Tommy adjusted his cap slightly as he encouraged the beautiful black horse to trot on, hoping that the dark circles under his eyes wouldn't be noticed but it wasn't like anyone would be saying anything if they did.
Lines of washing were strung up, the sheets flapping in the street as the horse trotted along the cobbled street. There were dozens of children, all barefoot and dressed in rags playing on the cobbles, women were working and calling out to each other, the air buzzing with laughter and yelling, the vigour of life and Tommy smiled appreciatively. He did love small heath. Though he was tempted to whisk Viola and Rian away for the weekend, he'd gotten a nasty cold the past few days, and had been screaming constantly. It had sent Viola into a panic making her sob and feel as if she was a bad mother- which of course, she wasn't- Tommy had managed to set him down for a nap and sending Viola for a nap as well, with Osiris and Mariana, the maid to watch over them.
But of course, when they heard the click of his horse's hooves, everything fell silent. Whispers breaking out and going around the children and mothers. All the games paused, washing left in baskets as the mothers turned to the crowds of children, gesturing for their own.
Tommy Shelby was well known, well respected and well feared in small heath, just the way he liked it as he passed by, wearing a dark suit set out by his wife with boots that had been polished by Barrow the night before. He guided the horse under a line of sheets but finally dismounting, when he glanced around the courtyard was empty, as he had instructed, the mothers and children hiding in doorways or alleys.
He took his gold watch on a chain from his vest pocket, checking the time as he absently patted the neck of the horse, he frowned, they better not be late. He wanted to go back and check on his wife and son. Rian was usually such an observant little baby, Tommy was entranced by him and utterly loathed being away but a living had to be made.
Just as he was putting his watch away Mai and Zhang finally arrived, they turned into the courtyard and slowed down when they spotted him. Zhang took Mai's hand and led her over to him, swallowing nervously. Good they should fear him.
He casually took out a sweet Afton cigarette and lit it with a match as they approached him warily, their bodies tense to run and feeling the weight of the eyes surrounding them but Tommy was perfectly at ease.
"Sir? This is her." Zhang spoke with a heavily accented voice, gesturing to Mai, the girl he'd heard about that could tell fortunes.
"The girl who tells fortunes?" Thomas doubled checked and Zhang bowed in confirmation, he kept his eyes focused on the man after a quick glance at Mai, he gestured at the man to begin his ritual.
With shaking hands Zhang pulled out a small velvet bag from his inside pocket and held it up for Thomas to see, he admired the golden dragon woven delicately into the bag for a moment before reaching into his inside jacket. Showing off his long barrelled Webley revolver hanging in his army-issued holster. When they saw it, they shrunk back in fear but Tommy just took two pound notes out for Zhang to take, allowing ever to see the transaction.
The man took his money before handing the velvet bag to Mai, giving her instructions in rapid Chinese. She hesitated, seeming confused for a moment before doing what she was told.
Mai hesitantly opened the velvet bag and poured a palm full of red powder into her hand. Thomas watched intently and when she glanced at him, he offered her a reassuring half smile and urged her to obey Zhang's whispers. Mai put her hand near to the horse's nose and blows.
A cloud of red dust hits the horse. The horse snorted and shied and Tommy kept the horse in place, a neutral look on his face but a pleased glint in his eyes as Mai blew more red dust onto the horse's nose and Tommy rubbed the dust into the soft flesh around the nostril.
Once the bag was empty, Tommy dropped the cigarette and stomped it out before mounting the horse in one easy movement. Looking down at Zhang and Mai, he touched his cap before looking around at all the women and children watching calling out to them.
"The horse's name is Monaghan Boy. Kempton 3 o'clock Monday. You ladies have a bet yourselves but don't tell anybody else."
He turned the horse around and trotted away, aware of the eyes of him and feeling incredibly pleased, this would be spread about like wildfire. But for now, to wake his wife up.
"Barrow" Tommy said as he swung off the horse "Keep an eye on the horse for a moment?"
"Yes, Mr Shelby" Barrow replied nodding his head
"How's Viola and Rian? How long have they slept? Have they woken? Eaten? Is Rian feeling any better? Was he crying?" Tommy barraged Barrow with questions but he took them in stride
"They are doing well, to my knowledge Mr. Shelby, Lady Viola and Master Rian were slumbering and while I looked in on Rian, who's breathing has eased since you left, I left Lady Viola alone but she has not called for the Mariana"
"Alright, thank you Barrow" Tommy murmured as he headed into the house, leaving Barrow with the horse. Robert was barking mad for letting Barrow go. The man was loyal, ruthless, cunning and clever. Well worth the money- sixty pounds a year, and Tommy made sure to express his thanks. Though he did need to figure out a way to get the proper staff needed for arrow house, what he had now wouldn't be acceptable and even Downton was understaffed, debts according to his Viola, that not even her mother's vast fortune could fix in its entirety.
Hearing his sons' soft warbles from the nursery, Tommy waved off Mariana before heading into the room, pride filling him at how classy his sons room was, a far cry from the caravan that Tommy had been born in.
A cherry wood crib that would also transform into a childs bed was sat in the middle of the room, a armchair and rocking chair nearby with a box of toys, some offered up by Finn with toys and children's books, all too old for Rian now but when he grew a little older he would have plenty to play with.
All of this Tommy had provided for his family, all because of his hard work and he felt utter satisfaction whenever he remembered. From a gutter rat to running Small Heath and if he had any say about it- and he will- he'll take his family to higher and higher heights.
"Hello, Rí" Tommy murmured as he looked into the crib to see his son squirming away, face slightly wet from drool, snot and tears. He huffed a little before scooping his son up and moving over to the changing tables.
"I'm glad your feeling better, you were scaring your mother something awful and me as well, How am I supposed to be a criminal gangster king if I'm too busy fretting over my son?" He chided his son as he cleaned him and changed his cloth nappy.
Tommy paused after throwing the nappy into the cleaning bin "Though, I suppose if they saw the great Tommy Shelby like this..." he trailed off with a smirk before tickling his sons' stomach "but let's keep it a family secret, aye? Yer papa needs to keep a reputation"
His son only offered him a grunt as Tommy finished up and picked him up once more "Lets go see your Ma, eh? See if you'll eat"
Tommy carried his son with a protective, possessive hold as he walked into the master bedroom to see his wife sleeping soundly, looking a lot better than earlier when she'd been an inch from tearing her hair out.
"Stailc tintreach" he called for her gently, admiring the way the morning light softened her features.
"Tommy?" Viola murmured softly before her eyes snapped open
"He's fine" Tommy quickly reassured his wife "I have him here, and we want to say hello to the most important woman in our lives"
"Hmm, flatterer" Viola told him with a sleepy smile as he moved over to her.
"I had a question" Tommy murmured as he gently adjusted Rian in his arms, his son looking up at him with sleepy eyes, one his own ice blue and the other the warm brown of his mother. Polly had claimed he had 'Ghost Eyes' and was able to see heaven and earth and ward off evil.
"What is your question?" Viola asked him, blinking slowly as she yawned and stretched
"Marquess of Carnarvon" he said simply as she huffed
"Ah, that trickiness" she grumbled "an annoyance of our family to have lost that title"
"Lost? Can it be resurrected, why did you become Earls? It is below a Marquess" Tommy asked her
"Hmm, yes the fourth and only surviving son of the previous one, however when he married, he only had two daughters and female relatives and when they got to male relatives, well, they weren't ah, suitable? Should we say?" Viola said thoughtfully
"So what happened, I saw him on your family tree" Tommy said
"Ah, the daughter married the second son of a grandson of the King" Viola huffed rolling her eyes at how convoluted her family was "there wasn't enough royal blood to grant them the title of marquess but he was favoured by his grandfather so granted our family the title Earl"
"Hmm, so who does the title of Marquess go to?" Tommy asked "Mathew is getting Downton and will be the Earl of Grantham and we both know Mary is going to end up marrying him...so Edith?"
He could just have Edith murdered...or perhaps shamed...yes, that would work and it'd amuse him, which would put Sybil next in line but she was going to marry Arthur who'd happily pass the title to Tommy or he could keep it. Tommy wouldn't mind...
"It depends" Viola said, a coy smirk taking over her face
"Oh what?" Tommy asked her curious
"What does my standing always care the most about?" Viola asked him
"Men" Tommy said because it was obvious "but none of you are men...Mathew?"
"Ah, but I have a husband and a firstborn son" Viola pointed out with a smirk "Mathew is from a second son and our fourth cousin, if I weren't mother to a boy or married then it would go to him and his future son but you got there first"
"That I did" Tommy hummed before asking "And how would we claim a title?"
"Well, I give you the blood claim, but you need to approach the King and have him like you" Viola said with a shrug
"You've been introduced" Tommy pointed out
"Once or twice" Viola said "I danced with his sons and conversed with his daughter at a ball or two. Whether they recall me or not...who's to say?"
"Hmm, Alright" Tommy said with a nod.
"Plotting beloved?" She teased him
"Yes, but nothing going into play...just yet, need leverage first" Tommy murmured brushing a kiss over his son's forehead.
"You're already a decorated war hero so that should give you some leverage and by the way, I had Barrow put your medals on the mantle" Viola said gesturing to the fire they had in the room.
"I wish you'd let me throw 'em away" Tommy grumbled glaring at the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions at Mons, where he reportedly saved thousands of allied lives. Fuck if Tommy knew, looking back he had no idea how the hell he'd survived.
"You throw away your medals, I throw away mine" Viola said simply as she sat herself up, cooing excitedly at her son, who clapped his hands back. Tommy had put her British War Medal and Victory Medal, pride of place on the mantle so Viola had pinned his up as well, he'd wanted to throw the medals into the cut with Arthur and John but Viola had twisted their arms and demanded them, she'd been hormonal and pregnant so they'd meekly given her what she wanted.
"Never!" Tommy denied her fiercely, she shot a look at him and with a sigh, he handed over his beloved son to his beloved wife, he knew he'd already had pictures of them but maybe he should get some more? he wished he could picture this moment right now.
Viola cradling their son in her arms, her hair unbound soft and beautiful and utterly ethereal in the morning light...
"So, what do you need to do today?" Viola asked him looking up from the blissful face of their son as he fed from her.
Tommy groaned and flopped back onto the bed, next to her legs and relaxing as her fingers ran through his hair.
"A case of guns have gone missing" Tommy told her
"If you're the one saying it, I don't think they're as missing as assumed" Viola said, knowing her husband and he shot her a small smile.
"It's an opportunity" Tommy said with a shrug but shot her a careful look, if she disapproved...well he could just dump the guns in the cut...
