The King of Brooklyn // Spot Conlon

King Of New York

Sun's POV

It's early in the morning when we head out to start up with the strike again. I find out from Blink that Jack and Davey weren't able to get Crutchy. Apparently he's not walking good after the beating he got.

Everyone is outside trying to block the carriages carrying papes from leaving, It's no use though since they drive through is like we aren't there. We have to jump out of the way to keep from getting trampled. We all group up as boys carrying newspapers come outside to face us. "Alright. Everyone remain calm." Davey instructs us. It doesn't matter though since Jack speaks up right after him. "Let's soak 'em for Crutchy!" He yells. The newsies begin to cheer, if there's one thing we have it's energy and I know some of the guys have been waiting for something like this. Everyone begins to rush forward in a scramble to defend ourselves.

As we get inside the gates though we realize our mistake. The heavy green doors open to revel men waiting for us with bats and chains. Race yells out to warn us but it's too late. We try to run back out the gates but we find them being closed on us. We're trapped inside. I can see them going after Jack, but it's hard to see over the crowd.

Suddenly I feel someone pulling my sleeve. It turns out to be Slip. I look at him to ask what's wrong but I see that he's pointing up at something. I follow where he's pointing and that's when I see people popping out from the roof tops. Suddenly I hear Spot's smug voice, "Never fear, Brooklyn is here."

The newsies start to cheer, thankful for the help. Suddenly the Brooklyn newsies are firing their sling shots, and I can't help but grin that Spot kept his word. It's chaotic but the newsies are definitely winning, with Brooklyn's help we actually have a chance with this strike. I feel someone come up behind me and try to grab me, but I whip around and kick him where it hurts before he can get me. I decide to use my skills for sneaking around and go up behind some guy and take him out. Spot opens the gate and more Brooklyn newsies pour in.

Suddenly it becomes a celebration, newsies are cheering and climbing all around. I see Denton make his way towards Jack with a camera. "Everyone, freeze!" He yells trying to get everyone to pay attention. I'm so busy talking to Speed on the side that I don't realize Spot is gabbing my arm till it's too late. He pulls be so I'll have to be in the picture. I look up at him with an eyeroll but he just keeps smiling at me. "You're not getting out of this Sunshine." He tells me. I want to reply but I give up in favor of smiling for Denton's picture. If I'm gonna be in the paper I might as well be looking at the camera.

【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】★【☆】

I'm messing around with Race and Blink while we eat our food, I haven't eaten this much in years. Thank god that Denton offered to buy us lunch. Race is trying to get me to make some dumb bet but I choose to ignore him while I eat.

Suddenly Denton walks in holding the paper, everyone turns to try and get a look at the headline. He places it right in front of Jack and we all crown around to see it. I can hear Spot trying to get Jack to let him see his picture like a toddler trying to get a toy. "Hey look at ya Jack ya look like a real gentleman!" Mush laughs. "Will you get ya fingers of my face." He tells him brushing off his hands.

"So what? You get your picture in the pape so what's that get ya huh?" Skittery asks. "What are you talkin about, huh?" Mush asks. The newsies start arguing with Skittery, and if I were him I'd regret opening my mouth right about now. "Glum and dumb, what the matter with you?" Race asks. "You're in the papes, you're famous. You're famous you get anything you want, that's what's so great about New York." Race continues. Everyone starts agreeing with him loudly.

A pair of new shoes with matchin' lacesA permanent box at Sheepshead racesA porcelain tub with boilin' waterA Saturday night with the Mayor's daughterLook at meI'm the king of New YorkSuddenly, I'm respectableStarin' right at 'cha lousy with statureNobbin' with all the muckety mucksI'm blowin' my dough and goin' deluxeAnd there I be, ain't I pretty?It's my city, I'm the king of New York

Everyone starts to try and grab the paper and for a minute I think they might rip it if they aren't careful. I can see Jack trying to hold it over everyone's heads and start to laugh when I see Slip trying to jump and grab it.

A corduroy suit with fitted knickersA mezzanine seat to see the flickersHavana cigars that cost a quarterAn editor's desk for the star reporterTip your hatHe's the king of New YorkHow 'bout thatI'm the King of New YorkIn nothing flatHe'll be coveringBrooklyn to TrentonOur man Denton

Denton really does look like a king they way we're treating him. He's being lifted in a chair with something red thrown around him to look all fancy.

Makin' a headline out of a hunchProtecting the weak and payin' for lunchWhen I'm at bat, strong men crumbleProud yet humble, I'm the king of New YorkI gotta be either dead or dreamin''Cause look at that pape with my face beamin'Tomorrow they may wrap fishes in itBut I was a star for one whole minuteStartin' nowI'm the king of New YorkAin't ya heard?I'm the King of New YorkHoly cow, it's miraclePulitzer's cryin', weasel, he's dyin'Flashpots are shootin' bright as the sunI'm one highfalutin' son of a gunDon't ask me howFortune found meFate just crowned meNow I'm king of New YorkLook and seeOnce a pikerNow a strikerI'm the king of New YorkVictoryFront page storyGuts and gloryI'm the king of New York

Everyone is cheering with excitement and I feel like I just ran a mile after all the excitement. "So let's have some ideas." Jack tells us. "Well we gotta show people where we stand." Dave suggests. "Yeah so we gotta stay in the papes." Jack tells us. "My paper is the only one printing any strike news so far" Denton says. "We gotta do something so big, the other papers are gonna feel stupid if they try to ignore us." Jack explains. Everyone starts to voice their agreement. "Like a rally, a newsies rally. With all the kids from all over New York. We'll make it the biggest, loudest, nosiest blowout they've ever seen." Jack suggests.

"Hey guys, to our man Denton." Davey says raising his glass. Everyone raises their glasses and toasts. "To our man Denton!"