Chapter 73
"Mr. Black," Olga said as she came into Kevin's office. He'd lost all sense of time for a moment and was shocked when he heard her voice. "Mr. Black, I'm so sorry I'm late. I was on the phone with my parents. Have you heard the news?"
"Yes," Kevin shook and jumped when the phone rang suddenly. Kevin stared at the phone a moment until eventually answering. "Hello?"
"Kevin?" Alice answered on the other line. "It's Alice. Try to relax; everything will be alright."
"What?" Kevin asked.
"Everything's alright, you haven't lost anything. You don't have anything invested in the stock market, so you'll be alright," Alice said. "Just remain cautious. We're in for a long hard road."
"What kind of hard road?" Kevin asked.
"I don't know for sure," Alice answered honestly. "I only know people are panicking. You need to not be one of them."
"Alright," Kevin said and breathed deep. "Alright."
"Good," Alice said. "You'll want to check on Alphonse too." Kevin nodded rather than answer and eventually got off the phone with Alice.
Kevin went to Alphonse's office expecting him to already have arrived, but he wasn't there. Kevin told Olga to keep an eye on things while he went to Alphonse's house to check on him. When he arrived at Alphonse's house, he knocked on the door and was greeted by Dianna, although she clearly appeared really nervous.
"Is Alphonse home?" Kevin asked.
"Yes," Dianna said. "He's been in his office since last night and hasn't come out. The Lady tried talking to him this morning, but based on how she left the office, it wasn't very successful."
"Do you mind if I speak with him?" Kevin asked. Dianna nodded and let Kevin in, leading him with her to Alphonse's office. She knocked on the door and waited for an unsavory reply.
"What?" came the reply from the office.
"Milord, it's Dianna. Kevin is here to see you."
There was a moment of silence before he said, "Let him in." Dianna opened the door for Kevin and closed it behind him once he was inside. Alphonse was at his desk still in the suit he'd been wearing the day before with a giant bottle of illegal bourbon and glass on hand.
"I take it you've heard the news?" Kevin said.
"Yes, I have," Alphonse said morbidly. "I found out from my mother last night when she called to inform me that my father hung himself."
"What?" Kevin asked and came closer to the desk. "Are you serious?"
"Dead serious," Alphonse said. "My father had a lot of money invested in the stock market. Most of it in fact. So in effect, he's lost a large chunk of his money not to mention losing everything that remained of my inheritance. He panicked and hung himself that very Tuesday. Mother found him hanging in his office this morning."
"Alphonse, I'm so sorry," Kevin said.
"I'm more sorry about the fact that I had a lot invested in stocks," Alphonse said coldly, swirling the bourbon around in his glass.
"Does Ana know?"
"She knows my father's dead," Alphonse said. "She doesn't, at the present time, know that my inheritance was essentially tired in its entirety to stocks and that it's gone. I need to wait a bit before I tell her."
"You having received the papers?"
"I told Dianna to bring them right to me for now," Alphonse said. "I need to think of a way to tell her delicately. Regardless, she won't take our sudden missing millions very well."
"I spoke with my aunt this morning," Kevin said. "Our business should be safe. We just need to tread cautiously."
"Indeed," he said and swallowed down the whole glass, only scrunching his nose a moment. Kevin eventually left the house but only after Alphonse gave him is assurance that he was alright. A few days later, Alphonse came into the firm and was visibly upset. He wouldn't speak to anyone. Not even Kevin. Eventually however, towards the end of the day, Kevin let himself into his office.
"Alphonse," Kevin said and the man finally looked up. Kevin closed the door behind him and walked closer. "What's the matter?"
"The same thing that's always the matter," Alphonse said. "I told Ana."
"What did she say?" Kevin asked. Alphonse took a deep and desperately needed breath before answering.
"She left with Anastasia this morning and is making arrangements to return to Paris."
"She's taking Anastasia?"
"Yes," Alphonse said bitterly. Then he started shaking. And then he neared tears. "She's taking my daughter away." Kevin closed the distance and went to Alphonse's side to console him.
"Where is she now? I'll see if I can talk some sense into her."
"She's staying at the hotel near the train station and they leave for New York in a few days," Alphonse barely forced through. "I already tried to get her to stay, or at least leave Anastasia. I even begged. I begged, Kevin! But she wouldn't listen to me. She's taking my daughter away from me." Alphonse finally started really crying and Kevin kept patting his back.
"She's not taking her anywhere," Kevin said adamantly. "I'll speak to her and make her stay. I swear to you I will."
"She won't listen to you, Kevin," Alphonse said and suddenly stood from his desk. "I really have lost everything."
"That's not true," Kevin said. "We still have this business and we'll get through this. And when I say I'll get Ana to return with Anastasia I meant it." Alphonse turned and looked at Kevin and what he saw was a broken man. It made Kevin all the more determined to make good on his promise.
"You're a good friend, Kevin," Alphonse said. "Probably the only real friend I've ever had."
"And as your friend, I will make Ana stay. No matter what it takes, I'll make her come back." Alphonse smiled just a little, but it didn't last.
"Is it terrible, Kevin, that when I found out my father was dead, I didn't feel a thing, and when I found I was broke I was disheartened? Am I terrible that when my wife says she's leaving, all I care about is that she's taking my daughter?"
"No," Kevin said. "And I'll make sure you're not losing your wife or your daughter. As to your fortune? We'll build a new one! We'll make everything alright."
"I admire your optimism," Alphonse said. "I admire a lot of things about you in fact." Alphonse walked a little closer to Kevin until they were standing right before one another. "I don't know if I've ever thanked you for everything you've done."
"You can thank me when Ana and Anastasia are back home," Kevin smiled reassuringly, but Alphonse remained saddened.
"She's not coming home," Alphonse said. "She's not coming back and she took the only joy I have in this world."
"Alphonse-"
"I have a lot of regrets," Alphonse said. "There are so many I'll never come to terms with." Alphonse looked into Kevin's eyes and, suddenly, Kevin felt odd. It wasn't a look he'd ever seen from him before. "I suppose I can at least come to terms with one."
"What are you talking about?" Kevin asked. His answer was a rather sudden forward movement from Alphonse. He brought his hand to Kevin's face and kissed him suddenly. Kevin gawked at him as it happened, unsure how to respond. Unsure what else to do, he did nothing. When Alphonse finally pulled away, Kevin kept staring at him in shock. Alphonse managed the weakest of laughs under his breath.
"That," Alphonse answered and walked out of the office without another word.
Kevin was flabbergasted for several minutes unsure what to think of what just happened or even what to do. He only returned to reality when Olga came into the office telling him his aunt was on the phone. When Kevin answered, it was Alice and she wasted no time, telling him he needed to get to Alphonse's house IMMEDIATELY. Doing just that, Kevin made a mad dash for his house and banged on the door until Dianna let him in. He asked where Alphonse was and was told he'd arrived home minutes prior and had gone straight to his office. Kevin rushed to the office and knocked, but received no answer. So he forced his way in and for a moment time stood still. He saw Alphonse pointing the gun right under his chin and, putting caution to the wind, fused to a vampire to get across the room and push the gun just as he pulled the trigger, causing him to shoot the bookcase behind him instead of himself. It caused Alphonse to fall from his chair and Kevin quickly turned back to his usual state and started helping Alphonse off the ground. Dianna rushed in having heard the gunshot and, assuming the worst since Alphonse was hidden behind the desk, screamed.
