By: Bumlets Girl
The character Swindler is my own creation. All others are property of Disney.
Katrina Cummings awoke the same way every morning, to the sounds of Manhattan waking up. Sounds of newsboys selling their papers, horses pushing carts through the streets, and vendors selling their merchandise.
She stepped out of bed, pulled on a robe, and stood in front of her bedroom window, breathing in the smells of morning. So consumed was she that she didn't hear the servant come in and lay out her clothes. Katrina turned away from the window and was startled when she saw the girl.
"Excuse me Miss Cummings but you have a meeting with Mr. Parker and you don't want to be late."
"Oh yes, thank you Leia. I almost forgot."
Katrina got cleaned up and dressed for the day, making sure to look her best for her friend. While she put on her make-up, Leia fixed her hair. When she was ready to start the day, Katrina went down the grand staircase and into the dining room to await her breakfast. Another servant came in and served Katrina, then left her and Leia alone to start working around the house.
"Might I ask a question Miss Cummings?" Leia asked timidly.
"Only if you start calling me by my first name. My parents are not here." answered Katrina as she ate.
"Do you think he will ask you this time?"
Katrina swallowed and looked at Leia. "That is the wish of my parents. But not me or Jay. I don't think he is ready to settle down."
Leia sat down next to Katrina and talked with her while she finished her breakfast. She took the dishes in the kitchen, leaving Katrina to her thoughts. While her mother and father were away in Europe, Katrina worked to keep her fathers firm in order. Her father, John Bradley Cummings, was a stockbroker and partner of Cummings & Marckwald, located on Wall Street in Manhattan. He asked Katrina to make sure nothing went wrong while he was away.
"Miss--I mean Katrina--you should hurry so you don't keep Mr. Parker waiting."
Katrina stood and walked to the front door of her Manhattan home. Leia opened the door for her young aristocratic friend.
"I don't know when I will be home so tell cook not to prepare dinner for me." said Katrina as she stepped outside.
"Yes ma'am."
Katrina went down the front steps of her house and walked along the now bustling streets of New York. As she made her way to the statue of Horace Greeley, where she was to meet Mr. Parker, Katrina had no idea that she was being followed. Suddenly two powerful hands gently grabbed Katrina, causing her to gasp and begin to struggle until a male voice said, "Just keep walkin' Miss."
The mysterious man and Katrina kept walking together until he turned Katrina around, pushed her against the wall, then looked around outside the alley as if searching for someone. This gave Katrina time to look at her captor. He was young, maybe late twenties, sandy hair that hung in his brown eyes, which were looking at her.
"What is this all about?" Katrina asked impatiently.
"There's someone followin' ya an' I think he's still watchin' somewhere." answered the youth.
Katrina's first thought was that the follower could be a news reporter looking for a story on the Cummings child while her parents are away. What she did next surprised her as well as the youth, she yelled "Darling" and then kissed him. When she broke away he looked at her, stunned and confused.
"Well thank you for your time but I have to be going." said Katrina as if nothing had happened.
She left the young man in the alley and made her way to the statue where Mr. Parker was waiting.
"I didn't think you were going to come." he said when Katrina stepped up next to him.
"I woke up late." lied Katrina, not daring to speak of what happened.
"No harm done. I would wait an eternity to see you as beautiful as you are now." replied Mr. Parker.
Katrina blushed. "What are we going to do today Jay?"
"Well Katy, I thought we could go to the theater and watch the magic show."
Katrina loved going to the theater, no matter what was performed there, and ever since she and Jay started going out together, he made sure to take her at least once a month.
"That sounds wonderful."
Jay took her hand and they slowly walked to the theater. While they walked, Katy kept thinking about the young man she had encountered earlier. He looked familiar, but she couldn't remember from where. His clothing proved him to be one of the sweat shop kids. She then wondered why someone of low class would be interested in her safety. They came to the theater, Jay paid for the tickets, and then he escorted Katy into the building. They sat down just as the lights dimmed to start the show.
Katrina didn't enjoy the show as much as she had hoped. Her mind kept wandering back to the young man. Every time she tried to block him out of her mind, the image she had of his face stuck. At one point Jay leaned over and asked if she needed to leave for a while. Katy answered no that she was fine. When the show was over, Katy quickly left the theater with Jay trailing behind.
"Katy, are you sure everything is fine?"
She took Jays arm and said, "Let's go for a walk in the park. Fresh air will do us both some good."
Jay allowed her to lead him to the park. The two walked in silence, Katy thinking of the morning events, and Jay thinking of Katy. He finally had had enough and sat Katy down on a bench.
"Katrina, something is wrong and I want to know what. This isn't like you to keep things from me."
Katrina was afraid he would ask what was wrong. She didn't want to tell him the truth because she was sure that he would jump to conclusions. "Jay, I'm not sure I can keep up my fathers part in the firm."
Jay breathed a sigh of relief, so did Katy because she knew he bought the story.
"Katy, your father taught you the ways of a stockbroker since you were very young. If you have questions, I'm sure Mr. Marckwald can answer them."
Katrina smiled. She hated to lie to Jay, but she thought in best that he didn't know about the young man.
"Shall we walk?" asked Jay, holding his hand out to Katrina.
She took it and stood. "Yes we shall."
They walked for hours, this time not in silence. They spoke of memories they shared, and some they didn't. Jay surprised Katrina when he started talking about the future.
