Unbreakable Connection

by MrsNShelby2021

Tommy was brought up to believe in his feelings, in his gut, his Ma told him that there is a true love for everyone you just have to be brave enough to want it and keep it to grab it with both hands an never let it go. When Ness was only six weeks old her parents moved from the south of England to Birmingham. She grew up with the Shelby's but one Shelby loved her more then anything

9. untold Secrets

An, Just another warning, this is an Anti Grace fic so if you like Grace this is not the story for you.

Chapter 9,

Tommy's POV,

Waking up with my arm still around Ness and her laying on my chest is what I call peace, having her naked body touching mine gave me a sense of fulfilment I had missed feeling while being away at war. I had a meeting with some Irish blokes this morning and knew if I didn't leave now I wouldn't want to leave. So I leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Ness's forehead and slowly moved so I could get out of bed without waking her. I got out of bed, grabbed some clothes and quietly got dressed. I fished out some paper and a pen from the bedside table drawer and wrote Ness a note to meet me at the Garrison once she was awake.

Ness,

I'm at the Garrison. I have that meeting with the Irish.

Once you're awake join me,

Love,

Tommy.

I left the house and made my way to the Garrison, walking straight in and going into the snug. I knocked on the hatch, getting the attention of the barmaid. Wishing Ness was here with me so I didn't have to engage in conversation with her.

"Give me a bottle of whiskey and three glasses."

"Scotch or Irish?"

"Irish!"

She grabbed a bottle and three glasses bringing it over to the hatch,

"I've decided not to go to the races."

Fine with me love I don't want you there anyway! I still can't understand how she hasn't worked out that I haven't asked her to come as a bloody date. Everyone in Birmingham knows how much I love my wife for fuck sake. Before I could say anything about the fact that I was paying her to bloody go she spoke up again,

"Not unless you give me another two pounds and ten shilling, toward the dress."

Is she taking the piss? More fucking money, I didn't care what she wore I didn't invite her to entertain me she could wear a potato sack and I'm sure Kimber wouldn't give a shit. I looked at her with a sneer on my face,

"I've already given you three! Don't forget I am also paying you to bloody attend!"

"How much did you pay for the suit you'll be wearing?"

"Oh I don't pay for my suits, my suits are on the house or the house burns down!"

"So you want me to go looking like a flower girl?"

Sweetheart you can look like a whore for all I care! This woman was really starting to grind my gears, has she not seen my wife for fuck sake.

"What I want makes no difference."

I grabbed the bottle of whiskey and the glasses and walked them over to the table placing them down. I then walked back over to the hatch grabbing the little handles on the doors,

"It's not me you're dressing up for."

I then closed the hatch doors, walking back over to the table and taking my seat.

Ness's POV,

I woke up alone this morning but I knew Tommy hadn't been gone long because his side of the bed was still warm. I rolled over onto Tommy's side of the bed when I felt something hit my face so I grabbed it noticing it was a piece of paper so I unfolded it and saw Tommy's writing on it.

Ness,

I'm at the Garrison. I have that meeting with the Irish.

Once you're awake join me,

Love,

Tommy.

I got out of bed, went over to my wardrobe, looked through my dresses and saw a beautiful blue one I knew Tommy would love on me, I quickly got dressed and ran a brush through my hair choosing to leave it down today. I put on a small amount of lipstick and made my way out of the bedroom. I got downstairs and noticed I was home alone so I grabbed my coat of the back of the chair and put it on making my way out of the house. It didn't take me long to get to the Garrison people saying or nodding hello to me on my way.

I decided to go in the back way, I got in and closed the door quietly making my way into the bar area where I saw the barmaid pressed up against the hatch with her ear against the doors. I knew Tommy was in there as that's where he would hold all his meetings he didn't want brought to the office. Thankfully the pub wasn't empty so I made my way over to the only table that had men around it and pulled three pounds out of my purse. I leant on the table so only they could hear me,

"I'll give you this three pounds for a round if you distract the barmaid!"

They looked up at me, one of them instantly recognising me, he stood up and nodded his head at me.

"Of course Mrs Shelby."

I handed him the three pounds and made my way over to the doors of the pub standing there waiting. The man made his way over to the other side of the bar calling the bitch as he went.

"Oi love, get me a drink!"

I saw Grace look up and frown but made her way over to him, I nodded my thanks to him and then made my way into the snug. Tommy stood up once the door opened but sat down when he saw it was me, he raised his eyebrow so I made my way over to him sitting in his lap. I looked at the men and put my finger to my lips then turned my head so my lips were near Tommy's ear,

"You're being spied on, my love, the barmaid has her ear pressed against the hatch doors."

He looked at me and nodded his head, he leant towards the men and whispered something which had them nodding their heads. Tommy wrapped his arms around me watching the men waiting for one of them to start speaking again.

"Guns Mr Shelby. A serious amount of guns."

"And what business is that of mine?"

"When it comes to speculation you can't beat a factory night shift. Some say there was word from the proofing bay. That it was the Peaky Blinders who took them."

"Your night shift must be dreaming,"

It always amazed me how Tommy could keep so calm in situations like this, how he could keep such an expressionless face that you couldn't see he was hiding something unless you've known him for a long time like I have.

"Maybe they are. Maybe they're not. What we are trying to say is, Mr Shelby that if you were to hear about the whereabouts of said items. We would pay good money."

"You have good money?"

"We have collections from the pubs."

"For who do you speak?"

The one sat closest to Tommy spoke up first,

"The people of Ireland.

But he didn't get to finish as the other guy interrupted him,

"The Irish Republican Army."

My eyes widened in slight surprise, I knew the guns would bring about all sorts but the IRA was a fucking surprise and not people we wanted to work with. Tommy kept calm though and stroked his thumb on my knee where he had placed his hand when I sat on his lap. The stroking kept me calm,

"For a fucking fact."

Tommy made no move which I could see pissed off one of the guys, seems to me he was a bit of a loose canon and we would need to watch this guy so I tapped my finger on the back of Tommy's neck where I kept my hand letting him know I was weary of this guy.

"You think we're jokers?"

"Am I laughing?"

He downed his whiskey then lent more on the table, staring Tommy in the eye then started singing.

Oh father, why are you so sad, on this bright Easter morning. When Irishmen are proud and glad of the land where they were born.

"Maguire, away and shite we're trying to do business here."

The other guy looked a bit embarrassed by his buddy suddenly bursting out in song.

Oh son, I see sad memories view. Of far off distant days. When being just a boy like you I joined the IRA.

"Bravo."

I bit my lip to keep from laughing was this guy for real? He thinks a song is going to convince Tommy his IRA or that Tommy should sell the guns to these fools. You could tell the guy had, had a bit to much to drink by now as he just kept singing. His friend called an end to the meeting and stood up pulling his friend up with him and taking his friends arm and pulling it over his shoulder to drag him out of the pub.

Tommy tapped my thigh then held my hand so I could stand up, he then tapped my butt softly and grabbed my hand. We both followed the guys out with Tommy speaking up,

"All right, boys, when I know who knows what about what, I'll let you know."

