《The Peaky New Blinder》


 Chapter 1: Arriving

    Birmingham England, 1919, this is where a boy ended up soon after the war had concluded. The boy had no memories of how he actually got to this place though, in fact, the boy was very close to freaking out. The last thing he could remember was reading a web novel on his phone. After finally getting tired enough, he placed his phone on the charger and went to bed, and then he was here.


    He knew where ¡®here¡¯ was of course. The time or city didn¡¯t matter much, but one word kept replaying in his head.


    ¡®Peaky Blinders¡¯


    ¡®Peaky Blinders¡¯


    ¡®Peaky Blinders¡¯


    ¡®Peaky Blinders¡¯


    ¡®Peaky....Fucking¡­. Blinders¡¯


    There was no ¡®God¡¯, there was no status screen or power ups or missions or even a damn explanation. He didn¡¯t know if he died, if he got reincarnated, or if he was just transported into another world because not a single ¡®Divine Being¡¯ deigned him important enough to actually explain anything. He somehow just knew where he was and that he was in the Peaky Blinders show.


    Then there was the show itself. The lad remembers watching season 1 on Netflix when it first came out, and has watched every season since, but his memory of the earlier parts were fuzzy...yet clear. There are parts where he remembers every word spoken in a scene but others where he could barely remember what the topic was about. That...wasn¡¯t good.


    Other than that though, he knew nothing else. Looking around he realised he was in the middle of a busy and dirty street. Using some broken glass as a mirror that was further along the road, he immediately found a couple of really big fucking changes. He was dressed nicely in black dress shoes, dress pants, and a gray vest. Sitting on top of his head was a gray cap that most, if not all, Blinder¡¯s wore. The kid actually looked quite sharp.


    Is that a Webley Revolver tucked between my waist? Well the free clothes and gun are convenient, I guess whoever sent me here isn¡¯t a complete asshoole.


    That wasn¡¯t the problem though, the problem was that before this moment that ¡®kid¡¯ was a 36 year old man but now looked no more than 16. There were several changes that he felt like hyperventilating about. The blue eyes, blonde hair, and the white skin. Don¡¯t get him wrong, he doesn¡¯t have a single thing against caucasions, but when you grow up and Black Pride is preached almost as strongly as The Bible, the simple change of pigment almost felt more disabilating then the realisation that he was transferred to a new dimension.


    While he was freaking out, he hardly noticed that the busy street was beginning to clear out with frightening speed. People were heading into their homes and locking the doors, vendors began to hide behind their stands and kids started running away, although some found nearby hiding spot to watch...something. It wasn¡¯t until the boy began hearing a clopping sound that the situation dawned on him.


    Season 1 Episode 1....It¡¯s Tommy!


    In episode 1 of the Peaky Blinders, Tommy does the ¡®Powder Trick¡¯ in the middle of a busy street so everyone could see. Tommy has a horse that he gets someone to put a ¡®Spell¡¯ on to win a race. People would believe anything in the 1900¡¯s and if a ¡®Witch¡¯ arrived to put a spell on a horse, then they would surely bet what little of their hard earned money they have on that horse.


    A million thoughts flew through the kid¡¯s mind at once but before he could make sense of even a single one, a horse stopped in front of him. On top was the well dressed the sociopath himself...Thomas Shelby. His attire was almost identical to the boy¡¯s, the only differences being that Tommy was wearing a suit and a pocket watch. Besides that, Thomas had the same blue eyes like him but black hair instead of blonde.


    Honestly he didn¡¯t know what got into him, but at that moment a type of persona just took over his actions. His body relaxed and he placed his hands in their pockets in a calm manner. A pleasant smile adorned his face. First impressions mean everything to men like Shelby, and he was determined not to screw it up.


    ¡°Our ¡®Fortune Girl¡¯ is on her way Mr. Shelby. With her there¡¯s no way this boy here will lose.¡± The ¡®kid¡¯ places a hand the horse and pets it. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll meet your standards¡­ and even surpass them.¡±


    A hint of surprise and curiosity dances in his pupils. No doubt he has questions, many of them the kid wasn¡¯t ready to answer. One thing the man-child did know though, was that he had to join the Peaky Blinders, and for that to happen he needed the interest of this dangerous man. Before said man could ask any questions, however, two Asians arrived from behind me, out of breath and shaking. An old man past his prime and a young girl, probably age 14 or 15. They were both dirty and haggard, the girl¡¯s green sweater covered in small dirt patches.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    ¡°Sir...this is her.¡± the old man spoke. Funnily enough, he barely even paid attention to the boy¡¯s presence. They most likely assumed that Tommy brought him and so didn¡¯t ask any questions. While Tommy wanted to ask questions about the sharp dressed boy, he had a show to put on and a schedule to keep.


    ¡°The ¡®Fortune Girl¡¯ eh?¡± he asked with interest.


