#* ch. isla. → interactions.

[podiium]

@papayaprince sent : ❛  i can’t wait to have my way with you.  ❜ / isla

     [ … / / I . P ]                      she   was   denying   the   inevitable.   the   hunger   she   had   for   the   mclaren   driver.   those   little   lustful   thoughts   –   getting   harder   and   harder   to   keep   to   herself.   not   to   mention   ,    the   way   she   couldn't   keep   her   eyes   off   of   him.   and   how   bad   she   wanted   to   feel   his   lips   against   her   own   once   again.   she   had   it   bad   for   him. 

         the   after   party   of   the   Monaco   race.   she   found   herself   outside   ,   the   balcony   of   the   large   penthouse.   music   roaring   and   the   warmer   night   air   –   felt   good   to   her.   beer   in   her   hand   and   arms   crossed   over   the   rails,   mini   dress   lightly   blowing   from   the   ocean   breeze.   it   was   peaceful.   relaxing   and   yet,   lonely.   she   figured   that   maybe   he   had   found   some   other   girl.   after   all,   he   was   notorious   for   his   party   boy   ways.   and   the   after   party   had   a   lot   of   gorgeous   women.    she   was   lost   in   her   own   thoughts   before   she   felt   a   set   of   hands   at   her   waist,   her   lips   formed   into   a   smile.   (   she   longed   to   feel   his   touch   !   )   his   body   pressing   into   her's   from   behind   and   his   lips   near   her   ear.   she   could   feel   his   breath   and   Isla   couldn't   help   but   tilt   her   head   to   the   side,   hinting   at   what   she   wanted   –   his   lips   against   her   neck.   and   just   before   she   could   speak   –   his   words   caused   her   to   let   a   moan   slip   out.   ❝   I   want   you,   Lukas.   right   now   –   i'm   tired   of   denying   what   I   really   want.   ❞

[placeholdfm]

closed   starter   :   alastair   &   isla @ofgildedhearts location   :   arundel  home  in  new  york

the  taxes  had  been  rolling  in  as  they  always  did  from  Scotland  and  even  without  supervision  from  Alastair  himself,  his  man  in  Scotland  could  report  good  crops,  good  lodgings  for  the  people  on  his  land  and  everything  thriving.  seated  in  his  office  he  was  looking  through  the  reports  from  his  men,  doing  the  works  of  it  all.  there  had  always  been  a  limit  as  to  who  would  get  a  glimpse  into  the  Arundel  business  and  considering  Alastair  enjoyed  this  aspect  of  his  life  (making  it  an  escape  from  the  ton)  he  poured  his  heart  and  soul  into  it  all.

  with  papers  all  across  his  desk  he  emerged  into  what  his  siblings  called  his  "business  face",  he  didn't  exactly  like  the  term  but  when  had  Rene  ever  let  him  escape  the  sibling  banter.  With  a  small  sigh,  he  took  forth  the  folder  where  he  had  all  his  plans  for  New  York,  the  possibilities  and  properties  he'd  scouted  along  side  Isla.  they'd  taken  a  two  days  trip  a  few  weeks  ago  to  scout  and  both  of  them  had  been  both  impressed  and  unimpressed.  At  the  mention  of  his  cousin  there  was  a  knock  on  his  office  door  and  as  it  opened  there  she  stood.  "isla."  he  greeted,  not  smiling  of  course,  he  rarely  did.  "have  you  seen  the  map  of  the  southern  region  we  scouted?  it  seems  I've  lost  it  in  the  papers."  he  mumbled  with  his  eyes  back  on  his  documents.

[destined-if]

nobody asked for this, but i got a calling for it so i'm gonna do it

silly photos in my phone that somewhat correlate with the characters lmk if you want a more accurate version, this was SO FUN i was snickering the whole time (was a lil sad that i couldn't use my photos of my younger brother for this cause they're so funny, but i don't want people to be weird)

Ian/Ivy:

Isla:

Valerie:

Elias:

Melody:

Casper:

thank you for reading<3

[moral-turpitudes]

Deal with the Devil: Ch. 2

Trigger Warnings: Swearing, Angst.

Characters: Thomas Shelby x Isla Maxwell (OC)

Word Count: 1,274 

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | *7* | 8 | 9 | 10

The rain picked up over the streets of Small Heath as the sun peered through the clouds, illuminating the otherwise dreary shop of Shelby Company Limited. The chatter amongst the workers buzzing through the air as the newest addition to parliament sat in his office, quietly going over paperwork. The peaceful silence only temporary, as a familiar booming voice rang near him.

“Tom! You have a letter. Quite fancy fookin’ writing if you ask me.” Arthur said, slapping the letter in front of Thomas as he smoked at his desk.

With a raised eye brow he opened it, glancing at the thin handwriting.

“Greetings Mr. Thomas Shelby,

I’m sorry to hear your assassination attempts on Mr. Oswald Mosley went awry. It was quite sad to watch.

If given the chance, I would like to help you...considering we seem to have the same goal in mind. You see, I managed to get the location of the next rally out of the three men that were missing from his meeting this month, but it was a bit bloody as you can see. If you’d like to continue your efforts, I’d be glad to help. But it most definitely will be at a cost.

- I.”

Thomas read, sitting the letter on his desk before downing the last of his whiskey.

“That bad aye?” Arthur asked, sitting across from him.

“This person wants to take down Mosley. After all that’s happened...I was ready to end it but then this comes through my fucking door aye?” He said, slamming his glass down.

“Handwritings a bit odd, what’s the red stains on the bottom?” Arthur asked.

“Looks like the bloody thumbprints of the men that went missing this month.” Tommy said, looking at the dried prints with tired eyes.

“Jesus.” Arthur remarked, getting up from his seat.

“They said they’d help...but it would be at a cost.” Thomas said.

“Right, well you have fun with that brother. I’m not messing around with mafia shit Tom. Not again.” He said, running a nervous hand over the scar around his neck before walking out the door.

Thomas sighed and looked at the letter, his eyes wandering to an address on the top. It was an unusual one at that. No one ever went there unless they had to, but this whole thing was bizarre in itself.

The cold air nipped at his skin as he walked through the gate and past the tombstones. The letter in hand as he went towards the morgue. With a loud knock, the mortician opened the door, wearing a toothy grin on his face.

“I’m here to deliv-“ Tommy began, watching the man put his finger up to his mouth in a shushing gesture.

“Can’t talk. Thank you.” He said, grabbing the letter and shutting the door.

Tommy stood there for a moment, his usually stoic face a bit confused as he left the cemetery.

When he arrived back at the shop, all was well until he got back in his office.

“Did you deliver it?” Arthur asked.

“Yes.” He said, sitting down at his desk.

“Well what did they say?”

“Nothing. Said he couldn’t say, so he just grabbed it and sent me on my way...Arthur, out of all the deals I’ve done this is the most bizarre one of all...” He said, lighting a cigarette.

