What If... Emil Trueheart Had Not Died?

The recent "Midnite Mirror" storyline got me thinking about possible alternate timelines in the world of "Dick Tracy". So, in the same vein as Marvel's "What If..." and DC's "Elseworlds", I've composed this story of how things might have been...

If Emil Trueheart Had Not Died

1931

“Tess, I’m the happiest man in the world tonight.”

Dick Tracy put his arm around Tess Trueheart’s waist and ushered her into the next room. She had just agreed to marry him, and the young couple shared the happy news with her parents. Tracy’s own parents had died some years before. He had come to think of the Truehearts as his new family, and he was pleased to finally make it official.

Suddenly, the apartment door flew open and two masked gunmen burst in.

“Stick ‘em up! Alla y’u!” said one of the robbers. 

The two men demanded to know where Emil Trueheart had hidden his savings. Tracy stood there with his hands up, feeling helpless. I can’t just stand here and watch Pop Trueheart lose everything, he thought.  I’m a police officer, for pity’s sake. I have to do something.

Emil began to loudly defy the masked men.

“Who are you to take what I’ve slaved years to get?” He demanded.

Tracy saw his chance. He rushed one of the robbers and grabbed his gun arm, forcing it up. The robber fired and the bullet lodged in the ceiling. Tess screamed. 

The other robber turned and shot. Tracy twisted his body around and using the man he was grappling with as a shield. He forced the man backwards and into his co-hort, who fired again. 

By this time, Emil had grabbed a chair and smashed it over the head of the second gunman. Dazed, he dropped his gun and staggered out of the apartment. Emil prepared to run after him when Tess called out.

“Father, don’t leave!" Tess cried. “It’s mother! She’s hurt!”

The man in Tracy’s arms weakened and slumped. Tracy let the body drop to ground and finally took in the scene. He turned from the open door to the broken chair and finally to the Truehearts, where Tess and Emil were gathered around the fallen Mrs. Trueheart. Blood was spreading across the front of her blouse.

“I’ll get help!” Tracy said. He ran down the stairs to the street and found a police call box. He looked around distractedly for any sign of the other assailant, but there was none. He hoped that an ambulance would arrive in time.

Later

“You can’t work this case, Tracy. I’m sorry.”

Police Chief Brandon sat back in his chair as Tracy stood stiffly in front of his desk, wearing his patrolman’s uniform. Brandon’s face was sympathetic, but his words stung.

“I’m an eyewitness, Chief. I’m in the best possible position to identify the killer.” Tracy protested.

“I’m aware of that.” Brandon responded. “And when we do run him down, you’ll be called in for the line-up. But as it stands, you’re a liability.”

“I disagree, sir.”

Brandon sighed heavily. “Tracy, I’ve been watching you for a while. You’re good police officer, and I think you have the makings of a fine detective. But you’re too close to this case. I know you have a connection to the Trueheart family…”

“Tess and I are to be married, sir.” Tracy interjected.

“That’s my point. You’re liable to go off on some half-cocked crusade to find the gunman and make of mess things in the process. Maybe get yourself killed even.”

“I’m not afraid of that.” Tracy said.

“Then you’re a fool.” Brandon leaned forward. “That man who was killed during the robbery was a known member of the Big Boy’s outfit. The other one almost certainly was as well. You can be sure that Big Boy will have him squirreled away somewhere with a dozen armed men between you and him.”

“So, we do nothing, sir? We just let him get away?” Tracy tried to keep any trace of insubordination out of his voice, but it was difficult.

“We’ll do it quietly. We’ve got your description of the man, and a police sketch and an APB out for him. And I’ve assigned a plainclothes detective to the case. Patton.” Brandon said.

“Patton?” Tracy raised an eyebrow. “He’s got a… reputation in the department, sir.”

“He’s a fine detective.” Brandon paused. Tracy remained quiet. “He’s perfectly competent. And I promise that if there’s anything more that can be done, we will.”

“Is that all, sir?” Tracy asked.

Brandon stood. He walked across his desk and looked Tracy in the eye.

“This is a bad piece of luck you’ve had, Tracy. I don’t know what I’d do in your place. But we have to handle this carefully. You keep your head down, keep walking your beat, keep doing your job as well as you have been, and you’ll be a detective soon enough. Then you can really make a difference.”

“I understand, Chief.” Tracy said, dispassionately.

“Good.” Brandon forced a smile. “Now, back to your duties.”

Tracy nodded a left, his jaw clenched.

***

“Father, you have to eat.”

