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

14. The King and his Queen 2

Season 1 episode 6 part 2.

Chapter 14,

Tommy's POV,

We sat for another few minutes before standing up, Ness took her gun from my desk draw and made sure it was loaded I also handed her a second gun just to be on the safe side, I helped her put her gun in her thigh holster then the second gun I put down her skirt in her waist so it was easy to reach if needed, I untucked her blouse slightly to cover the gun so no one could see it. I then made sure my own gun was loaded and ready, I put it in my shoulder holster then cupped Ness's face. I leant down and placed my lips against hers softly pulling away and looking into her eyes.

"Are you ready my love?"

"oh, I'm ready for this to be over with Tom."

"Then let's get to it darling,"

I grabbed her hand and walked out of the office pulling her along with me, we got to the door where I helped her into her coat and got mine on, she then took my cap out of my pocket and put it on my head adjusting it so it sat right.

"Now you're ready my love,"

I smirked at her and shook my head, I laced our fingers together and saw everyone waiting for us I nodded to them and we all made our way out of the house. We walked to the Garrison hand in hand with John next to Ness and Arthur next to me with the boys behind us, we made our way to the Garrison John was joking with Ness who giggled every couple of seconds which had me and Arthur smiling at them both I loved how my wife could giggle in any moment and right now I was thankful to John for making her giggle because I knew without her saying anything to me, she was extremely worried about today. I also knew that she was more worried about me getting hurt then me having to potentially kill a man, especially a man like Kimber.

We walked through the streets like a unit of soldiers looking for the next battle to win, I kept a tight grip on Ness's hand keeping her close to me and between me and John at all times. Walking past people who stopped and stared at us walking by, stopping what they were doing work being halted, they knew something was coming, that something big was happening I already had a few blinders going round telling everyone to stay off the street today I didn't want any walking into something they shouldn't.

We reached the Garrison, John and Arthur opening the doors and holding them open for me and Ness to walk through. I stood at the bar with Ness and waited for the men to file in, once they were stood at the bar waiting, I looked around me then glanced down to Ness who was already looking at me with a soft smile on her face, she reached her hand up to cup my face pulling me towards her and placing a soft kiss to my lips which had me smirking and kissing her back in response, I moved my arm around her waist pulling her closer to me deepening the kiss when we were interrupted by the wolf whistles of my idiot brothers and the blinders laughing. I pulled back from Ness still smirking and saw that she was also smirking at me so I shook my head at her in amusement then looked to the men around me waiting for me to talk.

"Right lads listen up, you have a point and a chaser no more. On the house."

I saw Harry and Grace behind the bar, which had both me and Ness frowning at her but before we could do anything I saw Ollie walking in through the door which had me raising an eyebrow in question because Ollie should be at the betting den just in case, we needed more men he is our go between. Both Ness and I turned to him and he nodded his head towards the snug which had us walking in and closing the door once in. It was Ness who spoke up,

"Everything ok Ollie?"

"Yeah Ness, I just haven't had the time to speak to you or Mr Shelby yet about what happened with the barmaid."

That had me speaking up,

"Is it important that we know now?"

"It is Mr Shelby,"

I looked at Ollie for a moment and could see he needed to get this out in the open so I looked to Ness and raised my eyebrow in question. As much as I wanted to know what happened I really don't at the same time, the bitch means nothing to me and therefore I don't need to know anything about her. Ness nodded her head at me which had me nodding back to her then turning to look at Ollie,

"Let's have it then."

"We fucked Mr Shelby, there really is no other way to say it. The bitch was easy enough considering she didn't refuse me when I put it out there, she did call me Tommy though when she came which I thought you should know. She also spoke in her sleep there wasn't anything really clear about it except she said she fucked me to make you jealous Mr Shelby and something about her needing to die,"

When he said about her saying my name my jaw hit the floor what the fuck is wrong with this crazy bitch! I have made it clear time and again that I want nothing to do with her at all, I have no feelings towards this bitch whatsoever none not even a slight bit of attraction. No other woman makes me fucking hard except my wife and let me tell you many of the whores have tried their hands at making me hard even with me pushing them away from me. Then he said about her needing to die and it doesn't take a genius to know she is talking about my wife, the anger that went through me in that moment felt like a red-hot boiling rage and any fucker who got in my way of me protecting my wife would die a slow painful fucking death and the fucking barmaid was top of that list.

I felt Ness take my hand and lace our fingers together then put her other hand on my cheek pulling my face so I was looking at her, her eyes staring right into mine.

"My love, it's ok. I'm right here with you, she can't hurt me you won't let her."

I put my forehead against hers and just stared into her eyes for a moment to calm down, once calm I pressed a kiss against her lips then pulled back looking at Ollie.

"Thank you for telling us, Ollie."

"Of course, Mr Shelby,"

With that he left the snug, I looked to Ness who looked to be thinking about something so I just waited a moment before cupping her face and pulling her to look into my eyes.

"You ok love?"

"Yeah, I'm ok Tom I have an idea."

"Oh? Go on."

"I think you should confront her about fucking Ollie, she might slip up and say something which we could use."

"I like the way you think sweetheart. Let's get back out there then,"

We both walked back out with Ness going to John who put his arm around her shoulders instantly pulling her into his chest and I made my way behind the bar rubbing my hands together.

"Right, Let's get pouring."

I grabbed a tankard off the side and started pouring the beer when Grace came over to me,

"Do you have the enclosure tickets? And a register of bookkeepers on the track?"

At this I rolled my eyes, I used the bitch once at the races and she thinks I need her help now? I scoffed before answering,

"My wife has them, you have no need to worry now Grace. You did your job at the races, you did all I needed you for and now I no longer need you."

