Chicago Story: Beginnings (by Vendikarr DeWuff)

[DocQuantum]

Part 1

Chicago, June 1921.

Hugo Danner looked out over the city of Chicago. While only nine stories up, he loved the feeling of the winds whipping around him, and looking down on the people below. It brought him back to his childhood, and his time spent in the mountains of Colorado.

"Hugo," called out Danner's partner, Alfie Woodside. Alfie was strong for a normal man, but not as sure-footed as he should be to be working in the girders. But he held the rivets straight, which was something many couldn't manage.

Hugo had been working construction in the city for the past couple of weeks, having found his specialty in driving rivets into the steel girders. He had been partnered with Alfie, a man ten years his senior, who had been in the construction trade his entire life.

Alfie was holding huge forceps, in which was a heated rivet. Danner's job was to drive the rivet into the girders, so as to hold the girder in place. The project was behind schedule until Danner joined it. He had single handedly brought them closer to their deadlines, because it took him fewer turns with the hammer to drive in a rivet.

Danner hoisted the hammer upon his shoulder, and slammed the rivet forcefully. Clank... Clank... Clank...

"That do it Alfie," asked Danner, while exploring is work.

"That did it," replied Alphie.

Danner swung over to another girder, hammer in hand, to prepare to anchor the other side. Alphie move a bit slower, forceps and bucket in hand, and joined his partner.

"You have to go a bit slower Hugo," said the man, "we're giving the other teams a bad name."

"I can't help that Alfie," Danner replied. "I just want to get this girder finished before the lunch whistle."

Danner looked over the structure while Alphie readied the next rivet. Men crawling all over the girders reminded Danner of ants moving through an anthill. People could seem so insignificant sometimes he thought.

"All set," said Alfie, as he once again held a rivet in place. Danner took his swings, and once again drove the rivet into place. Before Alfie could set up another rivet, a sharp whistle blew from the ground below.

"One more?" asked Danner.

"Nope, we only get 30 minutes and you know I like to eat on the ground. Join me?" asked the older man.

Danner put his hammer down and responded, "No thanks. I love the view from up here. I can't get enough."

Alfie shrugged his shoulders and put the forceps down, and turned to head for the elevator. However he brushed his foot against the barrel and tipped it over. He screamed a warning below as rivets and hot coals rained down. While inconvenient, it happened from time to time and men knew to get out of the way.

However Alfie lost his balance and fell off the girder. Danner, seeing this, dropped to lay flat against the girder and grabbed the back of Alfie's cover-alls. He managed to hold on to his friend, but his drop on to the girder was off center, and he had to hold on to the girder with his other hand.

Had no one been watching, given his strength, he could have pulled Alfie up and make up some story to cover. But Alfie's warning had all eyes in their direction, and others began moving their way. Danner was stuck.

********

Architect Atherton Domville was entertaining his boss, Jacob Ravensdale and his daughters Evelyn and Lillian at the site when they heard the warning call. Their eyes looked up into the girders, when Evelyn called out "Someone's falling."

Domville pulled out a spyglass he kept in a pocket in his suit for checking the work in progress.

"One of the men has a hold of the other. It's a gallant effort, but he'll just be pulled off with the other," said Domville.

"Is there no way to save them?" asked Lillian.

"Oh yes, there has to be a way," Interjected Evelyn.

"I'm sorry girls, but I've been in construction for 20 years, and there's no way for the one bloke to save the other. He'll have to let go, or go over himself," said Ravensdale. "We should go girls, I don't want you seeing what happens next."

At that moment Domville had an idea. He grabbed a coil of rope, and headed for the elevator, hoping he wasn't too late.

********

Danner hung onto the girder, trying to keep his friend alive.

"Stay still Alfie," said Danner.

"I'm scared Hugo," replied the dangling man.

"You'll be dead if my grip slips," replied Danner. Not that his grip would slip soon, but the fabric of the cover-alls tearing was a real concern. Besides, a normal man would have been concerned about his arm strength at this point.

"Drop him Danner," shouted one of the approaching workers.

"He'll pull off with him Danner, give him up," said another.

