, it seemed as though it had never been closed.  It had been opened to let her in that one time and now it was open still.  She climbed down quietly Chesa followed not as quiet. 

 

“Would ya been more quiet about things!” Laces ordered. 

 

“Why?  I still don’t know where we are,” Chesa said loudly.  That’s when a few boxes moved and things began to rustle.  Laces held her breath, was it possible that they were back, she should have found out if they were back.  It was stupid of her not to have found out if they were back.  She could be in a lot of danger now and no one knew where she was. 

 

“Who’s there?” Laces stumbled on her own words. 

 

“That voice sounds awfully familiar,” someone called back. 

 

“But I can’t place it,” another voice from a different corner of the room said.  There were hush tones from every part of the room. 

 

“Where are we?” Chesa asked preparing herself for a fight as she scanned the room.  There was no way to tell how many of them there were though. 

 

“You’re in an abandoned warehouse miss,” a voice from above them said.  Laces and Chesa looked up quickly and there sat a boy not older then 12 with old musty clothing on and a patched up Jacket.  His hair was shaggy and red.  He squinted down at the girls he looked at Chesa for a moment but dismissed her.  He then focused his attention on Laces.  He didn’t move his eyes from her for a long while.  Or what seemed like a long while and then he whistled. 

 

“Well I’ll be, I never thought to see you around these parts after what happened.”

 

“What parts are these?” Chesa demanded, her fear gone but her fists still high. 

 

“An abandoned warehouse I told ya, I don’t remember ya.  Running with a different crowd dearie?” he asked.  Laces smiled, he had some Irish accent left, unlike Spot and Blue and even Critter who were all Irish but they had never really lived in Ireland so they had never talked as Irish men. 

 

“You scared me,” Laces finally said something to the boy. 

 

“Did I now, well then that was your own fault Lassie, ya should have found out if they was still here.  What would ya have done then?” The boy frowned at her. 

 

“I would have found a way to get meself out of the mess, now are you still running a gang?” she asked him, thinking that for sure the boy had to be the leader if he was the one that talked first. 

 

“Indeed lass, we still running a gang.  Not as tight knit as it used to be I do say, but it’s still a gang and a betta one if ya ask me.” The boy smiled and jumped down signaling that it was all right the others came out one by one and went back to doing their own things. 

 

“Well, I’m...” Laces started, but was cut off by the boy who laughed loudly. 

 

“I know who ya are.  I don’t think there is a lad or lass in here who don’t know who ya are.  We saw ya before, so sorry about that mishap miss.  We would have helped more if we could have.” The boy shrugged.  “But here let me put ya into the light of me name, I’m Thomas, betta known as Tom.”

 

“Well then Thomas, would ya mind putting me into the light about where this is?!” Chesa said in a frustrated tone. 

 

“I suppose ya must be English?” the boy asked. 

 

“And why would you say that?” Chesa demanded. 

 

“Because the English don’t got much patience in ‘em.” Tom shrugged but answered her question.  “Ya are in the infamous building of Bobby and Pepper Cruelli Pick Pocketing Gangs.” Tom bowed at the end of it. 

 

“Cruelli?  Ya didn’t know if they were here or not and ya came in here anyway!  What are you stupid!  We could have been in some serious danger!  I mean doesn’t Pepper still want some kind of revenge on ya?” Chesa went off.  Laces shrugged, she knew that there might have been danger but she wasn’t going to admit that the thought had only crossed her mind when they entered the building. 

 

“Nothing has happened, I say leave what was in the past there.  Don’t go asking what ifs.  They ain’t no good for you ya know.” Tom smiled.  Laces had decided that she liked him, and at each smile she liked him more. 

 

“Thomas, stop ya flirting with ‘em.” A tall girl with shaggy black hair that was tied up into a bun came over with one hand behind her back in her back pocket and the other in the front looped onto the top of her pants.  The pants were a little big and even looked like they were made from an old skirt.  The same material was used to make herself a coat but no one would ever say anything about it. 

 

“I’m Karen and I am sure that ya would not return to a place like this after what happened to you unless ya had some reason.” She smiled.  Tom shrugged but smiled still, even though he had been accused of flirting.  Chesa had her arms crossed and was wearing a hard look on her face.  She was a little angry that she herself had not thought of what this place was, but still even more annoyed with the fact that Laces could have gotten them into serious trouble. 

 

“I am here for a reason.  I am glad to hear about this new gang though, I hope that it all works out well,” Laces said being polite. 

 

“Come now, dear, we ain’t got all day for this politeness.  What is it ya need?” Karen asked. 

 

“Have you both been here for a long time?” Laces asked.  

 

“Long enough.” Tom nodded. 

 

“Well, I am in search of a girl who use to be here,” Laces stated. 

 

“A pickpocket?” Tom asked. 

 

“Or a doll?” Karen asked. 

 

“A doll,” Laces responded. 

 

“Well, most of those girls moved out of here after that whole things happened.  Poor babes some of them, so young went off to do the same thing.  The older ones I’ve heard found work performing.” Karen nodded. 

 

“Which doll ya looking for?  Was she older?  Or younger?” Tom asked. 

 

“Well, she wasn’t here when it happened.  It was Pixie.”

 

“Oh dear, that was a long time ago that she was here.  She ran away a few times ,but that last time she did it.  She got away from this place, I never met her.” Karen shook her head. 

 

“She was here when I was younger, I did meet her.  She wasn’t allowed to talk much though you understand.  Of course that didn’t stop the pretty thing.  She had golden locks and green eyes like that of the homeland.  She was not tall, not short either though.  She talked to me a few times, she was a sweet girl.  What would ya like to know about her?” Tom asked. 

 

“I would like to know where I might be able to find her?” Laces asked. 

 

“The only thing that I can tell you is that she might be in Manhattan or Coney.  Coney would have been the place she could have gone when she ran away.  Or Manhattan because there were people who could hide her there.  Or so I came to believe she always talked about how wonderful Manhattan was.” Tom shrugged. 

 

“Was there anyone that she knew?  Anyone I might be able to find, or ask about?” Laces was almost begging. 

 

“Well, all the people that I ever saw her with is Pepper.  She was never like she really was around him though.  She was always with the younger dolls.  There use to be this girl that brought her things and that Pixie sent off with other bundles, but one day Gerry found her and grabbed her and pulled her in.  She was a young thing then, I had almost forgotten that she hadn’t been here forever,” Tom said to himself. 

 

“Who was it?” Laces felt like shaking the boy for his information, she wanted the facts not the story along with them. 

 

“Spring of course.  Pepper’s favorite girl, he loved her from the moment that Gerry brought her in.  He almost kicked Gerry out for mistreating such a ‘beautiful creature’ were his exact words I believe.”

 

“They both loved each other,” Karen added.  Laces had almost forgotten she was there, and with Karen speaking she was brought back to the real world.  She turned around to glance at Chesa.  She was still looking like she was in a foul mood, but Laces directed her attention to Tom and Karen. 

 

“So, you think that the best places to look are Coney and Manhattan?” Laces asked. 

 

“Those would be the luckiest places to see.”

 

“Thank you.  Ya don’t know how much you have helped me.” Laces smiled.  Tom returned the smile and Karen smirked. 

 

“Welcome, say hello to Jim for us will ya.” Karen winked. 

 

“Jim?  Cap, of course.” Laces nodded.  She had forgotten that he had been called Jim by all the pickpockets because it was easier for Pepper to keep him from being known as the missing Brooklyn boy. 

 

“Thanks again.” Laces nodded and walked away from them both.  Chesa followed seeing there was no point in sulking to people she didn’t even know.  Once they were out of the building she again went at Laces. 

 

“I don’t believe you were so stupid,” she said. 

 

“Nothing happened, just let it go will ya and then I’ll tell ya where we’re going next,” Laces promised.  Chesa frowned but shrugged, she was going to get no where with the conversation but she was planning on telling Critter of the stupid action that Laces took. 

 

“Fine, where are we going?” Chesa asked.  “Manhattan?”

 

“Yeah.” Laces nodded.  “Medda’s.”

 

“Medda’s huh?” Chesa nodded and looked at her shadow a minute and nodded again.  “We better get a hurry in case we have to get to Coney before 3.  I’ll show you a faster way to get to Medda’s.” And Chesa took off in front.  Laces followed with no objection, after all they were suppose to be working on this mission together and if they were going to get there faster then why not take Chesa’s way.  The two girls flew through the alleys and up and down buildings. 

 

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

 

Critter sat in the nest with Matches who was the only one who wasn’t on a run with someone.  Daisy had gone to check up on Harlem and Bronx because she hadn’t been around those parts in days. 

 

“So Matches, what do you think of them?” Critter asked leaning back on his chair opening his pocket watch slowly. 

 

“Well they’ve gotten better,” Matches responded. 

 

“But?” Critter said glancing at the watch before closing it again. 

 

“Crit, they ain’t never gonna be your guys.” Matches shrugged.  “They good in their own way, not in that way.”

 

“I suppose you’re right.” Critter nodded.  “So what do you think I should do when I leave?”

 

“Leave?” Matches sounded a bit surprised. 

 

“I ain’t staying forever, I don’t fit here anymore and ya know that,” Critter responded letting his chair fall back to it’s normal standing position. 

 

“I know, but it’s just.  I don’t know.  I didn’t think you would be leaving any time soon.” Matches shrugged. 

 

“Well, I think that two more days of this training tops.  Then everyone goes back to what they use to do.  I will stick around for another week or so.  Then I going to move into my new nest.” Critter winked. 

 

“Ya already found a place?” Matches asked. 

 

“I never go out into the world unprepared.” Critter nodded. 

 

“I suppose that will be the end of the birds.  I always supposed that as long as you were floating around then the birds still existed.  But now there ain’t any of you left.  Yes there are birds in your place.  Brooklyn birds, but they aren’t the same and never will be I suppose.”

