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

11. A wedding, A baby and the police

AN, Again this is an anti Grace fic so if you're a fan of Grace then maybe don't read this chapter is also anti Lizzie too so you have been warned. There is a lot of changes to this episode which is episode 4 of season 1, I hope you like it.

Chapter 11,

Tommy's POV,

I grabbed Ness's hand and we both walked out of the betting den, I knew this whole missing money thing had pissed Ness off. It seems her father was a lazy boss so Ness would have a lot of cleaning up to do, I'm also going to suggest having some blinders keeping their eyes on the businesses just so the employees knew we had Ness's back too.

We walked for a while when we bumped into Arthur coming out of the picture house with two women, he smiled at Ness and kissed her forehead.

"All right love?"

"Arthur!"

He then looked at me,

"Tommy, that barmaid's been asking questions about the business and the dry storage."

That had both me and Ness frowning. We knew of course why she was fishing for information but we had yet to tell Arthur and John what we had found out, but we did tell them not to trust her and to keep their mouths shut in front of her. I'm guessing Arthur hasn't managed to do that!

"What did you say to her Arthur?"

"Nothing."

Ness looked at me frowning, we both knew Arthur had said something because he wasn't known for keeping his mouth shut. We would have to do some damage control with the bitch and soon, Ness nodded at me already knowing what I was thinking.

"We're sort it Arthur!"

There was nothing else to say, I had already told Arthur and John to keep their mouths shut in front of the barmaid and my idiot brother couldn't even do that. I tightened my hold on Ness's hand pulling her away, we carried on walking, I knew Ness was pissed because I could feel in it the tension of her body and how tight she was gripping my hand. Once we were fair enough away from Arthur I pulled Ness to a stop and looked at her,

"It's ok love, we're sort this."

"The bitch is mine Tommy!"

I knew she was pissed, my wife had hit explosion point with this barmaid and I wasn't going to stop her from exploding. I would be there to stop any witnesses from seeing and so would my blinders.

"We have to do this smart love, she's working with the copper, no witnesses, somewhere she wouldn't find suspicious."

"Speak to Jeremiah, have him and some blinders outside the church to keep anyone from coming in. You get her there and I'll meet you after about five minutes just long enough for a false sense of safety to set in."

"I love your devious mind, my love."

I cupped her face, running my thumbs just under her eyes I then smashed lips against hers. This woman is the love of my life and I would do anything and everything to make her happy. This shit with the barmaid needed to be sorted out before she gets too deep into our business and with Arthur around who knows what shit she already knows. I pulled away from her slowly putting my forehead against hers and keeping eye contact,

"You know I love you right my love?"

"Of course I do Tommy, just like I love you!"

I knew we were stood in the middle of the street and I knew people were probably looking at us but I didn't care when it came to Ness, I didn't care what people thought, I didn't give a shit if they looked at us having a moment in the street or me kissing her, holding her hand, grabbing her waist and holding her close to me. When it came to Ness I simply didn't give a shit what anyone thought because she is my world and the only thing that mattered to me was what she truly thought of me.

"While you get the barmaid to the church Tom, I'm going to check on a few things and I shall meet you there."

"Alright my love, I'll see you later then?"

"Oh you will Tommy and I can't wait to finally put the bitch in her place!"

"That's my girl!"

With that said I kissed her lips one more time,

"I love you Tom,"

"I love you Mrs Shelby."

We then parted ways,

Ness's POV, I know this was a short POV but there was a reason for it and it was just for the warehouse bit. I still haven't quite grasped writing in third person rather then POV but I am practicing.

I left Tommy and made my way towards the cut, I had to check out some of the dry warehouses as I knew the Garrison needed more Whisky, normally I have someone with my when checking them especially when its dark but I knew I would be fine. I had just turned the corner when I heard some loud noises, so I hide behind a brick pillar and poked my head out to see what was going on. What I saw had me pissed instantly, because I knew this had everything to do with the bloody barmaid! I saw the coppers with that Irish Inspector breaking into the dry warehouses, I kept quiet and just watched for a moment, I saw they were looking for something which had me thinking of the guns!.

The bitch barmaid had just put her final nail in her coffin and I was going to make sure it was me doing it. I quietly made my way back round the corner so I couldn't be seen once I knew I was safe I lifted my dress and started running to the church.

Tommy's POV,

Ness walked away from me making her way to do some errands that needed doing and I made my way to the Garrison on the way I caught up with a blinder George I told him the plan and told him to make sure Jereimah knew I also made sure he would get some blinder to guard the door so no one other then Ness came in. I stood outside leaning against some bags, I wanted her to see me as soon as she turned from locking up. I wasn't waiting long when she came out the door, she was locking up when I started speaking up,

"Arthur tells me you've been asking questions. About how we run our business, how we get our booze and where we keep it and my wife also caught you doing the books when you were told to keep your nose out of them."

"I'm just trying to help."

I knew she was lying, even if I didn't have all that information from Moss I would still know she was lying. What kind of woman gets a job at a bar and then starts asking questions that she has no right to ask! Yeah I wasn't buying her innocent act and she would soon learn that nobody spies on us and gets away with it. She will also learn to stop fucking disrespecting my wife, because more than anything that was pissing me off!

"Let's you and me go for a walk!" I demanded, there was no question in my tone at all it was a demand and certainly not one she could refuse because if she did I would simply have the blinders drag her away.

I pulled away from the bags I was leaning on and made my way past her,

"Where to?"

