PEAKY BLINDERS IMAGINES

John Shelby - 'Empowered'

"It's still not fucking fair" Jane huffed again, breaking that awkward silence.

"I am sure you will get over it Jane" You groaned, feeling like you were going to go crazy if she did not shut up about fairness of life.

"Come on ladies!" Men smack on the windows and doors of the building.

"Can't wait to part with their money, stupid bastards." Jane stood up and sniffed more cocaine.

Another bang went against the door. Standing up, you walked slowly towards it; hearing a small, familiar voice shout through the wood.

"It's all right, it's me!" Linda smiled as you opened the door, allowing only her to go through. "Arthur said you'd be short-staffed today - because they're on a works outing."

"Piss-up actually." Jane sniffed more snow, rubbing her nose from the loose powder that she had not sniffed. You rolled your eyes and Linda smiled to you; agreeing with you.

The two of you got along fairly well, considering you were apart of the business and no one actually liked her that much.

"I brought sandwiches and lemonade I made myself." Linda places the basket filled with goodies on the table. "I'll make tea and empty ashtrays, but I won't handle money or slips. Arthur says what you do here is illegal but not immoral."

"Depends what time you get here, Linda." You chuckle; making Lizzie do the same in reply.

"And, anyway, I thought I would offer you my physical and spiritual support for your time of need." She continued to speak.

"Oh, Linda, if you want to be a help, run up to the shops and get me 20 Senior Service - Lizzie'll give you the change." Polly dipped on her drink; smoking her cigarette at the same time.

"- No, I won't!" Lizzie gasped and you giggled again; a permanent smile on your face.

"Actually, I'll use my own money, Polly." Linda smiled, rolling her eyes in annoyance. "And before you ladies decide to find me so amusing, - I have a message for you."

"Oh, God, no, Linda." Polly huffed and put a finger to her temple.

"She has been to church already." You sniggered.

"Have you?" Lizzie asked in shock.

"It's not a message from God, Polly." Linda smiled with happiness. "It's from Jessie Eden."

"Who's Jessie Eden?" You asked, frowning slightly as you looked to Polly who shared the same expression of confusion.

"She's the lady shop steward at the Lucas Factory in Sparkhill." Linda informed, but only making you more and more confused.

"Lady shop steward?" Polly smirked.

"She's bringing all the female workers in the spot-welding and wire-cutting shops out on strike for the day. At protest at being made to work on a Holy Day, poor conditions, lack of holidays, unsanitary lavatory provisions and lower pay for female workers." Linda continued. "Apparently, all the female factory workers in the city are joining the protest in sympathy and will walk out of their places of work at 9am to march on the Bull Ring. All oppressed female workers welcome."

Everyone was in awe. You put a hand on your hip, nodding your head as she spoke. Jane was loving it however, wanting to march right now.

"Them bastards down there shooting deer, me five-months-gone sat here like a pudding." Jane huffs and stumbled onto her feet.

"Only one outside lavatory between the lot of us." Lizzie muttered.

"Not consulted." You muttered back and looked to them all.

"Bent over a fucking desk" Polly spoke too.

"Ladies, I honestly believe those who march on Good Friday will have God on their side." Linda smiled and we all looked to each other; knowing what we want to do next. The clock rang.

"It's nine o'clock, ladies! Open the fucking door!" Men shouted and banged against the door even harder than before.

We all looked to Polly to see what was to be done and what you were to do next.

"Fuck it." Polly muttered and slammed her glass on the table; breathing out the smoke. "I'm not in the mood today."

"So Pol?" Lizzie grinned, wanting her to say yes to protesting.

"Let's go to the Bull Ring." Polly nodded her head.

"Hallelujah!" Jane squealed.

"John is going to fucking kill me" you breathed out a laugh, being made to link arms with Lizzie and Polly.

"Fuck it." Lizzie smirks as you all walk out the building - locking the door as you still stay interlinked.

"And fuck him" Polly breathes out the smoke, and throws the cigarette to the ground. Smirking, you walked along side the rest of the women - feeling empowered.