The cold air formed chills over my skin. Signs of the approaching Winter were apparent today. The sky in Birmingham was always murky but the clouds create an extra gloom. As I watched Finn and Isaiah pat the three gentleman down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity from the oldest man.

The Italians were here to meet with Tommy and talk about there agreement of peace. That seemingly went out the window once they decided to burn down the Changretta's bar. I Wonder how they'll feel when they see whose sitting at the table. Once the boys were finished we made our way over to the table that was outside in the bloody mud.

"Tell me again why they're having tea outside."

I whispered my question in Finns ear as I latched onto his arm.

"Apparently the Italians wanted the meeting out in the open so they picked by the stable. Something about how wops should be treated." I rolled my eyes at his response. Guess I'll have to have another talk to Arthur about his love for that word. "Of course he did." My grumble caused both boys to chuckle as we near the setup.

John and Arthur sat at the dingy little table surrounded by horse shit and broken crates. Finn, Isaiah and I circled around till when stood behind them. The Italian men stood across from us. Introductions were nothing short of tense.

"Where is Thomas?"

"He got called away."

"He said he'd be here!"

"Yeah he is busy." Arthur smirked.

"And I just told you he got called away. So what do you want."

Conversing was never one of Arthur or Johns strong points. They'd rather talk with their fist or razor blades. And it looks like Vicente is already tired of their shit.

As the cold breeze continues to blow I wrap my arm tighter around Finn's trying to attain any warmth I can. The boy who is now taller then me looks down with a grin.

"Oh shut it." My grumble comes out as I try and bury my head further down in my collar.

"What'd you do to have to be here for this?"

"I'm here incase there needed to be any translations Finn, not as a punishment. I don't get into trouble, unlike you."

My father was adamant about having me learn his native tongue when I was younger. I never met my grandparents but I know both my dads parents were from Italy. I haven't spoke it in a while since I don't really interact with any Italians. Especially since the way the boys view the Italians.

"Yeah I bet Michael would have a few things to say bout that."

I hit the boys shoulder before situating myself back in the warmest position.

I watched carefully as the patriarch of the Changretta's speaks about the peace his family has had with the Blinders and how we wants an explanation for the events that transpired with his son.

"But you tell him from me, that my son will walk with any woman in this city. Any woman he chooses! Even if that woman works for the emperor, Thomas Shelby."

The older mans furious gaze finds mine. I wasn't expecting it. But he quickly focuses back on the men sat before him.

"My son is in love—"

Of course John starts to chuckle. Wasn't so funny when he was saying the same bloody thing about the same woman two years ago.

"You know it would be hard for your son to walk anywhere with a bullet in each knee, wouldn't it."

If I could smack him right now I would. Looks as if Arthur would as well. But John being John just pours himself a cup of tea and lets the statement hang in the air.

"Too much. You said too much my friend. Sabini says, "Suck and Swallow." But no. Too much. I spit! Scopa inglese sporco!

Vicente stormed off. Before his men followed, one viciously picked up the chair he sat in and smashed it till it was no more.

John just chuckled and sipped his tea.

"Fucking hell. Kenzie what the fuck did the old man say?"

I looked up from the inside of my coat. "He called you dirty English fucks."

Again the younger Shelby chuckled.

Arthur told Isaiah to add extra security to the pubs they owned before telling the youngest boys to clean everything up. But not before forgetting to remind them how none of this should concern Tommy.

Arthur began to make his exit.

"We're not scared of fucking wops! Arthur!"

The eldest just continued on his path without looking back. Finn and Isaiah began clean up. I too began my journey back into town not without given John a good wallop on the back of the head.

—

The sound of the office door slamming closed knocked us back into the real world. I quickly got up off Michaels lap and swiped my thumb against his lips just Incase. I positioned myself on the corner of the desk as Michael lit himself a cigarette.

Tommy briskly walked past us at first seemingly ignoring our presence. But I heard his shoes scuff softly before pivoting on the old wooden floor.

"Now what have you two been up to?"

I quickly looked over my shoulder at the man perched against the doorway. I shut the book that I was pretending to read and placed in on my lap.

"Well hello Tommy. I'm great how are you?"

