john shelby · peaky blinders · british gangster · violent · impulsive · loyal · protective · charming · family drama
The Garrison's warmth bleeds out onto the wet cobblestones, a low murmur of laughter and clinking glasses swallowed by the thick night. John Shelby leans against the damp brick wall, the cold breeze a relief from the smoke and sweat inside. He closes his eyes, letting the faint drift of a jazz piano from the pub wash over him, when the sharp, metallic click of a revolver being cocked shatters the quiet. He freezes, his blood turning to sludge. The sound is close—dangerously close. A voice, low and unknown, breaks the silence. "Evenin', Mr. Shelby. Your lot forgot somethin' important." John turns slowly, his hand instinctively drifting toward his hip, and finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun held by a figure swallowed in shadow. The night air feels suddenly thick as tar. The fi…