I love reading your thoughts on where the story might go next. You really get me thinking about ideas I haven't had before. Thanks to all of you who commented. Let me know what you think about this next chapter.

Alfie was true to his word and wasn't out long. On the way back, he stopped at Danny's to ask his wife to pack a bag of girl's clothes for Rose. Danny's wife frowned at him.

"Why?"

Danny stepped next to her and put a hand on her arm. "We can do that, can't we, Sarah, love? We can spare some of the girls' clothes."

Sarah rolled her eyes but knew better than to refuse Alfie. "How old is she?"

Alfie thought about it. "She's fifteen in a couple of months but I'd say she's about the size of a twelve year old. Here – this will cover it."

He held out a bundle of notes but Danny put up his hand.

"We're happy to help, Alfie…"

Sarah reached out and took the money, glaring at her husband. "You don't get paid enough to just give your children's clothes away, Danny." And with another glare at Alfie, she turned and went to pack some clothes.

"I'm sorry about that, Alfie…"

Alfie chuckled. "Don't apologise, Danny. You have a good woman there, a strong one. Listen, I'm leaving in a little while and probably won't be back any time soon."

Danny frowned. "With the girl?"

"Yeah, with the girl."

"He'll find you."

"If he lives."

"It's a big risk, Alfie."

"Wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't a risk. Bring the clothes round when they're ready. And put petrol on the car and another couple of cans for the journey."

Danny nodded and then shook his head as he watched him walk down the street. Alfie had done many stupid and dangerous things in his time but this had to be one of the worst.

When Alfie arrived home, he found a concerned-looking housekeeper sat by a sleeping Rose. She had placed a cool towel on her head and was monitoring her temperature.

"How is she?"

Mrs. Abramov looked up at him. "She's restless. But her temperature is holding steady."

"Good. Did Tim pack my bag."

She stood up and approached him. "Where are you going?"

He put his hand on her shoulder. "It's best you don't know, people may come looking. You need to leave when I've gone. Go to your daughter's in Kent, eh?"

"Alfred, I will come with you. You will need someone to help you with this child."

Alfie put his hand on her cheek and smiled at her. "It's not safe for you to stay with me. I've left instructions for you to be taken to Kent. Your daughter will be delighted to see you."

Mrs. Abramov frowned as her eyes filled with tears and she turned away abruptly.

"I will do as I want, Alfred Solomons. I do not have to jump at your command."

"I just want you to be safe."

"You have met my daughter, yes? She is bossy and rude. I would rather be happy than be safe. I'll go and see where Timothy is with that luggage of yours."

She hurried out of the room and Alfie sighed. She was as close to him as a mother and while he wanted nothing more than to keep her with him, he knew that it was too dangerous. The extent of what he was leaving behind was becoming more and more real to him. He had cast a last glance over his distillery before he'd set the bomb. It had served him well and he'd thrived on the business it had generated – financially and personally. He looked over at Rose as she slept on the sofa and wondered for the hundredth time if he was going the right thing.

As if aware of his doubts, Rose stirred and opened her eyes. She looked startled for a moment before she saw him, then her face relaxed.

"Alfie?"

And as she said his name and he saw the look of trust in her eyes, he convinced himself that he was doing the right thing – for both of them. He moved over and crouched down in front of her.

"How are you feeling, Petal?"

She pushed herself up with a grimace. She didn't feel any better, but no worse either.

"Is there any news, Alfie? Have you heard anything about them?"

He reached out and gently pushed her hair away from her face. He noticed that it was longer than when he'd last seen her.

"There's no news, I'm sorry. Sweetheart, we need to leave. Can you get up?"

Her face fell when she heard he had no news, but nodded as she sat up. He helped her upright and looked at her as she steadied herself. He had noticed that nothing had been eaten from the tray on the table. He took the slice of fruit cake and held it out to her.

"Eat that."

She shook her head. "I can't."

"It's not a suggestion, Petal. You need to eat something. I can't have you keeling over on me. We've got a long journey ahead of us."

