The Blood War, Peaky Blinders

𝟎𝟐𝟏 I Know Places

The blood war
chapter twenty one, I Know Places
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-1921
Birmingham, England

Tommy later goes to find Polly and question her on weather on not Michael asked her about the job at the company. "I told him he definitely can't take the job" Polly said, "He said "alright, I'll move to London then" she quoted, "I said "No I won't give into blackmail, no is no." "Well, that settles it then" Tommy said, "I'll give the job to the other candidate" he sighed, pulling on his gun pouch, "He's much better qualified anyway"

"Michael did city and guilds- six months" Polly said, taking a puff at her cigarette. "Yeah but he doesn't know racing Pol" Tommy said, opening the whiskey bottle on the table, "he knows horses but he doesn't know racing. This other boy, he knows racing. He's good, he's a fast learner." Tommy hands her the glass and pulls on his coat. "What if Michael really leaves?" Polly asked.

"He won't leave, he won't leave Khloè" Tommy said. "But if he takes her?" She asks. "Then just let them go Pol, he'll get a job in an office in London. I'm sure he'll write to you" Tommy said. "He made a big speech, about wanting to help you build up a respectable business. He sounds like his dad, he could make me cry" Polly said. "There are trains to London" Tommy suggested.

"So I just let them leave? Khloè and the baby too?" Polly asked. "Every month or so they'd be back for a little visit" Tommy said, "oh my god" Polly said, "you want him to do this job" "Polly..." Tommy started, "I want what you want" "what about this other more qualified candidate?" Polly questioned, wanting to see what her son was up against.

"Mmm..." Tommy said, trying to make up an excuse, "well I lied, there isn't one" Polly turns her head and looks at Tommy. "How much are you paying?" Polly asked. Tommy smiles and rolls his eyes, "the advertised rate." "Like hell" Polly said. "Three bob" "like hell" Polly said again

"Three and six" Tommy offers. "Four" Polly said. "Four it is" Tommy accepts. They spit in their hands and shake on it. "I love him Tom" Polly said. "I know" Tommy said, "that's why I'll keep him away from the old business, put him in charge of the new. Agreed?" Tommy offered. "Agreed" Polly said, nodding her head. Tommy helps Polly pull on her coat and they walk to the Garrison.

"Well Finn you've got two choices, Mild or Mild" John said, pouring drinks. "Mild" Finn said. "There you go" he slides over a glass as Khloè watches. "Khloè feeling a little left out?" Arthur teases. Khloè rolls her eyes and watches everyone drink. "There he is" Arthur said as Michael walks in the door. Everyone cheers for him as he smiles. "Happy birthday Michael" Tommy said, shaking his hand.

"Eighteen years old, you're a man today!" Arthur shouts, "Get him a drink Khloè." Khloè slides him a glass, this wouldn't be the first time she saw him drink and he was a little funny drunk. "And after that, we'll find you a lady for the night" John jokes. "I don't need a lady, my lady's right here" Michael said, setting a hand in Khloè's shoulder and patting it.

"Good to know he isn't a whore" Paige said, looking at Tommy. "Zip it" Tommy said. "There's the rest of the drinks" Milly said, setting the tray on the table. "Michael" Tommy said, handing Michael a small, black box. "What's this?" Michael asked, taking the box. "So you're never late for work" Tommy said as Michael opened the box to reveal a pocket watch.

"Khloè's idea" Arthur said. "I like it" Michael said, smiling at Tommy and Khloè as he realised he got the job. "Welcome to the business, Michael" Khloè smiled. "Welcome to the business" Arthur said. Michael bent down and gave Khloè a hug with a kiss on the lips. "Come on, let's get him drunk" John said, "Come here you." "Get him whiskey" Arthur said and looks at Khloè, "and a small glass for her." Khloè's face brightens up and Arthur winks at her.