Disclaimer: Copper is credited to its creators Tom Fontana and Will Rokos and BBC America. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is gained from the writing of this fiction.

Chapter 19

"What do you gentlemen think about that?" Robert asked?

"I think it'd be great, Major!" Andrew said enthusiastically. "'Bout time we had a Ward Boss that really cares about people down here and not just making people think he cares, like Donovan done, while he was just making himself richer."

Robert looked at Francis. "What do you think, Detective?"

Francis shrugged. "Eustace ain't doin' much. Got the idea he's just waitin' for a chance ta skedaddle back ta his mansion in Greenwich Village."

"You know it ain't gonna be easy, Major," Kevin pointed out. "You'll be stepping right in the messes Donovan and Eustace left."

Robert nodded. "I am aware that there are going to be quite a few problems stacked on my desk when I get there."

"Maybe as Ward Boss, you can get the sixth what we need," Andrew said. "Donovan, for all his claptrap 'bout being so fond of this precinct, didn't do a damn thing for us!"

"Such as?" Robert asked.

"More guns," Kevin said. "We're being outgunned by Ticeson and his outfit."

"And ammunition, too," Francis added. "Seems like we're always runnin' low on that and the captain's havin' ta warn us about it." He thought 'bout havin' ta warn the dumber Druids not ta be shootin' off their rifles just ta be makin lots of noise when Keating took the precinct hostage.

"They will be the first thing on my list," Robert promised. "In the meantime, however, I best go make my obeisance to Boss Tweed."

"Good luck," Kevin said. "Imagine Sullivan will let us know the result."

They watched him leave. Francis picked up his hat off his desk. "Think I'll go check with me contacts. Been a couple days and they mighta heard somethin'."

"Should check with mine, too," Andrew said, getting up and putting his rifle over his shoulder.

"Think I'll go check with Eva," Kevin said. "Criminals get drunk and talk outta turn all the time there."

"Good idea," Francis said, nodding.

"Maybe we should ask Sully to tell the lads to keep their ears and eyes open on their beats. Could be Ticeson's looking to hire outside his organization and figures there'd be plenty of men interested since alotta them ain't got jobs," Andrew said.

Kevin nodded. "I'll talk to him before hitting Eva's."

But by the end of the day, all three detectives returned with nothing. "Nobody's heard anythin'," Francis complained, tossing his hat on his desk and sitting down. "Even me best contact ain' heard nothin'."

"None of mine neither," Andrew admitted.

"Eva said she hasn't heard anything, but if she does, she'll let us know right away."

"We only got a week left before the Morehouse ball," Francis said, the frustration in his voice obvious.

"Ticeson and his thugs must be playing their cards close to their vests this time," Andrew said. "Guess he musta learned something from us catching Findley."

"They'll slip up somewhere," Kevin said. "Mainly 'cause they can't resist bragging 'bout how much smarter they are than us Coppers. Alright, so what do we know then?" He asked, sitting at his desk and lighting a cigarette.

"You're gonna need a fancy carriage, like Major Morehouse's new one, to look like you belong," Andrew said. "Where do you get that carriage? Does Ticeson have one or is he gonna steal one?"

Francis shrugged. "He took over Findley's crime organization and everythin' else he owned, too. Imagine that might include a carriage or two and horses."

"So, that means they're likely set up as far as looking like guests, at least from the outside," Kevin theorized. "They don't gotta worry about dressing fancy 'cause they're only gonna run inside to grab the donation box."

"Ticeson's likely usin' one of his own thugs to drive the carriage. He don't trust nobody else," Francis said. "His job will be ta get 'em there then get 'em outta there real fast after the robbery."

"We gotta stop 'em before they can even get in the house," Andrew said.

"From that top corner bedroom where I was last time, I gotta good view of the street both ways. I'll be able ta see 'em comin' no matter if they're comin' up or down the street," Francis said. "When I spots 'em, I'll yell down a warnin' ta the Coppers out front."

"We'll remind 'em to be sure and act like they ain't got no idea they aren't real guests when their carriage pulls up," Kevin said.