We then walked over to the bar with Tommy carrying the bottle of whiskey, he put the whiskey bottle on the bar and Grace walked over.

"I thought you didn't allow singing?"

I scoffed at her stupid attempt to get Tommy's attention, the woman was really pushing her luck with me. The fact that she kept ignoring me when I was around Tommy was really starting to grind my fucking gears and push all the wrong buttons she really didn't want to be pushing with me. Tommy tightened his hold on my hand when he felt me tense from the anger.

"Whiskey is good proofing water. It tells you who's real and who isn't."

"And what did my countrymen want?"

That had me speaking up,

"I don't think that's any of your business princess."

I saw from the corner of my eye Tommy smirking at me, he knew I called her princess because of how posh and prim she was. I don't know how she thought she wouldn't stick out coming to Small Heath! The little princess could be spotted from miles away.

"Oh, their nobodies. They drink in the Black Swan in Sparkbrook. They're only rebels because they like the songs."

"You have sympathies with them?"

Oh looks like the little princess didn't like that comment.

"I have no sympathies of any description."

"Their accents are so thick, it's a wonder you could understand them. Next time I could translate."

She seriously thinks we would let her in on any of the important business or secrets when we didn't know her and knew she came here with nothing but lies coming from her mouth.

"You'd work for me?"

She smiled at him with those fake innocent eyes of hers,

"I thought I already was."

That had me speaking up,

"No sweetheart, you work for me! Oh, and don't think we don't know you were listening to everything that was being talked about in that snug!"

She looked at me with a glare on her face which had me smirking at her,

"I don't know what you're talking about Ness."

"It's Mrs Shelby to you princess, try and deny all you want but I know what I saw when I walked in here."

She turned to look at Tommy and smiled once again,

"About that extra two pounds and ten shilling for my dress?"

That had me laughing and Tommy letting my hand go to pull me close to him so my back was to his chest. He lent down and placed a kiss on my temple then looked at Grace,

"So you are coming to the races?"

He pointed at her with his cigarette,

"Two pound ten shillings."

He put his hand in his jacket pocket and took out some money then put it on the bar, he took a step away from me and the bar moving his arm so it was around my shoulders pulling me to his side.

"Buy something red. To match his handkerchief."

"Whose handkerchief?"

Tommy didn't bother to answer just looked down to me and smirked, as we got to the door to walk out I turned around and looked at Grace smirking,

"That two pounds ten shillings will be coming out of your pay check."

We then left the pub, Tommy smirking at me once we got outside.

"Out of her pay check?"

"What? You didn't really think I was going to let you pay for her dress when she wasn't really your date did you?"

That had him chuckling at me and shaking his head, he pulled me to a stop and cupped my cheek, rubbing his thumb under my eye.

"Darling you never cease to amaze me."

I smiled at him and put my arms around his neck pulling his lips down to mine. It wasn't a long kiss but it held just as much love and passion as our kisses always had and always would. We pulled away at the same time,

"I'm gonna pop to Elizabeth's her husband hasn't paid his gambling debt and he's ignored all the Blinders John sent round so I'm gonna speak to Elizabeth."

"Ok darling, meet back home later?"

"Of course, I love you."

"I love you Mrs Shelby."

He kissed my lips again and we parted ways. Elizabeth and her husband Robert lived in the shit part of Small Heath, so it didn't take me long to make my way there, I knocked on the door and Elizabeth opened it losing her smile once she saw it was me.

"Oh, Mrs Shelby. How can I help you?"

"Let's not pretend you don't know why I'm here Elizabeth."

"You best come in then."

She opened her door and let me in, she stood for a moment and kept her eyes on me.

"I'm sorry Mrs Shelby, Robert hasn't been home in a few days."

"So you're saying you don't have his money?"

Before she could speak up we heard shouting from outside, we both walked over to the window and moved the net curtain slightly so we could see what was happening. I saw that bloody barmaid with one of those Irishmen from earlier. He had his hand round her neck but she pushed him off then kicked him and slammed him against the wall. Then we heard the gun shot and saw her take a step back his body dropping to the floor. Now why would the bitch have followed the Irishmen and where did she get a gun from! This had me more suspicious of her then ever but it also got me thinking I turned to Elizabeth and smiled.

"Elizabeth, you're husbands debt will be wiped once you have gone to the police and told them you saw that barmaid from the Garrison kill that man."

"His debt will be wiped clean?"

"You have my word."

"I'll go now Mrs Shelby thank you."

"His debt will be wiped once I have word that you have reported this."

I then left her house through the back door so no one could see me and say it was me that killed the man. I went straight home as it was starting to get dark and I knew Tommy didn't like me being out too late. I got to number 6 opening the door and walking in hearing Tommy's voice once I had stepped in. I knew I had missed most of the conversation but I would ask Tommy later once we were in our room what was going on.

"Where are they?"

"Freddie's comrades have safe houses. Why do you want to know?"

I walked into the dining room and saw how tense Tommy was, so I walked over to stand beside him and place my hand on his shoulder. I could feel him relax slightly once he felt my touch, he reached up with his hand and took mine placing a kiss on my knuckles then holding tight to my hand. It was my way of saying to him I would support him no matter what.

"I want to send them flowers, why do you think?"

That had me snort in amusement, I could see that pissed Polly off but what can I say I found his comment funny.

"Would it be so bad if they stayed?"

He put his hand on the table and leaned towards Polly,

"I promised I'd run Freddie out of town."

She slammed her hands down on the table and glared at Tommy,

"Promised who?"

He stood up and looked pointedly towards the betting den doors that were still open which had Polly walking round to them and closing them.

"I told the coppers Freddie wouldn't come back. It was part of the deal."

"What bloody deal? What happened to family votes? What happened to meetings?"

She then looked to me and glared,

"Did you know about this?"

"Yes I did,"

"And you didn't think to tell me?"

"No Po, it didn't cross my mind to tell you."

Tommy took a step closer to me and put his arm around my waist,

"Don't be pissed at her, she had nothing to do with this deal she just knew about it."

"If you let me deal with Ada and Freddie, it'll end in peace. Christ knows you've had your fill of war."

That had me scoffing in disbelief, but I said nothing. I knew it would be a bad idea leaving it to Polly she couldn't be hard on Ada if she tried.

"You get Freddie out of town, Pol. Or else I'll deal with him myself."

He grabbed my hand and pulled me along with him we went up to our room and quietly got ready for bed once we were comfortable in bed I spoke up.

"I told Elizabeth I would clear Robert's death if she did something for me."

"What did you ask her to do?"

"Before I tell you, I have to tell you something else. We saw the barmaid shoot one of those paddy's you had a meeting with today."

That had him sitting up in shock, he looked at me and saw that I was being completely serious about it.

"She followed him from what I could see, he was pissed by the looks of him too. I said to her if she reports it to the police and told them it was the barmaid from the Garrison then I would clear Robert's debt."