"I hope someday to be married and live in the best house ever seen in New York."
"Jay, if you are thinking of proposing to me, you should wait until my parents return. They would be disappointed if they missed it." Katrina said softly.
Jay looked at Katy and smiled. He knew her parents would never forgive him if he asked her to marry him while they were away.
"You're right. Hold that thought until they return," he glanced at his pocket watch,"it's near time for dinner. Would you permit me to take you out?"
Katy laughed and answered yes. So the two left the park and entered a grand restaurant. After they were seated and had ordered, Jay opened the conversation with the show they saw that day. "I was amazed at most of the tricks performed, what about you?"
"I have to be truthful, I wasn't paying attention really. I guess I wasted your money."
Jay sat back and replied, "You shouldn't be worried about your fathers business, his partner would help you any way he can. And you didn't waste my money, being with you is always worth more than I own."
Katrina blushed and looked away. "Please Jay, don't say that."
Just then their food arrived. They ate in silence, mainly because they had already talked about everything they could think of. When Katrina and Jay exited the restaurant, the night lights of New York were ablaze.
"I didn't know it was so late. I should get home." said Katrina.
"Just a moment." Jay quickly said as he left her side to buy a newspaper from a passing newsboy. That act brought back the memory of that morning to Katrina. When Jay returned, he saw the change in the young girl and asked if she was all right.
"Could you please take me home? I don't feel well." said Katrina.
Jay took her hand and walked her home. He became more and more worried the closer they came to the Cummings home because in all the years he knew Katy, she never acted this way about anything that bothered her. He then thought that there may be more to the story than what Katrina was telling him. Jay led her up the front steps of her house and stood with Katy in front of the grand home.
"I hope you aren't becoming ill or anything like that." said Jay.
Katrina smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern. I think I just need to rest."
Jay Parker bowed and kissed Katrina's hand before leaving her for the night. Katrina opened the door and entered her home. Leia was dusting the staircase when she spotted her friend home. "You certainly were out late tonight. Did you have a good time with Mr. Parker?"
Katy went up the stairs and stood next to the servant. "Leia, if I tell you about today, do you promise not to tell a soul?" Leia was confused, but she answered, "Yes, of course."
Katrina grabbed Leia's hand and went up the stairs to her room. She quickly closed the door. "Help me undress while I tell you about the events of today."
Leia hung Katy's dress over her arm and untied her corset as the young aristocrat told her about the young man and how she couldn't stop thinking about him all day. "I don't understand why I feel this way, we only met for a second."
Leia opened Katy's closet and hung the dress up. "It is every girls dream to be saved by a handsome young man who she is forbidden to speak to."
Katrina glared at her servant and stated, "The funny thing is that I remember him from somewhere, but I can't think of where."
"I don't know why a sweatshop kid would be interested in your safety, unless he expected a reward for saving you. They only care for people in hopes of getting money."
"I just wonder who it really was that was following me, if there was anyone."
Leia drew the shades and picked up Katrina's clothes for washing as Katy slipped into bed.
"I have a question. Why did you kiss him?"
Katrina looked surprisingly at Leia. "I don't know really."
Katrina blew out the candle next to her bed and settled in. Her last thoughts before sleep took over her body were of the sweat shop kid.
~
Katrina wasn't her usual self the next morning. When Leia came in to lay out her clothes, Katy wasn't even out of bed yet. "Katrina, you must get ready for the day."
The young woman slowly got out of bed, bathed, and dressed for the day. Leia knew Katy was thinking of the young man from the day before, and was afraid for her friend because there could be trouble if the young aristocrat fell in love with a sweat shop kid. Katrina walked to the dining room to await her breakfast. When she was served she slowly ate her meal, not talking to Leia as she usually did. After Leia took the breakfast dishes, Katrina went into the den and looked out the window. She watched as people bought from merchants or hurried to a destination only they knew. She also say the newsboys.....
"Leia!"
The young servant rushed into the den, worried that something was really wrong. "Yes, what is it?"
Katrina pointed to a young man selling newspapers and said, "That is the young man I told you about. Bring him to me at once."
Leia heaved a sigh and left Katy. Soon the aristocrat saw her servant talking to the youth, and saw them walk together. Katy heard the front door close and the voice of Leia asking the man to wait. The doors to the den cracked open to reveal Leia. "Are you ready to meet him?"
"Yes, bring him in."
Leia swung the door open and said, "She will see you now."
The young man entered the and gazed at the richly decorated room. He then saw Katrina and stepped back. "Yer th' girl from yesterday."
Katrina nodded.
"Is there a reason why ya asked me ta come ‘ere?"
Katrina walked up to him and said, "I wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday."
"Ya shouldn't be sorry, yer act gotcha in th' papes." He stated, showing her one of his papers.
On the front page was a picture of Katrina kissing the newsboy in the alley.
"Now if ya don't mind, I ‘ave ta sell these papes. Some of us don't ‘ave the money ya own." he said, opening the door.
Katrina looked up from the paper. "What is your name?"
The newsie looked at Katrina and answered, "Jack Kelly."
Katy handed the paper back to Jack. "Why this hatred toward me Jack Kelly?"
Jack closed the door an stared at Katrina. "You'se aristocrats're all the same, usin' us lower class people ta get yerselves in the news."
Katy circled Jack and said suddenly, "Now I remember where I saw you. You were the leader of the Newsie Strike thirteen years ago. I was only six years old but I remember Father going on about how you didn't have a chance."
