Angel of Small Heath

nine.

1919

"Your money Mr Kimber."

Tommy dropped the heavy bags onto the table, upending one so all the coins fell out. He had always been one for the dramatics.

"Rescued from the Lee brothers, and returned to you with the request for a fair hearing" Tommy continued, pulling up a chair for himself and Eden. Kimber just sat there, stunned.

"You're own protection is failing, Mr Kimber" Eden chimed in, holding Tommy's hand as he helped her into the seat before giving a small smile to who she assumed was Kimber's wife. The lady looked stunned at having even been acknowledged.

"Your boys are taking cuts." Tommy was now seated directly opposite Kimber, between Eden and Kimber's wife. "I want to suggest that from now on, you contract out your racetrack security to the Peaky blinders."

Roberts looked interested at Tommy's proposition, but not movements had occurred from the other side of the table yet. Tommy let out a quiet sigh, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a cigarette placing it between his lips.

"We would be saving you a lot of money Mr Kimber." Eden volunteered, meeting Kimber's eyes evenly. "In return you give us 5 percent take and three legal betting pitches at every race meeting north of the river Severn, rising to six after one year if we are all satisfied with the service." Eden pressed on while Tommy lit his smoke.

His arm draped across the back of Eden's chair, as he leaned towards her slightly. He was enjoying watching his girl talk business so confidently. They had spent a lot of time working out the best outcome for their business, and Eden had contributed to a lot of the ideas for expansion and making it legitimate.

Eden was getting nervous and Kimber and Rogers continued to stare at her across the table. She held their gaze evenly, her fingers tapping lightly on Tommy's thigh through nerves. In the pause, Eden desperately needed something else to do, so she turned slightly - taking the smoke out of a Tommy's mouth and into her own. The habitual movement was soothing and she continued.

"What do you say Mr Kimber?" Eden drawled, exhaling some smoke across the table. Her stomach tightened as she noticed Kimber's eyes flicking down to her lips.

"I didn't know you could talk business." Kimber came out with, his whole face cast in dumbfounded surprise.

Eden smiled, her lips curling up. Tommy was so infatuated with her smile, he couldn't help but think as she watched her conduct business with the Billy the King. She held herself well, drawing the men in and buttering them into listening to her every word.

"I am a women of many talents Mr Kimber." Eden said finally, watching in delight as the men of the table clenched their jaws - her words having the desired effect. Tommy's hand slipped from the back of the chair, to hold onto her thigh, tightening slightly. Revelling in the fact, Eden's crossed legs revealed the slit in her dress, and his hand was on her bare skin.

Kimber stared at her for a while longer, his eyes flicking between Tommy and Eden again. "I say you talk business with my accountant," he finally declared, standing up and making his way over towards Eden. "I want to dance."

Eden looked at Kimber's outstretched hand, taking another drag of the cigarette trying not to let her hand shake so much.

"Actually Mr Kimber, I'd like to stay and talk business with the grown ups if you don't mind?" Eden blew smoke out towards the man, she could feel Tommy's hand tightening again in a warning for her comment. However, with Eden's coy smile, and the flirty nature, the poor man was so confused he just nodded.

Tommy jerked is head over towards where Grace was still standing by the bar. Kimber nodded again, as he looked over the blonde - heading her direction. Eden couldn't help but feel guilty for throwing the blonde under the bus. Especially for making her have to dance with such a horrible man.