Authors Note: Here it is lovelies the final chapter. I believe I want to add an epilogue later so keep following the story if you're interested in it, it might not be up till after the new year just depends on my schedule. Please read and enjoy and review with your thoughts, every comment is appreciated!

Chapter 43

Small Heath - Birmingham, England

#6 Watery Lane

Thursday March 18, 1920

Polly POV

She was worried. Tommy hadn't come out of his room since he'd heard the news about Aoife. By the time the boys had come to the house it had been well past midnight and Tommy had been three sheets to the wind. Arthur had told her about the events at Worcester and Tommy's injury. She had thought it was best to wait to inform him of Aoife. When he'd come down the following morning he had seemed to immediately sense that something was wrong.

"Aunt Polly, why aren't you in a good mood, we're celebrating. Kimber is gone and Cheltenham is ours. In a couple of days Inspector Taylor will have got what he wanted and will be gone. Couple more after that and our family will be back together again."

"Tommy, there's something I need to tell you."

"Alright, go on. I'm listening."

"...Aoife was lost at sea, Tommy. It happened weeks ago during a storm. Last night was the first they could get a line out to anyone."

He hadn't said anything but she could see the shutters coming down behind his eyes. He'd turned around and walked right out of the house. She'd assumed he would head towards the Garrison, needing a stiffer drink than they had available at the house. She'd told Arthur when he'd woken for the day, well after Tommy had left and he'd headed straight for the pub. John had come in shortly after Arthur had left, Esme had told him. He went to the pub as well.

Tommy hadn't returned until late evening and since then he'd remained in his room. She knew she'd have to roust him out of it soon if he didn't do it himself.

She'd never found out if the boys had found Tommy there or not, though she assumed they had. She and Esme took care of the Den's business that day.

Location Unknown

Aoife POV

Thwump, whoosh, beep, thwump, whoosh, beep, thwump, whoosh, beep. Over and over she listened to the strange repeating sound as she slowly surfaced to consciousness. Thwump, whoosh, beep. Slowly with what seemed to be an absurd amount of concentration she managed to force her eyes open. Hazy, fuzzy shapes and darkened colors slowly came into focus. She tried to move her hand, to sit up but both motions were too much to hope for.

She was in a darkened room, only lit by a few random view screens, one of which was giving of the beeping noise. The thwump and whoosh was all around her and seemed to be emanating from beyond the room she was in. Her bed was comfortable and she could see by the IVs entering her arms and the familiarity of the some of the equipment that surrounded her, that she had to be in a hospital of sorts.

She tried to think back and remember what had happened to put her here but all she was rewarded with was a piercing pain in her head. The beeping became faster and more erratic. A door somewhere to her left opened and a stream of brighter light filtered into the room. After another moment she was looking into the kind gray eyes of an older man with graying hair. He smiled softly down at her. Given the white coat he wore over his clothing she could only assume that he worked in the medical field. His voice was guttural and authoritative, her mind quickly recognizing that he was speaking in Russian.

"Well, look who woke. My name is Dr. Petrov. If you'll remain calm and still, I will remove the breathing tube before we speak of anything else. I'm sure you have questions, I will be happy to answer what I can, you understand?"

She managed to nod her head slightly, thank god she was fluent in Russian.

"This will be slightly uncomfortable, please try and remain as still as possible."

She really didn't think that was going to be an issue seeing as how she could barely even nod her head. She watched him as he put gloves on and started to detach some tubing and wires before unlatching a hook located near her head and then quickly angling and pulling the tube from her throat. Once it was removed she realized how raw and painful it felt to breathe. Before she realized it a cup with a straw was placed in front of her as her bed slowly elevated her into a reclined sitting position.

"Drink some water, but slowly, it will soothe your throat."

Aoife did as she was told and took small slow sips of the cool liquid. Her voice came out raspy and harsh to her ears. Each syllable burning its way out of her throat.

"Where am I?"