Jack rolled his eyes. He was starting to think he would never be able to leave the Cummings house.
"Please," pleaded Katy, "let me make up for what I did."
"How?"
"Let me take you out to the most expensive restaurant."
"What about yer boyfriend?"
"Jay? He doesn't have to know."
Jack heaved a sigh and decided that the only way he wasn't going to leave this grand house unless he agreed. "All right, I'll go."
Katrina opened the den doors and called James, her fathers manservant. "Get Mr. Kelly cleaned and ready for dinner tonight."
As James led Jack away, Leia crept up next to Katy. "What happened in there?"
"I am taking him out tonight."
Leia glanced at the clock and observed to Katrina that it was only one-thirty. Katy turned and replied, "Leia, you have to help me get ready for tonight. I want to look my best."
Katrina and Leia went up to the girls room. The servant opened the closet and rummaged through the collection of gowns hanging. "What do you wish to wear for this young man?"
Katrina looked around in her closet, glancing at a gown and pushing it aside. She finally picked out a dress that she had never worn before. "I wonder why I never wore this dress."
"I think your father disliked the fact that it exposed your shoulders." suggested Leia.
Katrina slipped out of the dress she was wearing and with the help of Leia, she put on the dress she chose for the night. Leia brushed out the creases and straightened the sleeves so that the neckline was even.
"You are going to have to put on my make-up for me Leia. I'm afraid I'll mess up."
As Katy sat down at her vanity, Leia picked out what to use for an occasion such as this. She made sure to take her time so she didn't mess up. When she was finished, Katrina checked the job, with the result of satisfaction.
"How shall I fix your hair for tonight?"
"You decide, I trust you."
Leia brushed Katrina's hair until is was soft and silky, then she started twisting and dividing until the result was a braid twisted around and held tight that was decorated with diamond and sapphire barrettes. Katrina reached into her jewelry box and picked out earrings that matched the decorations in her hair. She finished putting them in and stood to look at herself in the mirror. "What time is it Leia?"
"It's almost four o'clock."
Katrina opened her bedroom door and slowly walked down the stairs. James was waiting at the bottom. "Miss Cummings, Mr. Kelly is waiting for you in the den."
"Thank you James."
She opened the door to the den and entered the room. Jack was looking at a painting, he turned around and stopped, only his eyes moved up and down Katy, drinking in her beauty. "Miss Cummin's, I ‘ave ta say I've never seen anythin' more beautiful."
Katrina smiled. She looked at what he was wearing, one of her fathers old suits which looked good on Jack Kelly.
"Shall we go Mr. Kelly?"
He walked next to her, offered his arm, and they left the Cummings house together.
"Why do ya walk everywhere ya go?" asked Jack.
"I'm not like other aristocrats." answered Katrina.
"I thought maybe it was because ya wanna show off yer money."
Katy's smile faded. She didn't want to admit that was the reason she walked everywhere.
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
Jack shrugged. He didn't understand anything that had happened since he met Katrina. They walked until Katy stopped in front of the same restaurant she and Jay ate at the day before. Jack opened the door and escorted Katrina into the building. When they were seated, Jack glanced at the menu and commented, "This food's too rich fer me."
Katrina laughed. "I bet you eat at places like Tibby's."
After they ordered dinner Katrina started questioning Jack, her first question being, "Why did you push me in the alley?"
Jack leaned over and answered, "Someone's been followin' you'se fer the past week, an' yesterday I got the guts ta do somethin'."
"Do you know who it is?"
"No."
"Why did you want to help me?"
"I have me reasons."
Katy leaned back in her chair.
"Miss Cummin's, yer all alone in dat big house, anyone could come in an' attack ya."
"Please, call me Katrina or Katy. Also, how did you know I was alone?"
"Well Katy, there was an article in the papes sayin' John Cummin's was leavin' fer Europe."
Their food arrived, and while they ate, Katy asked Jack about the strike and why he was still a newsie.
"That seems to be the only thing I'm good at. Most of th' other guys're still newsies too."
Katy then looked him in the eye and asked, "Was there a girl?"
Jack didn't answer at first, but he finally said, "Yes. Her name was Sara Jacobs. She ‘n' I were together until two years after the strike. She met a millionaire from Vermont, got married, an' left me."
They finished their meal, and Katy reached into her purse to pay the bill. Jack then escorted her out of the restaurant and into the night life of Manhattan.
"When're yer parents comin' home?"
Katy looked at Jack in confusion. "Why?"
"Just wonderin'."
"They are coming home next week on the Titanic."
Jack whistled. "The unsinkable ship."
"Yes. I think my father wanted the publicity more than anything else."
Jack laughed as they approached the Cummings' house. Katy went up the front steps and started to open the door when Jack grabbed her hand. "Would it be possible to see you'se again?"
Katrina sighed. "I don't know Jack."
The newsboy then leaned forward and kissed Katrina, this time surprising her. "This time it was fer real."
Katy slowly opened the door and disappeared into the house. She walked up the grand staircase and entered her room, closing the door behind her.
~
After Katrina had closed the front door, Jack started back to the Newsboys Lodging House. He suddenly a shadow enter the Cummings' house through a side window. Careful not to be seen, Jack entered the same way the shadow did, making sure not to make a sound as he stepped into the house. He didn't know where he was because the lights were out. So by feeling his way around, Jack went from the kitchen, to the dining room, and ran into the staircase. He quietly walked up the stairs, and saw light protruding from a closed door. He stood next to the door and listened.
