Leapfrog Kristo fingered Lucy Morgan's locket. His grass-colored eyes darted to the door as 17 year old Ransom Cane entered the lobby.

"Hey Leapfrog" Ransom wmiled as he made his way to a chair.

"Hi Ransom" Leapfrog quietly greeted him.

"How are you doing?" Ransom asked.

Leapfrog shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, life keeps going and I can't get back into the speed of things."

Ransom sighed. "Yeah, I know the feeling. But don't worry, eventually everything goes back to normal."

Leapfrog looked down at the floor dejectedly, "I'm not so sure."

There was an awkward silence for a moment, where the boys knew there was something that should be said, but nothing was.

Melanie Connoy entered the lobby, her hands full of papers to sign. She saw the two boys and forced herself to smile. "Hello, boys."

Leapfrog looked at the 18 year old. "Something upsetting you?" It wasn't the smartest question at the time, but it suited his manner of asking

She shook her head. "No, nothing." Mel took a deep breath and sank back into a chair.

"I'm gonna go talk to Penny. I'll talk to you two later." Ransom stood up and left in search of his wife.

Mel placed her hat and papers down on the table. "I'm going to go make some tea," she announced. "Would you like some?"

Leapfrog shook his head. "Thanks for the generous offer, but no thanks."

His curious twelve year old brain at work, Leapfrog stood up and walked over to the pile of papers. She might be angry with me, but it's worth knowing if something is bothering her, he thought. Leapfrog fingered through a form and picked one up. "Request for Visitation. St. Jude's Home for Children," he read aloud.

"Oh man, poor Mel."

In the kitchen, Melanie blinked. She was almost positive she had heard talking in the other room, but Leapfrog was the only one in there. "A bit odd..." she murmured. "So, Leapfrog, how are things?"

"Wha--- Oh, just fine. Good."

"Oh. Nothing much going on around here, then?"

"Erm... nope."

Melanie looked out, figuring it would be a few more minutes before she would be finished. "You need anything? Tea? Hot cocoa? Anything?"

Leapfrog immediately dropped the paper. "No. I'm fine. No need for you to fuss over me."

She shrugged. "Okay." As she went back into the kitchen, Leapfrog picked up another court paper.

Sean Powell entered the front door and picked up some of Melanie's papers, curious at what Leapfrog was looking at. "What are these?"

Leapfrog looked up at the older boy. "Mel's stuff. What does verification or legal identity proof mean? I don't understand any of this!"

"It means that she exists." He looked at Leapfrog, and continued, seeing as how he still looked confused, "You know, that she is who she says he is and not someone else. They need proof that she's Melanie Connoy, not just someone who just wants to get in and see a kid. Why's she need this?"

Leapfrog nodded. "Got it." He picked up another one and read it. "The identity must be verified by two witnesses."

"Hello? Leapfrog? Let me ask you again. What are these for?" Sean's voice had a hint of annoyance.

"In any event, where Party A refuses to comprehend with the guidelines set by Party B and Party C, then Party A must forfeit all rights and cooperate with the verdict of the judge, who is hereafter known as Party E."

Slightly irritated by now, Sean snapped at him, "Leapfrog! Why does she need this papers? Do you know or not?"

"No! I don't! That's why I'm reading this, so I can figure it out. And don't snap at me! I already feel guilty enough having talked about all my problems to her and now she's having to deal with all this!"

Melanie decided to go into the lobby and check out the commotion. "Boys will always be boys," she murmured. She eyed the two boys who were now looking at the last of her papers. "Hi."

The boys quickly turned around. There was an awkward silence in the room.

"Uh... hi Mel..." Leapfrog and Sean placed her papers back down.

"What are they all for?" Sean inquired.

Melanie sat down on a chair, not very upset with the boys, just startled. "Just--me." She placed her tea down on the table in front of her. "They make me -so- mad!" Mel was keeping tears in her eyes.

"Who are they?" Leapfrog sat down.

"All those...bureaucratic idiots..."

"What?" Sean Powell was standing there, pretty confused. He had absolutely no idea what was going on.

