The Darkness Within (Peaky Blinders) Thomas Shelby

28. Unhealthy And Maddening

But I will hold on hope

And I won't let you choke

On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain

- The Cave, by Mumford & Sons

Kiara and Tommy wandered about the streets early the next morning, having no car to drive after the incident the previous night, but Kiara didn't mind. She liked the fresh air.

"Everything at the Garrison will stay the same." Tommy was explaining. "It's just a change in hand and I've promised to pay Harry above the regular wage when he's working."

Tommy was walking her to the pub now to organise a few things for their take over. Arthur had said yesterday when Tommy had told him he would be owning his own pub that he wouldn't know where to begin. Tommy had said that Kiara would know and she would help which Arthur surprisingly didn't mind.

Tommy wasn't a huge fan of his wife being a barmaid, but if she was helping run the place, well that was a different story and he felt like it would be good for her. Yes she was needed as a helping hand around the betting shop, but they could make do without on the days she had to be at the Garrison and he thought she'd be happier there. He was more afraid of her own demons then the drunkards at the Garrison.

"You didn't say how things went with Kimber yesterday." Kiara said as they continued on.

"As well as could be expected. I was just there to inform. He asked if you would be attending the races." Tommy stated, he mood instantly dropping over the words. "I told him yes and you were bring your friend, Grace, from the pub."

"My friend Grace." Kiara echoed as they approached the Garrison.

"Don't be bitter." Tommy stated before opening the door for her and they walked in.

"Morning Mr Shelby, Mrs Shelby." Grace nodded a welcome as they walked through the door, Tommy returning it with a nod and Kiara allowing his greeting to be for the both of them.

"Ah, here to discuss business?" Harry came from around back.

"Not me." Tommy shook his head. "Kiara mentioned there were a few things such as a stock take, inspection and a money count to do before the change over."

"Yeah." Harry nodded before Kiara went to remove her coat, but Tommy helped her, pulling it off her shoulders and then draping it over his arm.

"Arthur's busy today so she'll be doing it." Tommy informed.

"Let me take that." Grace offered, stepping forward and taking the coat before disappearing around back to hang it up.

"Wonderful." Harry nodded. "I'll go get some paper and a pen and we'll begin." He nodded.

"Alright." Tommy turned to his wife. "I'll leave you to it."

"What are you going to do?"

"The usual." He informed before placing a kiss on her cheek as she slightly rolled her eyes at his words. "I'll see you tonight."

Kiara set to work with Harry, happy to be back working there. Grace stayed out of their way, just going about her business and serving the customers while they went through their list of things to do.

"I'm sorry about all this, Harry." Kiara turned to him at one point.

"Nah, don't be. I love this place I do, but... Tommy's right; I'm tired. Have been since the end of the war. He's promised it will all be the same and I still get to work here just without the extra pressure of all the other business. I know it's in good hands, especially if you'll be running things."