Realistic or Modern Gangs of Birmingham - IC Thread [Open & Accepting]

[BasDorcha]

HM Prison Birmingham

- Winson Green, Birmingham, England -​

Penny Fletcher

Time had not been kind to them lately. Everything felt like it was falling apart. Penny and her normal perky and overly cheerful demeanor had shifted into someone a little more quiet, a little more sad, a little more dark. Work had become a requirement she avoided, letting the other women and her hired help handle it as much as possible. Thankfully the business was well established, the employees well trained, and she didn't need to be there daily for it to stay above board. It had been a week since Marco had been arrested and thrown behind bars, and a week since Penny had last had a decent night of sleep. Most of them, she cried herself to sleep for a few hours of restlessness before waking up and doing the same song and dance of getting through the day.

Around her family, Penny has effectively withdrawn. She hadn't spoken to her siblings much since everything came out, and once her heart felt broken, she stopped leaving the house any more than absolutely necessary. Today was the first time since Marco was arrested that she had bothered to leave the house for more than an hour.

Dressed in a somber black dress, hair simply styled, she showed up outside of the facility, staring up at it like it was an imposing force that could stop her from completing her mission. Swallowing down the fear and anxiety she felt at the looming entrance before her, she pushed inside and checked in. Time ticked by until they were brought to a room full of tables with different inmates sat at each one. Looking around, she found Marco with his arms up waving at her, causing her to rush towards him and grab his hands as she slid into her seat. She couldn't help a few lone tears streaking out of her eyes, but she quickly brushed them away, forcing a weak smile onto her face.

"Marco, nothing could stop me from coming, I'll always be here for you." Her voice is a mixture between crushed glass and velvet, somewhere trapped between broken and hopeful. "So don't mention it. How are you? Are you doing alright? Are they treating you okay? If not I can talk to Tony… he has some guys on the inside that can help I'm sure…" She was trying so hard to sound confident, but she really just wanted to burst into tears and wrap Marco's arms around herself, despite knowing she absolutely couldn't.

"Do you need anything? Is there anything I can send for you?" She carefully avoided talking about what was going on outside - he didn't need to know how things were effectively feeling like they were falling apart even more. Penny wasn't stupid, she knew that Marco thought she should let him go, but one thing Marco underestimated about her was that when she gave her heart, it was completely, without reservation and wouldn't be so easily taken back.

 

[ReverseTex]

Chapter 8: Alt. Scene

Ladywood
Birmingham, England
Tuesday 27th January 1976
Early Evening - Cold, Clear Skies, Breezy

neverbackdown

Dr. Richard Finley
​

Since the blowup at his home, Richard wasn’t surprised he hadn’t heard from Robert. He knew managing the damage at home with Caroline would be plenty of strain as is. Plus, he was busy with his own work. Marco’s situation had been organized well enough. He was being relocated to a more secure holding facility, away from Walker influence but not near Norman Fletcher. The odds were high both men would end up in the same system, having committed similar crimes, and he wanted to prolong their reunion as long as he could. On top of that, general city management was increasingly difficult. A recent snowstorm damaged a few underdeveloped housing units, which required city action to fix. Something he learned, but wasn’t surprised to, was how poor the city services were. The repairs were going to take longer than he’d like, which unfortunately was out of his control. Even if he beefed up funding, it would still be ineffective for this project. It seemed patience was the art of this job, and that was always a difficult trait to manage.

With all of the added stress from work and home, he needed a reprieve. Somewhere to clear his head. There was only one place he could properly do that in-town: his childhood neighborhood. His house was long gone, bulldozed soon after he and Robert’s homecoming from the war to make room for government housing units. But the spirit was still there. There were a few people he still knew from his youth that lived there, but not well enough to outwardly visit. It was mostly just a safe space, free of the culture he currently surrounded himself with.

