Mae Shelby

07

The eldest and third eldest brother finished collecting all of the stolen bookies. "Where are the kids?" Arthur asked, out of breath from stealthily running around.

"Dunno, told 'em to stay put." John shrugged. He wasn't that worried because he knew them well. They wouldn't get lost and would be safe; Tommy was here as well and if they did go missing then there weren't many places a kid could go at the races.

They'd stand out quite a lot.

And they did.

-

"Two rums please, bartender!" I shouted out to the man, over the hustle and bustle in the room. Finn was behind me, looking around for any lonely sticks that needed to be rescued.

"Sorry love, I think you're a bit young for something like that. How about I get you some water?" He seemed nice, but nice doesn't get you very far in life.

"How 'bout you listen here, mister? When I say I want two rums, I mean I want two rums. Can you get that through your thick skull or do I have to come over there and knock some sense into you? Hmm?" To say the least, he looked intimidated. He gulped and nodded almost immediately.

Poor guy, but lessons have to be learnt by people like him. And unfortunately, people like me are the ones left to teach them.

My brother taps my shoulder, "Got three, managed to get three."

I brought our rum over to a bench and we drank silently with our cigs in our hands. We got a kind enough lady to light them for us and thankfully she didn't ask, probably assuming it was for an adult.

-

"Either your left leg is stronger than your right or we're making a getaway." Grace observed as she and Tommy danced.

"Neither," someone bumped into the woman.

"I hope this doesn't involve razor blades." She hushed. The two made their way through dancing couples towards a back door.

"I've decided to move up in the world. Become a legitimate businessman." Tom opened said door.

"My gosh. You're serious."

"I'm always serious." He raised his brows at her.

Arthur came in, hunched with bags on his shoulders. He dumped them on the floor and they fell with a thud. The sound of pennies.

"We chased the Lees across the track, right the way down Devon Road. We got every penny back." He breathed. Tom bent down to take hold of the bags.

Arthur huffed, "Nice dress. You can wear that to my pub." He smiled as she stared at him.

"Buy the boys a drink. Anybody hurt?" Thomas handed his older brother some money.

"Nah, a few cuts and bruises." He smirked, gesturing to his face where a gash lay. "But, the twins ran off. Don't know where they went." He shook his head.

"Alright, I'll keep a lookout." He pats Arthur's shoulder.

"Off we go Lady Sarah," He moved along.

-

"I say you talk business to my accountant. I want to dance." I heard as Finn and I made our way to this dancefloor. There was a band of people dressed nicely, playing big and small instruments. I have no idea what they're called though so don't ask me.

I may be educated but not that much.

"Wanna dance?" I nudged Finn, already dragging him towards the dancing adults in fancy clothes.

"It would be my pleasure, M'lady." We giggled as he spun me around. We swayed like the people around us, not having a clue as to how to dance properly.

We- well I- occasionally bashed into someone because I couldn't contain my laughter as Finn, as subtly as he can, smacked multiple women's bums. I really couldn't help myself but laugh.

I bumped into this old man- his moustache made him look old. "Sorry, sir! Oh, but I think your laces are untied. Let me just-" I bent down to untie them and tie them together.

"Wha-"

"No sir, it's my fault, I'm so sorry again. Have fun dancing with your beautiful lady." I curtsied mockingly and we ran off.

You're probably wondering what on god's graceful earth just happened. Well, I'll tell you. I improvised and it just so happens that I thought of making a fool out of him.

Yes, I know.

I'm a child genius. Thank me later.

As we were out of sight of the man, I nearly wet myself with laughter.

We heard a big thud. "Oi! Pesky kids!" And he fell over himself. Serves him right, self-righteous snob.

After five minutes of near death, Tommy appeared in front of us. And we may be a little drunk.

"What," he grabbed each of our arms, "are," pulling us with him, "you two," to the old man, "doing?" The now scary-looking old man.

"What do you mean, brother?" I asked innocently. I put my hands in front of my belly, clasping them together and swaying, twisting my torso left and right. I used my puppy eyes.

"Don't play games with me, Mae. What were you doing?" When I ignored him he turned to Finn.

"Well, um-" I smacked my hand over his gob.

"Having fun, Tom. Because that's what Arthur told us to do, so we're doing just that!" I rolled my eyes at him. Silly boys don't know anything.

"Well, you can't do that here! This is my bar and no kids are allowed here." Mr Moustache man exclaimed. Calm down sir, I was speaking to my sibling, not you.

Yet again, I rolled my eyes.

"Mae, Finn, just go find Arthur and John and don't go wondering again. Got it?"

"Sir, yes sir!"

-

Arthur and John found. Mission complete, Captain, sir!

Sadly, I didn't find them, well, neither of us did. They found us.

"Car. Now." Arthur pushed us quite forcefully towards the exit, and I grumbled at the harsh action.

"You are such a hypocrite. Telling us to have fun, and as soon as Tommy says 'no', you change your tune." I huff. Finn shakes his head as he wraps an arm around my shoulder.

"Let's just go."

-

1019 words

UNEDITED