“You know how to pick em’ Tommy-boy. I’ll give ya that.” He said, walking out to pester Polly and Michael who’d been discussing their business dealings in America.

At Isla’s apartment, she sat at her desk, nursing a glass of wine as she twirled her pocket knife in her hand, aiming for the dart board across from her.

Just as she flung the knife towards it, Jay walked in, almost fatally colliding with its tip.

“Jesus. I didn’t even say anything yet and you’re trying to kill me boss?” He asked.

“Knock next time, Jay.” She said, getting up to retrieve it from the bullseye.

“What’s the news?”

“Well he got the letter. I picked his up where you asked. That mortician is one weird fellow.” He said.

“He’s happy to be doing something besides cutting up bodies all day. I can’t say I blame him. It’s hard to do.” She said lighting a cigarette.

“Well here’s his letter. Hope it was worth our time.” He said, rubbing his hand along the back of his neck anxiously and leaving her to read it.

“Hey before you go...here’s your check....make sure to give the boys their pay though. If I forget again they’ll be sniffing at my door like dogs.” She said, handing him the three envelopes.

“Thank you. I’ll do that. Let me know when you need that sent out.” He said, a nervous gait in his walk as he went towards the door.

“Will do, now fuck off.” She said, opening the letter as she sat down, not registering his nervousness. She waited until he was gone though to read it, sighing as she exhaled smoke once again.

“Hello “I,”

Thank you for reaching out. I do apologize for the botched assassination. It was supposed to be a show for the ages but I guess he was meant to live another day.

Unfortunately for us, that day has turned into one too many.

In light of that, I’m writing this to let you know I accept your offer. Therefore I’m willing to pay you for your efforts. Just name your price and I’ll name mine.

- T.S.”

She smirked, knowing she struck a nerve criticizing his failed attempt. But nevertheless she wrote back, surprised she even got a response in such a timely manner.

“Hello, Mr. Shelby,

I’m glad you accepted my offer. I will accept 300 pounds as my price. Consider it a deposit, if you will.

Therefore, I expect this amount in the next week, especially if you want the location.

I’ve named my price. Now it’s your turn.

- “I”

She wrote, folding the paper neatly and tucking it into another sleek, black envelope. It was her favorite color after all, easy to hide at night, and a reminder of what she’d fought for, with death and all things considered.

As she made her way to her room, she opened her journal, where she kept a detailed record of every interaction she’d had with targets or connections, along with letters she’d written and received, knowing one day she may need the information.

With a sigh, she sat on her bed as she quickly jotted the information down. The dim light from the morning sun seeping in through the windows as she glanced at the thick, bounded book. Often at night she’d lie awake after writing, dozing off into a nightmare. Seeing the flames and hearing her mother’s screams, causing her to thrash awake with heavy breaths. The scar often burning in the vivid dream, making her wary of it after waking up, with the raised skin reminding her of everything she’d lost.

When she wasn’t consumed by the nightmares, during the day she was training in her apartment or visiting her dads friend who’d aged terribly over the years. Even though she put up a wall between her and everyone else, she always let him in. But she hated the thought of being alone in the world again, knowing it was inevitable.

That seemed to be her one vice in life, knowing things were inevitable. Knowing almost everything and everyone were finite and fragile. She’d always had a bit of wanting to save the world in her, but she knew not everyone could be saved, and that’s what tore her up the most.

[tenduw]

Regional Variations of Ecuadorian Spanish

La Costa (The Coast)

People from here are known as costeños. Traveling north along the coast, from the largest city in Ecuador (Guayaquil) to the predominantly African-Ecuadorian province of Esmeraldas, there is a ton of variation in language and demographics.

The general key to speaking coastal Ecuadorian Spanish is to drop the letter s from the ends of your sentences. Oddly enough, in the southern province of El Oro, they do the exact opposite and add the letter s to many words, but this is definitely the exception.

In Esmeraldas, the Spanish dialect exhibits many strong African influences.

In Guayaquil, one accent change is that the “ch” sound is sometimes pronounced as an elongated “sssh”.

Many guayaquileños use the sound facetiously or for emphasis.

La Sierra (The Mountains)

People in this region are known as serranos and speak with a musical, sing-songy lilt.

They also tend to speak more slowly and clearly as they enunciate every word very cleanly and so it's a great place to learn Spanish!

However, plenty of Quechua words are thrown into the mix, more so than on the coast. Ecuador’s capital, Quito, is nestled in los Andes (the Andes) as is the historical city of Cuenca. Small villages dotting the hillsides and valleys are predominantly occupied by la gente indígena quichua (Indigenous Quichua people).

La Amazonia (The Amazon)

Here you’ll find a mix of gente indígena kichwa (Indigenous Kichwa people) and serranos. 

You may notice that Amazonian “Kichwa” has a different spelling than the serrano “Quichua.”

Interestingly enough, these two Kichwa groups use such different dialects of Kichwa that it is, at times, difficult for them to understand one another.

Farther out in the jungle, there are the Achuar, Shuar and Waorani people who all speak their respective indigenous languages, though many people in these communities do hold Spanish as a second language as well.

People who live throughout this region but hail from other parts of Ecuador are often called colonos, reflecting residual colonization-era tension.

The relationship between these indigenous and non-indigenous groups is at times a source of conflict.

The Spanish in this region is heavily mixed and accented with indigenous language. For example, if you are in Tena, you’ll be hearing Kichwa. Whereas if you're in Puyo, you might also hear Shuar or Achuar languages in the mix.

The general accent is somewhat similar to that of serranos, slower and more sing-songy.

In many rural communities, Spanish is a relatively recent arrival and is mainly used as a second language for interacting with non-indigenous people. That means there are plenty of people in older generations who speak little to no Spanish.

Las Islas Galápagos (The Galapagos Islands)

The demographic here is similar to the coast, and the people speak just like costeños from the mainland. Apparently, the people there are well-versed in communicating in Spanish and English with visiting foreigners.

Other Curveballs

The complexity doesn’t just end with these major regions. For example, In Guayaquil, the wealthy urbanites living in Samborondón (a luxurious and heavily-guarded gated community) speak with a very musical accent that sounds closest to Argentinian Spanish.

[mika-you-nerd]

I have to ask, are either of your ch ocs boss fights or are they just side characters? 🤔

interesting question anon! Tallulah isn't a boss fight but she does have a surprisingly cheerful interaction with cuphead and mugman in inkwell isle 3 (she basically lets them pass but warns them that her bf does not take kindly to losing bets lol)

That said, Isla does have a boss fight!

Unlocked by defeating Djimmi the Great

Level: Frosty Freeway

3 Phases (2 on simple mode)

Battle

Intro: Isla files her nails for a moment before throwing the file away and getting into position as the battle begins.

First phase:

“Steer clear, my friend, this princess didn't get her crown for nothin'!”

