Authors Note: Sorry about the slight delay. I had/have a little bit of writers block to deal with and opted for taking a step back from the story to clear my head, even managed to get a couple of things on my to do list done. Fear not as I do know where the story goes next it's just a little hiccup in how I want it to get there.

Phrase to know:

Ma/Sa petite tempete = My/His little storm

Chapter 32

Birmingham, England

Police Station

Thursday February 19, 1920

Inspector Taylor POV

Thomas Shelby had dropped off the radar after leaving him a cryptic note with one of his men.

Getting closer to ascertaining the location of a certain crate. A few details must be verified. Stay out of my business and I might find it within my capabilities to assist you in its retrieval. I'll even hand you the one responsible on a silver platter. If all goes well, you should have what you're looking for by the end of March.

T.S.

He wasn't sure what to think. He certainly had no illusions that the Peaky Blinder could be trusted. Campbell, reprobate that he was had still managed to keep impeccable records. The one on Thomas Shelby said he was cunning, his little hand written notations speaking of how the way to get to him was through his family.

The man had Shelby's cousin brought in for questioning and the lad had been worked over for any information he might have had... he'd had none. Before that he'd done the same to the older brother apparently, which was how he came to realize that Arthur Shelby was not the leader of the Peaky Blinders.

The man's tactics had been abhorrent and for someone who spouted off about justice it nearly made him ill. The way Campbell had treated the Shelby's in this investigation could be a direct result to why they were so hesitant to answer any of his questions. It could very well be why they refused to help as it were.

He supposed at this point Churchill really didn't give a right flying fuck who took the damn things as long as he got them back and someone was brought to task for it. Campbell had been dead set on believing Shelby had been behind it and refused to look elsewhere. It was improbable but still possible that one of Shelby's enemies had set him up.

If Shelby brought him the shipment and threw a culprit on the pyre he supposed he'd accept it and leave the man to run his business. After all he didn't fucking care about what Shelby did or didn't do. He only cared about the missing guns.

Vatulele Island, Fiji

Late morning

Finn POV

He hadn't seen Aoife since the afternoon meal yesterday right before her relatives docked on the beach. There were so many of them he couldn't believe people had such large families. She had a ton of Uncles and one Aunt and so, so many cousins.

They'd been sat at the main table for breakfast, with Aoife's parents and grandparents. They were nice and asked all of them a bunch of questions about themselves, home, and the missing members of their family. They even stopped to talk about possibly making plans to pop in and meet the others. Like they were family he thought to himself.

He'd been enjoying his stack of pancakes when he'd overheard one of Aoife's cousins who was sat at the table behind him start saying some really strange things. He wouldn't have even paid attention but he heard her say Aoife's name.

It's not surprising really that Aoife would prefer to miss breakfast with everyone. It can't be easy for her, being alone and lonely when everyone else is in serious relationships or married by now. It's a shame really she is a looker, I've always found it odd that she can never seem to keep a man. I don't know maybe that says something about her.

Finn hadn't realized that he'd stopped eating as he listened. The girl was saying things that were wrong, and just, well they sounded mean. He jolted out of his thoughts when Ada touched his hand, looking over at her she gave him a reassuring smile and nodded toward his plate. Silently asking him to pay no mind and keep eating.

He tried...he really did, but his fork slipped out of his hand when he heard her next comment.

I've always thought she was a bit uppity myself, she's probably too high maintenance. Add that to her being a cold fish, no doubt turns men off her. You know what they say, good looks doesn't make up for an ugly person. I'd be surprised if she doesn't end up a dried out old hag.

Finn watched as Ada set her own fork down and turned around toward the girl talking.

"Excuse me... Yes you, the one that's been talking out of her arse. I've been sitting here trying to enjoy my lovely breakfast and the company of these wonderful people. Unfortunately you're inappropriate verbal waste is ruining it for me. You're disparaging a woman that happens to be my friend and while she does not need anyone to defend her. I think it only right for me to tell you to shut your annoying trap. Now, to put to rest your topic of conversation, you don't need to worry about Aoife being alone or ending up as... what was it you called her, a dried out old hag, because she's seeing someone and I guarantee he's more than pleased with her."

The conversation at both tables had stopped and everyone had turned to listen to Ada as she spoke. Well he supposed she hadn't tried to be quiet about it. He thought the girl was just bloody annoying because she continued to talk.

"I'm sorry, I was having a private conversation and it wasn't with you. Perhaps you could mind your own business, and I think I know my cousin better than you do. If she's told you she's seeing someone it's highly likely a fabrication she's come up with so she doesn't feel left out."

