Chapter twenty-eight: Kidnapped present

A week later,

If this Thomas f**king Shelby, Polly snarls into the phone. Hang up now.

"It's me, Polly." Kate says semi-cheerfully, knowing it is still early and Polly is most likely suffering from a hangover. Again.

Oh, thank God. Polly says with a sigh. It's way too early to deal with my nephew. Why don't you move down here with me?

"And leave the opportunity of running the household and watching over Charlie?" Kate teases gently. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." she sobers slightly. "Charlie asked about you."

Oh, is he there?

"No, not yet. I just got back from a ride."

Alone?

"No, Thomas actually rode with me and we watched the sun come up."

Watched the sun come up? That's too f**king early. And what were you doing up out of bed?

"I couldn't sleep Polly. There's a lot on my mind right now. So, I got dressed and came down to find a book in the library. Thomas was getting ready to leave; he mentioned he was going for a ride. I asked if I could join him, he said yes and there you have it."

Kate, you really need to get out of that house. Polly states firmly. People are starting to talk about the two of you being alone there, especially since none of us are having anything to do with him.

"I know, but it's not safe for me if I leave." Kate sighs before admitting. "I did something stupid Polly."

Yes, you went out with Changretta, we all do stupid things. I went with a man who was responsible for Charlie being taken. So what could you do that's any stupider?

"Changretta has given me an ultimatum, which I'm trying to figure out how to cheat."

Which is, what?

"If I'm not out of the house by Christmas, Changretta is going to go after the entire family."

Polly snorts. Let him try.

"Polly, this isn't a joking matter!" she states. "I don't want any of you hurt."

You've been seeing Changretta; do you really think the man's stupid enough to risk losing you?

"Yes, because Thomas purposefully baited him."

How so? Kate bit her lip, not wanting to admit what happened that evening. I've already heard the rumor; I'm just waiting for confirmation from you. Did Thomas kiss you outside a pub last night?

"God," Kate groans. "that rumor mill is fast. Yes, he did, but it meant nothing."

Oh, I know it meant nothing. Thomas only uses people for whatever it is he needs done. He has no time for a mature and intimate relationship, which is what it would be were he to be involved with you! Polly stilled for a moment. Maybe that's what he needs.

"Polly," Kate says firmly. "I need your opinion on this. Do I stay, or do I go?"

What does Thomas say?

"He says I need to stay here because, he thinks Changretta is dangerous."

Then stay. Polly states easily. As much as I hate to admit it, as stupid as that boy is at times, he always knows what's best for the family. Even if it means throwing them in jail and narrowly missing the noose. She says sarcastically.

"But why should I stay here when I could bring danger to all of you?"

We're the Peaky Blinders, we're used to danger. But if something happens Kate, it'll be because of Changretta, not you. We all love you, you're like family. I'm not sure what went wrong, but, Changretta, if he's as big a gentleman as he claims to be, should just let you go. That's all there is to say.

"And if someone dies?"

Polly is silent before stating. Then I guess we kill Changretta. Changretta is scum anyway.

"How can you say that Polly? I'm not family and I don't-

You are family to us. She says firmly. And if Thomas thinks is better for everyone if you stay there, then stay.

A scream causes Kate's head to jerk up. "Polly, I've got to go, someone's screaming."

Eh, probably Thomas and Lizzie.

Kate stiffens as the screaming gets closer. "It's not that type of screaming. Someone's hurt and sounds like it's coming from outside the house."

I'll hold on.

Kate hangs up and takes her gun from her pocket as the door opens and two men enter, dragging a screaming girl. "Hold it!" Kate shouts as she aims her gun at one of the men. "Let her go! Now!"

"Katherine Webber?"

She nods. "Yes?"

"Ah," the men release the girl who pulls away from them indignantly. "present for you from Mr. Shelby."

"Present?" Kate stares. "Why the hell-

"Kate?" Kate turns towards the girl, who appears to be about sixteen. "Oh my God!" she starts screaming and jumping up and down. "Oh, put that gun down so I can hug my sister!"

In that instance, Kate recognizes Rosemary and the gun falls out of her hand, causing it to discharge. Everyone jumps as the bullet shatters a vase. Thomas comes out of the library, gun drawn and his eyes take in the scene. He exhales as he puts his gun away. "Right, you two may go and Kate, try not to destroy my f**king house."