Richard’s instructions were clear to his security team: keep the car parked a reasonable distance away and to let him wander. Despite disagreement, they permitted the order. With the exception of one member of his detail to accompany him. After Gerald’s incident and his less than ideal physical strength, he conceded. If the city was paying taxes for security, then he felt he ought to use it. After work that evening, his plan went accordingly. He brought a change of street clothes to the office. It was best to blend in the area rather than stick out more than he did. With the cool weather, the extra layers would also help with camouflage. He opted for a worn-in leather jacket, sweater, jeans, and an old pair of boots he dug up in his closet.

Presently, Richard strolled the streets he once called home, hands in his coat pocket. There wasn’t much street activity tonight; with the weather, it made sense there weren’t loiters. Minus a few individuals. His eyes darted to the few people who were passing on the streets; some seemed to be going places, others lost in their own world. But one stood out. A brown-haired girl from afar caught his eye; she seemed to be marching at the ground at her feet. “Oi, see that girl?” Richard titled his head slightly to act as a point to his detail. “Noticed her, sure. What of it?” He replied casually. “She looks familiar. I can’t place it from this far yet. Any idea?” The pair were quiet for a moment as they walked, his company trying to piece together any resemblance. “I think I’ve seen her with Tony Fletcher. If so, she’s probably the rowdy one, if I had to guess. Doesn’t look like his wife, and I doubt she’d be here by herself.”

Rory Fletcher? Somehow that didn’t surprise him in the slightest. That girl seemed to beg for trouble just for the hell of it. And certainly in this part of town, she’d find it sooner rather than later. Without warning, he crossed the street preemptively. If she wasn’t up for a chat, then no harm done. But something told him she was seething with emotions she hadn’t experienced nor any idea how to process. And even if she didn’t want it, he wanted to help.

 

[BeyondDandy]

HM Prison Birmingham
- Winson Green, Birmingham, England -

SULLY FLETCHER
​

As word spread throughout the Fletcher family about their mother's infidelity, tensions increased and ties weakened. The fact that their younger sister Rory is actually the daughter of Norman’s bitter adversary, Robert, rather than their father’s was a surprise to Sully and Tony. The betrayal felt intimate, as though a sinister secret had been abruptly revealed, causing a flurry of inquiries to follow: what was their mother's motivation? How long has she been aware? And why not tell Norman, who has been giving his life from behind bars?

Tony asked Sully what he thought of the situation as they entered the prison to deliver the news. "I don't think we should tell him," Sully responded frankly, always cautious of the family's explosive temper. He was aware of the unpredictable nature of their father's rage, which was once uncontrollable and resulted in his incarceration. Sully noticed the growing conflict between loyalty and prudence in both of them when he looked at Tony, who reflected their father's stoicism and underlying strength.

As they went past security, Sully said, "We best be ready to go to war if we do." He imagined Norman's response: the anguish, the roiling rage, and the knowledge that his own wife had deceived him and concealed the truth. Unease evoked just by the concept. Sully was aware that Norman wouldn’t stop until Robert's blood atoned for the betrayal if he discovered Rory wasn’t his daughter. Sully prepared himself as he approach the visiting room. The brothers bore a secret that would either preserve their family's unity or spark a bitter grudge.

---

HM Prison Birmingham
- Winson Green, Birmingham, England -

NORMAN FLETCHER
​

In spite of the shackles tying his ankles to the ground, Norman maintained a respectable stance while sitting stoically on the chilly metal bench with his hands held firmly in front of him. The room was dark and harsh, but his hard eyes were softened by a twinge of pride when he saw both of his boys enter the room together for the first time in years. He gave them one of his rare, controlled smiles, a glimmer of warmth piercing his otherwise expressionless face. He remarked, "My sons, together at last," with a slight lilt from his Irish accent.