"Why the fuck would she follow him?"

"I have no fucking idea Tommy, but do you see what I've been saying? There is something not right about her! First the fact that a woman like that wanted a job in the Garrison to start with, then all the questions about you she's been asking, now the spying on you in the snug and listening to your conversations to following the guy you had a meeting with and killing him."

"We need to keep a closer eye on her, love and be careful what we discuss when she's around you're right there is definitely something about her that we shouldn't trust. We need to find more out about her, keep digging into her back ground."

"You need to warn those brothers of yours too so they know to keep their mouths shut around her especially Arthur. I'm going to ask my informant to dig more into her back ground she is hiding something and I want to know what it is. I would ask what you and Pol were talking about but I have a pretty good idea."

"I'll warn the boys, we can talk about the rest tomorrow, love."

He kissed my forehead and pulled me into his arms so my head was on his chest. I fell asleep once again in Tommy's arms.

I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face, I ran my fingertips along Tommy's chest when I felt him move and place his lips against my forehead.

"Morning darling did you sleep ok?"

"Morning Tom, I slept fine. You?"

"Hmmm I always sleep great when I'm slept next to you."

Before we could say anything else there was a knock on the door, Tommy pulled the cover so it was covering me and called to whoever it was to come in.

"Come in."

The door opened to reveal John,

"Morning you two, Ness there's a letter here for you."

I sat up and held my hand out to him, he passed me the letter and walked out the smile never leaving his face. I opened the letter reading it and frowned,

Ness,
Meet me today at 10am by Mr Zhang's. I have information that I need to tell you.

I wouldn't normally get involved but I have always cared for you, and your mother when she was alive.

Moss.

"Love?"

I gave the letter to Tommy to read who like me had a frown on his face. He looked at me and saw the confusion written all over my face,

"I have to go to Zhang's today, love you can come with me."

I just nodded my head, I rolled over him and got out of bed getting dressed. I had so many thoughts running through my head, why would Moss want to meet with me now? I had asked him before if he wanted to be on the Peaky payroll and he always refused. Then the other day popped into my head when he pulled that copper off me. It didn't take long for me or Tommy to get dressed, we walked out of the bedroom and downstairs thankfully it was only John sat up the dining table he smiled at us and kissed my forehead once I got close to him.

"Morning love, Tom."

"Morning John-boy thank you for bringing the letter up this morning."

"John? Me and Ness will be out this morning but we will be back by lunch time."

"Ok Tom."

With that Tommy grabbed my hand and we walked outside, we walked to the garage he opened the passenger side door and helped me in, walking to the drivers side and got in himself. He started the car and we were on our way, he reached for my hand and ran his thumb along my knuckles. There was never a need to fill the silences with mundane conversation when I was around Tommy, it was never awkward or uncomfortable. It didn't take us long to get to where we needed to be, Tommy pulled into a spot and got out coming round to my side helping me out.

"I'll be right here, love."

He kissed my lips and I walked off to meet Moss, I found him not far from where we parked but he wasn't wearing his police uniform.

"Moss?"

"Thank you for coming Ness, I know you're probably really confused."

"I am."

"Right, I can't explain but everything you need to know is in these files."

He handed me some files and nodded then walked off, this had me more confused then ever, but I walked off and met up with Tommy who was still waiting by the car.

"What did he want?"

"He gave me some files,"

"Come on, love we can read them when we get home. For now we have a surprise met with Kimber."

I put the files in the car but under the seat, then grabbed Tommy's hand. We walked to Zhang's and walked straight in looking at the suits, Tommy picked up a ticket that had Kimber's name on it.

"Mr & Mrs Shelby."

I nodded my head but Tom spoke up,

"Mr Zhang."

"That suit is sold, sir. It is being collected this morning."

"I know,"

Zhang suddenly motioned for all his workers to clear out of the room so I looked over my shoulder and saw Kimber making his way. I tightened my hold on Tommy's hand because this man truly gave me the heeby jeebies. Tommy turned to look at Kimber with me standing to his side,

"Please, gentlemen. No fighting in here."

"It's all right. I come as a friend."

Zhang bowed his head and walked off leaving us.

"You're collecting your suit for Cheltenham, it's very nice."

"How the bloody hell do you know?"

"I know a lot of things Mr Kimber. And as I told you before, I know the Lee brothers. And I know they're going to be at the Cheltenham races as well."

"Yes, well they're going to lose a lot of money on fast women and slow nags."

"No. They're planning on showing up in numbers and robbing your bookies. Running chalk and rafflers."

Kimber scoffed,

"You think I can't handle the Lee's?"

"Just a word of warning from a friend. That's all."

Tommy then turned still holding my hand so I was being pulled with him when he spoke up again,

"I'll see you at Cheltenham,"

"I'll wave at you from my box. If you are coming to the races bring that pretty barmaid of yours and that beautiful wife of yours."

"Already invited."

We both walked back to the car, Tommy helping me in and got in himself. It didn't take us long to get back to Small Heath and Tommy dropped me off at the front door, I grabbed the files and got out of the car. Tommy drove off to park the car back at the garage. I walked into number 6 and went straight to our bedroom, I sat on the bed and opened the first file and when I started reading I thought my heart would beat out of my chest.

This was the murder case on my mother, the case was left open because they never found who had killed her but it looks like Moss had kept investigating it as much as he could. I flipped through a few pages not wanting to read to much on my own when I came across letters to Moss from my mother, I read the first three and figured out that after my father left my mother and Moss started having a relationship which they managed to keep from me. I got to the second to last letter reading it, it explained why Moss had been looking out for me all these years. Because my mother had asked him to protect me as much as he could and he had stuck to that promise. I didn't realise how much time had past with me reading this when I looked up and noticed it had got dark.

I put the letters back into the file and put them under our pillows, I would read the other file tomorrow I had read enough today. I had enough to process, I thought my mothers murder would just be a case left unsolved I had no idea that Moss had been secretly investigating it all these years but I was also glad he hadn't told me because him keeping it secret meant I couldn't of got my hopes up. I looked to my watch and saw it was late, Tommy must be busy so I got ready for bed and fell asleep soon after. I was woken up some time later by Tommy getting into bed so I curled into him and went back to sleep.

I woke up alone again but with a note from Tommy telling me he was looking for Freddie, I got up and got dressed for the day and decided to head into the Garrison. I went straight to the snug after ordering a bottle of whiskey and a glass, I must of been sat in my thoughts for a good couple hours when I heard Ada's voice so I got up off the chair and walked out seeing her with the barmaid.

"Ada?"

She looked to me and grabbed her stomach,

"Have you seen Tommy or Freddie?"

"No, what's going on?"

She grabbed her stomach again when Grace spoke up again,

"What's going on?"

I glared at her and grabbed Ada's shoulders bringing her over to the snug and sitting her down I knelt down in front of her and grabbed her hands,

"Their gonna kill each other Ness!"

"I'll find them Ada, you stay here. You shouldn't be running around like this."