"You," she says as tears gather in her eyes. "hold it right there."

Thomas stills, caution in every inch of his body. "Why?"

Kate didn't answer him. she just threw her arms around him and held onto him. Thomas was a little surprised at first, and then he understood. He returned her hug. "Thank you, so very much." She pulls away from him slightly. "I've wanted to see her for so many years."

He nods. "Figured I owed you."

She gives him a quick kiss on the cheek, causing him to blink. "You owe me nothing. Thank you."

"And who's this?" Rosemary asks as she approaches. "Your next future husband?"

"No." Kate flushes as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "Mr. Shelby is my boss."

"Mr. Thomas Shelby?" Rosemary glowered at him. "You're the man who had me kidnapped!"

"Yes, so you can see your sister. You two only have another hour before you have to go, so, spend it with your sister."

Kate hugs Rosemary. "God, I've missed you so much."

"And I you." Rosemary holds onto her. "Father is starting to miss you, I think. He's not doing well."

Kate blinks. "And Anton?"

"Died in prison last month." She exhales, her eyes narrowing suspiciously as Thomas heads back towards them. "What do you want?"

"Just answer a question." he states firmly. "Who inherits your father's business if your brother is dead?"

She shrugs. "Father, was going to leave it all to me, until he heard you and Changretta were getting together. So, I gather that if Changretta gets you to marry him, he gets father's business." Kate glances at Thomas, who is deep in thought. "However, that won't be happening, will it Mr. Shelby?"

"No." Thomas says simply as he turns and walks back into the library. Kate watches him until he closes the library door, obscuring him from her view.

"Are you sure he's just your boss?" Rosemary says skeptically. "He probably has some feelings for you."

At the word, 'probably' Kate's eyes bulge. "Oh my God, Polly!" she runs and grabs the phone. "Hello?"

Yes, I'm still here. Polly says dryly. But Thomas will be paying the charges for this call, so, I've no problem hanging on. so, who was screaming?

"My sister. Thomas, I guess had her kidnapped and brought here for us to visit."

Well, that's romantic. Polly says sarcastically. I'll let you two catch up.

"Alright, I'll talk to you tomorrow." Kate hangs up and takes Rosemary's arm. "So, let's go into the parlor and talk. I want to know everything that's happened to you since I last saw you."

"Well, so do I." Rosemary smiles as she looks around. "This is a great house. how about a tour?"

"Alright. and I'll introduce you to Charlie."

"Charlie?" Rosemary smirked teasingly. "I see why you're not anxious to leave with Luca Changretta. There are way too many handsome men over here."

"Charlie is two." Kate states as they walk up the stairs. "But yes, he is a handsome boy. Striking eyes, just like his father."

Rosemary smirks. "Sure you don't have a thing for the father? He's handsome, but too broody for me. I like a man who smiles."

"As do I, now stop being silly and I'll show you everything."

"Do you regret going off and marrying Emmett?" Rosemary asks. "I mean, you lost everything."

"Yes, I did but," she pauses on the stairs. "that's the thing with love. Once you've had it, there's no greater feeling in the world. Emmett loved me very much and I wouldn't have traded a moment away from him, considering how it turned out. though, I only regret that I didn't get to spend time with you. I missed you."

"I missed you too, but, I understand now. I didn't at first, but…father became so irrational that when you left."

"He didn't hurt you, did he?"

Rosemary snorted. "No. father had no right to demand that marry someone that you didn't love. It was that simple."

Kate opens the door to the nursery. "Charlie. Come here." he runs over to her, holding onto his ball. She picks him up. "How's my boy, this morning?"

"Good." he plants a wet kiss on her cheek.

"Oh yes," Rosemary says sarcastically. "there is nothing going on between you and your boss."

"Mr. Shelby's wife died last year. This is their child."

"That doesn't matter." Rosemary teases. "He's going to be your child at some point."

"Rosie."

"It's a fact. Children are a trap and if Mr. Shelby's son loves you, it's just a matter of time before he falls in love with you!"

More light bantering between the two ensued. Kate gave Rosemary a quick tour and they caught up on everything that had happened to them in the last years. Rosemary was a very independent teenager. Her father had issues with her, but she was stubborn and actually had inherited some of Kate's spine. Kate filled her in on life with the family and Rosemary stated that she wanted to meet Polly one day, instantly liking her.

