Barren Fields
It was sad to see how far the farm had fallen in a few short years. Watering the plants in the garden was easy enough and in between buckets of well water Casy had enough time to take in the surroundings. The front and back fields were now being reclaimed by the grasses that were once all over the prairie. A broken tractor sat neglected near the barn that now housed a broken midget racer inside. The house was in good shape though, as was Bella's vegetable garden. It not only fed the Kellys and Rickabys but was a much-needed source of calories for Casy's own family as well as the McMurrays. The drought made it hard to keep the garden going, but at least they weren't dealing with dust storms at this end of the state. For that, Casy was thankful. That, and the rivers still flowed, bringing life to the bottomlands in which the neighborhood was located.
Moving the water by bucket gave Casy plenty of time to think as well. He recently came to the realization that he had a whole life ahead of him and it was long past time that he figured out what he wanted out of life. One thing Casy knew he wanted was Riley, though. He still couldn't stop remembering the way her hips would sway when walking with him or the smile she had every time they were hanging out. Any yet she still saw him as a friend. Perhaps it was his own timidness holding him back? Nick certainly said so. Frequently, in fact.
Moving from the garden to the various flowers around the house, Casy started with the sun-parched south side of the house. Seven years on, the little shrubs and bushes weren't looking so little anymore. In fact, the reconstructed house was starting to become one with the land just like the previous one he remembered from his childhood. No one ever did figure out exactly what happened to those pig farmers and the neighbor. Some people swore that the old farm truck Rocky drove around was the same one, but with a wink and a smile he'd just say it came with the farm. Casy knew better though, especially after the stories Rocky and Ethan would tell him. Turned out Nick was right all along… to an extent. Casy didn't care, though. He saw Ethan at his best several times and if there was one person on the planet Casy would run to for protection, it was Ethan Kelly. In any case, it was clear that the illegal operations they used to do were in the past where they belonged.
Dust rising from the road ahead and the peculiar roar of an engine turned Casy's ear. Through the trees and undergrowth he could make out a sleek dark car traveling at speed followed by the brake lights. The familiar sound of an old truck motor followed up a moment later. The two vehicles turned into the driveway and Casy realized that at least some of the people were back.
Rocky coasted the Ford to a stop in front of the house, throwing the shifter into neutral and applying the brake. Joseph wasn't exactly thrilled with his father's newfound appreciation for speed, but Emily was over the moon with excitement.
"Again, Rocky! Again!"
"Sorry, sweetie, but I think your Dad is going to be mad enough at me as it is."
He was right. Pulling up alongside the coupe, I let him know I was none too pleased. "Rocky! You've got two kids in there with you and that road ain't a racetrack!"
"Oh relax, grumpy pants. She loved it, see!"
Emily's face did make a persuasive argument.
"All the same, Joseph's lap is no replacement for a backseat and some sanity on your part."
"I'm with Ethan on this, Dad." Joseph said, finding the door handle and stepping out. At least they were home in one piece. Emily hopped out on her own accord and immediately went inside while Freckle, William, and me emerged from the truck. I turned to help William down but he ignored my offer and got out himself. Progress had been made, but it would take a lot longer than a couple of days.
Phweeehhht Phwooohhh Casy whistled as he came around the corner and saw the new ride. "Mr. Rickaby, she sure is pretty."
"Indeed, Casy, but just wait until we get her in fighting shape!" Rocky declared. "Want to go for a ride?"
Joseph shook his head vigorously and Casy decided to politely decline. "I still have some watering to do. Then after I was wondering if… Ethan!" Casy said.
The boy had sure grown in two years. Before me was no longer that scared child caught up in a manhunt, but a young man strong and lean. "Casy, how have you bee—" I suddenly stopped as he hugged me around the chest. It surprised me, but then again, he was still a kid in some ways.
"I think you're the first person to miss me this much!" I joked before returning the gesture. "But surely, you've gotten on well in my absence? You've been eating well enough at least."
"We haven't been starving, thanks in part to Bella." He said before taking a step back and spotting the new child in tow. "And who's that?"
"Long story…" I said, slumping my shoulders. "But that is my son, William."
"Another stray?" He asked with eyes fixated on the oblivious child checking out the house.
"Not exactly. He is mine, as in-"
"You and his mother…"
"About seven years and a few months ago, yeah." I confirmed.
"So… where is his mother?"
