Tweak

InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "slpeaka enpglish, i do not"

Username: 
Password:    
Remember Me
  • Create Account
  • IJ Login
  • OpenID Login
Search by : 
  • View
    • Create Account
    • IJ Login
    • OpenID Login
  • Journal
    • Post
    • Edit Entries
    • Customize Journal
    • Comment Settings
    • Recent Comments
    • Manage Tags
  • Account
    • Manage Account
    • Viewing Options
    • Manage Profile
    • Manage Notifications
    • Manage Pictures
    • Manage Schools
    • Account Status
  • Friends
    • Edit Friends
    • Edit Custom Groups
    • Friends Filter
    • Nudge Friends
    • Invite
    • Create RSS Feed
  • Asylums
    • Post
    • Asylum Invitations
    • Manage Asylums
    • Create Asylum
  • Site
    • Support
    • Upgrade Account
    • FAQs
    • Search By Location
    • Search By Interest
    • Search Randomly

Constance Mosley ([info]gildedlady) wrote in [info]toujoursliberer,
@ 2008-06-27 23:28:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:constance_mosley, harry_fisher, plot

Making a meeting
Subject: Making a meeting
Who: Constance Mosley, Harry Fisher
Where: tbd
Warnings: none yet
Open to: Harry








Dear Harry,

I know I'm the last person you'd want to hear from so I hope that at least
makes you take what I'm telling you in the truth and honesty that I send you
this.

Something is wrong, and Slater is behind it, or at least involved. I need to
talk to you about this because it's coming down on your territory and it will also
involve me as well.

Please let me know when we can meet. You can come here or I will come to the
theatre. I don't think we have time to waste.

Fondly,
Constance Mosley

(Post a new comment)


[info]social_climber
2008-06-28 08:02 am UTC (link)
Harry did not have the time for this. Nor did he had any time to fit more worry into, not after Vivian... He shook that from his mind. He needed another house-keeper-come-care-taker to look after the boys. Harry certainly wasn't good at it, and Will was even worse. He'd had to find one quick enough though... Still, Slater's activities were still fresh in his mind. Twice now he'd come to see Nell, twice tried to get him to leave. There was something going on, and if Constance Mosley knew, then he would bloody well find out too.

He knew where Isabel's house was, had known since he was small, as most boys in London did. He wondered, on his way over, if there was still that broken window around the black that allowed a smart boy, if he had a tall enough crate to stand on, a perfect view of one of the rooms. He'd spent hours there. But that was not important now, what was important was the Theatre to his boys, and he was not about to let Slater steal them, or anything else from him. The old bastard was getting too big for his boats.

The House was fancy. Very fancy. But it had to be, didn't it? And the Theatre, for all it's wear and tear, was hardly in bad nick. He pushed that out of his mind, reaching for the door knocker. They wouldn't be busy this time of day, and so he should at least have a reasonable amount of time to talk to Madame Mosley. He had this horrible feeling they would need it.

(Reply to this) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-06-28 03:12 pm UTC (link)
Constance was looking over the paper as she drank her tea. It was still fairly early and she enjoyed this time as most of her girls were still asleep. She put the cup down and stood as she moved to the door. She was both surprised and happy to see that it was Harry Fisher. Unlocking the door, she opened it for him.

"Good day Mr. Fisher," she said with a smile, though worried. "Thank you for coming. Please come inside." Constance stepped back and made way for him to enter. It had been a long time since she could recall him being in the House. She just wished it was under different circumstances.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-14 10:51 am UTC (link)
Sorry for taking so long! *kicks moving house* And I just noticed all the terrible spelling mistakes I made in that last reply. Sorry again!

"It looks like it's going to be a good day." He smiled, stepping in as she opened the door. "It's been a long while since I was down this way." He added, following her into her study. "Very fancy looking place you have, Ms Mosley. Very nice."

The pleasentaries were a neccesary evil. He didn't know this place, didn't know the layout, and the idle chatter gave him time to look about, to take in the corridor and the stairs, the locks on the doors, the unsmashed windows. It was all very spick and span, very well kept, and smelt far more like a house than... than anything else. Perfume, that's what he could smell. That, and fresh linens.

