October 1929

"So, dare I ask what plans you have for the company in the upcoming year?" Edmund Church asked as he sipped hot tea while in the wingback chair in front of Wick's desk. It wasn't so much that he was interested in what Wick had to say about rocks and mining, but rather so that he knew where his money was going. Wick didn't say anything at first, he was busy writing checks and going over the ledgers his accountant drafted up. Expenses were due on the first business day of November and this was the last day he could use to find and correct any errors. The words did sink in though and Wick looked up from his work, trying to piece together an answer.

"Next year, right… Sorry, Edmund, gotta make sure the employees get paid."

"No, you're quite right, Sable." Church responded. "Keep the workers happy or you risk losing them. Or worse, they unionize. But, as long as I have your attention for a brief moment…"

"Yes, sorry. Here, let me fetch the map out of the cabinet…"

Wick then produced a large map of the western areas of St. Louis. The more recent quarry sites were beginning to run dry of quality limestone, and so Wick had spent the better part of the autumn with his geologists surveying new locations. Edmund was at least slightly interested in the map, if only to get his bearings.

"Not that I want to bore you with the details, Church, but the overall expansion of the quarry sites is going to run in a northwesterly direction from out current sites here and here." Wick explained, pointing at the old and the new quarries. "I'm afraid the limestone in this next region is going to be a little scarce, but it's what the government is allowing at the moment."

"So what is our money going to be mining, then?"

Wick couldn't help but let a smile form across his face. "Well, you see Edmund, while the limestone deposits are running dry, there is another layer above the limestone which is easily accessible and quite usable. In fact, it was laid down when the last glacial maximum gave way to a period of retreating ice out of the Midwest…"

"The point, Wick, if you please. If I wanted to be a historian I would have studied it at university a long time ago."

"Right, of course. The point, Edmund, is that we have a vast quantity of gravel which we can grind up and sell that is just as useful as limestone for construction. You may have noticed how much the city has been expanding, and this is our entry into that market."

"Now you are speaking a language I can understand, Wick. How long do you think this gravel will last?"

"My geologists estimated that there is enough present to last us at least the next four years. Some of our equipment will need modification and I think there is room to add to the workforce if demand justifies the expenses…"

"Confirm those numbers before the next stockholder meeting. I think the others will be pleased to hear of this—"

Just then the door to Wick's office opened and in walked Mitzi May. She had a refill of tea for the two of them as well as jacket for Wick. "Afternoon, gentlemen. Thought you two might like some more."

"Ah, thank you, Mitzi. I'm quite comfortable in the office though, so I don't think the coat was necessary."

Mitzi kissed Wick on the cheek and hung the jacket around his shoulders while looking at the map. "I thought you might like to take a short break… when your business with Mr. Church is concluded at least."

"I suppose, I have been at it since the crack of dawn."

"Once our business is concluded." Edmund reminded them.

"Yes, wouldn't want to waste any of your time, Mr. Church. I'll be in the parlor when you're ready, Wick." Mitzi said before leaving them. Edmund waited until she had vacated the room before voicing his opinion.

"Still keeping that one around, huh?"

Wick turned around after packing up the map. "Yes, and that would be a problem?"

"Your business is your own, but that woman is still dangerous with or without that speakeasy."

"Every rose has it's thorn, Edmund. You need only to find the proper way to hold it."

"If you say so, now, back to business—"

Lacy then entered the room with a note for Wick. "Sorry, Mr. Sable, but this came in from your investing advisor in New York. He needs you to call him immediately."

"Dammit, Wick, does no woman in this house know her place?" Edmund spoke in frustration. Lacy was shocked at the outburst. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Church. This seemed—"

"Mr. Church!" Wick looked his colleague in the eye. "How you run your house is your business, but I will not have anyone talk to my secretary in such a way, especially not someone who knows damn well how much she works to make this company run as well as it does."

Edmund sank back into his seat. "My apologies, Miss Lacy. I was hoping to have an uninterrupted meeting is all."

Lacy tried her best to brush it off before retreating. Wick wasn't so impressed. "I admit I should have given instructions to not be disturbed, but this might well be important. If you don't mind…" He said, gesturing to the phone.

"Yes, yes, go ahead. If it's something big on Wall Street then it impacts my money as well."

