Rebuilt

Chapter 23

    Oscar's voice was steady as he worked his was through the entire article with me. Once, twice, three times, and even a fourth and fifth. He read one sentence and had me repeat when he finished, and helped me along the way with any words I had trouble on pronouncing. He used his finger to guide my eyes through the winding article. At the end each paragraph he would tell me why each period and comma was there. He told me this comma was here to eliminate having to add a period, and a period was used to symbolize the end of a sentence and in which the reader should take pause. Each pause between the sentences felt like ages with the eyes of over 10 cat-eared newsboys staring at me. Oscar kept his voice gentle and monotone as he read the article , even at the most shocking parts he showed no surprise focused on making sure I was doing okay diction wise.
    When I reached the end of the article Oscar congratulated me, "good job Blades, that was amazing." He smiled weakly, looking up to the other boys who stood with pale faces and rigid posture. "Want to try one more time? I'm going to read bigger chunks this time okay?"
    I nodded, "alright."
    Oscar didn't hesitate jumping straight in. "'Just months after a juvenile detention facility closes following the Newsboy Strike, tens of teens run free about the streets of New York City. Whether they return to their families or flee the area is unknown. Though one, the name of which still remains under private legislation, runs free about the streets of our precious city. This individual is viewed as a threat.'"
    I repeat the article, struggling over multiple of the lengthier words.
    "'It is said to believe this young girl last seen a few days ago is connected to cold case ten years ago. A murder, a murder in which Lucille and Harrison Conlon were killed in cold blood by who we believe is the same person pictured above. Due to overlapping police reports and suspect reviews it is believed that this person is the culprit, and she should be considered dangerous.'"
    I repeated.
    "'When the family home burnt down ten years ago, close relatives of the Conlon family have hired very thorough and dedicated detectives that have walked every twist and turn in this case. It is due to her bouncing around from facility to facility in which had lead us to a dead end, due to poor management and lack of control, all of her personal records gained from previous homes and the most recent in which she had been living in have seemingly disappeared. Which is why we urge you as citizens of New York City to be on the lookout. For you life could depend on it.'"
    I repeated every work, except the last sentence.
    JoJo was the first one to break the silence. "Lucille and Harrison Conlon...Spot's Ma and Pop."
    "I remember hearing about that fire," Jack, the oldest, said.
    "Killed everyone in the building," Crutchie said.
    "Except Spot," Albert added.
    "And apparently Blades too," Race responded slowly.
    "And apparently the reason the Conlon's are dead is because of Blades." Elmer didn't seem all to happy about it, not at all. "Next time you fall from the fucking roof time, tell me you're a murderer before I take you from the place you belong." He spat in my face, "the streets."
    A chorus of "whoas" and "heys" erupts from the crowd at Elmer's comment. Jack is the first to step up, "Elmer. You didn't even give the girl the chance to speak up for herself. Watch your mouth."
    "Can it Kelly."
    Elmer ripped the paper from my hand and tore it in half and threw it at Oscar, "can't buy that one back."
    He walked away into the alley.