Dorothy » Alfie Solomons

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"So why are we changing things?" John asks as the silence fills the room. "Polly, look what's happened already..." John stated as he turned and spoke directly to his Aunt. "John has a point; we haven't even set foot in London yet and they've already blown up our fucking pub."  Dorothy stated turning her attention to her older brother, Arthur.

"Who says it was the cockneys?" Arthur questioned drinking more of the whiskey.
"Who else?"Esme answered determined in her opinion. Noticing the awkwardness between her aunt and her sister in law. "So you know who did it, do you?" Aunt Polly asked placing a hand on her waist. Sighing Esme sat down and glanced up at Dorothy, who winked at her.

"I'm told only family are allowed to speak." Esme stated looking down at the floor as Tommy suddenly bursted into the room, through the back door. "Everybody's allowed to speak." Tommy stated walking further into the room. "On your feet Esme." Tommy continued. "Let's hear what you have to say." Dorothy spoke. Hesitating Esme looked up at John for some advice. "I speak for our household." John stated.

"Shelby Limited is a modern enterprise and believes in equal rights for women. On your feet Esme." Tommy encouraged wandering into the heart of the meeting. "I am not a blood member of this family..." Esme stated. As Aunt Polly rolled her eyes, Dorothy sent Aunt Polly a harsh glare.

"But perhaps indeed because I am not a family member I can see things in a different light..." Esme continued as Dorothy smiled kindly at Esme giving her more confidence.  Looking over at her brother she noticed how impressed Tommy was with Esme.

"So I will get to my point." Esme stated from her place up on the stairs. "That would be nice." Aunt polly commented as she lit the cigarette in her hand.  "As my husband said, Shelby Company Limited is now very successful. But London..." Esme spoke looking over at Tommy. "I have kin in Shepherds Bush and Portobello. It's more like wars between armies down there. And the coppers fight side-by-side with them. And there are foreigners of every description and the use of bombs is the least of it." Esmeralda explained as all eyes turned to Tommy.

I have a child. Blessed with the Shelby family good looks. I want John to see him grow up. I want us to someday live somewhere with fresh air and trees. And keep chickens or something." Esme stated as Aunt Polly let's put a stifled a laugh. "But London is just smoke and trouble Thomas." Esme stated. 'Thomas'? Dorothy asked looking up at where are younger brother stood. "That's all I have to say." Esme finished as she  sits down elegantly.

"That was a lot of words, Tommy. Have a drink to wash them down." Arthur stated offering Tommy the bottle of whisky, unscrewing the cork and he takes a swig before speaking.  "First of all, the bang in the pub was nothing to do with London." Tommy stated. "The bang is something Tommy and I are dealing with." Dorothy explained sharing a look with Tommy.

"And we have nothing to fear from the proposed business expansion. So long as we stick together. And after the first few weeks nine tenths of what we do down there will be legal."  Tommy spoke. "There are many in this room who have expressed their reservations." Tommy continued as Aunt polly looked away

"And any of you who want no part of
the future of this company are free to walk out the door. Right now." Tommy added smiling kindly at John and Esme. "Go and raise your chickens." Tommy continued as he looked to the rest of the room.

"But those of you with ambition? The expansion process begins tomorrow." Dorothy explained as she moved from her seat and stood next to Tommy.