Author's Note:
Warning, this is going to be another wall of text! I would like to give a big thank you to my friend and fellow fanfic author blue c 84 who was willing to subject herself to be my sounding board. She had also helped me hammer out a timeline as well as whatever semblance to a plot this fic possesses. She says she doesn't need acknowledgement but I say she does. Also, go read her fics!
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Chapter Six: Line
Ben was not happy. Not happy in the least. How had his cousin managed to get caught up in the shady business of speakeasies and get mixed up with the worst possible crowd?
"Here I thought you had smarts." The brunette muttered over the steering wheel.
"Excuse me?" Gwen quirked a brow.
"What were you thinking applying for a job on your vacation? And at Charmcaster's to boot? As if that wasn't bad enough you let that chump Levin get his paws all over you!"
Normally, Gwen would have let Ben's little outburst slide. Her cousin was just worried about her and being overly protective as men were expected to be of women. And she understood why Ben would be so worked up about her place of employment. But to accuse her of lacking restraint where Kevin was involved?
That was simply uncalled for!
The red-head's emerald eyes flashed in anger, "Now listen here, Benjamin Tennyson! I am a grown woman capable of making her own decisions. I am not that little girl you used to push into the mud. And even if I were, you of all people should know I fight back. This is my vacation and whatever I choose to spend my time on and whoever I choose to spend it with is none of your beeswax!"
"It wouldn't be if you weren't going to make the biggest mistake in your life!" Ben spat, "Kevin is dangerous, Gwen, and I'm not saying that as your cousin, I'm saying it as a police officer. Anyone who works in a speakeasy isn't to be trusted. You don't know how many people he and his gang have made disappear over the past few years."
"If he's so dangerous, why hasn't he been locked up?" The woman demanded sourly.
Ben couldn't tell her about the higher ranking officers Kevin had in his pocket. It just wouldn't do to tarnish the badge's reputation especially when no one wanted to do anything about it. "You wouldn't understand."
"Oh I understand perfectly." She narrowed her eyes before looking away, voice dripping with sarcasm. "A small town girl couldn't possibly begin to fathom the intricate inner-workings of big city politics."
"That's not what I mean." The brunette sighed as they finally arrived at the house, "There're just a lot of things, confidential things that I can't tell a civilian. At least not if I want to stay on the force."
Gwendolyn glanced at her cousin to study the grim look on his face. Maybe there was some merit to his words and maybe he did have good reason to worry about her working in a speakeasy. As much as she prided herself in her judgment and independence, blood was thicker than water. She'd talk to the Madame about the conditions of her employment tomorrow.
"I appreciate your concern, Ben, really I do. I know you're only looking out for me and I trust that you have my best interest in mind. I would just like it if you could trust me back. If I find myself way in over my head, I'll just give them a resignation letter." She promised him.
"That's not the way things work in those joints." Ben shook his head.
"You sure know an awful lot about speakeasies for someone who's so adamantly against them." Gwen remarked with a teasing grin.
"I never said I was against speakeasies. I just don't like Levin's." He clarified. "Look, all I'm saying is Kevin's part of a really bad crowd and I just don't want to see you get hurt."
She laughed good-naturedly before exiting the vehicle. "I highly doubt Mr. Levin is capable of charming me enough to break my heart."
"Who said anything about breaking your heart? I meant finding you floating facedown in the east river." Ben sighed to himself before following after his cousin.
--
Elsewhere on the penthouse floor of an apartment high-rise, Michael Morningstar leaned against the picture window overlooking New York City. He stared down at the sights with cold, calculating eyes, their gaze constantly returning to the general vicinity of Kevin Levin's speakeasy. Living the easy life with things being handed to him on a silver platter, Mike was not accustomed to rejection. And the blonde was certain he did not like it.
Had this been a mere business transaction gone awry, Mike wouldn't have minded the way the evening had turned out. Business was business and his father had taught him at an early age that when deals go sour it should not be taken to heart. Learn from your mistakes and make certain you never repeat them.
But what transpired that evening was anything but business. It was personal. To the sole heir of the Morningstar Motors vast fortune, it was an affront to his charm, his intelligence and his character. He was not going to let this slide so easily.
