Chapter 4

Airship Adelisa Aiglentine

Dec. 13, 1919

Aoife sat in the chair at her desk and stared up at the planked ceiling above her. She'd been sat there for a couple of hours now. Just staring at nothing while her mind went round in circles about Birmingham. She found it easier to simply give Tommy a nickname when she focused on him so she called him that. She believed he'd been telling the truth when he'd said that letter was the first he'd heard from Grace in years. She recalled that Arthur had said Grace ran off with half their coffers in her pockets. Birmingham had said Grace had betrayed him. Whatever it was he'd had with Grace was before the war, the war in which Birmingham and at least his brother Arthur though probably John too based on his age, had fought in. They'd spent time together for up to a year it would seem but no longer than that. War changes people, changes everyone. The Adelisa had been conscripted four years in, when the Colonies joined in the war effort. It had ended shortly thereafter so they hadn't been a part of it for long. The Birmingham boys more than likely were in it since the beginning, just as Alfie had been.

She was still missing something. Grace had been in Birmingham before the war. She'd gone to the colonies right before the war started, as Birmingham said she was supposed to have. She'd situated herself there for two years, then at that point had made the acquaintance of Carrick. She'd managed to maintain relations with Carrick for a year. Then she'd moved on to her next conquest. Throwing a gigantic monkey wrench in their business while she was at it. At some point she'd made her way down into the Caymans whereas of a month ago she was residing or perhaps just passing through. Where by some coincidence of fate she ran into Carrick and asked him to deliver a letter to an inmate imprisoned for treason, an Inspector Campbell.

So an Inspector in London had been found guilty of treason and had a connection with Grace Burgess. Who was also a known associate of Birmingham. Aoife was sure there was some connection there that she was missing, it was all too much of a coincidence. No matter how many times she spun it through her head she couldn't come up with the connection. She was missing something alright.

There was a knock at her open door and she looked up to see her sister watching her. She could tell her mind was whirring.

"What's up Aine?"

"Just thought I'd let you know that we've voted to take on the Shelby's cargo. You can get in touch with him and setup the meeting to load up."

"Oh I can, can I?"

"Unless there's reason you don't want to?"

"Don't be silly, what reason could there possibly be?"

"I don't know, why don't you tell me? You've been holed up in your cabin almost since the moment you came back aboard."

"It's nothing. So you've all decided that Birminghams connection with Grace is inconsequential?"

"It's been a long time since he's had anything to do with her. You told us you believed that. Were you lying?"

"No, I wasn't. I believed him when he said he hadn't heard from her since before the war...till now. Things his brother said corroborated it."

"Well there you go then. Our family has had more recent dealings with the insufferable woman than this Shelby has. No need to hold an old association against him. Would make us out to be hypocrites in a sense. Don't you think?"

"I suppose, you could look at it that way."

"Have you changed your mind about wanting to deal with him? If so, that would make you and Carrick and you know it only takes two for the vote to fall through."

"No. Business is business. Just not all that certain I want to be the one to deal with him again."

"Is he hard to deal with? Did he make you uncomfortable in some way? Because if so then I'll change my own god damn vote."

"No, Aine. He was just...different...than the usual blokes we deal with."

"Oh...so he was handsome then. You lost your head a little over him."

"Don't be ridiculous. I don't lose my head or anything else for that matter over anyone. You know that."

"I thought I did. Maybe we've been wrong. You know sometimes all it takes is the right one and everything you thought you knew about your heart goes tail up and throws you for a loop. Just look at me and Alfie."

"I'd really rather not, Aine. What you and Alfie do or don't do is between the two of you. I don't know and I don't want to."

"...I swear Aoife, I worry about you. We live on this ship. Our siblings and the crew are our only companions. Every now and again we take to port and enjoy a few weeks on land, meeting different people, then we take off and leave them behind. Don't get me wrong I love this ship, it's our home. I'm just saying when we're always up here, how are you supposed to find the one you're meant to be with?"

"For Christ sake, I just met the man, Aine. We spent about an hour in each others company, talking business. Yes physically he's an attractive man, I'm not blind. Being attracted to him doesn't make him my god damn soulmate now does it. Besides lucky for me I have no interest in meeting the one that's meant for me."

"Seriously? Aoife! You found Shelby to be attractive? Even if it's nothing serious. You're a woman, you're not dead. There's no harm in having a little bit of fun while we're in port."

"Yeah. You do recall what happened the last time I found a man attractive, don't you?"

