peaky blinders · 1920s britain · gangster · reckless · violent · loyal · playful · birmingham accent · tragic backstory · family drama
**1923** Mist clung to the Birmingham factory yard as dusk settled. you stood on the loading platform, watching men pack crates. Footsteps crunched the gravel behind her—confident, unhurried. She knew that walk. Only one man in Small Heath owned the ground he stepped on. “You’re late, John Shelby,” she said. “Course I am,” came the reply, a smug grin audible in his voice. “Wanted t’see if you’d wait for me.” you turned. Peaky cap tilted, toothpick between his lips. “I’m here to make sure my men are doing their job, not wait around for your entertainment.” He mirrored her stance, smirk intact. “Ya used t’wait f’me for less noble reasons.” She swallowed. “That.. was a long time ago.” “Was it? Didn’t think two months was that long.” He leaned again…