Undeniable

Ch. 3

It was Saturday morning and my first off day in weeks. The Shelby brothers had a race they were attending today so the office would be closed. I spent most of my morning sipping on a light coffee and reading in my balcony chair. The sun was vibrant today with a cool breeze ever so often. My mind was grateful for the sudden serenity in the midst of the chaos. I had decided today would be the day I stayed home, cozy in my robe , and kept my thoughts far away from Thomas Shelby. No numbers, no wild business.

A loud knock disrupted my reading and I walked over to the door opening it reluctantly. 

"Thomas?" I was shocked. 

Before I could speak another word he pushed passed me into the apartment, puffing away at his cigarette. He was dressed in a tailored black suit with his hat firm on his head. I had heard rumors there was razor blades sewn into the back but never cared to ask.

"Lovely place you've got" He flicked his ashes into a small soup bowl I had laying on the table before reaching into his pocket to retrieve his watch, "We've got about fifteen minutes before we need to be on the road" 

"What are you talking about?" I exclaimed

"The race today. You are coming with me" He looked me up and down "Once you get dressed"

I crossed my arms hoping the heat in my cheeks wasn't noticeable, "Am I getting paid?"

"Sure, Ill compensate you if you'd like." 

"Well I would like. Let me get dressed and I'll be down."

Desperately, I dug through my closet. There had to be a dress I owned that could impress the most notorious man in Birmingham. Finally I found a red satin dress that draped just to my shins. It had a lace like lining on top that flowed down my arms. I tossed on some small golden earrings and mascara before taking a look at myself in the mirror. 

"Not half bad" I whispered.

Grabbing my clutch handbag, I rushed out the door knowing I had gone well over my fifteen minutes. Tommy was waiting by the car door ready to open it for me. Our eyes locked before he scanned me once again. I felt my breathing hitch.

"You look beautiful, Ms. Weathers" He smiled.

"Thank you, Tommy" I hopped into the passenger side and we were off.

A majority of the car ride was silent. I could see the wheels turning in his head as he thought over each part of his plan for today. He already knew every move before we had left this morning. It wasn't my place to ask questions, even though I had every right to know my own fate. But part of me wasn't worried. I fully trusted that Thomas would take care of me. Not because I meant anything to him but because I was so good at my job. I was one of his biggest assets and I doubt he'd loose that considering the mess that's ensued the last year or so. 

"Your name is Charlotte Grayson. You are an accountant and I am one of your clients" He didn't look at me, "You were invited to the race by your boss Mr. Charles MacWell. That's how we get into the top box" 

"Thomas Shelby can't even get security clearance?"

"Security doesn't like me"

"And if they ask your name?" I sighed

"Oh come on now, Emilia" He stuck a cigarette between his lips before flicking a match to light it, "I didn't just bring you because your pretty" 

Once we arrived it was entirely too easy to gain access to the top box. We did get suspicious stares from officers as we walked to the seated area but no more questions were asked when I mentioned Mr. Charles MacWell , whom I had never met.