Mike frowned in distaste when he felt pale arms slowly slide over his bare chest from behind.
"Mike, baby, I'm cold being all alone in that big bed." Rojo purred, pressing her naked body against him.
"Then put some clothes on." He hissed, annoyed at having his thoughts interrupted.
Rojo glowered snidely, "Gee, you sure know how to show a gal a good time."
The athletic flapper pulled away in a huff, muttering "Just because I ain't new don't mean I ain't worth nothing." She began to gather her things scattered all over the bedroom, "I thought we had something. Wasn't that why you always picked me over all the other girls?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Rojo." Mike laughed, "You're fantastic in the sack, but that's all you'll ever be good for as far as I'm concerned."
He reached out to catch an incoming fist aimed at his jaw before smoothly twisting the flapper's arm viciously behind her back. The serene smile on his face sent ominous chills down the woman's spine. "That little stunt took gumption, Rojo. Maybe you can be worth something."
--
The bright rays of morning sunshine flooded the guest bedroom in the Tennyson household. But the shafts of light found no sleeping Gwendolyn lying on the already made bed. Instead, they found her in the kitchen, apron strings wound tight around the waist of the simple, light blue cotton dress she wore. The stove burned cheerily as bacon and eggs sunny-side up hissed in an oil-slick frying pan.
"What's with the Betty Crocker routine?" Ben stared quizzically as he strode towards the table where a pot of freshly brewed coffee and a plate of toast awaited him.
"Just my way of saying I appreciate the concern." Gwen smiled, setting down the plate of food onto the table before retrieving the butter.
The brunette eagerly began to dig in, for once enjoying a homemade meal that didn't involve ingredients that used to wriggle and crawl underground.
"It's also an apology for what's going to happen for the rest of my stay." The red-head continued before untying the apron and sitting down across her cousin. "I thought over what you said last night and I agree that working in a speakeasy isn't the most respectable of choices."
"So why the apology?" Ben asked in between mouthfuls of eggs.
Gwen smiled wanly, "Unlike you, I grew up in a small town where everyone knows what everyone else is doing. One of the reasons I wanted to come to the big city is to go wild and crazy, without completely compromising my morals of course. I guess I just want to do things that I wouldn't do back home."
The brunette shook his head, "Look, if working in a speakeasy is that important to you, I know someone who can-"
"I know I just said I wanted to do things I wouldn't do back home, but taking charity isn't something I'll ever do." Gwen stated flatly, "Anyway I have decided to keep working at Charmcaster's for the rest of my stay. And you don't have to worry about me fending off the men. No one seemed all that interested in me apart from Mike."
Ben blinked, the name rang a bell but he couldn't quite remember why. "Who's Mike?"
"Oh, Michael Morningstar, he apparently cut a deal with Charmcaster that I was going to keep him happy for the rest of the evening. But thankfully, I didn't have to do anything of the sort." She finished hastily. Gwen decided it was best not to mention Kevin's involvement in the whole issue.
"You met Morningstar? That cat's a big shot but I hear he's also a real cake-eater." He frowned.
"Isn't there anyone you approve of?" the red-head chuckled, "Anyway, you don't have to worry your pretty little head about that pill. I got promoted from greeter to card dealer."
Ben looked worried, "Card dealers are actually in more danger than the flappers."
"Why do you say that?"
"It would depend on the table you're dealing for, but let's just say that if you deal a bad hand to the wrong person..." Ben simply shaped his hand into a gun, before mimicking it going off.
Gwen stared suspiciously. Those things only happen in books or radio shows, not in real life. "Are you trying to razz me, Ben?"
"No, no, just trying to give you a possible scenario," He quickly reasoned. "Anyway, just promise me you'll be extra careful around Kevin."
"If I do, will you give this whole thing a rest?" Gwen rested her chin on her palm.
"Po-so-lutely." He nodded, "Thanks for the grub and now I gotta scram before the chief lays down anymore paperwork on my desk."