She looked at me and I could see the disappointment on her face from my answer, but what did she expect? I have a wife one I am not going to leave for her or even hurt just for a quick fuck either. My wife was all I needed and no one would be able to satisfy me like she does. I carried on pouring and tried to ignore her but kept glancing at her from the corner of my eye when I saw a look of determination enter her eyes,

"What about the next family meeting? Can I be there after all I helped."

That had me freezing on the spot and glaring at her how dare this bitch have the audacity to ask me such a fucking question is she for fucking real? Before I could say anything back, she spoke again,

"When will you be back?"

I kept my glare going when Ness caught my eye, I saw her frowning at me and knew she was asking if I was ok so I gave her a subtle nod once then turned back to Grace. When I didn't answer her, she got upset and walked out to the back through the door behind the bar. I looked back to Ness who raised an eyebrow then nodded her head in Grace's direction I knew she was telling me to go after her and confront her about Ollie, so I nodded my head and went to walk away when Arthur spoke up, and what he said pissed both me and Ness off and I knew before long Ness would be punching him.

"Go on Tommy, go out the back and give her a good seeing to before we go, I'll keep Ness busy."

I looked to him with a frown and my eyebrow raised but before I could say anything Ness was speaking up and she was stood right next to Arthur without him even noticing she had moved so I knew she heard everything he just said to me.

"What the fuck did you just say Arthur fucking Shelby? Keep me busy you fucking prick, you couldn't even keep a whore entertained let alone keep me busy. You tell me husband to fuck another woman again Arthur and I'll ram my fucking gun so far up your arse your be spitting bullets for months."

As soon as Ness said his name his face went pale white which had me smirking, when Ness spoke it caught the attention of John who walked over also and once, he heard what Ness said he got pissed at Arthur also. He put his hand on Arthurs shoulder turning him to look at him with a raised eyebrow.

"You fucking told Tommy to do what Arthur?"

Before anything more could be said Ness looked at me smirking, she then winked at me to let me know she wasn't pissed off at me which made my smirk grow. She nodded her head towards the back door reminding me I had something to do,

"On it love."

With that said I turned and walked through the back door finding Grace stood there with tears running down her face. Normally I would have a little bit of affection for a woman that was crying but I could see these tears were fake and well let's be honest I cant stand this bitch and everything she has done so I wouldn't even offer to fucking piss on her if she was on fire. I simply walked in and closed the door, crossing my arms and raised an eyebrow waiting for her to speak. She looked at me and took a deep breath,

"I wasn't born to be with a man like you, but I want you anyway. I'm not talking about marriage, I wouldn't want to marry you knowing you had already been married once before but we know each other we can talk we are the same, we have a connection Tommy and you can't deny it."

Is this bitch gone completely fucking crazy! Connection what fucking connection we've barely had one conversation without people being around and at every turn I've told her I want nothing to do with her so what the fuck is she going on about right now.

"You fucked one of my blinders and called my name, Grace, that's not showing me you want me, it's disgusting I don't know how many different ways I can tell you I am not interested in you. That the only woman I will ever be interested in is my wife, or are you talking about the threat you made against my wife? Where you said she needs to die cause I can promise you now Grace if my wife dies, I will be following her shortly after but not before taking out the person who did it."

"Tommy, I have done something terrible to you."

I looked at her and raised my eyebrow in question, I was just done with this bitch. I couldn't fucking wait for her to just leave Small Heath and if she didn't work for the fucking inspector prick, I would put a bullet through her fucking eyes for even mentioning my wife dying.

"I told him,"

"Told who what?"

I cut her off quickly asking this because I just wanted this shit done with and she was just beating around the bush and drawing it out which was just pissing me off even more because I should be out there with my wife preparing for this shit with Kimber and making plans B&C just in case plan A went to shit. She went to speak again when the door being slammed open stopping her and Arthur was walking in with Jeremiah, I looked at them both when Arthur spoke up.

"Right, tell him what you just told me."

"Just heard there's two vans driving up the Stratford road. An old corporal of mine said he recognized some of the men. He said it's Kimber's boys and they're heading this way."

With that out in the open I looked to Grace with a knowing look on my face, I knew this bitch had told the inspector about black star day I just thought I would have more time to prepare a different plan. I glared at Grace before walking out of the room, I went straight to Ness grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the Garrison with me. I didn't say anything and she didn't ask, I knew she knew there was something wrong its why she didn't question me. I would never normally man handle my wife unless there was something very fucking wrong. We got back to the house when I saw Ada on the chair almost asleep.

"Ada, wake up. You and the baby get into the bull ring, where there's lots of people."

She grabbed Karl in her arms when Polly walked in and spoke up,

"What's going on?"

"We've been fucking betrayed. Someone let slip, Kimber's men are on their way here."

"Yeah, but you can handle them, Tommy?"

That's when Ness spoke up, at the same time as me saying "It's just us."

"We can!"

That made me look at her and all I saw was calmness there wasn't an ounce of fear in her face which had me turning to her completely and cupping her face.

"Love?"

"Tom, we knew this could happen that's why we've had the blinders on the look out for more blinder right?"

Before I could say anything, back Polly was speaking again, neither Ness nor I turned to look at her though we just kept eye contact with each other.

"Who else knew today was the day you were moving on Kimber? You said you kept it secret, who else did you tell?"

With our silence Polly kept speaking, and what she said next had me blowing up in anger at her.

"There's only one thing that can blind a man as smart as you Tommy. Love! It's that barmaid."