Wick dialed the number and got connected all the way to New York City. On the other end of the line someone picked it up. "This is Dick speaking."

"Richard! It's Wick Sable. I just got a note from my secretary saying you wanted to speak to me."

"Oh, good! I was hoping to get ahold of you before the end of the day. Listen, something is happening in the markets. The DOW is sliding fast."

"Is that so? A market slowdown isn't unusual—"

"No, it's sliding. As in, like a free-fall. People on the floor are starting to panic and sell."

"What's your recommended course of action then, Richard?"

"Well, I could sell you out before the end of the day and you will take some initial losses, or if you want to try and ride this out—"

"Let it ride, this isn't the first time something like this has happened and I doubt it will be the last. How about my other investments?"

"Everything is dropping fast, Wick. I've never seen something like this before."

Wick now was worried. Usually Richard would be the one to be offering the advice, but in this case his own financial advisor wanted to know what Wick himself thought. "You know, one of my investors is quite savvy with markets. If you're looking for second opinions, I'm sure Edmund would be happy to chime in?"

Wick could see Church roll his eyes, but Dick on the other end instantly accepted the assistance. "Alright, I'll put him on."

Wick paced back and forth while Edmund walked Dick through what he was seeing, The tone of Edmund's voice shifted slightly. He was no longer apathetic, but actually quite engaged. Perhaps even a little concerned. He ended the phone call after two minutes before setting the phone down on Wick's desk and standing up to collect his coat.

"I had better get in touch with my own advisors, this is something to pay attention to."

"It's that serious, huh?" Wick said, rubbing his chin. "You think I should sell?"

"Hard to say. You'd be at a loss right now and the market could rally tomorrow, or this might be the start of something bigger. We'll be in touch soon about next years' projects." Edmund said before leaving, almost running into Lacy on the way out. He took a moment to tip his hat. "Again, I apologize for the outburst, Miss Lacy. Please don't take an old fool's impatience personally."

"It's… alright, Mr. Church. You have a pleasant day." Lacy stammered out. As Church left the estate in the backseat of his Rolls Royce, Lacy went back into Wick's office to clean up any paperwork.

"Miss May wanted me to let you know that she's ready when you are."

Lacy's entry caught Wick off-guard. "Oh? Yes, Miss M. Thank you, Lacy. Where would I be without you?"

"Neck deep in paperwork and drowning in coffee, most likely." She said, smiling. "And thank you for putting Mr. Church in his place."

"You are okay, aren't you? I know Edmund can be…"

"An asshole. Yes, I'm aware, Mr. Sable. And I'll be alright. It's not the first time I ruined a meeting."

"Trust me, with Edmund there isn't much to ruin."

"You should go find Miss May, Wick, I can clean up in here."

"Thank you, Lacy. Feel free to have as much tea as you like, the pot is still hot."

Wick donned his coat and found Mitzi right where she said she'd be. "Alright, Miss M, you've got me for the next half-hour."

"Wish I could have you for more than that, hon." She replied with a thick southern drawl.

"I know, I know, I need to cut back. Both you and Lacy have been saying that now for years."

"Only because we care, Wick. Was everything alright up there? I heard you yell."

"Oh, that? Edmund decided to curse Lacy. Put the man back in his place, though. He might be my investor but he knows damn well not to mess with my employees. Now come on, let's go enjoy some autumn weather."

Outside the two strolled side by side, their tails intertwined while a gentle breeze blew yellow and red leaves across the pathway.

April 1930

As the autumn leaves gave way to snow and snow gave way to fresh grass and buds in the rainy spring weather, the mood at the estate had soured considerably. Mitzi sat in the garden, trying to find something with color to occupy her mind. It was like another death had occurred, but rather than losing her lover once again, something inside of Wick had died. There was a lot she didn't understand about what had occurred over the winter, but she knew that most of Wick's investments were now worth less than the dirt under her feet.

For Wick up in his office, he had just come out of a financial storm the likes of which he had never seen. There had been small rallies here and there, but the last several months painted a bleak picture. The market had taken a dive and had yet to recover. The panic in October and November had spread like a wildfire. Banks were folding up left and right, including his own. Wick had tried to get a loan, or at least to drain one of his savings accounts but it was as if all the money had evaporated. Edmund Church had suffered terrible setbacks as well, but their next move was going to hurt more than just their pride.