 

“Everything has to change sometime.” Critter nodded. 

 

“I guess it does, but ya never expect it to.  I mean you think it will, but never would ya have guess that it really would.” Matches nodded. 

 

“So, why didn’t you take charge of this place after the last one of us left?” Critter asked. 

 

“I always figured you would come back, and you did.  Besides, I was never one to be in charge.” Matches smiled. 

 

“No, ya were never one for many things.  Some would say you were lazy.” Critter laughed. 

 

“But I ain’t see.” Matches winked. 

 

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

 

Filly and Jasper waltzed into Tibby’s as if it were an everyday occurrence that they should be in Manhattan.  When in truth it had been almost a year since Jasper had last been in Manhattan and Filly though constantly in the area never entered Tibby’s.  No one looked up when they entered.  It was normal for someone to come into the restaurant sooner or later everyone figured out who it had been there was no need to move to see who it was.  Filly though not having really been in Tibby’s took a moment to spot Jack at his table.  She walked over and Jasper followed; they sat down. 

 

“Jasper?  Filly?” Jack was surprised to see them.  He was sitting with David.  David ignored them for the time being knowing he would be introduced after the talk was over with. 

 

“Jack,” they both said at the same time. 

 

“Everything all right?” Jack whispered. 

 

“Fine, everything is fine.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“We actually looking for something.” Filly nodded. 

 

“Oh looking for something huh?”

 

“Yeah, we hunting for something.  We need to find Hunter,” Filly said. 

 

“Hunter, well that I can help you with.  He lives near 32nd street.  He is in one of those apartments, I ain’t sure which one I ain’t never really used the door.  I don’t see him much there.  Mostly when we talk it’s in Central Park.” Jack shrugged as he leaned back. 

 

“Thanks Jack.” Filly nodded. 

 

“Wait, I have a few questions for you.” Jack grabbed Filly’s wrist lightly as she started to move away. 

 

“She’s fine Jack,” Filly responded. 

 

“He sent her in search of Pixie,” Jasper said. 

 

“She’s with Chesa though, so she ain’t alone on it.”

 

“All right, but when do you think she’ll be done?” Jack asked.  They both shrugged, neither had any idea when anything would be done nor had they really thought about it.  Birds had a tendency to think only about present situations not what was going to happen later unless it was necessary. 

 

“We don’t know when this is going to be done,” Jasper replied. 

 

“It should be soon though right?” Jack looked hopeful. 

 

“If it doesn’t end soon, he will tell her to go home soon.” Filly nodded.  “He starting to see that if she is trained like a bird, and if she is treated like a bird, she will be a bird and once a bird you are always a bird.  And with Laces acting like a bird there would a great chaos because well, it would throw all the birds who are watching her for a loop.” Filly smiled at the thought.  Laces did now know that there was always someone following her and watching her.  If she put the things together she could also figure out who was following her and sometimes might even be able to outsmart the bird or outrun the bird.  Either way the bird would lose her and that would not be good if she was in a dangerous situation.  Jack nodded taking the idea in his mind and turning it lightly. 

 

Filly and Jasper headed out without talking to anyone else or being introduced to anyone else.  David watched them leave and then looked at Jack.  He had guessed what they were because of the conversation.  He didn’t understand what they were doing, but he never really understood the inner workings of the New York street kids. 

 

“Jack, is everything ok?” David asked after Jack was silent for a few more minutes.  Jack snapped his head up and then looked at David slowly nodded.

 

“Everything is fine, it’s just Filly made me think of something.” Jack sighed. 

 

“Oh, well what about the meeting that you have with Decker on Friday, do you know what that’s about yet?” David asked. 

 

“No, just something about a warning to us about someone or something like that.  I really ain’t to sure, that Decker kid is more fancy talk then action.” Jack shrugged. 

 

“And Skittery and Blink are going to Brooklyn on Friday?” David asked. 

 

“They are?” Jack replied confused.  David smiled a bit, there was no doubt that Jack was thinking about Laces. 

 

“Don’t you remember they were going to Brooklyn to check on Laces, they said they will probably bring her back.”

 

“Oh that, yeah I’m sure that they will.” Jack rolled his eyes.  Pixie came running towards him and David.  She was being followed by Sand. 

 

“Jack!” she hollered and ducked under the table protecting herself with Jack’s legs.  Sand stopped right at the beginning of the table and smiled with ease at Jack. 

 

“What are you two doing now?” Jack laughed a bit. 

 

“We were playing tag, that’s all and she don’t get that it’s all right to tagged.” Sand sighed. 

 

“I’m sure she don’t, so how’s selling been?” Jack asked the younger boy. 

 

“All right, I suppose.  Business ain’t been the best lately, I ain’t sure why.” Sand shrugged. 

 

“Don’t worry about it kid, it’s just the headlines have been slow, hard to sell a paper when nothing is happening nowhere.” Jack shrugged. 

 

“I suppose so.” Sand nodded and headed over to the table that Snipeshooter was sitting at with Scotch and a few of the other younger members of the Manhattan newsies crowd. 

 

“Jack, when are you old enough to walk around the city alone like everyone else?” Pixie asked setting her hand on her small baby hand. 

 

“Well Pix, we’ll see about that all right.  Why do you want to walk around by yourself?” Jack asked frowning.  There was no way that he was letting this little girl walk around the city by herself.  He didn’t even like it when Laces walked around the city by herself. 

 

“Sometimes the others say that I am a baby because I ain’t even allowed to walk around the city by meself.” Pixie pouted a bit. 

 

“Well Pix, ya are younger then everyone else and there ain’t nothing wrong with that.  Don’t try and grow up in a hurry.  Now go on, go play some more.  No more of this nonsense.” Jack smiled at the little girl and Pixie went off. 

 

“You grow up all too fast on the streets, don’t need to hurry it along.” Jack shook his head. 

 

“I guess you can delay it for as long as you want to.” David nodded staring after the little girl. 

 

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

 

Laces and Chesa stood in a dark alley behind Irving Hall and knocked on the door.  Someone opened it but in the poor light that was coming from both inside and outside Laces was unable to tell who it was until she began talking. 

 

“Come in.” She sighed.  Laces smiled and walked in, Chesa following. 

 

“Lily, how are you?” Laces said as Lily went to light the nearest lamp. 

 

“I’m fine, and you dear I thought you were in Brooklyn still.  By the way the boys have been complaining I could have sworn you weren’t around yet.” Lily smiled and lit the lamp slowly and picked it up. 

 

“They complain too much.” Laces laughed. 

 

“Aren’t the only ones,” Chesa mumbled. 

 

“Come upstairs dear, it’s much warmer up there.  And the girls would love to see you again.  Who is that you brought with you?” Lily asked as she led the way up the stairs. 

 

“Chesapeake.  That’s who I’ve brought with me,” Laces replied.  Lily seemed to stop for a moment, but then kept going as if nothing had struck her about the name at all.  Once upstairs on stage level as it was called Lily turned off the lamp the stage lights being on and back stage lights shinning as well it was not needed.  Spring sat in the nearest chair fixing her hair in front of mirror. 

 

“Why Laces!  Dear I thought you were in Brooklyn, are you in some kind of trouble again?” Spring asked as she spun around and smiled brightly at Laces.  Laces laughed. 

 

“I’m not always in trouble,” Laces responded. 

 

“Whenever we see you, you are.” Jasmine smiled as she brushed passed her and onto the stage.  Where she began to dance a bit before producing to sing. 

 

“Chesapeake?” Lily sighed softly as she took a look at Chesa.  Chesa was staring at the ground, she knew that Lily was looking at her.  She also knew who Lily was, but that was almost impossible to run into them.  Laces knew them, she knew where they were that was even harder to believe than the fact that she was standing in the same room with them. 

 

“Chesapeake?” Spring snapped her head in the direction that Lily was looking and Laces frowned. 

 

“Yes, that is Chesa.  She’s a friend who is helping me.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“Helping you with what?” Lily asked. 

 

“Finding Pixie.”

 

“Did she get lost?” Melly was alarmed. 

 

“No, not that Pixie.” Laces shook her head. 

 

“I knew your curiosity would send you on a search for her sooner or later.  Do you know us Chesapeake?” Lily asked as she took a seat.  Just at that moment Medda came rushing backstage in a long bath robe her hair down completely and looking rather unlike her usual self. 

 

“Girls, I need help with the new dress that I got.  Anyone not busy?” she asked.  Laces smiled a bit, Irving Hall the place of never ending games of make-up and dress-up.  The girls were always practicing or getting ready for a show. 

 

“I’ll help you,” Laces volunteered. 

 

“Laces, why my dear.  I didn’t know that you were back in town.” Medda looked surprised. 

 

“No one does.” Laces nodded getting sick of the reaction already.  She wasn’t one to like things being repeated to her.  That was why she now hated being referred to as a Kai, that’s all anyone ever bothered to learn about her.  It’s the one things people counted their entire opinion on. 

 

“All right, dear come then.  I need to get ready with the dress quick so that I will have time to do my hair and make-up.  I can’t very well go on stage looking like this.” Medda took hold of Laces hand and the two went off.  Leaving the girls to practice and Spring, Lily and Chesa to talk.  The silence over the three grew intense before Lily repeated her question. 

 

“Do you know us?” she asked. 

 

“Yeah, I haven’t forgotten you.” Chesa looked up now. 

 

“So why are you looking for Pixie?” Spring asked. 

 

“She still owes me a buck.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“You still whining about that.” Lily almost laughed. 

 

“How come you don’t know where to find her?” Spring asked. 

 

“Do you know where to find her?” Chesa demanded. 

 

“No, but we’re not in your business,” Spring replied. 