I turned around in anger glaring at Polly and went to speak when Ness burst out laughing which had us all looking to her. Polly and Ada in shock and me with a raised eyebrow and amusement in my eyes. She was trying to speak through her laughter,

"You….You think he l…loves the….barmaid."

That had me chuckling at her, if there was one thing, I knew that was my wife trust me one hundred percent when it came to other women. Not because she is naive or stupid but because she could read me like the back of her hand and she knew when I was lying to her, she knew without a doubt that I had no feelings for the barmaid whatsoever.

"What is with you lot today? First Arthur tells Tommy to fuck the barmaid in the back room of the Garrison and now your claiming Tommy is in love with her like have you all ate some fucking bad Pork or drank a bad batch of Whiskey?"

That made me laugh, I looked at my wife who was glaring at Polly so I grabbed her hand and pulled her to my chest tucking her head under my chin and wrapping my arms around her tightly. I then looked at Polly,

"No Pol, I don't love the fucking barmaid. She's working for the inspector remember? It's why we faked that shit with Ada and Freddie!"

"I'll deal with Grace cause if ether of you see her, your kill her."

She had a point if I did see her again, I would put a bullet between her eyes but right now I couldn't worry about that because I had Kimber to worry about. I nodded to Pol then turned my attention back to Ada,

"Go to the bullring Ada, your be safe there. Where's Freddie?"

Before she could answer me, he walked into the room and spoke up,

"Where do you need me, Tommy?"

"Danny's on his way from London I need you to take a car and go meet him. The car's got two guns in it, when you get back here, I need you both to come out carrying those guns. Can you do this Freddie?"

"I've got your back Tommy just like the tunnels!"

He kissed Ada on the cheek, making her promise to stay in the bullring then he left. I nodded to Ada who kissed mine and Ness's cheek on her way to the bullring. I then looked to Ness cupping her cheeks and lifting her face to look into my eyes, she wrapped her tiny hands around my wrists holding them against her cheeks and smiled at me.

"I need you there with me love, but I want you hiding, ok? I don't want Kimber to know your there until the last possible fucking second. I don't want you being hurt you hear me? I want you safe but I need you there, make sure your guns loaded and you have extra bullets on you, no unnecessary risks you hear me?"

"I hear you Tom, we got this my love."

She kissed my lips softly then pulled back, pulling out her gun and checking it to make sure its loaded. She then walked over to the sideboard and started pushing which had me walking over to help her, she knelt down and pulled up a floorboard grabbing out a box. She opened the box pulling out a spare gun loading it and then grabbing a handful of bullets. She handed me that handful which I took from her, she then grabbed another handful putting the box back and putting the floorboard back in place. I helped her push the sideboard back in place and took the extra bullets and put them in my pocket.

She put one gun in her thigh holster and the spare gun in her belt purse. I knew she was carrying the gun in the waist of her skirt but that would be for emergencies only. She put the spare bullets in her purse then looked at me nodding her head, she turned towards the betting den and spoke up,

"OLLIE!"

It wasn't long before Ollie came running looking at Ness in fear until he saw me stood here,

"Is everything ok?"

"No! Your brother Robert? Is he close?"

"He is,"

"How many more men can you get at short notice Ollie? The barmaid screwed us other again."

He looked to me asking for my permission so I just nodded my head, which had him smirking,

"Robert has twenty men on stand-by for a time just like this Ness, he has done since he met you the night, we moved the guns."

That had us both looking at him in shock, which he just laughed at.

"What? Ness is very easy to like and we all respect her and you Mr Shelby,"

I cleared my throat nodding,

"Good, fetch the men then Ollie and make sure their all armed. We're meeting them in front of the Garrison your main priority is to protect my wife you hear me?"

"You got it Mr Shelby."

With that he left and I looked to my wife again with a soft smile on my face my wife never stopped amazing me and I fell in love with her more and more every day. I put my hands on her waist and pulled her towards me leaning down and kissing her lips softly, I pulled back just enough so I could speak against her lips.

"Let's go to war, my love."

She pulled back from me and nodded,

"Let's."

We made our way out of the house, locking up and walked hand in hand, we got to just outside the Garrison when John caught up to us,

"Tommy, Ness. We've had word from Nipper at Hay Mills, and he says the police are letting them through. And how come all our police have disappeared?"

"Because it was the police who told Kimber about the plan."

"And who told the police?"

"You know what John? You can blame this on Arthur and me, the bloody barmaid was working for the inspector all along. She questioned Arthur and you know what his like the bloody fool and I told her about black star day, and I thought I was the smartest brother."

I felt Ness tighten her grip on my hand which had me squeezing in response, I knew she was telling me to shut up blaming myself so I squeezed back in answer. We got to where they were waiting and I pulled Ness to stand up on the slope with me, I looked out to the few that were stood here with us and knew these were my most trusted blinders Finn was here but he knew the rules he wouldn't be taking part in today. I pulled out my gun and held it in my hand Ness doing the same with hers.

"All right men. You were mostly in the war so you know that battle plans always change and get fucked up. Well, here it is, things have changed we fight them here today. Alone. Now they're gonna come for the pub, they're gonna try and break us up for good. And we'll have no help from the law today. That pub there is called the Garrison, well now it really is one and it belongs to us, right?"

They shouted it back when Arthur spoke up.

"How many are there?"

"Jeremiah says two Riley vans. So, I reckon we're outnumbered three to one. But it's us boys, it's us! The Small Heath riffles we never lost a fight yet, did we?"

"NO"

"Alright. Jeremiah, I know you vowed to God you'd never pick up a weapon again. But can you ask him from me if you can help us today?"

