Lollipop

Chapter 3: Threatened With a Good Time

History: The position of Assistant was made in the event the current boss would die. The Assistants have to follow their own set of strict rules and have to remain by the boss' side everywhere they go unless told otherwise.

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Penelope stretched and covered herself while James smoked a fag. It was close to three in the morning as the two lied in bed.

“So, what now?" asked James, taking a drag.

“I don't know what your plans are, but I have to leave so I can open the shop in a few hours," said Penelope, yawning. The two stayed silent for a bit before James spoke.

“So, you're a boss too?" he kept his eyes forward.

“Yup, the Honey Dolls. I took over the family business just like you probably did," she said. She took the fag out of James' hand and took a drag off of it.

James studied her face. She seemed more closed off, and her face was blank. She had even pulled her knees up to her chest and was resting her head on them.

Penelope noticed James staring and gave him back his fag. “You can stop staring now," she said.

He gave her such an irksome feeling. He was charming and fun, that she wouldn't deny. But he was still something in her way that she would have to take out down the line. She got out of bed and slipped her dress back on before she got too comfortable.

“You really have to go, love?" James called out.

“I told you I have to. I have a shop to open," she said, slipping her shoes back on.

“You mean a shop to move." James' challenged. Penelope stopped and looked to see he was smirking. She leaned on his side of the bed and glared.

“I already told you I'm not moving my f*****g shop."

“And I told you, that something might happen to it if it stays," he said, blowing a puff of smoke in her face. She clenched her fist and James chuckled. “Were you expecting me to cave after a night of fun?"

Penelope forced a smile. “Not at all. I just thought you were smart enough not to threaten me."

“Try again, love. I'm still a businessman. I didn't get London under my thumb by being nice. Especially to gorgeous women like you," he said softly.

Penelope nodded for a moment. She put a hand on the back of his head pulling him in for a kiss while her other hand fell down his chest, into the sheet. James' moan was muffled as he began to fidget and she looked pleased as she pulled away, making him gasp.

“You're right. Silly me." she giggled. “Here's the deal, It's a truce tonight. Tomorrow night is fair play. Deal?" she asked, giving him a fake pout. James bit his lip, forgetting that the woman was asking for war.

“Deal," he exhaled. She kissed his cheek and patted his face.

“Good boy." she praised. She skipped off before James could say another word, and soon he was left to finish his fag.

“If her shop doesn't burn down, I might become a regular," he chuckled.

***

Tommy leaned against the wall outside of his boss' room, wishing to be in bed. As he did, Marlene passed by and leaned against the wall a little further from the door. Tommy looked at her for a minute before he kept his eyes forward.

Though Marlene's hair was cut just past her chin, it flowed enough to cover her face when she kept her head down. So if Tommy wanted to look at her, he would only see the flowing black of her hair.

Marlene peeked over at Tommy in curiosity. Through the black lines, she could make out a 6'2 redhead that had a fair build under his coat.

“Waiting on someone?" Marlene asked quietly. Tommy didn't answer. “The silent type. That's fine. Some gentlemen acknowledge when a woman is speaking but I'm sure you got your reasons," she peeked over at him.

Tommy looked over to see her smiling at him and his brows furrowed.

“Aww, did I pluck a nerve?" she teased.

“Sod off. I don't talk to random women at night," Tommy huffed.

“I guess I did," she cooed. She moved in front of him and his hand gripped the gun inside his pocket.

“You want to take a step back?" Tommy suggested. She had such a playful expression that made him somewhat timid.

“You look cute when you're angry," she batted her eyes.

“I'll be more attractive if you come any closer," he forced a smile. The two could hear as the doorknob turned and Penelope skipped out of the room.

“That's my cue, see you around handsome," Marlene waved. She quickly joined her boss's side and looked over to see Tommy's stern brown eyes examine them and his weak smile fall. The two women left, and Tommy waited as James got dressed, before leaving the room.

“Sorry, Tommy. I didn't think I would be as long as I was," said James. Tommy waved off the apology.

“No worries sir. I think we have bigger issues. I think the woman you slept with is a mafia boss."

“Oh, she is. Found that out the fun way." James nudged. Tommy gave him a look of agitation and James patted him on the back. “I know you're worried, but I'm not. We talked it out, and we've come to an agreement." He said, taking his leave.

“What's the agreement?" Tommy raised a brow.

“Tonight was a truce. Tomorrow is war."

The boys beamed as they left the inn.

***

Back at Honeys, Penelope told Marlene about her night and Marlene could only listen intently.

“So basically, I made a truce with him last night, and tonight, he will most likely try to burn the shop down." Penelope leaned in her chair.

“Interesting. What's the plan?" Marlene asked.

“I think you know."

Marlene grinned, “Rory?"

“Rory," Penelope said with delight. “Could you phone him please?"

“Yes ma'am" she bowed her head respectfully.

She left the office and Penelope went over her financial records. James' face still hung in the back of her mind. The egotistical expression he gave her when he threatened her shop made her genuinely smile. Her smile fell as her face turned to stone. Everything is a game in the world of gangs. And he was just another piece.

That's what she wanted to tell herself, anyway.

***

Late that night, James and Tommy were standing in front of Honeys with a couple of oily rags stuffed into glass bottles and a box of matches.

“I still don't get why you didn't send other people," Tommy whispered.

“I could have, but it's not as satisfying if I don't get to light the match myself," said James. He held up the brick as though he was ready to throw it.

“Oy!"A voice called out.

James and Tommy looked back to see a constable charging toward them. James and Tommy began to run, but two more constables tackled them from the side.

“You lot are in trouble!" one yelled out.

James and Tommy struggled as their hands were cuffed. When Tommy was pulled to his feet, he spotted a figure in the distance. He squinted and could just make out Marlene smiling, waving them goodbye.

“Sir, we've been set up!" Tommy shouted.

James looked up to see Marlene waving, and he gritted his teeth. They carted the boys off to prison as Marlene struck a match next to Brooks Toffee House.