"You are aboard the Caspian. Your body was found sinking into the depths. You passed right by our bridge, it was quite the surprise and you were very fortunate. We took you aboard, you were not breathing and you had no pulse but our instruments showed weak signs of brain activity so we resuscitated you. We've had you on a ventilator and kept you in stasis to allow your body time to heal a bit. The effects of a drowning death are varied. "

"I died?"

"Put simply, yes. Now what is your name? We only found these tags on you and we were certain that while you were wearing them, they most likely were not yours."

Aoife studied the object that the doctor lifted into her view. They seemed familiar but she couldn't place where she had picked them up or why. Her mind almost immediately flashed on a pair of striking blue eyes and she distantly heard a gruff voice calling her name.

"Aoife, my name is Aoife... He gave them to me."

"Good. It is good sign, you remember your name. Well Aoife, whomever TM Shelby is, he's lucky he didn't lose you. Can you tell me this man's name?"

She knew it, she did, it was right there on the tip of her tongue but just out of reach for her mind to grasp.

"... I know it, I just... I can't..."

"Is alright. Do not try to force it. We were not sure how long you had been without oxygen and are unaware of any brain damage you may have suffered. You may experience loss of memory, I do not know how severe yet and I'm afraid I cannot tell you if it is permanent. You'll most likely be weak for a short period of time as you've been in stasis for two weeks and your body has not had use of motion. We will take things slowly, after all we have time, we will not be dry docking again anytime soon."

"My family... I need to contact them."

"Unfortunately we will not be able to do that until we dry dock. There is no reception for such communications until we are above the water. Can you tell me your last name?"

"... Deveroux."

"Do you remember the name of the ship you served on?"

"Adelisa."

"And do you remember where you were heading?"

While she couldn't be certain what their course was she felt that it would have been the same as it had been for the past few years.

"Egypt...France...England."

"And do you remember where you were coming from?"

Again, she would have been coming from the island and her families yearly get together. Wait how was it possible that she knew the location that she'd been in. How did she know that she'd come from Vatulele and had been heading to Egypt next, bypassing India... but not anything specific...she felt the pain spike in her head as she tried to make sense of things but decided to let it go when it only seemed to intensify the pain behind her ear.

"... an Island...Vatulele."

For a brief moment she saw another face flash in front of her eyes, a little boy with blonde hair, laughing and smiling cheekily. He was familiar, just as the man with the blue eyes was, but she just couldn't think of the names that went with the faces.

"You mentioned needing to contact your family, do you remember them?"

"Yes, my brothers... Carrick, Eirnin and Riley and my sister Aine. They were on the Adelisa with me, it's ours."

"Good."

The questions continued. What's the last thing you remember clearly, what date is it, where were you born, etcetera, etcetera. Finally they seemed to wane and she watched as the doctor slowly nodded and smiled at her once more.

"Well the good news is that only your recent memory seems to have been affected by your death. And even then you seem to remember, even though you can't recall specifics. I have confidence that they may slowly return to you. Try not to let it worry you overly much. I will start you out on a soft food only diet. It is normal for your esophagus and stomach to suffer damage after drowning due to the salt water. It is also normal for your lungs and possibly your heart to have suffered some damage as well. Please remain calm. All my tests have shown minimal damage, nothing that will not heal over time. I'll let you get some more rest and ensure that a tray of food is brought to you."

Small Heath - Birmingham

#6 Watery Lane

Saturday March 24, 1920

Tommy POV

He stared at the empty bottles littering his side table and marveled at how he had yet to find enough alcohol to make him forget, even if temporarily. Somewhere between drinking and staring at the picture of Aoife beside his bed through the wafting smoke of his opium pipe he realized he'd been living a fantasy. He'd always, always known that men like him didn't deserve happiness. They didn't get happily ever after, they didn't get to hold onto the women they loved. How foolish he'd been to think even for a second that he could keep it, keep her.

