Chapter 28

The sun set and rose another seven days and Tommy continued to pace in front of the bedroom window, his eyes never leaving the courtyard on the other side of the glass. Guilt crept through him as he thought back to the last word he spoke to Sara. They had parted on such negativity and Tommy constantly felt like kicking himself for how he had reacted, not allowing her time to explain. But, he couldn't deny, he still felt wary about the dossier he had found. Over the past few days, he had pored over the information Sara had collected on him and his family and desperately tried to consider her reasons for holding such information, but as of yet, he hadn't come up with a reasonable excuse for it.

"Have you slept Thomas?" Polly stepped into the room, pulling him from his thoughts.

He nodded his head. "Briefly. Have you had any word?"

"Nothing yet. Ada hasn't seen her either, so I don't know how likely it is that she's gone back to London. Where else would she stay other than Ada's?" Polly questioned.

Shrugging his shoulders, Tommy dragged himself away from the window and over to the table in the corner, pouring the whisky into two glasses before handing one to Polly. "Have you spoke to Solomons?"

Polly nodded. "John spoke with him yesterday. Swears he hasn't seen her either. Had a few choice words for you if you don't find her though."

"I'll bet." Tommy grumbled, knocking back the liquor.

"So, are you going to tell me what the disagreement was about? Had to be something serious if she's taken off." Polly moved to take a seat on the couch which sat along the foot of the bed.

Making moves to the dressing table, Tommy opened up the top drawer and pulled the brown envelope out, handing it over to Polly. She accepted it with a slightly confused look. "Whats this?"

Ignoring her, Tommy moved back to the window and lit a cigarette, unsurprised when he heard his Aunt slightly gasp behind him.

"Where did this come from?" she demanded, getting to her feet.

"I found it within Sara's belongings. I'm not quite sure why she had it. I questioned her." He admitted.

"You questioned her, or you interrogated her?" Polly asked, moving to stand beside her nephew.

"Is there any difference?" He asked.

Polly turned to him. "Well, one method had caused her to walk out on you. I doubt the other one would have had the same effect. There's nothing in here which is incriminating." She stated, browsing the paperwork again. "Its all standard stuff which anyone around here knows. What is it you're so angry about?"

"Why did she need it?" Tommy questioned, pulling the papers from her and looking through them. "For what possible reason could she have to have all this information?"

Looking over his shoulder, she glanced at the words in front of her, watching as he flicked through each page. "Wait…" He stopped as she reached forward and lifted out a small note tucked between the sheets. Opening it up, her eyes fell over the words. "Look at the address on here. Its in New York."

"And?"

"Well I know you're constantly thinking back to Grace and what she did, but based on the address of this company, she's not reporting back to any organisation in England. So, is it possible she has this for her own knowledge? Look at the date, she acquired this information when she was back in New York. You know, when she was fighting with her conscious about whether she should come back to you." Polly reasoned.

Glancing down at her, Tommy considered her words. "You think I've been too hasty."

She shrugged and finished her drink. "Does it really matter what I think? She's not here now. And why is that Tommy? You have this huge house and no one to share it with."

"I pushed her away, didn't I?" he folded the papers up again and placed them into the envelope, placing them back in the drawer.

"You just need to pull her back, Tommy."

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She sat at the window, watching as the snow began to fall down in front of the frosted glass. The hotel room was warm and luxurious but, yet she felt as though she didn't deserve to enjoy the grand setting. She thought back over the last few days, angry with herself that she hadn't thrown the paperwork in the fire when she had returned. Why did she keep it? She'd had no reason to, but now, it was pointless even thinking about it. He had found it and as a result, it had potentially ruined their relationship. For the first time in years, she had genuinely felt happy with Tommy and she was irritated at her lack of consideration for his feelings and how he must have felt, finding such material on his family. But yet, she felt infuriated that he hadn't given her a chance to explain. He had automatically went on the defensive but truthfully, she knew this was in his nature. His nature was to defend himself, defend his family regardless of how irrational he was perhaps being. Act now, worry about it later. But yet, she had believed he trusted her more than that which pained her further as she gently stroked her fingertips across her slightly swollen abdomen. Tears pricked at her eyes as she fought them back, desperately trying to consider her options. Tommy had left her in no doubt as to his feelings that afternoon and now, knowing she was carrying his child, she wasn't convinced she was in a position to continue. She'd had an inclination the month before when she'd had to rush to the bathroom one early morning. She had been thankful that Tommy had been away on business at the time, but she was unsure if anyone else in the house had heard her. No doubt, Polly would be quick to quiz her, should she have suspected anything, but so far, she hadn't said a word. Having arrived in London the morning after her argument with Tommy, she had called ahead and made an appointment with a renowned doctor on Harley Street who had since confirmed her pregnancy, estimating her to be approximately ten weeks along. She had come out of the doctors office feeling as though she was walking on air, but now, thinking of how Tommy reacted to her, she wasn't feeling quite so positive. Before he had discovered the paperwork, she had been planning on telling him what she believed was happening when they had moved into their new home, but now, she wouldn't get that chance. Considering her options, she lifted the phone, holding the small piece of paper in her hand and dialled the number written on it.

