captured

1st night at the Garrison

"Ah fuck." I muttered as I stretched out in the grass. I must have slept weirdly because there was a kink in my back.

It was still early in the morning as I gathered my pack and headed into town. I scaled my way up an apartment building and slid in through an open window. Seems like a forgetful husband left the window open when he left for work. I quietly rummaged through the drawers, finding a few shillings and some women's clothing, I stuffed what I could in my pack and left my dirty clothes in it's place.

On the bedside, a revolver sat there with a paper slip underneath it. I unloaded the revolver and took out my own, placing those bullets in my gun's chamber.

As I was replacing the revolver back on the nightstand, some words on that paper slip caught my eye, it was a horse racing bet slip, the same ones I saw in Shelby's den. I grabbed it and saw it was a winning slip, yet to be cashed in.

*bang* I heard a noise from the next room, and then crying from a child I presume. I quickly slipped the paper into my pocket and slinked out the window quietly.

I hopped down off the fire escape and into the main street that was now bustling with people.

"So they are running an illegal horse betting scheme. Seems like they are fixing the races" I said quietly to myself as I read the slip in my hand. I maneuvered my way through the streets of small health and found myself outside of the same building I stole from yesterday.

I looked at my reflection in the window and quickly fixed my hair and entered the premises.

"We aren't open yet." A man sitting at a table said as he counted winnings. He looked up at me eventually when I didn't say anything and quickly straightened up.

"Sorry madam. I did not know it was a lady in my presence."

I rolled my eyes internally but put on a sweet smile.

"Oh terribly sorry sir, my husband asked me to cash this in, but I wasn't sure of your hours, I've never been in such a place."

I feigned looking around in fascination but I was actually looking for access points and information.

"We will be open in just 10 minutes, once Mr. Shelby gets here, you are free to wait in here, however."

He ushered towards an empty chair.

"Appreciate it," I said and took a seat, taking in the building.

"Red. Why is the back door left unlocked?" I heard a voice from the next room, and then none other than Tommy Shelby walked into the room.

"Sorry Tom I was about to lock it. Got distracted because we got an early visitor." He looked at me which made Tommy take notice to me as well.

"We aren't open yet." He said to me.

"I know." I held his stare. He narrowed his eyes. Did he recognize me? I shook that thought out of my head, there was no way, I was too covered in dirt before for him to.

"Told the miss she could wait here till we open," Red said.

Tommy shook his head and held out his hand to me.

"Sorry?" I said, confused.

"Your paper." He said, and I handed him the slip I was grasping.

"John Wilkins."

"His wife," I said, smiling politely. He looked back at me, I gulped, did he know I was lying?

He held my gaze a bit longer and then handed the slip to Red, "Cash her out." He said and walked away.

"Pleasure seeing you Mrs. Wilkins." He said as he walked away.

My eyes buldged, and then Red handed me the bag of winnings. It was pretty hefty and could get me a few days at an inn I presumed. I quickly ran out of the den and found a secluded area to count my winnings.

He said pleasure seeing you, not meeting you... I thought. He knew I wasn't who I said I was.

I finished counting my money and stuffed it in my bag then found a place to change into what I would wear for work. I should be able to find a place to stay tonight after work, and finally, I will get to sleep in a bed, even for a few nights.

I wandered the streets for a few hours, pick-pocketing a few people, but only getting a measly amount of money. It was good I got a job, because I could not live on this forever. Eventually, I got bored and made my way to the Garrison early.

There was a single man sitting at the bar already, and Harry standing behind the bar polishing glasses.

"Charlotte! You are early." He said and threw me an apron. The man at the bar turned to look at me as I tied the apron around my waist.

I looked up and saw him, Thomas Shelby, staring at me.

"Harry." He said and turned to Harry.

"Could you give us a minute." He asked and Harry nodded heading into the back room.

"Charlotte. I thought Mrs. Wilkins name was Mary." He said standing up and leaning against the bar.

I did not say anything, still trying to think of the best way to respond.

"Sit." He said and pulled out a stool next to him. I cautiously made my way over, sitting down on the edge of the seat.

"So is it Mary or is it Charlotte?" He did not look at me as he spoke, rather he sipped on his whiskey and looked straight ahead.

"Maybe it is neither." He said, turning to me slightly when I didn't respond.

"Charlotte." I said, reaching for his whiskey and took a swig, finishing it.

"Ya caught me." I put the glass down on the counter.

He looked mildly shocked at my actions.

"And you're not from here, thought your accent sounded a bit strange earlier."

"My British accent is still a work in progress," I said, challenging his line of accusations.

"You looked familiar when you walked in there this morning." He raised his eyebrows at me.

"Maybe I just have a familiar-looking face." I shrugged.

"That's not it." He tapped on the bar, and then pulled out two cigarettes. He offered one to me.

I shook my head and he returned it to its holder, lighting one for himself.

"Your eyes look familiar." He said next.

"I cannot see how you could remember anyone just based on their eyes." However, I found myself breaking eye contact.

"Maybe I am wrong, but I don't think I'd forget your face."

"Well, Mr. Shelby." I dramatically looked at the clock on the wall, "It was a lovely chat but it's time for my shift to start." I headed behind the counter and filled up his glass of whiskey again.

He raised his eyebrow.

"How did you know this is what I was drinking?" He asked.

I shrugged, "I guess my taste buds are just that good." But truly it's because I saw what he was drinking last night.

"Tommy!" I heard a loud voice boom from the doorway. There stood Arthur and the other guy, who I now could safetly assume was their brother.

"Pleasure to see you Charlotte," Tommy said, tippin' his drink towards me slightly before getting up and heading into the private front room.