AN, Warning! This is an Anti-Grace fic so if you love Grace this is not the story for you. I am also warning you for this chapter as there will be Lizzie bashing and some Ada bashing too.

Chapter 10,

Tommy's POV,

We were sitting on the bed with our backs to the headboard, Ness had just got the files out from under the pillow. She opened the first one and I saw instantly it was her mothers murder case, as it had the details of how many stab wounds she had and where they were. I instantly wrapped my arm around Ness's shoulders knowing she would need the support to get through reading this. She showed me all the letters her mother sent to Moss, and I could see from them they were definitely in some sort of secret relationship and from these letters it looked like her mother truly cared about Moss. But the strange thing was the last letter, it was from her mother dated three days before her murder asking Moss no matter what happened he had to promise to take care of Ness. It got me thinking that maybe she knew something was going to happen.

There was some reports of witnesses saying they had seen a man leaving the house the night of the murder, with a slight description it wasn't until we got to the last witness statement that we sat there in complete shock! There was a Mr & Mrs Rogers that lived opposite Ness's house, they claim they had been sitting outside by the front window and they claim they saw a man leaving her house in a rush. They couldn't say whether he killed her but he was the last known person to be seen leaving her house. We read the description given about the man and it described my father to a T! My father wasn't known like to Ness's mum he had never had a good word to say about her so why he would be in her house I had no idea.

Ness looked at me and I looked at her in shock,

"Why was your father even in my home? He never liked my mother, I mean Jesus he never even liked me most of the time."

I had no idea to what to say to that because she was right, my father didn't like her mother, he always had a bad word to say and was never shy of saying anything. I moved my hand and cupped her cheek, looking into her eyes,

"I have no idea, baby, but I promise you we will find out!"

She put her hand over mine on her cheek and smiled at me softly,

"I know we will Tom, I just don't understand why Moss is giving this to me now? Why now of all times, when it's been so long since my mother was murdered! I never liked the fact that the case was kept open because it left so many questions for me but this is just opening up an even bigger can of worms then I ever thought possible. I just don't know what to do with all this!"

"I know, my love but you're not alone in this ok? I am always here for you, don't forget that!"

I looked into her eyes and all I saw was the pain of losing her mother all over again. She took a deep breath and looked into my eyes, I knew she wanted to ask me something but she was hesitating and I had no idea why. She knew she could ask me anything she wanted or needed and I would answer with complete honesty no matter what the question was. I moved my hands pushing away all the letters and files away and grabbed her waist pulling her onto my lap so she was straddling me, I then moved both hands to cup her face, running my thumb along her bottom lip. I butted my nose with hers and smiled at her,

"Love, you know you can always ask me anything and I will be completely honest with you. So ask whatever's on your mind my love."

"Do you think your father could have killed my mother?"

"I wish I could say no, but the truth is sweetheart I just don't know. He left over ten years ago but even when he was here I never really knew him."

"I know this is hard for you too, Tom and I'm sorry to ask. I know you don't like thinking about your father, let alone talking about him."

"I told you love, you can ask me anything no matter what it is. We're in this together we always have been and always will be."

She put her arms around my neck, running her fingers through the hair on the back of my neck which had me shivering in pleasure. I wrapped my arms around her waist holding her close to me, reopening old wounds was something I didn't want to do but I knew Ness needed the answers.

"I think my love, we need to have a meeting with Moss. Maybe he knows more than he's letting on or we can put our heads together and maybe finally get to the bottom of what happened."

"You think he will say anything though? Why do you think it's taken so long for him to talk to me about this?"

"I don't know love, but it is a question we can ask Moss when we meet with him."

I could see she didn't want to talk about it anymore so I put all the papers back into the file and grabbed the other one opening it, this one I could see was one of the inspectors files. It was telling us about a female spy working for Campbell, it told us everything we needed to know then I turned the page and saw a picture of who the bloody spy is. I turned the picture so Ness could see and the anger that lit up her face would have frightened me if she wasn't my wife.

"I knew there was more to the bitch than what she was saying! We need to do more digging Tommy, this isn't everything there is more to that bloody barmaid!"

"We will love, I have some people in Ireland I can call. They will find out everything we need to know about her!"

"Fuck! Tommy, we can't discuss business around her anymore. What do you think she heard about Kimber and the deal?"

"I don't think we have to worry about the Kimber shit love, there is no way she heard anything. I'll tell John and Arthur not to discuss anything with her around. "

"You're gonna need to make sure Arthur understands how serious the situation is Tom, cause you know what Arthur is like when a fucking woman is involved."

"I'll make him aware love,"

"Maybe we should feed her false information Tom, if we stop completely then she might get suspicious but if we feed her shit then at least we can control what she knows which means we can control what Campbell finds out."

