Chapter 6

Airship Adelisa Aiglentine

Dec. 23, 1919

Aoife POVAoife rushed around her cabin gathering her papers and money into her satchel. They'd finished loading Alfie's cargo onto the Adelisa the previous day. She'd wanted to see Alfie while they were loading but she got stuck working on the navigation system, inputting their upcoming travel route. Today however she had a free day to spend in the city. She was going to go down to the ground and enjoy herself. She only had four days till they left England behind them and she knew she wouldn't get this chance again. They'd decided due to the nature of Birminghams cargo they'd stop in Small Heath and load up right before they left for the Colonies. She still needed to contact Birmingham to let him know when to expect them. Something that she planned to do before she went dockside. He'd probably need a decent amount of advance notice so he could make sure everything was ready for them.

She grabbed her jacket and straightened her skirt out. She didn't mind wearing dresses and skirts, even enjoyed doing so on some occasions. She was just used to trousers, they were far more forgiving and certainly more appropriate for working and living on the Adelisa. So it always took her a while to get used to how feminine clothing felt and for her to get used to the restrictiveness wearing them placed on her movements.

As she made her way to the communications room on the deck above her she passed Eirnin in the hall.

"Don't you look a sight. I take it you're heading down to the city before we need to head out."

"Aye Eirnin, a girl deserves ample shopping time."

"Shopping? What on earth you need, that you don't already have?"

"Well, if you must know, I'm heading to the Bakery to pick up some bread for my personal stock. Then I intend on asking the baker if he knows where any fine metal smiths are in this town these days. Before I go to see the newest picture and perhaps find a decent cup a English tea. After which depending on the time I'll either find some other entertainment or make my way back here."

"The Bakery, eh? Would you see if he's got any of his special stock available, I'm just about out of Rye."

"Yeah, sure you big lug, but you're paying me back for it."

"Aye, Aoife, thanks!"

The communications room was empty when she arrived which was perfect, she didn't want to have to postpone her trip by having to wait for someone else to finish up. She did have a thought that she'd need to corner Carrick and find out what he'd done about that damn letter soon though. She knew the Mesopotamia had delayed their departure. She didn't know if her brother had been smart or stupid. He'd been avoiding her as of late, as had Aine. Which she'd need to get to the bottom of before long too.

Patching into the local operator she gave her the digits, she for some reason knew by heart. She waited as the line connected and started to ring. After four rings she wondered if it was too early to call. Double checking the time she noted it was well past 8 in the morning, unless they were lazy bugs they should be up and about. She was just getting ready to disconnect, deciding it was no use right now, when the line picked up. A child's voice came clearly through the connection. "'Ello"

"Ah...hello. I'm trying to get a hold of Tommy Shelby."

"Tommy's already gone for today."

"Alright then. Would you be so kind as to take a message for me?"

"Sure."

Real talkative this little guy was.

"Right. Will you tell Mr. Shelby that Aoife called. I'll be unreachable until this evening but he can return this call at anytime and speak with Eirnin for the specifics he's been waiting for."

"I'll tell him, don't know if he'll be home before evenin' tho. Hey are ya the lady airman?"

"I suppose I'm one of them."

"There's more than just you?"

"Aye, there's two of us, lady airmen, at least on the Adelisa Aiglentine."

"The Adelisa Aiglentine. What kind of name is that?"

"It's French."

"Why's your airship have a French name?"

"Because we're half French."

"What's your other half?"

"Irish. Would you like to know anything else?"

"What kind of airship do ya have? How big is it? How many crew does it take ta fly her?"

"Ah well, the Adelisa is a 226 foot Viking Galleon, and her crew count is currently thirty-three strapping men, and two females."

"So your ships a Viking Galleon but she's got a French name. Isn't that strange?"

"We inherited her. If you go back in our lineage you'd find some Viking roots to go along with the French and Irish in us."

"Bloody hell that's neat. Tommy said he'd take me ta see her when she comes here."

"Well then I look forward to meeting you...?"

"Oh, right, I'm Finn. Tommy's my brother."

"Well, I look forward to meeting you Finn. I hope the Adelisa lives up to your expectations."

"Look forward ta meetin' ya too Miss. Never met a lady airman before, or any airman."

"Not much longer till you do, have a good day Finn."

"You too Miss."