He'd been so close, so fucking close. He'd defeated Kimber. Worcester, Cheltenham various other tracks outside London were all his, he'd outwitted another Inspector, he'd taken a bullet but he was still breathin'. He'd had the love of a woman, a woman that he loved. He'd been so fuckin' close.

After staring at her beautiful dimpled smile, he picked up the frame and carefully placed it into a small wooden box. He went about collecting the letters she'd sent to him. Both the ones he'd read and the ones she'd given him before he left her side, a couple of which he hadn't yet opened. He gently placed them along with the other pictures of her, and her peach and green lingerie into the box and closed it, locking the lid in place. He thought about burning it but even if he put her memories away he couldn't quite bring himself to erase her like that, he couldn't burn her memories to ash. He went over to the corner and pulled back the rug far enough to access the loose floorboard he was looking for. After a moment he pried up the board and placed the box and its contents safely inside. Burying the last remnants of his heart.

He'd just finished putting the floor back to rights when he heard the low knocking on his door. It wasn't the first time someone had knocked but it would be the first time since he entered that he would answer.

"What?"

Arthurs voice, quiet and hesitant came through the door.

"A letter arrived for you Tommy... I think you might want to read it."

Opening the door he nodded at his brother taking the envelope in his hand.

"Ya doing all right Tommy? Aunt Pol's worried, says you haven't really eaten that much in... well since ya found out."

"Not hungry Arthur... but tell her I'll be down for the evening tea."

"Alright Tommy."

He watched Arthur turn around and descend the stairs, taking a deep breath he closed his door and looked at the envelope in his hand.

It was thick and he didn't recognize the handwriting. Opening the envelope he pulled out a letter, along with another smaller envelope. He carefully opened the letter.

Shelby,

By now you should be aware that Aoife has passed and while I'm sure this knowledge still pains you as it does us, we found this addressed to you and thought you should have it.

Till we meet again,

Eirnin

Setting the letter from Eirnin down he studied the smaller envelope. All that was written on it was his name, his name in that unforgettable feminine scrawl he'd come to crave the sight of. His hands shook slightly as he carefully opened the envelope and removed the letter, unfolding it slowly, unsure if he truly wanted to read her words or not. His chest was tight like he couldn't get enough breath in him, and his heart was nothing but a large black ache that seemed to infect his entire body.

My Tommy,

I'm sorry. I know this can't be easy for you. Were our positions reversed it would not be easy for me. There is nothing I can say to make your grief more palatable. I don't know what's happened, the circumstances surrounding my departure but always know that I regret nothing.

I want you to remind yourself every so often... to live your life. Live it for the both of us, if for no other reason than we have loved each other. The world can be harsh and unfair as you are more than aware of but it can also be wondrous and beautiful. The man I fell in love with is a fighter, a survivor. He's cruel and honorable both a villain and a hero. Such an amazing mixture of contradictions the coldest yet warmest man I've ever known. I love you Thomas Shelby. So for me Tommy, for me... never give up.

Always and Forever Yours,

Aoife

Aboard the Caspian

Aoife POV

She had finally started eating solids again and was slowly yet painfully trying to build her strength back up. Never had she ever felt so frail, walking from her bed to the adjoining washroom nearly drained her. Yet she did it as often as she could, almost always until she could hold her weight no longer. In this regard she saw improvement in her physical health. Her lungs still burned now and again and speaking often still left her throat feeling raw but those symptoms too were lessening with time.

It was her missing memories that were troubling her. She continued to see flashes of different faces that she knew were familiar and that she recognized. But the names and how she knew them exactly, eluded her.

A young woman with dark hair and blue eyes, a wide smile with an aptitude at cursing. The little blonde haired blued eyed boy, with questions, so many questions. A dark haired, bluish gray eyed boy not that much younger than her with intellect and a shine of innocence in him. The blonde one with the toothpick or matchstick perpetually between his lips, an older man with dark reddish brown hair and a bushy mustache. Then the older lady with reddish brown hair and brown eyes that seemed ever watchful and scrutinizing.

