enchanted
chapter 22, rory vs polly.

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Arthur was arrested in London after being betrayed by Alfie Solomons, framed for the murder of Billy Kitchen. Michael was also arrested, for allegedly starting the fight in the Marquis of Lorne and conspiring to have it burned down. Nobody dared touch John or Tommy, because taking Michael and Arthur sent a clear message. A family meeting was then called. Rory stood next to Finn and Freya while Esme paced the room, John sat on a chair and Pol sat smoking while they waited for Tommy who walked into the begging den, "John?"

John cleared his throat. "The coppers have lifted ten of our men in Camden Town, the rest are on the run," he informed Tommy.

"Tom, they've taken Michael," Finn chimed in from beside Rory and Freya and Pol stood up making her way over to them.

"Business first," Tommy stated ignoring Finn.

"They took Michael-" Pol started and Tommy lifted his hand up.

"Business first. Polly, business first!" he raised his voice over he interrupting her. He then turned back to John. "John?"

While John was talking Esme pulled Rory to stand in front of her with her arm around her. Rory's ear pricked when she heard Arthur's name mentioned so started listening to what they had to say again. "The Black Country boys think it was Arthur who killed Billy 'cause that's what the coppers told them. So there'll be no more free passes for our whiskey boats," he informed Tommy.

"I don't give a fuck about whiskey. I don't give a fuck about about Billy Kitchen. I want my son out of prison. Now!" Pol raised her voice, smacking her on the desk in front of them.

Tommy stayed looking at the floor while Rory looked over at him then her dad then Pol. All she was bothered about was Arthur and Michael obviously but more about Arthur purely because she didn't know what she would do without him, he was her favourite. She cared for Michael since they were close now but cared for Arthur more.

"Thomas, I spoke to Johnny Dogs," Esme started but was interrupted by Pol.

"This meeting should just be family," she said in a raised voice but not loud enough for it to be considered shouting.

"She married my dad, therefore Pol she is family," Rory said back in low, threatening tone making Pol look at her while Rory glared at her and Esme looked down at Rory with a slight smile.

"Excuse me?" Pol asked, slightly offended that her great-niece would speak back to her.

"I said she is family, not by blood but she's family and should be included in the family meetings just as much as I should included, just as much as Michael should be included but you won't let him and just as much as Finn and Freya and even Lottie because they're family too." Rory repeated herself.

Pol looked over at John. "I'm not telling her off for telling the truth, sorry Pol," he told his aunt.

"It's family only Tommy. She's not blood, Tommy," Pol said to Tommy ignoring Rory.

"Look, Pol as much as I love you I don't like the way you're talking about and treating my mum. She is family. Maybe not to you but to me, my dad and my siblings she's family so by extension she's your family so get a grip and deal with it or leave. You didn't have an issue letting the marriage go forward so you can't have an issue with her being included that's not fair," Rory told her, letting out a breath she didn't even know she was holding.

"I can help," Esme told her, squeezing Rory's shoulder.

"Enough!" Tommy shouted between all the talking. "Enough, Polly."

"Esme?"

"I spoke to Johnny Dogs. The Lees are kin," Esme told him.

"The bloody Lees?!" Pol shouted.

"Shut up and let her speak, she's being more help than you. All you're doing is just shouting about how they've taken Michael, he's not the only one they've taken!" Rory shouted back.

"They can give us men!" Esme told her

"We don't need more fucking men! It's men that have done the damage! It's men fighting like cockerels that have put us here in the first place," Pol said to her while Tommy nodded to himself.

"Esme, tell the Lee's we'll take up their offer. We need men," he told her and everyone looked over to Pol who looked at Tommy shaking her head walking closer to him.

"If Michael ever gets out of prison, I am taking him away from this family for good. This life is bad," she said and grabbed Finn and Rory's arm pulling them away but Rory was pulled back by Esme who received a harsh glare. "This life is all bad."

Finn looked confused. "Aunt Pol what are you doing?" he questioned as he dragged Freya along with him and then by extension Lottie when they reached the kitchen.

"Shut up and walk," she replied and looked back a Rory shaking her head and the girl rolled her eyes as Esme pulled her closer to her.

"Are Michael and Arthur going to get out?" Rory questioned Tommy who was now sat down.

"I don't know, if all goes to plan then yes but I can't guarantee anything just yet," he replied holding his hands together.

Esme stepped forward. "Thomas? should I go and speak to Queen Mary Lee at the Black Patch?" she asked.

Tommy sat staring at the desk for a few seconds before looking up and replying, "Yes."

"She can give us soldiers for a few nights," Esme informed him and he cleared his throat.

"Good."

"Rory go with your dad and bring up the car," she instructed her and John looked up at Esme before picking up his cap and coat and walking out with his daughter.

"Are you mad that I stood up to Pol?" Rory asked the man beside her.

"No, not in the slightest. You stood up for your family and I couldn't be more prouder especially that it was to Pol, not even I'd stand up to her," John chuckled.

"Do you think she's mad at me?"

"Get in the car and stop worrying, let everything blow over and you'll be fine. If anything I think she'll be proud of you for showing you stand up for family. Just let her calm down and get Michael out," he told her shutting the car door.

"Okay," she muttered to herself.