She was surprised at his firm tone, but took the cake and nibbled at it. He nodded as he stood up and pointed at it.

"I expect that to be finished before we leave. It's not quite manna from heaven, but Mrs. A's baking is close."

There was a knock at the door and Alfie took his gun out before approaching the door. He called out loudly.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Danny."

Alfie put his gun away and opened the door. Danny stepped in holding a large bag and Alfie stole a quick glance up and down the street before closing and locking the door again. Danny put the bag on the floor.

"Sarah said that will be enough for the next few days."

"Is the car ready?"

"Yes"

"Put that in the car, then. We'll be out soon."

Alfie was full of nervous energy now. He strode over to the far door and yelled through it.

"Where is my luggage? Eh? How long does it take to pack a bag?"

He strode back over to Rose, who stuffed the last piece of cake in her mouth, not sure how to take his sudden burst of energy and not wanting to upset him. He crouched down in front of her again and took her hands.

"Are you ready to go, Petal?"

She paused at the question, suddenly feeling like things were about to change drastically for her.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere safe. By the sea. You'll love it, I promise."

She frowned. "But it's just until we know what happened at home, isn't it? Just for a while to be safe from the Italians, right? Alfie?"

He smiled quickly. "Yes, yes, just to be safe."

Mrs. Abramov entered the room, her emotions now under control. She looked at Alfie sternly.

"There is no need to shout through the house. I have told you this before. Timothy has put your bags in the car. And I have put some food in there also - for the journey."

Alfie stood up and moved over to her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her soundly on her forehead. She slapped his hands away.

"Alfred, you will call me when you need me and I will come."

He smiled at her. "We'll be fine, Mrs. A. I promise."

She hissed through her teeth and shook her head. "You don't know what you are doing. This cannot be the right thing."

Alfie stepped away quickly. He wasn't about to have this discussion. He grabbed Rose's coat and held out his hand to her.

"Come on then, Sweetheart. Time to go."

Rose took his hand and stood up. Alfie held out the coat for her to put on and she looked at Mrs. Abramov's face as she did so. The older woman looked so concerned for her that she felt a seed of worry begin to grow in her about what Alfie was planning. But she was already so overwhelmed with what had happened in the last few hours that she didn't know what to do with this new fear. She felt so alone. Surely the only person she could now trust would be doing what was best. If she couldn't trust Alfie, she had no one. Mrs. Abramov saw the fear, came over and took her hand. She leaned forward and whispered in her ear.

"Be strong, my child. You do not need anyone else to be the person you are supposed to be. I know. I was alone but I walked my own path and chose my own way. Do not be swayed."

Rose didn't know what to make of what was said to her and before she could reply, Alfie took her hand and led her to the door. He whistled and Cyril ran after him, following them down the steps. It was pitch black outside now, the only light coming from the streetlamps. The city had become quieter and seemed all the more strange for it. Alfie opened the back door of the car for Rose.

"You sit in the back, Petal. I've put blankets and cushions in there so you can curl up and sleep on the way, yeah. It'll be a while before it's morning. There you go, careful now."

He helped her into the back of the car and before he could shut the door, Cyril jumped in with her. Alfie shrugged and closed the door firmly. The dog may as well keep her company back rather than sit at the front with him like he usually did.

Danny was watching from the pavement as Mrs. Abramov was from the door.

"Alfie, let me drive you. I can guard you both."

Alfie smiled and shook his head. "No, Danny. This part is just me and her. I've left instructions with my lawyer. You and the family will be well taken care of."

"It sounds like you're never coming back, Alfie."

Alfie grinned and clapped Danny on the shoulder. He nodded up at his housekeeper.

"Make sure she gets to Kent, yeah?"

