— 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 —
⁰⁰⁷

Two weeks had passed since the incident Cecilia had endured. Her father had had a meeting with the Blinders and Abbott Whiskey was officially being sold in Blinder owned bars and clubs.

Reggie had gotten somewhat better since their mother's death but had grown to miss his sister despite her presence. She was different. And not in a good way. Her head was full of unwelcome thoughts and he believed she was a danger to herself.

He looked over his shoulder when hearing the creak of the stairs. "You goin' already?" She asked. It was early hours of the morning and the sun was yet to begin rising. Cecilia had her silk robe wrapped around her frame, her hair pinned up. Reggie nodded and put down his bag when she approached him. "You look after yourself." She whispered, leaning up to wrap her arms around the back of his neck.

Reggie closed his eyes and leaned his chin on her shoulder. "I will." he promised. "Make sure you call, yeah?" She asked. Reggie pulled back and hummed. "Of course."

Cecilia took a deep breath and patted his cheek gently. "Is he taking you to the docks?" She asked as she nodded toward their father who stood smoking a cigar by the car. Reggie nodded. "Says he has a meeting not far from the docks so he's taking me over there." He explained.

"Well—" Cecilia breathed, "don't be a stranger."

Reggie stepped away from her and flashed her one last smile before getting into the car. And just like that, with something so simple, they felt like they were back in 1914. They felt like they were back at the train station, saying goodbye to each other. Except they weren't in 1914 and Reggie was not preparing to fight for war — Cecilia was not preparing for the possibility of never seeing her best friend ever again.

Times had changed. They had changed. This time, it was Reggie who had the tears in his eyes. He knew he would return home to Boston to nothing. No family. No mother.

Just Boston.

And that saddened him and Cecilia both. She hated the idea of him being alone.

Reggie glanced at her from inside the car and she waved, biting the inside of her cheek as the car began driving away. With a hard swallow, Cecilia closed over the door and went back up the stairs.

It was dark and silent.

The phone rang and she eyed it up carefully. A call— at this hour? Who on earth would call at such a time? She cautiously picked it up and placed it to her ear, waiting for a voice from the other end.

"Hello?"

"Thomas." She breathed with relief. "What is it that was so urgent you needed to call at.." she paused and glanced at the clock, "six in the morning?"

Tommy cleared his throat. "There's been trouble." He said. "My brother and cousin have been arrested. Arthur is facing the noose and Michael—" He began, clearly frustrated. Cecilia shook her head. "The noose? Are ya fucking insane— what's he done?"

"He's been accused of killing a man named Billy Kitchen." Tommy rubbed his forehead. "Who accused him?" Cecilia asked with curiosity. "Alfie Solomons." Tommy winced, knowing she had warned him of Alfie already. She bit back her laugh and sucked in a breath. "And what has this got to do with me?"

"There's going to be trouble." He spoke. "With Solomons— Sabini.." he trailed off, "it isn't safe for you in London."

"Why do you care?" She spat.

"Because—"  He paused, unable to answer. Or, at least, unable to speak to truth and accept it. "They are unpredictable men and we cannot be sure they won't go after your club. I made a deal with your father that I would protect you—"

"Your men would protect me." She tried to correct.

"I would protect you." He repeated, emphasising his words. "And, like I said, i'm a man of my words." Tommy reminded her.

"I'll be perfectly fine, Tommy." She said. "Sabini and Solomoms aren't anything I can't handle." She said confidently. Tommy wanted to should at her, tell her they're capable of things she wasn't aware of. But he didn't shout. He didn't lecture her. He just breathed heavily and thought of something to say. "Just— be careful." was all he could think of.

Cecilia wanted to say something sarcastic or tormenting but chose not to, understanding that he was just looking out for her — or trying to avoid an attack from her father if she was to get hurt.

"Don't worry about me. Worry about yourself and your family." She said before putting the phone down.

Tommy sighed to himself and stared at the candle that sat on the table. He couldn't stop thinking about her. Cecilia Abbott had been consuming his thoughts for weeks now. She would be his last thought before he slept and his first when he woke.