Tess Trueheart pushed the bowl of soup closer to her father as she stood at his side. He leaned away.

“I’m not hungry.” He protested, weakly.

“You’ve barely touched any food since-“ Tess stopped abruptly. The atmosphere in her home had been strained since the robbery. When the doctor had told her and her father that her mother had not survived, the light went out of Emil’s eyes. Tess had been forced to handle the burden of making the funeral arrangements as well as managing the family business. 

After a few days, Emil had finally started responding to her, interacting more, and even spending a few hours in the deli, accepting condolences from their regular customers. Then he had started to make plans…

There was a knock at the door. Tess went from the kitchen to the front room and answered. Tracy stood there, holding flowers.

“Dick!” Tess cried. She threw her arms around him and pressed her face to his chest.

“Hey there, old girl.” Tracy said awkwardly. “I know I’ve been out of the picture for while…”

“Dick, it’s been so difficult. I’m at my wit’s end.” Tess nearly sobbed the words.

“I know, dear, but we’ll make it work. You and your father can come live with me. We’ll start over, and I’ll make detective soon, so-”

“You!” Tracy looked up at the sound from the kitchen. Emil stood in the doorway. Tracy noticed the black band on his arm.

“This is all your fault!” Emil spat. He walked unsteadily toward the couple, quaking with rage.

“Dick, he’s been impossible-“ Tess murmured.

“You and your damned heroics!” Emil cried. “If you hadn’t gotten involved, they would have just taken the money and left! And Mama would still be here!”

“Mr. Trueheart, I swear, I-” Dick started.

“Mr. Big Shot Policeman!” Emil yelled. “Can’t even keep a sweet little old lady safe in her own home! Well, I’ve had enough of you, and this city and the crime and hoodlums and all of it!”

“Father, you’re raving! Stop it!” Tess insisted.  

“I’m taking what’s mine and I’m going!” Emil declared. “And I won’t miss a single bit of it! Now get out of my home, you! Out!”

Emil stood there, clenching and unclenching his fists. Tracy looked him over, then backed out the door. Tess joined him in the hallway.

“He’ll get over it.” Dick said.

“He won’t, Dick.” Tess looked down. “He’s… he’s made some arrangements.”

“What do you mean?” Tracy asked.

“He’s sold the deli.” Tess answered. “A nice Dutch immigrant gave him a fair price. With that, plus his savings, he’s moving to Kansas.”

“Kansas?” Tracy asked.

“He wants somewhere quiet. Peaceful.” Tess looked up with tears in her eyes. “And I’m going with him.”

Tracy put his hands on her shoulders. “What? You can’t!” He objected. “Tess, I need you here. With me. I love you.”

“I know you do, Dick, but he’s my father. He’s suffered so much, and he needs me more than you do.” Tess looked away again. “I’m sorry things have to be this way. Maybe in time, he’ll change his mind and we can come back, and-”

“Save it.” Tracy said brusquely. “I see how important I am to you.”

Tracy stepped back from her. “If there’s any news on the killer, I’ll get word to you.” He said. Then he wheeled on her and left. 

Tess sobbed as he went, and Tracy pretended that he didn’t hear.  

1932

“Hey! Stop that kid! He stole my watch!” 

Tracy’s head turned at the cry. He had just rounded the corner of a city block when the young street urchin barreled past him. Taking in the situation, Tracy turned and gave chase, the coat of his patrolman’s uniform flapping in the wind.

The boy was fast, and he knew the city well. He darted down alleys and across streets at a reckless pace. Tracy nearly lost track of him a few times, but the sharp-eyed police officer eventually caught up to the child as he approached a railyard.

“Come back here, kid!” Tracy yelled. “You’re gonna get hurt!”

The boy ran along a train that was pulling out of the railyard, building up speed. Finally, the boy ran in front of the train in a desperate attempt to get away. Tracy mustered his strength and put on a final burst of speed, rounding in front of the train with inches to spare. He stopped briefly to catch his breath and saw the boy watching him from a few feet away, mouth open in surprise.

“You’re crazy!” The kid exclaimed.  

In a sudden rush, Tracy lunged and grabbed the kid, holding him tight by the arm.

“Lemme go!” The kid demanded. “Yer breakin’ my arm!”

“If I want your arm broken, you’ll know it.” Tracy said between puffs of air. 

By this time, the train had passed and Tracy pulled the struggling child along back toward the city proper.

“Where’re you takin’ me?” The kid asked.