Like I was going to tell her anything, this woman needed a lesson in who she was dealing with clearly she thinks to highly of herself that she can just ask questions and I would answer. The only woman who could do that was my wife.

"Come on!"

I carried on walking, but I knew she hesitated which had me smirking she should be afraid right now because her lies were about to kick her in the arse. Once she caught up to me, we made our way silently to the church me opening the door for her and seeing the blinders waiting in the shadows. I saw one of them wink at me so I knew Ness wasn't far. Once in I closed the door behind us, Ness would come in the back way so the door wouldn't make a noise.

"Why here?"

"You're a good catholic girl, aren't you?"

As I finished speaking we made our way to the isle so we could sit down,

"Yes."

I knew that was a lie because the stupid woman didn't even make the sign of the cross when we entered or when we walked past the alter, Pol taught us any good catholic girl would make the sign of the cross before sitting down.

"Well, then you know it's here people come to confess."

I was hoping she would let her guard down thinking I was about to confess some bullshit to her, I found us some seats near the middle of the church and waved my hand in front of the chairs,

"After you."

She sat down, and I followed shortly after.

"Well, here it is, Grace. I'll confess."

She turned to look at me and I could see the look of pure hope on her face, whether it was because she thought I would confess all my sins to her in this moment or she thought I was going to declare my love for her I didn't know but what I did know was I had her exactly where I wanted her,

"Confess what?"

I knew Ness was here by now, I couldn't see her but I just had this awareness of her being near me so I knew she was just waiting for her right time to pop out.

"I need someone, Kimber has an adviser by the name of Roberts. He talks well, keeps the accounts. He runs the legal side of the business."

"And you need a Roberts?"

"Arthur tells me you have ideas."

"I'm not an accountant nor a lawyer."

No, you're a bloody spy for the Irish prick that's trying to take me away from my wife! But right now I need you to think there might be a job for you even though I would never hire you or anyone over my wife.

"No. But you have something I need, Class."

She smiled at that, I never smiled back I just continued to look at her with my blinder face on as my wife calls it.

"I need someone who looks right at the big meetings. Epsom, Ascot."

"Is this a job interview? What about your wife?"

I ignored the comment about my wife as the bitch would find out soon enough,

"Arthur says you're good with numbers."

I knew that was bullshit of course, Ness had told me about all the mistakes she had found after the bitch did the books. She giggled softly at that,

"Well, that's relative, he is quite poor."

She smiled at me again, which I once again ignored.

"You keep the books in order even though you've been told not to."

"They were chaotic, Ness isn't the only boss I have, Thomas."

She gave me this look that I wasn't sure about, maybe she was trying to flirt with me but it just made her look desperate. Now this is where the shit is going to hit the fan,

"But you are a liar!"

I saw the smile wiped from her face and the fear enter her eyes,

"No catholic girl would enter a church and forget to make the sign of the cross."

"You are very perceptive."

"First you lied to me about the pub you used to work in, now I find out you are protestant."

"Do you care?"

"I don't care that you're a protestant but you lied to me more than once, that does make me wonder why. You see Grace, I don't like liars in my business."

"I lied to fit in."

"You pull a pint like someone who's thinking about it."

"This is not an interview, it is an interrogation."

She stood up, and made a move to leave.

"Sit down!"

Before anything else could be said Ness made herself known, she walked down the isle her heals clicking on the floor of the church which had us both looking at her me with a smirk on my face because well lets face it my wife is fucking sexy and one badarse woman!

"Leaving so soon Grace? There is more to be said you know! So I suggest you take a seat darling we're just getting started!"

Grace looked at me but I was too focused on my wife to give a shit, Ness stood in the chair behind me putting her left hand on my shoulder clearly displaying her wedding ring, she then put her other hand on Grace's shoulder forcing her to sit down. Once Grace was sitting down Ness spoke up again.

"So asking questions in our place of business about shit you clearly have no right to know after I told you to keep your toff nose out of it all is bad form princess. Ignoring me constantly when my husband is around worse form, glaring at me, telling me you have some made up connection with my husband is asking for me to beat your arse, all that put together has a great big fat bull's-eye on you sweetheart!"

I had to smirk at that, Ness always had a way with words and I was glad to see that hadn't changed because of the war. I could see from the corner of my eye Grace was looking at me with hope on her face, which had me looking at her and raising my eyebrow.

"You don't belong here Grace!"

"Says who? You Ness?"

That had me and Ness laughing,

"My wife has told you before Grace it's Mrs Shelby! We both say you don't belong here, it's a bit strange really. You know that most of what we do is illegal."

"I'm not blind."

"No, you're not! But you are nosy, and still around making it seem like you're turning a blind eye to things when anyone can see you're far too interested in me, my business and what I do with my wife. Why is that Grace?"

I could see she wasn't going to answer, quicker then Grace could see Ness had her knife on Grace's throat which had me smirking once again and having to adjust the tent in my trousers.

"My husband asked you a question princess, it's a question that is going to need an answer."

"I'm just here to work, that's all."

"You see Grace neither me nor my husband believe you, for someone who claims to be here just for work you ask far to many questions, you spy on conversations you have no right to,

Ness then leant close to Grace's ear and whispered loud enough for me to hear,

"And you go around killing paddy's with a gun you shouldn't have!"

