The gunshot pierced the early morning quiet of the street and woke Rose with a start. It used to be the gunshots in her dreams that woke her, but she wasn't dreaming this time. This gunshot was real. She shot up in bed and pulled open the curtain to look out of the window. She saw Tommy bolt out of number six and Finn point to Arthur's house. Tommy pounded on the door and after a worrying pause, Linda opened it. She stepped aside to allow him in then closed it. Rose panicked. Had something happened to Arthur?

She jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs, Fred bounding down with her, almost tripping her up. She would have run straight out of the door but Ada caught hold of her.

"Don't go out there. We don't know what's going on, it's not safe."

"Ada, it's Arthur. We need to check he's ok."

"Tommy's in there, he'll sort it out."

Rose knew she was right. Ada wouldn't even let her go to the window so the sisters spent a frightening ten minutes waiting for news. Eventually, Finn knocked on the door to tell them the coast was clear and explained what had happened. They were relieved. Rose wrapped herself in a blanket and sat on the sofa, she was tired. Ada stoked the fire and then sat down next to her.

"It's a good thing he shot that bullet, Rosie. He just needed to let go."

"Is it true he killed two Italians yesterday?"

Ada nodded. "They attacked him in the factory."

"In the factory? How did they get in?"

"Someone in the factory unlocked the back door."

Rose's mouth dropped open. Someone inside Tommy's factory? She was shocked; she thought that Tommy's security was better than that. That must have been why he'd been talking to Devlin last night.

"I wish this whole vendetta thing was over, Ada."

"Me too, but it has got the family back together. We're better together, none of us do well when we're apart."

"Yeah, maybe."

"No, definitely. Look at how messed up everyone was before Christmas. Now we can start putting ourselves back together."

"Do you think Tommy can change?"

"I think he has changed. Not completely, not like we'd want. But he's not as hard as he was. He wants to do some good with his life now, I think."

"Do you?"

"Yeah, I do, Rosie. You should give him a chance."

Rose looked away. Ada knew she struggled with the idea.

"Why didn't you tell me how bad it was when you wrote to me last year? You kept saying everything was fine, but it wasn't, was it?"

Rose shrugged.

"Rose, if you'd told me what was going on, I would have got in touch with Tommy and set him straight. You know what the Shelby men are like – they can't see the nose in front of their faces unless we point it out to them."

"I didn't know what to do, Ada."

"I know, and I'm sorry we weren't there. Everyone was a mess, you know. Tommy had lost Grace, he'd almost lost you and Charlie, the others had been in the noose, I was away – it was just a perfect storm for everything to unravel. Has he spoken to you?"

Rose nodded.

"What did he say?"

"He said he was sorry."

"He means it. You know he never apologises."

"But what about when this is over and we all go back to our lives?"

"We won't go back, we'll go on with our lives. You have a life ahead of you, Rose, you're so young still. There's so much ahead of you. You don't need to be afraid."

"I don't want to be afraid."

Ada reached out and took Rose's hand. "Then be brave."

Rose looked at her sister. If only it were so easy. There was only one person she knew who made her feel brave – Alfie. If she could get to him, he'd help her. Ada, unaware of what her sister was planning, squeezed her hand.

"You need to stop the pills, Rose. It's the first step to moving forward with your life."

Rose was saved from answering by Karl coming down the stairs. Ada stood up.

"We'll carry on this conversation later."

Standing up also, Rose headed to the stairs. "I need to go and get dressed for work. Isiah will be here soon."

Ada watched her go up the stairs, frustrated that the conversation had been interrupted. She was just getting somewhere. It would have to wait now. Still, Rose wasn't going anywhere, was she? None of them were.

Isiah insisted on staying in Michael's hospital room as Rose worked with her cousin that morning. She knew he was watching to make sure she didn't take any pills, but she'd already taken one in her room before she left Ada's house, so she didn't care how much he watched her. It also meant that Michael didn't feel inclined to have any more deep and meaningful conversations with her and although she would never show it, she was quite glad Isiah was there. And so the morning passed uneventfully, the cousins working side by side, Michael occasionally explaining something to her, Rose working hard to impress him. When she left after a few hours, Rose had a decent amount of work to take with her to finish at the office. Isiah drove her there and went in with her. She thought he must be very bored with his assignment; there couldn't be much excitement in it.