And with that he walked round the car, climbed into the driver's seat, started the engine and pulled away. He watched the house and his people as they became smaller in the rear view mirror. He was tired. He wouldn't miss London but he would feel the loss of those few people in his life whom he saw as family. He glanced over his shoulder to see Rose was sitting in the corner of the seat, as she seemed to prefer. She had pulled her legs up beneath her and put a blanket over them. Cyril had settled himself beside her with his head on her lap. Alfie caught her eye as she looked back at him and in it he saw fear and confusion and anxiety. He hesitated before looking back at the road and settling himself in for the journey east. His mind was made up and there was no turning back now.

It was a long drive to Margate, a good six hours. Alfie stopped once to refill the tank with petrol and once to make Rose eat some of the food Mrs. Abramov had packed. Mostly Rose dozed on and off. She was restless - the further they drove, the more anxious she felt. She just wanted to be at home, to know what had happened to her family, to do her bit to protect them. She felt like she was betraying them by running away and just thinking of herself.

As they travelled, the sky outside gradually lightened and turned from black to dark blue. She could see the stars less and less and gave up trying to spot the constellations Tommy had taught her to look out for, but from what she had seen of the stars, she knew there were headed east. As the world outside began to wake up, they entered a town. Rose could see the buildings get closer together until they were driving down a street with large buildings on both sides and a number of shops which were still closed.

Rose's eyes were beginning to close again when the buildings on her left abruptly ended and she was struck by a sight she had never seen before. She sat forward and put her fingers on the window as she gazed at the sun beginning to rise over a vast expanse of water. She gasped quietly. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Alfie heard the gasp and glanced over his shoulder. At seeing her wonderment, he pulled the car over so that she could enjoy it for a while. He turned to look at her.

"Beautiful, ain't it? That there, my Petal, is the North Sea. Welcome to Margate."

Rose kept her eyes on the majestic view in front of her. The sun was rising on her far right and it cast a golden glow across the horizon. The sky was filled with pinks and yellows and oranges and the few clouds that were there were lit up as if on fire. She had seen many sunrises before, of course, but here the burst of light across the sky was reflected in the sea below it. A long shimmering line of gold made its way across the water and it moved and glittered as the wind stirred up small waves. The beach was a pale beige and as smooth as a horse's flank. The sea lapped gently on the sand and Rose felt like she'd been transported to another world.

For a few seconds she forgot everything else except for the sight in front of her. The beach was empty and quiet, and the sea spread far away to the horizon where she could see its subtle curve from east to west. She wondered what happened to ships that sailed past that line. She felt like she wanted to find out.

Alfie gave her a few minutes, then spoke quietly.

"We'll go for a walk on the beach soon, shall we? Yeah, we will. It'll be nice. We'll take Cyril and find seashells, eh? Would you like that, Petal?"

At the sound of his voice Rose was pulled back into reality and felt her world crumple as she remembered why she was there. She looked at him but didn't answer. Sitting back, she pulled her legs up again and put her arms round her waist. She looked out of the window, but this time what she saw was overshadowed by the fear she felt for her family. Alfie saw her demeanor change and sighed. He turned himself round to face her a bit more and cleared his throat.

"So, Petal, we're going to a little house that I've bought here. It's got a balcony and you can see the sea from every window at the front of the house. You'll love it, you will. Waking up to this every day? It will change you."

Rose didn't respond or look at him. He shifted in his seat and continued.

"The thing is, we have to be safe here, right? So, I've hired some staff at the house and I've not told them who we really are, see? It's best to be cautious and not give our enemies any chance to find us. And no one talks more than a housemaid with a gin inside her, hmm? Which means, of course, that they can't know our real names."

By this time, Rose had turned her head to look at him. She was alarmed at what he was saying to her, even though she supposed it made sense. She frowned a little, but didn't say anything, waiting for him to continue. He wished she would say something. He was uncomfortable with introducing this next part of his plan to give Rose a new life and a new identity. He could sense her concern and realised that it wouldn't be as simple to get her on board as he'd initially thought. He had overestimated their bond and underestimated her intelligence. He should have known – she was a Shelby and a miniature version of Tommy – her mind always working, her thoughts never stopping, always trying to understand, never fully at rest. He smiled at her broadly in an effort to disguise his unease and carried on.

