Quicksand | A Peaky Blinders Fanfiction

Chapter 8

Michael

Michael walked out of Tommy's office in a daze, caught between disbelief and happiness. John saw his face from across the room, grinning from ear to ear.

"What got you so speechless, Mikey," he asked, "is Tommy having girls around?"

It took him a moment to answer.

"I'll come along to the auction," he mumbled and repeated it, a bit louder this time.

Johns smile widened. "Well, that calls for the Garrison. Right after work, yeah? I'll get the others."

It was not like Michael had any choice in the matter and John was gone before he could say another word.

A couple hours later and he sat in the little private room of the pub, surrounded by Finn, Elaine and a boy called Isaiah, who apparently was a friend of the family as well and well acquainted with the rest of them. Michael had seen him a couple times but never spoke to him. He was a talkative one and gave you the feeling you knew him for years. It was easy for Michael to like him.

"Where is John Boy?" Isaiah asked, "He was the one inviting me and now he doesn't even show up!" He took a sip from the whiskey in front of him.

Finn, meanwhile nursing an apple juice, looked at him. "He said Tommy asked for him and Arthur," he informed the others. "He'll come over as soon as possible."

Everyone nodded understandingly until Isaiah caught Michael looking at his drink doubtfully. Two seconds after they set foot in the Garrison, Michael had had a whiskey in front of him but hadn't touched it once.

"What's the matter, Michael?" Isaiah quipped, "No poison in there, promise."

"Yeah, it's just, I..." he started, slightly embarrassed.

"He doesn't drink," Elaine chimed in helpfully. He didn't know if he should thank or strangle her. As expected, Isaiah wasn't having it.

"You don't- ... No. No, you just don't know what you're talking about." He nudged the glass closer to Michael. "Come on. You'll like it."

With a sigh, Michael complied and faced similar results like when he first tried a cigarette. He spluttered slightly. Everyone laughed good-naturedly.

"Man, you really didn't drink before, eh? Thought she was lying," Isaiah admitted.

"But you've been to the Garrison with my brothers multiple times!" Finn remarked. He looked truly surprised, as if the possibility of going without a drink in the company of the Shelby brothers was unthinkable. It was funny, Michael thought, since they never allowed Finn a single drink.

"Yeah," he answered, "beer. But haven't had whiskey." He took another gulp. It was easier this time, when he knew what was coming. It wasn't that bad, actually.

"You'll breathe that stuff in a couple months," Isaiah assured and as he looked at his friends, Michael realized he was probably right.

Finn made a grab for the bottle until Elaine caught his sleeve.

"And what do you think you're doing?" she asked with raised brows.

"Come on," he whined. "Everyone is having some. I'm old enough!"

Isaiah grinned. "Aren't you like twelve?" he asked, taking the bottle and holding it just out of Finn's reach. The boy didn't like that at all.

"I'm fourteen!" he complained, "Stop bullying me!"

Elaine, Michael and Isaiah looked at each other, communicating with their eyes. Elaine was shooting a questioning look, to which Isaiah shrugged slightly and glanced at Michael. He nodded towards the closed door. They contemplated the situation for a while, until Isaiah just poured a bit of whiskey into Finn's empty juice glass.