"All those...stupid people! Who won't let you visit your own daughter when some perfect stranger can walk in anytime they want. I don't understand it. I don't... I don't understand it."

"Daughter?" Sean was even more confused.

She turned to him. "Jane..."

Leapfrog sighed quietly. "I could get you in there. Quite simple, actually. Slip in there, change Jane's records, slip out unnoticed."

"They know Jane's record already! Elliot made sure they did so Jason wouldn't see her."

"How... how old is she?"

"A little more than one." Mel placed her hand on her head and quietly said, more to herself than Sean and Leapfrog, "I just want to be normal."

While Leapfrog slipped away through the door, Sean was still trying to put everything together in his head.

I can sneak in and see Jane. I just have to make it really convincing. Or I have to sneak in. I can do this for Mel. Leapfrog walked down the street. He walked into St. Judes, having no idea what he was going to say.

"Excuse me?" Leapfrog Kristo walked up to the man sitting at the front desk.

The man looked down at him, "I'm sorry, sir, we're currently closed."

Leapfrog tried his best "give-me-sympathy" look. "Please, sir, I need to see my sister. It's urgent!"

The man just raised an eyebrow. "You're sister? Who would be your sister?"

"Jane Connoy"

"Pardon my asking, young man, but what might your name be?" The man pursed his lips.

"Jed Kristo." Leapfrog smiled, politely. He then realized his mistake, "Jed Kristo Connoy, that is."

The man mused on this for a second. "And your sister is Jane Connoy? Ah. I see." The man picked a folder up from his desk. "I don't believe she has a brother. Your mother would be eighteen, you know."

Leapfrog knew the man was trying to trap him. He was stuck in a corner and had to go with what he could think of. "I was adopted. By Mr. Connoy and his second wife."

"That's pretty convaluated, Mr... Mr. Whoever-you-are." The man smiled awkwardly. "Why don't you come back in here and pretend you're Jason Connoy. Then let us see what happens."

"Look. I know it isn't very convincing. I'm just trying to do Mel a favor. Do I look like a... a," Leapfrog stumbled for the next word, and then it came to him, "pediophiliac?"

The man sighed. "I understand that. We're closed. I can't let you in right now. And she has to prove who she is because that confound lawyer made the rules too stiff. Tell me, are you good at climbing drainpipes?"

Leapfrog raised an eyebrow. "What kind of question is that?"

"We're closed, Mr. Kristo. Connoy. Whoever you are. I recommend that you leave before I make you. Third second-floor window on the south side of the building. Please exit." The man's voice was monotonous.

Leapfrog sighed and went back to the lodging house, dejected and disappointed. Well, then. I'll have to go up the drainpipe, won't I. What an adventure that will be. Of course, when I see the look on Melanie's face, it will all be worth it. Leapfrog turned into the lodging house and opened the door, to see Melanie asleep on the chair, and Sean sitting on the couch, probably waiting for him.

Sean looked at Leapfrog. "Shh. Be quiet," he said as he moved his head towards Mel, "she's asleep."

Leapfrog nodded. "Sure. She's gotta have a fit trying to get through those St. Jude people." He realized what he had said and quickly added, "I imagine."

Sean stood up and draped the blanket over Mel. "Where'd ya go?"

Leapfrog sighed. "You just had to figure me out. I went to St. Judes to try and see Jane. Geez, the people there are so strict because of the rules Mel's lawyer placed. Strict as... well... the strictest thing I've ever seen!"

The 18 year old smiled a little at Leapfrog's choice of words. "So... he made it so there's no loopholes or anything?"

Leapfrog nodded. "Yup. But I've got a solution. I'm goin' up through the drainpipe."

Sean sighed. There was no use trying to stop Leapfrog. He could get arrested five times and he would still try. That's how determined he was. You can tell by the enthusiasm he put in his voice. "Well, if you insist on doing this, bring my camera with you so you can take a picture of her daughter for her."

Leapfrog smiled. "Thanks, Sean."

It was the day after he had gone to St. Judes. Leapfrog slipped out of the lodging house and walked down the dark streets. Here goes nothing. I'm going to do this.

