“ Skweeks we ain’t joinin’ up with some street trash from Jersey for nothin!” One proud New Yorker called out. The room was divided Jersey on one side and New York on the other. The yelling increased as the two halves of the room bickered.

“ Oh boy,” Skweeks put her head down. Racetrack tried to comfort her but that wasn’t working.

“ Hey!” A voice from the doorway yelled, everyone in the room got quiet as they stood in shock looking at the figure that stood there. She had a small child asleep on her shoulder and there stood two other figures beside her. One also held a child that was out cold.

“ The kids are tryin’ to sleep, so you mind keepin’ the party down?” Action yelled as she entered the room and made her way to a bunk. The two that followed her looked out of place. The boy behind her looked no older then Action and carried a young boy. Then came the older woman. She looked tired and like she had been threw a lot.

“ Action?” Skweeks said as her mouth dropped.

“ That’s what they call me,” Action smirked as she laid the young girl down on the bottom bunk. Her eyes gazed across the room at all the faces, “ So anyone up for some craps?” The room suddenly broke into shouts again and soon the two children were a wake and looking around. Action made her way to where Skweeks was and the two spit shook as if nothing had changed.

“What the hell are you doin’ back?” One newsie shouted from across the room.

“Not much, just got back from Ireland last night,” Action answered shrugging as she stood there in front of all of them, “so why are you here?”

“ We were just leavin’” Spot stood up and signaled for his boys to leave. He gave a smirk to Action and all of Brooklyn left.

“ Okay,” Action said raising an eyebrow, “ wonder what that was all about…”

“ It’s about Jersey and New York never joinin’ and dats final.” Another leader took his territory and left, soon followed by another and another until Manhattan was the only one left.

“ Oh, that explains it…NOT.” Action said sitting down next to Skweeks.

“ So why were ya gone so long?” Skweeks asked.

“ Why not?” Action shrugged.

“ Oh there’s an answer,” Skweeks rolled her eyes. She caught a glimpse of the new group of people Action had brought with her, “ and just who is this? Did you like Ireland so much that you decided to bring a souvenir back?”

“ Oh very funny Skweeks, “ Action smarted off.

“ I know, “ Skweeks smarted back.

“ Look they’re staying with us, okay? Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go find out what his little attitude was all about.” Action stood up and Skweeks pulled her back down to the ground.

“ Hey lover boy can wait, now we got bigger problems.”

“ What? He is not my—“ Action said getting in Skweekers face when she heard Katie speak.

“ Mum where’s dah?” Katie asked half asleep.

“ He’s in Ireland Katie,” Mellony said trying not to cry. Action ignored the fight between her and Skweeks and walked over to Katie.

“ Heya kid, wanna go with me to sell some papes?” Action said squatting down beside the bunk.

“ What’s a pape?” Katie asked.

“ Come wit me and I’ll show ya.” Action said holding out her hand.

“ Can I go mum?” Katie asked.

“ Well I don’t see why not.” Mellony smiled.

“ What about me?” Jacob asked.

“ Well I thought it was a 2 for one deal, kid,” Action said with an ornery smiled, “Come on lets go.” With that Action picked Katie up and put her hat on her. Jacob followed at her side and Donavan tagged along behind. Mellony stayed seated on the bunk and watched them go off. From across the room Skweeks was giving Action questioning glances.

“ I’ll talk to you later okay Skweeks?” Action stopped by her before they left. She looked back at Donavan and had a though, “See if one of the Manhattan boys will take him the territory.”

“ I’ll just stay with you.” Donavan shrugged.

“ Nah, there’s no tellin’ if I’ll sell anything today but I have ways o’ makin’ up for it on my own. You on the other hand have to start makin’ money as soon as possible. This ain’t Ireland, money is everything here.” Action told him.

“ Then not much has changed.” Donavan said to himself.

“ So how about it Skweeks?” Action said turning back to her.

“ What’s your angle Monroe?” Skweeks said shaking her head. This wasn’t like Action at all.

“ For once I don’t got one… so just do this for me?” Action looked at the floor.

“ Yeah , Race’ll do it.” Skweeks kept starring at Action.

“ I will?” Race said entering the conversation.

“ Yes,” Skweeks kept her stare on Action.

“ So I’ll see ya around kay?” Action left quickly.

“ Okay Donavan, I’m Racetrack…we sell papes…I’ll show ya around.” Race said leading Donavan outside. Soon the room was empty except for Mellony and Skweeks.