"God says he don't deal with Small Heath, sir."

Ness giggled at him for that which made us all smile at her. John handed a riffle to Jeremiah and I kept on speaking

"Good man! Arthur, Scud-boat you'll take the flanks just like at St. Marie. Curly, any Shelby man...

Ness cleared her throat to that which had me looking at her and smirking

"Sorry love, Curly, any Shelby man dies here today you bury us side by side, if a Shelby woman dies here today you bury her with me!"

The thought of my wife dying and me having to say that left a horrible taste in my mouth but I knew it had to be said.

"All right, we have about ten minutes make your peace with whoever."

I started to walk away when Ness tightened her grip on my hand and shook her head at me. She turned to look at the men in front of us and smiled at them all.

"My husband has pretty much covered the plan but I want to add something. Kimber will play dirty we will have to watch out for that, I will be hiding so I want the area to be clear enough for me to see. Also, I have about twenty men on there way here for back up can't say how long they will be though but I want you all to know I have a good feeling about today Kimber will get what's coming to him and tonight we will be celebrating in the Garrison."

She nodded to them all and covered her giggle up with a snort when she saw the look of shook on their faces when she said about back up. She then turned to me and nodded her head, so we carried on walking to the Garrison. Putting our guns back on the way. The blinders had a lot of respect for Ness they always had done but I think that respect just went up about three thousand percent. They knew my wife and I came from a long line of Gypsy's they knew Ness got feelings often and she had never been wrong once so I knew they would take her at her word and keep their eyes open and hope for the best outcome.

We got to the Garrison and I walked straight behind the bar and Ness stood in front of me, I grabbed two glasses and a bottle of whiskey, pouring Ness a glass then mine. I picked up my cigarettes when Harry walked into the bar from the office.

"She's gone then?"

That had Ness rolling her eyes at him, I just ignored him and lit my cigarette when he walked closer to the bar and carried on speaking.

"You're not accustomed to not getting what you want, are you Tommy? You wanted my pub and you took it."

Ness spoke up before I could,

"It wasn't just your pub, though Harry. It's half mine which means Tommy was always going to take that half from you. We didn't trust you, I didn't trust you to stay in business with you look at the barmaid you hired!"

I turned and grabbed him a glass pouring him some whiskey,

"You got a fair price."

"What I got was an ultimatum, like you give to everybody. Do it or else, and yet it's funny everybody round here they want you to win this battle. I think what it is, you're bad men but you're our bad men. Will you go looking for her?"

I looked at him in disgust but it was Ness who spoke up,

"Go looking for her? Harry the bitch was a spy she's lucky shes leaving with her life! If we go looking for her it will be to put a fucking bullet between her eyes."

That had me smirking at my wife, she had a point Grace is lucky to be leaving with her fucking life. But that was because Polly had to once again take charge of a situation that was fuck all to do with her. My wife should have dealt with Grace but I knew there would come a time when Ness got her chance and I would be there with her to deal with the aftermath of it all. It had me thinking about how lucky I am to be married to Ness because if I wasn't would I have given Grace the chance to break my heart and betray me like this? I can only imagine what Pol would say about that shit. Ness looked at me smiling she then turned to Harry,

"I think it's time you left Harry, go home and lock your doors Small Heath won't be safe today,"

Before he could leave, I spoke up,

"Don't mention the fucking barmaid again either, she's gone she won't be coming back and if she does, she will get a bullet between her fucking eyes."

Before anything more could be said Finn came bursting in the doors,

"Ness, Tommy, they're here."

I grabbed my stuff putting it all back in my pocket, Ness downed her whiskey and walked towards me as I walked towards her. I cupped her face and kissed her lips thrusting my tongue into her mouth and kissing her roughly, I pulled away and looked into her eyes,

"You know the plan, stay safe my love."

"I know the plan Tom, Tá grá agam duit." (I love you in Irish Gaelic)

"Tá grá agam duit."

She grabbed one of my hands from her face and laced our fingers together for a moment before pulling away and making her way to the back of the Garrison, she would leave through the back door and sneak through the steam work building to get to her hiding spot. I put my cap on and walked out the doors, grabbing my gun and checking it one last time. I started walking when the boys joined me walking behind me John to my right and Arthur to my left, we walked like a unit towards our enemy. I could see from here that we were outnumbered for the moment but I couldn't let that worry me, we walked towards them when we heard Kimber speaking up.

"Get your weapons out boys, and load them up take your time, hold them up in the air so as they can see what we've got."

We met up in the middle with at least fifty feet between us when John spoke up,

"All guns and no balls, right, Billy boy?"

We stood there like we were on a battlefield, Arthur speaking up.

"So, what do we do now? Just give the order."

We stood staring at each other both sizing the other up he was looking for my weakness and I was looking for his, the only difference being my weakness was hiding and he wouldn't see her until it was to late his weakness was his cockiness and that was going to be his downfall.

"It doesn't have to be like this, Kimber."

"Too late for all that, you bit off more than you can chew you little toe rag. And now I'm taking over this shit hole and that pretty wife of yours."

Although bringing my wife into it pissed me off, I couldn't let that show,

"Well, if we have to use guns, let's use proper guns."

That's when Freddie and Danny came marching out of the steal works with Ness's men following, Freddie and a few others had the Lewis Machine guns in hand. This had me smirking and I knew Ness would be cheering,

"Sergeant Thorne, reporting for duty sir."

Freddie made his way to stand next to me and the others stayed behind us,

"You were saying something about being outgunned?"

