Faithless

Mass was never my favorite time of the week, but a promise to mother that Riley would have beliefs resembling a Catholic was certainly not something I would dare go back on. Riley didn't exactly enjoy it either, especially since we had moved from our old parish beneath the Montana sky, but until school this fall it was one of her few outlets to socialize, and certainly something I needed to work to improve before she's read and studied every book of both mine and Mitzi's.

I could go on for days about my feelings around faith, but if I had to put it simply, I no longer felt like I belonged. I had experienced too much, did too much. Either all this pomp and circumstance lacked any substance of conviction, or I was no longer worthy. In Europe I had been made into a product of cold iron, and the experiences there would never leave me. When it came time to partake in the eucharist, I nudged Riley into the isle, I dare not follow behind though. God wasn't with me on that hill in France, or at the very least some part of my faith died there that October.

After a few minutes, Riley was again seated by my side, blessed by the priest and her faith renewed for the week, or at least until she found something else to occupy her mind. After the priest and his acolytes left the altar and made their exit toward the front, it was our cue to make an exit before the gossiping between old men and women began. Most weeks we wouldn't have been in much of a hurry, but this afternoon we had a special day planned. Wick was going to meet us all at Forest Park.

As we exited St. Ann's, a familiar orange face caught my eye. It was Freckle! Shy as ever, he was standing around awkwardly as a stout woman next to him made small talk. I assume that she was Nina, the force of nature both Rickaby and McMurray would do anything to keep in the dark about our employer's real activities lest Rocky meet a fiery doom several decades early. Nonetheless, we would be coming by their house soon to pick up Freckle. Locking eyes with me, the boy gave me a small wave.

"Freckle!" I exclaimed as Riley, and I closed the distance. Nina took notice immediately and after giving a quick goodbye to her small group of fellow mother hens, turned her attention to us.

"Calvin, who might this young man be?"

Freckle fumbled for a second before finding the words. "Oh, yes, sorry mother. This is Ethan Kelly; he works at the café."

"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am." I said, trying to be both polite and brief.

"So, Rocky wasn't lying about having an actual, paying job for my boy. For once a pleasant surprise from that tabby. Tell me, Ethan, what do you do for work?"

"Well, I'm the cook and I do some repair work on the side."

"I see." Hopefully I hadn't given away anything that would land Rocky in hot water. At least outwardly, it seemed she was fully accepting of my answers. They certainly weren't untrue, just not fully revealing. I did notice that Freckle relaxed slightly, figuring out that I wasn't just going to blurt out something incriminating. Nina gave me a smile before lowering her gaze to the kitten behind me.

"I can't say I've seen a cat with two tails before young lad."

"Oh yes, this here is Riley, my younger sister." Riley wasn't too keen on greeting strangers but would do so if coaxed. I stepped to the side and gave her a nudge forward.

"Don't be afraid dear, I don't bite." She said, though Rocky would no doubt disagree with that statement. Still, the woman seemed kind enough. Riley stepped forward, hands behind her, eyes down.

"A lovely dress, dear. Though I take it you and your brother aren't from around here. Where did you two come from?"

Only then did Riley look up and gave an answer. "Montana, Miss McMurray."

"Ah, from the west country. I'm sure you and your parents are happy to be back in civilization."

Riley looked back down again, visibly depressed. Something Nina picked up on immediately. I explained. "Actually, it's just her and I that came to St. Louis. The rest of our family has passed, mother only recently this winter."

Nina then reached out to pat our arms. "Oh, my poor dears, I'm sorry for such a loss. But I'm sure she is glad to know that you've found comfort in faith. I'll be praying for you both that you'll find a good life here in the city."

I didn't bother to try and explain my life story, but rather simply smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Miss McMurray, we are grateful. I wish we could stay longer, but we had better run back to the apartment to get changed. Freckle, Rocky and I will pick you up in about an hour."

"Hold on." Nina said, grabbing me before I could leave. "Surely you all aren't working on the Lord's day?"

"No, no, of course not ma'am. In fact, quite the opposite. One of our employer's… investors has invited the employees to an afternoon at Forest Park."

"Really? And who would be so generous?"

"You would hardly believe it, but the gentleman is none other than Mr. Wick Sable."

"The same Sable mining all that rock outside of town?"

"Indeed, the same one."

"Well, I suppose it is wise to put money into different businesses. In that case, Calvin and I should head home so he can get ready. Perhaps there is a future career in Mr. Sable's operations, Calvin?"

"Yes mom, maybe."

"Excellent!" I exclaimed, "expect Rocky and I half past noon."

An hour later, Rocky and I are pulling up to his aunt's home. We left the ladies at the café for Wick to pick up, which is certainly not a decision I would disagree with considering Rocky's driving habits. His attention seemed to be everywhere and nowhere simultaneously. It wasn't so much the streets themselves that was the issue, just all the moving cars and pedestrians. Regardless, the drive had so far gone without incident.

