Louis led her to one of the manor's living rooms. He reaches behind a desk to pull a gun out from a hidden compartment.
"This is our most useful tool...", he pointed the gun at Lily who freezes in shock. "Do not worry, I am joking. We will teach you how to use a gun at another time."
His eyes seem cold and merciless as he continued, "However, you should know one thing Lily...if there should come a time when our interests no longer align, you will be silenced without remorse. Are we clear?"
"Difference in interests like...tea preferences?" Lily teasingly asked.
Louis was not amused, and he points the gun at Lily once again. "This is no laughing matter. I mean to say...become an informant for the police....", his voice grows quieter, more serious. "...do you understand?"
Lily tried to get along, but her attempt in doing so isn't working out. "Hai...", Lily responded softly, "...they never actually take me seriously...they are useless.", Lily spitted out that last word in detest. Her experience in dealing with the police traumatized her not to seek help anymore.
Louis' stone-like expression is replaced by an amused expression as he lowers his gun. "Yes, the police are notoriously incompetent. What I mean is, you cannot betray us. Understand?"
Lily lightly nodded her head and also said, "As long as you don't betray me too..."
Louis smiles. "We wouldn't do that. After all, you are now a part of our family."
He seems to have completely calmed down and gives her a gentle smile. "Do you have any belongings like a suitcase or something that we need to bring to your new room here?"
"I only have 1 bag with me...", Lily showed him the bag she was carrying.
Louis nods. He seems to be thinking something over before he speaks again. "Do you have any particular requirements for your room? Like a mattress with a particular level of softness, or no lights after a certain time, or a certain degree of silence?"
Lily's eyes went wide and her mouth dropped. "...W-we can customize our room?"
Louis smiles. "Of course. We're a wealthy family of criminals; we can accommodate your desires. Just tell me what you want."
"Oh...alright...a comfortable mattress would be nice...I also hope not to have the sunlight shining in my room in the middle of the afternoon."
Louis nods. "Okay. We will provide you with a soft mattress and blackout curtains. Also, we do have one important rule for all new staff: do not enter my or my brother William's room unless we specifically allow you to. Do you agree with that?"
"Yes."
Louis offered a small smile and nods. "Good, then. This covers the rules for the staff. You should rest well tonight for tomorrow you will begin your training. Is there anything else you require?"
"Oh...will I be meeting the others?"
Louis nods. "Of course. We are a family. We live together and work together. I'm sure it would be a little overwhelming at first, but I am confident that you will get to know everyone here quite soon. We will also have a team meeting tomorrow at 12 in the afternoon to address any questions and discuss the various roles that you might play in our plans."
Lily just nods along, eyes looking down at the ground.
Louis nods once again before walking towards the door. He paused at the doorway and turned back to face Lily. "I do hope you're prepared for what's to come. I will see you again on the morrow." He gives her a small smile before walking out.
The door closes behind him with a soft 'click' and silence fills the room.
The moment he was gone, Lily let out a loud sigh and rushed for the bed. She internalized what has she done to herself because there is backing out on this anymore.
YOU ARE READING
Living Hell (Louis James Moriarty short story)
FanfictionLily lived a tough life in the city of London. When she applied as a maid at the Moriarty manor, she didn't expect that she'll be working with the Lord of Crime. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the luxury to say "no." Will she set aside her morals a...
