Helpless Addiction

A Family Meeting

Micheal stands still out side the Shelby home wondering if he should tell them what just happened. They sent him because he was new, she wouldn't know him, but she did. Maybe Tommy should have gone. They've never met but she knows who he is. Micheal unlocks the front door an walks inside.

Taking a cigarette out of his mouth Thomas Shelby looks up from his desk and everyone else in the room looks at Micheal "You're back. How'd it go? Did you get anything" he says looking at Micheal. Micheal is silent.

"She's clever Tom. She knew who I was." He says and the whole room goes silent.

Thomas stands up from his desk and for once looks confused. He always knows what is going on. "How?" he says.

Micheal looks around at everyone "I have no idea. I did over hear somethings. Even when she noticed me she kept going. She wanted me to hear her."

"Start from the beginning" said Tommy

"Okay, um, well she was talking to a detective named Daniel. He has a drug problem I suppose. He owes her a lot of money, threatened to kill his family if she doesn't get it in 2 weeks. He yelled at her that he wouldn't have it and would do anything for her to get out of it." Before Micheal could go on Tommy interrupted him.

Tommy looked at him and said "What was the deal?" Micheal goes silent once again.

"What was the deal Micheal?" Tommy says now standing in front of Micheal.

Micheal signs "She sent him to befriend Billy Kimber. She plans to get Daniel close to him to learn his plans. Tommy she also mentioned something that troubles me" he stops

Tommy who is visibly angered and upset "what would that be?" he says sternly

"She mentioned betrayal. She said something like even those close to you can't be trusted, that's why I work alone." Micheal says in a sad tone.

Tommy looks around the room "Betrayal." he whispers as he puts his cigarette out. "What does she look like?" Tommy askes

"She was hypnotizing Tommy. She had long brown hair with blue eyes. She had fair skin and was average height. She had black dress pants on and a white button up. A light brown trench coat and a flat cap." Micheal tells everyone.

Tommy didn't say much other than "Thanks." and he left.

Finally arriving to the pub the Shelbys own, The Garrison. Her best friend Abigail worked as a barmaid there. As soon as she entered everyone went quiet and stood up. Although what she did was illegal and people could turn her in, they knew better. She was well respected and people quite liked her. Today she seemed in rather bad mood and everyone could tell. She walked over to the bar and didn't say a word. Once she sat down so did everyone else.

"Hey Viv. Bad day?" said Abigail popping up from behind the counter. She has long blonde hair, fair skin, and green eyes that caught a lot of boys attention.

"You could say that" Vivian said as she took of her flat cap, trench coat, and suit jacket. Leaving her in a white button up, black dress pants and a black vest.

"I'll take a bottle of whiskey." She said

Abigail looked a bit concerned but thought nothing of it and hand Vivian the bottle and a glass "On the house like always."

Vivian sighs "For the first time I feel lost Abby." She says somewhat dropping her badass act.

"Lost? What do you mean?" Abby asked seeming more concerned now.

"I just feel empty. I sell tons of powder but I don't use it. Lately I've wanted to try but I know better. I think I need to get away. I need to go off the grid for an entire week."

Abby just stares at her. She's never seen her best friend like this. "Do it." She says.

Vivian laughs knowing she can't catch a break. She has enemies and all of them would love to be the ones to kill her. About an hour passes and everyone stands up again. Vivian looks to the door to see no one other than Mr. Thomas Shelby. She doesn't stand. He hasn't earned her respect.

He walks over to her as everyone watches still standing.

"That's fine don't get up." He says feeling disrespected.

She looks at him "Why should I? You haven't earned my respect. Mr. Shelby."

Tommy looks stunned because no one dares disrespect him.

She chuckles "What? Has the big bad Thomas Shelby not had a person stand up to him? Your buddy Micheal has the same problem. Maybe it runs in the family."

He continues to stare right in Vivians eyes and just like Micheal said she was hypnotizing. Finally he spoke "I've come to talk to you about what you said to Micheal. Something about betrayal." He says as he clears his throat.

Vivian huffs and stands up "Betrayal, such a silly concept. But if you must know more yes you are a victim of betrayal, Mr. Shelby." she says as she fixes his hat.

"Who?" He says as he gulps just so she notices.

"You're a smart man Mr.Shelby. You can figure it out yourself. Until then may both of our businesses continue to strive." She says and hands him a glass of whiskey and a cigarette, lighting it for him. They take the whiskey shot together.

"Now Mr. Shelby I must be off. I have people to take care of. Have a good day." Vivian says as she walks out.

Vivian always looks forward to dealing with people. She channels her anger into it. Unknowingly to her Tommy followed.