"Ugh, why bring him up. We're all allowed to make a mistake once in a while. Just look at Carrick, hell, even your Mr. Shelby. After all they made their mistake with the same woman...Oh for fucks sake Aoife! Is that what your bullheadedness is actually about...Grace?"

"Ugh...I don't know okay. Logically whatever happened between Birmingham and Grace was long ago, before we even knew the woman. Besides everyone has history right. "

"But..."

"You know how much I hate her, not dislike, but hate with a passion...Jesus...okay. Try and think of it this way. What if it was Alfie?"

"What are you trying to get at?"

"Say that you found out that it had been Grace and Alfie, before you and Alfie. Logically you wouldn't care because it was before your time together. But illogically you'd think about Grace, with your Alfie and no matter when it happened that fucking image is stuck there smack dab behind your eyes."

"...Alright, you got me on that one. I'd be fucking pissed if Alfie had been with Grace, no matter when it happened. Strictly on the principle that I can't stand the woman. Yet somehow the man that I love and says loves me felt that way once about her too...God fine I get it."

"Besides, just because I find Thomas Shelby attractive, it has no bearing on what he thinks of me. Add the fact that we'll be leaving within the fortnight and what's the point of pursuing anything? Even if he was interested too. And don't think I didn't catch the love word in your last statement either. We're going to have to have a sisters only night with a bottle of booze and discuss that."

"...Alright. So are you going to call him and put him out of his misery?"

"Fine. If there's another face to face it's all you though."

"Sure Aoife."

Aoife rose from her chair and stretched the muscles of her back and shoulders, which only now decided to let her know, her inactivity had caused her to cramp up and a wave of soreness flashed down her neck and spine.

"Come on Aine, let's go make a phone call."

"Aww, do you want me to hold your hand?"

"I'm sorry smart ass, who's hand did I hold when someone felt like they were going to pass out when faced with a phone call to one Alfie Solomons."

"..."

"Nothing to say? Didn't think so, now let us go and get this over with. The sooner it gets done, the sooner I can get Birmingham out of my brain!"

"Ha, if you think that's how this works you're delusional."

"Shut up. Don't ruin my hopeful attitude."

"It's a wonder why people always think you're the logical one."

Aoife gently shoved Aine out her door and they made their way to the communications room.

Birmingham - Small Heath

#6 Watery Lane

Tommy POV

Tommy walked through his front door, satisfied with the dealings of the day. You wouldn't know it from his face but he was in a relatively good mood. His venture at the races had been successful. Kimber and he had come to an agreement and he was relieved that he could sweep one issue off his desk. Things were going smoothly, he just hoped that they continued to. He hadn't heard back from the shippers yet, granted it had only been a day but he was eager to get the shipment of guns out of Small Heath. He didn't doubt that Churchill would be sending a replacement for Inspector Campbell and he wanted the stolen goods out of his town before he got there.

As he made his way into the kitchen he noted Polly sitting at the table reading a letter to herself. It wasn't until he was getting ready to sit down across from her, that he recognized the letter being the one he'd received from Grace the previous day.

"What are ya doin' Pol?"

"Reading."

"I see that. Why?"

"After five years, I wanted ta know what the fuck that harlot wants."

Tommy took a cigarette out of the pack Polly had on the table and lit it up.

"So ya decided ta snoop through my things. If I'm not mistaken that letters addressed ta me. Not you...Well? What does she say Aunt Pol?"

"Nothing worth repeating."

Aunt Polly had lifted her eyes to meet his when she answered his question. He studied the mixture of emotions he saw there. Based on what he could decipher, he decided he didn't want to know. What he and Grace had together was a long time ago. Too much had happened between then and now. He didn't even think it was worth the toss of a coin.

"Alright then, burn it."

He caught the quick look of surprise that she shielded almost as quickly as he'd seen it. She hadn't thought he'd be able to resist his curiosity. Or believe her judgment on the matter perhaps. Maybe she thought he still harbored feelings for Grace. He supposed it wouldn't be surprising to anyone if he did. He hadn't had any serious relations since her. Nothing could be farther from the truth though. Yes when their relationship had first disintegrated he had come to realize that even though he could never trust her ever again, his heart still loved her. Banning her from England had been his solution instead of a cold grave, because at the time he'd still cared. Certainly he'd always hoped she'd found her own happiness far away from him. He hadn't ever expected to hear from her though.

Polly nodded and then lit the corner of the letter and dropped it into the empty metal waste bin, sitting by the oven. He watched the letter being consumed by flames and whatever had been unsettled in him in regards to it seemed to settle back to contentment. Aunt Pol's voice was strong and authoritative when she spoke once the letter had burned itself out.