“First, we’re going to find that guy and give him his watch back.” Tracy explained. “Then I’m taking you down to the station, and we’re going to call your folks. If they have any sense, they’ll whip some discipline into you.”

“I don’t got no folks!” The kid insisted.

“Then you’ll go to the orphanage.” Tracy said.

The boy began struggling hard, trying to wriggle out of Tracy’s grasp.

“I ain’t goin’ to no orphanage!” he protested.

Tracy stopped, grabbed the front of the kid’s shirt and got down on one knee so he could look the boy in the eye.

“All right, tough guy.” Tracy snarled, shaking the boy with every other word to make his point. “If you don’t like the orphanage, then break out. I don’t care if you do or don’t. Just stay off my beat, got it?”

Tracy’s voice dripped with menace. The boy’s eyes went wide as the fight left his young body. Tracy led him back the way they had come without further resistance.

  

1933

 

Tracy walked into Chief Brandon’s office with his patrolman’s hat under his arm. His uniform was pressed and his badge and buttons gleamed. The Chief smiled as Tracy entered.

“Tracy. Good to see you.” Chief Brandon said. Tracy nodded in acknowledgement. “Do you know why I called you here today?”

“No, sir.” Tracy responded.

“But you suspect, don’t you?” Brandon prompted. 

“I avoid speculating, sir.” Tracy remained stoic. 

Brandon sighed. “Well, it’s good news and bad news. You seem like the kind of man who prefers the bad news first, so I’ll just come out with it. I’m being forced to resign.”

Tracy’s eyed widened. “Sir?”

“It’s the new Mayor. Herrod.” Brandon practically spat the name. “He’s as corrupt as the day is long, and there’s no room for me in his city. He’s made it clear to me that I can either resign, or my life can become very, very difficult.”

“That’s a rotten deal, sir.” Tracy said.

“Don’t I know it. But, before I’m forced out, I plan to give the city a going-away present.” Brandon pointed at Tracy. “You.”

“Sir?” Tracy asked.

“I’m promoting you to detective. Effective immediately.” Brandon showed Tracy the paperwork on his desk. “Tomorrow morning you’ll go to work in the plainclothes division.”

“I’m honored sir.” Tracy replied.

“You’ll need to be careful, son.” Brandon said. “You don’t have a family, so they can’t get to you through that. I know you’re not corruptible, and they’ll figure that out soon enough. So, you’ll have to watch your back. All the time. But if any man can break the hold that organized crime has on this city, I’m sure it’s you.”

“I’ll do right by you, Chief.” Tracy said. 

“Good man. Dismissed.” 

Tracy turned to go, then turned back.

“Sir? Who’s going to be the new Chief?” Tracy asked.

“Pat Patton.” Brandon replied. Tracy’s jaw tightened.

“Patton? He’s a bumbler, sir.” Tracy said matter-of-factly.

“That’s why Herrod likes him.” Brandon observed. “He’s good-natured enough. And he’s diplomatic. That’s something you’ll have to learn.”

“I understand.” Tracy said. “I’ll make the best of it, sir.”

“I know you will, Tracy.” Brandon said. “I’m counting on it.”   

1935 

Dear Mayor Wright,

I am writing in response to your letter of the 12th. 

I am flattered by your invitation to become Temporary Police Chief of the town of Homeville. I know how frustrating it must be to deal with corruption in one’s police department.

However, I must respectfully decline.

Presumably, your invitation was prompted by the reports of my capturing the notorious criminal Boris Arson. You may also be familiar with my work in dismantling organized crime here in the big city. With that in mind, I could not in good conscience leave my home in the hands of the criminal element in order to help your small town.

If you find that you are unable to battle corruption, graft, nepotism, and fraud in your city government, perhaps you might find it wise to resign and make way for someone more suited to the task of leading your community.

As for me, I have important work to do.

Regards,

Dick Tracy 

1936 

Tracy strode into Chief Patton’s office. Patton was standing at the window, apparently watching some pigeons.

“You summoned me, sir?” Tracy said.

“’Summoned’? Come on, Tracy, you know I don’t like to be that formal.” Patton smiled warmly. “Have a seat?”

“I prefer to stand.” Tracy said bluntly.

“I see. Well, anyway, I suppose you’ve heard about what happened in the jail last night?” Patton asked.

“No, sir.”

“Your suspect. Manlis. ‘Lips’, I think he’s called.” Patton explained.

“What about him, sir?” Tracy asked.

“He’s dead.” Patton answered. Tracy’s face showed no emotion. 

