Spot walked out of the distribution center and down the street. Once again his mood was black because of Shannon, but this time it was his fault that things had gone wrong. He did want her back, but he knew he couldn’t get her back. He was once again looking for a fight, and he really hoped that he ran into Squeaks again. Fighting him was so easy because he had good reason. The more Spot looked for Squeaks, the more he found he didn’t have a good reason. That had been the first time he had thought of Dana and the day she drowned sine he had admitted to himself how he felt about Shannon. It had to be this power she had over him. Looking at her hypnotized him. He knew she could do that to anyone and that scared him. He didn’t like her being out there by herself, but he couldn’t take her back because he still believed that they were cousins. He was torn between what he felt and between what he thought he knew.

*****

Shannon woke up to the noise of a burlesque house. The noises she would have to get use to if she was going to live there. She crawled out of bed when she heard someone knock on the door. She opened it to find Megan standing in the hall with a bundle of clothes, or at least she thought they were clothes.

“Did you sleep well, Shannon?” Shannon nodded and let Megan in.

“Pretty good for all that’s on my mind. What’s that?” She pointed to the clothes.

Megan smiled at Sadie as the dog jumped off the bed and walked over to her. She knelt down and petted the dog as she explained what the clothes were for. “These are your uniform. I’m sure your corset will do fine, but your camisole is a little shabby and not quite revealing enough. I also have some stockings that match the camisole and some boots for you to wear.”

Shannon was looking at each of the articles of clothing and was quite confused. “I dona understand. I thought I was just tae play the piano.”

“You are, but you have to show a little more than what you are showing now to keep the men interested. They’re here for that sorta thing. It will be made known that they are not to touch you. You can also wear your own clothes when we’re not open, but for work you have to wear this.” Megan patted Sadie on the head and left the room.

Shannon looked down at the things in her hands and blushed. “I’d be tae embarrassed tae wear this sorta stuff infront o’ me own mother. An’ she expects me tae wear this in front o’ men. She ‘as gone daft, girl,” she commented to the dog. She didn’t question it any further, but put on her uniform and set down to tie the boots. They were extremely high heeled boots, but they were lovely. The camisole was red and white lace with red satin ribbons along the top and bottom. It barely covered her chest, and it stopped just below the bottom of her corset. The stockings were full legged stocking with red hearts and bows along the ankles. The boots were a cream color with red hearts on them and red lace hooks. Shannon couldn’t help thinking all of this would go great with the red dress she had from Sarah. The one she wore to the Valentine’s dance. The same dance where she realized what she felt for Spot. She took a deep breath to stop the lump in her throat from forming any further. She couldn’t let her mind wonder and get her down. She had a job to do, and it required her to be in good spirits. She had to be charming and witty to keep these men entertained till the lady of their choice was ready for them. She only prayed that it wouldn’t be too busy.

She self consciously left her room and wrapped her arms around herself to cover up her body. She knew she would have to get over this, but right now it was embarrassing and kinda cold in the building. Sadie followed her owner downstairs and into the kitchen. She found Megan and a few of the other girls in there eating a pour excuse for a dinner.

“Did everything fit all right?” Shannon nodded, but didn’t move her arms. “Good.” She just stood there. “Well, let’s see.” Shannon slowly took her arms down and let the few women in the kitchen see.

“Cor, Meg, she’s great! An’ ya say she’s on’y sixteen?” A woman with an English accent asked.

“Yep. I wasn’t about ta let her do what we do. She’d never be able ta have a normal life. She’s gonna be the pre-show entertainment.” Shannon blushed at the reference to what they do. Sadie did a small bark. She didn’t like not having attention paid to her. “An’ girls, this is Sadie. She’s our new guard dog. Compliments of Shannon.” Shannon was introduced to the ladies, all fifteen of them. They all seemed nice enough for their profession. Her first day as ‘pre-show’ entertainment went pretty good. She just wasn’t use to the odd hours, but she knew that after a while she would get use to the hours and what went on in the house. It was a living after all.

*****

Spot walked into the Brooklyn Lodging House and groaned. He had totally forgotten that tonight was the Manhattan-Brooklyn poker game. He didn’t feel like seeing anybody, much less have to be social. He walked passed everybody and up to his room. He laid his cane and sling shot down on the bed. He looked at them a moment and laughed. Shannon had once asked him why he carried them around. His reason had been protection, that wasn’t true. It might have been in the beginning, but now they were just apart of who he was. It was almost like Jack’s cowboy hat. He really had no need for it, but he still wore it. Spot looked at the cane funny. “I ain’t wearin’ it again.” He then walked out of his room and back down stairs. He sat next to Jack, but didn’t say anything.

“Heya, Spot.” Spot looked over at Jack, who was too busy watching the poker game to notice his friend’s black mood.

“Hey, Jack.” Spot opened his mouth, but shut it when Jack let out a hoot of joy.

“All right, boys, pay up.” Several of the guys from both Brooklyn and Manhattan groaned as they handed Jack nickels.

“What’s wid this? Ya didn’t play. Why are ya gettin’ da money?” Spot was still in a foul mood, but he was curious too.

Jack was smiling as he put what came to about sixty cents in his pocket. “I bet da boys dat Race would lose. I was right. I jus’ won a weeks worth of food at Tibby’s.” Jack laughed.

“Dat’s great.” Spot tried to sound happy for his friend, but couldn’t when his mind was on Shannon and it didn’t help that he had just made eye contact with Snoddy. Spot groaned because Snoddy stood up and walked over to him.

“Hey, Spot, where’s Shannon?” Snoddy sat down beside Jack. He knew how Spot felt about him, so he wasn’t going to get too close.

“She ain’t here,” Spot snapped.

Jack looked over at Spot and gave him a funny look. “What’s wid the mood, Spot?”

“I jus’ had a bad say is all.” Spot was glaring at Snoddy.

“I see she ain’t ‘ere, so where is she?”

Spot closed his eyes in a last attempt to keep his temper in check. “I don’t know where she is. She packed up an’ left dis mornin’. Is dere anythin’ else ya need ta know?” The last question was barely bit out because Spot was clenching his teeth.

Snoddy knew he was pushing his luck, but he needed to know why Shannon moved out. “Yeah, actually dere is. Why’d she leave? What’d you do?”

“Why is it dat I had ta do somethin’?” Spot stood up and moved to stand over Snoddy. Snoddy quickly stood up and towered over Spot by a good four inches.

“Why else would she leave? So, what’d ya do, Spot?”

“I broke up wid her. That’s what I did. Are ya happy now? She’s gone ‘cause I broke up wid ‘er!” Most of the people had become aware of the argument when it started, but now everybody was aware of it because both Snoddy and Spot were yelling.

“Ya did what? How could ya break ‘er heart like dat? She loved ya, an’ ya jus’ t’row dat away. Are ya daft?” Everyone looked at Snoddy weird because he said something Shannon always said when she was mad.

“Why’d you say that?”

Snoddy looked at Spot funny. “Say what?”

“Daft. On’y Shannon says daft.”

Snoddy rolled his eyes. “If ya remember, Shannon an’ I were kinda close. I guess I jus’ picked it up. Not dat bein’ close mattered. You sent ‘er away because ya couldn’t love ‘er.” Snoddy grabbed up his jacket. It may be early Spring, but it was still kinda cool out. “I gotta find ‘er. She’s probably alone, scared and hurt.” He shot a glare at Spot. “Not dat you care.” Snoddy stormed out of the Lodging House. Spot sat back down and placed his head in his hands.

“I do care,” he mumbled.

*****

“No. No. No. How many time do I have tae tell ye, Jon? I’m ‘ere tae look at, no’ touch. That’s what the other girls are here fer. Now can I get you a drink?” Shannon teased one of the regulars at Knighting Hall. She had been there for two months and had quickly grown to love the hall, the girls and her job. She had been shy at first, but had quickly grown more and more brazen in what she said and what she did. She thought that most of the men that visited the hall on a regular basis were kind, even though what they were doing was wrong. They should be at home with their wives, but who was she to judge.

“Ya sure can, sweet face. I’ll take a scotch, neat.” Shannon shook her head as she poured the drink.

“If yer not careful, Jon, ye’ll be tae liquored up tae enjoy Mindy when she gets down here.”