"Dianna, calm down!" Kevin said and then went to her and took al hold of her by the shoulders, shaking her gently. "Dianna stop," he said sternly. "He's alright. He's alright. Stand back and I'll take care of this. I need you to calm down." When she didn't calm, Kevin shook her gently again. "Dianna," Kevin repeated sternly again and, finally, she tried breathing and nodded. "Good. Do you know if there are any other guns in this house?"
"I know there's one in the master suit," she answered weakly.
"Then get it and I'll take it with me," Kevin said and Dianna ran away to locate the gun and any other she might not be aware of. Kevin returned to Alphonse who by now was crying on the floor. Kevin kneeled down and lifted him up by the shoulders until Alphonse was upright. "Alphonse? What were you thinking?! What the hell's wrong with you?!" Alphonse couldn't answer at first. He was still in shock. But when he did answer, it was barely comprehendible.
"She took my daughter, Kevin," he whimpered. "I have nothing left worth living for."
"That's not true, Alphonse! When I told you this morning I would bring them back I meant every word of it. And even if I weren't to, how do you think Anastasia would feel if she heard her daddy shot himself in the head? First she loses her grandpa and then her daddy? Your father might have been willing to leave this world and those that love him, but don't you DARE do that to your daughter, Alphonse!"
"Ana's already poisoning her, I know it," Alphonse said. "She's already telling her I'm at fault for everything and turning her against me. I'm sure she'd convince Anastasia my suicide was a good thing," Alphonse continued to cry.
"And you're going to even consider giving Ana that satisfaction?" Kevin asked. "I don't think so! That little girl needs you. Hell, I need you. You can't leave me. I won't lose my friend to this; not when we can fight it."
Alphonse finally looked at Kevin, his eyes a fierce red from tears. "Kevin. What happened back in my office…..I-"
"You don't have to explain, Alphonse," Kevin said.
"No, I do," Alphonse managed. He kept shaking until he could finally continue. "I've loved you for a long time, Kevin. Longer than you realize. I never wanted you to think less of me or for my feelings to ruin what we do have, but…I thought I had intentions to end it anyway, so I may as well tell you the truth."
Kevin smiled a little. "I don't think less of you, Alphonse. If anything, I need to apologize for not feeling that way about you. But you are like a brother to me and I mean that. You're not just a business partner or fellow alumni I attended school with or just a friend, you're like a 4th brother. Aside from the two I have naturally, there's only two that hold that place in my life and you're one of them. So don't let this ruin our friendship, because I won't." Alphonse held his head down, a new wave of tears coming and Kevin started rubbing his back. "Just give me time to speak to Ana. I'll make her come back with Anastasia. I promise."
"Thank you," Alphonse forced through his tears and reached out to hug Kevin tight. Soon, Dianna came back with two more guns in hand, both pistols like the one of the floor.
"This is what I could find," she managed.
"Good," Kevin said and then patted Alphonse's back and stood to retrieve the gun on the floor and then took the two other guns from Dianna, holstering them in his belt for now. "I need to talk to Ana. Where did she go? That hotel near the train station right?"
"Yes, sir," Dianna said. "I was supposed to collect their things and join them." Kevin looked at Alphonse a moment, then looked at Dianna.
"You stay here with Alphonse and make sure he's alright. I'm trusting you with him. Do you understand, Dianna?"
"Yes, sir," Dianna nodded franticly. "Yes sir, I'll take care of him."
"Thanks," Kevin said and gave her a peck on the cheek. "At latest I'll return by tomorrow."
Before leaving, Kevin ran to the kitchen and grabbed some coffee and brought it to Alphonse's office to help him calm down and also keep Dianna calm. She promised again she'd look after Alphonse and Kevin left to retrieve Ana. There was only one hotel right beside the train station so he didn't have to look very far. He went inside to the front desk and asked where she was.
"I do apologize, sir," the man at the front desk said. "But your wife has made it very clear she will not speak with you."
"She-" then Kevin stopped and smiled. "Oh, no sir, you have it all wrong. I'm not her husband. I'm her lawyer."
"Oh, yes!" the man said and smiled. "My sincerest apologies, Mr. Tanner. She did tell us she was expecting you."
"Indeed," Kevin played along. "Now, as I'm sure you can imagine, Lady Heidelberg and I have a lot to discuss regarding her marriage. If wouldn't mind terribly, is there a private office where she and I might talk?"
"Yes, of course, there's a private office just to your left. I will notify her of your arrival and have her meet you."
"Thank you, sir. You've been very helpful," Kevin answered kindly and went to the private office the front desk manager had directed him to and he waited patiently for Ana to arrive. It took a while, but eventually she came. The maid opened the door for her and when she saw it was Kevin, she was less than pleased. "Morning, Ana."
"What do you want?" she said. "I was told my lawyer was here. Clearly the man at the front desk is a horrible idiot or a cruel liar."
"He's neither, Ana," Kevin said. "We need to talk."
"About what, exactly? I assume you're here because Alphonse asked you to?"
"No, but I am here on his behalf. He tells me he informed you of his father losing the inheritance."
"Indeed he did," Ana said bitterly. "A most unfortunate occurrence. Obviously, given the circumstances, it would be unwise for me and my daughter to remain. I'm to Paris where she will not be so inconvenienced."
"You take that man's child away from him and you have the nerve to claim its due to an 'inconvenience'?"
"I was raised with a specific lifestyle in mind, Kevin, and I will not see my daughter have any less because her father lost all the money. I'm sure her grandfather will agree with me once he finds out about all this."
"Do you understand what you did by taking Anastasia away? He came in this morning telling me you'd left with her and what I saw was a broken man. Had I not gone after him when he returned home, he'd be dead now. Do you understand that?"
"Surely you're being mellow dramatic, Kevin," Ana said.
"Mellow dramatic?" Kevin raised his voice a little. "I find that man in his office with a gun to his head narrowly ensuring he missed and you're calling me mellow dramatic?" Ana appeared surprised by the news, but she quickly recovered and stood up that much straighter.
"Well, thank God you were there to stop him," Ana said. "It's enough I'm having to explain this Anastasia without her father doing something stupid."
"Whatever it is you're planning, you will put it to a halt and you will go home with Anastasia."
"How dare you try to tell me what to do, you lowly mongrel?" Ana said cruelly. "Coming here was your idea in the first place. I never wanted to be here. I never wanted any of this. Do you understand what that's like? To be dragged around by your husband's bidding and to hate him so? I've tolerated him all this time but I've come to the end of my limit. You will not force me to do a damned thing! Least of all where it concerns Anastasia."
"So you take Anastasia away from her father over what? Money? That man adores that little girl and you have no right taking her away."
"And you think I don't!" Ana screamed. Then she began to cry a little, something Kevin wasn't expecting. "I love Anastasia with all my heart. How DARE you imply I don't?! Or that I would do anything without her best interest at heart?!"
"You think tearing a family apart is putting her best interest at heart?"
"We never were a 'family', Kevin," Ana said. "Anastasia is the only good thing to ever come of this little business arrangement and I'll not tolerate Alphonse dragging her down."
"You think he would allow that to happen?" Kevin said. "We open a business together to make both our lives better, but most importantly for Anastasia, and you think he would ever give that little girl less than everything in the world? He lost the inheritance but he hasn't lost everything. Neither of us have. I tell you the same thing I told him: we will get through this. Stronger than ever, I guarantee you. And taking her away now is the cruelest injustice you could do to him."
"Oh, don't lecture me," Ana said. "The only cruel injustice to have occurred is my having to marry him in the first place and Anastasia is the silver lining. I'm sure he's convinced you otherwise, but I do want what's best for my daughter."