I walked out of the snug and glared at Grace again,

"You get her a glass of water and stop asking damn questions woman!"

I stormed out of the Garrison and stormed up the lane, asking everyone and anyone if they had seen Freddie or Tommy thankfully someone had and pointed me in their direction so I nodded my head and went that way. I found them by a part of the cut we all used to play in, Tommy had a gun pointed at Freddie and I was close enough to hear what was being said.

"I won't let you fuck up my sister's life for your cause."

I walked a bit closer and that's when I noticed Freddie also had a gun pointed at Tommy, which had me shaking my head.

"My God, you actually believe that. I love her Tommy, I've loved her since she was 9 and I was 12 and she loves me the same."

Freddie slowly stood up and put his gun away,

"Do you even know the word?"

That's when I made myself known, I walked and stood in front of Freddie next to Tommy,

"He knows the word Freddie more then you I would say. You don't love Ada Freddie, if you did you would of left Birmingham when you had the bloody chance it's not just you, you have to worry about now."

He looked at me frowning,

"What the fuck Ness you know I love Ada!"

I stepped closer to him,

"No Freddie, as I said if you loved her you would of left when Tommy gave you the chance! Ada married a communist which puts her in the lime light Freddie her and your unborn child!"

He took a step back from me and said nothing because he knew what I said was the truth, he should of left when he had the bloody chance his not only put Ada in danger but his unborn child too. The police won't care that Ada is pregnant! Before I could say anything more Tommy spoke up,

"This marriage will not stand!"

He then grabbed my hand and we walked away, I didn't say anything to him cause there was nothing I could say. We both knew Polly wouldn't let it go and she wouldn't let Tommy deal with it and all she was really doing was making it worse and putting Ada in more danger. We got back to Watery Lane and walked in seeing Pol on the sofa, when she heard the door open she put her finger to her lips,

"Shhh,"

Tommy sat down in front of her and drank her drink then put his hand to his forehead rubbing it, I stayed where I was by the door. He took cash out of his pocket and showed it to Pol before putting it on the table.

"Freddie, didn't want your money. And now the coppers are saying if we don't turn Freddie in, They'll put Ada on the arrest warrant as well. That's where your compassion gets you, Pol. From now on, we do it my way,"

"Or what?"

Tommy stood back up and walked over to me, he grabbed my hand and went to walk out when I stepped forward,

"There is no or what Pol, we've done it your way and Freddie is still here but now his putting Ada at risk too and that baby! So now we have to deal with it another way!"

We then both walked out and went to number 6, we walked in and went straight to our bedroom. I stripped off my dress and grabbed one of Tommy's shirts. I then sat on the bed behind Tommy who was sat with his head in his hands. I sat behind him and put my legs around him and my hands on his shoulders. I leaned in and kissed his neck. He grabbed my hands with both of his and held tight.

"What were the files from Moss?"

"I only read one of them Tom, it seems Moss has been investigating my mothers murder all these years. I didn't read all the file just enough to know him and my mother had been having a relationship in secret. I put them both under our pillows we can read them tomorrow if we get time."

He turned to look at me and raised his eyebrow I knew he was in as much shock as I was. So I just nodded my head, he bent down and placed his lips against mine softly.

"We can read them tomorrow, love."

"What else happened today Tom? Or yesterday as well?"

"Arthur had the Flanders blues again so I bought him a pub!"

"You bought him a pub?"

"Well I bought Harry's fifty percent of the Garrison and Arthur will be running it."

"You did a good thing Tom, he needs something to keep his mind busy."

"We're now co-owners of the Garrison!"

"As it should of been from the beginning, my love."

I laid down and faced him watching him take off his clothes and put on a fresh pair of trousers and a white shirt. I fell asleep shortly after,

Tommy's POV,

I looked to Ness once I had changed and saw she had fallen asleep, I knew reading that file about her mother took it out of her which is why she never read to far along in the file. I sat down on the side of the bed thinking for a moment, I knew tonight would be a bad night so I took the opium out of my drawer and kept as quiet as I could. Ness knew I did this on extremely bad nights as much as she wished I didn't she wouldn't say anything to me cause she knew it helped me sleep. Once I took a drag I laid the pipe down and laid down next to Ness making sure she was covered up so she wouldn't get cold. My eyes closed and I was asleep before I knew it, but I wasn't asleep long when the nightmare hit the same one I had been having since coming back from the war. The picks and shovels hitting against that wall, I jumped awake when the screaming started to banging on my bedroom door and my name being called.

I stood up real quick and packed away the opium pipe, I checked to make sure Ness was still asleep then called for them to come in.

"It's open."

The door opened revealing Danny on the other side, he saluted me.

"Private Whizz-bang reporting, sir."

"At ease."

I sat back down on the bed making sure I didn't sit on Ness, Danny put his lantern on the side and came and sat on the chair by the bedside table. I double checked she was covered as I knew she was in one of my shirts and that didn't hide much but I would never tell her because I loved her in my shirt.

"So, what news from London?"

"I was in a pub, it's called Mother Redcap. An Irish pub, I got talking to some old bloke about Birmingham. He said there's been trouble, an IRA man shot. He said a lot, but the only bit I heard was that their high command think it's the Peaky Blinders who shot him. I came up on the next boat to warn you. Is it true?"

"No, Ness saw the barmaid from the Garrison shoot him, we don't know why and we can't have Ness say anything to the police I want to keep her out of that side of the shit. But lies travel faster than the truth, get a message to them. Tell them to send someone to parley. Tell them there's been a misunderstanding and we don't want any trouble."

"You've got enough trouble. Right, Tommy? The whiskey and the smoke."

I looked up at him then looked back down,

"I can smell it in the air. I use it sometimes myself, call it my sweetheart. They gave us the worst job Tommy."

"Yeah. And we fucking volunteered."

We both drank our drink when Ness moved which had us both looking at her,

"Sometimes it lasts all night, and I lie here and I listen to the shovels and the picks against that war there. And I pray the sun will come up before they break through. No I don't pray, I hope and sometimes it happens. The sun beats them, but mostly it's Ness who chases them away. Having her laying next to me in my arms takes the noise of the picks and the shovels away. Sometimes on a bad day I just need that something extra to keep the noise away."

"You've got a good one Tom, my Rosie does the same."

Before we could say anything else Ness sat up in confusion, she looked around the room catching my eye and then looked to Danny she moved so she was sitting in my lap with my arms going around her waist instantly. She smiled at Danny,

"It's nice to see you again Danny. You look good."

"It's good to see you again Ness, I feel good."

She put her head on my shoulder so her head sat in the crook of my neck. I knew she was tired and that we had woken her so I pulled her closer to me and let her relax into my arms. I looked at Danny who was smiling softly at me and nodded his head. He then stood up, grabbed his lantern and left closing the door on the way out. I shifted so my back was to the headboard Ness was still on my lap with my arms around her. It wasn't long before we were both asleep.