Isla sits on her throne for the first phase of the battle, the throne is connected to the background and is able to move around to get close to the player.

Isla will sit up and cast a spell, summoning one of 3 attacks.

If she summons snowflakes from her hands, then snowflakes will start to form from the sky and hit the player, the snowflakes are smaller and slower in simple mode.

If she summons snowballs from her hands, then little snowmen will start to run across the floor and attack the player, some of the hats of the snowmen can be parried, but the regular snowmen can only be jumped over to be avoided.

If she summons diamonds shapes from her hands, then diamond-shaped bombs will go after the player, if they aren’t destroyed, then the player will freeze for a few seconds upon impact.

There is also an attack in which Isla moves to the other side of the stage while freezing the ground, the player must go to the opposite side of the stage to not freeze. In simple mode, Isla will only attack half the stage instead of three quarters of it.

Second phase:

“Got a blast and a blunder! A blizzard that chills to the bone!”

Isla’s throne will eventually be destroyed and a gust of ice and snow will replace her legs, she’ll still be able to move around, but not as much as the first phase.

Pieces of the ground will start levitating to become platforms before lowering again, the pieces are chosen at random so the player must be careful not to fall otherwise they might get hit.

Isla will also summon ice blasts that will follow the player, the player will have to manoeuvre between platforms to not get hit.

There will also be ice axes that attack the player, pink axes can be parried.

Isla will also be able to attack the middle portion of the ground with the same ice-blast as the first phase. In simple mode, this attack is not used.

In simple mode, the fight will end with Isla shuddering and holding her tiara in anger.

Third phase:

“You want cold-blooded? I got cold-blooded!”

Isla will eventually break her tiara in rage which will lead to her turning into an icy monster with ice covering portions of her face and body, she can only move around a little bit in this form.

The only main attack is icicles attacking from all areas to cut the player down, the player can use the platforms to avoid them.

Some icicles may crumble and fall from the ceiling, so the player will have to watch their footing if they don’t want to be hit from above.

After taking enough damage, Isla will slump down in defeat and exhaustion as the ice covering her begins to melt.

[podiium]

@gloryown sent : if you stay, i'll make us coffee. / zayne to isla

        [ … / / I . P ]                   satin   sheet   wrapped   around   her   as   she   stood   from   the   bed.   he   was   already   up   –   finishing   up   a   shower   and   she   was   hoping   she   could   leave   before   he   got   out.   quickly,   she   reached   for   her   clothing,   slipping   into   them   and   before   she   could   fasten   her   shorts,   the   bathroom   door   opened   and   he   emerged.   isla   wasn't   sure   if   he   even   wanted   her   to   stay   –   which   is   why   she   didn't   want   to   waste   any   more   time   in   his   bed.   however   ,   his   words   told   her   that   he   did.   and   she   couldn't   help   but   smile   softly.   ❝    I   figured   I   was   just   a   one   night   hook   up.   ❞   she   replied   ,   hands   coming   to   rest   on   her   hips.   ❝    i'll   stay   though.   ❞

[podiium]

@papayaprince sent : You're hotter than God / isla

  [ … / / I . P ]                      eyes   rolled   in   a   playful   manner   –   before   she   tucked   a   strand   of   brown   hair   behind   her   ear.   she'd   fallen   right   into   his   little   web   –   yet,   still   was   playing   hard   to   get.   it   was   hard   not   to   give   the   McLaren   driver   attention.   his   charm   ,   so   precise   and   isla   found   him   ever   so   tempting   each   moment   he   spent   around   her.   even   despite   not   having   been   alone   with   him   (   yet   !   )   .    ❝   you   know,   if   you're   trying   to   win   my   attention   –   you   sorta   already   have.      ❞   isla   chuckled   before   standing   up,   only   to   walk   towards   him,   hands   tucked   in   the   back   pockets   of   her   blue   jean   shorts.         ❝   so   are   you.    ❞

[podiium]

@papayaprince sent : ❛ you can kiss me, you know. ❜ / isla

 [ … / / I . P ]                 what   was   with   the   majority   of   the   drivers,   being   so   arrogant?   as   if   they   knew   everyone   wanted   them?   Isla   was   doing   what   she   could   to   maintain   her   professional   mentality.   but   even   she   couldn't   keep   her   eyes   off   the   lead   driver   for   the   team   she   worked   for.   god,   she   was   a   bit   naive   with   pretty   boys.   hand   moved   to   tuck   a   strand   of   her   hair   behind   her   ear   before   she   looked   up   to   see   him   closing   the   gap   between   the   two   of   them.   ❝   not   shy,   are   ya?   ❞   an   eyebrow   raised   as   blue   eyes   remained   on   him.   ❝   I   don't   make   the   first   move.   ever.    ❞ 

[podiium]

isla tags

* ch. isla. → visual.

* ch. isla. → interactions.

* ch. isla. → musings.

* ch. isla. → aesthetics.

* ch. isla. → desires.

* ch. isla. → headcanons.

[placeholdfm]

rude,  and  without  a  doubt  someone  from  the  higher  class  who  found  Thaddeus  to  find  them  unapproachable,  then  again  he  wasn't  one  to  back  down  from  a  challenge.  "thank  you."  he  replied  with  a  smile,  ignoring  the  fact  that  her  lips  seemed  almost  sewn  together  considering  the  look  she  gave  him  back.  Seated  next  to  this  woman  Thaddeus  without  a  doubt  felt  uncomfortable,  but  then  again  he  wasn't  going  to  let  that  show  -  a  funeral  could  be  the  perfect  spot  for  scoping  out  targets  after  all  the  whole  of  New  York's  socialite  was  here  in  this  very  moment,  not  out  of  respect  but  simply  because  they  had  to. 

"It  is  the  land  of  the  free-"  he  said  without  looking  at  the  woman  seated  next  to  him.  he  could've  sworn  he  heard  a  different  sort  of  accent  in  her  words  and  decided  to  make  that  his  topic.  "But  something  tells  me  this  is  not  your  origins?"  he  asked  and  turned  his  eyes  to  his  newly  found,  not  very  kind  companion.

disinterested gaze flickered around the room, making vague note of who had chosen to sit with whom. the dynamics of new york society were still new enough that she wanted to ensure if a foot was being put wrong it was not hers. boredom was not the right term when she held enough respect for the dead and tradition that she did not begrudge a funeral. but she had always found the waiting somewhat tedious - doing nothing would always be considered a waste of her time.

quiet contemplation was broken by the sound of an unfamiliar voice, disinterested gaze finding itself a new home on the speaker's features. "this is the land of the free, is it not?" arch words hung between them and she toyed with some barb about how careless he was to lose a whole family. but the words remained caged behind pursed lips and a curt nod is given instead, granting him the permission he had asked for. "by all means." dismissive hand waves to the spot before she tidies her skirt to make more room. she was supposed to be making some friends, after all.