"Hello, I was told you could help me with a situation I have?"

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He stood at his usual spot in front of the bedroom bay window. Snow had now covered the courtyard outside, having fallen constantly for the last few hours and Tommy felt his body shiver at the thought of the freezing temperatures outside. He hated the thought of Sara being out, alone in such chilly conditions. It had been almost a month since she had walked out and as much as he hated to admit it to himself, it was seeming incredibly likely that she wasn't coming back.

Forcing the thoughts from his mind, he reached over to the bed and picked up his suit jacket, pulling it over his shoulders. He had business to take care of and he wasn't allowing himself to be distracted any longer. A small knock at the door startled him from his thoughts.

"Yes?"

The door slowly opened and Mary appeared. "Sir, your brothers are here. And there's a gentleman at the door."

Tommy nodded, buttoning up his jacket and making his way downstairs. "Take Arthur and John down to the kitchen and I'll see the gentleman in the study." He explained to Mary, leaving her at the bottom of the stairs.

"Where's my money?" Tommy asked as the footsteps sounded behind him. He didn't move from the window, still watching, hopeful she might just appear.

"The dukes niece is bringing it from London." The thick foreign accent echoed around the room.

"I was told money on contact. Ten thousand in U.S. dollars." Tommy finally turned, now facing the tall older man who still stood in the doorway.

"My employer only trusts members of his family with cash. She'll be at Snow Hill Station at ten o clock." He stared down at him.

Tommy chuckled, glancing away "A woman, alone in Birmingham, with ten thousand dollars in cash."

"She also has a revolver."

"Oh I see…" Tommy turned back towards the man.

Tilting his head slightly, he narrowed his eyes, stepping slightly out of the shadowy door frame. "I thought you trusted women."

Tommy shook his head. "I don't trust Birmingham. I'll have her picked up."

"By who?"

"By the police, pal. This is our city." He dipped his head slightly before turning back to the window, indicating their conversation was now over. Taking the clear hint, the man turned and left, closing the door behind him. Glancing over at the clock, Tommy realised it was nearing ten o clock. He felt anger surging inside of him following the phone call he had received from Polly earlier on in the evening. Shaking his head, he pulled his coat and hat on and made his way down to the kitchen. "Lets go boys, gatehouse."

They stood in silence as they watched the car appear in front of them. The headlights bounced off their black coats, illuminating them in darkness. It stopped a few feet away from them and the door opened allowing Moss to appear from the drivers seat.

"May I introduce you to the Grand Duchess Tatiana Petrovna from Tbilisi, Georgia."

Watching the woman appear from the back seat, Tommy remained impassive as she approached him.

"Grand Duchess." Moss continued. "May I introduce you to the Shelby brothers, Small Heath, Birmingham. Good luck with this one Tom." He leaned toward Thomas before making his way out of the gate.

"Give me the money." Thomas wasted no time in getting down to business.

"I was told to give it to Mr Kaledin." She finally spoke. Her voice was soft but thick with her accent.

"Whoever it is up there, he gave the wrong name. We asked him the name and he gave the wrong one."

"What name did he give?" she questioned.

He shook his head. "No. I don't trust any of you. Now, you give me the money."

She clenched her hands in front of her. Her lavish fur coat pinned tightly to her body. "I know Mr Kaledin by sight from Tbilisi. Is his hair dark?"

Tommy was growing impatient. "The instructions I was given was anyone using the wrong code name was an infiltrator for the Soviet Embassy."

"Just let me go to the house." She was almost insistent.

"I do not want this shit anywhere near my fucking house." His voice raised. Cold air swept up in front of his face as he spoke. "All I know is no variations. That's from Churchill himself. Whoever is up at the house gave the wrong fucking name."

"The money is in the car Mr Shelby." She relented. "Fetch it out and count it."