Leapfrog finally reached St. Judes and walked around it to the south side. He looked up to the second floor. This is gonna be hard. Like hell.

Leapfrog put his arms and legs on the drainpipe and started to climb. "I wish I had a trampoline," he sighed.

Leapfrog was about halfway up when he started sliding down. He quickly climbed up to the first floor. Tired, he let his feet dangle. Then he made his way up to the second floor.

One of the youngest workers in St. Judes looked out the window. She saw some slight movement. Although she couldn't see Leapfrog, he could see her, and she was freaking out. This worker was still looking out when Leapfrog leapt to the second window. "Must be windy outside..." No sooner had she said this then had a baby started crying, keeping her busy.

"Must be more subtle if I'm going to do this," Leapfrog commented. He looked at the gap between the second window and the third. "Holy shit! This thing is half as long as I'm tall!" He stood their pondering for a while. In the background, kids were crying everywhere. Without thinking, Leapfrog just hopped over the gap. Success. "Thank you, God!"

Leapfrog opened the window and climbed through, shutting it behind him. Nobody was in the room, as they were all probably dealing with the crying kids two rooms over. Leapfrog looked around the darkened room. He walked down towards the door. Right next to it was Jane.

Leapfrog took Sean's camera and quickly snapped the picture. He knew he had little time, as there was murmuring out in the halls.

"Things are quieting down now, Rachel. You need to go back. I don't want you to get in trouble."

"Well, Jane, I've got to make my daring escape." Leapfrog yawned and made his way to the window.

"You sure you've got everything under control now?"

"Yes. You've got to go back in. If they wake up, you'll be in bigger trouble than I..."

Leapfrog pulled to open the window, but it wouldn't budge. "Oh... shit..." he mumbled as he kept pulling.

Rachel entered the room. The first thing she saw was a shadow. She froze in her tracks. "Don't move!"

"Whatever you say. You know, you're probably looking for a good explanation, aren't ya?"

"A very, very good explanation," Rachel said quietly. She folded her arms.

"It's a funny story, ac'shully. My friend Melanie wanted to see her daughter...but her lawyer set thing up so she has to prove who she is. So... I... uh... came up to check on things."

"Come away from the window. And, speaking of windows, you came in through this one?"

Leapfrog stepped away from the window. "Yeah. Quite hard actually, especially with a drain pipe as slippery and cold as that one."

"I can imagine," Rachel said drily. "Fine, then. Breaking and entering. Other crimes you want to be condemned for, or will that suffice?"

"Nah, that'll do. I'm a one crime at a time kinda guy. Now. Let me guess. This is the part where you go get your supervisor and I get in trouble, right?"

"Close. This is the part where I'm supposed to scream. Lucky for you, my throat is sore. So come downstairs, and right now, all you need to do is cooperate, which I highly recommend you do, as cooperation will make things easier on you." Rachel opened the door, Leapfrog following close behind her. "Sarah?"

Sarah poked her head out of her room. "Yes?" She then noticed Leapfrog. Sarah shrieked.

The Head Matron ran up the stairs and immediately jumped in front of Leapfrog. "What the--"

Leapfrog sighed, knowing there was know way to escape. He was surrounded by three ladies and a wall. "Don't shoot!"

The Head Matron sighed. "Girls, stop the children from crying." She grabbed Leapfrog's ear. "Downstairs. Now."

"Oof! Okay! Okay!"

The Head Matron shut the door behind her after pushing Leapfrog into her office. "I want an explanation for what you're doing terrorizing our young ladies in the middle of the night!"

Leapfrog was reluctant to talk, due to the fact that he was extremely scared of this woman. "Erm...well...just visiting a friend, actually."

The Matron raised one eyebrow. "A -friend-, here?"

Leapfrog nodded. "Jane Connoy.... familiar name?"

"I known the name." The Matron blinked a few times. "Jane Connoy's a one year old."

Leapfrog sighed, "You want the long story or the short one?"

The Matron smiled tightly. "I don't want to have to call the police."

