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

[neverbackdown]

Horizon Lounge
- Westside, Birmingham, England -

Dylan Jones
​

Dylan leaned back in his chair, focused on his father as he spoke. He stayed quiet, nodding here and there to show he was listening. As he absorbed his father’s thoughts, Dylan started to piece together ideas, weighing what might create the most chaos for the Walkers and Fletchers and what could bring the greatest advantage to their side.

"I think Thomas could definitely be a weak spot, but honestly, I’d bet more on the nephew," Dylan said, thinking out loud. "Getting to Thomas might push Robert in the direction we want since he’s the youngest and all, but Jackie... he could tear things down from the inside. Then again," he added with a shrug, "the guy's a liability himself, so who knows if he’d even be up to the task or at the very least be trusted to do anything right."

The mention of Rory made Dylan sit forward in his seat. "By all accounts, you won't get anywhere near the Fletchers without taking her out of the equation," he said. "So, I do think knocking the wind out of her could be a smart move, might even be necessary. Plus, it’d send a strong message to Tony. The baby sister? I’d say he’d play right into your hand if she’s on the line." Even suggesting hurting a girl made Dylan feel uncomfortable, the words leaving his mouth feeling foreign. He wasn’t the type of man to raise his fists to a woman, or even threaten one, especially not someone younger than himself. But in this world, he knew there were times when playing dirty was necessary, and he was all too aware of that reality. Given the life Rory led, and the stories Dylan had heard, it was clear that she was no stranger to this harshness. She was more than prepared for it.

As his father signaled for new drinks, Dylan finished his cocktail and set the glass back down on the table. He bit his lip, considering the question his father had just asked. It was the same question that had been gnawing at Dylan's mind since he found out the information, and yet no matter how many times he turned it over, he couldn't make sense of it. He shrugged as he looked at his father.

"I honestly don't know," Dylan admitted. "Robert seems to keep protecting her in some way. Apparently, she roughed up one of his guys and still walked away with her gun and as you said got her out of jail. There's something fishy going on there." He leaned back slightly, the thought lingering in his mind. "I keep coming back to some kind of family secret... maybe they’re related somehow? But that’d be ridiculous, right?" he asked as he looked at his father again wondering if he would laugh at his assumption but it was the only reason he could think that Robert would be protecting the youngest child of his enemy.

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

 

[neverbackdown]

Ladywood
Birmingham, England

Victoria "Rory" Fletcher
​

Rory listened intently as Richard spoke. If she were honest, she had expected him to side with Robert—to tell her that Robert was her father, that he loved her, and that she should just accept it. So when Richard instead confirmed that the news hadn’t changed anything and that her family was still the Fletchers, Rory was caught off guard but nodded in response nonetheless.

She let him speak without interruption as they walked side by side. Noticing that Richard seemed to struggle slightly with their pace, Rory subtly slowed her steps, making the adjustment as inconspicuously as possible, knowing that the headstrong man beside her would probably not be impressed that she had slowed down for him.

"Yeah, Tony has always had my back, and my siblings assured me they don’t see me any differently, but..." She rubbed the back of her neck, her voice trailing off. "I don’t know, I just don’t feel like myself anymore." she released a small sigh "I don't think my dad is the type to just throw someone away but this isn't a normal situation, I'm his enemies daughter from an affair .. I'm just afraid of being blamed for something that wasn't even my fault"

When Richard brought up the new family she’d gained, Rory gave a soft nod, keeping her thoughts on wanting nothing to do with the Walkers—and the filthy blood she now shared with them—to herself. What she hadn’t expected, though, was for Richard to essentially claim her as his niece. Her eyes widened slightly at his words before she quickly pushed down her surprise.

“But you barely know me,” she said, surprise evident in her tone, though she quickly tried to move past it. “Thank you, Richard. I do really appreciate it and you’re good to talk to,” she added, a soft smile playing on her lips. Maybe, out of all her new family, Richard might be the one she actually let in.

She fell silent for a moment, biting her lip as she mulled over her thoughts. Then, a small twinkle of amusement sparked in her eyes. “I presume Robert has told his family,” she mused, turning her head to look at Richard again. “How did they take it?”