 

“I ain’t really into me business anymore.  Right now I am there for a little while, but I don’t do that stuff no more.  Sides, I haven’t seen or really thought about Pix since that last time that I saw her.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“When was that?” Lily asked.  The three girls were sitting closely together in front of Spring’s mirror.  None of the other girls bothered with them.  They were tied up in their own practicing and things to care. 

 

“I was 13,” Chesa replied as if that were enough information to prove that it had been a long time since she had seen Pixie. 

 

“How old was she then?” Spring thought to herself. 

 

“About 20 I believe.  It’s been five years.” Chesa nodded. 

 

“That’s right after she ran away.  I was always surprised that you were never caught.” Spring shook her head. 

 

“Pixie always complained about you not being more careful and how you should just stop coming all together.” Lily nodded as she started to take curlers into her straight pale brown hair. 

 

“Pixie did enjoy your company though, from that one day she meet you on that roof.  Of course I knew Laces would go looking for her sooner or later.  She was one of Peach’s best friends.  The only one that is still alive that ever met Bryan then.  She has such a thrill for anything about Bryan.”

 

“Yeah I guess she does.” Chesa nodded shaking her hair out of her face.  Spring turned around and started putting on some blush. 

 

“So what have you been doing with you’re life?” Spring asked. 

 

“Wait, where can I find her?” Chesa asked. 

 

“We haven’t seen her in a while either dear.  But the safest bet would be Coney Island, she always liked it there and she knew that it was hard for Pepper to get there.  She might be somewhere else if she has found out about Pepper though.”

 

“Go ask at the people at the pub on 22nd.  If I remember correctly, she had some friends there,” Lily said. 

 

“Thanks, I haven’t done much.  Been here and there trying to figure out what to do with my life.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

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

 

Filly and Jasper were standing around Central Park, Filly had a feeling that they should sit around the park before trying to find his apartment on 32nd street.  Her and Jasper sat on one of the benches beneath the large trees that were swaying back and forth in the wind.  There were very few clouds in the sky and the weather was a nice early summer forecast.  Filly watched people pass by, taking in their every detail.  Jasper watched the trees and leaves fall sometimes when the wind torn them from the branch. 

 

Newsies could be heard shouting after a short while, lunch was over and they were back to selling the afternoon edition.  The headlines were slow, Filly nodded as she strain to listen to the headline. 

 

“Three men have been swindled!” Someone called out.  She laughed knowing it was either a new newsies or a newsies not from Manhattan.  That trick was overused everywhere, and Jack didn’t like it so not one of the Manhattan newsies ever used it, unless it was needed.  But there was always something that you could improve, improving was always better then making something up.  Just then Filly caught a glimpse of a man walking down the little path with a child in hand.  She didn’t look at the child, took notice of him yes, but didn’t look at him.  She instead stared at the man, she knew him.  Then she jumped. 

 

“There he is.” Jasper nodding in a patient way that he did, he wasn’t one to jump the gun.  He preferred to take his time doing things so that he would only have to do them once and not several times because of lack of effort the first time. 

 

“HUNTER!” Filly said loud enough for many people around to turn and stare at her, but she wasn’t looking at them she was only looking at him.  He did turn slower then the rest, maybe hoping that she wouldn’t notice that it was him.  She knew that he had seen her as he brushed past her.  He was Hunter and he noticed everything.  That’s why he was a bird.  He knew that she was going to call him and he was sure that she was staring at him when he turned around.  There she stood eyes at level with his, not once blinking even in fear that he would disappear.  Jasper stood up and made sure that the people around would keep walking and not stand and stare.  Hunter was tall and had broad shoulders.  He was of fair skin and had blonde hair.  He was originally an Englishmen, that’s where he had gotten his name, he used to hunt for sport when he lived in England, but that was before.  He had gray eyes, unlike any other eyes that were light and never changed colors or glittered with any emotion.  He had large rough hands that proved he had worked his way through the world.  In his large hand, there was a small baby hand of a small boy.  The small boy had blonde hair and light eyes, he was wearing shorts and a nice shirt that tucked into his shorts.  He was wearing the fashionable child bow tie and a newsie cap.  Filly smiled, he looked like Hunter. 

 

Hunter, as Filly was examining him, had taken steps closer and was standing right in front of her when she snapped back into reality. 

 

“That took too long.” He smiled as he lifted his child and let him sit on the bench next to Jasper. 

 

“Jasper, my boy, how have you been?” Hunter asked. 

 

“All’s well.  I’m sure you know that we are under some kind of test at the moment.”

 

“Yeah, I know he can be a pain sometimes, can’t he.  I told him to just leave it be, but he couldn’t.  He doesn’t want the birds to lose their meaning.  Besides, you were getting sloppy.” Hunter nodded. 

 

“So he did know where to find you.” Filly pouted a bit. 

 

“My dear, he not only knew he told me and asked me to help him train you all.  I couldn’t though.  I don’t have the time to go, not with Derek and Beth.  Beth is having another one, we’re hoping for a girl.” Hunter winked at Filly.  She smiled, but knew that he was about to get serious about the fact that she was getting sloppy. 

 

“Derek, that’s a nice name.  You look like you’re father.” Jasper smiled at the small boy. 

 

“I know.” Derek nodded almost whispering. 

 

“His mother has him locked up to much.” Hunter shook his head.  Then he turned his attention to Filly. 

 

“That was a very sloppy job.” He shook his head.  Filly hung her head. 

 

“I know.”

 

“If you know then why did you do it?” Hunter asked. 

 

“It just happened.”

 

“No wonder Critter wanted to come back and train you all again.  What did I tell you about things just happening?  You should be darn good at things like this.” Hunter looked at her a moment. 

 

“I know, I’m sorry.  It’s just I didn’t really think I would find you here.”

 

“Always expect…”

 

“The unexpected.  I know.” Filly nodded finishing Hunter’s saying. 

 

“Well come on, I might as well let you come and meet Beth.” Hunter smiled.  Jasper laughed and stood up.  Filly looked at the small boy and smiled. 

 

“So, what do you think of you’re dad?” Filly asked.  Derek was looking at his shoes, he wasn’t used to people, that Filly could tell. 

 

“He’s my dad.” Derek shrugged.  Filly was stepping lightly keeping in step with the small boy, Jasper and Hunter were walking behind them.  Hunter watching carefully out of the corner of his eye while talking with Jasper about old news and new. 

 

“How old are you?” Filly asked.  She had her head bent down even though Derek would not look up. 

 

“Seven,” he whispered.  Filly sighed, was it normal for a seven year old to be this quiet.  She was trying to think of herself at seven, but the thoughts did not help.  She then tried to think of the younger newsies but all she could picture was smaller versions of the boys.  When you’re a newsies at a young age you act like the older newsies do sometimes with childish traits but not often.  Everyone has to grow up fast on the streets. 

 

“Do you know how to play tag?” Filly asked suddenly. 

 

“Tag?” Derek now looked up. 

 

“Yeah.” Filly nodded smiling.  Derek looked at her eyes wide. 

 

“I’ve never played but I watch the others play.” Derek smiled. 

 

“Well then, that should change.  You’re it!” Filly tagged the small boy lightly and started off running not fast, but quickly.  Derek stood dumbfounded for a moment and then took off after her.  Hunter grinned, it was about time Derek had some interaction with his past he decided.  His past would make him use to the world, unlike Beth’s.  Beth wanted Derek to live at home and not be touched by the world because it might hurt him, but Hunter had different ideas.  He, of course, was still a worried father and called after Filly lightly. 

 

“Don’t go too far!”

 

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

 

Critter was walking towards the docks, it had been a while since he had even stepped foot on the area near the docks let alone the docks themselves.  The Brooklyn boys were there, they never failed they were always there.  Critter looked down to the end and saw Spot practicing his aim with Bottle Cap.  He smiled at their silhouetted bodies, Bottle Cap was growing older and into the Brooklyn body.  He shook his head, it seemed impossible that Spot would ever look out of place among these boys, on this dock, playing with the slingshot.  Impossible for Spot, but for him, Critter O’Connell, time had come to move on. 

 

People knew who he was of course, but kids on the streets were changing everyday and sooner or later he would just be a name.  He knew it, that the streets took their legends let them live and then just keep their names never minding what happened to the actual legends.  Some survived of course, but doing something else.  Living a life that wasn’t underground fame and glory.  He smiled, he was worried and even scared, he admitted it, but he didn’t care to live his bird life anymore.  He shrugged and walked down the dock. 

 

He was greeted by the boys who saw him and when he reached the end of the dock Bottle Cap was aiming at an already broken bottle. 

 

“Keep at it, don’t miss,” Spot instructed.  Both noticed Critter, but Critter said not a word.  He would wait until Cap had shot, it was only right.  They were practicing and it wouldn’t be fair for Bottle Cap to miss on his account.  Cap had noticed him but he wasn’t going to say anything until he shot and hopefully hit the bottle otherwise Spot would be mad.  Spot smirked at Critter, but said nothing else about it.  Cap shot and the marble nicked the top of the bottle.  Spot shook his head and sat down on the nearest crate.  Cap looked disappointed. 

 

“You’re lifting the rubber band too much kid.” Critter finally broke the silence. 

 

“Yeah, that and you watching the bottle, look beyond it’s easier to hit things that way.” Spot nodded. 

 

“All right, I’m going to take a swim.” Bottle Cap walked away and took off his over shirt before jumping into the East River. 

 

“The kid’s coming along well Conlon.” Critter took a step also. 

 

“He’s not going to do it.” Spot shook his head. 

 

“He isn’t?  Why, do you have someone else in mind?”

 

“No.” Spot shook his head again.  Then there was a long silence. 

 

“Then why?” Critter asked. 

 

“He can’t.  He told me he couldn’t.  I ain’t going to force him.  That ain’t never going to work.” Spot shrugged watching Cap join some of the others. 

