"We have missed you at the firm Katrina."
"Yes well, I have been busy Mr. Marckwald."
When Katrina entered her house with Spot, right away her fathers partner latched onto her.
"Yes Jay told me about you being attacked. Did the police ever find who it was?"
"If they did I wasn't informed."
Another guest asked Mr. Marckwald to join him, so he left Katrina's side for the first time that night.
"Ya must be the only thing he looks forward ta at woik." said Spot.
Katrina smiled and watched her guests. She hadn't seen Jay, making her wonder if he was ever going to show up. The orchestra ended their song and started to play a waltz. Couples crowded the floor to dance to the music.
"Do you dance?" Katrina asked Spot.
"Not really."
Katrina grabbed his hand and dragged him to the dance floor. "It's easy really."
"I don't think this is a good idea Katrina." whispered Spot.
"If you want to fit in, you have to do something besides stand."
Spot looked around at the other men and how they were holding their partners, then he held Katy the same way.
"Don't look so nervous." whispered Katrina.
Spot smiled but it didn't convince Katrina. She started to lead, then when Spot got the hang of it, they switched leaders. Jack watched the dancing and tried hard to keep from laughing at Spot learning to dance. He decided to stop searching for the man with the black eye and enjoy the party.
"Excuse me sir, I have never seen you before. How are you associated with the Cummings family?"
Jack turned to the guest that spoke. "I'm Katrina's cousin Jack."
"Well, pleased to meet you Jack." said the guest, shaking hands with the newsie then leaving.
Jack breathed a sigh of relief and was glad he thought so quickly. He suddenly spotted the man with the black eye again. Jack slowly walked toward him, making sure he wasn't seen by his target until he wanted to be.
"Hey, ‘ave we met before," Jack asked the man, "‘cause ya look familiar."
"I don't think so." answered the man.
"How'd ya get that shina?"
"What business is it of yours?" asked the man while leaving Jack's presence.
The waltz came to an end and a lively tune began. Spot and Katrina left the floor as it was crowded by more people. They made their way to Jack.
"What did Frederick want? I saw you talking to him." questioned Katy.
"Don't worry, I told him I was yer cousin."
"Why, what's wrong?" asked Spot.
"Nothing really, unless these people ask what your profession is."
"We're in the newspaper business." said Jack.
"I can see you found someone to take my place until I got here."
All three turned to see Jay.
"I didn't think you were coming." said Katrina, taking his hand.
"Thanks for keeping her company." said Jay to Jack and Spot, not recognizing them as newsies.
The two newsies watched as Jay led Katy to the dance floor. Jack turned to Spot and said, "Spot, I found th' guy that attacked Katy."
"He's here? Why would he come after what he did?"
"Who knows."
A hand fell on Jack's shoulder. When he looked over there was Race with a big smile on his face.
"These dopes'll believe anythin' ya tell ‘em."
"What'd ya say Race?"
"Dis guy asked what I do, so I told ‘im I was an associate ta Pulitzer."
Jack laughed. "Some people must ‘ave fergotten he died last year."
Spot nudged Jack. "Yer girl's in trouble."
Jack and Race looked to the dance floor and saw Jay raising his arm ask if to strike Katy. Jack started for them but Race and Spot stopped him. "If you go down there, you cover's blown." said Race.
There was no need for Jack to worry because Itey rushed over and grabbed Jay's arm before he could strike Katrina, while Snoddy took her in his arms.
"Ya got some powerful arms der," said Itey, "but why show ‘em by tryin' ta hit yer girl?"
Jay wrenched his arm free. By this time everyone was watching the scene, even the band stopped playing. "Who are these people Katy?" he asked.
"These are friends of mine."
Jack and Spot looked at each other. Race looked at both of them and said, "Whatcha waitin' fer? An invitation?"
The three newsies walked to the scene, joined by Skittery, Swifty, Mush, Boots, Pie Eater, Kid Blink, Dutchy, Snitch, and Specs.
"Oh I get it," said Jay, "you no longer need my protection, so you hire newsies, the lowest of all."
Spot took his cane and waved it in front of Jay's face. "Yer the one she needs pertection from."
"I don't know what you are talking about newsboy."
Snoddy pushed Katrina to Spot, who tore the sleeves of her dress, exposing her shoulders and arms. Everyone gasped at the sight of the bruises.
"Ya can't say you'se don't know where that came from." exclaimed Spot.
Jay started to leave but two guests grabbed him. "How can you believe this newsie? I would never do that to Katy."
"I must say Katy," said Mr. Marckwald, "You have been quiet through all of this."
Katrina stepped up next to Jay. "I believe Mr. Parker is after something he will never get now."
Jay grabbed Katy. "What are you saying Katrina?"
"You think I would have anything to do with you after you strike and attack me?"
"I never attacked you."
