[ With everything else that had happened and the relentless daylight hours, Tommy had been convinced he'd dreamed (within a dream) about Alfie asking after Arthur's health. Even now, the details of that conversation are nebulous, if it had really happened at all.
The result is that he's not shocked to hear Alfie's voice, even though he had yet to see the man himself around town. And as to missing it? It would take a lot more time and blood for Tommy to miss that growling mumble. ]
Mr. Solomons. [ in greeting, formally. ]
I possess a product in demand, and I needed a location out of which to move it. What more reason is there?
Alcohol as a start. Based on the response I've received, there is no shortage of enthusiasm for it. This is a peculiar town, but its needs are basic. And familiar. Needs of the sort the likes of those in our profession know how to fulfill. Today, it's alcohol. Tomorrow? I suppose we'll wait and see. But the pub is key. A pub is legitimate. No one needs look too closely.
[ He does have something else, but is he willing to share that knowledge? Not yet. Does he trust Alfie? Not a chance. ]
[ Tommy will not calm down; he doesn't know how. He arrived in town already ready to take charge again, and he needs to know where Alfie stands. Ally or competition? Business first. Nothing else.
However... there is a lot to unpack in that last comment. One part at a time. ]
Retired? Never though I'd live to see the day. Is that the truth?
[ Although if any of their lot did find a way to do it, it would be Alfie. Tommy himself plans on living forever, but that's neither here nor there. ]
What do you mean 'a long few years'? 'Being from the past.' What's that all about?
[ a pause to ash his cigarette. He can work it out on his own, but if Alfie knows for sure, this way's easier. ]
I've talked to people who claim to be born in 1990. [ A full century after Thomas' birth. ] But you and I, we know each other. You're not some stranger from the future.
[ There is a significant pause as Tommy's thinking this over. They've lied to each other in the past, but he can see no reason why Alfie would be lying to him about this now. In fact, with all the strangeness he's already experienced, he's willing to believe even a lot more than that.
Finally, ] If that's true,
It seems that you're the one able to tell my future, instead the common misconception of it being the other way around.
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audio; un: shelby
The result is that he's not shocked to hear Alfie's voice, even though he had yet to see the man himself around town. And as to missing it? It would take a lot more time and blood for Tommy to miss that growling mumble. ]
Mr. Solomons. [ in greeting, formally. ]
I possess a product in demand, and I needed a location out of which to move it. What more reason is there?
audio;
no subject
[ He does have something else, but is he willing to share that knowledge? Not yet. Does he trust Alfie? Not a chance. ]
And your business here?
no subject
[It's really been about a day, but.]
Yeah, I'm retired, actually. You wouldn't know about that, being from the past as you are, but I've decided to pack it in.
no subject
However... there is a lot to unpack in that last comment. One part at a time. ]
Retired? Never though I'd live to see the day. Is that the truth?
no subject
[Pause.]
Can you picture me an old man, sitting for hours on a bench, feeding the pigeons? Enjoying the fresh air?
no subject
[ Although if any of their lot did find a way to do it, it would be Alfie. Tommy himself plans on living forever, but that's neither here nor there. ]
What do you mean 'a long few years'? 'Being from the past.' What's that all about?
[ a pause to ash his cigarette. He can work it out on his own, but if Alfie knows for sure, this way's easier. ]
I've talked to people who claim to be born in 1990. [ A full century after Thomas' birth. ] But you and I, we know each other. You're not some stranger from the future.
no subject
[A beat.]
The last I remember, Tommy, it was the year 1926. That's not so distant as 1990, but all the same--
no subject
Finally, ] If that's true,
It seems that you're the one able to tell my future, instead the common misconception of it being the other way around.
no subject
[Alfie's heard about Johnny Dogs!]