"Uh...we can't have that happen! Look, Jane's mother, Melanie, is like a second mother to me. I'm not trying to abduct a child! I'm not a pediophiliac! Jane knows my name!"

"What have you got there?" The Matron indicated the camera.

"This? Picture for Mel?"

"Tell me, what do your parents think about all this sneaking around in the dark?" The Matron had a light behind her eyes, and Leapfrog knew what she was trying to get him to say.

"Good question... excellent..."

"Perhaps they're the ones I oughta summon instead of the police."

"That would be... hard. Impossible, maybe..."

"Look here, lad. I run a business. A charitable organization. We house kids who have no place to live for absolutely no charge. Where are your parents?"

Leapfrog sighed, knowing he was defeated. "My mom's in Santa Fe and my dad... isn't around."

"I thought as much." The Matron frowned. "You will stay here until further notice.

"Wait a minute! I've got a place to live! I'm not some kind of... street rat or something!"

The Matron eyed him and spoke sharply, "Where do you live?"

"Bay Ridge Lodging House."

"Who runs it?"

"Ayanna Adams."

"Ayanna..." The Matron considered this for a while, "Is she related to Henry Adams?"

"Sorry, ma'am, but I don't know."

The Matron stood up. "Until further notice." She grabbed a piece of paper off her desk. "Your name, please. Your real one, because it'll be much harder to get you out of here if I can't look you up at the station."

"The one time when having a police record is dangerous." Leapfrog muttered. He then spoke up, "Jed Kristo."

The Matron wrote this down. "Thank you, young man. You'll find a bed at the top of the stairs in the third room on the left. Pajamas underneath. In a drawer."

Leapfrog sighed. "It's gonna be a long night," he muttered.

"Actually," the Matron smiled, "it'll be quite short. Breakfast at seven. Now, get along with you. I'll check it all out at the police station tomorrow and if you've truly got family or lodging you'll be back out of here right away."

The next morning, Leapfrog woke up to shakings. "Hey, you, new guy, I have no idea how you got in my word, but breakfast is now. So get downstairs."

Leapfrog moaned as he got out of the bed. He stood up and followed orders. He sat down in the hall with the rest of the orphans and street kids staying at St. Judes. Bread was given to him and he didn't touch it. Someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned.

"Hey, mister, you gonna eat that?" A small six year old boy looked up to him.

Leapfrog shook his head and handed it to the boy. He smiled. "Here, kid. You can have it."

The girl from last night's events walked by him. She stopped and turned to him. "Nice to see you're with us."

Leapfrog nodded without saying anything.

Rachel sighed, "Look, I know you probably blame me highly for having to be here, but, while you're here, could you make yourself useful? You're probably one of the oldest here, and, well, you know Jane Connoy. She's not eating, and we're worried, and I was wondering if you can help."

Leapfrog didn't say anything for a while. Oh, sure. Help you? Not in years. He thought some more. Wait... if she's not eating then something could happen. Mel would be heartbroken. There's only one thing to do. "Take me to her."

Rachel smiled. "Thank you."

The Head Matron walked into the police station.

"Good morning, Sally."

The Matron smiled. "Hi, Leo. You won't mind if I go in back and look through your files, do you? I need to check on something."

The officer at the desk nodded. "Sure, go right ahead. I don't know why you bother coming, though. None of your kids ever have records."

The Matron shrugged, "Government-run, remember? We've got to check on everything." She walked back into the file room and started searching.

Leapfrog sat on the bed provided for him, when the man who had woken him up went in the room. "Hey, new guy, the Matron is callin' for ya. You better get movin', she sounds really mad."

Leapfrog went downstairs to the Matron's office, not really caring what she wanted.

"Look, lad. I went down to the station. You were sentenced to two months in prison. I can't have anyone who's been sentenced to a jail cell. If it were the House of Refuge, it'd be something different."

"What! You're sending me to prison because of that crazy kook, Jay McGuiness? You're not doing that!"

The Matron nodded. "I am. I'm sorry, lad. You'll have to come with me down to the station.

It was evening when the bombardment came. The World, Sun, and Journal came crashing down. The story was out. The papers were in.