"Back in Montana." I said, holding up an addressed envelope.
"By the way, Casy, we'll be going to town to pick up everyone else tonight." Freckle said as he unloaded the back of the truck.
"Oh. Do you want me to stay and watch the place a little bit longer?"
"We could really use some help. Rocky is spending the night with Evelyn and we've got to pick up our families at the depot." Freckle explained.
"Emily should stay here, too. She could use a nap."
"I can watch her, Ethan." Joseph said as he helped Freckle unload the baggage.
"Say no more, sir." Casy said.
"Good lad. You and Joseph can help keep Emily entertained."
"What about William?" Freckle asked after handing off a suitcase.
I turned to him and smiled. "I think he'd like to see St. Louis. I've been telling him all about it since Montana. Besides, this letter is mostly his. I want him to be the one to mail it."
"Wait!" Rocky said as he ran out of the house. "Son, I need to dig something out of that suitcase."
"What is it?" Joseph asked.
"Ah, here it is!" Rocky declared as he triumphantly held up a small jewelry box.
"Um… are you sure?" Freckle asked, looking concerned and confused.
"Trust me, she'll love it. I've been searching for these for years."
"Fine, whatever." Freckle said, shaking his head and climbing back into the truck cab. "The train arrives in a few hours so we better get everything else done first."
"Right, right. William, we're going into town. Come join us!"
"Can I come, dad?" Emily asked from the porch.
"Someone's got to watch the boys, little lady." I told her, kissing the girl on the forehead. "I'll be bringing mom and aunt Riley back tonight."
"But—"
"No buts. Casy and Cal will be here." I said, gesturing to the two boys. "And you two know damn well to keep her safe, right?"
"Of course, sir!" Casy said.
"I'll keep her safe, Uncle Ethan." Cal added.
"Alright then. We should be back before it gets dark."
"Joseph, are you sure you'll be alright without me for the night?" Rocky asked as he climbed into the back of the truck.
"I'll be fine, dad." Joseph said, rolling his eyes. "Go have fun with Evelyn."
Though young, both boys were responsible enough. Casy especially had siblings of his own to look after so it was just one less thing for me to worry about. That meant more time to introduce my son to his new surroundings, the grand city of St. Louis. It was a new start for me so long ago, and now perhaps it would be a new start for him. On the streets there no one cared who or what you are. It was a far cry from Montana where one's heritage determined whether you worked in a mine, owned the mine, or starved in the streets.
Errand Boys
"Ready to see a real city?" I asked William as he poked his head out of the window. Rising out of the prairie came a sight the boy could only have imagined. Stretching out for miles in every direction, St. Louis enveloped us as we got closer. A few tall buildings marked downtown, but sprawled out across the prairie were buildings between a spiderweb of streets. Some were older than the civil war while others had only been built a few years ago. Since the depression set in most construction had ground to a halt and instead of apartments and houses there were now tent cities every so often.
"We're the lucky ones." I said as we passed one such camp. William's face was distraught seeing dirty, thin children playing with scraps of wood and sticks. He might have been missing his mother, but I knew he'd appreciate being able to sleep in his own bed tonight instead of being in some mud pit. Freckle drove us on ahead until we got to the residential area surrounding the university. Turning left on a side street, we slowed down to a crawl and then to a stop at a simple little house that housed the queen of Atlas May's empire.
"Where are we?" William asked.
"This is where a couple of good friends live." I said, opening the door so he could climb out of the truck. Rocky jumped out of the back, making some adjustments to his hat. He walked with the usual swagger he had anytime he was doing something for Mitzi May. Even after all these years he was still her errand boy and proud of it. Freckle and I were too… or at least we still did errands for her now and then. The pride that came with it had worn off long ago when the real dangers of the job revealed themselves. But for Rocky it was just another Tuesday.
Knocking three times, I stepped back behind William and waited. While waiting, I put my hands on William's shoulders as he stood just in front of me.
Pipe in hand, Wick opened the door and smiled warmly when he saw us. "Ethan, you're finally back in town! And Rocky! And Calvin! And… unknown child…"
"Mr. Sable!" I said. "This is my son, William."
"Um…" Wick was clearly confused.
"I'll explain in a bit." I said, but Rocky jumped in. "Hope we weren't disturbing such a lovely afternoon, but I have something of great importance for Miss M." Rocky pulled out the small box which caused Wick to develop the same confused expressions we had back at the farm.
