Passions New and Old

"They're here!" Rocky called down to Horatio and me. One by one we loaded the barrels into the freight elevator. Each filled to the brim with high-grade wheat liquor and individually tested for quality. I was the only one of us three brave enough to give our product a taste and it nearly peeled the fur off my muzzle! If they couldn't use it to drink, Marigold at least had a supply of fuel for their cars.

Elevator full, Horatio and I ascended while holding the barrels still. On the ground floor several pairs of shoes entered our line of sight. One pair was shinier than the rest, and the owner of the shoes slowly revealed himself as the elevator finished it's journey. His slacks were freshly-pressed, his jacket was spotless and complete with cufflinks. For a moment I thought it might be Mordecai! But it turned out to be a poor imitation. Just another gangster who thinks he runs the streets.

"This is it?" the guy asked, disappointed. He was pointing a finger at Rocky of all people, possibly under the impression that he was the mastermind of our operation. "Asa expects the full batch and so help me if this is all his money bought, then some heads are gonna—"

"Load one of four. Trust me, Asa is getting more than his money's worth. He always does." I said. "And by the way, you will refrain from making any sort of threat toward my friends."

"Oh yeah, and who's got the stones to be giving me orders?"

"Uh, sir, I wouldn't do that if I were—"

"Shut it, rookie. I've been doing this a lot longer than you have." The cat said. I recognized the rookie as the kid I had taken care of a few weeks ago. I could tell the kid was scared. "Do as your boss says kid." I said. "We're just friends talking."

I then turned to the cat that had the guts to be making threats. "And it would be a real shame if it turned out we weren't friends. Who was the cat you replaced?"

"Eh, it was just some lightweight that got himself whacked in a shootout down in a mine or something. At least that's what they tell me."

"Well, I don't know about lightweight, but that guy died alongside twenty others."

"And how would some upstart moonshiner know this?" The cat growled.

"Because I'm the one who killed them." I said, the smile dropping from my face. "I have no problem sending you back to Asa in one of these barrels. And you know what he's going to do about it? Nothing. Because the second rule on the streets is that you are disposable." I growled. The cat backed up, a flash of fear in his eyes.

"A-and what's the first rule, friend?"

"Don't let the ghost get you." A veteran gangster said as he walked between us. Only then did the younger cat realize who I was. I couldn't expect to rely on that legend forever, the events of 1927 were already fading from memory. But for now the "Ghost" kept the wolves at bay.

"Sorry, I had to check the old place out. Is the speakeasy still down there? I used to go down when Asa and Atlas had their regular meetings."

"Oh, she's still down there. A little dark and dusty perhaps, but what isn't these days. Want a tour?" I asked.

"Nah, we don't have time I'm afraid." The cat said. "I assume your product is good quality?"

"Strong enough to pickle a body." I joked while eyeing the younger cat. "Sorry, I forgot you were there, friend. You may proceed with loading the barrels. Horatio, Rocky, go ahead and get another load up here as soon as the elevator is empty."

"Excellent. I'm sure you will have satisfied your debt with Asa in full." The older gangster said while offering my a cigarette. We both watched the younger cats at work. Four trucks were in the alley and out of sight of the public. Each would take a different route back to the Marigold. Our cover was made with haste by Rocky but seemed to do the trick. A possible reopening of everyone's favorite café! Or at least that's what the sign advertised. We weren't dumb enough to try it in the middle of a depression. Who would have money to pay for food?

"Say, Asa wanted me to ask you if you'd be interested in earning some extra cash?" The gangster asked me as we watched.

"I suppose it would depend on the nature of the job." I said.

"Asa is worried about a couple of thieves running amok who might sell him out for a plea deal if they get themselves caught."

"You'll have to tell Asa that I'm retired, and that he'd be wise to keep it that way. My rifle is only used for defense now."

"Very well. We won't bother you anymore after today."

"As it should be. Don't worry though, this stuff could fuel an airplane." I said, slapping one of the barrels. "And if you guys want, you can take the equipment with you. We don't have a use for it anymore."

