Chapter 10
Small Heath, 1922
A brand new day.
A brand new life.
Lizzie practically skipped on her way to the Shelby Company offices. She felt… Well there were no words to truly describe it. Free, perhaps? Whole? Respectable? Whatever it was, she was the happiest that she had been since her father had put her on the game. To spend the whole day with Tommy, to have him look her in the eye, to have him talk to her as if she was a person rather than a means to an end, it was like a dream come true.
Arriving just before 8am she knocked on the outer door. Polly opened it a few moments later.
'Welcome Lizzie', she said formally, but there was a soft smile on her face. 'It's good to see you this morning. Let me show you to your desk.'
The desk was a miniature version of Tommy's and set up just outside his office door. Lizzie smiled as she ran her fingers over its polished surface then pressed down one of the keys on the typewriter. This was where she was meant to be. She placed her hat and coat on the stand by the door and then settled in to her chair adjusting the items on the desk to her preferred layout. When she was finished she posed, attentively, awaiting Tommy's arrival. It would not do for him to arrive and find her less than ready.
Thirty minutes later she was starting to feel uncomfortable. She went to find Polly.
'Do you know where Tommy is?' She asked tentatively. 'Or when he might arrive?'
Polly shook her head. 'He was late back from London last night but he should be in soon. Why don't I show you where everything is?'
Lizzie nodded. 'That would be helpful. I'd particularly like to know where the carbon copy paper is and the items for the typewriter.
'Or I could show you where the cash and the cocaine is stored?'
Lizzie smiled. 'I suppose that would be a start - although the location of the stationery would still be useful.'
Tommy finally arrived at 10:30am. By then Lizzie was sat with Polly and Esme in Tommy's office. Esme was well away – she was snorting coke like it was going out of fashion. Polly was sipping tea and whiskey. Lizzie, however, desperately trying to separate herself from her former life, was stone cold sober.
'Good morning, Mr Shelby', she said when she saw him. 'Can I get you a cup of tea?'
Taking In the three women before him he nodded. 'Aye - strong and black, Lizzie. Then come and take down a letter. Polly and Esme go home - you're a bloody disgrace!'
Thirty minutes later Tommy was sat comfortably in his office chair, sipping tea, and signing a letter that Lizzy had typed. They smiled at each other both happy with the turn that their relationship had taken.
Tommy took her hand. 'Remember, this is your only job now. No more whoring.'
Lizzie nodded happily. She had Tommy's trust now and she would not betray it. Not for anyone or anything.
Hi jmwatson - hope you enjoy this too.