wishing wells - michael gray

three

The room stared in a stunned daze.

"Well, alright then Michael," Tommy said, breaking the silence. "Who's this?"

John and Arthur snickered from behind her.

Michael stared at Elsie while holding his cheek, before breaking into a grin. "She's from back home. She's my best friend."

"Best friend? You left without saying goodbye and you never wrote, Henry," Elsie seethed.

Michael's face softened. "I was goin' to take you with me, but when I got to your house to get you, your father wouldn't let me take you. He said he'd give you another beating if I ever reached out. I did want you to come, I swear."

Elsie eyed him suspiciously, before breaking into a smile. "I missed you, Henry."

Michael smiled and engulfed her into a hug. "I missed you too, Elsie."

A beautiful woman with curly hair stood up and walked to them. "Michael, why don't you take your friend outside for the meeting. I'll fill you in later."

Michael nodded and guided Elsie out of the office.

"Meeting? For what?" Elsie asked curiously.

"Business. I'm an accountant at my family's business now," Michael beamed.

"Wow, who would have thought. You go by Michael now?"

Michael nodded. "It's my real name. It took some getting used to, but I 'spose it's more professional sounding than Henry."

"So how have you been? I want to know everything." Elsie's eyes lit up as she clung to her best friends arm. He led her into another office.

Michael Gray, Shelby Company Ltd

"It's been super. A little crazy, but it's so much better than the village.

"Your cousin said somethin'," Elsie said, as Michael and her sat down in the chairs. "What are the Peaky Blinders? He said you'd tell me."

Michael licked his lips. "I'll have to ask Tommy before I tell you anythin'. How long are you planning on staying?"

Elsie looked at her hands. "Um...forever if that's alright? You know how my father is."

Michael smiled at her and took her hand. "Of course. You can stay as long as you need."

* * *

The pair had shared everything that's happened in the last two years. Michael, of course, left out any details he thought he needed to ask Tommy's permission to tell her, but did elude to the fact that his family is very powerful and not to be messed with. Elsie filled him in on everything, which wasn't much, of the village news. She noted how his eyes grew sad at the mention of anything related to the Johnsons. Tommy had summoned Michael for a moment while Elsie sat in thought.

"Who are you?" asked a voice. She turned around and saw a boy that looked to be the same age as Michael.

"Elsie. I'm a friend of Henry's...or Michael I mean."

The boy eyed her down and sat in the seat next to her. "M' names Isiah. I'm his best mate. You knew him from before then?"

"Yes, I did. We actually grew up together, even under the care of the state."

"Is he your boyfriend?"

Elsie crinkled her nose at him. "Absolutely not. He's my best friend."

Isiah smirked at her and leaned forward. "So, you don't have a man then? As pretty as you are, I would think you would."

Elsie rolled her eyes at him. "Piss off."

Isiah threw his head back in laughter. "I'm jus' messin' with ya. Tommy said you need to go to his office."

Elsie stood and followed Isiah out of the room and back into Tommy's office. She noticed Michael's cigarette and raised her eyebrow at him, before taking a seat next to him.

"Elsie, Michael's told us you're staying with us?" Tommy asked, sitting down in his seat.

"Yes, if that's alright with everyone," Elsie said, looking around the room.

"Of course it's okay. I'm Polly Gray, Michael's mother," Polly said, taking the girls hand.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Gray."

"Now, Elsie, if you're going to be staying for a while there's some things Michael needs to tell you," Tommy said, lighting a cigarette.

Michael sighed and looked at Elsie. "You asked about the Peaky Blinders. My whole family is the leader of the gang. You'll likely hear of rumors of cuttings and beatings, but you're not in any danger."

Elsie blinked and stared at him. "Like a razor gang?"

"Yes," Michael nodded.

"Right. So if I stay around..."

"You, like Michael here, won't be involved in anything illegal," Tommy added.

"Alright then," Elsie shrugged, deciding it wasn't important. "Can I get a job?"

John snickered. "She really is the female version of Michael."

Tommy leaned back in his chair. "You can collect rent from the tenants with Isiah. Don't skim our money though."

Elsie nodded and looked at Michael, who was shaking his head at her ambition.

"Let's go to the Garrison and get this one a drink!" Arthur suggested, tugging on Elsie's arm.