“That’s only ‘cause you’re too sweet, an’ I can’t have ya. I hafta keep myself liquored ta keep my senses about me.” Shannon laughed. Jon Kilmer was the only customer in the waiting room at the moment. He really was a kind man in his late thirties. He didn’t have a wife, but really did enjoy the company of Mindy. Shannon had always thought that they were in love with each other, even though neither would admit it. Jon was basically the only person Mindy still had as a customer. She was the oldest of the girls, and she only saw other customers when the house was really busy. But no matter how busy it was, she always had time for Jon, and usually his visits were ones that lasted all night long. Shannon thought it was sweet.

Jon finished his drink and watched as Shannon cleaned up in the waiting room. “Have ya had any more luck findin’ you’re brother?”

Shannon shook her head. “No. Every place I’ve checked has turned up a dead end. I’m beginin’ tae think I’ll never find ‘im.”

Jon shook his head. “Not true dear. You’ll find him. If ya keep lookin’, you’ll find ‘im.” She smiled at the man. She had to swallow because she could feel a lump wanting to form because her hope of finding Sean had dwindled to almost none. She didn’t have the heart to tell him that because he was being so sweet about it.

Shannon was able to smile as Mindy came up behind Jon and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m ready.” Jon’s ever present smile broadened as he stood and kissed Mindy. Shannon watched the couple as they walked up the stairs. The waiting room was now empty, and Shannon had some time to go into the kitchen to fix something to eat before the next wave of customers came in. It was almost eleven and she hadn’t eaten anything since she had gotten up at three that afternoon.

She took the first bite of her meal when she heard the bell over the door ring. She put her fork down and took a swig of the wine that Megan had poured earlier in the evening before she walked out to see who it was. She saw two rather disgusting young men in their late teens or early twenties standing in the door way. She hated it when they got men like them because the entertaining was rarely fun, and she usually spent most of the time they were waiting trying to keep their filthy paws off of her. She smoothed down the bottom of her chemise, which only came a few inches below the end of the corset she was wearing. She took a deep breath and walked into the entry way.

“Can I help ye gentlemen?”

Both of them eyed her with immediate lust in their eyes. “Ya sure can, sweet face. We were wantin’ some lady friends for the evenin’. I think I jus’ found mine. So, when ever you’re ready.” Shannon couldn’t help rolling her eyes.

“I don’t think so, Oscar. She’s mine.”

“Now, boys, I’m no’ one o’ the lady friends yer lookin’ fer. I’m jus’ here tae give ya anythin’ ya want before ya see one o’ the ladies.” She motioned for them to follow her into the sitting room.

“Anythin’ we want, eh? Well, I want ya. Can ya give me that?”

Shannon rolled her eyes again. “I already told ye, I’m no’ what ye came fer. One of the girls will be down shortly. Ye can go with one of them.” She walked over to the bar. “Now, would ye like somethin’ tae drink?” Shannon had her back turned to them, which she quickly found out was a mistake.

“On’y if you’re the drink.” Shannon closed her eyes because she could smell the whiskey on his breath.

“I think ye’ve have enough tae drink already.” She turned around and came face to face with Oscar Delancey. She placed her hands on his chest and pushed him back. “I’ve told ye, I’m no’ that kinda girl.”

“Really? Ya sure dress the part. Come on, sweet face, all we want is fer ya ta each give us a lil’ taste before we get the real talent.” He grabbed her arm and started to kiss her. Shannon tried her hardest to push him off, but she couldn’t. She quickly began to panic because the hold he had on her arms was hurting, and she knew they would bruise. She couldn’t get her arms to where she could hit him, but she did have her feet free. She raised her leg and dropped it as hard as she could so that the sharp heel of her boot quickly came down on the toe of his. The hot pain that shot through his foot was enough for him to stop kissing her and let go of her. As soon as he let go and grabbed his foot, she moved away from him, but she wasn’t quick enough. He grabbed her again and slapped her hard across the cheek. The hit was so hard that it felt as if her eyes were about to pop out of her head.

“Get out!” Shannon pulled from his grip and walked to the edge of the waiting room, which was actually a parlor.

“Not without you.” Oscar grabbed her arm and pulled Shannon out of the Hall. They were walking down Duane Street and Shannon was trying her best to get free from Oscar’s crushing grip. “If I can’t have ya in there, then I’ll have ya in some alley, but I will have ya.” Shannon tried one last time to get away from his hold, but there was no use.

“Oscar, I’ve changed my mind. Ye can have me.” Oscar stopped walking and turned to look at Shannon. “Why don’t we head back to the Hall?” Oscar shrugged and turned back toward the Hall. “But, first, kiss me.” Oscar got this sickening grin on his face as he leaned in to kiss Shannon. Shannon took that opportunity to knee him directly between the legs. As he let go of her and bent over in pain, she pushed him backwards and watched him fall into a pile of crates on the side of the road. She didn’t waste anytime before she started running back toward the Hall. She passed the Hall and kept running.

“You bitch!” Oscar stood up and began to run after her. Shannon turned around to see if he was still behind her, and he was. She turned back around, but wasn’t watching where she was going and her heel got stuck in a crack in the sidewalk. She tried to pull it out, but it was no use. She fell forward and winced as her knee skidded on the cement. She stood up and saw the blood from her knee running down her leg. Her stockings had ripped from the fall. She turned around again and saw that he was just feet from her. She noticed that she was right in front of the Lodging House. She ran in and looked for someplace to hide. She saw the rickety old stairs and saw that there was space enough for her small frame to hide behind them. She quickly ran behind them and ducked down.

Oscar ran inside, but when he didn’t see any trace of her, he left. But before he did, he yelled, “I’ll get you, whore! I know where you work!” He left the Lodging House.

Shannon knew he was gone, but she dared not move from her little sanctuary.

*****

Snoddy entered the Lodging House whistling. He had had a good day, and it was even better because he had not run into Spot while he searched Brooklyn for Shannon. He had been looking a few days a week for her, but he had yet to find her. He stopped in at the counter and signed in. He put the pencil down and could have sworn that he heard very soft crying. He started toward the stairs and stopped when he saw the small figure of a young woman huddled beneath the stairs. He could already tell that she was scantily dressed. He got closer and saw that the girl was Shannon. He didn’t say anything to her, but went up stairs to fetch the blanket off of his bunk. He walked back down the stairs and walked behind them.

Shannon heard someone walk behind the stairs and stop beside her, but she didn’t look up. She was scared that whoever it was, they were there to do what Oscar Delancey had tried to do. Snoddy didn’t say anything as he knelt beside her and wrapped his arms and the blanket around her. He pulled her close and held her as she cried. He listened as she silently hummed a tune that sounded oddly familiar. She continued to cry, but her sobs slowly turned into words.

“Come stop you crying. It’ll be all right. Just take my hand. Hold it tight.” Snoddy listened as the song slowly became more and more familiar. “I will protect you from all around you. I will be here. Don’t you cry.” Realization hit Snoddy as to where he had heard it before, and he quickly remembered all the words. As Shannon took a breath to continue singing the soft lullaby, Snoddy took over.

“For one so small, you seem so strong. My arms will hold you, keep you safe and warm. This bond between us can’t be broken. I will be here. Don’t you cry.” Shannon turned her head just enough to look at him in shock. They made eye contact and a sense of familiarity washed over them that was too strong to ignore, but neither said anything, but instead, they both kept singing the lullaby.

“‘Cause you’ll be in my heart. Yes, you’ll be in my heart. From this day on. Now and forever more. You’ll be in my heart. No matter what they say. You’ll be in my heart,” Snoddy found he was the only one singing as Shannon stared at him, “always.”

“Always,” Shannon softly echoed.

Neither said anything for a long while. They just stared into each other’s amber eyes. Finally Shannon broke the silence. “How’d ye ken that song?”

Snoddy shook his head. “Me mudda use ta sing it ta me. I havna heard it in years, but when I heard ye singin’ it, I suddenly ken all the words.” As he talked his New York accent was dropped and his natural Scottish accent came out. Shannon stared in disbelief. He was Scottish!

Shannon wiped away the last of her tears and closed her eyes. She was saying a silent prayer that what she was about to ask would give her the answer she was hoping for. “I dona want tae sound crazy, but is yer real name Sean MacLain?”

Snoddy was the one to look shocked. “Yes. It is. Why?”