The reporter from the World came in. "Mr. Kristo, would you mind answering a few questions?"

"Yes. I would mind. But I don't have a choice, now do I?" Leapfrog snapped.

"Can I quote you on that?"

The Sun came running in next. "So, Leapfrog, now that you're in prison for trespassing on government property, do you think you'll get a fair trial?"

Leapfrog shrugged. "I don't know much about law, sir. All I can say is justice will be done. I hope. I've seen trials before, and normally the young boy gets put in prison despite what evidence there is."

"You doubt the fine justice system?! Well, I never!"

The reporter from the New York Journal was the last to arrive. By then, the story had taken it's twists and turns. "Jed, we've been told that you were shouting 'I am the conqueror' when you killed Jane Connoy."

Leapfrog had had enough. "Out!"

Quite a bit after Melanie's visit, a tall dark-haired man entered Leapfrog's small room in the back. "Hello, Mr. Kristo."

Leapfrog blinked. "I'm sorry, sir, who might you be?"

"My name is Elliot Stephens. I'm a law student at Columbia University." Elliot extended his hand.

"Ah. Nice to meet you, sir." Leapfrog shook it. "What brings you here today, Mr. Stephens?"

Mr. Stephens smiled. "I'd read about your predicament in the paper and since I'm familiar with your lodging establishment, and it seems to be an issue of my devising that has landed you in this situation, I thought I'd do what I could to help."

Leapfrog nodded. "So, Mr. Stephens, I'm a bit unsure exactly what the problem is right now."

"It seems that all the stipulations I drew up for Miss Melanie..." Elliot paused and then continued, "Mrs. Melanie, that would be. At any rate, they've conspired against you. Why is it that you went to visit at all?"

"To see Jane..."

"Yes, but why in the middle of the night?"

"I wasn't able to enter at any other time of the day. I had to sneak in, sir."

"So... they wouldn't let you in at all?"

"No, sir. They could not take the chance I was doing something for Mr. Connoy."

"Ah. And Miss...Missus Melanie couldn't visit?"

Leapfrog shook his head. "No. So, Mr. Stephens, do you understand now?"

Mr. Stephens gathered this information. " To explain, Mr. Kristo. My intention is to simply explain that your incarceration was due to an oversight in my documentation. This mishap is purely my fault, and for that I must apologize. I will right everything as quickly as possible."

"What about Melanie, sir?"

"I will verify her identity, and then we will be finished. Do you spot any slippery areas?" He smiled at the young boy.

Leapfrog shook his head. "The plan seems perfect to me."

"Good. I like to have an airtight plan. Is Melanie at home?"

Leapfrog nodded. "I believe she is."

"Would she mind seeing me?"

"I don't really know, sir."

"All right. I will speak to the commisioner as soon as possible and word will be brought to you regarding what will be transpired."

"Thank you, sir."

"You're quite welcome. And I do apologize for your predicament; it's truly my fault. Good day, Mr. Kristo."

"Good day, sir."

Melanie entered the room as Leapfrog was reading a newspaper.

"'Leapfrog Kristo lives with many older women. We've talked a lot, and he's thought about having serious relationships with each one of them,' said Nathan McDoyal."

Melanie laughed, "Sorry, didn't catch all of that. You read to fast. What did 'Nathan' McDoyal say?

Leapfrog shrugged. "Read the evening papers yet? Smudge is quoted in almost every sentence. And the one's that he aren't quoted in have something true."

Mel chuckled. "Who let him talk to those reporters?" Mel smiled. "My heavens." She studied Leapfrog for a bit. "How are things, Leapfrog?"

Leapfrog shrugged, "I'm all right. I'm dying with the solitude. I mean, really, who would want to be put in a room with all white walls and no one to talk to. How's everything going on your head of the city?"

"Nobody would want that. Especially not you. I'm all right. Look, Leapfrog, I've got a small appointment to talk to Mr. Stephens. I'll come back and see you later, all right." Mel smiled and walked over to the door. "Bye, Leapfrog."

The words echoed in his mind. He was free to go. Melanie reached over and hugged him. "Oh good!" She said.

