Criminal Royalty

Family Meeting

Rose had to jog a little to catch up to him because of his long strides. Despite her slower pace, they made it back to the gambling den shortly.

Entering a room filled with Shelby strangers was nothing short of intimidating, but Polly engulfed her in a hug before Rose could really think about it too much.

Knowing that Polly was not always the most tactile person, the boys shared a glance in solidarity before returning focus to the pair.

The joyous reunion was short lived as Polly recalled the events of the day.

"You stupid stupid girl" Polly hit her on the upside of the head, "what were you thinking going after a copper like that, eh?"

The men in the room cringed, knowing all too well their aunt's temper.

Now maybe Rose was stupid, or maybe she was brave. Either way, she fired back "You can't expect me to do nothing when I see a pig like that going after you!"

"You just got yourself into trouble, you didn't need to hit him."

"Doesn't feel like I'm in trouble, you got me out, didn't you? And it's not like it's my first run in with the police eh Pol?" She had that mischievous grin on her face again. "Anyways, what's done is done. Aren't you gonna introduce me to your boys?"

Rose was one of a very short list of people who could appease Polly's anger so quickly. It was impressive to say the least.

At the mention of them, it seemed as though Polly had just remembered her nephews were in the room.

Looking around she met Tommy's eye. He raised an eyebrow expectantly, hoping for a better explanation at how the two knew each other. All he knew right now was the girl's profession and name.

"Boys, this is Rose, a good friend of mine" Polly's eyes bore into each of them, as if challenging them to question it. "She's like a daughter to me so I expect you to look out for her like family."

It was rare for their aunt to make such a claim on someone, especially after what she had gone through with her own biological children, so the boys took this very seriously. All of them, even Tommy, regraded Rose with a greater sense of curiosity and respect because of this.

Speaking of the devil, Rose rolled her eyes at Polly's protectiveness. They may have been close friends but that didn't stop Polly from viewing her as a child.

Next, Polly introduced the nephews she had spoken so highly of, "the man that collected you from the station is Tommy."

He nodded at her in acknowledgment, but his eyes were still calculating. This slip of a girl had clearly won the heart of his aunt and may yet crack the rest of his family, but Thomas reserved his judgement.

"The one on his left is Arthur and on his right is John, he's the one who kids I'd asked you to look after."

At this John perked up, anyone with eyes could see that his kids were running rings round him- even with Polly's help. Yet looking at this girl, he could not imagine how she would do much better caring for four young kids; she barley looked like an adult herself.

"Nice to meet you" the brothers murmured.

"It's nice to finally put names and faces together" she returned, " I'm afraid I can't stay for long though, I've got things to sort out"

She bid Polly adieu, reassuring her that she would return for tea and a catch-up before she started watching the kids on Monday.

Then, as quickly as she had arrived, Rose left in search of her own humble abode.