"So. This business with Slater. What do you know, Ms Mosley? What's the old bas- old man up to this time?" He caught himself before he swore. No doubt the madam heard bad language enough, but hell would freeze over before he swore in front of a lady of class. Even if she was a lady of the night.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-14 11:45 am UTC (link)
No worries at all. Moving is a chore*G*

Constance smiled and shut the door as he came inside. "Yes, yes it does." They moved through the house to her study for as much privacy as could be attained. "And thank you, I try to keep the girls and myself as comfortable as possible."

She sat down in her chair and looked across at him. Part of her wanted to throttle him but part of her couldn't deny he was a very handsome man. And Annie's brother. She kept reminding herself that she was doing this for Annie because she knew it would kill her if something happened to Harry. Well that and it threatened her own business.

"Constance please, Mr. Fisher. And as for Slater... I had a very interesting visit from a foreign 'gentleman'. He said he and Slater had concocted a plan to get your clients away from the Theatre, as well as your boys. He approached me, wanted a list of my own clients and I have a few ideas of why they'd want something like that." She sighed, her angry increasing again. "It was very clear that you were not cooperating and they weren't going to let it pass."

Constance paused for a moment and rest her arms on her desk. "It's no secret that we've had our differences Harry but we're at least cordial I'd hope, and your boys are innocent and don't deserve to be anywhere near either of those two. And if they encroach on the Bridge Theatre, they're too close to me here."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-14 01:11 pm UTC (link)
Harry couldn't resist a smirk, "Innocent, Constance? That's really not what they're paid for." He said, seating himself down opposite her, smile fading from his face. "No, it isn;t a secret, and it's only to be expected, being in the same line of business and all. I'm just glad you aren't... like Slater." Harry said, sloutching slightly in the chair, fingers knotting together. Constance and he might cateer for the same sort of upper-class gentlemen, but they'd never tried to steal each others business. Unlike Slater who was stealing left, right and centre.

"To tell you the truth, Constance, Slater's been round the Theatre already. Twice recently, that I know of. Himself, n'all. His boy's might have been there too, but I've not caught 'em." He paused, looking from her down to his fingers, "He's already been trying to steal away my little star, my little Nell. He's my highest earner. He wouldn't go, he's a good lad, but I wouldn't put it passed Slater to force him, force the others somehow." He looked back up at her, face set in an expression of resolve.

"This foreign gentleman. Funny accent?" He asked, leaning forwards towards her. "Funny hair, dark? He came to see me before, and I told him to pis- go away. Slater's got to know that if the boy's won't leave, half my client's won't either. Very loyal, they are. It's no good to him knowing who's coming or going if he can't make them leave."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-14 01:40 pm UTC (link)
Constance couldn't help herself and she smirked back, laughing a little. "You know what I mean. And from what I hear they are paid very well for not being that way too." But talk turned serious as they got to the heart of the matter that was plaguing them both. "It is to be expected but we are all adults, business people and there is enough business for all." She sat back a bit and nodded at Harry. "I would rather be run through with a rusty dagger than be anything like Slater, so thank you. Our clients, yours and mine, are similar, though come to us for different types of entertainment. I don't abide by stealing in this sense."

The surprise on her face was unmasked as he talked of Nell. "He's okay though? Nell is I mean, and the rest of them?" She tapped her fingers in annoyance on the desk. "I haven't noticed anything of that sort around her, so far, but I can only imagine it won't be too long if this keeps up."

Constance looked at Harry, the same look of resolve and determination on her own face. "Yes, very strange accent. I want to say it's Russian or such," she said and then couldn't help a slight smile. "Yes he said you told him as much. And he was very disappointed." Harry's clients were much like her own, and while they meant it would take a lot to get them to leave their businesses, it also meant that likely Slater and his compatriot wouldn't give up easily either. "My clients are the same way. I have taken great pains to ensure not just anonymity for those who desire it but also for gaining their favour and patronage."

Constance folded her hands on the desktop and looked at him. "So Harry, what do you think we should do. I have ideas but they are only just that. A plan is needed, and a good one."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-16 08:08 am UTC (link)
"They work hard and they deserve what they get, I think." Harry smiled slightly, "But I don't know what Slater's got up his sleeve, what he's thinking of offering them to make them leave. It'll be something I can't compete with, he'll make sure of that. Nell'll stay, unless he's forced to go. That's the worrying thing- if he forces them all to go. Kidnaps them or something." He shrugs again, looking back to her. "Slater's like a bloody wasp to jam."