"Be careful won't you Tommy?" Viola requested "I don't want to lose my beloved and Rian doesn't want to lose his Papa"
"You won't" Tommy swore to them "Never"
/
Tommy rode his horse down the industrial street, silencing the chaos as he arrived and it only started up again when he was gone. As much as he wanted to spend the day with his wife and son, he did have business to deal with. He frowned lightly as he absentmindedly adjusted the reins, Viola was still avoiding the doctor's office, Tommy didn't blame her, he could still feel the heat of his enemies blood fresh on his hands but he knew just how much Viola loved her career. But how to help?
He'll carry on gently encouraging her and for now, Sybil can step in as the peaky blinders nurse but Viola wanted to overcome her fear, she had told him so but they were both at a loss but Tommy would find a way. he would.
Though Arthur was fuckin' delighted to be around Sybil, to carry her things, to do whatever she pleased. The man was utterly besotted, hell he'd even gone to the opera with Sybil. It warmed Tommy's heart to see his brother's eyes lit up and calm down when he was with her.
Secretly Tommy and Polly were buying up what would be needed for their wedding because they knew Arthur was eventually going to snap and possibly just drag Sybil to the nearest chapel, or- going by the looks Sybil was shooting Arthur- Sybil might be the one doing the dragging.
The street was busy with horse traffic and the occasional car and delivery van, though they were still only starting to gain popularity. The street was alive with children and outside of all the pubs men were gathered, smoking and drinking. There was a beggar on the corner, playing an accordion to earn some coin but paused and bowed when Tommy passe. Appreciating the deference, Tommy tossed a few shillings to the man who took them gratefully. Other men kept their eyes on their shoes as he passed, the less brave darting into doorways to avoid his gaze.
When Tommy was with his wife, he was a lot more approachable but when he was doing business he shut down, stoic and untouchable. To be avoided at all costs.
When he was outside the Chain tavern Tommy spotted Jeremiah Jesus, a black afro-caribbean street preacher and very dear friend of his. Though right now he was preaching about fire and brimstone to the open air, a large leather-bound bible in his hand.
Speaking off he needed to speak to the man about being Rian's pastor and baptising him. it was getting close to that time...probably best to have it done at Arrow houses' chapel.
"...And Abraham made his home in a
cave, but it was good because God
resided there with him. You see
children, God does not care if you
live in a slum or in a mansion..."
As Tommy passed Jeremiah glanced up and nodded at him, Tommy nodded back with a shadow of a smile. He paused the horse to allow a line of men to cross the road, they had all been blinded in the war and stuck together, one hand on the shoulder of the man in front of them. The man in the front was being led by a dog.
They were singing 'Molly Malone' as they walked and the last in line held a begging bowl. Thomas leant down in the saddle to drop several notes into their bowl. He frowned and let out a high-pitched whistle. The men paused as there was the sound of a kicking can and a young Blinder came running over to him.
"Mr Shelby" Billy greeted him, fiddling nervously with his cap and the men all tensed
"Billy-lad, see these men have something warm in them yea? And then send a message to my Stailc tintreach, she'd weep seeing brave men who have fought for our country in such a state. I'm sure there's work to be found...if they're willing" Tommy drawled out eyeing the men who had relaxed at the mention of his wife.
"Aye, Mr Shelby, we're willing to work" Jack, their leady said
"Good" Tommy nodded though they couldn't see "Off with ya now Billy-Lad you've got a job to do"
"Yes, Mister Shelby" Billy said to his back as he moved the horse on, two policemen that were passing by spotted him. They both looked nervous and touched their caps to him respectfully.
"Good morning, Mr Shelby." One of the braver one says to him but he ignored them and urged the horse on. he had to get to Uncle Charlies yard. Was late enough as it was.
Tommy had always enjoyed treasure hunting in this yard when he was a lad. It was a mostly a scrap metal yard but there were treasures to be found if you kept a keen eye out. the Grand Union Canal ran through the yard and the stables where they kept horses beside the water. A bonfire burned in one corner of the yard.
The walls of the courtyard where high and offered them privacy with a large corrugated iron gate. Tommy dismounted and slammed his hand on the gate, summoning Charlie from his office. Charlie was a man in his mid-forties, hard as iron and dressed in a fine tweed suit and cap, with a golden hoop in his left ear that Viola had gifted him and he wore proudly to show he was Gypsy.
They didn't speak as Thomas brought the horse in and began to unsaddle the horse, Charlie turned towards the bonfire and called out "Curly? Get here."
Curly was a bald man with a dark suit and gold earring that he cherished approached them at a trot, Curley might be simple but the man knew horses and had a way with them that surpassed even Tommy. It was impressive and a true gift.
"Curly, come and tell this horse he needs to get on a boat and stand still." Charlie instructed Curley who nodded, taking the horse and began whispering to it as he led it towards the canal where a coal boat was waiting, Charlie snatched a cigarette from a resigned Thomas and smiled at him.
Charlie sent him a knowing look and asked "I heard there's been some mumbo jumbo in the Garrison with a Chinese girl. What's afoot Tommy? Best not be stepping out on Viola otherwise you'll be in the canal"
Thomas rolled his eyes in slight annoyance but allowed the reprimand as he took a cigarette for himself. Charlie was a father to Thomas so was allowed certain liberties he didn't allow with others.
"It's a game called 'turning rust into gold'." Thomas told him as Charlie moved closer.
"So, you still have the stomach for games?" Charlie asked somewhat pleased the he hadn't lost all he was before the war. Thommy shrugged, staring into the flames.
"Business as usual. Like we agreed." Thomas said looking up at Charlie without expression and repeating "Like we agreed."
Charlie took a moment before speaking.
"I'm finding sleep hard to come by." Charlie admitted with a sigh.
"Take less water with your rum." Thomas advised "or get yourself a woman, Viola is wonderful for soothing me to sleep"
Charlie frowned "I really don't want to think about the girl I love as a daughter in that setting Thomas." Tommy shrugged and Charlie carried on "Tommy, what if word gets round that it was you?"
"There'll be no word from your lips, Uncle Charlie." Tommy said as he watched Curly work to get the horse on the boat "And he's the only other one who knows apart from Viola and she'll never breathe a word of it"
"No, she wouldn't" Charlie agreed with a half-smile before becoming serious.
"I told him the whole thing was a dream so that's what he believes." Charlie said as he dropped his cigarette into the flames before speaking softly "Bloody nightmare more like."
Thomas stared at him and said firmly "I'm dealing with it."
There was a pause and Charlie looked uncertain.
"I wouldn't risk Stailc tintreach and I wouldn't risk my Ri" Tommy told him before turning and walking away.
Tommy walked to watery lane passing by his and Viola's old apartment which had been taken over by Sybil with Arthur dropping by occasionally, he'd have to look into getting them a home. what kind of home would Sybil want? He knew Arthur always dreamed of a farm...
He passed by some children who were playing as he approached a particular door, though he'd moved out this was still home and headquarters. He opened the unlocked door and entered, slamming the door behind him
He arched an eyebrow at the sight of his wife's coat and Barrows hanging side by side on the hooks and breezed through the hallway, sticking his head into the parlour glancing briefly at a photograph of him, John, Arthur and Viola at war with several tents surrounding them before tossing his coat onto a chair and passing through a small kitchen where Viola was sat with Barrow, holding her baby while Finn tried to play with him.
A rabbit was roasting on a spit, clearly intended to be their dinner and Tommy's mouth watered, maybe he could snatch some to take home? Catching Barrows eye the man nodded with amusement and Tommy offered him a ghost of a pleased smile. Barrow truly was an efficient Butler.
"Beloved" Viola greeted him
"Stailc tintreach" he replied stealing a kiss and playing with his son's hand "Gone shopping today?"
"Hmm, a few things and Barrow hunted us some rabbit for dinner, we had extra so dropped one off" Viola said "plus if I don't bring Rian for a visit once a day, Polly hunts me down. I don't know how that woman is always able to find me"
"Witchcraft" Tommy told her with an amused smirk before nodding at Barrow "Thank you, for taking care of Viola and Ri while I work"
"Of Course, Mister Shelby" Barrow said "if I couldn't do this much, then what kind of butler would I be?"
"An incompetent and soon to be dead one" Tommy told him dryly.
Finn huffed and stopped playing with his nephew- fully enjoying not being the youngest- to call out to his older brother "Arthur's mad as hell."
Thomas snorted and asked "does a ten year old know about hell?"
"I'm eleven Sunday." Finn protested before adding "And I've read the bible!"
"You can't read" Tommy said blandly
Finn puffed his cheeks out and said "It's the Bible; you get credit for trying."
Tommy snickered too amused by his brother's antics "Aye, I suppose so"
Finn grinned at having won one over his brother as Thomas kept walking, passing into a pantry which then led into the betting shop. The space had been completely cleared out into a single open plan with the windows boarded, it was a fully-functioning and completely illegal betting shop, buzzing with activity.
The large room was dominated by a huge blackboard on which bets and odds were being chalked by two members of the blinders, standing on stepladders to reach the top of the board. The room was filled with cigarette and cigar smoke and there was about half a dozen men queuing silently at a desk to lay bets. A heavy looking man, one of their enforcers known as Scudboat was taking the bets in the form of coins wrapped in scraps of paper. The man worked efficiently, unwrapping the pieces of paper and dropping coins into a hat as he unrolled the next. Tommy paused and peered up at the blackboard. All twenty bets were all for Monaghan Boy.
The sight of it wasn't displeasing or pleasing but the day was young and there was time. John came up to the blackboard, looking immaculately groomed, a far sight better than how rough he looked when he lost his Martha. Not that Tommy could blame him, without Viola Tommy would have given up and he didn't even know if Rian would have pushed him to move forward.
When John noticed him, looking up from his ledger he hissed in delight "Tommy, will you just look at the board. Will you just look."
At that moment, at the far end of the room, a door opened from a small office, partitioned by glass and curtains. It was Arthur, who looked angry as per usual and once he spotted Tommy yelled at him
"Tommy! Get in here!" he ordered before slamming the door. John snickered at Tommy who flipped him a rude gesture before setting off towards the partitioned office. When he entered, he saw Arthur's normal angry face but with a sprinkling of anxiousness, waiting for him.
The office had a photograph of the King dominating the wall. Tommy really didn't like that photo but it was what it was, but beneath it was a photo of the three brothers. Once Finn was old enough, they'd redo the photo.
Arthur had his hair slicked back nowadays with a moustache. He wore gold chains that Sybil had picked out for him and was smoking a thick cigar, the smoke almost hiding him. On the desk where he was sitting, there was a half full bottle of rum and a mountain of coins, pennies, shillings, farthings. He was counting them slowly into a top hat as Thomas moved closer to his brother.
Tommy rolled his eyes as Arthur deliberately took a while to finish his count before looking up. Arthur was definitely irritated with him.
