Brooklyn's Queen: A Spot Conlon Love Story

Chapter 9: Those Eyes

I walk through the dark streets. It was late, and there was no one on the streets. Some light came onto the streets from houses on the side. I sometimes looked inside to find a comfortable family all together, hanging out in the living room. I kicked at the ground and kept walking.

I never had a true family. I mean, yes I had Jack and the newsies, they were my family, and I couldn't be happier with my life, but I always wondering what it would be like if I did have a mother and father. How would my life be? I guess I wouldn't have the amazing friendships and adventures with these guys. I came to the Brooklyn bridge. 

Brooklyn wasn't a far walk from the Manhattan newsboy lodging building. I walked across and went the way I remembered Jack took us. I hope I was going the right way, because it was dark and I couldn't see one hundred percent. I heard water and boats and followed that sound. I eventually came to a dock and it looked to be occupied by boys, not boats. 

I stepped on the boards and walked swiftly across. I looked up to find two boys blocked my path. I think those were the two who followed Spot behind the boxes when he left.

"Who are you and what do you want?" The boy on the left asked. They were very intimidating, but I didn't let it get to me.

"I'm here to see Spot Conlon." I said. 

"Visitin' hours are over, boy, now beat it." The boy on the right told me.

"Please, it's important." I said. 

"Spot Conlon will see no one!" The boy on the left grabbed my arm and started to shove me aside. 

Then, I heard a shuffling on the boxes. A voice, which I recognized then spoke.

"Mac, Bud, who's is the Gods name is that at this hour?" 

"Some boy, he says he needs to talk to you, and it's important. But i'll jus' show him the way out." Bud said. He was the boy on the right.

"Who is it?" Spot asks.

The boys look at me. "It's me, Finn Kelly." I said. 

Spot looks at me for a second, then says, "Let her in."

He jumps down off the crates and his two body guards escort me over to him. Spot waves them off and they return to their post at the beginning of the dock. 

"Too scared of the outside world that you's have body guards?" I tease. 

"Hey, they protect me self, and the Brooklyn newsies. They's pretty good at their job." He points his cane at my face, getting pretty close. I raise my hand and push it aside. "Before we talk, take off your cap. You's don't need to be a guy in front of me."

I shrug and remove my cap. My hair comes out and I run my hands through it to get some of the knots out.

"That's betta." Spot says. "So, what brings you here at this hour, doll face, ya miss me?" He asks, grinning.

I scoff, "Yeah thats the reason." We both smile. "I came to talk to you 'bout the strike."

Spot sighs and sits down. "Listen, jus' like I told ya brotha today, it's not gonna happen. You's need to show me you's serious."

"Listen, we are." I get serious. "They took Crutchy, to the refuge." 

He sees I'm upset about this and puts his hand on my lap. "I'm sure your thick headed brotha of yours is there right now gettin' him out. Crutchy's fine, it's Synder that should worry."

I give a little smile, and continue, "He wouldn't have been taken away if we's had help from otha newsies. There's not enough of us to make a difference. I'm sure your not happy 'bout the price increase, and neither are your boys."

Spot had both hands on his cane, but was looking at me. He was listening. He sighed. 

"Finley, I'd love ta help ya, but you's got ta show me..."

"We's did today! We almost beat the bulls and we's didn't back down!"

"I jus' can't put my boys in danger. It's too risky, I'm jus' not sure..."

I stand up and start walking back to the dock.

"Fine," I said. "It's your choice."

I begin to walk and I hear Spot say, "Wait." 

I turn around and he grabs my cap from my hand. "We's gotta put your hair up. It's not safe for a goil to be  walkin' arounds in the middle of the night." 

If anything happened, I knew I could take care of myself. I don't know if Spot knew it, but I was strong and tough, but I didn't argue. I pull my hair back and twist it up. He positions my cap on my head and helps push the extra hairs back inside.

"There, that should hold until you's get back to the lodgin' house." He smiles and looks me in the eyes. I look back. There are those eyes, so big and bright. They shown in the darkness."You's know you's a beautiful goil."

I just smile and turn back around. I couldn't show feelings, and I can't have feelings for Spot. Jack hates him and practically everybody in Manhattan is scared of him. I glance back and he's still looking at me as I walk down the dock.

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Awh Spot