One month after the strike

Katherine sat on a bench outside the World. Jack said he'd be here 10 minutes ago. Where is he? She thought. Jack said to meet her at 8:00 it was now 8:11. Katherine thought back to last night when Jack asked to meet her here. "Hey, I got a surprise for ya", Jack said. "Will I like this surprise?" She asked. "Can't think why ya wouldn't Ace", Jack replied smirking, "Meet me in front of the World at 8:00 then yous get the surprise"
Where was he. Jack seemed so excited to give her the surprise. Katherine waited there for the rest of the morning. She decided to see the boys. Maybe they knew where Jack was. All the while her mind was racing. Is he ok? Did something happen to him? Where is he? And worst of all, did he leave me? These thoughts kept going through her head as she made her way to the lodging house. When she walked in she was greeted by all the boys. "Have any of you seen Jack?", she asked. Crutchie replied, "Not since last night. Why?"
"He asked to meet me at 8:00 in front of the World and he never came." Skittery said, "Maybe something happened ta 'im." That got a lot of worried looks. Race said, "When Jack got back from being with ya he said something bout havin' ta go ta the train station." Davey looked angry now, " Are you saying that he ditched Kath?" "That what it looks like", Race answered. Katherine felt tears form in her eyes. "No", she whispered. This could not have happened. He didn't do it. He wouldn't do that. At least that what she thought. "I'm so sorry Kath", Crutchie said putting a hand on her shoulder.

Jack stared out the bared window thinking about Katherine. What was she feeling right now? What did she do when he wasn't there. So much for the surprise. Jack thought. I could try to escape but if I get caught I would be here even longer and if I get out Pulitzer will kill me.