“ Thank you so much for lettin’ us stay here, I know it’s a hastle.” Mellony started a conversation.

“ Nah, “ Skweeks smiled, “ Don’t worry about it. You can stay as long as ya like.”

“ Thank you.” Mellony said again.

“ Hey ,uh, why don’t you get some sleep. You look tired. I’ll make sure nobody disturbs you.” With that Skweeks left the room.

*****

“ So,” Sinner said to Blink as they sat in Central Park, “Tell me again why this whole New York and Jersey unification won’t work?”

“ Well, it has to do with the fact we hate them and they hate us and its good that way.” Blink shrugged.

“ Couldn’t you do something to change that?” Sinner pouted.

“ Like what?” Blink couldn’t believe she was giving him the gilt trip again.

“ Like, I dunno stand up for it.” Sinner pleaded.

“ Manhattan is doing the best it can. Nobody else is for it and to tell you the truth I’m not either.” Blink shrugged.

“ Why?” Sinner couldn’t believe he said that.

“ Because it just don’t fit.” Blink looked at her helpless.

“ So did anything big happen at the meeting?” Sinner asked, giving up on talking about what was good for New York with him.

“ I wouldn’t know,” Blink said standing up from the park bench. He had to keep from looking at her because this was going to be bad.

“ What do you mean you wouldn’t know?” Sinner asked curiously.

“ Because,” Blink sighed and turned to her, “ Because I didn’t go.”

“ What?” Sinner said standing up.

“ I told you I don’t like the sound of it so I didn’t go.” Blink replied honestly.

“ I can’t believe you did that Blink!”

“ Look I told you why”

“ Skweeks was depending on you to be there!”

“ Well I’m sorry but I can’t go against something I believe just because your pal is in charge of it!” There. He had finally said what he had been thinking all along.

“ You just don’t want to go up against everyone else you personally don’t care Blink and I know this for a fact.”

“ How do you know that? You aren’t me!”

“ NO but I know you Blink and something like this is something you would want to be a part of ….just not if it means taking a stand when you’re the only one standing.”

“ oh yeah well what about the stirke!”

“ You had all of Manhattan behind you and New York!”

“ Not at first.”

“ Yes you did…and you know it.”

Blink got really quiet for a moment. Maybe she was right.

“ Well I’m sorry but I refuse to be seen with a coward like you!” Sinner yelled as she stormed off.

“ Sinner wait!” Blink started after her but stopped. There was no point in going after her when he didn’t know the truth himself. Blink went for a long walk.

*****

“ Come on guys,” Chance begged, “ You gotta trust me on this one…it’s a sound investment.”

“ Sorry but anyone in the slightest bit related to Action Monroe ain’t got no right usin’ my money for investments even if you say its for yer new job.” Shiner said shrugging her shoulders. Jack laughed and Chance gave a mean look.

“ I’ll invest,” Baby Doll Blue said pulling out a coin and handing it to Chance.

“ Me too.” Mush also gave Chance some money.

“ Hey thanks!” Chance said smiling as she took off down the street.

“ Why on earth did ya do dat?” Jack said in disbelief.

“ You both know that kid ain’t gonna use it for no job.” Shiner rolled her eyes.

“ Yeah and I also know as well as everyone else that she isn’t related to Action Monroe in the slightest bit. But if the only way she’s going to be able to afford food is by gamboling than I don’t see the problem in helping her out.” Baby Doll said shrugging.

“ Me neither.” Mush smiled.

“ Mush you only did it because your girl did it.” Jack said hitting Mush upside the back of his head.

“ Nope, I believe in the cause,” Mush said proudly as Baby Doll Blue stepped up to get her papes. He then turned and whispered, “ The cause being a guy trying to stay on good terms with his girl.”

“ I heard that!” Baby Doll Blue said turning to him.

“ Oh, I was just ….uhhhhhh,” Mush started thinking of something to change the subject. Than it hit him, “ Guess who’s back in town?”

“ Who?” Shiner asked.

“ Chances long last relative that’s who!” Mush announced proudly.

“ Since when?” Baby Doll Blue couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

“ Since today.” Jack replied.

“ And yous was planin’ on tellin’ me this when?” Shiner said giving Jack a curious look.

“ Well I …..uhhhh” Jack looked helplessly at her, “ I forgot to.” “ Sure…that sorta thing slips your mind ?”Shiner shook her head, “ can’t wait till our anniversary.”

“ Our what?” Jack said raising an eye-brow.

“ Oy.” Shiner said putting her head in her hand.