Shannon couldn’t help the new tears that were quickly filling her eyes. No wonder she had instantly felt that connection to him. She knew there was a sense of familiarity to him, but she had never guessed, or even thought that he was her brother. “I’m Shannon, yer sister.”

Snoddy stared at Shannon for a minute and the more he stared the more he saw himself in her face. She had the same color hair and eyes. She had the same thin nose, the same lips. He looked even closer and saw his mother in her. After years of thinking that his family was dead and gone, he was sitting under the stairs at the Lodging House holding his baby sister.

“Sis?” Shannon nodded and Snoddy couldn’t help the tears that pricked his eyes either. He pulled Shannon even closer and held her tight. He was extremely happy, but the comic side of the situation was hitting and he couldn’t help laughing. Shannon pulled away and looked at him funny.

“What are ye laughin’ aboot, Sean?” Sean. It felt good to say that to him. Sean.

“This.” He motioned to where they were sitting. “Us. Everything.” He stood and backed out of the little space they had been sitting in. “Come on, half-pint. Let’s get ye intae somethin’ a little more decent.” Shannon stood and wrapped the blanket tightly around her. Snoddy wrapped his arms around her and led her up the stairs.

*****

Shannon stepped out of the washroom wearing a pair of Snoddy’s pants and shirt. Both swallowed her, but she felt much more comfortable than she had in her corset and chemise. She had to roll up the pants several times so that she wasn’t walking on them, and she had to roll the sleeves up so that she could at least use her hands. She was shocked to see the bunk room full of newsies. She stopped in the doorway, and just as she had noticed all of them, they had noticed her. All noise and activity came to a crashing halt.

“Shannon?” Jack asked. She nodded. Everyone was watching her as she slowly made her way to the other end of the room where Snoddy was sitting on his bunk.

“Ye didn’t tell them I was ‘ere?” Snoddy shook his head. “Sean?!” She whispered.

“I kinda forgot tae mention it, ye ken?” Everyone was listening to their conversation, and all were shocked to hear Snoddy’s Scottish accent. Shannon shook her head as she sat on the bunk next to him. She was playfully glaring at him. Snoddy couldn’t help smiling as he winked at her. “Aw, come on, Sis, ye ken I was going tae tell ‘em.” Snoddy let his natural Scottish accent mingle with his New York accent.

“Sis?” Jack asked as he stepped a little closer.

“What’s she doin’ wearin’ your clothes?” Race asked.

“Yeah. Sis.” Snoddy looked over at Shannon and smiled. “Do ye want tae explain why you’re wearin’ me clothes?” She shook her head and blushed. Snoddy gave a little laugh. “She’s wearin’ dese clothes ‘cause what she was wearin’ was no’ appropriate.” The all eyed him funny, but didn’t question him on it.

“So, how’d you find her, an’ how’d ya find out your related?” Blink asked with quite a lot of clarity.

Snoddy looked at Shannon. “Well, she was hidin’ under the stairs cryin’. It wasna too hard tae find her.”

Shannon took over and explained how they found out they were related. “I was singin’ a lullaby that my ma sang tae me when I was a wee baron. While I was singin’, Sean joined me. It was just askin’ if he was my brother tae figure out the rest.”

Jack nodded, and then said what several of the newsies were thinking. “Glad ta see ya found Snoddy, an’ now ya can go back ta Spot. He’s been miserable since ya left.”

Shannon shook her head ardently, and got a look of anger on her face when Spot’s name was mentioned. “I will no’ be goin’ back tae Spot. He made up his mind when he broke my heart. Now he can learn what it feels like tae lose someone ye love. I’m sure he already has somebody new.” She shook her head at that thought. She didn’t want to think of him with someone else because it hurt too much. She still thought about him every night, and wished he would see what she knew. They weren’t cousins. She looked at Jack and walked over to him. “Ye will no’ be tellin’ Spot I’m back.” She looked around the room. “That goes fer all of ye. Understand?” Every body nodded, except Snoddy. “That includes ye, Sean.”

Snoddy shook his head. “If ya love Spot, an’ he makes ye happy, why not let ‘im ken yer back, Half-pint?”

“‘Cause ‘e made his choice. It’s his loss.” Shannon crossed her arms and gave her brother a look that said no more arguments. Snoddy stopped arguing because she looked so much like their mother at that moment..

“Fine. Fine.” Snoddy held up his hands to show he was through.

“I’m glad tae be back, but I need tae be gettin’ back. I’m sure the ladies will be worried aboot me.”

Snoddy looked at the others in puzzlement. “Where are ye stayin’? The boardin’ house down the street?”

Shannon shook her head. “Sean, ye saw what I was wearin’ when ye found me. Does that look like somethin’ I’d wear in a boardin’ house?” Snoddy blushed and shook his head. “I’ve been workin’ at Knightin’ Hall, an’ gettin’ pretty good at it too.”

“Shannon?!” All of them nearly screamed in shock.

“It’s nothin’ like that. I see tae the men before the see the ladies. I’m the ‘pre-show’ entertainment as Megan puts it. I get ‘em their drinks, an’ talk tae ‘em. They’re all real sweet, ‘cept fer the two that came in there tanight. They didn’t understand that I was just fer show, an’ no’ for playin’ with.” At her brazen description of her job, most of the boys blushed. Snoddy was the worst. “They wouldn’t leave me alone, sae I ran ‘ere and hid.” They all nodded. “I need tae get back. I’m sure the ladies are worried sick aboot me. They take good care o’ me, an’ I don’t wanna worry them any more than I already ‘ave. Will ya take me back, Sean?”

Snoddy shook his head. “I’m no’ lettin’ ya go back there.”

Shannon looked at him in shock. “Excuse me? Yer no’ lettin’ me go back? That’s my job, Sean. I have tae go back.” Snoddy was shaking his head, and so was Shannon. “Don’t shake your head at me.” Snoddy stopped shaking his head, and there were several sniggers because he had listened to his younger sister. “I’m going back because it’s my job. How’d ye feel if I said ye couldn’t be a newsie anymore?”

“At my job I ain’t flauntin’ what I got. Ye are.”

“An’ I’m tellin’ ye, that it’s no’ a bad job. I’m goin’ back, Sean, an’ there nothin’ ye can do aboot it. Ye ken?”

He nodded. “Fine, but no’ until the mornin’. Ye ken?” Shannon nodded and that was the end of that for the rest of the night.

******

Shannon reached the steps of Knighting Hall when she heard someone call her name. She turned to see Jon Kilmer approaching her. “A wee bit early are we, Jon?”

He smiled and shook his head. “I was hopin’ you’d be nice an’ let me have some fun taday.”

Shannon couldn’t help laughing. “I’m in such a great mood, Jon, I might let ye have some fun, but we can’t let Mindy know.” Jon smiled broadly as he got closer.

“I’m here ta take Mindy away from this place. I asked ‘er ta marry me, an’ she said yes.” Shannon placed her hand over her mouth to cover her scream, but you could see her smile reach her eyes. “An’ why are you in such a good mood?”

“I found him. I found Sean!” Jon smiled as he swept her up into his arms and hugged her.

“I think we do need ta have a little fun.” She nodded and kissed him lightly on the lips. He was such a dear man. He seemed like a father to her and a lot of the other girls that worked there. Jon laughed and carried her into the Hall.

*****

Spot was walking down Duane Street when he heard a man call out ‘Shannon’. He turned around just to see if it was her, but he’d been doing that every time he’d heard her name mentioned since the day she left. And up until that moment, it had never been her, but this time he turned around and saw her standing on the steps of Knighting Hall. Knighting Hall? What was she doing standing there? Did she work there? Spot continued to walk closer, so he could hear the conversation. And what he heard was enough to convince him that the one girl he loved and couldn’t seem to get over was a ‘lady of the evening’. Only it seemed she didn’t just work in the evening.

“A wee bit early are we, Jon?”

“I was hopin’ you’d be nice an’ let me have some fun taday.”

Spot couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. He dropped the rest of his papers, and started running for Brooklyn. In that moment he’d forgotten why he’d come across the bridge, and all he could do was listen to what he’d just heard play over and over in his mind. It was amazing that he, Spot Conlon, was running away from something.