"It's jewelry… I think…" Calvin said.
"Okay… Rocky, you do know she and I are about to—"
"Oh yeah, that's right! Marriage at last!" Rocky said without a hint of jealousy in his voice. "I for one was starting to think it would never come to pass."
"Right… Well, come on in, gentlemen! We're about to have afternoon tea."
"Mitzi drinks tea now?" I said as we walked inside. "She was always an Irish coffee woman."
"I'd much prefer coffee myself, but we have a couple of guests. You'll know one of them." Wick explained as we walked into the backyard.
"Really? Who would that—" Rocky began to say until a pair of emerald eyes caught our attention. Freckle instantly grabbed William and held the boy behind him. I realized at that moment that I did not have a gun or knife with me. Rocky though stood in front of us. The conversation Mitzi was having with her guests stopped immediately and for a tense moment all we did was stare at each other in silence.
Rocky smirked and curled his thumbs underneath his suspenders. "Mordecai Heller. Have you come back to my city as friend or foe?"
"Rocky..." Mordecai said, standing up. "You no longer wear that ridiculous tie."
"Relax, boys. Mordecai came in peace." Mitzi said, rolling her eyes.
"Is that so?" Calvin said, not sure whether to trust Mitzi at her word.
"Sorry, force of habit." I said before stepping forward. "We parted on good terms, but last I heard you had left town."
Shaking my hand, Mordecai explained. "I had a good reason to return…" He then gestured to a cat still seated at the patio table. Now it was our turn to be confused. In fact, everyone was confused as soon as Mitzi and Mordecai spotted William.
"Ethan, hon… who is this boy?"
"I could ask the same of Mordecai." I replied.
Rocky looked at the young man and laughed. "Wait, wait, wait. You, the infamous, brooding, obsessive Marigold hatchet man—"
"Do not refer to me as that in front of my son." Mordecai growled, but Rocky brushed him off.
"—You of all people had a kid this whole time!"
"I guess that explains the secrets…" I said to Freckle, turning my head slightly as I did so.
"Boys, Mordecai didn't have a child last time he was in town." Mitzi said.
"He took my off the streets in New York City." The young cat in question finally spoke before standing up.
Mordecai sighed in annoyance. "It was not my plan to have this reunion, but Mitzi insisted. With that in mind, allow me to introduce my son, for lack of a better term, Jacob.
"And how did… this, happen… exactly?" Freckle asked, releasing his hold on Wiliam now that he realized there was no immediate danger. Still, the distinct imprint of a pistol under Mordecai's suit made him vigilant. It had been so long that all the guns were safely stored back at the house except for the shotgun. If this was some kind of trick then they were at a severe disadvantage.
"Ethan, you'll have to explain as well." Mitzi said.
"Oh, right. Everyone, this is William."
"I suspect both our stories are long." Mordecai said before gesturing to the table. "If you have the time…"
It took the better part of half an hour, but when Mordecai and I got through with our stories it all made sense. Mordecai had indeed taken Jacob off the streets when he went home. At first glance it would be hard to tell that they weren't related. The coat patterns were different, sure, but their mannerisms, accents, sense of style, and even their glasses were similar.
"So you had a son this whole time?" Mitzi asked, intrigued.
"Yeah." I replied. "Guess I left town a few weeks too early." I was torn between hoping William would pay attention and that he wouldn't pay attention. At the moment, the boy looked like he was interested in the garden around us, but it was his story after all.
"While this reunion has been great, the ladies and Ivy's family will be showing up on the train soon." Freckle reiterated to keep Rocky and I on track. I couldn't blame him; he was desperate to get back to Ivy and his kids. Not to mention being tired from the trip across the state.
"Freckle is right." I said, standing up. "We'll have to schedule an afternoon or something, Miss M."
"Reuben is coming here? He didn't say anything last time I spoke to him."
"Apparently there is something only he can take care of for his bosses." I explained while donning my old campaign hat. Worn and weathered, it bore the scars of many battles and yet it still served me well.
"I'm very glad you boys made it back in one piece, and Ethan honey, I'm thrilled that you've returned. And I'm happy that you have a son again, really. I had always hoped you and Bella would try again for your own happiness, but it looks like fate already decided for you."
"Thank you, Miss M." I said. "And Heller—"
"I assure you; I will be out of the way." Mordecai said.
