Shining Light {Peaky Blinders}

Chapter Eleven: Black Star Day

"You're in a good mood" Molly noted as Tommy entered the kitchen, a big as a grain as Tommy could muster on his face.

"Today is a good day Molly" he said taking a piece of bread and jam from her plate.

"Hey-"

"Today is the day we make our move against Bill Kimber."

Molly's hand that was reaching for her food dropped as she processed her brothers' words "today?"

Tommy nodded.

Molly puffed out her cheeks "wow, um, well good luck and don't die."

Tommy smiled slightly and bent down kissing to top of her head "we're not going off yet, but I appreciate the concern."

As soon as Tommy left Polly came down the stairs still in her nightgown. She said a quiet good morning in greeting to Molly as she put the kettle to boil and made them both a cup of tea.

"Tommy said they're doing it today, going against Billy Kimber."

Polly paused with her cup halfway to her lips, she signed then placed it down. "Do you remember the prayers we used to say every mornin when the boys were in France?"

Molly nodded.

"Good, then up you get."

Polly took the rosery off from around her neck and held it in one of her hands, the others held Molly's. "Dear Lord, make this day pass well. Let none get hurt and make them that do, not Shelby's. Watch John cos he has so many depending on him. Watch Arthur because he's as likely to hurt himself as anyone else. Watch Thomas, I know how he is. But he does what he does for us. I think. Amen."

"Amen" Molly repeated, making the cross sign on her body. She opened her eyes and saw Tommy had returned and was watching them both.

"Molly and I used to do that every mornin during the war" Polly told him. "I hoped we'd done it for the last time."

"Today will be the last time Pol" Tommy replied.

It was a convincing lie, one that nearly passed Molly, maybe because Tommy truly believed it, but it was still a lie.

"After today there'd be no need for prayers. We'll be set. Family meetin, half ten."

***

Molly stood next to Finn as the room filled with her family and a few select Peaky Blinders. Tommy stood in front of them all like a war general addressing his soldiers, or a king addressing his subjects.

"Right, I've brought you all here today because this is the day that we replace Billy Kimber." Tommy said "this is the day we become respectable. The day we join the official National Association of Racecourse Bookmakers. But first we do the dirty work. Now we've all known this days been comin. I just haven't told anyone the date. We're goin to the Worcester Races. The track opens at one. We'll get there at two. Now, Kimber thinks we're goin there to help 'im fight the Lee brothers, but thanks to the effort of our John and his lovely new wife Esme, the Lee's are now our kin. I interrupted those efforts this morin and-"

"That means they were having sex" Finn whispered to Molly leaning in.

Molly pushed his face away "I know."

"-John is makin a great sacrifices for the cause of peace."

"Yeah, all right" John grumbled.

"So, it'll be us and the Less against Kimber's boys. We take them out and leave the bookies. I expect a swift victory which will send a signal all the way to London, that we believe in lettin legitimate businesses run peacefully."