"Wick, hon, were you out here?" Mitzi asked as she stuck her head in the small garage. Wick was at his new workbench, writing observations about a rock he had found while out on a walk. Wick looked behind him, standing up with a weird contraption of lenses covering his glasses.

"Oh, is it lunch already?" He asked.

"In a few minutes. What are you doing out here?"

"Well, you see… I was just testing this sample for variations in its chemical makeup. It's an odd piece though, I wish I had a saw to cut it open."

"You're bored, aren't you?"

"God yes!" Wick said as he slumped down. "How can you tell?"

"Because that rock you are studying is a piece of concrete… and I think you know that."

Wick sighed. Mitzi was right. He was just trying to occupy his time with something to keep his mind active. Ever sober thought was either of the bankruptcy or the families that used to depend on him for income, or even Lacy out in Seattle. He still had Mitzi and the boys for friendship, but none quite understood the passion of geology. His business partners and investors didn't understand either, but at least back then he had daily communication with the foremen and geologists. He looked up at the salvaged map from his quarrying operation. All those projects that would never come to fruition while a nation stood in the soup lines.

Mitzi understood the desire to hold onto the past. She rubbed Wick's shoulders before showing him two bare hands. "You have to let go, dear. I know better than most."

"Of course you do, Mitzi. It's just… wait, where did your ring go?"

"I let go of it." Mitzi said with a smile. Ethan gave me enough to purchase the home, but when it came to getting some of your belongings back. Well, I went to see a jewelry shop to see how much it was worth. Turns out it was a lot." She said.

"You gave up your wedding ring for me?" Wick said, shocked. "All this time I thought our furniture was just the stuff no one wanted."

"Well… some of it was unwanted. Especially that hideous recliner you sit in every night. But it makes you happy, dear, so I put up with it."

"God, you really are the best!" He said, kissing her. "That still doesn't solve the problem of boredom. I was born to work, Mitzi. It's what I do! Without it I'm just the weird cat in your garage that collects chunks of concrete."

"That's why after lunch Freckle and Ivy are going to take you our on the town again. You need some time to relax and take your mind off things." She said, muttering to herself after "and I need time to get rid of some of these rocks before they take over the house…"

"What about rocks?" Wick asked as he went back to his work, barely paying attention.

"Oh, nothing important!" She said before retreating into the house. "Lunch should be ready, go clean up and come inside." Mitzi ordered before going inside.

Freckle and Ivy arrived shortly after lunch while Mitzi was cleaning up. She went to the door and let the young couple in. "Welcome back to our humble abode." She said with a smile. There was some genuine pride in her voice because it was the first time she owned a house outright. Most of her life had been spent roaming the southlands or sleeping in the homes of wealthy men.

"Well, it looks like everything is coming together, aunt May!" Ivy said while Mitzi helped them both into the parlor.

"Yes, day by day it gets a little better. I'm happy you came today, dear. Wick needs to get out of the house again before he falls back into a depression."

"I think we can help with that, Miss M." Freckle said, taking his hat off.

"What would really help Wick out is a job of some kind, or even a club or a hobby." Mitzi explained. "Maybe you could take him on a tour of the university?"

"Isn't he a little old for those clubs?" Ivy asked.

"No, not the different Greek houses or tennis club. You know, maybe a volunteer position or something."

"I guess it's worth a shot." Ivy said.

"Great! Because here he comes."

"Ah, Calvin and Ivy. I trust all is well in the McMurray household?"

"More than fine!" Ivy said.

"And we hear you are adjusting well to your new life." Freckle added, opening the door to usher him out.

"It is an adjustment, that's for sure. But I'm very glad to have such good friends. I'll be back in a few hours, Miss M."

"You take your time, hon." Mitzi said as she waved at Wick.

"I think we got this under control, aunt May. We'll have the old boy back in time for dinn—" Ivy said but was cut off when Mitzi grabbed her arm.