Parking the car, Rocky crossed the street while I opted to wait in the passenger seat. Sure enough, Freckle emerged from the door and soon the cousins were back in the car. Nina seemed nice enough, but the fewer interactions the less likely it would be that she would catch on to our true activities. As we pull away from the curb, Rocky is the first to spark conversation.

"So Ethan, Freckle and Aunt Nina tell me you went to the same church. I must say, you don't strike me as the religious type."

"Eh, it's mostly for Riley's benefit. I promised mom before she passed, and it would be a terrible thing to go back on my word over."

Freckle then asked a question he must have been pondering for some time. "Ethan, were you religious once?"

"At one time, I suppose."

"What happened?"

"Sorry Freckle, that's not something I like to talk about."

"Was it the war?" Rocky asked.

"Let's change the subject boys. Besides, we have one more stop to make."

"Oh?" Rocky said, one eyebrow lifting in surprise.

"Mitzi told me right as we went out the door to go pick up Viktor. He's been inside now for days and apparently, he and Ivy haven't been speaking. If nothing else, the fresh air would do him some good."

Dangerous

At once, Rocky made a quick turn down a secondary street, adjusting for his new destination. A few minutes later we rolled up to a line of rowhouses on the outskirts of town. "This is it?" I asked, taking in the rather dilapidated appearance of the structures.

"Yep!" Rocky exclaimed as he jumped out of his seat. "I just hope the old cyclops has been taking his medication, my human shield isn't with us." As Freckle trailed behind, we made our way up the steps and into the front door. Rocky gestured to the main-floor apartment and I pulled out the spare key Miss M gave us from my pocket. Turning the latch, I knocked before opening the door.

"Hey Viktor! How'd ya like to come out and get some fresh air? That rich guy, Wick Sable, is treating us all to an afternoon out in Forest Park?"

Oddly, there was no reply. Rocky and I looked at each other before he shrugged his shoulders, "Eh, maybe the giant is just sleeping. It would be rude to wake him and—" I grabbed Rocky's collar before he could usher Freckle back outside. "Now hold on a minute. Miss M asked us to get him, so unless he's completely bedridden the big guy is coming with."

Opening the door, we surprised Viktor as he was coming out of the bedroom with a packed suitcase. He glared at us with his one good eye for daring to intrude in his lair. Instantly, the big cat lunged at the three of us, but he apparently wanted Rocky because in the blink of an eye he had our eccentric friend pinned against the wall.

"You bring Ivy to Defiance!" Viktor growled. Fear came over Rocky's face. "Hey, now Viktor, Ivy volunteered, and besides, she was perfectly safe. Our resident rifleman was keeping danger at bay." He gestured over to me which had the unfortunate side effect of redirecting Viktor's attention toward myself.

"You? Rifleman? Bah, you are all kids, no idea what you're doing! This stops, naow, before someone is killed!"

While I was certainly Viktor's junior, I was a long way from being some kid. "Hey! I dropped two of those bastards the other night, and baby-face over there got another two." Viktor wasn't exactly impressed. Quite the opposite, in fact, now that he knew we had actually run into trouble. "Ivy was in shoot out?!" He replied, rage filling every word. I about had enough of this.

"Look, Viktor, Miss M wants you to come to the park. You know, relax, enjoy a quiet afternoon, that sort of stuff. Seeing as you're healing… surprisingly quickly considering it was chest wound from buckshot… why don't you just come with us?" Viktor at least dropped Rocky to the ground after that, though he was certainly still angry. But rather than follow us, he grabbed his suitcase and started fumbling for his keys. "No."

Rocky now was showing some signs of anger, unusual considering his happy demeanor. "Hey, you can beat me to a pulp all you want, but no one says no to Miss M! She and Atlas are the only reason any of us have a job."

"I say no. Miss M, Lackadaisy, you—" Viktor pressed a big finger right into Rocky's chest. "You are all dangerous. I lose knee, I get shot, no one listen to Viktor."

Freckle then actually worked up the courage to ask the question that was all on our minds. "Mister, uh, Viktor? Where are you going if not with us?"

"To family. Naow out, I need to lock door."

Rocky jumped in again, genuinely confused. "Family? Viktor, you are family! I know you've only got one good eye, but surely, it's still functioning. What about us? What about Ivy? What will we do without you?"

The anger was finally gone from Viktor's voice. All that remained was defeat and acceptance. "If you are smart, quit. Tell Ivy and Miss M. that I am sorry."

"At least have the courtesy of telling the ladies yourself." I declared. "Look, come with us to the park. If you still feel the same, then Rocky and I will drive you to the train station and you can be on the next express to wherever this family of yours is."

Viktor turned is one good eye back to me, and it felt like he was peering into the deepest parts of my soul. All I could do was stare back; I was half a head shorter than the big buy but every bit as stubborn. Seeing that I wouldn't be dissuaded, Viktor gave in. "Fine, I tell girls myself."