"If he goes, I go with him," Danner replied. Then a thought occurred to him. "Get some rope, maybe we can lasso him and get him down."

The approaching men looked around for a coil of rope. Girders were normally hoisted up by pulleys, and rope was also used to guide the girder into place once it reached the proper height. However at this point, none could be found.

A call for rope was relayed to the ground by the men, and reply was sent back that it was already on the way.
Danner felt time was running out. He could feel the material in his hand giving out. He would not let Alfie die, even if it meant revealing himself again.

Domville arrived and had already fashioned a lasso on one end of the rope. He threw it and it missed its mark. He through it again and it caught on Alfie's foot. The man tried raising his foot so he could grab the rope, but it slipped off.

Domville sighed, and prepared to throw the rope again. "Catch it," he screamed and threw the rope again.

Alfie caught it in his hands, and grabbed it tight.

"Over your head and under your arms," called Domville, then he watched the man follow his instructions. Once the rope was around, Alfie pulled the knot tight, and then Domville called to the men around him, "Get on the rope, and pull."

The men, balanced on the girder, began pulling the rope in unison. Danner felt the tension in his arm lessen, and he released his friend. Alfie swing a few feet, and then found himself back up on the girder.

The poor shaken man was hurried to the elevator and to the ground, while men cheered, and then moved to Danner to help him to his feet. Danner feigned an ache in his arm, knowing a normal man would feel that, at the very least. Domville moved toward Danner, as he moved towards the elevator.

"You're a hero man," said Domville.

"I just did what anyone would have done," said Danner, rubbing his shoulder.

"Nonsense. Most would have let the poor fool fall, and those who grabbed him would have let him go long before now," said Domville. "Good job man, good job. Now, let's get that arm looked at."

Danner smiled weakly, and moved to the elevator, supporting his left arm in his right. Men continued to cheer as he and Domville rode to the ground in silence.

********

Instead of letting her father steer her away, Evelyn Ravensdale continued to peer though the spyglass left by Domville. Instead of focusing on the drama, she found herself looking at the young man who was the hero of the drama. He looked strong and powerful, and from what she could see, very well toned. Her mind began to drift, but was brought back to earth by her sister's insistence on knowing what was happening.

Evelyn began to detail what was happening for her sister and father, describing the heroism of Danner and the resourcefulness of Domville.

"They're coming down," said Evelyn as she collapsed the spyglass and placed it on Domville's worktable.

The elevator reached the ground, and the two men moved towards the table after being signaled by Ravensdale. He then extended his hand to Danner, saying "Good work young man. Your quick thinking saved me from having to pay a death benefit today."

Evelyn slapped her father gently. "Oh Father, this isn't the time to think of money. He saved that poor man's life."

"Of course, of course, forgive an old man," said Ravensdale. "That was amazing young man, simply amazing. And Atherton, that was some quick thinking on your part. Yes, very quick thinking. I think we should celebrate."

"Oh yes Father. Can we go to DeWulf House?" I hear it's quite the place," said Lillian.

"It would be fun. And could Mr. Mr?" said Evelyn, "I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced."

"Forgive my manners," Said Domville. "This is Mr. Hugo Danner. The man responsible for getting us back on schedule."

"Then we have two reasons to celebrate. Mr. Danner, please do us the honor of joining us for dinner this evening?"

"Thank you," said Danner, "but I have nothing to wear to a place such as the DeWulf House."

"Nonsense. Atherton, give this man the day off, and take him to get a suit of clothes. And Atherton," he whispers to the architect. "I'll foot the bill on this."

"Yes sir," said Domville.

Ravensdale then herds his daughers away, Lillian loudly calling good bye to Danner, while Evelyn smiles slightly and bows her head politely. They enter their waiting car, and drive off.

Domville looks at the young man, smiles, and says "Let's be off them. I just have one stop first."

[DocQuantum]

Part 2

Exerpt from the Journal of Sir James Merrick, August 14 in the year of our Lord 596:

This is my final entry as James Merrick.