Francis nodded then suggested, "The driver will hafta get down and open the door for 'em just like Morehouse's driver does. When they're out of the carriage, I can fire a couple of shots near the horses hooves and scare 'em inta boltin'."

"That'll be Kevin's and my signal to come out, grab 'em, and arrest 'em. We'll have 'em in cells before they even know what happened!" Andrew said.

"Which brings up another problem," Kevin said. "Parking the Black Maria where it's close by, but can't be seen by the guests or by Ticeson's boys."

Francis shrugged. "Better ask Major Morehouse 'bout that. Maybe he'll let us park it back by the stable."

Andrew grinned. "Morehouse Senior will probably have a fit, afraid one of the guests will see it!"

"No doubt," Kevin replied with a grin. "He likely won't be grateful either that we prevented his fancy party from being robbed."

"But after we arrest the robbers, he'll turn it around and be braggin' how he knew they was gonna be robbed and insisted we park the paddy wagon around back," Francis added sarcastically.

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Ticeson walked around the carriage he'd chosen from the two Findley had owned. "There's alotta dirt on this carriage and I wants it cleaned and shined up 'til I can see my face in it!" He stated to two of his men.

"Does the coppers check the carriages to make sure they's all shined up?" One of the thugs asked, scratching his head.

Ticeson punched him in the arm. "Most of them rich folks have carriages so slick, they even shine at night. The coppers might take special notice if you was to drive up in a dirty carriage, jackass!" He motioned to the man he'd chosen to be the driver. "You! Come with me. We gotta get you done up so ya look like all them other driver's for the rich people. Marm said the tailor who sews her husband's clothes can do it."

Ticeson's lieutenant, who had convinced him that robbing the Morehouse ball would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, leaned against the carriage. "How much do ya think the take will be?"

Ticeson shrugged. "Heard their last benefit ball got 'em close to $500 and this ball might double it 'cuz there's even more rich folks gonna be there."

His lieutenant whistled then chuckled. "Nice of 'em to be so generous to us!"

"Just make sure ya grabs the donation money and gets the hell outta there. No stoppin' to steal any jewelry no matter how expensive it looks!" Ticeson growled, knowing his lieutenant's tendencies all too well.

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Francis arrived at the precinct after escorting Emma to Matthew's clinic. It was early and there were few coppers around and even Sullivan hadn't arrived yet. Andrew was already there and had made coffee.

Francis hung up his coat and tossed his hat on his desk and sat down.

"You want some coffee?" Andrew asked, holding up the pot.

"Yeah, that'd be good," he replied, rubbing his hands together. "Startin' to get colder in the mornin's now."

Andrew brought him over a cup. "Thanks." He took a sip of it. "So, did you tell Sybil about Morehouse wantin' ta be the Ward Boss?"

"Holy Christ, no!" Andrew exclaimed. "We ain't heard nothing yet so maybe Boss Tweed don't want an honest man down here."

"But I'm bettin' he does want the Morehouse name and money," Francis pointed out.

Andrew ran his hand through his hair. "If the major does get the job and when Sybil finds out, you know the first thing she'll wanna do?"

Francis chuckled. "Go see him and tell him he needs ta find Seamus another job ..a desk job maybe." He chuckled again. "Best remind Sybil not ta bring up Seamus stealin' chickens this time."

Andrew's only answer was a groan.

Kevin came in at that moment. He looked at them curiously. "What's going on?"

"Just kiddin' Andrew about what happens if Morehouse does get the job as Ward Boss. Sybil'll expect him ta find Seamus another job right quick."

"Like inna office or something maybe," Andrew added, rolling his eyes.

"Expect we should be hearing something about that soon," Kevin replied, pouring himself some coffee. "Can't see any reason why Boss Tweed wouldn't want a millionaire and a war hero, especially one who's willing to do good things for the people down here that'll only make Tweed look better."

"Less he's afraid Morehouse might be spyin' for somebody who wants his job. Imagine he's got alotta enemies," Francis remarked.

"Like that guy who draws those pictures of Tweed for the papers that ain't 'zactly a compliment! Nash or something like that," Andrew said.

"Nast!" Francis spat. "Bastard! Look how many times he attacked us after Bramwell got hung, drawin' us as a bunch of drunks, tryin' ta make people think we was all too drunk ta do our jobs right."

