Cut From The Same Cloth

by Wenlock

"Polly knew that Rose would do more than survive; she would thrive. She was indeed cut from the same cloth as Tommy – and that would be both her blessing and her curse." What began as a brief imagining of a younger Shelby sister, Rose, and an encounter with Alfie Solomons, has grown into a story of life growing up in the most notorious family in Birmingham.

56. Change

Thank you so much for all the reviews and comments. I love reading them - seriously, I get so excited when I have a notification telling me someone has left a review! I hope this week's chapter meets your approval. As always, I appreciate your thoughts however brief, so please let me know. Wenlock x

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"So, tell me everything I've missed."

Sitting on Nua, walking up and down the streets of Small Heath next to her friend, Rose was content and feeling nostalgic for the long summer days she'd spent with him in the woods and grounds of Arrow House.

Mal let out a laugh at her question. "You haven't missed a thing because nothing ever changes at the camp."

"How's your mum?"

"She's the same – always on the go, always arguing with Dad, always keeping us going."

"Does she miss you now you're working at the house?"

"Yeah, I think so. But she'd never say. She tells me she's glad I'm out of her hair."

Rose laughed. "I bet she's not. Have you seen the twins?"

"Yes, unfortunately. They're just as mad as ever – shrieking and howling like banshees. They can drink as much as any man."

"Don't be such a prude, Mal. They're my friends."

"You should get better friends."

"Yeah, ones that aren't so judgmental."

He pulled a face at her and she stuck her tongue out at him. He grinned and looked around at the street they were riding down.

"So, these are the mean streets of Small Heath where the infamous Shelbys grew up."

"Yep, it's lovely, isn't it?"

"Well, I'm not sure that's the word I would have gone with but if that's how you see it…"

She giggled. She'd forgotten how much she enjoyed his company. He looked at her and thought how much her face changed when she laughed. He liked looking at the dimples in her cheeks, her blue eyes dancing, her nose slightly wrinkled. He shifted his gaze away before she caught him looking at her again.

"Are you glad to be back here though? You always used to say how much you missed home and that you wished you could go back. Is it everything you dreamed it would be?"

She looked at him sheepishly. "No, not really. Not at all, in fact. It's strange, it doesn't feel at all like it used to."

"How do you mean?"

"Well, it's just not the same. The house seems smaller somehow, and not as … happy. And nobody else wants to be here. They're all going mad being cooped up. Tommy's making gin, Arthur's doing nothing but snort snow. And Linda is too now. Polly isn't happy here. It's like we're all in prison or something."

"Well, you are really, aren't you? You're not here by choice and that's not going to help. Also, it's not the place that makes it home, it's the people."

She smiled at him. "You sound like a poem."

He laughed. "It's true though, don't you think?"

"Yeah, maybe. I was younger when I lived here. Everyone was, I suppose. We all lived in the same house and we were a family. Even after the war."

"Things change, Rose, always. And we change too. The trick is to look forward, not back. Hope, not regret."

"Have you swallowed a poetry book or something?"

"No! I just get lots of time to think working in Tommy's stables."

"Sounds nice. I've not had much time to think recently."

"Why's that, then?"

She looked away and shrugged. "There's been a lot going on."

"Right"

They rode in silence for a minute or so before Rose spoke again.

"Don't you want to know why there's been a lot going on?"

He shrugged. "Only if you want to tell me."

She looked at him in surprise. She was used to everyone wanting to know what was going on in her life. Question after question from person after person. What's going on, Rose? What were you thinking, Rose? What will you do, Rose? Why are you like this, Rose? She sighed, grateful for him respecting her privacy. Something occurred to her.

"Do you already know what's be going on with me?"

He looked at her apologetically. "Dad has a big mouth."

That was true enough. He shook her head.

"But, Rose?"

"What?"

"I don't care what's been going on with you. I just care about how you are now. Can you tell me that?"

She thought about his question whilst she stroked Nua's neck.

"I'm alright. I think. I feel better now I've stopped taking the pills. And I feel less out of control since…"

She hesitated. She was going to say she felt more in control since she'd killed a man and realised how it felt to be feared rather than be afraid, but decided she couldn't share that thought right now.

"… since talking to Aunt Pol. She helped me with some stuff."

"Good, I'm glad."

"But everything feels a bit … wobbly. Like it wouldn't take much for things to fall apart again, or for me to fall apart." She thought about Michael. "And there's things going on in the family that are …. well, they're not good."