Jack spoke up. "No, ya pay someone ta do if er ya."
Spot and Race stopped the man with the black eye from leaving. When Katrina saw who it was she gasped. "That's Richard."
"No wonder he is after you," said Mr. Marckwald, "your father fired him just before he left for Europe."
People started to leave the party much earlier than expected. They decided to stay out of what was unfolding in front of them. After a while only Katrina, Jay, the newsies, and Officer Ford were left at the Cummings house. The police had already taken Richard away.
"Miss Cummings, you can press charges against Mr. Parker." said Ford.
"Yes I know, but I'm not going to."
"But he assaulted you!"
"As you can see officer, she doesn't hold anything against me."
Ford heaved a sigh. He knew he wasn't going to get anywhere so he said good-night and left for his own home.
"It is time for you to leave as well Mr. Parker." said Katrina.
"I'm not leaving until you tell me why you sent that letter to me."
Katy looked him in the eye and said, "You set me up."
Jay grabbed her arm and drew her close, holding her tightly. "What are you doing with that street trash?"
"Someone needs to watch over me while you are gone."
Jay loosened his grip a little. "So we are still together?"
Katrina nodded. The real truth was she couldn't stand Jay anymore, but she wanted things to be right between them for when her parents returned.
"I have to be going now." said Jay as he opened the door and left.
The newsies gathered around Katrina.
"Is it just me, or did it sound like she's usin' us?" asked Race.
"You've seen what he does to me when he is angry, I don't want that again, and I don't want him coming after you Jack."
"I get the feelin' dis guy don't like ya." said Specs.
"Katy, ya can't keep goin' on like dis." said Jack.
"If I remember right," said Pie Eater, "you'se were the one that started the whole thing."
"That's right," said Snitch, "you'se were the one that pushed her in the alley."
Jack started for Snitch but Katrina stopped him. "It doesn't matter who this started. What does matter is I asked for your protection until my parents return."
Spot tapped his can on the floor. "I gotta be goin' back ta Brooklyn."
The other newsies left with him, except Jack. He sat down and stared at Katrina, wondering why she went back to treating him and the newsies like when they first met.
"Katrina, what're ya holdin' onta with this guy?"
Katy turned suddenly. "I have to marry an aristocrats son, it's just the way the world works."
"No, it's the way yer parents woik Fer some reason ya can't think fer yerself, at least that's what's been taught to ya."
Katrina glared at Jack as he stood and walked to her. He looked at her dress where Spot had torn it. "It's a wonder ya didn't charge Spot fer that."
When Jakc left Katrina went up to her room. She decided to stay at her own home and not go to the lodging house.
~
Katrina was awakened by the sound of someone pounding at the front door. She got out of bed, pulled on a robe and went downstairs to see who it was. She could hear James telling whoever it was to come back later.
"But ya don't understand, we ‘ave ta see her now." said a familiar voice.
Katrina rushed down the stairs and saw Snoddy and Swifty. "It's alright James, I will speak with them."
The two newsies removed their caps, while James left to the kitchen.
"Please come into the den gentlemen."
Snoddy and Swifty followed Katy. She motioned for them to sit. "Now why are you here instead of selling your newspapers?"
"Jack was taken by the bulls." said Swifty.
Katrina gasped. "Why?"
"Like der gonna tell street trash like us." said Snoddy.
"Wait here." ordered Katy. She went upstairs and quickly dressed. When she returned to the den Swifty and Snoddy were waiting for her. "I don't know what I can do, but let's go to the police station and try to get Jack out of there."
People passing by the Cummings house thought it strange to see the daughter of an aristocrat with two newsies. Katrina paid no mind to the odd looks by passers-by. Jay saw her (he was going to go visit her) and stared wide-eyed. He stepped in front of the trio and said, "Katrina."
Katy pushed him asid like she didn't see or hear him. Jay followed behind them. "Katy, what are you doing with them? They are newsies."
Katrina stopped and looked at Jay. "Swifty, would you please help Mr. Parker?"
Swifty smiled. "With pleasure ma'am." He swung around and punched Jay in the stomach. The youth doubled over.
"Now you know what it was like for me." said Katrina, then turned and started to walk away.
They reached the police station in time to see Jack being escorted in by officer Ford.
"Ford, what is the meaning of this?" demanded Katrina.
The officer turned suddenly. "Miss Cummings, what a surprise."
"Never mind that. Why have you taken Jack?"
We were told that he was conspiring to kidnap you for ransom."
Katy's eyes were flaring with anger to the point Snoddy put a hand on her shoulder. "Where did you get this information?"
"I'm sorry but I can't tell you that."
"How much is bail?"
Ford glanced over at Jack. "Five hundred dollars."
Katrina nodded and started to leave.
"You can't pay it."
She turned. "Why is that?"
"Young love." was all For said.