"Even Sully," Andrew added. "And I ain't never seen him ever take a drink while he was on duty!"

"He don't like the Irish, that's a fact," Kevin said. He walked over to the stove and poured himself another cup of coffee.

Officer Schwartz knocked on the door of the office and said, "Captain wants everybody out front."

"Might be the news we been waitin' for," Francis said, getting up.

All the Coppers were standing in the anteroom outside of Sullivan's office when Kevin, Francis, and Andrew joined them. They could all see that Eustace was in Sullivan's office, talking to the captain. When Sullivan noticed that everybody had gathered, he made a motion to Eustace with his arm, indicating that things were ready. They came out, the captain following Eustace.

"Men, thank you for being patient," Eustace said. "I came to tell you that I am resigning my position as Ward Boss as I only agreed to fill this position until Tammany found a permanent candidate. I am retiring from public service and going back to private life, effective the first of next month."

A buzz of murmurs rose from all the Coppers. "Who's gonna take over?" One of the Coppers asked. "Hope he ain't gonna slug nobody like Donovan done!"

"Hope he ain't a traitor and a crook like Donovan was either!" Somebody else said loudly. Despite the story published in the papers, saying how Donovan had accidentally shot and killed himself while cleaning his gun, nobody at the precinct was fooled.

"Captain Sullivan will let you know further details," Eustace replied. He stepped back so Sullivan could take the floor.

"The new Ward Boss is someone we all know and respect; somebody who has helped us, many times, in the capture of dangerous criminals, such as Robert Cobb Kennedy, and that of course is Major Robert Morehouse. He'll be coming here tomorrow to speak with us. Dismissed."

Everybody clapped then began to slowly disperse back to their duties while Sullivan and Eustace went back into his office.

The detectives returned to their office. Andrew blew out a breath between his teeth. "So now we gotta add the duty of making sure the new Ward Boss's party ain't robbed by the biggest crime gang in Five Points. Sully ain't gonna be happy if we mess up this time!"

"We got it worked out so we ain't gonna fail this time." Kevin said.

"We don' know for sure if they're gonna do it the way me contact said though," Francis pointed out. "He just said it's the way he'd do it if he was gonna do the robbery."

"But it makes sense," Kevin argued. "Besides none of the invited guests is gonna arrive late because it's considered rude and even brassy. Even Marm'll be right on time."

"Still can't figure why they invited her," Francis said with a shrug. "Don' she throw dinner parties for the big criminals down here?"

"Yeah, but I heard she's been real generous, giving to all their favorite charities uptown, even if the money she's giving 'em is money she earned fencing stuff that's been stole from 'em," Andrew said.

"Bettin' Mrs. Morehouse ain' none too thrilled havin' her there though," Francis said.

"Or old man Morehouse neither," Andrew added.

"They're looking to raise as much money as possible," Kevin said. "So they might be willing to overlook some rumors about Marm in exchange for a big donation."

"True, nothin's been proven 'bout her and we ain' never been able to arrest her so far," Francis said. "They probably think she's just a shopkeeper that worked real hard and done real good and the other shopkeepers that ain' done' so good are just jealous and spreadin' lies 'bout her."

"Yeah, some of those uptowners expect us to work real hard down here so they can steal whatever we manage to put by," Andrew said. "Rats like Gould, Fisk, Carnegie, or Vanderbilt."

"Ain't only them," Francis said bitterly. "Donovan was the same way. Didn' give a shite he was stealin' from his own people." While he didn't say it aloud, he silently included the young woman, Teresa Trembly, whose life Donovan had stolen.

"Just proves rich people ain't no different than the criminals we deal with down here," Kevin said with a shrug.

As Francis and Andrew walked home after work, Francis asked, "You think Morehouse will be any different kind of Ward Boss or he'll just get greedy with power like the rest of 'em?"

"The major's already rich so more money ain't gonna interest him," Andrew replied with a shrug. "Power?" He shrugged again. "Think power comes with having alotta money."

"True," Francis agreed. Despite Morehouse's reputation for being fair, Francis was glad all the evidence against him was now sitting on the bottom of the North River. He parted from Andrew to go to Matthew's clinic to pick up Emma. She was waiting for him, wearing a heavy shawl and a bonnet. She took hold of the arm he offered her.