"Jeez, I was just going to tell you to enjoy your time back in town. And congratulations on getting into Washington, Jacob. Riley may want a tour of the place."
"Thank you, Mr. Kelly. But who's Riley?" Jacob asked.
"My sister. I'll bet Heller didn't yell you, but you're actually in good company in St. Louis."
"Really?!" He said, sounding excited.
"Yes." I continued. "Part of a new generation. Perhaps you all will make better choices than us at your age."
Saying our goodbyes, Freckle and I left. I looked over my shoulder and got William's attention. "Come on, kid. We have a schedule to keep."
William passed between Wick and Mitzi on the porch but took a moment to look at them both. "I liked meeting you. What are all the flowers?"
"You mean what species?" Wick asked with a smile on his face.
"William!" I called from the other end of the house.
Mitzi leaned forward and rubbed the boy's hair back. "You best follow your father, honey." She said, gently pushing him along.
"By the way, Miss M, this is for you." Rocky said as he prepared himself to leave.
Rocky pulled the small jewelry box out of his pocket and presented it to Mitzi. She feigned gratitude but truthfully, she was confused as well.
"Oh honey, you shouldn't have. I do hope you didn't spend your last dollar on little ol' me."
Rocky grinned. "They were hard to find, but I know you've been missing them."
With a wink and a smile, Rocky went about his way. Mitzi inspected the box while Wick chuckled.
"You think the lad is trying to steal you away?" He asked.
"Rocky? No, he's never been like that. But this does bode curiosity…" Mitzi opened the box and immediately realized what it was.
"Well?" Mordecai asked, curious as Wick.
Mitzi held up a white pearl. "He tracked down replacements after all this time." She said, a tear forming in her eye. It had been over seven years since the Lackadaisy closed, but Rocky was still helping her to keep a bit of the past alive. The old necklace Atlas gave her so long ago could finally be repaired back to its former glory.
The World Before Us
"Cal will be alright, won't he?" Rocky asked as he stepped out of the car.
"He'll be fine, Rocky." I assured him. "Casy is there with him."
"Okay, I'll find my way back out there in a day or two, then we start work on the car." He said, closing the door.
"Go be with your woman, cousin." Freckle said as we pulled away.
"Okay, where to next?" I asked, putting the truck into its highest gear.
"I gotta get the car from the house, then it's back to the train station."
Walking up to the door, Rocky was about to knock but it opened for him instead. And there she was, Evelyn with sweat on her brow from working in the back yard.
"I'm ba—" Rocky tried to say, but Evelyn yanked him across the threshold and kissed him on the lips.
"How was the trip?"
"All went well. Your boyfriend will be racing again in a couple of weeks."
"Good. And Ethan…"
"Home in one piece too. Something really crazy happened though."
"What?"
"He has a son!" Rocky exclaimed, which caused Evelyn to stop and look back at him with confusion.
"Not to worry my magnificent maid, I shall reveal all… after you explain what's going on in the back yard."
"Ah yes, you might be of some use. We were trying to get rid of an old stump."
"My noodle arms might not be much use…" Rocky said, gesturing to his slim physique. Evelyn wasn't convinced, however.
"Those muscles are still stronger than mine, 'noodle arms.' Come on, we can talk while working."
The pair did exactly that and Evelyn turned out to be right because Rocky had just enough weight to leverage a large portion of the sump out from the hole she and her roommates had been working on since morning. Rocky was a bit surprised himself, but it dawned on him that he was thirty, and was no longer that skinny kid he used to be. He was still lean and most other guys could still outclass him at manual labor, but Rocky was now in as good a shape as he had ever been.
"See, you were just what we needed." Evelyn said, out of breath.
"Okay, I'll admit. The arms are more fettucine than spaghetti." Rocky replied, handing her a towel.
"Thanks Rocky!" One of Evelyn's roommates said as she waved. "We're going to get ready for a double date." The other said.
"Looks like it'll just be you and me, race boy." Evelyn said.
The pair sat on the back porch, admiring how much cleaner the yard was now. "Good idea to get rid of that old willow before she dropped a branch on the house."
"Yeah, and Clancy said he'd discount our rent for the month."
"Good!" Rocky replied before turning the conversation. "So, that talk we were going to have before I left…"
"Yes. St. Louis has been great, Rocky, but there's a lot bigger world out there."
