STORM 🚬 PEAKY BLINDERS [on hold]

CHAPTER NINE

BLACK STAR DAY

Black Star Day had arrived and for the Peaky Blinders that meant one thing for sure: someone was going to die. And if all went to plan, today's that someone would be Billy Kimber. The family had been up bright and early, preparing for the battle ahead, all except John who wouldn't answer the bloody telephone.

Clara peered up at Thomas as they made their way towards John's house "What's my role today then, Tommy?"

"You and Pol will go fetch Ada, convince her to join the family at the meeting this afternoon." He informed her, giving a swift knock to the front door.

Clara's eyebrow's furrowed "How will we do that?"

"By telling her that I'm getting Freddie out of jail." Thomas admitted and her eyes widened in surprise before her brother simply pushed open John door earning a disappointed sigh from the Shelby man "Come on, then."

Clara followed her brother inside, heading for the stairs as the sounds of their nieces and nephew morning chaos grew louder for it seemed little Katie had wet the bed once again "Dad!"

"I'll be out in a minute son!" John called from behind his bedroom.

Thomas rolled his eyes before slamming the door open and stepping inside with Clara who's eyes widened as John make quick work of covering up his naked wife, grabbing his gun from the nightstand only to sigh in relief "Jesus, Tommy."

"John, I've told you to keep the doors locked. It could have been anyone." He admonished before tossing his brother a shirt "Get dressed. We're doing it today."

Esme smirked as she cuddled up behind her husband "As a matter of fact, he's doing me today."

"Make sure he's done you by 9:00." Was Thomas' answer as he turned on his heels, pulling a cigarette from his pocket.

"You should learn to knock!" Esme called after him as he headed out the door.

"It's not a day for knocking."

Clara's face was red as she looked to couple "Er, sorry, I'll just..." she trailed off, turning to make a quick exit only to bump into the door frame "Oof! S-sorry. Bye."

The couple laughed as they watched her rush off, John settling back into bed, one head rested behind his head as the other curled around his wife "I think we've got time for another go, what do you think?"

Esme reached up and pulled the toothpick from between his teeth "Times a-wasting."
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Clara's reddened cheek had thankfully settled by the time she and Thomas arrived home, but the Shelby siblings came to a stop in the kitchen doorway as they watched their Aunt Polly pray "Lord, make this day pass well. Let none get hurt, and make them that do not Shelbys. Watch John, 'cause 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." The woman opened her eyes, staying silent for a moment as met their gazes before sighing "I used to do that every morning during the war. I'd hoped I done it for the last time."