He nodded. He understood. His dad had told him as much as he knew about the Shelbys, his tongue often loosened by drink. Mal had been worried about Rose and how she was coping. He was glad to see she was doing as well as she was.

"That's families for you. How's Tommy's plan going to get rid of the Italians?"

"Well, he killed three single-handedly this morning, so I suppose it's going reasonably well."

Mal was shocked. "Three?"

"I know. Uncle Charlie called him a mad bastard."

"Sounds about right."

"Luca wasn't one of them though, so the vendetta still holds."

"Maybe Tommy can drown him in a vat of gin."

Rose laughed. "I wouldn't be shocked if he did. He comes up with plans no one else would think of."

"Aye, that's true enough."

Mal looked up at the sky. It was a cold February evening and the sky was getting dark. He glanced at Rose and could see the cold was biting at her. Her nose was red, as were her hands. She was wearing a warm coat but Mal wished she was wearing a hat and gloves.

"We'd better turn back, Rose. It's getting late."

"Oh no, Mal, not yet. We've barely been out."

"Rose, you're cold."

"I'm not, I'm fine. Let me tell you about when Alfie visited and what happened at the hotel."

So, Rose told Mal all about Alfie's visit to Small Heath and their escape from the Midland to Jenny's Café, all the while leading them as far around the area as she could. Mal listened attentively, aware that she was dragging out their ride as long as she could. He was also rather unimpressed with her story.

"So, you had someone fired because you felt insulted?"

Rose was indignant. "No! It was because he judged us, Mal. Alfie because he's Jewish and me because I'm young. Did you hear what I told you he said about my brother, before he knew it was Tommy?"

"Yes, I did. It was rude, I grant you. But you don't believe in giving people a second chance?"

"Why? So he can do it again?"

"No, so he can have the chance not to do it again."

"He was employed by Tommy. He doesn't get to behave like that."

"What if he had a wife? A family? How will he provide for them now?"

"He should have thought of that before he insulted a Shelby."

"Seriously, Rose – can you hear yourself? You sound like Tommy."

She glared at him. "And what's wrong with that? Tommy never let anyone take advantage of him. He's always in control."

"Ah, I see."

Rose was annoyed.

"No, you don't, Mal, you don't see. You think you know me, but you don't. You don't know what it's like to be a Shelby, to be a target for every enemy Tommy has ever made."

"No, I don't, you're right. But I know that shutting away your feelings and not caring about yourself or about anyone else isn't the way to live your life."

"That's not what I'm doing! Why are you being so judgmental?"

"I just want you to see things from a different perspective, that's all."

"Why do you care, anyway?"

Mal looked at her, saddened.

"I care about you, Rose. I care about you a lot."

"Well, I don't need you to. I can take care of myself. And I have plenty of brothers to tell me now to live my life. I don't need another one."

"I'm not interested in being your brother."

Rose was about to retort when she realised that Mal had managed to lead them back to yard. Rose had been so focused on arguing with him that she hadn't noticed where they were going. She sighed dramatically.

"Why are we back here?"

"It's dark now and the horses are cold."

Rose realised he was right and followed him to the yard where they dismounted and led the horses into the stables. There they took care of them, rubbing them down and warming them up, making sure they had food, water and fresh hay. Rose closed the stall door and leaned on it, watching Nua. Mal had done the same with Spirit and now looked over at her. He didn't like it when she was annoyed with him. He walked over and leant on the door next to her. She didn't acknowledge him.

"You going to stay mad at me for a while."

She glanced at him then back at Nua. "Probably."

He nodded. "But not forever?"

"Probably not."

"That's good to know."

She sighed and laid her chin on her hands. "I don't want to go through what happened last year ever again. I have to be tough, Mal. How else will I be able to fight back? For better or worse, I'm a Shelby and from what I can see, the only way to survive being a Shelby is to do what Tommy does."

"There are other ways."

She shrugged. "Maybe."

"I can help you."

She looked earnestly into his green eyes. "It's best if you stay away from the Shelbys, Mal. We're cursed."

He burst out laughing. "Don't be ridiculous!"

Rose tried to keep a straight face as she watched him laugh. "It's true. Aunt Pol says so."

He was still laughing. "Oh, she does, does she? And we all know how stable your Aunt Polly is, with her séances and second sight."

To her horror, she felt herself beginning to smile. The sight of Mal laughing so heartily and the echo of her words 'We're cursed.' in her ears, she was beginning to see what was so funny. She hit him gently on his arm.