"That's a good idea love,"

I took a moment to just look into her eyes and saw how tired she was, so I put the papers back into the files and put both files back under the pillows. I then turned back to Ness and cupped her face, placing a soft kiss on her lips.

"Let's get some sleep, love yeah?"

She nodded her head in agreement, she went to roll off of me so I wrapped my arms around her tightly and shuffled down the bed so I was laying down with her laying on me, her legs either side of my hips. I kept my arms wrapped around her when she reached down to bring the cover over us, we then both turned our heads blowing out the candle. It wasn't long before Ness was asleep in my arms with me following shortly after.

I woke up early the next morning with Ness still in my arms, I knew she wasn't asleep though as she was running her fingertips gently up and down my chest. I moved my hand to hold hers against my chest and leaned my head down to place a kiss on her forehead.

"Morning my love, did you sleep well?"

"Morning Tom, I always sleep well in your arms."

"Hmm good love,"

"Shall we get ready for the day Tom?"

"I have to meet up with Jeremiah soon do you want to come?"

"I'd love to babe,"

With that said I wrapped my arms around her and rolled us over so I was hovering over her, I leaned down and gently kissed her lips pulling back and butting my nose against hers. I unwrapped my arms and slowly rolled off of her standing up and holding my hand out to help her off the bed. Once she was stood she kissed my lips then walked over to the wardrobe getting her clothes out for the day. While she did that I walked over to the chair and grabbed my suit getting dressed myself. Once dressed I turned to face Ness and saw her looking beautiful in a midnight blue dress.

"You look beautiful my love,"

"Thank you husband of mine, you look rather handsome yourself, you're just missing one thing."

She walked over to the bedside table grabbing my cap she then walked over to me, placing it on my head and smiling at me, my hands going to her waist and pulling her closer to me.

"There now you look sexy as fuck my love,"

That had me smirking at her, I knew Ness liked the cap she always had done. It made me think of the first time I had used the blades in the cap in front of her and how turned on she got. I shook my head at her still smirking at her. I leant down and kissed her lips again before pulling back and holding my hand out for her to grab, which she took without hesitation. We both walked out of our bedroom, closing the door and walking down stairs. Thankfully no one was around so I grabbed Ness's coat holding it out to her, once she had it on we left the house.

We came across some kids playing with a ball outside, the ball being kicked close to us which had me kicking it back to them. One of the kids noticed who it was and said thank you which had me nodding to him in response.

We continued walking hand in hand towards the Garrison, people nodding their hellos to us on the way. It wasn't long before Jeremiah caught up to us. He nodded to me then kissed Ness's forehead, that used to bug me it's something all the blinders do it took me a while to realise it was their way of showing their respect to Ness as my queen and their leader also.

"Jeremiah, Jeremiah what do you see?"

"Your sister and Freddie got back this morning. I tried following them but Freddie's so good at getting away. He's like a fish!"

That had Ness giggling, I looked down at her and smiled softly then turned my attention back to Jeremiah,

"Right, well, keep fishing, eh?"

With that he nodded then slowly walked away, that's the thing with Jeremiah he was so good at hiding in plain sight you would never guess he was there unless he was right in front of you. I looked to Ness who was frowning and shaking her head,

"What the fuck has Ada gone and done Tom? I love your sister but this is ridiculous, marrying fucking Freddie knowing what he is and how dangerous that could be for her baby just shows how immature she is."

"I know love, but right now we have other shit to worry about. The deal with the inspector for one, and the information Moss gave us on the bloody barmaid. We would be in shits creek without that information, I can only imagine what bloody Arthur would say to the barmaid."

"Yeah, I'll get a note to Moss today tell him we want to meet. Now we know we can control it as much as we can."

"Let's go then love,"

We then walked back to Watery Lane, slowing down once we get close to the front door noticing there was a cart that shouldn't be in the lane. A man stood next to it and was looking at me and Ness, I didn't think to much on it so I opened the door waving Ness in first. We walked into the house, I took Ness's coat off and put it on the hook. We then made our way to the betting den when we heard Scudboat having a disagreement with one of the men, I knew he could deal with it so we continued on to the office.

We weren't in there long when Scud was letting the men go, I saw Polly make her way in so we both walked out to see her.

"It's a good day."

I didn't even acknowledge that comment, I wasn't in the mood to play around with Polly today.

"Where's John?"

"John is in the Garrison. He says he wants a meeting about a family matter."

I knew she could see the pissed off look on my face, Ness grabbed my hand which had me relaxing slightly.

"After he's said his piece he'll come back and take his place with Scudboat."

She put her hat on, then grabbed her gloves, I followed her, grabbing Ness's hand tightly.

"Scudboat? John will be here in ten minutes."

"All right."

I looked at Scudboat and pointed,

"Five!"

