"To love is to live on a precipice." Anne Desclos
16 hours earlier …
My name is Thomas Shelby, and today, I'm going to kill a man.
Today is Derby Day, and the murder will take place this afternoon at the Epsom races…
It may be that I'm able to escape after the killing,
The odds are not good, which is why I'm writing this letter… I've been forced by agents of the crown to carry out this murder, and in the event of my own death I want the following facts to be known : My family are innocent of any involvement. And while some of them maybe guilty of other things… I've not shared details of this mission with any of them and how company assets were used…
Agents of the Crown joined forces wit pro-treaty Fenians to arranged this murder. I believed the government intended to falsely blame the anti-treaty IRA. Therefore, the bullet I fired this afternoon will be the starting gun for the civil war in Ireland.
The man I've been instructed to kill is Field Marshal Russell, formerly a Black and Tan commander who committed many atrocities in the country of Cork. There's no remorse in my heart at the prospect of his death. However, the conspiracy behind the killing is cause for international concern. Such is the gravity of my secret mission that served my purpose I believe they intend to kill me. I therefore want to name a particular individual in this letter…
The agent who initiated and orchestrated this crime is Major Chester Campbell of the British Secret Intelligence Service. He chose me for this dirty business as an act of vengeance, prompted by hatred of longstanding.
In the event of my death it is imperative he be brought to justice.
If you reading this, then I'm dead already, I hope that living as you do, in a truly free country, you'll be able to make the above facts known to the world.
Yours sincerely, Thomas Shelby.
"So today is the day."
Adele broke her pensive routine of the day as Seamus stormed in before spinning on her heels to face him. She suppressed a grimace at the sight of his expression far too cheerful for her liking before stepping away from the window.
"Unless you've already rigged the race and can secure me the win, spare me this burst of enthusiasm."
Seamus rolled his eyes as he collapsed nonchalantly into the silk chair."Well, someone is grumpy today."
"Someone has to be."Adele recalled dryly, on her nerves."Obviously, I'm the only one thinking in this family."
Seamus paused at the sight of his sister's tense posture before letting a sigh pass his lips in defeat."Alright, you managed to ruin my good mood. Now tell me, what is it that puts you in such a state?"
"Haven't you listened to your sister much earlier?" Suddenly Gerald intervenes, making his way with his cane into Adele's office."Do you think it's all about the race?"
Seamus and Adele immediately rose on the defensive. Adele kept her eyes on the old man as Seamus hurried up from the seat to join Adele's side. A fact that does not go unnoticed by the old man.
Adele folded her arms across her chest in defiance before standing up to the old man."Shouldn't you be on your way to the Derby?"
"I had to make sure we were all on the same page before I got there."
Adele bit her tongue in an effort to control her mouth before heading to her monogamous office. She took a quick look around the finely decorated room before returning her eyes to Gerald with slight disdain.
"You can hate me as much as you want but the facts stay the same at the end."Gerald said sweetly with a smirk."You. Needs. me."
Adele pursed her lips before swallowing.
Obviously, she was having a hell of a hard time recognizing this truth.
Unfortunately, she could only blame herself this time. In exchange for her reinstatement in the Lancaster estate, Adele had sold George Maxwell.
It had simply taken a common enemy to win Gerald's interest again. It was that easy. That and the fact that Adele had managed to bring back a new investor of Elijah's stature despite everything had ended up having the sympathy of the old man.
"Need you ?" Scoffed Seamus."Please, don't make us laugh. Where have you been when we-"
"Seamus." Adele interrupted sharply.
"But-"
"Don't."
Seamus was speechless for a moment, puzzled before his eyes widened in indignation as he finally understood."Wait, are you fucking serious right now?"
"Some things need to be done." Adele explained sternly, desperately trying to get him to understand her point of view before returning her cold eyes to Gerald."We need him."
"The hell we do!" Seamus exclaimed before pointing at Gerald in exasperation."Did you forget what he did to me? That fucking bastard would be ready to kill us to get what he wants. We are just common gunpowder to him."
Gerald let out a huff of laughter, fueling Seamus's anger even more as Adele shook her head, sighing wearily.