With that my men raised their guns at Kimber's men which had his men raising theirs at us. I saw from the corner of my eye Ness take her spot behind a cart where she was covered by the sandbags, she got on her knees and raised her gun directly at Kimber waiting for any movement from him so she could take her shot. We were interrupted by Ada walking towards us dressed in black and wearing a fucking funeral veil demanding Kimber's men to move, she also had the baby with her. This is another bloody thing Ada does to piss us off she doesn't fucking listen! I could see the fear on Freddie's face when she came through and stood in the middle of us,

"What are you doing?"

"I believe you boys call this no-man's land."

"ADA!"

"Shut up and listen."

"Have you lost your mind?"

"I said shut up and listen!"

What the fuck is my sister playing at for fuck sake!

"Now most of you were in France, so you all know what happens next. I've got brothers, a husband and somewhere around here a fucking sister-in-law here. But you've all got somebody waiting for you, now I'm wearing black in preparation. I want you to look at me, I want you all to look at me. Who'll be wearing black for you? Think about them, think about them right now. And fight if you want to but that baby ain't moving anywhere and neither am I."

I could see she had got to some of Kimber's men but her little speech didn't affect Kimber because men like him didn't give a shit. We could all hear baby Karl crying for his mother but I knew Ada was stubborn enough to stand there until someone made the first move. Kimber turned slightly to look at his men,

"She's right you know, why should all you men die. It should just be them who caused it."

Time after that sped up, Kimber pulled his gun out when Ness dived out from her spot jumping in front of me just Kimber shot his gun, she went down with a cry of pain when Danny ran forward, Kimber went to shoot again but his gun was shot out of his hand. I stood there for a moment trying to work out what the fuck was going on when I heard Ness groan in pain, I looked down at her laying by my feet holding her hand to her stomach when I saw the red crimson liquid pouring from her wound. I looked up to Kimber and saw him holding his hand to his chest, which was when I realised Ness shot his hand, he looked to his men laughing when I raised my gun and shot him in the head.

"Enough."

His men stood there still pointing their guns at us but I could see now that Kimber was dead, they didn't know whether to shoot or run.

"Kimber and I fought this battle, he shot my wife I shot him. Its over, go home to your families."

His men turned away from us, and I turned my attention to my wife, I knelt down at her side and covered her hands with one of mine the other going to her cheek. Her eyes opened immediately I saw the pain in them which had me rubbing my thumb under her eye,

"Why?"

"Chun tú a chosaint." (To protect you Irish Gaelic)

"That's my job love,"

Her eyes started closing which had me panicking and tapping her cheek,

"Love? Don't close your eyes, ok? Keep those beautiful eyes on me."

Her eyes fluttered twice before she opened them again, I saw she was trying to raise her hand so I grabbed it and raised it to my lips kissing her knuckles then placing her hand on my cheek. I looked behind me and saw all the guys stood around us watching, I shouted at Ada,

"Ada go get fucking Polly now! Arthur, John help me carry her to the Garrison."

Ada ran off leaving Karl with Freddie and John and Arthur came over to me, they reached down and gently picked her up and I kept the pressure on her wound trying to stop the bleeding. I kept talking to her though telling her to keep her eyes open and on me,

"Love, don't close your fucking eyes, ok? Don't you fucking dare leave me!"

"Love you, Tom,"

"I love you darling, but keep those beautiful eyes open, ok?"

We got her into the Garrison where Danny and Ollie had pulled two tables together, they laid her down when Jeremiah came over with cloth's and whiskey, he looked at me asking for permission. I nodded my head, he had patched many a bullet wound on the battlefield so I was hoping he could help my wife now. He walked to the side I wasn't standing on and looked to Ness who I could see was getting tired but was desperately trying to keep her eyes open, when Jeremiah spoke up to get her attention.

"Ness love, I need you to focus, ok? You're a filed nurse this type of wound you've dealt with before I need you to walk me through it ok?"

She looked at Jeremiah blinking her eyes, she opened her mouth and called my name which had me leaning over her and grabbing her hand holding tightly.

"I'm here love,"

"Don't let go, Tom."

"Never!"

She nodded once then looked back to Jeremiah, I could see she was struggling for breath because of the pain she was in so I just kept squeezing her hand so she knew I was there for her. I was terrified I was going to lose my wife right now but I was trying to hold it together for her, she is the one that took a bullet for me I couldn't let her see me scared.

"Need a knife to make the wound bigger to pull out the bullet. Use whiskey to clean the knife first,"

I knew talking was taking so much effort for her but she kept going without missing a beat or stopping and I knew it was because she wanted this over and done with. Jeremiah took my pocketknife I handed to him and washed it with the whiskey, he then made two small cuts either side of the wound to make it just big enough for two fingers, I knew this was hurting her even more because her hand kept tightening on mine so every time, she tightened her hand I tightened mine.

"You need to find the bullet with your fingers, and pull it out slowly, but wash your fingers first."

He washed his fingers with the whiskey, John bring another two bottles over knowing we will need them and a bottle of rum, he stood at Ness's head and gently lifted the bottle of rum to her lips letting her have a few mouthfuls before pulling the bottle away, Jeremiah took a deep breath and looked at Ness,

"This is going to hurt love, and for that I'm sorry."

Ness raised her other hand moving it above her head and grabbed Johns hand, she nodded at Jeremiah. He gently as he could put two fingers inside the wound, Ness screamed out in pain which had me kneeling down so I could whisper in her ear, but still see what was going on.

"It's ok love, squeeze my hand as tight as you need to, ok? And John's he won't mind. I'm here, and I love you."