"I know that look, Ivy. What's wrong?"

"What do you mean?" Ivy asked.

"You're more than fine?" She asked.

"Oh… well, I guess I can tell you. Freckle and I have decided to have a child."

Mitzi could hardly believe what she was hearing. This little girl was now grown enough and ready to become a mother. "I—I don't know what to say."

"Nothing, for now." Ivy said. "We don't want to let The Kelly's or Rocky know just yet."

"Your secret is safe with me." Mitzi said. "Just be sure that it's what you really want."

Academia

While the rest of the city was grey and melancholic, the university was still a hive of activity. Students were still pursuing their education and hoping to wait out the depression. Some families had lost substantial wealth, but most of the upper crust could still afford to send their children to good schools. Ivy was excited that she had only one year to go before earning a medical degree. She'd be one of the first women out of SLU to graduate with the credentials to become a doctor! Of course, an internship was he next step after school and that would prove to be challenging.

Freckle and Wick were still impressed with the architecture and bustling hive of activity that the university represented. For Freckle it was some foreign concept that he had only been introduced to through Ivy. His mother never pushed college on him, graduating high school was considered a feat in their family. Wick, for his part, was well acquainted with the concept of a university. He had spent three years in Boston studying law but had to drop out. That was back when he was younger and had more energy. Now in his mid-30's, the pinnacle of his life seemed to be behind him.

"Hey boys…" Ivy said. "I need to go meet with Dr. Polk. You wouldn't mind hanging around the campus for an hour or two, would you?"

"Of course not, Mrs. McMurray." Wick said. "It's been a while since I've toured the campus anyway."

"Great! Meet me at the commons at three, okay?" She said while sprinting off toward the campus offices.

Freckle and Wick continued to walk across the campus, noting the beautifully manicured greenery that was now in full bloom thanks to consistent watering. Everywhere across the region a drought had settled in. It didn't bother the farmers because they couldn't plant anyway, but the dust was starting to be a problem. The soil in some places was starting to become a powder.

As the two walked, Freckle noticed that there was a student group meeting in the student commons. "Hey, it looks like a bunch of guys are showing off rocks." Freckle said, stopping Wick. The former millionaire turned and cocked his head. It only took a second for him to spy an agate. "Great find, Calvin! It seems like we've stumbled upon a group of like-minded individuals!"

Wick dragged Freckle into the room and then proceeded to inspect all kinds of samples which had been picked out by students from around the campus. Looking up, Freckle found a sign which explained everything. "SLU Geology Club Rock and Mineral Show."

"Huh, well that was lucky…" Freckle said to himself. To him all the specimens were merely rocks. Nothing too fancy or important unless a piece of gold or silver was attached. All in all the most interesting thing he could find was a couple of samples which clearly came from a cave. The intricate formations were a dazzling display, but beyond that he hadn't the faintest idea how impressive each sample was supposed to be.

In contrast Wick was in his element. "Oh my gosh, some of these are incredibly rare! Is this Tanzanite?!"

"Well spotted, sir." The young graduate student said.

"My boy, I haven't seen a sample like this since my time at university." He said, carefully inspecting the mineral sample with a loupe while it rested on a little table-top stand.

"Oh? Where did you go to school? SLU?"

"No, Boston University. I studied law, but by god I wish I had studied geology!" He said.

"A Boston man, huh?" Someone said behind him. Standing up, Wick turned around and found himself face-to-face with a burly, middle-aged man with thick sideburns. At first glance he might be mistaken for one of the wealthier aristocrats in the city, but the flannel shirt and rough hands gave him a blue-collar appearance as well.

"Yes. Born in Boston, in fact."

"So how does a law school dropout know so much about rocks?"

"Well, you see sir, until recently I owned a quarrying company. Rocks and minerals have been a hobby of mine for ages. In fact, I had to hide my collection from my parents in the early days or else my father would have thrown them out and sent me to a boarding school to learn business."

