Tommy had been in hospital for three months, he had been denying any visitors but Ada these last few months and it was causing friction in the family. Polly had insisted that me and the kids moved in with her as we had to fire all our nannies and maids in fear they were spies. I had hardly seen John the last few months, him and Arthur had been staying above the shop most nights and when he did come to Pollys, we always ended up arguing. His favourite topic was how Tommy and I kept secrets from him.
Michael and I had gone to the cottage to work as the paperwork I needed was there when I got the call from Ada, summoning me to Tommy's bedside. "He wants to see you?" Michel asked, taking a long drag from his cigarette and looking at me as I put the phone down. I nodded, sitting back in my chair. We were in my office and despite being here for three hours, we had only just sat down to do some work, more disheveled than we were when we arrived. I could feel his eyes on me as I closed my eyes, running a hand through my hair and wondering what Tommy would want with me.
I kept my eyes closed as I heard Michael moving, I could feel his body behind me as he rested his hands on my shoulders and pressed his lips to my hair. "What do you think he wants?" he asked as I leant my head backwards onto his stomach. "No bloody idea. But I hope to God he's got a plan." I replied with a sigh. He let go of my shoulders and I was being pulled out of my chair. I opened my eyes as he moved me out of the way, sitting in my chair before pulling me back down into his lap.
I relaxed back into his body as Michael wrapped his arms around me. Moments like these had become so scarce over the last few months and we tried to grab them as often as we could. It was hard to feel bad about the situation, especially as I was beginning to hear rumours of John visiting various whore houses. His thumb stroked my arm as I leant my head on his shoulder. "Do you think if we just stayed like this forever anyone would notice?" Michael asked into my hair. "There may be a few questions." I laughed.
"I want to come see Tommy with you." Michael told me after a few minutes. I moved my head so I was looking up at him. "I don't think that's a good idea. He hasn't even asked for John or Arthur yet. Just me." I replied, searching his face as he looked down at me. "This is about Hughes, alright? I have a history with the priest and I want to make sure Tommy knows that I am going to do what it takes to get rid of him and protect our family." he explained. "Tommy doesn't expect that from you." I told him. "I know he doesn't but I have to, Eves. I have to." he replied, looking away from me. I brought my hand up to his face and turned it so he was looking at me again before pressing my lips to his. "Come with me. Talk to him." I told him once we had broken apart.
We walked into the hospital a few days later and, despite driving the whole way here with our legs touching and Michael's hand on my thigh, we walked down the halls keeping an appropriate distance between us. A nurse had led us to where Tommy was staying, the basement by request and Michael went in first as I waited with Ada. "Tommy didn't ask for Michael." she reminded me as soon as we were alone. "I know, Michael was with me when I got your call and asked to come too." I told her. "What's he want to talk to him about?" she asked, and I shrugged my shoulders. "No idea."
Michael was in with Tommy for about 25 minutes before coming out. "He's ready for you." he told me before lighting a cigarette. I nodded at him before proceeding into the room. Tommy was stood in the centre of the dimly lit room, surrounded by smoke. "You look like shit." I smiled as I walked over to him. He let out a painful sounding chuckle as I gently wrapped my arms around him. "Nice to see you too, Eves." he said as I released him and looked up into his face. I ran a gentle finger along the bruises and cuts. "Hmmm.." I said, thoughtfully. "What?" he asked, a small smile on his face. "You're still going to be pretty." I told him with a smile before dropping my hand and taking a step back from him. "Hoping I'd be disfigured?" he asked, a playful smile on his face. "Hideously." I replied.
"What can I do for you, Tommy?" I asked, leaning against the desk. He easily turned from my playful Tommy to businessman Tommy Shelby. "Take John to Camden and visit Solomons. Tell him what you need to tell him to get him on side." Tommy told me and I shook my head. "No. I'm not walking in there with John. I'll take Michael." I told him, crossing my arms. "Michael shouldn't be involved with this business. Michael can't defend you." he reminded me, raising his eyebrows at me. "I won't need defending with Michael. John walks in there, Alfie will see it as a threat. You know that." I countered. "Michael won't be hearing anything that he hasn't heard before." I added. Tommy watched me for a moment before conceding. "Alright. Don't tell anyone else what you are doing, including John and Arthur. Tell them Ada asked you both to stay for a few days. She'll confirm it." he told me, taking a drag from his cigarette.
