dealing with the devil X peaky blinders

Chapter 2: Birmingham

Monday, January 16th, 6 o'clock, station of Palermo, Sicily.

Everybody lowered the head and was silent at the moment when Valentina Luciano entered the station. This silence made her smile. After all, you know the world belongs to you when people are terrified at the mere thought of meeting your eyes.

Thomas Shelby, despite careful research, Valentina had not been able to figure him out. What did she know? He grew up in Birmingham, had three brothers and a sister. He also lost his wife, shot at a party, a little over a year ago. He fought in France, won medals for bravery, got into betting, import-export, cars and all sorts of things. Impressive, isn't it? Valentina thought so, but would never say it out loud. A hand on her shoulder snapped Valentina out of her thoughts. Thomas was there with his brother Arthur.

- You're early. Said Thomas to the young woman.

- I am always in advance. You like Sicily?

- As much as I suspect you will like Birmingham. Thomas replied.

- The food is not bad. Admit it, Arthur.

- That's what they say. Tell me Arthur, I heard you got married a while ago. How is your wife?

Valentina regretted having arrived early, it forced her to converse. She hates conversation, useless words. When seven o'clock finally came, they hurried to the train.

- How long do you plan to stay in Birmingham? Thomas asked.

- That depends on you, Mr. Shelby. Valentina replied as she looked out over the landscape.

- A suite has been reserved for you at the Midland. Thomas announced.

- Thank you, but I took care to reserve my own accommodations.

- I insist. I know the staff, they will give you special attention. 

"Here's a man who's used to getting everything he wants," thought Valentina.

- Mr. Shelby, don't take me for a simpleton. Do you seriously think I'm going to stay in a place where I know you'll be aware of my every move, my every call, my every though? No, you are much more intelligent than that. Says Valentina in the same tone.

- as you want. Says Thomas visibly annoyed, but also challenged.
"Much more intelligent than I thought". though Thomas, realizing that he has greatly underestimated the young woman.

During the remainder of the journey, reigned a silence of death. Valentina and Arthur exchanged some banalities. She had decided that Arthur, although less pleasant to look at, was more friendly and pleasant than Thomas who remained cold, distant and imperceptible.

Tuesday, January 17, 10:30 a.m., Birmingham, England.

The train finally stopped. They took the car to the family home. Rain, pollution, filth, poverty and stench. It was a change from the five-star hotels, the mansion and the restaurants Valentina was used to. One thing is sure, he must have hated Sicily. Valentina thought. This time, it was when Thomas arrived that everyone bowed their heads and fell silent. The whole city seemed to be at his feet. The Shelby house, transformed into a betting shop, was modest but strangely safe.

- Attention, please. This is Valentina Luciano, she comes to us straight from Sicily. I count on you not to make her regret doing business with me. Says Thomas.

valentina's pov:

- I am called Ada. Says to me a young woman who wears a magnificent fur coat.

- Pleased to meet you.

- Polly. says another woman, obviously older than the first one, holding out her hand.I serve her gladly.

- And this is John and Finn. Polly said to me, pointing to two young men who were busy counting money.

- Now, let's have the introductions. I'll take you home. The trip must have exhausted you. Thomas says to me as he opens the door.

I greet everyone and join Thomas in his Bentley.

The property I bought is only fifteen minutes away by car, yet this trip seems to last hours.He finally parks. It's smaller than I thought it would be to be honest. But then, it's only a matter of a few weeks, isn't it?

The maid opens the door for me, it's small but not too badly decorated. The marble floor reminds me of home.

- What are you drinking, Mr. Shelby? Let me guess, whiskey, Irish?

- That's right.

- You intrigue me, Mr. Shelby. How does one go from running a gang in a run-down town to working with one of the most powerful families in the world?

- I have to admit I'm pretty dedicated to my work. Thomas replied.

- That is very admirable. I said, lighting a cigarette.

- I thank you.

- Let's talk business, I want to see the diamond, the same goes for opium of course. I say while sipping my whiskey.

- You take some?

- No, far from it. But I know people who will be more than able to verify your claim of "the purest opium you can find".

- I hope it meets your standards.

- I hope for you.

- mh, avoid going out alone, it's dangerous. If you have a problem, call me. Says Thomas as he stands up.

- Well, give me your phone number.

- Oh, but I'm sure you'll end up finding it by yourself. You're not a simpleton after all. he said as he left the estate.

Now the whiskey is getting to my cheeks! Say, I have to admit that this collaboration could turn out to be more interesting than expected.

To be continued...