    Haven¡¯t been here 30 minutes and I already changed something. He was supposed to say. ¡°The girl who tells fortunes?¡± A small change, but a change nonetheless. Honestly, I haven¡¯t decided if I¡¯m going to stick to cannon or throw it off the deep end yet so I don¡¯t know how I feel about this.


    Tommy rummages through his pocket for a second before taking out some cash and handing it to the boy.


    Well the Shelby is assuming I¡¯m with them and they are assuming I¡¯m with the Shelby. Well ain¡¯t that awkward. I have to just go with it though, I can¡¯t be too suspicious. I gotta somehow make it seem like my presence here is natural.


    The boy takes the money and stands to the side. With a head nod, he silently infer for them to get on with it, and they take the hint. The old man looks confused but does as told and gets the girl to take out a red pouch. She begins to pour some type of red sand in her hand, looks into the horse¡¯s eyes, and began chanting.


    Honestly, I have no idea if this an actual spell or not anymore. I mean, this is obviously a con, but I¡¯m in a fictional world filled with people who aren¡¯t real so magic must be a real thing. Shame that this world isn¡¯t the type where I can level and defeat monsters and shit. Not that I have any problem being here, the Peaky Blinders are total badasses.


    After a couple of seconds, the chanting stops and the girl blows the red sand into the horses face. Obviously the horse neighs a bit but seems fine. The boy nods towards the old man and gives him the money, then looks back towards the Shelby. The moment the money is in their hands, they run away, leaving the kid and Tommy alone.


    ¡°Well continue Mr. Shelby, business before pleasure.¡± Thomas looks at the teen in contemplation for a few seconds before nodding.


    Walking the horse around in circles, the Blinder shouts so all can hear. ¡°The horse''s name is Monaghan Boy! Kempton, three o¡¯clock, Monday! You ladies have a bet yourself but don¡¯t tell anyone else.¡± and with that he begins to gallop away. The boy couldn¡¯t help but sigh in relief as the normal citizens began gathering on the street. He however knows that it¡¯s not over and begins following the horse.


    I¡¯m pretty sure I grabbed his interest enough for him to at least start a conversation with me.


    ¡°Well are you going to tell me who you are?¡± the Shelby asks, looking straight forward.


    ¡°I am but a simple orphan caused by war Mr. Shelby, but I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the answer you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    ¡°You would be right.¡±


    ¡°...Michael, Mr. Shelby. Micheal Corleone.¡± There¡¯s no damn ¡®Godfather¡¯ here, and if I¡¯m going to be apart of a gang, I might as well have a gangsters name. Besides, no way in hell I¡¯m sticking to my normal Stanial Jefferson name. I¡¯ve wanted to change it something cool for a long time now anyway.


    ¡°And what do you want from me, Mr. Corleone?¡± the curious man asked with a slight smile. His interest were clearly piqued.


    ¡°Peaky Blinders, run by the Shelby Family who became infamous after the war. Though not the strongest gang around, they are certainly not the weakest. Run by a smart and cunning man, one Thomas Shleby, they have much potential.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done the research, yet I still do not know what you want. Or are we gonna get to that point anytime soon?¡± he asked with fake annoyance. The now named Michael could tell he didn¡¯t really mind the conversation.


    ¡°Ah, well I am a simple man Mr. Shelby. I have simple goals, yet to achieve those goals, the road is quite complicated. I even have a list.¡±


    ¡°And on that list?¡±


    ¡°Number 1, meet Thomas Shelby.¡± Micheal says with a smirk. Tommy almost chuckles at this but stops himself before it could come out. This early in the series he¡¯s not known for being jovial.


    ¡°It seems you can cross that off the list.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Micheal agrees with a smile. ¡°Number 2, join the Peaky Blinders.¡±


    ¡°And why would you want to do that, as you¡¯ve said, there are stronger gangs around.¡± he asks, finally giving Corleone his full attention.


    ¡°Those gangs don¡¯t have you leading them. You see, I have an eye for potential, and you seem to be overflowing with it. You and your brothers not only fought for your country and king, but came back alive from it, and made something of yourselves.¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡± he asks, giving Michael a look.


    ¡°Yes. Number 3, make a famiglia within the Peaky Blinders with me as the Don. The Corleone Famiglia. They will of course, however, still be under the Shelby Family.¡±


    ¡°Famiglia huh...Those are big goals Mr. Coleone, aren¡¯t you a little young to be thinking of not only joining a gang but rising so far up within its ranks?¡±


    ¡°As an orphan, everything has a risk. If I¡¯m going to take risks, I might as well go all in. Besides, I have a feeling the risks I¡¯m taking now will pay off. Just because you are a small gang now, doesn¡¯t mean you will be one forever.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± the horse suddenly stops. It takes a moment for Michael to realise why. He walked all the way to the stables for the horses without noticing.


    He wants me to leave.


    At this point in the story, The Peaky Blinders have some very valuable equipment hidden in these stables. Michael definitely isn¡¯t trusted enough to know anything about it.