I moved the hand that wasn't holding hers to stroke her hair softly, I saw Jeremiah moves his fingers when he shouted that he had it. Ness tightened her hold on my hand and closed her eyes, taking deep breaths,

"Shhh, love I've got you."

He got the bullet out and dropped it into a glass, when Polly came in carrying the first aid kit, she handed it to Jeremiah who fished out the stitches and got to work on stitching Ness up, She opened her eyes and looked at me her eyes glassy from the pain and tears. The hand stroking her hair moved to away her tears and I kissed her nose gently. She looked up at John and spoke but due to the pain it was only a whisper,

"John, more rum."

He lifted the bottle to her lips again letting her take a few mouthfuls then pulled it away. Once Jeremiah had the stitches ready, he grabbed a bottle of whiskey and looked at me I knew what was coming and I knew it was going to hurt my wife more then any of tonight's pain had so I cupped her cheek and turned her head facing me I placed my forehead against hers and looked into her eyes,

"Take a deep breath my love,"

I saw her eyes widen when she took a deep breath and squeezed mine and Johns hands but she kept her eyes on mine. I nodded once to Jeremiah and I knew the second he put the whiskey to her wound the absolute pain in her eyes broke my heart, it should be me laying there with a bullet wound not my fucking wife! I was pissed at myself for shotting him in the fucking head I should have shot his fucking knees first then his stomach then his fucking head! He died to easy and pain free while my wife is laying here in fucking agony and all I can do is offer her my fucking hand to squeeze. Thankfully, it wasn't long after that, that he had her stitched up and a bandage covering her wound, I helped her sit up and off the table, I wrapped an arm around her waist and helped her into the snug where I closed the door and took off her bloody shirt, I removed mine and put it on her doing the buttons up for her.

I then cupped her face and kissed her lips softly and put my forehead against hers,

"I thought I was going to lose you, my love!"

"Never Tom, your stuck with me darling."

"I fucking love you Mrs Shelby!"

"I fucking love you Mr Shelby!"

We heard the drinking start and we both laughed,

"Do you want to stay for a drink love?"

"Tommy, we are celebrating we should stay for a drink then go home for our own celebration."

"Darling you've just been shot, I don't think us fucking right now will help your wound heal"

"Well then tonight, Tom, you will have to make love to me."

I didn't say anything to that because what could I say? My wife is very stubborn and arguing with her about her being to hurt to make love too is not an argument I want to have. So, I kissed her one more time then helped her back out to the bar, where Danny came over to her and grabbed her hand kissing her knuckles,

"You saved my life too, love I want to thank you for that."

"Rosie needs her husband Danny, just like I need mine."

She then kissed his cheek and he walked away smiling, when she saw Ada, I saw the anger cover her face and knew that was a bomb waiting to happen. We had a fucking plan in place for a reason and Ada fucked it up she should never have been there, she should have stayed in the bullring like I told her. This not listening bullshit she does is going to fucking stop its getting ridiculous. I wrapped my arm around her waist tighter being mindful of her wound and walked over to the bar where Polly was stood with John and Arthur was behind the bar, Ness moved to stand in front of me so her back was to my chest and leant her weight on me which had me wrapping my arm around her again and holding her close, she then looked at Arthur and I could see she was till angry with him for his earlier comment but wouldn't say anything right now.

"Rum Arthur!"

"Ness, love I."

She cut him off before he could say anything,

"Not tonight Arthur we are celebrating, tomorrow we can talk brother, ok?"

"Tomorrow, love."

He poured her, a rum and me a whiskey she downed hers, and then reached for mine drinking that too which had me raising my eyebrow at her she looked at me and giggled placing her head against my chest and taking a deep breath, we looked to the side of us and saw Esme and John kissing and Ada and Freddie talking and everyone else celebrating which brought a smile to both of us. She then turned in my arms putting her arms around my neck with only a slight wince in pain from her, so I put my hands on her waist and held her close.

"We did it Tom!"

"We did it, love."

"What about the barmaid?"

"What do you think?"

"I think, Tom you should go see her make it clear we know who she is and that she needs to be gone by midnight or she's fair game."

"What about you love?"

"Help me to a seat and I'll wait here for you, I'm in no mood to see the bitch again not after today and all that bullshit with Arthur and Ada."

"Ok darling, come on."

I helped her to a seat, slowly sitting her down thankfully John came over and sat next to her wrapping his arm around her shoulder and leaning her against him he kissed her forehead and nodded at me.

"I've got her Tom, you go do what needs to be done."

"Thanks John-boy,"

I kissed her lips gently and grabbed her hand,

"I won't be long love,"

"I know, I love you."

"I love you."

I kissed her lips again then walked away from her, everything in me crying out not to leave her after her being shot but knowing I still had some unfinished business to take care of. I had to make it clear to the bitch that she had to leave and never come back or risk being killed on sight. Ness saved two lives today, mine and Danny's and knew Danny and Rosie would not stop thanking her. Can't say I was all that happy that my wife was hurt again but she was alive and I was thankful for that. I stood outside the Garrison just staring at the spot my wife got shot, doing the business I do I always know the risks for me and the boys but we do the job anyway but not once did I think my wife would get shot taking a bullet for me. I was glad it was me who shot Kimber dead though cause I didn't want that burden for my wife not after everything she went through in France.

I shook the heavy thoughts away and made my way to Grace's the sooner I got done with her the quicker I can get back to my wife and get her home and in bed where I knew she could heal properly. I would make sure her workload was light for the next couple of weeks, especially with the promotion she didn't know she already got, I got to Grace's place to see the door slightly open so I pushed it open the rest of the way to see her standing by the window with her suitcases by her feet she turned when she heard the creaking of the door. I spoke before she could,

"Everyone's leaving town."