Aoife heard the line go dead and knew Finn had disconnected. He seemed like a sweet kid, sounded rather young. She wondered how old he was. If he's Birminghams brother, she wondered how old Birmingham was. Where was their father at? Birmingham had sworn on his mothers grave at their meeting, so she knew the woman had passed. Wait...why was she getting all curious about the personal life of Birmingham. She'd already made her decision to stay away. She didn't need to go getting curious about the man or his family. She was just being sociable with a sweet kid that's all, nothing to worry about. Four days and then she'd be leaving England and Birmingham behind her.

Camden Town

Solomons Bakery

Alfie POV

Alfie sat behind his desk and fiddled with the drawer to his right. It was too bloody early to be contemplating whiskey but Tommy fucking Shelby was sitting across from him. He'd had a rather exceptionally good couple of days and then Shelby had to come to town. The man was just sitting there, his calculating eyes taken everything around him in. Over the course of working with him the past two months he'd admit he held a grudging respect for the man's intelligence. That didn't mean that he was overly fond of him though. Had their business venture not worked out the way it had, he wouldn't have hesitated to put a bullet in the Peaky Blinders skull. He had been hesitant to even speak with the Adelisa about Shelby, but if it worked out, it would strengthen the bond between their two factions.

"This is certainly an unexpected visit, mate."

"In town. Wanted ta check in with ya and see if you'd heard anything being whispered about the Mesopotamia?"

"The military ship. What ya want ta know about a military ship?"

"Heard it was supposed ta leave port yesterday, it's still here. Did ya happen ta hear why it's behind schedule?"

"...Military makes its own schedule, they want ta change their departure date, it's up ta them, eh. You know how the military works as well as I."

"So, no news on why then."

"Seems like ya have a keen interest in this ships schedule, mate. What's the information worth to ya?"

Alfie watched as Tommy turned his head and looked off to the side. He knew the man was pondering how much he wanted to tell him, if anything at all.

"I may know one of the occupants of its Brig. It's in my interest ta make sure he remains there and departs English soil."

"Ah..."

Alfie was considering his options, he could make a call and find out the new departure time. He could even check to make sure the man Shelby was concerned with was still being held within the metal beast. The latter information would cost him though. He wasn't really sure he wanted to do anymore for Shelby then he already had.

He looked towards the doorway to his office when he heard a familiar female voice drift across the bakery floor.

"Hey Ollie, how are you doing this fine morning?"

"I'm doing well Miss."

"That's great Ollie, is the big man available by chance?"

"He's in a meetin' right now."

"Ah, well then I will patiently wait for a little while."

Alfie turned back to Shelby who had turned his head at the sound of Aoife's voice out in the bakery. After his talk with Aine the other night, he knew that Aoife had been the one to go and meet with Shelby up in Birmingham earlier that week. "Seems our meetin' is goin' ta come to its conclusion, mate." Tommy nodded his head in agreement, before Alfie got up from his seat and made his way around the desk to the doorway. His booming voice filtering past all the noise of the running bakery.

"Since when do ya wait patiently for anyone?"

Aoife's bright smile turned towards him and her sunny disposition seemed to brighten up the darkness of the bakeries warehouse.

"Well now big man, haven't you told me many a time that patience is a virtue, and I do believe I said for a little while. No telling how long that while would've been."

"Ah, me own mistake then for mishearin' ya."

"Aw, Alfie...are you getting old on me? Or are things around here just that boring, since it seems you've missed me?"

"Aye, I missed ya when my bread was being loaded up. Where were ya little one?"

"Taking care of my own business, big man."

"To what honor do I have this surprising pop in, eh?"

"We're getting ready to push off. I wanted to come see my big man and see if he perhaps had some of his special bread available. My stock needs to be replenished. Oh, and Eirnin was wanting me to see if you had any of your Rye made?"

"Ha, always an ulterior motive with ya, Aoife. I suppose I could part with some of the specialty bread and a loaf of rye."

"Oh that would be lovely Alfie. See, I get to restock my inventory and I get to see your pretty face at the same time."

Alfie's laugh filled the bakery as he stepped out of the doorway and over to Aoife. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground in a friendly hug. Before setting her back down.

"Shalom Aoife."

"Shalom Alfie."

