Bête noire → Peaky Blinders [Tommy Shelby] [ BOOK 1 ]

Seven.

Chapter seven: Riches to rags

The house was damp and riddled with decay. The ground was pure concrete, rather that of rotting wood, which is what Caroline would have preferred, because at least it would be able to keep in the heat. From the wide hallways too narrow, she was almost disorientated but overall, in shock. They had nothing.

The house was being rented, therefore, they didn't have to worry about buying furniture as it was already decorated by the landlord. It may have been a massive downgrade, but anywhere was better than nowhere, so through her broken heart, she swallowed her pride and shut the door of Oscar's room and made her way down to the only living room in the house.

Collin could have suggested for the Kimber children to live with him in his home, but it would have been too obvious. If Billy had a change of heart, he'd find Caroline and Oscar and in no time, their heads would be placed on pikes as a sign of justice, but overall, power; that if he could kill his own children, God only knows what he'd do to an enemy.

So, from now on, their residence was within Watery Lane, just a street away from the Jesus's. To others, the thought was exciting; to be a minutes walk away from their best friend, but to Caroline, the situation was hopeless and already, she was stressing out about how to make ends meet and how she'd raise her twelve year old brother alone whilst battling an ongoing addiction. She needed help and it couldn't be from Collin.

"You really don't need to be here, Collin." For once, her tone wasn't as narcissistic as it usually was. Rather, she was worn out and grateful for his help.

Collin walked away from the blinds which he'd previously peered out of. Already, he didn't like the look of the civilians that roamed the streets, either drunk, ill or undoubtedly, planning illegal activities in order to pay for their next meal. It was a sad, gloomy street and if he could afford it, he'd take her somewhere far away-somewhere that they could be happy together.

 "Somebody's gotta keep you safe." Collin wrapped his arms around Caroline and smiled when she mellowed into his touch. "And before you think what I said implies that you can't take care of yourself, you're wrong. I know you're strong but for once, let me help you."

She no longer had the energy to fight. She was exhausted in every meaning possible and if it wasn't for the love of her brother, she would have just ended her misery once and for all. But, Oscar was worth fighting for and until the end of time, she'd keep him safe.

"I appreciate it. Everything you've done for me, Collin. Thank you."

"Really, it's no problem." It was. It was a very huge problem. But, through it all, he could only smile down to her after planting a kiss on her forehead. "But I think it's time that we start looking for jobs."

***

Some would say it's destiny, others would say it's a small world, and that's exactly what it was. If you think about it, earth is a mere speck of dust in the galaxies, which then in turn brought Caroline and Grace closer together.

The only job that seemed to be advertised was a job as a barmaid which hadn't yet been taken out of the paper, so when Caroline went down to the Garrison; the same one her father shot up, she sucked in a sigh and made a note to herself to not to mention her surname. And, much to her dismay, the job had been fulfilled by Grace, but with her persuasion to Harry, she told him that she owed it to Caroline to provide her with a job, considering she saved her life, and so, he couldn't refuse.

Now, with two beautiful barmaids, the Garrison would surely attract more customers, and it wasn't particularly exhilarating. They'd only be the target of desirable drunkards but, with the women's undercover professions, they'd be able to handle whatever life throws their way.