Ada nodded her head to assure the girl she was listening before making her reply.

"May I suggest that in the future if you're having a private conversation. You speak at a decibel equivalent to those you're speaking to. So as not to disturb those around you. Now, given the fact that you prefer to speak about people behind their back and all the remarks you've been making have been negative in nature towards the character of another person. I think I'm good with knowing who speaks the truth and who the saying, pretty doesn't hide ugly refers to. Do enjoy the rest of your meal."

Ada turned back around calling their conversation to a close and dismissing the girl. All of Aoife's siblings aside from Aine who hadn't arrived yet either were trying to hide smirks and laughter. Even Aoife's parents were trying to hide their delight.

The girl made another comment, he didn't catch it but Ada did and she was just turning around to probably tell the girl off for good when a stern voice called her name lowly, a voice he wasn't likely to ever forget. They all turned and looked in the direction it came from.

Finn's shout of his name meshing with those of the rest of his family, a chorus of 'Tommy', erupting across the table.

Jumping up from his seat along with Ada and Michael, he rushed over to where Tommy stood with his arm around Aoife. He wrapped himself around Tommy's waist in a hug, he'd missed him more than he'd thought. He felt Tommy's hand land on his head and rub it, gently pressing him into his side in his usual show of affection.

He didn't let go as Ada leaned over him to get her own hug from Tommy. Finn was just about positive Tommy would have leaned over and kissed Ada's forehead and then reached out and gripped Michaels shoulder in their form of hello.

He heard Aoife's Grandda William greeting Tommy in a voice he was sure everyone could hear. Ada stepped back and Tommy's hand dropped down to cup his neck before Finn let him go.

Tommy POV

"Thomas good to see ya again lad, come and join us for a spot of breakfast. I imagine after all the nonsense ya had to deal with yesterday you must be famished. Have to say I'm proud of ya, you passed all the requirements with flying colors."

"Thank you sir."

"Och, now. None of that sir nonsense, Seanathair is fine. Come, come, we'll make room for the two of you to squeeze in. The rest of ya get back over here and finish your meals. Your boy will be here for a couple of days yet. You'll have plenty of time to catch up."

Tommy moved forward maintaining his hold on Aoife. He hadn't appreciated her cousins comments but Aoife seemed to be ignoring it for the time being. His sister had done a good job of putting the girl in her place at any rate and Aoife's grandfather had done a wonderful job of announcing him. Along with the fact that he'd been approved by Empyrean standards to be in a serious relationship with Aoife. The man's request to be called Seanathair another clear indicator of the seriousness between them.

They sat down and he politely nodded in greeting to the others around them. Bridget sitting by his side, leaned over to grasp his arm her voice only loud enough for him to hear.

"It seems things worked out for the best, eh. I'm happy for you both, you're a good boy laddie."

"Thank you for your advice."

"Och, at my age that's just about all I have to give anymore. Wisdom coming out the kazoo. Ya take care of that one, eh. She's a hard one to crack but she'll take care of ya, as well."

Tommy nodded and then sat up as a plate was placed in front of him.

Glancing across the table he caught Ada's smile, "Where are the little ones?"

"Making new friends at the kids table."

"Ah. I'll have to find them later then."

Tommy tucked into his meal as Aoife did the same beside him, and he did have to admit he was hungry, they'd worked up quite the appetite. He listened as she spoke up from beside him speaking to the members of her family that were sitting with them.

"Aine and Alfie aren't up yet?"

William seemed to have finished his meal and answered her question.

"Nope haven't seen hide nor hair of either of them. I haven't met that lad yet, suppose I'll make his acquaintance today. Thomas he's a friend of yours is he not?"

Tommy cleared his throat as he thought about how to answer that question.

"A business associate."

"Hm, what's your take on the man?"

"He's a good businessman. Talented at what he does."

"So you don't like him then?"

"...I don't dislike him. I just prefer to use other methods in business than he does."

"But he gets the job done?"

"Yep. Like I said he's good at what he does."

"And are you good at what you do?"

Alfie's voice answered the question from behind him.

"What? Let me tell ya,Tommy Shelby came to me bout doin' some business together. First time we said 'ello he tells me I need to be more intelligent with my business, he tells me that, right."

"I did say that. Ya took the time ta explain ta me about intelligence."

"That's right, I did. I told ya. Intelligence is a very valuable thing 'innit. Usually it comes far to fuckin late. Then I showed ya, wha' good the intelligence ya came ta me wit was. Didn't I."

"Yes, had some merit though as ya offered me a deal and not death."

"Yeah, good times, mate. Good times... Tommy 'ere is brains and plans and ambition. Like he said, we do things differently, but he's good at wha' he does."

