I'm With You - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 5

"Jane I can't," I wheeze as I can't get needed oxygen into my lungs.

"I'll say you've been sick, go home," she sighs, "remember your breathing exercises."

She inhales and I attempt to copy her actions but all I can do is sob.

She plucks the key from my pocket and unlocks my door, taking me up to my room and taking my heels off and laying me on my bed.

"Your not in France anymore," she says, stroking my hair.

"Look around you, there's that painting of your mother and father your sister made. Your perfume that you barely use." She sprays a bit on her wrist and brings it to my nose to allow me to smell it.

"You have Star, how about you go see her once you've calmed down more? Maybe try have a nap?" She suggests as I begin to gain control over my breathing and tears.

"What would I do without you?" I say, hugging her.

"Probably faint from the lack of oxygen," she laughs, kissing my temple and getting up.

"I'll tell Mrs Belinda that you've been sick and aren't feeling well, I'll come back tomorrow to see how you are," she says, squeezing my hand before leaving.

***

"You taking her out Evie?" Curly asks as he cleans Monaghan Boy's stall.

"I am, I may be gone for a while though so don't worry," I say, smiling, grabbing some horse food and placing a decent amount into my bag- which was packed with sandwiches and a small flask with water.

"Okay! Be careful though... don't get lost," he says, giving me a hug. "I won't, take care of yourself," I say, kissing his cheek.

I take her reigns and tack them onto her, mounting her and keeping the bag close.

I nudge her into a walk out of the stall and decide to ride her out of Birmingham into the countryside.

We make our way into a trot through the streets of Small Heath, some nodding at me as they know me as the Peaky Blinder's nurse or have seen me around them.

"Morning Evie!" Finns voice calls. "Morning Finn," I smile at the boy as I pass. I nudge her into a canter as I see a clearing, excited for my little trip.

"Easy girl, easy," I say, halting her as a car pulls out in front of us.

A man with a cane and a moustache walks out, oozing trouble.

"Evelyn Loveridge?" He asks, his Irish accent evident.

"Who's asking?" I ask, not trusting him one bit.

"Officer Campbell," he says revealing a gun. I shiver, not wanting Star to witness anything troublesome.

"What can I help you with?" I question, eyeing the gun and then him.

"I have some questions to ask you about Mr Thomas Shelby," he says.

"Never heard of him," I shrug, easing Star's whinnies.

"Then why is it that I'm told your the Shelby's family's nurse?" He asks.

"That's all I am, Officer Campbell, a nurse," I shrug, hiding my trembling hands.