Sully and Tony sat down opposite him, each man preparing himself in his own manner. With the exception of the grey hair that was starting to sneak into his dark hair, which was a testament to the years he had spent behind bars, Norman appeared incredibly strong for a guy serving a life sentence. Sully gave Tony a sidelong glance and urged his older brother to speak out. Sully eventually followed his father's advice and went back home after narrowly escaping an ambush planned by London thugs the last time he was there. However, as Russo, his former associate, established himself in their domain, he had brought his problems with him, casting a lengthy shadow over the family.

Sully pondered whether Norman was already aware. His father had a remarkable ability to stay up to date on the most recent events outside of these concrete walls, thanks to a network of contacts and informants. Sully felt disturbed at the prospect; his father possessed almost miraculous foresight, and it was impossible to know how much Norman already knew about the storm Sully had sparked.

Norman broke the stillness by looking at his oldest son, Tony. “It’s good to see you lad. You look strong. Still keeping up with the boxing?” he asked, a smirk curling one side of his mouth. He continued, his grin waning a little when he observed Tony's reserved demeanor. "I rarely get to see you these days," he said.

He turned to look at Sully. His voice grew quieter as he replied, "I'm glad you made it home, son. Seeing you two together like this is good." An old anguish concealed beneath layers of fortitude appeared as a thin shadow on his face.

At last, Norman leaned back and clasped his hands while his eyes darted between his boys. "So," he went on, looking back at Tony with a trace of suspicion in his gaze, "What brings you to see me? These visits are rarely friendly.”

As his query persisted, the tension in the room increased. Norman's intuition was already in motion during the brief hush that followed the two brothers' arrival with news that had the potential to completely upend their father's life. Sully became aware of the seriousness of this conversation and how swiftly it could alter everything as he looked into his father's eyes.

Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

HM Prison Birmingham
- Winson Green, Birmingham, England -

Tony Fletcher​

Tony had thought over his brother' words, even if he didn't respond to them. Sully seemed against telling their father the truth about the affair and Robert being Rory's father. But his brother's apprehension wasn't enough to change his mind on the matter. Tony wished he didn't have to say it and that the truth had never come out to begin with. Instead, the truth was out and it was only a matter of time before it reached Norman. It was better for the whole truth to come from him, rather than his father hear a fragmented or inaccurate version. Not to mention, he wouldn't want to have to explain why he hadn't told him.

Tony was able to grasp onto a moment of ease when he saw how glad his father was to see him and Sully together for once. Sat across from the man, he still saw the strong and powerful father he'd known growing up. Unlike with Marco, he'd never had any doubts about Norman's ability to handle himself and survive prison. "It's good to see you too, Dad," Tony replied, managing a genuine smile for the older man. "I'm still boxing when I can. You know as well as I do that we've got to keep in shape in this game," he lightly remarked, trying to evoke his usual outgoing demeanour. "I'm sorry I ain't been able to get here as much lately. Things have been real busy. This business don't let up for anyone to catch a rest. Moreso than ever right now..." he trailed off.

Tony looked to his brother as their father expressed how glad he was that Sully had returned home. He hadn't been as welcoming when his brother first returned, nor was he particularly happy with him for bringing Russo to their doorstep. But Sully was family and he belonged in Birmingham with the rest of them. Regardless of the past and what he'd brought into their present.

Soon enough, Norman focused back on Tony. Even if there was no deep, underlying meaning between it, the way the man asked why he was there made it feel like he knew something was off. It was likely the existing anxiety that made him hypervigilant, but Tony felt compelled to give a reason for his visit today. A reason that went beyond his simple wish to see his father.

Tony knew what he had to say could trigger a whole host of upset from his father. It could threaten to cause even more instability in an already volatile situation back home. But he had to be honest. It had to come from his mouth rather than his father find out the truth from someone who had no right to speak of it.

