You and Thomas are walking through the Lanchester Motor Company during the night. Thomas already half-way through a cigarette as you light one and throw the match after you have lit it. You enter Nutley's office and Thomas closes the door behind you as you both stand near the door and stare at the man who slightly looks up as he flips a page.
"His brothers came to my house. They said the Peaky Blinders had business with me." Nutley starts off the conversation as you sit in front of his desk. Thomas sitting in the other chair
"You're not afraid of us." Thomas murmurs
"So, what is it you two want from a simple working man?" He questions as he looks between the two of you.
"Fear." You answer vaguely as you take all of his attention
"Poor Mr. Nutley drank too much. He went for a piss on the train tracks that run behind the factory. Train came. They found his body in Saltley broken into bits." Thomas starts to threaten
"I know what you both do. Tell me what you two want." He pushes
"There. The lot's complete warehouse. Bays four, five and six. You have the keys?" You finally answer his question as you turn your chair and point to the blueprints of the each warehouse that is pinned on the wall
"Yes, I have the keys." He confirms
"What's in bay four?" You question
"Completed type 40s and type 21s waiting for the paint shop." He answers
"Bay five?" You continue to question
"Paint shop and parts." He murmurs
"Uh-huh. So, it's bay six." You hum
"What is?" He questions
"Give me the keys to bay six." You demand not bothering to look at the man as you tap your cigarette
"It's just old stock in storage." He informs
"Give me the keys to bay six." You repeat more darkly as it remains quiet while he stands up and heads near the door grabbing the keys and throwing them at your chest. You catch them then put your hand in your pocket pulling out a brown envelope with money in it and handing it to the man
"For your trouble." Thomas assures
"Give it to your charity." He denies the money as Thomas starts making his way to the door as you put the money in the man's front pocket and tap his shoulder.
"Do what you want with it." You shrug walking towards the door
"I'm only doing this for the safety of my family." He stated as you ignore him and exit the office and start making your way to bay six. Walking through trains that are parked. You climb onto the tracks and check one of the tanks. After that you jump back down.
Morning comes by and you're at the docks. Thomas washing his face with water as you hold his cigarette. He takes the cigarette off you and you both sit down near Hughes but you don't bother to acknowledge him
"So, will it be just boys in your charitable institution or girls as well?" Hughes questions
"Both." Thomas answers
"You must divide them. You know how the little creatures can get." He states his opinion
"Where are your people? You said they'd be here by 5:00." You question
"They are a law unto themselves. You can never quite grasp who they are. Like gripping wet soap." He warns
"I've done my research." You grumble
"Perhaps you know them as the, uh, Economic League. Only once did I get a letter from them headed 'The Vigilance Committee' which tips the hand a little." He mutters as you click your tongue
"No. The name I've heard is Section D. What's what Special Branch calls them. Businessmen, MPs, army officers." You explain
"Yes. It will be fun to bring such men to a Gypsy scrapyard." He remarks sarcastically
"You asked for privacy." You scoff through gritted teeth
"Since the election, the government has decided that we are the enemy. When all we're trying to do is save the country from revolution. Are you two political, Ms. Shelby and Mr. Shelby? Because these Odd Fellows believe that the time is coming soon when everyone must choose a side." He starts to go on as you clench your jaw. You let out a shaky exhale to calm yourself down. Thomas looking over towards you knowing he is aggravating you
"Are your people coming or are they not coming?" You question
"Ms. Shelby, you will learn that these men are far too grand for the clock to govern them. You'll get used to meeting in the small hours of the morning. They're like monks. So, when is your charitable institute opening?" He explains that they don't care for time
"When I fucking say." You answer with venom laced in your tone.
