St. Louis Post-Dispatch

September 6th, 1927

Page A-13

The fighting in our city took a dark turn last night at approximately 9:00 pm when an unknown assailant murdered a young man in the Hill district by the name of Elio Giannola. Elio was the nephew to Vito Giannola, a Sicilian immigrant with suspected connections to the local mafia. Two acquaintances of Elio were also killed in the attack. We have yet to receive any information from the police on their progress in identifying or locating a suspect. Witnesses we have interviewed noted that the attacker's face remained hidden under a wide-brimmed hat and a coat with a turned-up collar. Some have said that this is the latest work of the "ghost" which has terrorized local gangs in recent months, though such claims remain unsubstantiated. Police are asking anyone with information on the killer to come forward and help to bring the bloodshed in St. Louis to an end.

Asa set down his coffee and took a deep draw from his cigar while turning the paper toward me. The big cat then pointed to the small article toward the back of the A-section of the paper. Traffic roared past us on the other side of the glass as he spoke. "Care to explain this, Mr. Kelly?"

I scoffed at the article before turning it back to Asa. "There's nothing to explain, Mr. Sweet. Besides, I had other business to attend to last night." A glint of morning light from the Maribel Hotel sign caught my eye and the irritation forced me to shift in the booth to get out of the glare.

"Don't play coy with me, son. Mitzi is smart enough to keep her mouth shut about your business but when something like this happens word spreads like wildfire. That kid who runs with you was attacked along with Ruby's girl. At least twenty people witnessed the initial confrontation in the café, and that kid was beaten as an example to everyone else. The same cat winds up dead hours later, attacked by a figure with no name."

"And what's it to you, Asa?" I asked, annoyed that he had outmaneuvered me.

"Contrary to popular belief, I do in fact care about the safety of some of your crew. When I was warning Mitzi a few months ago about getting involved in this business I was being serious. I certainly would hate it if something happened to young Miss Pepper, or even those two boys you've taken in."

"Let's say for the sake of argument I did retaliate. Are you telling me you'd disapprove?"

"Hardly. Young punks like him have been making it hard to stay under the radar. But the Green Ones aren't to be trifled with, Ethan. You had better hope they blame this on the Russos, because if Giannola finds out then there's no place you can hide."

"Yeah, well that's what you said about your bosses. How'd that turn out, again?"

Asa's lips curled as he bore his teeth, clamping down hard on the end of his Robusto. "It would have turned out badly for us all if I hadn't helped you cover your tracks. That feud between you and Moreau was embarrassing for both of us and while you certainly could have killed me, all your tricks and tactics would have only delayed the inevitable."

"Fine, point taken. I'm starting to sense that I messed up. Mitzi wasn't exactly pleased either. I'm actually feeling a bit guilty. What I did disappointed her."

"Good, she at least has some sense. But luckily for you, Ethan, there's still a way to play this to our advantage."

What was Asa getting at? "Let me guess, another job."

"Yes, but this one is very important for us both. The Outfit has ordered a gentleman by the name of Alphonse Palazzola to investigate the "Ghost" in St. Louis. He's an old acquaintance of mine, runs with the Green Ones. Second in command if I'm not mistaken."

"Wouldn't eliminating him draw more suspicion?" I questioned.

"Not if you do it right. The Green Ones and the Russos are in an all-out war." Asa then leaned in close. "Palazzola got Tony Russo killed last month. He told me himself." Leaning back, Asa continued. "Make it look like it was a Russo that did it. The Outfit will be too distracted by the latest threat to care about tracking you down, and at the same time they'll move their eyes and ears away from me. This will be the last loose end and then we're both free to move on."

"I can see why this guy is a threat, but it's not the first time you've said a job would be the 'last'. I can't just eliminate half the gangsters in the country. It's like fighting a hydra, cut off one head and two more take its place."

"I understand the frustration, Ethan. I really do. But without the men I used to have, especially Heller, a lot of these jobs have fallen to you."

"And considering how much you normally would pay to have someone clean up these messes, I think you've been getting quite a bargain. I didn't ask for much, you know. I could have asked for far more, but my only concern was keeping Mitzi's operation going and finding a place to live."

"Burying the bodies you left in that quarry was expensive enough. And if it's more money you want, my own operation is a bit strapped right now. Plus I'm sure there's one or two cats in the hotel checking over the books."

"I'm not asking for more money, Asa. I'm just asking to be cut loose."

