Letters - Michael Gray

Michael's Arrest

A few days later in the busy city of London Valarie was on her way to visit her dad at work. The young Solomons didn't visit her dad often because Alfie didn't want his precious daughter caught up in his cruel and violent world.

The moment Valarie pushed open the bakery door she was greeted with "hellos" as everyone knew her because she was the bosses daughter. Valarie greeted them back as she headed towards Alfie's office.

As Valarie approached her dads office she began to see him clearer through the large windows that surrounded the gangsters office. The closer Valarie got to the office the louder the sound of her heels on the floor became. The moment Alfie heard them he knew Valarie had come to visit him so, he lifted up his head from his paperwork and made eye contact with his daughter.

In no time at all Valarie entered Alfie's office with a smile plastered on her face. To see his daughter smile was Alfie's favourite sight.
"Hello Darling. Lovely of you to give your old man a visit" Alfie greeted Valarie. Valarie just smiled and sat down at her dads desk.
"Just missed you, I feel like we don't spend enough time together" Valarie complained to her dad.
"Sorry Darling. I know you hate me working all the time but once this business in Birmingham is sorted I'll be able to spend more time with you" Alfie reassured his daughter. Valarie knew how important her dads business was and that's why she hardly ever complained but sometimes things got to her.
Valarie sighed as she knew that there was nothing else that she could say that change Alfie's mind. As Valarie sunk into the chair she wondered about Michael and what could be. Would they ever meet again?, would they be together?, would Valarie tell Michael about Alfie's business? and would Michael ever work for Alfie?. All of these things were eating Valarie up. However, the main thing that was getting to her was wether or not Michael got her letter. The young girl was desperate to know the answer to this. Had Michael got her letter and she had scared him off somehow. As Valarie was in a world of her own Alfie was worried that Arthur Shelby and his men would show up any minute. The gangster didn't want his daughter to be here when they showed up. So, she cleared his throat a few times to get Valarie out of her day dream. Valarie heard the noise and came out of her trance.
"You okay Darling" wondered Alfie.
"I'm fine just in my own world"
Alfie just nodded while looking at his daughter.
"Why don't you head home Darling. I'll be back soon" suggested Alfie.
Valarie wondered why her dad wanted her gone so soon but she knew better than to argue.
"Alright, see you at home" Valarie gave her dad a kiss and said goodbye.

On her way out of the bakery Valarie passed a man with a moustache and an army of men behind him. The man looked similar to the man who her dad met with in Birmingham. Valarie thought nothing of it and made her way home.

Later that night in Birmingham Michael was sat with his mum Polly at the table about to eat his dinner; when the police suddenly burst through the front door.
"Police! Stay where you are"
Michael suddenly turned around and faced the men. The group of police grabbed Michael while he was still sat at the table and forced his hands behind his back. With force Michael was dragged outside. Polly followed closely behind screaming, while Michael was too scared to say anything.
"Not again! Michael! No, you can't take him away again" shouted Polly. She was petrified she would never see her son again when she had just got him back.
"You can't take my son away"
Michael was then pushed into the back of the police car, Polly couldn't stand the sight and was trying to get to her son but she was held back by an officer.

This didn't last long as with desperation Polly kneed the officer in the crotch, the officer released her in pain and she ran free. Polly ran towards the police car and was held back by another officer.
"Don't you fucking touch him! Get off him!"
Polly was still fighting to get to her son.
"Don't say anything. Tommy will get you out" Polly tried to reassure her son.
Out of frustration Michael hit the back of the chair in the car.
"I'll be alright" Polly's statement was cut short when Inspector Campbell placed his mouth by Polly's ear.
"You should know that, as of this night, Tommy Shelby is finished" the Inspector threatened before letting go of Polly and getting into the Police car to take Michael away.

It was a few days later and Valarie was sat at home reading a book. She wasn't concentrating as her mind was elsewhere. The young Solomons couldn't stop thinking of Michael Gray. Had he got her letter?, Valarie's mind was going mad but she wasn't going to let her thoughts ruin her book.

Later that week Michael was sat in his cell when an officer unlocked the door. The officer told Michael he was being let out but not without telling him why he was being released. The officer couldn't stop laughing as he handed Michael his belongings and opened the prison door.

Outside the door Polly Gray was waiting for her son to take him home. The metal door suddenly opened forcing Polly to turn around. Michael emerged from the door and placed a cigarette in his mouth. Polly couldn't believe the sight of her son but she was relieved to see him. Michael lit the cigarette and approached his mum.
"You need cream on them cuts or they'll go bad" Polly said to her son as she took a closer look at him.
Smoke from Michael's cigarette was blown in Polly's face. Michael look at him mum with disgust.
"The screws told me why I've been freed" Michael told his mum "they told me what you did"
Polly couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"They thought it was funny. Maybe it is"
Polly was shocked at her sons harsh words. Michael looked at his mum and walked off.

When Michael arrived at his office he saw a pile of letters on his desk. He sat down and lit another cigarette. The young accountant knew he had to go through them eventually so one by one he opened each letter. He was nearly done going through the letters when he picked up the last one. Michael opened the letter and was surprised to see that the letter was from Valarie Solomons. The letter was written on beautiful paper with sunflowers in the corner, he assumed these were Valarie's favourite flower. With curiosity Michael read the letter, he couldn't believe what he was reading. Valarie wanted to keep in touch. Michael was ready to write a letter back but he didn't know what to put in it. Eventually he knew what to put.

Dear Valarie,
I am thrilled to receive your letter. I am glad that you enjoyed my message in the book. Have you finished the book?. If you have how was it?. Birmingham is fine, still working everyday. I am happy that your journey back to London was alright. Thank you for your address. Do you have any book recommendations?.
Yours sincerely
Michael Gray