The Girl and The Gangster
Summary: After being turned down from every secretarial role in Birmingham, Alice becomes desperate. Unable to provide for her sick mother, herself and more importantly, her young child, she takes a chance on joining the Shelby Company ltd. But when she runs into a familiar face, her whole world comes crumbling down around her.
Chapter Seven
As they pulled up outside her house, Alice found herself not wanting to leave. Michael had shown her how life could be for the three of them and she craved it now that she had a taste. She placed a kiss on his lips, pulling him in closer as she gripped onto his duster coat. She rested her head on the seat and stared at him for a moment as he smirked at her; he knew how she was feeling, after spending an afternoon with her and their son having fun and doing something out of the ordinary, he didn't want to leave either. He wanted the life he was imagining now.
"Tell me that you love me again, I need to hear you say those words one more time." He said lowly.
"I love you Michael." She rubbed her thumb against his stubble and opened her door, stepping out onto the dreary Birmingham street. "I need to ask you a favour."
"Anything."
"I've got to be at Tommy's office in a couple of hours to prepare for a meeting. I don't want to leave Johnny with my mother any longer than I already have, I don't think it would be fair on her… She'll need her rest." She explained as she picked at the loose skin on her fingers anxiously. There was something about this upcoming meeting that gave her a bad feeling.
"I'll look after him, take him to the park for the afternoon."
"Thank you." She went to step away but paused, striding back to the car. "I think the three of us should start spending the weekends together."
He laughed a little and glanced at the people that walked past her. "Are you sure you're ready for that, you still don't seem too sure of yourself?"
"If we're going to make our relationship work then Johnny needs the time to get used to seeing us together again."
"This weekend then?"
She nodded and closed the door of the car. Alice didn't step into the house until Michael had driven away from the house. She had such a nice time with him in London that she missed him now that he wasn't by her side. She had to come back to earth, her son needed her, and work had to be done.
Alice was already gone by the time Michael got back to the house. He tipped his hat at Agnes as she answered the door and slid past her, looking towards the stairs as he caught a glimpse of Johnny running back and forth.
"You've got your work cut out for you today," she started, walking towards the living room, "he's hyper today."
Michael watched her sink into her armchair and bit his tongue; now that Alice wasn't here and Johnny was out of earshot, he wanted to tell Agnes exactly what he thought of her. But she would only tell Alice and ruin their chances of getting back together.
"It's probably just the excitement of going to the park that's got him like that." He said sternly as he rested his arm on top of the fireplace.
"That, and spending time with you." She glanced up at him. "He didn't stop talking about you all last night. Told me you got him a kite."
"I did. He liked the kite." He tapped on the imitation marble as the two of them fell into an awkward silence. He didn't know what to say to the woman, he didn't really want to say anything to her.
"I hope you and Alice had a nice time together last night, I gave her my blessing. I don't regret what I did but she's old enough to know what Johnny needs now."
He was about to say something when Johnny burst into the room, running towards his father with a grin. Michael picked him up and gave him a bearhug with a laugh.
"You ready to go, Johnny?"
"Where are we going, dad?" he looked at him with such childish enthusiasm that it was almost infectious.
"Didn't your mother tell you? I'm taking you to the park."
"I'll go get my coat." He kicked his legs until he was on the floor and as soon as his feet touched the floor, he ran out into the hallway, calling out, "See you later, nanny."
"Have fun, Johnny boy." She turned her attention to Michael as he followed him into the corridor. "Take care of him."
It seemed as if she was trying to make him seem inadequate and he told himself not get angry but that didn't work. He detested Agnes and there was very little that would ever reverse his feelings.
The office was eerily quiet as she set up Tommy's ledgers and booze for the meeting; she was aware that this meeting with Mr Tweedy was important, but she didn't know why he needed a dock to export from. That man kept everything a mystery, with her previous employers, even though she was only working with them for a short time, she knew everything that was going on; when they would show up for work, who they were calling and most importantly, what deals they were doing. Alice was completely and utterly in the dark with Tommy.
With one last look over the room, she was pleased with the work she did, now all she had to do was sit and wait for her boss to show up. It was going to be the first time she saw him after he tried to lure her into a trap and although she hadn't completely forgiven him, she was going to treat him with the same respect she had always shown him; he didn't have the best morals, but he kept Johnny fed.