They knew I didn't like to leave one man alone in the betting den, especially after collecting the bloody betting money. But it seems like I was the only one who worried about that shit right now, we walked out the house with Ness letting my hand go and wrapping her arm around my waist, mine going to her shoulders immediately she then leant her head against my shoulder which had me placing a kiss on her forehead. It didn't take is long to get to the Garrison, we walked straight in and into the snug, Arthur and John already there waiting.

I could see from Arthur's face he had no idea what the bloody hell was going on, Polly walked in with Ness Following and me walking in last closing the door. I walked behind John and stood against the hatch with Ness standing in front of me her back to my chest and my arm going around her waist.

"All right John, there's only one man…

Arthur handed me a glass of whisky which I refused so Ness took it, holding it.

"No! There's only one man guarding the house. What's troubling you?"

I took my cigarettes out of my pocket putting them on the side, the arm around Ness pulling her closer to me and leaning the other elbow on the hatch window ledge.

He looked at Polly first,

"Polly, you know what it's been like. Since Martha died."

"God takes the best first."

I could feel Ness's snort of disbelief to that comment, her and Polly had always butted heads over religion. It got worse when Ness's mother had been murdered but over time I think Ness just got pissed off with Polly trying to rein everyone in with the God speech. I was the same as Ness to be honest, I had little faith in there being a God but chose to keep that between me and my wife.

"Truth is, my kids have been running bloody rings around me. Running barefoot with the dogs until all hours."

I felt like this was just another one of John's attention seeking moments, we warned him when he and Martha first got caught fucking at a young age. We warned them both to stop being idiots, but neither of them listened and that didn't change when they first had Katie, it got worse. He and Martha weren't even married, there was no love between them, it was just all teenage lust and angst. They stayed together for the kids, both wearing wedding rings but not actually saying I do to each other.

"Pol, give him ten bob for some shoes. Is that it, John?"

I felt Ness move her hand and grab mine that was on her waist, she linked our fingers and squeezed softly her way of silently communicating that she agreed with me.

"Tommy, it would be better to do this without you."

Polly looked at me, which had me shaking my head she then looked to John,

"Now what's your point?"

"What the kids need is a mother. So that's why I'm getting married."

I didn't need to see Ness's face to know she looked the same as us, I looked to Arthur who looked at me then I looked to Ness who had turned her head back to look at me. Polly was the first to break out of the shocked moment and speak up.

"Does this poor girl know you're going to marry her, or are you going to spring it on her all of a sudden?"

"I already proposed and she said, "Yes"."

I unwrapped my arm from around Ness to pick up my cigarettes, I put one between my lips and lit the match,

"I think there's a shell about to land and go bang!"

I lit my Cigarette and wrapped my arm back around Ness pulling her to my chest again, John took a drink from his beet and spoke up again,

"It's, er… It's Lizzie Stark."

I felt Ness tense, Ness and Lizzie had never liked each other and I knew part of it was because Ness is my wife. Lizzie had always made it very clear that she liked me but I had always made it clear that nothing would ever happen not just because I had Ness but because I didn't like her in that way. Even more so when she became a whore for the men of Small Heath, now don't get me wrong I know people have to make a living but becoming a whore was not something she had to do it was something she chose to do. I remember when I got back from France and Ness wasn't with me, how many times Lizzie had tried it on with me and I had turned her down everytime, there was never a moment I thought well Ness isn't here she doesn't need to know. No other woman can make me hard like Ness can, and Lizzie hadn't liked that I turned her down. So her marrying John now I knew was a bit suspicious she had never liked John. We burst out laughing in disbelief,

"John, Lizzie Stark is a strong woman, and I'm sure she provides a fine service for her customers."

John cut Pol off and spoke up,

"I won't hear the word. Understand? Do not use that word."

At this point I was getting slightly pissed off, John was being an idiot.

"What word is that, John?"

"You know what word that is."

That had Arthur speaking up,

"Everybody bloody knows."

"Everybody can go to hell."

"Whore. That word? Or prostitute? How about that one?"

"Right. I want it known if anyone calls her a whore again, I will push the barrel of my revolver down their throats, and blow the word back down into their hearts."

"Men and their cocks never cease to amaze me,"

Ness downed the glass of whiskey she had then spoke up this time and I knew she was pissed, I took the glass from her and put it on the hatch ledge.

"Whore is what she is, John! You may not want to hear it but it's the truth, its fact! The woman is a whore she's had half if not more then half the bloody men in Small Heath, offering herself to your older brother also! Don't get angry when someone calls her what she is!"

Polly then spoke up again,

"John, Lizzie never did a day's work vertical!"

"She's Changed. All right. People change".

John stood up in anger,

"Like with Religion."

"Lizzie Stark has got Religion, eh?" the disbelief could be heard in my voice,

"No! No, she doesn't have Religion. But she loves me!"