Asa growled once more. "You'll be cut loose when you hold up your end of the deal. Take care of loose ends until we can both walk away. If you're fighting a hydra, then find a way to kill it and we'll conclude our dealings." Asa then pulled out his wallet and left money on the table for the waitress. Cracking his neck, Asa stood up and checked his watch. "Anyway, I've got other things to attend to. Palazzola will be coming back to town Friday morning on the train, if you hang around outside the union station, he should be easy to spot.

"What does he look like?"

Asa produced a small picture from his pocket, sliding it over to me. I flipped over the image and saw a middle-aged cat with a thin face. He was dressed in a plain suit, looking like some sort of tax accountant or perhaps a doctor. Asa left me with a warning. "Make no mistake, he's dangerous. Do the job right before he catches our trail, or God help us both." For such a large cat he seemed to move quick as he ducked out of the café before I had time to process this new task.

On my way back to the speakeasy I looked over every detail of the picture. Every wrinkle, every hair, every nick in his ear. He really didn't strike me as a dangerous person, but if you had looked at Moreau the first impression would have been equally disappointing. He too was a killer, and was more ruthless than that Texan, Drago. But perhaps this really would be the last job? One last drop of blood to cover my tracks once and for all? It was hard to say, but Asa was right. If the Outfit found out who I was there would be no place in the country, or maybe even the world, that could keep my family safe. I was committed and had to see this through to the end, wherever it might lead. Assassinations would have to wait though, as I had a more pressing matter to attend to.

Let's Try This Again

Rocky and Freckle were laying around inside the Lackadaisy with Zib and the band. Despite being September the days were still warm and humid just like in August. As usual the band wasn't much for conversation, though Zib did put in a quip of wisdom here and there when he decided to wake up long enough to join in.

"You know, Rocky, I don't think I can take much more of this."

"Bootlegging? Oh come now, cousin, it hasn't been that bad, has it?"

Rocky tried to ignore the look in Freckle's eyes that said it really had been. And at least to an extent he was right. This latest injury wasn't the first time he had been in harm's way. "Okay, I'll admit that yesterday hadn't gone well for you, but that wasn't related to work. You know how many times someone has pummeled yours truly? And I try my best not to annoy people… usually."

"All I mean, Rocky, is that maybe we should find safer alternatives. Getting caught and beaten to a pulp could happen to anyone, but it seems to happen a lot to people working for gin joints."

"Does Ethan know about this newfound timidness?"

"Not yet, but I'm going to tell him too. At least he listens."

"Well now you're just being hurtful. Of course I listen, Freckle, but there's only so much we can do to make our jobs safer. People usually don't live to old age in this occupation."

"Then maybe we should find a different one. Besides, how am I supposed to make amends with mom if I'm still a hardened criminal?"

"Freckle, you know I'd love nothing more than to see you and Aunt Nina together again. But she's the one who kicked you out—"

"No, she gave me a choice. Save you or live a better life. I chose to save you, Rocky. That's despite getting be wrapped into this mess, having me commit a list of crimes a mile long. My God! Look at how many we've helped to murder! I just… I want to go home, Rocky."

Rocky reached out for his cousin, but they were interrupted by Ivy and Alena entering through the door.

"Ivy!" Freckle exclaimed. "Miss Pepper, I see you've brought the offspring of our Slavic comrade." Rocky tacked on, rising to his feet.

"Were you two arguing?" Ivy asked. The boys looked at each other then back to her. "Oh just a discussion… that was just getting intense." Rocky explained.

"I was telling him that we shouldn't keep working so dangerously."

"I'm sure we'll find way, Calvin. Or Ethan will at least. In the meantime, how about we put that behind us and—" Ivy leaned in and kissed Freckle, "try that date again."

"Yes, a good idea!" Rocky exclaimed, pulling them both toward him. "So where too?"

"Uh…" Freckle raised his hand to try and get Rocky to stop, but it was already too late as he was dancing around them both while Alena looked around the speakeasy in the background.

"Clearly that Italian deli food isn't for you, but how about some Spanish cuisine?! Perhaps we could go down by the river for some fresh fish? Or maybe downtown! Or—"

"Rocky, we're just going to go a block away. There's a new café that opened up." Ivy explained.

"Then I'll bring the violin and provide some romantic background music—"

"No, Rocky!" Ivy put her foot down. "Some things are just for us. Me and Calvin. A pair. Got it? We've been putting up with this all summer. We try to do something and somehow you get roped into it."

