Chapter Ten
Morning light crept through the curtains that hung in Maddie's childhood room, a slither of light moved along the wooden floor until it hit the single metal bed and up onto Maddie's face. Closing her eyes, she let out a long breath enjoying the slight warming effect the sun had on her skin. She'd been laid in her old room for hours, staring at all the old belongs that once meant so much to her. When her father had died, she had moved out of her bedroom and into her parents wanting to feel close to last shreds of them that she had, but after the previous night it didn't feel right laying in the bed her parents had shared. It clung to her like a bad smell, and the last thing Maddie wanted to do was taint the room she felt most safe in.
Dragging herself off of the bed, Maddie padded downstairs to make herself a pot of coffee with the hope it would make her feel more alive. The kitchen was colder than usual, she hadn't lit a fire in days and the cold was finally creeping in, lighting a cigarette Maddie blew out a cloud of smoke as she gazed out the kitchen window onto the street outside. It was already buzzing with life, people busy with their normal daily routines. She envied those people, settled down with families of their own and husbands to come home to, times were hard but that only made people more grateful for what they had. For the most fleeting of moments Maddie had dreamed that she could too share that happiness with Tommy, that they could start their own family and finally get married like they had planned so many years ago, but she was no fool and Tommy ruined that. Maddie was not going to be someones second choice, she had more self respect than that.
A loud knock at the door made Maddie physically jump, stubbing the end of her cigarette out on a dirty plate she went to answer the door hoping for it to be anyone but Tommy. The downcast face of Arthur greeted her when she swung the door open, making her heart flutter with relief, it was too soon to face Tommy she hadn't figured out how she was going to handle it yet. "Come in." Stepping aside, Maddie allowed Arthur into her house and followed him back into her kitchen. She knew why he was there, it was obvious, the regret was written all over his tired face. It was then that Maddie noticed the bruise on his neck, the ugly purple and blue mark told her what kind of night the eldest Shelby had had. Without saying a word Maddie drew Arthur into her arms and hugged him as tightly as she could, anything he had previous said to her forgotten.
"I'm so sorry Mad, I didn't mean those things I said." Arthur mumbled into Maddie's hair, inhaling the comforting scent that belonged exclusively to her. "Forgive me."
Drawing back from Arthur, Maddie took his face in her cold hands tilting his head back so she could inspect the bruise further. It could have been worse, but that wasn't the issue, Arthur had tried to kill himself and she had seen something like that coming a mile off but hadn't been around to prevent it. "Offer's still there Arthur. Beds yours if you want it." Relief flooded Maddie's body when he nodded weakly; Polly was right only Arthur could get himself out of the mess he was stuck in but that didn't mean she couldn't help his healing. "Coffee?" The kettle screaming on the stove brought her attention back to the hot drink she desperately needed, but Arthur shook his head no.
"Busy day Mad, Black Star Day."
Pouring herself a cup of coffee, Maddie frowned in confusion, Black Star Day meant nothing to her. Plucking a cigarette from her box, Maddie threw it to Arthur then lit her own on the stove. "What the fuck is Black Star Day?"
"The day we take ou' Kimber an' take the racetrack for ourselves." Explained Arthur after lighting his own cigarette. "Got a meetin' with the men and the family. Will ya come?"
Maddie tried not to groan at Arthur's request, he didn't know about the events that had unfolded the night before, it would be uncomfortable to say the least to be around Tommy but with how fragile Arthur looked Maddie couldn't find it in herself to say no. "I'll come, let me get my coat."
Leading Arthur to the entry hall, Maddie quickly slipped her coat on and followed Arthur outside to begin the walk to the meeting. The cold air instantly felt good against her skin, pulling her from the daze she seemed to be stuck in since getting home. She had no intention of telling anyone of what had happened with Campbell, not even Polly, the last thing everyone needed was the Shelby boys killing an inspector that would be something even Tommy couldn't slip out of. It was better just kept to herself, where she could just move on from it and pretend it never happened. All working women had a game face and all Maddie needed to do was transfer that to everyday life until the event was forgotten well and truly.
"In 'ere." Arthur announced when they reached the Shelby betting shop; ever the gentleman he held the door for Maddie to walk through before joining the rest of The Peaky Blinder's and Shelby family in the shop.
"Maddie!" Squeaked Ada, happily bounding over to where the brunette was hanging near the back of the large group, Karl snuggled tightly into her chest. "I'm sorry I haven't been around, I've not been in a good place. Wana hold him?" Not waiting for a responce Ada held out Karl for Maddie to take, willing or not.
Karl's soft breath tickled Maddie's chest as he slept peacefully in the warm blanket Ada had him wrapped in; he was perfect, and Maddie couldn't have been happier for her best friend. "I'll see you more Ada, I promise. I've been a real shit friend lately." And she meant it, Maddie had felt terrible about how little she had been seeing Ada even if she didn't have a clue where she had been living, if the past twenty-four hours had taught her anything she needed more women around her and Ada had been her best friend for years.
