If I Can't Have you

(46) Michaels 18th

"Did you come up with this idea in a pub by any chance?" Polly says, raising her voice slightly.

"Pol, a good racehorse is an investment, like property," Tommy replies, "we need to diversify the portfolio."

"So when is this sale?"

"Tomorrow," Tommy states.

"And Tommys had a death threat so we have to go with him for protection," Arthur comments, puffing his chest out minutely.

As Polly continues on, Jemima notices Michael opening the doors to the shop, peeking in, slowly making his way into the room.

Polly turns her attention to John and Max, "I thought I told you boys to lock that door."

"They did," Michael confirms, "I used the key on the nail. Look, I've been listening, I want to go with them. I love horses, I could even help."

"Over my dead body," Polly scoffs.

"It'll be alright, Mum," Michael assures, "I've been to loads of horse auctions with my uncle. They're very respectable, people bring their butlers."

"Yeah, and their posh wives," Arthur smirks at John who laughs nudging Michael, "and their mistresses. I'll drop him back at the house in Sutton before it gets dark."

Polly looks between her nephews, and then back at her son, "no, fucking no."

Michael looks defeated, a frustrated look on his face as he retreats from the shop, shutting the doors with some force behind him.

"Alright, thats it, back to work," Tommy speaks, clearing his throat watching the people in the room disperse as he comes to stand in front of Jemima.

"What threat? What note?" Jemima questions, raising from her seat, fixing his tie which was slightly askew.

"It only arrived an hour ago, love," Tommy replies, "thats why I called everyone over for a meeting."

-

"Michael has just come into my office, regarding the advertisement we put out for an accounts clerk," Tommy tells Jemima, as the couple walk through Small Heath, with the intention of going to the betting shop.

Jemima knew there would be a woman there waiting for him. May Carleton, a horse trainer he'd met at the auction. She knows it is purely business on his behalf, but she's also aware that with the way Arthur was speaking, she was incredibly beautiful.

"Does Polly know?" Jemima asks.

"No," Tommy shakes his head, taking a drag from his cigarette, "I'd be fine with him having the job, the boy is smart, but I've told him to speak to her first."

When they enter the house, Tommy opens the door for her, before taking ahold of her hand, kissing her temple. She knew he was doing it to alleviate any doubts she may have about his newest business partner.

"Sorry I'm late, there was a family matter," Tommy says, "Esmé keep it locked up for a minute. I'll show you around."

"I'm May, pleasure to make your acquaintance," she says, offering her hand to Jemima.