Rocky stopped dead in his tracks and all at once looked hurt and ashamed. Ivy anticipated this, however, and after finally getting through to the crazy cat she backed off to explain. "Look, Rocky, you are a friend and family to Calvin, but we need time to ourselves. I know that's upsetting, but I'm working on a solution." Ivy them pointed with her eyes in the direction of Alena. Rocky followed the gesture, then looked back to Ivy. Somewhere deep in the recesses of his mind two neurons connected, and in an instant Rocky realized what she was implying.

"Wait, you think- Me- Viktor's- No, oh no. Ivy, that's not at all what—"

"Oh come on, Rocky, don't be shy. You do have a lot to offer."

"Yeah, but- He'd probably crawl out of the grave just to strangle me in my sleep for even considering the possibility."

"Just give it a chance. One date… please?" Ivy pleaded; her eyes dilated.

"Well, uh, what does the young miss think about this?"

"Oh, she'll come around. But Isabella is right, Alena did just get into town, so that's something we'll just have to keep on the back burner for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, just give us space, please."

"Okay." He said, dejected. "But what else am I supposed to do this afternoon?"

"Actually, Ethan has a task for you."

"Oh? And what does our brave general want? Someone to ice? Perhaps a new load of product for Miss M?"

"Uh, no… He's going to be late getting back to the farm and someone needs to go pick up Riley."

"Oh. Well, that's not exactly exciting. But seeing as I'm not wanted here, perhaps Miss Kelly would appreciate the company." Rocky said, grabbing his violin case. He walked out, tipping his hat at Alena before leaving without another word.

"I think that might have been a little too harsh." Freckle said.

"After a summer of him inviting himself to almost everything we've done? The fair? That night at the fancy restaurant up on the bluffs? The time he got all three of us kicked out of a club?"

"Well, when you put it that way…"

"Calvin, I like Rocky, and I want to help him, but first he needs to learn that not everything we do is going to include him."

Just then the freight elevator door opened and out stepped Mitzi, head hurting from all the numbers Wick had been spouting over their lunch break. He seemed to have moved past last night's conversation, but there was something different about him. Wick wasn't as close or as tightly wound as before. He was more relaxed, but also aloof. In any case, Mitzi knew what she needed.

"Ivy, dear. And Freckle, I didn't think you'd both be here. I don't suppose either of you have seen Rocky, have you?"

"We... uh, he just went off to take care of something for Ethan."

"Oh, that's a shame. He always brightens this place up when its slow." Alena caught Mitzi's attention as the girl walked up to get a closer look at the photos on the wall. "And you've brought Alena!"

Alena looked over her shoulder, only just becoming aware that others had been talking about her. "Hello, Miss M!"

Mitzi made her way around the bar while continuing to talk. "Ivy told me you came back to St. Louis to start college."

"Yes! I couldn't wait to come back here and meet you all again. For years I've dreamed of getting closer to my father, and though he's gone it will be great to get to know all his friends."

"And you are always a welcome guest, Alena. There are so many tales to tell, memories to revisit. We'll have to put you in touch with the Arbogasts in Defiance. Elsa especially would love to finally meet the girl she's heard so much about."

"Say, is it dangerous to run a place like this? People have been saying the city has had a lot of fighting in the streets."

"Well, there is certainly a truth to it." Mitzi explained in her indirect way. "But we'll be sure to keep you out of trouble, right Ivy?" Mitzi looked over at her goddaughter with a look that the young Pepper knew was serious.

"Of course we will, Miss M. The boys have been doing all the hazardous stuff anyway."

"Speaking of the boys, do you know when Ethan is returning? He had to meet Asa this morning and Wick has gotten us an audience with a local politician tonight."

"He is supposed to be back soon, Miss M." Freckle clarified.

"Good, now if I had to guess you two were about to go on another lunch date. A less eventful one than last time, I hope."

"Uh, you guessed it aunt M." Ivy replied, grabbing Calvin by the arm. "We don't have a lot of time though, so we'll leave you and Alena to talk for a while."

As the door closed behind the lovebirds, Alena took a seat next to Mitzi. "So, Miss M, would it be okay if we talked about dad?"

Mitzi's face forced a smile. She still felt guilty for her part in his death and for a brief moment the pain of watching him get shot right in front of her flashed before her eyes, but years of suppressing grief helped her keep her composure. Taking a deep breath and downing a shot of watered-down gin, she nodded her head. "Of course, hon. What did you want to know?"