"Russian." Harry agreed, nodding. "But what on earth he's trying to achieve, 'side from taking the Theatre's patrons. But I suppose that's all he needs to do. Take over from me, and that'll be it- more money, more land, more power." He leant back in the chair once more, looking at Constance.

"The way I see it, and tell me if you think I'm wrong, is to react to Slater and this pet Russian of his and do something before they can do something to us. I don't know what, not yet, but something. You tell me when something funny happens down your end of town, or you catch wind of something on the grapevine, and I'll repay the same courtesy. Seems to me we're going to have to watch each other's backs."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-16 08:51 am UTC (link)
"You might be right at that," Constance smiled back. "I tried to get as much out of Slater's 'friend' but I'm afraid, I don't have any further details. You know Slater though, he wants more. And forcing the boys, much as I hate to say it, I can't put it past him either."

She sighed as she rest back against her chair. "My thought is that if they get your boys and my girls, or enough of them, we won't have business enough to stay around. The clients, all the money will go to Slater, and word of mouth is a strong thing too."

Constance smiled again and agree with Harry. "I think you're definitely right about that. I'm not afraid of striking back or protecting what's mine either. I'll see if I can't hear anything and let you know." She laughed a little. "Now who would have thought they'd see the day we'd ever work together, on anything. Slater certainly won't see it and using that to our advantage will be very important."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-16 09:33 am UTC (link)
"Slater always wants more. He won't just take the boys away, he'll take the Theatre, he'll take... the rest of it. It ain't just the boys, it's the rest of my business interests. Everything." He brought his hand to his face, rubbing over his chin, a gesture of tiredness.

"What I'd like... what I'd like to do is to give him some of his own medience. Go round there and take his boys and his girls and get them out of there." But of course, Slater had him beat already on that one. Had him beat years and years ago, with Georgie. He couldn't risk the lives of all the other poor sods Slater made his living off. "But that isn't going to happen. I just wish we could put him out of our misery for good- make sure he can't go bothering anyone one the boys or your girls."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-16 10:22 am UTC (link)
Constance knew Harry was right. If Slater got a foothold in, he'd never let go. "I know Harry. I can only imagine what he'd do if he got his hands on the Theatre, plus I would die before he got his hands on this house." Harry looked tired and she couldn't blame him. If she thought he'd accept, she'd invite him upstairs. But this was business, just not that sort of business. And besides, he had Vivian, and Nell.

"Revenge, retribution, call it what you want, it's always good and in this case, I'm in favour of it. And I dare say the situation either of us could provide to his boys and girls would be much better than what they have down there." But she also knew Slater's temper and he wouldn't let that go. His new Russian friend didn't seem the kind to be easily amused either. "Whatever we do, either can't traced back to us, or has to be something so complete....yes you're right, that he won't be able or in the position to bother you, me, the Theatre or Isabel's House."

Playing absently with her necklace, Constance pondered things more. "At least we are on guard now for things out of the ordinary, for suspicious behaviour, etc. And together I have no doubt we'll think of something to stop the two of them."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-16 12:14 pm UTC (link)
"Revenge sounds good enough to me." Harry said simply. "Slater owes me a lot, and for that matter so does Viv, and I can't help but think he owes you just as much. If we get rid of him, we can claim his business assests, redistribute them, and our own business interests will be safe. And I'm sure we'll never had any reason to fight between ourselves."

"While keeping an eye on him at the moment is a good way to avoid any smaller scuffles, I don't think it's a tactic that will work for the long-term. A gang-war might be the best way to forever rid ourselves of the old man." He looked at her then, studying her face carefully, as if trying to guage her reactions to his words, "We can't let him to threaten us any longer."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-16 12:54 pm UTC (link)
Constance admitted she was intrigued about Viv. She was like a mother hen to Harry's boys. What could she own him? But she couldn't hide the momentary sadness when Harry referred to Slater owing her as well. She smiled and nodded. "No you're right he does. And revenge sounds perfect. Divide and conquer Harry. You and I might not always agree but we've gotten along far more than not." A slow smile spread over her lips; it was a knowing and deceiptive smirk.