That had Ness snorting, and speaking up again,

"She doesn't love you John, she loves your name! You don't think she hasn't tried it with Tommy enough over the years? Or even Arthur? Fuck sake John, use your fucking head! What will you tell the kids, eh? You're new mummy is a whore and I swear to god John if you say one more fucking time that the bitch has changed I'll take Tommy's revolver and whack you over the damn head! It might knock some fucking sense into you. Women like Lizzie never change John!"

John looked at Ness then looked at me, I knew I had a smirk on my face from what Ness just said but I didn't give a shit. My wife was fucking amazing,

"Now listen, Tommy. I won't do it without your blessing. But of all the people in the world, I want you to see it as brave."

That had Arthur speaking up,

"Oh it's brave all right."

Polly then said her piece,

"Brave is going where no man has gone before. And with Lizzie Stark, John that's not what you'll be doing."

"Listen, Tommy. Welcome her to the family. As someone who's had a hard life."

That had Ness bursting out in laughter, she looked to John and shook her head.

"Hard life my arse John! That woman doesn't know the damn meaning of hard life! I love you brother but right now I dislike you greatly. Lizzie Stark is not the woman to marry anyone John, you think she's changed when she hasn't I know she is still working I saw her in the fucking whore house. You think she loves you, she doesn't woman like Lizzie will never love anyone unless they can give her status, and I'm sorry John but that's not you. She has been after Tommy for fucking years, even when he came back from the war! Let me make this clear to you though John-boy, if that woman comes into this family I won't have anything more to do with you!"

I could see that comment had hit a nerve with John but I knew Ness was being serious, she hated Lizzie with a passion I loved and I wouldn't be a good husband if I didn't support her in that hatred!

"I need someone, the kids need someone!"

I understood what he was saying, but Lizzie Stark wasn't the woman for the job. Before anyone could say anything more the door opened and Finn came bursting in.

"Tommy, Ness! We've been done over!"

We looked at Finn for a second longer before we all rushed out, I grabbed Ness's hand and rushed over to the betting den. We got there to see Scud sitting on a chair holding his head with blood rushing out, and the place a fucking mess! Ness rushed over to check on Scud while Arthur poured him so whisky.

I stood in the entry way just taking everything in, keeping an eye on Ness. John kicked a chair and Arthur spoke up,

"What the bloody hell happened here?"

"The Lee's. All of them, Cousins, Nephews, even their bastards."

"Right Scud your be fine just keep that rag on your head yeah?"

Ness then walked over to me, which had me wrapping an arm around her and holding her close we both saw the wire cutters at the same time when Polly spoke up,

"They've taken anything they can lay their hands on. Four cash boxes."

I grabbed the wire cutters and walked forward, keeping my arm around Ness so I knew she was close. I held the wire cutters up to show everyone.

"They left these."

"Wire cutters? Why would they leave wire cutters?"

I looked to Arthur and John, we knew why they would leave the wire cutters, which had Arthur speaking up,

"Nobody move!"

I felt Ness tense and knew she had also clicked on to why they would leave the wire cutters, it had her leaning closer to me.

"I think our friends are playing the game."

"What game?"

Polly asked while trying to walk into the office which had John stopping her,

"Aunt Pol. Don't touch anything."

"Erasmus Lee was in France. Whenever we gave up ground to the Germans, we'd leave booby traps, set up with wires. We'd leave wire cutters as part of the joke."

John took over from me,

"Somewhere in here there's a hand grenade!"

"Holy Jesus!"

Ness turned to look at me and I knew without her saying anything we were on the same path. It wasn't in here that bullet had my name on it. They wouldn't leave it in the office they would leave it somewhere just for me to find. Ness's eyes flicked around the room then looked at me again, I nodded once to let her know I agreed with her.

"No! Boys no, it's not in here. If it was in here it would of blown by now. It was my name on that bullet Erasmus sent. He's set up a trap all right. But he set it up just for me."

I felt Ness tense even more then she stepped away from me, which had me looking at her she looked around the room one more time then looked at me with nothing but fear on her face. Before I could ask she took off in a run which had me running after her. I followed her to the car where we both stopped dead seeing Finn inside. Ness took a step forward which had me springing into action, I grabbed her around the waist holding her to me I then looked to Finn.

"Finn. Finn stay exactly where you are."

He giggled at me,

"I was pretending I was you."

"Which door did you open to come in Finn?"

"I didn't. I climbed in."

"I want you to climb out exactly the same way you climbed in, okay?"

He laughed at me then grabbed the door handle, Ness ripped herself out of my arms and went towards Finn,

"No. Finn!"

She grabbed Finn just as I grabbed the door to open it, I grabbed the hand grenade and threw it. Turns out I didn't throw it far enough, the grenade went off throwing Ness and Finn to the ground. I saw Ness roll over onto Finn taking the brunt of the explosion on her back.