The mans tired eyes remained to same but his eyebrow shot up in its questioning manner.

"I was just reading while Michael was sorting papers."

"It looks more to me like you were sorting out each other's necks."

At his words my hand quickly rose to my neck that became hot with the rest of my face. Michael just chuckled while honestly looking a bit smug.

"Polly said you should call her. There's been some trouble."

I came to the front of Michaels desk and leaned against it as he informed Tommy.

"What trouble?"

"I'm guessing it's the stuff she doesn't like to tell me about."

I twisted my fingers nervously. I wasn't certain what the trouble had been but if I had to guess it would be about how the meeting had ended this morning.

Tommy let out a sigh before running his hand through his hair.

"Alright."

He turned to leave but before he could I caught his hand in my own. Nothing could come to mind as to what I could or should say so I just gave his hand a gentle squeeze and gave him my best reassuring smile before letting go.

He didn't smile back but he didn't need to.

He rounded the corner out to the hall.

"You two best behave or Pol will have his balls in a vice grip!" That was the last I herd from the man before another door closed.

I couldn't help but laugh as Michael got up to close his office door. I prop myself up to sit properly on the desk. Michael comes and stands between my legs and my hands slide up his shoulders and latch behind his neck.

"So you excited for the dinner? I know you've been working hard on it."

His question cause me to sigh and lean my forehead against his chest. Grace has been going mad over this dinner. She'll call me up at godly hours asking what damn cutlery we should use. I am happy to be apart of it since it's for a good cause but the newly dawned Shelby woman might drive me to insanity.

"I am yes. But with the way Grace has been I think I'll be even more excited once it's done."

He just hummed his response before placing his lips on my forehead. His action making me smile. It had been a while since we were able to just sit peacefully, just the two of us. With Michael now being full time with the legit part of the business and me doing well whatever the hell Tommy wanted me to do we've had only small increments together.

"I'm still sorry you know."

The words came out muffled against Michaels shirt but I know he heard and understood me.

"Kenz we've been through this I —"

"I know we have but I just need you to hear it one more time. I'm sorry about how I acted and it was so silly of me to think that—"

This time it was Michael who cut me off. His lips fell into place with mine. Nothing as extreme as to what we were up to before just as nice none the less.

As we broke apart his hands rose to my cheeks cupping them gently.

"Listen, I don't give a fuck about what happened alright. All I care about is that we're okay, that you're okay and that this family is okay. Alright you understand?"

I just nodded before reattaching his lips to mine.

"I want you to be careful okay?"

"Michael, Grace is harmless, at—."

"I'm not talking about that Kenz."

I look at him not understanding what he meant.

"I know you were at the meeting this morning."

My stomach dropped a bit. I wasn't going out of my way to make sure Michael didn't know but I know he gets worried when I step over the line from the legal to the illegal side of the business. I do get nervous as well but the one thing I will always put before my conscious is the Shelby family.

"I'm sorry for not telling you. I was only there as a favor, to help out."

Michael didn't say anything but I know he understood.

"You guys are it for me. You're my family and I'd do anything for you."

Michael kissed my forehead once more. "I know and thats what worries me."

My hand sat on the side of his face. My thumb gliding over his cheek. Here I stood with a boy that could tell me he wanted me to drown myself in the cut and If thats what he really wanted I would do it. Maybe he should be worried…

"Alright I have to go before Grace's wrath begins."

As I try to get up from the desk Michael keep pecking my lips.

"No."

Kiss

"Michael."

Kiss

"I need to go!"

Kiss

"Ow! Did you just pinch my bum?"

I laughed as the boy rubbed his back side.

"Well it got you to stop didn't it."

I gave him one last kiss before I exited the office.

—

As I secured the back on my earring and looked at myself in the mirror I released a long breath. Tonight was finally the night. Months of work leading up to this. Part of me hoped that Grace and Ada wouldn't need my help pumping the guest for cash but I was told I needed to use my 'young looks' to help the cause.

I ran my clammy hands over my dress once more. I couldn't figure out why but my nerves have been in overdrive all damn day. Part of me thinks it's because I need everything to go off perfectly but the other part is telling my something totally different. Before I have time to even comprehend what that could be there's a knock on my door.