Honestly, she was fucking exhausted to be surrounded by so many idiots. Seriously, when is anyone going to listen to her? She was the real brain in this business. The men didn't know how to move forward, crushing everything in their path. Adele had a way of her own. A much more subtle way.
"Are you done, son?" Gerald sighed heavily, impatient.
Seamus let out an indignant snort before raising a hand in abandon, frustrated."Like you're going to listen to me anyway."
"Wise decision." Nodded Gerald as he moved to one of the available chairs before sitting down while turning to Adele expectantly."I heard Arthur Shelby was released this morning."
"What can that do to you?"
Adele immediately gave her brother yet another warning look before turning to Gerald."They did business with the Jews. Again."
"What's your plan?"
Adele pursed her lips clearly concerned at the thought of the day ahead before suddenly sitting up at the hearing of the banging on the doors of her office. She easily saw her most trusted bodyguard through the glass.
"Jarvis, come in."
The sophisticated man entered immediately before grimacing slightly at the tension in the room.
Gerald instantly raised an eyebrow in response."Well? Why the interruption, Jarvis?"
"Sorry, Sir, but there is a call for you, Miss. Adele. On line 5." He informed her nervously, uncertain."It's Ada Shelby."
Adele paused, dazed, before quickly regaining her surprise at the sight of Gerald's furious expression."Really?"
If it had been before, Adele might have hesitated but it was over. She had finished acting according to her grandfather's moods. Now she would do as she liked and if Ada called her on such an important day then that meant something important was up. Ada knew full well that she and Seamus would be at the Derby. If it couldn't wait until then, then she absolutely had to take that call. No matter the cost.
"I need to take this call."Adele replied simply before quickly walking around her desk under Seamus' smug gaze.
The latter hastened to turn his smirk on Gerald leaving the old man smoking.
"Adele. Adele! Adele!" He called, in vain.
Adele quickly went through the double doors of her office before stopping dead at Lizbeth's office. The latter nodded sharply before handing her the receiver.
At the sensation of a bad feeling dawning along her stomach, Adele hastened to bring the phone to her ear."Adele, speaking."
"The fuck you were doing?"Ada snapped at once."Are you going to make me wait that long for the day I die?"
Adele rolled her eyes at the melodramatic brunette Shelby."Do you really think you'll take the time to call me in your last hours?"
"Maybe, maybe not."Ada mused before quickly picking up the conversation."Anyway, that's not important right now. Something is happening."
Adele sighed into the receiver."When is something not going on with the Shelbys? Usually, the calm is much more worrying with all of you."
"Funny. Not funny." She scoffed, impatient."But I'm serious this time. Tommy left me a letter in case of… well… you know… his death."
Adele immediately frowned doubtfully."This is Thomas we're talking about. He's almost as melodramatic as you are."
"Exactly. He looked almost calm."Insisted Ada, sounding grave."And he took James with him."
Adele arched an eyebrow."I doubt he's his type."
"Jesus Christ, Adèle, are you going to take me seriously? I'm telling you Tommy left me a letter to the Times."
This time, Adele stiffened. She tightened her grip on the receiver before frowning further, concerned."Come again?"
"Now you understand." Ada hissed, frustrated.
Hearing the familiar click of her grandfather's cane, Adele straightened up before she spoke quickly into the phone."Okay, Ada. I take you seriously. However, what am I supposed to do, eh?"
"Stop being fucking obtuse and save him, okay?" She snapped, exasperated."Please, Adele. He doesn't let anyone in. And despite being a real thorn in my back, he's my brother, Adele. I love him."
Adele swallowed at the hearing of Ada's almost pleading voice before nodding her head in understanding."I know. I'll do my best, Ada. I promise you."
Hearing a clear throat, Adele turned to the entrance to her office just to catch a glimpse of Gerald's impatient gaze. She lowered the receiver before hanging up with a weak sigh as she met her secretary's curious gaze.
"Everything is alright with Mrs. Shelby?"
Adele pursed her lips tightly before glaring at her brother as Seamus walked around Gerald in excitement."When is something right with the Shelbys? So? What's going on?"
"Not now." Adele warns gravely before turning to Gerald."We're going to be late."