Tommy POV

Tommy had to admit he was surprised to hear Aoife's voice. He hadn't been expecting to cross paths with her again, until she was up in Small Heath to pick up his shipment. The familiarity and ease that he heard between Alfie and Aoife was surprising as well. Alfie was rough, volatile and unpredictable. He didn't think he'd ever witnessed Alfie being, well...soft. After Alfie had exited out into the bakery he stood in the doorway himself and watched the exchange between the two. There went his fucking breath again. She was a beautiful woman. She was bloody fucking gorgeous when she smiled. Her damn hypnotic eyes sparkled and he no longer had to wonder, she had dimples.

His gut twisted as he watched Alfie hug Aoife. It was a strange feeling that sliced across his heart, he hadn't felt it in a long time but he knew what it was. Fucking hell he was jealous. He'd only met this woman once for a short period of time and he was fucking jealous.

Tommy reached into his pocket and grabbed a smoke, lighting it up and taking a drag deep into his lungs. As he blew the smoke out, Aoife's eyes met his. Seems she was just as surprised to see him here as he was to see her.

"I didn't mean to interrupt your meeting Alfie. Wasn't aware Mr. Shelby had come down to Camden Town."

"Aye, I was surprised as well."

"Hmm, so nothing important then."

Aoife and Alfie both looked over at him. He noted Alfie's squinting eyes and wasn't sure he was going to like what happened next. Alfie didn't do anything but turn back to Aoife and ask her a question though.

"How've you been lately darlin'?"

"Right as rain Alfie, as per usual."

"Good. Ollie make a package of specialty bread, throw in a loaf a rye. Then send it up ta the Adelisa, eh."

'Yeah Boss."

"Thank you Alfie, what do I owe you?"

"You my darlin don't pay for bread from me. Your brother however owes me, and I'll collect from him directly when I see him next."

Tommy watched as Aoife lifted onto her toes and Alfie leaned down. She kissed him on the cheek. He felt his jaw tense and that his fingers were just about crushing his smoke. Her voice as soothing as ever filled his mind and his tenseness seemed to ease from him.

"Got any good metal smiths in the area these days Alfie?"

"Depends on wha' you're looking for."

"Blade work."

A cross look passed over Alfie's face before he uttered, "Fucking hell."

Tommy watched as Alfie turned back towards him, as he stood silently in the doorway taking in the exchange. "Tommy, got any good blade smiths up there in your parts."

"Aye. A few."

He turned his eyes to Aoife, "What are ya lookin' for?"

"Small blade work. Hand cast and well balanced. Good for throwing."

"Aye, I got someone."

The quiet "fuck" she whispered under her breath would have gone unnoticed if he hadn't been so attuned to paying attention to everything about her. "Just have ta make one more stop before heading back up that way. I could take ya ta him if ya need what you're looking for today."

Aoife POV

Aoife studied Birmingham closely. Damn the man was too hard to read, his face was just a blank stone. His eyes were even more guarded now, than they had been when she'd met him at the Garrison. Was he just being helpful because Alfie was standing there? Did he have ulterior motives of his own? God when did she get so fucking paranoid? It's just a small portion of her afternoon that she'd be spending with him. She could relay the pickup details for his shipment and get a ride to her metal smith at the same time. Win, win, right.

"I suppose that would be expedient. Thank you Mr. Shelby. Do you have business to finish up with the big man here?"

She noted the look Tommy shared with Alfie before she heard Alfie's signature goodbye, "Fuck off."

"Aye, you big lug till next time. Look after and behave yourself, eh?"

"I'm still standin' aren't I. Go on, get out a here, I got actual work ta do. Don't need the both of you's disrupting anymore of my day."

"Oi! You know damn well your day would have been nothing but monotonous if I hadn't popped in."

Aoife made eye contact and shared a silent goodbye with Alfie, it held all the affection they had for each other in it. During this exchange Birmingham removed himself from the office doorway and made his way to stand next to her. She noted the brief nod of respect and farewell the two men gave one another. Then Alfie's voice quietly asked her to go and brighten Ollie's day by saying goodbye to the man, while he had a moment more with Shelby.

***************0****************

Aoife stepped out of the bakery onto the street out front, after saying farewell to Ollie. Walking casually over to where Tommy already stood, by what was apparently his private motorcar. Well both the gangsters she knew could afford their own motorcars. It seemed crime was indeed paying well. "It appears you beat me Mr. Shelby."

"Would appear so Aoife. How many times do I need ta tell ya its Tommy."

Aofie glanced at Birmingham and felt a smirk curve her lips involuntarily, "Apparently at least once more...Birmingham."