Katy looked at Jack. When her eyes met his it was like she was telling him she wouldn't give up until he was released. The two newsies soot quietly next to Katy, waiting for the next move. "Let's go to the lodging house." said Katrina finally.
The other newsies were waiting when they got there, including Spot.
"So did ya get Jack out?" asked Boots.
Katy looked away. She felt like she let her friends down.
"They won't take her money because of her feelin's toward Jack." explained Swifty.
Spot took Katy's hand. "At least ya tried ta help."
"Who can we find ta pay fer Jack's release?" asked Crutchy.
"Hey, what about Denton?" suggested Kid Blink.
"He can't help ‘cause he's away fer the Su." said Race.
"It's no use, we'll never get him out." said Katrina.
"Hey, we didn't quit the strike when it looked bad," said Itey, "an' we sure as hell ain't gonna stop now."
Kloppman walked in at that moment with a stack of papers. "You're going to need to leave. I have a lot of filing to do."
The newsies and Katrina went out into the streets of Manhattan.
"So what's the move?" asked Skittery.
Katrina's face suddenly brightened. She grabbed Spot and said, "I have an idea. You boys wait here for us."
The aristocrat young lady and the Brooklyn newsie walked through the streets of Manhattan until Katrina stepped in front of a business firm.
"What's this place?" asked Spot.
"This is my fathers firm. His partner, the one who stuck by me yesterday, can help." answered Katrina.
They walked into the building and immediately they were greeted by Mr. Marckwald. "I'm glad to see you here again Katy. I thought maybe you had forgotten to hold down your father's part." He then turned to Spot and shook his hand.
"I have to tell you this isn't social, it is personal." said Katy.
Mr. Marckwald became serious. "What is the problem?"
"We need five hundred dollars from you."
The partner became puzzled. "Katy, you have that kind of money, why do you need me to give you that amount?"
"It's more complicated sir," said Spot, "we need you to use the money to release our friend."
Marckwald picked up a newspaper that was sitting on a nearby desk and showed them the front page picture, it was of Jack. "Could that be the friend?"
Katrina nodded. "Yes, that's him."
"Sorry, I can't help you."
"Why not?"
"Because he is against you. The proof is there."
"What proof? A headline?"
Marckwald stopped. He realized Katrina was right, a headline wasn't proof of anything. "I'll have to think about it. Now I have to get back to work."
Spot and Katy left the firm and slowly walked back to the lodging house. When they got there the newsies were waiting for them.
"So what was yer great idea?" asked Dutchy.
"I talked to my father's partner. He said he would think about it."
"That's better than nothin'."
She sat down on the steps next to Race and Pie Eater. Race put an arm around her and said, "You've done everythin' ya can."
"Excuse me, please." said Katrina as she went into the lodging house.
"She's really fightin' dis." said Spot.
"What?" questioned Dutchy.
"She wants ta stay with us, but as soon as Titanic comes it, Parker's in an' we're out." explained Race.
Spot sat down where Katy had been before. The others stood or sat in silence, thinking of how to help their friend.
~
"Miss Cummings, you have to accept the fact that Mr. Parker is the chosen one for you, not Jack."
Kloppman had seen how troubled Katy was and asked her to tell him about it.
"But Jay has abused me in these past few days. He never thought of hurting me before."
The old man but a hand on Katy's and smiled. "Once you two are married, he won't strike you anymore."
"How can you be sure?"
"He won't have to worry about the threat of Jack anymore."
Katrina heaved a sigh as she left Kloppman and went upstairs to her room. The newsies came in and sat around the desk.
"You boys have a problem?" asked Kloppman.
"Klopper, what can ya do fer a girl like Katy?" asked Itey.
"You boys were hired to protect that girl, that's all you can do."
"I told ya he'd say that." said Race.
"I still say we should soak Parker." said Spot.
"Like we're not in enough trouble." said Boots.
Spot tapped Snoddy and told him to get Katrina. He went upstairs and soon came back with Katrina.
"Thought of anything else we can do to help Jack?" she asked.
"No." answered Spot.
Katrina sat on the stairs and buried her face in her hands. Spot hesitantly put an arm around her. "Katy, dis Parker's gettin' to ya bad."
Pie Eater stood and held out his hand to Katrina. "I think we should go and visit Jack."
Katy took his hand and stood they walked out of the lodging house and headed toward the police station.
"I never dreamed an aristocrat would be our friend." said Racetrack.
"The dream'll end when Titanic comes." said Crutchy.
~
"Ford, I want to see Jack Kelly."
Officer Ford looked up from his paperwork. "Why is it that when I see you one of them is with you instead of Mr. Parker?"
Katrina squeezed Pie Eater's hand so he didn't retaliate to the remark given. "That's not your concern. Now can I see the prisoner?"