He reached the Brooklyn Lodging House completely out of breath, and couldn’t make it another step further, so he simply slid down the wall in the entrance way and stayed there. He wasn’t sure how long he sat there with his eyes closed as he kept picturing Shannon picking up her next customer, and he was apparently a regular customer because she knew his name. Spot wanted to scream, but he didn’t. He just tried to block the conversation out of his head and focus on Shannon.

She was as beautiful as she had been the last time he had seen her. Her hair was a little longer, and she appeared to be a little thinner, but not much. Her amber eyes were sparkling. Her smile was as bright as ever. She was hypnotizing. Plain and simple. The more that Spot pictured her in his head the more he paid attention to the details. She had been wearing pants that barely fit and a shirt that was way too big. She wasn’t dressed in the least like the women that worked at Knighting Hall. She did have a bag over her shoulder though. Maybe her work clothes were in there? The more Spot thought about it, the angrier he got. Not to mention the hurt he felt. How could he have let someone that hypnotizing and magnificent get away?

Spot shook his head. “What am I thinkin’?” He stood up and pushed himself off of the wall. “She’s my cousin, for God’s sake!”

*****

“Look what I found,” Jon said as he entered the parlor of the Hall. All of the ladies looked up to see Jon setting Shannon down. Sadie jumped down off of the couch where she had been lying with Megan and ran over to Shannon.

Shannon bent down and started petting her. “Did ye miss me, lass? Did ye?” The dog licked Shannon’s face and she laughed.

Mindy stood up and walked over to them. She looked at Jon. “Where did you find her?”

“On the front step. She was about ta come in.” Mindy nodded before she looked at Shannon. “Shannon, are ya all right?”

“Yes. I’m a wee bit tired, but no’ too bad.”

Mindy crossed her arms. “Good. I’m glad you’re all right.” She took a deep breath, and she suddenly sounded like a mother scolding her child. “Now, where in the hell have ya been? Ya’ve had us scared ta death!”

Shannon knew she was serious, but she couldn’t help smiling. It felt good to know that they cared that much. “I’m sorry. I truly am. There were two new customers, an’ one wouldna leave me alone. He hit me, an’ I ran oout. I hid in the Newboys’ Lodgin’ House down the road.” Shannon couldn’t help smiling so broad. She was so happy that she had found Sean, and that she had kept her promise to her mother. “I was hiding under the stairs, an’ that’s when I found ‘im. I found my brother.” Everyone looked as surprised as she had when she and Snoddy had realized who they were to each other. “He’s a newsie, an’ he’s been under my nose all this time. I even spent a day with ‘im.” She couldn’t contain the excitement she felt any longer. She jumped at Mindy and hugged her. “I found Sean!” Mindy started to laugh and hugged her back.

Mindy pulled Shannon off of her a moment later. “I’m happy for ya. I am, but don’t ever scare us like that again.” Shannon nodded.

“I promise.” Everybody calmed back down, and started to leave the parlor. Most of the girls were exhausted from staying up all night and worrying. It was different from working. This tired was emotional, not physical. Mindy stopped several of them before they left the room.

“Um, before ya go ta bed. There is somethin’ I,” she looked over at Jon, “we need to tell ya.” She moved closer to Jon and took his hand. “We’re getting married.” Everyone’s shock was more drastic than before, and the congratulations started all over again. No one ended up going to bed that day because they helped Mindy pack up and move her belonging out of the Hall. The Hall was closed that night, so everybody could rest.

*****

Snoddy looked over at Jack with quite a bit of nervousness in his eyes. They were standing in front of Knighting Hall, and neither had been anywhere near the place, except to walk by it every morning. Snoddy knocked on the door and waited for it to be answered. Much to their surprise they waited for a couple of minutes before someone answered. When the door was opened, both boys saw a young woman that was strikingly beautiful.

“Sorry, lads, but we’re closed for the night. Come back tomorrow.” She started to close the door, but Snoddy caught it with his hand.

“Wait. We’re looking for Shannon MacLain. Is she here?”

The woman eyed them funny. “Ya wouldn’t be the two customers that attacked her last night would you?”

Jack and Snoddy looked at each other. “Attacked?” They both asked at the same time.

“No. I’m ‘er brother Sean.” The woman’s face lit up with recognition.

“Come in. Come in.” They followed her in and she led them to the kitchen, where all of the girls were eating dinner. “Shannon, you’re brother’s here.” Shannon turned from the stove to see Jack and Snoddy standing behind Megan.

“Sean? Jack? What are ye doin’ here?”

“Dere’s a party down at Medda’s tanight. We were wonderin’ if ye wanted ta go.” Snoddy’s two accents mixed again.

“I’d love tae, but won’t Spot be there?”

Jack put his arm around her thin waist as he hugged her. He wasn’t exactly sure why, but he felt as if she was his sister too. He wanted to protect her. “Probably, but I won’t let ‘im touch ya.” Shannon laughed as Jack bowed up his chest. She could see why Sarah loved him so much.

“All right, I’ll go. Let me get changed.” She took off her apron and headed up the stairs. Snoddy watched her go till he heard someone say his name.

“Snoddy?” He turned to see a face he hadn’t seen in years. He was looking into the eyes of his best friend when he had been in the orphanage.

“Cheryl?” They both laughed and hugged each other. Snoddy pulled away a minute later. “I t’ought ya were adopted. What are ye doin’ woikin’ here?”

“My adopted family wasn’t all dat great, so I ran away. I’ve been here ever since.” They were the same age, but because of the work Cheryl was now doing, she looked a few years older than her seventeen years of age. She hugged Snoddy again, but this was a quick hug. As she hugged him she said, “Gawd, I’ve missed ya.”

“Me too,” was his quiet response. A few minutes later, Shannon came back into the kitchen. She was wearing the red dress Sarah had given her and her hair was half pulled up with soft curls falling down her back.

“I’m ready.” Snoddy smiled and as they left, he gave one last look at Cheryl.

*****

Spot pulled up his suspenders as he opened the door to the Brooklyn Lodging House. As soon as the door was fully open he was looking at a lovely woman in her late thirties. She had dark sandy blond hair and crystal blue eyes. She had a well defined jaw and thin lips. Her nose turned slightly up at the tip. He couldn’t help thinking that if this woman had a glazed over look to her eyes, she could pass for his mother. “Can I help ya?”

The woman looked nervously at her hands before she looked up at Spot. “Yeah. I’m---uh---I mean is Alice Branson here?” Spot sighed deeply and a little loudly. He had been talking with Mrs. Branson just before this about seeing Shannon working at Knighting Hall. That was at least he had tried to do because Mrs. Branson wanted to know what he had been doing there to find out she was working there. He had started to get impatient with her, but he wanted to get this off of his chest before he had to meet the guys at Medda’s for the party.

“Yeah, she is. What d’ya want?” He wasn’t being nice at all, but he didn’t care. He wanted this woman gone, so he could finish his talk with Mrs. Branson.

“Well, I want to see my mother. I’m her daughter Elizabeth.” Spot’s jaw dropped open, and it felt as if it were about to hit the floor. Spot ran his now damp from sweat hands through his hair as he tried to recover from his shock. This was his aunt? The one who had run off with that Scot? Spot couldn’t believe it, and for once in his life, he was speechless. All he could do was wave her in and start to lead her toward the kitchen. He quickly found his voice though.

“NANA! Nana!” Spot yelled, and he didn’t care who heard. This was big news.

“What are ya yelling about, Luke?” Mrs. Branson entered the main room of the building and stopped as she reached the counter. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. “Lizzy.”

“Hello, Mama.”

Spot was looking between the two woman that were mirrors of each other, except for their ages. “Nana, this is Aunt Lizzy,” Spot said this as if it were big news that Mrs. Branson didn’t know.

“I know, Spot.”

“Dat’s Ma’s sister. She ain’t dead.” Once again, as if this was a major announcement.

“I see that, Luke.” Mrs. Branson was beginning to wonder what was wrong with her grandson.

“Oh, God! What ‘ave I done? I thought dat. . . .an’ she left. Now she’s workin’. . . .” He looked at Mrs. Branson in shock. He quickly darted his eyes to Elizabeth. “An’ your not dead, which means dat your not ‘er. . . .” He couldn’t finish a sentence. But he was babbling a million miles a minute, and the more he talked the more panicked he became. “An’ if your not her ma, den dat means dat she ain’t. . . .” He looked back at Mrs. Branson. He quickly kissed her on the cheek before he started for the door.

