IX. 1919

    "Vivian, there's a call for ya." Scud shouted trying to get her attention, waving her over. She was a few tables away, fixing the books. It take forever to fix mistakes as the men's handwriting was illegible. Her's wasn't neat, of course, but at least you could read it. Most of the time, the sums would be wrong and she'd have to do a not so quick run through the books. Usually the men would hurriedly jot down the numbers, not thinking about it, and often being way off but she carried one with her job anyway.

Looking over she saw the man calling her over, and rushed over. They swapped places as she took the phone off him. She didn't know who would call her, everyone lived close by, and if they were to call her, they'd ring the house phone, "Hello?"

"Vivian?" She heard a soft voice on the other side. She recognised the small voice.

"Meg?" She spoke into the mouth piece. Vivian wondered why the young girl would be calling her.

Through the phone she heard hushed voices and shuffling, "Um, Scott wants to talk—" the girl was cut off as she heard rattling and a deeper voice that she knew too well, "Vivian? You there?" And there he was.

As she sighed, he spoke again, "Vivian, don't hang up just listen, okay? I'll be quick." Scott spoke quickly.

Hesitating, wondering whether to listen or go, but she decided, "be quick, then." There was no reply, "talk."

"I don't know what to say . . ." He stammered, not knowing what to say as he expected you to hang up, "Just meet me at the green . . . to talk." The green was the patch of land an hour outside of Small Heath. He knew if he could get Vivian there it wouldn't be hard to talk to her, she wouldn't waste an hour there and back. He wanted for a response.

"When?" She sighed to herself, looking around the den at the busyness. She'd have to talk to him someday. She didn't know what she wanted from him, he apologised, but for some unknown reason, it wasn't enough. There were times when she thought she was being unfair.

"Uh, Sunday, maybe . . . six o'clock?" She heard him say.

"Perfect." She deadpanned, "Now pass the phone back to Meg." She spoke before he could speak again. He exhaled and she was unsure what was going through his head. Turning her head to the board she saw John who, by coincidence, had glanced to look at her at the same time. He looked back down angrier than before, it wasn't like she killed him.

She turned back to the phone, facing the beam, "Vivian?" Meg spoke softly.

"Hi Meg, how's all there?" She asked, smiling into the phone.

"Guess what?" She asked and Vivian could hear the excitement in her voice. Before she could asked, she heard a young Meg ramble on, "the pups are born. You should see them, they are so cute and tiny and their little faces. Mum says that we have to leave them so Betty can mind them."

The Shelby girl laughed at the young girl. Meg was a very bubbly girl and always making people laugh. You could be talking to her and she wouldn't listen to you, but she could be in the other room and hear you if even whispered anything about animals. She loved going to the stables and was outside as much as possible. Scott had three other sisters, Penelope; she had just turned one, Sofia, who was four in April, and Emily who was Finn's age, maybe a little younger. Meg was six going on seven soon.

They chatted back and forward for a good five minutes before Vivian had to head back to work, and Meg had to help her mum with the washing up. Meg had lightly mentioned the raid, but skipped past it as she rambled on about what she had been up to since they'd last seen the older girl. Emily said a quick hello somewhere through the conversation, as well as Sofia.

Sitting back down, she went back to work. Yawning as she flicked through the pages. She could feel a headache coming on and couldn't handle the noise. She ended up getting back up, gathering the coat in her arms and resting the books on top. Pushing past the men, she walking through the green doors and into the kitchen.

She pasted her younger brother by the fire and made her way to the stairs and up to her room. Slamming her door, she threw the books on the chair near the door before flopping down on the bed.

—

Right now, the Shelby girl was feeling like she was about to throw up. She was left to found a way to the green, outside town. It wasn't like she could ask her brothers and the only person left around was Isaiah. Ryan had tagged along, so Isaiah and him could go to a pub that was not surrounded by blinders afterwards. They'd promised her to drop her off and she find her own way home later.

Isaiah's driving was along the bumpy gravel. Ryan was sat beside him, laughing as he looked in the mirror seeing Vivian in this state, but still making sure Isaiah was keeping on the road. Sometimes, he would steady the wheel for his friend as he lost control. She was sat behind the passenger seat, one hand holding onto the door and the other on the back of the seat. The Jesus boy had barely any experience driving and it didn't help that he had a few glasses beforehand.

Her cheeks were rosy with the cold. The water vapour escaping her mouth as she exhaled deeply. Her skirt fell to her ankles as she pulled her long sleeve into the palm, holding it down.

"Ryan, I beg, take the wheel." She complained, leaning up to the front. All he did was laugh in response.