    ¡°This is where we will part ways for now Mr. Shelby, I have much business to attend to.¡± Michael says, turning around and beginning to walk away. ¡°Oh!¡± he stops. ¡°Be careful, I wouldn¡¯t worry too much about the Chinese but if that horse wins, Billy Kimber will not be happy. Even more dangerous than them, both of them, is the Chief Inspector Chester Campbell.¡± and with that Michael walks away.


    The Chinese and Billy Kimber both have a hand in the races, and no one is supposed to be fixing them without their knowledge and permission. That¡¯s why doing the Powder Trick is so dangerous. That horse will win the first time, and those who were on the fence about whether the ¡®spell¡¯ would work will change their minds and bet on the horse the second time. The horse will win again, and everyone would hear about the horse that was put under a spell and how it won 2 in a row already. The third time, even more people will bet on the enchanted horse winning...and the Peaky Blinders will bet on it losing...and the horse will lose. Billy Kimber, the most powerful gangster in Birmingham, won¡¯t be happy.


    Now where the hell am I going to go?

 Chapter 2: Business Opportunity

    1st Person


    Wondering the streets of Birmingham, I realised something very important. I was in the past...yes I know, ¡®Duh you fucking idiot¡¯ but it finally began to sink in. Dirt and soot were indistinguishable from one another and every person I saw had at least a little on their person. It was on their, their clothes, their shoes, and their faces. These people looked horrible...oppressed...scared. It was sad actually. It wasn¡¯t until I saw 3 boys huddled together in an alley did I stop my sight seeing. They were cold and shivering. Walking towards them, the moment they noticed me, I could see the fear in their eyes.


    ¡°Why are you out here alone? Where are your family?¡± 2 of the boys cowered in fear and put their head down, but one of them, the oldest looked me in the eyes. I could see the fear in his own, but I could also see the determination. I could tell this boy wanted to protect the other two no matter what.


    ¡°We...we don¡¯t have a family. They died in the war.¡±...orphans. Real ones, unlike me who is only using it as an excuse. Honestly, it makes me feel kinda shitty, kids being orphaned is relevant now more than ever thanks to the war and I¡¯m using the title like some kind of badge of honor.


    ¡°What are your names? How old are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Tim and I¡¯m 15.¡± the lead boy said. Black hair, green eyes, and dirty clothes with holes in them. There was even a large long street of soot on his cheek. The other boys seemed to have gained some confidence since their older brother was talking to me peacefully.


    ¡°My names Dustin, I just turned 14 this month.¡± the second tallest boy spoke. He shared his brothers black hair and green eyes, though his clothes looked a little better than the elder for some reason.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m Carter...12.¡± the youngest spoke out from behind Tim.¡±


    They¡¯re older than I thought, which means they are smaller than they are supposed to be. Mild malnutrition? ...How the hell am I gonna help these kids. Whoever sent me here gave me these fancy ass clothes and a gun but no money. Wait, how the hell am I gonna help myself?! I have no money!


    ¡°I¡¯m Michael. Nice to meet you boys but if you sit here, you¡¯ll freeze to death. You have to get your bodies moving to produce heat.¡±


    ¡°This ain¡¯t our first night on the streets, we know...we just don¡¯t have nowhere to go anymore. We refuse to go back to that damn orphanage.¡± Tim spat with hate. Well there¡¯s a story there if I¡¯ve ever seen one.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter where you go, but you can¡¯t sit still. How about you come with me?¡±


    ¡°Come with you where?¡± asked Dustin. I laughed and shrugged at his question.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m an orphan too, I¡¯m just wandering the streets right now. The destination doesn¡¯t matter though as long as I¡¯m not freezing to death.¡± The boys look at me skeptically and it takes a while for me to understand why. I don¡¯t look like an orphan. In fact, I look pretty well off. My fancy clothes, shoes, and hair probably paints me as a wall taken care of kid.


    ¡°...Sure, it doesn¡¯t matter where, but I¡¯m tired of sitting here doing nuthin anyways.¡± Tim says with a smile. It seems they were not taught the rule ¡®Don¡¯t talk to strangers¡¯. Well, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m planning on doing them any harm anyway, still though.


    ¡°Yea!¡± Dustin agreed and I got a slight head nod from Carter. We had nowhere to go, we had no food to eat, but we did have fun. 36 isn¡¯t old, it¡¯s more middle aged, but it¡¯s been a while since my body could move so freely. We ran, tackled each other, dared one another to flirt with girls around the town, and had a good time. The fun distracted us from our hungry bellies and dire situation. I know I shouldn¡¯t like it, but acting like a snot nosed brat was the best time I¡¯ve had in a very long time.


    It wasn¡¯t until night came that the fun came to an end. As we were passing an alley were heard crying and yelling.


    Everything seems to happen in alleys around here, why are there so many anyway?