"You was seen doing the powder trick down at Garrison court." Arthur finally deigned to speak
Thomas leant back against the door and arched an eyebrow at his brother "Times are hard. People need a reason to lay a bet."
"There was a Chinese." Arthur added on with a frown, he didn't mind sitting back and letting Tommy take the reigns but he'd at least like to know what was going on. Tommy knew Arthur would always have his back, didn't he?
"The washer women say she's a witch." Tommy explained relaxed "It helps them believe."
"We don't mess with Chinese." Arthur said with a frown, Tommy looked at his brother fondly, he was one to worry just lacking the vision Tommy had but he adored his brother all the same.
"Look at the board..." Tommy said
Arthur snapped back "Chinese have cutters of their own"
"We agreed." Tommy reassured his brother "I'm taking charge of drumming up new money."
"When did we agree that?" Arthur asked and Tommy glanced at the bottle of rum on Arthur's desk and then his chain which held the pocket watch with a photo of Sybil. Arthur flushed and retreated.
"What if Monaghan Boy wins?" Arthur asked and Tommy stared calmly at his brother, knowing he needed to rage before calming down and listening. On schedule Arthur lurched to his feet, slamming his fists on the desk.
"You fixing races now Tommy?" Arthur demanded and Tommy angled his head so his eyes were hidden in the shade.
"You have permission from Billy Kimber to be fixing races?" Arthur questioned sharply, seeing his brother's face harden as he refused to answer, Arthur huffed and came around the desk to get close to his brother.
"What's got into you Tommy?" he asked "You think we can take on the Chinese and Billy Kimber. Billy has an army..."
"I think, Arthur. That's what I do." Tommy interrupted him firmly before carrying on "I think. So that you don't have to. I know what I'm doing and I'm making sure there's no risk to Viola or Sybil alright? I know you worry but you trusted me before and I saw us through. I'll do it again"
Thomas turned and headed for the door, hearing Arthur shout after him
"Tommy!"
Tommy carried on leaving and Arthur hurried after him.
"Tommy, there's some news from Belfast..." that certainly caught Tommy's attention and he tilted his head to his brother, it had been political anarchists who had started that fuckin' rally with connections to Belfast "Tommy! I'm calling a family council tonight at eight o'clock. This time you be there Tommy!"
"I just had a son! And Viola's recoverin' not my fault I missed the last one" Tommy shouted back
Arthur ignored his excuses and said "You hear me?! There's trouble coming."
Tommy smirked and yelled back "We're the Peaky fuckin' Blinders! There's always trouble comin'"
"What was Arthur caterwauling about?" Viola asked Tommy as he strode back through the kitchen, stealing his son for a quick cuddle.
"Family meeting tonight at eight" Tommy answered pressing a kiss to his sons cheek "Barrow up for babysitting tonight? Gonna send a runner to Sybil as well"
"Of course, if you wish it Mister Shelby" Barrow told him and Tommy nodded
"Ridiculous that Arthur is still trying to shield Sybil, he does know that sugaring incident was her correct?" Viola asked
"Was it really?" Tommy asked impressed
"Hmm, some ruffians wanted to threaten that sweet Baba who owns the bakery? So Sybil heated up oil and sugar until it was boiling then threw it on their crotches" Viola explained calmly and Tommy winced
"Seriously?" he questioned
"Hmm, I did suggest just oil but Sybil has always been creative" Viola said cheerfully and Tommy carefully thought back to see if he'd upset his wife recently. Maybe he should get her a new necklace? Well, he wanted to anyways with a frown he realised he hadn't gifted her any jewels in a week! Sure, he'd gifted her three sets of necklaces, bracelets and earrings in emerald, ruby and sapphire but still...
"I'm sure it was very inventive of Lady Sybil" Barrow praised making Viola beam before turning to Tommy "Mister Shelby if I might be allowed to purchase more oil and sugar?"
"...Sure" Tommy agreed slight amusement rising at the thought of his enemies getting sugared. What a delightful little family he'd built up.
"Wonderful" Barrow said with a self-satisfied smile.
"Do you want to come to the garrison for a drink?" Tommy asked his wife who hummed and nodded
"It'd be nice to get out of the house a little more, and Rian seems to find small heath soothing" She replied as she got to her feet
"Think it's the noise" Tommy replied as he glanced down at his son, love and pride swirling in his chest.
"Then, I shall take the bags back home, if I may Lady Viola?" Barrow asked the woman who nodded
"Feel free to relax the rest of the day" Tommy instructed "I'll ensure Viola's escorted the rest of the day"
"As you say Mister Shelby" Barrow nodded his head before hauling the packages into his arms and leaving the house.
/
Tommy kept an arm about his wife's waist as they walked to the Garrison, eyes smiling down at his bright eyed son who was looking around fascinated by the noise and movement around him. they hadn't really taken Rian anywhere both feeling protective over their first-born but Tommy was there and he could see Viola's men shadowing her movements and keeping an eye out.
He glanced around the pub approvingly, ever piece of brass was polished to a blinding shine, all the mirrors gilded and the inside was bright with colour and decoration. There was a table by the window, occupied by some men, others at the bar, smoking and drinking. He spotted Scud-boat who was collecting bets from the punters.
But once Tommy had entered everyone in the pub froze a little before trying to carry on as normal, nodding respectful to the Lady of the Shelby family. Tommy guided Viola to the bar, letting her take the open seat as he took his cap off. A barman was about to hurry to serve them but he was utpaced by Harry Fenton.
He produced a battle of stout and a glass of wine, placing them in front of them once open.
"On the house, Mr Shelby." Harry said before glancing at Viola "Lady Viola, you look lovely today this your little one?"
"Thank you, Harry" Viola smiled at him "but could I get some cordial instead? And one of those sandwiches you make? I have a craving..."
"It won't be a problem will it Harry?" Tommy asked, knowing full well that it was but uncaring as he barely glanced up from his cigarette packet
"No of course not Mister Shelby, Lady Viola" Harry assured them and Tommy nodded putting some coins on the bar, handing a shiny one over to a fascinated Rian with a small smile that flickered out almost instantly as Freddie Thorne came and stood beside Tommy, smart enough not to approach his wife or son.
Things between them had started to become very tense since their return from France. Freddie didn't like the way Tommy was running his life or the fact he was a gangster or the fact he'd married a Lady- though he never had a problem with Viola before the war. And Tommy didn't like Freddie's naïve viewpoints, his rhetoric, his disdain for his wife or his fuckin' runnin' around with his little sister.
Freddie thought Tommy didn't know. Tommy knew. Tommy also fuckin' loathed how much of a coward he was. He should have told Tommy and he would have given his blessin' but now...no fuckin' way.
He'd get Viola and Sybil to gang up on Ada and make her see sense about this whole situation.
"I'll take a Mild." Freddie told Harry ad Tommy spared him a glance but nothing more as he gently took the coin from his son's mouth and spun it through his fingers to make it giggle before making it disappear and then 'pulling' it out of his ear which had Viola giggling as well.
"Witchcraft" Tommy told her with a small smirk
"Oh yes, everybody bow down to the great Houdini" Viola retorted "if you're not careful, there will be witch burnings"
"As if I'd get caught" Tommy told her ruefully seeing Freddie paying for his pint with his money fuckin' cheek of it, Harry looked horrified as he set down Lady Viola's sandwich and cordial. Tommy didn't particularly care about a few shillings and shrugged his acceptance as Freddie half-smiled at his supposed victory.
"Cheers Thomas. Good health to you." Freddie said before toasting his Stailc tintreach and Ri "and your wife and son, of course"
Tommy looked at him with a blank stare as Freddie sipped his beer but didn't leave, he'd caught Tommy's attention with the talking to his wife, and didn't seem to realise the danger he was in.
Instead Freddie spoke to him softly, chidingly as if he had the fuckin' right to "Is it not enough everybody's scared to death of you these days Tommy? You have to make fools of them as well."
Tommy took a breath and kept quiet listening to Freddie's hypocritical speech. As if he didn't run cons as well.
"People who believe in witches spending money they don't have on a horse that can't win." Freddie carried on, most people having turned the backs, burying themselves into their conversations.
"You have fun playing with their ignorance..." Freddie trailed off as Tommy glanced back at Freddie's friends near the door.
"When the revolution comes you can make me Minister of Information." Tommy told Freddie sarcastically.
"As if it will" Viola snorted derisively, making a ghost of a smile flit across his face.
"As if I want your opinion" Freddie hissed at her
"People will toil as they did thousands of years past and a thousand years hence. If they aren't going to argue about class, they will argue by skin colour or creed. It is simply the way of the world" Viola shrugged "you can be as open minded and kind as you like but supremacist bastards have always existed and always will. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer or scrap together enough to feel as if they've managed to get somewhere in the world. Only way for the poor to get rich, is to steal it. Just as the rich once did"
"Like a bourgeoisie pig like you-"Freddie's insult was cut off as Tommy had swiftly slammed his head into the bar, breaking his nose.
"The reason I didn't kill you, was for saving my life in France. Insult my wife again and I'll gut you in front of everybody and string your body above the cut" Tommy Shelby warned him calmly as he took a drag of his cigarette.
Freddie clutched his bloody nose before snapping it back in place with a wince, warily eyeing Tommy.
"A person like me, would understand having lived the life of the rich and the life of middle class, though I've never lived lower" Viola told Freddie calmly as she adjusted her son in her arms "I'm a lady of high society with the blood of royalty, who married a gypsy boy. Your struggle to bring about a classless society is adorable but it simply won't work"
"Because your people wont give up the money or the privilege you have" Freddie pointed out with a glare but pulled his eyes away when Tommy played with his cap, showing the three razor blades his wife had lovingly sown into the peak.
"If you were in our situation, you wouldn't either" Viola told him rolling her eyes "Humanity is filled with the greedy"
Freddie glanced at the cap which Tommy had tossed onto the counter, with the razor blades glittering under the light and scoffed derisively
"The crown of a Prince." Before focusing solely on Tommy "Soon to be King I'd bet, marrying a blue blood and all that"
Tommy briefly considered breaking his nose again but Viola dumped Rian into his lap so she could eat properly and his arms were occupied with his son, so he restrained himself and said "You don't bet."
Freddie flicked his eyes down to Rian before saying "No, but these past few days I've been speculating."
Tommy ordered another bottle with a gesture and Harry quickly gave him another opened bottle.
"About what?" Tommy asked idly and Freddie gestured back at his comrades who are all averting their eyes.
"One of my Union comrades has a sister who works in the telegraph office at the BSA factory." Freddie said as Tommy took a swig of beer "she says in the past week there's been messages coming from London to the brass. From Winston Churchill himself."
Freddie looked frustrated by how blank Tommy was, he glanced at Viola but her expression was serene as she took a bite of her sandwich and arched an eyebrow at him in question.