"She's his daughter too," Kevin said. "Imagine for a moment that your mother swept you away when you were a little girl and you never saw your father again. Remember when you and he danced at your wedding? I saw how much you adore that man. Try put yourself in Anastasia's shoes for a second. Imagine if when you were just five, your mother took you away from that father you love so much. Would that have been what was best for you?" For a moment, it appeared as though he had her. She actually thought about it and the mere hypothetical brought tears to her eyes. But soon she steeled up again and shook her head.
"I'll not be guilted into staying by my husband's lackey. We are leaving for Paris and that's that. No ifs, no ands, no buts about it. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" Kevin stared at her unsure what else to say. There was one more thing but he hated to do it. It would mean a very undesired letter to Amber, but he couldn't think of anything else.
"How much?" Kevin asked.
"I beg your pardon?"
"How much to make you stay? If its money you want, then I can make that happen. I can write you a check for $10,000 right now."
"You can't be serious," she mumbled.
"I'm dead serious, Ana," Kevin said. "I will write you that check right now if it means you and Anastasia will go right back to that house, and you call that lawyer and you tell him there's no longer a need for his services." Kevin pulled out his checkbook, feeling sick to the pit of his stomach but staying strong and then he grabbed a pen off the desk.
"You would honestly pay me $10,000 to make me stay?"
"Yes, Ana, I would," Kevin said. "But you aren't to tell Alphonse a word about it. You will tell him that your father heard of what happened and wired you some money as support and you'll never discuss this matter again. You will take Anastasia and your things back to the house, you will assure Alphonse the two of you aren't going anywhere, and you will put your trust in myself and Alphonse that we will get us all through this. Now do I make myselfperfectly clear?"
Kevin's hand remained on the blank check, ready to write at a moment's notice. Ana gawked at him a moment as if in disbelief. She weighed her options and whether or not it was worth it. It was a decent amount, but it was a laughably far cry from what they'd lost. But then, it was better than what they had at that very moment. Then she really thought about Anastasia. She didn't understand what was going on. She had cried this morning when she took her and her mood had not improved in the slightest no matter how Ana tried to distract her. She stared and Kevin's hands and checkbook one more moment and then closed her eyes with a deep breath.
"Once I have assurance that check will clear, I will return with Anastasia."
"Do I have your word?" Kevin asked sternly.
"Yes, Kevin, you have my word. Once the check clears, I will go back."
"Then we can get that done now," Kevin said. He wrote out the check, twitching as he wrote it out. It was harder than he'd imagined, more so when he started planning his letter. Then he handed it to Ana as well as the pen. "Make it paid to the order of Alphonse and we'll have the money transferred to you."
Anna accepted the check, "We'll do that now, then."
"Good," Kevin said. "Where is Anastasia?"
"She's in the room we're staying in," Ana said.
"Alone?"
"Of course not," Ana said, insulted. "One of the maids is with her."
"Okay, good. Let's go get her and we'll get to the bank." They finally left the office and returned to the room where Anastasia was with a maid. She perked up a little when she saw Kevin and he insisted on carrying her to the bank. The bank was unexpectedly busy, but when it was eventually possible, they made the arrangements and every penny Kevin had saved was transferred to Alphonse.
"Are we done?" Anastasia asked with her head rested against Kevin's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Anastasia, we're doing. We're going home now."
"Really?" she asked, looking up at him and perking up.
"Yes, Anastasia, really," Kevin smiled back. The joy he saw from Anastasia was enough to make what just happened worth every penny. He brought the two of them back to their house and knocked on the door waiting for Dianna to answer. "How's Alphonse?" he asked.
"He's alright," Dianna said. "He went to bed. He's been such a mess since this morning, but I think he'll be alright now."
"I think so too," Kevin smiled and then looked at Anastasia. "You've had a long day too, Anastasia. How about you go upstairs and tell your daddy how much you missed him?"
"Okay," Anastasia answered eagerly and Kevin put her down so she could run upstairs.
"God bless you, sir," Dianna smiled, appearing as though she might cry. "He'll be so happy when he sees her." Ana was silent and walked past them into the house wandering somewhere else. When she was sure they were alone, Dianna returned her attention to Kevin. "How did you convince her to return?"
"Bribery," Kevin answered bluntly. "But that's to remain unsaid. When he finds out about the money, she will tell him it was a gift from her father and we'll leave it at that."
"Yes, sir," Dianna nodded with a smile. Upstairs, Anastasia made it to the room Alphonse always slept in and started knocking. It was a moment before she heard grumbling.
"What is it, Dianna?" he asked from inside the room.
"It's not Miss Dianna, silly," Anastasia giggled. A moment of silence passed until she heard footsteps and the door was suddenly open. Once it was, Anastasia grabbed a hold of her father to hug him. Although initially in disbelief, Alphonse kneeled down and grabbed her into a tight hug. She heard the smallest utterances of tears. "Daddy, why are you crying? Aren't you happy to see me?"
"I'm very happy, Anastasia," Alphonse said. "That's why I'm crying." He stood up taking her with him and kept holding her tight. Anastasia rested her head on Alphonse's shoulder, smelling the strong bourbon, but also the smell of his cigars and peppermint that he always scented his pillows with and she was comforted. "I missed you so much, Anastasia."
"I missed you too, daddy," Anastasia said. "Next time we go on a trip, do you promise to come with us? Mommy and I didn't have any fun at all without you."
"Of course, honey, next time I'll be sure to come," Alphonse smiled.
"Uncle Kevin was at the hotel when we left," Anastasia said. "Can he stay for dinner? Please?"
"Of course he can," Alphonse said. He finally looked at Anastasia and placed her down. "Anastasia, why don't you tell Dianna what you want for dinner tonight?"
"Okay!" Anastasia answered and rushed downstairs. She saw Dianna at the front door with Kevin and went to her, tugging on her skirt for her attention. "Miss Dianna, Miss Dianna, can we have pasta tonight?!"
"Well, milady, I don't see why not," Dianna smiled and led Anastasia with her to the kitchen while Alphonse came down the stairs. Kevin smiled at him as he approached and for a moment Alphonse was speechless.
"I'm…..I don't know how to-"
"You don't have to thank me, Alphonse," Kevin smiled.
"How did you get her to come back?"
"I reasoned with her," Kevin said. "She promised she would stay and put faith in us that we would get us through this. Whatever it is."
"Thank you, Kevin," Alphonse said. "I really mean that."
"I know," Kevin smiled. "Don't worry about a thing. The stock market might have crashed but that doesn't mean we will."
Alphonse managed a nervous smile but eventually affirmed he'd work just as hard as Kevin, and Alphonse remained blissfully unaware of what was done to ensure Ana came back. Unfortunately, the effects of the crash began to rear their ugly heads. Value of stocks continued to go down, but they had steadied if only a little. However, most were trying to sell their stock for near nothing and were having no luck. Kevin made sure to write the letter to Amber, doing so with a heavy heart, even if he'd known deep down it was the right thing to do.
My Dearest Amber,
I regret to tell you that in light of recent events, I will be unable to come to Germany in December as I had wanted. I don't know if news has reached across the pond, but the Stock Market experienced an unprecedented crash and we've since continued feeling it's effects. I had money saved and prepared for my visit, however the crash caused my business partner to lose near all his money. It turns out his father had his own fortune and even Alphonse's inheritance tied to the market, so when it crashed, they lost everything. Alphonse received a call from his mother advising of the situation. One that she explained led to his father choosing to hang himself. According to the papers, this is becoming rather common among those whose lives were in essence tied to the market.
