The Falling Man

Chapter 47

Ethel POV

Everyone chatters around the table as expensive red wine is poured. Fred soon walks back into the room, silently before he angrily begins to chew his food. "She was drunk and sitting in James Joyce's lap. She's very funny. Your moms very funny." Gertrude comments to Cousin Will. "Who's James Joyce?" Will asks. I glance to my right, to see Tommy taking a sip from his glass, he raises his brow at me with a smirk. The chattering continues as servants pick up people's plates who have finished. "Mia. This was delicious. Thank you." Elmers girlfriend states. "Oh, thank you." Marie responds from her end of the table, with a delighted smile.

"Yeah, the whole day. Really thoughtful. It's been great." I add on. "Thank you very much." Marie says. I feel Tommy's eyes on me as I look back to my plate, "You gonna kiss her ass after dinner?" He asks quietly to me. "I'm happy to have you." Marie continues, unable to hear the low words of the man beside me. "You are so swell, Double Vote Power Sister!" He whispers to me imitating my voice slightly. We make intense eye contact as I turn my face to look at him, "You know what? Fuck you." I say jokingly leaning forward, so our faces our inches apart. How did he know about her gaining the double vote? Tommy knows everything though, so the fact he is up to date on the family drama doesn't completely surprise me.

I hear the tapping of a water glass with a knife and see James, the business' and Elmers Co Chief Operarting Officer, standing from his seat, "Yeah, if you'll excuse me...Robert Switzer." He starts with a shake of his head and a chuckle. "Born in Dray, Ireland, 30 years ago today, raised on the streets of Dublin by a builder father with a few trades up his sleeve, and a mother with a hoard of children constantly around her. Robert himself has made a decent way for himself these past 5 years. Fifth largest organization conglomerate in the UK. A mate to the prime minister, a truth teller to leaders. He's tough, he's shrewd, but hes always true to his word. I arrived to give him legal advice two years ago and I never got out the door. And since that day, I'm proud to call him a friend. So, let's raise a toast. Robert Switzer." James finishes up, with a raise of his glass.

Everyone follows his lead, "Robert Switzer." We all say with glasses raised. The man himself waves his glass around, "Thank you...So, I think it's time to play the game." Everyone takes a sip from their glass. "We're playing the game?" Fred asks, blank face. I laugh, turning to smile at Tommy, without a second thought. He sends me a smirk and a raise of his brows. "Well, yes. It's my birthday, so yes, we're playing the game." Robert states as I put my head in my hands. The game he is talking about is from our childhood. I see Will smiling across the table, taking in the family's reaction. "Do we have to play the game?" I ask with a smile.

Laughter echoes from around the table at my plee. "Whats the game?...Whats the game?" Cousin Will asks again as no one answered, instead just laughing at him.

We all begin to leave the table, grabbing our coats and belongings and heading outside to our cars. As I step in the London street, I turn to see Tommy getting in his car with Alfie. He sends me a wave, before driving off. I assume, he wouldn't be coming wherever we were going probably far too busy. As I hop into the passenger seat of Andrew's car I find myself wishing to be in Tommy's instead. Closing my eyes in the backseat while I listen to his deep voice talk to Alfie. Andrew starts the car and drives on, I try my best to shake the thoughts of the Birmingham man and look over the documents Robert had given me earlier.

I turn around to the backseat where my brother Fred sits and shake my head as he sends me a knowing, pleading look. I glance to Andrew who drives with the wooden box containing Robert's gift sitting on his lap. We continue the drive out of the busy streets of London to find a patch of grass big enough to play our favorite childhood game.

We arrive to a field, where the servants begin to rush around setting the game up for us. I feel almost bad for them and guilty to be in a position of power over them somewhat, but my brother pays them very well and I at least know that I, myself, will always treat them as equals while still allowing them to do their job. As we begin to play the outdoor game, almost as soon as we begin Fred says he's going to leave, that he has business to attend to. He says he's going to take Andrew's car, and return it to the office tommorow. Andrew of course being a suck up to my brothers agrees right away with a big smile.