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Walking through the dark narrow streets, she reached her hand up to balance herself, gripping onto the cold brick. Snow crunched under her boots and she could feel the cold wind circle around her body, but she couldn't muster the strength to tighten her coat. Her hat was pulled down over her eyes, shielding her from her prying glances. Unable to continue, she pressed her back against the wall and felt herself slide down, dropping to the pavement. Her legs bent underneath her, and her hands dropped into her lap. She forced herself to ignore the judgemental glances that fell on her. How did her life end up this way? A year ago, she was living in a three-storey townhouse in uptown Manhattan, wanting for nothing. She had good food every day, a warm home, a comfortable bed, a husband, a family. And now? Nothing. She sat alone, on the freezing streets of London. She tried to force herself to stand and make the walk back to her hotel, but her energy was completely drained. Her skin had turned a deathly shade of grey and she felt as if all the life had been sucked out of her. Her hand fell to her stomach and she rubbed it protectively. Forcing herself back to her feet, she quickly rubbed her face, wiping the dry tears from her cheeks. She cursed herself for even considering that she would have been able to go through with it. Having turned up at the address given to her over the phone, she had done as much as to travel there and walk inside. But, the smell, the revolting conditions of the building, the thought of putting herself through this and possibly not coming out afterwards and how Tommy would feel if he found out she had gone through with it, was enough to force her to turn back. The sickness built up inside of her as she continued to walk through the winding streets, finally feeling relief as she arrived at the street of her hotel. Sighing, she made her way to the main door and pushed it open, feeling thankful for the sudden rush of heat as she arrived in the lobby. Ignoring the confused looks from the reception desk, she rushed towards the stair case, not stopping until she finally reached her door.

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Pulling up outside the grand mansion, he turned off the engine and stepped outside. There were no lights on in the house apart from one room on the ground floor. Dusk was only starting to fall across the sprawling estate and he sighed as he started to make his way up the long path towards the main door. He could see this night far enough and he struggled to keep his mind on anything else other than Sara. It was almost April and he hadn't seen her for eight weeks. Having no idea where she was, was killing him. He had no idea if she was still in England or if she had chosen to head back to America, having ultimately decided she no longer wanted anything to do with him. He could kick himself for his attitude towards her over the paperwork. He still wasn't clear why she had the information on him and his family but, rather than allow her to explain, he had went in heavy handed as he usually did. Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind, he knocked on the door, finally following the doorman who answered into the large dining room. His eyes quickly scanned the occupants, recognising them all apart from the older woman sitting at the top of the table.

The gentlemen stood as he approached the table. "Welcome Mr Shelby." The Archduke Leon Romanov welcomed him.

Placing his hands behind his back, Thomas stood behind the vacant chair situated beside Tatiana. "I believe you have met everyone apart from my wife." Romanov indicated to the woman sitting to his left. "Grand Duchess Izabella Petrovna."

Tommy nodded to her, taking his seat as instructed. His eyes fell on the priest sat across the table from him.

"Did you drive Mr Shelby." Tatiana's voice sounded beside him.

Without taking his eyes from the priest, he answered curtly. "Yes."

"They say you are an expert on cars." She stated.

"Yes, I am."

"I am curious, what was your fathers profession?" the Grand Duchess finally spoke.

"Well, he told fortunes and he stole horses." He answered matter of factly. "Often, he would tell a man that his horse would be stolen, and they would marvel at his powers when it was." He smirked, causing a slight reaction from the Grand Duchess. "I'm not here to eat." He stated after the brief prayer cited by the priest. "I'm here to do business, and what I have to say can be said before the main course and I will leave you all to your evening."

He continued to explain the operations plan and progress as the others ate their soup before finally taking his pen from his breast pocket and scribbling a note down on a napkin. "This is the amount of extra expense I believe I will incur for trucks and fuels. I trust you will respond in kind." He placed the napkin down in front of the Grand Duchess.

"But of course, Mr Shelby." She confirmed, reading the note. He nodded, indicating their mutual understanding. Getting to his feet, he put his pen away. "Before I go, I would like it known that I am unable to swallow food in the same room as this priest. Enjoy your evening."

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Days later, Tommy made his way back to his home, feeling somewhat content at riding a horse once more. It has been a long time since he had done so, having been getting more and more used to cars over the last few years. Having ridden out into the woods with his brothers to reiterate the news that their father had died, he was surprised to arrive home and find the Grand Duchess sitting at his desk.

"I'm sorry I came unannounced." She spoke as he made his way across the room.

"What do you want?"

"We need proof."

Explaining the orders she was instructed to relay, she stayed sitting in his chair. "Will you not sit when a duchess sits?"

"I'm told you are part of the deal, is that true?" It pained him to ask. But having had no sight of Sara in weeks, he was more than convinced she wouldn't be coming back. Looking over at the woman in front of him, a year ago, he wouldn't have thought twice about bedding her for his own personal gain, but now, his conscious was toying with him. He knew he would likely need to go ahead with it if he was to keep her onside.

