Chapter 5 - Spies
They woke the next morning half hoping and half praying that the last 48 hours had been nothing but a bad dream. The baby would be with Grace, not Tommy, calm would settle any tormented hearts, and business plans would be put into action. Nothing of that sort prevailed. Tommy moved to get out of bed. He stopped when he found it harder to do so because a familiar sphere rested on his hips. He had taken most of his clothes off last night to make sleeping more comfortable. He regretted that decision now. Pealing the covers away from his body, Tommy braced himself for the reveal. His naturally thin frame didn't help. His stomach arched away from him like a big meal. His skin was taut. Tommy dreaded the thought of getting his clothes tailored, but it would have to be done. Grace rolled over, noticing his self examination. She put her hand on his exposed abdomen, making sure it was still real. He flinched at her touch.
"Tommy, you ok?" she asked kindly. His eyes were still red from last night.
"I'm just, not use to that …" said Tommy. Grace removed her hand.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Tommy replied. His eyes met hers.
"I don't want to be sorry about this anymore," he said tiredly. She moved closer to place her head on his middle and wrap her arm around the rest of him. Tommy smiled. He combed his fingers through her hair. He'd rather see her face then the domain of his new occupant.
"You're late," said Polly.
"Am I?" Thomas said as he exhaled smoke from his cigarette. He felt mildly more stable now that he had a new pair of trousers. He was amused when the Tailor asked why he needed two pairs, one larger than the other.
"Yes, we needed to start screening an hour ago," she said frustrated.
"You let me handle that, aye? They will be screened, but they can't know they are being screened, right? If they do, they will lie. And if they lie, well, then we may need a whole set of new employees," Thomas said taking another drag before flicking the fag away. He was soon joined by Arthur and John. First, they scoped their industry in the midst of its work. Second, they kept tabs on who they suspected. Finally, they rejoined to discuss their findings in Tommy's office.
"So boys, what do you think?" Tommy asked as he sat back in his chair.
"The slim jim with the pout is definitely Italian," noted John.
"How do you know?" asked Thomas.
"Because, he screamed 'fanculo!' after breaking his nose on my door," claimed John. Thomas and Arthur looked at him sternly.
"What! Not my fault he was too close to my door," said John snapping the collar of his coat. Arthur snickered.
"And what about you Arthur," Thomas redirected.
"I suspect one of the bookies. Seems like a valuable place to be for a spy," noted Arthur.
"Well, I believe you both are correct," Thomas said pulling out some files.
"What's 'at?" questioned Arthur.
"Background checks of all our people," stated Tommy.
"Please don't tell me you had that in 'ere the whole time," Arthur said flatly.
"Yeah, I did," said Thomas.
"Then why have us waste time, scoping out our entire organization," huffed John.
"Because we needed to know for certain, and some of these could be forged," answered Thomas. Arthur was more relieved.
"Now, once the spies are taken care of, we need to maintain order in our own ranks. I leave you in charge of that," Tommy said motioning towards Arthur, "fewer privileges, and more discipline for those who wish to abuse. And if they keep abusing, kick 'em out."
"And this is why we can't have nice things," he added. Arthur nodded.
"What about the women, Tommy," John asked reluctantly.
"What about the women John," Thomas repeated. John looked at Arthur.
"Alright, look … one of 'em, could be working for Sabini. Have you thought about that?" John asked.
"Yes, John, I have. As a matter of fact, I will be taking care of that myself, because I have the best ally for that kind of matter," Thomas replied cooly.