"He's fine." Ryan smiled, but still focusing on the twisty road ahead and just then Isaiah turned too far, almost driving into a ditch. He muttered a quick 'sorry' before he chuckled, "No, seriously, Isaiah, I will kill you, stop." Leaning her head back, closing her eyes, trying to relax before she hurled.

It wasn't long before she felt the car come to a sudden stop, "Fine, you drive." Isaiah turned to her.

"I can't drive." Vivian said.

The two boys looked at each other and back to the Shelby, "Well I'm not driving for to reasons. One; your brothers would kill me, and two; I think I'm gonna be sick too." Isaiah spoke before hopping out the car.

Turning to her other friend, "Same reasons, but you only have one reason." Ryan said. She sighed as she heard Isaiah retching outside, "and don't say you can't drive, I know full well that you can."

A smirk grew on his face as she stepped out the car and slammed the door, "Are you done yet? I rather be late than have to explain why there is sick on the seats."

"I'm good." He mumbled, standing up straight. He headed back over to the car and patted her on the shoulder before taking her seat in the back.

They had gotten away with the family car for the night. Vivian told her brother's that she would just be at Janet's house for the evening, while she told Polly that she and Janet were using the family car to go up to out. So if Thomas notices the car was gone, he'd go to Pol and he'd get Pol's version. She'd told her aunt that she didn't want the boys to know she took the car, because she also wanted to practice her driving.

The boys would drop her off close by and drive into the near by town. They protested at first, not leaving her in the middle of nowhere. They were still against it but they just had to get on with it

The girl had her plan but she didn't plan this bit. The 'talking to Scott' part. She'd have to figure her own way home if things didn't go well. What if he didn't even show, would that be a good or bad thing? She hadn't put much thought into it. She just hoped for the best.

"Oh, it's worst in the back." Isaiah groaned from behind her as they drove down the road.

Ryan leaned back, hitting him on the leg, "here." He got his attention, handing him a flask of, presumably, whiskey. Isaiah grabbed it and took a few swings.

"I have known you for . . ." Ryan slurred loudly next to her, pausing for a second, "26 years, I think—"

"Nope, but go on." She mumbled to herself.

"And anyway, we should have a super secret handshake or something." He shouted for no particular reason, waving his hands around dramatically.

Keeping her eyes on the way, "How about you and Isaiah make a super secret handshake." Vivian suggested, wondering if she should actually leave these drunk idiots alone.

Isaiah popped up from the back, between the two, "we already do, look." He spoke loudly into her ear. She glanced down at the two. They were too drunk to even think and they were barely hitting each other's hands. "See."

"Wow, that was super." She deadpanned, as the boys went for a high fives, but missed. It didn't even seem they realised as Isaiah fell back on the seat, laughing.

She trusted the two boys like family. Her and Ryan were friends before Isaiah, in fact the Jesus boy and the Shelby girl were enemies before. They were either screaming on the streets or kicking each other under the table. Polly would often see the results of one of their fights, often cleaning them up. They were soon forced to call a truce which turned to a strong bond. Jeremiah Jesus, Isaiah dad, was the preacher and fought along side her brothers during war. They trusted the Jesus family as well as the Jones's.

She no longer felt so nauseous and they was definitely a different between the drivers, one being drunk. Laughing, she listened as the two babbled on, incoherently.

—

The frosted grass scrunched under her shoes as she made her way to the oak tree at the green, she saw a figure there. The figure was passing back and forward under the branches of the old tree. She only hoped it was the Gilbert boy.

She walked toward him until she was a good few feet away. She stood there before Scott turned, seeing her for the first time, "You're here." Scott said after a moment of silence. It was clear he hadn't expected her. The truth was, he had planned out what was going to say, but he realised that she could just not show, but here she was.

She hummed in response as she looked up at the bare tree, the missing leaves beneath her. He stared at her as the last of the day's light shone on her face. The days were getting shorter, which was something the Shelby hated. She hated the dark morning skies in the winters, which happened to always bring comfort to the boy opposite her. The long summer evenings were her favourite part of the year. The pastel colours in the sky, that were always better to see in fields outside her home.

"Can we talk?" He broke the silence, but they both knew the answer, or why would she be here?

She continued to look up and stared at a nest that was up in the high branches of the trees, "I thought that was why we were here?" She said automatically, listening to the wind.

"Look Vivian, I've apologised and I can't undo what I did. I don't know what else to say, but I do promise I will never hurt you again" he said. She heard him walk away but her head didn't move to see where he went. His voice became louder as she heard the icy grass below him crunch. Now looking ahead of her, he stood there lighting a candle.

