A girl has made up her mind.

Caterina
_____________

"Rina, darling? What are you doing here so early? I thought you'd be with Thomas at the meeting by now."

Polly's eyes grew wide as saucers as she beheld me through the cracked door, no doubt taking in my frantic demeanor. I brought a shaky hand to wipe the sweat dotted above my brow. I'd been burning up ever since last night's festivities, and I needed to confirm what I already suspected.

"Yes I'm aware of that, Polly. But I'm afraid I need to ask you a favor before I go another day wondering what if." I said, loosening my scarf.

With a curious glance, Polly nods and ushered me inside, taking one last look around the street to assure no one's been watching. She shut the door behind her with a soft click.

I tried not to stand as awkward as I felt in her foyer, looking over the pattern etched into the rug beneath my feet. It looked expensive and old.

"What is it you need?" Polly asked at last, stepping past me.

"I need you to read my tea leaves, Polly. Please." I said, adding my plea in good measure.

She turned to look at me over her shoulder with furrowed brows, but complied regardless. "All right, love. Just help yourself to a cup and bring it here."

I nodded and headed into the kitchen opposite to her bedroom, and found the teapot sitting proudly on top a tray by the wall. The fine china rattled from my shaky grasp as I poured myself a cup and tipped the rim back. At least the tea was still warm. I made my way back to where Polly was, sitting at the foot of her bed and lacing up a pair of well-worn boots.

A faint chuckle escaped her lips as she noticed my cheeks full on either side of the tea, shaking her head. Polly waved me over and took the cup from my hands to examine it.

"You know something dear, I forgot to mention you didn't have to drink the tea. You could 'ave just poured it back into the pot." She grinned, her eyes glued to the sodden leaves in her hands.

I let out a muffled, "ah" and swallowed the tea. My cheeks burned in embarrassment as I silently prayed Polly would keep this between us. And judging by the weary look she gave me as she lifted her head, I knew that she would.

Polly blinked a few times before opening her mouth to speak. Goosebumps rippled across my skin as the nerves jumbled up inside me at the anticipation.

"If I were you, Rina, I'd invest in baby clothes for that baby in there." She smiled at last, pointing at my belly.

"Baby?" My voice cracked as I brought a hand to my navel. "You're telling me that there's a baby in there?"

Polly nodded and my lips peeled back in a broad grin.

I was going to have a baby! I thought, a little half-me and half-Alfie on two little chubby legs.

Oh god... Alfie.

Polly seemed to read my sudden change in expression for she sprang to her feet. "What is it? Are you not happy I told you?" She asked, her hands reaching for mine.

I swiftly half-turned and shoved my hands into my coat pockets. Now was not the time to announce that my unborn child was not in fact her nephew's son, but a Solomons instead. No, I would not tell her. Or Thomas for that matter.

"No. No, not at all Polly. I'm actually grateful for you helping me out with this." I rushed, making a beeline for the door. It was only when I was already halfway out into the street that I turned back to look at her standing rather confused in her foyer and said, "I'd really appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about this."

As I stood wedged between the door and instantaneous freedom from Polly's gaze, I knew then that she understood. She nodded slowly.

"Of course, dear."

And like a gust of wind, I slipped out of view and into the street towards Thomas.

⚜️

"What is it? Just Us?" Arthur asked, his eyes dancing between Thomas and I.

"Just us." Thomas confirmed.

I watched quietly as he poured an unmarked bottle of whiskey into three stout glasses. All the while balancing a smoke between his lips.

"Are we celebrating?" Polly asked from behind.

Thomas finished pouring the glasses. "Just taste this." He said.

As they all piled into the room, Thomas each handed them a glass. I had been fortunate enough to arrive before anyone else and tell Thomas I didn't feel well enough to drink from his export, even though I had taken two laps around the block prior to clear my head of babies and their fathers. Luckily, it only took a few passionate kisses to wipe the disappointed look from Thomas's face.

They all sat quietly for a moment, each Shelby taking their time to really let the liquor run through their palate. Thomas shot me a weary glance as the silence grew, but I only smiled back.

"They're going to love it," I mouthed.