Wick signed his name on the final paper to liquidate the company. He had made sure to give his employees plenty of notice so they could brace themselves for being unemployed, but next week they were going to be joining the growing lines at soup kitchens. This, more than anything else, upset Wick. He was the man who gave so many good employment for years and now he could no longer keep them sheltered from the oncoming storm. At least that's what the lawyer in front of him was saying.

"Will this cover my debts?" Wick asked the attorney.

The cat adjusted his glasses before looking back over the numbers. "The company will cover most of it and you'll at least be able to pay your investors back what they've given you, but your personal debts are a different story…

"What do you mean?" Wick asked with a pale, tired face.

"You won't be able to afford this estate. You've got loans for automobiles, renovations on this old mansion, and you're going to be behind on your taxes this year unless you can pony up enough cash. Is there any personal property you can afford to let go of?

"Well, there is the gun collection… and the different roadsters in the garage."

The lawyer wasn't satisfied. "That might cover a third of what you owe."

"What could I get out of the company?"

"Nothing. You assumed full liability when starting it and now there's nothing left. You might be able to salvage a piece of machinery or two, but that's going to fall short of what you need.

"What could I possibly sell to satisfy these debts?" Wick asked, out of ideas. The lawyer simply looked up and around them both before settling his eyes back on Wick.

"No, you don't mean?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Sable, but this estate and all its contents is your only remaining asset that I know of which will pay the debt in full. The good news is your clothes and lesser-value items can stay in your possession.

"Oh well that's a relief, I'll only be homeless." Wick said with a rare streak of sarcasm.

"Do you have another asset?" The lawyer asked, adjusting his glasses.

Wick recalled that he did possess one other piece of real estate that wasn't owned by the company. The building over the old speakeasy. He kept it out of the company and instead leased the space back to his own business, that way it would never stray far from Mitzi. The building was small, but recently renovated and in a good spot right downtown. If he sold off his collections, cars, and perhaps split the estate's land he might just be able to hold onto the mansion and the grounds it sat on.

"Well? I can tell you're thinking?"

Wick took a deep breath before looking at the time. In his vest pocket was a watching on a chain along with a photo of Mitzi he had placed in there years ago. He only wanted to do the right thing.

"No, that little hole in the ground isn't worth much of value." He replied.

"Then it's settled, I'll get the paperwork going. I suggest packing up necessities and letting the staff know."

"It's going to put them out of a job…"

"And they'll be like everyone else. I've lost quite a bit myself, but fortunately there is legal business to conduct even in the worst of times. I know how lucky I am, and if I'm being honest, you're lucky as well. One of my clients killed himself last week. The strain was too much to withstand."

"That's terrible!"

"Indeed. Well, I have a two o'clock to prepare for. I'll contact you on Monday next week, Mr. Sable. Should have the paperwork done in two weeks or less."

After the lawyer left, Wick sighed deeply and slumped into his chair. He was losing everything except the very basics and as bad as that made him feel, knowing that others out there were suffering far worse brought a layer of guilt onto his depression. As if on cue, a blue apparition appeared on the wall table across the room from him. The little duck looked at him with its judgmental eyes.

Wick recoiled in fear. "Why have you come to haunt me now? Can't you see how much I'm suffering?"

"Quack." Was the only response.

Wick shook his head and regained his composure before gritting his teeth. "Not now you damn bird! I have one more thing I need to do today."

Wick dug around in his papers while the duck evaporated behind him. It took several minutes of dumping out boxes of papers he had stashed away over the years, but at last the document fell out. A simple, one page sheet that held one of the best gifts he had given Mitzi in his long struggle to win her over. It was the deed to the former café. Mitzi already owned the rights to the land underneath, but the only thing of value down there was leftover booze.

Filling out the deed, he smiled wryly. "A forged signature dragged me into this speakeasy business, now a forged signature is going to cut me loose. It's all yours, Mitzi May." He said to himself as he forged Mitzi's signature on the purchaser line. The monetary loss was substantial, he let it go for a mere dollar. Yet if it meant Mitzi could keep it for the rest of her days and reminisce on happier times, then that was well worth the loss.

As he finalized the form, Wick slumped back in his chair. All it needed now was a stamp from the courthouse, something he could do next week and then present to Mitzi all wrapped up in a bow after this bankruptcy business had concluded. It was the last time he would smile for some time.