"Good afternoon Alice," he said in his raspy tone as he shook his coat from his shoulders, "you've tidied up the place."
"Well, I didn't want Mr Tweedy coming here and being unimpressed. I've also left the dossier on your desk, just in case you want to take one last look at it before the meeting."
"No need, I read over your work last night." He sat at his desk and took his cigarettes from his top pocket, watching her as she lifted her coat from the back of her chair. "I have one more thing to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"I think you should stay for this meeting; your brother is the reason Mr Tweedy left Liverpool after all and I think it would be reassuring to have a Finlay sitting in the room."
"Tommy, I haven't spoke to Danny in years. I'm not going to be any use…"
"He doesn't know that, all I want you to do is tell him that he has no reason to worry about Danny's boys coming for him."
"You want me to lie to him?"
"You know how to lie don't you?" he raised a brow at her and lit his cigarette, pointing at her expectantly.
"Of course, doesn't mean that I feel comfortable about it." She fixed the cardigan around her frame and folded her arms across her chest. Alice liked to think of herself as an honest woman, at least she tried to be.
"It's just one lie, it's not going to do any harm."
Grudgingly, she nodded and let out a sigh. "I'll do it."
"One lie, it's not like I'm asking you to kill a man." His tone was a little cooler as he stood up. They both turned when they heard a car stop outside the building. "That'll be him, show him in."
Mr William Tweedy was a stocky, fat man that dressed like a man who had too much money and not enough sense. He had this thin little moustache that didn't complement his red, bulbus nose. Alice tried her best not to look at it as she escorted him into Tommy's office. He was a repulsive man.
"Mr Shelby," he hadn't lost his Liverpool accent and as he shook Tommy's hand, Alice could tell that he was being a little rough, "I've heard plenty about you."
"And I, you. I'm glad you accepted my invitation."
"Well, I couldn't have the Peaky Blinders at war with me, wouldn't be good for business."
"No, it wouldn't." he waved for Alice to pour them a glass of whiskey and waited for Tweedy to take a sip. "I'm sure you're aware that you'll be paid well for one shipment."
"I know that you usually ship from London, what's changed?" It was obvious that Tweedy as well had done his homework.
"This shipment needs to go undetected. I know that in the short time you've been in Ayr that you've managed to strike a deal with the police; they don't check your shipments and you pay them handsomely." Tommy took a drink and set his glass down. "You're a bit like myself in those regards."
"And what is this shipment going to contain?"
"It's irrelevant."
"Not entirely, I know everything that goes onto my shipments. I'm not going to risk my exporting license on a Peaky boy."
Tommy could feel Alice's eyes on the back of his head as he rolled his cigarette between his fingertips. He took a long draw and said, "Machine guns and rifles."
Alice tried her best to remain silent, but she wanted to jump up and smack Tommy as hard as she could. He didn't tell her that he was shipping off guns.
"Where are they headed?"
"New York, an associate will pick them up and transport them to Pittsburgh."
Tweedy leaned back into his chair, resting his clasped hands on his bulging belly. "What's in it for me?"
"Three thousand pounds."
"Four thousand."
"It's only one shipment." Tommy reminded.
"One shipment that can cost me my livelihood."
"Fine, four thousand."
"There's one more thing that worries me about this shipment of yours. I'm sure that you're aware of the problem I've been having with Danny Finlay and his gypsy tribe."
"I know the basics."
"I left Liverpool to get away from that bastard but now he's making threats, claiming that he'll take Ayr too. I want him dealt with." He looked at the gold rings that lined his knuckles, peeking at Tommy with an expecting look. "Can you manage that?"
"Danny Finlay is no longer a threat to you." He waved his hand at Alice and looked at her over his shoulder. "My secretary is Alice Finlay, Danny's sister."
Tweedy turned his attention to the dark-haired woman and made a face; she couldn't tell if it was a slight hint fear showing or if he was impressed. "A sister, how on earth did you get his sister to work for you?"
"That's my secret, couldn't have you stealing her from me," he looked at her sincerely and she took it as his way of apologising to her; that's what she thought anyway, "she's the best secretary I've had."
"Can you assure me…"
"Alice." She said as he paused.
"Alice, that Danny will stand down?"
"I promise you that no harm will come by our tribe's hands." She looked him straight in the eye and felt the twang of guilt race through her chest. She must have been a good liar, he ate it up.