Thomas turned away, fighting off a grin. He turned to his older brother.

"What do you think, Arthur?"

"Yeah, it's good." Hummed Arthur. "Good stuff, really nice. Too good for the Garrison. I suppose we could shift it to the toffs at the Eden club. Why? What is it?" He asked, twisting the glass in his hand.

"That is part of an export drive."

Arthur and John stilled for a moment, no doubt absorbing their brother's words.

"We now have our secure warehouse in Camden Town and secure passage to the Poplar docks." Thomas explained, "So on Monday morning, we'll be sending out our first export crate. A crate of Riley car spares bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia."

Thomas casually turned to butt out his cigarette in the ashtray behind him. Beside me by the fire, Polly spoke.

"Where there's Prohibition?" She inquired.

He raised his hand to his aunt.

"Where there is Prohibition." He confirmed, "All over Canada and America, people are making their own booze, in bath tubs. But rich people in New York, in Boston and Chicago—" Thomas turned to me and I nodded. "Are still paying a lot of money for the real stuff. So on Monday, the first Shelby Company crate will contain one-thousand Riley carburetors but hidden in the packing, will be five-hundred bottles of the finest quality single malt Scotch whiskey."

I could hardly contain my pride as he made the announcement., and both Arthur and John exchanged pleasantly surprised glances.

"We Shelby's have a license granted by the minister of the Empire himself, which means our crates won't be searched." Thomas continued, turning to his aunt again. "And, Polly, all of the whiskey will be packed at the docks. So Micheal can do the books without getting involved. Like I've been telling you all for a year now. Motor cars are the future."

Polly gave him a curt nod, and Thomas at last turned to me. A lazy grin plastered on his face, igniting a hunger in the pit of my stomach. Everyone one else melted away in that moment our eyes met, and when they finally did leave, Thomas made love to me by the fire.

⚜️

We walked hand in hand into the Eden club. At first, Thomas was a bit skeptical over my meeting with Alfred when I told him after our lovemaking, but I assured him that he only wanted to ease tensions and that was that. After all, Thomas was going to meet with May Carleton, the woman who relentlessly made her intentions for Thomas clear as the gin she drank. My blood boiled at the thought.

The Eden club wasn't as grand as I had remembered it, the marble floors were dull and the tapestry torn. It seemed like ages ago when I first arrived to paint that Sabini bastard, and when I met Thomas. Looking back now, everything weaved together so snugly that I had trouble believing it was anything but fate.

I was so engrossed in my thoughts, however, that I didn't notice the vulgar image of Arthur thrusting himself into a woman sprawled over a sofa until it was already burned into my memory forever. Arthur held out a gun aimed at the both of us despite him being preoccupied.

"Morning, Arthur. I was just passing." Thomas greeted, seemingly unfazed by the scene before him.

I on the other hand, let out a gasp and with my free hand covered my face. Certainly the trauma of seeing Arthur's pasty backside couldn't be good for the baby. Thomas stopped and stood between me and his brother, laughing.

"It's all right, dear. It's just Arthur." He grinned, knowing very well how I felt. Suddenly the thought of hurling all over Thomas's expensive shoes seemed enticing.

I gave him a pointed look. "Yeah? Just Arthur having his way with a woman's legs spread wide open is 'all right'? I bet you're enjoying this, aren't you?"

His smirk was all I needed to confirm my statement. He shrugged.

"A little, yeah."

Despite myself, I could help but smack his arm and mirror his humored expression. I had to admit, there never was a dull moment with the Shelby's.

"Besides," Thomas whispered, leaning in so his face was almost brushing against mine. "There is only one woman I see. Can you guess who?"

His hot breath fanned my face and I suddenly found my knees beginning to wobble. I rolled my eyes to hide my obvious swooning. Thomas didn't say much, but when he did, every word stuck.

I pursed my lips, pretending to ponder his numerous ladies in waiting before replying, "Brown Eyed Chicago?"

The corner of his lips curled up again and he nodded. "Brown Eyed Chicago."

"You always were more of a horse man, weren't you?" I giggled, grabbing onto the lapels of his coat. Thomas leaned in again, only this time our lips were brushing. I sucked in a breath, my smile fading.