Then of course there was the one face that captivated her the most out of all of them. Dark haired, cold light eyes, lips set almost always in a smirk or scowl. Dangerous and intriguing. She'd noted that whenever his face popped into her mind her fingers would gently rub the tags around her neck. This man was TM Shelby and he was... hers. Without a single doubt she knew that to be true. Not remembering how he came into her life or him at all really was aggravating her fiercely.

The doctor continued to tell her not to try and force her memories, that they would come in snippets and bursts or all at once... or not at all... in their own time.

Sometimes she would wake from dreams and wonder if they were actually dreams or memories. She couldn't tell the difference but how she would like to believe that some of those dreams were real.

A hut on Vatulele - not one that she'd used before as it wasn't on the beach, the ocean waves were a distant sound almost hidden by the rustling of leaves and the pitter patter of falling rain. Candle light in the growing darkness and soft lips randomly pressing against her skin. A rumble of soft deep laughter, the feeling of warm breath flowing into her ear as a deep low voice whispered to her. Strong firm hands moved over her body in a sure grasp, smoothing, caressing, gripping. Her own hands drifting over soft skin and kneading into firm muscles. Her fingers tingling as she brushed them gently through cool silken strands of dark hair and scratched along the shorter hairs present leading to a neck, her lips and tongue enjoyed tasting. The feeling of molten desire spreading and flowing through her being enticing a patient demand to be sated.

She truly hoped these dreams were memories trying to surface. They felt right, they felt real... she just needed the connections so that they would finally weave together into a full clear picture.

Small Heath - Birmingham

The Garrison Pub

Friday April 9, 1920

Tommy POV

"Rum."

Tommy watched as Arthurs barman filled a glass of top shelf rum for him before picking it up and emptying it in one go. He tapped the bar twice and his glass was refilled.

He was just about to head toward the snug when Freddie dropped into the seat next to him and ordering a drink for himself.

"Heard about the beatens' and cuttins' goin' round lately. People are talkin' about how Tommy Shelby's on a rampage. Got me wonderin' what set ya off."

"What do ya want Freddie. Last I recall Ada told ya she was done and ta take a fuckin' hike. So what the fuck are ya doin' walkin' inta the Garrison?"

"You'd think that woulda made your day but it doesn't seem ta have improved your mood. The Garrison's a pub I came for a drink... Just a heads up... people have always been scared of ya Tommy but now, now they're wonderin' if your right in the head. I'd be careful if I were you before someone decides it's time to put ya down."

"Hm, and who's that gonna be? You Freddie?"

"Nah... like I said I just came in for a drink. Is my money no good here?"

"All money is good here."

Tommy grabbed his glass and worked his way over to the snug. He just wanted to sit down in some peace and quiet and enjoy his drink. He knew he had blood spatter all over his shirt, most of which was hidden under his coat. He wanted to forget about the looks his brothers and his men had given him, after he'd taught the blokes who thought they could move in on him a lesson.

Arthur and John weren't squeamish and had done plenty of ruthless and vile things themselves. He knew though that he'd gone much farther than necessary today. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, and one to witness. In truth he was going to leave it after he'd taken the eyes, tongues and ears from the others. The man just had to open his fuckin' mouth and spit out that fuckin' comment.

It's no wonder why the lord saw fit to take your woman.

So they ended up being short of a witness, he was positive his message would be understood anyway.

Lifting his eyes to his reflection in the glass he took out his handkerchief and began wiping the blood from his face before throwing the material on the table and lighting a cigarette.

Arthur POV

"You think Tommy's alright, John?"

"... I think he will be."

"Ya think we should tell Aunt Pol? He's... he's gettin' worse."

"He woulda been fine, if the fucker had kept his mouth shut. It brought Aoife up front again, for him. Look Arthur, whether we tell her or don't tell her, it won't matter. There's no fuckin' fix for this. Beside it's better he takes out his anger on those fuckers rather than us. I'm fuckin tired of fightin' wit him."