Shillelagh

Finally arriving at the park entrance, Rocky pulled the car up to let us all out. Standing next to the gate was the other half of our party, and Ivy waved at us as we climbed out. Miss M had her arm wrapped around Mr. Sable's elbow, presumably discussing business, but she turned her attention to Viktor as he struggled to get to his feet.

"Here, Viktor, let me help—" I offered but was quickly rebuffed. I guess there was still some pride left in the cat. He softened his stern look though as Mitzi walked up to the car.

"Viktor, honey, I do hope you're recovering okay. I figured an afternoon outside would do your health some good, Quakenbush said fresh air would keep the pneumonia at bay."

"I'm fine, Miss M, thank you. Everyone is here?"

"Now that you boys have arrived, yes. Hon, you remember Mr. Sable, don't you?"

Though Wick was as intimidated as anyone else by the large Slav, he was cordial as always. "Oh, Miss M, I'm sure my favorite bartender wouldn't forget a regular. How is the wound, Mr. Vasko?"

"Healing." He said, clutching his side as he stood up to his full height.

"Well, that's very good. Miss M explained to me the other day that you've taken more than bullets for the establishment. So, I thought this might help you get back on your feet, literally in this case." Wick then produced a long, thick, cane.

"What's this?" Viktor asked, surprised by the gift.

"It's an old cane that belonged to a friend of the family. Had it in my closet for years, but now I think someone finally has a use for it."

The brass handle contrasted with the dark, knotty wood. I instantly recognized its design and function. "That's no cane, Mr. Sable, it's a shillelagh. The old Irishmen in Butte carried them often."

"Really? And here I thought it was a simple cane."

"Oh, you can certainly use it as a cane. You can also beat a man to within an inch of his life with it. That blackthorn is tough stuff, probably came straight from Erin's isle years ago, I reckon."

Upon hearing about it's double use, Viktor happily accepted the gift. Rocky wasn't quite as enthusiastic though; I imagine that the big guy wouldn't hesitate to use a hammer to squash an irritating fly. Meanwhile, Ivy had used our conversation as a distraction to grab Freckle and high tail it into the park. Viktor only noticed as they were walking away. His grip tightened on his new fashion accessory, and he took a step toward them, but I quickly got in the way.

"Viktor, I don't know what's happened between you and Ivy, but I can tell what you're wanting to do with that stick. I'm serious about that thing being deadly, don't ever use a shillelagh as a weapon unless you must understand?"

"…fine."

Wick no doubt knew something was amiss between the bartender and Atlas' niece, but like a true gentleman he would rather not get involved. "Well, if things are settled here, I believe Miss M still owes me a walk around the lake."

"Oh, I think I owe you more than that, dear Wick." Mitzi said, joining his side.

"If you think so, then perhaps further discussion is in order. You know, for business."

"Then lead the way dear, let's negotiate."

As the two business partners went off into the park, that just left me, Viktor, Rocky, and… it was right then that I felt Riley tug at my sleeve.

"Ethan, could we go find something for me to draw? I brough my sketchbook!"

At the same time, Rocky gave me pleading eyes. "Oh, Ethan, surely you know what the fate would be for this dashing young musician if I was to stand watch for our wounded comrade?"

I rolled my eyes, realizing that Rocky, despite being in his twenties and possessing an astounding vocabulary, wasn't exactly mature.

"Riley, I need some time to sit and think. It's been a long week."

"Please…?"

I couldn't exactly deny her the chance to get some fresh air and do something creative. Then a light turned on in my head.

"Alright, how's this for an idea? Rocky, do you think you could watch over Riley and let her go be an artist for a while?"

"You mean a babysitter? Mr. Kelly, I'm certain such a task is well below my station in our crew—"

"Fine, then you can help Viktor out. I'm sure he'd love the company." Viktor glared at Rocky, burning a hole clean through his skull. But in the process the eccentric violinist seemed to arrive at a logical conclusion.

"Oh… you mean be this budding young artist's guide?"

"Sure, whatever keeps your pride in tact I guess."

"Then so it shall be! Come, young Riley, let's find you a muse among the natural beauty of the park."

Waiting until Riley was out of earshot, I stopped Rocky. "Oh, and Rocky. I'm sure this goes without saying, but you keep that girl safe, or you'll find out just how Irish I am with Viktor's new club." Truth is I've never used a shillelagh before in my life, but it couldn't be that hard to hurt a "spaghetti noodle-armed" violinist with a club. Besides, it was just to keep the boy's strikingly short attention. It worked when my brothers needed someone to watch them, but Rocky wasn't some tough-as-nails miner so I didn't have to back up my bluff.

"Not to worry, Ethan. I'll protect her like she was my own."

"Good, now you better catch up before you lose her in the crowd." I said as Riley was off to the races headed toward the gate. Seeing this, Rocky ran off after my sister.

"Bad idea." Viktor said.

"Oh, I'm sure Rocky got the message. Now, let's go find some shady tree to sit under, shall we?"