Ana did not take the news of the loss well at all. In fact she attempted to run away to Paris where her family is. I hope never to see Alphonse in such a state again as her leaving put him in. She took their daughter and he feared he'd never see his daughter ever again. By some miracle and, admittedly, an aunt who can see the future, I managed to stop Alphonse before he could shoot himself. This has put everyone in a panic. I went to Ana to demand she return with Anastasia. It cost me everything I had. I'm not proud that I had to bribe her, but I didn't know what else to do. I wrote her a check for $10,000 and told her she would never speak of this again. I know deep down it was the right thing to do for a man that's not just a business partner, but a dear friend, though I know it's consequences and they're weighing heavily on my heart.
I don't know when I will be able to return to Germany, but I promise it is as always a high priority. I miss you dearly and will come as soon as is within my power, or failing that make arrangements for you to come to America. Unfortunately, now might not be the best time as much as it pains me to say that. I'm so sorry, Amber, for this development and I will work to have it rectified as soon as possible.
I love you, Amber.
With All my Heart,
Kevin
Of course, the effects were felt just as painfully in Germany as it turns out. America was loaning money to Germany thanks to the economic difficulty they were in. Now that the crash had occurred, America was demanding their money back in effect. By December, Embry was feeling the stress of the factory he worked at and several people in Forks were feeling the strain. Sadly, Hailey and Jae were not exempt from this. In December, nearing the week of Christmas, Embry came to work and saw a crowd of men standing outside yelling. He ran up to the factory and found a coworker of his that he was friendly with.
"What's going on?" Embry said.
"They're not letting us in," the man said.
"Why?"
"That's what we're trying to find out." Embry was there a few minutes before the men finally received their answer. A manager of the factory stepped outside to make, from what Embry could tell from the man's face, a truly devastating announcement.
"Gentlemen," the manager called and waited for everyone to stop so he could speak. "I want to thank you all for your patience, but I'm afraid I have horrible news. I've just been advised by my supervisor that I am being let go." He stopped a moment as if trying to build himself up. "I have also been informed…..that staff on the floor is being drastically reduced."
"They're firing us?!" one man towards the front of the mob yelled.
"They can't do that! We have families to feed! Have some decency!" another man yelled.
"I know," the now former manager continued, trying to calm the crowd, "I know this is the last thing any of you want to hear. I have been informed that each of you will receive a severance check of $15-"
"$15?!" one man screamed.
"Yes, please," the former manager continued, "I'm sorry this has happened and I wish I had better news for you, but please remain calm. If you will please line up, we will get everyone their severance check."
"You can't do this! I have a family to feed and a baby on the way!" another man yelled. The former manager tried to speak, but someone interrupted him.
"Let us in! We need to work, let us in!" that man screamed. Then someone tried going up the stairs to get in, but the former manager tried to restrain him.
Because one man was attempting to get into the factory, a number of men swarmed trying to get in. Embry stood back and watched the scene playing before his eyes. Men trying desperately to get into work. They continued to yell about those they needed to support, we need our jobs, a few of them started yelling in Polish and Czech, and one man screamed at the former manager asking how they could do this when it's almost Christmas. Embry meanwhile was just stunned. He'd worked at this factory since his brother took over his position from the General Store. He'd seen people come and go, he'd seen people get injured and essentially thrown away, and he'd even seen the man that made the announcement start near the same time Embry did and rise up to be their manager. It was as though all that hard work and dedication was being thrown in his face. Every man in that crowd, he could tell, felt the same. The riot continued for minutes until the police arrived and had to force the crowd apart. No one was killed or injured, but a few were arrested.
"You," a voice came directed at Embry. He looked at the officer, an older man, and waited for his question. "I'm told you were standing here the whole time. What exactly happened?"
"We were trying to get into work but we've all been fired. We were offered a severance check of $15 but a few tried to get into the factory to work and the riot broke out." The officer wrote down what Embry said and walked away without any further word or comment.
He saw someone else at the top of the stairs now. The supervisor in question. He was finally able to hand out the severance checks to those that had not rioted. Embry went up to accept his, but it was hardly a balm for what had just happened. Embry refused to allow himself to panic and went right into trying to find a new job elsewhere. It took all day, but he did eventually find a new job at a theatre, though sadly is was a large cut in his pay. After all that, rather than return home, Embry made the journey to Seattle to visit Kevin. By the time he arrived, he saw the lights on and let himself in. Kevin already knew who it was and came to the front from his office.
"Hey, Embry," Kevin said. "This is a pleasant surprise."
"I don't know if it's pleasant," Embry said.
"Why? What's wrong?"
"Me and at least 100 others got fired today," Embry said. "I spent the remainder of the day trying to find a new job."
"Shit," Kevin said. "Did you find a new job?"
"Yes, at a theatre as a custodian and ticket vendor. Whatever they need me to do."
"Is it the same pay at least?"
"About half, actually," Embry said. "So I'll have to milk this little severance check for all it's worth."
"Half your original pay? Shit, Embry, you can't take that laying down. I can start looking through Seattle and see if I can find you something better."
"No, that's fine," Embry said. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll worry about it myself. I just came over because I wanted a game of cards with an old friend."
"I haven't started dinner yet, so I can make us something if you're hungry," Kevin offered.
"That sounds great," Embry said. "So what were you up to before I got here?"
"Just working," Kevin answered as he walked to the kitchen with Embry. "I suppose if there's any bright side to this whole mess, so long as your money wasn't tied to the stock market, you're largely okay. But we've been taking a lot of smaller cases that are usually settled out of court to make extra money." Embry didn't answer at first. He just stared at Kevin blankly. "You alright?"
"Sure," Embry said. "If you're working, then I'll just get home."
"No, Embry, it's fine, it's nothing I can't work on later. I'd rather talk to you anyway. I've been back home three months and we've barely had a chance to talk."
"Might change if you'd come on patrol once in a while," Embry said and that got Kevin's attention.
"I come when I can," Kevin answered cautiously. "You're here now, so let's eat something and catch up. Do you want some water?"
"Sure," Embry said and went to the cupboard to grab a glass and fill it with water.
"What are you in the mood for?" Kevin asked.
"Anything's fine," Embry answered and sat at the table. For simplicities sake, Kevin tossed a bunch of veggies in a pot with water and got it cooking over a fire. Once that was done, he went to the table with his own glass of water and sat down next to Embry. "I thought you were going to Germany this winter."
"That was the plan, yes," Kevin said. "Sadly, it's been put on hold. Ana was about to run away to Paris and I had to bribe her to return back with Anastasia. Cost me everything I had."
"You paid off your friend's wife to stay home?" Embry asked.
"Yeah," Kevin sighed. "And she'd better stay or I'll drag her back next time. Alphonse nearly shot himself over the whole thing. I stopped him in time but it scared the shit out of me."
"I thought he hated her."
"Ana, yes, their daughter is a different matter. He adores that little girl, so when Ana left with her it left him in tears. Alice had called me after he'd left his office telling me I needed to get to his house and lo and behold, he was about to shoot himself."
"I assume you've written Amber, then?" Embry said, sighing, slightly annoyed.
"Yes," Kevin said.
"Have you heard back?"
"Yes," Kevin said. "This Stock Market Crash is hitting Germany harder. The United States was helping Germany with their war restitutions and now that we've lost all that money, they're demanding Germany pay the money back."
Embry huffed, "What was it white people call that? 'Indian Giving'? Fucking hypocrites."
"Made all the worse by the fact that I can't just bring them out here," Kevin said. "I just can't afford it right now. I don't know when I'll be able to afford it."
"Might not kill daddy to flip the bill for once in his life," Embry bit.
"Are you joking? The man's in a worse financial strain than I am." Kevin didn't notice Embry's eye twitch and continued. "Just about every Marc they bring in is going straight to keeping the shop afloat. I don't know if that'll last."