My heels spoke against the wood floor as I grabbed my coat and purse before opening the door.

"Are you ready to—"

The words were coming out until his head finally turned to face me. His gaze wandered up and down a few times before I had to bring him out of it.

"Hello, Michael you there?" I waved my hand in front of his face just for extra measure.

"I think we need to skip the dinner."

My face contorted. "Why the bloody hell would we do that?"

"So we can stay here instead." His hands gravitated to my hips with his words. A blush soon covered my features.

"We'll have plenty of time for that later. Grace would kill me if I didn't show face."

"Alright but I'm holding you to that."

With a wink from Michael we made our way downstairs. Polly was already gone, leaving earlier with Ada.

I double checked I had everything set in my purse. "Do you have everything Michael?"

He just nodded before saying "Everything I need is right here."

I pushed him out the door or else we would never leave.

The ballroom was full of chatter and lively energy. Which meant the alcohol was flowing and hopefully for my sake the money was as well.

Michael left my side to go and get us some drinks. My eyes soon found he rest of the Shelby clan and I quickly made my way over to them.

"Well hello there boys. Didn't know the Shelby men could clean up this nicely."

I received all smiles and some joking back. I don't think they were necessarily comfortable in this environment but they made sure no one would even think that. An arm soon wraps around my waste and a drink is presented in front of me. I was only able to take a sip before being whisked away by Ada telling me that I needed to 'share my smile'. Which translated to me as shake down these rich snobs. So I left Michael with a kiss on the cheek and said my peace with the rest of the lot before going out onto the floor.

"Thank you so much and I look forward to our tea." I kiss both the woman's cheeks before turning my back to her and letting my eyes roll. Damn women kept talking for nearly 20 bloody minutes. I was already able to get a 500£ donation from her.

"McKenzie dear!"

I quickly consume the wine in my hand before hastily putting the glass on one of the servers tray who is luckily passing by. I turn to see Grace walking briskly towards me with a plump gentleman in toe.

"McKenzie this is the leader of the Birmingham City Council."

I smile and extend my hand to the recognized man. "Ah yes, hello there Danny. How are you tonight?"

"I'm doing quite well Kenzie. Wonderful organization you're apart of."

I smile at his words.

"I'm sorry you know him too?"

I assume the too she's applying means she introduced him to Tommy who knows the man before me quite well.

"Yes well Kenzie makes the best cup of tea in all of Birmingham."

I force a laugh to try and ease the tension out of Grace. "Yes, I know to have one waiting for you when you coming in for your meetings with Tommy."

I smile at the pair as Grace's face has a smile but I can read her eyes and she is not happy.

"If you ladies will excuse me for a moment."

Both Grace and I nod before seeing the honestly kind man off.

I try my best to scurry off before I catch the wrath of the blonde woman but she anticipates my move and her hand reaches out and latches to my wrist.

"Are they're anymore people Thomas meets with that I should know about." There's a smile on her face but malice in her words. She's whispered the words so onlookers wouldn't know the feelings of the event runner.

"Look Grace what Tommy chooses to tell you and what not to tell you is between you and him. I'm sorry." My words are sincere even thought they're harsh. Tommy's my boss and more important than that he's basically my brother. What he says goes.

The women merely nods before quietly looking out into the crowd, my guess is to find her husband. Her demeanor seems to drop even more when she can't seem to find him. My hand reaches out and falls to one of hers arms that sits across her chest.

"Grace I know we're not the closest but I just wanted to say that what you're doing for these kids is really admirable. And I think you should know I've learned a lot from you about compassion and kindness."

She looked like she was going to reply but before she could we were interrupted.

"Hello, excuse me but are you Mrs. Shelby?"

The petite brunette had an accent that was instantly recognizable.

Russian.

I said nothing as Grace and the girl I learned to be named Tatiana conversed. The girl didn't look to be much older then myself. I just felt that something was slightly off about her.

"Tommy."

The presence of the Shelby man knocks me out of my thoughts and back to reality.

"This is Duchess Tatiana Petrovna." He just clears his throat. "Come on, Tommy, aren't you impressed to meet a real duchess?"

"Well I understand they charge a fee."