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

 

[ReverseTex]

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

neverbackdown

Dr. Richard Finley
​

“It’s earnest. Whatever you need, don’t hesitate to ask.” Richard simpered. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel isolated from either family, especially the Fletchers. Her place was with them, despite her biological relationship to Robert. He loved his brother dearly, but he knew the ship long sailed to raise her. In his mind, an amicable relationship would be a realistic outcome. But at this point, Rory was far from ready for that.

When asked about Robert’s action, he nodded. “As far as I know, they’re aware.” He remarked. “I’ve been so busy these days and so have the kids, so it’s hard to keep up with who knows what. But I don’t think you have much to worry about. Felicity likely took the news the hardest, knowing how she felt after other affairs came to the surface. But otherwise, I reckon they’ll be more upset at him than you.”

Secretly, he was grateful they slowed pace. It was difficult to readjust his poor leg to normal life. Part of him wished he took the doctor's recommendations, investing in a nice walking cane. But part of him felt demoralized already. Age was just a number, sure, but he never expected to live this long. In his mind, he was meant to die back in the war. Anything after was bloody bonus...

“I understand that feeling. You said you don’t feel like yourself.” Richard circled back. “I’ve struggled with it my whole life. From after my time in the service, to finding my way afterwards, and now being the mayor. I never did any of it for myself, and the personal sacrifices I have to make to do a good job drain you a bit. I’ve had to jeopardize a lot to be able to lay my head down at night and say with confidence I’m not leaving the city worse off than I found it.” His strain with Robert immediately came to mind, then the looming one with Caroline. “For me at least, I’ve found comfort in accepting that’s just how life goes. You’ll feel like yourself some days, and others you’ll feel a bit off.”

“But in your case, like you said, it's completely out of your control. You can’t blame someone for something you didn’t do. Will you take some flak for it? Sure. Any bastard would. But you’re a scrappy girl; I reckon you’ve dealt with much worse.” The wry tone alleviated some of the stress from his personal remarks.

In the distance, the rows of flats shifted into shops and various worn-down businesses. The idea of a pub sounded splendid right now, simply to give his leg a break and to ease some of Rory’s tension. “Let’s say we stop in that pub. Eh? On me. I’m sure we can find a seedy table in the back to conspire.” He joked. With his current status, such an establishment would be off-limits for him. But he’d fight his security detail on this. He wouldn’t stop living his life how he wanted to for the sake of safety.

 

[BasDorcha]

HM Prison Birmingham

- Winson Green, Birmingham, England -​

Penny Fletcher

Penny couldn't help a little laugh when Marco had the exact reaction she expected him to have. The choking response to finding out Rory was a Walker was not small by any means and the shock was authentic. It was pretty much the same reaction all of them had when they found out. A sigh escaped her lips. How was Rory doing? She wasn't exactly sure, she hadn't really spent a lot of time with her since finding out - to be honest, since Marco had gone to jail, she hadn't spent a lot of time with anyone in her family. She had been staying home, avoiding people like the plague. She hadn't seen her mother and she hadn't spent time with her siblings except a few moments here and there.

"Rory is trying her best… but she's always been Dad's biggest fan you know? So I imagine it is much rougher for her than she is letting on. If it were me, I'd be feeling so many things right now, I would probably explode. I don't know how to help her either. Apparently back in the days of infinite youth for my parents, Robert and mom had a little… dalliance. Mom was Carolines best friend you know, before all the fighting began. Anyways… it's all out now, for both sides.
Everyone is still feeling the aftershocks of it all."

She listened as he told her about how her family was his and it brough a small but real smile to her face. For a moment everything felt normal, as normal as it could in any case. Penny's eyes watched him, soaking in what little bit of time she was going to get to have with him. There was no telling what was coming in the future any more, nothing was certain. She would have to take it a day at a time, and hope that if they were meant to be together it would work out. She was reminded at this moment of how she felt and how deep it ran, and she prayed that things would find a way to get better.

"I'm alright. Thankfully the drama is happening around me for the most part, and I've been able to dodge having to be the center of attention so far. I've been taking some time away from work, letting the girls handle it. Just been spending a lot of time away from everything, taking some time to be still." She wouldn't tell him that she was depressed and avoiding being around people all together. She wouldn't tell him that she hadn't been to work because dealing with people had gotten to a point where it drained all her energy. She was so worried - about her mom, her brother, her sister, her boyfriend. Was any of it directly affecting her? No, not yet. But it still was hitting her hard. But Penny couldn't help feeling like she had no right to complain or feel as badly as she was. It wasn't justified.

