1930s Chicago. Notorious gangster Tom "Tommy Gun" Holland has been storming his way through Cook County, robbing banks and breaking hearts. One day you find yourself in the wrong place, at the wrong time when he makes a hit on your bank. There's...
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"Nikki, I was starting to worry," the copper said after she answered the door. He cupped her face affectionately. "The boys at school?" he asked with a grin.
You sat poised and composed in a chair by the fireplace. Your hands were folded neatly in your lap, resting on the Bible. He looked past her, noticing you finally.
"Oh, hello," he said to you, quickly retrieving his hand to take his hat off. "I didn't know you had company," he looked at Nicola apologetically. Nicola opened her mouth not sure how to respond. You stood quickly and offered your hand. He took it.
"I was just popping over to introduce myself and spread the word of our Lord, Jesus Christ," you said with the biggest smile you could muster. You shook his hand vigorously. "Mrs. Holland was kind enough to let me in. The name's Abigail Freemantle. I just moved here from Kalamazoo and will be the new school teacher for her boys." You spoke with a rapid affectation. The words just spilled out of you with only a single step behind your brain. One step ahead, that's what Tommy would say. You have to stay one step ahead, dollface.
"Well, you'll certainly have your hands full," the copper said with a cute chuckle. Maybe it's Nicola who has her hands full with you, Officer.
"Make no mistake, I've got a firm hand, Officer....?"
"Oh! Osterfield!" he stammered, shaking his head, "I usually have better manners than that. I'm sorry. Please call me Harrison," he said with a bashful smile.
"Officer Osterfield! What a delightful name! Well, I was just telling Mrs. Holland how important it is to teach boys at an early age what it takes to grow up to be a fine gentleman," you leaned in closer and squinted your eyes at him. "Would you consider yourself a 'fine gentleman', Harrison?" you asked. Your voice took on the tone of a stern but supportive school marm.
Harrison's eye drifted over to Nicola with uncertainty.
"Yes....," he said slowly, as if in question.
"Of course you are!" you said with a clap of your hands and pealing laughter. You motioned for both of them to sit. They exchanged glances and took a seat next to each other on the sofa. You picked your Bible up and opened it.
"As I was saying, Mrs. Holland, boys need a firm hand and guidance when it comes to the path they must take with the Lord. Matthew tells us that 'anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his mind.'"
You paced in front of them, holding the good book open with the palm of your hand.
"I can assure you that in my lectures, your boys will be taught that not only the sins of the flesh, but those of the mind are not the makings of a fine gentleman."
You turned to Harrison.
"Wouldn't you agree, Harrison?" you asked with a sweet smile. He gave an uncomfortable side eye to Nicola.