"Well, I'll stop by from time to time to hear confession from the little creatures. You'll meet Mr. Patrick Jarvis, MP. He'll probably want to become a trustee. It's just his thing, to drop by in the evenings after a few drinks. We'll make it a formal arrangement as part of the bigger deal between us. I will have an office there." He informs as you start to lose your temper
"Y/n." Thomas whispers to you but your head is filled with anger as you stand up with complete anger. You try to contain it as you grab your chair putting it a bit further from Hughes and not facing him at all. Your back to him as you sit down. You throw your cigarette to the floor which you haven't finished
"My God. Some devil gets into you, doesn't it, girl? Ms. Shelby, if I want to play the squire in your place of false charity, then I will. Ambition for respectability doesn't make you a saint. Am I wrong? Oh, Lord. That's 6:00, is it? Well, I wish you a good day." He waves off as he starts to walk away while you furrow your brows and look to him as he is now in front of you
"Where the fuck are you going?" You question
"Did I not make it clear? They said if they weren't here by morning prayers then the meeting has been cancelled. Perhaps Mr. Jarvis has been held up at the House of Commons. Perhaps Admiral Hall's been held up at the House of Lords. Am I impressing you? Or perhaps they have decided they don't care for doing business with Gypsies in scrap metal yards which would be a poor outcome for you." He continues to fire shots at you as you stare at the ground
"You give them my message from me, Priest. You tell them I've been to the factories and the armoured vehicles are in good condition." You request
"How many?" He questions
"Twenty-seven. And the foreman is ours." You answer
"This is someone you'll meet. Today, at the Ritz." Hughes hands you a note
"We have meetings today." You inform
"You have one meeting, this one. In London. So, you best catch the milk train." He fires back as he eventually walks off. Thomas comes up behind you and puts his hand on your shoulders as you exhale deeply
You and Thomas make your way to London and to the library where Ada is currently working. Thomas opens the door for you as you enter first. Once in Thomas grabs your hand and slightly drags you along as he walks up the stairs and spots Ada
"Hello, Ada." Thomas speaks loudly catching Ada's attention
"Thomas Shelby and Y/n Shelby? In a library?" Ada murmurs to herself
"I need to borrow a book about the Russian Revolution." Thomas informs as you both and Ada finally meet near large bookshelves
"Have you two got a new wharf at Maida Vale now?" Ada questions
"We got a new wharf everywhere now." Thomas answers
"Sometimes, I see our trucks driving past." Ada hums
"Our trucks?" Thomas questions as Ada is no longer a Shelby and would argue with you all if you disagreed on that fact.
"Shelby trucks. Why the interest?" She corrects herself
"Eh, I just wanted to broaden mine and her mind." Thomas points to you as he lets go of your hand walks towards Ada as she stands on a small stair to give her height to grab the books
"Well, this is a list of the bastards who ran away. And this is written from the point of view of the peoples' struggle." Ada explains as she holds two books
"Uh-huh." Thomas hums as he grabs the book with the names of people that ran away and turning away making Ada roll her eyes as you shake your head with a quiet snicker
"There was a Russian at your wedding. He wouldn't tell me how come he got invited." Ada informs as Thomas reads through the book
"Well, sometimes, exiled Russian aristocrats get invited to social occasions to add a bit of class." Thomas mumbles
"Is that why he was there?" Ada questions
"Why do you want to know?" Thomas fires back
"He was nice. Maybe I'd like to see him again. Would that be possible?" Ada questions
"No. That would not be possible." Thomas denies
"What business do you two have with the Russians, Y/n and Tommy?" Ada questions annoyed
"Can I rip this page out?" Thomas questions pointing to the page
"No, you cannot rip that page out. Property of the people. Tommy, when Arthur and Y/n took the Russian away, he had his killing pistol under his jacket. And next time I saw Y/n she has marks and bruises all over her face and some are still visible now. And then Johnny lit a fire in the woods." Ada points to you as Thomas looks up from his book to look at you and examine your face. He looks back down one more time before placing the book down and closing it
"You want all the details because you're bored, Ada. You used to chase rats with a revolver, Ada." Thomas says loudly once more earning shushes from everyone. Thomas grabs your elbow pushing you along with him then slips his hand into yours.
"For fuck sake." Ada whispers
"I might just have a job for you after all." Thomas continues to speak loudly with a small grin on his face
You and Thomas leave the library and go to an incredibly fancy place. You're not sure what the place is but you believe it's a hotel considering a private room has been reserved. You both walk in. Thomas having his arm wrapped around your waist as you approach the front desk.
"I believe you have a reservation for a private room in the name of Mr. Romanov." Thomas speaks up.
"You two work for Mr. Romanov?" The man at the desk questions
"Yeah." You answer before Thomas could making him look down at you.
"For his household or his office?" The man at the desk questions as Thomas sighs
"Is there a problem?" You question
"I'm afraid without the presence of the Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich or Lady Lewington, we shall have to ask for payment in advance." He informs
"Can I ask why?" You push calmly
"Already, Mr. Romanov has four outstanding bills with us. One for accommodation and three for dining. And two banquets, which we wrote off. We've been asked to be understanding of our Russian friends by His Majesty. But it has been some time now...May I ask your name, Ms?" He questions as he was cut off by you slamming a pile of money down on the desk
"Shelby. Y/n Shelby and Thomas Shelby, and in future we will be dining here quite a bit." You answer
"Then I shall put you on our special list." He informs
"You do that." You sigh out
"Here is a menu. I recommend the teal and the pork. Although your guests, I'm sure, will order the caviar." He recommends as you nod and start to make your way. You and Thomas are now in a dining room with a table. Leon sat on one end and you and Thomas sat on the other.
