Forbidden Alliances // Alfie Solomons Peaky Blinders

(42) Grenades

*edited 03/06/23*

It took exactly one month for everything to fall into place.

Ada and James were back to living in their home in London. Freya was cleared of any injuries. Their Epsom filly was nicely trained. Michael was home and Polly was spending as much time as she could with him while he fought to be a part of the organization with his cousins. Freya hadn't seen much of her at work but Michael kept showing up. She respected him for his determination and professionalism, but she did sympathize with her aunt. 

Henry Russell was convinced his life was no longer in any danger after John threw a moderate explosive into his home back in April. He was sure to attend Epsom without suspicion. Getting Tommy to assassinate the man was set. 

All she had to wait for was Arthur. She just needed Alfie to live up to his promises and pull whatever string he needed to get Arthur freed from that damn prison. She did her research. She saw how he worked in Arthur's favor but there was no final conclusion on his case.

It was the morning of Epsom and even as things were working in their favor, she was anxious beyond belief.

Some of the Jews in Camden already knew who she was and people liked to gossip so Freya had to sincerely question how many of those men would keep that secret to themselves simply because Alfie told them to.

As she imagined every worst-case scenario of how the day could horribly wrong, she got dressed in some pants the color of dark dumortierite and laid a delicate white button-up over her chest. She tucked in the ends of her shirt and contemplated whether to be true to herself or cater to society's expectations of her.

She stared at her reflection for a solid ten minutes before sighing.

She pulled on a vest that matched the color of her slacks before connecting the chain of her pocket watch to it. She tied up her men's shoes and strapped a thin blade to her calf with a sock garter.

She appreciated the sophistication she faced in the mirror but it didn't feel authentic. She would much rather be wearing a corset to such an event with feminine jewelry hanging from her body but she couldn't. She had to believe Alfie had enough authority over his men to silence them about her identity and settled on Fray.

She pressed some scented oil to her neck and fancied her fingers into bold silver bands and a glistening tiger's eye for good luck.

She twisted her hair up into a loose bun, slid it all into her flat cap, and braced herself before walking out the door.

She tried not to think about Polly taking Michael away once the race was over but it still clung to her mind.

She tried not to think about Tommy killing a man at the Derby.

She tried not to think about the possibility of people knowing who she was.

She tried not to think about John being accused of the bombing of the officer's house.

She tried not to think about her brother being beaten in jail.

She tried not to think about Arthur being refused his release.

She tried not to think about Alfie's deal being shot down.

She tried not to think about Sabini winning the war.

She tried not to think about the potential trap she, her brother, and James were walking into in Camden.

She tried not to think about Alfie betraying them.

She tried not to think about dying at the Derby.

She tried not to think about losing all the vans, pubs, and whiskey the company would lose.