Looking him directly in the eyes, Constance nodded. "Much as I do hate to admit it, I think you're right. If it doesn't end and properly, this will never go away. I don't want to live with the threat of him or his actions always looming around every corner. Things are bad enough in the world without having to worry about the actions of Irving Slater."

She worried about the girls as always. If a gang-war did blow up in the streets, could she protect them. Oh some of them would want to fight back, and she couldn't blame them. This is was their home as much as it was hers, or Harry's, or his boys. "Alright then Harry. What do you propose we do?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-16 04:04 pm UTC (link)
"Because we respect each other's boundaries, Constance. And I respect what you've done. Kept your house in good order, never hear a bad word against it, nor any of your lot. Or you. You're the only real lady in the business." He smiled back to her, although his thoughts where else-where; on Nell in fact, and what would happen to the boy if Slater ever did take over the Theatre. Nell'd never get it back, for sure, and Slater would probably force him to do all sort of disgusting things, things that Harry shuddered to think about. He didn't want Nell hurt, he didn't want him to go through that. Slater didn't look after his boys, not like Harry did.

He sighed, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. "Course I'm right. Didn't get where I am now by being wrong. Just... just need a way to get to Slater before he knows that we're trying to get to him. I think... I think a tuff war is the only way to do it. Openly. A few fights, attacks, arson, that sort of thing. I've got some blokes that'll do the job, and I know some coppers that will look the other way. Any of your young ladies know any way to make life difficult for Slater? Anything that will divert his attention." Anything that would hurt Viv as much as it would Slater. She'd pay for being a traitorous bitch. "And then... we'll bump him off, secret and quiet-like."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-16 04:39 pm UTC (link)
Constance smiled at him. "Thank you Harry. And I could say the same for you too you know. You and Slater maybe in broad similar business, but as men you are far and vastly different. It's a credit to you as much as your boys how well the Theatre does, and how popular all your boys are as well.." If Constance had given time to think upon it, she might have fainted from the shock of not only having a cordial conversation with Harry but they were complimenting each other. And Constance wasn't one for fainting. Perhaps.... she had mistaken about him.. He was Annie's brother after all, and she and Mary were lovely decent women, at least in Constance's mind.

She laughed. "And modest too. But I don't disagree with you. Slater is smart and if things go on too long, he'll figure things out, that's for sure. I know some officials that could be of some help as well, and I know a few of the girls wouldn't mind a chance sticking it to Slater, myself included. I'm sure the girls and I can come up with something that will work nicely and be very difficult for Slater." Constance smiled, liking the plan more and more all the time. "Sounds perfect. Quick, easy and done with."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-16 04:59 pm UTC (link)
"Quick easy and done with, if we get rid of Slater's son and the rest. We don't want anyone filling that gap apart from us. And I'm bl- very sure I don't want a feud on my hands either. I don't think you want to drag you and your young ladies into that." He said, thinking. "Slater, Slater's son, our Russian friend..." He saids, ticking the names off on his fingers. "I can't think of anyone else- save Viv- likely to try their hand at gang leadership. And Viv'll burst into tears before she does anything else."

"And it has to be quick, I agree. Don't worry about that, I'll get some of my lads onto it this evening, hounding Slater's lot. You start yours up as soon as you can, but I want Slater out of the picture within a fortnight." Harry got to his feet, dusting off his hands, "I'll contact you in a day or two. Perhaps you could visit me next time?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-16 05:11 pm UTC (link)
"I'd heard Jimmy was making has way back to his father's turf again. No doubt he would try to defend and take over the territory if Slater was gone. No, they all need to taken care of and at the same time. A feud is the last thing I want. It's not good for business, and they never seem to end. I'd prefer that we not have to venture there. We take care of those three and those left won't know what to do, and then we'll come in and take the areas we want and be done with it." She looked at him, carefully broaching her next statement. "Harry. is Vivian.... do we have to worry about her?"