She wasn't the one who found out her father wasn't her father. She wasn't the one who had kept a secret this big from everyone in their family for decades. She wasn't the one dealing with an underworld business and everything that entailed and she certainly wasn't the one who was locked in this building for god knows how long. What right did she have to whine.

Shaking the thoughts from her head, she squeezed Marco's hand, meeting his eyes. "She is now, has always been, and always will be Rory. My sister. Don't doubt that for a second, darling. I love her just as much as I always have. I just wish I knew how to help. I feel useless. I'm no good to anyone right now. I can't make things easier for Rory, or help Tony with the business problems. I'm angry at my mother for keeping secrets for so long from all of us, and I miss you so much. I'm angry that you're in jail for.." Penny stopped, sighed, then continued, "but… I'll be okay. I just need to figure out how I can make myself useful. Maybe that'll help." She swallowed and gave him a small smile, trying to convince him or maybe herself that she believed what she was saying.

Misty Gray - Marco

 

[BeyondDandy]

HM Prison Birmingham
- Winson Green, Birmingham, England -

NORMAN FLETCHER
​

When Tony mentioned Penny and her new relationship with Marco, Norman Fletcher, who had always been a man of few words when it came to his feelings, laughed. Norman's normally grizzled visage softened with a rare smile as he said, "My God, that poor girl." “She always had wanderin’ eyes, didn’t she?” He shook his head, amused by the idea of Penny—quiet, sweet, and reserved—being charmed by Marco of all people. She’d always been the Fletcher sweetheart, the one Norman had tried to shield from the darker parts of their world. He thought her too pretty, too pure, for the violence and vice that followed the Fletcher name.

But the levity didn’t last.

Tony's voice sharpened and his tone changed as he pressed forward with a question that had obviously been bothering him. "When did you find out the truth? And how? And why didn't you say anything in all this time?!” The final inquiry caused his voice to rise, and Norman noticed for the first time a hint of something more than curiosity—resentment, possibly even treachery.

Norman sat back in his chair and glanced past Tony to the guard standing close by, his face unreadable. The guard raised two fingers in response to his whispered request for a time update, and he saw that there were two minutes remaining. Norman groaned and turned back to his kid.

“I found out after Rory was born,” he began, his voice steady but tinged with an undertone of frustration that he worked hard to suppress. “It wasn’t somethin’ I went lookin’ for, lad. It just… happened.”

After pausing, as though considering how much to say, he went on. “You remember those days—how much time I spent at the pub. Always there until nine or ten, takin’ care of business. It was routine, like clockwork. Your mother knew it. But after Rory was born, I started thinkin’ maybe I should have been more of a family man. Come home earlier, sit down for dinner every once in a while. So, one night, I decided to surprise your mother. Left the pub early.”

When Norman remembered the memory, his jaw tensed. “When I got home, I saw your mother leavin’ the house. Thought it was odd, so I followed her. She went to see him—Robert.” His voice was low, but he practically spat out the name. “And she had Rory with her. Why would she take my daughter to see him, unless…” Lifting his hands in a motion that suggested the answer should be clear, he trailed off.

With his mind scrambling to comprehend what he had just heard, Sully sat in stunned stillness. Norman softened his voice and leaned forward. “It was chance, lad. Pure chance I found out. I had my suspicions before but that sealed it. But that doesn’t matter now. All that matters to me is that my children—Rory included—are well off. She’s still your sister, and you’d do right by rememberin’ that.”

To indicate that they had one minute remaining, the guard moved forward. Norman’s demeanor shifted, the fatherly warmth replaced by the calculating precision of a man who once commanded respect in the underworld.

“Before I go, listen carefully, Tony. I need you to do somethin’ for me. There’s a new face in Birmingham—an American. Don’t have a name yet, but whatever the hell he’s sellin’ is makin’ its way into this prison. Now, I don’t care what’s happenin’ out there unless it starts to mess with my business. And this? This is messin’ with my business. Find out who it is and put a stop to it.”

In preparation for escorting Norman back to his cell, the guard moved to remove the ankle restraints. Norman stood, adjusting his prison-issued clothes as if they were his old tailored suits. He gave Tony one last glance before turning to go.