“Luke! Where are you going?”

“Ta get ‘er back!” He cried from the door. Mrs. Branson smiled as she heard the door close, but the smile faded when it opened again and Spot came running back inside.

“Spot, what are ya. . . .” She got her answer a second later.

“Thanks for not bein’ dead, Aunt Lizzy.” He quickly kissed her on the cheek before he ran out the door again.

Lizzy looked at Mrs. Branson in confusion. “What was all that about, Mama?”

“It’s a long story. The bottom line is that he’s going to get Shannon back.” She stepped closer to her daughter and hugged her. “I never thought I’d see you again. What made you come back?”

“It’s a long story Mama.”

“I have the time.” She led Elizabeth into the kitchen.

*****

Spot banged on the door to Knighting Hall. He had been standing outside for two minutes now as he waited on someone to answer the door. He ran his fingers through his hair. “What am I doin’? Ya don’t knock at houses like dis. Ya jus’ enter. Boy, Nana, ya really drove those manners home.” He opened the door and walked in. “Hey! Anybody ‘ere?!” He yelled as he wandered into the parlor.

He jumped when he heard a ferocious bark and growl come form behind him. He turned quickly to see Sadie growling at him. She slowly walked toward him, but all growling stopped when the dog recognized him. Her nub of a tail started to wag, and she ran over to Spot. Spot knelt down and began to pet her. “How ya doin’, goyl? Boy, we’ve missed ya ‘round the Lodgin’ House.” He laughed as Sadie licked him on the cheek. ‘Who would ‘ave ever thought I’d like a dog,’ Spot thought. “Where’s Shannon, huh? Where is she?” He was still talking to the dog when he heard several people walk up behind him.

“What in the hell are ya doin’ here? Can’t ya read? We’re closed.” He turned slowly to see who was snapping at him. He slowly stood when he saw a group of ladies standing behind him.

“I ain’t here for that. I’m looking for Shannon. Have ya seen her?”

“Who wants ta know?”

“Spot Conlon.”

“How do we know. . . .” the girl asking him stopped when Megan interrupted her.

“You’re Spot Conlon?” Spot nodded. “Ya don’t have ta yell ta him, Corra. He’s Shannon’s ex- beau.” She looked back at Spot. “Why are ya lookin’ for her?”

“I realized I was wrong. Where is she?”

“She said she was goin’ ta some party at someplace called Medda’s. Ya know where that’s at.”

Spot smiled. “I sure do.” He walked over to Megan and kissed her on the cheek. “T’anks.” He darted out the door a minute later with everybody staring after him as if he was nuts.

*****

Spot entered Irving Hall to hear the lively music that usually went along with one of Medda’s parties. He walked up the stairs that led to the main floor. He saw a bunch of people gathered around in a circle in the middle of the floor. He could hear them all laughing and cheering on what ever was going on in the middle of the circle. He walked a little further into the room as he scanned the crowd for Shannon. He had no idea where she would be, or who she would be with. The song ended and the crowd began to clap. The circle parted and he quickly found Shannon as she hugged Snoddy. She and Snoddy had been in the center of the circle. Spot’s gaze narrowed on the two as he glared at Snoddy.

*****

Shannon released Snoddy and her gaze fell on Spot as he stood at the entrance to the Hall. She quickly grabbed Snoddy’s hand and pulled him down, so she could tell him what she saw. “Sean, Spot’s here.”

“Where?”

“Over there.” She pointed at Spot.

“It’ll be all right. If he starts something, I’ll take care of it.” Shannon nodded and Snoddy wrapped his arm around Shannon’s waist as he led her to their table on the edge of the floor.

*****

Spot kept his gaze fixed and Snoddy and Shannon as he walked toward them. Jack on the other hand was watching Spot, and didn’t like the spark in his eyes. Jack cut Race off in the middle of the story he was telling as he made a beeline for Spot.

“Hey, Spot! Ya finally decided ta join us?”

Spot looked at Jack and groaned inwardly. He didn’t have time for idle conversation. He was there to talk to Shannon. “Yeah.” He looked passed Jack and kept staring at Shannon. “Look, Jacky boy, I don’t got time for dis. I’ll talk to ya later.”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“I, uh, got business to tend to.” He pushed passed Jack and kept heading toward Shannon and Snoddy. He stepped up to the table and looked at them both.

“Hey, Spot.” Snoddy said as he slipped his arm around the back of Shannon’s chair.

“Don’t ‘hey, Spot’ me.” Snoddy and Shannon looked shocked. “What’s goin’ on here?”

“What do ya mean?” Shannon asked innocently.

“I ain’t talkin’ to ya right now, Scot. I’m talkin’ ta Snoddy. I’ll talk to ya in a minute.” This wasn’t what he had come here to do, but seeing Snoddy with his girl was too much to handle. He knew by facing him on this, he had a good chance of losing Shannon, but he couldn’t help it. He had to know what was going on between them. “So, Snoddy, what do ya think yer doin’ wid my goyl?”

Shannon and Snoddy looked at each other, but Snoddy was the only one having a problem keeping a straight face. Shannon on the other had looked as if she was going to kill him. “Yer girl? Yer girl? Have ye gone daft, mon?!” Shannon had raised her voice to the same level Spot had raised his. “I’m no’ your girl, an’ ye ken that!”

“I ain’t wid ‘er. We came tagether, but ya don’t get it. We’re. . . .”

Something clicked in Spot’s mind. “Ya mean your payin’ ‘er? Now dat’s low, Snoddy. Jus’ cause she’s a whore. . . .”

“SPOT!” Shannon yelled. “Where do ye get off callin’ me a tart? I’m no’ one.”

“I saw ya dis mornin’. You hugged dis guy an’ asked him if he was ready ta have some fun. He picked you up and carried ya inta Knightin’ Hall.”

“Right. Ye did see that, but ye didn’t hear da rest o’ the conversation. He was there tae take his new fiancé away from that place. I was going home. I work there as a hostess. He hugged me ‘cause I told him I found Sean. Ye didn’t know all of the information. Ye have gone daft!” Her voice was still raised. “I’m here with Sean. Ye ken?” Spot looked in shock as Snoddy wrapped his arm around Shannon’s waist. Shannon looked up at Snoddy. “I’m sorry, but I have tae go. I can’t stay ‘ere. I ken this would happen.” She looked at Spot, and once again her parting words cut worse than a knife. “I’ve wanted nothin’ more these past two months fer ye tae want me back. I see now that it’s impossible.” She shook her head as she headed out of Irving Hall.

Spot stared in stunned shock till he felt Snoddy and Jack both push him against the wall. “What’s da matta wid ye, mon?” Snoddy asked.

“Why don’t ya think before ya let your hot temper flare next time, Spot. She loves ya, but now ya’ve got a challenge ta get her back.” Jack said as he held him up off the ground by a few inches.

“I jus’ assumed. . . .”

“Yeah. Like ye assumed ya were cousins.” Snoddy snapped. “Ye ken I’ve never really liked ya, Spot, an’ after ye hurt my sister, I should soak ya fer it.” Snoddy raised back his fist, but stopped when Jack grabbed his arm.

“Dat wouldn’t be smart, Snoddy,” Jack advised.

Snoddy shrugged. “I ain’t scared o’ Spot.”

“It’s not Spot you’d have ta answer to. You’d have ta deal wid Shannon.” Snoddy sighed because he knew Jack was right. He slowly lowered his fist, but he never stopped glaring at Spot. Both Jack and Snoddy slowly let Spot down off the wall.

“Ye should be glad I love my sister so much.” Spot nodded and didn’t say a word. “Now, what are ye waitin’ fer? Go after ‘er!” Spot looked at him only a minute longer before he darted out of Irving Hall.

*****

Shannon entered Knighting Hall silently, but as she walked across the wood floor, the heels to her boots clicked and everyone heard her. They all came out of the parlor to see why she was back so early.

“Shannon, what are ya doin’ back so early? Wasn’t the party fun?”

“The time of my life,” she said, but her eyes and face showed it wasn’t. “I’m no’ feelin’ tae well. I’m gonna go tae bed now.” She looked down at Sadie. “Ye comin’ tae bed, lass?” Sadie wagged her tail and followed her up the stairs.