Aboard the Caspian

Aoife POV

Another day and they would be dry docking in England. If she was in luck she just might make it to the Adelisa before she departed English soil. If they had remained on schedule then their three week landlock in London would be ending tomorrow. Hopefully they wouldn't be leaving till afternoon or evening time. More likely they'd head out at first light as usual but she could hope. If time was against her then she could always head to Camden Town and stay with Alfie until the Adelisa called a check in. Perhaps Alfie would even be able to help her fill in the gaps in her memory.

The Captain of the Caspian had assigned her a job in the engine room during her stay once she'd been more capable of moving about without signs of fatigue. So she had enough money to get a ticket on the tramline with a little leftover. She'd made a few friends and they'd been kind enough to gather clothes and essentials for her, including a bag to store her meager belongings in. Which she was busy rummaging through to ensure she'd packed everything.

Almost everything she'd gone into the water with was ruined and discarded. She had her tags, thank whatever deities there were that she'd had the forethought to have her cousin waterproof them when she was on the island. Along with a set of throwing knives still locked into their leather holster which unfortunately would need to be replaced as the leather had gone the same way as her boots and bracers.

Everything else was secondhand subaquamen attire. It had take a little time to get used to the thick foam type material that the clothing was made out of. It was tight but stretchy she'd thought her leathers had molded to her, they had nothing on underwater clothing. Though they seemed to hold body heat very well. She'd been told it was the best material for water as it retained a certain amount of heat when wet and didn't add any additional weight to pull you down.

Looking around her sparse temporary cabin to ensure she'd stuffed everything into her bag she spied the British Identity tags hanging on a hook above her bunk. She normally wore them but found even though they were waterproof she'd remove them when she bathed. She ran her fingers gently over the tags that unknown to her held a deeper meaning than just the information they contained. Reading the engravings, Sgt. Major TM Shelby SH Rifles and the serial number. Trying for what had to be the thousandth time to remember what the TM and SH stood for. She lifted it from its hook and pulled it over her head tucking it beneath her shirt to feel them land with a thump over her heart. The weight of them somehow reassuring.

Canterbury, England

Dry Docking Port

Saturday April 10, 1920

Aoife POV

It was mid-morning and they were making their final approach, she'd been told it would only take about ten minutes to dock and then she'd be on land once more. It had been a little over six weeks since the storm that had landed her in the ocean. Six weeks of her loved ones believing her gone.

She wasn't as healthy as she'd been when she'd taken her dip in the sea, she certainly wasn't in fighting shape but she felt strong enough to make the trek from the seaboard docks to the tram station so that she could head to London and connect with the air docking station hub.

The constant thwump, whoosh sound of the propeller system was slowing and she knew they would be above water soon. She'd learned a lot aboard the Caspian, about subaquamen life, made a number of friends. She'd been sure to tell them that should they ever need anything not to hesitate contacting the Adelisa. It had been an experience but she was looking forward to seeing the sky and breathing non re-circulated air. Taking one last glance around the cabin that had been her quarters she stepped into the corridor and closed the door behind her heading for the launch bay. She'd say her final thank you and goodbyes, then be on her way... home.

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

As the tramline pulled into London she checked the clock tower visible in the distance and noted it was descending on noon. She contemplated briefly on whether she should head to the air dock and pray the Adelisa had been detained from its usual morning departure time or go straight to Camden. In the end she opted to take a quick detour to the top of the nearest tall building and see if she could spot the ship docked above the city or not.

After a careful perusal of the ships in docking she noted that none of them were large enough to be even close to the Adelisa in size. Resigned to the fact she'd missed them and would need to wait to reunite with them she hiked up her bag once more and started the ten mile trek to Camden Town. Alfie had a line in the bakery and she could call the Adelisa from there as they should still be in communications range. They shouldn't be too far out that they couldn't easily turn about and come pick her up. And on the plus side she'd get to see the big man.