[moral-turpitudes]

Deal with the Devil: Ch. 6

Trigger Warnings: Swearing, Mentions of Death, Angst.

Characters: Thomas Shelby x Isla Maxwell (OC)

Word Count: 1,808

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | *7* | 8 | 9 | 10

“Dear Mr. Shelby,

I apologize for not responding sooner. I had an old family friend pass away suddenly. Despite this, I’d like to thank you for the payment and would like to let you know that I accept your offer as well. Seeing as our partnership is detrimental to the task ahead of us. Meet me at the address below at midnight this Friday.

- “I.”

Thomas’ eyes scanned the letter, the address oddly familiar as he shoved it in the pocket of his coat. The cold winter air hitting his face as he walked to his car.

“Are you sure about this Tom?” Polly asked from her doorway. His son Charlie and daughter Ruby glancing at him from behind her as they’d stayed up way past their bedtime.

“Yes. I’ll see you all tomorrow. Be good for aunt Polly you two. I don’t want to call your mum.” He said, watching them nodding and waving goodbye. It was his weekend with Ruby, and Charlie loved spending time with his half-sister, but just like anything else in the life of Thomas Shelby, nothing ever went according to plan.

As his car crunched along the snow covered ground, he saw the familiar gate he’d pulled up to weeks before. The morgue sitting in the distance just past the plethora of tombstones.

As he walked further, he saw movement in one of the small windows of the building, knowing it was either the odd mortician or the person he’d been corresponding with for weeks.

With a cold hand, he reached for the letter, reading the instructions written on the bottom. He knocked five times as instructed, waiting as he heard light footsteps inside. The door opened with a creaking noise revealing a woman, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight as she clutched her black coat around her.

“Mr. Shelby?” She asked quietly, her face blank and emotionless despite the life in her eyes.

“Yes. Am I at the wrong place miss?” He asked, looking around, seeing a fire burning in what seemed to be an incinerator of sorts.

“No. I’m glad you’re here.” She said, locking the door behind them as she sat down in the small room, lighting a cigarette.

“Are you...?” He started to ask before being interrupted.

“I? Yes. Nice to meet you.” She said, shaking his hand firmly as he sat down before her.

“You’re not what I was expecting. You can call me Tommy by the way.” He said, taking his own cigarette out and lighting it.

“And what were you expecting Tommy? A man?” She scoffed, shaking her head in amusement. No one would ever suspect a woman it seemed, but that worked to her advantage more often than not.

“What’s your name then aye? I’ve already paid you.” He questioned, looking at her with an eyebrow slightly raised.

“Isla.” She answered, for once saying her name without the fear of being outed.

“Well, Isla. I’ve got to say, your work was...impressive. But I came here to discuss our plans. Where’s Mosley holding his next rally?” He asked.

“Hold your horses love. So many questions for such a smart man...” she said, taking a sip of her whiskey as she stared into his cold blue eyes.

“Want some?” She asked. He nodded and relaxed in his seat, the heat from the incinerator warming the medical room as he waited for an answer.

“About an hour before I slit their throats, the three missing men mentioned the races over at Cheltenham. Telling me that Mosley liked the look of the place, knowing it had room for lots of people...” She said, swirling the brown liquid in her glass as she handed him the other.

“And?”

“And, the men I shot the other night had papers on it. They said it was going to be the largest rally yet. But I’m sure you’re aware of that right Tommy?” She asked, an edge to her tone.

“What do you mean?” He asked, gulping down the alcohol as she got up.

“I have informants who like to do their research. I know you’ve met with him many times before on business, and of course after his failed assassination. It’s only reasonable to assume he gave you a lead on his future rallies and other meetings. Tell me Tommy...were all of your interactions with him to try to make a truce or to gain information? Since you’re in parliament and all it must’ve been important for some reason right?” She asked, her hand casually reaching for her knife.

“I met with him to gain information. I wouldn’t have came here if it was for a truce. This wouldn’t have been happening if there was one. Out of all people I think you’d know who’s side I’m on.” He said, his eyes darting towards the knife.

“Just thought I’d ask. Can’t have a partner of mine going behind my back.” She said, twirling the knife as she walked towards him.

Thomas tensed slightly as she came closer, pressing her knife to his throat suddenly. Her perfume catching his attention as she pushed it further, knicking his neck lightly before he clutched her wrist and got up, pushing her towards the wall. An excited look overcame her eyes as she chuckled, leaning into the knife a bit as they stared into each others eyes. With a heavy breath Thomas closed his eyes to regain his composure, letting go of her and sitting back down. As she put the knife back in her sheath, she laughed softly and walked past him. His eyes following her to a table where more bloodied papers and a journal were sitting, watching her pick them up and sitting them on his lap with a thud.

“I only have the life of one man on my mind Tommy, so don’t worry. I’m not going to take yours. Although...I’m sure having a grave dug for you would be fairly easy to do around here.” She said smirking.

“You’re insane.” He said, looking at her with skeptical eyes as he placed the pile of papers on the table, wiping away the small trickle of blood down his neck.

“So are you. No one of sane mind goes after Oswald Mosley.” She said.

“Why do you want to kill him?” He asked, looking at the papers. Isla didn’t answer for a moment, sighing as she retrieved a cigarette from her coat, lighting it quickly before speaking.

“Mosley orchestrated a fire that killed my whole family in front of me. I was 20 when it happened.” She said briefly, lifting the arm of her coat up to show him the ragged scar up her arm.

His fingers gently touched the raised skin, his hand finding hers as he studied it. She hated showing people but if she had to trust someone, she figured it could be him, seeing as he was the only other person with enough courage to go after the man who harmed her.

Before he could look any longer, she pulled her arm away, hiding it once again with her sleeve.

“So you’re the one that was left then aye? I remember seeing it in the paper.” He remarked.

“Mhmm. My father tried to stop some of his men from being assholes. So instead of just fucking off somewhere else, they all came by and set fire to the whole house...and the man that was beaten to death the other day was my fathers friend who took me in and helped teach me everything after it happened. And now I’m here...no one to my fucking name.” She said blankly. Flipping through some of the pages she’d gathered.

Thomas sat there as he watched her, her brows focused on her work as she closed herself off. He’d had his fair share of heartbreak and pain, knowing the look all too well. Images of Grace and Lizzie flashing in his mind for a moment until she spoke.

“Didn’t mean to overwhelm you. I don’t get out much.” She said, moving a stray piece of hair from her face as she scanned the pages.

“It’s alright. He’s had a hand in taking some of my close partners. Killed off one of the best hit men I knew.” He said.

“No way. Who?” She asked, closing her journal and looking over at him.

“Aberama Gold...you knew him?” He asked, taking another cigarette out of his pocket.

“Yeah. Taught me how to shoot a couple times when I went on missions.....” She said, staring at the floor for a moment. The crickets and other nightlife chirping over the vast cemetery.

