Embers of the Brave // Peaky Blinders

Chapter 2

Family Meeting

Ella had changed into a long burgundy skirt with a white blouse and the large fur coat the Polly had given her when she first got off the train. She slipped through the dark streets, making her way back to the betting shop. Despite night crawling in, the streets of Birmingham were alive with drunks, children and ladies of the night. The atmosphere completely different to her home, London. When she finally made it inside the betting shop, she stepped inside to see a group gathered around a table. Their discussion ceased immediately as they all took in her presence. Ella didn't miss the nudge one of the boys gave another. She took her time closing the doors begin her and slipping her coat from her shoulders, hanging it on the coat stand beside her. She analysed the table, the only available seat between Pol and the boy who had stood at the back of the office while she met Mr Shelby. Despite her confident demure, she felt anxious and it was sinking deep in her gut. As soon as she was sat in her seat, Thomas began.

"So I called this family meeting to talk about Miss Ella Kennedy. She has been staying in Ada's old apartment at the discretion of Polly. Apparently she has found her-self in some trouble. Time to explain yourself Ella. Then we will decide what to do with you." His eyes barely left Ella's, waiting for a touch of emotion to fleet across her face. Polly reached into her pocket grabbing her smoke box and lighter shoving them towards Ella.

Ella casually took one and lit it between her lips aware of the eyes focused on her. Releasing her breath and the clouds of smoke before licking her lips, "What do you want to know?"

The lady sitting on Tommy's right took interest immediately, leaning forward. "Who are your parents?"

"Dead. Anything else?"

"Why Birmingham?" came from the boy to her left.

"Knew Polly would help." Her eyes staring deep at his porcelain face and soft-looking hair.

"Who are you running from?" A boy younger than her asked.

"Very bad people."

"What did you do?" Tommy asked, frustration leaking into his demand.

"Alright take it easy. I'm Ella Kennedy, a 20-year-old from London. I set fire to my foster parents house and locked them in. Hence the very bad people looking for me." She knew what they were all thinking, why would a pretty girl like her doing something as bad as that. Polly beside her was shaking her head.

"I know who you are. I know what the Peaky fucking Blinders do. But I'm a big girl. And I know how to take care of myself."

Michael watched on as her light blue eyes scanned the room, he thought she was completely and utterly beautiful. Polly caught her sons start and knew exactly what he was thinking. She was stunning with her waist long blonde locks, sharp blue eyes and thin womanly figure and in no way suited the gloomy streets of Small Heath but rather the jazz bars of London.

Polly turned back to Tommy at the head of the table. "No wait, Tommy. Her protection for her work here in the office. She is so fast with numbers. She could help Michael in accounting." She practically begged while gestured to her son.

Thomas stared at the fury rising in the small girl causing him to smirk. She was alike him, not wanting help from anyone. Polly's glare pinned Ella's mouth closed no matter how hard she wanted to argue against the conditions laid on the table.

Just as Tommy was about to speak, Ella cut in. "And 12 pounds a week."

Tommy let out a chuckle before standing and making his was slowly around the table to lean on the back of her chair. His position over her, made Ella feel intimidated but she focussed straight ahead at Thomas' empty chair. The laughter dimmed down when they realised that the young blonde was serious.

"Hmmm... do you think that is fair, Miss Kennedy?" Thomas again dragged her name, while close to her ear. His hands resting on the tall back, pegging her in her place.

"You haven't seen me with numbers yet, Mr Shelby." Giving Thomas the same amount of displeasure when using his name. Before she rose from her chair to face him. Quirking her eyebrow at him.

It was in that exact moment that the Shelby family sitting around the table realised how similar Ella's harsh and demanding personality was. With a small smirk Ada knew that one day the little blonde would be a Shelby.