"So you've been doing this for a while?" The cat asked.

"Indeed. Heck, I even co-authored some papers for graduate students when my company hired geologists right out of school." Wick said as he went back to examining different samples. "One of our biggest tasks was mapping out the deep geology of the St. Louis area."

The cat was intrigued and gently tried to get this unusual guest to focus on the conversation. "Wait, you've authored papers?"

"Of course! Just look up Sedgewick Sable in the SLU archives. I'll bet there are several academic papers collecting dust in the back somewhere."

Freckle came up to join the conversation. "And who are you, sir?"

"Dr. Charles Warren. I'm the head lecturer of geology in the Earth Science department."

"Really? Well, it's quite the pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm Sedgewick Sable, owner of the recently bankrupt Sable Quarrying and Mining Company."

"I'm sorry to hear about the company closing. I'm familiar with it, but I must say I've never had the pleasure to meet the owner. So what are you up to these days?"

"Oh, a little geology on the side. Long, contemplative walks with my love—"

"He needs work." Freckle said before walking away.

"…and I need something to do that's productive."

"How would you like to be a guest lecturer?" The cat asked. "We could use people in the field with experiences different from the average professor. The board has been on my tail about finding unique individuals and you certainly fit the bill."

"Really? I don't know if I would be the right—"

"All you have to do is show up three days a week this fall semester. Talk about what the quarrying and mining industry is like, how you got where you are, and any discoveries or accomplishments your business made for the study of geology. I'll make sure you are fairly compensated for the effort as well. Heck, if you would like to finish your college education in a subject you seem to care about, I'd be happy to make the necessary arrangements."

Wick could hardly believe what he was hearing. A guest lecturer at a university? It was a step down from being the baron of industry that he once was… but that was over now. Mitzi had told him to let go, and perhaps this was the perfect opportunity to do so.

"What would I need to do to apply?"

"Let's exchange information. I'll see if you can meet the board next week. After that the process is simple. It sounds like you might be able to get a program ready for this fall."

"A guest lecturer? That's wonderful!" Ivy said as the three of them rested in the student commons.

"I'm amazed that such an opportunity seemingly just fell into my lap." Wick said as he drank water out of a glass.

"When God closes a door, he opens a window sir." Freckle said as he put his arm around Ivy. "Such a thing seems to be common these days."

"Well, if my prayer was to keep myself occupied, then this certainly answers it. I just wish that there was a way to get a consistent income…" Wick said.

"That also seems to be common these days…" Ivy added. "Freckle told me about all those poor people that used to work for you."

"We're the lucky ones, Mrs. McMurray. We've got roofs over our heads and beds to sleep in. Those families who used to be part of my company are now mostly sleeping on cots inside of tents. It's terrible!"

"Maybe there's something we can do to help?" Freckle theorized. Wick shook his head though.

"The only thing that would really benefit them is work, and there's nothing to be had. This economy is like a great machine which has stalled out and no one seems to know how to get it started again."

"Maybe we could start with food?" Ivy said. "Ethan and Rocky still have tons of grain."

"Ethan had the same thought. But you can't raise kittens on corn. They need something of substance."

"It would help though, wouldn't it?"

Cribs and Cornmeal

Rocky and I carefully moved the crib up into the loft of the barn. It was hard just to look at the thing. He and I had found it used and fixed it up ourselves… under Freckle's supervision that is. It wasn't the prettiest piece of furniture in the world but the thing was solid and safe. Gently setting it down in the corner, Rocky fetched a cheap quilt and helped me cover the crib.

"How are you feeling?" Rocky asked me.

"I still wish things were different, but this is the way of things." I said. "At least Bella won't have to look at it any longer. I guess you or Cal could take over the room if either of you wanted."

"You aren't going to try again?"

I shook my head. "No, Bella has been through enough. We'll see in a year or so if she's ready. Otherwise…" I couldn't help but cry, sitting down on the leftover bags of wheat and corn. Rocky sat next to me, waiting to see what I'd say or do. Trying to fight back the tears, I told my brother what had been on my mind since then.

