𝟎𝟎𝟕
chapter 7

"Put a smile on your face, Florence, we can't let Tommy down." Micheal whispered as they opened the door, walking into where Polly sat.

"So?" she stood. "How did it go?"

"It was cold in the van but, super, really." he nodded. "Let me smell your breath." Polly said. "Did they behave themselves?"

"They were amazing, mum" he assured her. "Really amazing."

"Am i okay to go to bed, i'm quite tired." Florence stared at the floor. "Yeah, go on love," Polly smiled, dismissing the girl. She slowly walked to her bedroom, her eyes wide as the moment from earlier replayed in her head. Florence changed into a night dress and pulled back the thin sheets, laying on the bed.

She had never seen something like that before. Sure she had seen animals die but nothing like that. Never seen somebody beat up another. Florence wasn't sure what to think. Micheal seemed fine which worried her slightly. But she felt weird.

-

"Florence, get in here/" John shouted from the betting den. "What is it, John? I'm busy." she sighed. "Thought you'd want to meet Isiah," he nodded toward the boy.
The boy smiled at her. "Hi." she said, growing nervous.

John laughed at the interaction. "He's one of us, you'll be seeing a lot more of him." John looked over at her. She nodded. "Well, i'll be on my way," Isiah placed his hands in his pockets, looking at the girl once more before leaving.

"How old is he?" she asked. "Turns seventeen not long after you turn 15" He sighed. "You like him don't you?" She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, i've only just met him."

He shrugged. "Do you think he's good looking?" he asked. She thought for a moment, nodding. "There you go then." he shrugged. "If you had to think about it then that's a yes."

"Will you take me down to the stables?" she asked, trying to change the conversation. He looked at her, raising his eyebrows. "Please? I haven't been yet."

"Florence," he began. "You were supposed to take me the other day." she complained. He ran a hand over his forehead. "Fine, get your fucking coat on."

She clapped her hands together and shrugged her coat over her shoulders.

Over the weeks that her and Micheal had been around the Shelby Family, Florence had taking a liking toward John, realising they got along fairly well and he was kind to her. Treated her as if she was his own sister.
He was the more... normal of the older brothers. He had a sense of humour. Didn't walk on eggshells wherever he went.

-

Micheal walked into Tommys office. "Micheal." Tommy nodded.

Micheal smiled softly. "Vacancy's been filled." Tommy sipped from a glass. "Not according to this morning paper." Micheal placed it down, clearing his throat.

He sat down.

"At school i was top of the class in mathematics," he stated, "and i did a night school course in accountancy at Worcester College."

Tommy crossed his arms. "I thought it was your sister who was smart?" He tapped his cigarette against the ashtray and leaned back in his chair whilst waiting for a response.

"It is, in a different way though, she can feel things. She can read people like books." Micheal explained although he didn't really understand the way in which his little sister worked.

"Hm, she's definitely Polly's daughter." Tommy hummed.

"Mum says you've had six different accountant clerks in the last six months." he paused, "when respectable men see the things they do, they leave." He said.

"Well i, like Lizzie out there, already know what you do. Mum said you went to be 80 percent legal within two years." Micheal offered.

"Three." Tommy corrected.

"I can help." Micheal offered. "I know both sides and you know you can trust me." He said. Tommy raised his eyebrows and knew what Micheal said was true. He was family now. He had no choice but to trust him. And he seemed like a nice boy.

"I want to help you Tommy. I want to help you  become legal." Micheal said genuinely.

Tommy knew he couldn't give the job to the boy straight away. He needed to speak with Polly first. If Micheal really wanted this job, he would fight for it.