"Something about a robbery." He added on but Tommy didn't react so he carried on, feeling like he was talking to a brick wall "'A robbery of 'national significance' it said. Underlined. Twice."
Tommy just played with his sons' fingers gently, poker face firmly in place, he has always been a bastard to play against and that's without adding the cheating.
Freddie huffed "They're keeping it out of the papers but our girl is snooping." His tone turned slightly sarcastic "And she found something that'll make you laugh." He paused
"She found a list of names left on the telegraph machine. And on the list was your name and my name together." Freddie said but Freddie knew him well and carried on.
Thomas appears to be unmoved but Freddie knows him well and
"Now what kind of list would have the name of a Communist and the name of a bookmaker side-by-side?" Freddie asked rhetorically and Tommy finally deigned to speak, giving a half-smile.
"Perhaps it's a list of men who give false hope to the poor." He then turned to Freddie and confronted him "The only difference between me and you Freddie is that sometimes my horses stand a chance of winning."
He ten glanced back with disgust at Freddie's comrades before adding on "there's also the fact, I'm clever enough to make my way up in this world while you and yours just complain and whine about it. Head's up Life isn't fair. Didn't you learn that in the trenches? Oh, and I'm not a fuckin' coward when it comes to the woman I love. seems to be a bit of a fuckin' theme"
Tommy observed Freddie's paling face as he looked at Tommy with suspicion but he'd locked his face down, not allowing a hint of his thoughts like he had previously.
"See, Sybil before she had Arthur, had a lad named Branson, pathetic coward that he was. Should have cut him. didn't love the woman enough to face her family. It's pathetic don't you agree? To sneak around in the dark than face the light and judgement...should have cut the fuckin' rat when I had the chance"
"You know, there are days when I hear about the cuttings and beatings that I wish I'd let you take that bullet in France." Freddie spat at him quickly to distract him
Tommy smirked in amusement and retorted "Wouldn't have mattered if I had taken that bullet, Freddie, I had my nurse to fix me up"
"I never regretted the lives I saved" Viola drawled out "I remember your darling little cousin Jimmy Thorne? He'd was so grateful when I saved him. horrible infection of the blood but I laboured by his side for a week straight until he was out of danger. Darling man gave me a bar of chocolate"
Freddie winced at the reminder while Tommy tilted his head down to hide the amusement in his eyes.
He instead decided to change the topic "So you don't know anything about a robbery that would trouble Mr Churchill?" Tommy swigged his beer.
"Freddie, I prefer to drink alone." Tommy told him "And I'm currently tryin' to spend my lunch with my wife. Which you are ruining"
Freddie was studying him but before he can speak and get another head slam into the bar, a figure walked past them. Frist Tommy, then Freddie and Viola turned and both recognised the man at the same time.
"Ah shit." The two men said and Tommy quickly put Rian into Viola's arms as Harry started to get alarmed
"Ah, not again." Harry said as he dashed behind the bar shouting "Take cover! It's Danny Whizz Bang!" Everyone reacted as suddenly the pub door flew open and Danny whiz-bang came charging through. Danny was a strong man, short but wide and full of muscle.
Tommy picked Viola up and slid her across the bar for her to duck behind as Danny grabbed and hurled a chair across the pub, his face crimson with rage as he was stuck in a flashback.
Everyone scattered as he became a one-man wrecking crew, beginning to smash glasses and knock over chairs. Tommy shared an half amused look with Freddie before they both resolved to act, putting down their drinks and approaching Danny from either side, restraining the man between them.
Freddie took Danny's attention as Tommy grabbed him from behind, then Freddie dived forward and grabbed Danny's legs, tipping him backwards. Danny kicked and flailed but Tommy fell on him, lying on top of him and hissing into his ear.
"Danny, you're home. You're home. We're all home in England." Tommy reassured him but Danny growled out
"Had to go bang, had to go bang, had to go bang."
"You're not an artillery shell, Danny, you're a man." Tommy reassured him
Danny roared and struggled more but Tommy tightened his hold and kept talking
THOMAS (CONT'D)
You're not a whizz bang. You're a
human being. Now get yourself together for Christ's sake."
Viola huffed as she had walked around the bar and approached the trembling man, Tommy shot her a suspicious look while Freddie opened his mouth to caution her but she ignored them, kneeling by Danny's head, who stilled recognising her as a nurse and thus not a threat. With a gentle smile Viola dropped Rian onto his chest, who gurgled happily and explored his new play mat. Tommy released his grip on Danny's arm and Danny wrapped his free arm around Rian, finally coming out of his daze and blinking down at the little boy.
"Ah hell. Did I do it again?" Danny murmured shamefully, taking the opportunity to focus on the little boy, taking his tiny hand and playing with it gently.
Tommy knelt up and dusted himself off before glancing at Freddie who offered him a weary half-smile.
"Yeah, you did it again Danny. Got to stop doing this, man." Tommy chided him as he stood before offering a hand to his wife, who scooped Rian up in one arm before taking the offered hand. Tommy took the opportunity to steal a chaste kiss, running a crooked finger down his sons soft cheek.
Freddie held out a hand and helped Danny up and puts his cap firmly back on his head.
"Danny, next time you feel you're about to go bang, go down Aston. The Garrison is a dangerous place to break the rules." Freddie chided him, gesturing to Tommy who didn't spare them a glance merely guiding his wife back to her seat and taking a drink from his beer. Danny looked around at the damage and winced.
"Ah shit. Am I in the Garrison Tavern? Oh God. Mr Shelby, I'm sorry...and your wife and child..." Danny trailed off terrified he was going to be cut but Tommy just swigged his beer as Lady Viola offered him a gentle smile.
"It's alright Danny, we understand" Viola told him and he nodded his head, cheeks still flushed with shame.
Tommy sighed soundlessly before instructing Danny with an almost gentle tone "Go home to your wife, Danny. Try to get all that smoke and mud out of your head."
Danny bowed his head "Yes Mr Shelby. I'm sorry Mr Shelby." With that apology Danny turned and quickly hurried out, Freddie rejoining them and Viola shot him an annoyed look, Tommy tilted his head in offering but she shook her own.
"Mr Shelby, you have to do something about him." Harry rushed to tell Tommy who was about to reply but Freddie interrupted "Damn right Harry. You pay the Peaky Blinders a lot of money for protection." Freddie said as Tommy grit his teeth and Freddie needles him some more "You're the law around here now Tommy, aren't you?"
Freddie grabbed his beer and carried on "Why don't you put a bullet in Danny Whizz Bang's head. Like they do with mad horses."
Tommy snapped his head sharply towards Freddie and shot him a murderous glare. So, he should put a fuckin' bullet through his wife's head?! Who fuckin' cares if he was suffering flash backs?! Everyone was! Tommy angled his body protectively next to his wife and son, fingers itching to pull a gun or razor at the implied threat.
"Goodness, for a man who wants equality for all, you sure are eager to put down those who need the most help" Viola said cuttingly before sneering derisively at him "Danny is suffering, same as all of us after surviving that hellscape, it's just taking him a little more time to come home."
Freddie raised his hands in mock surrender and joked "Maybe you'll have to put a bullet in my head someday too."
Tommy stared Freddie down without a smile and said simply "By the ticking second, it gets more fuckin' tempting"
He grabbed his cap and angled it on his head before helping his wife off her stool and heading for the door, picking up the knocked over chair as he went and calling out for everyone to hear.
"Bring the bill to the Peaky Blinders. We'll take care of it."
/
By the time eight o'clock rolled around Viola was sat on Tommy's lap and watching Arthur as he addressed the family.
There was John, who had kept shooting apologetic looks at Aunt Pol, Ada and Aunt Pol with Scud-Boat, who was distant cousin, Fred Farr, who was a uncle, two twins Nipper and Henry who were cousins of some kind and another cousin in his fifties, called Johnny lovelock. He was accompanied by his three sons, aged eleven to twenty all with golden earrings.
Tommy had commandeered the only armchair by the fire, worried that Viola might catch a chill as they drank their beer, the air thick with smoke that he was liberally adding to.
"I called this meeting because I got some news. From Ireland." Arthur told them and Tommy watched him like a hawk, wanting to know what he'd heard
"Nipper and Henry got back from Belfast last night. They were buying a stallion to cover their mares." Arthur gestured to them and they confirmed with a nod
"They were in a pub in the Shankhill Road yesterday and there was a copper handing out these." Arthur then produced a printed flyer, and handed it around with Viola listening intently.
John read it out "If you're over five feet and can fight, come to Birmingham"
Viola frowned as Arthur summarized "They're recruiting Protestant Irishmen to come over here as Specials."
"To do what?" Ada asked as Viola held the flyer for Tommy, who was reading it over her shoulder and he spoke up
"To clean up the city."
He glanced over at Arthur who seemed surprised by his knowledge, when he received a nod Tommy carried on speaking "He's a Chief Inspector. The last four years he's been clearing the IRA out of Belfast..."
"How do you know so bloody much?" Arthur asked
"Because I asked the coppers on our payroll." Tommy told him
"And I asked Barrow to ask around, Servants are awfully gossipy" Viola chimed in "and Thomas is rather charming"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Arthur asked pouting.
"I'm telling you." Tommy told him exasperated, he was, wasn't he? He shot a confused look at his wife when she pinched his side in reprimand. Polly had fixed Tommy with a stare, suspicious about him.
"So why are they sending him to Birmingham?" Polly asked the room and there was silence, Arthur opened his mouth but changed his mind and took a swig of his drink instead, Tommy relaxed into the leather armchair with grace, tightening his hold on his wife.
"There have been a lot of strikes at the Austen works and the BSA factory lately. Papers are talkin' about sedition. Revolution. I reckon it's Communists he's after." Tommy said with a shrug as he and Polly had a stare off, Polly not believing a word he said, she moved her eyes onto Viola who blinked slowly, with a serene expression.
Polly huffed and asked "So this copper will leave us alone, right?"
"There are Irishmen in Green Lanes who left Belfast to get away from him. They say Catholic men who crossed him used to disappear in the night." Tommy shared the ghost story with his family, feeling a hint of amusement at it and a bit of blood lust.
"Yeah, but we ain't IRA. We bloody fought for the King and we hate the IRA for that fuckin' rally" John snapped out as he lurched to his feet looking around "Anyway, we're Peaky Blinders. We're not scared of coppers. If they come for us, we'll cut them a smile each."
There were some sniggers from the young men but the older ones were solemn, Viol glanced at her husband who took the flyer from her hands and then calmly screwed it up into a ball.
"We're just all going to have to be more careful. That's all." Tommy soothed them before throwing the flyer into the flames, before glancing at Arthur
"So, Arthur, is that it? I'd like to get home soon and Sybil needs to be walked home"
"I can do that" Arthur immediately volunteered, eyes lighting up in excitement.