I woke up before Ness the next morning, she was wrapped in the cover and laying on her stomach with her head buried in my pillow. I saw up and saw a note on the side so I picked it up,

I will do my duty sir, but remember Ness is a good one she will always have your back!

Danny always had been a loyal friend, he was right though I do have Ness. She has always been there for me and I knew she always would be. We had both changed from the war but our love for each other was still as powerful today as it was before the war and I wouldn't ruin that for anything. When I first came back from war I did think of pushing her away but then I realised I would never be able to live without Ness by my side, in my arms and touching her every minute of everyday. I put the note down on the bedside table and picked up the glass of whiskey I downed it then put the glass down. I turned my head and looked at the wall with disgust on my face we were nothing more then canon fodder fighting in a war we had no place in. Doing and seeing things no one person should have ever had to see or do.

I turned from the wall and put my head in my hands the tears of pain coming before I could stop them. I was brought out of my moment by Ness's hand on my back rubbing circles into it. I turned and caught her eyes and when she saw my face she jumped up and wrapped her arms around my shoulders pulling my head to her chest.

"It's ok Tom, let it out my love."

I wrapped my arms around her waist holding her tight to me, not wanting to let go. I let my tears go for about ten minutes when I pulled back and cupped Ness's cheek and looked into her eyes.

"Thank you darling, for always being here for me especially in my moments of weakness."

She shook her head at me,

"Not weakness Tom, strength."

She kissed my lips softly then pulled back smiling at me, we stayed in bed for most of the morning just holding each other. When lunch time hit we pulled apart and got ready for the day, once I was dressed I held out my hand for Ness,

"Shall we go for a drink in our pub, love?"

She giggled at me and grabbed my hand,

"Let's kind sir,"

I held her hand tight and we walked out the bedroom door closing it on our way out. We got downstairs and thankfully no one was around, I grabbed her coat from the back of the chair and helped her into it. She grabbed my cap and put it on my head. I smiled at her and grabbed her hand again walking out of the dining room and to the front door opening it once she stepped out I followed and shut and locked the door. We walked to the Garrison hand in hand, she was smiling softly,

"We need to go through those files tonight Tom, Moss must of gave the to me for a reason."

"We will, love I promise."

We got to the Garrison and walked straight into the snug, we hadn't even sat down when Grace walked in.

"Your sister was here,"

I sat down and pulled Ness into my lap pouring us both a glass of whiskey.

"She was worried you and Freddie. It made her sick, she's all right, but in her condition she needs peace. Women talk."

"That is something they do."

"She talked about you, she said you keep everything locked up."

Ness laughed at this, she glared at Grace which had me putting my left hand on her hip and stroking with my thumb.

"Well, that's what men do."

"Your sister's nice, I like her. It can't be easy for her, her brother and her husband fighting over the same thing."

I picked up Ness's glass of whiskey and handed it to her then picked up mine clinking our glasses then downing the drink.

"Men should talk, too."

"To you?"

"Why not? I'm a barmaid, it's my job to listen. Men always tell their troubles to a barmaid. What is it you and Freddie are fighting over?"

Before I could say anything back Ness was speaking up,

"Let's get something straight sweetheart, you are a barmaid your job description is not to listen it is to pour drinks and clean shit up! If my husband needs to talk he will talk to me and I suggest you remember he is married darling because you continue to piss me off and you will not like who I turn into! Oh, another thing what do you know about Freddie and Tommy's fights hmm? You know nothing so I suggest you get back behind the bar before you find yourself jobless!"

I knew Ness was pissed off, Grace had ignored her far to much when Ness was with me and I had heard from some trusted Blinders that Grace had been running her mouth about Ness when we weren't here in the Garrison. Before long Ness is going to explode and Grace will not like the person Ness becomes, me? I will love every moment of it, seeing Ness defend our marriage and claiming me as hers turns me the fuck on!

I tapped Ness's thigh which had her looking at me,

"Pass me the paper, love?"

She lent forward and grabbed the paper handing it to me, I opened it and we sat back. We had done this many times in the past Ness in my lap and us both reading the newspaper. I saw from the corner of my eye the disappointed look on her Grace's face that I hadn't opened her to her. I don't know why she thought I bloody would the stupid woman. I didn't even look up at her when I spoke,

"I'll meet you here at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."

I turned the page, and spoke up again still not looking at her.

"Did you buy a dress?"

"Yes, I bought a dress."

"Is it red?"

She nodded her head and smiled when she realised I wasn't looking at her she stormed out of the snug slamming the door. Ness giggled and put her head into the crook of my neck. We spent time just us reading the paper when I looked up and noticed it was dark already,

"Come on, love early start tomorrow."

We left the Garrison and went straight home to bed. I woke up early the next morning to Ness already awake and sitting in the chair. I sat up and looked at her to see she had already had a bath as she was still sat in her towel.

"Morning my love, why are you sat wrapped in a towel you're catch a cold."

She smiled at me softly,

"I woke up early and didn't want to wake you so I had a bath. But then I realised how early it is so I just sat here watching you sleep."

"Why were you up so early?"

"Couldn't sleep Tom, those files Moss gave me are on my mind. But don't worry about that for now, you need to get ready, you have to meet the barmaid."

I grabbed my pocket watch and saw it was almost 8am, she was right I needed to get ready so I got out of bed and walked over to her I knelt down in front of her and cupped her face.

"Once we get home tonight, love we will go through those files together ok?"

"Ok Tom."

I kissed her lips then stood up, I filled the washbowl with water and mixed the shaving paste, Ness stood up and took over from me so I sat in the chair. This wouldn't be the first time Ness shaved my face for me and it wouldn't be the last. Once she was finished she cleaned off my face and kissed my lips, smiling at me.

"All done, love."

"Thank you, my love."

I got up and put my clothes on, I picked up my pocket watch and put that on the put my gun holster on with my gun. I stood in front of Ness and smirked when I saw her eyes fill with lust.

"Very handsome Tom,"

I put my hands on her hips and pulled her to me, wrapped my arms around her and smashing my lips against hers thrusting my tongue into her mouth. I pulled back when we had to breath and placed my forehead against hers.

"I can't wait to see you in your dress, my love."

"Well I hope it meets your imagination."

"My love, you would look beautiful in a potato sack."

"Thank you babe."

"I'll see you at the races darling."

I kissed her lips one more time and left, if I stayed any longer with her in her towel I wouldn't be leaving this room and neither would she. I met Arthur and John downstairs,

"You make sure Ness stays safe! Once she's done, bring her to the race then you can go."

John stepped forward and put his hand on my shoulder,

"We will keep our sister safe Tom, I will bring her into the ballroom ok?"

"Right, see you soon boys."

I walked to Charlie's yard to pick up the car as Curly was making sure it would run smoothly, I walked over to Charlie who nodded at me,

"He's changed the oil and greased her up,"

"So will it get me all the way to Cheltenham, Curly?"

"He's good with motors but it pains him."

Curly then spoke up,

"No heart in motorcars, I can't talk to them,"

"Yeah. Tommy might need to make a fast getaway. The Lees will be all over the track and Kimber's men and his coppers. They control the law down there, Tommy."