 

“Conlon, I just came to tell you that this is going to end.  By next week I’ll be done.  And well, I’m going to get lost for a little while.  Ain’t sure how long.”

 

“Going to find a job?” Spot titled his head a little. 

 

“Yeah, I am.  Hoping that an old friend can help me do that in Little Italy.” Critter nodded. 

 

“So when are you going to ask?” Spot crossed his arms.  The sun was beginning to set in and the colors were rubbed into each other making the city look peaceful. 

 

“I was getting to that Conlon, all right.  But I don’t see why I have to ask you.” Critter frowned. 

 

“You don’t, I was asking when you were going to ask her.” Spot lifted an eyebrow amused at the idea that Critter had thought he wanted to ask permission from him. 

 

“Not until I find a job.”

 

“What is she going to do until then?  Be a newsies?  Ya said it yourself she ain’t never been on the streets in her life.” Spot looked again at the boys swimming. 

 

“No, I’ve already found her a job.  She starts next week being a nanny, she has references and everything for that.  It wasn’t hard, she knows.” Critter sighed. 

 

“What about Laces?” Spot asked. 

 

“She’s off looking for Pixie today, she’s ready Conlon.  You run into trouble with her, I’ll be here in a second.  Believe me, me and the birds will watch her, but I need her to leave soon.  She’s getting too good at it, I knew she would.  Took her longer than I thought, it took all of them longer then I thought.  I can’t tell her to leave though.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“Just tell her you’re proud of her,” Spot suggested. 

 

“Can’t, it would make her head too big.  Sides, even if I tell her that, don’t you get it, she will keep coming back to the birds and I don’t mind that too much, but when she starts acting like a bird she won’t stop.  Then it will be harder for the birds to keep track of her.  Believe me, it’s true what Hunter use to say, once you’re a bird you are always a bird.”

 

“Yeah I know what you mean.” Spot nodded.  “Well, how do you think you’ll get her out?”

 

“I know that Jack is a little annoyed with the whole thing, but he lets her be, he wants her happy.  But I also know that the Manhattan boys are annoyed that she hasn’t been around in while.  So from what I have collected they are coming on Friday and I will make sure they take her with them.” Critter shrugged.  “It’s better.”

 

“I suppose you’re right.  She won’t like it.” Spot smiled. 

 

“No I guess she won’t.” Critter shrugged.  “You are going to that meeting on Friday?”

 

“What meeting?” Spot looked surprised. 

 

“The one with Decker, none of them have told you?” Critter demanded. 

 

“Who would have told me?” Spot frowned. 

 

“Come on, you can’t tell me all of them have stayed off the streets.  None of them have told you anything all this time?  They’re birds, I can name a few who I know have been taking runs even though I told them not to.” Critter grinned. 

 

“Yeah, they have been telling me things here and there.  But as we were saying the other day, it’s like this city knows when not to do anything.  It understands that we can’t be left in the dark, that these birds need to train.” Spot shrugged.  Critter laughed. 

 

“It’s an old city, it knows more then we give her credit for.”

 

“Yeah, I am going to the meeting on Friday.  I wonder what the kid wants.”

 

“Who knows.” Critter shrugged.  “We’re all right now aren’t we Conlon?” Critter looked straight at Spot.  Spot looked to the side for a moment and then nodded as he directed his eyes back to Critter. 

 

“Of course, what would become of this city if we weren’t?” Spot smiled. 

 

“We’d tear it apart fighting I suppose.”

 

“Neither of you would ever hurt each other.” BC came walking down the dock smiling brightly. 

 

“And how would you know?” Critter demanded. 

 

“You’re too good of friends to hurt each other.” BC came over to Spot and sat next to him. 

 

“Are we now?  And how would you know that?” Spot demanded as he smiled at her. 

 

“Oh, I know everything.  If I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to be you’re girl.” BC laughed. 

 

“She’s got a point there.” Spot nodded. 

 

“I could hurt that little wimp anytime I wanted.” Critter crossed his arms. 

 

“You could not!” Spot shook his head. 

 

“The sun is setting fast, I have to get back to the nest.  See ya around Conlon.” Critter winked and got up and left quickly.  Spot glared at him for a second or two and then turned to BC. 

 

“So what is it that you have been doing all day?” Spot asked.  

 

“I’ve sold papes.” BC frowned.  “What else would I do all day?”

 

“It took you this long to sell all you’re papers?” Spot grinned. 

 

“Yes!  The headlines were bad!” BC punched him lightly. 

 

“Not that bad!” Spot rubbed his shoulder lightly.  Then he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her in for a light kiss before standing up and stretching. 

 

“I’m going to take a swim,” he stated as he dove into the water after throwing his shirt off.  BC sat watching him and the Brooklyn newsies.  She was turning an idea around in her head.  She hadn’t been selling papers all day, she had been looking for a job.  She liked being a newsies, but she wasn’t the best at it.  She could make up great new headlines or stories, but most of the time they were nowhere near the true meaning of the article and she knew that one day someone would say something.  Besides, she was bored of being a newsie already, she wanted something new to do.  She had wondered from job to job for so long that she was use to doing different things.  So she sat thinking about the jobs she had seen through out the day and watching Spot swim. 

 

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

 

Laces and Chesa walked into the Pub on 22nd street, it was a small place with a green tinted front display window.  The door had a little bell over it and it rang loudly when they entered.  No one though bothered to look up.  There was poor lighting but it was still day so there was no real need for the lights for two reasons: one there were not many people there and two some light was coming from the windows no matter how dark they were tinted.  Chesa sat down at the bar feeling at place at once, Laces though wondered around a bit.  They had both decided to not be in the same place or ask the same people.  Chesa ordered a beer and Laces sat down to play a game of poker.  She didn’t bet more then two cents though knowing she would lose all she had if she bet more. 

 

“I am looking for someone mister,” Chesa carelessly stated to the bartender. 

 

“Yeah, well maybe I know something about that someone.” The bartender leaned onto his elbows. 

 

“Her name is Pixie.” Chesa sighed. 

 

“Pixie, now why would you be looking for someone of that name?” the bartender stood straighter and Chesa knew that he knew where to find her. 

 

“I’m an old friend, who would love to see her.  I haven’t seen her for a long time.” The bartender started to shake his head quickly and Chesa smiled a little as she quickly added. 

 

“No, I’m not with the friends that you are thinking.  Those are long gone, in jail in fact.  One is dead even, I don’t think she should worry about them anymore,” Chesa whispered.  The bartender squinted at her for a moment and then looked around the bar.  Laces was watching them cautiously and quickly looked back at her cards. 

 

“Let me see if the cook has heard of her.” The bartender walked away into the back.  Chesa skimmed the room, she was trying to figure out if there was going to be someone staring at her from somewhere else, of if he was going to ask someone if they knew about Pixie’s friends. 

 

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

 

Glancing around nervously, Pixie spotted the girl that the bartender had told her was asking about her.  She didn’t look like any of Pepper’s girls, of course it had been years.  Five years, the girls could have grown and he could have gotten new ones.  But this girl could not be new, she was too old.  Never did Pepper or Bobby chose a girl that was over 13 to be new because it would be harder to convince them to come.  Harder to keep them, unless she was a small weak girl.  But this girl was not, she looked strong and confident another reason why she could not have been one of Pepper’s girls. 

 

“So what do I tell ‘em?” The man behind her asked. 

 

“Tell her to come up.” Pixie nodded stepping back up the stairs.  The bartender came down the stairs and up to Chesa.  She had watched him come down, but she hadn’t noticed Pixie.  Laces though had because she had been closer to the stairs and been able to see her peeking.  Laces got up quickly and slipped up the stairs careful not to make any loud noises and she tapped Pixie lightly on the shoulder when they were up the stairs.  Pixie jumped and turned around almost tripping on her own feet. 

 

“Who are you?” she whispered. 

 

“La, Audrey,” Laces said bending her head down a little. 

 

“Audrey?  What do you want?” Pixie asked still quietly but now she was puzzled. 

 

“Audrey Kai.” Laces now was staring at her shoes.  Pixie stumbled back a bit but before she could say anything Chesa came up the stairs and smiled a bit at Laces standing there all ready and then at Pixie.  Pixie stared at her, her smile and then her eyes and then grabbed the doorknob pushed the door open. 

 

“Come in,” she whispered as she herself walked in still looking at them she sat down at a little table. 

 

“Chesapeake.” Pixie had a slight smile on her face as she ignored Laces.  Laces though sat there staring at her, noticing that she was being ignored, but she didn’t care.  If there was something that she had learned from Spot it was that sooner or later people have to pay attention, even if you have to make them. 

 

“Pixie.” Chesa smiled back. 

 

“You have grown, you use to be as scrawny as you said Spot was.” Pixie laughed. 

 

“Spot ain’t scrawny no more.” Laces sighed, she had met him when he was still scrawny.  A little kid trying to be a big man and now Spot had changed, finally fits into those big shoes he always want to wear. 

 

“Ain’t he?” Pixie nodded.  “Everyone has to grow up.” At that she looked at Laces, really looked at her, not like most people had so many times before.  Not like when she had met Peach, or Pepper when they glanced at her and knew.  Pixie didn’t need to glance at her she needed to see her and Laces could feel that.  There was something she was searching for, something that she couldn’t find with just the similarity of her eyes to Bryan’s. 

 

“So Chesa did you ever get yourself into that trouble?”

 

“No, never did.  Got lost long before they even knew.  After you left, I stopped coming around as often and well the last time I was even near the place was when Cookie and Peach had to beat it for a while.  I helped them go to a place where they wouldn’t be found and then I told them to move back after a few months because they would give up.”

 

“And what about you and Critter, what happened?”

 

“Critter’s getting married.” Chesa sighed. 

 

“He is?” Laces and Pixie said at the same time.  Chesa shot a look at Laces. 