Ford got up and picked a key hanging on a hook on the wall. He led them down a hall until he stopped and unlocked the cell containing Jack. Katy and Pie Eater entered, Ford closing the door behind them. Jack looked up and was surprised to see Katrina. "What are you doing here?" "I talked to my father's partner. He'll think about bailing you out."
"And then what? In five days yer parents'll return and we'll just be a memory, I'll leave yer life forever."
"Jack it wouldn't matter if you left or stayed, my life will never be the same. I love you."
Both Pie Eater and Jack stared at Katrina. They couldn't believe what they just heard. "Do ya know what you'se just said?" asked Pie Eater.
"Yes I do. Jack has shown me in the few days I've known him what love really is."
"How?" asked Jack.
"Jay didn't seem to care that I was attacked."
Jack stood and took Katrina in his arms. "Yer not sayin' dis ta make me feel better are ya?"
Katrina shook her head no. Jack then kissed her, Pie Eater leaned back against the cell bars and smiled. Ford came back and unlocked the door once again. "It's time for you to go."
Pie Eater took Katrina's hand and escorted her out of the cell. They walked out of the station and started to head back to the lodging house. Pie Eater suddenly grabbed Katrina and ran the opposite direction and dodged into an alley, running in and out of the streets until they came to the stature of Horace Greeley, where they ran into Spot. "Hey Pie Eater, what's the rush?"
Pie Eater pushed Katy into Spot. "Take her ta Brooklyn with ya."
"I can't--"
"Spot, ya gotta!! Parker's lookin' fer her."
Pie Eater then spun around and left for the lodging house. Spot looked at Katy who was still in his arms. "I guess yer stayin' in Brooklyn."
He grabbed her hand and ran until they came to the Brooklyn bridge, then the two walked into Spot Conlon's territory. He took her to the docks where the Brooklyn Boys were waiting.
"Boys, dis is Katrina. We're gonna help Jacky-boy pertect her." He then turned to Katrina, "ya must be tired after all that's happened. I'll take ya to out place."
Spot and the Brooklyn Boys went to the Brooklyn Newsie Lodging house and retired for the night.
~
The sound of the lodging house owner waking the Brooklyn Boys rang in Katy's ears as she slipped into her dress from the day before. She almost regretted her parents' return because she thought it was exciting being with the newsies.
There was a knock at her door. "Who is it?"
"Swindler. Spot wants ta see ya before sellin' papes."
Katrina opened the door to see a tall newsboy blocking the way. He moved aside and led her downstairs where Spot was waiting. "How'd ya sleep?"
"Fine thank you."
"Ya need to return ta Manhattan, so Swindler here's gonna take ya home." Spot then left the lodging house to start work.
"Shall we go ma'am?" asked Swindler.
Katrina nodded. They left the lodging house and walked through the streets of Brooklyn. Not a word was spoken as Swindler and Katrina crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and entered Manhattan. The newsie followed Katy as she made her way home. When they reached their destination, Swindler looked at the house with wide eyes. "Ya live here?"
"Yes I do."
Swindler looked at Katy. "I gotta go now that yer home."
"Yes, of course, thank you." said Katy as she disappeared into her home.
James rushed to the door thinking intruders were entering the house. When he saw who it was he ran up to her and hugged her.
"James, I'm famished, is breakfast ready?"
The servant let her go. "Yes, I will bring it to you."
Katrina went into the dining room and waited for James. He soon came in with a tray piled high with food. She immediately started eating the rich food, enjoying each and every bite.
"You act as though you haven't eaten in days." said James.
"I didn't have time to yesterday." Katrina then gave James some money. "Find one of the newsies and buy a paper for me."
James took the money and left. Katrina finished every bit of food that he brought her, and sat back in her chair, waiting for James to return. He soon returned and handed Katy the newspaper. She looked at the front page headlines and saw nothing of importance, so she set the paper down on the table. "I'll read the rest later. I was expecting a headline saying I was kidnapped or something like that."
"Where did you stay last night?"
"In Brooklyn with Spot."
James cleared the table as Katrina went upstairs to change into a clean dress. As she fixed her hair she noticed something on the fire escape outside her bedroom window. Katrina stood and opened the window, there was Dutchy, with unsold newspapers.
"What are you doing here?"
"It's important ya meet us at Tibby's dis afternoon." said the newsie.
Katrina nodded then closed the window while Dutchy climbed down the fire excape. She finished getting ready for the day and then went downstairs. "James, I'll be leaving this afternoon."
"Katy, what about the firm? You haven't been there for almost a week."
"I was there yesterday."
Katrina went into the den and sorted through the mail and found a wireless message from her father. It read: ‘Enjoying Titanic very much. Miss you very much, will see you soon.' Tears formed in Katy's eyes as she read the note. She missed her parents very much and couldn't wait for their return. She wiped away the tears and set the note down. She exited the den and called James. When he appeared she said, "I am going to leave now."