After having been charged by my liege Arthur to escort the wizard Merlin, we arrived at the witch Le Fay's castle. Justin pushed in the doors to the courtyard, and we entered, Justin on the right, and I on the left. Merlin called out to the witch, and she stepped on to a balcony overlooking the courtyard.

We moved towards the castle, when she stepped off the balcony and floated to the ground before us. Merlin bid her cease her machinations against Arthur and Camelot, but the sorceress merely laughed. She raised her arms above her head and lightening flew from them, to the ground before us.

I glanced over to my fellows, and saw Justin taken aback. But to his credit, he recovered quickly and unsheathed his sword and held it before him, striking a defensive pose. I followed suit.

The ground began to quake, and a fissure formed before us. From the maw, demons arose, foul creatures commanded by the witch Le Fay. Merlin commanded us forward, and we moved towards the oncoming horde. All manner of foul beast charged us, Justin and me parrying attacks and thrusting to gain ground. Beast after beast fell, limbs parted from their bodies.

Then approaching me was a most hideous creature. The beast was a sickly yellow in color, with a mouth filled with jagged teeth, ears that looked more like bats and eyes redder than the fires of hell. While I have strength greater than most men, this creature was my equal in that respect. I would parry and thrust and it continued to avoid my blade. Finally the beast charged me and put me on my back.

It swatted my sword away, and started reciting rhymes. The very act so amazed me I didn't even hear what he said. Then a clawed hand raked across my chest, shredding my mail. The beast's other hand then tore my chest asunder. I lay their bleeding, for the beast had punctured my heart. I watched it, waiting for the killing blow, when it stopped, and looked at the wizard.

With the light in my eyes growing dim, I saw that Merlin had wrest control of the beast from Le Fay, and it now served him. The last I saw of the battle, was Merlin and Justin moving forward, the beast taking my place at the wizard's side.

I so hate dying before knowing the final fate of a battle. But what I hated more this day was dying with the stench of the demon filling my nose. The creature stunk of brimstone and rotting flesh. I pray I never endure such an odor again. The stench even followed me to my next life.

One peculiar thing about the day is the wizard mentioned how strong he felt after we had entered the castle grounds. The witch was able to control minions of hell, and he was able to cast very strong elemental spells, and steal away the witch's pet. Since both were stronger, I feel there is something about that castle that begs further study. I plan to return at my earliest convenience.

---------

Domville and Danner shared a Yellow cab across the downtown area. Domville had a luncheon meeting at the Palmer House, and his tailor was located close by.

Domville, seated behind the driver, checked his watch. The surprise visit of Mr. Ravensdale and the events concerning Danner has thrown off his schedule. The man referred derisively to by his nemesis as `The Immortal Man' had become curious about Danner, and did welcome an opportunity to observe him. Since the younger man had started work at the site, he showed speed and stamina greater than any man he had ever known. It was true that Danner brought the project on time, but it wasn't humanly possible. Domville was convinced the man had a secret.

He toyed with trying to access that secret by reading his thoughts, but decided against it. Domville too had his secrets, and could understand a need to keep them. Domville decided a better tactic may to try and draw the younger man out, and have him reveal things on his own.

"I see your arm is better?" asked Domville. "It's quite amazing. I have known men with less strain screaming for a surgeon."

"It wasn't that bad a strain," replied Danner. "I'm from Colorado, they grow them tough out west."

"I see," said Domville, who paused in the conversation. "Do they grow them strong in Colorado as well? I don't deny you've got us back on schedule, but I dare say it shouldn't be possible." Another pause, and then "The boys say no one handles a hammer like you do."

"No offense to the others, but I believe they draw out the work to pad their paychecks. I believe in getting the job done," answered Danner. "Perhaps you should be looking to them to see..."

"Oh Mr. Danner, I make no accusations. It's just that I find what you are capable of amazing," said Domville. "I have other.. `projects' I am involved with, and could use a man like you."

"Thank you for your interest, but I don't know how long I will be staying in Chicago," Danner said.

"It's quite alright young man. It could be years before I need you. I just want to inquire about your interest. I can fill you in another time, but my time is tight right now," said Domville as he again checked his watch.

