Brewin' in the Boroughs

Chapter 25

For all the rumors about the ferocity they possessed, Spot's boys weren't that bad. Race didn't find any of them all that terrifying after about ten days in the lodge. He got along with all of them surprisingly well, especially Cards, whom he'd watched several races with and even lost the occasional bet or poker game to. Besides, the Brooklyn boys were better at card games and gambling in general.

Not to the point where Race was losing, but enough to challenge him, make it interesting.

It was another normal night, the guys playing games and a few fighting. However, a knock on the door immediately drew all of their attention.

None of the boys knocked and the Brooklyn lodge never had guests.

Cards got up and answered, and seeing the visitor, looked back over his shoulder at Race. "Higgins! Youse got a guest!"

Race looked up, confusion painted across his face. "Who's come to Brooklyn to find me?"

"Youse got eyes, ain't ya? Come and see!"

Race groaned, but got up and headed for the door.

"Jojo?" He asked in surprise as he saw the guest.

"Hey," Jojo said awkwardly, wringing his hands.

"Come on in," Race said, stepping aside so his friend could get into the lodge.

"Who said you could let people in here?" Cards said in mock anger. Race rolled his eyes and shoved the boy away.

"So, whatcha need?" Race asked as Jojo shut the door.

The boy glanced around the room, eyes darting uncomfortably between Race and the other boys who were eagerly watching the exchange.

"Here, follow me," Race said quietly. "You probably don't want to talk here, these guys can't don't know how to keep to their own business!" He finished, loud enough for the boys to hear. A few complained, but Race ignored them as he led Jojo up the staircase and out a window onto the building's rusty fire escape.

The boys sat down next to each other, Race's legs swinging off the edge. "What are you doin' here Jo?"

"I'm here to check on you," Jojo shrugged.

"That it?"

Jojo hesitated. "We... We miss ya Race. We want you to come back."

"You know I can't do that," Race sighed.

"Why not? The fight's over! You did your part, you can come back now!"

"It ain't over yet! I can't leave until it's all over."

"Well why not?" Jojo questioned.

"I need to support Spot right now."

"What about us?" Jojo's voice was soft, barely masking the hurt.

Race's eyes widened and he gently grabbed his friend's arm. "You guys are still my family, I just need to stay here for a bit. I'll come back, I promise."

"I know," Jojo mumbled.

"Hey, look at me. I ain't kiddin'."

"I know."

"Then why are youse so upset?"

"Are we still friends Race? 'Cause you keep sayin' that we are, but I feel like you like Spot way more than me. I know that Spot's your best friend, but-"

"Hey, that ain't true! Youse my best friend from New York, Spot's just my best friend from not-New York," Race explained.

"Brooklyn is part of New York now," Jojo reminded.