Rebound // Alfie Solomons

40. Derby

''He usually has police protection, so they won't be armed. We should aim to complete the takeover without a shot being fired, understood? And remember, the licenses are more important than the takings. All right... Before the fun begins, you can all lay 10 bob on Nom de Guerre. I hear she's going to win. Only beer beforehand, boys, and plenty of time for rum and whisky after. And remember, do not make a move until 3:00." Tommy instructed ''When the coppers leave. That is all.''

''Incident? What are you going to do that's going to make every copper at the Derby look the other way?''

''Trust me, brother.''

''She looks in fine shape." Tommy remarked coming up to May. She smiled flirtly back at him. "Hello, hello, hello." Tommy coed to the horse.

''Should I be worried?'' May asked

''You should not. Go and drink, enjoy the day. I'll come and find you when the race is done." Tommy assured. May stared back at him though hoping for a repeat of the other night. ''After the race, I'll change in the horse box and then come and join you up there with the toffs, what do you say? Hmm. Yeah. You don't want me to join you. It's fine. I'll stay down here in the mud.

''Whatever happens today, it was good." Tommy informed her

''You mean, win or lose?''

''Yeah. Win or lose.''

''You know, I never watch the race. Can't stand it. I always like to find somewhere dark and quiet." May offered stepping closer but knew that laugh anywhere and his head whipped around. ''Tommy? If you can't find me up there, I'll come and find you later...''

"Right, right." Tommy said walking off. But a woman grabbed his arm and he stared back at her.

''I have to talk to you.''

''Grace." Fucking hell this day. ''What are you doing here?'' tommy demanded his eyes drifting.

''I have to talk to you.''

''Grace. This is not a good time. What's all this about?'' Tommy asked impatiently as Grace led him away.

''Please excuse us.'

''Whatever it is, Grace, it'll have to wait.'' Tommy informed her, then he saw Cora across the way. The biggest smile on her gorgeous face.

''It can't wait. It wasn't me who is at fault.' Grace informed him and Tommy stared at her finally looking her in the eyes. ''I'm pregnant. The baby's yours.''

''Better believe... Make your husband believe that it's his.'' Tommy snapped. He knew that Cora wanted children. He also knew that cora never regretted not having children with him.

''Is that what you want me to do?' Grace spat

''Grace, I seriously have things to do.''

''It's not worth the toss of a coin this time?'' Grace hissed

''Grace, I have things to do. When they are... When they are done, I will decide." Tommy told her pulling away.

''When will that be?'

''After the race.'

''After the race?'' Grace parroted. ''After the fucking race, Tommy?"

''When the race is over I will decide what to do. What to fucking do, all right?" Tommy hissed.

''But Tommy... I was right not to tell him? I could have phoned him and lied, but I didn't. Just tell me that I was right. Not to phone and lie. Agree with that, Tommy." Grace begged. ''Because the thing is. I love you, not him.''

''That is a thing.'' Tommy agreed

''A baby, Thomas.... Go to your race.''

''Where will you be?'' tommy asked impatiently.

''I'll be waiting. I'll wait where they lay their bets.''

''Cora?'' Tommy shouted. "CORA! What are you doing here?'' Cora stared back at tommy. ''Right dancers, drinking and derby''. Tommy finished

''And dont forget kicking douchbags asses to the dirt.'' Cora said sweetly

''I called you.'' Tommy remarked cora kept walking to the bar. ''I called you last night. I wanted to talk to you.''

''I was out.'' Cora said as she bartender approached. ''Whiskey.''

''Iris-' the man couldnt even get the word out before cora was laughing

''No.'' She answered and he nodded giving her a heavy pour. ''Thanks'' she clinked the glass down with a gentle tap before bringing it to her lips and walking away. Tommy threw down some coin chasing after her.

''Cora. You shouldnt be here.'' Tommy begged

''I dont listen to you take orders from you not now not ever.''

''Cora baby listen-''

'Don't you baby me.'' Cora seethed. ''Fuck off tom. Im here to have fun and that doesnt include you.'' Tommy groaned. He didn't want to have to deal with May, the grace situation and now having to worry about Cora getting caught in the crossfire.