The Nickel Trophy: An unusual commission offer for the apparently simple task of sculpting a memorial to a boy, accidentally killed 40 years ago, turns hazardous, raising suspicions as to the real cause of death. Usher must sort through feuding communities and shattered dreams to come up with the Nickel Trophy.

The Bronze Bones: An elderly blind client accused Usher of making silver masks of ringers instead of her twin granddaughters. While clearing his name, he runs into massive frauds, murders, political corruption and even the Chicoms. However, meeting Tanner Jones, the fossil man, simplifies matters and makes the effort worthwhile.