I rushed over grabbing Ness, I rolled her off of Finn grabbing his hand to help him stand. He threw himself into my arms shaking and crying, I wrapped my arms around him turning my attention to Ness when I noticed she hadn't moved. I took one arm off Finn and gently cupped Ness's face,

"Love?"

I heard John calling my name so I called him over,

"John?"

He came into view so I pushed Finn towards him and focused all my attention on Ness, I tapped her cheek and called her name again.

"Ness? Love, come on."

I saw her eyes flutter and finally open, which had me sighing in relief. She looked at me and opened her mouth but nothing came out, so she tried again,

"Tom?"

"It's all right, love, I'm here."

"Finn?"

"He's ok. Do you hurt anywhere?"

"Just my head and back Tom,"

I nodded once, then moved to grab her hands and help her sit up when I saw her wince. I gently held her to me while I unbuttoned two buttons to look at her back. There was some blood, but nothing that would need the hospital. So I stood up pulling her with me then lifting her bridal style. I walked over to John and Finn and looked at Finn,

"That's why you never pretend to be me ok?"

He nodded his head and looked at Ness, She smiled softly at him.

"I'm ok Finny."

We made our way back to number 6 where I took Ness to our room to help her clean up. I unbuttoned her dress and filled the wash bowl up, getting her to sit sideways on the chair. I gently washed the blood off then added whisky to the rag dabbing softly. Once done I blew gently on the cuts and then helped her into another dress. I then checked her head and saw she would have a nasty bruise but nothing more.

"You ok my love?"

"I'm ok Tom,"

"I'm going to fix this shit with the Lee's I promise you. Today should not have happened!"

She cupped my face pulling me so our foreheads touched, she smiled softly at me.

"I know you will Tom, I love you."

I wrapped my arms around her waist holding her close to me,

"I love you, darling more than anything in this world."

"What's the plan?"

"The only way for the Lee situation to be over with is if we were kin,"

"Hmmm good job you're already married then Tom."

I gave a chuckle to that, she knew I disliked the Lee women,

"But Arthur and John aren't, and John wants a wife for the kids."

"That he does, and as much as we dislike the Lee women they have to be a better fit then a whore for a wife."

"Exactly, my love."

"Hmmm, I think maybe me and Lizzie need to have another word, Tom."

"Love, you have to go to the Garrison and check the books, remember? While you do that, I'll get Johnny-Doggs to set a meeting for me with the head of the Lee's."

"Hang on, you want me to go into the Garrison without you and play nice with the bitch barmaid, who not only ignores me, and wants to fuck my husband but is whore for the very police inspector who is trying to lock you up and take you away from me?"

"Well when you put it like that, love yes?"

"Fine but I promise nothing."

"That's my girl!"

Before she could say anymore on the subject I smashed my lips against hers pulling her closer to me, thrusting my tongue into her mouth fighting for dominance in the kiss that I knew without a doubt I would win. I slowed the kiss down moving my lips from hers to her jaw then down her neck to her sweet spot. I gently bit down then sucked hard leaving a mark for all to see. I pulled back and saw the mark which brought a smirk to my lips, I then ran my tongue along the mark to soothe the sting.

"I'll see you soon, love."

Ness's POV,

"I love you, Tom."

"I love you, my love."

With that I left our bedroom, I walked down the stairs and bumped into Pol who was sitting at the table drinking tea, she looked up at me when she heard the stairs.

"You all right, love?"

"Yeah, fine Pol. I'm off to the Garrison."

She nodded her head at me, I walked out to the front door grabbing my coat off the hook, slipping it on and leaving the house. I made my way to the Garrison with people nodding their hello's as I went, normally I would say hello back but I wasn't in the mood today. The Lee bastards had pissed me off and now I had to put up with the barmaid bitch it did not bode well for my afternoon. I walked into the Garrison, I walked up to the bar seeing Harry stood behind it.

"Mrs Shelby, what can I get you?"

"Harry, I've told you several times to call me Ness. Where's the barmaid?"

"Sorry Ness, Uh she's in the office doing the books."

"Excuse me? Who told her she could touch those books?"

"I thought you knew?"

"No, I don't know Harry. I am here to do the books because it is my business not hers!"

I stormed away from the bar and over to the office slamming the door open making the bitch jump which had me smirking. She looked at me in shock, I walked over to the desk slamming the books closed.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing princess?"

"My job Ness!"

I took a step closer to her leaning down so my face was in hers,

"Your job princess is to pour drinks for the drunk bastards. It is not to be in this room touching things you have no right to touch. The books are not your business and they are not in your job description. It's also Mrs Shelby to you, don't make me tell you again, you start treating me with respect or you will find yourself jobless and that is not a threat but a promise."

She stood up glaring at me,

"You think Thomas will let you fire me? He asked me to the races, there is an attraction between us you and I both know it, Mrs Shelby."

With that I've burst out laughing, I could see the glare on her face getting deeper I knew I was pissing her off but I didn't give a shit. This bitch was pushing the last of my patience.