“ Ya know,” Baby Doll Blue said as she stepped away from getting her papers, “When you think about it, Chance and Action could very well be related, I mean look at ‘em they have the same luck.”

“ And attitude.” Jack smirked.

“Yeah but sisters?” Shiner sighed, “ Its just some kid trying to make a name off someone else’s.”

*********

“ Look, I dunno what yer talkin’ bout,” Chance said as she was held by the collar of her shirt. This guy was big and ugly, making one hell of a scary combination, “I beat you fair and square,” he tightened his grip,

“ Okay somewhat fair but still…” Chance kicked the guy hard between the legs and he dropped her to the ground, all of his thugs looked at her ready to pounce, and she sat crouched like a cat on the floor. She suddenly smirked, “ Love ta stay boys but when the dice are rollin’ yer best to go with ‘em…and mine are goin dat way—“ And with that she darted out of the alleyway. They came quickly after her, but she was fast. She’d been running for so long her legs were quick and her mouth even quicker. She could feel one of them right behind her and she knew better than to look back. She thought for a moment and decided to give them her specialty in chases. She dropped down to the ground in a ball and the guy behind her quickly tripped over her. Chance scrambled to her feet and took off even faster. She knew the fairy that left from Brooklyn everyday would be waiting for her if she could hold out for a few more streets. She wove in and out of alleys and they followed her every step of the way. She could now see the fairy up a head but it had already left port. She had another thought and headed for the bridge. Now she was outrunning mobsters and a giant boat. Chance moved even quicker now, and they followed. She was almost there and the fairy was almost under it. When she reached the middle of the bridge she stopped and took a breath. She clutched on to her necklace and gave it a kiss for luck, like she always did. Chance backed up to the other railing. She saw them coming, the fairy was under the bridge now. She dashed faster than lightening to the other side and jumped. Chance hit the deck of the fairy with a thud. For a moment she laid there breathing.

“ Right on time,” One of the crew members whispered to a passenger, “Everyday at the same time in the same place this kid jumps on top of our fairy.”

“ And ?” The passenger asked.

“ And then we throw her overboard for not having the money to stay on board.” The crew member shrugged.

“ Not today, “Chance said forcing herself off the ground, “ Not when I got da money!” She thrust two dollar bills at the crew member and than made her way to the back of the boat, “ SEE YA BOYS!!! GUESS YOU DIDN’T GET THE BEST OF CHANCE MONROE AFTER ALL!! HA!” With that Chance waved goodbye.

******

“ See that Katie,” Action said pointing, “ Dats the statue of Liberty. Big huh?”

“ wow,” Katie starred in wonder. It was huge even from the shore.

“ Dah would love it!” Jacob said smiling. Action smiled at their innocence. She didn’t want them to be anything like her…they deserved better and she owed it to Tom to make sure they had better. Being Newsies was all fine and dandy for some kids, but not them. They were going to go to school and have all the things Action never had. She shook her head. What was she thinking? Money was the key to this city and the only way to get it was dishonestly, at least that was the only way Action knew how to. The sun was setting slowly now, and it was time to get them back.

“ Extra! Extra!” She smiled at the sound of the familiar voice that called out the headlines. It was Crutchy, in his normal selling spot.

“ Heya Crutchy!” Action called over. She lead Katie and Jacob to him.

“ I don’t believe it!” Crutchy smiled, he had missed the meeting this morning but had heard rumblings of it, “ I heard it but I had to see for myself. Action risen from the dead.”

*******

“ So the party’s just never stop around here huh?” Action said to Skweeks threw the loud music that filled the crowded lodging house. It was dark now and Action had long since brought Katie and Jacob back with her and she and the rest of the newsies of both the Bronx and Manhattan sat at Tibby’s. Drinking and laughing like they always had.

“ You bet they don’t,” Skweeks laughed, she took a drink of her beer and watched Action’s response to everyone.

“ They’re so many of em.” Action sighed.

“ Well, I guess they’re always was…nobody ever realized it though till we gave ‘em a place to stay and a job to go wit it.” Skweeks shrugged.

“ You did good Skweeks,” Action said facing her, “ A lot better than I though you would have.”

“Oh gee thanks,” Skweeks laughed, “ Ya know Action, you’ve changed.”

“ No I ain’t” Action said taking a drink of her beer, “ I just reprioritized dats all.”

“ Naw…somethin’ about you’s different,” Skweeks insisted, “ I dunno what it is yet, but when I find out…”

“ Action!” Baby Doll Blue screamed from across the room.

