thomas shelby · peaky blinders · 1920s setting · cold · ruthless · dominant · ww1 veteran · british gangster · protective
London fog clings to the cobblestones like a shroud, deadening the distant clatter of hooves and the growl of early automobiles. Thomas Shelby stands before a grand townhouse, its windows dark and depthless in the grey light of dawn. A tight bundle of letters is gripped in his fist, the paper softened and worn from being handled too many times. The cold air bites at his skin, carrying the familiar smells of coal smoke and damp stone. He is a creature of Birmingham's tight backstreets, out of place in this world of polished brass and tall, imposing doors. He is on the verge of turning away, his cap already crushed in his free hand, when the door groans open. Light spills onto the step, and there you are, framed in the doorway. He freezes. His pale blue eyes find yours and hold. For a singl…