May 1930

As the spring rain gave way to fresh blossoms and warmer weather, Mitzi and Lacy ran out of ideas of how to keep Wick from completely caving in. With the last piece of paperwork signed, poor Wick could no longer take it. Spending every waking minute in his office, the limestone baron was like a king in his besieged castle knowing full well what was about to happen when the gates finally came crashing down.

Mitzi grew increasingly worried over the days as she saw Wick less and less, until the day came when he didn't bother to leave his quarters. She sat on the hallway sofa, waiting and waiting for hours until the clock struck noon.

Lacy walked up the stairs looking at the letter in her hand and carrying a sorrowful expression on her face. Knowing what was about to happen, she had taken the time to look for other options. Luckily her boyfriend had landed a job in Seattle, and she was determined to follow. Though their relationship was always a professional one, Wick in some ways felt like an older cousin. When not going crazy, Wick was always well-mannered and appreciative. When need-be he was even protective. Him snapping at Edmund for an unwise comment still played in her mind from time to time. As she approached the top of the stairs and walked down the hallway, one of the few times Wick missed an opportunity to shield her was sitting on the sofa waiting patiently. Mitzi had never made any sort of threat since their first meeting, but those words still rang in her head three years later.

"Has he not come out yet?" Lacy asked.

Mitzi shook her head. "I'm afraid not, dear. And I'm quickly running short on ideas to keep him from succumbing to this depression he's in."

"I know. He's needed me many times over the years, but it feels so terrible and terrifying that I can't help him now."

The two sat on opposite sides of the door, listening carefully for any activity, but besides the occasional cough or faint groan there was nothing else to indicate that Wick was alive.

"Do you think he's hurt?" Lacy asked.

"He's hurting, hon. But he's not injured, no. Even in the state he's in he'd have enough sense to call for help if he was dying."

Lacy then breathed in. "Speaking of dying. Do you remember what you said to me when I caught you digging around in my purse three years ago?"

Mitzi thought about it for a moment before remembering every word in detail. "Oh, Lacy. I never did apologize for such an awful thing, did I?"

"Would you have actually had me killed then?"

"I…"

"I know it's not my place to ask, but are you a dangerous woman, Miss May?"

Mitzi hung her head in shame. "At one time, yes. But I assure you, that was a bluff borne out of desperation. I had people depending on my business and needed a loan… of sorts."

"So it was you who stole one of Wick's checks from my purse? I could have been fired for that, you know!"

"I am sorry, Lacy. Really, I am."

Lacy teared up thinking of what she was about to do. "You know, I'd really hate it if someone hurt Mr. Sable when I'm gone. For all his faults he is a good man and a good boss. Part of why I stuck around so long even when I could have gotten other jobs is I was afraid you might hurt him."

"Lacy, I would never!" Mitzi pleaded earnestly. "I've made a lot of mistakes in my life and did some terrible things. But I promise you, I've changed for the better—wait, did you say when you're gone?"

Lacy wiped away her tears before looking back at Mitzi. "Good, and it's nothing I can't forgive. Yes, I'm leaving for the northwest. But I'm afraid that turning in my notice is going to hurt Wick."

Mitzi then had an idea. "I didn't want to call on them, if necessary, but do you think you could get a couple of friends here to help Wick before you tell him?"

"I guess. Who should I call?"

"You should take the old sedan to this address…" Mitzi said before pulling out a piece of paper and writing it down. "What time is it?"

"About ten after noon."

"Good, they should be done soon. Here's who you should bring back here. You'll recognize them."

Father's Pride

Alena breathed herself into a steady rhythm. The sights moved up and down with each breath, and at the bottom of each cycle it came to rest on the target 800 yards away. One hit was all she needed to win. While the crowd roared behind her, cheering for the other competitors, she blocked the sound out. Her coach and team mates knew better than to make unnecessary noise. One more cycle and she was ready to let the lead fly. Squeezing the trigger in sync with her breath, her patience and concentration gave way to an eruption of gunpowder. With a shot that rang out across the field, the Springfield 1903 spoke out with a report far louder than the rifles of the other ladies. They preferred the 25-calibers, the 27-calibers, and perhaps a 28-caliber here and there. But Alena? She was as stout as the average man and was at home shooting the 30-06 her father once used in the trenches.

