Jack Kelly was furious. Why would Race do something like that? He needed to talk to the newsies. He stood on a wagon and shouted out for them.

"What the hell? We cannot stoop down to their level! We cannot go and beat up random kids! We have to keep our morals people, or we're no better than them!"

"Who cares! I want justice!" a voice cried out. A chant began. "Justice! Justice! Justice!"

"Shut it! Just don't go hurting innocent people, okay?"

"Jack, you know none of us would beat up somebody who's done nothing wrong." Crutchie spoke up.

"Well Crutchie, someone did. I'm sure they got the message."

"Jack, what's our next move? We gotta do something to those scabs! They got away!" Finch said.

"We go get those papers back. You know what they look like. But don't touch the kids, okay?" Jack shouted.

"Got it!" Romeo said, giving Jack a thumbs up. "Let's get 'em!"

•••

David stood in the street, shouting the (rather boring) headline. A girl in a pink dress passed him. She was interesting to him. She seemed determined. She suddenly turned around, and she was headed straight toward him.

"Aren't the newsies on strike?" she asked, pulling a pen and notebook from her pocket.

Davey was surprised by her abruptness. "U-uh yeah. They are."

"Then what are you doing here?"

"We're the replacements."

"Hmm. And how did you get the papers? Aren't the newsies guarding the gates?"

"We fought them for it. Then we ran out of there. It wasn't too hard. But some of them were pretty mean. They even beat up my kid brother." Davey answered.

"Your kid brother? I thought they were more ethical!" Katherine remarked, scribbling down notes.

"Yeah, his name's Les. One of the newsies beat him up in an alley."

"Oh my goodness, that is horrible. Why are they striking?"

"They raised the price of the papers. I think it's ridiculous. They're just making things worse for themselves."

"Mhm. Well, thank you. What's your name?"

"David Jacobs. May I ask yours?"

"Katherine. Pulitzer. But I'm thinking of using a byline."

"Plumber?"

"Ooh, nice one. I'll see you later, David Jacobs. Thank you."

Katherine pivoted around and kept walking towards the gates. David watched her as she began to talk to the newsies. It seemed dangerous to him. All alone, talking to those aggressive guys. He kept an eye on her. Something about her made his heart beat faster. She was exhilarating.

•••
Jack could see the girl coming from a mile away. She had a notebook and a pen. A reporter! Perfect! Now they could get the people on their side!

"Hello, miss." Jack smiled, extending his hand through the gate. The girl just glared at it, like she was willing it to go away.

"I'm just here to get the facts." she stated coldly.

"Haven't we met before?" Jack asked.

"Perhaps in passing. Why are you striking?"

"Oh, I remember! You rejected me; and then your brother or pal or whatever stuck his tongue out at me. You're a pretty smart gal, from what I recall."

"You didn't answer my question." she glared at him.

"What's your name, doll face?"

"Don't call me that."

"Well if you won't tell me your name, I'll have nothing else to call you."

"You can call me miss."

"I'd prefer Mrs. Mrs. Kelly to be specific."

"That's your last name, I presume?"

"How'd you guess?" Jack smirked.

"Just answer my question!"

"Yes, I will marry you."

"You are impossible!"

"Thank you, doll face."

Katherine glared, her stare colder than ever. "I'm going to talk to someone else now. Thank you for your time. Where's the leader of this thing?"

"I'm the leader! Can't you tell?"

Katherine looked him up and down. "Not really."

"You are so beautiful..."

"Goodbye, Mr. Kelly."

"Bye bye, Mrs. Kelly!"

Katherine turned sharply and stormed off. What a horrible boy! And he was their leader? She sure had a story to write.

•••
Oscar crossed the street with Morris, spotting one of the newsies walking around, an evil glint in his eye.

"I bet he's looking for us. Thinks he can hurt us." Morris commented.

"I doubt that. I say we hurt him." Oscar grinned, speeding up his pace. He grabbed the newsie from behind, and hit him with a strong fist adorned with brass knuckles. The newsie shouted out in pain. Morris kicked his calf, and Oscar laid another punch. The hits kept landing, and the newsie didn't seem to do a thing about it.

"Stop it!" a voice shouted from behind them. It was female. Morris grinned slyly at his brother. He put down the newsie.

"Why? He's such a good punching bag." Oscars lips curled into a devious smirk. The girl gave him a cold stare, straight through the heart. She was brave.

"You're pretty brave. I admire that in a girl."

"I admire humanity in a boy."

Oscar glared.

"Get." Oscar whispered to the kid, kicking him away. The girl began to walk away, her boots clicking on the sidewalk. Morris grabbed her arm, pulling her back into the alleyway.

"Don't touch me." Katherine ripped her arm away from him, only to be met by Oscar grabbing her waist and pulling her in close. He was much bigger than the small girl, and she struggled to free herself from his grasp. Oscar laughed.

"You are so pretty. What a darling thing. Isn't she lovely Morris?" Oscar asked, flipping Katherine around to face the other boy. Morris grabbed her wrists and pressed her hands against his chest.

"Oh, she warms my heart." Morris sighed. Katherine struggled to break free.

"Get off me, you oaf!"

"Ooooh. She got you!" Morris laughed.

"No; Morris. I got her." Oscar sneered.

David came into sight. Morris turned his attention to the tall kid.

"Oscar, let her go." Morris whispered. David was getting closer, and Morris could see that he was coming towards them.

"Why? She's so fun!" Oscar said, pushing her hair back. Katherine flipped her head away, obviously disgusted.

"David's coming! He can't see us doing this! We'll lose him!"

Oscar shoved Katherine away. "Scram." Katherine walked cooly down the street. She pretended to ignore David, but as he passed, she grabbed him and pulled him aside.

"So, you're friends with those Delanceys boys?" Katherine said.

"Yeah, I am. Why?"

"Don't be."

"Why?"

"Because they're fakes. You may think they're all kind and stuff, but they are not. They beat up a kid. And then they...pushed me."

"I get the feeling they did more than push you Katherine. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, really. They just messed around with me a little."

"Katherine, were they harassing you?"

"That's one word for it. Just stay away from them David. I like you."

David nodded. "Stay safe, Katherine. I'll be out here selling if you ever need anything."

"Thanks David." Katherine smiled and walked off.