If I Can't Have you

(41) Family Meeting

"So Arlo has mentioned a woman, Monica, I think it is," Jemima says, handing her father a cup of tea.

"I was wondering when he'd tell you," Evander replies.

"So is it serious?"

"Yes, I'd say so, I wouldn't have let her be around Arlo otherwise," Evander nods, "we've been seeing each other for a couple of months."

"Is she nice?"

"Extremely," Evander says.

"Can I meet her?" Jemima asks.

Evander smiles, "of course you can, tell me a date that works for you, and I'll prepare a dinner. Invite Thomas too."

He was eternally grateful for the second chance his daughter had given him. Yes, it has taken years to get on good terms, where she will happily and willingly speak to him, and keep in contact. But he deserves that, and he appreciates that she is starting to trust him again.

"Dad!" Arlo grins, walking into the lounge. He liked seeing his sister and dad getting on. They were the two most important in his life, and now he could have them together rather than separated.

"How's your weekend been?" Evander asks.

"So fun," Arlo says, "we watched the sunset, made cookies, and Tommy took me to see his racehorse."

"Wow, sounds like your weekend has been action packed," Evander smiles, as Arlo sits himself between the two adults.

-

"Ready to go, love?" Tommy asks, sliding his hands round her waist from behind, kissing her shoulder.

"What's this meeting about?" Jemima replies.

"London," Tommy states, drumming his fingers against her stomach, "Esmé has been pestering me all week about the explosion, thinks it's the cockneys. Johns on her side. But they don't need to know what's happening with the Irish, they just need to understand London is the future."

"And what exactly is happening with the Irish?" Jemima asks.

"They've asked me to do a job for them," Tommy replies.

"Extremely vague answer," Jemima says, "what job?"

"I told them no."

"What job?" Jemima repeats, turning in his hold to look at him.

"An assassination," Tommy mumbles.

"They're not going to let you say no, are they?" Jemima asks, and he shakes his head, "probably not, but leave me to worry about the details of that, love."

"I don't like this," Jemima tells him.

"Nor do I, but sometimes you have to do a job just to satisfy people," Tommy says.

"Satisfy? They're blackmailing you with something, else you would be able to say no. They've got something over you, else you wouldn't be worrying about the details of it," Jemima states.

"We've got to get to the shop, we can discuss this later," Tommy replies.

-

The group had obviously been having a discussion before Jemima and Tommy entered the betting den as Esmé turns to the couple saying, "I'm told only family are allowed to speak."

"Everyones allowed to speak," Tommy replies, "on your feet Esmé. Lets hear what you have to say."

Esmé and John share a look, both looking equally unsure of the outcome of whatever she may say.