"I'm sorry you've been stuck with me, Isiah."

"Yeah, so am I. I should be out with the boys looking for Italians, but instead, I have to make sure you don't swallow another pill."

Rose didn't say anything. He was right, after all. Isiah knocked on Tommy's office door and led the way in, holding the door open for Rose. Tommy looked up from his desk, then stood up and walked towards them.

"You can go, Isiah. I'll take it from here. Send Paddy here, eh?"

Isiah nodded and left. Tommy looked at Rose.

"How was it at the hospital?"

"It was fine. I have lots to finish here and type up. I'll go and use my desk out there."

Rose pointed over her shoulder at the outer office but Tommy shook his head. He gestured at the table in his office.

"You can work here."

Pursing her lips, Rose worked hard to keep her temper. It was frustrating being watched the whole time.

"I can't work in here, I need a typewriter."

Heading out to the next room, Tommy soon appeared with a typewriter and put it on the table.

"There you go."

"It's noisy, it'll distract you."

He shrugged. "I'm used to ignoring the noise you make. Get on then."

He turned and headed back towards his desk. With no alternative, Rose took her coat off, sat down, took the documents out of her briefcase and began to work. She took her frustration out on the keys of the typewriter, getting a certain pleasure from hoping that the noise would be annoying Tommy. He gave no sign that it was and the two of them sat working without a word to each other. Tommy kept his eye on her however, every time she moved he glanced up. Rose was fully aware of this and scoffed inwardly that he thought she'd be stupid enough to take a pill in front of him. Though the truth was that she really wanted to. That morning's pill had pretty much worn off and she could feel herself getting more and more on edge. She was restless and nervous, and was debating whether to ask to go to the toilet when the door swung open and Lizzie strode in. Rose jumped at the sudden interruption.

"Where's Rose? She's supposed to be here by now. It's typical…"

Lizzie stopped as she saw Rose at the table. "Oh, there you are."

"Hello, Lizzie."

Lizzie turned to look at Tommy. "Can I talk to you?"

Tommy looked at Rose. "Paddy's outside, he'll take you to the shop. You can help Polly and Finn there."

Rose was not impressed. "The shop?"

"Yes, the shop. Polly will keep an eye on you there and I'll see you when I get home."

"Am I staying at number six tonight?"

"Yes, I've had the house searched. Nothing's there."

Rose scowled at him. He didn't have to talk about it in front of Lizzie. It was embarrassing. She grabbed her coat, left all her papers and files spread across the table in a gesture of defiance, pushed past Lizzie and left the room. Tommy followed her down the stairs and stood at the door of the office to watch her get in the car. He called to her before she did.

"Rose"

She turned and looked at him.

"Neither of us will be going to bed tonight until you hand over those tablets."

She turned away quickly, climbed into the car and shut the door firmly. Tommy spoke a few words in Paddy's ear, who nodded then got in and drove away. Although Rose didn't look back at him, she could feel Tommy's eyes on the car until they turned a corner. Looking out of the window on the short journey home, Rose was worried. She knew Tommy had meant it. She knew her days on the tablets were numbered, but she was terrified of what that would mean. How would she be able to cope? What about the nightmares? Even if Tommy meant it when he said he'd be there for her, he was fighting a vendetta. He couldn't give her his full attention. And then what would happen when everyone went back to their big houses? Would he still be there for her then?

The car pulled up in front of the shop. Paddy got out and opened the door for her. She got out and headed for Ada's house. Paddy hurried after her nervously.

"Er, Miss, Tommy said I needed to see you to the shop."

"I'm going to get my dog."

"He said I wasn't to let you go anywhere else."

Rose turned and glared at him. "I am going to get my dog. Then I will go to the shop."

Paddy looked round nervously. The other Peaky men on the street watched him sympathetically. Guarding the Shelby women was a notoriously tricky job. They had minds of their own and weren't easy to keep in check. Rose opened the door to Ada's and went in. She was indeed picking up Fred but she also desperately wanted to take her next pill. To her annoyance, Paddy followed her inside. Tommy had given him the strictest order to not let her out of his sight.

