The Blood War, Peaky Blinders

𝟎𝟓𝟖 Like you run from the law

The blood war
chapter fifty eight, Like you run from the law———————————————————————————

-1929
Birmingham, England

After the plot against Oswald Mosley and the Billy boys were set into action, there was a family meeting called in the Garrison, Michael and Khloé also attending as well as the Canavans. As Arthur passes through with Finn, he "accidently" knocks into Michael's chair, earning a huff from Khloé, "For fuck sake Arthur, can't you act mature for once?" "Michael's chair got in my way, ain't that right, Mick?" Arthur asked. Michael rolled his eyes, not responding. Finn then sits down beside Khloé and Isiah. 

"You bearing up, Arthur?" Polly asked. "Bearing up for what?" Arthur asked, "Bearing up to be free, Pol?" "No fucking way" Khloé scoffed a laugh, "Paige finally got up and left." "Wouldn't say that" Tara said. "Another glass, eh? Another glass of so what, hm?" Arthur asked rhetorically. The door then opens, everyone expected it to be Tommy but in waltzed Paige and James, "Sorry we're late" James said. Tara turned her head back to look at Arthur, trying to read his face, "Don't you fucking dare." Tara mouthed warningly. Khloé had to muster up enough strength not to laugh.

Charlie then walked in behind them. "Are you alright, Charlie?" Paige asked. "Mad bastard Barney kicked me in the shin when I woke him up." Charlie groaned. "Who the fuck is Barney?" Paige and Khloé asked. "One of the best snipers in the company" Arthur said bluntly. "So you finally replaced me" Khloé said sarcastically. "Then where was he them last ten years?" Paige asked. "Mental asylum." Arthur said. "Where is the mad bastard?" Curly asked. "He's tied to a lamp post outside outside with three Lee boys, shitting themselves." Charlie said. Tommy and Milly then eventually enters the Garrison.

"First of all, an apology from Lizzie, she can't be here. Charles has a violin concert." Tommy said. "I'm sure we're all so sad..." Khloé mutters, earning a silent chuckle from Paige and a nudge in the elbow from Michael. "Also a welcome to Mr Aberama Gold. He and Polly are do be married in three weeks with my blessing. Also, a welcome back to Mrs Paige..." Tommy his, his voice dragging off as he didn't know what to call her last name. "Mrs Paige Shelby, thank you Thomas" Paige corrected him. Khloé shoots a look at Milly as in to say "What the fuck." Milly nods in agreement to the look.

"Oh come on, we aren't divorced and I'm standing next to him, aren't I. He's still legally bound to me." Paige said. "From now on, these two as well as the Canavans when called upon, will be welcome at our meetings. First item of business, a bereavement. Colonel Ben Younger, who may perhaps have become a member of this family was taken from us, four days ago, by dark forces. We've made some investigations, and we think we know who planted the bomb. In the meantime our thoughts are with Ada and the baby inside of her, who may one day sit at these meetings, but hopefully under happier circumstances." Tommy said.

"Let's drink to happier circumstances"  Polly said, pouring a glass. "Yeah" Arthur agreed, "To Ada." Everyone else toasts to Ada also, even Milly and Khloé who were unable to drink. "Item number Two." Tommy continued, "An announcement, regarding Michael and Khloé." "Oh shit" Khloé sighed, sinking back into the chair. "Before you go on, Tommy" Michael intervened, "There's something I'd like to say to the whole family directly, regarding finances and the future of this company. According to your own estimations, this new venture of delivery and shipment of opium will bring into the company around two million pounds per year. Therefore, due to the amounts involved, I think this company should be restructured."

"Michael, I think this can wait till outside the family meeting." Polly suggested. "Restructured in what way?" Tommy asked. "Because of the amounts of money involved, shipment and dispatch will become the primary source of income to the company. It's simple mathematics and I never even finished school." Khloé said. Michael stands up and stands behind Khloé, "And with the help of my wife, I will organise an expansion into America, where the narcotics business is just beginning to grow. See, I have very good contacts in Detroit, New York, Boston, who I've already spoken to about this. And Khloé's father has family who are very experienced in this kind of business. According to the conversations I've had with them, with a regular supply of pure opium from China, within a short space of time, the American narcotics business will bring in around twenty million dollars per annum. Enough money for you to all enjoy an easing of the burden you all now feel. See, I know that the scars and the wounds, they're on the inside, not on the outside. And as a member of the new generation, I'll be able to take away that great burden off your weary shoulders. A new decade is coming, there'll be new opportunities in new territories. More money than we've ever had. Tommy, you can still do the good work that deep down you want to do. Mum, you can get married and live in that big house. Arthur, you can be the father that Paige wants you to be for your children." Paige and Arthur stay quiet when Michael says that, Paige glancing down at Arthur before Michael continues, "Finn. You've proved yourself."