The cab then came to a stop, and Domville peered out the window and saw his tailor's shop, `Weisman Clothiers.' Danner got out of the car, followed by Domville.

Handing the driver $2, Domville says"Now wait here, I will back in a moment."

The driver stared at him blankly, and then Domville motioned for the cab to remain. The cabbie fired off a few sentences in Itailian, and shifted his car into neutral.

"The real marvels is that you get where you want to go when the drivers can't even speak English," Domville commented to Danner, as the entered the shop.

The shop was filled with scents of leather and glue, and the sound of sewing machines drifted in from the back room. Leo Weisman walked up to greet them as the door closed behind them.

"Mr Domville, how wonderful to see you," he said, traces of a Yiddish accent easily heard in his voice.

"Leo, it's good seeing you too. This is my friend, Mr. Danner," said Domville. "He's looking for a suit, and I am sorry to say it's for this evening."

"Mr. Domville. A new suit? By tonight? I may be a miracle worker, but that I can't do," said the tailor.

"Leo, Mr. Danner and I are similar in build and size. Have you any of my suits ready?" asked the architect? "If so, please alter one for him. And Leo, he needs all the accessories, belt, shirt, tie, stockings and shoes. I would consider it a personal favor if you can do this today."

"Mr. Domville, I believe I can, but I can't possibly do it for less than $45," said the tailor, hoping he didn't offend his long time patron.

"Leo, I know it will cost, and you know how I love to haggle," said Domville. He closed his eyes briefly and pulled some information from the tailor's mind.

"You start at $45, I'll counter with $25. We'll go back and forth, and eventually settle on $34.50. But given the rush we are in, I will pay $40. Put the difference toward Leo Jr.'s dowry account. Is he still courting Mitzie Tannenbaum?"

"Yes he is, and you'll make him so happy. Thank you Mr. Domville," said the tailor.

"Mr. Danner, please stay and wait for the suit, if you don't mind. And I trust you can get home from here?" asked Domville.

"Yes, I can sir," replied Donner.

"Excellent. I will pick you up this evening at 7:00, and we can meet the Ravensdale's at the club. Where do you live?"

"The DuSable Hotel. Room 306. Thank you, and I will see you then," said Danner, as he extended a hand to Domville who shook it firmly, then exited the shop and entered the waiting cab.

[DocQuantum]

Part 3

Excerpt from the Journal of Simon Kirshner, July 9, 1881:

It was a warm summers evening, on a train bound for Nowhere, Nevada. On board I met up with a gambler, and we were both too tired to sleep. His name was Bartholomew Lash, but he went by the name Bat. He reclined in his seat with his feet up on the seat across from him.

Dressed in a long white coat with a red boutonniere, blue pin-striped trousers and a white hat, the blond haired gambler looked the part of a dandy. But his eyes said something very different about him. He was a man who had known pain, and knew how to hide it. It was apparent he had lived a lot more in his years than most men. In that respect we were very much alike.

Bat was on his way to Nowhere for a big game. I was traveling past that point to Silver City. I had been asked by jewelers and merchants of my town to negotiate a price for a silver shipment for use in jewelry, fine cutlery and serving platters. They all know how I love to haggle and that I would get us the best price.

Since sleep eluded us, we played poker. Bat was looking for practice before the game. I have to admit he's very good, and has good instincts. But I have been playing cards since they were invented. Needless to say I won more than I lost. And I learned one more thing about my friend. When faced with a superior foe, he cheats. I hoped he didn't do that as a rule, but it's none of my business.

And also while we played, we drank and talked. And while we talked, I did something I rarely did, I revealed my past. I rarely get the chance to tell the story, and Bat was an interested audience. I told him of my humble beginnings, my never-ending fight with the Savage, and of my last death at his hands in Prussia in 1871, and how for the last decade I had been a simple crafter of jewelry.

After I finished, I watched the gambler for a reaction. He smiles. And then told me a story of how he and a few of his friends helped a "future man" who could move faster than a locomotive return home. While his story sounded like a tall-tale, it did show he was receptive to things beyond normal understanding.