"Mmhm." He hummed, and pressed his lips into mine, even despite the fact Arthur was getting dressed all the while behind us. I pulled away, his taste still lingering in my mouth.

"All right. Just get on with it." I sighed, "I want to see Ada before I go."

Thomas nodded, despite his hooded eyes. I patted his chest and stepped back, ushering him into the next room. I watched after him with my lip tugged between my teeth, mentally reminding myself that I had a baby on the way, and it wasn't his.

⚜️

"What are we doing here, Thomas?" I asked.

We were currently parked outside a block of houses, none of which were Ada's.

"We're here to time the coppers." He hushed from the corner of his mouth.

Curiously I peered over the dashboard and sure enough there was a man in uniform heading in our direction. I quickly looked away and pretended to read off the map that was held loosely between Thomas's own two hands as a prop.

"What's your business?" The copper asked, approaching the my window.

Thomas chuckled in embarrassment. "Sorry, we, uh... my wife and I are lost here."

The heat rushed to my cheeks despite myself, and I forced a smile. The man looked between the two of us.

"Yeah, well, you can't stop here. Move on."

Thomas complied without another word, and when he started the engine of the car, the copper stalked off. I watched him pull out a pocket watch and examine it briefly.

"Twenty-three seconds." He announced, and we were off. I didn't bother mentioning the 'wife' part for the rest of the ride.

To my surprise, whenever we finally did arrive at Ada's house, there was a pretty-looking man at the door.

"Hello." He said, his blue eyes sparkling.

Thomas tensed beside me. "I'm looking for Ada."

The man stood his ground still wedged between the door and its frame sporting a white long sleeve with the first few buttons unclasped. "Who are you?" He asked.

I gulped. Thomas didn't like questions from people he didn't know. So instead of politely answering, Thomas pushed past his outstretched arm with a hand firmly over mine, dragging me behind him. I offered an apologetic smile as I went.

"Ada..." Thomas began as we entered the room.

"I asked you a question!" The man exclaimed, still hot on our heels.

I hastily ripped my hand from Thomas's and gingerly rubbed at my wrist, taking a seat beside Ada— who sat casually in a silk robe with a newspaper between her hands. She looked up slowly.

"It's all right, James." She said, "This is my brother and my good friend."

I waved at the boy— James— who stood a bit calmer with his hands inside the pockets of his trousers.

"Who's he?" Thomas deadpanned.

"He rents a room."

Thomas raised a brow. "You need to rent out rooms?"

"Actually," James interjected, "She doesn't charge rent."

Thomas whipped his head in James direction again, and I wondered how many ways Thomas was imagining strangling the boy. Ada sighed.

"He's a writer, which means he's skint." She said, "And oh, God. Before you start sizing him up for a wedding suit, he's not interested in me. Or in girls of any kind."

"Ada!" James gapped.

I watched his face turn an awful shade of pink and instead leaned to pour myself a cup of tea. I was going to need it.

"What?" Ada shrugged, going back to reading her article. "Tommy won't judge you. He sure as hell won't won't go to the police."

There was an awkward pause. I casually joined Ada in her lounging and sipped my tea, suddenly interested in the scramble of books spread across the table.

"Look, I'll go and get dressed." James mumbled, turning to leave.

"James." Thomas addressed, holding out a hand. "I'm Thomas. Pleased to meet you."

And for a moment my interest was peaked as I watched James take his hand carefully. I couldn't help but smile with pride at Thomas for choosing to be the honorable man for once. Beside me, I could've sworn Ada rolled her eyes at me, laughing. I stuck my tongue out at her.

"Can I have a minute with my sister, please?" Thomas asked.

James bowed his head, his dark curls falling over his forehead. "Yes, of course." And promptly left the room.

Thomas watched after him as he took a seat beside me, resting a hand casually on my knee as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Ada eyed our contact over her newspaper, her eyes pleasantly curious.

Thomas cleared his throat. "So, does your lodger know your name?"

"Yeah. Thorne." Ada said, "You think I'd tell anybody anything else? Your Brummie boys are all over the papers. Just one last push, eh? Then you'll go legit. Just one more obstacle to get round, then it'll all be straight."