Kate's heart sank when Thomas came into the room. "Sorry to disturb you two but, your sister has to go. If she's gone too long, it'll be suspicious."

Kate nods as she stands up and hugs Rosemary. "I'll see you again soon."

"I'll miss you."

"My men will pick you up in the same spot a month from now." Thomas explains as he opens the front door for Rosemary, who hurries down the steps. "Same date and time."

Rosemary nods. "Right. Next time, have them explain what's happening to me instead of throwing me in a car!"

Thomas shrugs. "I told them not to talk to you."

"Yes, being trapped between two strangers, in a car, not talking to you isn't terrifying!" Rosemary states sarcastically. "Nice thinking, Mr. Shelby."

"You can handle it." Thomas states as Kate stands beside him in the doorway, placing a casual hand on her shoulder. "Besides, I'm sure it did both of you good to see each other."

"Yes." Rosemary glances at Thomas's hand, which is resting on Kate's shoulder. "I'm going to bet you 100 pounds, Mr. Shelby, that by Christmas, next year. You two are going to be married."

Kate flushes as Thomas shrugs off Rosemary's words. "Be prepared to hand it over. Goodbye." Rosemary closes the car door and Kate stands there watching as the car drives away. "You alright?" she nods. "What gave her that idea about us getting married?"

"No idea." Kate shrugged as her cheeks heated red. "She's a younger sibling, who knows what goes on in their minds?"

He nods. "Fair point." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet.

"You better not be paying me for anything."

"I'm not." He hands her a large roll of money. "I want you to go into town and do some Christmas shopping for Charlie. Pick yourself up one or two things for yourself and charge me."

"And the others?"

"They don't want anything from me."

"Not that I blame them, but you have to try." Thomas turns and walks away. "Fine. I'll just buy stuff for Charlie. But me…if you want me to have something for Christmas, you buy it." he turns and looks at her. "I'm serious. I don't like buying myself presents, it's ridiculous."

"What do you want then?"

She chuckles. "Thomas, it doesn't matter what I want. It's what you felt compelled to give me. Christmas is a few months away, so, you've got a while to think of something for me."

"I just told you to buy a gift. " He states as he removes his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose. "Why do I have to buy you something?"

"Because I'm curious to see what you'd come up with." She smirks as she grips the money in one hand. "I'll go do your shopping for you. and I'll get a few Christmas presents for everyone, using my own money."

"Can I send someone with you?" he asked quietly. "Just until Changretta is out of the picture."

Kate didn't want someone, but she appreciated that he asked her this time. "If it would set your mind at ease-

"It would."

"Then I will. But I don't want a guard permanently."

"Alright." he heads back into the library. "Have fun with your shopping."

"I will! You're going to be an interesting man to buy a present for."

"Don't want one."

"Too bad." She states with a laugh as she heads back up the stairs. "I love a challenge and you're exactly that, Mr. Shelby!"

"You're a f**king mad woman, Kate."

"I know I am," she spins around and smirks at him. "because I deal with you. You have to be a certain degree of mad to understand a man like you."

He nods, half a smile on his face. "Indeed." He nods his head and heads back into the library.

"You look good in those glasses, by the way!" She calls. "Makes you look very distinguished."

"Goodbye Kate!" Even though she can't see his face, she knows he's smirking at her.

Kate smiles faintly as she turns and heads back upstairs. God, it really felt good to be back to their normal relationship together. That thought nearly caused her to trip on the stairs. When did they have a relationship to begin with, much less a normal one? Somewhere in the back of her head, she could hear Alfie Solomons laughing at her.

TheHoodedAssassin: And Thomas did another unexpected thing! I know, of all the ways to provoke someone. Alfie's right, Kate and Thomas are both in denial, Kate less than him.

Kmhappybunny240: I know, he'll figure it out at some point.

MeriemDjez: I know! Several times, I've had to deviate from my original plot a few times just to throw you off track, but you still guess it, lol! And yes, Thomas is an intelligent idiot, as you will soon see.

Idcam: He certainly made up for it though, didn't he? Even if he was kidnapping her sister! Oh yes, there will be a ton of drama.