In was in that moment, I fell in love with my wife all over again. I knew I could be intimidating and I knew my wife had, had her far share of moments when she's scared the shit out of people but the fear I saw in Grace's eye's from that comment alone I knew my wife had the upper hand and Grace had well and truly fucked herself.

Ness sat back down, put her knife back in her boot but kept her left hand on my shoulder so I reached up and grabbed her hand lacing our fingers together. Grace took a breath and looked at me,

"Are you offering me the job?"

That made Ness giggle which had me smiling at her, I looked at Grace and smirked.

"I'm not offering you anything, in fact all of what I said was bullshit. My wife is all I need, Grace! You're just a barmaid do you really think I would offer you a job in my business?"

Grace leant towards me like she was expecting me to kiss her or something. I simply stood up pulling Ness with me. I could once again see the look of disappointment on Grace's face, which had me raising an eyebrow did she really expect me to kiss her? This bitch was crazy, my wife just had a knife to her throat and she was still thinking I was going to kiss her. Like I would want anyone's lips against mine but my wife's. Ness saw the look and finally lost her cool with Grace, she let my hand go and reached towards Grace pulling her to her feet but the collar of her coat she then punched her in the face so hard Grace screeched in shock and pain. Ness had punched her a good one to as the blood was pouring out of her nose,

"Stay the fuck away from my husband Grace, this is the last warning you get before I put a bullet in your head."

She then let Grace go, I once again adjusted my trousers and held out my hand for Ness to take which she did without hesitation. I pulled her towards me bringing my other hand up to her cup cheek, I then smashed my lips against hers. I pulled back smirking at her,

"I fucking love you Mrs Shelby!"

"I fucking love you Mr Shelby!"

With that we both walked out of the church nodding to the blinders as we went, they would make sure Grace got back to wherever she needed to be without saying anything to anyone on the way. We walked back home hand in hand, going straight to bed once we got there.

I woke up the next morning to Ness laying on my chest, so I ran my fingers through her hair having a quiet moment to just think.

"Morning Tom,"

"Morning love, how did you sleep?"

"Wonderful as always, so Lizzie today?"

That had me laughing, I knew she wanted to have a confrontation with Lizzie again, the whole John business had pissed Ness off and me too if I'm honest. We both know Lizzie doesn't love John, she had thrown herself at me and Arthur far too many times for her to love John.

"Lizzie today."

"Well then let's get ready for the day husband of mine."

I chuckled at that, she reached up and kissed my lips softly then sat up, I stood up off the bed holding my hand out to help her up. We both got ready for the day, Ness in a gorgeous red dress which had me pulling her towards me with my hands on her hips.

"You look absolutely gorgeous my love"

"Thank you, you look rather handsome yourself Tom but you are missing something."

She reached over to the bedside table grabbing my cap and putting it on my head adjusting it to sit right. Once done she looked at me smiling,

"There, now you look dangerous and sexy my love,"

I smirked at her and shook my head, I kissed her lips once more then pulled back grabbing her hand.

"Right, love, let's go."

We made our way out of the bedroom, walking down stairs and out of the house. We made our way to the garage where we kept the car, I opened the passenger door helping Ness in then making my way round to the drivers door. I started the car and pulled out, I wasn't sure where to find Lizzie but I knew driving around we would see her eventually. It didn't take us long to find her, which had Ness climbing into the back and getting onto the floor, Ness was just small enough to hide herself on the floor behind the front passenger seat. I pulled up by the side of Lizzie and called her name,

"Lizzie?"

"Hello, Lizzie."

She looked behind her and saw me but carried on walking,

"That bag looks heavy, jump in."

"Kids' teas."

"You like kids?"

"Yeah."

"Good. John's got four of them."

I caught up to her in the car and she stared at me in apprehension.

"It's alright, I'm not going to try to talk you out of it."

She stopped walking and looked at me then walked closer to the car handing me her bag, which I put on the back seat. She then climbed into the front seat and looked at me, this was the first time I had ever approached Lizzie first, normally it's her coming to me and throwing herself at me and me turning her down but now I was here and I was going to make it look like I was offering myself to her. I was so glad Ness was in the back listening in, no doubt Lizzie would try and lie about this later,

"I just want to talk."

"You're not against us?"

"John's his own man and you are your own woman."

I reached into my pocket and grabbed out the money, I put a one pound note on the middle of the seat,

"Now, Lizzie, since I came back from France and well before that you have approached me on many occasions offering yourself to me. "

She looked at me in shock, not sure why she was so shocked I was bringing this up.

"Tommy, you didn't tell him?"

That had me laughing, oh I didn't tell John shit Lizzie but my wife wasn't so polite. She wasn't going to keep things secret when she thought people should know and she thought John should know how you have tried to offer yourself to me and Arthur many times,

"Oh, I didn't tell him,

I put another one pound note down,

"Just like you didn't tell him. Now why didn't you tell him Lizzie? Why didn't you tell him that for the last two years and more you have been throwing yourself at his brother or should I say brothers? Because you have had Arthur haven't you Lizzie? Since us coming back from France, I know Arthur has come to you on many occasions."

"The past is the past Tommy,"

She says with a straight face, when it was only last week she threw herself at me again, I knew it wasn't that long again Arthur had been there either.

"I don't want to lose him, he's a good man."

"That was the answer I was hoping you'd give. The past is the past. You see our John says you've changed, and I believe him. That's good, change is good."

I put another two, one pound notes down.

"These are new times, I'm told. So I wish you both every happiness and I want you to see that as my wedding gift to you."