"I'll go get your coat."Lizbeth inquired immediately, openly ignoring Gerald's disdainful look at her before getting up from her chair to go get their coats.
Gerald hastened to return his gloomy gaze to Adele."If you ever dare to risk everything to meddle in this vermin's business, I-"
"You what?" Adele interrupted sharply before suddenly taking a step in his direction to stand up to him."Let me be clear, I have come back to extend the company. Other than that, I would do whatever I want with my life. Is that clear ?"
Gerald took a deep breath, furious as he held up his granddaughter's determined gaze before glancing at the people standing in the room.
An ounce of embarrassment mixed with pride crossed his chest. On one hand, he was proud of who Adele had become. He had seen her grow up in a way. That said, maybe part of him genuinely cared about her as his granddaughter. An ounce of him worried what would become of her if he let her do as she wanted. This Shelby… he was going to ruin everything Gerald had accomplished in the past two years.
When he came to pick up Adele, she barely had the basics of what a real business woman was. In a way, she was a blank canvas. Gerald had shaped her. And this Shelby, this gangrene… he was going to take everything in his path.
Gerald could already imagine. He would end up burying his granddaughter. Maybe even his grandson. Hell, maybe he'd even go out of business at this point. He was going to destroy everything. That Gerald was sure.
"Even if you already know what they do." Gerald finally asked.
Adele licked her lips visibly at a loss at the sight of the conflicting emotions pouring into her grandfather's expressions. For almost a moment, she thought she saw a hint of fatherly love in his stormy blue eyes.
A heavy silence fell over the whole room as Jarvis, Seamus and Lizbeth were forced to watch wordlessly, breathless. The interaction was such that Lizbeth squeezed her hands in anticipation. They just couldn't look away. It was so fascinating.
"I always knew what they were doing." Adele finally declared, shrugging her shoulders.
"So what's your big plan, eh?" Asked Gerald, at the end of his patience with his impetuous granddaughter.
Adele pursed her lips as she shrugged her shoulders."I don't know yet. But I'll find a plan."
"He's a gangster. A freaking gangster!"He exclaimed dryly, indignant before measuring his words as he watched their audience."They are vicious. Vermin! You must not let them get into your head!"
Adele crossed her arms over her chest with a dark bittersweet smirk on her lips. She still couldn't believe they were still there. This inequality. Although she suffered daily from her status as a woman, the Shelbys were continually facing these kinds of insults. They were considered poorly because of their birthright. They were Romani, so what ? Adele was a woman and also partly Romani. The blood did not deceive. And she had decided to stop pretending to be someone she wasn't.
From now on, she was going to handle things her way.
"He risks ruining this company. His ambition has no limits."
Adele clenched her teeth. After all, she had to act calmly. If she got angry then Gerald would use her impulsiveness against her. Now she had to analyze each situation from a clinical point of view. Almost as if she was treating wounds again. Obviously, her past as a doctor would stick to her forever. And to be honest, Adele wasn't really against going back to basics.
She had gotten lost for the past two years.
She had become arrogant.
This was where she went wrong.
Now she was determined to make amends for the mistakes she had made. Starting by saving the ass of this megalomaniac asshole. Honestly, Adele already knew she was going to regret it. And yet, at this precise moment, she couldn't really ignore the situation anymore. Not after she got that call from Ada.
"Anything he touches will eventually collapse in flames. You, include."
Adele left a haughty scoff as she returned her dark eyes to her grandfather."Now you've regained your paternal consciousness? Please, Gerald, save it for someone who cares about your feelings."
"I made you the person you are today!" He barked as Adele got ready to walk away.
The latter paused sharply, tilting her head with a sneer before abruptly pivoting on her legs to stand face to face with the hypocrite."You just put me in charge of this business! The person I am today? It was me who built myself! All alone! Not you, not Lucinda, not Seamus! Nobody but me! And I intend to continue like this."
Gerald was seething from the inside out as he narrowed his eyes on his elusive granddaughter's back before suddenly remembering the trio's presence by their side. He straightened up in self-awareness, embarrassed before quickly clearing his throat with pride. He sniffed disdainfully before calling after Adele contemptuously."He'll get you killed in the end."