"Give her a turn for me, Charlie."

He went to the front of the car and turned the handle, so the car would start he then walked to the drivers side window,

"This car only seats four, you'll need more men then that if you're to come back alive."

"It'll be just me and a girl."

"A girl? What about Ness, your wife? Does she know you're taking another woman?"

"She knows, she will be at the races also. Don't worry Charlie, I'm not cheating on my wife, I maybe a bad person but I would never cheat on Ness!"

With that I drove away, it didn't take long before I was pulling up outside the Garrison and Grace was waiting. Considering she had five pounds ten shillings her dress wasn't much to look at! Clearly she had wasted the money I gave her. But it also had me wondering what Ness would be wearing and I couldn't stop myself from wishing I had her in this car and not Grace. I pulled up and stopped, Grace walking over to me so I lent across and opened the passenger side door for her.

"Is it just the two of us going to the races?"

I knew she was asking without actually asking if Ness was coming and like fuck was I telling her anything she was coming for Kimber it was as simple as that!

"Something like that!"

With that I drove off, it would take about an hour to get to the Cheltenham.

Ness's POV, (Ok so the POV changes a lot in this chapter purely because I am still not comfortable writing in third person)

I was just pulling the dress up when there was a knock on the door,

"Yeah?"

"Love? It's Polly can I come in?"

"Yeah Pol."

She opened the door and closed it once in, I turned to look at her and caught her with a soft smile on her face and tears in her eyes.

"Love, you look beautiful."

"Thanks Pol, can you do the buttons for me?"

"Turn around."

I turned around and she did the buttons up for me, once done I turned to look at her and stepped into the black shoes with a gold diamond flower on the front where the toes pop out. I grabbed my thigh holster and strapped it to my thigh putting my gun in place, I then grabbed my knife holster and put it on my other thigh once done I grabbed my clutch bag and was ready. We got to the top of the stairs and I heard John, Arthur and Finn messing around with each other, Pol stepped in front of me and stopped me moving.

"Let me go first,"

She got to the bottom and I heard her speak,

"Boys she's ready."

I walked down the stairs, when I reached the bottom I looked up and saw their faces. Arthur and John both had their mouths open and looked at me while Finn smiled at me.

"What do you think boys?"

It was John who spoke first,

"I think Tom is gonna be kicking himself once he sees ya, love. You look fucking amazing."

"His right Ness, you look beautiful Bitti Chiriko (Little Bird)."

"Thank you brothers, shall we go?"

John offered me his arm which I took without hesitation, we then walked out the door and John opened the passenger side door to the van and helped me in. I had to sit on his lap as the back was full of the a lot of Blinders. He wrapped his arms around my waist to keep me from falling and Arthur got in the drivers side with Finn sitting next to us. It didn't take us long to get to where we needed to go, Arthur and the rest got out first while John helped me out. He grabbed my hand keeping me from falling over on the heals and the uneven ground. We got to the same spot as the rest and John ruffled Finn's hair while still keeping hold of my hand.

Arthur jumped onto a box and started speaking,

"Right, this is what's known as your final briefing before going over the top. Sixty miles down that road is Cheltenham racetrack, Johnny whats our mission, boy?"

John looked at me and smirked then winked at me which had me laughing and shaking my head at him.

"To stick it to the Lee family Arthur!"

"That's right. The Lees are skimming money off the legal bookies. Running chalk, selling rafflers, then beating them up. But today we're going to stop them,"

John put his hand up which had me shaking my head and poking him in the side.

"What about Kimber's men? I thought he had his own protection?"

"Kimber has let his troops go rotten. They're on the take from the Lees to look the other way. We're gonna show Kimber how it should be done."

I spoke up before Arthur could finish,

"And I'm going to get my pound of flesh from the arsehole Lee who called me a whore!"

Arthur pointed at me and nodded

"That's right sister! Ness is here looking gorgeous as you can see, but she is still under our protection. If she gets hurt Tommy will kill us all! Now take what you're good at."

The weapon box gets opened while Arthur keeps speaking,

"Those of you with guns, keep them out of it unless a gun is pulled on you we want this done quietly."

John saw Finn had a knife so he took it off him and gave him something a bit bigger so Finn wouldn't need to get so close to someone to use it. John speaking up again,

"So when do we share out the cash?"

"We don't. We're not keeping the cash you're in Tommy's army now, boys."

I cleared my throat at that which had Arthur looking at me,

"Sorry Ness, I mean Tommy and Ness's army now, boys. Trust only kin, let's go."

I nodded my head at him, we got back to the van and John got in once again helping me in and sitting on his lap. I could hear the boys in the back laughing and joking with each other, they were in good spirits these boys enjoyed a good fucking fight! And I have to say I was looking forward to getting my pound of flesh too and Tommy's face when he saw more and maybe Graces too once she saw that I was there. We pulled up and I stood up off John's lap so he could get out, once he was out he grabbed my waist and helped me out. He grabbed my hand we made our way to wherever it was we needed to be.

We got inside and stood outside the men's toilets, which had me raising my eyebrow which John caught.

"Stay out here till we clear it, then we'll call you in."

I nodded my head and they went into the toilets. I was stood outside the toilets waiting for someone to come and get me, when I was grabbed and slammed into the wall. I looked up to see Kimber smirking down at me,

"Hello gorgeous, here all alone?"

He moved one hand to my throat holding me in place and his other hand ran down towards the split in my dress,

"Come home with me darling, I'll show you a good time."

He then smashed his lips onto mine which had me pushing him away from me and kneeing him in the nuts. Which sent him to his knees cupping his balls.

"I don't need my husband to fight my battles Mr Kimber, he taught me everything he knows already! Touch me again and I swear it will be my knife going through your balls and not just my knee!"

He stood up and glared at me then walked away, thankfully I wasn't left alone much longer when I heard fighting and men running out. Scudboat opened the door and nodded me in, once I was in he stood in front of the door so no one could get in.

I saw Arthur and John beating the shit out of the idiot Lee, I walked over to the sink they weren't using and turned on the tap getting a paper towel and wetting it wiping my mouth clear of his germs. Once done I stood beside Lovelock.

"Hello Raz, how's business?"

John smashed his face into the sink a few times when Arthur took his cap off and sliced his ear off, I just stood there watching.

"Stay still, Raz, or I'll take the whole ear off and you're going to need your ears to listen. No more chalking on Billy Kimber's boys. Right? We're the protection now! I commandeer this stolen money by order of the Peaky Blinders!"

John held his hand out to me which I took without hesitation,

"He's all yours, love."

"Why thank you, Johnny-boy!"

I walked forward and stood in front of Raz who was on the floor, I bent down so he could see my face.

"Remember me? I'm the woman members of your family called a whore! I don't appreciate being called a whore."

I held my hand out to John who gave me the knuckle dusters they had specially made for me. I put them on my right hand and punched him twice in the face, getting blood on my hand. I then stood back and grabbed his face, smashing my knee into his face. I then took my knife from the thigh holster and put it to his neck.