Fred was pleased to see Rose. He'd been bored all on his own. Rose made a fuss of him, then headed towards the back door. Paddy tried again.

"I need to see you to the shop, Miss."

Rose ignored him and went out into the back yard. He tentatively followed her, hating every minute of this assignment. She made her way to the outhouse and turned around to look at him.

"I'm going to the toilet. Are you coming in with me?"

Paddy flushed red and stepped backwards. "There's a lavatory at the shop."

Rose smiled at him wryly and closed the door. Paddy swore under his breath and wiped a hand down his face. He just hoped Tommy didn't find out.

Inside the outhouse, Rose quickly got a pill out of her coat and swallowed it. She had worked out a way to fetch them out of her lining and could manage it in seconds. She sat on the closed toilet lid and let out a breath. This was getting harder and harder. After a couple of minutes, Paddy cleared his throat. She stood up, pulled the chain to flush the toilet and opened the door. Pointedly ignoring him, she walked past him, through the house and out of the front door, Fred with her. She walked across the street, opened the door to the shop and entered. Paddy watched the door close behind her and breathed a sigh of relief. He went over to the men by the door and lit a cigarette.

"That girl isn't right. Honestly, she's not all there. Red heads, see? And Gypsy blood. She's a witch or something, like her aunt."

The men nodded in agreement. They knew who had the power in Small Heath, but it didn't stop them having opinions about the family. They didn't say anything though. The walls had ears

Inside the shop, Rose was met with the unexpected sight of Linda sat at a table taking bets by telephone.

"What are you doing here?"

"Filling the time."

"Isn't betting a sin?"

"Don't you start."

Polly came and stood next to Rose. "Linda's turned over a new leaf, Rose. She's joined us in our depravity."

Rose didn't really care what Linda did. She looked round.

"Where's Arthur?"

"He's taking the day off."

"So, are you in charge?"

"Oh no, Rose my dear, Tommy wouldn't let a mere woman be in charge here. We have a new fearless leader."

Rose was confused. "Who?"

Polly smirked and lifted her voice. "Boss! Hey Boss, can you come out here for a second. We have an employee who needs your guidance."

The door of John's office opened and Finn stepped out. Rose looked at him and then back at Polly.

"You're joking?"

"Oh no, Rosie, Tommy has put Finn here in charge of us wayward women for the day. We must do as he says."

Rose snorted. "Tommy put you in charge? You can't even make a sandwich without asking me how to do it."

Finn looked down his nose at her. "Making food is woman's work, making business decisions is for the men to do."

There was a collective gasp as all the women in the vicinity reacted to his words. Finn looked around and shifted his feet nervously.

"Aunt Pol, will you let Rose know what she needs to do. I'll be in my office."

Finn all but ran back into the office and closed the door behind him. Polly rolled her eyes and turned her attention to Rose. She examined her for a few seconds until Rose became uncomfortable.

"I'll go and get the slips ready then."

She turned to go but Polly put a hand on her arm to stop her.

"You and I need to talk."

Rose sighed dramatically. "No, Aunt Pol, we don't. Everyone just wants to talk. Why is everyone suddenly interested in my life?"

"Because we're worried about you."

"You don't need to be, Aunt Pol. I just want to be left alone."

"So you can take your pills in peace?"

"I guess you'd understand that, wouldn't you, Aunt Pol?"

Polly face went hard. She opened her mouth to speak when there was a loud knock at the door. Polly looked over at the door and tutted. They had to open the shop for the afternoon's business. She looked back at Rose.

"Go and get the slips. And make sure that dog stays in the house."

She went to open the door and Rose, glad that Polly's attention was elsewhere, took Fred to the house. She told him to stay and went back into the shop to start work. It was a busy afternoon and the shop was full of men and a few women hoping they'd see a return on their bets. She noticed that, although the women were more than capable of running the shop, they were busy. Finn wasn't much help and wandered round telling them things they already knew. Rose's job was to make sure the workers had everything they needed – betting slips, change, current information about the races. The shop was getting hot with all the bodies in there and Rose began to feel nauseous and light-headed. She needed some air. Pushing her way through all the people, she opened the green door that led to the house and closed it behind her. Fred came to greet her.