“ Heya Blue!” Action said getting up to go see her.

“ How ya been?” Mush said standing beside Baby Doll Blue and smiling.

“ I’m back ain’t I?” Action joked patting him on the shoulder.

“ Yeah from the dead.” Action heard Sinner say from behind.

“ Hey!” Action turned around, “ I don’t feel like a ghost.” “ Yer bout as pale as one.” Shiner piped in from beside them. Action never felt more at home in her life. Craps could wait…for once

******

“ Chance come on!” Patches yelled up on the roof. She Fool, and Moe stood watching her and Spitfire closely as they climbed to the roof of Brooklyn Lodging house.

“ Dey said not to even think o’ comin’ threw the door ever again.” Moe warned.

“ Yeah and we ain’t thinkin’ bout it,” Spitfire said pulling herself up, “ We’s only thinkin’ bout sneakin’ in from the roof.”

“ See, “ Chance said, finally up as well, “ Nothin’ to it. ‘sides we’s gonna be legends once we steal Spot Conlon’s cane.”

“ We’s gonna be dead that’s what we is,” Moe mumbled. Fool rolled her eyes and shook her head.

“ Keep it down,” Patches yelled up to them, “ They’ll hear you!”

“ Awe who gives a Rat ass if they hear me or not, “ Chance laughed. Suddenly the sound of the Lodging house door opened , “ Shit,” Chance said as she and Spitfire ducked.

“ Oy,” Patches sighed as she Moe and Fool dove into some bushes. Everyone sat barely breathing as they watched the Brooklyn Leader Spot Conlon headed out…with his cane.

“ Great, “ Chance said putting her hat on her head with force.

“ So now what?” Spitfire asked giving an questioning look to Chance.

“ Now, “ Chance smiled slyly, “ we go for da sling shot.”

“ Sling shot?” Spitfire said with an attitude.

“ You gonna fold on me now ?” Chance replied back.

“ Naw,” Spitfire smiled, “ I think I like this hand.”

*****

“ Fool!” Chance called down, the others were up on the roof now, and Fool kept climbing slowly.

“ I’m comin’ !” She yelled up in a whisper.

“ Well so’s Christmas and I already put da tree up!” Chance yelled back. Everyone looked at her, “ what?”

“ Where da hell did you hear dat one?” Spitfire asked giving Chance a look.

“ What one?” Chance asked.

“ The little ‘So’s Christmas thing?” Spitfire said to Chance still giving her a look.

“ Oh dat, me dad used ta say it all da time,” Chance shrugged.

“ yer dad were corney.” Patches joined in the conversation.

“ Hey shut up,” Chance got defensive.

“ Hey guys,” Fool called up. All she could hear was the mumbling of the argument above her. She looked down and suddenly lost her nerve, “ oh boy,” she thought. Her grip suddenly felt like it was slipping “ Oh shit,” she whispered.

“ Guys shut up,” Moe said looking out into the street. She froze when she saw him , “ CHANCE!”

“ What?” Chance said getting out of the fight.

“ Look!” Moe pointed. Chance’s mouth dropped.

“ WHY DA HELL IS HE COMING BACK!” Chance said loudly.

“ Who?” Spitfire came over and saw Spot walking back to the lodging house.

“ We’re screwed!” Patches threw her arms up in the air.

“ No we ain’t….just a little outta luck fer da time being…we just gotta hide again.” Chance said shrugging.

“ What about Fool?” Moe said pointing down. Fool’s knuckles were a pale white.

“ shit,” Chance, whispered in a high pitch, “ okay ….ummmmm stay still and don’t move…I’ll come get ya.” Chance slowly climbed back down.

*******

Spot walked slowly back to the lodging house. He had forgotten his sling shot and, though he doubted he’d need it at night, he always carried it with him. His mind had been on other things all day. This whole alliance with Jersey was a screwy plan that he didn’t trust. And to top it off Action had to come back into town…with baggage none the less. Souvenirs from Ireland or where ever the hell she’d been. Spot stopped for a moment and leaned against the wall of the lodging house.

****

“ Oh boy,” Chance hung on rope that Spitfire had brought just in case…well lets just say it was a ‘just incase’ situation. Moe, Spitfire and Patches lowered her down by Fool.

“ Chance,” Fool whispered, scared to death, “ What now?”

“ Well uhhh,” Chance really hadn’t thought of what would happen after she was lowered to Fool… guess she’d have to wing it from there.