"Then we have a deal, Mr Shelby." He reached for his glass with a struggle and downed it in one. "When will this shipment be taking place?"
"March."
"See you both in four months then." He looked between Tommy and Alice with a slight bow. "It's been a pleasure doing business with you." He strode towards the door and called out. "By the way, I'll take my money in a cheque."
They had spent hours running around the park making fools out of themselves and now that the winter sun was starting to set and the street lights were being switched on, Michael thought that it would be appropriate to feed Johnny before he took him home. They walked towards Polly's house, both of them in glee; Michael watching his son with a proud grin as he skipped along the cobbled paths. With every moment that he spent with the boy, he could feel his heart burst with joy.
Polly was startled when the two of them burst into her house but as soon as she saw her grandson, she placed her hand on her chest and raised a brow at them both. They looked freezing, their cheeks rosy and both went straight to her lit fireplace.
"And what on earth were the two of you doing out in the cold?" she complained as she moved into the kitchen to make some tea.
"We were in the park nanny Polly."
"The park? I'm sure you and your father had fun." She popped her head around the doorframe and watched Michael as he made himself comfortable. "Are you hungry?"
"We wouldn't turn down a hot meal."
She nodded and went back into the kitchen. "Where's Alice?"
"Tommy had a meeting, she needed to set up." He explained as he pulled Johnny onto his lap. The boy draped his legs over Michael's and rested his head on his chest. He looked tired and Michael wasn't surprised; all he did was run.
"Do you know what type of meeting?"
"No mention of work remember." he reminded her as he ran his fingertips across Johnny's forehead, scooping his hair out of his eyes.
"You don't have to say anything other than yes or no."
"Tommy keeps me in the dark just as much as everyone else."
She brought in a cup of tea for Michael and Johnny, setting it on the table in front of him. "You know what he's like, I think he'll only tell us when he's in trouble."
He reached forward for his cup slowly, making sure Johnny was comfortable as he moved. He took a sip of the warm tea and tilted his head slightly. "Do you really expect him to change?"
"No, he's stubborn like his mother." She looked down at Johnny as his eyes started to close over. "I'll get this dinner started while he naps."
Michael followed Polly's eyes down to his sleeping son and smirked. "Should I let him sleep?"
"Only for a little bit, we don't want Alice up half the night with him. You'll know all about that soon enough."
"We can all hope."
"What the hell was that, Tommy?" she nearly shouted but she kept her fury under control. "You didn't tell me that you were shipping off guns!"
"And you wouldn't have known if he hadn't had asked."
"You're unbelievable." She shook her head and grabbed her coat.
"Don't be telling Michael about the dealings of this meeting, you're the only one that knows about the guns."
"Is this another test?" she put her coat on and aggressively fixed it.
"No, but I can't have him getting involved in illegitimate business."
Alice could tell that Tommy had some care for his cousin, she didn't know if he had always been this way or because Michael had a son now, but she didn't feel great about being dragged into this messy situation herself; it's what she signed up for though. She knew who he was and what he did before she went to the interview.
"The only reason I'm dragging you into this, is because of what your brother's done to Tweedy; he needed reassurance." He continued, he needed to keep her level headed. He wanted to trust her.
"I won't mention anything to him," she sat down in front of him again and leaned on the desk as she inspected Tommy's eyes, "but I must ask, or it'll drive me mad. If you don't want anyone involved in your illegitimate business, why do you do it?"
"Because I get mixed up with the wrong people and I like to keep the money flowing." He didn't know why he was opening up to her, perhaps it was because he felt like he owed her after the test. Or maybe it was because he liked her, and he didn't want her to quit.
"You're in Parliament and you've made plenty of money over the years. I'm sure your pockets won't be going empty any time soon." She said softly, she could tell by his eyes that there was pain hidden behind them. Alice was the kind of person that cared for everyone she crossed paths with, even if she was angry with them. She couldn't help herself.
"I like to stay busy," he pointed at his head and finished off his whiskey, "keeps my mind clear."
"Then ride your horses or take your kids to the museum, don't risk your life over a couple of guns. You know that things could go south quite quickly, don't you?"
"They always do, but we Shelbys always survive. You'll learn that the longer you stay."
"Nobody lives forever." She reminded him as she stood up again. "You need to be careful and I'm not trying to be patronising, I'm only saying this because I care about your family."
He nodded and shrugged his shoulders. "I know."
"Goodnight Tommy."