“We have to get him ya know....Mosley’s taken pretty much everyone I’ve ever known.” She said, her excitement at their shared acquaintance fading as she remembered her losses.

“You’re not alone Isla.” He said.

She looked at him with a confused expression, her eyes darting to his.

“We’re partners now, so I wouldn’t consider you alone.” He said.

“Am I paying you? You said in your letter that this meeting was only part of your price.” She said, deflecting his comment and crossing her arms over her chest as her tone turned serious. She had a cold stare that could rival his, making him feel uneasy.

“No. Keep your money.” He said.

“Well then how is that fair?” She asked.

“Now that I’ve met you...I’ve changed my mind. If I were to offer you...I don’t know....a date perhaps...would that work?” He asked.

Isla felt her cheeks heat up in the dark room, looking down desperately to hide her face.

“You’re pretty bold, you know that right?” She asked, getting up to put the papers away in an effort to distract herself.

“I’ve been told that. But you haven’t answered my question...Would that work?” He asked.

“That will work. But on one condition.” She said, watching as he got up.

“What’s that?” He asked, his tired eyes meeting hers from under his peaked cap.

“I’m not talking business while on said date. I think we could both use the break aye?” She asked, a serious expression on her face once again.

Thomas nodded and straightened his coat out, not wanting to leave the odd warmth of the room.

“That’s fair. No business talk. Just...drinking?” He asked.

“Just drinking.” She said, leaving quickly before he could say anything else.

He opened the door and stepped outside, watching as she walked away through the tombstones and into the night, leaving his mind buzzing with questions and his ring finger almost burning as the gold band glistened in the moonlight, reminding him of all he’d lost this time around. With a loud sigh, he ripped the ring off his finger, chucking it as far as he could into the night, finally feeling somewhat free as he made his way back to his car, and to his children.

[moral-turpitudes]

Deal with the Devil: Ch. 8

Trigger Warnings: Swearing, Blood, Knives, Angst, Mentions of Death, Fluff, etc.

Characters: Thomas Shelby x Isla Maxwell (OC)

Word Count: 4,493

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | *7* | 8 | 9 | 10

The next morning, Isla lied there enveloped in the sheets as she slept soundly. It was the first night in years that she’d slept decently, the screams from her family not plaguing her mind for once.

Thomas had woken up an hour before, silently staring at her for a while as she slept. She was menacing yet delicate, and he couldn’t quite put his finger on why she was growing on him. Maybe it was their shared motives? Or the way her eyes sparkled in the moonlight like when they’d first met. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because he’d finally met his match. Someone who would call him out on his bullshit without fear. Someone who made him work for what he wanted. Someone who found it hard to navigate life but figured they’d try anyway. These were all things that ran through his mind as he walked aimlessly around her small room while getting dressed.

While fastening his belt closed, his gaze landed on a picture attached to her mirror, a man and his wife, and two older children sitting under a tree. Their once small wooden house in the distance as their smiles graced the photograph. He gently plucked it from the mirror, running his finger over the dark, burnt edges, and flipped it over to find faint handwriting scribbled on the back that read: “Maxwell Family Photo, Spring of 1919. William (55), Jane (50), Isla (20), and Isaac (15).”

The year 1919 threw him back, as he remembered adjusting to civilian life again after the war. The nightmares of France still fresh in his mind as he battled between them and the business that had been left in his hands. Knowing that in only a couple years his life would change for better, and for far worse. He had been around 29 when all the responsibilities fell on his shoulders, and at that same time Isla had been only 20 as her family burned before her. The scars of both their pasts a painful reminder of what they’d gone through.

But it was now-a whole 10 years later-that he’d finally realized that it hadn’t all been in vain. Maybe he was meant to shake hands with devils and walk past them, just to get to this point. To hold out long enough just to see if he could finally end the one man who harbored so much destruction in him. And to finally meet someone who didn’t need him, even though he needed her.

While lost in thought, Isla’s voice pierced the silence as he rubbed a hand over his face.

“What’d you say love?” He asked, putting the photo back as he walked towards the door.

“I said I couldn’t believe you stayed. Usually any man I’ve brought here leaves by dawn.” She said, putting her robe around her bare body and securing it tightly. Her hair was tousled and her eyes strained from the light in the window.

“Why would I leave?” He asked.

“I don’t know. It’s just something I’ve noticed with others.” She said, getting up and going into her kitchen. She got out two cups and got to work on making tea, mentally slapping herself for even voicing any insecurities.

“Do you not have someone to do that?” He asked, lighting a cigarette.

“Do you not have someone to wipe your own ass?” She quipped back. He smirked and blew out a cloud of smoke in her direction.

“No. I do that myself thank you.” He said.

“Exactly.” She said, smirking while swatting away the smoke.

“Are you always this cranky in the morning?” He asked.

“Are you always this annoying?” She asked back.

After a moment she spoke, waiting for the tea kettle to go off. The awkward tension hanging in the air.

“I don’t particularly like mornings, unless I’ve had tea first.” She said, quickly taking the kettle off the stove as it whistled, and pouring some of the tea in the cups. The steam rising up and filling the air with a sweet aroma.

“Here you go. Now if you’re going to stay here, don’t fuck with anything. I have work to do.” She said, taking her cup into her room while she got dressed. Thomas finished his cup and sat it on the counter, his eyes gazing into her room only to be cut off by her giving him the middle finger and shutting the door. With a smirk, he headed towards her office where his things were, deciding to make himself somewhat presentable. After a few moments he heard her footsteps as they padded along the floor.

“So I’m trapped here till you’re off work aye?” He asked, following her with his eyes as she walked, her emerald green dress getting his attention.

“Yes.” She said, sitting her cup at her desk and looking at the bloodied paper work from the past couple of weeks.

Thomas wandered around the office looking at the books and chain smoking as she flipped through the papers and her journal. Growing antsy at the fact that he couldn’t be at his own office discussing politics or planning missions.

“Is this how you treat all your victims?” He asked, sitting in a chair in front of her desk. He waited for her response, hearing a small sigh escape her lips as she looked up at him from her paperwork.

“My victims don’t make it this far. You’d be tied to a chair naked with your throat slit if you were one, love.” She said, quickly writing something down and closing her journal. She could hear him let out a small laugh at her answer.

“Why do you keep everything in there?” He asked pointing to it. It’s edges worn from the last 10 years.

“I keep track of every letter or important interaction with my connections. It’s just in case I need it to prove something. You never know when this lifestyle will catch up to you.” She said, lighting a cigarette and checking the clock on the wall.

“You’ll get to meet Nick and John by the way. They’ll be here soon.” She said.

“Hmm” he mumbled, reading over the newspaper on her desk. The mention of the name John causing a dull pain in his chest.

“So you killed all these men aye?” He asked, pointing to the papers in a desperate attempt to hide the pain.

“Yes.” She said, getting up to grab her knife.