"So are ya excited about the Morehouse Ball next week?"

Emma shrugged then replied. "Do not get me wrong. I like the Morehouse's well enough, but I have been to so many balls that they kind of all seem to blend into one another."

Francis nodded. "Like being a Copper. Sometimes I can't believe I been a Copper long as I have."

Emma laughed lightly. "I imagine arresting criminals is a sight more exciting than a society ball."

Francis smiled. He loved hearing Emma laugh. "Sure, but alotta times it's just running drunks and troublemakers outta the Paradise."

"Even that sounds more exciting than constantly having to watch how you sit, who you talk to, what you say, or how much you eat, or risk having some old biddies start whispering behind their fans about you."

"Don' sound much like fun," Francis agreed.

"Sometimes I just feel like doing something really naughty that would shock everyone even more than joining the nursing corp did," Emma admitted.

"Like what?" Francis asked, intrigued.

"Oh I do not know," Emma laughed again. "Maybe riding a horse through town, bareback, and in my petticoats. That would probably be pretty shocking to a lot of people!"

"Probably cause a few people to drop over!" Francis chuckled. "If ya ever decide to do it, let us know first so we can have Doc Freeman standin' by." Francis chuckled again. "Although, he might be one of the ones droppin' over!"

"Yes, Dr. Freeman is pretty proper. Even Sara teases him about it." She was silent for a moment then suddenly asked in a teasing tone, "Would you like to see me riding that way?"

Francis' was thankful it was gettin' dark early as his face definitely was flushed. What red-blooded male wouldn' like to see that? "Ur ...don't think there's too many men that wouldn' enjoy that," he hedged.

That was not quite the answer Emma was hoping to hear, but she remembered what Eva had said about allowing Francis to set the pace of their relationship and replied breezily, "Well, if I ever do decide to do it, I will certainly let you know first."

Francis was relieved that Emma hadn' gotten offended by his answer and moved the conversation into safer territory. "Major Morehouse's comin' by the precinct tomorrow for the first time as Ward Boss."

Emma nodded. "We had heard from our patients that he had been made the new Ward Boss. They seemed to be happy with Major Morehouse, but I know Eustace never did anything to make things better for the Negroes nor, I assume, did the previous Ward Boss."

"Donovan didn't do nothin' for nobody 'cept himself," Francis muttered.

"So the Major is probably going to be much better then," Emma said. "I saw how disgusted he got with all those dishonest war contractors he had to deal with while he was recovering in the hospital."

"Lotta people got rich selling stuff to the army that weren't no good."

"My father was involved with the railroads during the war, but he always made sure that the troop trains and the tracks were in good condition. He's often said that the trains were one of the reasons the Confederacy lost the war because they could not replace the tracks the Union Army tore up nor could they replace the parts of the trains that got damaged or worn out."

"That makes sense 'cause Kevin said trains was how they could get somewhere before the Confederate Army."

They arrived at the building where they both lived and Francis escorted her to her second-floor apartment. "I'll see ya tomorrow morning then."

Emma nodded and seemed to hesitate for a few seconds then suddenly threw her arms around Francis and kissed him full on the mouth. She let go of him and smiled. "I will see you in the morning." She unlocked her door, opened it, and went inside, leaving him completely stunned.

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Ticeson and his lieutenant were going over their plans for robbing the Morehouse ball. Everything was in place. The coppers would never know from the outside of the carriage or its driver that it wasn't just another wealthy person arriving late to the ball. "Now remember if ya gotta grab somebody to get outta there safe, grab Marm. Don't grab any other wealthy lady or the coppers will be on our asses from now 'til doomsday!"

"His lieutenant nodded. "Shame we can't grab their jewelry. Some of them women have some fine pieces they'll be flauntin'."

"The money's all we're interested in!" Ticeson growled. "Grab that and get the hell out of there! I don't want any fool stunt messing things up 'cause I ain't going ta jail like Findley! The fool's greed got him caught! And like I said before, if ya mess things up, don't bother comin' back here!"