William stood and Alfie introduced himself.

Aoife POV

She'd never heard how Tommy and Alfie's association had begun. It certainly sounded like it was interesting. Perhaps she'd ask Tommy about it at some point. As the boys continued to speak with her seanathair she wondered where Aine was. She'd expected to see her with Alfie.

They'd squeezed another chair in for Alfie and he sat and ate along with everyone. The conversation flowed easily and there were no more loud comments from Addie at the table over. In all honesty she'd gotten to the point where she could care less what Addie said about her. She had been grateful to hear Ada speaking up for her though and hoped with Tommy's appearance Addie would move on to some other entertainment.

Alfie had mentioned that Aine was still sleeping and that when he'd tried to wake her she'd mumbled and rolled over to bury head in the pillow. A clear sign she wasn't getting up anytime soon. Guess they'd been up late last night as well. Aoife supposed with the friendly family competition happening today, Aine probably had the right idea with getting the necessary amount of rest. If she didn't see her by mid-day she'd go and roust her from bed herself.

As they were finishing breakfast she noted her Papi and Memere making their way over to the table. Her Papi raising his voice to be heard over the various conversations happening at the numerous tables.

"Quiet down and listen up everyone! We have two newcomers here with us today. They each submitted to and passed the Empyrean standards. They are close to two of our own and wish to proceed in their pursuits. Yael and I met with Alfred Solomons of London, William and Bridget met with Thomas Shelby of Birmingham... Please rise lads and let everyone get a good look at you."

Tommy and Alfie both rose from their seats. Neither one of them all that comfortable with being the center of attention but both skilled enough to not look it. Her Papi's voice continued on speaking to the crowd.

"Alfred or Alfie as he prefers to be called is a grand addition to our family as our own Aine has accepted his proposal for her hand. We will be having a small party tonight after the days competition to celebrate their future together. I'm sure you are all curious as to know how he did on his jump... I'm pleased to say he took a running dive. William?"

"Right, as Bastien mentioned, I met with Thomas yesterday. We had a lovely chat and he did extremely well. He and our lovely Aoife have been courting, I'm sure things will continue to move in a forward direction with the two. I was a bit surprised but exceptionally pleased none the less with the lads, blind leap of faith."

As her grandfathers finished their announcements, the boys sat back down as murmurs and whispered conversations sparked across the crowd. Everyone discussing the merits of a running dive and a leap of blind faith. Aoife had to admit she'd been surprised to hear that's what Tommy had done for his jump. She'd expected Alfie's choice as he always rushed headlong into battle diving head first into the fray and working things as he went along with them.

Tommy on the other hand was a planner, his mind never stopping, always working all the angles. He would have wanted to see what was in front of him. Know where he'd be ten steps from that moment, lining everything up so that it would fall into place how he wanted it to. A blind leap of faith though, that was something to think on. Throwing ones self backwards not seeing or knowing what was going to happen but doing it anyway. Trusting wherever you'd end up was left to fate. A fate you were willing to accept.

Bastien POV

Bastien removed himself from the throng of breakfast tables. He needed to find somewhere he could observe this Thomas Shelby and his granddaughter. He knew Yael would confront the man after she spoke with Bridget and William. The lad seemed to have their approval and he had passed the Empyrean requirements.

When his son had notified him of the man's involvement with his Aoife he'd rung up one of his old friends and had the boy looked into. He'd read the file he'd received thoroughly. On paper he was an interesting man. An honorable soldier who eventually volunteered to be a sapper digging and working the tunnels during the war. The cunning leader of an expanding illegal organization. Hell the boy had outsmarted one of Churchill's inspectors and the man was now imprisoned himself. He was clearly intelligent as he was in the process of adding legal businesses to his other activities. As well as, the fact that he was smart enough to align himself with Alfie Solomons. No doubt for a greater cause down the line.

The boy seemed to have ambition, working on expanding his empire. He wouldn't be surprised if he overthrew Billy Kimber and took over the third largest race track in England. He was sure to make a move in London eventually, hence the alliance with Alfie. A united front against the Italians which Alfie was starting to have issues with.

Bastien may reside in the Colonies but he made sure to keep abreast of the goings on in England, Ireland and France. Thomas Shelby had been nothing but a speck on the government's radar before the war, now he was starting to make an impact. He imagined Churchill would confront Thomas soon if he did take out Kimber. A man with his war record that had things to lose and gain in equal measure could be used as a pawn for their own nefarious plans.