"Alice, we're going to the Garrison tonight to celebrate Michael coming home, why don't you come once Johnny falls asleep?"
"I'll think about it, I've been spending so much time away from Johnny that I think I'd rather stay at home."
"We'll be there all night and I know that Michael would love to have you there."
She didn't know why he was trying to convince her to go out but then she remembered how she felt last night in London; she had spent nearly six years stressing and worrying about everyone else. It was time for her to look after herself and do the things she didn't have the chance to do.
"If Johnny goes down easy, I'll consider it." She opened the door and gave Tommy a tiny smile. "Thanks for the offer."
"You're family now, ain't you? Well, nearly if Michael gets his way."
When Michael stepped into the Garrison, the Shelby family and the other Peaky Blinders were already waiting for him, drinks spread out around the table and high energy filling the pub. He removed the hat from his head and grabbed the drink from Arthur as he shoved it in his face.
"There you go, that'll loosen you up a bit!" he exclaimed sloppily. He had already had a few pints.
"What is all this about? I thought we were having quiet drinks?" he inspected the liquid in the glass before taking a couple of mouthfuls.
"Do we ever have quiet drinks?" Arthur sat back in his chair and gripped onto Finn, shaking him about as he ruffled his hair. "We're all excited to have you back, even Finn's allowed out for a drink."
He lowered himself into the chair and looked at Tommy as he gave him a reserved nod. For a fleeting moment, Michael could tell that something was going on with Tommy, but his mood changed quickly when he got onto his feet, holding his glass in the air.
"A toast to Michael, he went to a strange country because I told him to, and he brought us back a whole load of money. Legitimate money. Since he's been back, our books are looking spick and span and he's grown a lot over the past couple of weeks," Tommy looked around his family and friends with a raised brow, "most of us know what it's like to be a father but I haven't saw any one of us adapt to that new position as quickly as you have. We're proud of you, cousin."
Michael tipped his glass towards Tommy and joined in the toast; he wasn't expecting those kinds of words from him, but he had been drinking before he arrived and since his daughter was born, he was softer; he had to be softer for Ruby. Roughhousing and violence wasn't the kind of world he wanted her to grow up in. Loving a daughter was different from loving a son, with a son you wanted to be a role model but with a daughter, you wanted her to be nothing like yourself.
Arthur broke up the silence by banging his hands on the table. "Now that that's out of the way, let's fucking party."
"Couldn't agree with you more, Arthur. We've a lot to celebrate." Tommy replied as he waved his hand for another round.
Minutes melted into hours but none of them seemed to notice as the drinks continued to flow, and their conversations became senseless drabble. Arthur did most of the talking as the others snickered at his stories, they were enjoying themselves that much that no one noticed Alice entering the Garrison until she was steps away from the table. Tommy nudged Michael and watched his expression from the corner of his eye; he was pleased to see her. Michael staggered drunkenly towards her, allowing himself to collapse into her arms. She held him up and perked her brow into an arch.
"Seems like you've all had a good night."
"What're you doing here? Not that I'm not glad to see you…"
"Tommy invited me, it is a party celebrating you after all." He continued to stare at her, a goofy looking grin on his face. "You going to get me a drink?"
"Of course," he pulled a chair over from an empty table and placed it in between himself and Tommy, "whiskey okay?"
She nodded and shrugged her coat from her shoulders, draping it over the chair. "It's better than nothing."
Tommy pulled the stopper out of the bottle and poured her a glass, pushing it towards her. "Drink up, you've a lot of catching up to do."
"You came at the right time too, Arthur was about to tell another one of his stories." Michael added as he shot a look over at his eldest cousin.
"I don't think Alice wants to hear any of my stories." He seemed to catch a bit of sense as she sat at the same table as the men.
"Why do you think that? If I'm going to be part of this business and this family, I should know your stories." She dared him to speak as she took a slow sip of the rough whiskey. She was surprised by how well she was fitting in with the Shelbys; if anyone had of asked her a month ago if she considered them to be friends, she would've laughed in their face. Her opinions were starting to change. Birmingham was changing her.
A:N I wanted to get this chapter out quicker because the last one took a long time to perfect. Do you think this deal with Tweedy will do well and why is Tommy shipping guns over to America? I'm going to introduce Danny into the story soon and he's going to make life difficult for Alice and the Shelby clan. Thank you for all your support!