"Stop it, Mal. It's not funny."

He was doubled over by now. "It is." He mimicked her in a dramatic voice. "We're cursed!"

She couldn't stop herself now and laughed along with him. "Stop it! We are."

"Go on then, cast a spell on me. Turn me into a bat."

"That's not what it means."

But she couldn't take herself seriously now and was doubled over with him. They collapsed to the floor, leaning against the wall and continued laughing. A shadow fell over them and a voice addressed them.

"So, what's the joke?"

They looked up. It was Bonnie, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. The smile fell from Mal's face; he didn't like the Golds anymore than his father did. Rose was still smiling though. She answered him.

"Mal thinks it's funny that us Shelbys are cursed."

Bonnie fixed Mal in an amused gaze. "You think curses are funny?"

Mal stood up and brushed the dirt from the floor off his trousers. "I think it's funny that our people hold onto things that keep them in fear."

Bonnie stayed where he was, keeping his eyes on Mal. "I've seen what curses can do. It's not funny."

"Well, I've seen what superstitious and foolish men can do when they're afraid. It's more terrifying than a so-called curse."

Bonnie pushed himself off the wall and took a step closer. "You want to watch how you speak about your kin, boy."

Mal squared up to him and Rose groaned. She gave Mal's trouser leg a tug and held her hands up to him.

"Help me up, Mal. I've got better places to be."

Mal turned, took her hands in his and pulled her up. Bonnie watched their hands touch and his eyes narrowed. Rose wiped the dirt off the seat of her coat and looked at him.

"Don't you have a gym you have to be at?"

"I've finished for the day. You coming to the fight tomorrow night, Rosie?"

Rose was surprised at him using the name of affection only her family used. She let it go. "Yeah, I'll be there. Everyone's going."

"You going to dress up? Wear your best frock?"

She frowned. "Do people usually dress up to watch the Boxing?"

"The ladies do."

"Oh" Rose didn't have a dress. She'd have to ask Tommy for money to buy one tomorrow.

Bonnie turned to Mal. "You coming to the fight, funny boy?"

Mal shook his head. "Nah, I've seen enough boys get their brains bashed out at the fairs. I'm not interested in seeing yours bashed out too."

"You'll be too busy shoveling manure, I suppose."

Mal clenched his jaw and turned away to tend to Spirit. Rose rolled her eyes. They were like two cockerels.

"Better get on home, then, Bonnie. You'll need your beauty sleep for tomorrow."

Bonnie realised she was dismissing him and furrowed his brow. He didn't move but she looked at him expectantly and he made to leave.

"See you tomorrow night, then Rosie. We'll have a drink or two together after I win, yeah?"

"Yeah, maybe."

He looked over at Mal and made a point of holding his Peaky cap between finger and thumb as he nodded at him. Mal stared at him without acknowledging the gesture. He wasn't impressed with Bonnie's Peaky status. Rose spoke up pointedly.

"Bye, Bonnie"

"Bye, Rosie"

Bonnie ambled slowly out of the stables. Mal muttered under his breath. Rose looked at him.

"What?"

"Nothing"

"I get the feeling you don't like Bonnie Gold."

"Do you?"

She shrugged. "He's alright. Tommy says he's the best fighter he's ever seen."

"High praise indeed – if that's what you're after."

Rose laughed. "I've never met anyone like you. You're so different to all the lads I know."

He smiled at her. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"How long is Nua here for?"

"Tommy says she can stay all weekend. I'll take her back on Monday."

Rose beamed. A whole weekend with Nua – and with Mal. She was happy.

Mal walked her home. He was staying with Uncle Charlie and, as they reached number six, he promised to see her tomorrow.

"I have to go shopping for a dress tomorrow though, Mal, for the fight."

"Why?"

"Cos that's what the ladies do."

"Since when are you a lady?"

Her mouth dropped open at his jibe and he grinned at her. She swung her arm to hit him and he dodged out of the way. She ran after him yelling but he was too fast for her and ran round in a large circle back to her door. Fred ran with them, barking, enjoying the fun. She caught Mal as he slowed down and slapped him a few times on his arms and chest. He laughed and grabbed her wrists, which only made her struggle more. She was laughing too and it didn't help in her attempt to attack him.

The door was suddenly pulled open and Polly appeared on the doorstep, regarding the two youngsters with a look of disapproval. Mal immediately let go of Rose who blushed and stepped away from him.

