Authors Note: Disclaimer:

I just want to make a quick note that on occassion the use of quotes from the Peaky Blinders TV series may be used and I own nothing but the OC's and non TV storyline in this story. Any lines used from the series belong to the original screenplay writers. Please also note the rating for this story is MA - bad language, violence and mature content will be present.

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Pronunciations for OC Character Names:
Irish in origin
Carrick (Care - ick)
Eirnin (Air-nin)
Twins - AINE (Awn-ye) Aoife (EE+fa)
Reilly (Rye-lee)

Transcontinental Trade Route - 4 days outside England
Airship - Adelisa Aiglentine
Dec. 8, 1919

Aoife sat in her hammock while it gently swayed back and forth from the winter wind that buffeted the ship. It was peaceful and she wanted to enjoy it while she could. She knew once they hit English airspace it was going to be all hands on deck. To top it off her eldest brother had been in some sort of funk since leaving the tropics. She didn't quite understand it, she knew it wasn't because of some dame, he hadn't been seeing anyone in particular. So that meant that it had to be something to do with business. Maybe something in their cargo was worrying him. Whatever it was he was pulling the big brother card and not telling any of the rest of his family. Probably thinking he was worrying about it enough for all of them. Except she hated it when he kept secrets from them. How many times had she told him it's always better for them to have all the facts, that way they're prepared when shit goes sideways. Ugh, men. Now the raised voices of her two older brothers ruined her relaxation time too. Brothers could really suck some times.

Aoife swung herself out of her comfortable hammock and made her way down the narrow corridor to the Captain's cabin where her older brothers were practically yelling at each other. Apparently her identical twin sister had the same notion because she was walking towards the door from the opposite direction. She met up with Aine at the open doorway and they leaned against the frame just like mirror images of each other as they listened in.

"Just got off the connection with Solomons, wants to know if we'd be willing to take on another client. An associate of his up in Birmingham is looking to get some stock out quick. What do you think?"

"Well now Eirnin, did he mention what his associates stock was? Where he's looking to send it to? You already know we have a pretty full load, how heavy is the parcel? How much space will it take up? We don't need the damn headache of taking on anything from an associate of Alfie fuckin Solomons. He's lucky we came to terms on his own shit. You know damn well any associate of Solomons is bound to be more trouble than it'll be worth. So you can go back and tell Solomons that my answer is fuckin NO!"

"Alright Carrick, Jesus, no need to bite my damn head off - he asked - so I asked you, shit, you need to get laid or something you've been in a crap mood since we left the Caymans."

"Fuck off Eirnin and just do what I damn well tell you to."

Aoife watched as Aine stiffened beside her. Her sister had something extra going on with Solomons, she just wasn't sure how serious it was. She understood it and she did actually like Alfie, he wasn't like the other fuckers her sister had had relations with. Alfie was entertaining, dangerous and unpredictable she enjoyed his company for all those reasons, but she herself wasn't interested in anything other than friendship with the man. So that probably works out for the best since Aine seemed to be developing deeper feelings than she should for him. She just worried about her sisters heart, couldn't see how anything good could come from it. After all he's a Grounder and well they certainly weren't, it was a relationship that could never truly go very far. Not unless Aine was willing to leave the sky.

Aoife decided to put her sister out of her misery because she knew Aine wanted to ask about what the hell was going on but if she did, when it had to do with Alfie, her brother would just as well slam the door in her face. Since he too knew Aine had something going with the Jew. He didn't like it but he wouldn't stand in her way, he also wouldn't stand for any favoritism towards the man just because his sister had a thing for him. So big britches on, the things she does for her sister.

"Carrick, Eirnin's right. You've been off and we haven't pushed you about it but it's starting to get to the ridiculous stage. We came to terms with Solomons long ago and he's not our only shady client. Taking on another is neither here nor there. If they're willing to pay the price we ask then that's just business, shady or not. So why the sudden hostility and unwillingness to take on new business without even speaking to this associate from Birmingham?"

"Aoife it's not your damn concern, I'm the Captain of this ship and if I don't want to take on any more clients then we don't take on anymore god damn clients, is that understood?"

"Aye Carrick, I hear you putting on your Captains voice ordering us all around like we're your minions and not your damn blood. You may be Captain of this vessel but this is a fucking family business, in case, you've fucking forgotten. The last time I checked any new business ventures are to be taken into account by all members of this family and then it's put to a vote because if one of us goes down then we all do! Aine go get Reilly, I believe we have something to vote on."

Aoife watched as Carrick's eyes glimmered eerily, he never liked being questioned, always preferred it if they simply did what they were told. Aoife however fucking hated when anyone told her what to do, family or not. She wasn't stupid or reckless, she took the pros and cons of every decision into consideration, except when someone told her what to do. No, when that happens whether she agrees with it or not she tends dig her heels in and pull from that chafing bit as hard as fucking possible. Now if you asked her to do something, you've a much better chance of her doing it. Carrick knew this, she knew he did. So it just went to show how badly he was worried about whatever the hell it was he was worrying about, that he didn't take his dear sweet little sisters temperament into account when speaking to her.

