Subtle Invitation [Thomas Shelby]

Adler Estate

Arm in arm Lily snd Michael made their way to The Garrison. As the dark nights sky began to set in Lily looked to Michael and smiled, he really was an amazing person who had been nothing but kind to her. So quick to take everything in his stride she couldn't help but admire him, she just hoped that their friendship would continue to thrive.

A few minutes from the pub Lily noticed a familiar person heading their way, her dark red hair bouncing on her shoulders as she looked down into her basket.

"Sarah?" Lily called, hoping that it was her new neighbour that she had met in the local bakery. Sarah looked up and instantly beamed their way.

"Hello" she called as they both came to a stop.

"Michael this is my neighbour Sarah. Sarah this is my friend Michael Grey"

Sarah stuck her hand out to Michael instantly and he kindly shook her hand "Nice to meet you Michael" she grinned, her eyelashes fluttering ever so slightly his way.

"Would you like to join us for a drink?" Lily asked knowing that Michael wouldn't object. It was obvious from Michael still holding on to Jessica's hand.

Lily rolled her eyes, Michael was so easily infatuated and it made her decision to just be friends so much easier. The depths of his feelings for Lily where clearly only on the surface.

"I'd love to" she smiled, not breaking eye contact with Michael.

—-

Lily was late the following Monday morning as she slipped into the betting day and made her way to her desk. Tommy was to busy with Arthur and John that he hadn't noticed her arrival.

Quickly taking off her coat she wondered if he knew about her conversation with Michael, she hoped he did. Lily wanted to desperately speak to him but she knew this was work mode Tommy and she wouldn't interrupt that.

"That's not going to work is it Arthur!?" Tommy shouted making Lily jump in her seat.

"Look, it's not my fooking fault Kimber dobbed us in is it? It's either the boat or nothing Tommy" Arthur shouted back and Lily heard something slam down.

"This is your job Arthur, fuck!" John joined in.

Lily began pulling out her work, hoping that they would quieten down so she could concentrate. Everyone in the office didn't need to hear about their predicament.

"They can't be anywhere damp. You need to sort this Arthur and quickly" Lily heard the stress in Tommy's voice and she stood up. It was obvious that they where trying to store guns and getting no where.

"Like I said it's either the boat or they stay where they are"

"Do you need some help?" Lily asked as she stepped into the room, her hands clasped nervously.

All three men looked up at her like she had suddenly grown three heads. Patiently waiting she waited for someone to reply.

"It's not something you can help with love, no amount of maths is going to sort this" John laughed as he twirled his toothpick between his teeth.

Lily made no effort to hide the roll of her eyes, storming to Tommy's desk she took his pad and pen and began scribbling down an address.

"You need a place to store weapons correct?" She asked Tommy, her face completely innocent and void of judgment.

"Yes..." he started, eyeing her with curiosity.

"Here" and she shoved the piece of paper in his hands "Store as many as you want there. There's my old studio at the back of the house that can house them all"