"Oh, I'm aware."
"But…" Evelyn said, getting ready for the excuse she knew was coming.
"But Joseph deserves a home. I can't leave him."
"Of course not, Rocky. Not yet anyway. But you'll have to let him go eventually."
"What do you mean?" Rocky said, confused. "I'll be there for him until my dying day."
"Of course you will! But he's going to be fifteen next spring and after a couple more years he's going to be ready to go out on his own just like you did—"
"I was not ready, Eve." Rocky said, sitting forward and staring at the sun as it sank below the trees. "I was kicked out and unwanted. I never want him to feel that way."
"So… we're just going to wait it out?" She asked. "I'm not saying we leave next week, but I would like to make plans…"
"I'd like that too, but—But I don't want to be far from him. What if he winds up in trouble? Who's going to come to his rescue?"
"Freckle and Ethan are staying here, right? Neither of them is going anywhere."
"Yes, but that's not their cross to bear."
"Rocky, I'm sure they'd gladly be there for Joseph if you asked them. Is it really Joseph that you're worried about?"
"Well… he is my son."
"He is your son, yes. If we stayed in St. Louis the rest of our lives, would you still be happy fifty years from now?"
"I…" Rocky thought intensely about all that he had been through. It was true, he wasn't going to be racing cars for several decades any more than he wasn't going to be running liquor for the Lackadaisy. Everything was temporary, even the life he had now.
"To everything there is a season… That's what Aunt Nina would say." Rocky admitted. "Alright, where did you want to go?"
"Europe." She said, sitting up. "Or at least to the UK. That's why I became a nurse, so I could travel."
"Europe, huh? Well, we'd need to get passports."
"And save money to get on a ship… and find a job for us both. See? We won't be going next week."
"It feels like a betrayal to plan this though. What would my family think?"
"I'm sure they'll support you, Rocky. Especially Joseph. When he's ready, he could come join us."
"I guess I've always wondered what Ireland looked like…"
"And we can visit there too!"
"What about someplace closer, like Ottawa?"
"Rocky, I'm from California. I'm pretty sure I'd freeze to death."
"Florida, then?"
"Maybe… I'm just glad you're willing to come."
"Of course!" Rocky said, but behind his smile doubt gnawed at him. He could understand not wanting to do the same thing the rest of their lives, but leaving behind the only family he had ever known was a stretch even for someone who used to live on the road.
Stepping out of the station, Ivy was relieved to see Freckle below with the car ready.
"Daddy!" Mary said, running into Calvin's arms who picked her up and tickled her nose with his own. "Were you good for mom?" He asked.
"Yes, daddy." She said, hugging him around the neck.
"Da!" Danny said, reaching for Freckle from Reuben's arms. Freckle soon found himself with a child in each arm, kissing his wife.
"How was the trip, Ivy?"
"Tiring, but at least it went by fast."
"You'll never guess who showed up while we were gone…" Freckle began to say before turning to walk back to the car.
I too kissed Bella and hugged Riley.
"Ethan, where's Emily?" Bella asked, noticing the empty seat in the truck.
"She's fine. Casy and Cal are back at the farm still."
"You left the boys in charge of your daughter?"
"I left two people I trust with my life to watch over one of the most important people in our lives, yes." I replied before turning to Reuben.
"So, you need a lift anywhere Mr. Pepper?"
"I'll be alright, Ethan. But could you take Oliver with you?"
"Sure." I said after thinking about it for a moment. "I thought you wanted to go with your sister, Oliver?"
"Maybe tomorrow." He said.
"We'd appreciate it, Ethan." Ivy added on. "We don't exactly have a lot of space."
"Fine, fine. We'll put you with Cal in the extra bedroom. But that still doesn't explain how you're getting out of here, Reuben…"
"I think I seem my ride right over there." Ruby said, gesturing to a blacked-out car. We all instantly understood why he wanted to go on alone.
"Alright. Call if you need anything." I said. "Come on, guys, let's go home."
"We should do the same." Freckle said, setting the kids in the back seat and pushing in the luggage.
Shadows in the Night
"You are not to interact with them in my absence, understood?" Mordecai said as he and Jacob walked along the dark street back toward their rented room.
"But they seem like nice people."
"It's a façade." Heller replied, flatly. Jacob looked at him like he was crazy.
"I don't mean to say they have ill-intent. But we have enemies around every corner in this city."
