CHAPTER EIGHT — busy

' Have a shit day, Mr Kimber! '

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Joshua Williams shoves his way through the Shelby's front door, ignoring Polly's and Thomas' stares before storming up the stores, making sure that everyone in the household is able to hear him as he slams the door. Charlotte steps into the kitchen a few moments later, rolling her eyes, and closing the door with her foot before slumping down in a seat by the table in silence.

Tommy lifts off his flat cap, telling the blonde woman that he had only arrived a few minutes before them. Polly watches the two carefully and her eyes furrow slightly in confusion, but she decides not to questions the awkward silence.

"Are you armed?" Polly asks, taking a sip of her whiskey.

He glances over at her, "No."

"Then I'll tell you." She meets his eyes, "Ada and Freddie Thorne were married today. They defied your orders, they haven't left the city."

Thomas sighs, moving behind Charlotte and leaning on her chair, he looks down at her, and though she can't see him, she knows he's staring at her so she lifts her head, meeting his eyes.

"Did ya know?" He tilts his head.

She nods.

He rolls his jaw, "The whole reason I sent ya to the station was so you could tell me if somet like this happened."

Her jaw drops, "How am I supposed to know why you send me there? You said there was no reason you were sending me. I can't read your bloody mind, Tommy."

"Stop arguing, will ya?" Polly steps closer, "I'll deal with it." She looks at him, but he stares at the table, "Thomas, I'll deal with it."

"Where are they?" He asks.

"Freddie's comrades have safe houses." She raises an eyebrow, "Why'd you want to know?"

"I want to send them flowers," He snaps sarcastically, "Why do you think?"

"Thomas," Charlotte sighs, completely turning her body in the chair so she can look at him properly, "Would it be so terrible if they stayed? Ada is actually happy for once."

His eyes go wide and he gawps at her in shock, "I promised I'd run Freddie out of town."

"Promised who?" Polly tilts her head, walking around the table and closing the doors to the bidding room. She stands at his side, hands on hips.

He pushes away from Charlotte's chair to face Polly, "I told the coppers Freddie wouldn't come back. It's part of the deal."

"What bloody deal?" She hisses, "What happened to family votes? What happened to meetings? If you let me deal with Ada and Freddie, it'll end in peace. Christ knows you've had your fill of war."

Thomas shuffles around slightly, readjusting his stance, "You get Freddie out of town, Poll. Or else I'll deal with it myself." He walks past her, leaving the room quietly, causing the two woman to share an annoyed glance.

"Char—" Polly begins.

Immediately, Charlotte starts to shake her head, "No, no. Do not bring me into this, Poll." She slips down into her chair further, crossing her arms behind her head, "I'm don't with family problems at the moment."

"It's probably for the best, actually," Polly sighs, "You and Freddie don't exactly get on the best. Knowing you'll it will only end in blood, sweat and tears. Blood, sweat and tears that I can't be arsed to deal with." She opens the bidding room doors once more and walks away without another word.

"Love ya, Poll!" Charlotte shouts, earning a smile over the shoulder in response.

❦

Thomas and Charlotte walk through the Chinese market side by side. Charlie has a defeated and annoyed expression on her face, while Thomas rolls his eyes at her.

"Perk up a bit, Char," He mumbles, "You're my business partner. You can't be doing business with me while pulling the same face as a four year old."

She glares at him, "What are we here for, Tommy? I was having a nap when you barged in, and I'll let you know that I haven't slept in a few days. So, thanks."

"We're here to talk to Billy Kimber," He states.

"Oh, fuck off," She scoffs.

He places his hand on the small of her back, keeping her moving forward through the market, "Don't make a scene, please." He steps to the side, glancing up and down a certain suit hanging on the wall.

She crosses her arms, perching on the nearest table, "Are we also here for your weekly shopping as well?" She grumbles, "Thomas—" Charlotte is quick to cut herself off when a man approaches them both, his hands crossed behind his back.

"Mr Shelby. Miss Williams," He nods.

"Mr Xhang." The both replying, nodding towards him as a greeting.

He watches at Thomas' hand runs along the fabric of the suit, "That suit is sold, sir. It's being collected this morning."

Thomas hums, "I know."

The sound of rushing footsteps and a sea of quiet whispers, causing Thomas and Charlotte to turn, their eyes landing on Billy Kimber and two other men, presumably his bodyguards.

"Please, gentlemen, lady. No fighting in here." Mr Xhang rushes.

"It's alright." Thomas folds his arms, "We've come as friends."

