Criminal Royalty

Tommy's Propostion

"Say Pol, that friend of yours, the one you've got watching John's kids, do you reckon she'd be willing to do me a favour?"

Polly eyes her nephew suspiciously, a favour was never truly a favour with Thomas Shelby. Rose was family in her eyes, and she couldn't help but worry about her, even if she was already mixed up in the Shelby life. Truth be told, she wasn't so sure that this wasn't destiny playing out; she had seen in Rose's tea leaves that she was destined to become family in a more permanent sense, and what was more permanent than marriage to one of her boys.

"What favour Thomas?" She quirked an eyebrow.

Tommy could tell that she was wary by her use of his full name and was quick to reassure her that he simply needed a woman to go with him to the races. There would be no danger for her, simply a day out at the races.

Whilst Polly still was not convinced, she would rather have someone she trusted accompany Tommy, unlike that new barmaid at the Garrison- Gladys or something, she couldn't quite remember. She would be keeping her eye on that one. It was quite the coincidence for another Irish individual to come into Small Heath at the same time as that blasted inspector. Nodding in endorsement, she told him where Rose could be found.

All the Shelby's lived within a short walk from one another and so it didn't take long for Tommy to arrive at John's house. For once, no screaming could be heard from outside the building- a rarity for the home which was filled with four young and rambunctious children. He didn't bother to knock, feeling as much home here as he did in his own house.

Once inside the home, he was pleasantly surprised to see the absence of John's usual mess and a tidy home in its place, or at least as tidy as a household of four children could be. There was a sweet scent in the air, and he followed it to the kitchen where Rose was making some sort of dessert with the eldest two of the four kids. Even for a man seemingly as cold as him, the sight made him feel warm and reminiscent of his own times with his mother. He could understand why John had so many children and Ada battled to keep hers; surprisingly enough he yearned to have his own brood one day as the vision of Rose with the boys reminded him.

A squeaky hello brought him out of his thoughts as his own nephew James greeted him. He smiled at the little boy and two heads shot up to gaze upon him, his other nephew William, and the pretty face of Rose. Ruffling the boy's hair, he walked over to where Rose was mixing some concoction by the sink.

"Is everything alright?" She asked, "I wasn't expecting anyone until later."

"Everything's alright, don't worry yourself." He responded as he went to light up a cigarette, "I just-"

She interrupted him before he could finish, "Don't smoke in front of the children, it's bad for them."

He looked at her, but she met his stare, her dark eyes meeting his shockingly blue ones. For once, Tommy lost a battle of wills and put the cigarette away; he wanted her help, and annoying her would not be a good start.

He cleared his throat before continuing as though she hadn't interrupted, "I'm just here to ask if you'll go to the races with me this Friday."

Now, this shocked her, and her bewilderment was clear on her face. Rose was reminiscent of a deer caught in headlights at that moment. Perhaps he didn't need to worry about her; she was clearly an open book with her heart on her sleeve.

"You want me, to go to the races, with you?" She reiterated.

Tommy sighed, maybe she wasn't so bright after all despite her supposed education.

"It'd be a business arrangement, I'll even pay for your dress," he tried to sweeten the deal, for some reason it mattered to him that she went. Surely, he could ask anyone, and they would jump at the opportunity to go with Tommy Shelby to the races, his mind flitted to the pretty new barmaid. He was sure she'd agree in a heartbeat. Yet here he was, trying to convince one of the only women in Small Heath that might dare to say no to him.

Rose chuckled, "Well I suppose I'm practically your employee anyway, what with you paying me to look after these lot. I'll go with you, Boss".

Something about the way she said boss made him feel she was not being respectful, but he chose to ignore her cheek in favour of the success that was getting her to go with him.

Not one to stick around when he could be productive elsewhere, he left with the parting words "Wear something red".