"Myself and my wife and my niece traveled by trains, then coach, then on foot through the Villa Ai-Todor in Crimea. On that journey I lost a toe. I don't know, I woke up one morning and it was gone. All of a sudden I saw a dog, and it was eating it. They said the British had taken pity on us, and we were taken aboard HMS Marlborough. I immediately kissed the steel deck, my lips froze to it. And then, of course, I thanked God and your King for saving us. Though since then, he has done nothing but humiliate me." Leon explains his story
"Who? God or the King?" You question
"Sometimes both., Ms. Shelby. Mmm, so, you met my niece already? Tatiana. Are you in love with her yet, hmm? You would be wise not to love Russian women, you know. Ah, better not speak of Russian women. Mmm...that is the worst thing about being here. Russian women, they know how to hold it and most importantly, they know exactly when to let it go. Your cock, I mean. English women, they do not know so much. You know?" He rants on making you narrow your eyes to him. When he starts speaking about sex you role your eyes as he looks towards you when saying english women. You rub your face with your hand and sigh in frustration as Thomas puts his arm around your chair and looks at you.
"Well this English woman knows how to hold it and when to let it go. I guess to chose right, Hm?" Thomas hums as he looks towards Leon as Leon looks at you who looks at the table completely embarrassed and feeling awkward and wanting to get back on topic.
"Did he die well, the spy?" Leon questions as you look up
"He begged for his life." You inform darkly
"I heard you had your brother and her do it. So you trust your family, like me, like us, Mr. Shelby." Leon mumbles as you light yourself a cigarette
"Let's talk about trust then, shall we? You are not a direct relation to the Romanovs, you are Georgian. And the palace where you live on Hampton Court is, in fact, a grace and favour house donated to you, rent-free by the British Crown. The maître D' here, tells me that you are in some debt. Both here and other places, I imagine. See, we've been given ten, but we've been promised 40. Already, I have had to have a man killed, that sort of work does not come cheap. Do you understand?" You explain as Leon smashes a glass in his hand as you don't take your eyes off his. He slowly gets up and grabs his chair pulling it towards you and sitting directly next to you as you scratch your head
"Let me tell you something, Ms. Shelby. Before we boarded the ship, my niece sewed 16 diamonds into her velvet dress, and also she had two sapphires in her intimate places. My wife managed two sapphires and five diamonds. This is already for the killing of the spy and a down payment on future services." He informs as he pulls out a sapphire and holds it towards you. You blow smoke from your lips as you look at the sapphire then back to him
"Now, tell me, where do you keep these things? In a bank?" You question
"How could we plead poverty around London society if we used banks, Ms. Shelby?" He questions as you lean slightly closer to him
"Well, you should know...Hatton Gardens is not safe." You warn
"That's why we have our own treasury." He claims as you lean back
"Very well, I shall have our people check its veracity." You hum as you use a napkin to pick up the sapphire and you place it in your pocket. You put your cigarette out but before you could move your hand any further he slams it down onto the table making your jaw clench and Thomas look over with complete fury but he maintains it as you look towards Leon.
"Before the revolution began, we were soft and weak. We made compromise. But let me tell you. We will never be soft and weak again. Do you understand. Good day, Ms. Shelby." He goes closer to your face as you glare at the man looking directly at him. He takes his hand off yours and you get up with Thomas and walk off
You and Thomas make your way back to your office that had been upgraded. Your eyes catch Michael and a figure run across the room. You raise an eyebrow and grab Thomas's hand which makes him come to a stop and look back at you with his eyebrows furrowed. You pull him into Michael's office as Michael smiles at you both.
"Going to introduce us, Michael?" You question
"This is Charlotte Murray, her father makes cars." Michael introduces as you both turn to Charlotte who holds out her hand to shake then instantly pulls it away shyly
"I really enjoyed your wedding, Ms. Shelby and Mr. Shelby." She compliments
"Polly said that you should call her. There's been some trouble." Michael informs as you turn your head to him once more
"What trouble?" You question
"I'm guessing it's stuff she doesn't like to me about." Michael grumbles
"Nice to meet you." You nod your head to her then exit the office. Thomas following behind. A family meeting is called. You are sat next to Polly as Thomas is leaning on the bar. Arthur sat by your side as well. John and Finn enter.
"Alright, Finn. Thanks for coming. Fuck off." Arthur orders. Finn rolls his eyes and starts to leave
"Finn, you can stay. Sit down, John. Sit down." Thomas speaks up as Finn grins for Thomas letting him stay. John sits down.