"It would be nice to have friends though."
"You will make friends." Mordecai insisted, putting a hand gently on Jacob's shoulder. "When it comes to sociability, you have surpassed me long ago. I had colleagues and allies; you will have friends. I am sure of that. But you must choose your friends wisely."
Two shadowy figures watched as the pair walked down the sidewalk.
"You really think that's him?" One said to the other.
"I'm sure of it. Follow my lead."
"You don't think that Ethan or Rocky or Freckle are trustworthy people?" Jacob asked as their conversation continued.
"In a word—" Mordecai stopped as his ears picked up a new sound. Footsteps behind him. His eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"What word—"
"Shh!" He said. "Eyes forward, walk faster." He ordered.
"Dad, I don't understa—"
A new figure emerged from an alley, blocking their path. Another stopped a few yards short from behind while two others quickly crossed the street.
"Well, well, well. Who do we have here!" The apparent leader said. Mordecai's hair stood on end and he instinctively stood close to Jacob.
"Who we are is none of your concern." Mordecai stated. "Now begone and let us by."
"Begone? You misunderstand. Your kind isn't welcome around these parts anymore."
"You know them?" Jacob whispered.
"No."
"Hey! Enough with the whispering!" One of the cats said as they approached. Mordecai took a deep breath and closed his eyes before reaching into his jacket. The men were close enough to do serious harm before he could draw and cock his gun, but luckily Mordecai had remembered one other trick up his sleeve.
"Run!" He ordered to Jacob, shoving the boy out of the way as the leader of this unknown group lunged for an attack. Mordecai caught the cat off guard, plunging his stiletto blade deep into the cat's chest before withdrawing it and readying himself. Jacob tried to run but another cat grabbed him by the collar.
"No!" Mordecai shouted, throwing his knife at Jacob's attacker. The knife buried itself deep into the shoulder and the cat howled in pain.
"Greetings from fong!" A third cat said, punching Jacob to the ground and slashing the teenager with a knife.
Jacob was on the ground, cowering in fear as the two cats closed in, knives drawn. Suddenly, a gunshot heralded the arrival of a bullet precisely between the eyes of the third attacker. The cat fell back, dead before he hit the pavement. Smoke rose from Mordecai's colt before he turned the barrel on the fourth cat that was quickly closed the distance. A shot to the abdomen folded this cat up on the ground.
"Shit! I knew this was stupid!" One of the two wounded cats said as he retreated. The other began to run as well. Mordecai took careful aim, but his hands were shaking too violently. He didn't know what was wrong with him and in an instant, it was just him, the wounded attacker trying to crawl to safety, and Jacob who was bleeding badly from the arm.
"No… No!" Mordecai shouted as he ran over to Jacob, pulling the cat up, he pulled off his belt and tied it tight around the arm. "You're bleeding bad." He said.
"It hurts!" Jacob said, winching in pain.
"I… I know who to call." Mordecai said with trembling hands.
Ivy was getting ready for bed when the phone rang. "Freckle, could you go get that, please?" She said as she inspected her swelling belly.
"Not too much longer now, little one." She said gently. If a decade ago anyone told her she'd have three kids, Ivy would have laughed. Yet with Calvin it all felt right. This was the life they had both chosen, and they were determined to raise as many kids as they were able in a house filled with love.
"Ivy, we gotta go now! I'll call mom." Freckle said as he poked his head into the bathroom, momentarily startling her.
A few minutes later, Nina knocked on the door and was greeted by her son and Ivy as they both threw their coats on.
"Calvin, what's happened? She asked.
"Miss M needs Ivy. Medical emergency." He said. Nina instantly understood.
"I'll watch the little ones. Go." She said, letting her son and daughter-in-law pass.
"I understand not telling your mother what's happened, but if I'm to be any use, I need to know—"
"Heller's kid just got stabbed." Freckle said as they climbed into the car.
Fifteen minutes later, Ivy burst through the door. Mitzi was there waiting for her. "We managed to stop the bleeding but he's going to need some stitches." She explained as they both walked upstairs. Ivy briefly locked eyes with Mordecai who looked terrified. Stopping, she collected herself.
"He'll be okay, Mordecai. I'm a doctor now, not the little girl you used to know." She said, gently stroking Mordecai's arm. He looked at her for a moment before speaking.
"That's why I requested you. Please, take care of him."
