The Gypsy Beauty

Arrested.

Scarlett's POV

Tommy stands in front of his desk, large sums of money laid out in front of him. He called a family meeting for all of us but didn't tell me what is was about. "Letty." Tommy calls and I look up at him. "I love you. I'm sorry." He tells me as I frown. I don't get to ask him what he means by 'he's sorry' as the door opens and everyone piles in.

The family including, Isaiah, uncle Charlie, Curly, Johnny dogs, Esme, Lizzie and Linda all move to take a seat. Arthur and John sit on either side of me, and John immediately grabs my hand, linking our fingers together. "Before I begin, I want to let you know I've made a mistake. I made a mistake and I want to apologise to you all." Tommy speaks.

"Arthur, you warned me about getting involved with Russian business. And you were right. I doubted your wife and for that, I am sorry." He says, sliding a pile of cash towards Arthur, Tommys eyes refuse to meet his older brothers. "Linda, I have added three thousand here in hopes that you will forgive me." He adds as Linda stands up to retrieve her money, glaring at Tommy. "Apology accepted."

"Esme, I doubted you as well." Tommy continues. "Now, John's got innocent lives on his conscience. Ordinary working men." Esme spat, looking up from the Lee baby in her arms. "Yeah alright Esme, we got it." John cuts in hoarsely, rolling his eyes at her. "No, she's right." Tommy agrees. "And you and Arthur are gonna have to share that burden." Throwing two piles of money forward, Tommy shrugs. "But I hope the house you can buy with this can become a place of contemplation. Perhaps redemption."

John stands bitterly, retrieving his money and sits back down, instantly taking my hand back in his. "Charlie, for lost tools, dangerous goods and Curly's wise words." Tommy throws a pile of money at my uncle. "Johnny for boards and lodgings." Another roll of cash get thrown to Johnny dogs. Sheepishly, Tommy slides a roll of cash towards Lizzie, calling her name softly. She purses her lips and throws it back towards him, sitting back in her chair glaring. "Michael, for the killings. Five for cutting and five for shooting." Tommy continues throwing the cash towards his cousin.

"No Tommy." Polly interjects standing up. "What?!" Tommy yells. "Tell me, eh? This is who I am!" He roars, waving the cash. "And this is all I can give for what you've given me. For your hearts and for your souls. Yesterday I nearly lost my son." He tosses the money down, pointing at his aunt. "You should understand that. For what? For this? For this?"

"And I know you all want me to say that I'll change. That this fucking business will change. But I've learned something in the last few days. These bastards, those bastards are worse than us. Politicians, fucking judges, Lords and Ladies. They are worse than us and they will never admit their places no matter how legitimate we become. Because of who we are. Because of who we fucking are, because of where we're fucking from. Isn't that right, Ada?" Tommy questions, rounding on his sister.

"Our Ada knows. She got smart about the revolution. And she knows you have to get what you want your own way. And the rest of you, you took the kings shilling. You took the kings fucking shilling. When you take the kings shillings, the king expects you to kill. Right Arthur? Yeah, that's how it works, yeah. John?" Tommy finishes as Michael stands up and takes his wad of cash. "That's right." He mutters before sitting back down.

"That's right, Pol." Tommy says, straightening up and putting his hands on his hips. "That's fucking right." Polly shakes her head. "Tommy. You've had a bad time. We understand. So, at an alternative time." Polly pauses, taking the money from Michael. "When we have all recovered, I would like to put before the family an alternative view of the future of Shelby Company Limited. A hopeful view." She finishes. "Which I for one, would like to hear." Ada says.

"As would I." Esme repeats. "As would I." Lizzie agrees as I sigh and the room falls back into silence. "Come on Arthur. The train for the dock leaves in one hour." Linda says, beginning to gather herself. "You're actually leaving?" I ask her, feeling angry. I can't lose Arthur. He's my big brother.