Firecracker- John Shelby

-eighteen-

Me, John and Arthur walked out the garrison leaving Tommy with grace.
"Something not right about that barmaid" I said
"What? No. That's Tommy's girl" John said dismissively
"You told her Freddie would be there then he was arrested...she showed up right after that bloody Campbell copper did! What's a girl like her doing coming all the way to Birmingham to work in a bar?" I asked
"I dunno Shirley...can we just go home please" he said tired
"Home.wheres home?"I asked.we hadn't established that yet
"My house"he said
"What does that make my house then?" I asked
"Tomorrow's problem"he said slightly annoyed.
"Why aren't you taking this seriously!?" I asked irritatedly
"I am! I'm just tired, and I want to fucking sleep, alright? I just want to fucking sleep!" John snapped, obviously because he was drunk.
Arthur was so drunk he was barely comprehending what we where saying and we definitely couldn't comprehend what he was saying. He mumbled something that sounded like
"Arguing already"
I glared at them both for a while before walking towards the car and getting in the drivers seat.
"You not driving..." John said, walking over too.
I started the engine to drown out his voice.
He came around the drivers side and waited impatiently, I gave him a look that made it obvious I wasn't moving. He gave in and scoffed, walking away mumbling something about only being married a few hours.
He helped Arthur in the back then came back to the front, as soon as he was half in the passenger side off the car i sped off, nearly knocking him back out. He skilfully chose not to complain about the clearly intentional gesture and just straightened up before speaking again.
"Shirley I'm sorry, your house is just as much a home as mine, not enough room for the kids at yours though is there" he said, and he was right.
We drove in silence for a while. John seemed thoughtful and Arthur had a habit of over sharing when he's drunk, I took the opportunity to ask them about someone that had been bothering me.
"Arthur, John?" I asked
"Y'alright" Arthur slurred.
"What" john asked
"At the races, why did you make me cut raz" I asked.
"Pulling faces I didn't like, your too bloody soft you are" Arthur said.
"After we're done with kimber I'm strictly business again, why does it matter if I'm soft" I said
"Your a peaky blinder, your not allowed to be soft" he argued.
"Not wanting to cut someone's ear off doesn't make me soft!" I shouted
"Yes it bloody does shirley! He'd do it to you, it's hard for you, you weren't at the war, but you've got to learn somehow! You can't hesitate , alright?" He said
"You wouldn't make polly or Ada do it."I said
"It's different" he huffed.
"What's different"I asked
Arthur scoffed.
"Our polly and Ada av good hearts,Your just squeamish"he spat
"Arthur!" John said, it was unnecessary.
"What? She's colder than we are ,she is, needs to hurry up and realise it" he shrugged
"Arthur, that's enough" John said sternly
"Alright, alright" Arthur said defensively.
The rest of the car ride was done in uncomfortable silence