“Sir?” Tracy asked.

“The custodian found him this morning. Poison, looks to be.” Patton explained. “You were the last person to interrogate him last night, weren’t you?”

“Yes, sir. About the Gothorn murder in the hotel.” Tracy said.

“Pretty sure that Manlis was our man, were you?” Patton asked.

“Very sure.” Tracy replied. “He’s killed before, even if it couldn’t be proved. I was this close to getting a confession from him.”

“Well, it seems like you got it.” Patton indicated a piece of paper on his desk. “They found that in his cell.”

Tracy picked up the paper and read it. In block letters it said “I KILLED GOTHORN, BUT YOU’LL NEVER FRY ME FOR IT. I’LL SEE HIM IN HELL.”

“That would seem to close the books on the case. Sir.” Tracy said.

Patton rubbed his chin. “Yes, I suppose so. Damnedest thing, though. I can’t for the life of me figure out where he got the poison from.”

“He probably had it concealed on his person.” Tracy offered. “A lot of these toughs do that when they know we’re closing in on them. Don’t want to give us the satisfaction of sending them to the chair.”

“That makes sense.” Patton agreed. He settled down into his chair. “Still, how do you suppose he wrote this note? There was no pen or paper in the cell with him…”

Tracy’s eyes narrowed. “Must have had it on him, too.” He said. Patton mulled the idea over for a moment, then nodded.

“Well, anyway, that closes the book on Manlis and the Gothorn murder. Good work, Tracy.” Patton smiled at the detective.

“Thank you, sir.” Tracy said, coolly. “Will that be all?”

“No, no, I don’t think so.” Patton said. “I want you to know something, Tracy. I think you’re a good detective. A credit to the force, in fact. But I often get the feeling that you don’t much care for me.”

“I didn’t mean to give that impression, sir.” 

“Good, good.” Patton smiled again. “I probably just imagined it. Glad to know there’s no bad blood here. That’ll be all.”

“Yes, sir.” Tracy didn’t move. “Before I go, sir, have there been any new developments on the Trueheart murder?”

“Trueheart?” Patton looked confused.

“Yes, sir. An older women. Shot and killed during a B&E.” An edge crept into Tracy’s voice. “About five years ago. You were the lead detective on the case.”

Recognition came over Patton’s face. “Oh! Oh, yes, Trueheart. Now, that is a name out of the past, isn’t it? I’m afraid I haven’t thought about that case in ages.”

“So, there are no new developments to report, then.” Tracy stated.

“No. No new developments, Tracy. I can’t imagine there will be.” Patton looked confused.

“I thought as much. Thank you, sir.” Tracy left Pat Patton’s office briskly.

1940

Tracy climbed the steps to his apartment slowly. He had noticed himself slowing down in the past year or two, and it galled him. The cramp in his shooting hand also bothered him. It had never fully recovered from the injury he suffered from Jerome Trohs, and he had taken great pains to develop his aim with his other hand. Trohs had learned about that personally, as had many of the members of his gang.

Tracy reached the landing in front of his apartment and stopped short he gasped in surprise.

“Tess!” he said.

“Hello, Dick.”

Tess looked nearly the same as the last time he had seen her. If anything, she was a bit more plump, but it suited her. Her skin was smooth and creamy, and her hair shone even in the dim light. She smiled broadly and came in to hug him. He put his hands on her shoulders, holding her at a distance.

“What are you doing here?” Tracy asked.

“I just got into the city on a train, and I wanted to see you.” She explained. “I wasn’t sure if you’d even be living in the same place, but I thought I’d take a chance. If I didn’t find you here I was going to check into a hotel and then call at the police station in the morning.” 

“Is your father with you?” Tracy asked.

“No, he’s- No.” Tess said. “Can we go inside? I don’t want to stand out here in the hall all evening.”

Tracy bustled past her and opened the door. She followed him into his apartment and looked around. The room was sparse, with plain grey walls. A desk with a telephone on it sat against the wall. Tess was flattered to see that her photograph was the only decoration.

“Do you want something to eat?” Tracy offered. “I don’t have much, but I could make some sandwiches.”

“No, that’s all right, thank you.” Tess said. “I have a dinner reservation at Club Rhumba later tonight. The food is supposed to be excellent and the entertainment is the Rudy Seton Orchestra. Do you know it?”

“Seton? Yeah, I know him.” Tracy said. “He’s a scoundrel. I wouldn’t be caught dead in his place.”