"But it is only eleven-thirty."
"I need some time to myself before I go to my meeting."
James nodded as Katrina turned and left the house.
Katrina didn't know where she was going to go, but she didn't care. Her thoughts went to the day her parents left for Europe and how happy she was for her parents because they were coming home on the Titanic. Katy was now angry that she didn't go with them and ride on the unsinkable ship.
So engrossed in her thoughts, Katrina lost track of time and found she was late meeting the newsies.
"I hope they are still there." Katy said to herself as she quickly made her way to Tibby's.
Itey waved to Katrina when she entered the diner. She made her way to the table and sat next to him. "Now what is this all about?"
Yer love fer Cowboy." answered Race.
Katrina became puzzled. Snitch explained. "The cop at the station heard what ya said an' told Parker about it."
"Now," continued Boots, "he's lookin' fer ya an' ya can guess why."
Katrina sat stunned.
"There's more," said Specs, "he's willin' ta leave you'se alone if ya agree ta send Jack away ta--"
"You mean if I agree to his murder." finished Katrina.
The newsies nodded.
"How do I get out of this one?"
"We'll see to it that he don't touch ya." said Boots.
"Just don't agree with ‘im on anythin' he says about Jack." said Itey.
Katrina sat back. "Is that all you wanted to talk to me about?"
"No, there's somethin' else," said Race, "yer dad's partner was in on the attack, he was the one that paid the guy, not Parker. He wasn't expectin' Jack at all, so the plan was a flop."
"What did he expect to gain?" asked Katrina.
"Yer father's part in the firm." answered Itey.
Katy stood up and started to leave but Race grabbed her. "Ya can't do anythin' about what we told ya."
"He's right," said Specs, "there's nothin' you'se can do ‘til Titanic comes."
The mention of Titanic brought tears to Katrina's eyes. Race let go quickly because he thought he hurt her. "What happened?"
"It wasn't you," said Katrina, drying her eyes, "I just didn't realize how much I missed my parents until today."
Racetrack put his arms around Katrina, surprising Specs, Snitch, Boots, and Itey because he was against helping Katy from the beginning.
"Yer parents'll be back soon and everythin'll be as it should be."
Katrina looked up at Race. "What do you mean ‘as it should be'."
"Yer parents'll see to it ya marry Parker."
Katrina pushed away. "I'm not going to marry him, and my parents will agree with me when they hear what has happened."
"But they won't agree with ya when dey hear Jack's yer choice." said Itey.
Katrina was reminded that her parents were very aristocratic and would object to a newsie in the family.
"You'se should come ta the lodgin' house with us and get yer stuff." said Boots.
"Why?"
"The bulls'll think we stole from ya the way things're goin'." answered Snitch.
Katrina left the diner with the newsboys and went to the lodging house to gather her stuff up and take it home. Spot and Swindler were standing next to the registrationd desk when they arrived.
"We just wanted ta make sure you'se were all right." said Spot.
"Ya think you'se guys could help her move her stuff outta here?" asked Race.
The two Brooklyn newsies followed Katy up the stairs to help her. Snoddy came down and stood next to Race. "Ya got her ta leave."
"Hey, we're in enough trouble as it is." said Specs.
Katrina came downstairs. Spot and Swindler followed, carrying her luggage. She thanked the newsies for letting her stay with them and then left. The two newsies followed in silence until Swindler whispered, "I thought Jack was gonna come ta the lodgin' house an' surprise her."
Spot just nodded. He then followed Katrina up the front steps into her house.
"Take them upstairs, first door on the right." commanded Katy.
As Spot and Swindler went upstairs, Katy went into the den. She opened the doors and stepped in then stopped. Sitting in one of the chairs was Jack Kelly. "My father's partner did pay for your release."
"No, Medda did."
"But--"
"Race told her everythin' an' she came with the money."
Katrina turned to the desk and sat down.
"Katy I know ya tried yer best ta get me outta there."
"Everyone I ever trusted are now against me."
Jack stood up and walked to Katy. He saw she was holding the wireless message from her parents. "Maybe yer parents leavin' was a good way fer ya to learn about life. Don't trust just anyone."
"But I have known both Jay and Markckwald since I was a child."
Jack stood her up and looked in her eyes. "I've only known you'se fer six days an' you've changed just like them."
He leaned forward and was going to kiss her, but the doors to the den opened and the two Brooklyn newsies stepped in. "Yer stuff's upstairs." said Spot.
"We couldn't open th' door, so we set th' bags in the hall." added Swindler.
"What? Why would the door be locked?" asked Katy.
The two newsies shrugged. They left because they could see that they weren't wanted any longer.
"I think I should check that door." said Katrina, trying to break the silence.
Jack grabbed her hand. "It might be a trick."