"John, you cut Angel Changretta. Even though Arthur told you to apologise." You take lead as you light yourself a cigarette
"Mm-hmm." He hums
"Polly told you to compromise." You continue
"Mm-hmm." John continues to hum
"You chose not to listen to Mr. Apologise or Mrs. Compromise. And now I have got an Italian walking around my backyard saying he's going to kill my brother-in-law. So what do we do, John. Do we apologise or do we compromise?" You question as John looks down at his lap
"Oh, it was just something John said as a joke." Arthur speaks up making you snap your head to him
"Yeah, but he's your actual blood brother, Arthur." You argue
"Yeah. I know I didn't want to start a war over something John said without meaning it." Arthur murmurs as he looks towards you as you furrow your brows
"So, should he apologise in Italian or in English? Or should we ask them which fucking language they prefer? I'm not clear." You state as Polly points her finger to you
"You said while this business was going on in London, you wanted peace at home." Polly argues with you
"And the only way to guarantee peace is by making the prospect of war seem hopeless. If you apologise once, you do it again and again and again. Like taking bricks out of the wall of your fucking house. Do you want to bring the house down, Arthur? If you're soft in rebellion, it'll grow." You inform
"Bloody 'soft on rebellion.'" Arthur spits out standing up
"You did the right thing, John. Now, we go on the offensive. We take two of the Changretta pubs, and we take them tonight. That's it." You order as you stand up and start leaving. Thomas turning around with you.
"Oh! Right. For Christ's sake, why?" Polly questions
"Hey." You yell turning round
"Why?" Polly repeats herself
"Why? Because we fucking can! Because we fucking can and if we can, we do. And if we lift our heel off their necks now, they'll just come at us. Remember these are the bastards that wanted Danny Whizz-Bang dead. You're getting soft, Arthur. Soft and weak. Save the Bible for Sundays, eh." You yell walking back to the table then looking towards Arthur
"Finn? I need to get to Hockley and then home. It's been a long day." Thomas sighs as Finn walks over patting John's shoulder and walking off
"You take the Wrexham, you take the Five Bells. You get them signed over to us in the morning. You make sure the coppers stay away. Don't use the fucking phones, alright? There's someone listening." You warn before walking off. Thomas putting his hand on the small of your back leading you out and making sure you won't turn back around again and lose your temper.
Finally you make it home and with a loud sigh and a stretch. You were about to collapse on the sofa but mid-fall Thomas grabs your waist hoisting you back up and into him as you put your hands on his chest to prevent the bash being too harsh. He smiles at you as he captures your lips with his own. You smile into the kiss. You heard footsteps behind you and pull away to see Grace with a file in her hand.
"Sit down you two." She says giddily as you both look at each other then sit down.
"Hm?" You hum as she had an envelope
"Guess." She orders
"Guess what?" Thomas questions
"He said yes." Grace informs
"Who?" Thomas questions
"The leader of the Birmingham City Council is going to attend the dinner. Everyone has said yes. Everyone." Grace cheers passing you the letter as she smiles at the both of you.
"Ah." Thomas hums taking the letter form your hand and putting it on the table
"I keep having to change the catering. And my writing hand is almost falling off." Grace chuckles
"He bought you a typewriter, why are you writing?" You question
"You don't write letters of a social occasion on a typewriter." Grace rolls her eyes
"Oh, forgive me." Thomas murmurs
"I have the drawings of what they plan to do with the grounds of the house. There'll be an area for the children to play. Look." Grace pulls out blueprints
"Mmm-hmm." Thomas hums
"And the Birmingham Charity Commission have agreed to set aside their three rotten floorboards upstairs and grant us the license within a month. You both are not even listening to me." Grace huffs out
"We are, we are." Thomas and you both defend yourselves in union with your hands up as Grace chuckles and stands up
"Do you think I'm becoming obsessed?" Grace questions
"Yes." You answer almost immediately
"I'll leave you guys to it." Grace chuckles as she exits the room. Thomas pulls you up then swipes his leg under yours making you fall flat on your ass making you groan. He pulls you in between his legs
"You know you could've used your words." You grumble as he chuckles
"Actions speak louder than words." He murmurs
"Mhm." You hum
"Close your eyes." He whispers in your ear as you hesitantly close your eyes. You hear shuffling and Thomas's arms on your shoulders.
"Don't snap by neck, please." You murmur as he chuckles
"I wouldn't do that. Now open them." He laughs as you open your eyes to see the sapphire now on a chain.
"Since when did you become such a good pickpocket?" You question remembering that sapphire was in your pockets. Thomas chuckles.
"I learn from you. The best of the best as I would say. And don't worry, I've cleaned it." He whispers to you as you feel your heart skip a beat as he puts the necklace for you and lifts up your hair to clip it. A large smile taking your face.
"You can wear it to the foundation dinner." Thomas murmurs as he kisses your neck
"Don't you think it's a bit much for a charity dinner." You chuckle
"Y/n, this is fucking Birmingham. 'Good taste' is for people who can't afford sapphires." Thomas whispers in your ear as you chuckle
"Mr. Shelby." You laugh as he pulls you up onto your feet and guides you to lay on his chest while he lays down on the sofa.