 

“You say a word to that to Conlon, or anyone else for that matter I will personally see that you never breath another word to anyone ever again, understood?” Chesa threatened.  Laces nodded and Pixie looked at her curiously. 

 

“So, no one knows about this but you and him?” Pixie asked.  Chesa shook her head. 

 

“It ain’t with me, I love him.  Always have I suppose, but you know we tried for a while and it didn’t work out.  Never would and never has.  We still act normal around each other, but we ain’t the same.  After he left for all those years I forgot about him, so I guess we never really were in love anyway.  No he’s getting married to Spot’s older sister Caitlin Conlon.” Chesa almost said the name bitterly.  Laces looked at her, she was jealous, jealous of Spot’s sister but not because she was really in love with Critter because Laces knew she wasn’t.  Laces even thought that Chesa knew she wasn’t in love, it was just the idea that someone else won Critter and she couldn’t that must be what bothered Chesa. 

 

“I didn’t know that Spot had a sister.” Pixie nodded. 

 

“Yeah neither did I, until Critter came back with her.  She apparently didn’t die in the fire and has been around for years just no one ever knew about her, not even her brother.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“Oh, and he’s still in Brooklyn?  I heard the other day that he was the leader.  And Jack is still the leader of Manhattan?” Pixie asked.  Chesa nodded. 

 

“They are.”

 

“Do you know Jack and Spot?” Laces asked. 

 

“I don’t know them, but I know their names.” Pixie nodded. 

 

“So Pix, what have you been doing with yourself?” Chesa asked taking a seat at the table. 

 

“Oh, I have been hiding for years, working as a waitress in different places.  I was in Coney for a long time before coming here.  But I love Manhattan I always have and so I came back here.  I heard about Bobby and Pepper getting put in jail, but I still don’t feel safe, like they can still get me.” Pixie shrugged. 

 

“Did you hear about Peach?” Laces asked.  Pixie turned to look at her again. 

 

“You know Peach?” She looked surprised.  Laces nodded. 

 

“I knew Peach.”

 

“Knew?” Pixie stared hard at Laces.  “How did she die?” Laces was looking at the table, as she circled her finger to make 8s lightly on the wood, the oil of her finger rubbing off leaving the imprint of the 8. 

 

“She died for me,” Laces responded quietly.  Chesa sat there looking at them both, but she wasn’t going to get involved with this conversation it was theirs. 

 

“Died for you?” Pixie echoed. 

 

“Pepper, he wanted to kill me.  He would have if she hadn’t jumped in and died, died for me.” Laces nodded. 

 

“How did he kill her?” Pixie asked. 

 

“Why is that important?” Laces suddenly looked up.  Pixie lost her soft nature and fiercely looked at Laces as she grabbed her two hands tightly around the wrists. 

 

“TELL ME!  How did he kill her!” Pixie shook Laces a bit. 

 

“He shot her, he shot her with a gun and she died almost instantly.” Laces dropped her eyes again.  Pixie dropped Laces hands and looked at them for a minute. 

 

“She said she would do that one day, but she wanted Bobby to do it.  I suppose he was in jail.  She never hated Pepper.” Pixie shook her head tears began to roll down her cheeks. 

 

“What do you mean?” Laces asked. 

 

“Oh you know the story, don’t you?  Or do you not even remember you had a brother.  He loved you so, he would be so hurt to know that his baby sister doesn’t remember him.  You know I used to love you too, so much and Peach adored you.  But she didn’t see you as much as I did.  Bryan didn’t even see you as much as I did sometimes.  He loved her, and well I was Bryan’s best friend for about a year.  That year before he died.  He wasn’t really in school that year you know, he was, but he spent more time with us.  He was getting into trouble, you’re father was beginning to notice but Bryan was still getting good enough grades and he found his way around going to class.  He was charming and who could resist him.  But he loved you, and he took you with him whenever he had a chance.  You’re mother being to busy to notice and the maids not caring, the only one who cared was the nanny, but she liked petting Caroline.  Caroline was her favorite and though Bryan loved both of you he always told me he thought you needed the love more then Caroline.  He had a feeling about you, and wanted to always protect you.  But when he wanted to see Peach, he left you with me to watch you.  Of course we wouldn’t be far from him, but I would stay with you.  You have grown, you look like him you do but more like you’re mother.  She never liked me much, she knew about me but didn’t like me.  She let Bryan do as he pleased though because he was her baby boy, and he knew how to charm any woman even you’re mother.” Pixie stopped suddenly as she noticed that Laces was still looking at the ground.  She lightly took her hand and lifted her chin so that she would be looking up.  Then she turned back to Chesa. 

 

“So how did you two end up here?” She asked dropping the subject of Peach and Bryan all together. 

 

“We were sent to find you.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“By who?” Pixie asked. 

 

“Critter, he’s training the birds again you know and so he was sending people on runs.”

 

“She’s a bird?” Pixie looked at Laces from the corner of her eye.  Laces was not looking at the table anymore instead watching Pixie.  Chesa shook her head and laughed a little. 

 

“No, she ain’t.  Spot wouldn’t like that.  She’s a newsie, lives mostly in Brooklyn but sometimes is in Manhattan too.  She’s the Brooklyn and Manhattan newsie’s doll.” Chesa sighed. 

 

“A doll?” Pixie was shocked. 

 

“Not that kind of doll, they treat her like a sister and always go around protecting her.  But the worse is Spot.  He really is like an older brother, and Jack is her boyfriend so you know between the two of them it’s surprising the girl can get into so much trouble.” Chesa shook her head. 

 

“Trouble has always been her middle name.” Pixie nodded. 

 

“Peach had a daughter.” Laces spit out. 

 

“A daughter?” Pixie turned her attention to Laces again. 

 

“Yes, she named her Pixie.  Pepper was the father, the baby doesn’t know that though.  Cookie and Tangles took care of her for a little while but then they headed west and now I took her in.  And between all of us we take care of her,” Laces said. 

 

“A baby, you would think that would happen more often.  But not even me, I don’t think many of the girls had them.  I know that sometimes they got pregnant but the baby wouldn’t last long.  They wouldn’t let them, but a baby.  A bunch of children are raising her only baby?” Pixie looked disappointed. 

 

“We aren’t children.” Laces said. 

 

“How old are you dear?” Pixie asked looking at her hard. 

 

“16,” Laces said feeling suddenly like she really was a child.  The room was getting darker and colder but none of the girls moved to do anything about it.  Pixie shook her head. 

 

“How long have you been on the streets?”

 

“Since I was 12,” Laces responded. 

 

“And who else is taking real care of her?”

 

“Spot and Jack.”

 

“And they’ve been on the streets since they could walk.” Pixie nodded. 

 

“Well yes.” Laces nodded. 

 

“She’s going to be on the streets longer then them.  Such a young baby on the streets.” Pixie shook her head. 

 

“But she’s all right, she is learning to survive.  What more would you want us to do?” Laces demanded. 

 

“I want her,” Pixie stated. 

 

“What?” Laces gaped at her. 

 

“I am surprised the other girls didn’t say anything.” Pixie sighed. 

 

“The other girls?” Chesa suddenly asked. 

 

“Well some of them must have still been around, Spring?” Pixie asked. 

 

“Spring almost died and she ain’t doing something that much better.  She sings and performs at a vaudeville theatre.  They still see her,” Chesa said. 

 

“I want her to come live with me, I have a real home and job,” Pixie said. 

 

“That’s not what we came here to talk about.” Laces shook her head. 

 

“If I would have known about you, I would have found you and taken you in too.” Pixie looked at her wondering. 

 

“I wouldn’t have let you.”

 

“I could have made you, a little girl does not belong on the streets.  Not Bryan’s little sister.” Pixie shook her head. 

 

“I was fine.”

 

“Can you assure me that she’ll be fine?” Pixie asked. 

 

“Yes.” Laces nodded vigorously, she feeling the doubt that Jack and Spot had always had about the little girl living with them.  But she had never felt that before because there had never been somewhere she could have gone that was better.  Orphanages were never better, but now she was getting offered a home, a place to always sleep and eat and where she wouldn’t have to work and she could go to school. 

 

“Can you really sweetheart.  I would love to have protected you, I can see that you have gone through your share of hell at such a young age, do you want her to do the same?  The streets aren’t nice to anyone.” Pixie shook her head. 

 

“She’s been safe so far.” Laces shook her head, she felt like she was drowning. 

 

“Has she been?” Pixie looked hard at Laces. 

 

“Yes.  She has.” Laces nodded.  Pixie shook her head. 

 

“You never got better at lying I see.  You still do that little thing where you fiddle with you’re hair.  Ever since you were a baby that was the way to see you were lying,” Pixie said.  Laces stopped playing with her hair. 

 

“You can’t have her.” Laces shook her head.  “And I didn’t come here for this.”

 

“What did you come here for?”

 

“Critter sent us looking for you.”

 

“But why did he do that?” Pixie asked. 

 

“Because she wanted to find you,” Chesa said. 

 

“Why did you want to find me?” Pixie asked. 

 

“I wanted to know more about Bryan.” Laces shrugged. 

 

“He wouldn’t have allowed you to stay on the streets.”

 

“He was dead.  No one could help me.” Laces kept shaking her head.  Pixie suddenly turned. 

 

“The sun is setting.” She sighed. 

 

“Shit!” Chesa jumped up. 

 

“What?” Pixie looked at her oddly. 

 

“We have to get out of here.  We have to get back, now Laces!” Chesa pulled Laces up. 

 

“Laces?” Pixie stared at her. 

 

“That’s what we call her.” Chesa nodded as she opened the door. 

 

“Think about it.” Was the last thing that Pixie said as Laces and Chesa ran out of the building.  Laces almost stumbling all the way down the stairs.  She ran as fast as she could with Chesa at her side, the sun was setting but it was taking it’s time.  Or so Laces hoped. 