She looked at me and I knew she could see the blood on me from Ness she took a step towards me.

"Tommy, you're hurt."

That had me chuckling,

"I'm fine."

"What exactly can I say?"

"Nothing, because you have nothing, I want to hear Grace well except that your leaving."

"I could tell you who I really am."

"I know who you are, and you know who I am."

"The circumstance is not important."

"Circumstance?"

"Is all it is."

I looked down scoffing in disbelief, I really think this woman needs mental help because she is ten shades of fucking crazy! When I looked back up, I saw that she had stepped closer to me, which had me stepping back.

"Someday I will throw this gun in the canal."

She stepped towards me again getting close,

"Why not now?"

"Because my wife deserves more than Small Heath!"

She stopped closer again, she reached for my face and put her hand on my cheek,

"Here it comes, Tommy. I love you!"

I pushed her away from me and burst out laughing at her, she looked at me with hurt written on her face but she brought it on herself,

"Love? You don't even know me, you spent a bit of time with me at the races where I put on a show for Kimber nothing more Grace! I don't love you and I never will, I am happy with my wife and I love her more then anything in this world I don't know how many times I can keep saying it to you Grace for it to sink into that stupid brain of yours! I will never be yours I will always be hers!"

"I'll be in London one week at this address, finish your business here and join me. Leave your wife and be with me, I can give you so much more then she can! I can help you with the legal business, I can help you throw that gun into the canal and never look back."

She gave me a train ticket to London, and the address of the hotel. I took the ticket from her and ripped it up in front of her I looked at the address then threw it onto the floor. I stepped towards her grabbing her around the throat and pinning her to the wall,

"Listen to me carefully this will be the last time I ever say this to you, you are to leave Small Heath tonight, I will not being leaving my wife for you or anyone, there is nothing you can give me that my wife can't! In fact, my wife gives me more and more every day. Say one more fucking thing about me leaving her and you won't be leaving Birmingham alive do you understand me? You don't love me you whore, you want to change me changing someone is not loving them, Ness loves me for who I am not for who she can change me into."

I leant towards her ear and whispered,

"In fact, Ness loves the devil inside me you could never love me like she does and I will never love you like I love her! It's time you left Grace before your time runs out."

"OLLIE,"

He came into the room and saw me with my hand around her throat and pinning her to the wall, he smirked at me.

"Everything ok Mr Shelby?"

I threw Grace to him not so gently and he caught her with his hands around her waist,

"Take the whore to the train station make sure she gets there and gets on that fucking train. I have an injured wife to take care of."

I didn't even let him answer I just walked out and went straight back to the Garrison, calming myself down on the way, thankfully it didn't take to long to get there. Once outside I realised how quiet it had got so I walked in and saw Lovelock and Jameson asleep on the chairs, and Arthur and John pissed with Ness almost asleep between them. Her head on Johns chest with his arm around her holding her in place and her feet in Arthur's lap. When they saw me, they held their glasses up to me and smiled, John nodding his head towards my wife which had me nodding back and smiling. I walked over to the bar where Polly was stood,

"Drink?"

"Not whiskey, if you check behind the bar, you will find a bottle of Champagne."

She put the bottle on the bar and looked at me, I grabbed the bottle and started unwrapping the gold wrap while talking to her.

"Today was a good day, all of Kimber's men were busy here. So, the Lee boys took all their pitches at the Worcester Races. It couldn't have gone better if we'd planned it,"

I turned around with the bottle in my hand and saw Ness and knew she was sleeping because of the pain she must still be in so I back tracked a little on what I just said, it could have gone better my wife could not be injured.

"Well, it could of nowhere in my plans did it say my wife could take a bullet for me."

I walked towards Arthur and John,

"Shelby brothers Limited are now the third largest legal racetrack operation in the country."

They both raised their glasses to me and I clinked the bottle against them,

"Only the Sabini's and the Solomons are bigger than us, boys. And all my family is here to celebrate, even my lovely Ness who took a bullet for me today although asleep in my brothers laps, she is still here."

I then popped the cork with a loud bang that had Ness jumping up in shock, I rushed to her, I put the bottle on a near by table and knelt in front of her grabbing her hands,

"It's ok, love it was just me."

She looked at me in confusion,

"Tom? When did you get back?"

"Not that long ago, love. I didn't mean to wake you sorry,"

She smiled at me,

"It's ok, Tommy I told John to wake me when you got back anyway. Here help me up?"

I stood up and leant down wrapping an arm around her waist and grabbing her hand with my other hand, I helped her stand slowly once she was up, she wrapped her arm around my waist and leant against me. I took my hand from hers and grabbed the bottle of Champagne again, we then both walked to the middle of the room, I held the bottle in the air and spoke up,

"To Shelby brothers limited."

The boys cheered along with Ness who giggled at how drunk they were, we walked to the bar and stood in front of it, Ness once again moving to stand in front of me and lean her back against my chest, my arm wrapping around her waist holding her up. I poured Pol a glass and held the bottle to Ness's lips she took a small sip then pushed it away,

"I prefer whiskey or rum."

I laughed at that and so did Pol, who reached down and grabbed a clean glass pouring Ness a healthy bit of rum she pushed it in front of Ness who nodded her thanks and downed it right away. That's when I knew how much pain my wife really was in, my wife loved her drink just as much as I did but she rarely downed her glasses unless stressed or in pain. The thought that she was in so much pain right now had my heart beating faster then it should, Ness heard this and pushed herself closer to me. She grabbed the bottle of Champagne and held it to out to me,

"Have a drink Tom,"

I took a drink of the Champagne and actually agreed with her, whiskey was better. I put the bottle on the bar and stepped back from Ness to grab her and lift her into a bridal carry which had her giggling at me.