"Tomorrow, I want to take you and Charlie to meet the horses." Thomas mumbles as you look up
"Why don't you take Grace? Do it as a family." You give him an idea as he pulls you closer towards him as your noses are touching
"Because I want to take you." He mumbles
"Take Charlie with his real mum, Tommy. I'll be fine. I'll just catch up on some sleep, ok?" You demand as he sighs giving in. You smile and peck his cheek but before you could pull away he grabs your jaw pulling you to him once more catching your lips
The next morning you wake up to an empty house. Thomas has taking Charlie and Grace to go see the horses for a family trip. You push yourself out of bed and stretch. You get dressed and ready and leave the house. Walking into the building you all have your family meetings only to met with Esme and John having a 'Good time.' You sigh and roll your eyes
"You've got a house, John." You speak up making the married couple jump
"Oh, fuck." John murmurs out of breath and he pulls out of Esme
"Full of kids!" Esme complains
"Well, you've got a maid to look after the kids." You argue opening a gate door and entering the room
"Yeah, she listens." John grumbles walking against the gate wall looking at you as you look through draws
"Have you done the odds for tomorrow?" You question
"Something urgent came up." Esme cuts in
"They get worse when they're pregnant, Y/n. You'll know when Thomas gets you pregnant." John laughs out as you ignore his sentence and pick up a gun.
"John. Esme, I need you to leave now. Go out the back door, and lock it after you. Come on, I left the office. There's two trucks full of coppers out there, John. Where the fuck is Arthur?" You question as you peak out the blinds then turn to John who is standing beside you
"He goes home to the Madonna of Moseley on the stroke of 5:00." John informs as you shake your head and was about to look back out the blinds
"You need to talk to him, Y/n." Esme chips in as you stop what you're doing and turn your head to her
"Esme, please, go. Now. Please. This is very fucking unusual." You order as Esme finally makes her exit
"Where's Tommy?" John questions
"Out with Grace and Charlie with the horses." You answer
"Does he know what's going on?" John questions once more as you look at John
"No, because I don't want to spoil the day out. I'll let him know when he's back, ok?" You inform as John nods
"Should we call Moss?" John questions as you look out the blinds once more
"They're from out of town. London, by the looks of their boots..." You sigh out as you grab your gun and start loading it
"Since when are we scared of coppers, Y/n?" John grumbles
"Since things changed, John." You huff out. You freeze on the spot hearing Esme scream the top of her lungs. The door gets barges open and police come in holding Esme and more police officers enter the building. You and John hold the gun up to them
"Scotland Yard!" The first officer yells
"Get down! Police!" The second one orders
"Go on!" The first one yells more loudly
"John! Alright. John! John, it's the Yard. Put it down. Putting it down. Putting it fucking down." You warn John as you put your gun down as well as John. A police officer behind you grabbing your shoulder
"Hands on your heads!" The policeman screams in front of you as the one behind grabs your arm pulling it behind your back
"Down on your knees! Now!" The officer behind you orders as they swipe there feet under your legs and makes you fall flat on the ground
"Let her fucking go! Shes fucking pregnant!" John screams earning a punch to the stomach
"Leave her alone!" You shout to the officers holding Esme
"What the fuck is happening, Y/n?" John questions as you are put in handcuffs and pulled off the ground
"Let's go." A police officer demands as two people start leading you out
"Tell Polly and if I'm not back when Thomas is, say it's Russian business, John." You shout over Esme's screams
"Alright." John sighs out
"Peaky fucking blinders my arse." The guy holding you spits out as they continue to lead you out.
They put you in a cell and you are left for a while in there. You hear voices outside and lean on the wall while rubbing your face. You told Thomas you were going to catch up on sleep not get thrown in a cell. This will be a story to tell him if you get out alive. The door opens and your eyes trail up the man's body. Your eyes then trail to the dog by your side.
"Sit. I'm talking to you, Ms. Shelby. So, the Odd Fellows want you to know that any deviation from your instructions will have consequences." The pope man from earlier warns as you continue to stare at the dog with furrowed brows
"What's your dog's name?" You question with a smile looking up to the man who doesn't change his expression as his eyes stay on you.