Tommy opened the passenger door for her and she slipped into her seat before he gently closed the door behind her. She couldn't help but watch him as he rounded the front and walked to the drivers door, before he himself slid inside next to her. Damn he smelled good...nope, no, you're not going there. How he smells is of no relevance... smoke, whiskey and god what was that other smell? she couldn't place it but it was...lovely. NO...this is a simple quid pro quo situation.

The rumbling of the engine as he started the motorcar sent a pleasant vibration of contained power through the cab. He smoothly took off down the road before she heard his voice again, practically in her fucking ear. "Birmingham?"

"It's what we called you when we were deciding if we were going to meet with you or not."

"Ta keep it impersonal. Easier ta deal with when it's not attached to an actual person. The names Tommy, Aoife. There's your once more."

Aoife turned her head and studied Tommy's profile. "Aye, there it is... So which threat did Alfie use?"

It was fun watching as Tommy's eyes moved from the road to look into hers quickly before looking back.

"What makes you think he threatened me."

"Oh, come on Tommy. He tells us to fuck off but then suggests I go say goodbye to Ollie, so he can have a moment with you. Tell me honestly that he didn't voice his concern over my personal safety while in your company. How long have you known him Tommy?"

"Been doin business together for a couple months now."

"A couple months. You don't seem the types to have met at the last social event and became fast friends. I'm making a calculated guess that you each wanted something specific from the other. So you decided to work together to achieve your desired outcomes. You've either done so and are continuing what appears to be a mutually beneficial relationship or you're still in the process of working towards your goals. You, I don't know squat about, but then I just met you last week . Alfie, I know. Have known for going on six years now. Knowing him and seeing how he doesn't exactly trust all that much. I'm saying he said something to you to make sure nothing happens to me."

"May have made mention of half a cabinet being sent ta Timbuktu, if ya weren't returned ta your airship in the same condition ya left the bakery."

"Aww, he's such a mother hen." Tommy turned to look at her again with that comment. The incredulity over her statement clearly pronounced in his light blue eyes. She couldn't help the large smile and soft laughter that emitted from her in that instance. She watched as his eyes softened somewhat before he quickly put them back on the road.

"I called you earlier this morning. Ended up leaving a message with your brother Finn. Since we ran into each other I can just tell you in person. We'll be in Small Heath in four days at daybreak. Given the sensitive nature of your cargo we thought it best to stash and dash out of English airspace. Will you be able to set up things on your end for that morning?"

"Aye."

Aoife really hadn't been paying attention to where they were going so she looked around the street they were on when Tommy pulled over and parked. He turned off the engine and twisted his body to face her as best he could. "It's best if ya wait out here in the car while I take care of my business here." She quirked her brow as he held out the keys for her to take. "Are you planning for me to be your getaway driver or are you worried you won't be coming back out in a timely manner?"

"Hopefully this won't take long, it shouldn't. In the event that ya feel it would be safer ta move the car somewhere else, you have the option ta do so."

"Right... Well fine by me. The only business of yours I have interest in, is the one which involves the cargo going on my ship."

Tommy nodded and opened his door, stepping out. Before leaning down and looking intently at her, "Shouldn't be longer than fifteen minutes, if it hits twenty, take off and phone Alfie."

She squinted her eyes at him but lifted her hand to her brow in salute. To let him know she heard him instead of allowing the concern, she had no need of feeling, to leak through into her voice should she say something.

Tommy POV

Tommy hadn't planned on having Aoife with him when he set this meeting up. He didn't feel completely comfortable leaving her sitting out in the car where he wouldn't be able to ensure her safety. But he didn't want her coming in where she would potentially be a target.

He walked around the corner from where he parked and up the street a little ways before coming to a door with the sign 'Coleman Inc' above it. After a brief moment he pressed the bell and waited . He heard the high pitched buzz that signaled the door being unlocked and entered. He stepped into a sophisticated lobby, with a receptionist sitting behind a large desk in the center of the room. A plethora of airmail tubes lined the wall behind her.

"Good afternoon. Welcome to Coleman Incorporated. How may I assist you today?"

"Thomas Shelby. I've a meeting with Mr. Lancaster."

"Of course Mr. Shelby. I'll let him know that you've arrived. Please follow the hallway to your left, fifth door on the right."

Tommy followed the receptionists directions to the office he needed. He stepped inside as Mr. Lancaster stepped out from behind his desk to shake his hand. The man was small of stature and rail thin. His slicked back hair and beady eyes did nothing to inspire confidence or respect. He did however take note of the bulge under Lancaster's jacket. An obvious shoulder holster, the man was armed.