"How did things go at the track?"

"As planned. We've got an agreement with Kimber."

"Good. Ya heard back from the shippers yet?"

"No. I imagine it shouldn't be too much longer till we do though."

"They'll call here? once they've made their decision."

"Yeah."

"John said it was a woman."

"It was."

"A pretty woman, a smart one. That backpedalled when that letter came out."

"Your point Pol?"

"Ya told her how we know Grace...but how the hell does she know her?"

"Didn't ask. Twas clear however she knew her, it wasn't friendly."

"Not Surprising I suppose."

"How's that?"

"Well Tommy, a smart woman would be able ta see Grace for what she is, rather easily. "

"And what is Grace, Aunt Pol?"

"What's she's always been Thomas. A Mirage."

"..."

He'd never really thought about what Grace appeared to be to other people. He knew she'd made a fool of him. That Polly and Ada had never really cared for her. Hadn't understood what he saw in her. His only defense was that he'd been young, more open with people, more willing to believe in fuckin love. He'd certainly had more faith in women. Grace had shown him what he wanted to see, not what had truly been there. A mirage.

"I suppose you're right Aunt Pol."

"Well you're wiser now, we all are. You'll meet someone worthy of ya one day."

"Don't know that I have any interest in that Pol. I don't need a weakness that can be exploited. Better ta keep my focus on business."

"Ya could look at it that way but even you deserve happiness Tommy. There is someone out there that's meant ta be yours. Ya need ta be brave enough ta grab that person with both hands when ya find her."

"A discussion for another day Aunt Pol. Is Finn feeling any better?"

"Aye, your brothers doing better. His fever broke this afternoon. Just needs ta get more rest and keep drinking water down, eating his soup. He'll be back ta normal in no time."

"Good. Was getting ready ta send for the doctor."

"He'll probably still be up, he'd like it if ya popped your head in I'm sure."

Tommy nodded, finished off the cigarette and snuffed it out, before rising from the table to head upstairs and check in on Finn. It was getting late and he was debating whether to head to the Garrison or see if it was going to be possible to find any peace in sleep tonight.

He made his way up the stairs and stopped outside Finn's door, listening to see if Finn was indeed still up. A faint light shown passed the bottom of the door and he heard the faint sound of pencil scratching across paper. So he was up then. He pushed open the door and Finn looked up from the pad of paper in his lap. What nine year old didn't enjoy drawing every now and again. His blonde hair was close to needing a cut, as it was almost falling into his light blue eyes. Eyes that were the most similar to his own.

"Tommy! Didn't know ya were home."

"Just got in Finn. What ya workin on there?"

Finn held up the pad for him to take a look at what he'd been drawing. An Airship.

"That's a right fine airship Finn."

"Ya think? We don't see many round here, it's hard ta remember what they look like."

"Aye it looks fine. Met an airman myself the other day."

"Really? Where were ya?"

"Garrison."

"Why was an airman at the Garrison."

"Had a meeting with 'em. Was hoping ta do some business."

"Yeah, and are ya?"

"Don't know yet. They're considerin'."

"Does this look like their airship?"

"Don't know, haven't seen it."

Finn's face fell a little at that.

"Tell ya what. If ya get ta feelin better and I end up doing business with 'em, then I'll bring ya along with me when they come ta pick up the cargo."

"Yeah! Really Tommy?"

"Yeah. Ya have ta be better though and there's no guarantee that they'll accept me business."

"Why wouldn't they, you're a Shelby."

Tommy couldn't help but smirk at that. He was indeed a Shelby.

"Let's just say that the impression I made on Aoife may not have been a very good one."

"Aoife? Thought ya said ya met an airman?"

"Aoife's family owns the airship, so it's her and her family that decide who's business they take."

"So ya didn't impress her? How come?"

"Just a feelin."

Finn nodded sagely as he thought about what Tommy said. "So ya liked her then?"

"Didn't say that."

Finn stared back into his eyes and tilted his head slightly as though he could figure something out if he simply looked at it from the right angle. It didn't go un-noticed by Tommy that he had the same mannerism himself.

"Ya didn't have ta Tommy."

"And how's that Finn?"

"Cause when ya talked about her, your eyes looked the same as when ya talk about one of us."

Before Tommy could come up with anything to say back to Finn, Aunt Polly filled the doorway, "Shippers on the phone Tommy."

Nodding to Pol to let her know he heard her, he turned back to Finn.