    Obviously we couldn¡¯t just mind our own business and walk away so we took a peak and didn¡¯t like what we saw. A girl was on her knees, tears in her eyes, and a man with a satisfied smirk on his face started pulling up his pants.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°I don¡¯t owe you shit bitch.¡± the man said, fixing his trousers.


    ¡°You fucking promised! Please! I need this money!¡± the lady yelled at the man. This didn¡¯t look like a good situation. I noticed from the corner of my eye, Tim tightening in fist in a ball, almost shaking. I was kinda surprised they didn¡¯t start bleeding from the way he was shaking and gritting his teeth.


    He¡¯s a good kid.


    ¡°Well next time if you do a better job sucking my cock instead of complaining I might pay you.¡± he then laughs, the fucker laughs. ¡°Might. Your pussy was to loose for 20 Pence anyway. I wanted a quick fuck, not a sob story about how you¡¯re too good to do things like this and how ¡®this is only for now¡¯. Fuck off, a whore is a whore, you¡¯re no better than any other one. In fact, all of the good ones live in the brothels, that just proves you¡¯re actually worse than the norm.¡±


    Honestly my body moved on its own. Running up behind the asshole, he hears my footsteps and turns to see my fist flying into his face.


    Well I really wasn¡¯t trying to be sneaky anyway.


    The man¡¯s head snaps to the right and while he¡¯s in shock, I hit him with another hook. He stumbles back a bit but he seems to finally get his bearings as his eyes fill with rage.


    ¡°You shitty kid!¡± he goes for a swing that I barely was able to dodge by moving backwards and moves to go for another. However before he could throw another punch Tim and Dustin crash into the fatass, making him tumble and fall. Without hesitation I jump in and start to kick the old man in the gut. It caught me by surprise when I saw the 12 year old little Carter begin punching the man in the face with a smile.


    ¡­.something might be wrong with that kid.


    ¡°Carter stop for now, we need him conscious.¡± he looks at me for a second in clear contemplation on whether he should continue anyway. He eventually decides to listen though and nods in my direction. Even with this, he still gives the pig one last kick in the face before stepping back. The man groans in pain.


    Something definitely wrong with that kid.


    I turn towards the woman who looks borderline traumatised and give her a gentle smile. For some reason, I could physically see her body relax a tad, though she was still scared.


    Oi lady, aren¡¯t you a little too trusting? I know we¡¯re technically kids, but you just saw us jump a grown man without any explanation. You should probably still be a bit more cautious. You don¡¯t even know if we¡¯re actually here to help you or not.


    ¡°How much did he owe you ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°...20 Pence.¡± I try not to let a frown show on my face.


    20 Pence? That¡¯s like 20 cents right? That¡¯s all? Oh wait, it¡¯s 1919! Is this around the time where people could buy entire meals for a quarter?! I remember some old people talking about something like that when I was young. Maybe 20 Pence is actually a lot?


    ¡°Carter, rummage through his pockets and see if he has his wallet on him.¡± I order, and Carter does so without hesitation this time. He finds the wallet and throws it to me. Catching it, I opened it up to see...british money.


    Why the hell is the Pound so damn long? Like there¡¯s no reason for money to be this damn big, it barely even fits in the wallet.


    The fucker only carried 3 dolla-, I mean Pounds on him. Luckily there''s some coins in a little pouch and I take out a small coin. Luckily it literally says ¡®20 Pence¡¯ engraved or we would have an awkward situation. I flip the coin towards her and she catches it.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Emily!¡± she answers with a smile on her face, looking at the coin. I look down at the barely conscious idiot and give him a light kick that causes another groan.


    ¡°Listen up you son of a bitch, Emily here is under the protection of the Corleone Famiglia. From now on, if you fucking want her service, then you better damn well pay. You understand?¡± I get a small nod and I turn back to the lady. She was cute, long brown hair, hazel eyes, cute rump. She looked to be in her mid 20¡¯s, possibly pushing 30.


    Hey hey hey, isn¡¯t this kind of a perfect opportunity? I need money, she needs protection, it looks like a mutually beneficial relationship. Now that I think about it, if she¡¯s not good enough for a brothel, who is? Obviously I¡¯m not planning on paying for sex, I could get that shit for free, but I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t curious.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to see that dear, but from now on, if you have any problems find us and we¡¯ll handle it for you. I¡¯m Michael and they are Tim, Dustin, and Carter.¡±


    ¡°Oh um...thank you!¡± she says with a blush. Well ain¡¯t she adorable.


    ¡°Are there any other meetings you have to attend tonight?¡± She hesitantly nods. ¡°Well leave it up to us to protect you and make sure customers pay. I swear not a single person will harm you.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure¡­?¡± she asks looking down at the pig who lost consciousness. ¡°I don¡¯t usually do this, I just need money for this month, that¡¯s all. I swear.¡± Whoa lady, you don¡¯t need to defend yourself to me. I¡¯m just here to start my business in the Underworld. Wait, isn¡¯t prostiution still legal at this point? I mean, there¡¯s brothels right? I guess I¡¯m just trying to be an honest businessman.