"I do still want a family, but if Bella is too scared then honor demands I stand by her. Don't get me wrong, Rocky, I'd do anything for that woman. But the idea that I'll never have a child of my own… do I even deserve such a thing?"

"I don't think for second you'll go through this world without children, Ethan. One way or another you will be a father again. It just might not be in the way you expect."

"Well, I guess it's not worth dwelling on. It sucks that we're already out of work to do." I said, slumping back into the pile of grain bags.

"True, but we got enough money for a while, right?" Rocky asked.

"Yeah, most of it is in Mitzi's old safe back in town. We've got enough to go a year if we only buy what's necessary."

"Then why not take time to relax? I'll admit it might not be the most appropriate comparison, but I've loved every second of having little Cal all to myself. He's already picking out spots for turkey hunting this fall!"

"Is he now? Does your little outdoorsman know he has his own shotgun now?"

"You got him a gun?"

"You know that shotgun Wick gave me along with the Enfield? It's perfect for bird hunting. He might just be old enough to try it out this fall."

"See, that's what I mean!" Rocky exclaimed, laying down next to me. "Joseph loves having you as an uncle. I don't think it would hurt a thing if you started treating him a bit like your own boy."

"You wouldn't be jealous?" I asked.

"Maybe if you taught him violin or something I'm good at, but you have plenty to teach him too. I imagine under your tutelage Joseph would become a better man than both of us."

"I will think about it. But you are his father, now and always. I'll never get in the way of that again." I reassured, but Rocky didn't even consider it an issue.

"I know you won't. Besides, Cal knows who his father is. That won't change just because he gets to hang out with one of his favorite uncles. Plus I'm still going to need a little helper with the newest project downstairs."

"The car. What, exactly, do you plan to do with that thing anyway?"

"I was thinking—" Rocky stopped as our ears perked up. A car was coming into the driveway. He poked his head out from the loft door and grinned ear-to-ear. "It's Freckle and Ivy!" He said.

"Oh, well that's a pleasant surprise." I said. "Better not keep them waiting."

As I climbed down after Rocky, I looked at the covered crib one more time. Not every dream works out, but Rocky is right. It's not like we didn't have a kid around who could use some love and attention from the rest of the family.

By the time I got halfway across the yard Rocky was already hugging Freckle. "To what do we owe the pleasure, cousin?"

"Hello, Rocky!" Wick said as he got out of the passenger seat. Mitzi and Ivy got out of the back seat.

"Mr. Sable? Miss M? How can we be of service?" Rocky asked.

"Wow, the whole gang is here!" I said as I closed the distance. Wick and I shook hands immediately. "We were wondering how much of that wheat and corn you have bagged in the barn over there?"

"A lot. You found a buyer?" I asked.

"Not exactly, but we were wondering if you'd be willing to part with it for a good cause?"

"Sneding it down to that tent city?" Rocky guessed. "The logistics aren't exactly—"

"The can have all of it." I said. "We just don't have a way to mill the stuff down."

"We found someone who can." Wick said. "Do you think you could help them out?"

"Wick, I struggled plenty to keep Riley and the rest of my family from starving. If it means no one goes hungry for the next few weeks then I'll gladly help." I said.

"Great! Here's what I'm planning…" Wick started to explain, pulling me over to the porch. Rocky, meanwhile, already grabbed Freckle and started dragging him down to the barn.

"I was hoping we wouldn't be loading anything just yet." Freckle protested. "I've already walked several miles today."

"Oh, don't fret Freckle! We'll have time to sit, but first there's a project I want your opinion on…"

Rocky opened up the barn door, revealing a big box of parts and a half-built car. Freckle's eyes widened. "Rocky, where'd you get this?"

"Picked it up cheap from Wick's auction. It's a little race car."

"I can see that, but why do you hav- You know what, I shouldn't even bother asking."