--
"My, my, someone's looking mighty dapper." Charmcaster grinned from behind the shop counter as Kevin emerged through the curtains, dressed to the nines. Suit freshly pressed, shoes newly polished, if the Madame didn't know any better she'd say Kevin was genuinely trying to impress Gwen as opposed to just getting under Ben's skin. "Exactly what kind of sights are you planning on showing her, hun?"
Kevin just smirked as he set his fedora smartly atop his dark hair. "I'm leaving Fingers and Rocky to watch over the joint. Make sure they don't get into trouble, Charmcaster." He instructed before slipping out the door and into the chauffeured car parked out front.
Charmcaster followed after him just until the doorway. Leaning against the frame, the shop proprietress reminded "You better not break her in too quickly. I haven't made enough money off of her yet."
The dark-haired man just laughed, "Good to see you know your priorities. Let's go, Sparks."
"Soitenly, boss." The youth seated behind the steering wheel nodded.
"And Sparks?"
"Yeah boss?" the driver asked, looking over his shoulders.
"Take that damn thing off, it ain't gonna make you look like a fly boy anymore than it would a bum." Kevin gestured to the imitation aviator helmet and goggles Sparks wore.
Offended, Sparks faced forward and frowned. Nevertheless, he did as he was told and freed his unruly mop of soot-colored locks from the confines of the helmet. No one said no to Kevin Levin, especially not someone in his own gang. Once removed, Sparks started up the car and drove off to their destination.
Over at said destination, Gwendolyn had gotten herself prepared for her little liaison with Kevin the moment her cousin had gone off to work. She decided to make some alterations to one of her own clothes using the dress Charmcaster had given her the previous night as a basis.
The sleeves were shortened to above her elbows while the hem of the skirt was raised just a few inches above her shins. The collar, originally a mock turtle neck, had been lowered and widened to make her clavicle visible at certain angles. The changes weren't anything drastic for the dress still reflected Gwen's sense of modesty. Even if the fabric did hug her hips perfectly and flattered the soft curves of her chest.
She was ready for a day of sight seeing and hoped Kevin didn't mind if she acted like the utter tourist she was. Glancing again at the clock and found it was quarter to twelve, the red-head went downstairs to wait in the kitchen. She wondered if she should invite him in for lunch but decided against that idea as she envisioned Ben blowing a gasket when he found out.
The sound of a vehicle coming up the driveway caught her attention and Gwen felt gossamer wings stir in her stomach. The doorbell rang and the young woman reminded herself not to answer too quickly. She didn't want the dark-haired man to think she was eager or anything.
Remember, you're only doing this because you cheated someone in a card game. She told herself while gathering her gloves and purse before slowly answering the door.
"Ready?" Kevin grinned, offering the crook of his arm to the young woman. As she accepted, Gwen couldn't help but think how dashing the dark-haired man could be in the right light. Still, she had to remind herself about her promise to her cousin and sneaking a glance at the wolfish smile on Kevin's face, Gwendolyn saw the merit in the precaution.
Sparks had gotten out of the car and held the door open for the couple. Once he was back behind the wheel, he turned to Kevin and asked "Where to?"
The dark-haired man contemplates for a moment, "Have you gotten a bite to eat yet, Gwen?"
"Ah, no I haven't. I was planning on making lunch but lost track of time." she hoped he wouldn't ask what she had been doing to lose track. It was embarrassing for her to admit it was because she was getting ready for this little tour.
"That settles it then, Sparks, take us to Driscoll's."
"Soitenly!" The youth grins before putting the pedal to the metal.
Much to Gwen's dismay as she was not quite accustomed to riding in such speeds. Instinctively she clung to the nearest object which was at the moment Kevin's arm. Not that he was complaining for he gave no instructions for his driver to slow down.
To keep herself from picturing gruesome automobile-related accidents, Gwen struck up a conversation about the first thing that came into her mind. "Do you like apple pie?"
"What?" Kevin quirked a brow as he stared down at the woman whose face seemed to have lost all color.
"I, I mean, that is to say-" she stammered as the color gradually returned to her cheeks, if only out of sheer embarrassment. "Can we please slow down?"
The dark-haired man chuckled and motioned for Sparks to ease up on the gas. Again the driver frowned and again he obeyed.
"Better?" Kevin asked.