Her words didn't seem to help much because Wick and Freckle sat there on the sofa as Mordecai paced back and forth, tail twitching from anxiety.
"Heller, why don't you take a seat." Wick tried to reason with the former hatchet man.
Mordecai didn't say anything for a minute. He just continued to pace back and forth. Freckle saw this and noted the man's expression. His mannerisms were unlike anything he had seen from this particular cat before. It was almost as if he was… scared.
"Mordecai, please—" Wick again pleaded, but Heller cut him off.
"No! I must remain alert in case—"
"Mordecai, look at me." Freckle said, standing up and blocking Mordecai's path.
"Out of my way—"
"No, just listen." Freckle demanded. "Ivy is the best doctor you could ask for. Even better than Elsa. If anyone can keep him alive, it's her."
"But what do we do?"
"We sit and we wait." Calvin said, gesturing to the chair. It was odd for Heller to have a man a decade younger than him and full head shorter telling him what to do. Even doubly-so knowing that at one time they had both tried to kill each other. But Calvin was right. Mordecai could do many things, but healing the injured wasn't one of them.
"Alright." He said quietly, sitting down.
"I'll get some tea going." Wick said, standing up and trying to retain his calm composure in the hope that his aura of confidence would ease Heller's anxiety.
"It's my fault." Mordecai said, looking at his hands. Years ago those cats would have been dead before they could have ever laid hands on the boy.
"This isn't your fault." Freckle said, sitting back down on the sofa.
"I hesitated and it might have gotten him killed. Even worse, I allowed the boy to come back to this city against my better judgement. When he's healed enough, we're going right back to—"
"Jacob. That's his name, isn't it?" Calvin asked.
"Yes." Heller nodded. Freckle realized what his body language meant.
"My god, you really do love him like a son, don't you?" Calvin opined.
"I- I hesitate to say it, but yes. I don't know why, he's just—"
"There is no 'why', Heller. He's your son and that's all the reasons you need. I understand."
"Do you?" Mordecai said defensively, looking Calvin right in the eyes. But Calvin didn't flinch or hesitate.
"Yes. If my son or daughter was hurt by someone, I might well go insane with rage."
"That still doesn't change the fact that I should have been faster… or kept him out of this damn town."
"Who attacked you, anyway?"
"I don't know… I didn't recognize any of them. I was also careful not to let any of the gangs know of our arrival."
"You don't have to worry. Most are either dead or in prison."
"No, you don't have to worry because everyone in town is still afraid of Ethan Kelly." Mordecai surmised.
"Are you really going to tell me that your own reputation does not precede you?" Calvin said with crossed arms. "Okay, so not a gang. Certainly not the Marigolds."
"Then I am out of ideas." Heller admitted.
Calvin sighed. "A lot of desperate people live on the streets now, Heller. Maybe it was just some random attack or a case of mistaken identity."
"…I suppose that would be a leading theory. Perhaps if Ethan could help me track them down—"
"He won't. Ethan, Rocky, and I have learned to stay out of these kinds of things."
"Then what am I supposed to do?"
"Accept that a bad thing happened and move on." Calvin said as Wick brought in the tea.
"The young man is right, Mordecai. We can't control all aspects of our fate."
Ivy entered the room just then, cleaning her hands. All eyes were on her as Mitzi followed, sitting on the sofa next to Wick.
"Well, how bad is it?" Heller asked.
Ivy smiled, calmly walking over to Mordecai. "He's going to be just fine, Mordecai. Let him rest here tonight and try to get some sleep yourse—"
Mordecai immediately stood up and hugged Ivy, completely enveloping her in gratitude. Freckle had a knee-jerk reaction, but Wick gently held him back. Ivy stood there, confused. Never had Mordecai ever displayed such emotion. A couple of drops landed on her forehead and she realized that he was actually crying.
Mordecai released her and wiped his eyes from under his glasses. "Thank you. I am sorry for the outburst. I need to see him now…" He said, making his way upstairs.
Ivy wicked one of Mordecai's tears off her forehead and looked at it. "Was he… crying?"
"Color me surprised too, hon." Mitzi said. "But take a rest between us. You need it as well." She said, making room between herself and Freckle who helped Ivy sit down.
"I just saw Mordecai Heller cry…" She said to herself in disbelief. Maybe, just like the grey hairs on his muzzle, Mordecai had changed.