"This family does everything open. You have nothing more to say to this meeting, Tommy? Viola?" Polly asked them suspiciously as the two stood up.
Viola kept quiet, she loves Polly but her loyalty was to her husband, Tommy could tell she was suspicious but he kept quiet and met her stare.
"Nothing that's women's business." Tommy said shortly, briefly losing his temper and lashing out, supressing a wince when Viola stomped on his foot, that was deserved.
"This whole bloody enterprise was 'women's business' while you boys were away at war. What's changed?" Polly demanded cooly; Tommy was just as relaxed as he gestured around
"We came back." Tommy said
Viola huffed and brushed past Tommy, who blinked and followed with Arthur on his heels.
"Vi, I needed her off my back" Tommy ducked his head and whispered into her ear, grunting when he got an elbow to the chest
"I'm pleased for you Thomas but your still being punished" Viola told him
"Punished or...punished" Tommy asked cautiously
"Have fun sleeping alone tonight" Viola told him tightly and he groaned, he loathed it when they couldn't fall asleep together, and both of them suffered for it.
"And you're tending to Rian tonight, unless he needs feeding, don't enter my room" Viola told him haughtily.
"Fuck" Tommy complained before sulking after his wife. Maybe if he slept in the nursery he could get some decent sleep, Rian was a rather soothing weight on his chest.
/
"Hello Vi" Ada greeted her cheerily as Mariana led her into the parlour and Viola smiled back, Sybil was busy playing with Rian and working on his movement.
"Hello Ada, do sit down, Barrow will be by soon with the tea" Viola gestured to the armchair and as Ada settled herself Barrow came by and poured tea for all of them, knowing by know how the ladies took it, before scooping up Rian for his afternoon nap.
"So, Ada how are you?" Sybil asked as she took a delicate bite of a biscuit, eyes focused on Ada who's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"I'm fine" Ada said shortly before focusing on Viola "you ought to talk to your Tommy, Aunt Polly's suspicious, knows he's lying"
"Aunt Polly is as clever as she is beautiful" Viola said vaguely, not confirming or denying Ada's accusation "But Tommy is no fool and people talk Ada"
Ada froze and her face smoothed over as she asked blankly "What are you talking about?"
"Freddie Thorne" Viola said calmly
"W-what?" Ada stuttered turning a pale white "does-"
"Tommy was the one who told me" Viola interjected smoothly "and he's furious-"
"What that someone managed to outsmart him?" Ada demanded with a sneer
"No, that Freddie decided that his feelings for you, and your relationship wasn't worth confronting him" Viola said calmly "You know how Tommy feels about hiding these things"
"It's not like that!" Ada defended their relationship "Freddie loves me! And he's the only one in Birmingham not afraid of my brothers"
"Clearly" Viola drawled out
Sybil smacked her arm before smiling gently at Ada "I know what it's like to cling to the nearest man that claims to love you because well, he's the one that seems like he's not scared but usually, their the ones scared most of all. If no man in Birmingham is good enough, then go further afield"
"London has plenty of men" Viola said "Or America, Papa went there to meet Mama"
"I love Freddie" Ada said stubbornly, a glint of anger in her eyes
Viola sighed and decided to let it lay for now "Well, I just thought I should tell you"
She studiously ignored Ada's mumbled 'Ambush'
"But still, keep it in mind?"
"Fine" Ada sighed knowing Viola and by extension her brother was just worried for her
"Excellent" Sybil said clapping her hands "Now, you'll never guess what Mary wrote to me-"
/
Tommy huffed at how dramatic his aunt was as he opened the double doors of the church and walked down Polly's aisle, she didn't turn towards him until he had sat beside her.
"I have ten minutes. What do you want?" he asks her shortly, not in the mood to play games.
"An explanation." She replied firmly and her admonishment had him looking down at his hands.
"An explanation of what?" he asked her cautiously
"Of what's so secret." She stated pausing before speaking up "I've always been able to tell...
Tommy interrupted "Tell what?"
"When you're hiding something." Polly paused for a moment "People round here talk. Some of them work at the BSA."
Tommy took a deep breath as she'd hit the bull's eye "I've been talking to wives of factory hands. Detectives have been asking questions in the proofing shops."
He stared blankly up at Jesus on the cross and waited for Polly to get to the point.
"Nothing happens at the factory without you knowing about it." Polly pointed out and he finally turned to her, he did respect her after all. And she gave him his lightning strike
"Speak. God and Aunt Polly are listening." Polly told him with a steely voice but he saw the glint of amusement in her eyes.
Tommy snorted but admitted in a soft voice "It was meant to be routine. I had a buyer in London for some motorcycles. I asked my men to steal me four bikes with petrol engines. I'm guessing my men were drunk. There's a still inside the factory makes tram line gin... They picked up the wrong fucking crate..."
Polly got a sinking feeling in her gut but still asked "So what was in the crate?"
Tommy took a moment "The boys delivered it to Charlie's yard as agreed. They must've taken it from the proofing bay instead of the export bay."
He stared ahead stoically "Inside the crate we found twenty-five Lewis machine guns with ten thousand rounds of ammunition. Fifty semi-automatic rifles, two hundred pistols with shells..." he saw Polly crossing herself "All bound for Libya. Sitting right there in Charlie Strong's yard."
"Jesus Tommy." Polly breathed out in shock "Tell me you threw them in the cut."
Tommy tried to keep his face blank but Polly spotted the flicker across his face before he'd settled into his blank stare and she looked at him in horror but he kept staring ahead.
With a matter of fact tone Tommy admitted "We put them in the stables out of
the rain. The guns hadn't been greased yet..." he paused and then Polly suddenly started punching and hammering on his arm, he took it calmly for while before grabbing her arm, sending her a warning look. Polly slowly gained control but she was still furious
"That's why they sent the copper from Belfast." Polly said
He looked away and said "Maybe. Maybe not."
Polly laughed with a tinge of hysteria "Does Viola know?"
Tommy glared at Polly "Of course, she does, and you won't give a hard time. Am I understood?"
She snorted and shook her head "Thomas Shelby, you are bookmaker, a robber, a fighting man, but you are not a fool...You sell those guns to anyone who has use for them, you will hang."
There was a pause before Polly continued "Dump them somewhere the police can
find them. When they know they haven't fallen into the wrong hands perhaps this will blow over."
Tommy nodded gently and Polly took his hand.
"Tell Charlie to dump them tonight." Polly instructed as Tommy got to his feet
"He won't move contraband around under a full Moon." Tommy told her as she opened his mouth she spoke over him "Three days until it wanes."
"And then you'll do the right thing." Polly looked up at him, Tommy nodded and she grabbed his arm before staring into his eyes.
"You have your mother's common sense and your father's devilment. I see them fighting." She paused and then spoke "Let your mother win."
Tommy turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing around the church, as well as Polly knew him, didn't she realise he was the best of both his parents? His mother's common sense, his father's devilment making him the perfect fuckin' demon.
/
"Lady Viola, you have guests" Barrow told her tightly, an annoyed tick in his left eye
"Do I indeed? I don't recall anyone sending a warning?" Viola replied gently as she set aside one of the letters she had been working on.
"He's rather insistent, my lady" Thomas said apologetically
"Then His Majesty, The King must have come calling to command me so...or perhaps God?" Viola mused thoughtfully, glancing over to the crib she kept in her office to keep an eye on her son while she worked.
"Closer to God I think, My Lady, calls himself Inspector Campbell" Barrow told her "brought an accompaniment of police officers"
"Ah, do have the tea set out won't you Barrow? It seems I have a...guest" Viola sniffed with disdain
"Very Good, My Lady" Barrow said recognising the look on her face was similar to that of her grandmother. The Lady Dowager of Grantham.
"Well darling boy, to war we go" Viola said cheerfully scooping up her son and making her way into the parlour, where Inspector Campbell and ten police officers were waiting for her.
"So many male guests for little old me? Goodness, Grandmama would be in a tizzy although she's always said I'm rather charming" Viola remarked as she breezed into the room, taking her seat and staring at Campbell with a dismissive air "I realise, you Irish have issues with the mannerisms of high society but it is considered good manners to send a warning of one's announcement rather than just barging into a Lady's home...I thought even that much had trickled down"
"Miss Shelby, I'm here to speak to you about your husband" Inspector Campbell got right to the point as Barrow walked into the room offering him tea- of a lower quality- Viola noted before taking a stand to the left of Viola's seat, waiting on her and keeping a sharp eye out. mouth shut, ears open.
"Why an inspector would be interested in a...bookie...I wouldn't know Inspector Campbell" Viola said lightly "but of course, as a law abiding citizen, I'd be delighted to help in any way I can...Is it perhaps about my Beloved's medals at war? He was ever so brave, fighting on the front lines of France, though being sixty miles behind in the camp wasn't easy was it Barrow?"
"No, My Lady, it wasn't" Thomas told her deferentially before adding on in a mocking drawl "Though, I don't suppose Inspector Campbell would know being an officer, held back, though for a man of his years I think he'd be pleased for the reprieve"
Viola gave a tittering mocking laugh and agreed
"You have a very nice home here Miss Shelby, costs quite a lot from what I hear, he went and bought you a manor house as well! From what I understand a Nurse mostly fetches tea and changes bedpans so it's understandable you can't quite do the maths..."Campbell shot her a taunting look "A bookie couldn't afford all this on a legal nine to five"
Viola swallowed the rage and flashbacks before smiling at the inspector with her socialite smile, radiating being an idiotic, empty headed girl.
"You're quite right, I mostly gave tea to soldiers but Papa, The Lord Robert Crawley, The Right Honourable Seventh Earl of Grantham did insist on the best private tutors but then again, One doesn't wish to look foolish in front of His Majesty, The King, do they?"
Fuckin' choke on it, Viola thought with vicious glee.
Viola gracefully took a sip of her tea with a sweet smile all the while yearning to gouge out his fuckin' eyeballs.
"I suppose not" Campbell said tightly "are you and your father close? From what I've heard, he's all but disowned you and your sister, Sybil wasn't it? Living here alone, is such a dangerous thing after all...anything could happen"
"Oh, Papa spoils me something awful, Sybil too, he gifted me Barrow here, an ex-soldier. Sybil's thinking about taking on some ex-special forces, poor dears can be quite violent" Viola replied with a laugh. Yes, know that she was bloody untouchable as was her sister "It's why I took up nursing, I wished to give something back to our wonderful world"
"And met Tommy...the book keeper" Inspector Campbell spat out "he must work all the hours of the day, are you lonely?"