“Tell your sisters I love them,” he said, his voice softer now. “And you and Sully—don’t be strangers. I’ll see you lads.”

Norman's remarks hung heavy in the antiseptic prison visitation room as he left. Sully sat there, caught between the truth that had just been revealed and his father's wish. Despite being a man bound by bars, Norman Fletcher's influence and secrets continued to have a lasting impact on his family.

Sully turned to his brother, still trying to absorb all the information their father had just divulged. “He’s talking about Russo innit? Tony, what are we going to do?!”

Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

HM Prison Birmingham
- Winson Green, Birmingham, England -

Tony Fletcher​

Hearing how Norman had stumbled on the truth about Robert being Rory's father brought home just how long the man had known. It had all been by chance, yet somewhere in that moment he'd seemingly decided to keep it a secret. A secret from Dorothy that he knew and also keep the truth from everyone it affected ever since. Tony knew he would need time to figure out how he felt about Norman lying to them. In his own head, he wasn't sure he would stay quiet if Julia had do the same to him, but he knew better than to cast judgement on his father without thinking it all over.

Tony held back from saying anything further, instead nodding in understanding. They didn't have nearly enough time for all of the questions he had and he didn't want to end the visit badly. Besides, Norman drew him in for a request. A lump formed in his throat at mention of who he was certain was Russo. Hearing the American's business was reaching the prison piled even more pressure on Tony. It was bad enough trying to resolve the issue out on the streets, but now he had his old man on his back about it too. "Hey, we--" Tony began, but was cut short from telling Norman more when the guard approached. "We'll sort it," he simply assured his father.

After their father was led away, Tony slumped down in his seat. The visit had left him feeling just as troubled and uncertain as before. Even the reassurance that Marco would be looked after didn't do much to lift his spirits. He hadn't corrected Norman's assumption that he'd ordered the hit on Charles and he knew he'd need to cover their backs somehow before his father realised. Still, the way Tony felt in that moment, it hadn't been as though Norman had set a good example by lying to everyone about Rory for so long.

Tony met his brother's gaze, seeing Sully was clearly troubled like himself. "Yep. He's on about Russo. And I don't fuckin' know what to do. Everything's falling apart and I don't know how to control it," Tony let out a deep sigh. "All I know is... We've got to keep working with the Walkers if we stand a chance at fixing this. We need that wanker, Robert's, help. Whether Dad like it or not."

BeyondDandy (Sully, Norman)

 

[BasDorcha]

The Walker Residence

- Edgbaston, Birmingham, England -​

Vinny McConnel

It was so… so very simple. Really, it was too simple. Jackie was as easy to get to as a kid. There was no challenge in instigating him. He watched as his reaction hit the man, and with Roberts eyes on Jackie's outburst, his grin turned down right demonic for the briefest flash. He had succeeded in pushing the man into another childish outburst without the slightest effort. If it were just the two of them he would be laughing in Jackie's face right now. Instead he kept his face calm, unaffected, professional. Jackie would never succeed at getting Vinny ruffled and off balance. He watched the man with mild interest, nodding when he spouted off about not peeing in a cup.

He waited - Robert would handle him just fine. It didn't take a genius to realize that Jackie was on drugs. He was jumpy, his nose looked like someone had smacked him in it, his eyes blown wide. When Robert sat up straight, he knew what was coming and kept his form relaxed and waited to enjoy the ass chewing Jackie was about to receive. Robert went on to call Jackie out on every point he made - the drugs, Charles, his place in the business. Then he went on to tell him exactly what he could expect and how he was lucky to even be getting a chance. Vinny agreed of course, because he would not give Jackie a chance if it was his call.

When Robert's attention rounded on him he never even flinched. He nodded. "Of course, boss. I will make sure this is taken care of and we get to work quickly." He turned back to Jackie, a business like smile on his face. "I need a few days to get things situated, so I'll call you when I'm ready to get things started. That should give you plenty of time to get your… affairs in order." With that he turned back to Robert and gave him his full attention. "I think we can make this a good experience, so don't worry about it. I'll take care of everything. With some time, I'll return him to you a new man." He smiled again, adding confidence to his statement.

"Was there anything in particular you'd like me to start preparing him for in the future? A specific role, or duty assignment?"