Gwendolyn nodded then quickly realized she was still tightly clutching at Kevin's arm. She let go, primly folding her hands on her lap while wishing the car seat would swallow her. "S-sorry, I'm just more accustomed to walking."
"Don't sweat it. You're with Kevin Levin today, kid. And I don't do walking." He grinned. Gwen was certainly nothing like the other girls he'd been with. They used every excuse in the book to press up against him or accidentally brush up to him. They were experienced in the art of seduction and didn't hesitate to turn on the charm whenever they set their sights on him.
The girls on the other side of the spectrum, the side Kevin assumed Gwen came from, didn't really interest Kevin. As far as he saw them, they were bores, real Mrs. Grundy-types. No sense of adventure or fun or any kind of excitement. Heck, they weren't even real challenges. All he ever needed to do was give them a disarming smile and they practically melted into bed with him. Granted it took a while longer to convince them but he found the time invested wasn't worth the lay.
But Gwen, well, Kevin had seen she was a real livewire underneath those yards of fabric. He knew she was smart, having not fallen for Morningstar's syrupy charm said something about her intelligence and judgment of character. He wanted to know what else was hidden behind the sweet smiling lips and those bright, emerald eyes.
Driscoll as it turns out was the owner of a successful chain of hotels that he had named perhaps vainly after himself. It was in the hotel's restaurant that Kevin chose to dine whenever he was aiming to impress a girl.
And impressed Gwen certainly was. She had never expected to ever step foot in such a sophisticated establishment this early in her lifetime. But she kept a straight face, expression a careful blank. This was because Gwen's pride wouldn't allow her to show how easy it is to overwhelm her and sweep her off her feet. And in no way did it mean she was playing hard to get, because saying so would indicated there was something between them, which there wasn't apart from last night's game.
At least that was what the red-head told herself as they were escorted to a reserved table looking out at the river bay.
The maitre d handed them both menus while mentioning the day's specials. Kevin handed back the leather-bound booklet, declaring "I'll just have my usual."
"And what will the lady have?"
Gwen had to keep herself from gasping at the prices listed. If the clothes were expensive the food was just outrageous! She was just grateful she was going to get her money tonight and could use the pitiful amount she had brought with her.
As if sensing her discomfort, Kevin told the attendant "She'll have the catch of the day."
"Ah, excellent choice. Your orders shall be with you shortly." The waiter retrieved the menu from Gwen before shuffling off to the kitchen.
"Kevin, I don't know if I can afford the catch of the day." Gwen frowned, miffed that he had the nerve to assume he had the liberty to order for her.
"You're something else, Gwen. Aside from walking, I don't do Dutch Treat." Kevin chuckled.
"Is there anything else you don't do?" She asked, allowing a smirk to creep across her lips.
"Tons. Like losing, sharing, and not getting my way." He leered. "How about you? Is there anything Gwendolyn Tennyson don't do?"
"Doesn't." She found herself correcting him, "And to be quite honest, I don't normally allow anyone but good friends to treat me to a meal. No such thing as a free lunch and all that jazz. But today I'm willing to make an exception."
"Aw, how sweet. You find me special." he teased.
"Indeed I do."
Gwen was expecting an awkward silence to fall upon them at some point. But they had finished their meal and were driving towards Liberty Island and the dreaded moment when they ran out of things to talk about never came. The red-head found Kevin absolutely intriguing if not a bit rough around the edges and brusquer than the kind of man she was accustomed to interacting.
She had noted how he restrained himself from touching her. The only times they came into contact was when she would absently tap him on the shoulder to ask about something or when she lost her balance climbing up the stairs to Lady Liberty's crown. Perhaps Kevin truly just wanted her company and nothing more. Gwendolyn appreciated this the most and allowed herself to lower her guard around him.
Kevin wouldn't believe it possible but there was someone who was genuinely interested in getting to know him without having an ulterior motive. Gwen wasn't trying to weasel her way into the gang or trying to break it apart the way some of the other girls were. There was no malice in her questions or thoughts, just a bit of sarcasm here and there, which gave her character in Kevin's opinion.