Thomas frowned. "Actually, yes."

His reply made Ada scoff. "Personally, I find it quite amusing. Men like you are becoming very fashionable down here. No society party in London is complete without a gangster for the girls to go giddy for." Her eyes shot to mine, "And I don't mean you, Rina."

I nodded, my lips taut.

"Anyway, what is it that you want Tommy?" Ada said at last, ruffling her newspaper.

Thomas looked down at his hand on my knee and said, "I don't have any children, Ada."

My blood turned to ice.

"So I've set up a trust fund." He continued, "The beneficiaries will be John's kids and Karl. In order for Karl to benefit, I need your signature."

I bit my lip to keep from whimpering as Thomas reached into his coat and pulled out a folded piece of paper to hand to Ada. "I've set up an account. Money will be transferred in the event of my death. It'll set them up for a new life."

Ada eyed her brother carefully, finally setting down her articles to pick up the document to read over it. I forced myself to look up to keep from crying, focusing so much on the physical pain of my teeth against soft skin that I tasted blood.

"Are you sick?" She asked.

Thomas shook his head. "I'm just doing what any ordinary man would. Putting my affairs in order."

And with that, Ada signed the document.

⚜️

We said our goodbyes not long after Ada formalized Karl's benefits, and despite myself, I decided to wait on telling my longtime friend the news about my pregnancy. It was far too risky.

And as promised, Thomas dropped me off at Alfred's bakery, making sure Ollie watched as he kissed me goodbye, and I watched after him as he drove off in the directions towards May; without a single ounce of distrust. I on the other hand, felt guilty as charge for concealing the person growing within my being. Still, I turned on my heel and headed inside towards the familiar office where the father of my unborn children awaited my arrival.

"Alfred?" I called, rapping my knuckles on the door frame.

There was shuffling of feet and then the door swung open, revealing the man I loved dressed in a long dark overcoat and wide brimmed hat placed strategically over his Kippah. And to my surprise, Alfred ushered me in with a tight embrace, his thick arms wrapped firmly around my middle. I struggled to breathe.

"Alf—Alfie." I managed, patting at his back.

"What is it, love?"

"I—I can't—"

"Can't what?" He asked again. "C'mon love, spit it out."

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and instead in a muffled voice yelled, "Breathe!"

"Oh! Right, sorry." Alfred mumbled, releasing me from his bear hug and I gulped precious air.

Normally I would've enjoyed his relentless showering of affection, but not when there was a tiny person growing between us. I straightened my coat and ran hand through my curls.

"No need to apologize Alfred, it's all right." I nodded, "So what is it you want to talk to me about?"

I found myself standing before Alfred, who seemed almost...nervous. Alfred was never nervous, ever.

Alfred motioned to remove his hat, revealing slightly disheveled hair. It pained me to see him like that, like he hadn't slept in days. I wondered if he ever reached out across the bed for me, like I did for him. He cleared his throat.

"Right, so there's a dinner I'm hosting here tomorrow night." He said, "And I would like you to come, to uh, clear the air between us."

I pursed my lips, for once it seemed Alfred had an idea that didn't involve shooting people. And for that, I'd come. If Alfred was going to be a part of our child's life, he'd have to change for the better.

"That sounds like a great idea." I smiled, moving to place a hand on my belly. Now, I'd tell him now.

He nodded, twisting the folds of his hat between his large hands, and I wondered if our child would be as broad as he if it were a boy, or have his full mouth if it were a girl. It was then that I knew it would be Alfred, for I had a duty as a mother to keep my family together, regardless of my love for Thomas. For I knew what it was like to lose a parent, and I wasn't about to repeat my own history this time around. My baby would have their mother and father, and that was that.

"Alfred." I cleared my throat, closing the gap between us. "There's something I have to tell you."

_________________
VOTE COMMENT FOLLOW
[ this chapter is dedicated to the lovely BuiltFordTough1214  for helping me get inspired with her word vomit (hehe) check Nic out she's amazing and send her some love! ]

[ also what do you guys think is gonna happen next? how are your guys feels?? sorry if i just ripped your hearts out :((( ]