 

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

 

Hunter led them up the stairs, Filly was ruffling up Derek’s hair and Jasper was smiling at the two.  Filly had always liked kids, not really street kids cause street kids weren’t kids, but just normal kids.  Kids that really had nothing to worry about and nothing to care about in the world. 

 

Hunter’s place was small but cozy, very homely.  Filly soon noticed why, Beth was standing in the kitchen cooking.  Never had Filly ever seen anyone who looked more like a housewife, a perfect housewife.  Not just one that looked like she belonged one that looked like she knew, loved and ruled the little house.  She was not tall, had light brown hair that was loose, but almost perfectly up in a bun.  Her face was flushed, but not too much, her hands were small and looked delicate but hardworking.  Her eyes were almond shaped and were brown.  She wore a pink apron, but she looked good in it.  Filly was a little shocked, she didn’t even know that people like Beth existed, and moreover that Hunter had married her. 

 

“Good afternoon Henry, you didn’t tell me that you were brining guests over,” Beth said smiling still. 

 

“Oh, sorry dear.  I didn’t really know that I was brining guests over.  These are some old friends that I haven’t seen in years and well I wanted them to come and meet you.” Hunter smiled. 

 

“Of course, let me get some more dinner onto the stove and then I will bring you all some tea.  I am Beth,” she said stepping out of her small kitchen for a moment and holding out her hand to Jasper first. 

 

“Casper ma’am.  Pleasure meeting you.” Jasper smiled.  Filly was a little shocked at the use of his real name, he introduced himself with his real name.  Was she supposed to do the same, Hunter saw her distressed look and as she took Beth’s hand he introduced her. 

 

“And this is Phyllis Ingles.” Hunter smiled because Filly now looked surprised that he remembered her real name. 

 

“Nice meeting you both, now if you’ll excuse me I need to put on more dinner and I will join you in a moment.  Derek sweetheart go get cleaned up.” Beth smiled. 

 

“But momma,” T\the little boy started, Beth looked at him surprised for a moment and Hunter reacted quickly. 

 

“Do what you’re mother says,” he said as he pushed the boy down the hall.  Beth stood there for a moment and then kept going on her way to the kitchen to finish up dinner.  Hunter sat down and offered a seat to Jasper and Filly. 

 

“Now, all you need to really prove that you were here is to give the address and tell a little about everything we talk about.” Hunter shrugged. 

 

“So you still talk to Critter?” Jasper smiled. 

 

“Coise, he was my closest friend since we were young.  We don’t see each other often anymore though, he was with Cat so much for those few years.  Now though he’s training and sometimes he comes and sees me later at night.  I think that after he gets settled though I should be seeing a lot of him.” Hunter nodded. 

 

“Settled down?” Filly thought about it a moment, it was true that Critter had been gone for the last few years.  It wasn’t like he was still much of a bird, and she wasn’t sure if he had been settled while he was away but the thought didn’t seem right.  Critter was the bird, the one that started it all, it felt like it was only right for him to always be a bird. 

 

“People do that you know Filly, once they grow up.” Hunter smiled at her. 

 

“Yeah I guess they do.” Filly shrugged. 

 

“So I’ve heard that you still are one of the best.  Which would please me, but then there’s also the fact that everyone is very rusty.” Hunter frowned a bit in a good humored way. 

 

“I am not rusty.” Filly shook her head. 

 

“Have you been taking runs while Critter said you weren’t supposed to be?” Hunter asked her, looking straight into her eyes. 

 

“Maybe.  Critter can’t tell me what to do.”

 

“You got that problem, you always have.” Hunter nodded.  “Thought you might have grown out of it by now.”

 

“I don’t have a problem!” Filly shook her head. 

 

“You never listen to who’s in charge with the birds and when you’re part of that kind of team you got to, I don’t know if you have had the type of situations we use to have but sometimes we could end up dying or getting really roughed up if one of us screwed up if we didn’t work as a team.” Hunter looked out the window. 

 

“You might say we’ve had some things like that happen.” Jasper nodded. 

 

“I watch you sometimes you know.  You on that bridge, sometimes there is another girl who walks that bridge about as much as you do.”

 

“Buttercup, she loves that bridge.” Filly nodded. 

 

“And then I watch Spot cross it sometimes, not as much as he used to.”

 

“He has things to deal with in Brooklyn, not really that involved with Manhattan.  He still goes sometimes and besides, it’s probably more when Laces is over there that he goes often.”

 

“Laces.” Hunter nodded.  “The other girl, pretty little thing isn’t she.  I watch her sometimes but she’s got some attitude in her.”

 

“You might say that, if she heard you she would smile.” Jasper laughed. 

 

“Critter isn’t going to let her train anymore,” Hunter suddenly said. 

 

“What?  Why not it was his idea and she ain’t done nothing wrong,” Jasper asked surprised. 

 

“I was wondering when he was going to stop her.” Filly nodded.  “I love the kid but it was time a little while ago.’

 

“He wanted her to show him her strength, for her to stop acting like a princess, but she’s catching on fast now and once you’re a bird you’re always a bird.  It will be harder on you all to watch her if she can do things just as well as you all can.” Hunter shrugged. 

 

“The kid likes it though.  I don’t know how Critter is going to get her out of there.” Jasper shook his head. 

 

“I was talking to Kelly just yesterday, he said that Critter won’t have to.  His boys are going tomorrow and dragging her home.”

 

“Oh she will be just delighted!” Filly shook her head thinking about the day.  Beth came walking in just as Derek came bouncing down the hall.  Filly smiled at him and walked over to show him a trick.  Hunter shook his head. 

 

“She really does like kids,” he said to Jasper. 

 

“I never really had seen her around kids, she never really gets to see them much.  But I guess she does.” Jasper nodded.  Beth sat down and the three started talking about the old days because Beth remembered Jasper, Jasper hadn’t remembered her, but she remembered him.  They had known each other right before Hunter left the birds, so they started talking about those last few months.  The ones right before Critter left for good, right before the old birds grew up. 

 

Filly meanwhile played with Derek, she sat there showing him a trick with a penny she had.  Someone had taught her the trick when she had been younger and she had always remembered it. 

 

“Here you try.” She handed him the penny and the two laughed and laughed as Derek attempted to do the trick but only succeed in failing. 

 

Beth served dinner right before the sunset and Filly watched as the sun went down.  Hunter studied her, he knew that it wasn’t Jasper who was being tested it was her.  He knew that this was when she would decide if she was going to stay or going to leave to get there on time.  Filly finished eating though watching the sun set in the sky slowly.  After she was done she thanked Beth and Jasper also did the same because he wasn’t the one deciding anything, he left it up to Filly and so followed her lead.  Filly kissed Derek on the head and then slipped him the penny and whispered for him to practice.  Then she hugged Hunter. 

 

“Come back and visit kid,” he said as he shook his head.  He didn’t think she was going to make it and this was just proving that she was still pretty reckless about things.  Filly though had perfect confidence in making it and she didn’t want to be rude and so she had determined to finish before leaving.  Once they were out the door though Filly took two seconds to explain to Jasper her plan. 

 

“We run and take all the shortcuts we know,” she said as the two started to sprint down the stairs.  Jasper was enjoying himself because it had been years since he had to use all the shortcuts he had learned when he had to run this much.  They made it just as the stars in the sky began to twinkle.  They crawled in through a window and calmly walked through the door into the main room where Critter was talking with Relic and Sugar so he had his back turned to them.  They stood next to Laces and Chesa who had also crawled through the window and carelessly walked in. 

 

Critter nodded as he finished asking everyone about everything, he congratulated them on doing a great job and finally proving that they were birds.  He announced that they would go back to scouting the city after a few more tests.  Then he sent them off to bed.  Cat sat at one of the nearest tables listening to everyone walk past her.  She stopped Laces though. 

 

“Is something wrong?” She asked.  Laces looked at her surprised. 

 

“Why would you think something was wrong?” she demanded. 

 

“You just look like something is troubling you.” Cat shrugged. 

 

“Nothing is wrong.” Laces walked away from her. 

 

“She doesn’t give information out that way, you have to force it out of her,” Critter said as he sat down next to Cat. 

 

“What do you mean?” Cat asked. 

 

“Whenever you want to know what’s wrong with her you have to force it out of her, you should watch how you’re brother gets her to tell him things.” Critter shrugged.  “Him and Jack are very good at it.”

 

“I suppose they should be, but there is something wrong with her.”

 

“Maybe Chesa will tell me what happened later because they didn’t tell me everything.” Critter nodded. 

 

“I visited the family I am working for today, they are nice.  It’s a nice place, I start on Monday.  Did you tell Spot?” Cat asked. 

 

“Yeah I told Spot.” Critter nodded. 

 

“Did you tell him everything?” Cat looked at her finger, a little gold band was on it.  She stared at it for a little while. 

 

“No, not really everything.  I told him I was going to ask, not that you had already accepted.” Critter shrugged. 

 

“Well, I guess that’s close enough.” Cat smiled and kissed Critter before heading upstairs.  Then Critter looked around the room, he knew someone had been listening. 

 

“Come on out,” he said without turning around.  He heard the silent steps of someone who had been sitting up at the high widow and then the jump. 

 

“So you finally asked her?” It was Chesapeake who sat down now at the table. 

 

“You should learn to mind your own business,” Critter said. 

 

“As I recall that isn’t what I was taught to do.” Chesa smiled a bit. 

 

“I guess not.” Critter shrugged.  “Yeah I finally asked her.”

 

“That’s great, good for you both.  I hope you’re very happy.” Chesa sighed. 

 

“Chesapeake, come on.  Don’t look so down, you know that we never worked.” Critter grabbed Chesa’s hand. 