"You're Mr. Shelby?"

"I am."

"Please have a seat. I've heard many things about you Birmingham people. Your people they're Gypsies right? I've always wondered, do you live in a fucking tent or a caravan?"

Tommy watched as Lancaster returned behind his desk as he took a seat in front of him.

"I'm not here ta play games Lancaster."

"Well. What can I do for you today Mr. Shelby?"

"It's come ta my attention that Mr. Sorrel has purchased a spot at Cheltenham and intends ta enter one of his horses in the upcoming race."

"I'm afraid I cannot comment on Mr. Sorrel's business Mr. Shelby."

"I'm not interested in Mr. Sorrel's business Mr. Lancaster. I'd like ta make my own purchase for Cheltenham. Since his purchase came through your office, I decided to skip the middleman and speak with ya directly."

"This is not typically how business is done lad..."

"No, it's not. If it were ta be done using the regular legal channels, I'd be dealing with the track directly. However I've found due ta your companies interference I now have ta take time out of my day ta drive into London, and come see you. If I want my horse racing at Cheltenham. So I'm going ta tell ya this once. I'm here ta purchase a permanent roster spot for a horse of my choosen ta race at Cheltenham. I will pay twenty-five pounds for it."

"Mr. Shelby, we decide what a fair price is and all slips come with an expiration date."

"Not mine. You'll be handin' me my roster ownership papers and I'll be paying twenty-five pounds for it. There will be no expiration date. I'm a fair man, it's a fair offer. Do we have a deal? I need an answer right now."

***************0***************

The additional headache of having to come down into London to purchase a roster slip, was made only slightly less aggravating by the fact Mr. Lancaster was nothing but a greasy little upstart. One that he would be sure to have removed from the playing field at his earliest convenience. He'd learn everything he could about the new company that was messing with the races. Once he knew who all the players were he'd take care of it. It hadn't taken all that much intimidation from him to get Lancaster to hand over the racing slip.

Tommy walked around the corner and saw Aoife waiting for him where he'd left her. As he neared the car he watched Aoife put her hair up, using a hairpin to secure it in place. When he opened the door she scooped up the keys that had been in her lap and tossed them to him.

Aoife POV

It appeared as though Tommy's meeting had gone well. Even though she could tell he was deep in thought there was the hint of a smirk on his lips. He started the car and they continued on towards Birmingham.

The drive there was uneventful but she did have a nice conversation with Tommy. It had started out as the typical, "nice weather we've been having", kind of small talk. When they'd started broaching more complex topics she'd had to stop him. They'd gotten to the point where telling the truth was difficult. So she'd told him quite frankly, "I don't really want to lie to you Tommy. Can we both agree to stay away from topics where our answers may become suspect?" He'd been silent for a moment before his gruff voice had answered, "Agreed."

Since then they'd stuck to safe topics that still allowed them to understand one another better. It was a lot like playing twenty questions, without having to answer if you didn't want to. She'd come to learn he was 28 years old, the second born out of five. He'd been born and raised in Small Heath. After his mother died and his father took off, his Aunt Polly had looked after his siblings and him. They were looked down on by most of their peers due to the Gypsy in their blood. He had a desire to make something of himself, raise his family up with him and prove everyone who'd ever looked down on them wrong. He did what he had to in order to help ensure his family had a decent life. He'd enlisted in the war at the beginning with Arthur and John. Now that they were back they were just getting back into the swing of things and understanding the changes that had taken place while they were in France.

He learned that she was 23, the fourth child out of five. She and her twin sister had been born aboard the Adelisa while it was sailing over the Straight of Gibraltar. Though her family were citizens of the Colonies. Their grandparents on each side had immigrated there years ago. She'd spent over half her life onboard the Adelisa. The only time she'd been away was when they'd been sent to boarding school. Each of them rejoined the Adelisa upon completion of their studies. Then her siblings and her had inherited the Adelisa when their parents wanted to retire and enjoy their old age in peace.

Before she knew it, they'd reached Birmingham. All in all, a rather surprisingly lovely drive, where she got to put together a bit more of the puzzle that was one, Thomas Shelby.

Reviews please! I am interested on your thoughts about the characters. Like? Don't like? Is everything making sense and moving along at a decent pace? Would you like to see more descriptions of how things are 'steampunk'? And general thoughts - I appreciate them!