Chapter 21 - Compliance
The next morning, Thomas rejoined Arthur and John with some reliable men to swiftly executed their plan. The ghostly vacancy that had followed them was refilled. A crucial knot bounded the tightly knit trio once more, except an extra knot came along for the ride. They roamed through the factory like alpha dogs choosing pack members for a hunt. Arthur barked at anyone not doing their purpose. John joined in occasionally. Thomas only had to look in their direction for them to get the memo. No one stared back. No one asked questions, and lucky for Tommy, his coat was large enough to hide him from any specific remarks. Once they picked the flees from their combing, Arthur gathered people around for a speech.
"ATTENTION!" Arthur bellowed. Men watched and listened intently.
"Now it has come to our understanding, that some people, are taking advantage of privileges graciously given to them by this company! And we will have you KNOW, that you will no longer reflect our COMPANY in such a way. THEREFORE, privileges ABUSED, are not privileges LOST. NO PROTECTION, NO WHISKEY, NO WEAPONS, NO FREE RIDES. BY ORDER, OF THE PEAKY BLINDERS. Now tell that to those who DON'T abuse their privileges, and they might just start abusing those who do!" yelled Arthur. Thomas watched the room for their compliance. It was received. Now all they could do was wait for the results.
Grace, Aunt Poll and Esme worked in the main room with the typewriters and books. Grace noticed that some payments did not equate to the number of merchandise sold. She thought Polly should know.
"Polly," Grace called. She didn't answer. Grace walked over to her with the book in hand.
"Polly, I've noticed that some of these numbers don't add up correctly," Grace started.
"You don't think we haven't noticed, we noticed this for months," Polly interrupted.
"Yes, but they seem to follow under similar names," Grace started again.
"Didn't you have another job. Ya know, the one you were really good at."
"So why am I here doing the job that YOU are suppose to be good at!" interjected Grace. Polly's eyes wouldn't let go of Grace.
"You don't have to like me for what I did in the past, but I am trying to help you now! And even now, I am not asking for your forgiveness! But I am asking you to look at this," Grace finished placing the book in front of Polly. Grace left the room. Polly reluctantly looked over the marked page. She was startled to find the Grace was right.
Grace walked into the Garrison. A drink was needed after the confrontation. She ordered her usual Irish Whisky, then she left the pub. On her way out, she noticed two peculiar figures, Esme and an unfamiliar lad who looked to be bothering her. She seemed to be confronting him when he pushed her. "Is there a problem?" Grace interjected. "I don't know, is there?!" Esme demanded of the strange lad. He glared at her and walked away. "What was that about?" asked Grace. "None of your business," she retorted.
"Esme, if something is wrong you have to tell Tommy."
"Nothing, is wrong. I can handle myself," Esme interrupted.
"What if he's spy," Grace whispered.
"He's not. And if I recall, you were a spy once. Should I be talking to you," hissed Esme as she walked away.