~
Katrina took off her earrings and let down her hair when she saw the figure in the mirror. She quickly turned and stared at the shadow. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The figure lunged at Katrina, grabbing her wrists and pinning her to the bed. She struggled, but there was no way of escaping the strong grip. Suddenly her bedroom door was kicked open and Jack Kelly entered the room. He ran toward the figure and pushed him, causing both to crash to the ground. Katrina backed away to the doorway, paralyzed with fear. She watched as the two men fought until Jack swung around and punched the figure hard in the face, knocking him out cold. Jack jumped up, grabbed Katy, and ran out of the house as fast as he could. They ran four blocks until Jack ducked in an alley to rest.
Katrina was the one that was heaving. She didn't have a chance to change so she was still in her evening gown. When her breathing became less, Jack put a hand on her shoulder. Katy turned and hugged him tight. She didn't cry, she was too scared.
Jack finally pushed her away gently, took her hand, and led her out of the alley. He walked across the street to the lodging house. There was laughter heard from inside and Jack told her that the other newsies must still be up as well. When they entered the building, four newsboys were standing around the registration desk talking to an elderly man, which they stopped when they saw Jack Kelly.
"Katy, these are four of the Manhattan newsies," he pointed to each one,"Mush, Racetrack, Snoddy, and Pie Eata. Then that's Kloppman."
Race strolled up next to Jack and said, "So what ‘ave you'se been up ta Cowboy?"
Jack pushed him away. He then said, "This is Miss Katrina Cummin's."
The others stared wide-eyed at Katrina, then Jack. Kloppman was the first to speak. "Jack, she can't stay here."
"Look Klopper, she was just attacked in her own home. She's got no place ta stay."
"What about Medda's place?" suggested Mush.
Snoddy stood next to Katy and protested, "That's no place fer an aristocrat."
"Neither is next to a newsie." Race remarked.
Jack grabbed him by the collar and threatened, "Watch it."
"Jack, let Race go. Miss Cummings, you can stay here tonight, then you need to find a better place tomorrow." decided Kloppman.
"Miss Cummin's," this was Pie Eater, who had been silent the whole time, "is der someone we should tell about yer whereabouts?"
"Yes," answered Katrina, "would you let Leia know? Maybe she can bring some clothes for me to change into."
Pie Eater grabbed Mush and they left to let the servant know what happened.
"There is a vacant room upstairs that you can use." said Kloppman.
Snoddy extended his hand. "I'll show ya Miss Cummin's."
Katrina took his hand and they went upstairs. Jack leaned against the counter and watched until girl and newsie were out of sight.
"You're walking on thin ice this time Jack. Why are you with that girl?"
The newsie looked at the owner of the lodging house. "Klopper, she ain't like other aristocrats. Katy has feelin's fer the lower class--"
"And she is practically engaged to Jay Parker," interrupted Kloppman, "you should read the papers you sell sometime."
"Jack, who's ta say she'll thank ya fer what you'se did tonight. All stuffed shirts ‘ave two things on their minds, money an' pride." said Race.
Jack had had enough. He stomped up the stairs into the bunkroom. Snoddy came down and joined Race and Kloppman. "She's pretty shook up. Insisted I check da room before leavin'."
"See, already orderin' us around. What next, we can't come outta our rooms ‘til she leaves?" stated Race.
"I'm wonderin' if it was that Parker guy who attacked her. Ya notice th' fancy threads Jack was wearin'. Could be jealousy." said Snoddy.
"One thing's fer sure, Jack don't have a chance with her. As soon as her parents return, she's gonna marry Parker, not Kelly." said Kloppman.
Pie Eater and Mush returned, but there was no sign of the servant. "The bulls were all over, so we decided ta check in the mornin'." explained Mush.
"News travels fast." said Snoddy.
"We should turn in, early mornin' comes quick." said Race.
The four newsies went upstairs together to retire for the night. Snoddy quietly opened Katy's door to check if she was asleep.
"Hey Snoddy, what're ya doin'?" whispered Pie Eater.
"Makin' sure she's all right. She acted like she wasn't goin' ta be able ta sleep."
Race put a hand on his shoulder as he closed the door. "Snoddy, don't tell me yer fallin' fer that aristocrat brat."
Snoddy pushed him away.
"Race, didn't ya ever stop ta think that maybe she ain't like other money grubbers?" asked Mush.
"Remember when Jack told us yesterday he saved a girl from a stalker?" asked Pie Eater.
"Ya think it could be her? Why would he stick with her?" asked Race.
"Wait, I think I get it," said Mush, "she's the daughter of an aristocrat, so a reward might come in fer savin' her an' keepin' her safe."
Race smiled at the thought of getting a reward for putting up with Katrina. Snoddy disagreed with the whole thing. "She could be in serious trouble while her parents are gone, an' I think th' man in her life has somethin' ta do with it."
The others just laughed at him, making him mad.
"Ya give her more credit than she deserves. I'm thinkin' she's behind it all, tryin' ta get in the papes." said Race, opening the door to the bunkroom.
Snoddy entered the room before the others. He didn't believe what Race was saying about Katrina, and he decided that it was his job to prove that Katrina was in serious trouble.
Kloppman started the morning by going into the bunk room and arousing the newsies out of their dreams. "All right everyone, carryin' the banner! Everybody up!"