She looked at me then and I kept eye contact with her, inside I was disgusted with myself for even implying I would do this to my wife but again I was glad my wife was here right now and listening in.

"You mean one time?"

"One time, you and me? That's eight bloody pounds!"

Like I would ever need to fucking pay for it when I have a beautiful woman like my wife! Lizzie looked at me then looked away when some kids went running past, I knew she was thinking about it because if she was serious about John she wouldn't need time to think it would of been a simple no, or in my wives words fuck off your not man enough for me. She picked up the money and tugged it into her stocking just underneath the garter that kept the stocking up.

"So where shall we go?"

Inside I was fuming and I knew Ness was too, not only had Lizzie disregarded John but she had also disrespected my wife by not asking about her.

"Tommy? Shall we go to my lodging?"

"So you love John do you? You can keep the money Lizzie just get out of the car."

"Tommy, please."

"Get out of the car!"

"I love him, Tommy really. Really!"

I put my hand on her face which made her flinch,

"John will make his own decision, but he will have the facts."

She smacked my hand away,

"Your brother is ten times the man you are!"

She went to open her door but found it ripped open and Ness grabbing her, dragging her out of the car. She pinned Lizzie against the side of the car with her hand on Lizzie's throat.

"You ever speak to my husband like that again Lizzie and it will be the last thing you ever do! John isn't half the man Tommy is sweetheart that's why you've been after Tommy so much you want the King. You are a whore, you're not good enough for John, or Arthur! You will never be a Shelby, Lizzie you will always be a whore! But let me make myself clear to you one last time, you stay the fuck away from my husband you don't talk to him, look at him or breath in the same space as him you don't even mention his name sweetheart cause I promise you, you ever offer yourself to him again they will be pulling bits of you from the cut. Stay the fuck away from John too, he doesn't need some whore to be his wife or take care of his kids."

She pushed Lizzie away from the car, and climbed back in, she grabbed the bag from the back and threw it out of the car.

"Don't bother cooking for the kids tonight, we look after our own family."

Did I mention how hot for my wife I am? She slammed the door closed sliding over to me and placing her hand on my thigh, I started the car and put my arm around her shoulder holding her close to me. I pulled away from the curb and went to speak when I felt Ness's hand moving up my thigh,

"Need some help there my love?"

I looked at her and saw her smirking at me, I winked at her and smiled.

"Well what can I say sweetheart, I'm hot for my wife!"

That had her giggling, and kissing my cheek.

"It's a good thing this wife is hot for her husband then."

We took the car back to the garage and I helped Ness out, I kissed her lips softly and walked her home. Once she was in I went into the betting den to get some work done. I was sat in my office going over the books, and making sure it was all correct and accounted for. While also thinking about how I was going to break it to John about Lizzie, I wasn't going to feel bad for it as we had all warned him about Lizzie he should of known better really. I was brought out of my thoughts by Ness walking into my office,

"Tom? You've been in here for almost three hours, love. John's out by the car."

"Thank you darling,"

I stood up and walked to the door kissing her lips softly before leaving the betting den and walking over to the garage, where I saw John washing the car. I walked into the garage getting his attention,

"Tommy. I need a favour. I want to borrow the car. I want to take Lizzie to the country with the kids. We're going to celebrate getting the licence."

I couldn't say no, as much as I wanted to it was the family car.

"Not a problem, John."

"I'll need the keys."

"Look, John, you're my brother. There's something I have to tell you. Earlier, on the front seat of that car, I offered Lizzie some money. And John? She said, "Yes." Now that's a fact, you do with it what you want. Take the keys, take Lizzie to the country, marry her if you want. But you have to know she said "Yes."

He threw the cloth down, climbing in the car and slamming the door. He sat there with his hands on the wheel for a moment. I moved to stand by the side of the car and crossed my arms over my chest just waiting.

It didn't take him long to climb back out and slam the door closed, he walked back over to me, glaring at me.

"So you cheated on your fucking wife Tom? Is this the first time?"

That had me standing in shock, I looked at John with the same fierce glare on my face.

"No John, I didn't fucking cheat on my wife! I would never cheat on Ness, in fact she was bloody with me. She had words with Lizzie also. My wife is my fucking life John don't you ever assume I would cheat on her!"

Nothing else was said, John turned away from me kicking over the bucket of water and storming out, I knew he would end up in the pub, not the Garrison of course he wouldn't want to run into me. It was something he and Arthur did when they were pissed off, especially with me.

I wasn't alone long when Ness walked into the garage, holding her hand out to me. I walked towards her taking her hand.

"Come on, love, let's go for a drink."

We made our way to the Garrison hand in hand not saying a word, nothing needed to be said right now. Ness could feel the tension in my body and she knew just her being close to me would calm me down. We walked into the Garrison to see it was empty, and Grace was behind the bar we both walked over and I spoke up which had her jumping in fright cause she had her back to us.

"Two glasses of Whisky, now!"

She poured two glasses and slid them across, me and Ness picking them up and holding them in the air. I looked at Ness who was already looking at me,

"Make a toast, my love?"

She went to open her mouth but Grace spoke up before she could.

"I'm Irish, I can make a million toasts. May you be in heaven a full half hour before the devil knows you're dead!"

We both looked at her but Ness spoke up,

"What the fuck? That's a shit toast! Seriously? Heaven? Sweetheart heaven doesn't have a place for me or Tommy!"

She looked back at me and smiled, she then cupped my cheek with her free hand.