She got to her feet. "The Royal Count in Tbilisi actually worked very efficiently. There were lots of corridors and small rooms. Attics. There were no rules there. Deals were done. Brothers gave sisters, Aunts gave Uncles, Fathers gave Daughters and servants. It was my aunt's idea that I came alone." She poured a drink, taking it over to him. "She's in charge of this. When there are no rules, women take charge. They understand that the power they have come through silent agreements. I've promised I will do everything I can to make this plan work. My aunt assumed you would want me as part of the deal. I will tell her she's wrong." She sat down on the luxurious red sofa, lifting her feet up in front of her. She had stroked his face gently as she spoke and the touch was almost foreign to him. It was the first time another woman had touched him since Sara had left. He thought back to the last time she had touched him. It had been the morning she had left and he had woken up at 5am as he usually did. Normally, he would crawl out of bed, leaving her wrapped up in the sheets, sleeping soundly. But this time, she had been awake, gazing wistfully up at him, gently running her fingertips along his jawline. Tommy was quickly pulled back to the reality of the situation as the door to his office swung open.

"Tommy, you ain't gonna believe this, man. I've just phoned the Garrison right? I've just spoken to Billy, he says Polly, Esme and Lizzie have gone on fuckin' strike!"

"They what?" A smile crept up onto Tommy's face in somewhat disbelief as to what he was hearing.

"They've gone on fucking strike. Half of Birmingham's out. The female half. They're all out. Every single one of them. Quakers put 'em up to it."

"Who's watching the shop?" Tommy put the glass to his mouth, taking a drink as he gazed over at the duchess who was still sitting on the couch, seductively playing with her stockings, teasing the hell out of him.

"Polly's locked it up."

"See, Good Friday is one of our best days for takings. All the men get drunk. The races are all fixed. It's like picking apples off the lowest branches, eh, John?"

Finally dropping his eyes onto the woman in the room, John's bravado quickly disappeared. "mm yeah. You know Billy said that Polly jumped in the fucking bullring. She's pissed out of her mind, started going on about the revolution, screaming to the rooftops."

"Was Linda with them?"

"Yeah."

"Then it was Linda's idea. Linda's a smart woman."

John turned his body away from Tommy as footsteps indicated the woman had stood from the sofa. Now standing across from Tommy, she had her arms folded across her body.

"John." Tommy spoke. "There's a Bentley in the drive outside. I want you to go out and put a nail in its tyre. Its Good Friday so there'll be no garages open. The lady will have to spend the night. Then I want you and the boys to all go home."

Realisation set in with John as he understood what Tommy was asking of him. "You want me to put a nail?"

"Yeah. You heard me."

"But Tommy, what about…?"

"What? What about what?"

John lowered his voice, moving his head closer to Tommy. "What about Sara?"

"Do you see her here?" Tommy dropped his eyes from the duchess to his brother. "She's hasn't come home, so my guess is, she doesn't want to come home. Now, John, I have business to take care of so please, do as I ask."

John dropped his head and nodded, somewhat irritated by his brothers cold response. He had taken to thinking of Sara as a sister and during the few months they had known each other, they had become close. Polly had told him the reason for Sara's disappearance and he had felt confused at the information she had gathered on them, but his anger hadn't reached the same levels of Tommy's and he struggled to understand the rage he had placed on her. He was the reason she had gone and it angered him no end. And now, to see him potentially throw it all away, enraged him even more. But yet, he kept his mouth closed and did as he was asked. "Nice to meet you." He mumbled as he walked out the room.

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She yet again walked the dark streets of Small Heath. The roads had become familiar to her now and despite her prolonged absence, the people continued to nod to her as she walked past them, still under the impression she was part of the Peaky Blinders. She made her way along Watery Lane, only stopping as she finally reached number six. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door. After what felt like an eternity, the door finally swung open and Sara sighed with somewhat amusement as Polly appeared, dishevelled and unkempt, her eyes still almost closed.

"Do you have any idea what fuckin' time it is?" She raged.

"My apologies Polly. I forgot it was so early."

Her eyes flew open at the distinctive accent and her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the young woman in front of her.

"Sara! Child, what are you doing here?" She opened the door wide and gripped onto Sara's arm, tugging her into the living room, closing the door behind them. "Where have you been? Come and sit down, here, let me take your coat."

Before she could protest, Polly pulled the coat from her body. "Now, where have you been?" Her eyes fell from her face down to the distinctive swell which had since appeared on her stomach. Polly's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open slightly. "Sara…."

