Peaky Blinders (short stories)

Part 3

I wasn't sure what overcame my body. One minute I cried to a man about mercy and the feeling of pain. The next moment, we were tangled up in sheets of one of his many, guest rooms.

I hadn't slept with a man since my son had been born; not willingly at least. Tonight I'd given myself to a broken man, perhaps a soulless one. Tonight I didn't push my grief to the side, tonight I endured it and accepted it. Tonight I kissed the man I was to kill.

"They're never going to give me my son back" I say into his chest as I lie by his side.

"Maybe I can help you" He said tracing circles into my bare back.

"In return for what, Mr. Shelby?" I say propping my body onto my elbow and looking into his eyes.

"Just out of pure kindness, I suppose" he refuses to look me in the eyes. "I lost my son once, too" he continued to trace letters onto my back.

"I haven't seen Agnus in two years. He was taken from me when he was born. Do you want to know how I got myself mixed up with the Italian mafia?" I asked.

I proceeded with my story.

"I was naive. Giovanni was very abusive, I didn't believe him when he said he'd make my life a living hell if I was unfaithful to him. So I slept with the enemy" I spoke as I looked up at a portrait of a horse.

"When he found out I was pregnant with another mans seed, he made sure I suffered. He made sure everyone knew my sin" I smiled softly- not from happiness but of desperation.

"I ran to Ireland as soon as Agnus was born, but he found me only a month later. I shot him. I blew a bullet to his head. After, his family made sure I paid" I sat up.

"I've been their slave ever since, now my son has spent two years God knows where, not knowing his mother" I held back tears.

Thomas simply stayed quiet.

"If I don't pull that trigger on your head, I will never get Agnus back" I sat up and began to dress back into my clothes.

"I told you I could help you" he repeats watching me dress back into my brazier.

"How?" I pause my actions.

"I can find your son, I have men in places. With the right information, I'll have Agnus back in your arms" he lit yet another cigarette.

"Sounds too easy. What about the Italians? They'll come after me- no matter what I do" I tried not to panic.

"That's why- you will tell me exactly how to get back at the Italians. You will tell me their every move and strategy"

"So it's not out of pure kindness" I say referring to his earlier response.

"Take it as you see it, I'm your only hope"

I wanted my son back. I wanted the only thing I lived for back in my arms.

"I get my son, I get protection" I tried making a deal.

"Your son, and protection, deal"

We shook hands and with a final kiss we parted ways.