Love and Lies • 𝑇𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑏𝑦

Chapter Nineteen

Ann had spent the last hour reciting every number in the Culpher Code Book, to distract herself from her nerves.

Five hundred and five represented propose, and five hundred and six - her assigned code number - represented protect.

Her chest still ached from the pounding of her heart as she looked at the empty desk besides her. Then, despite her best efforts, she looked at the closed door. She'd spent two years pulling herself out of the hole of pain she'd stepped into. She'd only been back in Birmingham two hours, and could already feel herself failing again.

There was something incredibly masochistic about accepting work in this city again, but she didn't get to choose where her job took her - especially when asked for, specifically by Mr Churchill himself.

So here she was, listening to a pair of feet walk across the hall of the private building.

"You might think this is a curious place for me to suggest a meeting, but..." She heard the voice of Inspector Campbell, and just like the first time she heard it a couple hours ago - since two years ago - it pulled a frown on her face. "Your surprises have only just begun."

A cold shiver ran up her spine, and her stomach turned. He...Tommy was here, just one closed door away, and as much as Ann despised Campbell's tone, he was right.

The door down the hall opened, and a few moments later it closed and silence returned.

Ann shook her head, walking towards her own closed door. Even though being in this room - waiting for her return to be revealed - was her idea, it didn't feel right to let those people - Campbel, Irene O'Donnell and Donal Henry - be the ones to tell Tommy what they were going to make him do.

"Enough! Jesus!" Campbell's yell from the other room proved her thoughts. They would taunt him with it.

But it wasn't her concern - not really, not again. This time she was here for a job, and she would keep it that way, no matter how angry Tommy would be that she didn't keep her word and stay away.

She stepped back and took a calming breath. She couldn't hold on to the crutch of a different persona. This time she had to be Ann Kaili. That's what the job asked for.

It wasn't long before the door down the hall opened again. This time, the foot steps were heavier and fast paced, followed by the taps of Campbell's cane.

"Mr Shelby?" Campbell cane tapped on, in pursuit of Tommy, who she assumed was making his way to the door. "What about your export licence, Mr Shelby?"

"You had a deal with Mr Churchill." Campbell added, the taps of his cane and heeled loafers stopping. Did Tommy turn down the mission? That wasn't an option, not when the alternative was a bullet through the head.

Ann opened the door and walked into the hall. Campbell stood in the centre and Tommy stalked towards him with a raised finger and anger in his eyes, only faltering when he saw her over the Inspector's shoulders.

Tommy froze, flinching as if he'd been slapped. His surprise did nothing to falter the handsome of his face, adorned with aristocratic features - high cheekbones and bright eyes which shone moonlight blue. The rest of his attire was also like she remembered: black three piece suit, black peaky hat and ink black hair styled with an undercut.

Campbell let out a breath of air that almost sounded amused, but didn't turn around.

"Tommy." Was the only thing she could say before Campbell interrupted.

"I told you, you wouldn't get help from agents of the crown in the execution." He swallowed as if saying the next words would be difficult. "But Mr Churchill has made arrangements to ensure you are prepared for a...task of this magnitude."