He had watched her take in the sights with a certain naivety that was as foreign as it was fascinating to him. And he saw that though she tried to maintain a fair, nonjudgmental outlook, she couldn't keep herself from making cutting remarks that would have left a lesser man speechless.
"Say Gwen, I've been wondering why a dame like you tried for work at Charmcaster's."
"It was really all just a big misunderstanding. I didn't know the clothing store was just a front and that the real business was the, you know," she blushed, "But I'll be in New York for a few more weeks and I'm going to need money if I want to enjoy my stay here. I figured why not give it a shot since I was already there."
"You're not going to live in New York?" Kevin wasn't certain if this bit of news was good or bad.
"No, I'm going back home to Bellwood in a few weeks. I won't be able to handle the excitement of big city living anyway. I might burn out like a candle on the longest night of the year." She laughed. "I did tell Charmcaster all I wanted was part-time work, I suppose I should remind her of that when we get back. What about you, Kevin? How did you come to be in the business?"
Earth-hued eyes looked away to stare at the horizon as a tense silence fell between them.
"I'll understand if it's something you'd rather not say." Gwen leaned in close towards Kevin and whispered, "After all, I wouldn't want you to get into trouble with the law."
He turned to face her and she winked, "My job's at stake too."
After they returned from the Statue of Liberty, Kevin ordered Sparks to head back to the speakeasy. "Tell Charmcaster I might be a bit late in bringing her card dealer back."
"Soitenly, boss." Sparks saluted and grabbed his helmet and goggles before leaving the two with the car.
"Hop in," Kevin instructed to Gwen as he got into the driver's seat.
Gwen stared at him in disbelief, "Only if you promise that we won't end up getting totaled."
Kevin laughed, wondering how long it was since the last time he had laughed this much without bloodshed being involved. "Scouts honor."
"Funny," She grinned, "I wouldn't have considered you for a boy scout."
"Never even got one badge." The dark-haired proudly declared as he tossed his fedora into the backseat before driving off.
The vehicle arrived at a derelict building near the Brooklyn Bridge. Two out of the four walls had long collapsed and the roof had caved in onto the third floor.
"What is this place?" Gwen asked as she got out of the car.
"You asked me how I got into the business and this is how. Well, sorta." Kevin quietly explained. "This used to be my home before my parents died in a fire. It happened when I was really small and turns out I didn't have no other family to turn to so's I had to learn how to take care of myself. Real fast."
He pointed to the bridge suspended over the water, "I used to sell newspaper with some of the other kids and then my late boss, God rest his soul, saw me fast talking my way outta trouble. I pinched a wallet I think? I don't really remember what the whole deal was about but it caught his eye and then he gave me an offer to be part of his gang.
"I took it. Started out as an errand boy and mostly did odd jobs. Bringing this and that from one place to another. Took a while before I managed to rise in the ranks and even longer to get the trust of the old timers like Fingers and Rocky. Eventually they saw me as one of their own and well, the boss was sorta making me to be his next-in-line cuz he ain't got no kids of his own.
"He had this sixth sense about things because a night before this meeting went down, he told everyone in the gang that if anything went wrong, I was to take charge. We all laughed and thought the boss was just trying to get us to relax.
"No one saw it coming. The meeting was a set up and well, yeah I became the next boss. That was almost four or five years ago but it still bothers me that the boss had to go that way. He still had so much to teach and so much territory to take over." Kevin added in an attempt to lighten the suddenly somber mood.
He stared out at the orange-stained sky as the sun slowly sank behind the bridge.
"I'm sorry I made you remember such sad things." Gwen murmured as she rested her head against his shoulders. "If it's worth anything, your boss sounded like a very smart, insightful man."
It didn't escape Kevin that Gwen didn't say that his boss was a good man. He would have questioned her common sense if she had. He smiled a small smile when he felt Gwen link her arm with his. She was falling for him, he could feel it.
"Yeah, the boss was really something." He nodded.
"Today was really something too." Gwen beamed before adding shyly, "And so are you."
He smirked, "I know."
"You were supposed to say "You too, Gwen." like in those radio shows." She corrected him with a wily grin, "But I'll just pretend you did so as not to spoil the moment."