Bancroft - Peaky Blinders Reverse Harem x Reader

Chapter 63

Tommy's pov

It's a cold, grey morning in Birmingham.

Tommy had asked to have your funeral at night, beneath the stars. But Arthur pointed out there'd be less visibility. The scattered remains of McGuffin's men, if they chose to attend, would be harder to spot.

The last thing they needed was another Shelby in hospital. John had only been released that morning. Or, rather than released — he'd put on his coat and shoes, and threatened to blow the head off the orderly who'd tried to stop him.

Tommy exhales, watching as your casket is lowered into the ground. He wants a cigarette. Fuck, he really wants to light a cigarette. But you deserve the respect of fresh, clean air.

You deserve an untainted burial.

Polly presses a handkerchief to her eyes and squeezes Michael's hand. Arthur leans into Tommy, his voice low.

"They're here. The men on the northern side, by the trees."

Tommy nods, his face expressionless and eyes empty as he stares at the grave he'd spent all night digging. The grave now filled with your coffin.

Everyone looks at him expectantly, desperately. Needing words to fill this moment, everyone unable to conjure them. He gives a sharp sigh, placing his hands together. His throat is thick as he speaks.

"She swims in my blood," he says. "In all of us. I inherited the debt of protecting her life with my own... and I failed." Arthur sniffs sharply beside him. John's jaw is tight as he stares at the ground, tears forming in his eyes. "In spite of all Bancroft's battles, she still burned like the brightest flame. Without her... there is no sin I would not commit."

He steps forward and takes a scoop of dirt in his gloved hand. It dances in the breeze as it falls from his fingers, glittering across the gleaming casket in the ground.

There is nothing more here for him now.

Gunshots break free and rip the morning wide open.