"Sweetheart, the only connection between you and my husband is in your mind! Tommy asked you to the races after he asked me, and he actually wanted me there. Get out of this office now!"

I grabbed the books and a pen then left the office walking into the snug, shouting to Harry on my way.

"Whiskey Harry, a bottle and two glasses."

I then slammed the snug door, opening the hatch grabbing the whiskey and glasses off of Harry then closing them. I poured myself a glass of whiskey then got stuck into the books, I checked all the work the bitch had done finding a shit ton of mistakes she had made. I will be having a word with Arthur about this, in no way is that bitch allowed to do the books especially now we knew who she truly was. I was sat here for a good couple hours getting all the books done and up to date when the snug door opened and Tommy walked in. He walked over to me leaning down to kiss my lips then pulled a chair out and sat next to me,

"I found the bitch barmaid in the office doing the books!"

"What?"

"Yeah, Arthur is a lazy arsehole. I made it clear to her that she is not to touch the books or be in the office, I also told her if she kept disrespecting me I would sack her to which she told me that you wouldn't let that happen because you have a connection with her."

"What? Is the bitch for real?"

"Clearly!"

"Love, come on! I have no connection with the whore, if you want her gone then she's gone!"

"Tom, I know! I trust you, I don't trust her!"

He stood up and pushed the hatch doors open,

"Grace!"

"Thomas?"

"Let me make this clear to you, I in no way shape or form have a connection with you! From now on it is Mr Shelby to you and if my wife wants you gone, then gone you will be!"

He then walked away from her and sat back down next to me, he pulled a letter out of his pocket and his cigs lighting one, while I poured him a glass of whiskey. I closed the books and pushed them to the side of the table, once he opened the letter he put it on the table, reached for my hand pulling me off my seat and into his lap wrapped his arm around me. He then picked up the letter so both of us could read it, it didn't say who it was from but it had Tom's name on it with an address. Before I could say anything, the door opened and in walked Polly she closed the door then closed the hatch doors moving to sit in front of us. I knew she was waiting for Tom to speak up which had me biting my lip to stop myself from rolling my eyes at her.

"Did you have something to do with this?"

He waved the letter at her,

"I asked an acquaintance for an address, she said she would only give it to me anonymously. She is afraid of the consequences."

That had me raising an eyebrow and speaking up,

"So Ada then?"

Polly looked at me and glared, anyone else would shrink under that glare but it had no effect on me. Of course it was bloody Ada, Polly doesn't fucking speak to anyone else and she certainly doesn't fight for anyone else like she does princess Ada. As I've said before I love Ada, but the girl had a lot of growing up to do especially when it involved Freddie fucking Thorne. Tommy wrapped his arm tighter around me, pulling me into him more so my head was on his shoulder he leant his head against mine before speaking up.

"Whose address is it?"

"Tommy, I'd like to suggest a strategy."

With that I blank the whole conversation out because it's ridiculous, Polly is stupid if she thinks this inspector is going to forget about Freddie, he may not be a big player but his mouth certainly has run away from him. All those bloody communist speeches his done, no way in hell would the inspector not go after him. I just closed my eyes and let my mind wonder, I had so much I needed to think about such as all this crap with those files Moss gave me and why he gave them to me now of all times. I wasn't sure I wanted to open the can of worms regarding my mothers murder now, yes I would finally get closure about the whole thing but it wouldn't bring her back and would knowing really make a difference? She would still be gone.

I was brought out of my thoughts by Tom putting his hand under my chin and lifting my head up, I opened my eyes and looked at him. He had nothing but concern written all over his face,

"You ok, love?"

I smiled at him and nodded,

"Hmm, I'm fine Tom was just thinking is all."

"We need to go, love. I've set up a meeting with the inspector, and I know you want to be there."

"Let's go then, love."

I stood up and grabbed the books opening the snug door, I walked over to the office putting the books back in there and closing and locking the office door. I then walked back over to Tom who had his hand held out waiting for me. I grabbed it and we left the Garrison, seeing it was raining Tom put his arm around my shoulders pulling me close to his body sharing his body heat. It didn't take us long to get to the location of the meeting, we walked into the garage and Tom made me stand behind some boxes so the inspector couldn't see me but I could still see and hear what would be going on. We didn't have to wait long when the arsehole stepped out of the car and strut his way into the doorway,

"Your message said, you have an address for me."

Tom took out the letter and held it up,

"Anonymous tip off. The address of Stanley Chapman."

"You promised me Freddie Thorne."

"This is instead of Freddie Thorne."

"No deal."

"Inspector, Stanley Chapman is a bigger fish than Freddie Thorne. He is currently holding 200 pounds in cash, given to the communist party by the Russian government. That's right, Chapman has snow on his boots, and all you need is a shovel. If he talks, you'll have proof. You might even get that medal. Now before I give you the address, I want your word that you will let Freddie Thorne and my sister leave the city."