She withdrew her hand from his grasp and left the den. Jack followed her as she made her way up the stairs. "Hey, didn't I smash that door?" he asked.
Katrina stopped. "Now that I think about it, the dorr was fixed when I returned the next morning."
Jack stepped in front of Katrina and grabbed the doorknob. It turned and clicked, indicating it wasn't locked at all. Jack suddenly grabbed Katrina and ran out of the house. "Jack, what are you doing?"
The newsie walked away from the house as fast as he could, Katrina followed. "Someone was behind that door, an' they were waitin' fer us."
"Why do you say that?"
Jack turned to her. "Swindler said thee bags were outside the door. I didn't see ‘em."
They walked in silence until Race ran into them. "Hey Cowboy."
"She's stayin' another night with us."
Race turned to Katy. "Can't stay away from ‘im?"
Jack slapped Race on the arm. "Someone's at her place."
The three reached the lodging house as others were coming in too. Kloppman saw Katrina and shook his head. "You're going to end up a resident here if this keeps up."
"I can't wait for my parents to return."
Katrina leaned against the desk. Snoddy stood next to her and slowly put a hand on hers. She looked up at him and smiled.
"Katy, ya got us until Titanic comes." said Dutchy.
Jack took her other hand. "Ya got me."
"Until Titanic comes." added Katrina.
The newsies suddenly became silent. Itey finally asked, "Ya mean yer still set on Parker?"
Katy shook her head. "No but my parents are."
"I think your parents have too strong a hold on your life," said Kloppman, "you're nineteen, you should make your own decisions."
The aristocrat turned and looked at Kloppman, then at Jack. She realized then how much of a hold her parents had on her. "I never went against my parents before."
"Ya should find a way ta show ‘em the real Parker." said Swifty.
Suddenly Katy gripped Jack's arm. "Did you see James at the house?"
"No I didn't." answered Jack.
"He might be in trouble. He was there when I left this afternoon."
"Don't worry," said Boots, "me ‘n' Swifty'll check it out."
The two newsboys left as Jack tried to calm Katrina down. He sat her down on the steps and herld her tight.
"Why can't the bulls do somethin' about Parker?" asked Itey.
"Cause he pays ‘em ta stay off his back." answered Race.
"Not Ford." said Skittery.
All eyes turned to him, so he explained, "At the party he tried ta get Katrina ta press charges against Parker."
"But why would he tell Parker ‘bout what happened in the cell?" asked Pie Eater.
"He don't like newsies." said Kid Blink.
Katrina stood up. "I'm going to bed."
The newsies said good-night to her as she went up the stairs. When the sound of her door closing was heard, the newsies gathered around.
"Jack, if ya love her, do everythin' ta help her." said Crutchy.
The doors swung open as Boots and Swifty came in. "I don't know what you'se were talkin' about Jack, there's nobody there." said Boots.
"What about James?" asked Jack.
"He's fine. Went to the apartments ta visit with a friend." answered Swifty.
Jack started up the stairs and turned to the newsies. "We should get some sleep."
The other newsies followed him upstairs to the bunk room.
~
Katrina was up and ready before the newsies because she had to get ready for church. There was a knock on the door. "Who is it?"
"Jack."
"Come in."
The door opened and in stepped Jack Kelly. He looked at Katrina and smiled.
"What is it?" asked Katrina, confused.
"Just a few days ago ya needed yer servant ta help ya dress. What happened?"
Katrina turned red with embarrassment. "I decided not to bother with it."
Jack too her hand. "Ya still look beautiful."
He then held her at arms length. "What're ya all dressed up fer?"
"I'm going to church."
"Where'd the dress come from?"
"I left it here yesterday."
He then held her close once again, almost like he would never let go.
"Jack, why don't you come with me?"
He looked at her as if she were insane. "Me go to church?"
Katrina nodded.
"I'm not dressed fer it."
"Wear my father's suit. You still have it don't you/'
Jack slowly left the room. He wasn't sure about going to church with Katrina because of all the news surrounding them. He then thought that maybe Katy was trying to show her aristocratic friends that there is more to a newsie than just news.
"Hey Jack, what're ya doin' with those fancy threads?" asked Mush.
"Goin' ta church with Katy."
The other newsies gathered around. "Do ya think she'd let us come?" asked Snoddy.
There was a knock at the bunk room door. "You can all come but you have to hurry. I don't want to be late."
They all rushed to grab the suits they had worn to the party. Downstairs Katrina waited for the newsies to come down. Spot came in and saw her leaning against the desk. "Yer looking pretty today. What's up?"
"I'm waiting for the boys so I can go to church."
Spot tapped his cane on the side of the desk and took of his cap. "Interestin'."
Katrina turned to Spot. "You think they shouldn't go?"