Tommy had felt this before. Except, this time, the circumstances were not of any danger to his family.

There was no concern of betrayal. At least he didn't think so. Cecilia didn't seem the type. She was ever so loyal. He respected that.

And the fact she seemed to despise him in some way only made him more intrigued.

—

Cecilia walked along the familiar cobble, her coat protecting her from the winter chill. She looked up at the tall, refurbished building that towered over that part of the city.

She took one last puff of her cigarette and felt the smoke cloud her lungs. After exhaling she threw it to the floor.

When walking into the building, she was greeted with the distinct face of a woman. She had dark, short hair and blue eyes. She briefly looked up from her desk. "I'm here to see Mr Shelby." Cecilia said. The woman looked up. "Do you have an appointment."

"No. But i'm sure he won't mind." Cecilia said confidently.

And just like it was planned, he walked from his office that sat at the head of the room and he froze. "Cecilia?" He asked, "to what do I owe this pleasure?"

Cecilia looked back at the dark haired woman and Tommy tutted. "Please," he nodded toward the open office door and she walked inside. He followed after her and closed the doors. "It has been a few weeks since you blessed me with your presence."

"Indeed." Cecilia hummed, admiring the artwork that was scattered on the walls.

Tommy gestured toward the chair. "Take a seat." He said, walking to his own.

Cecilia did as he said and took a deep breath. "I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that i've spoken to some lawyers. The best in London, i'm told. My father knows the company and i've managed to have them look into Arthur's case for him. And with our help i'm almost certain the charges will be dropped."

Tommy raised a brow and focused his eyes on her. "You spoke to lawyers— for me?"

"For your family, yes." She nodded. "I know what it's like to fear the life of a brother. I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy." She swallowed hard.

Tommy nodded slowly, a slight frown on his face. "My apologies— i'm not sure I understand."

"There isn't much to understand, Thomas. I heard of your troubles and chose to step in and help. We have taken care of the fees for the legal help so you do not need to worry about that. And i've been given numbers. They say it's likely he won't be hung."

"I appreciate that, Cecilia. I'm sure Arthur will too. He'll be losing his mind over this."

"Arthur may be a bad man but I believe there is worse than him somewhere." She shrugged. Tommy tilted his head. "Some may not agree with you." He chuckled.

She smiled slightly and looked down. "Very well." She stood. "That is all I came for."

Tommy frowned again. "Cecilia." He dropped her. She turned. "You came here to tell me something that could have been discussed over a phone call. I struggle to believe you came here just for that."

She swallowed hard.

He was correct. Cecilia had a random and sudden urge to see him face to face again. It felt like it had been months since she last had and it was driving her mad. Cecilia had never felt like this — had never felt the urge to see another. Especially not a business partner.

She held her purse tightly and looked at her feet. "I suppose I thought I owed you an apology. You helped me when I landed in some danger and I didn't appreciate that."

Tommy nodded slightly. "Apology accepted."

She felt nerves creep up on her and she turned again, heading for the door.

"You said you wanted to see Charlie Chaplin." Tommy spoke before she could leave. "Are you free tomorrow evening?" He asked. She paused and dropped her hand from the door handle. "I believe I am."

"Then expect me at your door by seven." He said, a playful grin on his lips.

"I will." Cecilia flashed him a slight smile before finally leaving.

When she walked out into the hall, the same woman eyed her up, giving her a once over. Cecilia just looked at her and kept walking.

Tommy had filled with some sort of satisfaction. Cecilia still felt strange. She didn't understand her feelings toward him. It was all so new, something she hadn't experienced before.

Cecilia was afraid of becoming vulnerable. That was one thing she did not want to happen.

—

As expected, Tommy had arrived outside of the Abbott's large home just before it struck seven in the evening. She had heard the car park up outside and, thankfully, Rafael was still out somewhere doing god knows what.

She peered out the window and took one last look in the mirror before walking down the stairs to greet him at the door.

He was caught off guard as she opened the door. She wore a navy blue, satin dress that went to her ankles. She was decorated in expensive pearls. Tommy gave her a quick once over and offered his arm to her.