    ¡°Of course, you are under the protection of the Corleone, we treat women with respect and make sure others do the same.¡±


    That night we went around protecting Emily as she went to work and making sure that anyone who was pleased actually paid. We raised the price from 20 Pence to 50 and agreed on the half and half split. At the end of the night, we made 2 Pounds and gave one to Emily. I say ¡®gave¡¯ even though she¡¯s the one who did all the work but she seemed to appreciate it anyway. I was actually very surprised at first on how few were willing to pay something like 50 Pence for sex with a relatively attractive women.


    It wasn¡¯t until an interaction with a customer that I was truly understand the value of money. The guy didn¡¯t have enough money to actually pay for Emily and so asked his friends to pitch in like it was one of the most natural things in the world. They said sure and 2 of the guys pulls on 10 pence while the guy who was actually gonna fuck her handled the other 30.


    ¡°Next time it¡¯s my turn to get the whore.¡± one of the dirty men covered in soot said. ¡°She must be quite something if she¡¯s so expensive.¡± Expensive? Really? Tim told me with the 4 Pound we had, we could live without worry for about a week. 2 if they are careful with it. 2 weeks...with only 4 pounds. How the hell did this make any sense?!


    Nonetheless we found out that Emily lived alone and so asked if we could stay with her for a bit. At first she was wary but after we told her about our sad back story and how we lost our parents to the war she caved. It turns out that¡¯s how she lost her husband the same way and she¡¯s finally running out of her savings.


    That Italian guy I have to fight later was so right, it is all about the war with these people.

 Chapter 3: Part of the Family

    2 Weeks Later


    Things have been going well for me and the boys. We¡¯ve expanded thanks to our beloved Emily and now cash is the least of my worries. At first I could barely stand having one prostitute but I needed money. I have 3 malnourished boys to take care of, new clothes to buy for them, and both of those things have costs. I eventually got over it however, and by the time Emily introduced me to several more of her friends running out of their savings and needing protection, I accepted that I was going to lead a prostitution ring.


    Eventually we needed more men, so we began recruiting. The sons old enough to know what their mother¡¯s are doing but can¡¯t stop it join us. To them it¡¯s better if they can at least make sure their matrons are safe, even if they hate that they are doing it. Other orphan we find in the cold at night, they join us. The promise of food and shelter brings them to our side instantly. So far I have 5 girls out on the street, including Emily, and 10 men to protect them. Only 6 if I¡¯m not including me and the boys. They collect the money then give it to me, I then divide it up for that that while paying the boys their protection money.


    So far, I don¡¯t think any of them are holding out on me, but I¡¯m sure that¡¯ll change soon. Right now, they¡¯re so happy to have any money that they don¡¯t care about the large cut I¡¯m getting but people tend to but the hand that feeds them more than nought. They¡¯ll forget what starvation feels like and they¡¯ll want more. Something to watch out for.


    Today was finally the day, I found an excuse to meet with Tommy again.


    ¡°Apparently last night, the police did a raid in Small Heath. The new Chief Inspector rounded up all the communists and beat them. Then he took them away somewhere.¡± Emily informed me with worry in her eyes. I couldn¡¯t help but smile though. 2 weeks and this world and I¡¯ve only talked to the main character once, that was going to change tonight.


    ¡°The Peaky Blinders won¡¯t be happy about this, they run Small Heath.¡± Tim said sitting next to me with a cigarette in his mouth. I would berate him for smoking but I¡¯m the leader of a small gang and whores so¡­


    Tim and the boys look sharp now, in their new suits. Obviously I had to get them dressed up, our girls won¡¯t feel safe if they think it¡¯s just a ragtag group of kids protecting them. So, one of the first things I did with our new source of income was get some uniforms. Hat, shoes, suits and all to make us look professional.


    ¡°But that¡¯s the thing! I heard the Peaky Blinders gave their okay on this. That¡¯s why they weren¡¯t there to protect anyone.¡± Emily said, even more worried than before apparently.


    ¡°No no, don¡¯t believe everything you hear my dear. The Blinders had no idea about this, but we can use it to our advantage.¡± I say with a smile, and at this, Carter chuckles.


    ¡°Ohhh, Michael has a plan. It¡¯s never good when Michael has a plan.¡± he laughs.


    ¡°My plans put food on the table you little shit! Anyway, tell all the girls to gather in Small Heath tonight, and make sure to bring any and all pictures of the King with.¡±


    ¡°What the hell do you need pictures of the King for?¡± Dustin asked confused. I simply and chuckle.


    ¡°Just do it alright? This is important.¡±


    When night finally came we walked into Small Heath to see a huge fire. Tons of people were burning all of their photos of the King, and with each new picture added,another round of applause commenced. My girls spread out to mingle with the crowd, and my boys went with them.


    They made sure to give the mothers a chance to get their children in the house before they started racking in the new customers.


