𝓡𝓔𝓥𝓔𝓡𝓘𝓔 - 𝓟𝓔𝓐𝓚𝓨 𝓑𝓛𝓘𝓝𝓓𝓔𝓡𝓢

10

Maura stirs her tea, her eyes flicking over to Edward who was sat on another table. He offers her a smile which she feels placate her nerves slightly.

Maura was wearing a pastel blue dress and her hair was up in a high bun, showing her slender neck and the slightly daring neckline.

"Miss Shelby, you look spectacular," Campbell says and Maura bows her head at the man in greeting.

"I chose this place because it is outside both of our jurisdictions," Inspector Campbell says. "Do you want tea?"

"Inspector, I responded to your invitation because I want us to understand each other," Tommy says. "I'm a businessman. I want to make my business successful.

"And we would like our city run peacefully," Maura says, offering the man a small smile. "And, if the city is peaceful, business can thrive"

"So we're on the same side," Campbell says.

"I think perhaps we could be," Tommy says.

"My... How can we be on the same side when I see things like this?" Campbell shows Ada's iron tablet prescription. "My men found this in the bedroom of a known communist. It has your sister's name on it. It was obvious she'd been sleeping in his bed. Are you also in bed with the communists, Mr Shelby?"

"I do not share their fantasy," Tommy says. "And as for my sister, I've already dealt with the situation"

"Freddie Thorne is at the very top of my list," Campbell says.

"Well, cross him off," Maura says, keeping the small smile on her face. "He won't be returning to the city, Inspector"

"I'll make him part of our deal," Tommy says.

"What deal?" Campbell asks.

"You and your Specials will leave my businesses alone from now on," Tommy says. "No more raids into our territory, no more smashing our pubs. No more lifting my runners. You will turn a blind eye to all of my gambling operations. Also, I am planning an expansion onto the race tracks. I intend to do business with Billy Kimber. He runs most of the legal trackside betting outside of London. He has policemen on his payroll"

"We would like you to put in a word with the Chief Inspector of Gloucestershire, that his men should leave Thomas alone when he makes his move," Maura says.

"Forgive me, I don't seem to have a pen to write down this rather long list of demands,"

Tommy pulls a pen out of his jacket pocket.

"And what do I get in return?"

"I have what you're looking for. I have the guns," Tommy says and Maura whirls to look at him, her body twisting to face her brother.

"What guns?"

"I'm not here to play games, come on Maura," Tommy says, rising to his feet.

"Wait, wait-"

"Twenty five Lewis machine guns. Fifty carbines. Ten thousand rounds of ammunition. All in a crate bound for Libya. Stolen from the BSA factory proofing bay. I'm guessing they sent you to Birmingham to get those guns back. Well, it's me that has them.
I have left word with men I trust, that if I am taken into police custody for whatever reason, those guns will be shipped to Liverpool. From there, they will be sent directly to Belfast. And sold to the Irish Republican Army.
All your good work in Ireland will be undone. Each stolen weapon is numbered and marked. If I sell them to the IRA, it won't be long before Mr Churchill finds out. I imagine you got into enough trouble over the burning of the King's photographs. That was just a taster. If those guns reach Belfast, your life in the force is over. When I have achieved what I have set out to achieve, I will let you know where to find the guns"

"You'll be a hero," Maura says. "You'll probably get a medal"

"I'm a fair man," Tommy says. "It's a fair offer. Do we have a deal? I need an answer. Right now"

"Very well. But I'd prefer if we don't shake hands on it,"

Tommy stands up and Maura does the same.

"Now, why would I shake the hand of a man who didn't even fight for his country?" Tommy says.

"Have a nice day Inspector," Maura says.