Letters - Michael Gray

Reunited

It was like any other day for Michael in his cell. He would sit and let his thoughts take over his head. How was Valarie?. Was she still in Birmingham?. Had she given birth yet?. So many thoughts crossed Michael's mind that it was difficult to keep up with them.

Then all of a sudden just when Michael has managed to close his eyes his cell door opened, making Micheal bolt up. Prison officers grabbed Michael making him stand up and put handcuffs on him.
"There's been a mistake. There's an appeal process underway that doesn't begin until January. I want to see my lawyer, Mr Patrick" pleaded Michael but the officers were having none of it and started to drag him out of his cell.
"This shouldn't be happening" screamed Michael.

Michael was being ushered down the dimly lit corridors with fear in his eyes. He didn't know what was happening, where he was going or if he would ever see his wife again and meet unborn child. Without realising Michael's knees gave way but the prison officers were quick to drag him back up.

"Michael? Michael?" shouted Arthur he didn't know if he was actually seeing his cousin or not.
"Arthur" shouted Michael he couldn't believe he was seeing his older cousin.

Before he knew it two doors were opening in front of him revealing three nooses. He was going to be hanged. Michael wanted to be sick.
It hit him that he would never meet his child or see his wife ever again. How would Valarie cope without him? Would she remarry? Would she live with her dad? How could Tommy let this happen?.

The noose was now around Michael's neck. He thought he was going to be sick. He was trying to think of what his child would look like and Valarie with his child. He wanted to build a life together and have a proper family, but how could he now he was going to be hanged.

"Wait" came a voice. Michael thought he was dreaming. Something was holding the guards up. The guards then came and took the noose from around Michael's neck. Micheal thought it was too good to be true. However, it wasn't and he was soon told that he was a free man again.

It didn't take long for Michael, Arthur and John to be walking out of the prison doors free men.
"Well, we're free men now" said Arthur as he looked around and John screamed. Michael was still in shock.
"What are we gonna do now?" questioned John.
"I've got to see Linda and meet my child" said Arthur
"Same, Esme will kill me if I don't go to her. What about you?" said John aiming his question at his younger cousin.
"Oh, I've got to find Val. I bet I'm already a dad"
"I bet she's in London. I would go straight there, Tommy's sent cars ask the driver to go to London" said Arthur
"You know what I bet you're right" said Michael as he was running over to a car.

Before he knew it Michael was on his was to London. The drive felt like it was taking years but, Michael was soon pulling up at the Solomons residence.
"Go back to Birmingham" said Michal while getting out of the car. As soon as Michael got out the car it drove off. Michael was soon waking up to the front door. Now he was nervous. Would Valarie even want to see him again? What would Alfie say?. Michael put these thoughts to the back of his mind and knocked on the door.

It didn't take long for the door to open to reveal a heavily pregnant Valarie.
"Michael" cried Valarie "is it really you?"
"It's really me love" reassured Michael as he held his wife in his arms. It was at this moment that Michael felt a tiny kick as he held Valarie.
"I think they know who their dad is" laughed Valarie through her tears. Without responding Michael got to his knees and places his hands on Valarie's stomach.
"Hello, you don't know me but I'm your dad. I'm sorry I haven't been here but, I'm here now and I'm never going to leave you or your mum ever again" said Michael while he was crying.

"Micky" shouted Alfie when he came to see who was at the door "how are you, that gypsy, Tommy Shelby, put you in prison didn't he"
"Don't dad" said Valarie, she was trying to protect her husband as she could tell he had only be released today just by his clothes and the way he smelt. However, this didn't bother Valarie as she was just happy to get her husband back. Michael stood up and walked over to Alfie to shake his hand but he was shocked when Alfie hugged him instead.
"Don't pull a fucking stunt like that again Micky, alright" Alfie whispered in to Michaels ear and then let him go.
"Now, I think this calls for a celebration. Just the three of us... well four" said Alfie "but first go and have a wash and get changed Micky you fucking stick. Throw those rags away, you can wear some of my clothes for now"

That's just what Michael did. While he was getting dressed he began to think about his and Valarie life's together. Tommy still had the money that he was going to give Michael for the killings. Michael knew it was practically dirty money but he wanted to buy a house. Probably one near his mum so she could watched her grandchild grow up.

So, that's what Micheal did. Within the next few days he had brought a house near his mum. They were due to move in within the next week, which was a good thing as Valarie was due in two.

In Michael's eyes his life was now perfect and nothing could go wrong.