Blackbird (a Thomas Shelby/Peaky Blinders Fanfiction)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Whisky's good proofing water. Tells you who's real and who isn't." - Thomas Shelby

18th January 1920

A young woman sits on the train facing out into the passing scenery, her jet black hair curled neatly in even ringlets which contrasts against her much paler skin. The winter sunset casts an orange glow across her youthful skin, her button nose causing a slight shadow across her face. She wears a long black coat, pulled in at the middle to accentuate her very small waist. The soft peach hue of the sunlight reflects through her colourless grey irises, they suddenly flick towards a tall man walking down the centre of the aisle. "Next stop Birmingham! Have your tickets ready."

She gave him a chaste smile and turned her grey gaze down to her hands. On top of her fingerless gloves was a small handwritten ticket. It read:

Euston, London to Birmingham, New Street for a Miss Lillian Turner

Lily ran her bare fingertips over her name that was scrawled neatly on the parchment, her surname would mean nothing this far north. She let a deep sigh and turned her head to have a gander out of the window, the gorgeous green hills and fields now replaced by a smoggy, monochrome city.

As the train chuffed to a halt, she rose to her feet and walked to the nearest door. Whilst masses alighted the train, Lily stepped off, stopped and gazed at the city in front of her. Thick smoke covered the skies, plumes of smoke rising up as if black tentacles were tickling the houses below. The streets were filled with huge horses, polished mahogany carts and the occasional rich-man's automobile.

There were swarms of people all in different shades of brown, black and grey, like the stones of the beaches in the south. It was a dull but at the same time, thrilling city. It was home to the Peaky Blinders.

She had heard very little about this incredible city but she knew that it was run by the infamous Birmingham boys, she had never thought that her vendetta would bring her here. A vendetta that could bring her very close to the blinders, but for better or for worse?

She was used to the smog from London, but never less she still pulled her scarf up over her face. Her heels clicked against the paving stones as she began walking down the dark streets of Birmingham, where to start?

~~~~~~~~

Lily had just left the hotel where she had booked a room for the week. She didn't intend on staying any longer than necessary, but if certain opportunities arise that could better her situation; she'd be open to prolonging her stay.

Leaving the warmth of the building, Lily hoped to find somewhere to spend the evening and potentially a Blinder to suck up to for information.

Lily's heels clicked loudly against the stone pavements, the dimly lit alleyways making her feel uneasy. Her gloved hand drifted beneath her coat and rested against the blade strapped to her thigh, the other hand loosely on her bag where a small revolver was hidden.

She was about to veer left when a chattering of voices could be heard to the right, Lily noticed that at the end of the road was a small pub. The Garrison. There was a loud huffing from the blacksmith halfway down the street and the burning fire lit up the side of the building a bright orange.

She turned on the spot and began walking towards the pub, a few men stood outside talking and smoking. As she gave them a curt nod, they moved to let her in. The doors burst open. Lily was engulfed in the scent of alcohol and tobacco, her eyes burned slightly at the sudden influx of warm air.