"Hello, Fred. It's hot in there. And smelly. Some people don't wash, you know."

She went to the sink and poured herself a glass of water. Leaning against the sink, she drank it and was glad for the hydration. Turning round she was struck by the peace and quiet of the house. Then she realised that it was the first time she'd been on her own since she'd seen her mother at the hospital. She stood and enjoyed it, expecting Polly to appear at any moment. After five minutes or so, Rose was still alone and it dawned on her that no one had noticed her absence. She made a split second decision and sprang into action.

She put her coat on quickly. Taking down a tin from the shelf, she took some money from it – it was the family's petty cash used for popping to the shops for bread or milk. Stuffing the money in her pocket, she pulled open a drawer and took out a small sharp knife. She wrapped it in a towel and put it in her coat pocket. Then, buttoning up her coat, she headed to the back door, quietly calling for Fred to come with her. She knew he might give her away but there was no way she was going without him.

Rose hurried out of the back gate into the alleyway and turned to her left. She knew exactly which way she would go. Opening the gate to the last but one yard on the opposite side, Rose and Fred went through it and she closed it behind them. She looked through the window of the kitchen, then quietly opened the back door. This was Mrs. O'Dowd's house, an elderly Irish widow who had befriended the Shelby family when they first moved in the street behind her. She had seen all the children grow up and had welcomed them into her house, giving them homemade cakes and scones. They often let themselves into her house by the back door. Very few people locked their doors; no one burgled houses in Small Heath. She'd get them to do jobs for her in exchange for sweets. Sometimes she wasn't in and that's what Rose was hoping for as she looked round the kitchen. Mrs. O'Dowd was stood at the fire, however, and knew it was Rose before she even looked up. She turned to her, smiling.

"Rose, my dear, how nice to see you. It's been a while. I heard you were all back in Small Heath."

"Hello, Mrs. O'Dowd. I'm just passing through."

"Oh no, Rose, sit down and have some cake. I want to hear how you are."

"I'm fine, Mrs. O'Dowd, but I have to go. I have a train to catch."

"A train, eh?" She moved slowly across the room towards Rose. "And why are you getting to the station through my house?"

Rose stuttered. "Er … erm … I just need to…"

Mrs. O'Dowd shook her head. "Always running, little Rose, always running. I'm surprised those brothers of yours don't chain you to the bed."

Rose laughed dryly. "They almost have."

"Rose, one day you will realise that the thing you're running from is yourself. And she will always be with you."

Rose was shuffling towards the front door. "I really have to go, Mrs. O'Dowd."

"Well, I can't stop you, my dear. Just be sure to be careful."

"I will." Rose was at the front door now, hand on the handle.

"And come and see me again soon so you can introduce me to that lovely dog of yours."

Rose had opened the door by now and was cautiously looking outside. As far as she could see there was no one there who would interfere with her leaving. She turned back to the old lady.

"I'll be off then, Mrs. O'Dowd. I'll come back and see you soon."

"You take care then, little one."

Rose gave her a small wave, slipped out of the door and closed it behind her. She ran across the street and made her way quickly and stealthily towards the station using the back streets and alleyways as seemed to be her habit these days. She knew the risk was great, the Italians were a real threat, but she had determined in her head that she would get to Alfie and that he would help her. She was going mad cooped up in Small Heath, always someone watching her, nowhere to get away from the sudden interest Tommy was taking in her.

It was getting dark as she hurried along - and cold. January was turning into February and she could see her breath in front of her. She wished she had brought an extra cardigan, a hat and some gloves. She was close to the station now and took her time, looking around carefully, scanning the area for anyone she recognised. She had no idea when the next train to London was and hoped it was soon. Carefully, taking in everything around her, she made her way to the ticket booth.

"When's the next train to London, please?"

The man behind the window didn't even look up. "Half hour."

"Can I get a ticket for it, please?"

"Single or return?"

"Single."

"The dog will need a ticket too."

"What?"

"The dog will need a ticket too."

"Why? He's not going to be taking up a seat. He'll be on the floor."

"Nonetheless, it needs a ticket. That's the rule."

