I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and to thank you all so much for your support over the last year; I really do appreciate all the reads and comments so much.

"But you have only just met me. You know nothing but what I have told you, and I could have made that all up........." (Y/n) replied, as she placed down the cup, shocked by what the Londoner had just said.

Ollie had finally appeared again with a tray in his hands. The tray filled with a teapot, cups and even a plate of biscuits; Alfie not sure where he had conjured all of it up from, but he had to admit that it looked good and made a far better impression than if he had just shoved a mug of tea under her nose. And after Alfie had been mother, pouring his guest a cup full of the hot beverage with three or four lumps of sugar for good measure, he had carefully cajoled her back into talking more about herself. This Shelby, that he hadn't even known existed, explaining more about how the last time that she had seen her family, was a number of years ago, at Christmas; but since then, she had remained at whichever boarding school she was at, whenever the terms would end. It obvious from the way that she spoke and held herself, that Tommy had paid for some of the best schools he could find. Though why he would send her away, why he and the rest of the family would reject her like that, while still keeping their youngest brother with them.......that was what he couldn't wrap his head around. Though given it was evident from the conversation, that she was as intelligent as she was beautiful, Alfie could only think that a part of Tommy must have thought she was worth spending all that money on, to turn her into a lady. So, to ensure that she stayed in London and remained close enough for him to keep an eye on, Alfie had offered her a job.

"That is true, but I like ta think of myself as a good judge of character, don't I........" Alfie pulling the glasses from his face and allowing them to hang around his neck.

"Ya said ya were gonna look fa a job, yeah......and I just happen ta need some help around here........"

"And what help could I possibly be in a distillery............?" (Y/n) interrupted. Chuckling slightly as the man in front of her leaned back in his chair.

"Distillery..........?"

"Please, Mister Solomons, I may have led what you would regard as a sheltered life; but I used to spend winter holidays helping out in a bakery that made the best bread and cakes in the area. And it gave me a nose for these things; a nose that helps me distinguish between yeast for baked goods, fermenting; and alcohol fermenting. Though I must commend you on the idea of using the front of a bakery to cover up your real business..........." She explained, smiling broadly at him, as she picked back up her cup.

Fucking Shelby's......she might not have seen the rest of them for years, but she was definitely one of them. Though he had to admit that he already liked her far more than the rest of the gypsy bastards. Alfie finding himself chuckling as he reached into the draw of his desk and brough out a bottle and two glasses. (Y/n) shaking her head as he offered her one.

"Clever aren't ya............?"

"Clever......some might say so, I suppose. But this is more down to the fact that the school I was at was so cold during winter, that I would rather spend all day in a bakery so I could stay warm, than be there.........." The female Shelby replied with a shrug, as Alfie brought his glass up to his lips.

"And do ya have any problem with that.......it not being a bakery............"

"Not if the job offer is real.....no. You have to be practical in this world, don't you. Sometimes to make one's way in life, you must take opportunities when they are presented to you; I am sure that is how you became the boss of this place.......taking and creating opportunities. And I believe that I would rather work here than behind the counter in some dress or hat shop. So........if you mean it, and you have a position for me; then yes, I would like to work here......." (Y/n) continued. A smile pulling at Alfie's lips, as he brushed his hand over his beard; the thought of all the positions he would like to have her in, filling his mind.

"Well then......it's a deal.........Ya start tomorrow. Now, where ya staying.........?"

"Claridge's, in Mayfair.........."

"Bleedin hell.........gonna have ta find ya somewhere ta stay an ole, ain't we. But for now..........." Alfie getting to his feet and making his way over to the door of his office. Throwing it open and shouting for Ollie; the poor man quickly appearing.

"Alfie........"

"I want you ta go and find Amos, then get him ta drive Miss Shelby here, back ta Claridge's. And tell him ta make sure ta pick her up again, at eight tomorrow morning, right.........."

"Tomorrow, Alfie? But............."

"Just do it..........." Alfie giving his assistant yet another warning look. Ollie doing as he did before and nodding before racing off to do as he was told.

"Now........." The big man continued, as he closed the door and turned back to look at her.

"Let's talk about this position.............."