Stirring Up The Town [T. Shelby || Peaky Blinders || Shelby's Girl Book 1]

- 11 -

The next day Astella was humming as she read the newspaper, Arthur was watching her worriedly as Natasha looked at Astella, "Feeling better?" Natasha asked.

"Yep," Astella said.

"What's going on?" Arthur asked.

"A gypsy got something wrong," Astella said.

"Got what wrong?" Polly asked.

Astella folded up the newspaper, "She said I was with child," Arthur coughed on his cigarette smoke, "Said a few weeks and I should go to the nurse soon... I went and I wasn't," Astella said.

"Are you sure she didn't need you'd be with child in a few weeks?" Natasha asked.

"Stand up," Astella looked at Polly, "Stand up," Astella stood up and they moved away from the table and Polly placed her hand on Astella's stomach, "Hmm..." Polly said.

"Now what?" Astella asked.

Polly shook her head, "Oh, nothing," Polly said.

"Pol?" Astella said.

"Just be careful from now on," Polly said.

"Huh?" Astella said.

"Remember what Natasha said. Now, come on, we've got work to do," Polly said and the three of them walked into the shop as Astella walked out of the house to meet Tommy.

"Ready?" Tommy asked.

"Tommy... About what Zilpha said... Uh..." Astella said.

"Sometimes they're not always correct, don't worry it doesn't change what we discussed," Tommy said.

Astella smiled, "I'm glad, I was worried," Astella said and she kissed his cheek.

"Ready to welcome in the devil?" Tommy asked.

"Thought that was you?" Astella asked.

"Not me, sweetheart," Astella chuckled softly and she walked back into the house as he walked over to the car and knocked on the window, Billy looked at them as Tommy opened the door, "Mr Kimber. Mr Roberts. Come and have a look around," Tommy led them to the customer entrance for the betting shop, he opened the door for them, "After you," Tommy said and Billy and Mr Roberts headed inside first as Tommy followed after them.

"You can feed half of Birmingham with what you've had for lunch. Get back to work," Scudboat said as Mr Roberts and Billy looked around the betting shop.

Billy watched as Astella and Natasha stood over a book talking, "I'll work it out," Natasha said as she sat down and Astella patted her shoulder.

Astella looked up and saw Tommy, she smiled again and walked over, she hugged him as he slowly returned the hug, "Help me, I blabbed to Pol and now she keeps telling me to sit down," Astella whispered.

"I'll talk to her," Tommy said quietly as they pulled apart.

"We heard the Lees had turned you over," Billy said.

"You shouldn't listen to gossip, Mr Kimber. This way, Astella will be joining us," Tommy said as they led them into his office.

"Come on boys. Chop, chop," Scudboat said.

"I've never approved of women in gambling dens," Billy said.

"Astella rarely leaves my side and it's a family business, all family members are involved. Stella, sit down," Tommy said and Astella walked over to his chair and sat down.

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

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