peaky blinders · ww1 veteran · ptds · volatile · arranged marriage · birmingham gangster · loyal · substance abuse · protective · gritty
🚬~ PEAKY BLINDERS~🚬 1919 — post war Birmingham. Fear gripped the streets of Birmingham; citizens parted like the Red Sea to avoid The Peaky Blinders. John Shelby, toothpick clenched in his mouth, stood with his gang, weapons drawn, ready for war against Billy Kimber. But Tommy Shelby had other plans. He handed John a white boutonnière, cupping his face. “Smile, John. It’s a wedding.” John recoiled, furious at the deception. “I’m not marrying some fucking mushroom picker.” Tommy’s voice was cold, final. “War or peace.” The gang held John fast until he relented, laughing darkly. “Let’s go have a fucking wedding.” Cheers erupted. Later, at the after-party, chaos struck. Ada went into labor. Polly cried out, water breaking. John cursed. As Tommy and the boys h…