Groans of protest escaped the lips of every newsie as they rubbed the sleep out the their eyes and got ready for another day of selling papers to the people of Manhattan. Race waited for Jack to pass him on the way to the sinks so he could talk to him about Katrina. What he didn't know was Jack had already left the lodging house to find Leia so she could help Katy get ready for the day. Race finally gave up on waiting and started to wash up.
Jack returned to the lodging house with a frustrated look on his face. He leaned against the registration desk with his head in his hands.
"Something wrong Jack?" asked Kloppman.
Jack looked up. "Katy's servant is nowhere ta be found. I couldn't even get through th' front door of th' house."
"What are you going to do?"
"Go up and tell Katy the truth."
Jack made his way up the stairs as the other newsies headed down. Race spotted him and grabbed his arm.
"Hey Cowboy, whatcha gonna do ‘bout her?" he whispered.
Jack didn't answer as he made his way upstairs, Race following.
"Jack, people're gonna look down at her comin' out of a place where newsies stay."
Jack turned to Racetrack and said, "In case ya didn't know, I heard everythin' ya said last night. Yer not gonna do that ta Katrina."
"All right Jack."
Racetrack stomped down the stairs. Jack stood in front of Katrina's door, knocking three times then waiting.
"Who is it?"
"Jack."
"Where is Leia?"
"We couldn't find her."
"What? If she isn't in the servants dorm then where could she be?"
"Yer house is surrounded by the bulls, there was no way of gettin' in."
"Looks like I'm going to be here all day. Leia usually tightens this for me."
Jack surprised himself when he asked, "Could I come in?"
There was no answer at first, but finally Katrina answered, "Yes."
He opened the door to reveal Katrina trying to lace up her corset. He grabbed the laces and finished the job for her. She then held onto a bedpost as he tugged.
"Do you do this kind of think often?" asked Katrina, finding it was the wrong thing to say because Jack tugged hard enough it made her gasp.
He tied the strings together then started to leave. He turned the doorknob and said, "You'se should return ta yer place. People're probably worried ‘bout ya."
Having said that, Jack Kelly left to start work, leaving Katrina to wonder why Jack wasn't as friendly to her as he was the night before.
After she dressed in her evening gown that she wore the night before, Katrina went downstairs to the desk. "How much do I owe you for the use of the room?"
"No charge at all Miss Cummings." answered Kloppman.
She started to leave, then turned to Kloppman and asked, "Do I seem like the other aristocrats you are used to seeing?"
Kloppman was puzzled. He didn't really understand the question, but he replied, "Ma'am, you are young and so you have much to learn about the world. The fact is newsies and stockbroker's daughters don't mix very well. You don't belong in this part of town at all really."
Katrina nodded then left the lodging house. She walked as quickly as she could to her home. When she got there she saw Jay talking to a policeman with a desperate look in his eye. He turned and saw Katrina, causing the policeman to stop in mid-sentence because the young man ran to Katy and embraced her.
"Oh Katy, I was so worried about you! I thought you were kidnapped or worse."
The policeman Jay had been talking to strolled up to the two young people. "Excuse me Miss Cummings, if I could ask you a few question about last night?"
The sound of newsies selling their papers came suddenly to the scene. Katrina turned and saw Snoddy, who was looking directly at her.
"Newsboy, I'll buy a paper." she said, reaching into her purse to pay Snoddy.
"Thank ya ma'am." he said, then turned and continued selling on the streets of Manhattan.
She carried the newspaper into the house and set it on the desk in the den. Jay and the officer followed.
"Please gentlemen, sit down."
She rang for a servant and James appeared. Katrina asked him to bring something to drink, he nodded and left.
"Miss Cummings, I am Officer Ford, what happened last night?"
"Well, I came home around nine-thirty--"
"Where did you go?" asked Jay.
"I was out with a friend."
"Who?" asked Ford.
Katrina stared at Ford and asked, "Why is that important?"
"Miss, we have to know because they may have attacked you." explained Ford.
"He didn't attack me, he was the one that rescued me," said Katy, "whoever did attack me did a good job of hiding himself."
"Who is the ‘he' you are referring to Katy?"
James entered with a tray. He set it down and poured the drinks then served Jay and Ford. When he left, the questioning continued.
"Has anything been stolen?" asked Ford.
"I don't know, I just got here."
"Who is ‘he' Katy?" Jay asked again.
Jack Kelly." blurted Katy.
Jay set down his cup and stood. "Who is Jack Kelly?"
"Mr. Parker," s aid Ford, "please let me finish questioning."
Jay sat down, but the anger still flared in his eyes.
Ford asked Katy questions about how her attacker could have entered the house and if he hurt her at all. When he got all the information he wanted, Ford stood up and thanked Katrina for her time. She escorted him to the door, but before he left he asked one more question. "Miss Cummings, where did you stay last night?"
"At the Newsboys Lodging House." answered Katrina.
He then thanked her again and left. Katrina returned to the den, where Jay waited for her.
"Katy, why were you with a newsie? They are below our level."
Katrina turned away. The words of Kloppman returned to her. Jay stood next to her and turned her around. "What the hell where you doing at the Newsboy Lodging House?"
"Jay, I had no other place to go."
"Katy, you shouldn't even look at those people. What would your parents say to this?"
"If my parents were here I would never have been attacked. If it hadn't been for that newsie I may not be standing here today."
Katrina opened the doors to the den and said, "You can see yourself out."
