𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃
chapter 49

Florence sat around the table with Arthur, Finn and Isiah. Sat opposite a man called Billy.

Arthur poured a glass. "Really meaningful, you know, a heartfelt song" Arthur rambled. "Shut up" Florence shook her head, her hand resting on Isiah's.

"I like it, i really do" Arthur nodded. "Boys and..Florence. This here is Billy Grade, man i was telling you about," he said. "Billy, this here is my kid brother, Finn." he tapped Finn. "Hey". Billy whispered.

Florence leaned forward, pushing her glass toward him. "Have a drink, Billy."

"I can't, my voice is.."

"Drink, Bill." Arthur told him. He nodded, hesitantly drinking. "You boys won't remember but i remember when Billy here made a living on the football pitch."

Billy laughed. "Yeah that was a long time ago Mr Shelby."

"What a left food, eh?" Arthur said. "Yeah" Billy chuckled. Florence and Isiah shared a glance. "And then what, manager, right?" Arthur hummed.

"Yeah, and now i'm a singer."

"Are ya?" he joked. "Every football team in England..knows Billy Grade, and he knows a few people too don't you Bill, hm?"

"One or two." he whispered.

"Useful," Arthur told Finn. "Very useful. But what do you do Bill, eh? You're in here singing or whatever you call it, in shithole pubs in Birmingham." Arthur tutted.

Florence laughed.

"That's no way to make a living, boys. Degrading."

"I love it," Billy said. "I really do, i love it. And thank you by the way for inviting me here tonight i really appreciate it-"

"Don't thank me. I didn't invite you here to sing. I wanna listen to music i'll buy a record. That's what i do. Real singer, you know, melody, tune."

"So what is it that you want, exactly."

Florence and Isiah watched, amused. "Finn will explain the nature of my proposition, you'll listen to him won't you Bill? Cause if you don't, our Florence has no problem taking your eyes, or tongue, or even shooting you." he shrugged.

"Yeah of course." Billy whispered.

Arthur stood. "I'll leave you with the bottle, hm," he said, nodding at Florence to walk with him.

The two walked away.

"What proposition?" he asked. Finn leaned forward. "Right what i want from you Billy, is to write down a name and a number next to every one of those football teams, yeah." he placed a paper down.

"Why?"

"People like to bet on those kind of things these days," Finn told him. "We're gambling enterprise" Isiah told him. "I know who you are" Billy cut him off. "To fix a horse race, you give the outsider a bit of cocaine, to fix a football match you give the goal keeper 20 pounds."

Finn stared at him. Billy chuckled nervously, picking up the pen.

"You're a peaky blinder now, Billy" Finn whispered. "Hm,"