Polly's Boys

Gray Area

______________GRAY AREA____________

Devlin and David sat at a little table overlooking the bustling snow club. It was so loud they had to yell over the music and talk. The club was packed partially due to the entertainment tonight.

David had asked Winter to sing much to her excitement. She usually complained that she didn't feel like he or Peggy liked her. It wasn't the case. Winter was so young compared to him and Peggy who'd had lived several times over already.

Winter Gray was just starting out. The bubbly little innocent bride to his hardened gangster brother was just inexperienced. Nothing more or less.

Devlin didn't care if they did like her, it was more time for him but he knew it was important to his wife to have family connections. Especially since her own high society family shunned her.

" So your contact, the " baker" in Camden Town, is working with Thomas now." David sighed and rubbed his face. He didn't have a ton of suppliers. Devlin had been one but it was through his contacts. He was trying to keep the Shelbys out of business.

"Keep your enemies close and your family closer." Devlin smirked at his twin brother. Sometimes he didn't understand what David's goal truly was. Morality or money. You couldn't have both in the 1920's.

" That's not the saying Dev." David was back to trying to scold his, a few minutes younger, brother. Devlin sat back in the booth and outstretched his arms, his sleeves riding up showing his tattooed arms.

Several girls giggled and gazed at him. He rolled his eyes and laughed. These city girls were getting more and more wild as the days went on. He was glad he'd gotten to Winter before she could get out and go wild.

"That should be the saying though, shouldn't it? What do you think about Michael?" Devlin had a few idea's brewing about his younger brother. He wanted to see what the "elder" man had thought.

" Too early to tell." David dismissed him as he collected a head count for the club tonight. He might have to ask Winter back soon. Wow.

" Not for me. He is really aware of the finer things in life. Have you noticed how he checks out our shoes, clothes cars, ect..?" Devlin and David both had very nice lifestyles. One came by it more honestly than the other. Both men were truthful and genuine on what they believed in life and why.

" So we like nice things? So what?" David sat back and shook his head.

"I'm going to have to invite your wife back soon. I've never had it packed in here. It's nice to talk to you too." Devlin shook his head. It was nice, but the only reason they were getting along was because they had a united concern.

" No, we do like nice things but we worked from the bottom down and earned it, but Michael...Michael covets nice things. He's greedy. If Tommy gets a hold of him first..." Devlin knew he was right to be concerned about this. Something was off with Tommy and his business dealing. Devlin wouldn't screw over his family, unless they hurt David and his, Winter or his mother. Tommy, well he seemed like he'd sacrifice everyone but himself.

" Ma would rather he be with us. You're worried about nothing Dev, seriously." David stood and motioned over his man. He gave him the numbers and whispered something to him.

Devlin stood up and walked over to the railing by their table. Winter was singing some sweet little sexy love song dressed like a kitty cat showgirl. He grinned. She was wearing that tonight for him in the sanctity of his bedroom. She was his little black cat.

David came and stood by his brother smiling at Peggy and waving.

Devlin looked him up and down in his khaki suit. He was too good for London. To short -sighted to survive here on just his fancy education.

" No David, think. We're still 3 hours away and independent. If Michael lives and works in Birmingham..." Devlin refused to let this go. His gut was screaming, the same gut that had kept him alive during the war.

"Then he's closer to her.Mom won't let him go astray. She really wants him to be a straight accountant in the legal side of the business." David had information Dev didn't even know. Of course, his mum knew he'd never be or go straight. Why lie about it.

" Exactly. That's why it won't work David, not for Michael. It's a matter of time. Mark my words!" Devlin knew he wasn't one to preach. Michael still had promise though. His mum needed one kid safe.

" London has more money and opportunities. Other than mum, what does Birmingham offer legally Dev? He'll get bored." David still wasn't getting it. Not after that statement David was so dense it hurt sometimes. He wished it hurt David as much as it did him when he couldn't see the obvious.

" Exactly what I'm trying to say! Finally, you got it Genius! Why do you think Tommy is moving in? He can't expand legally anymore in Birmingham!" Devlin waited until the realization finally sunk into David's now concerned face.

" What are you suggesting we do then? Offer Michael some work here? What about mum? You said it yourself. It's still over a three hour drive. My house is full." David scowled. He hated when things didn't go smoothly.

" We can't let Michael fall into Shelby hands...period." DEvlin said. He honestly was just glad he'd finally lead the braindead horse to water. Now he hoped David would "drink."

" What's the plan?" David bit. Devlin gave his brother the most devilish grin....oh, did he have a plan.

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Sorry it took so long to update. Personal stuff going on keeping me from posting.