Holding All The Cards

[Drake Camden]

Drake Camden arrogantly whisked open the splintered door, and hastily exited the Bronx Lodging House. Truly, he had never been so anxious to leave an establishment, in the whole of his life! He had despised this decrepit old shack, the very second his icy blue stare met with its wretched decay. He slammed the door, almost unhinging it, and couldn’t help but smile.

However, it simply wasn’t like the meeting that had just adjourned, could have taken place in his lavish, richly decorated, suite in Manhattan. What would the help think? A successful New York socialite dabbling in the dangerous crimes of kidnapping and murder? Ooh that sounded just horrid. He grinned. Rather, the kidnapping of one person and the murder of a complete other. It was quite a pleasant thought, he mused as he strode forward down the crumbling sidewalk. Ahh, the dark massacre of a most mocking enemy, and the kidnapping of the future Mrs. Camden.

Bella.

His icy stare warmed at the thought of the fair beauty, with sweeping chocolate curls, and smoldering emerald eyes. She was the sweet siren that had taken captive his every thought, a shining prize that he would ardently fight for to the death. She knew this. She knew, and somehow she refused to surrender, fighting him at every turn. She was daring, clever and encompassed such undaunted courage. But there was something Bella Braxton did not know…

This little chase, this feverish pursuit for happiness, would soon end victoriously in his favour. With certain... help, and a newly acquired allegiance, Bella Anne Braxton would stand before God and church, in a magnificently white angelic splendor, and finally become his bride. Whether she wished it, or not.

He grinned deviously, knowing it would most likely be not. The girl, for some outlandish reason, disliked him intensely, and made no pretense to hide it. No matter. He would change her mind. Drake Camden had become known for his… persuasive skills. He had a way of making people do exactly what he wanted them to. A true talent.

A smile found its way across his smirking lips, as Camden awaited his posh ride. Nothing could save her now… He could almost see her bewildered and frightened little face, as he wrapped her tight in his grasp. Nevermore to run. Never again to see that bloody insufferable urchin, Jack Kelly. He grinned devilishly, his icy eyes afire. Drake Camden was now holding all the cards...

[Jenson Lowmer]

What a day! Jens had been screamed at by his uncle for leaving his room a mess. He didn't want to spend all his time cleaning. He wanted to live his life to the fullest; not waist it away. Who cared if his room was clean? For God sakes it wasn't even a room! No it was just a corner in the small apartment with some curtains hung around it for privacy. Really it wasn't even all that messy either. At least not from what Jenson could see.

After being yelled at for seemingly forever Jens had headed off to the factory for work. He hated the factory. Long hours and low pay. But what other choice did he have? After getting his endless shift over at the factory he had a good hour of free time on his hands. Jens found a few other guys and they spent a while betting on stupid things that the others would do. Activities such as walking on the edge of a high roof or seeing what they could get away with in terms of stealing. He loved the thrill of risk.

During all the fun and games Jenson had lost track of time and when he looked at his watch he was already ten minutes late for dinner. He was now running down a street in the Bronx. All he knew was he was in major trouble and needed to get home. He zig-zagged through a crowd of people. From what he could see he now had a strait shot home. As Jens ran he looked around him. It was a decent day. Some clouds in the sky, but that was fine. He was thinking of what possible excuse he could make up for being late. His train of thought was broken when he accidentally ran strait into a man.

"I am so sorry sir! Really I am! I am just in a rush to get home and I wasn't paying attention and I..." Jens stopped talking when he noticed the mans ice blue eyes. Jenson gulped. It wasn't just the bizarre color that bothered him, but the way their gaze was set upon him. There was some strange emotion coming through, but he wasn't sure what it was. This wasn't like Jens to get scared so quickly, but something about the man's eyes made him not want to take another step or say another word.

[Drake Camden]

"I am so sorry sir! Really I am! I am just in a rush to get home and I wasn't paying attention and I..."