“You going to kill me now? After all we’ve been through...” He said jokingly.

“No. I was going to practice throwing. Have you tried it?” She asked, twirling the knife as she walked towards him.

“I’m better with guns.” He said.

“Oh, well this is more fun. Watch.” She said, sitting in her chair and aiming for the dartboard on her wall in the distance.

“Normally you’d be standing but I’ve learned to do it sitting over the years. Helps me think while I’m working.” She said, aiming and hurling it towards the bullseye.

“Almost knocked Jays head off the other day. It’s shame I didn’t.” She said, retrieving it from the board.

He smirked as he observed her, mentally noting how she threw it with good form while sitting but even better form while standing, thinking of how she could come in handy when he needed to take down various people at a distance.

“Have you ever hit a moving target with them?” He asked as she picked up another knife.

As if on cue, Nick and John walked in, neglecting to announce themselves once again.

She quickly hit Nick in the shoulder as he walked in and John in the leg, both hits making them yell out in pain.

“To answer your question, yes.” She said walking over to them with hand towels as they struggled.

“Jesus fucking christ boss why’d you fucking knife us?” John yelled.

“I’ve told you both a thousand times to knock before coming in. I have a guest here.” She said, the men followed her gaze to Thomas who was standing with his hands resting behind his back.

“Where’s Jay? He should’ve been here by now.” John asked, shoving the towel onto his leg.

“He betrayed me.” She said. Their faces paled as she looked down at their wounds, getting up to retrieve a sewing kit.

“Drink this cuz it will hurt.” She said, as she stitched their wounds closed. Thomas watched silently from afar as she went about her business.

“If you want to see for yourselves, you can go to his apartment. Me hitting you both was a warning.” She said, her eyes boring into theirs as she lowered her tone.

“Have you both been going behind my back?” She asked.

“N-no...we would never. We’ve just been keeping an eye on things like you told us to.” Nick said, looking nervously at her when she touched his arm, his heart rate increasing as she came closer.

“Next time anyone decides to betray me I’ll do more than just throw a knife at you. Is that understood?” She asked, getting up and throwing the towels in the fire, Nick gazing at her as she walked away.

“Yes ma’am.” They both answered as they composed themselves. Thomas on the other hand was quietly dealing with the noise in his head as her voice snapped him out of his daze.

“Now, I want you to meet Mr. Shelby. He’s the one I’ve assigned you to, as you both know.”

Isla retreated back to her desk as Thomas introduced himself, her mind racing as well but instead of noise, it was over the plans she’d slept on for weeks.

“I’ve called you all here because usually I’d tell you where our next hit was. But today I wanted to discuss our protections in place and the plans for the rally. You see...Jay outed me to a member of Mosley’s party. Therefore, one of his men followed me to Small Heath and tried to attack me all because Jay tipped him off and got a little too acquainted at Mr. Shelby’s shop. For protections sake, I’m going to need both of your all’s full cooperation for this to go smoothly, because I only have you two and our small band of connections left. Is that clear?” She asked, as they sat down at her desk, Thomas standing near her as she stared them down. His gaze settling on Nick as he’d noticed him staring at her.

“Yes.” John said, and Nick nodded along, avoiding her gaze.

“Very well. So, the plan is for you two to continue keeping watch, not so much for information but for protection now. Mr. Shelby and his family may as well be in the same amount of danger as we are so we have to do all we can to keep each other safe. If you suspect something, I want you to contact one of us. I don’t care if it’s by phone this time, just use the payphones around town. Our plan is to then have some of the blinders stand guard here and around where we usually go for business with our clients. This way we can all have someone near at all times. Do you have a problem with that gentlemen?” She asked, lighting another cigarette.

They shook their heads no as she gathered a map and various pages and spread them out on her desk. Thomas quirked an eyebrow as he examined it, wondering how she came in possession of such a thing.

“Good. Now before I let you both go, I wanted to get a plan set in motion for the big rally. What have you both found out so far?” She asked.

“Well uh, it’s been confirmed that he’s having it at Cheltenham. Heard a bunch of those bastards talking about it when we snuck into a meeting the other day. He’s expecting a big turn out, bigger than the previous rally.” Nick said.

“You’re essentially working with him Mr. Shelby, do you think we’d be able to take him out?” John asked.

“We’ll have to. He’ll help bring us into another war if he’s not stopped soon.” He said bluntly, remembering that night when he felt the world crash around his shoulders as he watched men he cared about get stabbed and shot to death amongst the crowd of people, the screams of everyone filling the room as he watched his brother Arthur almost bleed out from behind the stage. The cool metal of his gun grazing his temple as he yelled into the moonlit fields, thinking his only way to end the madness, the heartache, and this insatiable power struggle would be to end it all at once. Luckily, for him and his family he didn’t pull the trigger though, as he realized his time on earth wasn’t quite finished yet.

Isla’s voice pulled him back to reality as she spoke, pointing at the map.

“You worked in the tunnels right?” She asked, her eyes going from cold and calculated to a slight bit concerned as he stood there staring where she pointed.

“I did. Why?” He asked.

“I was telling them that we may need men down below. There’s tunnels used for moving equipment and things so you don’t have to worry about digging. But they lead straight to where the back of the stage is.” She said, pointing to the light outline on the drawing.

“Alright. I’ll have a couple of my men in the tunnels. What about you aye where are you going to be?” He asked.

“Wherever you are.” She said. It pained him to hear her answer, knowing last time he had people following his lead, he watched them die or come remarkably close to it.

“Alright, well what’s the tracks security looking like? Can we get in through the back?” He asked.

“I wouldn’t. They’ll have security there too, we’ve seen it.” Nick said.

“I could work around that...” Isla said, twirling her pen as she cringed at the thoughts flashing in her mind. Remembering a few perilous nights spent trying to get information.

“You don’t have to seduce them.” Nick said, looking down at his hands. His eyes avoiding hers as he swallowed hard.

“I was going to have to resort to it at some point...why not go out with a bang?” She asked smirking.

“Jesus...” Thomas said, rubbing a hand over his tired face.

“What? I know it’s not the best part of the plan but it may be our only shot considering how things went last time.” She said looking at Thomas, never failing to mention how he came just short of killing Mosley himself.

“You don’t know what he’ll do.” Thomas said, putting the last of his cigarette out.

“He doesn’t look like the nicest person boss, I-I wouldn’t risk it. You don’t have to do that.” Nick said softly, his eyes sheepishly looking down as she looked at him.

“I’m doing what I can, don’t worry about me. I’ll use that as my last resort alright? We can’t afford to have anyone slip away. Mosley has around 30 members left here, unless he somehow gains a massive following in the next few days.” She said, her eyes scanning the map and floor plan of the racetrack.

Meanwhile, Nick stole a glance at her, quietly admiring her intelligence. He never told her how he felt, knowing she’d probably chop his head off all the same, but he kept his attraction hidden as he watched with sad eyes as Thomas stood by her, knowing they’d been doing more than writing letters back and forth.