"To us, my love, our love is unbreakable, untouchable, unconditional, but true! It's not just our hearts that call to each other but our souls also. To you my husband, my friend, my love, my soulmate."

Once again my wife had taken my breath away, I leaned down kissing her lips softly. Pulling away slowly, I brought my free hand up to cup her cheek repeating the words she had just said.

"To us, Mo ghrá (My love in Irish Gaelic) our love is unbreakable, untouchable, unconditional, but true! It's not just our hearts that call to each other but our souls also. To you my wife, my friend, my love, my confidant, my soulmate."

We clicked our glasses and downed the Whisky, we were brought out of our moment by Grace speaking up.

"I had the phone put in it's in the back."

The phone really? That's what she interrupted us for? To tell us about the bloody phone this woman is nuts.

"If we knew someone else who had a phone, we could call them."

That made Ness giggle, yeah interrupting us over the bloody phone that we cared nothing for! Grace then spoke up again,

"Since we're celebrating."

Is she for real? Me and my wife are celebrating! She leaned down and stood back up holding a bottle of champagne.

"I had this delivered from Rackham's department store."

She put it on the bar which had me grabbing it, but it was Ness who spoke up,

"Who told you to order a bottle of Champagne? This is small heath sweetheart not the bloody Ritz!"

She glanced at Ness frowning,

"Aren't you going to open it?"

"No, save it for a special occasion! I have a job for you to do, I'll give you two pounds for doing it but not until it's complete."

I pulled out a letter and put it on the bar,

"I want you to get that to my sister,"

"You don't see her?"

"I never said you could ask questions, I'm paying you to do a job. I am told she goes to a bath house on Montague Street, on women only days. She goes in disguise, so I need to get someone inside,"

"What am I delivering?"

"Did I not just tell you not to ask questions! It's family business. I want you to deliver that message to her, tell her there is a truce."

"Am I delivering bait for a trap?"

She just keeps pushing, like she think's I'm going to be stupid enough and break because I'll finally get tired of her and the questions but this bitch doesn't know me and now I know who she truly is no way in hell will I break and tell her anything.

"Again don't ask questions, just do what I'm paying you to do! Give her the invitation."

I walked away from the bar putting my cap back on and holding my hand out to Ness who took it without hesitation, I looked back to Grace pointing to the champagne.

"Put that in the cupboard."

I then looked down at Ness and kissed her forehead, I could see she was tired.

"Come on, love."

We walked out of the Garrison to the darkness of the street, I didn't realise how long me and Ness were in there for. We walked home and locked the door once inside, we quietly made our way towards the stairs. We got half way up when we heard a door opening in our room, which had me pulling my revolver out and putting my finger to my lips to Ness, who nodded her head. We stepped up to the last step, me walking in front of Ness, we got to the door and Ness, staying behind me, reached under my arm to twist the knob to open the door where I then raised my gun pointing it directly at the person in our room. We both calmed down when we saw it was John who had my opium pipe in his hand. I uncocked my gun handing it to Ness,

"What the hell John?"

"I couldn't get it lit. Couldn't even do that!"

"Why would you want to be smoking that for?"

"Same reason as you, pain in the head."

I didn't say anything to that, because I hadn't done the pipe in a while because I didn't need it. Ness was my life line with her by my side. I didn't need the pipe or the Whisky but I could see John was already feeling down so didn't want to add salt to the wounds by speaking up. He walked over and sat on our bed,

"I spoke to Lizzie, I told her what you told me. She said, "Your brother is a dirty liar." I didn't say anything about Ness being there, I then spoke to her sister and her cousin. Brought them a couple drinks, "Just a few regulars", they said. "To keep the wolf from the door, she still sees a couple of regulars." You two must think I'm an idiot."

Ness made her way over to John and sat next to him on his left side, leaving his right side open for me. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders pulling him towards her.

"John we don't think you're an idiot, you're looking for something you will never find with Lizzie but it's a good thing you've found out now before you got married because that would have been worse and not only hurt you but those kids as well."

I walked over and sat down next to him, reaching my hand round him to grab Ness's hand.

"I think you're the first Shelby in history to have a legal licence for anything. What would our Granddad say, eh? He'd be turning in his grave."

I changed my voice to sound like our Granddad's something I hadn't done in a long time,

"Honest bloody money? Eh? In this house? In here?"

Ness giggled at me and John laughed,

"You always used to do voices when we were kids."

Ness looked at me when he said that and I knew what she was thinking, I still do voices for her when were alone in our room.

"Well, we're not kids now John."

"But we still have to look out for each other, Right?"

"Yeah!"

Before I could say anything else Ness spoke up,

"And me of course! I've got your back John-boy!"

I put my hand on John's head,

"Yeah we're a family John. Come on, go home."

I stood up, John following me. I helped Ness stand up and we both looked at John.

"Get some sleep, we've got a big day tomorrow."

"We have?"

"Tomorrow we finish the war with the Lee's once and for all. Ness got hurt John and I can't have that, so we end the war for good."

"Since when?

"Since just now."

"Ten o'clock tomorrow, be ready for anything!"

Ness grabbed him in a hug then kissed his cheek, I put my hand on his back pushing him towards the door, once he was on his way down the stairs I closed the door and turned to look at Ness. She nodded at me and smiled,

"You're doing the right thing Tom, this isn't just about ending the war between us and the Lee's it's about helping your brother also. He needs someone who's going to love him like he deserves, I've met Esme before she's a perfect fit for our John and his kids."

