Without A Trace

Twenty-One.

The next day the air in the house was thick with tension. Our meeting with Mr. Chruchill was today and everyone was getting on everyones nerves extra bad this evening.

"Who the fuck has a meeting at almost six in the evening?" Lewis says, "Because I know I want to ride all the way to fucking London this late in the fucking day."

I walk out to the gambling room, Lewis is peeking through the curtains waiting for the car to be brought around. Michael sits at the table, his hands folded together.

"Smoke Michael?" I ask holding the pack out.

He clenches his jaw looking up at me before pulling one of his hands way, holding up two fingers as Ivy grabs one and sticks it in his fingers, lighting it for him before he take a few puffs off of it.

"This better not be a waste of my fucking time," he says looking over at me. "I have bigger shit to worry about like killing the man that wants to harm my fuckin daughter."

"You'll get your fuckin chance Michael. Just sit there and keep your fuckin mouth shut will ya?" Ivy says sighing.

"Cars here," Lewis says helping Anna put her jacket on. He opens the door and each of us files out and gets into the car.

Once we arrive at the palace Thomas scans the car looking at all of us, "None of you say a fuckin word unless being spoken to from myself or Mr. Churchill. Understand?"

We all share a nod before getting out and walking up to the palace. I take the cigarette out of Thomas's mouth and put it out before sticking the rest of the cigarette in my pocket, "You have fuckin manners Thomas, use them. Jesus," I say before entering the massive estate.

We make our way into the meeting hall and all have a seat at the table. Thomas and I sit in the middle next to each other while the girls file in next to me and the boys file in next to Thomas. After checking my watch we hear the clack of footsteps coming down the hallway. Mr. Chruchill enters the room with a smile on his face, "Mr. Thomas Shelby," He says stretching his hand out to shake Toms hand, "What an awful pleasure to meet you."

"Mr. Churchill, the honor is mine," He says with a slight smile shaking the old mans hand back before turning to us, "This is my wife Cora and her team, my sister in laws Ivy and Anna. And you know my brothers: Aurthur, Lewis, and Michael."

Mr. Churchill bows his head slightly to me and the girls with a smile, his gaze meets mine after glancing at my green suit, "Very bold color choice Mrs. Shelby."

I bite my tongue softly before flashing a smile, "If one is to be bold, she must dress bold Mr. Churchill."

He nods his head, "Fair enough Mrs. Shelby. I like the way you think," He says smoothing his jacket out before taking a seat.

"Thomas I would like to know everything you've learned while working with Mr. Campbell. Its been brought to my attention by many of my officers, that it seems Mr. Campbell is doing more harm than good in our beloved town of Birmingham." He says taking a drink from the butler and having him pass one out to the each of us.

"Aye sir," Thomas starts taking the glass from the butler and noding his head in thanks, "Mr. Campbell has broken into many innocent peoples homes, destroyed their belongings, and he has also threatened the lives of my nephews and my niece."

Mr. Churchill stops suddenly and puts his glass down, "I beg your pardon Mr. Shelby? Who's sons and daughter?"

"My brother John's sons, and my daughter Mr. Churchill," Michael speaks up, narrowing his gaze at him. "The eldest boy is only but twelve sir. And my daughter is the youngest at five."

Churchill sits there silently, "Why is he doing all of that?"

"Power, sir." Thomas pipes in, "Mr. Campbell wants to rid Birmingham of us sir, and also wants to be in control. My family and I can put a stop to him, but we have some requests to go over with you first. Because you know you can't run Birmingham without us."

"Of course Mr. Shelby, go on," Churchill says folding his hands together leaning back in his seat.

"We will rid Campbell of Birmingham for good. However, the coppers need to get off our backs. Let us do our business how we please and how we need to. And also no repercussions will come to my family or my business once Mr. Campbell has been taken care of," he says taking a sip of his drink, piercing his blue eyes at Mr. Churchill.

Churchill pauses for a moment, thinking it over. He pushes his glasses up his face and meets Thomas's gaze, "As you wish. But after Campbell is disposed of its back to free game. You or your family however will not be penalized for any of your actions leading up to that moment. With that being said, I will only grant your request if your family does a favor for me."

"Im listening Mr. Churchill," Thomas says swirling his glass softly.

Churchill glances over at me and then back to Thomas, "I will need you to take out a competitor who is running for governor. But, I want your wife and her team to dispose of her themselves, personally. Its only honorable for a woman to take out a woman eh? And I know who is the best at making a murder look like an accident. And it just so happens to be these three lovely ladies sitting in front of me."

Thomas looks over at me before looking at Churchill. I sit up a little more in my seat, "With all due respect Mr. Churchill, this is a family unit. I request you let my husband and his brothers help us, but I assure you we will carry out the deed of killing this woman and pinning it on whomever you like or make it look like an accident. May I ask her name and why shes such a threat to you?" I ask crossing my legs.

Churchill smiles softly, "Her name is Zamira. Zamira Eden. And shes a threat because her and her brother want to take over all of the imports and exports here in Birmingham. And I know your family of all people can surley understand we like to keep our ports working in certain conditions...dont we Mrs. Shelby," He says licking his lips softly.

I grimmace at his proverted behavior, reaching my hand over and resting it in Tommys, "Yes, you are quite right sir. I assure you the girls and myself can easily dissolve your threat, as soon as Mr. Campbell has been disposed of first."

"Wonderful," he says with a smile, "I'll pay you a hefty 300 pounds for Mr. Campbell, and 900 pounds for Ms. Eden. But only when they are taken care of, of course."

"Its a deal Mr. Churchill. You have my word," Thomas says sticking his hand out.

Churchill takes it and shakes his hand, "I will send my associate to give you the paperwork on Ms. Eden as soon as Mr. Campbell is taken care of. I'll be in touch with you Mr. Shelby," He says standing up.

We leave the room and pile back in the cars. Michael sits there quietly but also pent up with anger, clenching his fists and shaking softly.

Thomas looks over at his brother, "Michael-"

"That bastards mine," Michael says seething with anger.