"We both know it's hard finding work these days. What if we got this thing fixed up and running? Run a local race here and there, take home some prize money, what do you think?"

"I guess we do have nothing but time on our hands. And Ivy knows enough to be dangerous."

"Precisely my thoughts!"

"How does Ethan feel about it?"

"I think he might be a little preoccupied with other things. But surely, we can rely on him for help."

"Alright, you've convinced me. If nothing else it would be great to get this thing running. If not racing, we could turn it around for profit."

"And sell Nancy Mulligan? Never!"

"Nancy- where do you come up with these names?" Freckle asked, palming his face. "No, we're going to give it a proper name that doesn't sound like some random person you ran into out west."

"Random? It's only the name of a new daughter on of Nina's old Irish friends gave birth to not long ago."

"Like I said, random. Look, all the pieces are there, we just need to put them together. We'll figure out the name later."

"Great! I'd like to start—"

"Hold on, Rocky. I've got three or four jobs you get to help me with first. No fires, no injuries, no nonsense. Some of the neighbors need certain things fixed. You think you can fetch and carry?"

"Fine, very well… but only if you teach Joseph how to use your tools."

"Agreed." Freckle said. "Now, shall we start loading the grain into the old farm truck?"

"I thought you wanted to rest?"

"Nah, we can rest after. This car is giving me a second wind of energy."

Casy

As the truck putzed away in a cloud of dust, Rocky found himself on the porch alone and with nothing to do. He first poked his head inside the large bedroom he and Joseph shared. The boy as fast asleep in the middle of a nap. Deciding to let him be, Rocky smiled and closed the door. While in the kitchen, Riley tried sneaking past him. But the white-tipped tail caught his eye at the last second.

"And where are you off to, young firecracker?" Rocky asked, leaning against the door as Riley stopped in her tracks, fur on end at being caught.

"I was just going to see someone…"

"And would that someone happen to be Casy Sullivan?" Rocky said, one eyebrow raised.

"I… uh…"

"You and I both know Ethan doesn't want you going to that boy's house."

"There's nothing wrong with Casy! We've been friends for almost three years."

"We know. It's his family we don't trust. Thieves and liars, all of them."

"Casy's family calls us the same thing!" Riley protested, but Rocky laughed.

"And there's some truth to that accusation, isn't there? Being in the baseball team is one thing, but letting the lad hang out with you at his family's place is completely different."

"I was just going to meet him halfway… please?"

"You know Ethan would skin me alive if I just let you go off to parts unknown—" Rocky was going to drag the girl back inside but he couldn't say 'no' to those eyes. Ethan's heart could be cold when he wished it so, but Rocky just couldn't stand to see the girl he adored upset."

"Alright, alright, fine. How about I walk with you and we'll fetch the boy together? Casy can be here where I can keep an eye on both of you. Fair enough?"

"Fine… but we need to hurry."

While Rocky set the pace, Riley inspected all the interesting things she could find along the road. She was even making notes for future photographs. It was a short walk, but Rocky's intuition was soon proven correct. He'd never let Joseph just run off on his own, and the sight of the fourteen year old Cast sitting by the side of the road with his face buried in his knees made it clear that not everything was alright.

"Casy, what's wrong?!" Riley asked as she ran up to her friend. The boy tried to smile through his tears, but Rocky saw a big black bruise around the boy's face.

"Casy, where did you get that shiner?" Rocky asked, sitting down next to the boy.

"Oh… this? It's nothin'."

"Like hell, it's not. Who hit you?"

"M-my dad!" He said, sobbing. "But I didn't do nothin' It's because the money is so tight."

Rocky's hand balled into a fist. He might not have seen Casy as a good friend, but he was just a teenager. If someone had hit Freckle like that then Rocky would be in doing life without parole. Luckily, a cooler thought entered his mind.

"Why don't you come back with us for the evening?" Rocky said. "You can practice pitching with Cal when he wakes up."