"I think you're a little too old to be running round the street shrieking, don't you, Rose?"

"Yes, Aunt Pol."

Polly nodded towards the door. "Go on in, your brother is waiting to talk to you."

Mal watched as Rose's face dropped and a look of worry replaced the carefree happiness far too easily. She threw him a quick smile before heading indoors. Polly waited until she was out of earshot then turned her attention to Mal. He shifted his feet, nervous under her scrutiny. Despite his earlier dismissal of Polly and her abilities, she was the most intimidating woman he'd ever met. She watched him as he held her gaze despite his obvious nerves. She liked him. He had clear eyes and a calm, determined demeanor. He trod his own path without fanfare or the need for anyone's approval. He shunned the life and she admired that in him.

"She's young, Mal."

"I know, Mrs Gray."

"She's been through a lot."

He nodded, wondering where she was going with this conversation.

"She doesn't need any outside distractions. She needs her family."

Mal didn't respond. He had opinions on the effect Rose's family had on her, but he wasn't about to share them with Polly. She saw it in his face anyway.

"She'll grow up soon enough. And when she does, she'll need stability. She'll need a life away from this one." Polly swept her hand round the street and Mal understood what she meant. He nodded.

"Bide your time, Mal and keep to that path of yours. It will cross hers soon enough. But not before time, eh?"

She smiled at him, then turned and went back in the house, closing the door behind her. Mal stared at the door for a few seconds before turning and heading off for Charlie's. He walked slowly, thinking about Polly's words. He was self-aware enough to recognise that his feelings for Rose were growing beyond those of a friend. And he could see the wisdom in Polly's words about giving Rose time. She had indeed been through a lot and needed a friend more than anything else at the moment. He resolved to take Polly's advice and wait. He just hoped she was right about Rose's path crossing his eventually.

Inside number six, Rose had taken her coat off and gone into the kitchen where Tommy was sat by the fire smoking, a glass of whiskey on the table next to him. He looked up at Rose with a smile and she immediately relaxed - she wasn't in trouble.

"Well, did you have a nice time?"

She grinned, then moved round the table and flung her arms round his neck. He groaned a little at the force but then pulled her onto his lap and put his arms round her too. She mumbled into his shoulder.

"What?"

She pulled back and beamed at him. "Thank you"

"I thought you'd enjoy seeing her again."

"I did. And she's looking so well. Why didn't you tell me you'd hired Mal to take care of her?"

"Been a bit pre-occupied. Listen, Mouse, go and sit down, there's something I want to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Go and sit over there and I'll tell you. You're getting too heavy to sit on my knee."

Polly, who had joined them at the table, laughed at the idea of her tiny niece being too heavy to sit on Tommy's lap. Disgruntled, Rose got up and sat in the chair on the other side of the fire. She was glad of the warmth, she'd been cold after her ride out with Mal. Fred had already settled himself on the hearth and was dozing happily. Polly poured her a cup of tea and she helped herself to one of Tommy's cigarettes from his case on the table. She blew out the smoke and squinted at him through it.

"So, what do you need to tell me?"

Tommy shifted in his chair and cleared his throat. "Lizzie's pregnant."

Polly rolled her eyes at his blunt delivery of the news and watched Rose's reaction. There wasn't much to see. She blinked at him.

"Oh, right."

She looked at him questioningly. He huffed in indignation.

"Yes, it's mine."

"I suppose it was only a matter of time. Congratulations, Tommy. Charles will be pleased to have a baby brother or sister."

Tommy breathed an inward sigh of relief at her understated reaction. He wasn't sure how she'd react, but he had been worried she'd feel pushed out of his affections. Polly had told him not to worry, that Rose was growing up and would be happy for a new niece or nephew. The truth was, Rose didn't really feel anything much.

"Will you marry Lizzie?"

"I don't know."

"You should. That baby needs its mum and dad. Plus Lizzie is good for you."

Polly flicked her ash in her saucer. "She's right, Tommy."

"Alright, I hear you. I don't need more women bending my ear about my personal life."

Rose scoffed. "You do it with us."

"That's different."

Polly and Rose looked at each other and laughed. Tommy shook his head and took a sip of his whiskey. Rose took a sip of her tea and put the cup back on its saucer.

"Tommy?"

"Mmm?"

"Can I have some money to go shopping tomorrow?"

"What do you need to go shopping for?"

