Tear It Down

Chapter Eight

Thomas Shelby's gaze fell from one face to another as he leaned back against the rail. It had been a week since the last attack, Arthur and John relaxing, thinking there was no longer a threat present. Of course Tommy knew better. You have to wait for the right moment to strike if you wanted your actions to work.

Turning around his gaze fell to the horses, their breaths coming out in puffs of white. Grinding his teeth he lit a cigarette, needing the familiar burn to steady him. As he stood there smoking he became aware someone a few feet away from him began leaning on the railing also. He was in no mood to deal with whoever it was.

Tommy began to once again try and figure out who would try to do this. He was a man with enemies, plenty of them at that, but this wasn't a normal approach. Was this someone trying to hide their tracks? To throw off suspicion?

Whoever it was was damn good, he had to admit. Something he would like to have to his advantage if he could. He wanted to get the culprit for more than the name of his hire. Hell, he could use the skill the man had. And money was always a good incentive.

Suddenly he heard a chuckle come from the person a few feet away.

Looking over Tommy felt himself grow ridged as he stood to his full height, his jaws clenched. It was that young man that disrespected him. He recognized the coal coated face, the smirk that set his teeth on edge. Tommy reached into his pocket, his fingers closing around the handle of his gun when the man spoke.

"It's a shame what has happened, isn't it? So much money lost by bad stock." The young man shook his head and chuckled, lighting a cigarette.

Tommy was caught off guard by the man's words. By the time he found his voice the young man faced him, his eyes hidden by his cap pulled down low. Tommy also noticed the man wasn't much shorter than himself, a mere few inches. His clothes were tattered but not torn, and his hands were covered in the same coal as his face.

"Mr. Shelby." The young man said, his voice sounding as though there was something in his throat, something Tommy didn't pay mind to the other day.

The young man suddenly turned, walking away, laughing to himself.

Grinding his teeth Tommy began after him, hand still holding his gun. He couldn't get too close to the man, unfortunately, onlookers and those betting getting in his way. "Dammit, I can't let that son of a bitch get away." He thought to himself. But he soon caught a break in the crowd, advancing on the man when suddenly Tommy slammed into Arthur as he rounded a corner, forcing him to take his eyes off of the man. When he looked back he saw the man had once again gotten out of reach.

"Sorry about that Tom-" but Tommy cut Arthur off as he grabbed his shoulder and turned him to face the young man as he walked away.

"You see that man? Next time he comes back here you bring him to me. Do you understand?"

"Sure Tommy, but why-"

But Tommy didn't hear Arthur's words, angry that the young man was getting away again.