Returning a Call

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the front door of the house Isabella and her roommates lived in. Footsteps approached as I put the finishing touches on a bouquet for my girl. Luckily, it was Isabella's face that greeted me. She opened the door and sized me up. "You're a hard cat to get in touch with, Ethan Kelly. I called the house last night but got no answer."

"Yes… I'm sorry. It's been a busy week. But I wanted to make sure we could see each other before Friday, so here I am."

Isabella didn't move an inch.

"…and I brought flowers. You know, as a way to say sorry."

"Alright, fine. Come on in, I need a break from studying anyway."

Putting coffee on in the kitchen, she placed the flowers in a glass vase for the dining table. "So, how has Riley been in school?"

"I uh... oh shit, I forgot to even ask."

"Wow, you really have been busy. You never forget anything when it comes to that girl."

"Yeah, it hasn't exactly been a cakewalk keeping the business going. Well, I'll have to add Riley to my list of people to check in on."

"Say, if you're here, who's watching her anyway?"

"Rocky should be on his way back to the farm now."

"Still busy even with errand boys to do your bidding?"

"Bootlegging isn't exactly an easy job."

"Hey, shh. The girls are still upstairs. One's father is a cop; you don't want to let it slip how you make money!"

"Ha." I scoffed. "He's probably on Asa's payroll anyway. But you're right, can't afford to make mistakes. That's how people get killed."

Sitting down with two cups of coffee, Isabella rested her head on my shoulder. "Here, you look like you could use a double."

"You have no idea. Thanks."

"Now then, Ivy says the house is coming along."

"Yep, it's livable and we should have the insulation done before Thanksgiving."

"And my lease is going to be done soon. So…"

"Ah, yes. Isabella, would you do me the honor of—"

"Oh please, this isn't a marriage proposal. Now are you going to let your girlfriend live with you, or not."

"That depends on how well you can take being a country girl."

"I'm sure I can adapt."

"Then the answer is a resounding yes, Bella. The big bedroom just needs some finishing touches, and it will be ready."

"Good boy. Now, I hope you've got some time because I'd love to sit here with you for a while."

"And I've been waiting half the week to do the same."

We sat there in silence for some time. Isabella settling her head in my lap while I stroked her hair. Yet even in the serenity of the afternoon there were still dark thoughts in the mind. Like shadows, my past was still there, and ever since pulling that trigger, I felt them drawing near. Isabella was one of the few people in my life who could keep them at bay, but doubts crept into my mind. The same thoughts as all those years ago when I first walked out of the Argonne. Sure, this summer I had made progress, but keeping those demons at bay was a never-ending battle.

"Hey Bella?"

"Hmm…"

"Am I a good person?"

"What kind of a question is that, Ethan?"

"Well, you know what I do for a living. And you know about my past. Running whiskey isn't exactly a victimless crime when everyone wants a piece of you, or your family."

"I know you don't take enjoyment in it."

"And that makes it all better?"

"Okay… I guess those people aren't exactly saints."

"Sure, but still."

"Self-defense then."

"The last one wasn't."

"What do you mean?" Bella asked.

"The last one… it wasn't necessary. He attacked both Freckle and Ivy. I just couldn't let it go."

"So it was—"

"Cold blood. Revenge. Something like that. The only one so far who isn't concerned about it is Rocky, and that is concerning."

Sitting back up, Isabella kissed me before holding her hand to me cheek. "I think you are a good person, Ethan Kelly. You're just in a tough business. Dangerous too. I'll admit I'm a bit worried about what my family would think if they found out."

"Oh please don't add that to me worries too…"

"Maybe finding a way out of that life and into a better one will be good for everyone."

"Everyone but Mitzi. Point taken, though."

Noting the time, I stood up. "And on that note, I do have a potential way out… I think. There's one last job to do then maybe that will be it. Lackadaisy can go back to operating under the radar and no one will mess with us."

"So we still good for Friday?"

"Of course. You, me, Ivy and Freckle."

"Good. Now, if you've got someplace to be, I suppose you should get going."

"Yes dear." I kissed her once more and headed for the next trolley stop two streets over.

Missouri Lullaby

The bow glided across the strings from the D-note up to a fifth and then a seventh. With a slow and varied rhythm that matched his emotions, Rocky effortlessly moved the fingers of his left hand with the movement of his right arm in a culmination of nearly two decades of practice. Zib could play the saxophone well and Mitzi knew her way around the ukulele, but when it came to the fiddle there was no one better than Rocky Rickaby.