He put a hand on hers. "Newsies in church ain't heard of,"
The newsies came down at that moment. Katy grabbed Jack's arm and left the Lodging house. Mush, Race, Snoddy, Kid Blink, Botts, Itey, and Skittery followed. They came to the old building and the newsies stopped to marvel at it.
"We don't want to be late." said Katy.
Jack took her by the hand and walked with her into the church, the others following close behind. People stared at Katrina as she entered the sanctuary. They couldn't believe that the daughter of an aristocrat would come to church with newsies.
As Katrina and the newsies sat down, an elderly gentleman approached Katrina and said, "Miss Cummings, these men don't belong here."
"Did Jesus not die for them as well?"
The man walked away angrily. Jack touched Katy's arm and asked, "Who was that?"
Katy sat next to Jack. "That was Pastor Carter."
"Touchy guy." commented Race.
People rushed to their seats as the organ started to play. Katrina stood, as did the newsies, and they sang the hymns. The singing ended when Pastor Carter took his place at the Pulpit. His sermon was about the slaves of Egypt and how the great empire was built on the backs of others. Boots leaned into Snoddy and whispered, "Dis guy's goin' on about us I'm thinkin'."
When church was over and people started to socialize, Katy and the newsies made their way to the exit, but someone blocked their path. "Hello Katy."
Katrina gasped and hid behind Jack.
"I've been looking all over for you. Where have you been?"
"Hey Parker, I'll bet ya double or nothin' she don't wanna talk to you'se." said Race.
People stopped talking and watched what was happening. They couldn't believe that newsies were protecting an aristocrat.
"I don't understand why she wouldn't want to talk to me. We are practically engaged."
"Yeah, yer already actin' like the drunk husband." said Kid Blink.
"What is going on here?"
Everyone turned to see Pastor Carter. He stood between the newsies and Jay. "What is this all about?"
"We just wanna go home." answered Skittery.
"But Parker here won't get outta the way." said Boots.
Carter turned to Katrina. "See what happened when you bring the rabble off the streets into the church?"
Katrina had had enough. She pushed Jack out of the way so Carter was right in front of her. "You should listen to your own sermons once in a while. This ‘rabble' as you call them, make New York what it is. This great city was built by the work of the lower class."
"Katrina, don't defend--" started Jay.
"They build this city by the sweat of their backs, which is more than I can say for some of the people here."
Jay grabbed Katrina violently. "How can you defend them?! Unless your relationship with this is more intimate that the public knows you--"
Before Jay could finish, Katrina slapped him in the face, surprising everyone watching, even the newsies. "As of right now, our relationship is over, and once my parents return I will tell them my choice."
Jay glared at Katy. "You're going to regret what you just did."
She started to leave but Jay grabbed her. Snoddy lunged and punched the aristocratic gentleman in the stomach. Then the newsies and Katy left the church, while the people stood in shock at what happened. When they got to the lodging house the newsies were laughing at what had happened. "Did ya see ‘is face when she slapped ‘im?" laughed Race.
"How ‘bout when Snoddy punched ‘im?" asked Jack.
Spot was talking to Kloppman when they returned. "So how was church?" he asked.
"Ya shoulda been der," said Mush, "Katy told off the others when they said we don't belong der."
"She also slapped Parker when he said we weren't worth defendin'." added Itey.
"Haven't seen that kinda action since the strike." said Skittery.
The newsies laughed. Katrina grasped Spot's hand, surprising him. "Could you do something for me?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Could you, as you say, ‘soak' Jay?"
The newsies stopped and stared.
"I was waitin' fer ya ta say somethin'." said Spot with a smile.
"Are ya sure that's a good idea?" asked Jack.
"I have had enough of hiding from him."
Race tapped Snoddy's shoulder. "Let's go and tell Crutchy what happened."
They went upstairs, leaving Jack, Spot, Itey, Skittery, Mush, Katrina, and Boots. Spot asked what happened and everyone of them told him at once the events of the morning.
"So ya finally fought back Katy?" asked Spot.
"I was proud that I did it." she commented.
The doors swung open and in walked two young men. Katrina looked up and said, "David, Les, what are you doing here?"
"How do ya know Dave ‘n' Les?" questioned Jack.
"I'll answer that one for you," said David, "we work for her father."
"That was the greatest thing I ever saw this morning." said Les.
Jack stood up. "You'se two were at the church?"
"Yeah Cowboy, we were." said Les.
Boots walked up to Dave and leaned against him. "So what do ya think of yer sister's replacement?"
Dave looked at Jack. "Katrina's your girl?"
Les turned to his brother. "That's what Marckwald was so upset about."
The sound of a crutch on the stairs was heard and everyone looked to see Crutchy come down with a big smile on his face. "I don't believe it. I just don't believe it. Katrina ginin' dat guy what he deserves."