Shannon reached her room and as soon as the door was closed, she let her composure fall and the tears she had been holding back since she ran out of Medda’s finally fell. She couldn’t stop them. She slowly began to undress for bed. Maybe a good night’s sleep would help mend her broken heart.

*****

Spot barged into Knighting Hall as if the devil himself was on his heels. The ladies hadn’t returned to the parlor yet because several of them had been wanting to go up and check on Shannon, but Megan knew it was for the best that they didn’t. They would find out what happened in the morning. Spot stopped and looked at all of them, and they stared back in shock.

“Spot?” Megan was the only one to speak.

“Where’s Shannon’s room?” He was out of breath from running all the way from Broome Street.

“Up the stairs and it’s the third door on the right.” Spot nodded and tore up the stairs. He found Shannon’s room with no problem, but he stopped outside and waited for a moment. He didn’t know if he should knock or not. Mrs. Branson had instilled too many manners in him not to knock.

*****

Shannon had just gotten out of her dress when someone knocked on her door. She quickly wiped the tears away from her eyes and cleared her throat. “Come in.” She said as she crossed the room to gather up her night dress. She turned around and stopped short when she saw Spot standing in the door way. He was just as shocked as she was. He hadn’t expected her to be down to her corset and chemise. It only took her a moment to recover from her initial shock. “What do ye want? Tae make me feel worse than ye already ‘ave?” He could hear the contempt and hurt in her voice.

Spot closed the door and slowly took a few steps closer. “No. I’m here ta beg for forgiveness, an’ ta see if you’ll take me back. I’m sorry, Scot.” Shannon had to swallow when she heard him say ‘Scot’. She hadn’t heard that in a long time, and she would never let him know it, but his little nickname for her had grown on her.

“Yer sorry? Yer sorry?” Spot nodded. “Yer sorry, an’ ye want tae take your cousin who sluts around back? Did I miss somethin’ ‘ere?” She crossed her arms and waited for his answer.

Spot ran his fingers through his hair. Jack was right. He did need to watch what he says when his anger starts to flare. He had done so much damage to this relationship. It was going to be a challenge to get her to understand he didn’t mean it. But he wouldn’t give up. He had to have her back in his life.

“Yeah, ya did. I came ‘ere ta ask ya ta forgive an stubborn man. I was wrong, Scot. You’re not my cousin. My aunt came back tanight. I came ta apologize. I wish I had seen it your way ‘cause none of dis would ‘ave happened.” Spot tried to step closer, but stopped when he saw Shannon take a few steps back.

“So, ye still want tae be wid a lass who’s been slutin’ around?”

“No!” Spot hated having to do this. He hated having to beg for anything, but he figured that Shannon was at least worth it. After he made that exclamation, he saw it was the wrong one. “I mean yeah. Scot, I know your not one of da ladies dat works here. I jus’ assumed, an’ I’m sorry.” Shannon was shaking her head. This was being done more so she wouldn’t cry than disagreeing with him. Spot sighed. “Shannon, I don’t blame ya for not believin’ me. I wouldn’t believe me, but I’m tellin’ da truth.” He slowly took a step closer. This time she didn’t move away. “Ya wouldn’t know what it’s been like not havin’ ya around. I’ve been miserable. Everybody looked for ya. I couldn’t stop thinkin’ about the horrible mistake I made. I want ya.” Shannon looked at him as if wanting her wasn’t enough. Then the words she had been wanting to hear since she had met Spot Conlon finally came. “I need ya, Scot. I need ya.” Shannon shook her head and covered her mouth in an attempt to stop the tears. “I love ya, Shannon MacLain.” Shannon had stopped trying to hold back her tears as Spot grew closer. Her tears began to fall, and her breath caught in her throat as Spot reached out and wiped one away. He slowly moved his hand to rub her cheek and then to pull her into his arms.

Shannon slowly wrapped her arms around him and tried to hold him as close as she could. She never wanted to let him go again. Spot slowly pulled back and lifted her chin. He brought his mouth down on hers in a gentle kiss that made her go weak in the knees. They broke the kiss a moment later, and Shannon looked up at him with wonder in her eyes. Her words were barely above a whisper as she said, “I love ye, Spot. An’ I need ye more than life it’s self.” Spot smile as he pulled her close again for another hug.

“So, one of the girls got engaged?” His question caught her off guard.

“Yeah. Mindy. Why?”

“An’ her fella took ‘er away from dis place?” Shannon nodded. “Would it be too much of a shock ta the others if ya did the same?” Shannon looked at him in puzzlement.

“What are ye saying, Spot?”

“Um. . . .” Spot looked at her for a moment and was beginning to wonder what he was doing. The idea to propose to her was a spur of the moment thing, and now he was wondering if it was the right thing to do. He loved her. He knew that. He needed her. No problem. So, why was actually asking her to marry him such a big deal? It shouldn’t be, but it was. “It’s nothin’. I was jus’ wantin’ ya ta come back to the Lodgin’ House wid me.” Shannon nodded.

“I’d love tae, Spot. I really would, but Sean an’ I talked aboot it last night, an’ I’m goin’ tae live with him here in Manhattan.” Spot nodded, but he couldn’t help feeling extremely down. She was back in his life. She loved him. She needed him. Wasn’t that all he wanted? She was going to be in Manhattan. That was a thirty minute walk from Brooklyn to the Lodging House, so what was wrong with him? Then it hit him like a tone of bricks. She wasn’t going to be with him. That’s was what was wrong with him. He needed her to be with him. He needed her to be more than just his girl.

Spot took a deep breath and let it out as he asked, “Will ya marry me?”

Shannon looked at him as if he had just said the worst words in the entire English language. “Wh-wh-what did ye jus’ say?”

“Marry me?” Spot took both of her hands in his. “I know it sounds crazy, but I want ya ta be in my life forever.”

Shannon shook her head. “Spot, we’re sae young.”

“I know. I don’t mean marry me tomorrow. I mean marry me someday. I jus’ need ta know now that you’ll be in my life always.” Spot looked around the room as he realized that he didn’t have anything to give her. “I, uh, don’t ‘ave a ring, but I, uh, do ‘ave. . .” he looked around some more till he saw the key hanging from around his neck. “I do have my key.” Spot slowly took the key from around his neck and placed it on Shannon’s neck. She picked it up as it fell down her chest. “It’s ta nothin’ special. I found it when I was little an’ jus’ kinda kept it. I always thought it was to a secret room full of treasure.” Shannon smiled as she looked at the intricate work in the key.

“It is to a great treasure. It is.” She let the key fall again as she looked up at Spot. “Yes, I’ll marry ye.” Spot smiled and kissed her.

“I found ya, an’ now I’m gonna keep ya. Forever.” Shannon nodded as he hugged her. “Now get dressed, so we can go home.” Shannon slipped her dress back on and put on her boots again. It was only a few minutes before they left.

*****

Shannon entered the bunk room of the Manhattan Lodging House. She entered slowly because she wasn’t sure how to tell her brother she was engaged. She didn’t know him well enough to know how he would react. She knew he would be happy for her since she was happy, but she also knew how he felt about Spot. Maybe since she and Spot were engaged, he would change his feelings and having her as common ground would make it easier. She looked over at Spot and he nodded. She slowly walked across the room to Snoddy.

“Sean?” Snoddy looked up from his hand of cards.

“Shannon? I didn’t think ye were coming back ‘ere till tomorrow.”

“I changed my mind. I’m going to stay here from now on.” He nodded, but something caught his eye and he looked down to see that she was playing with a thin piece of yarn. The further he looked down he saw Spot’s key hanging from it.

“What’s wid ye havin’ Spot’s key, half-pint?”

“I---uh---we’re. . .we’re engaged.” She finally bit it out. Snoddy looked shocked as he looked at Shannon, but his gaze slowly got a cool edge to it as he looked at Spot.

“What? Since when?”

“Since tonight.” Shannon could tell what he was thinking, and she quickly eased his fears. “We’re not getting married right away. We’re going tae wait fer a while. Till we’re ready.” Snoddy nodded.

“Does this make ye happy?” Shannon nodded. “Then I’m happy fer ya. It’ll jus’ take some getting use to.” He stood up and walked over to Spot. “I’m sorry for earlier.” Spot shrugged and nodded a moment later. “Ye better take good care o’ my sister. I’ll be watching you Conlon.” Spot smiled and nodded. Shannon walked over to Spot and he kissed her.