"I'll talk to my girls tonight, and warn them to be careful, let me know if anything is out of the ordinary and get them onto a plan of our own as well. The sooner this happens the better." Constance stood as he did and moved around her desk, smoothing out her skirt and smiling at him as they made move toward the door. "The sounds lovely, and of course. I would be most happy to come visit you, either at your home or the Theatre, whatever works best."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-16 05:39 pm UTC (link)
"That slut?" Harry growled. "Begging your pardon, of course. She wouldn't take over from Slater- hasn't got the stamina to deal with big business. Can hardly organise her own patrons. No, she's not going to be a problem. But she's not worth keeping around, and she did me a bad turn. And one bad turn deserves another." He explained with a thin, unamused smile. "After what she did, to me and the boys."

"My house would be best. I don't think the Theatre's safe, not for a lady of class like yourself. You know the address, don't you? I doubt there's a Hackney carriage driver in the city who couldn't show you the way."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-16 05:47 pm UTC (link)
Putting a hand lightl on his arm, Constance smiled at him. 'Harry, I'm sorry. I had no idea. I'm sorry for bringing up something that obviously still hurts. I beg your pardon. Nothing quite hurts as much as when it comes from someone we think we can trust," she added, offering him a look of care and compassion. "I won't pry unless you want to speak of it. I have to say I am surprised. I thought she cared so much for you all...."

Constance laughed. "I won't lie, I do know where it is. And things being how they are, you're probably right for me to not venture to the Theatre." She could hold her own but it just wasn't smart to actively walk into danger like there could be there. "We can speak in a few days, and arrange a date a time to meet. Does that work for you?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-16 05:52 pm UTC (link)
"Yeah. She told Nell she was in love with me, would you believe it? In love with me, but getting her jollies with Slater for as long as anyone could guess. Little traitorous whore." He tried to keep the anger out of his voice, and failing as his fists balled. "Sorry. I don't like being betrayed. I don't like my boys being betrayed. Especially by someone we all trusted..." He shrugged. "But there is little I can do about it. Viv and my little sister both bestest pals with that old git, who'd have thought it?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-16 06:18 pm UTC (link)
This is time, Constance didn't try to hide her surprise. "I honestly don't know what to say Harry. It's no secret how you and Slater feel about one another. Part of me wants to say that we can't help who we fall in love with but.... there are limits." He was angry, she could see that, and she felt bad for stirring the pot in what had to be a very difficult situation for him. "No, please don't be sorry. I'm the one who should apologise for bringing it up. Betrayal is not easily forgiven, or forgotten." She smiled at him, echoing the shrug. "It is hard to say why things happen like that. At least Ann doesn't want anything to do with him as far as I know."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-16 06:35 pm UTC (link)
"Ann was always the vaguely sensible one. Got herself married to a nice man out of the city." He smiled faintly again, "But I don't know what's wrong with Viv. Who knows?" He said, continuing again his journey to the front door of the house. "What went on in her head I couldn't tell you."

He sighed again, and offered her a wider smile. "You shouldn't have to listen to me. Not about this. I shall come and speak to you tomorrow evening. About 9:30. It'll be too busy then to track anyone's movements properly."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-16 07:55 pm UTC (link)
"Well there is that too. Avery was a good man, good for her.," Constance said smiling as they moved out of her study and into the living room once again. "Some people have reasons for what they do, ones that make sense in their own head no matter how unfathomable they appear to everyone else."

He was smiling though, so that couldn't be all bad, she thought to herself. "I didn't have to do anything; did not mind in the least. We are more a like than I once thought, and do not mind talking with you in the least Harry Fisher," Constance said grinning and nodded. "9:30 then. I will await your visit and we can further this discussion as well as the plan."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]social_climber
2008-07-17 04:18 am UTC (link)
"I know. Even if he was the most borning man I've ever met." He laughed, as the got to the threshold. "But he was a good man. It's a pity."

"Agreed. And I hope you'll join Nell and I for supper too." He invited, smiling again. "It's been an interesting and useful morning, Constance. Thank you for sharing with me what you knew."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)


[info]gildedlady
2008-07-17 08:28 am UTC (link)
Constance laughed. "Perhaps but we can't all lead exciting lives. And he was good for Ann. It is a shame, his dying..."

They got to the door and she smiled at him. It had been a very interesting morning. "I would be delighted to join you both. It has been quite the morning yes. Thank you for coming to see me and sharing what you know as well." She opened the door for him, the sun spreading over the porch. "Do take care of yourself Harry."

(Reply to this) (Parent)

Home | Site Map | Manage Account | TOS | Privacy | Support | FAQs