Hey! Two Chapters in one week? Who am I? I don't know, but I'm pretty proud of myself for making this much progress in such a short time. It may be short, but it is mighty. Plus, it's setting the scene. ;) Have another Chapter. - Lizzy Topaz

"Anyone gonna give me an answer?The news waits for no one. If you don't give me an answer, I'll move somewhere else for a story." she said jutting her chin up in an arrogant way. 

I rolled my eyes. Was this girl serious? Where was she going to find a better story. We all know what girls who write for the News really write. Reviews on plays, flower shows, and recitals of all kinds. This story would either be picked up out of her hands by a man or they would just laugh her off and have a man write the article with any research she had managed to drum up. 

"Why do you care? You with the police or something?" said Race. 

"Try to be nice to the gorgeous young woman." said Romeo walking closer to her to reach for her hand. 

"She's probably come to ask who smells so bad," Said Mush as he shoved Romeo aside to stand close to the young woman. He extended his hand, "I promise I smell better than he does."He wiggled his eyebrows. 

"I'm not quite sure how that's a selling point when there is dirt all over your body." I turned to look at her, "When I tell you dirt is everywhere, it's everywhere."

She pulled her hand way from him as she shot a glance at me, "The day isn't getting longer, boys. Are you going to give me an answer about Brooklyn?" 

She was obviously from a family with a ton of money. One who could afford to have an underpaid woman reporter in the family. A woman reporter barely makes enough to put food on the table seven nights a week. Forget about all the other meals, clothes, living expenses, and rent. She must be daddy's little girl to have a career like that. I know my father would have never allowed it. Following a dream or working towards one was for the poor. That wasn't how real money was made. Find something that generates income and exploit people in order to get the work done. Millions right there. 

"It's not that we're afraid." said Blink. "We just have a lot of respect for Brooklyn."

"Yeah." said Specs, "We have so much respect that wese give her all the space she needs."

"She?" asked the girl.

"Yeah." said Blink, "They refer to her as the 'Motha what gave them birth.' Seeing as how most of them was raised on the streets without a real Motha."

"That makes sense." said the girl turning to Jack, "So, you're the only one with enough disrespect in his body to brave Brooklyn?"

"I guess you would put it that way," said Jack his face turning a shade of red similar to the hue of her hair, "I mean, someone's gotta get the news about the Strike to them somehow."

She moved closer, "And I suppose, you're the man for the job?"

Jack pulled off his hat and bowed, " Jack Kelly, at your service."

"So, if Brooklyn is so revered, why go after her and risk angering her?"

Jack straightened up, "Brooklyn is the sixth largest city in the world. You get Brooklyn, you've hit the motherlode. If wese get Brooklyn, we are guaranteed the strike."

"It makes sense now why you would risk so much and brave Brooklyn even though it coulod be potentially suicidal and could start a turf war. I have one last question. Where and when is this Strike going to be?" 

Where do you think? The sun? Jesus Christ, she's either slow or she is sweet on Jack. 

Jack wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her around so that she could see the arch over the gate leading into The World's distribution center. "Right here. Tomorrow morning. And if ise you, I'd bring a camera to snap a picture."

I rolled my eyes. He just wants someone to worship him more than he already worships himself. It must be hard being your own biggest fan for so many years.

She blushed and looked up at him, her face tantalizingly close to his, "Sounds like a date." 

I felt a twinge of jealousy. 

Jack looked at her. His lips tipping up into a soft smile, "If you don't mind my asking, what's your name?"

I remembered the feel of his lips pressed up against mine in the back of that theatre. And I felt my heart sink when I looked at her trim waist and gentle curves that fit so easily up against his body. Painfully aware of how my body was shaped like a plank of wood, I wrapped my arms around myself and looked away from her. 

She edged back so she could look at him better, "Katherine Pul-Plumber. Katherine Plumber."

"What's the matter, aren't you sure?"

"Sorry" she said tossing her hair back and smoothing her dress, "It's hard to concentrate with all that bad breath in my face."

At least i have the good sense not to insult someone I like. Plus, it's not like we have the money for toothpaste. Some people can't even afford to live as their proper gender.

The guys howled. Jack smiled at her and laughed, "At least you have the guts to tell me how it is."

How could he still be entranced by her when she just insulted him in front of everyone. He's just being nice now. Suck up. It's like they've never seen a girl before. I looked down at myself dressed in boys' clothes. Well, maybe they haven't. I don't exactly look like one. 

David cleared his voice, "It's been nice getting to know you Miss Plumber, but, as you have mentioned before, the sun does go down eventually, so we should be on our way."

"You're right." she said tearing her gaze away from Jack's. "I should go too. I have an article to start. Thank you all, and I'll see you tomorrow." 

She walked off in the direction of the New York Sun. 

"Alright, men, if you don't want to be going to Brooklyn with me, I suggest you head off now to rally the troops."

"aye, aye Captain." "Sounds good, boss." "Will do." "I wouldn't be caught dead in Brooklyn." "Nah, You wouldn't be caught alive in Brooklyn. You can't handle those streets, Bumlet." They all said their own "goodbye"s and "see you later"s as  they headed off to their respective burrows. 

Jack turned to me, David, and Les, "Well, Brooklyn waits for no Newsie."

I shot him a look. 

"What?" he asked defensively.

"Nothing." I said

"In my experience," said Jack, "With women, it's rarely ever 'nothing'."

"And you're such a professional?"

"No," he said cutting his eyes at me, "I just don't think you liked the Strawberry Blonde."

With that, we headed off to Brooklyn.