"I thought we could walk." He said. "It isn't too far— I assure you."

She nodded and closed the door, locking it behind her and taking his arm. They walked side by side, making small talk as they travelled through the dimly lit street.

A car had been parked up outside Ada's home which they happened to pass to get to where they needed to be. One of Inspector Campbell's men sat inside. "East Enders," he scoffed to himself, "they won't talk to the police but they'll kiss a gangster."

Thankfully, neither of them had seen the man but Tommy sure as hell knew they were lurking somewhere.

When arriving at what seemed like some sort of party, Cecilia frowned. "This isn't the theatre," she observed. Tommy hummed in amusement and accepted a two glasses of gin from a passing butler. "No, it isn't." He said, guiding her through to a room. "You said you wanted to see Charlie Chaplin."

She frowned and laughed dryly, not understanding.

"Here he is. Now you can see him." Tommy nodded toward the man who stood with a small group. Her eyes widened and she gasped. "Is
that—"

"Charlie Chaplin." Tommy confirmed.

"When I said I wanted to see Charlie Chaplin, I did not mean this. I only meant in theatre. Thomas— how did you even do this?" She sounded like an excited child on Christmas morning.

He couldn't help but smile proudly. "Well, we're here now. Why don't we go and say hello?" he asked, giving her no choice as he walked her toward the man.

"Mr Chaplin," he greeted. And somehow, Charlie Chaplin recognised the face of Tommy Shelby and greeted him with a handshake. "This is Cecilia." Tommy gently pushed her toward him and Chaplin took her hand, placing a careful kiss on it.

"Hello, Mr Chaplin." She beamed happily.

Tommy separated slightly and watched from afar as the pair indulged in conversation. Not once did the smile fade from her face. He couldn't remove his eyes from her. It was like Grace all over again except... worse — stronger.

And the idea of falling in love again made him feel weak.

Tommy paused at the thought. He was falling in love again. But with Cecilia. Grace no longer consumed his thoughts and she hadn't done that for weeks — months. How had he only just realised?

Aunt Polly had said it once before. There's only one thing that can blind a man as smart as him: love.

—

Cecilia held onto Tommy's arms as they walked back the way they had came. "That was brilliant!" She exclaimed, alcohol rushing through her system, "I do not know how I can thank you for giving me such an opportunity." She said.

Tommy shook his head. "Nonsense." He said.

Cecilia stumbled slightly when walking over broken pavement and quickly tried to regain her balance. "I've had a wonderful evening," she spoke.

"As have I." Tommy nodded.

Cecilia looked at him for a moment, his icy eyes staring right into hers. She held her breath unknowingly and they came to a stop. "What?" She grew defensive. "Why are you looking at me like that?" She hissed.

Tommy grew entertained.

"I won't ask you again—"

"Has anybody ever told you how beautiful you are?" Tommy whispered, his heart jumping at the confession. He was not the type to do such a thing. Her eyes widened ever so slightly and her skin began to turn pink. "Once or twice, yes." She said honestly.

Tommy looked down at her lips then back at her eyes. She felt a weird sensation in her chest and she took a deep breath. "I don't believe I have ever met a woman as intriguing as yourself."

"Please— i'm not all that interesting." She scoffed.

"Maybe not." He hummed, his hands resting on her lower arms as they faced each other. "But I have never encountered someone as smart as you, Cecilia."

"I'm sure you have." She denied.

Tommy shook his head. "Nobody I have ever met has had a mind like your own."

"That's very kind of you." She grew flustered and looked ahead. They weren't too far from her house. "It's late. I ought to be getting home." She said and she began walking.

Tommy didn't let her go alone, of course. He caught up with her and the walk remained silent. It was slightly awkward but more on her side. She didn't understand what was happening. She didn't understand her mind, her thoughts or that weird feeling she was getting in her chest.

But Tommy did. He understood how he felt. And it was killing him. She was young and had never experienced love before. So how was she to know how it felt?

He just hoped that, if she did love him, she would come to realise sooner rather than later.

After Midnight
Chapter 007
[gracessecretshelby]