Peaky Blinders One-Shots

Thomas/Lizzie - Gone? (II)

Thomas's P.O.V (1 Week Later)

"Tommy, Anna is struggling out there." Ada said storming in, "Obviously she does not have the skills Lizzie did and Rosa is scared of everything in my home. Karl keeps scaring her, and don't even get me started with John's kids."

Exhaling deeply, "Ada, Lizzie hasn't returned yet and I need someone to run the office."

"Then hire someone else," She said exasperated, "Anna dreads coming to work, and-"

"Ada like I said-"

"Mr. Shelby, there is a call for ya." Anna yelled, "Maggie at the exchange office won't tell me who it is."

Ada gestured as if she was trying to prove a point but I just waved her away answering the phone, "Mr. Shelby, it is an anonymous call from London."

"It is close to London,"

"Let it through." I cleared my throat, "Hello?"

"Tommy?" Lizzie said quietly,

"Lizzie," I said firmly,

"Tommy, let Anna go." She said tiredly, "She doesn't know the first thing-"

"I decide who to keep in my office and who not to keep in my office Lizzie, Anna is filling in your vacancy as you left abruptly..."

"The company needed me here as soon as possible Thomas, I couldnt lose the opportunity."

Pouring myself a drink I leaned back in the chair, "I need someone to run my office,"

"You'll find someone else, someone better."

"Just not you," I whispered, "So it will be ya sister."

"Tommy," She sighed, "Anna doesnt like that kind of work, she likes working creatively, and Rosa complains about Karl and Johns's kids all the time over the phone. I am getting good pay as well, my salary helps maintain their house and mine...leave them alone."

"Are you tell me what to do Lizzie."

I heard her move around, "When have you ever listened to me, Tom...that day at the stadium you weren't listening to me either...but I had listened to you, and the promise you made me not too long ago...no exceptions, no hardships..."

Shutting my eyes I swallow harshly, "I am sorry Lizzie," I had apologized before but this time it was genuine, "I am sorry I thought of you as bait for that nasty soldier I am sorry I didn't make it at time before it had started."

"Funny way of apologizing Tom, yet you still are bothering my family." She hadn't accepted it.

"You want me to let go of Anna?'

"Yeah," I heard her exhale harshly, "I do,"

"Anna!" I call keeping her on the line, she came in quickly, "You are free to leave Anna, and take Rosa home with you."

"Really?"

I nodd, "Really."

"Thank you, Tommy," She said excitement almost skipping out of the room, exhaling deeply I take a hit of my cigarette,

"Now who will run my fucking office Lizzie...eh?"

I heard a soft giggle, "Definitely not Anna,"

I offer my own small laugh, "Where are ya, Lizzie?"

"Watford, a little out of London." She finally admitted, "Some shoe company had seen the resumes I had out in earlier before you had offered me a job. I didn't like that I would get it...and I wasn't going to take it either but after what had happened I knew I wanted to leave Small Heath, and wanted to get Rosa and Anna out as well"