"Sounds to me like their money would be best spent going somewhere else," Embry said.
"Well, I'll bring it to Levi's attention," Kevin sighed and rubbed his face. "Did you hear what Hoover was quoted as saying?"
"I stopped listening to blowhards after leaving the army," Embry said.
"Well, back in 28' when he was campaigning he'd said, 'Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.' I would sure as shit say so. Now he's saying it's lack of faith that brought on this debacle."
"Does that mean he has no plans to reverse this?"
"I doubt it," Kevin said. "If anything I'm already looking forward to 1933, but you never know. He might manage to turn things around before then. Or he'd better. If this is just the beginning of what's to come, I don't want to know what else is in store."
"You've still got a job," Embry muttered. "At least take comfort in that." Kevin looked at Embry a moment before finally saying anything else.
"Are you sure you don't want me to look around for work for you? I'm sure I could find something in the city that would suit you better and offer more money."
"I already accepted the job at the theatre, Kevin. I'll be fine."
"That's nothing that can't be undone," Kevin said. "If you found a better job, it would be silly to stay at the theatre."
"I haven't even started Kevin. Just relax," Embry said and gulped down the last of his water. "It's not as though I have some major expenses I need to worry about. At worst this is just less money to store away and use for food. Hell, maybe I should make Travis get a job. Kid lives in my house and does little more than eat and sleep and visit his relatives."
"I guess you can bring it up to him," Kevin said. "Do you want me to get you more water?"
"I'll get it," Embry said and stood from the table to get more water. The awkward silence continued while he walked back to the table and took a seat again. "So what case were you working on before I interrupted you?"
"Nothing worth talking about, honestly," Kevin said. "We're defending a business owner who didn't follow standard regulations and he's facing a fine. Honestly, it would've been cheaper for him to just pay in but he was determined."
"What regulations wasn't he following?"
"A workplace safety requirement," Kevin said.
"Why are you defending him, then?"
"Because he's paying us to," Kevin said. "You don't always get to pick your clients. Sometimes you've got to defend bad people. It's how the justice system works." Kevin took a drink of water. "We're not really in a position to be picky at the moment."
"I guess not," Embry mumbled.
Embry stayed for dinner but he left shortly thereafter despite Kevin insisting he could stay longer. They didn't see one another again until Christmas when Kevin returned to the tribe. It was late by the time he'd returned. He and Alphonse were both frequently working well into the night frequently spending the night at the firm and when Kevin arrived home on Christmas Eve, it was the middle of the night and he went straight to bed and didn't wake up until he was woken by the smell of breakfast.
Scarlet and the other children at least enjoyed Christmas, blissfully unaware of anything going on. The Cullens made sure of that. JJ slept through most of his first Christmas, but he got several new toys to play with when he was older. Aidetzi had invited Lawrence to Christmas with her family but sadly he had to decline since he was returning to South Carolina for the holidays and wouldn't return until later in January. Come 1930, there was some good news to come in the form of a representative in Texas proposing the Bonus Bill to be paid to veterans of the Great War. It was welcomed news to Embry, Kevin and Seth. However, it was a bill that would be met with great resistance on the part of the sitting president. Then news spread to Washington about food riots happening throughout the nation. Unemployment had reached a record high and claims from the president that the worst was over did little to reassure those most deeply affected.
Kevin did everything he could to save money, but most of what he made, as with Alphonse, went to the business. His mother that year also came to Washington to live with him since her husband was dead and any money she could have gotten from his death was gone, saying with regards to her husband, 'It figures when he died, he had to leave me in shambles'. Ana and Lady Heidelberg were delighted for the kindred spirit at the very least and, of course, Anastasia could always be relied on to keep things chipper. Kevin also closely followed news from Germany as best he could, ensuring that he received a special newspaper, even if that newspaper was always out of date when he received it. However, one bit of news, when it was nearing Christmas again, left him needing to vomit.
"Read this," Kevin said as he handed the special newspaper to Alphonse. Alphonse read through it, but wasn't sure what the significance was.
"I don't understand. What do the German elections-"
"The Nazi party now has the highest number of seats in their government," Kevin said and Rubbed his head, feeling panic boil in his throat. "I'm running out of time."
"Remind me who these people are?"
"They're the ones whose leader wrote that vile book I slammed on your desk a few years ago. Remember?"
"You mean Mein Kampf?"
"Yes," Kevin said. "He's the anti-Semite who claimed Jews were sexual predators and less than human."
"Ah," Alphonse said. "I remember now. So what will you do?"
"I need to speak to my grandparents," Kevin said. "I hate to do it, but I may have to beg for money."
"If you need to, you need to," Alphonse said with a sigh. "Do you really think she's in danger?"
"I don't want to find out," Kevin said.
First and foremost, Kevin wrote a letter to Levi regarding the issue hoping he could convince Levi to allow Kevin to bring them to America. He also brought to Edward's attention the possibility that he'd need to borrow money, swearing he'd eventually pay him back despite Edward insisting he didn't need to. In the meantime, Kevin awaited a reply. In contrast, for the military, things were largely going alright. Once Lawrence had returned, they'd continued their previous arrangement of Aidetzi coming to visit every other Friday and spending the night. The tribe was becoming increasingly curious about him and Aidetzi asked if he might want to visit, but he regretted that he needed to be on base at all times for work. This year, however, he wasn't going to South Carolina for Christmas. When Aidetzi suggested he come to visit, he claimed he was able to get the time off needed but would be happy to have her company for Christmas if she would be so kind as to join him.
"Can I be honest with you?" Sharisa asked Aidetzi when she told them.
"Honest about what?" Aidetzi asked.
"Think about it. How long have you been seeing him now? Two years?"
"Nearing that. Why?"
"You've been together that long and he's never once visited us? It's not like you've never invited him, but every time you do, he finds an excuse or reason not to come. Last year was one thing, but he can't get a few days off during a holiday to make a trip here to meet your family?"
"Sharisa," Aidetzi said, "he doesn't have the same luxuries with work that Jae would have or that Kevin would have. We get to live in our little bubble where we're treated better, but the fact is the real world is different and he's a black man working for the American Military."
"So he was able to get such a long time off last year, but he can't get a few days this year?" Sharisa asked.
"He had to fight for that time off," Aidetzi defended. "He wasn't so lucky this year. Besides, I don't mind going up to see him. He'll come and visit eventually, so don't be so hard on him."
Sharisa appeared as though she wanted to say more, but instead shrugged. "You're right, I'm being unfair. I can't wait to see him I guess."
"Thank you," Aidetzi said.
As promised, the day after Christmas, Aidetzi went to the base where Lawrence stayed and waited for him to return from work. Wanting the company, he asked Aidetzi to spend a few days with him, which she happily did. In those days, it felt a little like they were married. She'd keep the house in order and make small talk with the other ladies on base and make him dinner when he got back and they'd make love before going to bed. However, Aidetzi noticed, now that she was really talking to the ladies, that they were being rather cold to her. She overheard gossip, most of the time calling her a whore, but she ignored it and remained cordial, keeping in mind the usual sentiment that premarital sex to most others was considered inappropriate. Early January 1931, Aidetzi and Lawrence were in bed together. Aidetzi woke up first that Sunday morning and stayed in bed with him for a little while just basking. An hour later when he was still asleep, Aidetzi decided she would surprise him with breakfast in bed. She tossed on his button down work shirt and went downstairs to start making breakfast with what little was available in the fridge. As she was cooking, the door opened and the sound made her jump. She turned to look and at the door was a man dressed in a uniform similar to Lawrence. He was also very handsome with black hair and very dark skin and brown eyes. He had a slightly straighter nose and more defined cheekbones with a shaved head he was carrying a huge crate. He wore a heavy jacket to protect from the snow and it made him look that much bulkier. And he was tall. Very tall. He looked extremely surprised and even angry when he saw Aidetzi, who was blushing having been seen in such an inappropriate state of dress.
