For Pasta-07

Finally, the train pulled to a stop. The Birmingham brothers and Alfie's righthand man, remaining on the platform for a moment for Richie's trunks, before the Shelby's led the young Londoner to a waiting car which they all piled into it.

"We're gonna take ya ta tha hotel ya booked into, and in an hour, I'll send a car to pick ya up so ya can meet tha rest of tha family." Tommy announced from the front seat, as he looked at Richie through the rear-view mirror. Alfie's insurance policy that he would be getting the share that Tommy had agreed to, nodding absentmindedly in agreement. Not seeming to notice the attention that she was getting from one Shelby, in particular.

John sat next to Richie's right in the back seat; his eyes falling on the skin of his face. It looked soft and smooth, perfect in fact; and he couldn't see a sign of stubble or dark shadow. He then looked at the young man's eyes. They appeared too gentle to harm anyone, despite the young man's fearsome reputation. The orbs, the most stunning shade that he had ever see, and his lashes were long and slightly curled. If Richie was a woman, he would be beautiful, John mussed; beautiful, intelligent and deadly, just his kind of woman.

Tommy dropped Richie off at the hotel, reminding her that the car would be waiting to pick her up outside in one hour. Richie thanking the three Shelby's before making her way inside. As she got to her room, Richie knew that she didn't have much time to freshen herself up; no time to remove the bindings that concealed her true physique, so that she could feel comfortable for a while. No real time to settle in and recover from the journey, So, instead, she washed her face and pulled out a new shirt and tie from a trunk. Slicking back her hair and put on some cologne, before she slung the heavy overcoat back around her shoulders and wrapped a scarf about her neck; then grabbed a walking stick from the trunk. Looking at himself in the mirror to ensure that everything was just so, before she finally made her way to the street to wait for the car.

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After a quiet drive, the car pulled up to a large house, the driver informing Richie to go knock on the door and that the Shelby family would be waiting inside. Doing as she was told, Richie knocked and watched as the door opened slowly, to find herself greeted by a small young woman.

"Ya must be Mr. (Y/l/n), they are expecting ya." She said politely, curtsying to Richie before escorting her to the main sitting room and opening the door. The Londoner finding a number of people stood in the room, all eyes turning to look at the visitor; Richie smiling and nodding, before giving her coat, scarf, hat and stick to the maid who scurried off, as Tommy made his way over, holding out his hand for Richie to shake.

"Come on Richie, come and meet the family, they've all been expecting ya. You of course know Arthur and John." Tommy began, as he watched Richie nod his head in greeting.

"And this is our youngest brother, Finn." Tommy introduced, as Finn gave Richie's hand a firm shake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Shelby." Richie told Finn, as the youngest Shelby sent the young man before him a smile in reply, seemingly more than happy with his respectful greeting.

"I'd like ta introduce ya ta our aunt Polly and our sister Ada." Tommy continued. Richie smiling at the two women, as the head of the family firm escorted her over to them.

"It is a pleasure to meet two such visions of beauty. Ms. Polly, Ms. Ada; I can see who got all the looks in the family." Richie chuckled, as she took each of their hands in turn, and kissed them delicately on the knuckles.

"Oh, I like him Tommy, he's smooth; I think we'll keep him." Polly laughed in reply, as she lit a cigarette. Already much preferring the younger man to his boss.

"He's even more of a charmer than our John." Ada added, as she continued to watch the suave looking Londoner. Richie turning her attention to John for a moment, who now seemed to be sulking in a corner. The Londoner chuckling to herself as Tommy finally introduced Polly's son, Michael, and their friend, Isaiah. Richie shaking Isaiah's hand warmly, and then turning to shake Michael's hand. The young woman noticing that this Michael was looking at her strangely, as he gripped her hand. For a moment it was like he could see through the disguise; but no, it was impossible. She had spent so many years perfecting this character that she believed it to be perfect. That, and if Alfie couldn't see through it, then what chance did this stranger have.

"Nice to meet you Mr. (Y/l/n), the boys have told us all about you." Michael said, as he finally let go of Richie's hand. Richie giving him a small smile, as he decided to try and avoid any further conversation with him, at least for that night.

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The rest of the evening had been spent laughing and drinking with the family. The usually observant Richie not noticing that three pairs of eyes were on her. John not having taken his eyes off Richie all night, as he tried to work out why he couldn't get this new associate, out of his mind; Michael staring with suspicion, sure that there was something odd about the young man, that he was sure wasn't entirely what he appeared. And finally, Ada. Who could feel her heart flutter slightly every time that Richie would smile or laugh.

"Who's up fa a game of cards?" Arthur suddenly asked as he got to his feet.