"Tell your fucking family if they ever call me a whore again well I'll be using my husbands cap on you."

I put the knife back in my holster and took off the knuckle duster, giving it back to John. I moved to wash the blood off my hand and knee and then took John's hand again. We walked out of the toilets and I gave Arthur a note to give to Tommy, once I wrote earlier.

"Let's go Ness, I can't wait to see Tom's face."

We nodded to Arthur and left him to give the money to Tommy, John escorted me to the ballroom we climbed the stairs and stood so no one could see us yet. We watched Tommy and Grace dance and I could see the fake happiness in Tommy's smile. We then watched him collect the money from Arthur and close the door. I kissed John's cheek and slowly made my way to stand on the balcony watching him open the note. Once I saw him read it I made my way to the stairs, put my hand on the banister, I stood there for a moment when I noticed everyone turned to look at me so I smiled and looked around the room catching Tommy's eye. Once I had his eye I slowly made my way down the stairs, I saw Grace say something to him but he ignored her and made his way over to me.

Tommy's POV,

I was dancing with Grace pretending it was Ness, I couldn't wait for this to be over and done with. I checked my pocket watch again, thankfully it wouldn't be much longer before Arthur was here. I was pulled out of my thoughts by Grace speaking,

"Do you dance with Ness often?"

"I dance with my wife as much as I can Grace!"

I checked my watch again, and saw it was time, thank God! I turned us around and started making our way over to the door Arthur would be waiting by.

"Either your left leg is stronger than your right, or we're making a getaway."

"Neither."

"I hope this doesn't involve razor blades!"

That had me rolling my eyes,

"I wouldn't tell you even if it did Grace, but I've decided to move up in the world. Become a legitimate businessman."

"My gosh, you're serious."

"I'm always serious."

Thankfully we weren't stood there long when Arthur was opening the door he dropped the bags on to the floor at my feet.

"We chased the Lees across the track and down devon road. We got every penny back."

I reached down and picked the bags up, putting them on my shoulders when Arthur stood up and looked Grace up and down.

"That's the dress you kept asking more money for? Yeah no wonder Ness is taking the money from your paycheck."

I looked to Arthur when he said Ness's name and asked with my eyes if she did ok, when he nodded I took a deep breath. He then handed me a note which I took, I then looked at him,

"Buy the boys a drink. Anybody hurt?"

I hoped he knew I was asking about Ness more then anyone else.

"Nah, few cuts and bruises."

"Off we go, Lady Sarah."

We walked away from Arthur when I opened the note which made me pause,

Look up my love

I folded the note and put it in my pocket then looked up and I swear the breath wooshed out of me, my heart beat doubled and I didn't want to look anywhere but at my whole world standing on that balcony making her way to the stairs. She was in a gorgeous black and gold dress with her hair in curls and some pinned back with a diamond pin I bought her many years ago. I noticed the rest of the room had turned to look at my wife also, which had me smirking. Oh my wife was beautiful. I took a step towards her when Grace spoke up,

"What's she doing here?"

I didn't even bother looking at her when I answered I just kept my stare on Ness,

"Did you really think I wouldn't ask my wife to be here?"

I didn't wait for an answer just made my way to the bottom of the stairs waiting for Ness, once she reached the bottom I grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles.

"You look breath-taking my love truly you do!"

"Thank you Tom."

"Come on, Mrs Shelby let's get this done so I can share a dance with you, my love."

"I'll follow you to hell and back Tommy."

I kept a hold of her hand and we made our way to Kimber's table, bumping into Grace on the way.

"Go to the bar Grace!"

I didn't wait for her to speak back I just carried on to Kimber's table. I dumped the bags, and empty one of them out so the money dropped onto the table.

"Your money, Mr Kimber. Rescued from the Lee brothers and returned to you with a request for a fair hearing."

I sat down and pulled Ness into my lap,

"Your own protection is falling, Mr Kimber. Your boys are taking cuts. I want to suggest that from now on, you contract out your racetrack security to the Peaky Blinders."

I took out a cigarette and put it between my lips, grabbing the matchbox before I could light a match Ness took the matchbox from me and lite one for me moving it towards me,

"We would be saving you a lot of money, Mr Kimber. A lot of money, in return, you give us."

I moved towards the match lighting my Cigarette and smiled at Ness in thanks, I took a drag then took the cigarette from my lips.

"Five percent of the take, and three legal betting pitches at every race meeting north of the river severn, rising to six after one year if we are all satisfied with the service. What do you say Mr Kimber?"

"I say you talk business to my accountant. I want to dance."

He stood up and moved out from the table, holding his hand out towards Ness who looked at him like he was crazy.

"What do you say Mrs Shelby?"

"I say Mr Kimber that you remove that hand from me before I do it for you."

I hid my smirk in Ness's hair,

"Fine, I'll ask the barmaid."

With that he walked away, I tightened my hold on Ness and placed a kiss to her neck. I could see Kimber kept bringing the dance over to us like he thought it would make me jealous or pissed off. My wife is a thousand times better then the barmaid you aren't upsetting me idiot. I gave my attention to the accountant,

"How many men can you put in the field at one time?"

"There's a lot of men out of work at the moment. Two guards for every bookie."

"At every meeting?"

"We have contacts with good people among the Gypsies. We'll always know when the Lees plan to attack. With all the strikes and troubles, you can't really depend on the police. Anyway, we're more honest."

I saw a slight smile turn up on his face but it dropped as soon as Kimber came back to the table,

"Looks like you two are making a deal,"

"We are making progress."

"Then let me throw a small condition into the mix. Two hours with your barmaid!"

I felt Ness tense, this wasn't what either of us had planned for Grace but I couldn't back out just yet. So I nodded my head, I tapped Ness to get her to stand up then grabbed her hand. We walked over to Grace at the bar,

"So, listen, we're going to go for dinner at Kimber's house. He has a place a couple of miles away, I have some business to settle first with his accountant, so, you go on ahead with Kimber."

"Just me and him?"

"Yeah, till I'm done here. Is that all right? Look, I'll throw in an extra three quid for your extra time."

"You think I'm a whore!"

"The way you've been throwing yourself at me knowing I have a wife, Grace just like the whores do! You said you wanted to work for me. To do that you have to sharpen up. The deal is I give him two hours with you. He thinks he's a ladies man, he thinks he can seduce you. Whenever you want, just kick him in the balls."

"I'm a clause in a contract."

Ness stepped forward then,

"You've always been a clause in a contract Grace. Why do you think you're here?"

"If you want to be part of my organisation, you have to make sacrifices."

"Why me? Why not Ness?"

I looked at her like the bitch was crazy, did she seriously think I would use my wife like that. I laughed at her then stared directly in her face, making sure she knew I was being serious.

"Listen to me Grace and listen closely, I will pick my wife over everyone! You will never come before her do you understand me? My wife will never be used as a clause in a contract Grace! You've fucked yourself over completely by even suggesting it. That woman is my Queen and anyone who disrespects my Queen will always lose."