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

The Coppers were all assembled in the anteroom outside of Sullivan's office waiting for Major Morehouse to arrive.

Captain Sullivan walked around the circle of Coppers. "Now remember to be respectful. Major Morehouse can be a great help to us and frankly, we can use whatever help we can get."

Francis was leaning against the wall between Andrew and Kevin not really listening to what Sullivan was saying. His mind was still whirling around Emma's kiss last night. She hadn' mentioned it this mornin' so he didn' know what to think. Maybe he would ask Eva about it if he got a chance to talk to her alone.

"He's here," Stubby called from the front entrance where Captain Sullivan had stationed him to keep a look out for Major Morehouse. He quickly joined the rest of the Coppers.

Robert came in and smiled. "Good morning, Gentlemen. I was planning to give a speech, extolling all my good qualities, this morning, but unfortunately I was celebrating a bit too much last night and never got around to writing it," he joked.

"That's okay, Sir, we all know you're a decent sort," one of the Coppers called out.

"Thank you," Robert replied nodding. "I will say that you can trust me and trust my word. I assume that you all know about the Croton Aqueduct escapade and General Donovan's part in it."

There was a the sound of low-level grumbling from the Coppers. They remembered the lecture Donovan had given them, about their involvement in the various forms of the graft common in Five Points and what uptown thought about it, when he'd first arrived and then he'd turned out to be the biggest swindler and robber of all!

"I will not lecture you about not taking graft and then doing the exact opposite myself. I also realize that the graft is all the more tempting when your pay is so poor and I plan to remedy that. I will need to have my secretary go over all the books first though as I do not have any idea what the previous Ward Bosses might have spent or on what."

"Whatever it was, it weren't on us," one of the Coppers rumbled loudly.

"I understand your greatest need at the moment is guns and ammunition. If you are going to clean up the rougher elements down here, then you are going to need a ready supply of both and I, fortunately, have had experience with a few honest armament companies from my time as a supply officer with the Union Army and I believe I can strike a deal with them and get you what you need."

"Well, that will certainly be a good thing, won't it, lads?" Captain Sullivan asked. The Coppers clapped and a couple of them whistled.

Robert smiled then asked, "Does anyone have anymore questions I can answer?"

There were none so Sullivan dismissed the coppers and then he and Robert went into his office. As the Coppers, moved away, one of the younger ones said, "Mr. Morehouse sounds like he gonna do a lot for us!"

"Don't get too excited," one of the older Coppers advised him. "We thought Donovan was gonna be good for us 'cause he was Irish and a one-time copper here, but his real plan was to tear down this precinct for that damn aqueduct and put us all out of work just so he could make alotta money."

"Not to mention, he was gonna tear down our homes, too, so we didn't have no place to live," another Copper spoke up.

"I ain't gonna believe anything any Ward Boss says until I sees it with me own eyes!" The older Copper said.

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Elizabeth was in a rush the day of the party, she was busy supervising the decorations and the food. Sara had brought over her dress the day before so there was no worries there. She loved entertaining and this ball was going to be one of the biggest social events of the season.

Norbert stuck his head in the ball room at one point and then decided to come in. He looked around at the decorations and all the flowers. "I must say, Elizabeth, you show quite a talent for choosing the decorations for these balls."

She smiled then sobered momentarily then said, "And I have you to thank for that, Norbert."

"Me?" Norbert asked in a surprised tone.

"Yes, if you had not had your little talk with me about my problem, well, I might not be standing here now. I also appreciate the fact that you never told Robert how bad it had gotten either."

"Well, that is all in the past now, Elizabeth, and things are looking very bright for the Morehouse's, both socially and financially."

James knocked on the door of the ball room and announced that lunch was ready. Norbert offered her his arm and they walked to the dining room. He pulled out Elizabeth's chair for her and then sat down at his place at the head of the table. A few minutes later, Robert and Julien walked in, deep in discussion. They sat down at the table and Elizabeth rang the bell beside her plate. James opened the door and wheeled in a cart containing their meal. Once it was served and James had left, Robert said, "Julien has been going over the private ledgers Donovan had that were in with that blackmail evidence that Kevin found in his office safe and he's found quite a few irregularities."