"Rory and I..." Tony began, averting his eyes downwards as his voice weakened. Catching himself, he cleared his throat and lifted his head to meet Norman's gaze. "I have to tell you something and for the love of God, I need you to stay calm," he practically begged his father, his eyes briefly scanning the room to see what he imagined were prison guards just itching for some action in their dull lives. "Okay, so I'll cut straight to it. Rory and I spoke with Robert Walker a few days back," he said, his confidence returning to his voice, even if his speech was moving slightly faster than normal. "After the bloke had helped Rory and me out too many times to ignore, we got suspicious about his motives.... For fuck's sake!" he bitterly hissed at having to be the one to tell his father. "We found out that back in the early fifties, Mum and Robert had an affair." Maintaining eye-contact with Norman, he opted to say the rest before the man could react and prevent him from saying it whilst he was in the moment. As he spoke he ran his hand over his hair in agitation. "And Robert is Rory's biological father," he added, emphasising what he deemed an important word. Norman was her real father, in his eyes. Blood or not.

BeyondDandy (Sully, Norman)

 

[BasDorcha]

The Walker Residence

- Edgbaston, Birmingham, England -​

Vinny McConnel

The sky outside was a deep purple and blue, the stars just starting to pop out of the growing darkness. Twilight was always Vinny's favorite time of day. As the cool air nipped at his skin, he lifted a cigarette to his lips and took a long drag. On his exhale, the smoke drifted up and shaded his eyes from view for a few seconds, causing his to swipe it away with his hand. Things inside the house were tense to say the least. The news of everything had made its way to Vinny through one means or another, and it had left the man with a lot to think about. Rory was a daughter of the Walker's, not the Fletcher's as everyone had always believed. What did that mean for him? Did he have to like her now? Did he have to treat her the way he treated all the Walker's? Yet the girl had grown up in the scummy layer of Fletcher's household - didn't that make her as bad as them?

For now, he would just not respond to any of it. Silence had a way of drawing out the correct responses, guiding him to make more informed decisions. At this moment in time, it didn't concern him what was going on with Rory as she hadn't yet been made his problem. When the time came, he'd figure out how to handle it, just like he always did. Besides, there was plenty more issues to deal with, although Vinny himself was not directly involved in any of it. He was always a silent bystander in things that went on in the house, a proven person capable of keeping anything and everything he heard to himself. Thing's with Caroline were not going well, and Vinny had turned on the charm to max around her, trying to keep her spirits up. It wasn't that he cared whether or not she was happy, but if he could help with the missus, then the boss stayed happy and therefore he stayed employed.

Snubbing out his cigarette, he threw the butt in the trashcan before heading in through the backdoor to the kitchen. As a familiar figure in the house, he quickly saw himself to the office. He discussed things as normal with Robert about what to expect in coming days. When Robert asked him to keep him from killing the lad, a dark look glittered in Vinny's eyes, though his mouth formed an amused smile and he nodded, laughing lightly. "You got it boss. I'll make sure to step in and keep him from bleeding out at the very least." He winks at Robert and props an elbow on each seat of the chair he's in, templing his fingers over the gap. "Oh, it was not anything to tell really. I'd gone down to Scott's for a few drinks and ran into him and Jackie. We had a bit of a boy's night. I think I upset Jackie, though I'm not really sure how. In any case, whatever it was I said, he decided he needed to take a swing at me for it. Obviously I handled it without any issues," What he wasn't saying: I didn't kill him, I didn't cause a scene, and I didn't hurt him either. "Me and Scott called it a night and Scott helped him home as far as I know. I left with different company."

More of what he didn't say: Scott, Jackie and Vinny had actually settled into a bit of a boys night after the initial spark of fire. Jackie had moments where he was too buzzed to remember to hate Vinny and he was fine, only to come back around a few moments later jealous, petty, and ready to spit venom. Vinny let it all roll off his chest. None of it bothered him, and the more it didn't bother him, the more it irritated Jackie that he didn't seem to care. Vinny didn't just act like he was better, he knew it and it comfortably protected him from giving into Jackie's barbing all night, while he continued to deliver his own with comments meant to go over Jackie's head, flirting with Stacy, and failing to get super drunk. How he managed that was his secret.