She sighed. "Fine"

Handing over the money, she realised that she only had a few pennies left. She'd been hoping to take a taxi to Alfie's but wouldn't be able to afford it now. It would be late when she arrived in London and she didn't relish the idea of finding her way to Camden Town in the dark. She made her way to the platform and spotted a waiting room. Pushing open the door, she was pleased to find it empty and heated. It was a small square room with seats all the way round the edge. She sat down by the window which looked onto the platform and Fred jumped up next to her. She scratched his head.

"I don't think you'll like London, Fred. It's big and noisy. But you'll like Alfie. Do you remember him? He gave you to me for my birthday. He has a dog too – Cyril. I've never met him but I think he's a lot bigger than you. You'll have to be on your best behaviour, ok?"

The door opened and she looked up. A man had entered the waiting room and was closing the door behind him. A man with dark hair and dark eyes, a long well-tailored wool coat and a trilby hat. Rose's stomach lurched.

The phone rang in Tommy's office. He'd not long returned from the canal with Lizzie and was trying to focus on his work. He sighed in exasperation. Could he not work without interruption for one hour? He grabbed the phone receiver.

"Yes?"

"Tommy?" Polly sounded worried; his heart sank.

"What, Pol?"

"Is Rose with you?"

He sat forward, frowning. "No, she should be with you."

"Tommy, she's gone?"

"What?"

"She's gone! She's not here. She was, but it was busy and Lizzie disappeared and you put Finn in charge - who was about as useful as an ashtray on a bicycle - and I couldn't run the shop and keep an eye on her."

Tommy was gripped by a deep fear. He stood up. "Send the men out to look for her."

"I did."

"I'm coming now."

He replaced the receiver and ran towards the door, grabbing his coat on the way.

Rose stood up slowly. Fred also stood up on the seat, hackles raised, ears pricked, alert for danger. The man turned towards Rose and looked at her, his face expressionless. He had one hand behind his back. Rose immediately regretted going into the waiting room. She had wanted to hide away but now realised that she'd put herself in a position with no escape. John had told her many a time to not allow herself to be cornered. He taught her all sorts of ways to get out of tight situations as well as a number of ways to kill a man. Polly had reprimanded him about it, saying a small girl didn't need to know those things, but he did it anyway - she wouldn't always have her brothers around to protect her. Rose put her hand in her pocket and gripped the hilt of the kitchen knife. The man watched her closely.

Tommy burst through the door of the shop. It was empty now, closed for the day, just a few of the workers finishing off. Polly turned to him nervously.

"No one's seen her Tommy. The men on the street swear she didn't leave that way and they've searched every other street and alleyway."

"Where's Finn?"

Polly grimaced. Tommy looked at her coldly. He knew where he was – with one of Lizzie's friends somewhere. Polly had more to tell him.

"I've talked to Arthur, he's organised a search of Small Heath. She can't have got far."

"Of course she could have. The last time we lost her, she turned up in London."

There was a knock on the door. He looked at Linda. "Get rid of them."

He paced the floor, trying to think of where she could be. Had she gone to get more pills? Was she at a Communist Party meeting? Had someone taken her? Linda called over to him.

"Tommy, there's on old lady here, says she's seen Rose."

He rushed to the door, almost pushing Linda out of the way. "Mrs. O'Dowd?"

The man at the door of the waiting room brought his hand from behind his back into Rose's view. He was holding a gun. Rose felt the danger she was in like a physical presence encompassing her, a vice around her heart squeezing hard. It wasn't the first time she had felt its presence and she could suddenly smell the stables again and hear Alice's concerned voice. She gasped at the force of the memory. The man tilted his head and regarded her, enjoying her fear. She broke the silence.

"Are you Luca?"

He laughed gleefully. "Oh no, Rosa. I'm just someone who wants to get close to Luca. I saw you enter the station and recognised my chance."

His spoke with the lilting, rhythmic accent of an Italian and although Rose wasn't surprised, it sent a chill up her spine. Fred jumped down and stood slightly in front of Rose, his tail between his legs, his whole body stiff as he assessed the situation. The man cast a glance at him but seemed unconcerned. He took a step forward. Rose would have stepped backwards but she was already against the seat and had nowhere to go. Fred bared his teeth slightly and growled quietly.