"To buy a dress for the fight. Bonnie said that the ladies dress up. I was thinking Ada might go with me."

Tommy took another sip of his drink and avoided Polly's knowing look and raised eyebrow. Rose didn't miss it, however, and frowned.

"What? What is it? I'll get a nice dress, a modest one. Ada can help."

Tommy cleared his throat again and looked at her.

"You won't be going to the fight, Rose."

Rose looked at him in shock, then at Polly who obviously already knew Tommy's decision and was looking at her in pity. She looked back at her brother.

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said – you're not going to the fight."

Rose was so surprised she was speechless– she hadn't expected this at all. The whole family was going to the fight. And Alfie would be there too. She'd been counting on seeing him again there after Tommy had sent him away so abruptly. The disappointment was unbearable. She spoke barely above a whisper, on the verge of tears.

"But why, Tommy?"

Tommy knew exactly why. He was keeping her as far away from Alfie as he could.

"It's not safe for you there. It's a hall full of drunk men."

Polly tried to help. "He's right, sweetheart. A boxing match is a brutal place."

"But Ada will be there and you and Lizzie who's carrying Tommy's child. And Finn. Why won't it be safe for me too?"

Tommy took up the argument.

"You're just too young, Rose. And I need you here to take care of Charles."

"You're not serious? You want me to play nanny? What's wrong with the nannies you usually use?"

"All their husbands will be at the fight, won't they? They'll be looking after their own children."

Rose knew for a fact that this was nonsense. Tommy could get anyone to do anything for him at any time in Small Heath. He was making up reasons. She was angry now.

"It's because Alfie will be there, isn't it? You don't want me to see him."

"Enough now, Rose. I'm done discussing it. You know my decision and it's final."

"You're unbelievable, Tommy. You give with one hand and take with the other. Alfie is…"

Tommy brought his hand down on the table with a loud bang. Rose flinched and Fred sat up in surprise. Polly pursed her lips at the aggression. He fixed a cold glare on Rose and spoke quietly but with an edge to his voice which warned Rose not to push any further.

"I am done talking about this. The decision has been made and you will do as you're told."

He picked up his glass and finished his drink in one gulp, then stood up and left the room. The front door opened and shut and silence fell in the house. Polly watched her niece as she dealt with what had just happened. Rose took hold of her emotions and shut them down. She swallowed away her tears and suppressed her anger. She sat back in her chair and took a drag of her cigarette, her eyes tracking back and forth as she worked through her thoughts. Her aunt could see all of this take place in Rose and marveled again at how Rose was becoming more and more like Tommy. He was creating her in his image and he had no idea. She stood up.

"There's some hotpot on the stove. I'll get you a plate."

Rose stayed quiet but ate the food when it was put in front of her. Polly could tell that she was plotting and shook her head as she realised that, contrary to what Tommy thought, this issue was far from over. She lit a cigarette and leaned forward on her elbows.

"Rose?"

Rose didn't answer, just put a small forkful of food in her mouth. Polly raised an eyebrow. She spoke more firmly.

"Rose?"

"Mmm?" Rose didn't look up.

Polly pursed her lips and waited. Rose could feel her aunt's eyes boring into her and raised her head. She knew Polly would wait until she gave her her full attention. Polly held her gaze for a few seconds to make sure Rose knew she was serious in what she was about to say.

"Don't do anything stupid, Rose."

Rose rolled her eyes. "Course not."

Polly sighed in frustration. "I mean it, Rose. Whatever you're plotting, stop it. There is no way this will end well for you if you go against Tommy."

"Well, it's not exactly going well for me now, is it?"

"Don't be stubborn. You won't miss anything if you don't go to the fight. It's just two men with more brawn than brains bashing lumps out of each other. You've seen enough of that in the streets."

Rose looked down, sat back in her chair and pushed her fork around her plate sulkily. Polly tutted loudly.

"Don't be a child, Rose. Is this about Alfie Solomons? If it is, you can forget that right now. I'm with Tommy on this – you need to stay away from him."

Rose clenched her jaw but didn't respond. She'd had enough of this same discussion. Polly shook her head and stood up.

"Finish your food, then go on to bed. You still need to get your strength back. I'll be here till Tommy gets back."

So, Rose finished her meal and went up to bed, Fred with her. And as she lay in bed, looking up at the ceiling, she formed a plan – a plan which would indeed reunite her with Alfie but not in a way she could ever have imagined.