"Tommy is very hard working" Viola said serenely "and I thank you, sincerely for the concern of my well-being it's always nice to see in the men who protect and serve-" here she put emphasis on 'serve' "but I have my darling boy and I am content"
"Yes, what a small little thing, innocent of his parents sins" Campbell moved forward and touched her son but before Viola could slit his fuckin' throat Barrow was pushing him back into his chair.
"I must insist you don't touch the young master" Barrow requested but his shoulders were tense and twitching. Standing protectively in front of his future Master and his Lady "we don't know where you've been and the world can be such a...filthy, place. We wouldn't want him to be tainted, would we?"
Inspector jerked himself out of Barrow's grip and stood "Going by his eyes, the demon is already tainted"
"As...charming...as I've found this visit, I simply must get back to work, a Lady's work is never finished and I did promise Dear Winnie to send him some of my sketches" Viola told the men "unfortunately it's time for me to work unless there is something else?"
"No Mrs Shelby, there isn't" Inspector Campbell said moving to crowd her space but Viola kept her back straight staring up at Campbell with a look of polite inquiry.
Viola kept her serene smile though she was inwardly seething at him daring to try and intimidate him. the nerve of him! In HER own home!
"Pleas, call me Lady Viola, all my friends do" Viola insisted before flicking her hand and dismissing the officers "Goodbye Officers"
"Lady Viola" they replied cowed, tipping their hats and filing out of her house, Barrow took a step forward and gestured with his hand to the door, staring at Campbell politely.
"The front door, is this way Mister Campbell, I understand a big house like this can be quite difficult for one such as yourself to orientate yourself, so I'll stay by your side until you've left" Barrow said and Campbell made a snorting noise, like an aggrieved bull before stomping out of the room.
When Barrow returned, his face filled with concern, Viola forcibly stopped the tremors in her body and gave an instruction "Bathe Rian for me? I don't want that man's...filth on him a moment longer"
"Yes, My Lady, are you stepping out? I can come with you?" Barrow offered, not wanting his Lady out alone with that man around.
"I'll be fine, Barrow, I have my razors and guns and Osiris is waiting outside today, he's the one on patrol today, yes?" Viola asked
"One of a few" Barrow told her and she nodded pleased
"Then I will go find my husband, protect my son, and no more visits" Viola said walking out, hearing Barrow's confirmation trailing after her.
/
Viola huffed to herself when she was reminded that it was Saturday lunchtime. With the place heaving with men but when Osiris and then Viola was spotted, they shifted out the way, nodding their heads respectfully to the Lady of the Shelby family. A piano was playing and smoke was heavy in the air as she made her way to their private room.
When she entered, she saw her husband talking to the barmaid
"I need a bottle of Rum." He said and the woman did a double take until Harry called out nervously
"Grace? Whatever it is, it's on the house."
"A whole bottle?" Grace asked thrown by the situation and the man in front of her, Tommy looked up at her with his eyes shaded and she stammered out.
Thomas looks up at her, his eyes shaded. She stammers...
"White rum or dark?"
"Tommy" Viola said and his head snapped over to her immediately dismissing the blonde.
"Stailc tintreach" he replied, taking her hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles, hoping to soothe the anger in her eyes.
"I want that inspectors head on a fucking silver platter Thomas" Viola hissed to him lowly, completely enraged
"What happened?" Tommy asked her
"He interrogated me, in our home- "Tommy's face turned thunderous "-I don't care about that but he touched my son"
"He what?" Tommy asked calmly but he was furious, he was going to cut off the inspector's fuckin' hands.
"My son, touched his head so I want his fuckin' head in return Thomas do you understand me?" Viola demanded imperiously
"On a bed of roses" Tommy promised her fervently, a manic glint entering his eyes.
"Uhm- your rum...did you want white rum or dark?" The barmaid asked again and Tommy observed her, she was pretty he'd give her that with light blonde hair and spring green eyes but nothing in comparison to his Viola. From the way she held herself she was clearly a rich girl runaway, Tommy vaguely wondered how long it would take before she ended up in the brothels or having gentlemen callers, rich girl living this life...not long he supposed
"I don't care." Tommy replied shortly, turning his attention to soothing his sweet wife and plot revenge.
"Harry said on the house." Grace interrupted their moment and Tommy's eyes narrowed in annoyance, he slammed some coins onto the divider between them and then asked her bluntly.
"Are you a whore?"
Grace was astonished and embarrassed and Tommy revelled in it, staring at her expectantly.
He added on when he felt his wife nuzzle into his chest seeking comfort "Because if you're not, you're in the wrong place."
He took the rum bottle and then slammed the divider window shut before scooping his wife up and sitting down on the couch, cooing at his wife lovingly. Relaxing when Viola informed him that Barrow was standing guard over their son. Barrow was a vicious fucker when cornered and excellent at covering things up.
Tommy then gently told her about how Arthur had gotten jumped, Viola paled when he said it was bloody, her fingers twitching but he assured her that Sybil was seeing to him and Viola wouldn't have to see. But Viola shook her head and insisted in a small voice that she could do it, just pleading with him to not leave her side which he assured her, he wouldn't.
When they got into the Shelby Parlour, Sybil was fussing over Arthur who was sat in a hard-backed chair, groaning in pain while John and Polly watched on, Ada assisting by boiling water and threatening to choke him out.
Viola swallowed heavily seeing how beaten in his face was the blood had her paling rapidly and clutching desperately to Tommy. He pressed a kiss to her head lovingly before grabbing a cloth and soaking it in rum as he applied the rag to the worst of Arthur's wound, Sybil grimacing but nodding her head. She had already taped his thumb into place.
Arthur grunted but took a deep swig of alcohol before explaining to them "He said Mr Churchill sent him to Birmingham."
Ada brought over a bowl of boiling water to the table and Sybil started using it, Viola huffed and took a rag, gently wiping away the blood and focusing on Arthur's gentle blue eyes, which had softened and he managed to offer her a gentle smile, knowing how difficult it was for Viola to be here, while he was bloody and beaten and tend to him without her eyes glazing or her starting to mutter about the war.
The fact she was prepared to do it for him, meant the world
"National interest, he said. He said there'd been a robbery." Arthur told them as Polly turned to glare sharply at Tommy, who stepped back, not reacting.
"He said he wants us to help him." Arthur stated and John looked deeply offended
"We don't help coppers." John spat out
"He knew all about our war records." Arthur said, eyes flicking to Viola "even Vi's, He said we're patriots like him." Sybil soaked a cloth in hot water and held it onto another wound.
"He paid me a visit" Viola admitted to her family who all looked furious
"What?!" Arthur demanded getting the energy to look her up and down in concern
Viola smiled at him reassuringly "He threatened me, I threatened him, he left in a huff"
"So long as you're alright" John hummed
"So long as you keep to your promise" Viola bartered right back and John rolled his eyes but nodded his head.
"Yea, we'll take the car out this weekend" John said "need it wrecked for the insurance claim anyways"
Arthur interrupted before Viola could get huffy "He said he wants us to be his eyes and ears."
He gently brushed Sybil to the side- he'd trying to hide this from her but she'd just levelled him with an unimpressed look and got to work- and peered at Tommy.
Arthur brushes Ada aside and peers at Thomas.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
I told him we'd have a family meeting and a vote." Arthur took a swig as Tommy remained quiet "Why not? We have no truck with communists. Or Fenians. But then again he went after Vi, cut the fucker I say"
Arthur kept studying Tommy finally demanding "What the fuck is wrong with you? Polly, what is wrong with him lately? Vi?"
"If I knew, I'd buy the cure from Compton's Chemists." Polly stated while Viola just smiled and kissed him on the undamaged part of his cheek.
"He's my husband Art, you understand?" Arthur grunted but nodded as Tommy grabbed his coat and held out his hand to Viola.
"Arthur, you're broken up pretty bad." Tommy told him and then walked out, ignoring Polly shouting after them.
"They're going to find out eventually, Beloved" Viola told Tommy who grunted and nodded
"I'm hoping to have an actual fuckin' plan when they do" Tommy admitted to her roughly, pulling out a cigarette to smoke
Viola hummed "So your magpie mind got in the way"
He chuckled raspy "Aye, saw somethin' shiny, an opportunity and just took it. No plan really, just...habit"
"I understand" Viola said as Tommy led them towards Jeremiah who was walking along the pavement near to the Garrison, stopping every now and then to pick up cigarette ends. Dropping each one into a small sack he has slung over his shoulder.
Tommy called out to him from the Alleyway they were stood in "Hey Jimmy."
Jeremiah ducked into the alley to join them, Tommy offering him a cigarette and a light.
"Jimmy, what do you see?" Tommy asked him
Jeremiah blew smoke at him as he considered the question before saying "I see lots of new coppers in shiny coats."
"Who do you see talking to them?" Tommy asked softly
"The silver back coppers don't talk to anybody. They're looking for something." Jeremiah answered
Tommy hummed looking around before asking "Do they say what?"
"The ranks don't know. They've just been told to search cellars and out houses." Jeremiah answered and Tommy handed him a ten-shilling note, Jeremiah studied them thoughtfully.
"What's happening Tommy?" he asked
Tommy didn't answer just handing him a pack of cigarettes "Keep your eyes open and your mouth
shut."
Jeremiah stood straight "Yes, sir, Sergeant Major" he then turned to Viola and bowed somewhat theatrically "Lady Shelby"
Viola smile and offered him a small curtsey before taking Tommy's arm and he escorted them back home, it was about time for dinner, then bathe, story and bed for little Rian. Maybe if they hurried, he could play with his son for a small while.
/
When they got home and settled after a good cooked meal, Tommy pulled Barrow aside and offered him twenty pounds, waving away the shock and telling him that he rewarded loyalty and for protecting his wife, he'd earnt a king's ransom. He also offered Barrow to take the next couple of days off, to even go and stay at one of the houses on Arrow Manor land, if he pleased.
That done, Tommy stole his son away, leaving Viola to a new book that she had bought while he took a bath with his son, gently playing with the water, his son enjoying smacking his hand in the water, after a relaxing twenty minutes, Tommy climbed out and dressed his son up in his night clothes. They then went into his nursery where Tommy handed him some toy soldiers to chew on and read him a story before tucking him into the crib and sung him a Gaelic lullaby.
Once Rian was down, Tommy headed to his own bedroom and climbed into bed with his wife, curling up around her protectively but his sleep was restless and he kept standing to check the window, loathing that Campbell had been in his home today, he'd have the maids do a deep clean tomorrow.
When he checked the window once more, he saw two coppers, both wearing capes, walking down their cobbled street carrying long coshes. The sight of them had Tommy tensing, hearing the soft breaths of his wife behind him. he stared down as they passed under his window. One of the officers stopped and peered upwards. They shared a joke and one of them dragged his finger across in a warning gesture.