He sat and stared out the window for several minutes, drank down the last swallow of my whiskey, and then began to speak. He spoke to me as if he accepted my story, whether or not he actually did. He pointed out how Savage was using proxies or help in his plan, be it the Illuminati, or the Chancellor of the German nation. And no matter how many lives I lived, I was just one man. And in that moment it was clear. By working alone for centuries, I had constantly put myself at a disadvantage.

I needed help in my fight. I needed to forge a group of my own to assist me. I nodded agreement, and Bat continued. He explained the concept of the con man and of something called the long con. He said it looked like Savage was playing it. He questioned why a man who wants to rule would be second chair to someone else, like Chancellor Bismark? It could only be because it suits his long term goal of ruling all.

Keep people separated and fighting among each other and no one will see whatever he is doing when he does it. I knew then I too would have to anticipate his moves and plan my own. I had been wasting my advantage for generations. I would not do that again. I thanked my new friend for his insight. And I asked him if he would help me. He smiled, and asked how I would know him in my next life-time.

I looked down at my hand, and removed the bears head ring I wore. I had crafted the ring as a conceit, harkening back to my long dead past as part of the bear clan. It was a bear's head ring made in platinum, with a black onyx stone. I gave it to him, and told him to wear it. And anyone who was helping me would know him by the ring, and he would know them and me by an identical one I would wear. He joked about me starting a new bear clan, and I laughed too.

He took the ring, then tilted his hat over his eyes and said he was going to get some sleep. I was too tried to sleep and drifted off to sleep uneasily, so much already on my mind. When I awoke, he was gone, but had left a paper in my pocket, with the name of a town. It said to wire him there if I needed him.

------------

The Yellow cab stopped at the entrance to the Palmer House hotel. Domville exited, leaned in the passenger side window and handed the driver three dollars. He turned and entered the hotel. While walking, he reached into his pocket and slid a bear's head ring onto his finger. He nodded acknowledgements to the staff greeting him as he moved through the lobby. Entering the hotel's dining room, he glanced across the room, and saw his luncheon companion.

As he moved through the tables, he noted how much older his friend had become. His yellow hair was now silver and deep lines were visible in his face. But there he was, his telltale white coat resting on the back of another chair at the table, and Domville imagined his hat on the seat. But also leaning on that chair was a silver knobbed cane, another symbol of the passage of time.

Domville was always taken aback when seeing the effects of aging on those he has known across lives, having never really spent enough time in one life to see it happen. He arrived at the table and extended a hand to his friend.

"Nice ring," said Domville, his own ring visible on his hand.

"Thank you friend, it's an original Kirshner. I hear his work sells for a pretty penny," replied the gambler. "Oh but I see you have your own."

The two men smiled, and Domville took a seat at the table. The waiter came over, and Lash ordered steaks for both of them.

"I just have to get a steak when in Chicago. You can always get the freshest cuts of meat here," said Lash as the waiter departed.

Domville took a sip from his glass of water and commented "You're looking well."

"I'm looking old," said Lash. "Feeling old too. But that's to be expected... of most people," he said with a smile.

"I get old too, Bat," said Domville. "Just never for long."

They both laughed, and enjoyed friendly conversation, catching up on recent events as their meal was served. Lash questioned Domville why he hadn't settled down, and Domville again repeated he didn't know how long he had in this life.

"No one knows," said Lash. "So why not make the most of it."

"Maybe when my job is done," replied the immortal.

After the meal was finished, and coffee served, Lash took out a narrow cigar, about six inches long, and lit it, enjoying an after meal smoke. With the pleasantries concluded, Domville got to business.

"The building is almost at the stage where the magician can work. Have you had any luck?" asked Domville.

"I checked several on the California coast, but nothing panned out. But I did engage a detective in New York, who has a promising lead. I am booked on the evening train."

"I hadn't imagined it would be so hard to locate one," sai Domville. I used to run into them all the time.

"Why it's not like they advertise in the paper," said Lash. "I'll find your man. Have I ever let you down." The conversation paused, then "Except for Laredo?" Both men laughed.