 

[BasDorcha]

The Vixen

- Birmingham City Centre, Birmingham, England -​

Alfred Walker

Felicity finally dropped her guard some, seeming to realize he was really on her side. Had he had an easier life as a male in this family? Sure, but that didn't mean that he had it super easy either. Or rather, he had it so easy, it was like he wasn't important at all in his family. It felt like he was just a spare part, waiting to be used - and now his dad was doing just that. Everyone born after Charles was expected to play their part the same way Charles was, and damn the fates if you wanted to do something different. Alfie had never considered being in the family business like this, but here he was, right where his father wanted him.

"Yeah, yeah, I got Dad's weakness for women, but at least I don't lead them on and lie to them." The words slipped out of Alfie's mouth before he could stop it. He cleared his throat and looked down, realizing he had brought up the other major truth that had come out recently. "Judge me all you want, but lately…" He trailed off, his mind shifting to Bonnie. A smile slid across his lips, eyes seeming to stare into the distance. For a brief moment he thought about where she might be right now, and how she was probably getting the girls ready in the club for another big night. Shaking it away, he turned that smile on Felicity. "Well, let's just say I don't intend to be young and dumb forever." He winked at her, nodding along as she continued.

The words he waited to hear were finally said, he slapped both hands down on the table top and grinned broadly, eyes lighting up. "Good. I want you in on this, I need my sister by my side if we are going to make this happen. I'm glad you can see your way to helping, even if it's not in the capacity you want. I promise I will do my best to be the balance between you and Dad, at least until he forces me to take over completely. That day, well, I might just turn around and hand it all to you." That boyish goofy grin lit up the room as he grabbed a pack of papers and handed them over to her. "Start with reviewing these and getting familiar with what we have in place and what me and Tony discussed and agreed to at the last sit down. Also, from now on, you're with me for anything like that. Non-optional - I need that brain of yours at the meetings to deal with this problem."

Standing, he offered a hand to Felicity, as he came around the table. "Common, how about we go get a bottle, and we'll go down to the reservoir and throw rocks in, just like when we were younger. We can even keep up the tradition of shit talking the entire family, deceased ones included."

 

[Misty Gray]

The Walker Residence
- Edgbaston, Birmingham, England -

Robert Walker​

Robert was glad to hear Vinny's enthusiasm for dealing with Jackie. He didn't have the time nor inclination to concern himself with getting his nephew straightened out, so he was content to leave it in Vinny's hands. He listened on as the man gave Jackie some instructions and a timeline, but left the two men to that part. "Thank you, Vinny. A new Jackie would be very much welcomed," he remarked, flashing a smile at his nephew. "Once I know I can trust you, then you can have more responsibility and your pay will reflect your results," he assured Jackie.

When asked if there was a particular role or assignment he wanted Jackie preparing for, Robert thought for a moment before nodding. "For starters, Jackie, I can see you in an enforcer or debt collecting role. We can work it from there," he suggested. He wanted to see results before he promised roles with greater responsibility.

Robert stood from his seat, a clear indication he was done with the meeting. "Gentlemen. This has been productive. However, I have other matters to attend to now," he announced. "Jackie. Along the way in all of this, I would appreciate if you thought of a way to apologise to Caroline. When you do, come to me first and I'll decide if it's a good idea," he told him. With that, he saw both men out of the house.

BasDorcha (Vinny) @purplecowdutch (Jackie)

The Walker Residence
- Edgbaston, Birmingham, England -

Robert and Caroline Walker​

After the meeting, Robert spent some time in the living room. For a while, he read the newspaper. Aware that Caroline was upstairs, he'd been expecting her to come down once Vinny and Jackie were gone. However, as it became apparent she wasn't in a hurry to, he decided to find her himself. They'd barely spoken in days and given her signs of depression recently, he didn't want to leave her alone for too long. Even if checking in on her likely meant he'd be on the receiving end of her anger.

Robert tracked her down to one of the spare bedrooms. It was the room that for eighteen years had served as Charles' bedroom until he moved out and into his own place. Now there was no sign of the kid's bedroom it had once been, instead furnished as a guest room. Pushing the door open, he found Caroline sat at the end of the queen bed, with her knees drawn to her chest and her arms wrapped around her legs as if holding herself in as tight a ball as possible. When she lifted her head to look at him, her tear-filled eyes were red raw. She used the sleeve of her cardigan to wiped the tears from her face. "Fuck off," she said, though her voice lacked conviction and enthusiasm.