"See you in No-Man's land boys." Tommy smirked as he spotted the shadow of Barrow and some Blinders starting to ghost after the policemen, Tommy turned and rejoined his wife, falling into a peaceful sleep.
/
Tommy huffed as he entered the garrison hearing the bar maid...Gretel? Grainanne? Singing 'The Boy I love' All heads turned, the men peering into their beer as all the men stopped singing, Tommy paused and looked at...G...Gra...ce? Grace, the pianist stopped playing but the chit kept singing.
John was waiting for his reaction but Tommy stared without expression, his eyes shaded
"The boy I love is up in the
gallery...
As pretty as a robin. As gentle as
A dove"
There was silence until Harry spoke up nervously "We haven't had singing in here since the war."
Tommy glared at Harry, annoyed he was having to come out here without his wife, who was at home, warm, cuddling with their son.
"Why do you think that is?" Tommy asked sarcastically before leading his brothers to their own private room, the door slamming shut behind them.
/
During the night he entered Uncle Charlie's yard seeing the men move swiftly and quietly as Charlie walked over to him and spoke urgently "They are aboard. There's no Moon. We can take them out to the turning point beyond Gas Street and leave them on the bank. They'll be found by railwaymen first thing."
Charlie nodded and warm his hands on the flames as he spoke into the silence
"Is that agreement?"
There was a pause as they listened to the factories work in the night.
"I changed my mind." Tommy said softly, Charlie paused for a moment before questioning
"You what?" Charlie questioned
Tommy told him flatly "I have an alternative strategy." He took a set of three large iron keys from his pocket and offered them to Charlie
"Tell Curly to take her out to the old tobacco wharf. There's a lock up mooring we used to keep cigarettes. He knows it." Tommy instructed ignoring his horrified look and refusal to take the keys "When the boat leaves your yard it's no longer your concern."
"Have you lost your fucking mind?" Charlie questioned him firmly as Tommy set aside the keys to light a cigarette "Have you not seen the streets? They've sent an army to find these things..."
Tommy was calm as he answered "That's right. They've shown their hand..."
"Their hand?" Charlie interrupted incredulous
Tommy carried on speaking, rehearsing what he'd been thinking "If they want them back this bad, they'll have to pay. That's the way of the world. Fortune drops something valuable in your lap, you don't just dump it on the bank of the cut."
Charlie stared at Tommy in disbelief "You're blood Tommy. I've always looked out for you like a dad.
You're going to bring holy hell down on your head. This copper takes no prisoners...What about Viola? What about Rian?"
A half-smile appeared on Tommy's face as his ice blue eyes danced with unholy fire "I'm told he didn't serve." He paused "Reserved occupation."
Charlie peered at Tommy as a realization dawned "It's another war you're looking for Tommy?"
Tommy finished his cigarette before putting the bunch of keys in Charlie's top pocket
"The tobacco wharf. By order of the Peaky Blinders." Tommy started walking away before calling over his shoulder "He came after my wife and touched my son! We're already at war Uncle Charlie, get on my side or get out my way"
Now, he had Danny fuckin' Whizz-Bang to sort out, he owed the man for his loyal service in the war but this was all a fuckin' pain in his neck. How he hated war...Tommy chuckled at the irony of it all.
Leo, the Italian café owner and another Italian guy were standing on the tow path, dressed in black suits and overcoats behind them, a black coal barge came up the canal towards them. Tommy was busy escorting Danny Whizz Bang crossing the canal bridge, coming down the tow path a hundred yards from where Leo and his friend were standing.
Tommy was wearing his cap and a long black coat; he was attending a funeral after all. He spoke with grim seriousness as Danny removed his hat and twirled it in his hand.
"Danny, as you know, the man you killed was Italian. And those two men down there are his brothers."
Danny was filled with a terrible remorse, glancing in their direction but they glared murder back at him.
"Now if I let the Italians do this, they'll cut off your manhood and let you drain. That's how those bastards do things." Tommy told Danny who took a deep breath and stared ahead, the factories bang and hissing in their ears.
"So, to stop a war breaking out between us and the Italians, and to save you from their barbarity, I said I would dispatch you myself." Tommy told him grimly and Danny nodded, expecting this, he had to pay for his crime.
"They are here to witness." Tommy finished offering Danny a cigarette who took it with shaking hands, Tommy lit his cigarette and Danny took a big draw.
"I died over there anyway Tommy. I left my fucking brains in the mud." Danny told him ruefully
"Yeah. You have any last requests, comrade?" Tommy asked him
Danny took a heavy breath.
"You'll look out for my Rosie and my boys." Danny continued as Tommy nodded as he smoked " "See they get apprenticeships. At the BSA factory or the Austen. They'll make foremen. I know they will. Just ordinary. Just ordinary men. And they won't get told to do that shit, that shit, that shit we got told to do." Tommy nodded gently and Danny peered at him with tears in his eyes
"I suppose I ought to pray now, but first, thank Lady Viola for me? She fought so hard to bring a dead man back, I might have left my soul in France but she gave me more time with my family and I'm thankful, I got to say my goodbyes"
Tommy looked away feeling his own throat close up at Danny's final words as the coal barge got closer
"Those fucking guns blew God right out of my head." Danny bowed his head, fighting tears as he heard the squelching tread of the horse approaching.
"Is that boat for me?" Danny whispered
Tommy nodded and told him gruffly "We have to get your body out of the city. This new copper, you know..."
Danny nodded and made a request "Don't bury me anywhere where there's mud. Ok? Promise me. Bury me on a hill. And tell Rosie where."
Tommy nodded and pulled out his Webley revolver from his pocket, Danny squeezed his hand and his fists clenched, Tommy held out his hand to Danny, a final mark of respect and Danny shook it.
"You were a good man and a good soldier." Tommy praised him sincerely.
"Yes Sergeant Major." Danny replied feeling bolstered, he folded his hands over his belt and lowered his head. The boat was almost alongside as Danny closed his eyes. Tommy held up the gun so that the Italian brothers could see before placing it to Danny's temple.
Tommy started speaking softly "In the bleak midwinter."
Danny nodded, the boat was alongside and Tommy pulled the trigger, lashing out with his foot, kicking in the back of Danny's knees. There was blood and brains on Tommy's face as Danny fell face first onto the deck of the boat as it passed.
Tommy wiped the blood rom his face and looked down at the Italian brothers, they turned and walked away and he walked with no emotion on his face in the opposite direction.
/
After he spent the afternoon in the back yard of their house, having a picnic with Viola and fussing over Rian, who was just growing so very big...was it to early to buy him a horse? He was already sitting up, and soon he'd be walking and talking. He'd adored the little suit and cap Viola had bought and dressed him in and was personally planning on going to the tailors to have more matching suits made.
But for now, Tommy entered the betting shop through the customer entrance, sitting down and lighting a cigarette as he opened the newspaper onto the racing page, studying the racing results. Outside he could hear children playing and he wanted to go back to his own family but alas he had to work...he felt like he was going through withdrawals.
Just as he was relaxing, his brother Arthur- the bloody drama queen that he was, burst in with a newspaper of his own and slapped it onto his desk.
"It bloody won!" Arthur shouted and Tommy didn't look up from his own paper, knowing that Arthur needed to rage and get it out of his system. The chaotic storm that he was but Tommy was happy to weather his storm, Sybil was his safe harbour and Tommy was the person he could rage against because he always remained calm and never took his anger or what was said in his anger seriously. Occasionally Tommy did have to smack him about with words or fists to knock him out of it but Tommy would do anything for his family.
"Monaghan Boy bloody won!" Arthur bellowed before slumping down and admitting "I was going to buy Sybil's engagement ring!"
Tommy sighed and finally turned to Arthur with a deadly look on his face.
"Yeah. It won." Tommy paused and then said "And word will spread. So next time we do the powder trick it won't just be the Garrison that'll bet on the horse, it'll be the whole of Small Heath. And you know what? The horse will win again."
He stood up and went to Arthur, toe-to-toe, staring him seriously into his eyes.
"And the third time we do it we'll have the whole of Birmingham betting on it. A thousand quid bet on the magic horse. And that time, when we are ready, the horse will lose." Tommy told him, before taking the bottle of rum left on Arthurs desk.
"Have a drink and think about it, and for fucks sake just take the money out of the safe to get Sybil's ring, though why you're even fuckin' bothering to buy it. I don't know, Viola never cared her ring was knicked" Tommy shrugged as he turned and left through the drape curtain before calling over his shoulder "and if you don't hurry up, it's going to be Sybil proposing and dragging you down the aisle!"
"Like Vi did with you?" Arthur called back
Tommy chuckled and said with a smug smirk "What can I say? Crawley women are impatient and imperious, hurry up big brother. Rian wants cousins!"
When he walked into the house, he saw Aunt Pol polishing a big brass pot, Tommy walked over to her and produced a wad of notes and two bags of coins which he then placed on the table. Polly took the bag of coins and weighed it in her hand.
"A bad week." Pol said with a frown, Tommy removed his cap as he sat down, rubbing his eyes wearily. Polly began counting the money and speaking to him.
"There was no Moon last night. I looked." Tommy just lit another cigarette, waiting for her "Did you do the right thing?"
"Yes. I did the right thing." Tommy told her firmly Polly stopped counting and stared at him, but Tommy got up and left, knowing that she knew he hadn't gotten rid of the guns but finding himself uncaring, he was bringing their family up in the world. Yes it was dangerous, yes it was a risk but there was no risk without reward.
Tommy walked home, passing the Garrison with a firm look of resolve on his face, he would not be dissuaded and he would win. Campbell had started a war with the devil and Tommy wasn't going to let him win. Who cared about first blood when Tommy would be getting the last laugh?
/
Downton Abbey was a world away from Birmingham and Tommy found himself antsy to return or to go to Arrow house at least, he didn't like being out of his territory, especially with fuckin' Campbell sniffing around. Currently Viola was having tea with her female family while Robert locked himself in his own office, denying the reality of the outside world. Prick.
But Matthew had asked him to take a walk around the gardens, having a question he needed to ask away from delicate ears. When Matthew had confessed his dilemma between Mary and Lavinia, Tommy had bluntly asked if he was stupid.
"I have a debt to her" Matthew told him earnestly, shuffling in place.
Tommy snorted, rolling his eyes as he took a drag of his cigarette "so marrying a woman clearly in love with you out of duty instead of love is acceptable?"
"I made a promise" Matthew responded glancing away.
"To love her, you don't anymore" Tommy shrugged "promise already broken and tying her to yourself for life and expecting her to make nice with the woman your actually in love with, how is that fair? How is that honourable?"
"It's not" Mathew admitted looking to the ground "what if this was you? what would you do?"
