Chapter One: The Mathesons
A/N: Hello everyone! So we only own the Matheson family in this story - the pairings will be Tommy/OC and Michael/OC, but this first chapter is more introductory to establish our characters :) Please enjoy, and don't forget to let us know what you think.
Tiger was hiding under the cabinet in Austin's office again. Lola was attempting to coax him out, food in the palm of her hand. She knew how much her brother hated the cat being in his office, not that Tiger was much of a nuisance. Her older sister Victoria was standing over the mahogany desk, going over the paperwork for their family company, Matheson Enterprises. On the surface it was a pharmaceutical company that provided various medicinal drugs to local doctors. Underneath the surface….well.
"Lola, will you leave the bloody cat?" Austin strode into the office, causing Lola to glance over her shoulder at her older brother. He was in a bad mood, as evidenced by the tone of his voice and the scowl on his face.
"Leave her be, Austin." As the eldest sibling, Victoria was often the voice of reason among them, although she and Austin clashed more than Austin and Lola. Christian, Victoria's son, trailed after his uncle into the room with a pot of tea. Austin didn't have much of a taste for it, but Victoria and Lola were avid tea drinkers.
"Thank you, Christian." Lola eased herself to her feet and walked over to take a cup. She poured herself some tea as Austin leaned against the desk, examining the paperwork in Victoria's hands.
"What are our figures looking like for the month?"
"They're looking very good." Victoria sipped her tea. "Our profits are going up."
Lola had to admire how ladylike and graceful her sister always seemed to be. While Lola was more than happy to chase Tiger around the house, Victoria was all class. Although the eleven-year age gap between them accounted for some things perhaps. Lola thought she'd become more of a lady in time. Christian had picked Tiger up as the cat emerged from beneath the cabinet. The cat had been a gift from Lola for his eighth birthday a few months ago, and he loved the animal dearly.
"I double checked the numbers," Lola announced.
"You did?" Austin raised his eyebrows at her. "Is that meant to make me feel secure?"
"Austin," Victoria chided, "She's smarter than you give her credit for."
"Shelbys still buying from us?" Austin asked. Lola knew a little about the Shelbys aside from the fact that they were the family that owned Shelby Company Limited, one of the biggest businesses in Birmingham. Apparently, they were also gangsters.
The Shelbys were not doctors and did not run pharmacies, but they were customers of the illegal side of Matheson Enterprises – the opium side. Opium was outlawed, but many people still bought from the Mathesons, as they were the biggest provider in Birmingham. War veterans, such as some of the Shelbys, found that it eased their nightmares.
"Yes, they purchase from us directly," Victoria said.
Austin folded his arms. "Any increase or decrease?"
She shook her head. "No, steady as always."
"And production is still strong?" Austin asked. He always had a lot of questions, Lola thought. It must have been difficult for him – he'd inherited Matheson Enterprises at the young age of twenty-one when their father had died, two years ago.
"Yes." Victoria frowned in disapproval. "If you read the reports, you wouldn't need to ask me so many questions."
"I do read the reports," Austin responded tersely. "I think our production would be doing a lot better if someone wasn't bloody partaking all the time."
"I barely do!" Lola protested as she noticed her brother's glare set on her. It was true that every now and then, she would have some of the opium. But it wasn't as though she was getting high all the time.
"She contributes more than you do," Victoria remarked as she continued to file through the paperwork. Austin slammed his hand down on the desk, making Lola jump and almost spill her tea.
"Excuse me?" he snapped.
Victoria glanced at him. "You heard me."
Austin rounded on his nephew. "Christian, excuse us for a moment."
Christian glanced between his mother and his uncle, before taking Tiger in his arms and walking out of the office. The moment Christian was gone, Austin slapped Victoria across the face. Lola flinched. She knew her brother had a temper, but she hated it when he got violent.
"How dare you speak to me like that. I run this business."
"Austin, stop it," Lola protested.
Victoria pressed a hand to her cheek. "Then perhaps you should do the reports yourself."
"I'm trying to get contacts and run a fucking business," Austin seethed, taking a step back and beginning to pace. "I don't have time to do everything."
"Of course not, sweet brother." Victoria's tone was sarcastic. "Not when you're also fucking whores and drinking each night."
"Speaking of whores, maybe our company would actually profit more if Lola got money every time she spread her fucking legs for my friends."
Lola knew it would come up sooner or later, but that didn't stop it from hurting. She hated how he referred to her as a whore just because of one incident with his friend, Charlie Connelly. Now Austin seemed to be under the impression she was having sex with all of his friends, which couldn't be further from the truth.
"I'm not having sex with your friends, Austin, I told you," Lola retorted.
Victoria folded her arms. "Austin, enough. Our sister isn't a whore."
"Well, she's old enough to marry." He waved a dismissive hand. "God knows she isn't a virgin. Lola, the company needs a treasurer. If you're so good at sums, do you want that to be you?"