When him and Scott had finally decided they were done, Jackie got pissy that Vinny still hadn't taken the bait and had wasted his whole night on the one person he hated for nothing. When his temper tantrum turned into refusing to leave and Scott was having to forcefully guide him out, Vinny stepped in to help as well. The moment they were out the door though, Jackie had used it as an opportunity to sucker punch Vinny. It was simple to dodge, but he didn't. He let it hit. After all, he just gave him an excuse to knock the crap out of him, it was a small price to pay. Instantly, he used the moment of impact to crack a punch in return right on Jackie's jaw. For a few moments they scuffled, Vinny holding back just enough to make it look like a fair fight between drunken friends, before Jackie finally called it quits and threw up his hands, walking away in anger. Vinny acted like nothing happened after he smoothed out his clothes and put his jacket back on, returning inside to bring Stacy home with him. He left her house by day break and was back at work by nine the next morning.

Vinny replays the night in his mind. Yup that was exactly how it happened.

"I think he just wants to prove himself. He doesn't understand how I earned my spot with you because he's never been made to do anything that can cost him his life. But I can handle him. Maybe it'll give him something to strive for, having a rival male to keep trying to surpass." Vinny's unfocused eyes slipped for a moment as he thought about how he could continue to fuck with Jackie for a long time as he had no intentions of leaving the Walker business any time soon. Could he eventually break the man? Could he fix him? Realizing he fell into thought he waves it off. "But what do I know."

 

[neverbackdown]

Ladywood
Birmingham, England

Victoria "Rory" Fletcher
​

Saying Rory was a mess would be an understatement; despite her siblings’ constant reassurances that she would always be a Fletcher, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being an outsider, a stranger in a life that now felt false, her sense of identity in pieces. She had been too angry to speak to her mother on the phone and so she had allowed Tony to relay what they had been told by Robert and unfortunately their mother confirmed it all as true.

Since that night, Rory had grown more reckless; the anger she’d worked to contain for the sake of advancing in the family ranks could no longer be restrained. Her actions had been far from admirable, but she didn’t care—she didn’t want to feel or think, and she had always found violence had a way of silencing those emotions. Staring at her bloodied, bruised hands, Rory realized it was time to face reality before her rage led to something she couldn’t take back.

Rory arrived at Tony and Julia's house late in the afternoon, hoping to talk things over with them both and to find a way out of the anger but what she hadn’t expected was to hear that Tony and Sully had gone to see their father. They’d discussed telling Norman the truth about her parentage before he found out from someone else and so this wasn't as though they had blind sighted her but she still wasn't comfortable with the whole thing and had not expected it to be this soon. Despite Tony’s reassurances that it wouldn’t change how their father saw or felt about her, she still felt sick to her stomach at the the thought of them telling her favorite person that she wasn’t truly related to him.

Ignoring Julia's pleas and anxious tone, Rory bolted from the house and quickly took off down the street far from their area and subconsciously towards a more seedy part of town. Her heart pounded, her legs felt like lead, and her head spun with the thought that Norman—the man she had always admired—might disown her. It broke her heart to imagine no longer being “daddy’s little girl.” All she’d ever wanted was to make him proud, and now she faced the possibility of losing him entirely. Lost in a daze of her emotions and thoughts Rory walked with purpose but no direction, only looking up to check her surroundings after spotting a figure approaching from her left.

Rory's fists clenched at her side as she looked around, realizing that she had subconsciously wandered into Ladywood, an unsavory location she often frequented as a teen when looking to express her anger. A fight was exactly what she needed right now, a release from her emotions and fears and, by luck, here came an unsuspecting idiot heading straight for her, practically gift-wrapped for a brawl.