My wife always knew when I needed words of reassurance, I wanted what was best for my family and marrying John off seems like the best idea for all of us especially for him. He needs a wife and his kids need a mother. I walked over to Ness and cupped her face,

"I love you, you know just what to say to help me."

"I love you Tom, it's all part of being your wife."

I kissed her lips then pulled away, she turned around so I could unbutton her dress, I helped her slide it off and put on one of my shirts. She climbed into bed, once she was comfortable I stripped off and got in next to her pulling her close to me. I knew how tired she was as it didn't take long for her to fall asleep with her head on my chest and my arm around her. Her soft breathing helped me to fall asleep soon after.

Ness woke me early the next morning, she was trying to get out of the bed without waking me but I was holding her tight against me.

"Morning love,"

"Morning Tom, you need to let me go. I need a pee and I have to get to the Lee's remember?"

"Right, kiss first?"

She leaned down and kissed me, my hands going straight to her hips to hold her steady. She pulled back and smiled at me, climbing off me and going to the bathroom. Once down she came back in and got ready putting on a midnight blue dress with silver detailing that she looked beautiful in. she had natural curls in her hair so left it down and she was ready. She sat down on the bed and put her shoes on then leant towards me to kiss me.

"I'll see you soon, Tom."

"You will love, I love you."

"I love you,"

With that she was out the door, it was tradition in a gypsy arranged marriage that if the brother of the groom was married then his wife would help the bride to get ready and impart some words of wisdom. In dealing with John she was definitely going to need some words of wisdom indeed.

It didn't take me long to get ready and leave the house, meeting the boys at Charlie's yard. They all got in the van while me and Arthur got in the car with me driving. We got to the location and parked up, meeting in front of the van.

"John, ready?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Arthur pulled out his Whisky flask and offered it to John,

"Have a drink."

John took it and took a mouthful, handing it back to Arthur he looked around him noticing us all looking at him.

"What? Why are you all staring at me for? What?"

"Good, let's go!"

We got to the outskirts of the Lee camp when John spoke up again,

"Tommy, what's your plan? We're in shotgun range!"

I stopped walking and turned to face him, bracing myself for what I knew was to come.

"John, before we go into battle, there's something you're going to need."

We all pulled out buttonholes, I pinned one to Johns suit jacket.

"What are you bloody doing, Tommy?"

I put my hands on his face,

"Smile, John, it's a wedding."

"Whose bloody wedding?"

"Now if we'd told you, you wouldn't have come. There's a girl from the Lee family who's going a bit wild. And she needs marrying off,"

"Ah, fuck!"

He pushed me away from him, with Arthur speaking up.

"John-boy, John-boy!"

I grabbed him at the back of his neck,

"You have no bloody right, Tommy!"

"Listen to me. Listen to me. A girl who needs a husband, a man who needs a wife!"

"Tom, I'm not bloody marrying some fucking mushroom picker."

"I've already betrothed you. If you back out now, there's gonna be a mighty fucking war breaking out here that's gonna make the Somme look like a fucking tea party."

Before he could say anything back we heard the clicking of heels and Ness walking towards us and standing in front of me looking at John.

"You wanted a wife John, we found you one. I promise you this girl is perfect for you and your kids! This wasn't done on a whim Tommy thought long and hard about this but you made his decision with your declaration the other day and last night sealed the deal. This is a good thing John,"

I then spoke up after I wrapped an arm around Ness's waist holding her against me.

"If you marry her, our family and the Lee family will be united forever, and this war will be over. Now it's up to you John, war or peace?"

Ness's POV, Time skip to the wedding party.

So John married Esme thank god, Ada turned up and spoke to Tommy and Tommy kept me by his side. I was sitting on Tommy's lap with his arm around me holding me close and a full whisky glass in my hand. I'll give it to them the Lee's knew how to party for sure! Ada was dancing around with Arthur having a good time from the smile on her face, which was nice to see. We were sitting at the table with Queen Mary Lee, I was having a nice conversation with her, she knew my mother so she was telling me what she knew about her. It was nice to speak about my mother without the sadness of her death in the air. Before long Polly came over to us and spoke to Tommy,

"You should tell Ada to slow down."

"You think she'll listen to me?"

"I tried to stop her but she's been drinking. She's been stuck in that basement for weeks. What do you expect, she's going off like a firecracker."

I was not going to be liked much but I spoke up,

"She hasn't been stuck anywhere Pol, she chose to stay in that basement and hide herself away. She had the choice in leaving, this is just proving that she's too immature for a baby."

She ignored my comment and continued speaking to Tommy, now I have nothing against Ada at all I love the girl like a sister but I think the way she has handled this situation is like a child throwing her toys out of the pram.

"Oh, Christ Tommy please?"

Tommy tapped my thigh for me to stand up, once I was up he made his way over to Ada, I stood waiting to see what would happen, lord knows Ada is not going to like Tommy going over.

"Ada, come on, have a rest. Sit down."

Once she started shouting I made my way over also,

"Come and look Esme! Look at the family you've joined! Come, look at the man who runs it! He chooses his brother's wives, he hunts his own sister down like a rat and tries to kill his own brother in law. And now he won't even let me have a fucking dance!"