“So...say we actually make it in through the back. What’s the next steps then? Do we just bloody shoot him and resort to her plan if it doesn’t work? It’ll cause chaos if we go in there on a killing spree.” John remarked, breaking the silence.

“Some of the blinders will be in the tunnels, and some will be in the two corners where his followers will enter. The area where his party members will be is the tricky part though because that’s around where all our main targets are. In these documents, they noted where they’ll sit just in case an attempt on Mosley’s life is made again. For this reason, I’m hiring some of my connections to stand in as fascists in the crowd, here.” She said pointing to a slew of seats near the front of the stage.

“When and if things get tense, we’ll have snipers in various areas ready to go. They’ll be setting up the night before to avoid any of his men seeing them. If all goes according to plan, Mr. Shelby will enter with me through the back and you two will follow. After that, it would be wise to wait him out.” She said.

“Why would we wait him out?” Nick asked.

“Because he may be running late.” She said, pulling out his pocket watch from her desk.

“Where the hell did you get that?” Thomas asked.

“Turns out, not only was the man who followed me to the Garrison trying to kill me, he apparently was Mosley’s little errand boy. After rummaging through his pockets I found his watch and a crumpled receipt in Mosley’s name from a repair shop. He’ll probably realize it’s gone and go mad looking for it. In the off-chance that he leaves his room to look for it, this would probably be our best shot at taking him out before it starts....You got rid of that mans body though didn’t you?” She asked, looking up at Thomas.

“Yes. They won’t find a thing.” He said, sitting down on the edge of her sofa.

The men looked at her with bewildered expressions. She herself even doubted her plan slightly, but she was never one for doing things according to plan anyways.

“Look...I’m not saying it’s foolproof, but this could cause a distraction and every second counts. We’ll all be in the same area as Mosley if we get there early. If we can take down some of the members before it starts, we can pick off the lot at random times to avoid suspicion. If we can’t get him before it starts, we’ll wait him out and continue with everyone else. If he starts getting suspicious, I’ll resort to seducing the bastard, but if that fails...we’ll just have to resort to chaos.” She said.

“Did they mention how many of his members will be in the stands watching?” Thomas asked.

“10, that leaves 20 of his other members elsewhere, so that’s where our people come in.” She said, circling Mosley’s dressing room and their point of entry, along with the areas where everyone will be on the paper.

“What if this doesn’t work?” Nick asked.

“Then we’ll die. Just keep an eye out and do your job. If you can take his men out in broad daylight you can surely take some out at night aye?” Thomas said, remembering how he had to reassure people before running through trenches and digging tunnels, the scraping of shovels still playing on loop in the back of his mind.

“Alright...what’s the pay then? We may not even come back from this so it better be good.” John said, crossing his arms in his seat.

“Double what I paid you last time, you’ll also receive a part of Jays last paycheck since he won’t be needing it where he’s going.” She said, putting everything except her map away.

“Really?” Nick asked.

“Does it look like I would lie to you?” She asked, looking him in the eye softly, glancing at both of the puncture wounds on their bodies.

“No ma’am. When are we to meet that day?” Nick asked, getting up from his chair and wincing as he moved his arm.

“It won’t be until evening but I’ll brief everyone around 5 and then we’ll head out at 7.” She said before waving them off. Once the door was shut she sighed in relief.

“Jesus fucking christ this better work...Do you think it’s a stupid plan?” She asked, pouring herself a glass of whiskey.

“Not entirely. I just can’t lose more people.” He said.

“When did you ever care about losing people?” She asked, pointedly.

His eyes met hers in a quick glance, with his jaw clenching as he got up.

“I never wanted them to die you know.” He said, pouring himself a shot.

“Who? Aberama?” She asked, remembering his demise.

“No. All of them. The ones I cared about. If you’d like me to go in order...” He trailed off, taking a swig of the whiskey.

“Please do.” She said, not realizing she signed up for a lecture.

“It started off with my mother, whom I still see in the mirror everyday when I look at myself. Then a woman named Greta whom I loved before the war. And then there were the men in France whom I’d seen blown in half by grenades and buried alive in tunnels...” He said, walking towards her.

“Is that-“ She started to say as he took her hand in his and placed it on his chest. His heart was beating firmly against her palm as he continued.

“After that, my friends who’d served and came back with me passed, then my first wife Grace was killed. Not long after that my brother John was shot, and recently there was our beloved hitman and his son...and almost myself.” He said, his eyes looking at the brown liquid in his glass as he stepped away from her. The reflection of himself reminding him of a monster.

“Thomas...” She said walking over to him and taking his hand slowly.

“I have blood on my hands that I can’t wash off Isla. I can only be of so much use until someone I love dies because of me.” He said, walking over to the window, the daylight streaming in and illuminating the room in a yellow glow.

“You didn’t pull the trigger on them Thomas. You may have planned something for them to do, but you didn’t take their life. You may have been there for some of them when they needed you, but you didn’t kill them, love. You can’t hold yourself to that.” She said, walking up behind him and taking his hand once more.

“I almost shot myself in the fields at my own fucking house. Good thing I didn’t do that aye?” He asked, wiping a stray tear from his face as he turned around.

“I’m glad you didn’t. Who else would I have gone to for help? Who else would I have here with me?” She asked.

“You don’t need me though. You have everything under control here. You don’t need me...” He said, looking into her eyes.

“I may not need you here...but I want you here. There’s a difference.” She said, cupping the side of his face with her hand and gently pulling him to her, planting a soft kiss on his lips.

“What?” She asked, as she saw him smirk as they pulled away from each other.

“I can think of one person who wouldn’t mind having you.” He said.

“Who?” She asked.

“You’re own little errand boy. Nick...if that’s even his real name.” He said.

She smirked and shook her head gently, never noticing until now that he’d been more agreeable than John since she’d hired them, and how he’d never failed her, not once.

“He should’ve said something then. I would’ve had two lovers aye?” She said, giggling as Thomas pulled her closer.

“I’m just joking, he’s great for business, but I only have my eyes on one man...besides Mosley of course.” She said, cringing internally.

“Who’s that?” He said, his hands snaking their way onto her hips.

“You.” She said, kissing him once more before breaking away.

“What are you doing?” Thomas asked as she pulled away, watching her gather things at her desk.

“I’m putting this stuff away because we have to get going. I have to get you back. Your family will think I’ve kidnapped you.” She said, locking her drawer and grabbing her coat and purse.

“I thought I was trapped here.” He said, crossing his arms.

“I’ve changed my mind now that I’ve met you.” She joked, thinking back to their first real conversation.

“I’ll drive you back to your shop. Besides someone like me wanting you, I can only imagine how wanted you are back at home by now.” She said.

“Alright. You know I’ll be back though.” He said, following her out the door.