“I love ya.”

“I love ye too.” Spot looked into her eyes and saw that she meant it, and as soon as he saw himself reflected in her amber eyes, he knew he would be there forever and it hypnotized him. “G’night,” Shannon whispered.

“‘Night.” Spot kissed her on the cheek one last time before he left for Brooklyn. Shannon turned back to the room to see everybody in complete shock. She shook her head and started laughing.

She picked up her bag and went into the washroom. “G’night, boys.” She got a good night from them as she shut the door.

*****

Snoddy sat up in a cold sweat. He had had the most horrible dream. In the dream, he was giving Shannon away to Spot. He looked over at Shannon and saw her sleeping soundly with Sadie at her feet. He breathed a sigh of relief until he saw the key around her neck as the moonlight hit it. In that instant, it sunk in that he really was going to have to give his sister over to Spot sometime in the near future and fear gripped him. He hadn’t even realized he yelled until he heard everybody groan and sit up in their bunks.

“What’s da matter?” Jack asked in a deep and sleep filled voice.

“Spot’s gonna be my brother-in-law!” Several more groans came from the newsies and the next thing Snoddy knew he was being pelted with pillows from all angles. One even flew at him from Shannon’s bed. Snoddy couldn’t help laughing as he pushed all of the pillows off of him and went back to sleep.

*****

Spot woke up earlier than normal the next morning. He had to. He was going to sell in Manhattan with Shannon. Or at least he assumed Shannon would be selling now. He walked into the kitchen to find his grandmother and his aunt sitting at the kitchen table. “Mornin’, Nana, Aunt Lizzy.”

“Morning, Luke,” Mrs. Branson said. But Elizabeth didn’t say anything as she watched Spot pour a cup of coffee. “Did everythin’ go all right last night?”

Spot nodded as he took his first sip of the black brew. He then turned and poured a bunch of sugar into the porcelain cup. “Yeah. Not at first. I let my temper get in da way, but afta dat it went a little smoother.”

“So you two are back together?”

Spot smiled as he took his next sip. “Yeah.” Mrs. Branson smiled when she heard that. She knew that Shannon was the best thing to happen to Spot in a long time. Plus it didn’t hurt that she loved the girl like she was one of her own.

When Elizabeth finally did speak, it caught Spot off guard. “You look so much like your mother, Luke.” Spot looked at his aunt in shock for a moment, but it was only for a moment. He then looked at her with no expression on his face.

“T’anks. I’m jus’ glad I ain’t like ‘er.” He saw that that remark had hurt his aunt. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said dat.” He sat next to his aunt at the table. “I’m glad ya came back, Aunt Lizzy.”

“Thank you, Luke.”

“Call me Spot. Ev’ryone does.” She nodded and watched as Spot leaned across the table to grab a fresh roll. As he did so, Mrs. Branson noticed something was different about him.

“Spot, where’s your key?” Spot wasn’t thinking and grabbed for it, but as soon as he realized it wasn’t there he smiled as he leaned back.

“Shannon’s got it.” Spot didn’t say anything more.

“You gave her your key,” Mrs. Branson sounded shocked.

“What’s so big about this key, Mama?”

“Spot never lets it from around his neck, and now he gave it to Shannon. What’s this mean?”

Spot grabbed another roll and shoved it in his pocket. “I’m runnin’ late. I gotta meet the guys in Manhattan.” He bent down and kissed his grandmother and aunt on the cheeks. He reached the door to the kitchen he said over his shoulder, “It means we’re engaged.” He then disappeared through the dark doorway and out of the Lodging House.

Mrs. Branson stared at the door in shock. “Engaged?” Elizabeth was watching her mother.

“You weren’t expecting that?”

Mrs. Branson shook her head. “I was surprised enough that she took him back, but engaged. I didn’t expect that.” Elizabeth couldn’t help smiling.

“You can definitely tell he’s a Branson at heart.”

“That you can, dear. That ya can.” Mrs. Branson took a sip of her coffee and continued to stare at the darkened door.

“I can’t wait to get to know him.” Elizabeth said absent mindedly.

*****

Spot was waiting at the distribution center when Jack and the others came walking up. He scanned the ever changing group for Shannon, but he couldn’t see her. He slowly walked over to Snoddy. “Heya, Snoddy. Where’s Shannon?”

“In bed. She said ‘er body wasna use tae bein’ up this early. She’s gonna meet us fer lunch.” Spot nodded.

Spot looked around and wondered why he was going to ask what he was going to ask. Maybe he was going to do this because he wanted to try to get a little closer to Snoddy, for Shannon’s sake. “Ya wanna sell tagether dis mornin’?” Snoddy looked surprised to hear that question for two reason. Spot never asked anybody to sell with him. If he was in Manhattan, it was just an assumed fact that he would sell with Jack and David, when he was out of school. And the other was that neither could stand the other.

“I, uh, I’m already sellin’ wid Dutchy. Sorry.” Spot nodded. “I’ll talk tae ye at lunch.” Snoddy took off toward Dutchy and Skittery. Spot watched him jog over to Dutchy and sighed. This was going to be harder than he had been planning on.

*****

Shannon entered Tibby’s around noon and found it busy and full of newsies. Why hadn’t she realized that there were that many of them? She scanned the room till she found Spot. He was sitting at a table with Jack, David and Sarah. It was a complete de ja vu. She scanned the room again till she found Snoddy. He was sitting with Dutchy, Skittery and Pie Eater, on the other side of the restaurant from Spot. Shannon sighed as both spotted her and walked toward her. She smiled as Spot kissed her on the cheek, and so did Snoddy.

“Hey, Scot. We saved ya a seat.” Spot said as he took her hand.

“Yeah, but I saved ‘er a seat over here.” Snoddy took her other hand. Shannon sighed again. Spot was gently pulling her toward his table, while Snoddy was pulling her toward his table. They were pulling gently enough, but she had a good feeling if she didn’t stop it soon, she would be torn in two. She pulled both of her hands free.

She crossed her arms and glared at the two men in her life. “I dona believe what I’m hearing. Why can’t ye sit together? Why? I want tae sit with both o’ ye.” The restaurant had gotten quiet as all of the newsies watched their friends argue and Shannon set them in their place. “Now,” she looked around the room, “I’m goin’ tae sit with Race and Blink. If ye feel as if ye can be civil, come sit with me. If no’, then go back tae your respective tables. I will no’ chose between ye.” She glared at each of them again, and her look said that she wasn’t done with either of them. She would be talking to them each about this. She walked over and sat down beside Blink. She never let her gaze fall from Spot and Snoddy. Snoddy sighed and slowly walked over toward Shannon. He turned around and looked at Spot, who slowly followed. They each took seats near her. Spot sat beside her and Snoddy sat across from her. Shannon smiled smugly. She could tell she was going to have her hands full with this situation, but at least she had won that battle.

*****

Shannon entered the Brooklyn Lodging House a little hesitantly. She hadn’t been there in two months and it felt a little odd, but to Sadie it felt normal. The dog darted in the door and headed straight for the kitchen. A moment later Shannon saw a woman in her late thirties come running out of the kitchen in near hysterics with Sadie right on her heels. Shannon couldn’t believe she was seeing Spot’s face mirrored in this woman. Shannon kept her gaze on her as she knelt down and called the dog.

“Sadie. Here, lass.” Sadie came walking over to her owner. “Och, now, ye scared the poor woman oout o’ her skin.” The dog looked back at Elizabeth and wagged her tail. Shannon stood up and offered her her hand. “I’m Shannon MacLain.”

“Elizabeth Mclane.” The name rang a bell with Shannon.

“You’re Spot’s aunt?” The woman nodded. “I’m sae glad tae meet ye.” Elizabeth smiled. “Is Spot or Alice in?”

“Alice is in her office.” Shannon followed Elizabeth into the office. “Mama, I have someone that’s here ta see you.” Mrs. Branson looked up and Elizabeth moved to see Shannon standing in the doorway. She was so surprised to see her that she was nearly crying.