Despite her words, Robert stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. Avoidance was unproductive. There was no way he could leave his wife alone for much longer. Even if she hated him and wanted to take her anger out on him, he'd prefer that to her wallowing alone. Although he stepped forward, he kept some distance between them for now. "Caroline, let's talk. I'm worried about you," he cautiously told her.

Caroline stared at Robert, willing him to maintain the distance. She then choked back her tears as she tried to compose herself. "There are times when I wish I could join Charles. Hell, I wish it had been me who was murdered instead of him!" As her husband's concern grew, his face softened and he edged forward. She quickly shook her head a him. "Then there are times I think it would be better if you'd never returned home from the war. You should have just disappeared with one of those whores who kept you company whilst you were away." Before she could say more, her emotions got the better of her and she burst out in tears. "I must look like the most stupid woman alive. Now they all know about Rory on top of the affairs. I must be a laughing stock."

"Caroline..." Robert began, moving closer. He crouched down at the end of the bed and looked up at her. "Nobody thinks that at all. You're an intelligent, strong, and committed woman. Nobody is judging you. They know it's all on me and I'm pretty certain it's me they're all criticising. I've been a selfish, careless, and ignorant man. For so long. I don't deserve a woman like you in my life and I've taken you for granted. But I love you, Caroline. I'm the stupid one for taking you for granted. I want to do whatever I can to prove you can trust me now."

Caroline released her arms from around her legs and looked Robert in the eyes. "You could drop dead. Then I'll know for sure I can trust you," she suggested, shrugging her shoulders as she tried to be nonchalant about her words. What she hated the most what the fact that she loved him. She was sure if she didn't, everything would be so much easier. She wouldn't even have to think twice about leaving him. She lifted her head to follow his gaze a he stood up in front of her. "Not that it's a threat. I don't think Richard would put up half as much of a fight to defend me for murdering you as he did for the rat who killed Charles. I suspect he'd be happy enough for them to throw away the key!" she argued.

"I know you don't mean any of that," Robert asserted. "You know Richard cares about you. We've already been through the Marco situation. He's just trying to do the right thing, like I need to start doing more of."

"He has a funny way of showing he cares," Caroline disagreed. She moved off of the bed so she could stand more level with Robert. "I can't take it anymore. How many more times are you going to betray me and break my heart? You're bloody unbearable, Robert. I hate you," she spoke through gritted teeth. "I hate you!" she yelled as she slammed both hands into his chest to push him back. Her anger soon turned to upset as the tears streamed down her cheeks. She wished she truly hated him. Her hands trembled as she struggled for air, feeling like she was being suffocated. "But I love you more... and that... that's what makes everything hurt so much," she cried.

Without hesitation, Robert stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her to draw her in close to his chest. "Caroline, come on," he gently spoke into her ear. "I love you too. I should have been proving it to you this whole time. This is all my fault and I'll make it right. I'll do whatever it takes to prove it. It breaks my heart that I've upset you so much when I should be treating you like a queen. Hell, you already speak posher than her." He placed his hand lightly on the back on her head as she buried her face in his shoulder. "We'll get through this together. I promise."

Caroline closed her eyes and nodded her head. She loved him and wanted to stay with him. Yet, she felt like an idiot to consider forgiving him again. "You better believe you'll work hard for it. Just because I love you, it doesn't mean I don't have a brain in this skull of mine!" she asserted.

"I know. You're the smartest, and most determined woman I know. So no more talk of joining Charles. I won't hear it," he told her. It wasn't that he believed she meant such a thing, but for her to say it at all showed she was still struggling with her depression. "Let's go out of some fresh air. A walk might do us both some good," he suggested.

 

[Misty Gray]

The Platinum Lounge
- Birmingham City Centre, Birmingham, England -

Scott Ashworth​

Scott smiled back at Natalie as they sat across from each other. When she complimented his management of the club, his smile broadened. "I'm glad you like the place," he told her. In reality, he knew he was good at what he did, but he decided to take the modest approach with the beautiful woman. Also, he opted not to point out he managed it for the owner who was a criminal gang boss. That was certainly too much information to get in the way of flirting.