“I wouldn’t doubt it.” She said, walking hand in hand with him out to her car. The busy street bustling with people as they quickly got in.

As she drove, there was a comfortable silence, the sun streaming in as she coasted along various roads. Both of them lost in thought as she neared his shop.

“Does your family really know what we’re doing?” She asked, before he got out.

“Yes. My family is what makes up this business so they have to know. I’ll be bringing it up tonight, I’ll let you know how it goes.” He said before getting out of the car and walking quickly into the shop. She scanned the road behind her and observed the people milling around the dark muddy streets, hoping none of them were Mosley’s party members. She slowly drove away, her eyes looking through the rear view mirror every couple of minutes as her paranoia grew.

When she neared her apartment, she looked around once more, parking by a pay phone to call her various connections. Knowing one man in particular would love nothing more than to aide in taking out fascists.

“Alfie? It’s “I.” I know you never get calls from me but it’s urgent. I have a plan.” She said, her heart racing as she waited for his gravely voice to roar over the phone.

“Right, so you want me to almost get killed again? To help you and little Tommy out aye? Well...he’s a bit dumb ya know. He’s taken lots of hits to the head over the years. I’ll help you...but I can’t give you all me men, love.” He said.

“I know. I’ll pay you back for taking all those flower sacks last month how about that? I’ll give you the same pay as I would Tommy for all your efforts though, it’s a lot of money.” She said.

“It’s a damn shame he didn’t kill the fucker the first time innit? I guess I’ll accept, but after this I’m going back to Margate, love.” He said, she could hear Cyril barking in the background.

“It’ll work out, I promise. Give Cyril some kisses for me aye?” She asked.

“Alright, say....if Tommy gives you trouble you know where to find me. He’s always been bad with women.” He said.

“Goodbye Alfie.” She said, rolling her eyes as she hung up and made her way home.

As the day gradually came to a close, she sat in her office, racking her brain for how she’d take down his men. She had her gun and a plethora of knives, but as the gears in her mind shifted, she felt she was lacking something bigger. Something that could really make a statement if need be. Something...explosive.

“Shelby Company Limited, this is Polly speaking.” She heard his aunts voice say over the phone.

“I’d like to speak to Mr. Shelby, please.” She said hesitantly, not wanting to reveal her name.

“Who’s calling?” She asked.

“I.” She said quickly, fumbling with the mail in her hand.

“Oh...one moment.” She said, hearing the line buzzing.

At the shop, Polly set the phone down and marched to his office, knocking harshly.

“Come in.” He said, noticing the disapproving look on her face.

“You have a call. I don’t know if it’s some whore you’ve been with or that writer but she said her name is “I.” Sounds awfully suspicious to me.” She said, her patience wearing thin with Thomas ever since her fiancé’s death.

“Put her through, I’ll take care of it.” He said, flicking his hand at her so she’d leave.

“Hello? Isla?” He asked, the phone shaking in his hand as his tremors set in slightly.

“I didn’t tell her anything. Wasn’t sure who to call though. I have a question.” She said.

“Alright? What is it?” He asked, frustrated that he’d been tore away from his work.

“Do you have any machine guns or hand grenades by any chance?” She asked.

“Why in the hell would you need those?” He asked.

“Just in case.” She said, hanging up quickly.

Thomas put the phone down and sighed, knowing he’d have to go to the warehouse instead of straight home.

“Oi! Where are you going?” Arthur asked, walking in just as Thomas prepared to leave.

“I’m going to need your help. Come with me.” He said, taking Arthur by the arm and dragging him out the door.

The two of them walked out of the office, leaving Polly and Michael to their own devices amongst the plethora of workers. Finn had been rarely seen at the shop, constantly running off with girls or doing Johns old tasks when he wasn’t snorting cocaine with Isiah.

“She’s insane Tom. Are you really bringing her machine guns and grenades?” He asked.

“Yes. She’s our only chance at ending this whole thing. I haven’t done all this for nothing Arthur. Tonight I’m holding a family meeting about all of this.” He said as they parked near the warehouse. Charlie and Curly greeted them as they made their way through the piles of dirt and scrap metal to the locked doors.

“About what Tom? Killing Mosley?” He asked, as he picked the lock.

“Mhmm. We have a plan.” He said, shoving the doors open as Arthur sighed, looking around the room they hadn’t been to in months.

[placeholdfm]

a  little  ashamed  of  himself  for  not  finding  the  papers  himself  he  took  them  from  Isla.  She  always  knew  where  he  put  things,  helped  him  in  need  where  he  lacked  -  and  she  always  provided  him  with  words  of  kindness  and  council.  He  appreciated  Isla  a  lot  more  than  he  was  able  to  express  and  sometimes  he  wondered  if  he  took  it  for  granted,  her  way  of  being,  her  calm  and  gentle  nature.  "thank  you"  he  murmured  without  looking  up  at  her,  scanning  the  papers  in  his  hands.  At  the  mention  of  the  estates,  he  nodded  in  agreement  a  frown  growing  between  his  brows  before  he  got  up  from  his  chair,  touching  his  chin  with  his  fingertips.  "I  do  believe  you  have  a  point-"  he  sighed  and  looked  at  Isla,  this  time  trying  to  smile.  "I  would  not  be  surprised  if  they  tried  to  take  more  coin  than  we  would  give,  we  are  after  all  not  from  here  and  know  the  rules  of  how  the  market  works." 

Alastair  noticed  how  Isla  seemed  more  rigid,  perhaps  a  little  upset  over  something.  He  walked  over  to  his  desk  and  picked  up  the  papers  with  the  properties  they  had  been  considering  and  just  looked  at  them  for  a  while,  before  knowing  he  couldn't  continue  before  asking.  "Is  everything  alright  isla?"  he  tilted  his  head  to  the  side,  looking  at  his  cousin  with  as  much  worry  as  he  could  summon.  "You  do  know  you  can  speak  with  me,  no  matter  the  issue."

seeking out her eldest cousin was always something of an inevitability when their temperaments had always mirrored each other's. his company was one she found easy to be in, though it was no lost on her that many others would not feel the same way. finding herself at a loose end that evening ( restless enough that reading held no appeal for once ) and way had been made to the study in the hope that she could be of some use. or at the very least there would be enough to capture her attention that she did not feel so restless. knock was given instead of a greeting, faint smile ghosting over her lips as she entered.

the exact location of the map was unknown to her but her knew her cousin well enough that she could suspect where it might have gotten lost. light fingers ruffle through the papers gently, careful not to upset anything else, before plucking it out and handing it to him. "here." gaze drifted over the papers as she refreshed her memory. "have you given it anymore thought?" perhaps the answer was obvious ( of course he had ) but she wanted to hear his thoughts. "I am not unconvinced by the second one we saw but I think we could do better on the price. I wonder if they are trying to take advantage of us with what they are asking." the latter sentence is said with distaste, loathing that they might be attempting to take them for fools.