"Did you know what Michael wanted to speak to me about?" He asked, watching me closely. "No. I know it was about his history with Hughes but he didn't tell me anything else." I told him, meeting his gaze. "You've gotten close over the last few months." he commented, dismissively. "We work together. He trusts me." I replied, choosing my words carefully. "And things with you and John?" he questioned. "Depends who you speak to." I laughed, humourlessly. "I'm speaking to you." he replied, watching me carefully. I watched him for a moment before responding. "We're struggling, Tom. Really struggling." I admitted and I realised it was the first time I had said it out loud. There was a long silence before Tommy spoke again. "He loves you, Evie. Sometimes he doesn't know how to express it." he told me, sounding like he was choosing his words carefully. "And I love him, Tommy. But there is only so much I can deal with." I replied. "You don't divorce Shelby men, Evie. You know that." he told me, almost sounding threatening. "I know, Thomas. But you don't mistreat Gypsy women." I countered before turning and leaving.
I walked confidently into the factory, Michael close behind me as my heels clicked on the cobblestones. I had briefed Michael on the way to Camden, telling him to let me do the talking. I shrugged off my coat as I spotted Ollie in the distance, his back to me and talking to some of his men. "Morning, Ollie." I greeted cheerily, causing the man to turn to me, shocked as I walked passed and handed him my coat. "Security is a bit lax, mate." I told him, turning and walking backwards while throwing him the gun I had stashed in my waistband. I caught Michael's eye and winked at him, he grinned back. "He in his office?" I smiled, looking back at Ollie before turning back around and continuing to walk. "Evelyn!" Ollie called from behind me and I could hear him following us.
I opened Alfies office door to be greeted by Alfie aiming a gun at me. I smiled, walking into the room with Michael as the gun followed me. "See, Ollie." I said, gesturing to Alfie as Ollie made it to the doorway. "That's how you greet an unexpected Shelby." I laughed, "You really need to get better security out there, Alfie. Anyone could just walk in." I told the man who was slowly lowering his gun as I sat in a chair. "Evelyn, this is an unexpected delight." Alfie said, staying standing as he spoke. "And you've brought a friend." he added, looking at Michael. "Alfie, this is Michael Gray. He works with me in the accounts department of Shelby Brothers Limited. Michael, this is Alfie Solomons." I introduced, watching the pair carefully. "Gray? Not the husband then?" Alfie questioned, holding his hand out to Michael. "Polly's son." Michael confirmed, shaking the older man's hand. Understanding crossed Alfies face as he gestured for Michael to sit in the seat next to me and he took his own seat behind the desk.
I gave Alfie a smile once both men were seated. He narrowed his eyes at me for a moment. "How's your brother? I heard he took a beating?" Alfie asked, leaning back in his chair. "Which one?" I countered, my smile never faltering. "Ah, we are still upset about that?" he asked, raising his eyebrows at me. "C'mon, Alfie, you know me. I don't get upset. Business is business." I told him, crossing my legs and leaning back in the chair. Michael almost mirrored my movements, relaxing into his chair half a second after me. "And business is why you're here." he stated. "Indeed." I replied.
"We want you back on side." I added, watching his reactions carefully. "We?" Alfie asked. "Tommy and I." I confirmed. "Are you sure you two aren't married?" he asked, leaning forward and looking at me intensely. "Tommy is my brother-in-law, Alfie. You know this." I told him, a smile on my face. "And him?" he asked, pointing a finger at Michael but keeping his eyes on me. "He is Polly's son." I reminded the man. "That wasn't the question." he pressed. "Michael and I are family and colleagues, Alfie. Can we get back to the point now?" I asked, allowing my smiley demeanor to drop slightly.
"I don't know what Tommy is offering but he told me to say whatever I needed to to get you." I told Alfie, honestly. He sat back in his chair at this. "Must be important." he muttered, looking between me and Michael. "Must be." I told him. "So what do you say?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him. "Alright, alright. I'll meet with Tommy." he conceded. "On one condition." he added, smiling at me. "It seems my daughter-in-law cannot stop asking when she is going to see you. They're having a party tonight, you and Michael should go." he told us. "You want us to go to a party?" Michael asked, confused. I knew what type of parties Ruth and Jacob Solomons liked to throw. The type that were filled with drugs and sex was encouraged no matter your relationship status.
"That's it? We've just got to go to the party?" I asked, making sure Alfie didn't have anything hidden up his sleeve. "That's it, Evelyn. Go. Enjoy yourselves. I'll check with Jacob in the morning and I will be happy to come to Birmingham." he told me, a smirk still on his face. I looked beside me at Michael, who still looked confused, before turning back to Alfie. "Okay, we will go. Have Ollie book two rooms at the hotel down the street." I told Alfie, being familiar with where the parties were held. "Two?" Alfie questioned. "Two." I confirmed before standing. "I'll see you soon, Alfie." I told him as Michael stood beside me. "I look forward to it." Alfie smiled before Michael and I left.
A/N Please please please let me know what you think! The next chapter will be a very Michael/Evie chapter as well! But things are going too well for them, right? ;)