"Come on, what you doin' hiding by the door. Up here with me and Pol."
Practically bouncing, Ada led Maddie through the mass of Blinder's up to the front of the betting shop where Polly greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. It had been so long since all the women had been together, and she hoped that whatever Tommy had done to reconcile with Ada continued.
"Isn't she a natural Pol?" Beamed Ada as she stroked the top of Karl's head. "You need to find a good man Maddie, settle down and have one of ya own."
Before Maddie could laugh off Ada's suggestion, Tommy stepped up to the front of the group and began laying down his plan for the day. Snuggling Karl, Maddie watched Tommy as he spoke but didn't hear anything he was saying, in her mind all she could see was the window with he and Grace behind it and that allowed Campbell to seep into her thoughts. Shaking her head to clear the unwelcome invasion on her mind, Maddie tried to divert her attention away from Tommy, on anything but Tommy, but his pale blue eyes kept drawing her back. Did he know she knew about him and Grace? No, how could he possibly know as far as he was concerned she had gone straight home, while he had his fun with the barmaid.
"He's watchin' you." Polly whispered into Maddie's ear. "You sure there's nothing there?"
It was true, Tommy was watching her; every know and then his eyes flicked over to her and gazed almost longingly at Maddie and Karl, had he not been with Grace only hours ago she would have felt something at the way he was watching her with a baby. Yet Tommy had made his choice, so any chance of them sharing what Ada and Freddie had was gone.
"T' The Garrison!" Boomed Arthur, followed by the loud cheer of all the other men. The Blinder's filed out of the shop heading to the pub for a drink before they went off to take down Kimber. There was a crackle in the atmosphere and not just for violence, excitement clung to all the men, the prospect of earning a stready income of decent money within arms reach.
"Come on love." Once Maddie had handed Karl back to his mom, Polly linked her arm through Maddie's and the three women walked to The Garrison together, behind the men and for the first time in a while laughing together. They were as good as Polly's daughters and having them both with her, by her side was the best thing to come out of the horrid situations that had seemed to be haunting the Shelby family. As long as the men stayed in line, Polly was positive their luck was about to take fortuitous turn. "Should have known she'd be here." Polly didn't bother hiding the dislike from her voice at seeing the blonde barmaid serving all the Blinder's drinks with Tommy. The irish woman left a bad taste in her mouth, something wasn't right about her and Polly had always been a good judge of character.
Unlinking herself from Polly, Maddie barged behind the bar and swiped a full bottle of whiskey, ignoring the confused expression from Grace and Tommy as she did. If she was going to stay then she sure as hell needed a drink, a large one. Unscrewing the lid Maddie took a swig from the bottle, the strong alcohol burning her throat, adjusting to the uncomfortable sensation she took another mouthful this time the burning not as intense.
"You want to slow down there, I ain't carrying you home." Laughed Polly, snatching the bottle from Maddie's hands to take a gulp herself. "We can prop each other up."
From in the crown, Arthur cheered as he watch the women drinking from the bottle of whiskey. "Tha's it! Shelby women know 'ow to drink!" Turning to his younger brother, he steered John towards the women grinning boyishly. "He's bin shacked up with 'is new Mrs makin' more fuckin' kids, swears he ain't avoiding ya Mads."
Maddie rolled her eyes in jest, pulling John in for a hug which he immediately returned. "Don't you have enough kids?" She laughed giving him a soft shove and a wide smile. It had been so long since John had been as happy as he seemed with Esme, and Maddie was certain they'd have beautiful kids together.
"When you guna pop some ou' then?" Asked John with a smirk. "I mean I'd 'ave happily obliged but think the wife migh' 'ave somethin' 't say."
Again Maddie laughed. "I shall try to get over you John."
Giving a wink, John leant closer to the brunette. "Ya still are aren't ya?" Kissing Maddie on the top of the head he moved back into the excited group of men and grabbed a pint on his way.
Taking a seat at the bar, the large amount of whiskey shes's consumed hitting her system, Maddie smiled to herself as she watched all the merriment in the pub, it was like Christmas had come and all the men had turned back into boys. The light mood was a welcome change to the dismal outlook of most days.
"Is there any Shelby you haven't been with?" Grace asked in a soft voice, having moved down the bar away from Tommy. They had spent an incredible night together and she wanted to make it clear to the brunette that Tommy had chosen her. Maddie's appearance at the pub was a cause of great irriation to her, she'd wanted some time with Tommy before everything went downhill to explain why she had done certain things but with Maddie there that would make it almost impossible. Tommy, although well hidden, had been casting glances at his ex since she arrived with Polly and his sister and it started to pick away at Grace's confidence in their relationship.
"John has a wife."
"That doesn't usually stop whore's does it?" Shot back Grace spitefully.