Adele paused in her footsteps at his statement. He was only telling the truth after all. And yet, Adele couldn't find an ounce of care in her to worry about her fate. After all, she had never really feared death. After watching it so closely in France, Adele had lost all of the care for this kind of subject.
She was just an empty shell awaiting the rest of the story. If she were to die today then so be it. But if she could have one last will then she was counting on preventing Thomas from following her in her madness.
No, Adele had never had a problem with death. In fact, the very thought of leaving for the next world with the thought that she had given her life for someone she loved reassured her.
"If I was afraid of death, I would never have even laid eyes on him." Adele finally declared with apathy in her voice.
"In that case, you're a fool."Sighed Gerald, speechless."You are being fooled by your feelings."
"Well, you have to believe that I got hold of my mother after all."Hailed Adèle over her shoulder as she retrieved her hat and her leather gloves from the hook.
With that, Adele swiveled quickly on her heels to take her coat from the hands of her secretary. She looked up confidently before heading for the elevator, whispering under her breath."I'll end up in hell anyway."
Seamus grinned proudly as he followed his sister gracefully away before quickly tapping the old man lightly on the shoulder as he passed him."Now it's my sister."
"Well, that's what I call a fucking rich party."
Adele winced as she gave a weary look to her asshole brother lying by her side. She gave a look between the mug of beer he had just knocked unceremoniously on the bar counter before shaking her head as she watched him wipe his mouth with the back of his hand.
"You're disgusting."
"I know." Seamus whispered dramatically with wide eyes, amused.
Adele let out a weak sigh already bored with all these masquerades. That was in this kind of moment she really remembered where she came from. If she had gotten into the habit of cursing Small Heath, it was a lot worse with these toff events. She really wasn't from this world. No matter how hard she tried, she would never be like one of those rich naive people.
She knew the hard work and the hardness of life. She wasn't smooth but scratched at best. At worst, you could tell Adele was broken in so many ways. She wasn't one of those girls. No, she was a forgery.
Finally, she had had enough.
"Let's go see the mare." She said, jaded.
"Are you sure ? Nathaniel is still with her."Seamus recalled, raising his eyebrows with a suggestive smirk.
Adele narrowed her eyes at her silly little brother before raising her hand to slap him on the back of the head."Fuck you."
With that, she didn't wait any longer to hear his protests. Instead, she hastened to make her way through the well-to-do to the boxes.
She winced every few seconds. Especially when her gaze met the smile of these carefree young girls. Oh, how she wished she could go back to the exact moment she lost her smile.
Unfortunately, it wasn't long before she was distracted by Seamus' familiar laughter. The latter was quick to bridge the gap she had created between them at a run before removing his metal box of cigarettes from the inside pocket of his long woolen coat.
"Jesus Christ! You are so fucking tense today."
If she wasn't of this world, Seamus was even less so. No matter how much he spent to dress like these rich people, no matter his attitude, Seamus was one of Small Heath's demons. Peaky at heart.
Nonetheless, Adele guessed it was already good for her brother. After all, he hadn't openly said that she had a poker up her ass today.
"Miss. Adele!"Hailed Lizbeth as she stood up beside the mare at the sight of the approaching duo."Did you see him?"
Adele rolled her eyes at the blonde's obvious lack of discretion before stopping boredly.
Seamus let out a snort in response."If my sister ever fires you, you should definitely try a career as a spy. You would end up getting killed on the first day."
"Yeah? Maybe you want me to show you what I'm capable of, eh?"
"Please, do, sweetheart!"
Adele immediately looked away, hoping to control her impatience. There was absolutely nothing for these two to do. They couldn't be in the same room without ending up jumping at each other's throats. But the worst part of it all, was the unbearable sexual tension between them. It was honestly vomiting.
"You-"
"How is the mare?" Adele interrupted quickly, frustrated.
Lizbeth pursed her lips in annoyance as she glared at Seamus before finally turning to her boss.
However, it was a whole different person who answered for her."She is fine. All things considered."
Adele swallowed as she watched Nathaniel hit the mare's rump to clear his way. He walked over to their trio as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt that he had pulled up to his elbows.