Drake Camden had become so consumed with his thoughts about Bella, that he had hardly noticed the ragtag boy running into him. Arrogantly Camden lifted his crystal blue eyes to see the sandy-haired menace, and glared, utterly annoyed. Blast! If it wasn't another bloody newsie! They filled the streets of New York like grimy little rats scurrying about! How he despised them all! Well... almost all... Camden eyed the boy critically, as the apology flew rapidly from his frightened tongue. He looked to be about seventeen, only three years younger than Camden himself. His was obviously one of them as his clothes were filthy and he wore a battered old navy blue union cap. He was about to give this miserable urchin a sound tongue thrashing, when suddenly he looked deep into the boy's midnight blue eyes.

Fear.

Camden felt a grin spreading across his face, as the boy looked up at him in a deep, terrorized fear. His pale face, streaked with dirt was horrified. The bloody twerp was frightened to the death! He laughed softly, his grin, pure evil. Ohh was there any more glorious feeling than having all the world look upon you in respectful, reverent, fear. How he loved it! Finally, a newsie who knew his place in the world. How refreshing. It would be such a pleasure to teach this boy a lesson that he would never forget!

But wait... while this boy was a newsie low-life, his bride to be lived in the same world! He could have even spoken with her! Blast! He probably knew where she was at this very moment! His eyes danced excitedly. Yes, he could scare this boy out of his wits, and while he would throughly enjoy every second, it would get him nowhere. How much better, to befriend the whelp, and get information about Bella, and the hated Jack Kelly! This boy could help him achieve his every ambition! He could discover their weaknesses. An infuriating enemy killed, a beautiful girl kidnapped! It was just too perfect.

Camden focused his attentions on the boy and gave him a warm, inviting smile. "Come then, boy, there's no reason to fret. I mean you no harm. After all accidents occur, and from them certain friendships are made." He grinned brightly. "Perhaps you've even heard of me. I am Drake Camden," he bowed nobly, "At your service." Just then Camden's lavish, cherry wood carriage pulled up, and a footman stepped out to open a silver inlaid door. Camden grinned as he saw the boy's amazed expression. "Tell me, my friend, are you in need of a ride?"

[Jenson Lowmer]

"Tell me, my friend, are you in need of a ride?"

Jenson couldn't believe his eyes. The carriage was the most beautiful he had ever seen. The wood shined like nothing else. Jenson was left speechless for a moment. He wasn't sure he was worthy enough to ride in such a carriage. Then again... this was a once in a lifetime chance. God knew he'd never have a chance like this again.

As Jens pulled his gaze away from the splendid ride and looked back to the man he took note of his changed expression. The man seemed nothing like what Jens had thought he would be like. No, in fact he was kind or at least seemed to be. Drake Camden, the name rang a bell Jens thought. He'd definitely never seen him before though. If he had he was sure he would have remembered those eyes.

Though the Drake's expression had changed there was still something that made Jens uneasy, but he didn't know what. He couldn't keep his thoughts strait. It seemed as though he was in some sort of peculiar trance. Jenson pulled himself back to reality and managed to speak. "Pleased to meet you Mr. Camden. My name is Jens Lowmer. I'd be honored to ride in such a carriage. Thank you." Jenson said putting his hand forward for the man to shake.

[Drake Camden]

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Camden. My name is Jens Lowmer. I'd be honored to ride in such a carriage. Thank you."

Drake smiled brightly, still quite amused by the boy's expression, and thrilled excitement. I just made the kid's whole year, he thought haughtily. I suppose that's my good deed for the century. Ohh heaven knows it shan't make up for the deeds I am about to do. As the bright-eyed newsie offered his hand, Camden shook it warmly, heartily. Blast if I'm not the best bloody actor in this city, he grinned.

"I assure you, Mr. Lowmer, the pleasure is entirely mine, and that you are more than welcome." Camden met the quizzical stare of the footman with a nod and a curled grin. Of course the help was confused. Drake Camden was not one to offer rides to street riff-raff, and penniless orphans. Well, there was a first time for everything.

After Camden's assuring nod, the footman, looking bewildered beyond belief, helped Jens into the carriage, where he was met with the plush maroon velvet of the upholstery, and the lavish decorations of the interior. The boy's eyes grew wide with wonder. Grinning brilliantly, Camden himself stepped nobly into his fantastic ride, and with a whistle, two midnight black thoroughbred ponies trotted down the avenue. They were off. It would not be long now...

