Love from Gangsters

Chapter 25

Y/n's POV 

I finally reached my house and noticed the door was unlocked. I looked around outside to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary.

I walked in and took my shoes off. I heard a noise in the kitchen and cautiously made my way towards it. As I entered the kitchen, I noticed shattered glass on the floor.

"Shit, shit, shit," Ada muttered.

"Bloody hell, Ada, you about gave me a heart attack." I said, putting my hand on my chest.

"Y/n! I didn't think you would be back so soon." She said, hugging me. "I'm so sorry about your mother." Ada's words caught me off guard. My heart sank as I realized, for a split second, that my mother's funeral was only a week ago.

The memory of my mother's funeral flooded back, causing a wave of grief to wash over me. I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself before responding to Ada. I wanted to put that whole day behind me. I wanted to put Thomas and I behind me, but I can't. I have to meet with him tonight. "Enough about me," I said, forcing a smile. "How have you been, Ada? On a second thought, bloody hell, Ada, where have you been? You missed John's wedding!." Ada's eyes filled with concern as she sensed my attempt to change the subject.

"I understand if you're not ready to talk about it yet," she replied softly. "Just know that I'm here for you whenever you're ready."

"I'm fine, Ada, I promise. Anyway, Arthur has been taking care of me." I said, giving her a sinister smile.

"You didn't." She asked.

I chuckled, knowing exactly what she was referring to. "Oh, I did," I replied mischievously. "Let's just say Arthur knows how to keep me entertained." 

"Bloody hell Y/n, I don't want to know about you and my brother." Ada, says throwing a towel at me. "Where is Arthur anyways?"

"Pol said he had business to attend to this morning." 

"His loss, now I have all day with you." Ada chuckled. 

"I do have to meet Thomas later today." I said, walking back to my coat to get the note he wrote me. "His note seemed pretty serious." I handed Ada the note and she quickly scanned it. 

"I hope this doesn't have anything to do with Billy Kimber. Knowing Thomas, it probably does. That man has a knack for getting himself into trouble." She sighed, handing the note back to me. "Just be careful, Y/n. We don't want you getting caught up in any dangerous business."

"Who's Billy Kimber?" I asked, curious about the potential danger that Thomas might be involved in.

Ada sighed, her expression turning serious. "Billy Kimber is a notorious gangster in this town, known for his ruthless tactics and connections to organized crime, he runs the tracks," she explained. "If Thomas is dealing with him, it could mean trouble for all of us."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized the gravity of the situation. "And Thomas wants me to tag along, I don't have anything to do with horse racing."

"I don't know Y/n, but when Thomas fixed the races Billy wasn't happy." Ada continued explaing Arthur, John, and Michaels involvement at the races and told me why Grace was there as well. 

"I'm not going to meet Billy Kimber, Ada. I'm not getting involved." I said.

"Just meet with Thomas and see what he says."

"Bloody hell Ada, I'm not being involved." 

"That's between you and Thomas, Y/n. I have no say whether you do it or not." Ada respected my decision and understood that I didn't want to get involved with Billy Kimber. She reminded me that meeting with Thomas could at least provide some clarity on the situation. Reluctantly, I agreed to hear Thomas out, but made it clear that I wouldn't be swayed easily. "Now lets forget about Peaky Blinders business for a few hours and go have some fun."

"What do you have in mind?" I asked Ada, curious about her idea for a fun activity. She smirked mischievously and suggested we go to the Garrison, where we could indulge in some much needed girl time. I wholeheartedly agreed and went upstairs to change in anticipation of briefly escaping the tense Peaky Blinders world.

TIME SKIP

Ada and I head to the Garrison in our new outfits. I wore a black pantsuit with an open back. I put on the pearls my mother used to wear. As we entered the Garrison, the lively atmosphere immediately engulfed us. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, momentarily distracting us from the weight of our responsibilities. We found a cozy corner booth and settled in, ready to let loose and enjoy a day of carefree fun.

"So what will we be drinking today?" Ada asked, waving the bartend over to us.

"Whiskey seems like the best choice." I said, giving Harry a wad of cash.

"Miss Williams, I'm sure it'll be on the house." He said, pushing the money back.

"Non-sense Harry, I will be paying for our drinks tonight."

Harry glanced at Ada. "Y/n, you're not paying for our drinks, my brothers won't mind if we enjoy a few rounds on the house. Plus, it's been a while since we've had a chance to unwind together."

"Bloody hell, fine Ada. Harry take this as a tip." I said handing him the wad of cash again.

"I can't do that Miss Williams." He said, politely refusing the money. "I appreciate the gesture, but it's my pleasure to treat you both tonight. Consider it a thank you for the Peaky Blinders protection."

"Stop calling me Miss Williams, and take the bloody money Harry." I insisted, my frustration growing.

Harry hesitated for a moment before finally accepting the cash, a grateful smile spreading across his face. "Alright then, if it means that much to you, Y/n," he said, tucking the money into his pocket. "But just this once." He said heading back to the bar to grab our drinks. 

"He's a stubborn one." I said with a chuckle, shaking my head.

"You just gave him 1,000 pounds Y/n, you're bloody mad." Ada said, shaking her head.

"Well he deserves it after working for you brother." I said, defending my decision. "Plus, it's the least I can do for all his hard work."

Ada rolled her eyes playfully, acknowledging my point. "Well, just make sure he doesn't get used to it," she warned, teasingly. "We don't want him expecting a raise every time he completes a task."

Laughing, I reassured her, "I don't think you have to worry about that." 

Harry came back with two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. Both Ada and I thanked him. I poured Ada and I a big glass. We talked all day and went through the whole bottle.

"Ada, we need another bottle." I said slurring my words.

"Oh bloody hell Y/n, you're too drunk."
"I'm fine Ada, get us another bottle." I said, putting my head on the booth.

"Harry, we need a glass of water." Ada said, trying to sober me up.

Harry quickly brought us a glass of water each, looking concerned. "Maybe we should slow down a bit," he suggested, eyeing the two empty bottles on the table.

"Harry, what time is it?" Ada asked.

Harry glanced at his watch and replied, "It's already past 6:00, Ada."

Concern crossed Ada's face as she realized how late it was. "Bloody hell, Thomas is going to be pissed. Y/n, we have to go now."

I nodded, realizing the urgency in Ada's voice. We quickly downed the glasses of water and rushed out of the bar, leaving behind the remnants of our wild day.