Casy looked up at the hand extended to him and eagerly took it. Rocky helped the boy up and then proceeded to keep the teen close as they walked back. Rocky on one side and Riley on the other.

Isabella finished tending to the garden in solitude. She couldn't stand to be away from Ethan but also had a hard time being around the house. There was just too much to remind her of Thomas. Removing the crib earlier did help a lot though, and now she could at least try to go through a full day without crying over her baby boy. The late afternoon sun told her that she had almost succeeded.

Standing up and removing the gloves, she went around to the front of the house and came in through the main door. Inside she found Rocky tending to one of Riley's friends.

"Casy? What are you doing here?" She asked.

Rocky smiled back and answered before the boy could explain. "He's just over to help Cal improve his throwing arm. A ball got loose and, well…"

"Oh. Well, I'll put something on then. Do you know when Ethan is going to come back?"

"Probably after dark. They have to mill the grain before they can hand it out to everyone."

"How does he do it, Rocky? After all Ethan has been through, he's still out there doing the best he can."

"If you ask me, it's precisely because of all he's been through. Why, I'll never forget that night of the tornado. He didn't want Ivy or me going in but he willingly went below to get Cal's mother free. If it weren't for all his work, I don't think Ivy would have succeeded."

Casy was nervous being in between the two adults talking about Riley's brother. He didn't know Ethan well and his friends were still afraid of who he was. The boy dared not reveal what he knew thanks to that book Nick found. Really, he just wanted to hang out with his friend.

"Um, Mr. Rickaby?"

"Yeah, buddy?"

"Can I go now?"

"I guess. The bruise isn't as bad as I thought. Don't be making trouble for yourself and Riley though, got it?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good, go get Cal up while you're at it. The boy can't sleep the whole day."

As Casy made his way out of the house, Isabella crossed her arms and shook her head.

"I've seen enough bruises on boys to know that was no baseball." She said.

"Damn…" Rocky said under his breath. "Alright, you caught me. The kid's father hit him."

"I suspected as much. That boy's family is trouble."

"Yeah, but he isn't. He's the captain of the baseball team!" He said. "Everyone looks up to him, especially Cal."

"It makes me mad to see the boy go through all that."

"It boils my blood… If someone treated any of my family like that, they'd quickly find out how dangerous I am."

Isabella giggled a little at the thought. Rocky turned his head and smiled. "Is that a genuine smile I see on your face, Mrs. Kelly? I might have to call up Ivy and Evelyn and have them come over to see it for themselves."

"You're a crazy one, Rocky Rickaby. But Joseph is lucky to have you. Try not to gut Casy's father like a fish next time you see him."

"Dynamite is more my style, but you have my word." He said.

A Storm Like No Other

The men milled around in the tent city, frustrated that they couldn't find work or earn money to feed their families. Some were growing worried about how they would make it through the upcoming winter, but no one wanted to accept just yet that this was permanent. Stephen Case was already trying to plan out the rest of the year under the assumption that there would be no work for him. He had been a miner and a quarryman all his life. Unless people started building there wasn't going to be any demand for people like him.

Headlights appeared on the edge of the camp. Stephen got up and motioned for a couple of his friends to get weapons. There was no telling who the police were going to arrest today for something as stupid as stealing food that no one could sell anyway. As the men approached the vehicle, the lights shut off and it quickly became apparent it wasn't the police.

"Who are you and what do you want?" Stephen called out.

The door to the truck opened and out stepped a familiar face. He was dressed in street clothes instead of a suit and no longer had a fancy hat on his head, but the cat was unquestionably Sedgewick Sable.

"Ah, Mr. Case! How is everyone?"

"At our wits end." One of Wick's former workers called back. "You wouldn't happen to have gotten a new company started, have you?"

Wick laughed. "Not quite, but I've come to the realization at our last meeting that I was still the lucky one. I can't give you jobs or money, but I do have something you all might be able to use." Wick then motioned for two others to get out of the truck.

Dropping the tailgate, Freckle and I climbed up into the back and pulled away the large tarp. Underneath it was sacks of flour and cornmeal stacked high.