Tess’ face fell. “Oh. So, you wouldn’t be interested in joining me? I made the reservation for two, just on the off-chance…”

“Hmm…” Tracy thought it over. “Might be fun to go and put a scare into him. I’m sure he’s up to something at that club. Those jazz types always are.”

“Oh. Well, maybe you can put off a confrontation until after we eat?” She smiled, weakly. 

“Maybe. Sit down, for goodness sake. You must be exhausted.” Tracy gestured at the one chair in the room., then went into the kitchen. “Do you want a glass of water or anything?”

“Yes, all right.” Tess said.

“So, is your father back in Kansas, or is he staying somewhere here in the city?” Tracy asked from the other room.

“No, Dick…” Tess sat down heavily. “He’s dead.”

Tracy entered the doorway and looked at her. “Dead? Was he sick?”

“No. It… It was a robbery.” Tess drew a handkerchief from her handbag and covered her nose and mouth. 

Tracy hurried over with water. “No, I’m fine, really. I’ve cried enough in the month since it happened.”

“A month?” Tracy asked. “And this is the first I’m hearing about it?”

“What could you have done, Dick?” Tess looked up at him. “The local police caught the men that did it. They were a pair of bank robbers. The Jones brothers. Apparently, they came into the lunch counter that father had opened and order a couple of sandwiches, then demanded everything in the till. Father gave them the money, but they shot him anyway.”

Tracy’s jaw tightened and his cheeks turned red.

“There was plenty of evidence when they got caught. They shot at the police and were taken into custody.” Tess explained. “They were wanted in couple of states, so they’ll face federal charges. It’s all very straightforward, apparently.”

“’Charges’.” Tracy harrumphed. “They should just take them out back of the courthouse and shoot them.”

“Don’t talk like that, Dick.” Tess said.

“It burns me up to think of it, is all…” Tracy fumed.

“I know, I know.” Tess agreed. 

A moment passed.

“You stopped writing to me a while back.” Tracy began.

“You never responded.” Tess objected.

“I told you I’d let you know when there was anything to report about your mother’s case.” Tracy said. “There wasn’t.”

“Still, Dick, I worried about you.”

“Worried?” Tracy asked.

“Well, wondered, I suppose.” Tess said. “Have you made detective?”

“Sure. Years ago.” Tracy answered.

“Good. I’m glad. I’m sure that made you happy.” Tess forced a smile.

“Happy? No, not necessarily.” Tracy said, coldly. “I like the work, if that’s what you mean.”

“Hmm.” Tess paused again. “You know, Dick, I… I never had any boyfriends in Kansas.”

Tracy raised an eyebrow.

“Not one. Not in eight and a half years.” Tess explained.

“That’s hard to believe.” Tracy said.

“It’s true!” Tess took a sip of water. “There were men who were interested, of course.”

“Of course.” Tracy was rueful.

“Men would ask me for a date, and I’d make some excuse about having to take care of father. Or I’d just say no without a reason.” Tess looked at him. “Many of them were very nice.”

“Get a lot of smooth talkers in Kansas, do you?” Tracy scoffed.

“Nice men, Dick!” Tess burst. “I turned down NICE MEN. Even the local County Sheriff. He was a sweet, handsome man and he would have done anything for me but I broke his heart again and again because I thought someday I might be back here with you.”

The words poured out of Tess so quickly that it surprised her. She went on. 

“And now here I am, and all you can do is offer me a sandwich and glass of water and mock all of the suffering I’ve been through…”

Tracy breathed in heavily. 

“Look, old scout, I don’t know what you were expecting.” He said. “But I can tell you that your timing’s rotten. I gave my notice at the department last week. I’m going into the Navy.”

“The Navy?” Tess asked. “Will you be stationed nearby?”

“That’s not up to me.”

“What will you do? Mop decks? Cook? Man guns, or RADAR, or-”

“I don’t know, Tess!” Tracy interrupted. “I’ll probably be some kind of Military Police. Maybe I’ll be a dog handler. I always like dogs…”

Neither of them spoke for a moment. Finally, Tess stood.

“Well, I hope you’ll be safe, at least.” She said.

“A man doesn’t join the Navy to be safe.” Tracy replied, bluntly.

“Then at least do some good.” Tess said with frustration. “I know that’s the only way you’ll be happy.”

“I don’t think you have any idea what will make me happy.” Tracy said.

Tess was struck. She let the words sink in for a moment, then composed a response.

“I think you’re right. In fact, I don’t think I know you at all, Dick Tracy.” 

She walked out without looking back.

END