Aoife wasn't a pushover either which is why her eyes never left her brothers as they stood off against one another. On the peripheral of her vision she could see Eirnin standing off to the side. The cogs in his head turning about whether he should intervene or not. She knew he'd come to the decision to stay out of it. Eirnin knew them both and knew they could both hold their own, sometimes though things weren't resolved in a timely manner and well being stuck on an airship together for weeks at a time when your siblings are fighting can make for living in a war zone. Obviously though Eirnin wanted answers just as badly as she did. Thankfully before either she or Carrick could open their mouths to push one another any farther Aine and their little brother, by age not height, Reilly walked through the door, closing it softly behind them. Now that they were all here it was time to get things moving along and since Carrick simply wanted them all to shut up and do what they were told, well, then running the family meeting was up to her.

"Alright, so Alfie Solomons has asked if we'd be willing to think about taking on another client. An associate of his up in Birmingham. I say we at least meet with this associate of his and see what is said. After the meeting we can all decide whether or not we want to deal. Unless Carrick would like to share any information about why this would be a bad idea?...No, well then all in favor of meeting this associate from Birmingham?"

Aoife watched as all of her siblings aside from Carrick replied Aye to the meeting. "Well that's settled then. Eirnin would you let Alfie know we'd be willing to meet with his associate and discuss terms but will reserve the right to refuse service if we don't like what we hear? If he'd be a dear and set up the meeting for us, he has our arrival time already I'm sure. He can work out the logistics for us."

"Aye Aoife, I'll take care of it."

"Great now if I could have a moment to speak with Carrick alone I'd appreciate it."

After everyone left and closed the door behind them, Aoife turned to Carrick.

"What the hell is going on Carrick? Don't tell me nothing to worry my pretty little head over. Something is up and it's got you turned all around. The way you've been acting, the way you're talking at us instead of to us. You know damn well that we work better when we're all on the same page. You've got to share what the fuck is going on, what's more is you know you do. You're being all stoic, trying to deal with whatever it is on your own. But it's bleeding through and we're all sick and tired of it. So cough it up, I don't care if you feel like you're choking on it. Your damn secrets stop right now!"

Aoife watched as her brother dragged his hands over his face. She could tell he was trying to fortify himself before he started talking. She wasn't sure if it was to prepare to argue with her more or if it was to finally tell her what had crawled up his backside and died. When he finally spoke his voice was tired and hollow. Thank the heavens, the truth finally!

"It was such a small request, I didn't see the problem in it."

"What request? When? From who?"

"Aoife. We could be in trouble... I ran into Grace when we were docked in George Town. She asked me if I would do her a favor and deliver a letter to a friend of hers in London when we came this way."

"Okay. You know how I feel about the woman personally but I don't quite see the issue of delivering mail as it were. So why the worry?"

"This friend she wants the letter delivered to, well, finding him won't be a problem. I've already ascertained his location. It's just the getting it to him that's tricky."

"Pray tell, where is the man located?"

"He currently resides as a prisoner in the brig onboard the Mesopotamia bound for the encampment on Madagascar which sets sail a fortnight from now."

"Ah huh, what was his crime?"

"...Treason."

"Have you read the letter? Are we carrying something that the government would take issue with?"

"I haven't broken the seal."

"Okay...well there you go. If we're boarded and asked about some mysterious letter, we just give it to them, they can't prove we're doing anything other than delivering a letter, it has nothing to do with us."

"It's not that simple Aoife. I gave her my word I would deliver it to no one but the recipient. This former Inspector Campbell."

"Yeah, did she happen to mention that the man had been arrested and tried for treason before she asked this little favor of you? I bet ten pounds not. You don't owe her anything Carrick. Her innocent little harmless doe eyed act was just that. She's nothing but a god damn Mata Hari. Ugh, the first glimpse you saw of her you should have turned and ran as fast as you fucking could in the opposite direction. How many times are you going to let that dame fuck us over? You want my opinion, take that damn letter and burn it. Forget you ever saw her. If by some miracle she didn't already know where her Inspector Campbell was then I'm sure she would tell you to forget delivering it. After all, what's a man being cargo'd to Madagascar for imprisonment going to do with whatever information is in that letter. The woman broke your damn heart Carrick, years ago, you don't owe her a single damn thing."

Aoife watched as Carrick went through his own pros and cons list in his head. She really hoped he would take her advice. Delivering a simple letter to someone in London is one thing. Delivering a letter to a man imprisoned for treason is something else entirely.

"Carrick, I get why you're worried about our special delivery, but what has that got to do with taken on new clients?"

"If I decide to go through with the letters delivery we may not have time to take on new shipments, we may need to leave English airspace in a hurry."

