Painting The Races Red | Tommy Shelby

Chapter Five ✔️

C h a p t e r F i v e
Y o u H a v e T o G i v e T o G e t B a c k

Lynette could feel the eyes of the passing people watching her with heavy judgment as she and Tommy stood on the side of the busy city centre road. Both waited for Ada, whom they knew took this route to work just like many of the other commuters that passed by them. The couple attempted to keep a low profile by standing on the sidelines, both keeping their hats over their eyes as they smoked. The redhead could tell that they were standing out more than they would have liked as a result of the obvious injuries on their faces. She still had a large bruise on her cheekbone and finger marks around her jawline, and Tommy had several bruises on his nose and cheeks.

"She's late," Lynette announced. "She would have passed here by now."

Tommy's lips parted to respond, before he stepped forward abruptly while dropping his cigarette to the wet concrete. "Ada," he called, causing the woman to stop. Lynette quickly followed him as she spotted the girl they were looking for.

Ada looked over to the couple in shock, before her expression changed to annoyance as they forced her to stop. "How the fuck did you find me? What, are you reading Polly's letters?"

"Polly showed us the letter," Tommy answered. "Look, you think you're safe because you moved flat, but you're not. Polly thinks the same."

"When will you understand? I just want you all out of my life."

"Ada, look at the state of us," Lynette pointed out as she examined the similar bruises on the other female's face. Almost identical to her own as Ada had also been attacked the night they had. Luckily for them, Tommy's men were on hand to help her. "And this won't be the last time they try this."

"Yeah, well, next time I'll be ready. In fact," she trailed off to dig into her bag, the couple watching as she revealed a small handgun, which she waved in the air threateningly. "I want them to try again cos I'll shoot their balls off!"

"Ada, put the fucking gun away!" Tommy hissed, both Lynette and himself looking around worriedly in case anyone saw her pull out the weapon.

Ada returned the gun to her bag before trying to shuffle around the pair, both of whom continued to block her path. "Get away from me, I'm late for work!"

"Alright, fine. Fine." Tommy sighed, finally convincing her to stop and listen as he pulled an envelope from his inner coat pocket. "Just take this. Take it. Where you're living now is right on the edge of Sabini's territory and all the coppers round there work for him. I've got a lot of money coming in that I can't put through the banks. My accountant says the best thing is to buy property for cash and put it in the name of a family member."

Ada opened up the envelope, emptying the contents in the palm of her hand to reveal a set of keys. Lynette watched eagerly, hoping that the girl would accept the gift. It would mean that they could at least be comforted by knowing that Ada was living in a better neighbourhood.

"A house? A whole house?"

"It's all yours," the redhead assured. "It has four storeys, eight bedrooms, kitchen, scullery."

"Rooms for a maid, if your political conscience will allow," Tommy added in a sarcastic tone, his teasing based on his sister's new political views. "At least go and have a look, eh?"

The young woman nodded reluctantly, before leaving within any further action or phrase. Lynette and Tommy watched her go, the former saddened of how stretched her friendship with the girl had became over the years. She couldn't blame Ada for moving to London with her husband to start a life for herself and her family, she just wished that Ada would take the time to write to her, like she did for Polly. She craved the friendship they once shared.