His statement almost caused me to spit my drink back into my glass. The three pairs of eyes shoot to me but I just pretend to cough it off with apologetic eyes.

Now I know why she's here. She came on Tommy's wedding night.

"— You should of kisses my hand, Mr. Shelby."

The pair that this ones got.

I watch as Tommy apologizes and does what he was suggested. It seems to be dawning on Grace that this is another time Tommy has already met someone she's introduced.

"— You see, I am in charge of compiling the list of guests, but it's my husband who seems to know all of them. Isn't that right McKenzie?"

I don't say anything.

"I hear he is very well connected."

"And where does a duchess hear that?"

"In certain circles."

If this wasn't a charity event my glass would already be all over this god damn ruskie.

"All right, enough. Ada."

Tommy seemed to have read my mind.

The Shelby sister swept in to take away her sister in law with talks of donations. But before they left the Sapphire wearing woman made her intentions well known.

"Tatiana, you and I will speak later."

"I would like that."

The three of us watched as the Shelby woman left us. The tension in the air growing ever so thicker.

"Going to the factory tomorrow is a mistake."

I kept my head down as talks of business arose. I didn't leave cause I wasn't told to but that didn't mean I should listen. My eyes searched for their safe spot.

And they found him watching as he listened to his mums chatter. A quaint smile on his face. He was surrounded by his cousins who were having a good time giving each other a few shoves only Polly put a stop to that.

He must of felt a gaze since his head soon turned over his right shoulder, eyes scanning until met with mine.

We both just smiled. All I needed for my nerves to calm. He mouthed something to me but I wasn't able to understand. I furrowed my brows. A sign to him that i didn't comprehend. He did it again but before I could recognize the conversation inform of me pulled me in.

"— I would fuck you for the cause. What do you think of that."

"Jesus Christ."

The words slipped out but I didn't care that I had let my distaste for the woman be known.

"I think you should not drink vodka with champagne."

Tommy's hand quickly brushed my shoulder. A gesture that I took as my dismissal.

As I turned to find Michael, Tatiana's words stopped me dead in my tracks.

"Does your wife know that the sapphire she is wearing has been cursed by a Gypsy?" The giggles released from the woman's mouth made my stomach turn.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing on earth would make me wear it."

She said nothing else. Only stalking away mine and Tommy's eyes following.

"Tommy what the fuck does that mean?"

"Go find Michael Kenzie."

"Tommy no, what's going to—"

"Kenzie."

The dead tone in his voice made me drop all arguments.

"Go and be with Michael, please."

Tommy never says please.

I nod before doing just as told. Scanning the heads in the area, trying to find the ones that belonged to him.

It wasn't long before I found it and launched myself over.

"Michael."

"There you are! Tommy finally let go of you eh." His amusement was dropped once he grabbed my hands.

"You're shaking. What's wrong."

My breathing was wavered and my thoughts were running wild. My eyes were locked on the newly wed couple and few steps from us. They look to be arguing.

Two fingers on my chin force my gaze directly ahead of me.

"McKenzie, what happened?"

I was looking at him but I couldn't hear the words coming out of Michaels mouth. I warmth overtook my body. Everything around me too loud.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! The loyalty toast, to His Majesty the King."

"The King!"

Glasses were raised and the crowd made there way to the dinning area but my feet stayed planted.

Hands were now at my jaw.

"McKenzie you're scaring me. Talk to me!"

"Somethings wrong." The words were a mere whisper as my ears still rung.

"What's wrong. What happened?"

The heat crept of my neck and dizzied my gaze. My heart feeling like it was out of my chest.

My eyes could only focus on the kissing couple over Michaels shoulder.

As they turned to walk, I watched as a man bumped into Polly. His arm began to raise and time began to slow down.

My body was moving without me telling it to. Michaels hands had dropped with my movement allowing me to go. Before I took another step a hammer was released and a shot fired. My hearing ceased.

My knees soon met the wood beneath myself. All I could see was Tommy's figures cradling Grace in a pool of her blood.

Arms surrounded my middle section trying to stop me from the thrashing I hadn't known my limbs were doing.

I soon realized the sound that had deafened me had been my own screaming.