I stepped forward in front of Tommy grabbing Ada by the shoulders,

"Enough Ada! You're fucking pregnant and right now your acting like a damn child! Freddie almost killed Tommy but did you say anything to Freddie about that? No you didn't! You weren't hunted like a rat, your family were worried about you! I don't give a shit that you've been hiding in a basement for weeks right now, you're acting like a child at your brother's wedding!"

Polly took over, knowing I was losing my temper with Ada. Tommy grabbed me holding me to his chest trying to calm me down. When we both heard Polly,

"Holy shit, water. Right!"

We all looked at her, the boys in shock and me frowning it was Arthur speaking up that made me chuckle,

"Bloody hell Ada, you do pick your times."

"She can't pick and choose when the baby comes Arthur!"

Tommy wrapped his coat around Ada, helping Polly get her to the car. I went with Arthur and John because I knew I would say something to both Ada and Polly if I went with them. Arthur helped me in the back climbing in after me putting his jacket around my shoulders when he saw I was cold. John helping Esme in and got into the driver's seat, he started the car and I have to say I am never getting in a car with John driving again it was all over the place. Thankfully Arthur put his arm around me or I would have ended up on the floor, we got to Watery Lane and saw Tommy outside waiting. Arthur was telling John how to drive which was hilarious,

"Stop, stop, stop! Nice and easy."

"Story of your life, Arthur."

Arthur got out, and helped me down then helped Esme down.

"Nice car, John. How's she running?"

"Beautiful, really smooth."

That had me laughing and shaking my head walking over to Tommy who wrapped his arms around me instantly.

"Smooth my arse John-boy, if Arthur wasn't holding me I would have ended up on my arse on the floor and Tommy would be gently rubbing my arse better right now!"

That had them laughing, before they could say anything back Polly interrupted us,

"Your sister's giving birth and you're talking about a car."

We turned around to see Polly standing there and Esme walking into the house.

"Not much us men can do now Pol!"

"Expect go get drunk."

"Right, come on."

They turned to walk away with Tommy grabbing my hand and pulling me with him. We didn't get far when Polly spoke up again, she came forward and tried grabbing my hand which had me pulling my hand away.

"Where you going, love? You're a nurse."

"No Pol, I was a nurse in the war for men not women, I never learned how to deliver a baby. And I'm sorry but this scene is not for me, I'm going to the pub with the men."

I moved away from her and stood between Tommy and John, Tommy still holding my hand and John wrapping his arm around me. He knew I had an aversion to child birth from all the times Martha went into labour. I am a woman but there is some things even I don't want to see.

"There is one man that should be here?"

"You're right, Pol. Freddie should be here."

"Is that a heartbeat I hear inside that chest?"

"My husband has a heart Polly, don't ever think he doesn't."

I was getting pissed off, of people thinking Tommy was heartless when everything he does is for this family!

"The truce lasts till sunrise, on my oath tell Freddie it's safe."

Polly ran back inside and Tommy turned his attention to us,

"Right boys,

That had me clearing my throat to interrupt him, which had him smiling at me.

"Sorry love, boys and lady let's wet the baby's head."

We made our way to the Garrison, all the while Tommy never let my hand go. We walked straight in and right to the snug. Tommy ordering whisky and beer on our,

Arthur and John sat down on the bench seat and Tommy pulled me into his lap, it wasn't long before Arthur and John were pissed, me and Tommy not drinking as much as them. John down his drink then slammed his glass down,

"I should go, it's my wedding night."

That had me giggling, and the stupid bitch barmaid walking in and smiling,

"John your wife is busy helping Ada right now, trust me your fine,"

"She's right John you sit down. You don't want to be among women when there's a baby coming."

That's when the barmaid butted her nose in again,

"You think her husband will stay away?"

That had me looking at her in suspicion what kind of question is that and why the fuck is it any of her fucking business. Clearly this bitch thought mine and Tommy's threats meant nothing. It was John who spoke up, Tommy was placing soft kisses along my shoulder and neck.

"Freddie will be there nothing will keep him away, Tommy said it's all right for him to be there. Isn't that right Tommy?"

Tommy looked up from kissing my shoulder and smiled at John,

"That's right, I'm all heart tonight."

Then he went back to kissing my neck, which had me sinking into him more and his arm tightening around me. Arthur and John giggling like school girls, which then had Arthur speaking up.

"You know John-boy, I think it's that lovely wife of his, that's made our brother go all soft."

That had me giggling at them, Tommy pulled away once again and looked at them over my shoulder.

"Only for my wife boys!"

I saw out of the corner of my eye, the barmaid make her way into the office, that had me rasing an eyebrow she's been told several times she is not aloud in there. I went to stand up when Tommy pulled me closer,

"I need the ladies Tom, I won't be long."

I kissed his lips and he let me go, I stood up and made my way over to the office noticing the door was open slightly, I put my ear close and listened in.

"Freddie Thorne will be back in Small Heath tonight, Watery Lane. The Shelby house."

"I heard Thomas gave him permission as the baby is coming."

I didn't need to hear anymore, I stormed out of the Garrison running home to Watery Lane, thankfully I got there before the Police. I crashed into the front door slamming it closed and rushing into the room. They all looked up at me but it was Polly who spoke up,

"Ness? Love what it is?"

"I don't have time to explain, Freddie come with me now!"

I grabbed his hand pulling him to his feet, grabbing his coat and throwing it at him. I pulled him along into the betting den, I shoved one of the tables out of the way lifting the rug that was there, I opened the hatch that Tommy built for me in case of emergencies that only me and him knew about. I looked at Freddie,

"I don't have time to explain but you have to get in here now, and be quiet you hear me? Don't even breath loud!"