 

“I guess not.” Chesa shrugged it off.  Then looked up and sighed again. 

 

“You want to know what’s wrong with the kid?”

 

“Yeah, I would like to know even though she’s leaving tomorrow.”

 

“Figured she was leaving soon.  Does she know?”

 

“No.” Critter shook his head. 

 

“Well, we found Pixie and she found out about the baby, you know, Peach’s kid.  And now she wants to be her guardian.  She wants her to live with her and Laces, well Laces doesn’t like it.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“So why is that bugging her, she just said no didn’t she?”

 

“I think it’s bugging her because she knows the right decision is for the kid to go with Pixie.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“I guess, well next week is the end, where are you heading?” Critter asked. 

 

“Back to where I was before you brought me back here.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“What you going to do there?  Keep making money off of drunks that can’t gamble?” Critter asked. 

 

“It’s easy money.”

 

“Why don’t you find yourself a job?”

 

“Because I ain’t ready for that type of commitment.” Chesa shrugged. 

 

“I suppose not.” Critter nodded. 

 

“You’ll still come around even though you getting married and growing up and all that?  It ain’t like you are going to outgrow me?  Us?” Chesa demanded. 

 

“Nah, I don’t think I can outgrow you.” Critter winked as he lifted Chesa’s hand and kissed her lightly. 

 

“Night Chesa.  Sweet dreams.” He then got up and walked away.  Chesa sat there. 

 

“It would have never worked out.” She reminded herself. 

 

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

 

Friday

 

Blink, Skittery and Race were out the door when the sun rose on their way to Brooklyn with only one thought in their heads, to get Laces home. 

 

“Are you sure this is the best way to get her to come back to Manhattan?” Race asked as he lit his first cigarette of the day. 

 

“I guess it is.” Blink shrugged. 

 

“No it’s not the best way, it’s the fastest.  I just hope she doesn’t kill us while we are trying to bring her back.” Skittery shrugged.  Blink and Race laughed but nodded hoping the same thing, but more than that hoping that she would be the same Laces they had missed.  The boys had feared that after so much time in Brooklyn and then the time with the birds Laces would not be the same Laces.  It always took her time to be the Laces they always loved when she came back from Brooklyn because Brooklyn was a tougher place and everyone knew that there she had to be tough if she wanted anyone to treat her seriously.  In Manhattan it was almost the exact opposite, she had to act sweet and like herself to get everything she wanted. 

 

“Do you think Critter is going to be mad that we’se just going to go in and take her?” Blink wondered out loud. 

 

“Maybe.” Skittery shrugged, he didn’t care what Critter cared about or not.  The rest of the trip there the boys didn’t talk about it, they commented on the racetracks, and their latest girl’s, but nothing that really interested them at the moment. 

 

When the boys were in Brooklyn, right off the bridge they saw Spot walking towards the bridge with BC at his side.  BC smiled when she saw them, Spot smirked. 

 

“What you three doing around these parts?” BC asked. 

 

“Come to get Laces,” Blink replied. 

 

“Oh, she decided to go home?” BC asked surprised. 

 

“Well, she doesn’t know yet.” Race puffed out some smoke. 

 

“Good luck on that boys, I will be in Manhattan tonight for dinner so we’ll see if you can get her back.” Spot smiled a bit at this.  The three Manhattan boys just glared at him, they liked Spot, but there was always a different mood when they were in Brooklyn.  Many of them didn’t even like coming over to Brooklyn unless it was for some kind of gathering, mostly poker games.  They came when they needed to plan fights or things like that but it had been ages since the last war or even battle between anyone.  They had always felt out of place in Brooklyn and Spot always acted slightly different when in Brooklyn.  It was almost like he was just cocky when he was in Manhattan, but he played his tough role in Brooklyn. 

 

“Thanks Spot.” Blink frowned as he nodded. 

 

“She’ll be there Spot.” Skittery nodded as he started walking away.  “See you later tonight.” Race and Blink followed Skittery, Blink quickly redirected them a bit as he was the only one that knew where the nest was. 

 

“Blink, the long way,” Spot called after him.  Blink only nodded without turning back around.  Spot stood there making sure he did take them the long way and then he smiled at BC. 

 

“I don’t understand the alliance between two of the most different territories in all of New York.”

 

“Alliance?” Spot shook his head at the use of the word. 

 

“Friendship.” BC provided. 

 

“We get along.” Spot shrugged as he started across the bridge. 

 

“In Manhattan.” BC shook her head. 

 

“When they want to we get along here too.” Spot shrugged again.  BC nodded slowly, she knew it was true, but it wasn’t the same nonetheless. 

 

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

 

Critter didn’t wake anyone up the next morning, he didn’t say a word to anyone even though he was up with the sun.  He sat at his window just watching the light pour out onto the city.  Even when the sun was well above the buildings and it was late morning Critter still didn’t move to get anyone up.  All the birds below were awake and sitting around just waiting for what he might have up his sleeve for today.  They had all been restless for the last few days, being unable to do what they had done for as long as some could remember.  And yesterday when he had finally let them run and fly the city they had been worn out, they had been tense, and they had been reckless.  They all knew it, none of them had understood how Critter could not have said a word about it.  Now they were even more puzzle and even frightened on how Critter wasn’t coming down at his usual absurdly early hour. 

 

“You think Crit told us what to do, and we just forgot?” Matches whispered to Jasper.  Jasper smiled a bit at how unsure Matches was. 

 

“No, Critter didn’t tell me any of his plans for today.” Jasper shook his head. 

 

“I am going to go see about him, Cat hasn’t been around.” Daisy skimmed the room quickly. 

 

“And where’s Chesa?” Matches suddenly snapped his attention to the ceiling, but she wasn’t there. 

 

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

 

Laces was lying in bed staring at the ceiling wondering why there was so much light in her room and still no sound of Critter.  She sat there, she hadn’t gotten much sleep, thinking only about Pixie, both Pixies.  Not knowing what to do, not understanding what she should do, nor wanting to accept the answer that she kept coming up with. 

 

Another thing that keep pestering her was that she didn’t want to tell Jack and Spot what Pixie had said.  There were reasons she knew, but she couldn’t bring herself to actually admit them.  She had tossed and turned most of the night and now she didn’t know what she was doing.  She didn’t understand Pixie and she didn’t understand why she was still with the birds.  So Laces took the covers and her pillow as she started convincing herself that the light in her room wasn’t from the sun but from the moon that was just shinning really brightly. 

 

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

 

Chesa had wandered away early in the morning after discovering she could not sleep, she knew that Critter would not be worried.  She at first tried convincing herself it would be because he did not love her, or even care for her, but she knew it was because he knew that she was wandering.  He knew her, she knew that he knew before she did the night before that she would end up gone in the morning.  She was walking through all the shortcuts, all the nooks and crannies that they had discovered together.  The first few birds had found all the nooks and crannies they could.  A game they had made it, she smiled knowing that some had not been used ever by these new birds. 

 

She could hear them, like it was happening around her again.  Herself, Critter joking, Hunter whistling their tune, Blaze warning them to be careful, Cricket stealing South’s hat as she prepared to whack him with her fists.  That was the handful of them, the original birds, three girls and three boys they grew slowly at first and then quicker. 

 

“I have a secret I won’t tell you unless you’ve got a secret to tell me too,” Chesa sang softly.  She had seen the others occasionally, but most had also settled down.  “If you tell me I’ll lock it up in a chest that has a pretty key that will never be found because I’ll hide it down in the bottom of my heart.”

 

The song they had learned when they were children, when they actually played for the game.  It was something that their parents or older siblings had taught them, a little children’s game that many of the Irish played but never had they thought there would ever be another use for it.  Chesa smiled at her memories. 

 

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

 

Daisy knocked on Critter’s door lightly, then whispered. 

 

“Critter, Critter are you feeling all right?” Daisy asked as she opened the door. 

 

“I’m fine, don’t tell me they’re all still sitting down there?” Critter turned around to stare at Daisy. 

 

“Well, maybe?” Daisy said getting the sense that maybe there was something he expected them to be doing. 

 

“I figured Jasper would figure it out, jeez.  I thought they would be out by now,” Critter said.  He stood up and walked over to Daisy.  He winked at her as he passed her and went down the stairs.  Daisy stood there for a moment, staring into the room.  It had always been his room, no one had used it when he had left thinking that one night he would come back and have a fit if he found someone in his room.  She sighed as she closed the door and walked down the stairs slowly, being able to hear what Critter was saying. 

 

Critter walked in talking to the birds before they could see him.  They stood in straight lines, awaiting his orders and Critter just smiled. 

 

“I don’t believe you’re still here!  Doesn’t Jasper have anything for you to all do?  Ain’t there nothing going on in this city today?” Critter demanded.  Jasper just shook his head now understanding why Critter hadn’t come down, he hadn’t been planning too.  Jasper then stood up and starting ordering people around. 

 

“I need all the Brooklyn birds to stand here, the Manhattan over there.” And he kept asking each group of birds to separate.  There were only four major groups, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Harlem and the Bronx. 

 

“All right, Daisy I am thinking you got something to say you’re birds.” Jasper nodded over to Daisy.  “Bookie and Oracle go give out your orders.” Jasper winked.  He stood there waiting for his birds to form a group around him.  He called over to Bookie quickly. 

 

“Leave two.” Then he turned his attention back to his birds.  “All right you all know where you belong.  So get going.” With that they broke, but he stopped Filly and Matches. 

 

“First Matches, get someone to take along your beginners there and then come back,” Jasper instructed Matches nodded as he shouted for Relic and Sugar to stop. 

 

“What’s the deal?” Filly asked. 

 

“Today there’s a meeting between Decker, Spot and Jack.  So I want you to be around there.  Pick up as much as you can about what he’s going to say and then see if there is something you have to find out somewhere.  That’s why I am sending four of you,” Jasper said.  Bookie walked over with Firecracker and Buckle. 

