About this story
Pete, the tough who once pulled Jimmie out of a six-against-one fight, starts calling at the tenement in polished shoes, describing saloons and shows far past your collar-factory wages. When he finally asks you to a music hall Friday night, your mother wakes among the wreckage and warns the door will not open kindly again if you take it.
How it opens
Rum Alley first taught you danger through the stones thrown at Jimmie.
Jimmie JohnsonThey came from Devil's Row together, so I fought them together.
From the curb, you held Tommie's hand while blood marked your brother's mouth.
Clear away, boys. Nobody gets glory from six against one.
Your brother will live, Mag, though he will tell this twice as grand tomorrow.
Choose
Getting him home may be harder than winning his battle.
He was outnumbered, even if he will never admit it.