"Very well, you have my word."

Tom gave him the letter, I had a feeling though that this was not over. Freddie Thorne and Ada are still very much in the hot seat.

"Our little truce is proving quite productive for both of us, inspector. I get the information and protection and you well you get Bolsheviks."

"But on a more pressing matter, I'm afraid that Mr Churchill is becoming impatient. And I fear that if you don't get back those stolen weapons soon, I will be replaced. It would be the finish of me that's for sure."

"When my business with Kimber is done, the guns will be returned. That was the deal."

"Then I am in your hands, Completely. You hold all the cards but I do hope to God, that my dismissal doesn't come before your decision to hand back those guns. I say this for your sake, because if I were to be fired and it were your fault, I would do things that would shame the devil. My fury is a thing to behold. On my last day in power for example, I would see to it

As he was talking he stood up and walked towards Tommy,

"That you and your scum brothers have your heads, stoved in with mallets and spades. Your sister too, and the baby inside of her would be of no consequence to me. Now your wife, hmm she would get a good seeing to before I have her head caved in she would watch you all die first but that would be after you watch me have my way with her. The only one to be spared would be your little brother, Finn. He would however be lifted as a juvenile, and dumped into that part of the adult prison where men have the most appetite for boys like him. That would be a dark day indeed Mr Shelby."

I knew he was trying to piss Tom off because he was pissing me off, I just hoped Tom had enough sense in him right now to keep his cool because losing it is exactly what this monster wants. I peaked around the corner of the box and saw him backing away,

"The clock is ticking Mr Shelby."

He turned around and that was when Tom lost it. He threw his cigarette onto the floor and pulled his gun out pointing it at the arsehole, I would love for him to pull the trigger but right now was not the time. I dashed out of my hiding spot and stood behind Tommy, I put one arm around his waist and the other on his gun I got onto my tip toes so I could whisper in his ear.

"Tommy, my love don't do this now ok? His time will come I promise you but now is not it. I am right here safe with you and our family is at home safe. It's ok my love,"

I felt him trembling before his free hand went onto mine and laced our fingers together, I kept my other hand on the gun and placed soft kisses on his neck. Once the arsehole inspector was gone he slowly lowered the gun and turned to face me pulling me into his arms, mine going around his neck.

"I'm sorry love,"

"You have nothing to be sorry about my love, the inspector wanted that reaction out of you. It's ok."

He pulled back slightly and kissed my lips then placed his forehead against mine.

"Thank you for being here love, let's go home."

I nodded my head and smiled at him,

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else my love."

He pulled back and held his hand out to me which I took instantly. We walked home getting soaked in the process, we got to our room where Tom helped me undress and dry off. I didn't bother putting anything on just got into bed, Tom joined me shortly after with no clothes on also. He rolled so he was on top of me, his hips going to mine, and my legs opening to accommodate him. He grabbed my hands and laced our fingers together putting them above my head he then crashed his lips against mine thrusting his tongue into my mouth. He let go of one hand and reached between us running a finger along my slit, then rubbed rough circles into my clit. He thrust a finger deep inside my pussy which had my back arching and moans bursting from my lips.

He took his finger from my pussy and brought it to his lips sucking the juices off, he then reached back down between us and pumped his cock a few times rubbing the head along my slit.

"Are you ready, love?"

"Always!"

He then thrusted his cock deep inside my pussy which had me screaming in pleasure. His hips kept thrusting, he'd pull out to the tip then thrust back in rolling his hips once deep enough. I could feel the pressure building and knew I was close, I tightened my hold on his hands and looked into his eyes,

"Fuck Tom, babe I'm close."

"I've got you my love, Fuck baby your so damn tight!"

I opened my mouth a scream building when he smashed his lips against mine and hit that magical spot inside me that had me seeing stars every time,

"Cum baby!"

With that I tightened my hold on his hands, arched my back, and smashed my lips against his which his command I came so hard I squirted. Tommy thrusting a few more times before he came, he moved his lips from mine down to my neck placing open mouthed kisses, he then looked at me and smiled.

"I love you Mrs Shelby!"

"I love you Mr Shelby!"

He kissed me once more then rolled off of me pulling me onto his chest wrapping his arm around me. It wasn't long before I was asleep.

I woke up late in the morning with Tommy's arms still around me, I knew he was awake though as he was running his hand through my hair. I turned my head so I could see his face and saw the look of utter contentment. I knew he was happy because I could feel it.

"Morning Tom,"

"Morning, love"

"What's the plan for today?"

"I'm yours this morning, thought we could just lay here for a while."

"Hmmm I like that idea."

