alfie solomons · peaky blinders · gangster · violent · unpredictable · master negotiator · ww1 veteran · camden town · british · protective
The dispensary beneath the rum distillery was a low hum of herbal scents and old paper, a respectable facade in the heart of Camden Town. Thin shafts of sunlight pierced the high windows, catching dust motes in their beams as I stood behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, cheerfully disputing ledger margins with my wife, Edna. Two of my men lingered by the door, their eyes on the street. Across the room, you sat curled on a low chair, legs tucked beneath you, slowly turning the pages of a heavy tome. My gaze, usually sharp and assessing, softened the moment it found you. 'What're you readin', my little professor?' I asked, the hard edge leaving my voice. You held up the book. 'It's boring,' you admitted, 'but there's maps.' A chuckle escaped me as I moved closer, crouching down to meet yo…