What he needed to find out was if Aoife was truly invested in this man. If she was, well... precautions would need to be taken. Sa petite tempete was exceedingly precious to him, so similar to his wife in all ways, truly an extraordinary woman. Finding a man that was worthy of her would never be possible, as he himself was not worthy of Yael. He had to settle for the man that she choose for herself. That didn't mean however that he wouldn't put his own plans into place in regards to the man.

He loved all his grandchildren, but the twins were closest to his heart. Two little identical beauties with their grandmothers bone structure and her intoxicating eyes. They were like earth and air. Aine was like the earth. Solid and steady. The quiet one of the two, always working on her artwork, always a level head bent on keeping the peace. Aoife, the air that could be still and calm one moment, then violent and charged the next. The damage left in her wake when provoked one of the reasons for her nickname, sa petite tempete...his little storm.

Tommy POV

After the breakfast affair was finished Aoife excused herself to check in on Aine. She suggested that he take some time to catch up with his family and she'd find him later. After giving him a peck on his cheek she took off down the path that he assumed would lead her to wherever Aine's hut was.

Alfie had gotten stuck going for a walk with William and Bridget, no doubt so that they could get a feel for the man. He was sure that Alfie would be complaining to him before long about the amount of questions he found himself answering.

He walked with his family toward the beach where Ada said John's little ones had disappeared to after the morning meal. He needed to check in on them so he could reassure John that all was well. He'd started to get a bit of the Flanders Blues with their absence. Luckily Esme was good at keeping his mind occupied on other things, so his depressions never lasted that long.

He filled Ada, Michael and Finn in on how everyone back home was doing, answering their questions as they asked 'em. The entire time he had an itch on the back of his neck, that feeling like someone was watching him. He knew that everyone here aside from his family and Alfie were all Aoife's family but he still didn't like that someone was surveying him in hiding. And they were remaining out of sight, as he had surreptitiously examined his surroundings.

Ada and Finn had quickened their pace when they heard the kids laughing somewhere up ahead. Leaving Michael and him behind. Michaels voice was low, just above a whisper as he spoke.

"It's eerie knowing that someone is watching you but now knowing where they are."

"That it is Michael."

Tommy raised his voice so whoever was there would hear him.

"I don't know who ya are but I don't appreciate bein' followed. Either go about your business and leave us be or show yourself."

A moment later he heard rustling in the dense foliage to his left, a quick look showed nothing but a bit of long black hair disappearing from view. Michael had noted their watcher fleeing as well.

"Did you get enough of a look ta recognize who it was Michael?"

"No... but judging by the bit I saw, I'd hazard to guess it was Aoife's cousin Addie. The one with the mouth from breakfast."

"Interesting. What do ya know about her?"

"She's the eldest child out of four of Aoife's only Aunt, from her father's side. Adele I believe is her aunt's name, The Sif belongs to her. Heard that Aoife and Addie have never really gotten on well. Most of the others seem to think she's jealous of Aoife for some reason. She always tries to start trouble between them when they're in the same place together. Apparently the newest attempt fell through for her and now she's moved on to simply being petty and spreading vitriol.

"Do ya know what her newest attempt was?"

"Addie apparently married the man that Aoife had eyes on a while back and thought telling her she'd married him would hurt Aoife. Aoife wished them both congratulations and a happy life together. Not the reaction Addie was hoping for."

"I wonder... would ya happen ta have heard the blokes name Michael?"

"Hell... something that started with a J..."

"Jasper?"

"Yeah, that's it. Do you know him Tommy?"

"Aoife's told me of him... unless her cousin is a woman that believes in an open relationship, I don't know how happy a life she'll 'ave."

"What do you mean?"

"Apparently he's in love with another woman. Was looking for a marriage into the Empyrean class and was going ta keep his love as his mistress. Aoife tossed him over when she found out. Looks like he managed ta get what he wanted anyway."

"Damn."

"Mm."

They rounded a corner in the path and he saw William, James, Katie and Helen. They were all playing on the beach in the sand , making castles and burying one another.

Aine POV

Aine was trying to remember if anything she'd eaten the previous night had tasted funny at all. She felt like hell. Her stomach was rolling about like she was being tossed around at sea. She had to have eaten something that had gone and spoiled. She was sat on the floor of the washroom holding a cold wet cloth to her forehead and rubbing at the ache in her stomach.

She heard the light pounding on her hut door and considered getting up to answer it but as she moved her stomach went and decided it had more to toss up.

When she was finished she felt a cool hand on her head and she was being passed a freshly dipped cold cloth. Aoife was looking concerned and didn't seem to be having any issues with anything she'd eaten the previous night. It irked her a bit, she'd had a small bit of comfort before. Thinking that Aoife was probably feeling the same way.

