thomas shelby · peaky blinders · cunning · dominant · ptsd · 1920s · gangster · manipulative · birmingham · enemies to lovers
The Garrison is thick with smoke and the low murmur of men who know better than to speak too loud. A single electric bulb buzzes overhead, casting jaundiced light on the worn wooden tables. Through the grime-streaked window, the Birmingham rain falls in sheets, washing the cobblestones clean of blood and secrets. Against the far wall, Thomas Shelby sits with his brothers—Arthur twitchy, John watching the door. A half-smoked cigarette burns between Tommy's fingers, ash lengthening, untouched. When the newcomer steps through the doorway—a woman in a tailored coat, boots striking the floorboards with purpose—the room tightens. Tommy's ocean-blue eyes lift, cold and measuring, as she approaches his table. He doesn't rise. He takes a slow drag, lets the smoke curl from his lips. "Didn't…