    After a moment of mingling and talking to my friends, I notice Thomas Shelby talking to a reporter. After the reporter walked away, I began making my way over.


    ¡°Boys, go have fun and enjoy yourselves, I have business to attend to.¡±


    ¡°Are you crazy dude?! We¡¯re walking up to Thomas fucking Shelby!¡± Tim whispered yelled, seeming to freak out the closer we got.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m walking up to Thomas fucking Shelby. You are going to enjoy the festivities.¡± I say with a smirk. It looked like he wanted to argue more but when Tommy finally saw our approach he decided it wasn¡¯t worth it and walked away with his brothers. Stopping in front of the legend himself, I greet him politely.


    ¡°Mr. Shelby.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Corleone.¡±


    ¡°How goes things, I¡¯ve heard the new inspector has been causing quite a stir and you¡¯ve had a falling out with the Lee Family.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯ve heard, it¡¯s only happened yesterday after all.¡±


    ¡°Oh I have ears everywhere, it comes with the business.¡±


    ¡°Yes...business. I¡¯ve heard about it. Whores. Protected by the Corleones. I heard they are quite ruthless to those who treat them with disrespect.¡±


    ¡°Women are meant to be loved not abused, I¡¯m sure you can understand. Besides, I already told you, I¡¯m not looking to join the Peaky Blinders to become a foot soldier. I want a Don position, able to run my business and family how I please except in cases that harm the Blinders as a whole. That means making my family useful. The Shelby¡¯s will handle the races...and the Corleones will handle the whores.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you still want to join the Peaky blinders even though you¡¯ve started your own gang? I have to wonder Mr. Corleone, why are you so set on us? Could you not go to someone larger?¡± he asked, taking a smoke from his cigarette.


    ¡°While they are at the top now, they won¡¯t be forever. They are clumsy and reckless, bound to crash and burn. It¡¯s not a matter of ¡®if¡¯ but a matter of ¡®when¡¯, and when that happens I¡¯ll be in a position to reap the rewards of the new era.¡±


    ¡°And what would that position be?¡±


    ¡°With the Peaky Blinders of course. I have an eye for potential you see.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ve been told.¡±


    ¡°Without a doubt, the Peaky Blinders are going somewhere. The question on my mind is, how far will they go?¡±


    ¡°Are you not worried about us crashing and burning too?¡± he asks curious.


    ¡°I am, but that won¡¯t be for a very long time. Hopefully, long after I¡¯m dead.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    There¡¯s a moment of silence between us as we stare into the fire. I could hear distant moaning and cheating in the background. I¡¯ll definitely be making a pretty penny tonight. I remember the Shelby¡¯s actually paid people for their pictures of the king, which mean people have just a bit more money than usual to spend. For just tonight, I¡¯ve raised the prices to 60 Pence. Stolen story; please report.


    ¡°Yesterday was a mistake...with the new Chief Inspector, you don¡¯t have time for more enemies. I heard one of your friends killed an Italian around a week or so ago and they aren¡¯t very forgiving people. Not to mention, the Lee Clan has officially declared war on the Peaky Blinders.¡±


    From my peripheral vision I can see him stiffen. He didn¡¯t know that. The Peaky Blinders are vicious fighters. They have blades in their caps that they use to cut out their enemies eyes and tongues. The Lee Family apparently didn¡¯t take it very well when they found several of their friends bleeding out in the middle of a field.


    ¡°...are you sure?¡± he asks.


    ¡°Yes...they already have your name carved in a bullet. And if they ask the Italians to join I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll be happy to do so. You can¡¯t fight this war Mr. Shelby...not right now.¡±


    ¡°...is there anything else you know...Mr. Corleone?¡±


    ¡°...Yes.¡± the Peaky Blinders accidentally stole a shipment of military grade guns and ammo. If new got out, they would be hunted down and hung. With all the things I know, he suspects I also know why a new inspector got sent to Birmingham in the first place. Which I do...but he doesn¡¯t need to know that.


    ¡°Ada is pregnant.¡± I watch as he crushed his cigarette in his hand and his body tenses even more. I take out 20 Pound and places it in his pocket. ¡°And I bet 20 on Monaghan Boy losing.¡±  After that, I decided to leave him to his thoughts and join my friends. Ada is Tommy¡¯s sister, and he¡¯s very overprotective of her. In fact, all her brothers, Arthur, Tommy, and John are.


    Godspeed to the man that knocked her up. He¡¯s going to need all the help he can get.


    2 Days Later


    Me and the boys are all having a drink in the Garrison, a small pub favored by the Peaky Blinders. Even Cater has a few drinks as we sing along to the beautiful bartender. The owner of the bar, a guy named Harry Fenton had some questions for us when we first came in but all I had to say was, ¡°The Corleones are friends with the Shelby¡¯s. Now pour us a drink.¡±


    Over the past few weeks I¡¯ve been here, my name has spread. Not to the whole of Birmingham, but at least everyone in Small Heath knows about my family and our business. I guess he didn¡¯t think it was worth questing further as he shuts up and does as told. We pay of course, we¡¯re not barbarians, but it was nice to be respected and feared.