"The housekeeper I've hired is expecting Mr. Samuel Baker – that's me, I thought that name fitting given that I used to run a bakery – and…" Alfie hesitated slightly before saying the next words; he was nervous of her reaction. "…and his daughter."

Rose blinked at him and wondered if she'd heard him properly. "Your daughter?"

He nodded cheerfully. "Yeah. How else is our situation to be explained, hmm? It will take all suspicion away and makes perfect sense."

Rose felt suddenly exhausted. She really didn't like this new idea Alfie had introduced but she had no energy left to protest. All she could think about was her family. Alfie was watching her, waiting for her response. She said that first thing that came into her head.

"Will I have to call you Dad?"

He hadn't expected that question and for a moment had to pause to gather himself. The truth was, he would love nothing more than to hear her calling him "Dad" and hadn't realised just how much until he heard the word coming from her mouth.

"Well, that's up to you, Petal, but it would be best to not call me Alfie in front of the staff. So as not to draw attention, or suspicion, or anything like that, see."

She took in this information and then nodded. Alfie had a question for her.

"And what would you like to be called?"

Her head fell back against the seat. She had no idea how to answer his question. She didn't want to be called anything else; she didn't want to lose the most important thing she shared with her family – her name. She sighed deeply and shrugged.

"You choose."

"Really? You don't want to have a say in what your name will be."

She put her head upright and scowled at him.

"I have a name."

Alfie held up a hand to appease her.

"I know, I know. This is just a safety measure, you know that, sweetheart. We don't want the Italians finding us, do we?"

The thought of the Italians coming after her made Rose feel sick and she pulled her eyes away from Alfie and looked out of the window again. Her eyes swept over the sea in front of her and she saw that the sky had changed colour again as the sun had risen slightly more. It was full of yellows and silvers and the sky was becoming a pale blue. The water seemed to have a silver sheen over it and it looked like someone had polished it. She spoke in a quiet, tired voice.

"You choose, Alfie."

Once again, he wished he could hold her in his arms and soothe her fears, but now wasn't the time.

"Alright, it would be an honour. You know, my grandmother was a lot like you – small but determined, fierce if she needed to be. Her name was Miriam. How does that sound, Petal? Miriam Baker."

Rose didn't say anything, just kept her head turned away and her eyes on the beach. Alfie closed his eyes briefly, pushing down the disappointment he was feeling, then turned round and set off again down the road.

It was a long road and most of it was along the beach. As they got towards the end of it, the buildings started along the street again and Rose was sad to leave the water behind. However, after a few minutes the buildings fell away again as they drove into a more secluded part of the town at the tip of the most eastern part of the beach. They followed a small road to the left and Alfie pulled into a driveway which lead up to a large white house. Rose could see Greek colonnades which supported a balcony that stretched all the way across the front of the building. It was a double fronted house and it seemed to gleam in the early morning sun. Alfie turned the engine off and sat back looking at the house.

"Here we are. Our little home in Margate. Do you like it?"

Rose wasn't keen on his description of it as their little home, but didn't say anything. Alfie was getting used to her silence and opened the door to get out. He came round and opened Rose's door, standing back to let her out. As he did so, she caught the scent of the sea. It was salty and fresh and unlike anything she'd ever smelt before. She climbed out of the car, Cyril jumping down after her, and turned towards the beach which was a stone's throw from the house. She breathed in the new air and listened to the sound of the waves on the beach and the gulls as they screamed to each other across the sky. Alfie moved to stand next to her. She looked up at him.

"I wish Tommy could see this."

Alfie thought wryly that Tommy may well be seeing this soon depending on the situation in Birmingham. If he had regained the upper hand then he would be down here to get Rose before Alfie had even unpacked.

"Will you phone your friend in Birmingham to find out what's happened, Alfie? Will you do it as soon as we get in?"

