Wear Iron//Thomas Shelby

nine

I head to the cemetery to find Freddie. He's right where I expect him to be.

"Today's her birthday. I know you never miss it," I state.

"Then I'm lucky you're not a copper. What do you want?" Freddie asks.

"I came to warn you," I explain. "They've lifted Stanley Chapman."

"How do you know?" Freddie asks. "Police don't spill that information."

"I know 'cause it was Polly and Tommy who tipped them off," I explain. "Tommy did a deal. In return for safe passage for you and Ada he's given them Stanley and the money."

"Money? What money?" Freddie questions. "Who told you about the money?"

"Who do you think?" I counter. "Yeah, it was Ada's idea. That's how desperate she is to get out of that rat-hole you're keeping her in. She doesn't mind if you knew she just didn't want to be here when you found out. Sometimes the women have to take over. Like in the war."

"Who the hell do you think you are, you fucking Shelbys," Freddie remarks.

"You shouldn't swear over your mother's grave. And I'm not a Shelby," I remind him.

"You're close enough. You play your tune, you expect the whole world to dance to it..." Freddie starts.

I cut him off, "You don't have time for this, Freddie."

"Tommy did a deal for me?" Freddie asks.

I shake my head. "Don't flatter yourself. For Ada."

Freddie steps closer to me. "And you think this copper will keep his word."

"If he does, you're safe. If he doesn't, Chapman will give you up, you'll still have to leave town. Same result," I tell him.

"So neat," Freddie remarks.

"So leave," I state.

"Except there's one thing that you got wrong. Stanley won't be able to give up my address because he doesn't know it. That's how it works. None of us know each other's addresses," Freddie informs me. "So, you've wasted your fucking time. They'll keep beating him and beating him for information he doesn't have. So all you've done is sign the death warrant of a good man."

"So, you won't leave," I state.

Freddie shakes his head. "No! I won't fucking leave! If you want me out of Birmingham it'll have to be in a wooden box."

"You lay a hand on our Ada, I'll put you in a wooden box myself," I threaten.

As Tommy and I are walking down the street I see a car out front the betting shop. It's rather nice and I'd bet it's Billy Kimber's. Tommy knocks on the window before opening the car door.

"Mr Kimber. Mr Roberts," Tommy greets. "Come and have a look around." Tommy opens the shop door. "After you."

Inside the shop is bustling as always. You wouldn't even know the Lees were ever here.

"We heard the Lees had turned you over," Kimber states.

"You shouldn't listen to gossip, Mr Kimber," Tommy tells him. I can't help but smirk. "This way." Tommy shows the two men around.

"Business is good," Roberts states. "Especially since now you know which horse is going to win before you set the odds."

"Your information is very much appreciated," Tommy assures.

"Right, well, where are they?" Kimber asks.

"John, Lovelock, Scudboat, in here." The boys do as Tommy says coming into the office. "This is my team. They will take up their pitch at your convenience, Mr Kimber. John is the book. Scudboat is the bag man. And, of course, we bring our own protection."