What About Us | John Shelby

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

February 1919

Tessa walked in with Arthur clung to her. They walked into the kitchen of the Shelby household.

"Help, anyone for fuck sake" Tessa shouted in to the betting shop, getting the attention of some of the workers and Peaky Blinders in there.

John and Polly rushed into the kitchen "What the bloody hell happened to you" Polly asked concerned for her nephew.

"Campbell" Arthur grunted out, being sat down on a chair with the help of John and Tessa.

"Tessa, go down to the Garrison, get a bottle of rum. Find Tommy on your way as well if you can" Polly shouted out orders, so Tessa made her way down the streets to the Garrison.

Thankfully Tessa did meet Tommy on her way down to the Garrison, he was probably going there for a drink himself.

Tessa ran up to him "Tommy" He looked beside him to see her walking along with him "It's Arthur some coppers jumped him and Campbell was there as well"

"You fetching the rum then?"

Tessa laughed "Always rum involved when someone is injured"

"Bloody hell, it's busy in here" Tessa said.

Tommy pushed her forward into the snug where the Shelby's would normally drink, but even in there it was packed with men drinking and smoking. He placed his hand on her back, so they could get through to the window.

Opening up the shaft, Tommy shouted out for some service. Grace stood there looking at Tommy for a few seconds, then at Tessa that stood in front of him, pursuing her lips together.

"Well, Tommy, I see you haven't met Grace yet, a bottle of rum please Grace" Tessa talked as the tension was awkward.

"White or dark rum?"

"Don't care" Tommy said, leaning over Tessa and placing some money down for the drink.

Grace came back with the bottle of rum "Harry said it's on the house"

"Thanks Grace" Tessa said, taking the bottle and walking away from the window. Tommy had not moved, staring at the women.

"Tommy ... we have to get to Arthur" Tessa shouted over at him, over all the noise in the pub.

Tommy titled his head to the side "Are you a whore ... because if you're not, you're in the wrong place"

Tessa agape her mouth, calling someone a whore to there face was another level of rudeness.

"Come on" Tommy grabbed hold of the bottle of rum, pulling her along out of the pub.

Tommy and Tessa walked through the Shelby house, out to the back where John, Ada, Polly and Arthur were gathered in the kitchen.

"Let me see him" Tommy said, handing Arthur the bottle of rum "Alright, have this"

"Nice to see you finally showed up Tommy" Ada said, while pouring the hot water into the basin.

Tessa stood behind Arthur, placing her hands on his shoulders "Tell us then, Arthur. What bloody happened to ya?"