Roguish Women- Tommy Shelby

Lessons Learned

            Kate loved Polly's black cigarettes. In fact, she loved a lot about the older woman from the moment she sat down across the desk from her. It was obvious from the onset that she was a woman who accepted no bullshit even from her own family. She was clever and Kate presumed that her intelligence was tested. After all, they were women. They weren't meant to be smart. They were just supposed to look pretty.

Polly eyed the young blonde that was apparently the newest member of the company. "So where are you from?" She asked.

"Boston originally," Kate answered frankly. "I met Tommy in France."

"Mhm. What were you doing in France?"

"I was a courtesan." She replied with all honesty. There was no reason to beat around the bush. A smart woman like Polly would find out eventually so what was the use in lying?

Tommy, however, didn't seem too pleased that she'd dropped the news that he was planning on keeping from his aunt. "Yep..." He muttered under his breath.

"So you were a whore?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Polly laughed and shook her head in disbelief. "Well she's honest, Tom, I'll give you that."

Kate smiled slightly and shrugged. "I've nothing to hide."

She did.

"And I'm aware that Tommy says you've information about Americans. Information that he wants to use for the company." Polly had been wise to warn her nephew that he was playing with fire. There were plenty of well-established gangs in America who were powerful enough to end his career in seconds. It was too early to test his luck with them. But Tommy was adamant that they needed to learn information while they could. That way, once he was powerful enough, he could make his move.

"I think it could be information very useful to your company. I'm not looking for much compensation, only protection from those who would wish me harm." Kate explained candidly.

"You have a lot of enemies?"

"Enemies of my father." She clarified.

Tommy cleared his throat and stepped back into the conversation. "Pol, she knows enough French and Italian to help us with day to day things." He tried to make the woman a more appealing worker.

"So what happens if she double-crosses us?" Polly asked bluntly.

"Then I'm at the mercy of my father's enemies. You can hand me over, no questions asked." Kate vowed with steady eye contact.

Polly looked mildly amused but didn't seem to dislike the woman. "Alright, but you'll be watched."

"As is expected."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tommy was a bit surprised that the meeting went as well as it did. Perhaps it was a sign that things were meant to be. He'd have his American informant and things would go smoothly.

"I've rented a flat for you down this way. Take the week to get settled. Try and write down any contacts you can in as much detail as you remember." Tommy explained as they walked down the street together. He handed her a key to the apartment.

"Okay, thank you." Kate was surprised he'd already put things together. "I can imagine that you'll have my calls listened to." She pocketed the key.