Unsurprisingly, a heavy, tense silence fell over their small group.
However, Adele didn't have much time to waste today. She had to watch this damn race, face the result as well as the consequences for the Italians. And if that wasn't enough, she had to stop Thomas from doing whatever. Honestly, Adele was seriously starting to get tired of having to go after this asshole.
"So… who are you looking for?"
Lizbeth's eyes widened in embarrassment as she turned to Adele and Seamus before quickly lying between her teeth."The Italians."
"Thomas."
A new silence.
Obviously, Lizbeth definitely hadn't anticipated Adele's dethroning honesty.
The latter straightened her shoulders to face Nathaniel without shame before repeating her words."We look for Thomas. Ada called me earlier. I have to talk to him."
Nathaniel swallowed as he looked away with a bitter smile before letting out a sardonic laugh as he turned to her."Of course, it's him. It's still him, isn't it?"
"Who are we talking about?"A third voice, unknown to Adele's ears, intervened.
Only it was not long before she tensed in spite of herself as she saw May Carleton approaching their small group in a royal blue outfit. The latter had an expression eerily similar to Adele's as she looked her from head to toe.
"Adele Lancaster."
"May." Adele replied, intentionally forgetting the honorifics.
It wasn't long before Seamus gave a broad, amused smile as he watched the tension build between his sister and the toff girl before finally losing patience. He just couldn't ignore such an opportunity. It was just too good.
"Well, who would have thought that the posh would be the ones chosen in last."
May lost all the anointing of benevolence at that moment as she turned sharply to Seamus."Come again?"
Lizbeth immediately let out a nervous laugh, hoping to ease the tension."Pay no attention to him. This is usually what I do and it works pretty well for me."
Adele was silent throughout the interview as she only watched May Carleton intently with a strange feeling of annoyance. She didn't quite understand where the emotion was coming from, but she had a vague idea of the cause.
Deciding to ignore her first instincts, Adele moved away from the small group before easily walking through the straw to join her mare. She brought her hand to her muzzle to stroke it before trying to let the animal's presence soothe her.
Unfortunately, it wasn't long before she felt a new presence by her side.
"So that was you."
Adele paused with her hand still on the horse's neck before slowly turning her head to May Carleton."Me what?"
"Do you love him?"
Adele smirked as she patted the horse lightly on the shoulder to pass to the other side, passing under her head before continuing to inspect the animal's form."She looks in good shape, eh? What do you think?"
"Huh?"
Adele looked up as she continued to stroke the majestic animal before she finally came across the confused and slightly bewildered brown orbs of the sophisticated-looking woman."My mare. What do you think about it ? You are a professional after all."
May opened and closed her mouth, clearly taken aback by the disturbing calmness of brunette Lancaster before shaking her head as she licked her lips."You are exactly like him."
"Not even close."Refuted Adele.
May frowned, regaining her composure."He's waiting for me after the race. I've already planned a dress to join him later."
"Mhm."Hummed Adele in acceptance."Now I remember."
"What-excuse me?"
"The reason I love few people in this society of hypocrites." Adele answered honestly."At least the people of Small Heath aren't using subterfuge. They spit right in your face if they feel like it."
May immediately grimaced contemptuously."What are you? A savage?"
Adele let out a snort before shaking her head with a forced smile lingering on her lips as she returned her eyes to the horse. She let a sigh pass her lips before finishing her ride to finally stand in front of May.
"Can I give you some advice?"She asked before quickly interrupting her as May was about to respond."Actually, I'll give it to you anyway. There is one thing you should know about Thomas and I. We're the same. We look alike. There is probably no one in the world who can really understand this better than I do. It's not all about sex or love or even power. It's a question of survival. We ended up in hell and we survived. We already know that we will be at the other's precipice. And yet, I intend to take the plunge. Because…"Adele leaned over May to whisper with slight pretension."… yes. I love him."
She then straightened up on her supports, carefully observing the reaction of the poor disillusioned rich woman before forcing that fake smile on her lips again.
"Now, if you will excuse me? I have a business partner to see."