"Will you be coming back after your meeting in New York?" asked Domville.

"Only to change trains. I have a business opportunity in Shanghai, and I am on a ship to China on the 20th."

"China? What could you possible find there?" asked Domville.

"Fun. Adventure. My youth," said the gambler. "I need a change. But thing is, I may not be back this way." He began to remove the ring from his finger.

"No Bat, keep it. If you find someone worthy, pass it on. If not, take it with you. Or sell it. I hear original Kirshner jewelry is worth something," said the architect with a smile.

"Thank you," said Lash, and he slid the ring back onto his hand. They both knew Lash would never sell the ring. It was a lasting symbol of their friendship.

"Here," said Domville as he removed his own ring. "If you find the man I am looking for, tell him the story, and give him this. I trust your judgment about people." He paused briefly, then added "Except in Laredo." They laughed again, and chatted a little more as they finished their coffee.

Lash checked is watch and told his friend he had to go. They stood and shook hands once again. He watched the gambler leave as he paid the bill. He had a feeling this was the last time they would meet. He was grateful to the man, especially since his advice had made his final victory possible.

Domville left the restaurant and took the elevator to his room. He had time to bathe and change before the dinner with his employer and the enigmatic Mr. Donner.

[DocQuantum]

Part 4

Johnny Kelly was having a bad day. He had just returned from a supply run to the Canadian border, only to find out a barman he recommended had been skimming. To say he was upset was putting it mildly. He stood in the alley behind the DeWulf House with two of his boys, `talking' to the bartender.

The two men held the barkeep, as Kelly hit him over and over. He paused and said "Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy. I put the word in for you, and this is how you repay me? You make me look bad in front of Mr. DeLuca." Then he struck Jimmy again.

"What am I going to do with you," said the gangster, a hint of an Irish brogue in his voice.

Weakly, Jimmy said "I'm sorry Johnny. I needed the money. Ma keeps sending money back to family in Ireland. She's breaking me."

"No Jimmy," said Kelly, "I'm breaking ya." And he proceeded to hit the man again. The bruised and battered barman sagged in the arms of the two thugs holding him. Kelly nodded to them, and they dropped him.

"Jimmy, Mr. DeLuca asked me to talk to you and make sure you never do it again. Are you gonna do it again?"

"No Johnny, never. I swear," said Jimmy.

"Then off with you boy-o. You don't work here no more," Kelly replied.

The barman dragged himself to his feet, and started slowly shuffling down the alley. Kelly watched him and shook his head slowly. He then turned to his men and said "Malone, Harrington, off with ya. Go spend some time with your boys. It's been a long couple of days."

The two smiled and took off quickly, before Kelly had a chance to change his mind. Kelly smiled at his men, entered the club and shut the alleyway door. He walked through the kitchen, the staff stepping out of his way. He stopped at a sink and washed the blood off of his fists. He slipped on his white fedora and dark blue pin-striped jacket, and then entered the club floor.

He looked across the club and saw his boss, Angelo DeLuca, talking to the new bartender. He walked over to his boss, and waited for the older man to finish speaking. When he did, he turned to Kelly.

"Our problem is dealt with?" asked the club owner.

"Yes sir. We had a good talk, and he's been fired. He won't be pulling that here no more," said Kelly.

"He had better not Johnny. I took your advice and gave him a job. And you let me down. It had better not happen again."

Angry at being talked down to like this, Kelly simply replied "No boss, never again." Just then, he noticed a black haired man, with a pencil thin mustache and black tuxedo standing against the wall behind his boss.

"Did you hear me Kelly? Get ready, we're opening the doors," said DeLuca.

Kelly turned to his boss and acknowledged him, then turned back and saw the man was gone. He scanned the club floor and there was no trace of the tuxedoed gentleman. `Strange' he said to himself as he shook his head and moved to his place near the front door. He had a man who admitted customers, but he had a position so he could see everyone entering the club. He wanted to make sure he liked the look of everyone who came in. It was Kelly's job to keep the peace, even if meant causing a little trouble to maintain that peace.

[DocQuantum]

Last chapter posted on February 24, 2013