Ness took a step and stood in front of me so she was right in Grace's face,

"You have a gun don't you?"

With that we walked back over to Kimber,

"Do we have a deal? As a sweetener you can try your luck with mine."

I looked behind him and saw his wife who lets face it had nothing on my wife, I heard Ness scoff and shook my head.

"Yeah, we have a deal."

"Two hours?"

"Yeah."

He lent in to my ear thinking Ness wouldn't hear but she did,

"Side bet. Ten pounds says I have her fucked in one."

I heard Ness scoff again and tightened her hand in mine so I squeezed her hand in response. With that he left with Grace, me and Ness walked over to his wife and Ness spoke to her. She left with us thankfully without causing any hassle. She got in the back while Ness sat in the front putting her hand on my thigh, I started the car and asked Kimber's wife for directions to the house. We pulled up about a mile away and just parked. When Kimber's wife spoke up,

"I bet he said you could have me, didn't he? While he has her, that's the arrangement, isn't it? Well, yours might be a prostitute but I'm not."

Ness spoke up, she turned in the seat so she could face his wife,

"Listen, love that bitch ain't his and he ain't hers. I'm his wife, she's just a barmaid and who knows what the fuck else. My husband won't try shit with you, although you look like you could use a decent fuck after being with that pig."

I smirked at Ness's response, my wife really doesn't like anyone claiming me as theirs and neither do I. I am married to Ness and no one can hold a candle to her so I wouldn't even bother fucking trying with anyone else.

"I was a milliner when I met him, I was independent. I made this hat, I was a good milliner."

This time I spoke up,

"It's a very pretty hat. Really is."

Ness kept looking at her,

"Why are you with that pig? You clearly don't need to be! The fucking pig caught me outside the toilets and forced his lips on mine! Idiot thought I needed Tommy to fight my battles for me."

I turned to look at Ness when she said that and I had nothing but anger on my face which had Ness mouthing "later" to me.

"It was an arranged marriage, my father was sick and he owed money, so to pay off his debt I was the price."

"I'm sorry to you then cause you deserve better."

She nodded at Ness then looked at me,

So is she a prostitute?"

"God's honest truth? I don't know what she is."

Ness spoke up again this time,

"But she's more then she fucking says she is! A lair for one! Tommy we need to go, as much as I dislike the bitch we can't leave her with Kimber too long."

I checked my pocket watch and nodded towards Ness,

"You're right, love."

With that I started the car, we got to Kimber's house and his wife telling the man to open the gate. Once we were in and parked I got out of the car and going round to help Ness out, then holding my hand out to help Kimber's wife out of the car. Once out we followed his wife into the home and she told us where he would be, Ness walking in front of me. We got to a room and heard Kimber shouting,

"If I drop a glass on the floor you bend over and fucking pick up the fucking glass, OK?"

Ness kicked opened the door and stormed in, I walked in after her and saw her grabbing Kimber's ear and pulling him away from Grace. She kicked the back of his legs so he fell to his knees,

"Did your mother never teach you manners when dealing with women, you vile piece of shit!"

She then punched him in the face which had me walking over and grabbing her, if left to it she would kick his teeth in. I pulled her back and stood next to Grace, when he spoke up which had me grabbing Ness even tighter. I had to say something to salvage this deal, I wouldn't let a woman get hurt in that way Ness would kill me if I did but I certainly wouldn't be leaving my fucking wife here!

"Feisty I like it! You can join us if you want gorgeous! I do love a feisty woman. What are you doing here? I've got another hour!"

"Just wait, listen to me. Just listen to me. I was going to let you go through with it, but in the end, my conscience got the better of me. She looks good on the outside…

Before I could finish Ness was speaking up and she had a smirk on her face,

"She has the clap!"

That had me laughing inside my head, my wife is fucking brilliant. Kimber looked at Ness then me, so I finished speaking.

"Yeah, Syphilis. When you took a shine to her, I thought to use her. Somebody told me she had the syph, I thought, "What the Hell!" Call it my better nature she's a whore!"

I heard Ness snort out a laugh to that which had me holding back a smirk, Grace grabbed her bag and I put my hand on her back giving her a slight push to the door.

"Just go wait in the car."

"I can walk on my own!"

I walked over to Kimber watching Grace leave, Ness still stood smirking. I held my hand out towards Kimber,

"Can we shake hands and forget this ever happened?"

He raised his eyebrow at me but did nothing so I grabbed Ness's hand and we made our way to the door, Ness stopping in front of his wife and speaking loud enough for Kimber to hear she spoke up.

"You're husband is a pig, you don't deserve that you should leave him!"

We both walked out the door and made our way out of the house. We got to the car to see Grace sat in the front seat so Ness opened the door and glared at her,

"I don't think so darling back seat! Now!"

Grace looked at her then looked at me, I got in the drivers side and looked at Grace,

"You heard my wife back seat!"

She got out of the front and got into the back slamming the door. Ness then got in the front and moved over towards me putting her hand on my thigh. This was something Ness always did when we were in the car together, I started the car and drove us to the gates, they opened as soon as we reached them. It wasn't long before Grace was speaking up,

"Start of the day I was Lady Sarah of Connermara, by the end I was a whore with the clap! Your a fucking bastard, offering me like that! But then you changed your mind. Why did you change your mind Thomas?"

I didn't answer her because I didn't change my mind Ness did! Ness turned in her seat glaring at Grace,

"Its Mr Shelby to you, your our employee not his friend! He didn't change his mind I did! I don't like you princess but I am a woman and I would never let another woman be assaulted by a pig like Kimber! So I came to save your arse but don't for one second think it's because my husband has any feelings for you!"

"He did ask me to the race though didn't he?"

I knew she was trying to piss Ness off but truth be told she was pissing me off so I spoke up this time,

"I asked my wife first Grace! I asked you because I am paying you to be here you were a distraction for Kimber nothing more!"

Nothing more was said from Grace so Ness moved closer to me and started whispering in my ear,

"I love you Thomas Shelby and I can't wait to get you home and show you how much!"

That had me smirking at her, I moved my hand from the steering wheel and placed it over hers on my thigh. It took us an hour to drive back to Small Heath, I pulled up outside the Garrison waiting for Grace to get out. Once she was out I drive off parking the car in the garage. I got out then walked over to Ness helping her out, I grabbed her hand and we walked back home. Once there I opened the door and let Ness in first, pulling her straight upstairs. We walked into our bedroom and I closed the door locking it once in,

"Unbutton my dress, my love?"

I unbuttoned her dress and helped slide it off her shoulders, she then stepped out of it where I then put it over the back of the chair, Ness got into a shirt of mine and sat on the bed pulling out the files Moss gave her. I undressed myself and left my boxers on joining Ness on the bed.

"Let's have a look at these files then darling."

AN, And that's it for this chapter. I hoped you liked it, again this is an anti-grace fic so if you're a fan then don't read.