Alfie put his hand on her shoulder and took one last look at the beach.

"Come on, Petal."

They turned and headed for the door where Alfie rang the bell. He looked at Rose sheepishly.

"I don't have a key yet."

The door was opened by the housekeeper, Mrs. Liebermann. She was as tall and thin as Mrs. Abramov was short and round. She had brown hair which was pulled back tightly and neatly in a bun at the nape of her neck. She looked initially annoyed but when she saw the man and the girl and realised who they were, her face immediately changed to one of servile respect.

"Mr. Baker?"

"The one and only. May we come in?"

Mrs. Liebermann moved quickly back. "Yes, yes, of course. My apologies."

Still with his hand on Rose's shoulder, Alfie led her in, Cyril on their heels. Mrs. Lieberman wrinkled her nose slightly as the dog trotted past her. Rose looked round at the large entrance hall, in the centre of which was a flight of stairs with a white ornate bannister sweeping up and round to the first floor. There were a number doors leading off the hallway. It was bright and airy and Rose liked it.

The housekeeper took their coats and Alfie's hat and hung them on the coat stand, then turned to face them.

"We weren't expecting you until this afternoon, Sir. As you said."

Mrs. Liebermann was standing up straight with her hands on top of each other in front of her. She didn't smile. Rose wondered if she even could.

Alfie turned on the charm. "Ah yes, my sincerest apologies, Mrs. Liebermann. Our plans had to change at the last minute. I hope we're not inconveniencing you."

"Well, of course, the house isn't quite ready but I will make sure it soon will be. I'll get the fires lit and tell cook to prepare some breakfast."

"That would be wonderful, it's been a long journey."

She looked at Cyril in disdain. "You didn't mention you'd be bringing a dog."

"Didn't I? Well, this is Cyril and he's part of the family. You'll love him once you get to know him."

Mrs. Liebermann's expression said that she highly doubted that. Her eyes shifted to Rose and showed no more friendliness than she'd shown the dog. "And this must be your daughter, Mr. Baker? Miss…?"

"Ah yes, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Miriam."

"How do you do, Miss Miriam. It's nice to meet you."

Rose was finding this whole situation very difficult to cope with. The niceties, the new identities, the unfriendly housekeeper. She found she couldn't quite keep a lid on the panic that was rising. Her breathing began to accelerate and she felt dizzy. She tried to answer Mrs. Liebermann but found she couldn't. Alfie put his arm around her shoulder and spoke to the housekeeper.

"She's very tired from the long journey, poor lamb. And, of course, it's been a difficult time."

"Of course, Mr. Baker. And I am, of course, very sorry for your loss, Miss Miriam."

Rose's eyes widened at this. She felt sick and the room seemed to spin a little. Did she know something about Tommy or the rest of the family? Alfie immediately realised what was happening and pulled Rose in close to him, steadying her.

"Thank you for your condolences, Mrs. Liebermann. We do of course very much feel the loss of my dear wife and Miriam's mother. We're still coming to terms with it."

Rose took in what Alfie said and understood what was going on. She felt overwhelmed and gripped the back of Alfie's coat in her hand. Alfie knew he had to get her somewhere calm.

"Is Miriam's bedroom ready, Mrs. Liebermann? I'd like her to lie down. She needs to rest."

"Yes, of course, Mr. Baker. I'll send one of the girls up to light the fire, but everything else is ready as you asked. If you would excuse me?"

The housekeeper hurried off to the back of the house and Rose partially collapsed next to Alfie. He held her up and practically lifted her to a chair which was against the wall. He crouched down in front of her, holding onto the arms of the chair and looking into her face.

"You're doing really well, my Petal, you are. You can rest soon, ok?"

Her voice shook as she spoke to him. "Will you find out what's happened to Tommy, Alfie? I have to know. This … this it all so much and I just want to know that he's ok, that everyone's ok."

Alfie put his hand on her cheek and rubbed his thumb across her hair to calm her. He could feel she was quite hot.