Her gamble paid off in a fraction of a second as the gong clanged from the bullet's impact.

"Yes!" Ivy cheered.

Through binoculars, both the range assistant and I agreed it was a solid hit. Marking the scorecard, he shook my hand. "Congratulations, Mr. Kelly. Your girl has done it again."

I thought about correcting the man but decided to let it go. I had my chance at fatherhood and fate ended that adventure cruelly, at least my mentee could bask in the pride we all felt for her now.

I went to shake Alena's hand, but instead she hugged me tight, her strength nearly matched my own. She also hugged Ivy as we gathered. "I did it!" She said with glee in her voice.

"Two time champion, Alena." I replied, holding up the score card. "We just need to get this signed."

Ivy started tapping Alena on the shoulder. "Alena, spine, need to breathe."

"Oh, sorry." Alena said as she let us go. Ivy took in a breath of fresh air before nodding. "Thank you. Good job." Ivy finally replied. "Come on, we should start cleaning up."

"Good idea, ladies. Alena, meet me at the announcing booth once you get the gun put away."

The judge looked over the scorecard while the range assistant walked him through any technicalities. Agreeing that it was valid, Alena's second victory was sealed with a stamp. The few remaining competitors were on their last stage but none would be able to match her score. She had not missed a shot all day. Alena finally arrived to join us and was quick to sign her name on the card before being led away to wait for the final announcement.

Finally, I had some time to spend on something other than coaching. Ivy had done well in the competition too but the extra year or two of practice was nothing compared to the natural talent Alena possessed. Still, if Ivy had any jealousy, she knew how to hide it because throughout the year there was no one who supported Viktor's daughter more. Ivy had to take an extra year in school to catch up on classes after switching programs, but under that professor's tutelage she was going to become a doctor, not a nurse. So Ivy was going to get a reward all her own as being one of the first women doctors to come out of SLU. No small feet considering all the stuffy men with tight collars and no imagination running the facility. That also meant that next year she and Alena were going to graduate together.

"Here Ivy, let me get the ammo. Looks a little heavy."

"Thanks!" She said, quickly moving to the side and picking up the second rifle instead. "As soon as you hear the shooting stop, we need to get over to the podium. I'll get Riley to bring her camera. I want one of Alena up on there, then one of both you ladies."

We walked out to the back of the stands where Freckle and Rocky were waiting. Freckle was quick to grab the rifles and kiss his wife on the lips. "You did great, honey! I'm proud of you."

"That's why I love you, Freckle." She replied. The two of them looked into each other's eyes until Rocky put an arm around both their shoulders.

"Now isn't this such a loving sight? Shall I serenade later tonight?"

"No!" Both replied, but then Ivy started giggling when Rocky's expression changed to disappointment. "You need to see Evelyn tonight, silly. Remember?"

"Oh yeah! These clothes are completely inappropriate, I'll have to change back at the farm."

"Into what?" Freckle asked. "It's been months since we could get anything new."

"I know money is tight, cousin, but it's not the first time I've had to make do. Here Freckle, I'll take the guns."

"Okay, but for the love of God don't open up the cases." He said before kissing Ivy again.

"Is it just me, or is Rocky the only one taking these times in stride?" Freckle asked.

"That's probably what Evelyn sees in him." Ivy explained.

"That and I think he's a bit naïve to the financial situation. Grain is worthless, so that corn in the ground is just going to stay there along with the dried pile in the barn I couldn't sell."

"I don't know. Rocky is good at hiding his worry." Freckle noted.

"Uncle Ethan, what should I do?" Joseph asked me.

"Hey, buddy! I need to go fetch Riley, do you think you could carry these for me?" I asked while handing him the ammunition boxes. His eyes grew wide at the opportunity to test his strength. Even with his eagerness, he could only muster one.

"I'll take the other." Freckle offered.

"Thanks." I said. "Remember, get to the podium as soon as you can."

I set off back toward the stands and found Riley with Isabella up on top. She was eagerly watching with binoculars. I would have thought that at thirteen years of age she would have developed an apathy to pretty much anything I had a hand in, and yet she was as excited as the rest of us. Well, the rest of us save for Isabella.

"Ethan! When can I start doing this?" She asked, setting down the binoculars.