"Come on Richie, ya said ya weren't a bad player." The oldest Shelby continued, reminding Richie of her earlier boast about taking money from idiots.

"I don't mind taking ya money if ya want ta throw it away." Richie replied with a laugh as she and the rest of the boys joined the game; Arthur beginning to deal as soon as the stakes were agreed on.

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After a few rounds it was very clear to the rest of the man that Richie's boasts had not been idle ones, and that the Londoner was very good at the game. Richie sitting at the table quietly, as she took the smoke from the cigarette deep into her lungs. Her eyes watching over the group; noticing each man's tells, that were making it so much easier. Alfie always telling her that she noticed things that others didn't. Even the slightest changes and movements.

Michael was easy Richie noted. If he had a bad hand, he would mess with his ear; a good hand and he would constantly look at his cards. Isaiah on the other hand would smile when he had a good hand; and would look at his money when it was bad. Both habits were things that the young woman had seen on numerous occasions. And then there was poor Finn, who would tap his temple when he had a bad hand, like he was thinking about how to fix it; or perhaps wishing he could perform some feat of magic and change the cards. And when he had a good hand, he would pick at his nails. Richie always trying her best not to chuckle whenever the young man did either. It obvious that he was trying to be like his older brothers, but it wasn't quite working.

Tommy and Arthur were a little more difficult to read. But it didn't take too long for Richie to figure even them, out too. Tommy's good hand tell was a subtle twitch in his left eye, probably unnoticeable to most people. A bad hand resulted in him constantly combing his fingers through his hair; something she thought the usually calm man, wouldn't do. Arthur on the other hand would puff incessantly on his cigar when his hand was good; and rolled it around in his fingers when his cards were bad. Then finally there was John. He was just so obvious that Richie couldn't believe he had ever won a hand of cards. A good hand causing his face to light up and he'd drink a little more; a bad hand and he would just look miserable.

Richie on the other hand had learned from the best to hide her tells; keeping a stoic look on her face. Only ever taking one look at her cards when they were dealt, never needing to remind herself again.

After about an hour, Michael, Isaiah and Finn were sick of losing money and had bowed out of the game; another hour later and Tommy and Arthur threw in their cards, hoping to come away with a little self-respect, and money still intact. Leaving just Richie and John.

"Well Mr. Shelby, why don't we make this interesting?" Richie asked, smirking at the man across the table.

"Interesting how?" John retorted, lifting his head so that his eyes met Richie's. Watching as the out of towner, pulled out a large wad of notes from his jacket pocket and place it on the table. The others gathering around the table to see what was about to unfold.

"If ya think ya can beat me, why don't ya put ya money where ya mouth is, and we can play." Richie said with a grin, as she folded her arms across her chest and leant back in her chair. John looking at the man across from him and smiling, before pulling an equally large stack of notes out of his pocket.

"Come on then Richie boy, let's see what ya can do." John retorted, as he grabbed the cards.

"Oh no, after you Johnny boy." Richie shot back, as she pulled the cards from John's hands, shuffling them expertly before dealing.

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"YA CHEATING!" John shouted, as after another hour of playing, he found that his pile of money was severely depleted. The younger Shelby balling his hands up into fists and banging them on the table; causing Richie to stand up and lean across the table.

"I don't need ta cheat ta beat you; ya have tells that even a blind man can see. And if ya were any other man, I would fuckin shoot ya were ya sit fa accusing me a that shit." Richie growled, as John stood up, mimicking the stance of the man across from him. Both of them glaring intently at the another.

"Come on Johnny. Richie won fair and square; and he's our guest so be fuckin polite yeah." Tommy said, his voice seeming to break the tension. The Londoner giving John a smug smile, before pushing herself away from the table.

"Thank you for ya hospitality, Mr. Shelby; but I think it would be better if I left now." Richie suddenly said, as he turned to face Tommy.

"No, you don't have to leave Richie you can stay the night, we have plenty of room." Ada insisted, as she looked between Richie and Tommy.

"That's very nice of ya, Ms. Ada. But I can't intrude on ya hospitality any longer; also, all my things are at the hotel. I would not like ta meet you in the morning all unkempt. A gentleman should always look his best fa a lady." Richie replied, as he gave one last glare in John's direction.

"That's a good idea Richie, I'll get tha car ta take ya back ta tha hotel." Tommy agreed as he rang for the maid, instructing her to bring Richie's things.

"Well good night, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for a very interesting evening." Richie told the others as the maid helped her on with the coat, before the Londoner turned around to head for the door.

"Oh, and if ya ever want a chance ta win back some a ya money, you know where to find me." Richie called out, leaving before John had a chance to reply.