Charlotte rolls her jaw, wanting to say something and contradict him but he glances over at her for a split second, telling her that he was already expecting it, so she remains silent.

"You're collecting your suit for Cheltenham, it's very nice." Thomas moves to stand right beside Charlotte, stepping away from the suit.

"How the bloody hell do you know?" Billy asks frantically.

Thomas readjusts himself, holding his hands together in front of him, "I know a lot of things, Mr Kimber. And as I told you before, I know the Lee brothers. And I know they're going to be at the Cheltenham races as well."

Billy nods in understanding, "They're going to lose a lot of money on fast women and slow nags."

Charlotte shakes her head and Thomas says, "No. They're planning on showing up in numbers and robbing your bookies. Running chalk and rafflers."

"You think I can't handle the Lees?" Billy Kimber scoffs.

"Just a word of warning from a friend. That's all." Thomas replies calmly, not showing a single ounce of emotion on his face.

Once again, he moves his hand against Charlotte's lower back, pushing gently so she begins to walk away and he follows close behind.

"See you at Cheltenham," Thomas calls.

"I'll wave at you from my box," Billy chuckles, "If you're coming to the races, make sure you bring that pretty barmaid of yours and Charlotte Williams. I wouldn't mind the both of 'em."

Charlie clenches her jaw, whirling around, "I'm already invited." She smirks, as Thomas pulls on her wrist, "Have a shit day, Mr Kimber!"

Shaking his head, Thomas pulls her tight to his side, his arm wrapped around her waist while he pulls her along the path.

"I told ya not to make a scene." He mumbles, finally releasing her, "And what did you go ahead and do? Make a scene."

"He's a bastard, that man, Tommy." She snaps, "Deserves a hard punch in his face."

"I couldn't agree more, love," He says, "But you'll have to wait for now."

❦

Charlotte has her arms crossed on the bar and her head resting on top while Grace runs around trying to serve everyone. Her eyes are closed and she attempts to get a second of sleep, but a harsh tap on the head causes her to groan.

"What?" She mutters, not bothering to lift her head, "Go ask Harry or Gr—"

"Charlie," Ada hisses, "It's me, you idiot."

Charlotte immediately snaps up, "Ada! Fuckin' hell." She rushes around the bar, "Haven't seen you in ages. I heard about how the coppers raided a rally at the factory."

"Have you seen him?" Ada rushes, "Have you seen Freddie?"

"What? No, I haven't," Charlotte tilts her head.

Ada bends over in pain, gripping the closest table and hissing in pain. Her bottom lip quivers and Charlotte is by her side in an instant.

"Ada? Fuck. Please tell me ya ain't giving birth in a pub." She places her hand on Ada's back.

"Charlotte," Ada hisses, "It's— It hasn't been anywhere near nine months."

"Oh."

Ada stands up, stumbling into a back room and Charlotte follows behind her, which quickly grabs Grace's attention.

"They're gonna kill each other, Charlie," Ada groans.

"Who's going to kill who?" Grace asks.

Charlotte's face drops at Ada's word and she raises a hand, running through her hair, "Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck." She moves closer to Ada, pulling her away from the wall, "Look, Ada, worrying has made ya sick. Let me take you back to the house."

"They're gonna kill each other, Char."

"They won't. Tommy won't kill him, and Freddie doesn't have enough balls to murder Thomas Shelby, okay?" Charlotte bites her lip, "Let me get you somewhere safe."

"No." Ada shakes her head, "I'll take myself to where Freddie and I are staying."

"Ada, I can't let ya walk the streets of Birmingham like this," Charlotte says, "At least stay here and let Grace help you. I would but, you know me, I'll only make matters worse if I interfere."

Ada smiles, nodding, "I know."

"Oi, you rude git," Charlotte gasps, "You weren't supposed to agree with me." She looks up at Grace, "Come here and take her into the booth, please, Grace."

Grace takes Charlotte's spot beside Ada, wrapping her arms around the woman's body, "I think there's people in there."

"I don't care. Tell them to get the fuck out." She snaps, "They'll see Ada and do it anyway. She's a Shelby, they'll treat her like a royal."

"What are you gonna do?" Ada grumbles.

"Stay here and serve people who need to be served," She shrugs, "Thomas Shelby does not need me or you to save him. He's got that under control."

"What about Freddie?" Ada pants.

"If he kills Freddie, then you have my permission to kill him." Charlotte smiles, waving the two woman away before stepping around to behind the bar.

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filler chapter

word count: 1697