Leapfrog smiled and pointed to the door. "Well... shall we?"

Melanie smiled. "Yes. We shall."

The two walked out to the front of the police station and pushed open the door. Mel smiled slightly, "Thank you, Elliot, I suppose."

"You're welcome!" The two spun around to see Mr. Stephens standing outside the doorway.

"Why... hello, Mr. Stephens!" Leapfrog said, surprised.

"Hello Mr. Kristo. Ms. Connoy." Mr. Stephens smiled.

Mel's face flushed. "Thanks for all your help." She ran down the street, but not too terribly far.

Elliot Stephens looked after Mel. "Is she always like that?"

Leapfrog shrugged. "Not usually. I guess she always feels overwhelmed when she sees you. It reminds her of the hassle she's been through. She's usually not that bad."

The law student frowned a little. "No, she isn't at all, but she..." He gave a half shrug. "I'll be seeing you around, Mr. Kristo."

Leapfrog nodded. "Yes. Until next time." He ran to catch up with Melanie.

Melanie smiled. "Sorry about that, dear."

Leapfrog smiled back. "Not a problem. Mel, I'm a bit worried about you. What was that all about? I mean... nothing happened while I was gone, right?"

Mel smiled tightly. "Don't worry about me, Leapfrog."

"But you always worry about me and I--"

"You're twelve. I feel responsible. It's different."

"Well..."

"Well! It's all fine! Everyone's going to be so glad to see you're home."

"Yup."

There was an awkward silence until the two reached the lodging house.

The two walked in and were greeted by Siren, Hummer, DJ, Charity, and Gertrude.

"Howdy everyone!" Leapfrog smiled.

Charity smiled back. "Welcome back."

"Leapfrog! You're just the guy we need! We're pullin pranks. You in?" DJ begged him.

Leapfrog shrugged. "I dunno. After that whole ink thing..."

DJ smiled. "It's on Ian!"

Leapfrog smiled. "Sounds good."

"So, what are we gonna do?"

"That's up to you." Leapfrog smiled weakly. "I've had a long week, guys. I'm not in much of a plotting mood." He walked up to the bunkroom.

Sean Powell looked up at him. "When'd you get back?"

Leapfrog climbed up to his bunk quietly. "Just now."

"Where's my camera at?" Sean knew something was wrong. Leapfrog was quiet. He understood that Leapfrog would be remotely tired, but he was quieter than tired.

"Mel not give it to ya yet?"

"I didn't know she had it."

"She does. Just ask her." Leapfrog studied Sean. "You seem pretty detached. Something wrong?"

Sean shook his head. "No. Why would there be?"

Leapfrog just shrugged.

"I'm fine. Are -you- okay?"

"I don't really know. It's been a rough week." Leapfrog sighed.

"I can imagine." Sean nodded. "So... you get the pictures you wanted?"

Leapfrog smiled. "Yeah. Thanks. When Mel found out she was really happy."

"No problem. I'll get them developed as soon as I can. After I get my camera back."

"Anything important happen while I was gone, that you know of? Involving Mel... or whoever?"

Sean shook his head. "Not that I know of. I don't really pay much attention to what's going on around here, though."

Leapfrog sighed, giving Sean yet another reason to worry. "Leapfrog, are you sure you're all right?"

"No... yes... I'm fine. I guess I'm just thinking about Mel."

Sean raised an eyebrow. "Melanie? Is she okay?"

"I think so. I just think something's bothering her. More than Jane and what we found out."

"What makes you think something's wrong?"

"I don't know. I just think that."

"Well, has she said anything?"

Leapfrog shook his head. "No. I just get the impression that something's bothering her."

Sean shrugged. "Well, if something comes up, feel free to talk to me, all right." Sean got off of his bunk and turned towards the door. "I'll talk to you later, Leapfrog. Just get some rest, all right."

Leapfrog nodded. "All right. Oh, Sean."

The older boy turned around and smiled. "Yes?"

Leapfrog smiled back. "Thanks."

Sean turned towards the door again and left the room. "You're welcome."