April Snowdrop (Thomas Shelby)

𝐹𝒾𝒻𝓉𝑒𝑒𝓃

Deborah stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Tommy's neck, being cautious of his injuries. "I'll be half an hour and very careful. I know every alleyway in this town, I'll know where to hide." She explained, trying to convince him. "I have my gun and knife."

"Fine." Tommy groaned, throwing his arms around her waist. "But you have to be at the bakery in half an hour, no later." He warned her.

"I love you." Deborah grinned, reaching up to kiss him deeply.

"Mm, love you too." He mumbled, slowly pulling away. "The bakery is down that street and it's on your right. It's called S. Bakery, you can't miss it."

"Got it." She nodded, stepping backwards. "I'll see you soon." The brunette promised, as she began walking away.

"Half an hour." Tommy called after her, receiving a thumbs up in response.

Walking down the familiar streets, Deborah got a sudden sense of nostalgia as she noticed all the shops and pubs. The old town hadn't changed in the last eighteen years since she had been gone and it brought a sense of comfort. Being back brought all the happy memories she had as a child, like walking to the local bakery with her mother as a little girl. The flashbacks of her brothers chasing her down the streets came back. It was incredible.

Deborah walked for a few minutes, until she reached the street where her old home was. The granite attached houses were all still intact and looked the exact same. The women glanced around, before she caught sight of one place in particular she was looking for. She rushed towards the small shop at the end of the street, bumping into a few on goers, but she was too excited to care.

The bell at the top of the door rang as Deborah walked in, making her entrance known to the owner. While the name of the shop and the outside interior were still the exact same, the inside had changed quite a bit. There was a lot more products, most of which were alcohol and cigarettes, but the amount of rum in particular surprised Deborah.

"Good evening Miss, can I help you with anything?" A voice pulled Deborah from her thoughts.

The brunette turned around towards the counter and found a young women, around her age, leaning her elbows against the counter. She was blonde, tall, with striking green eyes and a figure quite like Deborah's. The smile on her face was warm and welcoming, showing her kind personality. However, Deborah couldn't shake the feeling of how familiar the women was.

"Miss?" The women called, breaking Deborah's staring.

The brunette shook her head and walked towards the counter. "Hi , sorry, I was a bit distracted." She apologised, once she stood across from the women.

"No problem." The women assured, still smiling. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Yes actually, I'm looking for Mrs. O'Neale?" Deborah asked.

The women furrowed her eyebrows and her welcoming smile dropped to a frown. "Mrs. O'Neale doesn't work here anymore." She informed her.

"But the shop is still called O'Neale's." Deborah pointed out, eyeing the women. It was obvious she was hiding something and Deborah was already reaching inside her purse in case things went bad. "Please Miss, tell her an old friend is asking for her."

"May I ask who this old friend is?" The women said, crossing her arms.

"Deborah Rose." Deborah revealed, although she decided to use her mother's maiden name. "Tell her its Darcy Rose's daughter."

The women behind the counters jaw dropped and eyes widened at Deborah's words. She suddenly went pale in the face and looked beyond speechless as she struggled for a reply. Deborah wasn't sure what caused her reaction, she had been careful not to mention her father's surname.