Subtle Invitation [Thomas Shelby]

Bright Light

Tommy's hand was firmly on the top of Lily's arm as he pulled her into the brightly lit hotel. There where a few people loitering in the reception but nobody paid attention as Tommy ushered her forward towards the steps. Lily wondered just how scared people where of him, people around him seemed to scuttle away and it intrigued her.

"You can let go" she hissed quietly as she took the first step.

Tommy side eyed her "and have you fall down again? Come on let's go" and they both began to take the stairs.

"Look, I can make it to my room just fine" and Lily quickly smiled to a woman that was eyeing the two at the top of the stairs.

"I'm sure you can" but he carried on as they passed the woman who was throwing disapproving looks their way.

"She's had to much to drink, doesn't know how to handle her liquor" he said to the woman.

Rolling her eyes lily ignored the look from the woman and carried on until she was in the corridor of the left wing.

Lily'a heart was suddenly in her throat as she spotted her hotel room down the corridor. The thought of Tommy entering her room instantly made her blush and she was suddenly grateful that he had taken the lead and was ahead looking for her room.

Lily watched as he stood in front of her door and tapped his foot impatiently for her to catch up. It took all her power not to childishly roll her eyes at him as she pulled out her key and slipped it into the lock.

"You can go now" she mumbled to him, hoping he would take the hint.

As soon as the locked clicked she pushed open the door and noticed that a lamp had been left on. As her eyes adjusted to the difference in light Tommy barged by her and pulled out his hand gun.

Lily felt the air whoosh out of her mouth as she spotted a dark figure sitting on the end of her bed. The figure suddenly stood up and lunged for Tommy.

Lily entered the room, the door clicking behind her as Tommy swung a fist and connected with the dark figure. Panicking Lily quickly turned the main bedroom light on to find the assailant on the floor, his hand covering his now swollen eye.

"I was wondering when you would turn up" Tommy spat as he peered down at Father Jensen. The last man on the hit list.

—-

Lily, her back against the door watched in fear as Tommy circled the injured father with his gun still on his hands.

"Didn't take your long to find her eh?" He spat again as he leaned down and pulled the father Jensen up by his face.

"Get off me you heathen" Father Jensen spat as he pulled his face from Tommy's vice grip.

Lily watched as Tommy stood back up, flexing his knuckles in a subtle warning "You're calling me a heathen? The man that steals children" and Tommy laughed.

"I didn't steal any children. I gave them a proper life! Away from alcoholics and unholy people" he sneered as he tried to stand up.

Tommy pushed him back down, pressing his gun to the fathers forehead, his blue eyes freezing the room.

"Tommy" Lily whispered from behind, silently begging him not to do this.

Without turning around Tommy squared his shoulders "He doesn't deserve your grace Lily. This man came here tonight to kill you"

Lily looked down at father Jensen and knew  Tommy was telling the truth. The shame and disgust was all over their prisoners face. As she stood in the background she suddenly felt her mind sobering up and pulling her to focus. As the tension in the room began to rise Lily wondered if she was going to make this out alive.