She didn't wait for May's response this time as she passed the trio still arguing. However, she could feel May's gaze focus on her throughout her way to the exit.
She let the air and the sun relax her tense limbs before quickly remembering the gravity of the situation. Now was not the time to waste time. She had to find Thomas at all costs. She didn't know why, but the more the hours went by, the more and more her nerves became more and more acute. She had a very bad feeling. Especially when she soon recognized several familiar faces from her childhood town. There were far too many of them for such an event like this. They were up to something.
Adele still remembered perfectly well the last horse race she had attended alongside Thomas. How could she forget it? In a way, that was the starting point for them. If only she had shot herself in the foot that day.
She let a deep sigh pass her lips at the mere thought before quickly composing her exhausted expression as she made her way back into the marquee where the main race bar was located.
It was not long before she saw Sabini followed closely by his henchmen. Fortunately, he was too busy shaking hands to notice her.
Unfortunately, it wasn't long before Adele noticed a completely different person.
Fucking Arthur Shelby.
However, she wasn't the only one with her eyes set on the older Shelby. In fact, Gerald had followed the Shelby duo as soon as they entered the marquee. A fact that did not take long to challenge Adele as she suddenly made eye contact with her grandfather. The latter reads easily through the mask of his granddaughter.
Easily understanding what she was going to do, he immediately shook his head in warning. Now was not the time to act impulsively.
However, at the sight of the tall dark-haired man about to follow John out, Adele forgot all her concerns as she launched after the duo. She quickly pushed her way through the small groups of men, hoping to catch up with him. She even ignored the complaints thrown in her way as she jostled some people in her haste.
Adele quickened at the sight of the familiar brown before she finally literally pounced on him. She caught him abruptly by the arm, surprising him at the same time.
"The fucking hel-Adele?" He exclaimed with wide eyes before quickly resuming from his annoyance with a flirtatious smile."My, my, my, look at you."
"Not today, Arthur!" Adele coldly warns at once."Where's Thomas?"
Arthur swallowed with his hurt ego before his jaw popped in annoyance."Well, now that's what I call a humiliation."
"Arthur." She warned, impatiently.
Arthur muttered under his breath before releasing himself from her grip with a shrug from his shoulder."What do you want with him, eh? He has things to do."
"I already know that!" Snapped Adele in annoyance."There's always business to do with him. But that's not my question. Where is he, Arthur?"
Arthur narrowed his eyes on her before dancing in discomfort as he glanced suspiciously at Sabini lying a little further away."Why are you looking for him?"
Adele in turn frowned in confusion before following his gaze just to roll her eyes in realization. She pulled an awkward strand of hair from her face before returning her eyes to Arthur in frustration.
"I'm fucking serious, Arthur. I think he might be in danger. " She insisted."Please. I really need to talk to him."
Arthur watched Adele's gentle yet stern face intently. There was a time when he would have given anything to see that expression in her eyes when she looked at him.
Unfortunately, it was his brother who got her full attention.
However, he would be completely stupid if he let his emotions get the better of him. He knew Adele wouldn't get involved in their case on purpose if it wasn't serious. Besides, he wasn't really reassured about the success of this whole plan either. Hell, he didn't even know about the plan.
He took a deep breath as he weighed the pros and cons before running his hand along his thin mustache as he looked back at Adele."He's going to play the bait. He's supposed to keep the coppers entertained while the Sabini titles are taken over."
Adele widened her eyes in understanding before literally venting her nerves as she instantly threw herself on Arthur to continuously slap him on the shoulder."Are you fucking delusional? Did the smoke and the whiskeys finally come to your head? You are going to get thrown in jail! Or worse !"
"I know, I know!" Arthur moaned as he tried to take Adele's punches before finally taking her hands in his to block her."Bloody hell, Adele! Stop fucking hitting me!"
Adele tried to catch her breath as she focused her eyes on Arthur before taking a quick breath, still in her anger. She took a deep breath before sharply removing her hands from Arthur's rough ones.
"Damn, let go of me!" She snapped indignantly.
She adjusted her overpriced dress over her shoulders to avoid hitting him again before returning her exasperated eyes to the asshole."Where is he, Arthur?"
"In the owner's enclosure."