Wear Iron//Thomas Shelby

twenty six

I meet John and Finn in the stables.

"I thought you said no racing, no gambling," John reminds me.

I smile. "I've changed me mind." I turn to Finn. "Don't worry, Finn, OK?"

Finn nods. "Right."

"Cavalry boys ride like a sack of stones, all right?" John tells him.

Johnny Dogs is bringing one of the horses from its stall.

"John. John, there's an awful lot of King's shillings around here today. Now, out of loyalty to the regiment, they'll all be putting their money on this bad boy that I filled up with morphine and water," Johnny Dogs tells us.

I laugh lightly.

"Now Helena is it all right if I, uh, do the book?" Johnny Dogs asks.

"Betting's OK, but all proceeds go to the Shelby Foundation charity," I tell him.

"Oh, is this charity of yours and Tommy's for real, then?" Johnny Dogs questions.

"Tommy and I want to be seen giving back to the poor of Birmingham," I explain.

"So that'll be me, Helena," Johnny Dogs insists. "Myself. If I can't earn a shilling here tonight. Huh?"

"They'll make him the fucking Lord Mayor next," Charlie remarks.

"Mmm, that's the idea, Charlie-Boy," I tell him.

"Fucking hell," Charlie states.

"Right, all you lot make as much noise and fuss as you can," I instruct. I turn to Johnny Dogs. "Especially fucking you."

"So, we're a fucking distraction, Helena, is it?" Johnny Dogs asks.

"Something you're so very good at," I assure.

I stand with Tommy in the horse stable. We're waiting for the Russian to show up.

"You told Theo about the race?" Tommy asks.

I nod my head. "He's more than alright with it. Said it's about time the men had something to do tonight." Tommy nods. "I gave Olive the car." I laugh. "It did the job of softening the blow of having to stay here for a while."

"Good," Tommy says.

"I hope you realise you're going to be the one to teach her, Tommy," I tell him.

Tommy smiles. "Well, I taught you, so anything is possible."

I shove him slightly. "I am not that bad at driving."

I can hear John and Arthur speaking to a man with a Russian accent.

"I wonder, why does he trust his aunt more than his brothers?" the man asks.

"Go and watch the race, boys," Tommy instructs.

"The Turk's clean," Arthur states.

"I am Russian," the man insists.

"Same fucking thing," Arthur states.

John and Arthur leave to watch the race. The Russian walks towards Tommy and me.

"So, you make contact on my brother's wedding day," I state.

"You now have very powerful enemies. At the Soviet Embassy and within your own government," the man warns. "You are being watched, at your house, your office, your clubs, your bars."

"You best be quick, or I'll be missed. Where's the money?" Tommy asks.

"The duke's niece is bringing it from London," the man informs us.