"Well that fucking settles it then. Burn it. Delivering a letter as a favor to a known criminal in custody no less, does not come before the safety and sanctity of our previous engagements. This is our lively hood you're talking about being disrupted. It's bad enough we might have to play shadow games if we get boarded because of that letter. Our customers trust us to import and export their wares quickly and quietly without undue suspicion falling upon us for something we're not even collecting payment for. Burn it, we collect our export shipment from Camden, we speak with Birmingham and you forget you ever had the misfortune of running into Grace."

"It's not that simple Aoife."

"Yes Carrick, it is. Don't let any feelings you still harbor for her to outweigh your common sense. I know you felt something real for her. She made her choice and it wasn't you. Don't bring the rest of your family down for a woman who didn't even choose you back."

Aoife had nothing left to say. She knew her brother would do what he wanted to. She sincerely hoped what he chose to do would be in the families best interests. She wasn't heartless, she understood love and its intricacies. She may have never truly felt it as powerfully as others in her family had. But she knew it had to fucking hurt like hell when you couldn't have the one your heart wanted. She couldn't decide whether it was worse to have someone return your feelings but not be able to be with them or if the one you loved didn't love you back enough to choose a life with you. She left the captain's cabin quietly closing the door behind her so her brother could mull over the implications of delivering that damned letter.

Birmingham - Shelby Company Limited

Tommy POV

Tommy looked up from the paperwork strewn across his desk when Aunt Pol came through the door without knocking. His cold ice blue eyes looking directly into her hard dark brown ones.

"What?"

He could see that Aunt Pol had something good to tell him from the sparkle in her eyes. Thank the gods he didn't know if he could take anymore setbacks right now. He had so many pots stirring that demanded his attention and concentration as it was, some good news would be more than welcome.

"Some good news for you today Tommy. Solomons is on the line holding for you. Wants to set up a meeting between you and that importer exporter ship he's got terms with."

"Hmm, having an accord with Camden may ave actually come through for us then."

"May ave. Only way to tell is to talk to him."

Tommy gave Pol a stiff nod before reaching for the phone as she closed the door behind her and took the seat in front of his desk.

"Line 3, Tommy."

"Alfie, I hear you ave some news for me on that shipper of yours."

"Aye, nothin's certain ya understand. They willin' to meet wit ya though and hear what ya ave to say. So when can ya meet wit um?"

"I can clear my schedule for whenever they're available."

"Right. I'll set it up and let ya know when an' where."

"Fine"

Tommy gently laid the handset back in its cradle and closed his eyes. Fuck he hoped this worked out he needed to unload those god damn guns somewhere far away from here. The right fuckin cock up that was, fuckin motorbikes is what he asked for, no, a shipment of government guns and munitions is what he got. He had outsmarted that damn Inspector who came looking for em'. Tearing up his damn town, disruptin' his business, threatening his family. That damn Inspector had been a right thorn in his side, but he'd gotten him out of the way and thankfully the fucker wouldn't be coming back. Now though, he needed to get rid of the damn shipment.

The sound of Polly's voice had him opening his eyes.

"A meeting then?"

"Aye. Just a meeting, no accord as yet...to be expected. Alfie will set it up and make sure we get the particulars."

"Who all do you want going?"

"Not sure on that front yet. I'll figure out what kind of presence I want us ta have there and get back ta ya."

"Right. Well at least we're moving in a forward direction when it comes to that damn devils shipment. We need it gone Tommy. Sooner rather than later, the last thing we need is to have another Inspector to deal with, with those things laying around."

"I know Aunt Pol. I'm dealing with it ain't I?"

Tommy knew that Aunt Pol wasn't going to answer because she knew it was a rhetorical question. He watched as she got up and exited the room. As soon as the door was closed he opened his bottom drawer and took out a bottle of whiskey and a glass. After downing two fingers he returned the bottle and glass to his drawer and sat back in his seat. Staring blindly at the piles of paperwork on his desk. Fuckin hell it wasn't going to get done today, at least not by him.

He got up and grabbed his jacket and cap with its razor blades sewn into the bill before exiting the office. The den was loud and smoky with his men taking bets and laying odds. He was grateful for the upcoming race, the additional income would come in handy when trying to set up an accord with Alfie's shipper. If all went to plan he'd also have his in with Kimber after the races.

Tommy left the den without a word to anyone and headed towards the Garrison, he was sure he'd find his older brother Arthur there. They had things to discuss, he just hoped he'd be able to catch Arthur before he was too deep in his cups.

He walked down the muddy streets with confidence and purpose. Tommy always had somewhere to go and something to do these days. People either made themselves scarce or gave a word of acknowledgment. They understood how things were run in their little den of Small Heath and the rest of Birmingham was slowly coming to learn it as well. The Peaky Blinders ran things and you better not get in their way and Tommy Shelby ran the Peaky Blinders so you'd better be damn sure to stay on his good side.