    Today was the day the Shelby Family and Billy Kimber meet and there was no way I¡¯m going to miss it. Currently, while they know of me, I¡¯ve really only met Thomas and this is a perfect opportunity. Billy Kimber is the King of Birmingham, and if I show the Corleones are willing to fight by their side even against him, we might finally get into the Peaky Blinders.


    Speaking of Billy Kimber, the bastard pops into the bar with to old bodyguards holding guns, ruining the festive mood.


    Wearing a fancy suit with an unbuttoned heavy coat and a frankly weird hai do, he strolls in like he owns the place.


    ¡°Is there any man here named Shelby?¡± he asks once the bar quiets down. I can see the boys tense up and I place a hand on Tim¡¯s shoulder as a silent message. Everything would be alright, they just needed to trust me. Unlike the Peaky Blinders, the Corleones aren¡¯t a real gang. We can beat people up sure, but the big leagues have guns and more than 10 men and so far I¡¯m the only one with a firearm.


    I would get my members one too...but I have no fucking clue where to get more guns. I came to this world with the one I have, and I don¡¯t even have extra ammo. 6 shots are all I have before the gun becomes nothing more than a paper weight.


    While I was giving my friends a morale boost, apparently Kimber got impatient. He takes out a pistol and shoots the ceiling, causing screams and panic.


    ¡°I said! Is there anyone here named Shelby?¡±


    Hearing the gun shots, Tommy Shelby, Arthur Shelby, and John Shelby make their way our of the VIP Room to join us.


    ¡°Harry get these men a drink. Everyone else go home!¡± Thomas shouts, and like roaches, the people of the bar scatter. It barely even takes a second. With all the extra people gone however, me and my boys are clearly seen in the bar. We¡¯re the only ones that stood put.


    The Shelby family is clearly confused about who we are, all except Tommy, and the bar maide brings drinks and makes us a table. Me and the Shelby¡¯s sit down while the boys stand as guards behind us, along with 2 other men who are probably Blinders. On the opposite side of the table sits Billy Kimber and a well dressed smart looking man with glasses. His guards stand behind him also, with their guns still unholstered.


    ¡°You go home.¡± Tommy tells the barmaid, Grace, as he sits.


    She tries to refuse and says, ¡°Mr. Fenton said I should-¡± but before she could finish, Interrupt her.


    ¡°Please head home dear, everything will be alright. There¡¯s just some business that needs to be taken care of.¡± I say with a small smile. She seems hesitant, but leaves nevertheless. I can see from the side that Arthur and John are even more confused about who I am, and why I was sitting on their side. In fact, they were confused about what I was even doing here. Thank goodness they didn¡¯t speak up about it though, they realised Tommy knew me and decided to trust him.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never approved of women in a pub, but when they look like that¡­¡± Kimber says as he watches Grace ass while she walks away. Arthur begins pouring drinks for everyone and Tommy lights up a cig.


    ¡°You said you wanted men called Shelby. You¡¯ve got 3 of them.¡± Tommy says after a puff.


    ¡°3? There¡¯s 4 of ya at the table.¡± he says and confusion. I speak up to clear it.


    ¡°I am not a Shelby, the name is Michael Corleone. We¡¯re a friend of the Family.¡± I politely point out. He rolls his eyes at this and sighs.


    ¡°Right, I¡¯ve neva heard of ya, any of ya. Then I did hear of ya. Some little diddicoy razor gang I thought to meself, ¡°So what?¡± But then you fuck me ova. So now you have my undivided attention.¡± he growls out. ¡°By the way which one am I talking to? Who¡¯s the boss?¡±


    The Blinders look amongst themselves for a second. Although Thomas is without a doubt the boss, they don¡¯t like really putting a title on it. Makes them feel uncomfortable I guess. Arthur, whose in the middle speaks up.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m the oldest.¡± he says with pride. Oh yea, Tommy isn¡¯t even the eldest. Kimber scoffs.


    ¡°Clearly.¡±


    ¡°Are you laughing at my brother?¡± John asks from the left of Arthur. Yea...they don¡¯t like that. It¡¯s how the war with the Lee¡¯s started. Someone laughed at Arthur and then they got their eyes and tongues cut by their caps.


    ¡°...Right he¡¯s the oldest.¡± he points down the middle at Arthur. ¡°You¡¯re the thickest.¡± he points to the left at John. ¡°You¡¯re just fucking here.¡± he points to me all the way at the right and I chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m told the boss is called Tommy and I¡¯m guessin that¡¯s you. ¡®Cause ya lookin at me up and down like I¡¯ma fuckin tart.¡± he states, pointing at Tommy, whose to the left of me. Tommy looks at him for a bit before taking a puff of his cig.


