I looked out over the gleaming city. Davey sat next to me not saying a word. I didn't mind it, the silence was comforting. It allowed my mind to wander a bit.
"I shoulda been able to save him." I say finally shattering the silence. Davey put his hand on my shoulder.
"I'm sure he's fine Jack. Well go and get him back really soon." I shake his hand off.
"Not soon enough. They's beating him so badly. We gotta go tonight, tomorrow at least." Davey shook his head.
"We can't Jack. If they get you then it's over. The strike couldn't continue. Snyder is after you, he'll snag you as soon as we get close-"
"I can't just leave him! We's a family! I promised I'd look afta him! I let him down and I can't let him stay there and suffer." Rage and guilt are spread across my face.
"I'll get Specs and Race. We can we'd gonna rescue him Jack I promise." Davey smiles a bit, I can tell it's forced.
"I ain't letting him spend another night there Davey. I ain't." With that I walk over to where my stuff lay. Picking up my cap and snapping it on my head. "We's leaving tonight. Right afta the moon rises." With that I turn from him. I hear the creek of the ladder and with that Davey is gone. My body lurches forward and I hold the metal bar. "I'm coming Crutchie...you just hold on..." My eyes tear up but I refuse to let a tear fall. "You's my brother...I need ya." I lean up off of the bar and walk to the ladder. Davey is talking with Specs and Race.
"Jack we ready to go?" Davey asks. "Is the moon high enough?"
"Were going." I walk out into the warm night. Specs and Race are on my heels with Davey walking close behind.
"This might not be a good idea Jack. I'm just saying."
"Who asked you?" I say glaring at him a bit. Davey shuts up and walks with me. "We ain't getting in there easily. It's gonna be hard."
"Anything for Crutchie." Race adds in. "Poor kids gotta be in hell." I ignored them and kept walking.
"We have to be in and out very quickly." I chime in. Everyone stops talking and we just walk. The pavement shines with the moonlight, we walk for what feels like forever. Then I see it, that tall looking building seems to suck all of my confidence away. I shake it off. For Crutchie. I think as I make my way over to the fire escape. "You all go up first. I'll meetcha." The boys nod and Davey leads them up. I follow carefully, watching our back. We climb hight and higher. I let out a faint whistle signaling them to stop. Davey looks through the filthy glass and a gasp escapes his throat. I walk up to the glass, slowly, preparing myself for what I'll see. A boy with dirty blonde hair is curled up in the corner. The moonlight dances across his cut and bruised face. I feel bile rise in my throat. Crutchie is motionless his good leg pressed against his chest. My hands find the latch and I slowly open the window. It's creaking daring to wake everyone. My eyes dance across his chest. He's breathing, my body loosens a bit some panic escaping. Slowly I creep into the large room, Davey on my heels. I turn to Davey.
"Find his crutch." I say in a quiet whisper. He nods and starts to walk around slowly. I'm instantly at Crutchie's side. I rest my hand on his shoulder and he pulls away from me sharply and hides his face.
"Please...please don't..." he chokes out. His voice is barely a whisper. My heart feels like it's just been smashed with a hammer.
"Crutchie...it's me Jack." I say softly. He looks at me. His eyes wide and full of hope and fear.
"No...no Jack you hafta go. Snyder is looking for you's." Crutchie pushes me weakly trying to get me to move. "He told me...he's gonna..." His eyes fill with tears and he breaks down. I grab him carefully and hold him close. Crutchie just sobs into my shoulder. Davey walks over to us holding Crutchie's crutch.
"We have to go. Now hurry some of the boys are starting to stir." With that I grab Crutchie bridal style carrying him to the window. He's a lot lighter than I remember. Race takes him from me very carefully and Specs helps support him. Crutchie's face contorts with pain.
"It hurts...it hurts..." He sobs. I look at him then back at the room with all of the boys.
"I'll be back for all of ya..." I say as I hop out the window with Davey. I hear loud footsteps coming up the stairs towards the door.
"Go we hafta go now!" I yell slamming the window shut behind me.