"Who are you?" he asked, his handsome voice asked.
"I'm sorry?" Aidetzi asked.
"You heard me, honey. Who are you?" he had a slight accent much the way Lawrence did, but it was just a little different.
"I'm…I'm sorry. My name's Aidetzi Call."
"And how exactly do you know my brother-in-law?" he asked pointedly.
"Brother….oh! You must be his sister's husband," Aidetzi smiled. "I'm so sorry you had to see me like this. I-"
"Okay, honey," he interrupted, "take what you just said and flip it."
"I beg your pardon?" Aidetzi asked.
"He's married to MY sister," the man said and Aidetzi went pale.
"What?" she asked.
"He's married to my sister," the man said. He put down the crate he was carrying, appearing livid. "That mother fucker told you he wasn't married?"
"He…..I.." Aidetzi couldn't answer. She was embarrassed and, frankly, mortified.
"How long have you been fucking around with him?" he asked pointedly.
"About two years," Aidetzi answered weekly.
"Oh, that's rich," he laughed meanly. "That's fucking rich. So since he was stationed here. He's upstairs? I'll kill the mother fucker!"
"I'll just get dressed and leave," Aidetzi said and ran upstairs to get her clothes. She found her clothes, throwing off Lawrence's shirt and putting her clothes on.
"Morning, baby," Lawrence said, his voice thick with sleep.
"Don't 'baby' me!" Aidetzi yelled, finally finding her voice again. "Your brother-in-law is downstairs!"
"Wait, what?" he said, suddenly wide awake. "Hold on, baby, I can explain."
"Don't bother!" Aidetzi yelled and started running to the door, only to be greeted by the man from earlier.
"Shit, Marcus, this isn't what you think-"
"Come here you fuck!" Marcus yelled and practically ran over Aidetzi getting to the bed ready to attack Lawrence. Aidetzi stepped aside and ran downstairs only to be encountered by two women, one old and one younger, the youngest of whom holding a baby that looked just like Lawrence and she felt sick.
"Who the hell are you?!" the younger woman, obviously Lawrence's wife, asked.
"No one," Aidetzi hurried. "I'm no one. I was just leaving." She tried to leave, but Mrs. Macon wouldn't let her.
"Oh no, you will tell me who the hell you are!" she yelled.
"I told you, I'm no one!" Aidetzi said. "I'll just leave and you'll never see me again."
"No, what are you doing in my house?! How do you know my husband?"
"I promise, I'm no one important," Aidetzi attempted, but Mrs. Macon handed the baby to the older woman.
"Mamma, hold Robby. I'll get an answer out of you even if I have to force it!"
"Please, this is a big misunderstanding!" Aidetzi said.
"Who are you! What are you doing here alone with my husband you hussy?!" Mrs. Macon yelled and appeared as though she would hit her.
"Nothing!" Aidetzi said.
"Not nothing! Answer me right now! Have you been sleeping with me husband?!" she yelled louder.
"Didi, baby, calm down," the older woman said. "Robby's here and you're yelling is scaring him."
"I'll calm down when this bitch answers me!" Didi yelled. "Now answer my damn question!" Aidetzi backed away again and waited for when she knew Didi would let her speak.
"Lawrence never said he was married," Aidetzi said.
"Oh really?" Didi said. "I suppose he never told you we have a baby either?"
"No, he didn't mentioned a son. He told me his sister was married."
"He doesn't even have a God damn sister. Oh, this is just wonderful."
"Please, Mrs. Macon, I didn't know about you. He lied to me as much as he lied to you and you have my full support in reprimanding him for his behavior, but I swear to you, I didn't know anything. Your fight isn't with me, it's with Lawrence."
"You're out of your damn mind if you think you're getting off the hook that easy!" Didi yelled.
"I didn't know about you! None of this is my fault!"
"You've been sleeping with my husband! It takes two now doesn't it you whore?!"
"Don't you dare call me a whore!" Aidetzi yelled. "Your fucking husband lied to me! I'm the victim here!"
"Oh, yeah, you're the fucking victim! I'm just married with a child to him!" Didi screamed.
"I don't care what you do to him, but he lied to me as much as he lied to you and so he's your problem!"
"You!" Didi yelled and lunged for Aidetzi and grabbed her hair. Aidetzi defended herself, but didn't fight back. Didi had a very tiny baby, so all she did was defend herself and keep a hold of her hair. They weren't separated until the man from earlier, Marcus, came downstairs and separated them.
"Didi, let her go!" Marcus yelled and tugged Didi's hand until she finally let go. When she did, Aidetzi was leaning towards to opposite direction and she practically flew across the room hitting her head against the counter. "God damn it," Marcus muttered and went to Aidetzi. Her head was bleeding and it was already getting on the ceramic and the wood.
"Serves her right," Didi said, but she was crying now. "Where's my husband?"
"He's upstairs," Marcus said. "You won't get much out of him right now. He's out like a light with a bloody nose."
"Good," Didi said, continuing to cry and falling into a chair. Her mother went to her side, the baby still crying, and tried to comfort her daughter. "Mamma," she cried more and her mother continued to comfort her.
"You alright, honey?" Marcus asked and Aidetzi swatted him away.
"Don't 'honey' me," Aidetzi said, her head throbbing and fighting from crying herself. She tried to stand, but she lost balance and Marcus caught her.
"Okay," Marcus said, "looks like Didi got you pretty bad. Here, let me help you." Marcus helped Aidetzi to her feet and her head spun. "Jesus, Didi, you really walloped her."
"Marcus, get that woman out of here," the older woman said.
"Alright, mamma, just hold on," Marcus said and nearly carried Aidetzi out of the house. She was still dizzy from the blow to the head. Regardless of wanting to push the man off her, she wasn't really in a position to. Soon, she felt herself being seated in a car and heard the doors open and close until Marcus got back into the car. "Where do I take you?"
"Forks," Aidetzi mumbled.
"Where is that?"
"It's along the coast," Aidetzi mumbled again.
"You're gonna need to be more specific than that, honey."
"I said don't 'honey' me!" Aidetzi yelled, but regretted it with the radiating pounding in her head. "It's a few hours south of here." Marcus sighed heavily and reached around until he found a map and checked it. When he finally found the town, he grumbled.
"Son of a bitch," Marcus muttered. "He couldn't just fuck around with a local girl. It had to be with some broad in bumblefuck nowhere."
"You know what, asshole, how about you just get me back home and you can shit talk me all you want later? Can we agree on that?" Aidetzi bit back.
"Alright," Marcus sighed and get the car started and finally started driving. The drive was unbearably awkward at first. Aidetzi's head still hurt and she felt slightly nauseated. Though whether that was the blow to the head or the day's revelation that had caused it she wasn't sure. After an hour, Marcus got tired of the silence. "So how'd you meet him?"
"Really? You're asking how I met him?"
"It's damn quiet in this car and it's bothering me. So I'm making small talk."
"I'm not interested in small talk," Aidetzi mumbled.
"Alright," Marcus said. "Then at least let me apologize about earlier. Didi was just upset. We all were."
"How do you think I feel?" Aidetzi asked. "I wake up this morning thinking I'll surprise him with breakfast in bed and I get questioned by his wife's brother."