"Make sure yer lights out by 8:30. Ya need your rest if you're going ta get better."

Finn nodded his little head and looked back down at his drawing, "Yeah, g'night Tommy."

"Night Finn."

Airship Adelisa Aiglentine

Aoife POV

Aoife waited on the line while the woman who answered went to get Birmingham for her. She knew she had a bored agitated expression on her face because Aine was making silly faces trying to get her to lighten up.

"What are we twelve Aine? Knock it off."

"God you're in such a mood Aoife. It's not like you're in front of a firing squad. He's just a damn man. I'm sure he puts his pants on the same way every other man does. One leg at a time."

"Aine, this is business. Who says I have to be merry fucking sunshine while I take care of it?"

Before she could get into it further with her sister she heard Birminghams voice come over the line.

"I wouldn't mind seeing what merry fucking sunshine looks like on ya."

For fucks sake! How much of their conversation had he heard. Damn it.

"Mr. Shelby. I was hoping you'd be free to talk business."

"Thought we'd established it's Tommy. Got nothin' else doing right now."

"Good. We've taken a vote and amazingly it came out in your favor. That being said we now need to discuss your fee."

"Hmm. Alright. Ya know what I want, so how much?"

"If your cargo sells and makes its way to its destination, a flat fee of 500 pounds to the closest coastal port. Your buyer comes to us, we don't go to them. If in the event, it gets lost along the way, well it will range in price depending on when it goes missing. In that case you'll be charged a shipping and storage fee per day till it's off ship."

"What's the daily charge?"

"35 pounds per day."

"Done. When are ya shipping out?"

"Little less than a fortnight."

"You'll have ta pick it up here in Birmingham. I don't currently have means ta ship it ta London."

"Not an issue, though we will need to know where to pick it up from. It'll have to be a fairly large open space. You got any of those in Birmingham?"

"Cemetery, on the western outskirts of Small Heath, it's on a hill overlookin' the town. Plenty of space. How long will it take ta load up?"

"1500 boxed pounds. Thirty to forty-five minutes or so, as long as it's already balanced. Do we need to be considering a possible unwanted presence?"

"I'll take care of it."

"Alright then. We'll check back in once we've gotten loaded in Camden Town. I'll have a better idea of our timeframe for pick up once that's done."

"Lookin forward ta it."

"Have a pleasant rest of your evening Mr. Shelby."

"You as well Aoife. And it's Tommy."

"Right, well, Tommy then."

Aoife quickly disconnected the line and looked over at Aine, who by the looks of things was trying her hardest to hold in her laughter.

"What? What's so funny?"

"Yeah, that man has absolutely no interest in you, what so ever does he? It's Tommy. I wouldn't mind seeing what merry fuckin sunshine looks like on ya."

Aoife watched on with narrowed eyes as Aine cracked up and started doubling over with laughter.

"Oh that's great, it's priceless. Who cares if we're taking off soon. Have some fun Aoife, get laid. Sounds like he might be the kind of man who knows how to take care of that kind of business. You could use some stress relief. I plan on taken full advantage of what Alfie can offer me. Take advantage of Tommy."

"You are absolutely off your rocker, you know that. Birmingham is a business associate. The man's a fucking gangster. No, I'm sorry not just a gangster but the leader of the Peaky Blinders. A group I've heard you don't want to get involved with. He's not a man that I have any business getting intimate with and taking advantage of."

"From where I was sitting, it didn't sound like he would mind being taken advantage of."

"I'm sorry, were we listening to the same conversation? While we're at it. I don't want to hear about you taking advantage of what Solomons can off you while we're here. You're my sister and I love you but TMI Aine, TMI!"

"Oh you don't want to hear how Alfie's beard tends tickle in certain areas? Or how about the unprecedented things his tong..."

"NO! Shut up! I'm not listening to another word. I'm going to go help Reilly with the damn restocking. Try to flush the fucking images you've plastered in my head out!"

Aine's laughter filled the room again and unfortunately she hadn't gotten away quick enough, because she still made out her parting shot.

"Remember Aoife, it's not Birmingham... it's Tommy."

Sometimes she really wished she only had brothers. You wouldn't hear any of them saying, go on, go ahead and try your luck with the gangster from Birmingham. Ugh. Checking inventory and restocking the necessary supplies would do the trick of keeping unwanted thoughts at bay. At least she hoped so.

So that's what I have written of this story so far.

Please let me know how you're feeling about this story and it's characters. Whether I should continue on or not. All feedback is appreciated. Thanks for reading!