    ¡°I want to know what you want.¡± he says simply. This time, the smart looking man in glasses speaks up.


    ¡°There was suspicious betting patterns at Kempton Park. A horse called Monaghan Boy. He won by a length twice and then...finished last.bWIth 3,000 pounds bet on him.¡± Kimber on the side of the glasses wearing man looked ready to explode at how calm the proceedings were going so far.


    ¡°Which one am I talking to?¡± Tommy asks. ¡°Which one of you is the boss?¡± Tommy clearly did this as a power play because he knows who Billy Kimber is. Everyone knows who Billy Kimber is. It apparently worked because Kimber looked appalled at the question.


    ¡°I am Mr. Kimber¡¯s adviser and accountant.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m the fuckin boss!¡± Billy exclaims standing from his seat. ¡°Okay, right, end of parley! You fixed a race, without my permission. You fucking...Gypsy...scum!¡± I cough.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually not a gypsy.¡± I say calmly.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± he yells pointing at me. ¡°What?! Live off the war pensions of these poor Garrison Lane Widows? Or use those widows as whores? That¡¯s your level! I¡¯m Billy fucking Kimber! I run the races! And ya fixed on of them, so I¡¯m gonna have you shot against a post.¡± he turns and begins walking away.


    This guy is such a fuking frootloop.


    Before he could walk out the door, Tommy stood. ¡°Mr. Kimber.¡± Without hesitation, Kimber¡¯s guard draw their guns on Thomas. He calmly picks up a single bullet from the table and tosses it at Billy without fear. Billy catches the bullet.


    ¡°Look at it. That bullet has my name in it. It¡¯s from the Lee Family.¡±


    ¡°If I remember correctly, you¡¯re also at war with the Lee Clan.¡± I say, finally speaking up. ¡°My people say they are attacking your bookies and worse...stealing your money. Your men can¡¯t control them alone. You need help.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps we should listen to what Mr. Shelby and Mr. Corleone has to say. Before we make our decisions.¡± the accountant intervenes from his seat.


    ¡°Right, the Lees are doing a lot of talking at the fairs. They have a lot of kin. THey¡¯re saying the race tracks are easy meat because the police are busy with strikes. Now, we have connections. We know how they operate.¡±


    ¡°You have the muscle.¡± I say with a smirk. It was a backhanded slight, saying that¡¯s all they¡¯re good for. Of course it flies right over their head. Well...Kimber¡¯s head, I¡¯m pretty sure the accountant understood but didn¡¯t want to start a bloodbath. ¡°Together we can beat them...divided maybe not.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Kimber, perhaps we should take some time for reflection, possibly even make arrangements for a second meeting.¡±


    ¡°I admire you Mr. Kimber.¡± Tommy says with an obvious fake smile. ¡°You started with nothing...and built a legitimate business. It would be an honor....to work with you, Mr. Kimber.¡±


    ¡°Nobody works with me.¡± Kimber says with a face that showed disgust at the thought. ¡°People work for me.¡± He rummages through his pockets and takes out a 50 Pence coin. Flipping it in the air, it quickly lands on the ground with a clink. ¡°Pick it up pikey.¡±


    Tommy¡¯s face straignes to keep his smile, and he stands there. It takes about 5 seconds for him to swallow his pride and bend down to pick up the coin. Immediately his family tries to stop him but he holds his hands out and makes them stand down. He picks up the coin.


    ¡°...For the roof.¡± Kimber says and walks out of the pub with his guards.


    ¡°Thank you Mr. Kimber!¡± ¡­.Yea, I don¡¯t remember exactly, but I don¡¯t think Kimber dies well.


    ¡°We will be at Cheltenham.¡± the accountant says as he gets up from his seat.


    ¡°As will I.¡± Tommy responds. With no more business to be done here, the accountant leaves as well. Tommy immediately downs a whole shot of whatever drink was closest to him when they¡¯re all finally gone. Arthur does the same as Tommy locks up the bar and I can¡¯t help but laugh at the turn of events.


    ¡°You fucking crazy bastard! The fight with the Lees was on purpose. Now that they are at war with you and Billy Kimber, you have a common enemy. Fucking hel man, I knew I should have never doubted you!¡± I yell. However, now that the danger is gone, they have many questions.


    ¡°Michael Corleone, the fuck are you doing here man?! I¡¯ve tested out some of your whores, they¡¯re pretty good, but this ain¡¯t no brothel.¡± John says standing up. I do the same and pour me a drink. I¡¯m sure they don¡¯t mind.


    ¡°Like I said to that prick Kimber, I¡¯m a friend of the Family, and the new Peaky Blinder. Ain¡¯t that right Tommy? After all, if you¡¯re messing with the Lee Clan and Billy Kimber you¡¯re going to need all the help you can get.¡± I say with a smirk as I look toward Thomas Shelby. So does the brothers.


    ¡°...Welcome to the Peaky Blinders.¡±