"How are you not sick?"

"You want me to be ill?"

"No, but I just thought. Since we ate the same food for supper, you'd have to be feeling like shit too!"

"Mm. Okay. I'm sorry I feel fine?"

"Och don't be sorry. I'd never wish illness on you... I swear Aoife I don't understand what the hell is wrong with me lately."

"What do you mean Aine?"

"I would have thought I'd eaten something bad, but maybe I've been coming down with whatever this is. It's been so hard to get out of bed lately, I'm just so tired, it's like I can never get enough sleep. Because I haven't been sleeping well, I've been moody and all over the place. Now it would appear I'm tossing up my cookies. Hopefully the sickness has almost run its course now that I'm expelling what's not sitting right."

"...Aine, are you sure... that's what this is?"

"Of course, what else could it be?"

"... When was the last time aunt Flow came to visit you?"

"It was...fuck me..."

"I'm fairly certain your state and statement just now proves that Alfie's done a right fine job of that on his own."

"Shit...Shit, Aoife, what the fuck am I going to do?"

"I imagine the first step would be to find out for sure. Then you should probably tell Alfie what you find out. Then I imagine that ring around your finger will be happening sooner rather than later. That is, if of course you are... cooking a bun in your oven."

"I love you Aoife, but I could really do without your metaphors right now."

"Right...sorry. No need to be delicate about the situation. We should just say it. I could be an aunt before the year is done."

"...I think I might prefer the metaphors. Aoife!?"

"Okay, it's all right Aine, this is nothing but a small little panic attack, just a little hiccup. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'll send for... who do you want me to send for Aine... mathair? Memere or Mamo? Cam? Celeste?"

"... Celeste, go get Celeste."

"All right. Do you feel well enough to leave the washroom floor?"

"No, not yet. Just go get her, I don't think I'll be going anywhere anytime in the near future."

Aine watched Aoife as she left on silent but quick feet to go and find their cousins wife. Sitting there contemplating whether she needed to move or not. She couldn't believe that the possibility of being with child hadn't occurred to her. In fairness her courses had never been regular, that was a pain all on its own but when it wasn't on a schedule it was easy not to think anything of it being missing. When you threw all the other symptoms in with it, it made a compelling argument. Aoife was right though, she needed to find out for sure and then tell Alfie and see how he felt about it.

They wanted kids... eventually, she just didn't think they were talking... now. Lord knows she hadn't been talking about having kids in the near future. She had thought perhaps a good couple of years into their married life would be a decent time to seriously speak on the subject.

It wasn't clear to her how long she sat there thinking about the possibility of being pregnant and what that would mean for her and for Alfie. It was clearly longer than she realized because before she knew it Aoife was ushering Celeste into the small lavatory while leaning herself up against the doorjamb. She'd always liked Celeste, her and Andre were good together. Celeste herself was a sweet woman with a positive attitude regarding almost everything. Her sable hair and ocean blue eyes set off lovely by her classic beauty.

"I hear, that we need to find an answer to an important question."

"Yes."

"All right. I have a few questions that might help us figure it out. They are a bit personal but I like to think we became good friends when we became family, so please don't feel awkward answering them."

"Okay."

Bastien POV

He studied the Shelbys as they relaxed on the beach and enjoyed each others company. Thomas was certainly more at ease and off guard when only in his families company. It was clear to see that he cared about each of them even though he didn't seem to openly show affection.

He heard the light barely there footsteps of his wife approaching behind him.

"Are you ever going to introduce yourself to the lad?"

"Eventually. For now I just want to observe him... how close would you say Aoife is to him?"

"Bast... He is here, I think it is safe to say that ma petite tempete is fairly serious about the man."

"He doesn't deserve her, but do you think... he is good for her?"

"I need to see them interact further to answer that. Based on what our grandsons have told me of the man and his relationship with our Aoife, I would say they believe so."

"Hm."

"I thought you would take a liking to the boy Bast. After all, he is basically a younger version of yourself is he not."

"The very reason that I question him."

"Have either of us been unhappy with the decision we made in choosing one another in all of these years?"

"No. But he is dangerous, his life... it will never be safe."

Yael quietly laughed beside him.

"I don't know a single person, family or not that would consider Aoife or her lifestyle to be safe in any way. They just might complement one another as we do, and be what the other needs in order to survive."

"Perhaps. Only time will tell me."

"Come, we must prepare for the competition, we will find our answers regarding Aoife's beau after the games."

Comments please, requests too if anyone would like to hear from specific POV's or if they'd like a bit more back story added to any of the characters or specific character interactions.