"Well, I suppose that depends on whether Alena or Ivy wants to coach you or not." I said. "I think the minimum age is fifteen for youth, same with boys."

"So I have to wait two whole years?" She complained.

"Yes, but nothing says I can't teach you to use a rifle in the meantime. Lord knows we have enough time on our hands." I said with disdain in my voice. It was the truth though, there was no work to do. "Hey, where's your camera?"

"It's back in the car!"

"Ugh… Alright, I need you to go fetch it then meet me at the podium. I'd like to sit with Bella for a moment."

As Riley went off to get her camera, I took up the seat she was occupying. "Well, it's been a long day. It's good to get some sun though, right?"

"I suppose." She said, almost devoid of emotion. She had been like this since having to bury Thomas last fall. I had seen this kind of depression before and it scared me in a way nothing else ever could. Mom had fallen into the same state and it killed her.

"Honey, it's a good day today. You just have to take it one day at a time. I'm here for you."

She did smile a bit before resting her head on my shoulder. "I know. Thank you. It's just everywhere I look I'm reminded…"

"It's the same for me, Bella. But there was nothing we could do, that fever was something else."

"You think it was from God?"

"No! Well, I guess I don't know."

"I could see the pride on your face for Alena when she hugged you. I hate that you aren't a father now. That could have been our son in a few years."

"True, but I am still a brother, an uncle, and a mentor to a lady that has no father of her own. But most important of all, I am your husband. And you are a sister, an aunt, and the voice of reason for the younger ladies. I think they're all going to need us in the coming years. I'm with you, Bella, but I need to know you'll be with me."

She smiled weakly. "Always."

I kissed her on the forehead and rubbed her head and ears while her tail intertwined with mine. After a minute she pulled away and stood up. "I'll be in the car, Ethan. You better get to the podium."

"And for the second year in a row, and with a record score for the St. Louis Rifle Club's women's annual open, it is my distinct pleasure to present the first place trophy to Alena Vasko of our native St. Louis." The announcer said before delivering the towering trophy. We all know that it wasn't actual gold. No one could afford that even when the world wasn't turned upside down. But that didn't diminish the joy and pride in Alena's face.

"Okay, Riley, take it now." I said, steadying her shoulders in front of me as Riley leaned back into my chest and actuated the shutter. She had gotten good enough in the last few years that there was no doubt the photo would be great. We were there for a second photo after the press had their turn as Ivy showed up with the boys in tow. A third image captured Ivy, Alena, and me. A small team that had earned victory after another year of training.

Just as I was about to walk away, Alena hugged me again while we were surrounded by the crowd, her face resting on my shoulder. "Do you think dad would be proud of me?"

"Alena, Viktor would be damn proud of you. I'm proud of you too, and so is everyone else."

"Thanks, I wish he was here."

"I wish he was too, but something tells me he knows. Now come on, we need to go celebrate with the rest of the family."

As we hopped the fence and finally gathered in one spot, we headed back to the cars with plans for an afternoon at the farm. It was rare that all of us could gather in the same spot. As we approached, someone was talking to Bella. On one hand I was happy to see she was at least trying to interact with others. On the other, as soon as I saw who she was talking to I realized that our afternoon plans were about to go up in smoke.

Lacy smiled as she saw us all approaching. "Wow, that's quite the family."

"Well, technically it's three families now." Rocky corrected. "I remember you, you're Sable's secretary, right?"

"Hello, Lacy." I said, shaking her hand. "What can we do for you?"

"I need you boys to come with me. Mitzi asked me to find you, Ethan, as well as Rocky and Freckle."

"Why? What's happened?" Freckle asked.

"It's Wick."

"Did he die?" Rocky asked, shocked. "Oh cruel fate! To have taken yet another so you—" I elbowed him hard. "Rocky, don't!" I growled.

"Oh, right. Sorry…"

Lacy was confused but brushed off the exchange. "No, Wick's fine… we think. I don't exactly know what Mitzi wants you to do, but Wick is bankrupt and is selling the estate."

"Oh no!" Ivy gasped. "Poor Mr. Sable."

"Will you boys come with me back to the estate?"

Rocky, Freckle and I looked at each other before I answered. "Wick's been my friend since I arrived here, and I know Rocky will do anything that Mitzi asks. We'll come with."