Up in Smoke

1.5

Before Tommy started his day, he walked up to me. The look on his face was nothing like I've ever seen.

"I didn't tell the coppers, I swear. I don't know who did it. I don't know how they knew."

"Then who did? He knew he was coming?"

"I don't know. Anna, you have to believe me." He took a drag of his cigarette.

A few weeks passed by. Ada wasn't talking to anyone. She was pissed at everyone. I didn't blame her. I had just gotten back from talking to Ada through her door. I walked into the room to see a man sitting at the table. He had a deep scar on the right side of his face.

It took me a second to realize who the man was. The man was our father. Arthur walked into the room with a sandwich for him. "Thank you. You're a good boy." He started to pray before he ate. I didn't remember him ever doing that.

Polly rubbed her temples.

"Jesus Christ."

"Please, woman, not in vain.

"Finish your sandwich and sling your hook."

"Pollyanna, I'm the guest of the head of this family. So why don't you tend to your mangle or your scuttle?"

"The head of the family isn't here." I snapped as I looked at him.

    Our dad turned to look at Arthur. Arthur didn't know what to say. "Tommy, uh, he sometimes helps with business." The front door opened and closed. The footsteps got louder as they reached the kitchen. "Well, Speak of the devil," our dad stood up. Tommy stood in the doorway.

    His mouth fell open.

"How are you, son?"

"Get out."

"Come on, son. I'm a changed man."

"This family needed you 10 years ago when you walked out on us. Not now. Get out of this house."

"Tommy, he's different-"

"Shut up, Arthur."

"It's alright. I never stay where I'm not welcome. Quite something you've become." He looked over at Tommy.

    On his way out, he stopped next to Finn. "Bye, son." He ruffled Finn's hair. Finn peeked into the hallway to watch him walk out. John pulled him back towards him. It was silent in the room. "He's out dad," Arthur mumbled. Tommy sighed as he shook his head.

"He's a selfish bastard."

"You're calling someone a selfish bastard? That's a bit rich, Tommy. I mean, thanks to you, we're down a bloody sister."

"You want to see him, Arthur? You wanna see him? You go with him." He pointed towards the door.

    Arthur actually got up and left. Finn left with him. I couldn't believe they both did. I don't know why they still cared. Finn might have gone because he didn't know any better. He was just a baby when our dad left. Tommy bursted into my room at 11 at night.

    He was dripping wet.

"I need your help."

"With what?"

"I'll explain when we get there. Bring your gun." He left the room.

    I got dressed in whatever clothes I saw. I put my gun into the holster on the way down the stairs. Tommy was waiting for me outside of the house. He hurriedly walked us to the Garrison. He banged on the door a few times. As soon as Grace opened it, he barged in. "Leave that open," he commanded as he grabbed a chair.