She kept her head down and her feet swift. By the water docks her attire hadn't been an issue but she had taken notice of the strange looks she'd been getting from the people around her the further inland she travelled. Wearing the tight dark navy blue water pants, matching button down long sleeved shirt, the typical water tight duck boots and a black woolen hooded cape that went to her knees. Was apparently a rare sight inland.

After what felt like only a few short minutes but in truth had been quite a jaunt she knew the bakery was just around the corner from her. As she turned the corner her eyes caught sight of Alfie helping Aine out of his motor vehicle. She felt the smile spreading across her face as she got closer. Then Aine stepped out from behind the motorcar and her eyes took in her twins swollen belly. Her feet stopped short as her mind raced and her thoughts tumbled around inside her head.

She watched them disappear into the bakery as she backed away. Her mind finally coming to rest on a memory that had been missing. Vatulele...Alfie and Shelby passing the requirements, Aine with child, Aine and Alfie getting married aboard the Adelisa in a light rain... and arms wrapping around her as she watched the sunset, leaning back against a warm strong chest. His voice, turning in his arms, kissing cool soft rain wet lips... I love yous... making memories to last till they were together again. TM Shelby SH Rifles... Thomas Shelby, Small Heath Rifles... my Tommy. The entire Shelby family, names finally connecting with faces and memories connecting one after another to paint an entire picture of the how's and whys. Her head spun and her heart hurt from its rampant beating.

Turning around Aoife ran back the way she'd come, not caring of the people staring at the strangely dressed woman running down the street. As much as she loved her sister and Alfie, as close as she was to where they were, she had somewhere else she needed to be first.

Small Heath - Birmingham

Garrison Pub

Evening

Polly POV

She'd come in a little while ago with Ada and Esme. The pub was starting to pick up as the workers were finished with their shifts for the day and ready to relax with some booze. They were sat back at a corner table sipping their drinks. John and Arthur were at the bar and though she hadn't seen him she knew Tommy was in the snug. Grace was sitting at a small table near the band as they hadn't heard anymore word on movement from New York. She hoped that they could clear that mess up and Grace would leave Birmingham soon.

The last thing she wanted was for Grace to somehow weasel her way into staying on. She worried that with Tommy's current mindset he just might let her stay. The front doors opened and she watched Michael and Isaiah enter the pub. She'd allowed him to join the Shelby family business with the promise from Tommy that Michael would only be involved with the legal side of things.

They'd cancelled the welcome home party they had planned in the face of the news about Aoife's death. There had been shadows in Michael, Ada and Finn's eyes dimming the brightness of their reunion. She'd spent a lot of time speaking with Ada on what had happened during their trip and during that fucking storm. She'd done her best to console Finn but he seemed to get the most comfort out of the single hug he'd shared with Tommy his first night back. That had also been the last time she'd seen any emotion from Thomas. He'd reverted to his cold demeanor, only it was now more severe than before.

Tommy POV

He could hear the small band begin to play and a singers melody filtered through the door into the snug. The sound of glasses clinking, ice tumbling, wood scraping wood, men and women laughing. His only thought that he'd drunk too much and yet not nearly enough. The sounds of happiness and camaraderie only served to darken his mood and he quickly decided it was time to head out.

Grace POV

She watched discreetly as Tommy slid out of the snug and headed for the entrance, leaving the pub behind him and descending into the darkness of the night. She'd been trying to keep her distance as best as possible lately. His moods seemed to shift on a dime and more often than not he was in a foul temper. She'd heard rumors for the reasons behind his moods but no one was really sure if they held any weight. The Shelby family as always was tight lipped and even a drunk Arthur wouldn't let slip what was plaguing his younger brother.

She briefly considered following after him and just as she'd made up her mind to see if she could offer him her ear or shoulder or whatever else he might be in the mood to take from her Lizzie stopped at her table.