It was a modification of an old Scottish air, and he was playing for himself tonight with nothing except the moon to keep him company. When the music echoed from his small box of wood and glue it often carried him to places far and near and times past and present. Many instruments can be played without emotion, but a violin requires a soul to express its best sounds, and lately Rocky's soul has had plenty of emotion to give.

Time passed quickly and what seemed like a few minutes quickly became a full hour. He could play all night if it so pleased him, but Rocky took a break nonetheless as a waxing pale face made its way above the distant hills, drowning out the amber lights of the city with a cool glow that blanketed the countryside with a light bright enough for feline eyes to see every detail.

Movement in the corner of his eye alerted Rocky to the presence of someone else. Turning around, he could make out the young face of Riley. She had been hiding in shadows, but the moon betrayed her.

"Young ladies should be in bed, Miss Kelly. The night is the domain of creatures like your brother and me. It's when we do our best work."

Riley realized that she had been spotted, but there was no point in trying to run. Stepping out from behind the car, Riley closed her book and walked up to the strawbales Ethan and Freckle had stacked last week. "I was doing homework in my room, but when I walked downstairs no one was around."

"Yes, well I, uh-" Rocky struggled to explain what he was doing out in the barn. "The last couple of days have been a distraction. I'm sorry Riley, I thought you were in bed already."

The girl looked down at her feet. "It's okay, I thought I was left out here alone. I'm just happy someone is here with me, even if you're in the barn playing violin."

While Riley didn't know it, that fearful sentiment arose something in Rocky and he quickly leapt off the haybale to hold her hands. Crouching down, Rocky couldn't help the tears forming in the corner of his eyes. "I'm sorry, Riley. I never want anyone feel abandoned, especially not you."

"Are you okay, Rocky?"

"Y-yes. Like I said, it's been a tough couple of days."

"Yeah. Freckle gets hurt, Ethan hasn't been here much, and Ivy said something about you not being yourself. What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Well, yes, sort of." Rocky fumbled as he tried to explain but took a moment to help Riley up on top of the strawbales before settling into the seat he had made for himself. "My mother died years ago. Yesterday was the anniversary of her death."

Riley immediately hugged Rocky around the chest. "I'm sorry. My mom died earlier this year."

"Yeah, Ethan mentioned that when he and I started working together." He replied, running his hand through her hair and ears. "I guess it never occurred to me to ask how you've been holding up."

"Well, it is sad. But I have Ethan, and you, and Freckle. I don't remember much about my other brothers; they died when I was seven. But now I've got two new ones!"

"And I guess I've found a family of sorts. It's just…"

Riley looked up into Rocky's eyes. "We're not enough?"

Rocky knew he had to tread carefully. "Of course you are! If I could spend the rest of my life out here with Ethan, Freckle, and you I could probably find happiness. It's just… well, there's something still missing inside me. Nothing lasts forever, Riley. One day everyone will have lives of their own to live. What life will I have when all of you have moved on?"

"Maybe we can help you!" Riley reasoned.

Rocky tussled her hair. "You all already have more than you know."

Riley leaned against Rocky's shoulder and settled into the straw. "Besides, who says we're going anywhere?"

Rocky picked up his bow and once more began to play, but this time slow and quiet. A firefly found it's way onto the end of the instrument and perched itself on one of the tuning pegs, causing Rocky to pause and briefly admire the small creature before it flew off into the darkness to join its own kind. "Oh, the world is full of magic!" He declared softly.

Oh Missouri Moon, you make quite a sight!

Shining brightly this September night.

Above the oaken trees of auburn red

and over the fields of autumn gold.

Sing us a lullaby from times of yore.

What audience could ask for more?

Let gentle breeze carry your melody,

And stridulations be your harmony.

Lightning bugs will prance and dance,

To the whip-poor-will's soft cadence,

And the horned owl's haunting call.

At last, an evening symphony for all.

Riley smiled. "Did you just make that one up?"

"Eh, a work in progress. But perhaps it would be best to enjoy this Missouri's lullaby from a warm bed?"

Riley yawned, confirming Rocky's intuitions. Rocky stretched and climbed down with violin in hand before holding the other one out for Riley to grab onto. Riley obliged and with a small jump she was safely on the ground. Rocky led the way back to the house and held open the door like a gentleman. Ten minutes later and Riley was fast asleep, yet Rocky lay awake. He wanted to hear the symphony for a while longer, so he opened the window to let the sounds of Missouri's woodlands and fields fill his ears until tiredness could overtake him.