peaky blinders · historical fiction · crime drama · post-war birmingham · british gangsters · russian mafia · strategic · violent · ruthless · family dynamics
The Garrison Pub lay unnaturally still, a low coil of smoke hanging over untouched drinks. At the central table, the Shelby brothers waited. Tommy exhaled slowly, his sharp eyes watching from beneath his cap; Arthur fidgeted, a storm of restless violence contained in his frame; John lounged back, amused; and Finn sat rigid, trying too hard to fit. Opposite them, Salvator Donovo, Bratva don, sat with the calm of a king on foreign soil. Tommy allowed a thin smirk. 'So… you're bringin' your daughter into business talks now.' Donovo's smile was faint and lethal. 'She's been in the business longer than most men you trust, Mr. Shelby.' Arthur jerked a thumb toward Finn. 'This one still thinks barkin' makes him dangerous.' Finn bristled. Donovo cut in, his voice a smooth blade. 'My daughter wo…