 

“Here they are, I already told them what they going to be doing,” Bookie said.  Matches walked back over twirling his hat, smiling. 

 

“Come on you goof, we got some work to do.” Filly walked past him. 

 

“And what work may that be?” Matches asked as he turned in the direction she was walking with FC and Buckle.  Bookie and Jasper stood together for a minute. 

 

“Do you think we needed to send that many of them for that?” Bookie asked suddenly. 

 

“I have a feeling that they may need to do more investigating then just listening in on that meeting.” Jasper shrugged.  Bookie nodded. 

 

“So, I just want you to know that just because I ain’t going to be right here doesn’t mean that I ain’t paying attention to what you’re doing and if you’re screwing something up or not.” Critter warned the four leaders who sat there. 

 

“We don’t screw up, we fail with style.” Oracle smiled. 

 

“Yeah that’s it, if you made sure that you’re birds did everything that they were suppose to do then maybe we wouldn’t have as many problems.” Bookie glared at Oracle. 

 

“Well maybe if you didn’t think yourself so high and mighty I might actually listen to you,” she shot back. 

 

“Would you two shut up.” Daisy frowned. 

 

“When are you leaving for sure Critter?” Jasper asked. 

 

“Why, you want to get rid of me?” Critter laughed.  Jasper shook his head. 

 

“No of course not, it’s always a pleasure to have to go through hell for the legendary Critter O’Connell.” Bookie rolled his eyes.  Critter grinned as he looked at Bookie.  Bookie didn’t look up though, he instead sat staring at his shoes. 

 

“You’ll see.” Critter shrugged.  As he stood up and walked up the stairs to see about Laces, which he had noticed was not up yet. 

 

“That means that he’ll just disappear again one day,” Daisy whispered. 

 

“Maybe Conlon will know this time?” Oracle sighed. 

 

“I’m heading back to Manhattan.  You all know how much I love Brooklyn ,but I must be leaving,” Bookie said voice dripping with sarcasm.  The birds scatter and Jasper was left to doing what he had done before his world had been turned upside down.  He walked out to front door and climbed up the roof to start roaming the ones that surround the nest. 

 

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

 

Critter pounded on Laces’s door before walking in.  Laces jumped out of bed, she had her clothes on because she had fallen asleep in them the night before. 

 

“You still in bed?” he asked as he walked over to her. 

 

“No.  Do I look like I’m still in bed?” Laces responded. 

 

“Where did the lip come from?” Critter demanded as he glared at her. 

 

“Nowhere,” Laces responded as she stared at him, her voice had gotten softer but she was still looking at his eyes.  Critter shook his head, he had done more then Kelly and Conlon but still he didn’t do what he had done with everyone else he had ever met.  She still had her defiant spark, the one that might be why she attracted everyone.  They stood there staring at each other without saying a word. 

 

“So, how did you find Pixie yesterday?  Who did you talk to besides Spring and the girls?” Critter asked. 

 

“Well, no one else really,” Laces replied wondering if Chesa had told him. 

 

“No one else, that can’t be.” Critter frowned knowing that Laces was hiding something from him. 

 

“Well, we did go to this place were I thought maybe they would know something about her,” Laces responded. 

 

“And where was that?”

 

“An old warehouse,” Laces said back. 

 

“What kind of old warehouse would know about Pixie?” Critter looked confused. 

 

“Pepper’s warehouse,” Laces whispered. 

 

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

 

Blink, Race and Skittery came walking into the building, Jasper watched them from his perch on one of the nearby buildings.  Blink had signaled him when they were coming around the corner.  Blink was the only one of the three who knew how to get there and they had come the long way. 

 

The three walked into the building slowly. 

 

“Hello?  Is anyone in here?” Skittery called out.  Blink opened a door and walked down the flight of stairs, Race and Skittery followed. 

 

“Where is everyone?  Are we in the wrong building?” Skittery asked. 

 

“All these buildings do look the same,” Race agreed. 

 

“No, they must be out.” Blink shrugged and then headed back up the stairs.  “They could be upstairs, or at least Critter might be.” The boys nodded.  Blink led the way up the stairs to the second story. 

 

When the boys got to the second floor they could hear talking. 

 

“Be quiet so we can hear what they’re saying,” Blink commanded. 

 

“You did what!  Are you stupid!” Critter was yelling a bit loudly. 

 

“It wasn’t my fault!” Laces replied. 

 

“Yes it was!  When are you going to learn!  Who do you blame it on!  Tell me who’s fault was it Laces!” Critter was still yelling.  Skittery ran past Blink and stood at the doorway a minute.  Critter held Laces shoulders and she could not see Skittery.  Skittery saw that Critter held Laces and pushed his body into Critter’s forcing him to release Laces out of surprise.  Skittery jumped again at Critter but Blink stopped him. 

 

“You don’t touch her!  And don’t talk to her like that!” Skittery said in an angry tone.  Critter glared at him. 

 

“What are you three doing here?” he asked Blink. 

 

“We came here for Laces, she’s coming back home with us,” Blink responded. 

 

“WHAT?  Who decided this?” Laces demanded.  Critter gave her a side look that told her to be quiet. 

 

“And what’s with you Skittery?” Critter demanded. 

 

“You were hurting her and yelling at her for probably no good reason,” Skittery said. 

 

“No good reason huh?  Well she doesn’t think,” Critter said but before Skittery could say anything else he continued.  “She went to The Cruelli place without trying to find out if any of the old gang was there or anything.  She could have gotten hurt if not killed if there was still any of those old thugs left,” Critter said.  Blink gave Laces a hard stare, but she was glaring out the window across the bridge. 

 

“So you tell Kelly to at least give her a good talking to about having some sense.” Critter shrugged. 

 

“I ain’t going anywhere.  No one decides things for me.” Laces crossed her arms. 

 

“Stop acting like some spoiled toddler.  You walk out with them now,” Critter commanded.  Laces didn’t move though she stood there glaring at him. 

 

“No, I don’t want to go.  I’ll go when I’m ready.  I’m not done training as a bird.” Laces shook her head.  Her voice didn’t waver nor did she show any sign that she was scared of Critter.  Critter sighed, he walked over to her and grabbed her hand.  Skittery jumped a little. 

 

“Stay here, I’ll be right back,” Critter said to the boys as he pulled Laces out the room and into his. 

 

“I ain’t sure about this,” Skittery said. 

 

“She does seem like her old self though, the way she stood there standing up to Critter.  Even to us, I still think she should be called Trouble.” Race laughed. 

 

“I don’t believe she went to the Cruelli building after what happened.” Blink shook his head.  It was a little while before Laces and Critter walked back out of the room Laces was smiling brightly. 

 

“All right, are we going to stand around here all day or are we going to Manhattan?” Laces demanded.  Critter shook his head and sighed.  Blink, Race and Skittery stared at her a moment and then at Critter and then shrugged. 

 

“We’re leaving, thanks Critter.” Blink smiled and they started walking away. 

 

“Remember Audrey, I’m watching you,” Critter called after Laces.  She didn’t even turn around she just whistled back a little tune.  Critter shook his head and then walked over to the window and stuck his head out. 

 

“Did you teach her our song?” he called out.  Jasper popped out from the ledge of the building above Critter’s head. 

 

“It might have slipped out.” Jasper nodded.  “Cat’s sitting on her bed waiting for you.”

 

Critter nodded and walked away from the window and headed to Cat’s room. 

 

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

 

Later that night

 

Laces was sitting in Tibby’s laughing and telling stories to the others.  Everyone was thrilled that she was back and in such a good mood nonetheless.  Jack and Spot walked in a little late and saw her sitting there being showered with attention. 

 

“This is why I don’t like her spending this much time here, look at this they practically spoil her to her heart’s content,” Spot said to Jack. 

 

“Yeah well who can blame us when you have her most of the time,” Jack said back. 

 

“No one owns me you know, I go where I please,” Laces responded. 

 

“Really?” Jack lifted his eyebrow. 

 

“Yes.” Laces nodded vigorously. 

 

“Well then.” Jack went over and lifted her out of her seat a little before kissing her.  “Maybe you’ll decided to stay much longer this time.”

 

“Maybe.” Laces kissed him back.  “Now let me go!” She laughed.  Jack tickled her a bit before setting her down. 

 

“Well, what did Critter say Laces?” Spot asked as he sat down next to BC.  BC slid her hand into Spot’s as Laces responded. 

 

“Oh nothing much, the birds are back,” Laces responded.  Jack had his arm around her shoulders. 

 

“And did he say when he was leaving?” Spot asked. 

 

“Chesa’s gone and well he’s leaving just didn’t say when.” Laces shrugged as she took a slip from her drink.  Spot nodded and ordered something to eat. 

 

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

 

April 15th: Two days later

 

Chesa had not returned since the night that Critter had told her, Critter had taken Cat to her new home the night before and now the birds were back onto their everyday routine.  Everyone was waiting for when they would find no Critter. 

 

The sun rose and Jasper didn’t even have to wake his birds they were out on their own again.  He walked up the stairs to see Critter.  He knocked on the door, but here was no response.  He slowly opened the door and looked into the room.  The bed was still done and the window was open there was note on the bed. 

 

I have a secret I won’t tell you

unless you’ve got a secret to tell me too

If you tell me I’ll lock it up in a chest

that has a pretty key that will never be found

because I’ll hide it down in the bottom of my heart. 

Rain or Shine I’ll always tell a secret,

if I get one too. 

 

Jasper shook his head as he began to whistle the song again, he folded the little paper up and stuck it in the drawer. 

 

“Rain or Shine, I’ll always tell a secret, if I get one too,” Jasper whispered to himself as he climbed out the window onto the roof. 

 

The End