It seemed that despite the night she and Tommy had shared Grace was still threatened by Maddie, which was ridiculous. "Word of advice," Smiled Maddie tightly. "If you want to be accepted by this family, don't go around insulting well established members." Pointing at Polly, who was cooing over Karl, she added. "See that woman, she's the back bone of this family and I'll let you in on a secret...she don't trust you. Without her, you'll always be an outsider."
Grace scowled, pulling the bottle of whiskey away from Maddie's reach. "I don't need anyones approval."
"That's good, 'cos so far you haven't got any."
Suddenly The Garrison went quiet, the bubbling excitement evaporated into nothing. Striding through the tightly packed pub Tommy made a beeline for Ada, he needed her out of there as quickly as possible before the shooting started. "Ada, you need 't leave." Grabbing his sisters arm he made to shove her through the back of The Garrison, towards safety.
"What are you doing Tommy?!" Demanded Polly, holding Ada in place and slapping Tommy's hands from her.
"Kimber's on 'is way, he knows what we 'ave planned."
Polly frowned not understanding the problem, with the Blinder's and the Lee's it would be simple to take down Kimber, it didn't matter where it took place. "And we can take 'im Thomas, we have plenty of able body men-"
"The Lee's are already on their way 't the races." Tommy explained. "We're out numbered Pol."
In that moment both Polly and Tommy realised who had betrayed them, in unison they turned to look to the bar where Grace was stood with Maddie. She had been right all along, it hadn't just been jealousy, it had in fact been Tommy who was blind. He who hadn't seen what was so glaringly obvious, but he didn't have time to dwell on it too much was at stake. "Change o' plans! We fight Kimber in the streets, ge' the women an' children out o' the way!"
Jumping to action, Maddie ran over to Ada and escorted her out the back of the pub with Karl, leaving the men to fight their war. People were going to die, there was no question about it, but she would be damned if it was going to be Ada and her innocent baby.
"How can they be so stupid?" Spat Ada as she stamped down the street beside Maddie pushing Karl's pram. "Hasn't there been enough killing? You'd think after France they would have had enough."
Maddie couldn't have agreed more, but then most of the men in the Blinder's only understood two things violence and money and the large majority of them enjoyed it. She, Ada, and their wives could shout until they were blue in the face but they would never listen, thye would always deal with things their way. "You have a child now Ada, worry about him not your idiot brothers."
"Yes, I should worry about Karl."
Out of nowhere, Ada did a sharp U-turn and started marching down the deserted road to where the men would fighting a few streets over. Her son was going to lose uncles and a father if they continued with the madness about to erupt, and Ada was determind to put an end to it. While the men had been at war she had watched too many wives and daughters lose the ones they loved and if she could prevent anymore meaningless lose then she would.
"Ada stop! Ada!"
But Maddie's shouts wouldn't stop her, no one could, she was on her own mission and prepared to stop bloodshed by any means possible.
Kimber and his men had just showed up when she rounded the street they were to fight on, shoving through them she planted herself firmly between the two gangs and parked Karl's pram for good measure.
For a woman pushing a pram Ada sure moved fast, and when Maddie caught up with her friend she was gasping for breath which swiftly left her lungs when she saw that Ada had put herself right in the middle of the confict. Polly was going to kill her, she couldn't even get Ada from The Garrison to the Shelby home without it going wrong, she was in for a good hiding. "Ada! Move out the way, look at all those fucking guns!" Weaving through Kimber's men, Maddie eyes all the guns aimed with caution and edged closer to where Ada was pacing. "Please Ada, think of Karl."
"I am!" Yelled Ada, still not budging. "They can fight if they want, but that baby ain't moving and neither am I."
Much to her relief, Maddie saw uncertainty wash over all of the mens faces, they didn't want to hurt an innocent woman and child. Maybe Ada had stopped the fight? Even if it was just for a day, maybe she had saved more women from losing their husbands.
"She's right ya know," Spoke Kimber, gesturing at his men. "Why should all you men die? It should just be them who caused it."
Pulling the gun from his jacket, Kimber fired at Tommy, the impact of the bullet knocking him from his feet. Maddie stared in horror as he fired off more rounds that instead of hitting Tommy pierced through Danny's body as he ran forwards in defense of his friend. Her dark eyes fell on Tommy, as he struggled to get to his feet, an all consuming rage burned through her and before she could stop herself Maddie stepped into the mania, her hand in her purse grabbing hold of the pistol the Shelby brothers had given her. Withough a second thought, she aimed the gun at Kimber and pulled the trigger until the barrel was empty.
All the shouting stopped and all eyes flew to Maddie. The hand holding the gun trembled with shock, she had never killed anyone before and she'd never intended too but seeing Tommy get shot had lit something within her. "I...I..." She stammered looking fearfully at Kimber's men, waiting for them to gun her down at any moment.
"Enough!" Yelled Tommy, stepping forward to stand beside Maddie. "Me and Kimber fought this battle one on one. It's over. Go 'ome to your families."
A/N/ Thank you Ariwolff14, guest and Medina for your feedback I'm so glad people are enjoying this story :)