Jay angrily left the room. Katy listened as the front door slammed. She then went upstairs to her room where hours before she was escaping with Jack Kelly. She poked through her closet and changed into a fresh dress. As she fixed her hair she thought about what Jay had said. Why was she so wrong in being seen with a newsie? How much would her parents object? She kept thinking of questions she couldn't answer herself.
"Katrina?"
The sound of her name startled her, but Katrina knew the voice. She turned around and saw Leia standing in the doorway. "Where have you been? I called for you and you where nowhere to be found."
"I'm sorry, but I got a call saying that my mother is very sick and may be dying."
Katrina gasped. "Do you need time off?"
"If that isn't too much trouble."
"Take as long as you need. Don't worry about a thing, we can manage."
"Thank you." said Leia, then she left to be with her mother.
"Miss Cummings, there is a Mr. Snoddy to see you." said James.
"I'll be right down."
Katrina finished putting on her make-up before going down to meet Snoddy. She wondered why he was there at all. "Snoddy, this is a surprise."
The newsboy removed his cap and bowed. Katrina asked him to sit down and then asked why he had come.
"Well Miss Cummin's, I ‘ave dis feelin' dat yer is serious danger. What with yer parents bein' high class an' away," He leaned forward, started to put a hand on hers, then decided against it, "would ya consider the pertection of th' newsies?"
Katrina stood up and walked to the desk where Snoddy's paper still sat. She opened it and looked at the front page headline. It was about the Titanic beginning her voyage from Europe to New York.
"Miss Cummin's?"
"My parents left Europe today. They will be home in one week. I don't think your help will be needed."
Snoddy quickly stood and protested. "Miss, you'se were attacked last night. Ya was lucky Jack was der ta save you'se, but who'll be der th' next time?"
"I'm sorry but I am in enough trouble as it is. Jay is angry with me because I was with Jack last night."
Snoddy picked up a picture of Jay and handed it to Katy. "If he loved ya, he would understand."
Katrina looked at the picture as the newsboy left. She didn't understand why things were so complicated all the sudden.
She set the picture down just as the front door closed. Exiting the den she found it was Jay, but he wasn't there to kiss and make up.
~
"C'mon Jack, you've been sulkin' ever since that girl left."
"She ain't someone ya ferget easily Mush."
By now all the newsies knew what happened between Jack and Katrina.
"Jack, ya ‘ave ta ferget about her because once her parents return, that's if fer you'se." said Crutchy.
Jack knew his friends were right, but his pride got the better of him. He was convinced Katrina had feelings for him, it was just bringing them out.
"Cowboy, ya can't organize ta win her like ya did with Pulitzer." commented Skittery.
Snoddy entered the lodging house.
"Where ‘ave ya been?" asked Itey.
"I was jsut tryin' ta help Miss Cummin's, but she didn't want it." answered Snoddy.
"Girls like dat don't want any help from a newsie except ta get th' news." said Race.
"Say, where're Dutchy and Kid?" asked Jack.
As if to answer, the doors burst open to reveal Kid Blink and Dutchy helping someone inside. Jack went to investigate and was shocked to see Katrina. Her dress was torn, exposing bruises on her arms. Jack gathered her up and took her to the room she and used before. The others sat in silent shock. Snoddy finally asked, "What happened to her?"
"We saw you'se leavin' her house an' thought ya made a new friend," explained Dutchy, "so we were admirin' th' place when dis guy enters with an angry look in his eye."
Kid Blink continued. "We walked toward th' house in time ta see ‘im slap her in th' face. We went ta help before he did anythin' more than what ya saw."
Racetrack whistled. "Maybe Snoddy's right. That girl's in danger."
"Yeah, but what can we do?" asked Snitch.
"Gotta point there. We just sell papes, not save girls from their boyfriends." said Pie Eater.
~
Jack laid Katy on the bed. He then filled a bowl with water, grabbed a towel, and started to clean the wounds on her arms.
"Ya told ‘im we was together didn't ya?"
Katrina nodded.
"So far luck has been on yer side. One of us has been der ta save you'se."
Katy sat up, wincing from the pain. "Jack, nothing can be done. On Wednesday when my parents return, the engagement will be announced."
"They would still insist ya marry someone who strikes their child?"
"It's just the way things work."
Katrina stood and left the room, Jack not far behind. As they headed downstairs, Jack tried to convince Katy to stay with the newsies until her parents return.
"I don't belong here with the lower class."
Jack grabbed her arm and stopped her in the middle of the stairway. "Don't think fer a minute that yer insults'll stop me. These past few days ‘ave changed ya, but yer pride's stoppin' ya from acceptin' th' pertection ya need."
Katrina wrenched her arm free from Jack's grasp and glared at him. She knew her place wasn't with the newsies, but Jack kept insisting her place was with them.
"Ya think Parker loves ya," continued Jack, "but his actions don't show love."
Katrina turned and continued downstairs, ignoring Jack. She walked past the other newsies to the front. "One thing that escapes you Mr. Kelly, and that is Jay's thoughts are of my safety."
Somethin' dat escapes you is he feels threatened by a member of th' lower class, someone yer parents would forbid you'se ta love."
Katy left the lodging house in a huff, while the other newsies stared at Jack.
"Jack, ya can't shoot yer mouth off like that. She could ‘ave ya arrested fer what ya said." said Skittery.
Jack leaned against the desk and stared at the back wall.