Slowly he turned to face the boy, straightening the fine Italian tie that perfectly matched his eyes. "So tell me Mr. Lowmer, what's it like to be the first newsie ever to ride in a Camden's Carriage?"

[Jenson Lowmer]

"So tell me Mr. Lowmer, what's it like to be the first newsie ever to ride in a Camden's Carriage?"

Jenson felt very important when he heard this. "It's...It's...incredible!" he said enthusiastically. "But really Mr. Camden please just call me Jens." Jens looked around taking in the carriage. The fabrics were like nothing he had ever seen, and they were of the most beautiful colors. He was floored by all the fine details. Jenson ran his fingers along the velvet seat cushion. Never in his life had he felt something so soft considering he'd been sleeping on a straw mattress with burlap and wool blankets all his life. Surly he was dreaming. There was no way a poor boy like him was riding in such a fine carriage.

If this was just Mr. Camden's carriage then what was his house like, Jens wondered. He could picture it- a marvelous building like the other rich people had. Inside there were probably studies filled with books, and bedrooms with satin sheets. A marble staircase leading to a second and maybe a third floor. Of course there would also be windows. Lots of windows. All of them looking to the streets of New York City.

Jens noticed Drake staring at him with a smirk on his face. He figured it was only because Mr. Camden was so pleased to make someone so happy. Jens smiled at the man kindly.

By this time Jenson had completely forgotten about being late. Really he just didn't care. Things like this never happened to him. Besides it was just like Mr. Camden had said; Jenson was the first newsie to ride in the carriage. Jens could picture the other's faces as he told them about his fancy ride. None of them could pick on him now. He was more superior so it seemed. He could use this, he thought. Someone tried to tell him he was useless he'd just grin and say, 'Well it wasn't you who got to ride in Mr. Drake Camden's carriage now was it!'

This day was definitely turning out better than Jens had thought it would. He was very thankful and felt he owed Mr. Camden. "Thank you again sir," Jens started, "How can I repay you Mr. Camden? Just say the word, and I'll do anything you ask."

[Drake Camden]

"It's...It's...incredible! But really Mr. Camden please just call me Jens."

Drake Camden smirked slyly as he watched the young newsie marvel and gawk at the exquisiteness of his dashing carriage. Newsies were so much like small children, or puppies for that matter. So easily amused and entertained. So easy to manipulate...

"Ahh, of course, my apologies. Well my dear Jens, it gives me great pleasure to see you so thrilled. Sadly there are many that take such things for granted." He smiled kindly, studying the boy carefully. "Its a fine thing to meet someone so appreciative."

"Thank you again sir. How can I repay you, Mr. Camden? Just say the word, and I'll do anything you ask."

Camden could hardly believe his ears! One carriage ride and he had this boy exactly where he wanted him, in the very palm of his bloody hand! Ohhh could anything be simpler? he thought relishingly, as a wide smile spread menacingly across his face. Anything meant anything. Bella Braxton was as good as his. He patted the boy's shoulder and grinned brightly. The bloody fool had not the slightest idea what he had just promised.

"Oh Jens, my boy, you are more than welcome! I shall indeed remember this, anytime I am in need of assistance... But for now, I am simply interested in learning more about you. His icy eyes focused intently upon Jens as the carriage proceeded smartly down the avenue. "For instance, where do you live boy? Are you doing well selling newspapers? Have you any newsie friends? But more importantly... His stare intensified. "Do you know any girl newsies?...

[Jenson Lowmer]

"For instance, where do you live boy? Are you doing well selling newspapers? Have you any newsie friends? But more importantly... His stare intensified. "Do you know any girl newsies?...

Jens smiled, "I live in Brooklyn with my uncle see. I was originally from Albany, but then I moved here." He figured he wouldn't bore the man with all the details. "Selling papers...uh that don't go so good. I really don't sell many. I don't even sell everyday. I work in a factory, but sometimes I sell papes before or after I go there," Jenson explained, "And ya I got lot's of newsie friends." He was just glad that someone actually cared to hear about him and his life. It was amazing that somebody like Mr. Camden actually cared about somebody like Jens. Then something hit Jenson. Why did Camden care, and what was with this last question?