"Is any of it connected to Eustace?" Norbert asked. He would admit, if only to himself, that he would like to see Eustace brought down after threatening him to try and get Donovan's blackmail files. It did not matter to Norbert that he had taken money from Eustace to get the files himself.

Julien shook his head. "No, it was the previous Ward Boss, General Donovan."

"That does not surprise me at all," Norbert stated.

Robert put down his knife. "It looks as if he was making extra money for himself by charging fees for his favors. There are entries where he apparently had gotten new jobs for people, but was charging them one or two dollars per paycheck. Depending on the favor, the price went up or down."

"The only person it looks as if he did not charge was Detective O'Brien," Julien added. "And he did a big favor for them. He had Mrs. O'Brien's brother released from the Tombs and found him employment."

"And I assume all this money went right into Donovan's bank account," Norbert said.

Julien nodded. "Of what I was able to track of his finances, it looks as if he left his wife quite a wealthy widow."

"Donovan's private ledger was a road map to corruption and greed," Robert stated. "The fact that he was cheating and stealing from his own people was even more disgusting!"

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. "I hope you gentlemen are planning to keep this quiet and not give it to the papers."

Norbert shook his head. "No. Donovan is dead and cannot manipulate anyone from the grave."

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

When the Coppers arrived at the Morehouse mansion at six o'clock, it was grandly lit and Elizabeth's decorations could be clearly seen through the front picture window.

James showed Andrew to the kitchen and Francis to the upstairs room. Francis stopped him before he left the room and gave him his other gun. "I know ya can handle this so keep it handy just in case."

James look surprised. "Are you expecting us to be robbed?"

"We heard rumors that Ticeson's gang might be plannin' something."

"Then I will surely be on my guard," James assured him.

Francis went over to the window and sat down on the wide window sill. He really like being up here. Ya could see the stars, something you couldn' do in Five Points because of all the smoke from the tanneries, not to mention it smelled a lot better up here. He watched as the carriages began pulling up..Stubby and Schwartz were out front, checking the invitations before lettin' the people go inside. He saw Captain Sullivan's carriage pull up and Sullivan help his mother out of the carriage then got back in it to drive it around the back. His mother talked to Stubby and Schwartz until Sullivan came back 'round front to escort her inside after showing his invitation.

Emma and her father drove up and the driver got down and opened the door for them. Mr. Sterling got out first then helped Emma out. She smiled. It was such a lovely night and sounds of music drifted outside from the orchestra Elizabeth had hired. They stopped and she gave her invitation to Patrolman Schwartz who glanced at it then nodded and said, "Enjoy your evening."

"Thank you," Mr. Sterling replied. He escorted Emma up the front steps. She looked up and spotted Francis sitting in the upstairs window and smiled at him then jogged her father's arm and said, "There is Detective Maguire."

Jackson Sterling looked upwards then smiled and nodded at Francis. "The police department is providing security, I see."

"Yes, Detective Maguire mentioned to me that they would be," Emma replied. She smiled. "It is such a beautiful night! Why just look at that full moon!"

"Yes, a Harvest Moon," her father remarked. "Remember in Illinois how it always looked as if it was almost sitting in the middle of a field?"

"Yes, because there is much more open space there and not so many buildings."

Her father sighed. "Sometimes I really miss it, but it would not be the same without Abraham."

Emma squeezed his arm in comfort. Her father and President Lincoln had been close and long-time friends and they had been over to each other houses many, many times before Lincoln had run for president. "I am sure he must be looking down in approval tonight at this ball to fund a charity to help the Negro veterans until Congress can pass the pension bill for them."

"I like to think that Abraham would be very pleased."

Francis watched them as they went up the steps to the front door. He thought Emma looked particularly beautiful tonight in a deep sapphire blue gown.

James met them at the door and then escorted them to the ball room where he announced them, "Mr. Jackson Sterling and Miss Emma Sterling."

Robert Morehouse detached himself from speaking with one of the senators and came over to greet them. He had really appreciated the visits Mr. Sterling had made to him while he was in the hospital, recovering from his leg being amputated.