"We wouldn't ‘ave brung her if we knew who she was." said Kid.
"I don't understand why she's changed so much in the time I've known her." said Jack, still staring at the wall.
Race put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I didn't like her ‘cause she's an aristocrat, but her actions only mean one thing, she's afraid of Parker."
"Meanin' she's takin' the safest way out." said Boots.
"Guys, we have to save her from this Parker before she really gets hurt." planned Jack.
Just then the doors burst open and in stepped Spot Conlon, leader of the Brooklyn newsies. "Jacky-boy, you've done it dis time."
"What?"
"Dis girl you've picked up? It's all over New York dat Jack Kelly's tryin' ta make a few bucks offa stockbroker's daughter."
Jack jumped up angrily. "Spot, dis girl don't see me as a human, but street trash."
Mush grabbed Jack, stopping him from attacking Spot.
"Ya ‘ave ta ferget dis girl Jack. Her mind's made up." said Crutchy.
"Look Jacky-boy, dis Parker lives in Brooklyn, I could soak ‘im fer ya."
"What good would that do?" asked Snoddy.
"Katrina'd be more angry than happy if that happened." said Race.
"So what's the plan Jack?" asked Dutchy.
"We ferget about Katrina and go back ta sellin' papes."
Once again the doors swung open, but it wasn't a newsie who entered, it was James, the Cummings' servant. "Mr. Kelly, Katy doesn't know I'm here, but I think this is important. She told me about your offer and as her protector I want you and your newsies to help in keeping her safe."
Jack was puzzled. Why do ya want our help?"
"She loves you Mr. Kelly, but her parents are strong aristocrats who taught her never to trust the lower class. Another reason is this isn't the first time Mr. Parker has attacked her."
The room became silent and all eyes turned to Jack. "I have a plan, but we're gonna need yer help James."
"What are you going to do?" asked the servant.
"Save Katrina from her pride by moving her here." answered Jack.
~
Snoddy, Skittery, and Racetrack entered the Cummings home with James.
"It's all bigger on the inside." said Race, glancing at the rows of paintings.
"Miss Cummings, three men to see you." called James from the bottom of the stairs.
Katrina rushed downstairs and was startled to see the newsies. They all three removed their caps and bowed.
"What do you gentlemen want?"
Snoddy spoke first. "Jack sent us here ta ask if yer set on marryin' Parker."
"Of course I am."
"I ‘ave ta say," said Race, "ya did a good job coverin' up th' cuts on yer face."
Katrina's eyes flared with anger. "If you think you can change my mind, it isn't going to happen. My decision is made and final."
It was Skittery's turn to speak. "Do you'se always use people like ya did Jack?"
"What is this? You come here and question me like I was guilty of a crime."
Katrina turned and started up the stairs, but stopped on the third step. She faced the three newsboys and looked at them. At that moment, everything that her parents and Jay had ever said to her left her mind, she understood they were wrong. "I don't know why, but I'm going to ask for your help until my parents return."
"We ain't doin' this ta see ourselves in da papes again." said Race.
Katy stepped down and walked into the den. James motioned for the newsies to follow. They sat down and watched as Katrina wrote something. She finally put down her pen, folded the letter, and handed it to James, giving him instructions on what to do with it.
"Katrina, we may be poor, but we ain't dumb." said Race.
"I know Race," said Katy, which startled the newsie because it was the first time she referred to him by name, "you want to help me, not hurt me like I was always taught."
Skittery stood and took Katy's hand, drawing her close to him. "Dis guy's got ya scared bad. The problem's ya don't ‘ave th' guts ta go up against ‘im like we did with Pulitzer."
"We just wanna do what ya can't." finished Snoddy.
Katrina sighed and looked away. "I still can't go through with it. My parents--"
"Don't want to come home an' find ya dead." cut in Race.
"Say, what was that ya sent with James?" asked Snoddy.
"It was a note to Jay saying I was leaving for a few days, returning when My parents arrive on the Titanic."
"So where will you stay?" asked Skittery, still holding onto Katy.
"Maybe a motel."
"Why? There's the room at the lodging house. Klopper'll let ya stay there." said Race.
"I don't want to be a burden. I also have to think about my social standing."
"Snoddy, go get her stuff, she's comin' with us." commanded Skittery.
The two newsies went upstairs to Katy's room. They soon came down with two suitcases, the same time James returned.
"James, stop them." said Katrina.
"Sorry, but for your own safety, you are staying with the newsies."
The three newsies and Katrina went out the back door, leaving James alone. They walked through the alleys of Manhattan until they came upon the lodging house.
"This is the second time today I have been here." said Katrina.
Mush met them at the door, removing his cap at the sight of Katy. "Jack's waitin' fer ya."
Katy entered the building. Jack was sitting on the steps talking to Spot and Swifty when she walked up to them.
"Katy, this is Spot, leader of the Brooklyn newsies, and that's Swifty."
Spot stood, supporting himself with the famous gold-tipped cane. "This guy Parker lives in my territory, so I know about his history with women. Yer the one that's lasted longer."
"I have known him since we were very young." said Katrina.
"Then ya should know he can't be trusted." stated Spot.
"He's after yer money, not yerself." said Swifty.
Jack, still sitting, grabbed Katy's hand. "Ya just met us a few days ago, an' from what I've seen, we're the only friends ya got."
"What happened ta yer servant?" asked Mush.