Girl newsies? Jenson thought a moment. Well, maybe the man was just wondering. Maybe he was just curious. Jens was often told he thought too much about dumb stuff and not enough about stuff that mattered. That was probably what he was doing now without even knowing it. Yeah that was it...he was just worrying about nothing. "I know a few girls newsies...not many though. I'm not real close to non of them or nothin'," Jens shrugged. "Some of the guys I am good friends with talk about them though. They know more than me. From what I hear just 'cause they are girls doesn't mean ya can push them around. Most of them are pretty tough, and I don't want any girls mad at me so I steer clear of most of them, but yeah I know a few," he went on.

[Drake Camden]

"I live in Brooklyn with my uncle see. I was originally from Albany, but then I moved here. Selling papers...uh that don't go so good. I really don't sell many. I don't even sell everyday. I work in a factory, but sometimes I sell papes before or after I go there..."

Camden listened impatiently as the boy droned on and on about his minuscule life. The previous questions were merely clever decoys, a way to distract the boy from his true burning question. A way to blend his ardent quandary into normal conversation. Truly he could bloody care less. Finally, after what seemed like ages Drake Camden got his answer.

"I know a few girl newsies...not many though. I'm not real close to non of them or nothin'."

Drat! This was not at all the answer he had hoped for! He furrowed his brow frustratingly. Had he merely been wasting his time? This boy was giving him absolutely nothing of value. Suddenly, he smirked, feeling a bit foolish. Truly what the devil had he expected this young man to say? Ohh sure Mr. Camden, I know a swell newsie girl, a real peach named Bella! She's been after that Kelly kid, but I'm just sure she'd rather be wit you Sir! He chuckled amusingly to himself as he heard Jen's shrill mocking voice in his head. No this was not a total loss. The boy could still be used. These things took time, and meticulous prying. He listened intently, focusing all his attention on Jens. Perhaps there was more...

From what I hear just 'cause they are girls doesn't mean ya can push them around. Most of them are pretty tough, and I don't want any girls mad at me so I steer clear of most of them, but yeah I know a few."

Camden grinned. They are a tough breed indeed, he slyly thought to himself. Bella Braxton was the most vivacious, brazen, and unruly woman he had ever known. In England, if a woman was told she was to marry a man, she usually obeyed. English women were frail, compliant, and submissive. Perhaps that's why he was so drawn to Bella. What fun is there for the cat, if the mouse refuses to run? English women simply were not enough of a challenge. Drake Camden lived and breathed for challenge.

Brightly he smiled, and brought all his focus back to Jens. "Ah well I do take interest in such things, my boy. I constantly feel that so many lives are terribly ignored. Therefore, I am determined to befriend the... less fortunate, as it were. Your life is far more interesting than you even know, Mr. Jens," Camden almost had to bite down on his tongue to keep from laughing at such a lie. My brilliance knows no bounds! He patted Jens shoulder in a friendly way, as the carriage accelerated. "I think you're all such a brave bunch. I'm friends with many newsies as you will come to see."

Suddenly Drake's eyes sparkled and danced excitedly. "In fact, the reason for my question concerning newsies of the female variety, is that I happen to be wondrously good friends with a lovely young newsie girl. I once gave her fifty cents for one newspaper! He laughed warmly, his eyes kind. I would simply adore seeing the brunette angel again, but alas I cannot seem to locate her. Suddenly the laughing stopped and Camden's eyes iced over in deathly severity. "Tell me...my friend...have you ever heard the name, Bella Braxton?"

[Jenson Lowmer]

"Ah well I do take interest in such things, my boy. I constantly feel that so many lives are terribly ignored. Therefore, I am determined to befriend the... less fortunate, as it were. Your life is far more interesting than you even know, Mr. Jens." He patted Jens shoulder in a friendly way, as the carriage accelerated. "I think you're all such a brave bunch. I'm friends with many newsies as you will come to see."