"You visited your sister-in-law." He states what you've done as you avert your eyes to the dog again
"Eh? What's your name, boy?" You put a tease voice on as you lower your head to the snarling dog
"Your sister-in-law is a potential security breach. She has connections with the Bolsheviks in London who have connections with the Soviet Embassy." The man continues to exclaim as your eyes haven't left the dog
"I think I will just call your dog, 'Boy.' You love your boy, don't you?" You continue to go on about the dog
"Understand this. You have the local police in your pocket, we have Scotland Yard. They do what we tell them just as surely as this dog..." The man warns as you look up at him
"Let him off the leash." You challenge
"Are you hearing me, Ms. Shelby?" He questions
"I can charm dogs. Gypsy witchcraft. And those I can't charm, I can kill with my own hands. You learn it when you have a dog on a boat. They go fucking mad in tunnels. I feel like I'm in a tunnel now. You know that feeling, when you have to kill or be killed? Let the dog off the leash and give the order you give in Gaelic...like I'm told you do when someone displeases you or someone reports you." You continue to go on as your eyes change from the dog to the man
"Visit your sister-in-law again, and she will die crossing the road." He threatens as you push yourself onto your feet and start petting the dog who leans into your touch
"Kill." You order in Gaelic but the dog just sits there as you look at the man
"Now you say it. If you wanted me dead, I would be dead, wouldn't I?" You question as you throw your hands by your side annoyed
"That's true. It's true, we do need you alive. But when you go home today, Ms. Shelby...Be sure to check under your husbands little boy's pillow. The tooth fairy has been. Same with your sister in her foster family...turns out she was closer than we expected. We can reach anyone. Anywhere." He warns as you furrow your brows at him as your eyes only go a bit wider. He knocks on the door to open it and you immediately exit the cell and push your way out the building
You jump in the car and drive it as fast as you can to the house. Immediately jumping out of it, you run into the house with full speed and head to Charlie's room and look under his pillow to see a hard that says 'The Co-Operative Crematorium.' You turn it over to see a someone has signed it. You then hear Charlie start crying quietly and try to silence him which works. You lean on the wall throwing your head back and closing your eyes as you swallow the lump in your throat. You hear footsteps but don't bother looking.
"Y/n? Is everything alright? Thomas is in your guys bedroom wondering where you are." Grace mumbles
"Yes. Everything's fine. Everything's fine. Yeah." You sigh out
"You promised Thomas, you'd keep him safe. You promised, Y/n. Thomas is now a father. And you're doing something. He trusts you, and if he does then I do, Y/n. Please, keep him safe and try to keep out the life you once had." Grace begs quietly as you continue to hyperventilate quietly
"Yes. He's fine. He's fine." You point to Charlie before walking off and going to the bedroom to see Thomas with his head in his hands. You close the door quietly but his head snaps to you. His face showing visible anger as you decide to stay near the door.
"Fucking Russian business, Y/n, eh?" Thomas pushes himself out. Venom laced in his tone.
"It's true." You murmur quietly
"Fucking Russian business! I've been told you were led out of the fucking house with 5 to 6 officers behind you and put a fucking cell." Thomas yells as directly in your face as he points at you.
"Yeah but it was the Russian people we are in business with so it's still Russian business narrowed down." You argue raising your tone.
"You said you was going to catch up on sleep not fucking do business without me." He screams at you
"It wasn't planned. I just saw the cars and found it suspicious until I notice they looked like London officers and shit goes crazy from there." You defend yourself as Thomas is panting heavily with rage as you are panting with worry and anger mixed together
"You always have to do things alone, Y/n! It's you, isn't it? That's who you are! You hate working with someone. Always have and always will." He continues to scream at you
"We run a business together why are you acting like a baby!" You scream out
"Acting like a baby? You can't let go of your fucking past. You aren't alone anymore, Y/n! You're fucking married." He shouts right in your as you can feel his chest heaving with anger. You heard a smash to see Thomas punch through the door right beside your head making you flinch and back more into the door. You look towards him as he breathes heavily with anger while you've gone completely silent
"Come find me once you've calmed down, Tom. And just a warning, they said if we visit Ada again they'll kill her crossing the road. Just wanted to let you know what happened." You spit out as you exit the room and slamming the door. You see Grace coming up the stairs and you going down.
"Y/n?" Grace questions but you ignore her and continue to walk down the stairs. Grabbing your coat you exit the house and walk off, leaving the car. Rain pouring on you as you head to a random pub and entering it.
"Sister!" You hear a familiar voice shout as you snap your head to Aidan who had a couple of boys behind him grinning
"Shit." You whisper to yourself with a stoke expression as Aidan walks towards you with a shit eating grin.
"I say we take this outside." He murmurs to you as you and him leave the pub. His boys following behind him. Before a word could leave your mouth, you got a blow in the stomach and a smack in the jaw. One kicks your back making you fall to the floor as you cough up a bit of blood
"Now that was unfair." You grumble annoyed as Aidan laughs loudly. The lads continued to stomp on your head and body. Kicking you left-right and centre till you were covered in blood. Once you were barely conscious. Aidan crouches down beside you grabbing your hair pulling you up to face him.
"We should do this again sometime...but try to fight back." Aidan chuckles smashing your head into the muddy ground and walking off with the lads that helped him. You continued to lay helpless on the ground. Bloody pouring out of you.
You hear a car pull up beside you and they get out. In a matter of seconds you were pulled into a pair of arms you held you close and safely. They kissed the crown of your head
"Y/n? Y/n? I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Thomas starts to beg as you didn't respond. He puts you in the car and puts a seatbelt on you. You lean your head on the window as Thomas hops in the drivers seat and speeds back to the house. He picks you up bridal style and runs into the house and to the bedroom. Once he places you down he grabs a med-kit and gently takes care of your wounds.