"Come on, love let's go home."

She wrapped her arms around my neck and put her head against my shoulder, I nodded at Pol who walked around the bar and opened the doors for us, I thanked her and carried my wife all the way back home. Once there I carried her up to our room and placed her on the bed,

"Stay there, love I'm going to fill the bath."

It took me half an hour to fill the bath with enough water for us both, I helped her stand up and undress then helped her step into the tub, once she was in, I took the bandage off and helped her sit down. I then took my clothes off, Ness moved forwards so I could step in behind her, she moved in between my legs and sat back against me. My arms going around her waist instantly, her head leaning on my shoulder she turned and placed a gently kiss against my neck and we just sat like that for a while, I then helped her wash off the blood and clean over her wound, and I washed the blood off myself. I got out and wrapped a towel around my waist then helped Ness out wrapping her in a towel and sitting her on the bed,

"what do you feel like wearing tonight love?"

"Can I wear a shirt of yours Tom? It will be so lose and comfortable."

"Of course, darling."

I got her a shirt of mine and helped her dry and into the shirt, getting myself into a t-shirt and trousers. I sat next to her on the bed wrapping an arm around her waist.

"How you feeling, love?"

"I feel happy Tommy, it's over we did it! The inspectors gone, the barmaid bitch is gone."

She turned to look at me when she said that and must have seen on my face that I needed to tell her something so she grabbed my hand,

"What is it Tom"

"The barmaid."

"What about her? Wait she has gone right?"

I chuckled at that,

"Yes, love she's gone. Ollie took her to the station, she wanted me to leave you and go to London with her. She told me to throw my gun in the canal and leave this life behind she also said she loves me."

"But she wants you to give up your life here? Loving someone is accepting them for the good and the bad not changing them into something you want them to be."

"I know love, I grabbed her throat and pinned her against the wall. I have never been so fucking angry in my life not enough to hurt a woman anyway until tonight. I'm fucking glad she's gone, she gave me her address of where she is staying hoping I would change my mind so I'm thinking I write to her saying no. Then we move on from the barmaid bitch and look to what's next."

I looked at my wife and smiled at her,

"What's next for us Tom?"

"Well for now my love, you heal and we work on the racetrack, then in a couple months we work out what's next."

"I like that idea, Tommy."

"Me too, my love. Now will you sit with me while I write this letter sweetheart?"

"Of course, I will."

With that we walked downstairs and went into the office, I sat down in the chair and gently pulled Ness to sit on my lap. I put the paper in the typewriter and started,

Dear Grace,

Was all I put before Ness pushed my hands away and got typing herself, I knew she would she can type better than anyone I know.

"Tell me what to put Tom,"

So, I did, I told her what to write,

Dear Grace,

The answer and my decision stay the same as they always have and always will.
I don't love you, I will not be leaving my wife for you ever.
Don't bother sending me any letters cause they will just get burnt, If your seen in Small Heath or Birmingham again after tonight you will be killed on sight. Away you go Grace because I have all I need and want right here in my home with me. I was taught long ago to hate my enemies and that still hasn't changed!

This is truly the last time,

Goodbye

Tommy Shelby.

I signed it and put it in the envelope, I then helped my wife stand up and we both made our way to bed. Ness climbing in first rolling to the wall to make room for me, once in she rolled so she was straddling me with her head under my chin my arms going around her waist holding her in place.

"Goodnight my love,"

"Goodnight sweetheart."

Ness fell asleep straight away and I followed shortly after her knowing she was safe in my arms and I hadn't lost her today.

Ollie's POV,

I walked the bitch barmaid to the train station and walked away from her, I made it look like I had left her but I hid in the shadows making sure she got on the train, knowing if she was still around tomorrow Tommy would kill her. Ness being shot affected all us blinders because we love her like shes our sister, we all have so much respect for her and not just because shes our Queen but because of how nice she is to us all, and how she shows us respect also. I wasn't stood here long when I noticed the inspector walk up to Grace, she turned to see him stood there when he raised his gun, nothing was being said from what I could see or hear when suddenly two loud gun shots went off and echo around the station.

I looked over to see both Grace and Campbell on the floor with blood pouring out of them. I didn't want to bring more trouble to Ness and Tommy so I did what any blinder would do, I ran I kept to the shadows but I ran all the way back to the Garrison hoping to find Tommy or Ness still there. But when I ran in there was only Polly who was trying to get Arthur and John to wake up. She turned to look when she heard the door open and close, I rushed over to her.

"Holy shit! They've been shot."

"WHO? Ness and Tommy?"

"No, no Grace and the inspector. Tommy asked me to take her to the station so I did but I made it look like I was leaving and stood in the shadows when Campbell turned up, he raised his gun, I looked around to see if there was anyone around when I heard two-gun shots I turned back to them and they were both on the floor with blood pouring out of them."

"What did you do?"

"I ran here"

"Good! Keep this quiet, I'll tell Ness and Tommy tomorrow but for now it's not our problem they could be dead which will actually be very fucking helpful right now. Just help me get these two home for tonight."

I nodded my head at that, she has a point whether they live or die is not our problem they are out of our lives for good now.

AN, well there you have it, part 2 of episode 6. I hope you liked it, it was so hard writing this because I had to make a lot of changes to this episode to make it fit with my story and how I wanted things to go. If you want a little snippet of the conversation between Grace and Polly let me know cause I can do something for the beginning of the next chapter.

I hope you this,

Thanks

V