Jens grinned. Someone thought his life was interesting. Not just anyone either. No, this was Mr. Drake Camden speaking. Never in his life had Jenson Lowmer had anyone say his life was interesting. "Oh I am sure you are friends with many newsies sir. What newsie wouldn't want to be friends with you? You're a kind man Mr. Camden," Jens smiled. Mr. Camden was indeed nice. Jens had ran into him and instead of being angry he gave him a free ride in a carriage. Then, the man told him his life was interesting and complimented the newsies. No one else ever did such a thing. Yes, Mr. Camden was a fine fellow.

"In fact, the reason for my question concerning newsies of the female variety, is that I happen to be wondrously good friends with a lovely young newsie girl. I once gave her fifty cents for one newspaper!" He laughed warmly, his eyes kind. I would simply adore seeing the brunette angel again, but alas I cannot seem to locate her."

Jens laughed with the man. That explained a few things. Jens knew what it was like to not see a good friend in a while. Since he'd left Albany he'd been longing to see a good friend of his again. In fact he was saving money to send her for a train ticket to the city.

Suddenly the laughing stopped and Camden's eyes iced over in deathly severity. "Tell me...my friend...have you ever heard the name, Bella Braxton?"

Jens's expression changed as the laughing stopped. It was odd how quickly the man had changed. Jenson felt a little uneasy. He stared at the mans blue eyes. They were different now. In a way they almost seemed hypnotizing. "Uh...Bella Braxton?" Jens said in a worried tone. He thought a moment. "I have heard of her never met her, but I've heard of her. I think i may be able to find her if ya really wanted me to," Jens went on. He was so startled by the look in the man's eyes that he lost his complete ability to think. "A-anything ya want Mr. Camden," Jens repeated what he'd said moments ago. "Anything at all sir."

[Drake Camden]

"Uh...Bella Braxton? I have heard of her, never met her, but I've heard of her. I think I may be able to find her if ya really wanted me to."

The words echoed dreamily in Drake Camden's mind. Was it real? Was he imagining Jen's voice in his head again? Had the boy really said, what Camden thought he did? A bump in the cobbled streets, roughly brought the young socialite back from his hazy reverie.

"A-anything ya want Mr. Camden," Jens repeated what he'd said moments ago. "Anything at all sir."

It was true! His imaginings had not run off with him! Camden grinned widely, showing off his perfect pearly teeth. The look of a predator suddenly shadowed over his eyes. He was a shark that had suddenly taken in the sweet, ambrosic aroma of blood in the water. He breathed deeply. It was only a matter of time. He could almost smell the fragrance of her chocolate hair, the sweet warmth of her skin, the fear from every tremor of her delicate figure. He would have her forever. He would own her. She would become the finest of all his possessions. A wife actually worth being faithful to...

Once again Camden was brought forth from his fantasy by the swift skidding of his carriage. "My most sincere apologies Sir!" came the fearful cry from the footman. Drake shook his head, trying to make sense of it all. He had altogether forgotten where he was for the moment. The confused, and uneasy look in Jen Lowmer's eyes, however, were more than enough to bring him back.

He smiled kindly, and genuinely, hoping to ease the boy's fears, and quiet all suspicions. "Ahh, forgive me Jens, I was just reminiscing fondly about Bella. Such a lovely girl! He laughed amiably. "We've had such... exciting moments together, and I would greatly appreciate your assistance in locating the dear angel! He grinned, marveling once again at his incredible acting ability. Slowly, he slipped his pale, slender fingers into his silk lined vest, and pulled out a drawing.

It was a pencil sketch, each detail drawn so delicately. Blast she was beautiful! A true diamond in the rough. Every other woman in his life paled in comparison... Even the stars were dim when compared to the girl. She shined so much brighter. He remembered the day he had drawn this, shortly after they had met, before he'd even known about her secret fortune. He had sat down at a park bench, his hat pulled low over his eyes, and watched her, sketched her, determined to never forget that face... It was all so innocent back then.