"I will, sweetheart, I promise. But I need you to rest. You're not very well, are you, hmm? All this worrying will make you worse."

"I'm going to worry until I know what's happening at home. And I definitely won't be able to sleep. Please, Alfie, if you want to help me, phone your people and find out for me."

He knew he couldn't put it off any longer. He stood up and held out his hand.

"Come on, then. Let me get you somewhere comfortable and warm and I'll make that telephone call."

Rose smiled briefly in relief, took his hand and stood up. He led her up the stairs and round to a room that was at the front of the building. Rose could see that there was a balcony off this room. The fire in there had just been lit and Alfie sat Rose down in an armchair by it so she could get warm. Then he pushed a button by the side of the mantelpiece. After a few minutes, Mrs. Liebermann appeared.

"Yes, Mr. Baker."

"Would you be so kind as to bring a pot of tea here for us and a little something to eat."

"Yes, sir."

She left and Alfie walked around the room with his hands behind his back.

"This room is going to be my favourite room, I think, Petal. It needs a few more things in it to make it more cosy, but I'm going to enjoy watching the sea from here. I think I'll get pair of binoculars and just spend the day watching the ships. What do you think?"

Rose looked at him pleadingly. "Alfie…"

"Yes, right, the telephone call. I'll go now and do it. You stay here and keep warm, yes?"

He looked at her for a few seconds, then turned abruptly and left the room. Rose stood up, she couldn't stay sat down, not whilst she was so close to knowing what had happened in Birmingham. She walked over to the balcony doors and pulled back the net curtains to look out. The sun was higher now and there were a few people on the beach. She could see a ship on the horizon and watched as it moved ever so slowly across the sea. Someone came into the room and she turned in anticipation. But it wasn't Alfie, it was a young maid in a neat uniform bringing a tray with the tea things and a plate of bread and butter. She put it down on a table and gave Rose a little curtsey.

"Good morning, Miss Miriam. I'm Helen. It's nice to meet you. Would you like me to pour the tea?"

Rose nodded. "Yes, please."

As Helen moved to pour it, Rose turned back to look out of the doors.

"Will there be anything else, Miss?"

Rose answered without turning round. "No, thank you."

She heard Helen leave the room and thought the maid must think her very rude. But it was all she could do to form words. She had nothing left in her to be polite or to try and make any kind of impression.

The tea was untouched and had turned cold when Alfie returned. His man in Birmingham had told him that Arthur Shelby had been killed at the fight hall but that no other Shelbys had been hurt. The youngest girl had gone missing and it was suspected the Italians had taken her for leverage. Mrs. Changretta had met with the remaining family members and offered an end to the Vendetta in exchange for all of Tommy's assets. The rumour was that Luca would have Tommy sign them all over to him in the next few days. As far as the city was concerned, the Shelbys were finished. Alfie knew better than to believe that. As long as Tommy was breathing, the Shelbys weren't finished. But Luca may yet stop him breathing - that's what Alfie would do. Luca would be a fool to leave him alive. And as far as Alfie was concerned, his plan for Rose stood unless or until Tommy turned up in Margate to take her back. Time would tell.

Rose spun round as the sound of Alfie returning. She rushed over to him, her face full of hope and expectation, her life and happiness depending on his next words.

Alfie Solomons had done many truly terrible things in his time, some of which came back to haunt at night. But nothing he had ever done was as terrible as what he was about to do in that moment as he looked at Rose's trusting face. He took Rose's hands and led her to sit down with him on a chaise longue which was on one side of the room. He licked his lips as he began to speak. His mouth felt as dry as sawdust.

"I'm sorry, Rose, it's not good news."

Rose's hands tightened on Alfie's as she braced herself. "Tell me."

Alfie shook his head. "They're all gone, sweetheart. I'm so sorry, but the Italians speared no one in that hall last night. Your family – Tommy, Arthur, Polly, Ada, Finn, everyone – they're all dead."