"Mr. Sable made a personal request that we help you folks in some way." I yelled out, getting everyone's attention. "He went through the effort to hire a local miller, so all I ask is that you put this to good use and keep the little ones fed for as long as you can.

The men came around to the back of the truck and gazed upon the mountain of milled grain that was my unused harvest only a few hours ago. They were all shocked.

"W-what's all this?"

"Food, Mr. Case." Freckle said as he placed a sack of flour in the man's arms.

"I didn't think we'd ever see you again." One of the men said, tears forming in his eyes.

"A long time ago, my uncle was a union representative. Michael Kelly would never have let his miners starve, and neither will I." I said, beaming with pride at what we were doing. Turning half of our supply into liquor afforded us the opportunity to help others who needed the rest.

We soon had the whole truck empty and made an agreement to bring in whatever we could find to help the unemployed miners and quarrymen. Wick was especially resolute in his promise. These were his people, something that Edmund Church or his own parents never would have understood. When Wick needed help it wasn't the high rollers who came to rescue him, but rather us. The little guys who at one time kept him good and drunk at the speakeasy. Now that he wasn't on the brink of starvation himself, Wick could find small ways to help.

The next day we all gathered in Miss M's new backyard. While the kids played, we sat around and enjoyed the sun.

"You know, Rocky. I think you're right. It would be nice to just relax and not have to work myself to the bone for a while." I said, leaning back and letting Isabella nestle against my side. Rocky and Evelyn did the same while Freckle and Ivy stuck close together on the love seat bench.

"It's all going to be okay." Ivy said, satisfied that her friends and family weren't going to be torn apart by the failing economy. Wick was happy as well.

"Indeed. I can't wait to put this class into motion in a couple of weeks." He said, reviewing the paperwork for his guest-lecture series. He even flashed the title to us. "ESCI645: Industry for Geologists".

"Huh, I wonder if there's room in the class for an old miner?" I asked.

"Not unless you pay, unfortunately. But nothing says you can't review the material, Ethan. You might well know more about mining than me."

"I doubt it. But I'll give it a look later if you want."

"I'm just glad to see you have found your feet, hon." Mitzi said, kissing Wick. "And just so you know, this ring finger is still bare."

"Miss M, who stole your ring?" Rocky said, sitting up with alarm. "I swear we'll—"

"Rocky!" Ivy snapped. "Aunt May's ring wasn't stolen. She's implying—"

"It wasn't? Did it get lost? We can help you look, Miss M."

"No, Rocky. I think she's asking if she could become Mrs. Sable." Wick said, kissing Mitzi. "I suppose it's long past time I asked the question."

"Hey, what's that?" Riley said as she pointed to the western sky. We all turned our heads and looked with curiosity.

"Huh, looks like we're finally getting some rain!" I said. "I might be able to plant something yet this summer."

Freckle wasn't as sure. "That's not a thunderstorm like I've ever seen…"

As the cloud approached, it towered above the city by several thousand feet. The closer it got, the darker and redder it was. It wasn't until the storm was right on us that we realized that there wouldn't be any rain. Rocky was the first to recognize what we were seeing.

"Everyone inside, now!" He ordered, ushering the rest of us inside just as the house was enveloped in dust.

It was hard to breathe for a few minutes and I grabbed Riley to keep her close. Rocky fumbled with his shirt, covering Joseph's face with it while he tried to stifle coughing with his collar. Luckily the storm passed in a few minutes, but in the aftermath, there was a fine layer of dust on everything.

"What the hell was that?" Wick asked as we stumbled back outside. Our drinks had been spoiled by the dust.

"It's a dust storm." Rocky said. "I saw one in California on my travels."

"Since when do we get dust in Missouri?" I asked, helping Riley dust herself off.

"We don't." Mitzi said. "At least not as long as I can remember."

Freckle then remembered what he had read in the paper last week. "I think the Kansas prairie just blew in."