It was an innocence that became an impossible obsession! How could a man of his stature and wealth marry a bloody newsie! But, once the secret was revealed, her true name known, there was no stopping him. Every impossibility became possible. Bella Braxton, was even more than she appeared to be. Not merely an attractive newsie girl, but an heiress! A Brighton heiress! Bella Braxton was, in fact, Bella Anne Brighton... Simply changing her name, couldn't change that.

Camden handed the sketch to Jens, watching his expression carefully. "And here she is: Miss Braxton. Such a wonderful girl. Does the face seem at all familiar, my friend? Tell me everything you know about her..."

[Jenson Lowmer]

"Ahh, forgive me Jens, I was just reminiscing fondly about Bella. Such a lovely girl! He laughed amiably. "We've had such... exciting moments together, and I would greatly appreciate your assistance in locating the dear angel! He grinned, marveling once again at his incredible acting ability.

Jenson smiled back. “I’d love to help you find her,” he said. Jens knew how it was to love someone and lose him. When he came to the city he’d left his love behind in Albany. He planned on seeing her again someday he just didn’t know when, and that killed him. He was saving his money as best he could to buy her a train ticket to come visit him. He was getting close, but it still seemed like it would be forever till he saw his beloved childhood friend.

"And here she is: Miss Braxton. Such a wonderful girl. Does the face seem at all familiar, my friend? Tell me everything you know about her..."

Jens took the picture and looked it over. She was a beautiful girl that was for sure. He knew he didn’t talk to her directly before, but still there was something familiar about the girl. Jenson knew he’d seen her before. He thought for a moment trying to recall the time. It was coming back to him slowly. “I know I’ve seen her. She was speaking to some friends of mine I believe. She seems to be a sweet girl, but not weak,” he started. “From Manhattan yeah? I don’t know her personally, but I know about her. She seems to be easy going. You’re lucky to have a pal like that I’m sure. I bet she wants to find you too. I’d be so happy to help the two of you. I could find her no problem I’m sure sir. Just say the word.”

[Drake Camden]

“I’d love to help you find her.”

Drake Camden smiled warmly, rather amused at Jens' eagerness. As if the boy had a choice! He would find Bella, if he knew what was good for him. As Drake's carriage continued smartly through town, a part of him wanted to make the boy take him to her at once! No. He would not be hasty this time. That would only scare the both of them off. He had already made that mistake in London. He had been careless, utterly impatient, and she had slipped from his grasp yet again! No, this time would be entirely different. This time Drake Camden would do his homework.

“I know I've seen her. She was speaking to some friends of mine. I believe. She seems to be a sweet girl, but not weak.”

Camden laughed. Ohhh, how true, but this boy didn't know the half of it! While seeming delicate and easily attainable, Bella Braxton had proved herself to be a tough, fearless little fighter. However, Jens first impression had been far more observant than his own had. It was time to put his new friend, and soon to be spy in place.

"You’re lucky to have a pal like that I’m sure. I bet she wants to find you too. I’d be so happy to help the two of you. I could find her no problem I’m sure sir. Just say the word.”

Oh of course she wants to find me! he thought with sly sarcasm. The fiery little beauty would absolutely love to find me rotting in prison, off with another woman, or even dead for that matter. Yes, he was certain that last one would be her favorite. He grinned wider. None of that was ever going to happen though. She would learn to love him. She would soon be made to become madly in love with him. He would see to that personally. Such affections could be so easily forced of someone...

"Well, my boy, I'm entirely elated to hear you say such things!" he turned to Jens Lowmer, as if he was his best friend in the world, grinning kindly. "I'm certain, my sweet little newsie friend, Bella, is just dying to see me again!" Suddenly he paused, scratching his head as if he were thinking. "... But how much more fun would it be to surprise her?" He grinned devilishly. "Yes, I think a surprise would be wonderful! I can almost see her darling face now..." Camden imagined the horror upon that beautiful face. It gave him such joy. "Jens, I want two things from you." In an instant, Camden's eyes snapped back to their normal intensity, as he traced the smooth, graphite lines of the intricate drawing. "If you see this girl anywhere, I want you to befriend her, learn everything about her, and tell me all that she says to you. Second," his eyes suddenly went dark. "I want you to do all that is in your power to keep her the bloody heck way from a certain, Jack Kelly... Do we have an accord, my friend?"