"It all happened to fast...I'm sorry." You blurt out as Thomas looks at you desperately.
"I understand it's business and it's a game of life or death in this world. I shouldn't have got worked up, alright? Listen tomorrow is the dinner, if the person who did this to you is there. Point them out, and I'll help them lined up against a wall." He spits out angrily as you chuckle to yourself.
"I know who did this." You hum
"Who?" Thomas questions
"Aidan L/n." You answer closing your eyes and falling into a state of unconsciousness
A day passes and you're sat in the mirror putting on the sapphire necklace. A maid helping you do your hair nicely as you've finished putting the necklace on and started doing your makeup and nails. You're wearing a beautiful cream white dress with blue roses to match the necklace.
"Y/n, Grace and Max has already left. You ready?" Thomas walks into the room as you stand up.
"I'm ready." You mutter standing up
"You'll need a coat." Thomas comments looking you up and down. You look towards the coats to see them all fur and frown. You turn to Thomas.
"I'm not wearing a fur coat." You spit out as Thomas grins
"You're not wearing your usual coat either, it's not formal. Just put on a fur coat." Thomas chuckles as you try to walk out the room but Thomas wraps his arm around your waist pulling you into him.
"Thomas! Stop!" You shout as Thomas drags you to the fur coats and uses one hand to grab a white one and struggles to put it on you but eventually does.
"You look stunning." He whispers in your ear as he pecks your cheek and leads you outside to the car. Allowing you to sit in first then him. Thomas pecks your lips and places his hand around you as you two smile at each other. You light yourself a cigarette as you and Thomas exit the float and enter the place. You and Thomas split ways as you talk to some people that are at the place.
"Y/n. He's the leader of the Birmingham City Council." Max introduces as you smile
"Hello, Y/n." He greets
"Hi, Danny." You greet
"How's the business?" He questions
"It's alright, it's holding up, holding up. How are you?" You question
"You know each other?" Max questions
"I have interests in a steelworks in Cradley Heath. Y/n and Tommy help me get my products to the carmakers. Congratulations, Ms. Shelby, on your wedding." He congratulates patting your shoulder
"I'm surprised you weren't invited." Max hums with his hands in his pocket as you look through them book with a blank expression
"Now, how would that look, eh? Oh, now, the party has really started." Daniel laughs as you glare at the pope man who was with you in the cell.
"Who are they?" Max questions catching on to where you are looking
"Father John Hughes from St. Mary's Boys Reformatory. And with him is Mr. Patrick Jarvis, MP. They are part of an organisation called the Economic League." Daniel explains as you don't take your eyes off them
"Did you or Grace invite them, Max?" You question not letting them leave your eyesight
"Their names sound familiar. They were recommended by the Lord Mayor." Max informs
"Oh. On your 'best people of the city' list, eh?" You spit out
"Do you know them?" Max questions
"I'll introduce you, Y/n." Daniel offers
"That's alright, Danny. I'll introduce myself." You decline his offer as you start walking towards the room they went in. You see Thomas and grab his hand dragging him with you.
"What's wrong?" Thomas questions
"They're here." You murmur as Thomas goes silent. You open the door and you both enter the large empty room.
"We appear to have taken you by surprise, Ms. Shelby." The bald man comments who you know is Mr. Patrick. You light yourself another cigarette as Thomas already has one.
"I have adjusted." You shrug
"Since the socialist got into Downing Street we are all being followed. We have to meet in places where we'd meet anyway." Mr. Patrick informs
"You should have stopped by Small Heath. We could have given you a more traditional welcome." You inform
"They want to know about ammunition." John chips in
"And chains for the wheels. When the White Guard make their run for Tbilisi, it will be over rough terrain." Patrick adds on
"The chains are suitable for snow or wet ground. They're already stowed on the vehicles. There's a batch of weapons set aside at the BSA, which is bound for the Turkish army." Thomas exclaims
"And how will you get it all aboard the London train?" Patrick questions
"There will be a strike that night across the city." You inform
"You will have to stop the train twice. How?" He continues to question
"Two drivers will join the strike at different points." You answer
"Rather fun, getting the Communist unions to help get weapons to the Whites." Patrick chuckles sarcastically
"Yes, rather fun, eh? We're thinking ahead, thinking of every possibility, remembering everything that is happening." You push
"The Russians want to inspect the vehicles." Patrick states
"We'll take photographs." You deny them checking
"Mmm-mmm. The Duke has sent his niece, she's here. Tomorrow you two will take her to the factory and show her." Patrick orders
"No. Union conveners are watching the factories. Not possible." You warn
"Anything is possible, Ms. Shelby. You both will take her. You both will pick her up from this hotel at 10:00. Now, look, a priest with an empty glass. Let's get back to the party." John orders staring directly at you as you stare ahead narrowing your eyes
"You know, gentlemen, there is hell and there is another place below hell. I will remember everything...and forget nothing." You threaten as you and Thomas leave the room and run into Grace and Max
"Y/n, Tommy, this is Duchess Tariana Petrovna. Come on, you two, aren't you impressed to meet a real duchess?" Grace chuckles
"Well, I understand they charge a fee." You mutter
"Ms. Shelby, you are very direct." Tariana scoffs
"Too direct." Max hums looking towards you as you put your tongue in your cheek
"But it's true. I attend these things for the champagne. And for the chance to be treated like a duchess again. You should have kissed my hand, Mr. Shelby. And you should've curtsied for my greeting, Ms. Shelby." Tariana chuckles
"Forgive us." You apologise as you curtsy and Thomas kisses her hand.