The other newsies walked to the back room and left Katrina and Jack alone. He went up and sat on the top of the stairs, Katrina followed and sat next to him. She nuzzled her head into his chest and he put an arm around her.
"Do you regret what's happened this past week?" he asked.
"No."
"Why?"
Katrina looked up at him. "I have learned so much from you and the newsies, like the truth instead of what my mother and father taught me."
Spot came out of the back room and opened the front entrance to the lodging house. "I gotta get back ta Brooklyn."
The newsies said good-bye then hung around the lodging house. The silence was broken when the doors opened and James rushed in. Katrina rushed to his side and hugged him.
"Katy, I rushed over here as soon as I could so I could give you this." said James, handing her a slip of paper.
Katrina took it and found it to be another wireless from the Titanic. She quickly went upstairs and closed her bedroom door.
"What's up James?" asked Specs
"Another message from her mother and father."
"Aren't they comin' back in three days?" asked Skittery.
James nodded. "Three days left for her and Jack to be together."
Jack stomped up the stairs to see how Katy was. He was mad that he may never see Katy again. He came to the door and knocked. When there was no answer he opened the door and entered the room. Katrina was sitting on the bed, tears streaming down her face. Jack rushed over to her and embraced her. "What is it Katy?"
She handed him the not. He took it and read it, every word his face falling.
"We may only have two days instead of three." she said.
Jack crumpled the paper and threw it out the window. He then pulled Katy up from the bed. "Katy, ya may ‘ave ta choose between me ‘n' her parents."
Katrina looked at him. "How can I choose?"
Jack then pulled her close and kissed her. When they broke away, Katy turned away.
"What is it?" asked Jack.
"This is the biggest decision I have ever had to make."
Jack understood what she was saying and left her to her thoughts. When he went downstairs the newsies asked how Katy was. He just walked past them as if he didn't hear them. Snoddy went upstairs to investigate. "Katrina, is everythin' all right?"
She turned to Snoddy, a tired look on her face.
"Y'know yer parents love ya an' so they should want ya ta be happy, not miserable."
Katrina rushed to Snoddy and hugged him tightly. She then kissed him on the cheek and left the room. "Where is Jack?" she asked.
"He just left." said Skittery.
James took her hand. "I think it is time for you to go home and get some rest."
Katrina didn't argue. She let James lead her out of the lodging house and to home.
~
Jack walked around Central Park thinking about how to deal with the problem of Katrina. He had to admit that being with the newsies made her stronger, but not when it came to her parents. Then the thought came to him that maybe Katy wasn't the girl for him. Jack quickly dismissed that thought because he knew Katy was the one.
Darkness enveloped the city of New York, letting the night lights glow. Jack slowly walked back to the lodging house. He walked in and saw Race talking to Dutchy.
"Hey Cowboy, where've ya been?" asked Race.
"I was out thinkin'." was his reply.
"About Katy?" asked Dutchy.
Jack leaned against the desk, not answering Dutchy.
"Jack, ya gotta keep dis girl. Don't lose her." said Race.
"Race, her parents might be comin' back Tuesday instead of Wednesday."
Both Dutchy and Race looked at each other then left Jack. They decided to not ask him any more questions. Kloppman came in and saw the frustrated look on Jack's face. "Jack, after all that you have done for that girl, you can't lose her now."
"So how do I keep her?"
"You have to figure that out yourself."
Jack went upstairs and into the bunk room. Every newsie was asleep, so he made sure to be quiet so not to disturb them. He laid down on his bunk and stared at the ceiling. He started to get the feeling that the newsies and Kloppman were going to miss Katy a lot if she chose to make her parents happy. He didn't mind really because he knew they lover her like a sister.
"Hey Jack, you awake?"
"Yeah Pie Eater." Jack whispered back.
"Still thinkin' about Katy?"
Jack rolled over. "Yeah, why?"
"I don't think ya have much ta worry about. She loves ya, I know."
"How?"
"You'se ferget I was the one der when she said somethin' to ya."
Jack didn't hear what Pie Eater said because he had fallen asleep.
~
Katrina sat in front of her bedroom window for a long time before settling into bed. She kept telling herself that Jack made her happy, so her parents would like him.
She knew she was only fooling herself because her mother and father were sure she and Jay were going to get married. The thought of never seeing Jack again pained her. She had learned so much in the last week about the newsies who she knew as non-existent before.
"If only there was a way I could show mother and father what I have learned." she said to herself.
She thought about when she first met jack ans how strange a meeting it was. What would have happened if he had never pushed her in the alley?
Katy then thought of Jay and how much he changed. She wondered what would have happened if she had told him about Jack right away. "He probably would have gone after Jack sooner than her did."
She rolled over as her eyelids started to become heavy. Sleep overcame her body, and as she drifted off to sleep, Katrina thought about Jack and the life of happiness she would have with him.
After all, she thought, he made ne what I am now.