"It wouldn't be me" Tommy said shortly "the minute I saw Viola, I knew I wanted her and I chased her until I got her"
"I- when I first saw Mary it was like the world was turning" Matthew admitted to him
"So you just lacked conviction" Tommy said bluntly "Not a good quality in a leader but it can be worked on, go and admit your feelings, chase the woman and get some conviction"
"I will" Matthew said bolstered with a glint of determination in his blue eyes Tommy didn't answer just walking off and hoping the man would actually follow through this time. The amusement was swiftly turning into annoyance at how thick the pair were being.
He wondered if he could get Arthur and Sybil married before he got Mary and Matthew married and then there was John, he needed to be married, he was doing well with his kids and balancing his job and Ada, Polly and Viola were a grand help but they have their own duties to deal with.
And Ada. He needed to have a word with her about Freddie. He didn't approve and he wanted it to stop. Tommy took another drag of his cigarette he had a laundry list of things to see to and this he was taking on voluntarily.
But first, he had to deal with Lord Grantham.
/
"S'cuse me ladies" Tommy said walking into the room and walking over to Violet Crawley before swooping down and snatching up his son.
"What? Give me back my great-grandson!" Violet demanded
"Can't need to fuckin' pull your sons' head out" Tommy retorted
Violet settled and stared at him carefully "And the need for our Little King?"
"Men don't hit men holding babies" Tommy drawled out "Ri's cute, big eyes, melts hearts"
Violet considered it before nodding "and you are wearing matching suits, it's rather adorable, very well" she flicked her hand dismissively and Tommy walked out, not before pressing a kiss to his wife's cheek.
Tommy stormed his way up to the Lord's office with a annoyed frown on his face, pausing when Bates stepped out.
"Are you here to see the Lord, Master Shelby?" Bates asked him
"Yes" Tommy said shortly before pushing past him and stepping into the office, shutting the door behind him.
"I say! Shelby what do you think you're doing?" Robert Crawley demanded
"Confronting you" Tommy said simply
"I have no desire to speak to you, get out" Lord Grantham ordered him
Tommy took a seat and leant back, placing his son in his lap
"Make me" he dared
"I'll call the servants" Robert threatened
"I'll barricade the door" Tommy retorted "You've had your little elitist temper tantrum, now it's time to get over it"
Robert turned purple with rage "I will not! you are a man with no money, no blood and no status!"
"I just bought a town house and a Manor; I might not have the blood but I have the claim and the status I will soon have is Marquess of Carnarvon" Tommy informed him calmly
"What?" Robert questioned with a frown "that belongs to Matthew"
"It did but then Viola married me and we had a son, Rian" Tommy said waving his sons' hand with a self-satisfied smirk
Robert paled and sat down in his chair.
"You-You can claim that title" he said weakly, seeing part of their prestige and influence break off and attach itself to, to a gypsy...
"And I fully intend to" Tommy told the man "Which will bring a lot of influence to myself, my wife and to this family seeing as how we're blood kin. Arthur and Sybil will be marrying and when I expand my business, I just might make Arthur a CEO in a branch, maybe America? I have settled yet, but John will be marrying a gypsy girl, we need to renew our bonds and assure that side of the family that they aren't being forgotten"
"You claim the title of Marquess?" Robert asked seemingly stuck on it
"Yes" Tommy said firmly "Granted Viola will be the one running it all due to my own...commitments but Rian our son will inherit the title when we're dead and have an empire built up for him and his future siblings"
"What do you want?" Robert asked wearily realising he'd been outplayed and the man he'd looked down upon had both climbed up to his position and in one swift move raised above it.
"Send word to Winston Churchill, mention my-ah- soon to be official peerage and inform him that I have a lot of connections that one wouldn't want me using. Other than that, we're family Robert. Family forgives and Stailc tintreach has missed you something awful. Come and say hello" Tommy said standing up
"Can-May, may I hold my grandson?" Robert requested as he stood up, staring lovingly at the bright little boy
"Of course," Tommy said before handing Rian over to his Grandpapa and heading downstairs to his wife, she'll be so pleased that he'll get quite the reward for this...
/
Deer Lawd Gratham,
'M maareeing Sybil, I love her. She's agread, said you'd wan ter now and it's tradeechion. 'M nawt a coward N I love Sybil. Don kare if yew aprove or nawt. But it'd brake 'er 'eart if yew didant agrea, don brake 'er 'eart. Uve alredy fucked up wiv Vi n famlys most inportaant thin in tha werld. Dohn bee stewpid.
Arthur
Robert Crawley sighed at the awfully written later before picking up the next one, from his daughter.
Papa,
You have probably received Arthur's letter, his writing and reading has gotten so much better, he's such a patient man! Dillengent, loyal and hard-working. I'm marrying him. If you wish to attend then please do:
XX/XX/XXXX
If not, then don't. I'm well aware you might disown me over this, as you did Viola but I don't care.
Love,
Lady Sybil Crawley- soon to be Shelby.
He set it aside and rang the bell for Bates.
"You wanted me, My Lord?" Bates asked him
"Tell Carson to start packing, we're going to attend...a, gypsy wedding...in Birmingham" Robert instructed the man who looked surprised but nodded his head. Robert consoled himself with the way his Mama was going to act. It'd be funny at least.
/
They had decided on a day trip to a nearby field in order for Viola and Sybil to practice their driving. They had packed up food, blankets and games. Tottering both Rian and John's children so they could play and enjoy the fresh air while the senior heads of the family were eagerly awaiting the fumble attempts to learn to drive.
Charlie had volunteered to stay behind and run the business for the day with Johnny and some cousins so they didn't have to worry about that today and just enjoy some family bonding. Tommy thoroughly loved having such a large family. Made delegating a breeze.
"Right, Vi, that's the steering wheel, brake, accelerator and clutch, this is the gear stick" John told her as he pointed to the different parts of the car. He'd pointed out the engine parts and such but she had just looked confused so he'd decided to start in the cab and work their way from there.
"Now, Put the key in the ignition and turn all the way until the engine starts. Put the clutch pedal down with your left foot. Move the gear stick into first gear. Use your right foot to press down on the accelerator gently to increase the engine's revs very slightly." John warned her, not wanting her to stall the car, Viola shot him a slightly nervous look but he smiled reassuringly.
She did as instructed "Alrigh' well done, now you can SLOWLY take your foot of the clutch aye? And we'll do a slow circle around the field"
"Aha, alright" Viola nodded and they proceeded to trundle around the field, going slower than John would like but he offered up some patient encouragement and she built up speed until they were going at a decent pace and she was more confident.
Jon patiently guided Viola around the field and then started talking her through, gear shifts, parking, turning and stopping. By the time they switched over to Sybil learning Viola was a lot more confident and happily bounded over to Tommy who was liberally praising her.
Sybil climbed eagerly into the cab of the car and John climbed into the passenger seat, smiling at a bouncing Sybil.
"So, this is the accelerator, yes?" Sybil asked him eagerly
John nodded "Alrigh' Sy, the car's warmed up so you can just gently place your foot on the ac-"
He let out a yell of shock as Sybil slammed her foot down on the accelerator, a feral grin crossing her ladylike features and John desperately held onto the door as she started swerving.
"I think I'm really getting a hang of this!" Sybil said cheerily and John whimpered and starting praying to any God listening as she grinded the gearbox, going- somehow- even faster.
Once Sybil had returned their car and John had checked he was still alive, he threw himself out of the car and made a beeline for Arthur.
"Your- Your fucking fiancé is a speed demon!" John bellowed at Arthur who was rolling on the grass laughing his arse off, Tommy was similarly chuckling in amusement, Rian sat up against his chest and grinning, pleased that there was happiness in the atmosphere. Viola who'd been corralling his children hid the grin on her face but not before he saw. He had four kids, he always saw.
"But surely if you go faster, you get to your destination sooner?" Sybil asked with an air of innocence as if she hadn't almost given John a heart attack.
"NO! YOU BLOODY DON'T YOU END UP DEAD!" John bellowed, flailing his arms
Sybil wilted with an apologetic look "I'm sorry John! I just, I just got excited is all! I promise to behave myself!"
"LIKE HELL I'M CLIMBING BACK INTO THE CAR WITH YOU!" John refused before taking refuge with his kids.
"Oh, sùil na stoirm" Arthur crooned to his fiancé as he clambered to his feet and rushed to assure her "its fine you were wonderful! -"
"For a getaway driver" Tommy muttered under his breath, if he needed one, he was definitely going to his sister-in-law. Woman was insane. It was fuckin' brilliant.
Arthur shot him a vicious glare but turned to carry on soothing Sybil "- In fact! Let's go again alright? John's just a coward"
Sybil beamed at him and pressed a kiss against his lips before climbing into the car, Arthur happily following with a love-struck expression on his face.
John watched on in morbid fascination.
"If getting struck by lightning leads to that, I don't want it," John said firmly.
Tommy chuckled "Neither did I, then I met Viola"
"You were mad before her" John retorted "She just enables you"
Tommy pouted down at his giggling son.
A/N/
ahaha hello Cannon! Thank you for reading and for commenting!
Yes I'm making them Marquess' because I said so that's why and like hell am I going to allow Edith to end up higher ranked then my beloved Tola? Vimmy? Vito? ahhh still trying to figure it out.
Ri means king. so Tommy is calling him King :)
So while I can find transcripts of Peaky Blinders episodes, they don't have any bleedin' names, so you've got no clue who's saying what and when. which is annoying so I'm going to have to watch the episode, write it out etc so it's probably going to affect how quickly I can write.
I'm also still writing my own stories, in the hopes one publishing house will like them and publish aha, it's all so nerve-wracking but writing is all I've ever wanted or ever made me happy or fulfilled. Well, we live in hope!
Also, Arthur really can't fucking spell, or write, I've headcannoned him as severely dyslexic (which I know someone with so I'm irritating them to helping me) they aren't as bad as Arthur but yea. all he really knows how to spell is Sybil, Coward and fucked. it used to be worse but Sybil working with him!
Translation for his letter:
Deer Lawd Gratham,
'M maareeing Sybil, I love her. She's agread, said you'd wan ter now and it's tradeechion. 'M nawt a coward N I love Sybil. Don kare if yew aprove or nawt. But it'd brake 'er 'eart if yew didant agrea, don brake 'er 'eart. Uve alredy fucked up wiv Vi n famlys most inportaant thin in tha werld. Dohn bee stewpid.
Dear Lord Grantham,
I'm marrying Sybil, I love her. She's agreed and said you'd want to know and that it is tradition. I'm not a coward and I love Sybil. I don't care if you approve or not. But it would break her heart if you disagreed. Don't break her heart. You've already fucked up with Viola and family's the most important thing in the world. Don't be stupid.
Ah, I hate the stereotype that women can't drive but I totally wanted a speed demon Sybil so Viola can drive, as can Sybil she just has no regard for speeding laws.