[Jenson Lowmer]

"Well, my boy, I'm entirely elated to hear you say such things!" he turned to Jens Lowmer, as if he was his best friend in the world, grinning kindly. "I'm certain, my sweet little newsie friend, Bella, is just dying to see me again!"

Jens smiled as he took in every word that Mr. Camden said. He was delighted to help his new friends for more reasons than one.
First off it would be repaying Camden for his kindness. Second, it would also bring another Newsie great joy. Third, it was less time Jens had to spend at home with his uncle. His uncle...Jens remembered why he'd been in such a rush to get home. He was very late now, but then again- why did he care? Jens shrugged silently and continued listening to Drake.

"... But how much more fun would it be to surprise her?" He grinned devilishly. "Yes, I think a surprise would be wonderful! I can almost see her darling face now..."

"That is a grand idea sir! Everyone loves a good surprise. Oh this will be marvelous," Jens exclaimed. He pictured the beautiful girl from the pencil sketch as she saw her friend Drake Camden again. She'd be so happy; Jens was sure of it. He couldn't wait to watch this all take place.

"If you see this girl anywhere, I want you to befriend her, learn everything about her, and tell me all that she says to you. Second," his eyes suddenly went dark. "I want you to do all that is in your power to keep her the bloody heck way from a certain, Jack Kelly... Do we have an accord, my friend?"

Jens knew he wouldn't have a problem befriending the girl. He was one of those people that others just took to. "Yes sir I'll be sure to make friends with her, and of coarse I'll tell you what she says. And yes I'll be sure to keep her away from..." Jens stopped
"J-Jack Kelly did you say sir?" Jenson stuttered. He knew of Jack Kelly- everyone loved Jack. He was a great leader and all around good guy. "Why Jack Kelly? Surely there is nothing wrong with him sir..." Jens said with a puzzled look upon his face.

[Drake Camden]

"Why Jack Kelly? Surely there is nothing wrong with him sir..."

Drake watched Jen's surprised expression, and then suddenly felt a bit foolish. Of course Jens knew Jack Kelly, and of course he would think it suspicious to hear the newsie leader's name slandered with such malice. Carefully he ran his fingers through his vibrant blond hair. How shall you ever get out of this one Draco he thought amusingly to himself. Such an outright faux pas, indeed! Bad-mouthing Jack Kelly to a newsie, was almost as bad as a New Yorker dragging Roosevelt's name through the mud. Carefully he searched for the words.

"Well, Mr. Jens I'm sure that there's nothing wrong with him," he said cautiously, his mind screaming otherwise. He had to stifle a laugh as his mind added "nothing that his murder won't solve..." He shook his head, clearing his throat, now grasping for a plausible, unsuspicious excuse. If he lost this boy's trust, he might just lose everything.

"However, Jack Kelly has a way of stealing what is indeed not his. Women especially." Yes! His mind cheered. Paint the little miscreant as the bad guy, the toothy-grinned Casanova! "With his wayward charms, and such, I'm afraid your fearless leader has, on more than one occasion, stolen my darling angel from me. Drake beautifully feigned a look of absolute sorrow and willed the tears to well in his striking blue eyes. They wouldn't fall. They never had before. Drake Andrew Camden did not cry. However, as aforementioned, he was a spectacular actor.

"The boy, lured her away from my loving arms, and once he had her to all to himself, he cast her away for a certain Ms. Sarah Jacobs. Broke my poor Bella's heart, also breaking my own. I can't let her be fooled again, my friend, surely you can understand..."

Camden pretended to gather himself, and regain his stoic composure. "But, we needn't think about that now, Jens." He offered a kindly smile, and then noticed the time on his golden pocket watch.

"Heavens! We'd best be getting you home. They'll think I've kidnapped you," he laughed amiably. "Which house is yours, my wondrous good friend?" Once again, Camden had to smother a laugh. Jens was his unsuspecting pawn, and he would use him to his full advantage. After all, what were friends for?