Lola perked up at that. She hadn't had schooling as such, but she had always been around when their father used to do the calculations. She had helped him and while she had never claimed to be a mathematical genius, she certainly wasn't unintelligent. The thought of being allowed to help appealed to her greatly.
"Would you really let me?"
"She would be good at it," Victoria piped up.
"I'll give you a chance, but if you screw it up, that's it." Austin was stern, but Lola couldn't help but feel excited at the thought of helping out. She was seventeen now, just, definitely old enough to help her siblings with the work at Matheson Enterprises. "Victoria, you stick with the reports. Go on, Lola. Take the cups and get out."
Undeterred by his irritable manner, Lola hummed as she collected the teapot and cups as Austin sank into the chair behind his desk, lighting up a cigarette. She bustled into the kitchen, unable to help the sense of happiness she felt. Helping out with the business would make her feel purposeful, like she was worth something. Although Austin was reluctant, she knew she could prove him wrong.
Victoria frowned as the familiar scent of opium wafted into the kitchen from the lounge area. She set down the tea she had been making, walking in the lounge to find her sister sprawled on the lounge, petting the cat. "Lola."
"Hey, Vicky. He's so soft, isn't he? Soft little kitty." Lola was slightly dazed from the drugs as she glanced over at her sister, not registering the anger in her sister's eyes.
"You're high. Again." Vicky crossed her arms over her chest.
"Well I haven't been in… Couple weeks." Lola counted on her fingers, glancing at the cat as he ran into the kitchen. Victoria sighed heavily, following the cat in order to get the tea she had just made. "What is it? I'm only a little bit high."
"You shouldn't be smoking it." Victoria told her as she brought out the pot of tea, setting it on the lounge table.
Lola watched her, sitting up to make room for her sister, and to access the tea. "Why not?"
"It's not good for you." Victoria reminded her as she sat beside her, pouring them both some tea.
Lola put down the pipe she was smoking from, picking up one of the teacups and taking a small sip of the scalding liquid. "Are you ashamed of me like Austin is?"
"Why would I be?" Victoria frowned. She didn't like the way Austin treated either of them, but she knew there was nothing she could do to prevent it.
"Because I get high sometimes." Lola shrugged, glancing at her. "How's Christian?"
Victoria sat back against the lounge. Lola and Christian had always been close, in fact, Lola had been a big help to Victoria when she had been raising her son. "He's doing well."
"How's his reading and writing?" Lola questioned, sipping at her tea again. She could feel the high beginning to wear off as well.
"Very good. He's a smart boy." Victoria smiled. She was very proud of her son, especially considering he was growing up without his father. "His father would be proud of him."
"He would." Lola agreed, an off topic question sparking in her mind. "Have you met the Shelbys personally?"
"Only briefly. Why do you ask?" Victoria raised an eyebrow. The Shelbys were clients of theirs, and had been for many years now. She was curious as to why her sister was asking about them now.
Lola put her empty cup back on the table, pushing her hair from her face. "Which one?"
"Thomas and John." Victoria had only met the two of them, but she knew there was a third brother.
"What are they like?" Lola pressed, wanting to know as much as she could.
Victoria shrugged. "I don't have an opinion on them. Why?"
"I just wondered what they were like. Everyone talks about them." Lola explained. All of her friend's often spoke of them, and she often heard whispers among the illegal side of her family's business.
"Well, they have a reputation." Victoria got to her feet, taking the empty cups and teapot into the kitchen.
Lola stood in the doorway, a grin plastered to her face. "Are they handsome?"
"They are." Victoria answered before ushering her up the staircase. "Come on, bed time."
"Alright." Lola sighed heavily as she walked into her room, flopping on the bed.
Victoria tucked her younger sister into the bed before kissing her cheek. "Sleep well."
Austin was not impressed when his younger sister flitted into the house with a basket on her arm after dark. Lola had a habit of doing what she liked when she liked, and it was a habit Austin often couldn't abide by. She stopped humming when she noticed that he was sitting in his office, arms folded.
"Lola. Sit."
She frowned and put the basket on the ground, tucking her honey blonde hair behind her ear and frowning slightly.
"Why are you home so late?" he asked.
"I was in town with my friends," Lola replied defiantly. Oh yes, Austin knew about some of these friends of hers. Lola could have been keeping company with reputable girls her own age, but instead she liked the company of men, particularly some boys known for their association with the Peaky Blinders. He didn't want his sister mixed up with that kind of crowd.
"Can you two have this discussion later?" Victoria walked in from the front hall. "Thomas Shelby is here. He wants to speak with Austin."
Austin couldn't help but feel slightly nervous. Everyone in Small Heath knew that the Shelbys had a reputation. For their leader to want to speak with Austin…well, he must mean business. Either Austin was about to receive good news, or he was completely fucked. Heaving a sigh, he waved Lola away.
"Send him through."
Thomas Shelby, more commonly nicknamed Tommy, strode into the lounge room. He was at least ten or so years older than Austin, not a tall man but he cut an impressive figure nonetheless. Austin sat up straighter. The Mathesons couldn't have possibly done anything to piss off the Shelbys…could they? Sometimes it was hard to tell.