"Ness?"

"Now Freddie!"

I pushed him into the hidey hole, once he was laying down I put my finger to my lips and closed the door putting the rug back over it and pulling the table back over. I closed the betting den doors and pulled the curtains closed. I looked at Ada, and Polly shaking my head.

"I don't have time to explain right now but I promise you, I will after. Polly? You have to pretend that Freddie has been taken and you have to blame Tommy in front of the barmaid ok? Esme? Check the front window quickly tell me what you see?"

She walked out and I looked back at Polly,

"Pol? Can you do that?"

"Yeah, but we're going to need an explanation Ness!"

"You're get one."

Before I could say more, Esme rushed back in,

"There's police in the lane."

"I have to go, I'll leave the back way. Pol remember make a scene in front of the barmaid ok? She has to believe Freddie was taken!"

With that I rushed out the back door, using the alleyways to get back to the Garrison. I walked in and saw Tommy where I left him. I walked over to him and plopped down onto his lap his arm going around my waist instantly.

"Where you been love?"

I moved my head so I could whisper in his ear,

"Long story Tommy, but shit is about to hit the fan, be prepared."

He gripped my chin with his finger and thumb and kissed me softly, humming his agreement into the kiss. He put both hands on my waist and helped me stand, once he stood he grabbed my hand and we made our way over to the bitch barmaid asking for another drink. She spoke up before we could,

"You want me to open up that Champagne now?"

We just ignored her when the doors crashed open, we turned to see Polly. Even though I knew what had happened Polly's face was brilliant.

"It's a boy."

That had Tommy smiling, when suddenly Polly came rushing towards him his smile dropped. He pushed me gently away grabbing Polly's arms.

"Pol? Polly? Whoa! Whoa!"

John and Arthur grabbed her holding her back,

"But the police came and took his father away."

The pure shock on Tommy's face broke my heart, but right now I couldn't tell him the truth. They had to make the bitch think she had won,

"Don't you dare look at me like that."

I stepped closer to Tommy and when Polly spat at him I grabbed his hand and laced our fingers together. I could feel the heartbreak in my own heart like his pain was my pain. Once we were home I would tell Tommy the truth, and we would get Freddie and Ada of sight , making sure the bloody barmaid couldn't overhear where they were.

"You Lair."

With that Polly left, I tightened my hold on Tommy's hand and looked at the barmaid,

""Fuck off Grace!"

She looked at me and I glared, thankfully the bitch listened and left. I then looked to John and Arthur smiled at them,

"Go home, both of you. All will be explained tomorrow but right now go home, we will discuss this in a safe place."

They both looked at me and saw the look I was giving them and nodded their heads, I then turned to look at Tommy cupping his face instantly making sure we had eye contact,

"I didn't do it Ness, love."

"I know my love, all is not what it seems. Let's go home."

He looked into my eyes and nodded, he turned the lights off and we locked up. We walked home hand in hand, once we got there we walked in and locked the front door then walked into the dining room seeing Ada sat there with the baby and Pol sat by the fire they both looked up when we walked in. I looked to Pol who nodded towards the betting den which had me smiling I let go of Tommy's hand and pushed him towards Ada, then I walked over to the betting den doors opening them I pushed the table away and moved the rug then opened the hatch door finding Freddie still there. I offered him a smile and my hand which he took and pulled him out, he helped me put the betting den right and we both walked into the dining room. Tommy shooting up instantly,

"What's going on my love?"

"I heard the barmaid on the phone to the inspector, we've told you she can't be trusted well that's why. I heard her tell him about Freddie so I rushed here and put him in my hidey hole you created Tom, I then told Polly to fake it and fuck Pol you did good. The barmaid believes Freddie is locked up and it needs to stay that way, we now have an advantage over her and the inspector."

Tommy just looked at me open mouthed, when Ada rushed over to me and hugged me,

"I don't know how to thank you Ness,"

"Family Ada, were family! But we all have to pretend that your on the outs with Tommy do you think you can do that?"

"I've been doing that a lot lately Ness, I think we can manage."

"Good,

Before I could say anything more Tommy was grabbing me and spinning me around,

"Your a fucking genius love!"

"I know"

I looked at everyone and they were all smiling, we won tonight but the bitch and prick wouldn't know until it was to late.

"Ada, you and Freddie should stay in John's old room tonight, but don't have any candles lit ok? Keep it dark."

Freddie helped Ada up stairs while Pol apologised to Tommy, once they said what was needed Tommy was holding his hand out to me which I took without hesitation.

"Let's go to bed love."

We made our way to bed, with Tommy helping me undress, I didn't bother putting anything on just getting into bed naked, with Tommy following and pulling me onto his chest,

"I love you Ness Shelby, thank you for tonight."

"Family Tom, I'll do anything for you. I love you Tommy Shelby."

"Goodnight love,"

He kissed my forehead and we both fell asleep.

An, so this took a long time to write, I have changed this a lot from the actual episode because well this is my story of Peak Blinders and I'm not going to do episode by episode, so I hope you like it.

I don't know if I'm going to update before Christmas now but I will try. If I don't update before Christmas then I want to say,

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a brilliant new year.

Please let me know what you think of this chapter as for me this was really hard to write. I knew I didn't want the church scene to happen the way it did in PB but it took me a while to write how I wanted it to go.

Love

V