He pulled me closer to him, pulling the cover over us more. We didn't need to speak, we just needed to be husband and wife for a moment. We laid there most of the morning when we decided by lunch time to get up and ready for the day. I put on a black skirt that went past my knees and a red blouse. I put my black boots on, and put my knife in my boot and my gun in my thigh holster. I turned to see Tommy waiting for me holding his hand out, which I took without hesitation. We walked downstairs, there was a note on the table for Tom asking him to meet Charlie at the yard. He kissed my lips and opened the betting den doors for me,

"I'll be back soon, love. I love you."

"I love you Tom."

I walked into the betting den going straight to John at the chalkboard, he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and kissed my forehead.

Afternoon, love."

"John-boy."

He handed me the log book and I walked into Tom's office and sat down getting down to work. It was my job to check the work John and Arthur did to make sure it was all correct, it normally didn't take me long but with the constant interruptions from John and Arthur it took longer than it should. Just as I finished and closed the book I heard Tommy's voice and looked up, I wasn't all that shocked to see Kimber behind him but that didn't mean I was happy about it.

"I thought the Lee's turned you over."

"You shouldn't listen to gossip, Mr Kimber."

Tommy walked into the office and saw me sitting there, he smiled at me then held his hand out to help me stand. I took it without hesitation and stood next to him gripping tightly to his hand. Kimber's idiot spoke up then,

"Business is good. Especially since you know which horse is going to win before you set the odds."

"Your information is very much appreciated."

They both stood in front of us with Kimber's eyes looking from me to Tom, when his eyes got to me I gripped tighter to Tom's hand which had him squeezing mine in reassurance.

"Right so, where are they then?"

He didn't need to move so he turned slightly and raised his voice a bit,

"John, Lovelock, Scudboat in here. This is my team, they'll take up their pitch at your convenience Mr Kimber."

He pointed to John,

"John is the book, Scudboat is the bag man, and of course we bring our own protection."

"Warwick, next Saturday. At least 50 yards from the beer tent."

With that Kimber walked out and his idiot handed over the license to Tommy. Thankfully they both left straight away, Tommy pulled me along with him as he walked out of the office, he stood in front of everyone letting my hand go and wrapping that arm around my waist pulling me close to him.

"Gentleman!"

Polly cleared her throat which had Tommy looking at her in amusement,

"And Ladies,"

He pointed to Polly then me,

"I have in my hand a legal betting license, issued by the board of control. The Shelby family has its first legal race track pitch."

Once he finished everyone burst out cheering, Polly came running over which had Tom turning to her but keeping an arm around me. She pulled him into a hug then let him go. He turned to me which had me wrapping my arms around him and kissing his cheek. We stepped back when John and Arthur made their way over, cheering and hugging each other. Tommy shook their hands and handed the license to John, I kissed both John and Arthur's cheek then looked at Tommy. The smile he had on his face was something he hadn't shown anyone but me in a long time. It had my heart beating faster, so I did something impulsive. I called Tom's name softly and when he looked at me I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled his face down to mine smashing my lips against his.

His arms went around my waist holding me close to him, we both at the same time deepened the kiss, which had Tommy's hands going down to my thighs and lifting, I wrapped my legs around his waist kissing him with all I had. The guys wolf whistling and cheering us on, I moved my hand from Tommy's neck to stick my middle finger up to them and went back to kissing Tommy. We pulled away at the same time and placed our foreheads against each other, my hands cupping his face.

"I am so proud of you, my love you did it."

"No, love we did it!"

He moved one hand from holding me to my hair bringing my lips back to his for one more kiss before setting me down softly on the ground. But he didn't let me go, he just pulled me to his side, smiling.

"Right back to work everyone."

With that everyone got back to work, me and Tom walked back into his office and closed the door. He sat down on his chair pulling me into his lap. He grabbed the books from the sweet shop my father left me and opened them up,

"We've got some time, love I want to go through these books with you."

"Thanks Tom,"

We got working on the books, when we both found the discrepancies I was talking about. I saw Tom grab a piece of paper and started writing things down on it. I just left him to it because he was better at it then I was,

"Fuck! Love I've found what you were talking about, it seems that there is 250 pounds missing from the books in total."

I ran my hand over my face and took a deep breath,

"Fuck sake!"

"It's all right love, I'll help you ok?"

I nodded my head and lent against his shoulder, I had a headache coming on and this shit was not helping at all. This was the last thing I needed, it was clear to me my father was a very silent boss but I wouldn't be like that I was going to be hands on and the first thing I would do was find out who had stolen from me and get rid of them then hire people I trust.

"Come on darling, let's go for a walk it might help that headache of yours."

AN, so this chapter once again is very long, I can't seem to stop once I start. But I shall stop here and continue in chapter 11, next up is the church scene which obviously is not going to go like it did in PB. I am so sorry for the long wait on this update, I started college and the workload has been horrible. I am hoping to have chapter 11 up by this friday.

Have a good week all, and on the good side it's almost CHRISTMAS!

Love

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