"She had to leave for family reasons." answered Katrina.
Jack finally stood and held Katrina close. They both knew that once her parents returned they would never see each other again. The other newsies knew it too.
"Jacky-boy, I gotta head back ta Brooklyn. See ya."
The newsies said good-bye to Spot as he left the lodging house.
"Hey Katy," said Race, "Whatcha gonna do ‘bout the dinner party yer hostin' tomorra?"
"What?"
Race handed her a newspaper. On the front page was an article about a dinner party being hosted by the daughter of John Cummings.
"How can this be? I didn't plan anything of the sort."
"Ya can be sure Parker's behind this." said Snitch.
Katrina turned to Mush. "Go to my house and ask James to empty my fathers closet, then bring its contents here."
After Mush left, the other newsies asked Katrina what she was planning.
"You can guess that Jay has something planned, and since you all want to help me, you have to be there at the party."
"Yer goin' through with the party?" asked Skittery.
"If it is in the paper, it's going to happen." said Katrina.
"Why did you send Mush?" asked Kid Blink.
"Jay doesn't know who you are really, so if you are dressed as an aristocrat, he will think you are one."
"If he makes a move fer ya, we'll soak ‘im." said Snoddy.
"That's one way ta end a party." commented Race.
They all laughed as they headed upstairs to the bunk room. Jack and Katrina stayed downstairs.
"This has been a long day fer all of us." said Jack.
Katrina's eyes filled with tears. "I'm so confused Jack. I used to trust Jay, but now...."
Jack wrapped his arms around Katy and said, "The only thing that separates us is money, somethin' yer Jay wants more of."
Katrina looked into Jack's eyes through the tears. He wiped her face with his sleeve, smudging it with dirt, but Katy didn't care. He then lead her upstairs, stopping at her bedroom door. Before disappearing into her room, Katrina kissed Jack, this time she meant it.
~
While the newsies were out selling their papers, Katrina and James readied the Cummings house for the evening event.
"We are just lucky Cook saw the article and started preparing food early." said Katrina.
"Your fathers partner was kind enough to find an orchestra as well."
Katrina finished setting out the serving dishes and went on to making sure there were enough cigars an matches. "James, what do you think Jay is planning?"
The servant turned and looked at Katrina. "It seems to me like he didn't see the picture in the paper of you with Mr. Kelly until the second time he came by yesterday. I think he is trying to make you look bad to teach you a lesson."
"What?"
"Well think about it. Thousands of people saw that picture. Jay is using that instance to show that you are spending more time with a newsie instead of preparing for an event that was put in the paper, making you look bad."
Katrina looked at the wall clock. "I have to go. It's about time for the newsies to return."
She was already dressed for the evening because she didn't know how long it would take the newsboys to get ready. When she reached the lodging house, Race and Itey were standing by the door talking.
"Katrina, yer who we need ta answer a question." said Race.
"What is it?"
"How's Parker gonna react when her sees Cowboy?"
"His picture was in th' papes, so he'll know Jack when he sees ‘im." explained Itey.
"Come inside." said Katy.
They entered the building and stood next to the counter.
"That picture never showed Jack's face did it?" questioned Katrina.
The two newsies nodded. Race looked at Itey and said, "Hey we gotta get ready fer tonight."
As the two newsies went upstairs, Kloppman joined the young aristocrat. "I don't know what you're up to Miss Cummings, but don't think you can change these boys and bring them to your level."
Katrina turned suddenly. "I'm not trying to change anyone."
"Keep reminding yourself of your parents and how they would feel."
Just then Pie Eater, Mush, Snoddy, and Skittery came down dressed like gentlemen.
"I was afraid they wouldn't fit," said Katrina, "but they seem to fit just fine."
"Yer father musta kept ‘em from when he was younger." said Mush.
Katrina was surprised to see Spot come down. "Ya don't think I'd let these punks ‘ave all the fun do ya?"
Katy laughed. The other boys just rolled their eyes, they knew Spot never missed a chance to fight.
"You'se sure bein' dressed like dis is gonna fool dis guy?" asked Snoddy.
"You have to act like gentlemen as well."
Race came down. "So we ain't gonna fool nobody."
"Yeah, we don't talk like yer friends." said Skittery.
"Say Katrina," said Spot, "who's goin' in with ya?"
Katrina thought for a moment. She knew entering the party with jack would have bad results.
"Maybe you'se should go with Spot," suggested Snoddy, "yer friends might be impressed, you'se with a guy carryin' a cane an' all."
The others agreed with the idea.
"We better be going. I don't want to be late for my own affair." said Katrina, taking Spot's arm.
The other newsboys slowly came down one by one ready for the evening event. When Jack came down he asked where Katy was.
"She left with Spot." answered Race.
"What? Why?"
"Jack, ya can't be seen with her right off." said Mush.
"Parker'll be expectin' it." finished Itey.
"Say, we don't wanna be late." said Skittery.
The Manhattan newsies left the lodging house and headed for the Cummings house.
"Remember, Katy said not ta all come in at once." said Jack.
"Why's that?" asked Dutchy.
"‘Cause we don't want ‘em ta know we know each other." answered Boots.
"So who goes first?" asked Jack.
"I will." offered Snoddy.
They came to the house, and as Snoddy entered, the others waited for their turn to go inside. Jack suddenly spotted a man with a black eye, the same side that Jack punched Katy's attacker. He waited for the man to go inside, then Jack followed.