AC Syndicate: Isolated Files [OS]

Ghost of Small Heath [Crossover]

[AC Syndicate / Peaky Blinders] Part three of "Kiss it" from a dream. // Chapter image by Josephine Fray 

When Amy wasn't in the pub, she was with Arthur, giving him fighting lessons to improve his skills. And if she wasn't at the Garrison or training, she disappeared from view. Which made it difficult for the Shelby family to find out more about her. Almost all the members thought she was part of the mafia that had a grudge against them. Only Thomas questioned the idea. The interminable family meeting continued with the subject of the Garrison waitress.

– What if that waitress wasn't on their side? She might even be able to help you.

– Of course, Ada. So she can hold us by the balls? retorted John.

– We can't afford to take that risk. Some people are already playing her game, said Polly, looking at Arthur's empty chair.

Thomas was pleased to see that the arrangement with his brother was working in the eyes of his family. Indeed, the day after the meeting in the ring, the head of the Peaky Blinders had suggested to Arthur that he get information about the waitress at the same time as taking his lessons. He looked at his watch, seeing that it was time for the end of the day's session.

Arthur was out of breath by the end of his lesson, Amy was still in control of her breathing. He rubbed his face with a towel, smiling. He wiped the sweat from his upper back and chest. The Assassin congratulated him on the progress she had seen in him.

– Tell me, Amy... Where did you learn to fight like that?

– Family secret, she replied. That's all you'll know.

– Did your father teach you?

– To tell you the truth, my parents and my aunt did, she replied, cooling her face in a basin of water not far from the ring.

– Your mother and your aunt?

– Do you really think I'm the only woman who knows how to fight?

Arthur remained silent, rather surprised to hear this. Amy was amused by the reaction of her improvised student. When he saw her pick up her jewellery, he noticed a necklace with a strange pendant. It was in the shape of an A with shapes based on that letter.

– What kind of necklace is it, he asked. I've never seen it before.

The waitress pretended to be surprised. At last he could see the symbol of the Brotherhood. Amy knew that Arthur had promised Thomas to give her any information he had when he was training with her. It was really very clever. But Amy was as discreet as her aunt, even more so than her own mother. She had followed the two brothers the day after their meeting and listened in on their conversation. 

– You're very curious, she replied to save time.

– You're probably going to be training me for a long time, so we might as well get to know each other.

 – It's just an A with a unique shape, she lied as she readjusted her shirt. You know, it's... A for Amy. My dad had it made especially for me and sent it to me in the post. He must miss me, she joked. 

She was happy to have the name, even though she already loved it. It was a perfect excuse. Arthur was then disappointed by the explanation. The Assassin pointed it out to him, and the Shelby brother denied it. 

– Right, then. I'll be off. I've got to get home. Come and see me at the Garrison so we can arrange another training session.

She greeted him as she put on her coat and left the room, leaving Arthur alone. The Assassin returned home and made a call to London. She wanted to give her parents news of her — and, in coded language, talk about the mission. After that, she put on her Assassin's uniform. It was time to keep an eye on Birmingham, and possibly listen in on the gang's conversations. She made sure her hood was on properly to avoid being recognised.