mozzafiato ➝ peaky blinders

undici

birmingham

-

It had taken some convincing on Polly's part, but Gianna Changretta was attending a Shelby family meeting.

He had driven back to the factory to fetch her, and, to his surprise, upon re-entering his office, the girl was sat in his chair with her feet resting on the desk, smoking, eyes shut. He had made a point of slamming the door behind him, jolting her to attention. 

Without a word, he had jerked his head towards the exit, and had her follow him to where he had parked the car. He nodded at Arthur as he passed him, saying he'd see him later at the meeting.

As he walked speedily down the stairs, he thought about what he had gotten himself into. He was conspiring with the daughter of the enemy - he let out a slight scoff at the thought of it, shaking his head a little.

Polly might not have thought it, but he was and would continue to be very careful about this dealing with the Changretta girl. His aunt probably thought he had seen a pretty young girl in desperate need of his help and lost all sense. But he had no interest of that kind in Gianna Changretta, as pretty as she may have been; he wasn't that promiscuous. She was practically a child, for God's sake - the child of a man who wanted him and his entire family dead, nonetheless.

Tommy tutted to himself quietly. Fuck Polly. He wouldn't have agreed to the girl's proposal had he not been sure about her.

Plus, he hadn't wanted to admit it to Polly, but he wanted to help Gianna because he felt he had to.

He didn't just think she was good as leverage, as he had said before.

Something buried deep inside of him, the small part of him with morals and goodness, wanted to help her.

Still, he would keep a careful eye on her. People could swear their loyalties laid with you and only you right up until the moment they stabbed you in the back.

Soon, they were out of the factory, onto the wild streets of Birmingham.

As they walked the small distance between the building and his car, Tommy found himself instinctively resting a hand on the girls back. He ignored the strange look she gave him. He had spotted one or two people giving her a once over. It could be dangerous for her to be there, even with him by her side.

*

"How would you have me killed, if you were to do it?"

Tommy frowned, but didn't take his eyes off the road.

They hadn't spoken since the start of the drive; why was she coming out with such a question now?

After a moment, he stole a glance at her to make sure she was being serious. Sure enough, her expression was stony.

"You're a man of your word, aren't you? How would you do it?" she said again.

His brow furrowed, he returned his gaze to the road before him, peering through the grey and smoke of the city.

"Well," he started, and cleared his throat. He could feel her eyes on him. "I have the option of getting Arthur to take you to the canal, shoot you in the head, as I suggested in the factory. But, if I found you to be untrustworthy, I would make it much fucking worse. More personal."

Gianna watched him coolly. Tommy had to give it to her; her facade was almost as composed as his.

So, when he continued, he didn't hold back. Just to see what she'd do.