"She was asking about your sapphire." Grace points out while pointing to your necklace
"I thought I recognised it." She hums
"She said it was Russian. These two have business in Russia. Perhaps you know about it, Tatiana?" Grace questions
"Well, tonight is not a night for business, eh?" Thomas cuts in
"Is that why you two were in the concert hall for ten minutes?" Max questions
"I think people are ready for dinner now, Max." You change subject
"No, no. We're not done pumping people for money." Grace chuckles
"What is 'pump for money'?" Tatiana questions
"It's what we do every day." You answer pointing to yourself and Thomas
"You know each other, do you? You see, me and Max are in charge of compiling the list of guests, but it's these two that seem to know all of them." Grace continues to push as you and Thomas look at each other awkwardly. You scratch the back of your head.
"I hear they are both very well connected." Tatiana shrugs
"And where does a duchess hear that?" Max questions
"In certain circles." Tatiana defends
"Alright, enough. Ada." Thomas stops them as he waves Ada over
"Grace, there's a Lady Dowager who wants to speak to you about coffee mornings. She mentioned a £2,000 cash donation." Ada informs
"Tatiana, you and I will speak later." Grace hums as she walks off with Ada
"I would like that." Tatiana mumbles
"Going to the factory tomorrow is a mistake." You warn as she stands in front of you
"Nevertheless, we will go. Also, my uncle ordered me and the lad who's standing over there to seduce you both to give us an advantage. But considering how close you two are and how beautiful your wife is. It will be difficult, no?" Tatiana points out as you look towards the lad that has been eyeing you up and down ever since you left that room. Thomas looks over as well and immediately grabs your waist pushing you into him and not letting go of you.
"Tomorrow is a mistake." You continue to warn
"Have you not heard? We have no morals, we Russians." She states
"And no fucking sense." You insult
"And no options. I would fuck him for the cause and have him fuck you for the cause. What do you think of that?" She offers as you scrunch your face up
"I think you should not drink vodka with champagne." You spit out walking away but she grabs your wrist making you stop and Thomas stop. She looks at Thomas.
"Does your wife know that the sapphire she is wearing has been cursed by a Gypsy?" Tatiana questions while chuckling as you bite your cheek not knowing that.
"What did you say?" Thomas questions
"Nothing on Earth would make me wear it." She states as she walks off. Thomas looks at you as you look at him confused.
"Should I take it off?" You question as Thomas was about to reply but Max comes out of nowhere dragging you away from Thomas and you lose him in the crowd.
"What the fuck is going on?" Max questions agitated
"Bad timing, Max." You spit out as you both continue to argue quietly. You completely forgetting to take off the necklace
"Ladies and gentlemen, the loyalty toast, to His Majesty the King."
"To the King." Everyone excluding you and Max cheer in Union
"Dinner is served."
Max rips off your necklace and starts yelling about you and Thomas being together. His words being muffled as your mind spins. You look at the necklace in his hand realising it was cursed and your eyes go wide as he is now holding it in his possession.
"For Angel!" Two men shout. You look ahead of you to see a man pointing a gun towards Max. You felt hands wrap around your waist and you are picked up from the ground and lifted off your feet.
"Wait, Max!" You scream out as you hold your hand out for Max to grab as the man holding you takes you away as two bullets are shot. One going through Max and another going through someone else's chest.
"Y/n!" You hear Thomas shout knowing it was him behind you. You notice Grace was shot as well.
"Thomas, go to Grace!" You order as Thomas looks around once more to see if the two guys are there but he didn't see them.
"Meet me straight after." Thomas demands urgently as he runs to Grace's aid with Ada who had Grace's head on her lap.
"Max!" You yell out as you run to him falling to the floor hyperventilating. The sapphire necklace in his hand still as you look at him wide-eyes and your breath heavy. You put your hands over the bullet wound.
"Shit." You hear someone murmur behind you
"Get me a fucking ambulance now!" You scream out as Finn, John and Arthur beat the shit out of the two people that shot the gun.
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