The Edelweiss was in chaos that morning. Georg had gathered the staff together in the main hall to share what he'd learned from Max. The room filled quickly, everyone listening in silence until one of the girls, no longer able to contain her worry, burst into tears. Her voice cracked as she choked out her fears of losing the only place she felt accepted, a place that had given her stability for the first time in years. Her sobs echoed through the room as Marie de Sachelles moved to comfort her, murmuring soft reassurances until the girl managed to calm down.
Georg felt the weight of his decisions bearing down on him. He glanced around the room, seeing the worry etched into every face, and a deep pang of guilt settled in his chest. Stuwerviertel had welcomed him when he'd felt cast out from his own world, and Edelweiss had become a sanctuary not only for him but for everyone here. He had become part of their lives, and now they were in danger simply because of his choices.
With a deep breath, Georg addressed the room. "I promise you all this: as long as I'm here, I'll do whatever it takes to protect this place. This club, this neighborhood—we won't be driven out." His words seemed to bring a small glimmer of hope to the worried faces surrounding him, but he knew actions spoke louder than promises.
He would have to be careful and strategic, but he was ready to face down anyone who tried to take Edelweiss and Stuwerviertel away from the people who called it home.
Now at the confines of his office, Georg paced around, the wooden floor creaking slightly under his weight. The walls were lined with dark wood paneling, a reflection of the establishment's opulence, but the air was thick with tension. His office was at the topmost floor of the club—the entire third floor privately for him; his employees' rooms at the second; the common area for everyone who worked in the club on the first floor; and the club itself was at the ground floor, where laughter and music flowed as freely as the drinks.
Big Boy must've been bringing some news, considering he had been almost out of breath running when he entered Georg's office without knocking. The large man flopped down into a chair across from Georg, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. Georg paused, his brow furrowing as he noticed the unease etched on Big Boy's face.
"Breathe, man, breathe," Georg said, reaching for a glass and filling it with water from a nearby pitcher. He handed it over, watching as Big Boy drank the entire thing within seconds, his eyes wide and anxious.
Setting the empty glass down, Big Boy leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "It's not good, Georg. They're stirring up trouble."
Georg's heart sank. He had felt the shift in the air, a growing unrest that whispered through the walls of the club like a gust of wind. "What do you mean?"
Suddenly, Big Boy grabbed Georg by his upper arms, his face very serious. "They will be coming here tomorrow."
Georg paled, "That soon?"
Big Boy nodded, his grip firm and steady. "Listen here, Georg. I spent my entire lifetime living here. Am I completely happy about the way I live? No. I wish I was rich like you, and I wanted to grow old with someone I love. But I am content because I have these people on my side, because I have you on my side."
Georg's heart raced, each beat echoing the gravity of the situation. He had seen the fear in the eyes of the people at the club, and the weight of their hopes rested heavily on his shoulders.
"I know how brave you are, coming in here despite what Society will say about you," Big Boy continued, his voice steady and unwavering. "Those words made us feel ashamed, but you, you use it as your strength. Despite growing up and living within it, you have learned to accept us."
Georg's thoughts raced, but Big Boy's unwavering gaze anchored him. "I saw how worried you are, your pacing almost leaving burns in the carpet, but remember that you have us. We will fight them all together. We'll show them, Georg, the unity we have that they haven't."
Georg felt a sudden clarity from Big Boy's words, an infusion of strength coursing through him. He took a deep breath, grounding himself in the resolve that filled the room. "Thank you," he said sincerely, reaching out to hug Big Boy tightly.
Big Boy laughed, breaking the tension with his infectious grin. "Don't worry. As handsome as you are, you're not my type."
Georg chuckled, the levity lightening the air between them. But the truth was, he felt fortified. He had never wanted to be a hero; he just wanted to be a man who could make a difference.
"Let's gather everyone tonight," Georg said, stepping back and meeting Big Boy's eyes with determination. "We'll prepare them for what's coming. They need to know they're not alone."
Big Boy nodded, his expression fierce. "I'll rally the others. We'll stand together."
With newfound purpose, Georg felt the spark of hope ignite within him. Whatever tomorrow brought, he knew they would face it united, as a family forged in the heart of Stuwerviertel.
⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
Maria woke up this morning, feeling fidgety. Tomorrow, they will set foot in Stuwerviertel. Though the Alliance Against Acts of Evil was firmly behind her, she couldn't shake the apprehension swirling inside her. She had heard so many things about the notorious neighborhood — it was known not only for houses of ill repute but also for being rife with stories of robbery and violence. It reeked of crime, according to the whispers passed between polite society, and it was a place she'd only ever imagined through the grim tales told by those who had never stepped foot there.
Maria tried to steady herself, taking a few deep breaths as she sat on the edge of her bed, her hands clasped tightly together. The thought of walking into a place like Stuwerviertel was daunting. The rumor mill painted it as a lawless zone, filled with constant unrest and riots. The idea of entering that chaos, even with the Alliance at her side, left her wondering if they would make it out unscathed.
She knew her intentions were pure — to bring light and, hopefully, peace to a place many viewed as irredeemable. But what awaited her there? The stories were relentless in their portrayal of Stuwerviertel as a lost cause, a place that had never known peace. Maria shook her head, willing her doubts to subside. She couldn't back out now.
Yesterday, the ladies had invited Maria to one of their meetings. She was somewhat surprised to see Father Cohen there, a priest she knew from a few Masses he'd led at their chapel. She remembered him as a close friend of the Mayor, often speaking in praise of the city's leaders and the importance of their alliance with the Church. That he was there, sitting alongside the women of the Alliance Against Acts of Evil, was a sign to Maria of just how much influence they truly wielded. Clearly, their mission was not just a whim but a powerful movement, one with connections that ran deep.
Father Cohen spoke with conviction, his words carefully chosen as he commended the women on their courage and dedication to their cause — to transform Stuwerviertel into a place free from sin and corruption. He emphasized the importance of their role in this endeavor, and Maria couldn't help but feel a spark of admiration as he spoke. It was rare, she thought, for women to be entrusted with so much responsibility, especially on a matter as monumental as cleansing an entire neighborhood. The priest's speech made each of them feel indispensable, even powerful.
For a moment, Maria smiled, a sense of pride stirring within her. Father Cohen's words made her feel as though she, too, could help bring about change. She felt inspired, invigorated even, by the thought of joining hands with these women to leave a lasting impact on the world.
Maria was also nervous about the prospect of meeting the Captain. She'd heard countless things about the man—some reverent, others scornful, each rumor casting him as a powerful yet elusive figure in Stuwerviertel. But what if he and the others laughed at her? Dismissed her words outright? The fear tightened in her chest, threatening to overtake her resolve.
Seeking clarity, she closed her eyes, hands clasped tightly together. She prayed, her voice barely a whisper, as she asked for guidance. Had she made the right decision? Would her efforts make any difference? She wanted to believe she could change hearts, that she could bring them back to God's light. But doubts lingered, whispering that her mission might be too ambitious, perhaps even foolish. She wouldn't know if she didn't try, though. And with that thought, she stood up, determined to push forward.
I can do this, she reminded herself, inhaling deeply as if drawing strength from her faith and the support of the women around her. With a renewed sense of purpose, Maria told herself she would approach them with understanding, with the same compassion Jesus showed those who had lost their way. If He could make friends with sinners, she could, too.
But... What if some of them were beyond redemption? The thought threatened to creep back, but she shook her head firmly, banishing it. She couldn't afford to lose hope now.