Knowing how much his future father-in-law abhorred tardiness, Henry arrived early to Green Mount Cemetery. It was an unconventional place to meet, but when Rolland Marshall demanded your presence, it was best to arrive when and where he told you. Though there was no indication that it was to be a formal meeting, Henry wore one of his better suits. He paced between the headstones, trying to understand why Roland had requested a private meeting with him in the cemetery.

At precisely two o'clock, Henry spotted Rolland's imposing figure stride through the main entrance. Though Henry was himself a taller than average man, he was all but dwarfed by Rolland's commanding stature. At six foot five and a husky three-hundred pounds, the only thing more intimidating than Rolland's physical form was his bullheadedness. Rolland was the type of man who not only enjoyed confrontation, but often sought it out purely for entertainment. Henry couldn't help but notice Rolland's bemused smile as he extended a hand, a sure indication of trouble ahead.

"I have not kept you waiting, have I?" he asked, delivering a crushing handshake.

"No, sir. You are right on time as usual, though confess I was as surprised by the invitation," Henry replied. "I hope everything is alright?"

"There have been some recent developments," he replied, pushing past Henry to admire the beautifully-carved headstone only a few feet directly behind him.

The name Lillian Eloise Marshall was the name carved on the headstone in thin, serif letters; the late Mrs. Rolland Marshall.

With great effort, Rolland sank to a knee. He tenderly traced his fingers over the letters. When she was alive, Lillian was the bright light in his life, the person who softened his edges. She was rudely taken from the world just nine months ago. Henry watched on in silence, knowing whatever conversation was to happen next would be difficult.

"I should have brought some flowers for her. Lily always loved flowers. She couldn't keep 'em alive but—God bless her! —the way her face would light up when I'd bring home fresh cut roses would just about melt all the snow in the Alps."

Rolland struggling for a moment to get back up on his feet. With a quick dusting of his knee he setting his sights on Henry.

"She was a remarkable woman," Henry replied, unsure what else to say. He knew that the words would sound like hollow pleasantries, but it felt like the type thing one was required to say to a widower. Especially when standing before his wife's grave. "It was a great privilege to have known her, sir."

"Right, right. Back to the matter at hand" Rolland snapped. He grasped Henry by the shoulder and gave him a firm squeeze. "I always liked you, Henry."

"Uh, thank you, sir," Henry replied.

"You're a straightforward chap, and I admire that in a man. It was why I wanted to talk to you face to face today." Rolland removed his hands and stood tall. "I wanted to terminate your engagement to Faye."

Henry felt like Rolland just punched him in the gut.

"Break off? But sir, we—"

"I know, plans in place and all that business, but I feel it would be best for all parties involved if you announced this as soon as possible."

"Best?" Henry croaked, his arms limp at his sides. "Mr. Marshall, was there something I did to upset you? You know that I am devoted to your daughter! We've been engaged for over a year now and—"

"And now you shall be engaged no longer." Rolland's tone implied there ought to be no arguing with the statement. Shaking his head, Henry tried to remain calm.

"But why?"

Rolland smirked. "Didn't think I'd find out about your new little business venture? You may not be well-connected, but a fall from grace hardly ever goes unnoticed by some of us, Dr. Glass."

Henry was speechless. He'd rehearsed this very confrontation countless times in his head before this moment, but now that it'd finally arrived, the words would not come forth. Ever since his parent's death, Henry assumed medicine was his calling in life. Could a man like Rolland even understand what it was like to have lost faith in your life's work? Knowing that he was incapable of lying to the man, Henry chose his words carefully.

"I made the decision to leave the clinic last month and have no plans to return to medicine ever again. You're right, I should have talked to you about the decision, and for that I apologize. It has been a difficult time."

"Why is that exactly? You seemed to have a lot of promise, even if you weren't able to save my dear Lily," he sneered.

Henry bit back the flash of anger Rolland's comment ignited. He'd done everything in his power to save Mrs. Marshall, but the fever was too severe. He'd administered all the aid he was able and still endured the frustration and agony of watching his patient slip away. Though her death still weighed heavy on his heart, the true burden was that he was too proud and stubborn to accept that failure.

"Then you already know that I've gone into business with my brothers," Henry replied, hoping to pivot the conversation elsewhere.

"Ah yes, the Glass Brothers Paranormal Investigators? Trading in a white coat to chase ghosts?" Rolland mused.

"I'm bringing my scientific expertise to the business. The best defense against superstition is science and reason, after all," Henry replied.

Henry had to admit that Robert and Jacob's business venture seemed like a rather foolhardy one when they first opened. Now that they'd been open for over a year, the steady influx of clients was a testament to their innovation. It was odd work for certain, but it appeared to be work that people were willing to pay for. And with Henry's medical expertise now added to the mix, there could potentially be new opportunities to make their profession a bit more respectable in the city.

"Does my new profession warrant breaking Faye's heart?"  Henry asked, feeling his temper flare.

"My daughter's heart is not as important as her marrying a man that will do the right thing."

"The right thing?" Henry spat, no longer able to hide the bitterness in his words. "Was I doing the right thing when I put aside all of my other patients for months on end to stay at your wife's bedside and try to save her?"

Rolland bristled at Henry's tone, standing a bit taller as he spoke. "You were doing your job, and if I recall, I paid you rather well for doing it despite your failure."

"I did everything I could and you know it," Henry replied.

Though Henry knew Faye never held her mother's death against him, Henry always suspected that Rolland would never forgive him. Even so, Henry was in love. During his time caring for Mrs. Marshall, Faye was at his side. She was eager to learn medicine herself and proved a apt student. Henry hoped that with his encouragement and her father's influence, perhaps Faye herself could pursue medicine as a nurse or even a doctor. It wasn't unheard of, but now Henry knew it would be impossible.

"My daughter deserves someone better than a failed doctor. I'm sure this little business venture of yours is profitable, but that doesn't make it respectable. Do you have any idea what people are saying about you?" Rolland scanned Henry's blank expression with a smug grin. "Of course you don't. And that's the problem, Henry."

Henry stepped closer to Rolland, desperation choking his voice.

"Please don't to this, Rolland. I love your daughter."

"Then break off the engagement."

"I can't do that," Henry croaked.

"I'm giving you a choice. You can either break off the engagement with Faye or I will do it on your behalf. The only difference between these two options is that the first allows you to see Faye one last time, and the other ensures you never see her again."

Henry clenched his fists as the despair in him turn to into rage. As much as he was angry at Rolland, he was every bit as angry at himself for believing for the first time in his life that things would work out for the best. From the devastating fire that claimed the lives of his parents to the terribly falling out with his uncle, it felt as if disappointment and ruin stalked Henry. Why shouldn't the love of his life be snatched away from him forever?

Henry knew there would be no reasoning with Rolland on the matter, and worse still, he knew Rolland would make good on his threats. Henry swallowed enough anger to muster a polite reply.

"When may I come over to speak to her?"

Rolland's entire demeanor brightened with triumph. "Come by in the morning and we'll get this squared away. I knew you'd see things my way. Everyone does, eventually."