Chapter 23 - I Need a Doctor
Weeks after the extermination, Arthur stood on top bar of the Garrison with a fiery glass of whiskey in his hand. Slightly intoxicated, he made a toast. "And NOW we can finally celebrate without any more wankers, Cognies, and Italian Scum!" shouted Arthur. The full, bustling pub erupted like a calventry of whizzbangs. John, however, hovered in the corner of the room next to a wall. His arms crossed over. "Celebrating a bit early, aren't we," he whispered soberly to himself. No one heard him. He left to rendezvous with his other older brother. Tommy was about to leave his residence. He groaned as he attempted to button his previously tailored trousers. He sighed in defeat. "And here I thought you couldn't get any bigger," he said as he rubbed his ballooning stomach, "But then you prove me wrong." Finally, he managed to attach the button below his massive sphere. Tommy finished getting dressed, put on his coat, and headed for his office. John was already there waiting. "You alright John?" Tommy said as he entered. John stood next to the desk with his arms still crossed. His sober head still adored with his hat. "Yeah, I'm alright," he said anxiously. Tommy nodded instead of prying into John's obvious uncomfortable state. "And you?" John asked glancing up. "Yeah, I'm fine," he said. Tommy walked over to his desk where he gingerly sat. John gave him room. "So, is she coming?" he asked nervously. "Well, she's your wife John, you two still talk, right?" Tommy said directly, not intentionally meaning to offend. "Right," John said passively. The door opened again. Esme walked through followed by Aunt Polly who practically herded her inside like a predator. "Esme, have a seat," directed Tommy. She took a seat across from him. Aunt Polly remained standing behind her with her arms crossed. Tommy rubbed his belly slightly underneath the desk to calm to active child.
"It has come to my understanding that someone has been giving you trouble," Tommy started.
"Is that why I'm here?" Esme asked glancing at her husband.
"Esme, please answer the question," said John.
"Did Grace tell you that?" she said directing her question at Thomas.
"Is he, Esme?" Tommy demanded.
"No one is giving me trouble," she replied.
"Then who were you arguing with?" demanded John.
"John," said Tommy attempting to calm him.
"He's not Italian if that's what your worried about," she remarked. "And I'm not screwing him either if that is what YOU are concerned about John Shelby," she added angrily.
"Then who IS he? Why are you protecting him?" Aunt Polly interjected with growing frustration.
"He's just a fellow Lee," Esme answered.
"If he's a Lee, then what's the argument?" remarked Tommy. The baby stirred again. Esme went quiet. John approached. He put his hands on Tommy's desk and leaned forward.
"Esme, what, was, the argument," he pierced at her. However, a crash interrupted John's questioning. Someone had thrown a rock threw the window. John pulled his piece and headed for the door. Aunt Polly pulled a weapon out from a drawer. Sudden fear pulled more blood through Tommy's heart. The baby kicked more furiously. John and Polly checked outside for the rock's source, but a large parcel was found at the doorstep instead. Tommy made a move to stand but they rejoined him. John went to retrieve the parcel. "John, what is that? And why did you bring it inside?" he hissed. "And open it while someone could be preying on us!" retorted John. Tommy stood. "Alright, no one move," Tommy instructed. He took out a knife and carefully cut the top of the package. A foul smell from inside made his stomach twist. Red escaped from the corner. Peeling back the lid, Thomas's heart sank. "Tom what is it, what's that smell?" commanded Aunt Polly. Thomas said nothing as did Esme who never moved from her seat. "Tommy, what is it!" exclaimed John. Aunt Polly approached the package. She pulled a handkerchief from a pocket and placed it around her face. Inside the box was a severed head and a large fish wrapped in newspaper. "Jesus! What the hell is that?!" proclaimed John after taking a peek in the box. "An Italian warning," responded Aunt Polly. "Yeah? But who is that?!" said John pointing at the head. "My doctor," Thomas said finally.