“Shannon?” Shannon nodded and Mrs. Branson moved from behind the desk. “It’s so good to see you again.” Mrs. Branson hugged her tightly, but the hug was short because Sadie started to jump on Mrs. Branson as she demanded attention. “It’s good ta see you too, girl.” Mrs. Branson petted the dog, and then Sadie went over and laid down by the desk. “Are ya here to see Luke?”

Shannon smiled. “Yes, but I’m also ‘ere tae see ye too. I’ve missed ye.” Mrs. Branson hugged her again and led her into the kitchen for some tea.

“I want ya to tell me all about these last two months.” Shannon nodded as she took her first sip of tea. She told Mrs. Branson about working at Knighting Hall, but she was a little embarrassed about that, and about finding Sean. She ended with the engagement.

“That’s what I’m here tae talk tae Spot aboot. We’ve got a problem.”

Mrs. Branson gasped. “You’re not ending it are you?”

Shannon shook her head ardently. “No, but I’m going to threaten to. I wouldna leave ‘im. Ever. I jus’ need tae make ‘im see that he has tae get along with my brother. He’s part o’ me, an’ if he dosena care for Sean in any way, then he doesna care fer that part o’ me.” Mrs. Branson nodded. She looked over at her daughter and smiled. That had been the big problem with Elizabeth. They hadn’t cared for Liam, so she thought they didn’t care for that part of her. That was why she had left. But as soon as he had been arrested for murder, she had left her home in Scotland and come straight back to New York.

“I hope it works, dear.” Mrs. Branson squeezed her hand. “It’s so good ta have you back.” Shannon smiled.

“It’s good tae be back.” She looked at Elizabeth. “I hope ye don’t mind a little yellin’. I have a feelin’ Spot will no’ be easy tae talk too, Elizabeth.”

“Please, call me Aunt Lizzy. You’re going ta be part of the family.” Shannon smiled. She liked Elizabeth already. She started to say something when she heard Spot enter the Lodging House.

Shannon took a deep breath. “Here goes.” She stood up and met Spot in the hall. “Spot, we need tae talk.” Spot nodded and led her up to his room.

He shut the door and put his cane and slingshot in their usual places. “What’s da matta?” He had a good feeling about what was bothering her, but he was going to let her say what it was.

“Ye and Sean. Yer what’s the matter. Why dona ye like ‘im?”

“I---well---it’s the same reason I didn’t like ya at first. It’s yer eyes.” Spot was honest. “They remind me of my pop, an’ I can’ take dat. His eyes make me feel anger an’ I take it out on him.” Spot had raised his voice a little, but he wasn’t yelling or mad. It was just the pent up emotions he had been hiding for a long time.

“Do my eyes do the same tae ye too?”

“No.” He took a step closer to Shannon. “No. They did at foist. Dat first night ya were here, an’ I’d seen yer eyes, I couldn’t sleep. Yer eyes are dis warm amber color---da color a brandy. It reminded me of his brandy decanter. I jus’ kept seein’ me pour ‘im one glass after another. I was feelin’ guilty for what happened. I felt like it was all my fault. I didn’t know it wasn’t. I felt guilt and pain when I looked into your eyes because they are so soft. When I look inta Snoddy’s, deir a little harder, an’ I see all da anger I’ve ever felt toward my pop, ya know?” Shannon nodded. “I jus’. . . .” Spot stopped and ran his finger through his hair.

“Spot, I love ye. Ye ken that right?” Spot nodded. “I just want ye and Sean tae get along. Sean is as much a part of my life as ye are. I love him so much, an’ if ye can’t see that, then ye don’t see me. I need ye tae get along, or this won’t work. Like I said before, don’t make me chose between ye. I can’t. Family ‘as always come first tae me. Yer family, but Sean is blood. Ye ken?” Spot nodded. He fully understood. He would do anything for his family, the newsies and his blood family downstairs. The others didn’t know that, but he did, and his grandmother and aunt did. That was all that mattered. “Can ye make an effort tae get along with ‘im?”

Spot took her hands. “If it’ll make ya happy.”

“It would.” Spot smiled.

“Then I’ll try my best. I ain’t makin’ no promises, but I’ll try.” Shannon smiled and kissed him before she started to leave the room.

“I’ve got tae go tell Sean the same thing. I ‘ave a feelin’ it willna go as well as it did with ye. Wish me luck.”

“Luck.” Shannon smiled as she left the room.

*****

Jack entered the Lodging House around eleven that night to find everybody still up. He looked at them and blushed because he realized how stupid he looked trying to quietly sneak in when everyone was staring at him. “What? I ain’t that late. Why are ya still up?”

Blink pointed up the stairs. “Listen.” Jack only had to wait a minute before he heard the reason.

“Why are ye bein’ so stubborn, Sean?!” Shannon was yelling at Snoddy with a more than exasperated tone to her voice. Jack looked at the others in shock. He had never heard her talk above a normal tone. Even this afternoon in Tibby’s she had been stern, but not loud.

“How long has dat been goin’ on?”

“‘Bout an hour,” Race commented. “We’re scared ta go up dere ‘cause she might turn on us next.”

“What’s it about?”

“Spot,” they all said in unison.

*****

“I’m no’ bein’ stubborn, Shannon. I’m jus’ bein’ honest. I dona like him. I ain’t liked ‘im from the day I met ‘im. He was trouble durin’ the strike, an’ I still say he’s trouble now.”

“Why?!” Shannon asked more exasperated than a moment ago. She and Snoddy had been walking around each other for the last hour as they fought over him trying to get along with Spot.

“‘Cause. He beat poor Squeaks so bad dat ‘e had tae stay in the hospital for a week. An’ it was all ‘cause he was sellin’ in Brooklyn. I dona like a guy who soaks people for no good reason. What if ‘e did that tae ye? What then?” Shannon was just staring at him. “I’ll tell ye what. I’d kill ‘im. I would. If he ever hurt ye, I’d kill ‘im.”

Shannon actually cracked a smile at that. It wasn’t a funny situation, but the look on Snoddy’s face at that moment was comical. She smiled as she walked up to Snoddy and hugged him. “I’d love ye fer it tae. I would. But it will no’ happen. I ken ye.” Her smile faded, and she got serious again. “Sean, I love ye. Ye ken that.” Snoddy nodded. “Then try tae get along with Spot. I love ye both, an’ I said this afternoon not to make me chose between the two of ye. I meant it. I’ve never had a family. A real family. An’ now I have it. I have my brother, an’ my love. I haven’t had you as long as I’ve had Spot. I will no’ hesitate tae chose ‘im if ye can’t get along.” Snoddy’s mouth dropped open at that statement. True she had said the exact same thing to Spot, but he didn’t need to know that. All he needed to know was that she meant what she said. And to him, she did.

“I dona want ye tae chose ‘tween us. I’ll try my best ta get along. I promise, half-pint.” Shannon smiled and kissed her brother on the cheek.

“Thank ye.” Shannon sighed and walked out of the bunk room. She was going to tell the others they could finally go to bed.

*****

Shannon spent the next morning packing up her things and moving them out of Knighting Hall. She didn’t have much, so it only took one trip, but the rest of the morning was talking to the ladies and telling them good-bye. She promised to stop by often to visit. She loved them, and it was good to have women to talk to. She took her one bag of things back to the Lodging House and placed them under her bunk before she headed to Tibby’s.

When Shannon entered, she was greeted with several greetings, but Blink’s was the one that stood out. “I don’t know what ya said, but I’ve never seen ‘em get along like dat.” She followed Blink’s gaze and saw Spot and Snoddy sitting together. A warm smile crossed her face when she saw them talking. Her empty threats had worked. She started over toward the table.

*****

“I dona like this as much as ya do, but we gotta try. For her.”

“Agreed.” Spot looked up to see Shannon walking toward them. “Smile. ‘Ere she comes.” Both Snoddy and Spot looked up and smiled as Shannon sat beside Spot. Spot gave her a quick kiss.

“I see the two o’ ye are getting along.”

“Yep,” they said in unison as they gave each other side glances. Shannon caught them and tried to hide her smile behind the menu. She knew they were only doing it for her, and she knew that as soon as she was gone all pretenses would stop, but at least they were trying. Even though it was only for appearances. She had a feeling in time those appearances might actually become a genuine friendship. And if it didn’t, she always had her empty threats. But at the moment she was content with them trying to humor her because she had found the two things she was missing in her life. Her brother and her love. Now that she had found them, she was going to keep them, forever.