“ Holly shit, Chance!” Patches said holding the rope, “ what the hell you been eatin’?! Rocks?!” yelled down in a whisper.

“ Shut up!” Chance looked up at them. Chance had an idea, “ here,” She started to take the rope off, “ you take the rope and I’ll take the wall. They can pull you up and I’ll climb…okay?” Chance said gripping the wall, “ okay now take the rope.”

“ Hey Spitfire…did she take the rope up?” Moe asked.

“ Yeah I think so,” Spitfire shrugged and slowly they pulled the rope up.

“ Must be Fool….much lighter.” Patches said pulling.

“ Hey what are they doing?” Fool said. They had pulled the rope halfway up the wall now.

“ Guys!” Chance tried to signal them. But they couldn’t hear her, Chance suddenly lost her footing, “ shit!” she said falling.

***

Spot didn’t expect to be tumbled upon by a falling Newsie, so when Chance fell on him, he hit the ground with a thud.

“ uha!” Chance was now looking Spot directly in the eye as she lay on top of him.

“ hi….and you would be?” Spot was trying not to kill this kid.

“ uhhh….outta here.” Chance jumped up and started to run, but Spot stuck out his cane quickly and knocked her to the ground, “ oy.”

“ Now,” Spot said standing up. He walked over to her and pulled her off the ground by her ear.

“ oww owww owww.” Chance said in pain. All of the others stood ( or hung there) in disbelief.

“ Now, wave to yer pals,” Spot ordered. Chance waved and everyone let out a sigh. They knew what was coming next…and it couldn’t be good.

******

“ So anyway, I ended up so drunk that Donavan here had to drag me up stairs!” Action had everyone in the lodging house laughing. Donavan gave his sweet Irish smile and shook his head remembering.

“ You were talkin’ to the door!” Donavan laughed.

“ Hey,” Shiner said interrupting, “ There ain’t nothin’ wrong with talkin’ to buildings.”

“ You’d know best huh?” Baby Doll Blue laughed. Action caught a glimps of Sinner sitting by a window looking outside.

“ Heya Sinner, “ Action called over, Sinner looked back at Action, “ How ya doin’ dese days?”

“ Same old same old.” She shrugged and went back to looking outside.

“ Oh yeah,” Action said to herself, “ That was believable.”

“ SKWEEKS!” an unfamiliar voice broke in to the group down stairs.

“ Yeah Whispers?” Skweeks turned to her. The girl began to whisper something in her ear. Action could tell it was bad by the look on Skweeks face.

“ What?” Action asked.

“ Come with me, this you have to see.” Skweeks said standing up and heading to the door.

*****

They stood in a row. All with theirs heads hanging as they looked at their feet. All but the one that held a smart ass look on her face. She looked away towards the door.

“ I caught these.” Spot smirked.

“ Really,” Skweeks smirked, “how quaint…what was they doin’?”

“ Won’t say,” Spot sighed he spotted Action, “figured you was behind dis.”

“ oh real nice Conlon real nice.” Action said getting loud.

“ Thanks, I have a tendency to be that way.” Spot smarted off matching her volume.

“ What way? The ass hole way?” Action said back.

“ Excuse me,” Chance said interrupting, “ Can I go now?”

“ No!” They both yelled back.

“ Yippes…I get da picture oy,” Chance said backing off.

“ PEOPLE!” Skweeks yelled. Spot and Action shut up, “ Spot go home, we’ll take care of them,” Skweeks ordered. Spot gave Action a murderous look and stormed out. With the slam of the door everyone directed their attention to the group of cowering girls. They also caught Chance trying to sneak upstairs.

“ Get back here!” Action yelled. Chance sighed and walked back slyly.

“ Can’t blame a girl fer tryin’.” Chance shrugged.

“ Since when?” Action replied giving her a look. She began to look at all the faces and then spoke, “ So who did what?”

“ Nobody did nothin’.” Chance answered.

“ Listen smart ass I ain’t as dumb as you look,” A few of the girls cracked up at this. Skweeks kept a smile on her face, boy was Action gonna flip when she heard this kids story, “ now, anyone wanna confess? I personally would like to know just what ya did that pissed him off so bad?”

“ Just runs in da family I guess. “ Chance smarted back. Just who did this person think she was to order her around. Skweeks was the leader…either her or Action, but since Action disappeared Skweeks was in charge.

“ Oh really,” Action said looking Chance in the eye. This kid was too cocky and way too confident.

“ Uhhh, “ Skweeks piped in, “ I think I need to talk to you real quick Action.”