"Let him alone Grace, if he wanted your company he'd of asked ya for it."

"What makes you assume I was going to go after him?"

"As if the look in yer eyes wasn't answer enough to what's goin' on in that waspish mind a yers."

"Lizzie, I'm not quite sure what your contention is with me, after all Tommy doesn't belong to you now does he? In fact he's not interested in having any type of relation with you other than professional. So how you believe you have the right to dictate to me is really neither here nor there."

"Suit yerself Grace. I was only trying to be friendly and warn you away from him. His current propensity would more than likely earn ya a spot in the cemetery."

"Hm, how about you just worry about yourself and stay out of my business."

Tommy POV

He'd been on his way home when he'd changed his mind and started heading for his uncle Charlie's stable. The streets were still teaming with men and women going about their vices, showing it to still be rather early in the evenin'. He hadn't been for a ride in a while and felt like he might be able to enjoy the night a bit if he spent some time with Monaghan Boy.

Business was on task in everything aside from the New York blokes. They hadn't made any movement toward England. He was getting somewhat tired of waiting around for them to make their move. He wanted that particular business done with so Grace could shove off and he'd no longer have that affair collecting dust on his desk.

Inspector Taylor had recovered his stolen shipment minus one missing Lewis machine gun. He had seemed content with the evidence against Kimber as the culprit and considered one gun an acceptable loss. He'd gathered his men and they'd departed Birmingham within a week of settling the case as closed. Thankfully he hadn't heard from the man since. Although Taylor had mentioned that he should expect to be contacted by Churchill in regards to his... assistance with the ordeal. Not too sure if that's a good thing or a bad one.

Regardless business was on the uptick and money was rolling in faster than they could invest in. They'd taken to purchasing real estate both in the Birmingham and London areas. He was working on ideas to expand their business ventures to extend past the illegal portions of their industry and move them into more legal ventures as well.

A brawl broke out down the street in front of him taking his mind off of business. He had no desire to deal with drunkards that might not recognize him at first glance. So he took a turn down a side alley and continued on toward the stable as a light rain began to fall. It reminded him of his final day with Aoife on Vatulele and had him sucking in a hard breath as he pushed the memory aside. Thinking of her still brought intense pain and all he wanted was to dull that pain into a manageable ache.

Turning out onto his desired street he saw the golden glow of the stable lights warming the area in front of the main entry. He knew that Charlie was either at the pub or had turned in for the night already. Curly should be around, tending the horses and ensuring that they were all prepared for the rain. He pushed through the gate and into the stable yard automatically heading towards the stable that housed Monaghan Boy as he finished up his cigarette.

The stable had a light on just inside the door and he could make out slight movement in the shadows down at the end of the corridor.

"Curly. How's Monaghan Boy tonight? Haven't been by in a while and thought I'd check in."

"..."

"Curly?"

Heading toward the muffled sounds coming from the back stall he was surprised when two men jumped out at him from an empty stall he'd passed. It was obvious that the men weren't his friends and he started to fight off their hold on him. He managed to get a few good shots in but the amount of booze he'd consumed earlier was making his reflexes sluggish. Before long he was overtaken by three more men that came out of the shadows.

His ears rang and his vision blurred as his own blood coated the side of his face and filled his mouth. He took the most damage from the bloke with the brass knuckles and was fairly certain that he'd been given at least two broken ribs and possibly a clavicle. After he'd been pushed to the ground a few kicks ensured a couple more broken ribs and he ended up staring down the barrel of his own handgun.

One of the blokes who was holdin' him up on his knees pulled his head back by his hair so the bastard with his gun could utter a few words that he could barely make sense of.

Aoife POV

She'd been heading down Watery Lane toward the pub as no one answered the door at #6. She saw the silhouette of a man with a very distinctive figure and stance in the distance. She immediately knew it was Tommy but he'd changed his direction and started heading elsewhere. She picked up her pace and headed toward him, following behind as she tried to catch up. She was about to call out to him when he took a quick turn and disappeared from view.