Scott feigned a sympathetic expression when she confirmed she would be drinking alone tonight. "That's a real shame. It's their loss, whoever they are," he assured her.

When Natalie apologetically told him she shouldn't be keeping him from work, he quickly shook his head. "No, it's okay. The beauty of being in charge means I can do what I want. Besides, I'm making sure one of my customers is enjoying herself," he charmingly told her. "And, honestly, it's not a sob story. I think we've both lucked out now we get to chat to each other."

"I'm Scott," he said, accepting her handshake. He returned her gaze, along with an admiring one of his own. "Tell me more about yourself, Mia. I haven't seen you in here before. Where do you usually venture on nights out?"

neverbackdown (Nat)

HM Prison Birmingham
- Winson Green, Birmingham, England -

Marco Alessi​

Marco hadn't been close to his own parents. If anything, he grew to hate them and he hadn't missed them since the day he fled his home. Still, having known the Fletchers for years now, he knew how important family was to them. They were close to each other. So it went without saying that Rory would be struggling with the truth about her father.

"I'm struggling to believe Dorothy and Robert had a thing, to be honest," he admitted. "Your mum always seems to have her head screwed on. I don't know if that's a consolation or not. I just can't imagine her doing anything out of spite or malice. I imagine she's feeling terrible about this too," he reasoned. He couldn't imagine Dorothy being attracted to Robert, but then, he'd only seen a side of the man that was an adversary of the Fletchers. He'd never tried to know or understand the Walkers. What he did know, was that he'd killed Robert's son and so their impressions of each other would always been tainted.

"Just because it seems like the drama is around you, you're very much a part of it and you shouldn't ignore that. All of your family is suffering now, so you should be with them now more than ever, not avoiding them," he encouraged her. "Rory is the most affected, but she won't be the only one going through it. You're allowed to struggle too. You all need to stick together and support each other."

Marco paused as the officer announced visiting time was drawing to an end. "You're probably best leaving Tony to the business problems, but you can help Rory. There isn't a handbook on how to deal with all this, but I'm sure just being there for her will be a good start in helping her," he suggested. "Don't be angry about my position. I chose to stay involved in your brother's business, so that part is all on me. Charles attacked me, but it's me who killed him. If anyone has a right to be angry at that, it's his family," he reasoned. "Please. I'll sleep a lot better in this place if I know you're not getting worked up about me. We can't change this, Penny. The only thing I can attempt to have any influence in is how long I have to be here. You can't be angry and upset for me, I'd rather you tried to live as much as possible. You still have the freedom to do that."

BasDorcha (Penny)

 

[Misty Gray]

The Vixen
- Birmingham City Centre, Birmingham, England -

Felicity Walker​

Felicity saw that look on Alfie's face as he started to speak about his own weakness for women and his romantic life. It was a soppy kind of look. It was one that she was more than familiar with even if she hadn't experienced such feelings for someone herself. She had yet to find a man who could break through her ice and draw out her softer emotions. "Hmm. You won't be like that forever, I can assure you. Dumb, maybe. But not young," she teased him.

She was glad they seemed to be on the same page about business, even if it did feel like they were betraying their dad. As angry and upset as she was with Robert for his adultery, Felicity still cared about her father and his earning approval. She wanted him to be proud of her. "You shouldn't do it because you're forced to," she pointed out to Alfie. Charles had been keen to follow in their father's footsteps, so there had never been a question over whether taking over was what he'd really wanted.

Felicity took the paperwork from Alife and unconsciously began straightening the pile; perfectionism being another trait inherited from their father. "Sure, I'll do that," she confirmed. When he mentioned having her present at the meetings, her head snapped up at him. "If you think that's a good idea... Tony and I don't exactly get along too well. He thinks I'm an uptight bitch and I think he's a mouthy idiot," she pointed out. "Not that I can't sit and pretend he's neither of those, I'm sure," she added. At least Sully should be there too. He was easier to communicate with.

Felicity took her brother's hand and got up out of her seat. When he suggested it was time to unwind with a drink, she nodded in agreement. "About time," she told him. "Shit talking our family is great idea. Mum is exempt, though. She doesn't deserve badmouthing this time around," she sympathised, knowing Caroline was struggling again as she had when Charles had died.

BasDorcha (Alfie)