“ Who?” Chance’s mouth dropped when she heard that.

“ Action, Chance,” Skweeks smiled, “ Action Monroe.” Chance froze. This was bad….very bad.

“ Hey Chance ain’t that—“ Before Moe could finish, Chance had a hand over her mouth.

“ Well we are all very sorry….” Chance said dragging Moe towards the steps. Spitfire looked at Chance and got the I’ll tell ya later, just help me now look.

“ And very tired so,” Spitfire helped to move the others towards the steps as well.

“ Good idea Chance,” Skweeks voice stopped Chance for a moment, “ Better run along while I talk to Action Monroe huh?” Chance gave Skweeks stonewall look and continued to drag Moe.

“ What is with you and sayin’ my full name?” Action said turning to Skweeks.

“ Listen we need to talk….”

*******

“ You didn’t think she’d come back did you?” Spitfire whispered as she and Chance climbed quietly out to the fire escape.

“ NO!” Chance said running down it.

“ So now what?” Spitfire stood there.

“ Now….I gambol,” Chance had reached the bottom. She looked up at Spitfire, “comin’?”

“ Naw,” Spitfire sighed and looked back inside, “ I’m tired…I’ll talk to you later okay?”

“ Sure,” Chance shrugged and then took off towards Crap Game Alley. Spitfire watched until she saw Chance was gone and quickly headed down the fire escape. When she came to the street corner, she looked around for a moment. It was clear. Spitfire took a deep breath as she headed towards down town.

****

“ She said what?” Actions mouth hung open.

“ I’m not lyin’ to ya Action, the kids convinced dat she’s somehow related to you.” Skweeks shrugged.

“ Does she know that that’s impossible?” Action said sitting down on the steps of the lodging house.

“ Evidently she don’t care.” “ So nobody has thought to tell dis kid that there ain’t no way on God’s green earth dat I am in anyway shape er form related to dat kid?”

“ Action , she’s an orphan. She’s got nobody and never has had anybody either. She drinks, she gambols, gets the spit knocked outta her on a regular basis..”

“ No wonder no one ever questioned the relation.”

“ Look all I’m sayin’ is dis kid needs help. Who knows maybe she is related to ya.”

“ Skweeks you and I both no that is completely and totally not possible,” Action stood up, “ I think its time to pay Crap Game Alley another visit.”

“ Action, “ Skweeks rolled her eyes, “ Why the hell are you goin’ back there?”

“ Cause,” Action smirked, “ What’s life with out a little action huh?”

“ What ever,” Skweeks stood up and headed back in, “ just be back in time to help yer new little family find a place to live tomorrow.”

“ Why?” Action gave Skweeks a look.

“ Think about it Action,” Skweeks turned back to her, “ They ain’t like you and me. This town is going to chew them up and spit them back out again. They are gonna starve if Mrs.what’s her face don’t get a job.” With that she headed back in. Action sat back down on the steps.

“ Oy,” she sighed. She hadn’t thought about that. They weren’t like Action. They needed somewhere stable to grow up at and school and all that jazz. Action needed a plan and fast. She looked down at her dice. They had a little soot on them still from the fire….the fire. Action never wanted to think about that ever again. Ever since that night all Action could ever see in her dreams was Tom in that fire and the gun and…Action winced and held tightly to the dice. She promised him something that night…it was going to take a hell of a lot to keep that promise now.

******

“ What do you know boys, “ Chance called out over the crowd of crap players in bar that night, “ Looks like I wins again huh?” There was loud music playing the tavern and the room was full of smoke, gamboling, and beer (needless to say she felt right at home). Chance took a drink from her glass. There was an especially rowdy group in there tonight…with an exceptional amount of money.

“ Damn Monroe,” one of the bartenders called out, “ you got some secret we don’t know about?? Loaded dice?”

“ Naw,” Chance smiled, “ dat would be the difference between Action and me…I can play fair and win at the same time.”

“ Dat so?” Chance froze at the sound of that voice. Everyone turned and looked at Action who had crept in to the game. Chance tried to put on a tough look.

“ I never tell a lie.” Chance smirked.

“ Really?” Action gave a smart ass look to her, “ Nice last name, if I do say so myself.”

“ Thanks,” Chance smirked back, “ Me father gave it to me.”

“ Alright, “ Action shrugged, “ Lets see you put your money where your mouth is kid.”

“ Don’t call me kid.” Chance said pulling out her money.

“ Sure thing short stuff,” Action threw her money on the table as well, “ Lets get this thing started.”