Sara sat down on the couch, wrapping her arms protectively around her stomach. "I'm sure you can appreciate Polly, its imperative that I speak with Thomas. Do you know where he is?"

"He'll be at the house Sara." Polly's voice softened. "You know, the house he bought for you both."

Sara's eyes dropped to her hands and guilt crept over her. "I understand it wasn't right that I left. I apologise."

"You ain't got to apologise to me luv." Polly smiled. "Tommy told me what happened. Tell me, why did you have all those papers?"

"When I was in New York, my heart and my head were telling me different things. I wanted to believe that Tommy was right for me, that I should come back to him but my head was telling me differently. Telling me I'd only end up getting hurt. I had to find out more. I had an inkling about what he was involved in, but I needed to know everything. I knew he wouldn't tell me. So, I did what I thought I had to do. I should have thrown it all away when I came back. I just forgot. I put it in a box and forgot about it."

"I figured as much. Told Thomas he'd over reacted, but you know what he's like. Now, there seems to be more pressing matters we need to discuss. And I can tell ya, there ain't no hiding this from him." Polly nodded towards her stomach.

"I know. I need to find him this morning, before I run into anyone else and he finds out third hand. Where is the house Polly?"

Polly got to her feet and made her way over to the telephone. Picking it up, she quickly dialled a number. "It's Polly. I need the car." Placing the handset back in the receiver, she walked back to Sara and held her hand out to her. Sara took it and go to her feet. "You need to go and see Tommy. Moss will take you." Placing a hand on the small bump, Polly smiled. "He'll be thrilled luv, and you can all finally be a family. Just as you should be. Go and make up."

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Her breath caught in her throat at the extensive estate which was set out in front of her. Moss had stopped at the gatehouse as she had asked. She wanted to experience the walk up the long driveway. Taking her steps carefully, she glanced around the grounds, feeling somewhat contentment at the feeling of being home. Her eyes drifted over the countless windows up in front of her, wondering which one would have been there's. She found herself pondering whether Tommy was currently standing at one of those windows. She couldn't see anything but yet, she was still some distance away. Hearing the front door close up ahead of her, her eyes fell down to the attractive woman exiting. She watched her as she made her way towards Tommy's car. A familiar feeling of dread crept over her as the woman adjusted her coat before setting herself down in the drivers seat. Switching on the ignition, she pulled the car up the driveway, slowing as she approached Sara. Tatiana's eyes glanced over the blonde standing in the drive way but chose not to hang around to find out who she was. Instead, she pushed her foot onto the accelerator and disappeared up the driveway. Sara swallowed hard as she tried to process what she was seeing. As far as she knew, Tommy was living in the house alone. For what reason would an attractive woman be leaving his home at dawn, other than for the obvious one. It seemed Tommy was getting over her. Pushing the thoughts to the back of her mind, she knew she had to see him, regardless of what she had just seen. As she reached the front door, she lifted her hand to knock, but stopped herself. This is my home. She thought. Pushing open the door, she stepped inside. Taken aback at her surroundings, she gasped. The entrance hall was grand in both scale and décor but if she was honest with herself, it wasn't quite decorated to her tastes. She felt as though it could do with a woman's touch. She smiled to herself. Tommy had tried his best and no doubt, it suited him. She heard a door suddenly open to her right and instinctively, she walked towards the sound.

"There will be two of us for breakfast this morning, Mary. She's gone for a walk by the river."

Moving closer to the door, her heart leapt into her throat as she heard Tommy's voice. She had missed that sound but still, her heart ached at the thought of him talking that way about any other woman than her.

"The lady left, sir." Another voice, who she presumed to be the maid, answered.

"Left? How?" he demanded.

"She took your car. She was in a terrible hurry. She said she had your permission. She told David to go down to the garage and get a new tyre for the Bentley. She said you could use that."

"And why the hell would you listen to her eh?"

"The way she said it, sir."

Taking a deep breath, Sara argued with herself. Should she make her presence known? Tell him she was there? Tell him the truth? Could she go through with this, now knowing, it was likely he had spent the night with someone else? How many others had there been? Had he gone back to Lizzie after she left? The pain rose within her body as she thought of that very possibility. This woman she didn't know, she could just about deal with but the thought of him going back to Lizzie was just too much. Or she could turn around, leave the house, run and never come back.

A/N - apologies for not being able to update quite as quickly as I would like. Work has been crazy! But extra long chapter this time! I decided to follow part of the storyline from season 3. You'll note though that this takes places about a year before it does in the show but other than that, everything else is the same. (obviously minus Grace) I hope you are still enjoying this and as always, I really wanna know what you think so please hit that review button! thank you!