"Thomas Shelby. Would you like a drink?"
"No, thank you." Tommy lit up a cigarette. "I'm here to discuss business."
"Very well." Austin nodded slowly, gesturing to the chair across from him. "Please, sit. What business would you like to discuss?"
Tommy took a puff of his cigarette and blew out smoke. "I have a proposal. I think that we should join up. You have a very successful business going on here. So do we."
"And what are your terms?" Austin inquired a little warily.
"We can offer you protection. Limited legal betting on certain horse races."
Austin leaned back in his chair. He wouldn't lie, Tommy's offer was tempting. But he was wary that good business deals didn't come without sacrifice, and he wondered what exactly Tommy wanted from Matheson Enterprises.
"What would you want in return?"
"A 20 per cent cut of your business," Tommy responded without hesitation.
"And a free supply of opium for yourself, no doubt," Austin said. He was too young to have fought in the war, but he knew that Tommy and two of his brothers – Arthur and John – had. They used the opium because it helped them forget. "I'm sure Victoria could arrange something, if you desire."
"I take it she's the sister I met," Tommy said thoughtfully, "You have the younger one too."
Austin nodded. "Yes, Lola."
"Opium dens can be a dangerous business," Tommy stated. It was no secret that Matheson Enterprises owned three establishments used as opium dens within Birmingham. "As I said, I can offer you and your sisters protection."
"Very well, you have a deal." Austin extended his hand, and Tommy shook it. They could figure out the finer details – most likely involving paperwork that Austin didn't look forward to – at a later date. "Would you like anything before you leave?"
"The usual," Tommy stated, beginning to count out some money for the amount of opium he typically purchased from Matheson Enterprises. Austin wasn't entirely sure where things would go with this business deal, but having the Shelbys as allies was always a good thing. Wasn't it?
"Are you alright?" Lola questioned, watching as he sister rubbed her cheek from where their brother had hit her.
"Austin left a mark." Victoria commented, glancing down at the basket her sister was holding. "What is that?"
"Just some sweets." Lola explained, setting the basket on the kitchen bench. "Was that man Thomas Shelby?"
Victorian nodded in answer, fixing herself and her sister some tea. "Yes, it was."
"He doesn't look like a gangster." Lola mused as she sat down on one of the chairs at the dining table, picking at the handful of sweets that were in her hand.
Victoria had never thought about it, and she didn't think there was a particular look for gangsters. However, she assumed the Shelby's didn't fit that criteria. "Some do, some don't."
"I'd like to meet gangsters." Lola grinned at her sister, watching as she shook her head. Victoria didn't know what her fascination with gangsters was, but she didn't like it. "Where's Christian? Do you think he'd like a sweet?"
"He is sleeping." Victoria answered her.
Lola nodded, glancing across at the time and realising just how late she had returned home. No wonder Austin had been so furious with her. "Would you like a sweet?"
"No thank you." Vicky shook her head, sipping the cup of tea she had made herself. It was beginning to grow cold, but the taste was familiar and helped calm her down.
Before either of the women could utter another word, Austin strode into the room, having finished speaking to Tommy. "Victoria. He wants his usual."
Victoria nodded, not speaking a word to her brother as she grabbed the small package of opium, walking into the backroom where Tommy was waiting for her. "Miss Matheson." hands her the money
"It's just Victoria." She told him, handing back the money he gave her. He was a trusted client and new business partner; she didn't need to take his money. He now shared in the opium. "Take it as a gift."
Tommy frowned, pushing the money back into her hand. "That wouldn't be right."
"I insist." Victoria drew her hand away from his, shaking her head.
Tommy paused for a moment, but knew it was better to accept the gift than to continue and try to give the young woman money. "I expect I will see you more often."
"I look forward to it." Victoria smiled, leading him outside and bidding him a farewell.
"Did you and Mr Shelby do a deal, Austin?" Lola inquired curiously as Austin sank into the couch. He didn't have the patience for her right now, but he supposed it wouldn't hurt to educate her on what had happened.
"Yes, we did. He is our new business partner."
"That's exciting." Lola beamed. "What was the deal?"
Austin raked a hand through his hair, blonde like hers. "He is providing us with protection, among other things. We are giving him 20 per cent of our profits."
Lola giggled delightedly and clapped her hands. "We work with gangsters!"
"Enough, Lola," Austin reprimanded. Considering her late arrival, he was not pleased with her. He knew she had probably been out with Isaiah Jesus again, the preacher's son. Not only was he a member of the Peaky Blinders, but he was also black. Being seen in his company would do nothing for Lola's reputation. She mimicked him and he clenched his jaw. "Lola."
Lola reached into the basket she'd brought home and tossed him a sweet. "Lighten up."
Austin scowled, unwrapping the sweet. He was pleased about the deal, even if it would ultimately cost him some money. But the protection of the Peaky Blinders was a big deal – they practically ran things in Small Heath, after all. He thought that he had done the right thing.