Chapter 6 - No one's fault
A month passed since their first sweep. They found their suspected men guilty, but they waited before executing any plans. If they disappeared, Sabini would know. Thomas decided they could use this knowledge to their own benefit. However, he believed that one had slipped through the cracks. If they all weren't taken out, a new leak would form. This information continued to make Tommy anxious considering his own growing secret. While wearing the second pair of trousers he requested, Thomas put in a whole new order of clothes, ones that would better hide him in the near future. The once small grapefruit started to resemble a kickable football. One morning, Thomas noticed as he rolled out of bed, which was becoming increasingly difficult, that he could see more of his stomach and less of his feet. This notion frightened him.
"Grace," he called.
"Yes!" she responded from the kitchen.
"How far along were you?" he asked. She came into the bedroom at the sound of those words.
"Why do ask?" she said.
"I'm just curious," he replied. He wasn't wearing a shirt. His navel was flattered, and his belly protruded more than she remembered. She held it in her hands. Her nose nuzzled his.
"I was three months along. Why?" she asked intimately. He exhaled revelation.
"And I'm, in, the fourth month," said Tommy.
"Yes, why?" she asked nervously. She gently rubbed his middle. He put his arms around her.
"I can't keep this secret forever, Grace," he said softly. She sighed understanding.
"What will we do then?" she asked.
"My family … has to know … " said Tommy.
"How do you think they will take it?" she asked worried.
"I don't know," he said walking away to put on one of his new shirts, "I honestly, don't know." He slipped the shirt over his arms. Grace buttoned it.
"There is, another option regardless of whether they believe any of this or not," he started.
"Oh, what's that?" Grace asked.
"We leave, on holiday, at least until … that baby is born," he finished.
"Is that wise Tommy? To leave your family and your entire business? And will they even believe that you take holidays?" she asked concerned. He sighed stressfully.
"And how exactly are you going to have … this baby?" she asked not wanting to know the answer.
"There is a doctor close to here, with a new medical procedure," he said.
"Jesus, Tommy," she exhaled.
"Grace," he paused, "It's the only chance, that I have. That we have." He rolled his sleeves and put on his vest. Her eyes watered.
"Hey, come here," he said He took her face in his hands.
"Whatever happens, it's no one's fault, aye," he told her. She nodded tearfully.