While her father was talking with Major Morehouse, Emma went over to greet Matthew and Sara who were standing with Reverend Garland. Sara was dressed in a beautiful rose colored gown and had small, matching rose buds decorating her chignon. They introduced her to Reverend Garland. Emma shook his hand with a smile. "Matthew and Sara have spoken about all the good work you do with your orphanage and now with the Civil War veterans, Reverend," Emma said.

"I'm just doing as the Lord directs me to, Miss Sterling," he replied with a smile.

Jackson Sterling had finished his conversation with Major Morehouse and came over to greet the Freeman's. Emma introduced him to Reverend Garland.

"I am very happy to donate to this fund for the Negro Civil War veterans," he said, shaking Reverend Garland's hand. "I have been working with some of Abraham's and my contacts in Congress, trying to convince them they that they need to pass this bill. Abraham and I were old friends and I know he would have wanted this."

"I'm assuming that the Southern Democrats are against the very idea," Reverend Garland replied.

Mr. Sterling nodded his head sadly. "Yes, and President Johnson is not well liked and does not have the influence to push it through."

"Well, I believe the Good Lord has his eyes on things and will throw down a helping hand when He feels the time is right."

Emma saw that Eva had arrived. She was dressed in a silk taffeta dress of a deep violet color with a modest, lace-trimmed neckline that, as Emma noticed with some amusement, could not completely hide Eva's figure. She wore her hair up and it was decorated with flowers and two feathers that matched her dress. On her hands, she wore short black, lace mitts. Emma excused herself and went over to greet her. "Hello, Eva."

"Hello, Emma," Eva replied. "It nice to see a friendly face. I'm not sure I'll see too many tonight."

"Come, let's find a seat," Emma said, taking Eva's arm.

"Let me add my contribution to the donation box first," Eva said. She lifted up her skirt slightly and made her way to where the donation box was sitting and slipped an envelope into it. She smiled at Kevin who was running his finger under his collar. "You look very handsome tonight, Detective."

"Thanks, Eva, but I'll sure be glad to get out of these fancy duds again!" He complained.

Eva smiled. Kevin had never been one for fancy dress. She made her way back over to Emma and they sat down on a small sofa. "You look quite different tonight, Nurse Sterling. Did Sara make your dress?"

"No, I had written and asked my mother if she could send me one of my ball gowns for occasions such as this, but instead, she had her dressmaker sew me a new gown."

"Well, it looks very good on you," Eva said.

"Thank you." As Emma looked around, her attention centered on one woman in particular. She was fairly tall and on the heavier side with gray hair. She was dressed in a lavishly decorated gown of black and was wearing several rings on the fingers of both hands and bracelets on both wrists. "Who is that?" Emma whispered to Eva.

Eva glanced over. "Fredericka "Marm" Mandelbaum," Eva sniffed. "People think I'm bad because I own a brothel, but I'll bet she's fenced items stolen from practically every person in this room!"

"Why on earth haven't the police arrested her?"

Eva shrugged. "Marm's got everybody from Boss Tweed on down paid off. Even if the Coppers managed to arrest her, she's got so many judges on her payroll, the charges would just be thrown out and that includes anybody who works for her. They've got the same protection."

"I am surprised to see somebody who is a criminal at this ball," Emma said.

Again, Eva shrugged. "People in this part of town know very little ...or care very little about what goes on in Five Points as long as it doesn't bother their lives like the Rabbit's coming up here and lynching Bramwell did."

"Surely Major Morehouse and his father must be aware of who she is."

"Probably, but they'll both give into Elizabeth's wishes and somebody probably told her Marm was some wealthy shopkeeper in Five Points who's very generous with charitable donations."

~*~* Page Break ~*~*

Upstairs, Francis could hear a carriage approaching and leaned further out the window and saw there was a carriage coming down the street. He whistled and Stubby and Schwartz looked up at him and he motioned up the street. "Think this might be them."

They nodded and waited as the carriage pulled up. The driver got down with a hasty apology, "Sorry, for being late, but one of the horses got a stone in its hoof and we had to turn back and change horses."

He opened the door to the carriage and four men jumped out with their guns drawn. "Throw down your guns, Coppers, and nobody gets hurt!" Ticeson's second-in-command growled.