"It's a good thing I did," Marcus said. "Piece a' shit don't deserve breakfast in bed." He cleared his throat as if the return to his previous accent. "Anyway, you're just as much a victim in this, so I apologize for mine and Didi's behavior towards you."
"Thank you," Aidetzi mumbled and rubbed her temples, trying very hard not to cry.
"Hey, now," Marcus said. "Don't you start crying. He's not worth it. A man's not worth wasting your tears on if he isn't doing right by you."
"Okay," Aidetzi said and rubbed her eyes, but she couldn't help it. "He said he loved me," she whimpered.
"Yeah, I bet he did," Marcus said bitterly. "Look, try not to let this bother you. I'll make sure he doesn't bother you anymore."
"Thanks, I guess," Aidetzi said and stared out the window.
"What did you say your name was?"
"Aidetzi," Aidetzi answered.
"Beautiful name," Marcus said. "I assume you're an Indian?"
"Quileute," Aidetzi said.
"So why you wasting time on my brother-in-law when you have to come all the way to the Naval Base to see him?"
"I'm good friends with a woman whose husband is a captain. They were dispatched elsewhere and the last few visits I had with her, I bumped into Lawrence and we hit it off. He sent me flowers and asked me to visit and one thing led to another."
"Flowers, huh?" Marcus said, a little irritated. "Yeah, he used to do that shit to Didi too."
"Can we please not talk about him?" Aidetzi said.
"My pleasure," Marcus said and cleared his throat. "So how old are you, Aidetzi?"
"I'm 26," Aidetzi said.
"Really? You look younger."
"Thanks," Aidetzi mumbled.
"27 and you're not married?"
"No," Aidetzi said.
"Why not?"
"Haven't met anyone I wanted to marry or had asked."
"I don't believe that last one for a minute," Marcus smiled but Aidetzi didn't answer. "Come on, cheer up. You just rid yourself of a leech." Aidetzi still said nothing. "How's your head?"
"Pounding," Aidetzi said.
"I have some peppermint oil," Marcus said and pulled out a little jar from his pocket and handed it to her. "Just take a few breaths of this and it'll clear that up."
"Thanks," Aidetzi said and took the jar. She opened it and breathed in the oil. It helped a little, but it burned her nose and she eventually just closed it and put it on the divider.
"Better?"
"A little," Aidetzi mumbled.
"At least you stopped bleeding," Marcus said. "Right?"
"Yes," Aidetzi said.
"Okay, good," Marcus said. "So what's it like growing up an Indian?"
"I don't know," Aidetzi shrugged. "I lived in the tribe and we have a civil relationship with Forks and everything works fine."
"Sounds cushy," Marcus said with a small chuckle. "I grew up in a slum down in South Carolina. My granddaddy was a slave and my daddy never learned to read, but that man busted his ass to provide for momma, me and Didi. I don't think I'm half the man my father was. He died a few years ago. Poor mamma misses him every day, but we've been taking care of her. She was so happy when Robby was born. That's her first grandbaby." Aidetzi was quiet when Marcus looked at her. "Do you have siblings?"
"I have 11," Aidetzi answered.
"Jesus, really?" Marcus said. "You the oldest or something?"
"2nd oldest," Aidetzi said.
"So you've basically been raising kids your whole life?"
"Pretty much," Aidetzi said.
"How old's your youngest?"
"About 8," Aidetzi said and Marcus whistled.
"That's a lot of babies," Marcus said. "Must have been cramped." Aidetzi only nodded. "Do you plan to have that many?"
"No," Aidetzi said.
"Good," Marcus said. "I saw my sister give birth to Robby. I don't know how a woman goes through that once let alone 12 times." Marcus chuckled and glanced at Aidetzi, but she was still really quiet. "I take it you're not feeling much better?"
"Not really," Aidetzi said. She took a deep breath and looked out the window. "Two years. Two years, he lied to me and said he loved me….." Aidetzi started getting teary eyed again. "I feel used." When she started crying, Marcus pulled off to the side of the dirt road and turned off the car.
"Hey now, what did I tell you? Don't you waste tears on a man that did you wrong."
"That's easy for you to say," Aidetzi whimpered through her hands. "You don't love him."
"I guess you're right, I don't," Marcus said. "But I know that man. I've been through training with that man and I've seen that man treat my sister the same fucking way I'm sure he treated you these past two years. I know it hurts and I know it's hard to not cry, but you've got to be stronger than that. By crying, you're letting him have power over you. He may have used you, but that's no fault of your own any more than its Didi's fault." Aidetzi kept crying and when she wasn't stopping, Marcus came as close as he could and gave her a hug that was surprisingly comforting and needed. "You're too good for him, honey. You just remember that. If he tries to contact you, ignore him. Don't give him a chance to explain nothing. He's not earned a minute of your time." When Aidetzi continued crying, Marcus started rocking her back and forth. "It's alright, honey. Just let it out now."
"I feel so stupid," Aidetzi hiccupped and Marcus patted her back.
"You did nothing wrong," Marcus said. "Hey, if it'll make you feel better, when I get back, I'll give him a good ass whooping just for you."
Finally, Aidetzi managed a small giggle through her tears. "You don't have to."
"Nah, I want to," Marcus smiled and rubbed her back. "And I am sorry about earlier. We shouldn't have treated you like that."
"It's alright," Aidetzi said, rubbing her eyes. "All things considered, I deserve it. The women on base shunning me and calling me a whore makes a whole lot more sense now."
"Now don't you worry," Marcus said. "I'll have a word with those ladies. My brother-in-law's the whore, not you." Aidetzi smiled a little and rubbed her eyes a little more when another tear fell.
"Has he done this before?"
"Yeah, he has," Marcus said. "I kind of knew the moment I saw you. I knew he'd lied to you, but it wasn't the first this had happened and I was finally at my end with him."
"How long has he been married to your sister?"
"About 5 years," Marcus said. "Two of those years he was here obviously."
"Why didn't you guys come with him?"
"I hadn't been stationed here until recently. And as far as Didi is concerned, she didn't want to leave mamma. Of course, with the economy the way it is, it just wasn't practical for us to all be separated, so I made the request to be transferred here and the rest is history."
"Are you a maintenance guy too?"
"Actually, I'm a mechanic," Marcus said. "You have no idea how hard it was to get that job, but it paid well and I was determined. Unfortunately, I've taken a rather bad hit to my pay, hence the reason for the move."
"I'm sorry," Aidetzi said.
"Has any of this effected your tribe?"
"The crash you mean? Only my brother. He lost his job and had to find a new one for less pay. He and a family friend have been waiting on their bonuses from the war, but that keeps getting put off."
"Your brother fought in the war?"
"Yeah. He lied about his age so he could join the army. Our family friend won a medal for acts of bravery and he got himself a free ride to study law at Yale."
"They let an Indian into Yale?" Marcus said. "Shit, I think hell might have froze over." Aidetzi smiled just a little.
"Kevin, that's his name, has a way of making miracles happen."
"No kidding," Marcus said. "I wish I were so gifted with that kind of luck." Aidetzi smiled back, but it was a weak smile. Marcus looked at her a moment and smiled back. "Are you feeling a little better?"
"A little," Aidetzi said.
"Okay, good," Marcus said. "You have a pretty smile. It's not right for you not to."
"I appreciate the compliment but I'm not feeling very pretty right now."
"That'll pass," Marcus smiled. "I promise, it'll pass."
"If you say so," Aidetzi answered. "Thank you for the pep talk…"
"Marcus," he answered. "Marcus Carter." He even held out his hand to shake hers and she accepted.
"Aidetzi Call," she replied.