But as the figure drew closer, she recognized him. Richard. Her fists slowly unfurled, a sigh escaping her lips—so much for her fight. She noticed the man standing a bit behind Richard, his security no doubt, before her attention swiftly turned back to Richard. Although she’d been furious with him only a few nights ago and the insensitive way that he had imploded her life, she found she didn't have the same anger towards him now. Whilst it took time but she did accept that his intention was not malicious rather it was just his way, straightforward and without frills, an aspect that Rory herself did appreciate.

"Wouldn't expect to find you in an area like this" she remarked as he approached her.

**********
Int;-
ReverseTex - Richard

Mentions;-
Misty Gray - Tony
BeyondDandy - Norman & Sully

 

[neverbackdown]

The Platinum Lounge
- Birmingham City Centre, Birmingham, England -
Natalie Smyth
(Alias; Mia Wilson)
​

Sitting beside Dylan, Natalie listened intently as the son and father duo spoke about business, chiming in when appropriate but her mind was currently on her own mission of the night, to seduce Scott Ashworth. She’d done her homework on him and knew he’d be an easy mark, especially given his reputation as a womanizer. When Aidan turned his attention to her, a sly smirk crossed Natalie’s lips. She picked up her champagne, finishing it in one swift sip before setting the glass on the table and standing. “Oh, don’t worry—this’ll be a piece of cake,” she replied confidently. “I’ll see you boys later,” she added, casting them a final glance before strolling out of the lounge and through the door.

It didn't take long for Natalie to reach The Platinum Lounge, pausing outside, she took a deep breath, letting herself slip fully into character as she removed her jacket, revealing the skintight dress beneath. She knew that Scott would be watching everyone walking in and decided it to be easier to get his attention right from the start just incase his attention was pulled elsewhere between her entrance and being seated.

With her head held high and an air of confidence surrounding her, Natalie pushed the door open and strutted inside, adding a subtle sway to her hips as she walked. She adopted a somewhat reserved expression, as if she were not entirely open to interaction, aware that unattainable allure often drew the most interest. Ignoring her desire to look around, Natalie kept her focus straight ahead as she approached the hostess stand "Hi table for two under Mia Wilson". The Hostess quickly scrolled through her list before confirming the name and bringing Natalie to a table close to the bar. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her target standing close by but maintained her focus, thanking the hostess as she took her seat. Let the hunt begin.

After a few moments, a waitress approached to take her order. Natalie smiled but couldn’t help glancing toward the door, allowing a small frown and a hint of desperation to momentarily cloud her features. She quickly returned her pleasant smile, regaining her composure. “A Manhattan, please,” she requested. The waitress noted her order before gesturing to the seat across from Natalie. “And would you like to order for them?” she asked. Natalie looked back at the door, her expression deflating. A defeated sigh escaped her lips as she shook her head. “I don’t think they’re coming, so just the Manhattan for now, please, I might as well enjoy myself” She said softly, as if not wanting to be overheard. However, she made sure her voice was just loud enough for Scott, who was standing within earshot, to hear.

**************
Int;-
Misty Gray - Scott

 

[neverbackdown]

Horizon Lounge
- Westside, Birmingham, England -


Dylan Jones

​

As Natalie walked away, Dylan found himself lingering on her retreating figure for a moment before his father’s voice drew his attention back. He couldn’t deny that Natalie was a striking woman, and the relatively small age gap was something he had considered from time to time. But he wasn’t foolish; he understood the risks of mixing business with pleasure. Natalie was a huge asset to the Jones family, and with her on their side, he had no doubt they would finally achieve their goals. He was determined not to jeopardize that by putting himself in what could easily become a complicated situation and besides he knew his father would destroy him if he managed to mess this up.