Quickly hurrying after him she spilled out of the alley just as his back disappeared into what appeared to be a stable down the street. Unsure if he was there on business or not she slowed her pace and quieted her movements slipping into the stable yard as silently as possible. Coming up to the stable he'd entered she heard sounds of a scuffle. Flesh hitting flesh, the almost undistinguishable sound of blood splatter and the crunching of breaking bones. She swiftly entered the building darting out of the glow of the light on the wall and into the darker shadows.

She heard the distinct sound of a gun cocking and cautiously moved forward toward the altercation. Her eyes finally adjusted to the darkness and she could see Tommy surrounded by five men, two of them behind him, two to either side and one man in front, holding a gun to his head. Her heart gave a rapid jump in her chest and she silenced the reactive gasp in her throat so that her presence would remain unknown.

The man in front of Tommy spoke and she was intrigued to hear the American accent that filled the space without worry of being heard.

"Did you honestly think that a small time hoodlum like you could keep us from getting a hold of what we came here for? Well... Mr. Shelby? Hm... bet you didn't even realize we were here yet, did you? Kept your eye on the sky and the sea but neglected all the travel that happens beneath the water didn't you. Not very smart for a man that's touted as being so intelligent. I'm rather disappointed, I wasn't expecting such a weak opponent. Oh well. Just means we'll be going home sooner than anticipated. I'd let you live with the lesson I've taught you, but I hear you're a vengeful bastard and I'd rather not be looking over my shoulder. Any last words?"

Aoife saw the man tightening his finger on the trigger and her first knife flew through the air with barely a whistle of sound. The gun and the man's finger thudded to the floor. Two more knives landed in the necks of the men behind Tommy and by the time the talker started shouting the last two were falling to the floor with blades protruding from their left eye sockets.

She could see the man searching the shadows for his attacker as he knelt down to search for the gun with his undamaged hand. She took a quick running leap as the man picked up the gun and went to shoot Tommy who'd slumped toward the floor. Before he could even point the gun near Tommy she felt the warmth of the man's blood coating her hand from the slit she'd cut across his throat.

She took a hurried moment to ensure there were no others hiding within the stable. Finding only one man in the back stall, bound and gagged. She quickly cut through his ropes and told him to go and get help as his stuttered voice asked after Tommy.

"He's still alive but be quick and bring back help!"

She ran back to where Tommy lay slumped over and gently cradled his head as she called to him softly.

"Tommy, hold tight, help is on the way. You're going to be fine, just stay with me Tommy."

His voice was barely more than a whisper and she worried about a concussion and possible skull fracture. The lighting was so poor she couldn't see the extent of his injuries.

"...Aoife? Is this heaven then?... Wonder how long it will take the devil to realize I'm dead."

She felt herself chuckling softly and she gently stroked his undamaged cheek.

"Not quite love. We're both alive, no need to worry about the devil just yet."

She was unsure whether he'd heard her as he made no more sound and seemed to have very well passed out from his injuries. There was shouting and the sound of pounding feet coming toward her she could hear both John and Arthur shouting out Tommy's name as they burst inside the darkened stable. There was a slight buzz and then the lights came on.

Arthurs gruff loud voice filled the cavernous room.

"Oi, get the fuck away from me brother."

Aoife stayed on the ground gently holding Tommy's head still and looked over at the men thundering toward her. They were almost upon them and with the low light filling the room she saw the moment her identity became clear to them.

To their credit they didn't halt in surprise at her appearance. They didn't ask questions about her disappearance they simply asked after Tommy.

"He passed out almost immediately, have the medics been summoned?"

The stuttering voice of the man she'd cut loose answered her.

"A...Aye..t..they comin'.

Reviews, reviews... let's hear them please! I had originally thought this would be the last chapter but with how this one came out there should be one more to wrap things up. So stay tuned!