"Well, now that we're officially acquainted, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"Even under the circumstances?"
"Yes, even under the circumstances." They smiled at one another and for the first time since this morning, she finally felt a little better. Marcus turned the car back on and continued driving down the dirt road on route to Forks.
"I know she probably won't want to hear it, but tell your sister I said sorry about all this."
"It's alright, I'll tell her," Marcus said. "And thanks for not fighting back," Marcus said. "It hasn't been long since she'd had Robby."
"I know. That's why I didn't fight back. I know how my mother used to be after a pregnancy."
"I appreciate it," Marcus said. "Didi's a feisty woman but she doesn't always realize she has limits."
"I know the feeling," Aidetzi smiled. "Seeing as you asked me my age and we've still got a while before we get to Forks, how old are you?"
"I'm 23," Marcus said. "So I'm a bit younger than you."
"So when is your wife moving up here?"
"I don't have one," Marcus said. "I'm always more focused on providing for mamma and my sister that I don't really have time to date."
"That's a shame," Aidetzi said.
"So you're really the second oldest of 12 kids?"
"I am," Aidetzi said.
"Do you even remember their names?" Marcus joked.
"Embry, me, Jae, Rae, Sharisa, Peta, Gaeli, Taraq, Bayaq, Aiya, Zephyr and Grae," Aidetzi listed.
"Holy shit," Marcus laughed. "Can you list their ages?" he asked as a joke, but she answered.
"Embry's 27, I'm 26, Rae, Jae and Sharisa are all 22, Peta is 17, Gaeli is 15, Taraq and Bayaq are 13, Aiya is 11, Zephyr is 9 and Grae is 8," she answered.
"You mean to tell me your parents actually have children ranging from 27 to 8?"
"Yes," Aidetzi laughed a little at his stunned expression. "And out of all of us, only Rae and Jae are married."
"Huh," Marcus said, unsure what to say. "Do your parents ever get confused or is that a dumb thing to ask?"
"Mom always knew. The twins are Bayaq and Taraq and they would try to confuse our parents, but mom could always tell and daddy would smack them over the head every time they tried," Aidetzi relayed the memory with a giggle.
"Yeah, my dad would my ass sometimes too," Marcus chuckled.
"They used to, but my parents have gone soft," Aidetzi said. "When I was little, we couldn't get away with anything, but after the twins, they got lazy. Now those spoiled kids get away with everything."
Marcus started laughing, "You know, I grew up with some people that were from big families and they used to complain about the same thing. I assume you've had to discipline your siblings before?"
Aidetzi laughed with a joking hint of mockery, "Sometimes mom will threaten my wrath on the youngest and that usually shuts them up."
Marcus laughed even harder, "So you've been a mom your whole life?"
"Seems like it sometimes," Aidetzi smiled. "How old is your sister?"
"About your age," Marcus said. "So I'm the baby of the family."
"I bet you were spoiled," Aidetzi teased.
"Girl, please," he said and she laughed. "It's not funny! I wasn't spoiled at all. If anything, my dad was tougher on me because I was his son. One thing my daddy would do if we were out of line is he'd beat us with his belt. I can count the number of times he did that to Didi on was damn hand! Me? I lost count. He was tough on me."
"It seems you turned out well for it," Aidetzi said.
"I like to think so," Marcus smiled. The two talked for the remainder of the drive growing more and more friendly. Eventually they finally reached Forks and Aidetzi guided him to the General Store.
"Here it is," she said once they'd reached it. "My little brother works here, so I'll be alright."
"Which one?" Marcus joked and Aidetzi giggled.
"Jae," she said. "And thank you for the ride."
"No problem Aidetzi," Marcus said.
"Aidie's just fine," she said. "Everyone calls me Aidie."
"Alright, Aidie. It was no problem. And I'm sorry again about this morning."
"It's alright. I understand. I'm sorry we had to meet like that."
"Me too," Marcus said. "So do you live here in town? Or is the tribe further from here?"
"The tribe is further west of here," Aidetzi said.
"Can I take you back home?"
"No, it's alright. There aren't any roads in that direction that are big enough for a car. It's easier if I just ride my bike. I have it stored here anyway."
"Alright, if you're sure," Marcus said. Then he reached out his hand again so they could shake. "Once again, it's a pleasure to meet you Aidie. I hope if we meet again, it'll be under more pleasant circumstances."
"Likewise," Aidetzi smiled. "You have a good rest of your day, Marcus."
"You too, Aidie," he answered and Aidetzi finally got out of the car. He didn't drive away until he saw Aidie walk around the shop. When she did, Jae was in the back tending to watering the horses.
"There you are," Jae said. "You alright? You've been gone for days." Then, he saw the slightest bit of dried blood on the side of her head and rushed to her. "Aidie, what happened? Why are you bleeding?"
"I'm alright," Aidetzi said. "Far better than I was this morning at least."
"Why? What happened this morning?"
"Well, I wake up this morning and end up meeting Lawrence's brother-in-law. Now at first I'm thinking it's his sister's husband but, of course, turns out there is no sister Lawrence was the one that's married."
"So you've been the other woman?"
"Essentially," Aidetzi groaned. "Mrs. Macon did a number on me. She was furious and grabbed my hair and she had a small baby, so I just focused on keeping my hair attached to my head and when her brother intervened and made her let go of me, I fell and hit my head against the counter. That's why I was bleeding, but it's better now."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. Needless to say, I won't be seeing Lawrence anymore."
"I would hope not," Jae said. "Do you want us to go up to Port Angeles and kick his ass?"
Aidetzi giggled and shook her head, "No, that's fine. Marcus gave him a good enough beating this morning."
"Who's Marcus?"
"The brother-in-law," Aidetzi answered. "He gave me a ride back."
"Considering his sister attacked you, it was the least he could do," Jae said.
"It's alright. She was upset, I was upset, we were all upset. But everything's fine now."
"Alright," Jae sighed. "Go inside and clean up the blood before you go home. Mom sees that, she might burst a blood vessel."
Aidetzi laughed, "Oh, come on. She lets the kids get into all sorts of shenanigans, I'm sure she won't bat an eye at a little blood."
"Just wash up," Jae smiled.
Aidetzi smiled and did as Jae asked, going into the shop and letting herself upstairs to clean up a bit and then returning to get her bike and return home in the cold. Aidetzi didn't really go into detail about what happened. She only explained that she discovered Lawrence was married and ended the relationship, not speaking any further. Sharisa was even kind enough not to utter a single 'I told you so'.
Kevin wrote another letter to Levi that summer when he hadn't received a response. He began to panic again, recognizing this all too readily. He didn't finally receive a reply until November 1931 and the letter came from an address in Paris. When Kevin saw that, he relaxed a great deal and read the letter. It was near identical to when Levi took the family to Berlin. This time, however, they were in Paris. Sadly, from what Kevin read from Levi's letter, the transition was not nearly so pleasant. They'd attempted to sell the shop, but with Germany taking the hit that it did, they couldn't get any buyers and the fact that they were a Jewish family only made the situation worse. Before long, Jewish businesses, not just theirs, were being harassed by scared citizens and the whole country was in a panic. It was the whole reason the Nazi party had gained so much power. Once that had occurred, Levi picked up the whole family, selling the business and bills and job and everything be damned, and fled to France. They'd finally settled in Paris and Levi had obtained a job at a bank that was keeping food and blood for Amber on the table. He ended the letter explaining the intent was to remain in France until further notice.
With the new information, he finally went to Edward for the money he could borrow, told Alphonse he'd be back as soon as he possibly could, and made the run to New York for the first boat to France.