human right ( finn shelby !)

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER THREE
Love All, Trust Few, Do
None Wrong

                 "Are you sure this will work?" Finn asked, as they walked down to The Garrison. "Positive." Peggy shivered.
It's bloody freezing, she thought.
                 Finn pushed the double doors and the lively pub turned quiet. A face Peggy knew all too well lifted and caught her eye. "Brown coat. Black suit. That's George." She nodded in his direction.
                   "I'm gonna sit with him. You go and get drinks."
                   "Peggy, I'm not letting you go and sit with him, he could kill you."
                   "Not in a pub full of people." She placed a hand on her husband's lower back in an attempt to reassure him. "Okay. Fine. What're you drinking?" He sighed.
                     "Scotch," she smiled, "I'll see you in a bit."

•••

                       "Peggy Smiths," George's husky voice spoke as she pulled out a chair and say down. "What are you doing in Birmingham?" Peggy asked, crossing her legs.
"What're you doin' with a Shelby?"
"I'll ask the questions, George." She looked him in the eyes. Something she hadn't done in a while.
His eyes were different. They used to be like a forrest, green and filled with life, and now they were dark. And lifeless. "Look, I have to tell you a few things. Very quickly."
"Go on," he smirked. "I'm married." She said. "But I-I-" She was interrupted by George's low voice. "You're married?"
"Yes." Peggy replied. She had to up her game if she wanted George to believe she loved him. "I still love you." She blurted out. It pained her to say it. "I always have. Even after the incident."
"I know. You wouldn't have come if you didn't." He smirked. He thinks he's won, Peggy thought, little does he know, She smirked back.
A glass was placed in front of her and George's smirk turned to a frown very quickly. "You must be George. It's a pleasure." Finn held his hand out in front of George. "So, you're the Shelby Peggy's been forced to marry, eh?" George huffed, shaking Finn's hand effortlessly.
                          "And what makes you think that?" Finn pressed. A warm hand feel upon his cold one and Peggy offered him a reassuring look. "Ken what? It's nothing. I best be off," George places his rough hands on the wooden table.
                          There was a long, awkward silence between the trio as George stood looking at Peggy with eyes filled with lust. Peggy and Finn sipped on their whiskey as they waited for George to depart. "I'll walk you out." Peggy announced, standing up. As George turned his back, she whispered, "and in five minutes, we'll phone Tommy. The Billy Boys' can suck our dicks," to Finn, "and then we can live a peaceful life."
                           As Peggy stood upright, Finn grabbed her hand, "no one lives a peaceful life with the Peaky Blinders around."

•••

                           Peggy folded her arms across her chest as she walked across the pub with her past lover. "Can we talk?" George's voice softened. It sounds like it used to, Peggy thought, maybe he isn't a monster. "Go on, then." She let her arms fall down by her side. "I still love you too. I never stopped. I, also, contrary to popular belief, didn't help plan your father's death. I joined the Billy Boy's as revenge," he began, his broad Scottish accent being more prominent than ever, "yet, I don't regret it. The Billy Boys have given me everything. A home. Food. Friends and family."
                            "And a guilty conscience." Peggy huffed. "Look, there will be a family outing at the races. Tommy wants to go to feel a little bit of his past life. There will be no weapons, if you want to ambush them this is the time." The lie rolled off of Peggy's tongue, "I must warn you, do not bring many of your friends. Tommy and Arthur will be on edge all day, as they won't have weapons." She looked at the man.
                         "Why are you telling me this?"
                         "Because I still love you." It hurt her to lie about that. Lying was sort of like second nature to Peggy and there was no particular reason for that, but lying about love? Now, that was hard.
                          "Okay. The races?"
                          "On Saturday. Just remember, bring a maximum of 4 men. Tommy will spot you easily if there's anymore than that."
                         "Couldn't you cover for me? An old friend?" He placed a cold hand on her soft cheek.
                        "Unfortunately, no. I may not even be with Tommy. Just please. I want this for you."
                         What she really wanted was a peaceful life with Finn. She wanted George to leave and never bother her, or her family again.
                          "Okay. And you're sure they'll be unarmed?" George questioned.
                          "Positive. Lizzie and Linda decided on it. Just keep the children safe, yeah?" She wanted everyone safe. If anyone died, it would be her fault. All she had to do was convince George. If she couldn't do that, what could she do?
                           "Anything for you, princess." He whispered as he leaned in. Just in time, Peggy turned her head to the side. "I'm married now."

•••

                           "Did you get him, Peggy?" Arthur pestered the girl. "I may have, yes." She smirked. "As far as he's concerned we're going to the races on Saturday. Unarmed. And he's bringing four men." She reported. "Peggy, you do understand that if this doesn't work, and men die, the blood is on your hands?" Tom pressed.
                          "Tommy, you are the most optimistic person I have ever met. You're so lighthearted and good natured." She smiled sardonically at the man who towered over her.
                         "As Shakespeare said, Love all, trust few, do none wrong. I used to live by that, but then George killed my dad." The room went quiet.
                          Peggy wasn't sure why she was opening up to these people so soon. This family knew more about her father's death than Frances. "I'm sorry, I don't quite know why I'm telling you this much about my father."
                          "It's okay, love. Our father wasn't exactly there either." Arthur attempted to comfort the young girl. "That's enough, Arthur." Tommy interrupted.

•••

                          Peggy sat at the table with a cup of tea wrapped around her fingers. "You alright?" Finn perched himself on the table. "I'll be okay." She smiled softly.
                            It was at this moment Peggy realised that she was in her bra and knickers. And that Finn realised he was in his boxers. "Uh- I'll be off to bed then." Peggy felt heat rising up and onto her cheeks as she ran up the stairs to the bedroom the pair shared.
                             Will it ever not be awkward?
                             Will I always be embarrassed?
                             Did I look stupid?
                            What if the plan doesn't work, and Finn dies?
                            Then what will I do?
                           Would I stay in Small Heath? Go back to Glasgow? Go to London?
                            All these questions began popping into Peggy's head as she hid under the bed covers. Oh, how she hoped the plan worked.