Cruel To Be Kind - Peaky Blinders Fanfiction

Part 32 - Dinner Invites and Jealous Blonde's

I think this is the quickest updating I have done in a long time. One of the only benefits of staying at home. I hope everyone is okay and I know I say it with every update, but I would like you all to stay safe.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter, there is a sneak peek at something to do with Tommy's plan and I think you're all going to enjoy.

Please stay tuned for more excitement between Elsie and Tommy

Stay safe xx

Love Comet96 xx

***

I was feeling smug. I knew Prince Alfred was going to win and it wasn't because I'd fixed the race. He was a horse breed from two racehorses. It was in his blood and his training was perfect to the tee.

"I'm not surprised," Tommy said, chuckling as he slipped a cigarette in his mouth. "You're a good trainer."

"I'm the best trainer you know," I told him, turning to face Percy and George. Tommy had told them they could come in to watch the race as long as they didn't draw attention. "Did you enjoy the race?" I asked, noting the large smiles on their faces.

I thought it was sweet of Tommy to let them watch the race. The young lads were two of his newest recruits and he was trusting them to be here with us as one of their first jobs. They seemed happy to be chosen and I knew he'd done it because they didn't look like his other men, warn and rough-looking from the war.

"Your horse is amazing," Percy said, the giddy look on his face running into his voice. I doubt he'd ever seen a horse race before.

"Thank you, Percy." I smiled at him and turned to Tommy, pressing my hand against his. "I'm going down to talk to Richard, don't draw too much attention to yourself," I said, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

As I left the box, I was surprised that both Percy and George followed me. Tommy was taking this protection thing seriously. He wanted to bring Gunner with us but I put my foot down. Dogs weren't allowed in the boxes, not unless Billy Kimber changed his mind about that.

We made it down to the stables just as Richard, Prince Alfred's jockey, was talking to David and Tim about the horse's aftercare. Richard cared about every one of my horses he rode and he was passionate about their aftercare.

"You did amazing, Richard," I called out, taking his hands in mine as he turned with a smile on his face. "You're due a raise. Have I given you one?"

"Aye, Elsie, you give me one every time we win a race," Richard said, slinging his arm over my shoulder as he pulled me into a hug.

"We only win the races because of you," I teased, patting him on the cheek as I moved over to Prince Alfred. He was looking good and I could tell he was itching for a run. "Good boy."

"Lady Cromwell!" The gruff, confident voice of Billy Kimber echoed in the stables as he swaggered over to us. He was an arse and he was full of it, but he owned most of the racecourses in England. "Lovely to see you again." His eyes roamed over me, settling on my breasts as he smirked. "Blue is your colour," he said, flicking his eyes up to meet mine.

"Thank you, Mr Kimber." I knew to be polite to the man. He had a lot of power and he knew all the right people.

"Lady Cromwell," a softer voice said and I turned to the man standing next to Kimber. I knew his face, I couldn't remember his name but I knew he was Kimber's accountant. "There was an unusual amount of bets placed for Prince Alfred to win considering it's his first race. You do understand the implications of this, don't you?"