Almost mirroring his father, Dylan leaned forward and took a sip of his Negroni, placing the glass down before resting his hands on his knees. "Right, so in terms of the Walkers, the youngest is Thomas. From what I can gather, he’s extremely sarcastic and, by all accounts, quite intelligent. However, he apparently lacks the capacity to focus on anything for long. I’ve even heard people describe him as a ‘bouncing child,’” Dylan said, shaking his head with clear amusement at the notion of the youngest Walker. "He's not involved in the family business and doesn't seem to know much about it but sources say he wants to get involved but I'm honestly not sure He seems to be pretty weak though but maybe not easily manipulated. However his cousin Jackie is a whole other story, a reckless idiot who actually brought Thomas into the Fletchers pub to try and start a fight with them. Rory Fletcher kicked his ass apparently. He seems to have a strained relationship with Robert but also is constantly out of his head on drugs and drink, I honestly don't know if he's ever been sober. The second youngest, Diana, is away from Birmingham at the minute and then that leaves Alfie and Felicity who are both involved with Russo so no use there".

Dylan reached down to grab his glass, taking a drink as he allowed his father time to absorb the information he had just shared. After a moment, he shifted his focus, ready to move on to the next family in question. After a long sip, Dylan placed his Negroni back onto the table and turned his attention back to his father.

"Rory is the youngest of the Fletcher's and she seems to be a proper handful, most of the men I spoke to are either afraid of her or have been beaten up by her, apparently she can take punches as well as she gives them, pretty violent by all accounts and proper loves a good fight" he mused "she's pretty involved at a low enough level but will get higher in the family once she gets that temper in check but at the minute she runs the pub and does lower level shit and some enforcer stuff. She's well protected by her family and she's definitely treated like the youngest by her siblings. Her and Tony are very close think Tony basically became a father figure after their dad got locked up. Penny is the second youngest and is the complete opposite of her family, you'd not know she was a Fletcher , she was dating Marco from what I can tell and she's a nurse but not involved in the family business, well informed I believe though and she is a Fletcher so I say she does have a bite to her if pushed then that leaves Sully and Tony as Sammy seems to be away from Birmingham with their mother".

Once again Dylan allowed a moment for the information to sink in and took the time to take another sip of his drink before a thoughtful look played on his expression "There's something weird going on though apparently something happened with Rory and she's been on a bit of a violent streak the last few days been in fight after fight, people are putting it down to her father but then apparently the Walkers are somehow connected to it too. John heard Rory and Robert's names pop up in one of the walker's pubs in a conversation between close ties to the Walker family but John couldn't get the context so whatever that is about is being kept very hush hush at the moment"

***********
Int;-
Misty Gray - Aidan

 

[ReverseTex]

Ladywood
Birmingham, England
Tuesday 27th January 1976
Early Evening - Cold, Clear Skies, Breezy

neverbackdown

Dr. Richard Finley
​

“No one ever does, precisely why I come here.” Richard replied warmly. “You’re welcome to join. From the looks of it, it looks like you could use a calm walk to clear your head.” He nodded to his side to invite Rory to join his stroll. Immediately, his bodyguard dropped back, out of earshot from the two but close enough to intervene if-needed. “This is where I grew up, you know?” He started, tucking his hands in his coat pockets to keep them warm. “My shabby little house is long gone, but I like to come here from time to time to remind myself of where I started. Plus, no one tends to bother me here. Great place to come for some peace and quiet.” He explained. His success story was well-known, but he had a feeling Rory didn’t know he was from this level of a slum.

“I apologize for the other night.” He decided getting straight to the point would be the best way to go about this. Other than this instance, he barely knew anything about his niece by technicality. “Robert and I had a row before you two came over, and him dancing around the subject rubbed me the wrong way. I just wanted to get it in the open. Easier problem to address when it’s on the open rather than behind closed doors.”

He paused, allowing the silence of their footsteps to fill the air for a moment. With his poor leg, it was a struggle to keep her pace. But these days, he needed the challenge. “I know we aren’t well acquainted, but maybe that’s what you need. Someone who doesn’t really know you… So Rory, what’s been on your mind?” He asked earnestly.