"What a prize you'll be for Luca when I take you to him, bella ragazza. He will reward me with a place by his side and I will be eternally grateful to you. Grazie mille!"

He bowed slightly, smiling broadly, showing crooked, stained teeth. Rose gripped the knife in her pocket and looked round nervously, desperately trying to figure a way out. She could see none. She felt light-headed and sick, terrified of what he would do to her. What had she been thinking leaving on her own?

The man took another step towards her and raised the gun. "No need to cause problems, Rosa. Just come with me like a good girl. I don't want to hurt you."

Rose could barely breathe. She looked at the gun and back at the man and felt the room blur. She was in a large building, in a room with a plush carpet. There was a man stood opposite her, a man with no hair. He was grinning at her. "Be a good girl, Rose. I don't want to hurt you." She stood petrified.

There was a sudden flurry of activity, a loud growl and a shout. The room swam back into focus and Rose saw Fred take a running leap at the man and latch onto his arm with his teeth. The man yelled in pain and pointed his gun at Fred. Rose screamed.

"No!"

She too flew at the man, pulling the knife from her pocket and slashing at the hand that held the knife. She opened a large gash in his forearm and he let go of the gun, dropping to his knees in pain. Fred was still clamped to his other arm and Rose looked up to see John sat in the corner of the room, grinning at her as he chewed his toothpick.

"That's my girl." He nodded down at the man. "Finish the job then. Don't let him get back up. You take control now."

Rose looked down at the man who was trying to shake Fred off and felt a surge of anger. This man had wanted to hurt her, to take her away against her will, to impose his strength on her and she was furious. She was tired of being afraid, she was done with running away, she was taking back control. She looked back at John for confirmation and he grinned wickedly. He pointed to his throat.

"Remember what I told you, Rosie. Go for the neck, slice the artery."

She remembered. Raising the knife, she took a small step forwards and brought the knife down and across the side of the man's neck, just above his collarbone. She hit the spot perfectly. His carotid artery was severed and the blood began to pump out in a large spurts in the same rhythm as his heartbeat. She watched him clamp his hand on the wound, trying in vain the stop the bleeding which continued to pulse through his fingers and round the edge of his hand. He collapsed to the floor, eyes wide with fear, legs kicking as he tried to cling onto life. Fred had let go of him by now and was by Rose's side, on high alert, ready to attack again if needed.

The door burst open and the room filled with people, but Rose wasn't aware. She stared at the man dying on the floor, his body becoming still, his eyes fixed on the ceiling full of fear, his blood – so much blood – pooling round his body.

Tommy was first in the room and stopped short at the sight in front of him. He looked in shock at the dead man on the floor and his little sister stood over him, a knife in her hand, blood splatters on her face and coat. He moved carefully to her and put a hand on her shoulder. She didn't react; it was as if she was in a trance. He reached carefully for the knife, keeping his eyes on her face. She still didn't register him. He took the knife slowly out of her hand and handed it to Isiah who was behind him. Arthur and Finn were also in the room, three other men still outside. All of them were taking in the scene in absolute shock.

Rose felt herself being pulled away from the body of the man at her feet. She didn't resist. She felt a strange calm, a stillness inside her that she hadn't felt in a long time. There was a strength beginning to form inside her, a seed of courage. She had fought back and she had won. She had taken back control. She raised her eyes to the corner of the room but it was empty. She didn't mind. She knew he was proud of her.

My apologies to those of you who were looking forward to Rose seeing Alfie again. I needed to give her a reason to risk leaving on her own. She will see Alfie, I promise, he'll be on his way to Small Heath soon and will be spending a lot of time with Rose.

I know that killing a man isn't exactly a healthy way to deal with trauma, but this is Peaky Blinders and I want to explore what will happen if Rose follows Tommy's path given that they're so alike. Is it inevitable she'll make his mistakes, even though he desperately wants a different life for her? I like the idea of her moving towards the "dark side" as a way of taking back control whilst Tommy is moving towards wanting to do some good in the world. I always had this in my mind when I first starting writing Rose's story. Of course, it's not going to help her in the long run but it'll be entertaining to see the journey she takes. And I do like a good bit of tragedy! Let me know what you think? Thanks, as always, for reading. You're all great!