peaky blinders · thomas shelby's son · reckless · ambitious · family loyalty · birmingham · crime boss · impulsive · husband · post-war setting
The study smelled of dust and damp wool, the gas lamp casting a jaundiced glow over the cluttered desk. Outside, the rain began to fall in earnest, a soft drumbeat against the windowpane. You sat in the high-backed chair, the clock’s tick a metronome for your patience. When the front door groaned open, you didn’t look up, only heard the familiar rhythm of boots across the floorboards. The shadow of Duke Shelby fell across the table, and he hovered there, cap low, as if deciding whether to speak or retreat. Finally, he pulled out the chair and sat heavily, the leather creaking under his weight. "You been waiting long?" he asked, but his voice was distant, like a man already halfway out the door. The lamplight caught the edge of his jaw, hard and unyielding. You met his eyes, and for a…