"So.................." Tommy continued, as he looked between the two Romanies.

"Aberama tells me that ya might be able to help with a problem that I have..............."

"I have helped a lot of people with problems, Mister Shelby; big and small. Some much more complicated than others; but whatever the case, I have never had any complaints............" (Y/n) replied, as she sat back in her chair, and looked at this, Thomas Shelby.

As she had lain with Abby in his small bed, the Romany assassin had told her more of the "businessman" that she would be meeting. Thomas, as well as the rest of the Shelby clan, sounding to be quite a formidable force. Yet whatever Abby had told her, it had not led her to expect the man that currently sat across from her. There was something about him, something about his eyes. Something that spoke of death; the healer sure that her grandmother would have called him a 'Beng'...........a devil. That she would have frantically crossed herself and refused to be anywhere near him. But (Y/n) had to admit that she had unfortunately seen this look before. That she saw it in the eyes of many a man that had seen battle. They were the eyes of a man that was already dead, and he just didn't know it. A man that had died in the trenches; the things before her........a spirit; a shadow of what once was. But that did not concern her, she was not scared of spirits or shadows. Not afraid of the demons that walked the world, for some would say that she was one of them. Her own reputation, amongst those who knew, possibly more feared than even the man on the other side of the table.

What had surprised her though was the information that the family were also gypsies. This the first time that she would have worked for another traveller. Normally, her dealings were with non-travellers. Men and women that had been born into money, that were classed as 'new money'. Men that wanted a rival, a husband of a mistress, or just anyone that could hold anything over their heads, disposed of. Women who required their husbands to have a little "accident" so that they could inherit, and make a new life with some younger man, that claimed that they were in love. And even though it was true to say that they were the kind of people that would look down on her and her kin; who would be the first to belittle and berate her kind; money was money, and (Y/n) always made sure that her customers paid well for her services. It was the way that she could afford to take care of others, without need for recompense. How she could feed all those that she travelled with, when there was no work, when the months became colder. How she could help children that had lost their families. So, despite the fact that the Shelby's were travellers too, (Y/n) hoped that this Tommy had as much money as he appeared to have.

"How do I know ya can do what ya say........that I can trust ya...........?" Tommy continued, studying the woman in front of him, as she abruptly got to her feet, and glared at him.

"Abby tells me that you are a dangerous man, Mister Shelby. That you can't be scared or intimidated. Well, neither can I; and how dare you question whether I can be trusted or not. I have secrets in my head that could bring down some very important people, that could see the great and good, swing from the gallows. Yet all of those little secrets stay just that........secret. Not once have I been questioned; not once have I been asked to prove myself, what I can do. My reputation proceeds me, Mister Shelby. You should consider yourself lucky that Aberama was the one that sent me the message, otherwise I would not be here. In fact, I believe that I have had enough of this 'meeting'. It would appear that it was a wasted journey.............." (Y/n) growled, before she pushed back on her chair, and made her way to the door.

"Tommy.........she's the best.............."

"My apologies................" Tommy called out, interrupting Aberama who was now also on his feet. (Y/n) musing for a moment, before letting go of the doorhandle and turning.

"I didn't mean ta insult ya. Please.............." Tommy continued, gesturing towards the chair. The Romany healer looking at Aberama; his lips moving with silent words that told her to not leave.

"Aberama. Will you leave us for a few minutes.........?" Tommy added. The assassin nodding his head, placing his hand on (Y/n)'s shoulder, as she retook her seat. Giving her a discrete smile, before leaving her and Tommy to talk.

                                                              >>------------------------------------<<

"No, Mister Shelby. Your reasons for wanting this, are no concern of mine. All I need to know, is where and how to get to this man...........That, and if you are willing to pay my price............" Female Romany said, as Tommy finished telling her about the man that he wished her to dispose of.

"He will be a guest at a party that my brother's and I will be attending this Saturday evening. You will be my guest. But I want to ensure that he dies some time after the party; that it looks as though he died of natural causes.........."

"Natural causes is what I do best, Mister Shelby. Now, my fee..............."

"What do you want.................?" Tommy countered. Watching as the woman took a pencil and a piece of paper, before scribbling something, folding the paper in half and pushing it over towards him.

"If you can do this, it will be worth every penny..........." The head of the Shelby firm said, as he opened the paper and looked at the number, before pushing it into his vest pocket.

"Then, I look forward to seeing you again on Saturday, Mister Shelby..........." (Y/n) smiled, as she got to her feet and reached out her hand for Tommy to shake. Tommy doing just that, before escorting her to the door of his office.

"The pleasure will be all mine............." Tommy countered, as he opened the door. Aberama getting to his feet as (Y/n) made her way over to him, offering her his arm and leading her back out of the betting shop.