"What are you doing?" She asked, confused.

"Lighting a candle." Scott mumbled, smiling slightly as he set down the flame, shaking the match.

Sighing loudly, she looked around, annoyed, just double-checking that no one was around. When she turned back he was stood there holding a basket. She glared at him, as he smiled back, "Picnic?"

Vivian didn't want to forgive him but it was hard to say no to him. She loved him, Scott Gilbert was the only love she ever knew. They became friends after the boys left and over that time she had a crush on they boy and couldn't help but blush every time he looked her way. She was twelve and found comfort in his presence, they found peace in each other's company. Soon that friendship turned into something different, the day he showed up at Waterly Lane on her birthday with roses and a kiss.

The night of the bonfire, she lost some trust in him, and yes he was drunk but she kept thinking about what could have happened if it wasn't him. Or what could happen if he was drunk like this again. But what could she do, ignore him? She didn't know it yet but she was a fool for love, and those brown eyes held too many memories to forget.

Foolishly, she nodded, giving into the sweet smile that would bring her a moment of happiness.

The girl still didn't move from her spot as he stepped toward her. She tried to glance into the basket as he looked through the contents. When he pulled out the a bottle and held it up with a grin, she walked past him taking it from his hand before making her way to the tree. She slid down the bark, leaning against it.

He wandered over to where she sat, as she took a swing of the whiskey, "I know I'm gonna 'ave to earn back your respect and earn your forgiveness but can you see this as a start?" He dropped the basket down beside her before sitting opposite her.

Looking at the darkening sky, she nodded slowly, "What else's in the basket?" Vivian muttered, taking another swing.

"'Ave a look." He spoke. She turned to him, looking at him before turning the heavy basket. Opening it, she took out a few of the contains. There was sandwiches, chocolate biscuits, a few fresh berries and some buns from the bakery in the town over.

"I'm guessing you didn't make these?"

"No." He muttered, "A little help from the girls."

She looked up at him, "A little?"

He rolled his eyes at the Shelby as he looked back at her, "A lot of help, but it was my idea . . . Sort of." She laughed at him softly before offering a biscuit, which he accepted. It fell silent again

"So the pups are born." She asked, changing the topic a bit, knowing it was going no where. She didn't want to sit here in silence for god knows how long. It was a small attempt at lightening the mood.

"Yep. Mum doesn't want them but the girls do. So Meg has been guarding the dogs, making sure Mum doesn't take them away. She's refusing to go to school, it's another excuse to get out of it, the playing sick thing isn't working anymore." She smiled thinking of the young Gilbert. "But Betty's good, the pups are how pups should be." Scott added on.

"That's good. Any names yet?" Vivian asked, it was a safe topic.

"Mum said no names, so they don't get attached, but they still named them, of course. There's Lily, Milo, Harry, Timmy and Sally. Very random." They laughed quietly.

Once the laughter died down, she found him looking at her, "why d'your brother's have people following ya, eh? What happened?" She saw the curiosity on his face. Always a nosy bastard, she thought.

"Just a little trouble, with the new inspector. He's not the biggest fan of the Peaky Blinder or maybe just my family. Just . . . extra precaution." She didn't need him seeing her differently over something she never did. He nodded at her words. She knew he wanted to go on but he kept quiet.

After having a some ham and cheese sandwiches, a few swings of whiskey and a new discovery that the berries were actually poisonous, they were found laughing into the night. Scott was laying on his back, leaning on his elbows and Vivian's head lay on his lap.

—

Her planned didn't go completely to plan. She was suppose to be in her own bed, sleeping peacefully but instead she was running through the cold, empty streets. Her throat going dry as she ran, hoping she would be back home before anyone woke up. She had a pounding headache but she chose to ignore it until she got home. It was almost four in the morning so no one was out on the streets yet, so no reason for anyone to be out, which meant no blinders out could see her.

Turning the corner onto Waterly Lane, she came to a slow as she approached the den. She stopped at the door, wishing herself luck for what punishment she could have to face if she got caught. She stuck her key in the door quietly and slowly turned the handle, and pushed the door lightly. She only opened the door as little as possible, just enough room for her to fit through.

So she slid through the small gap between the door and the door frame. She was inside. Closing the door quickly and quietly, Vivian scanned the den for anyone. She took off her coat, putting it over her chair. She made her way through the den, being careful of the floorboards that were eerily loud.

"Where were you?" A voice came from the dark. Vivian turned around, knowing who it was. She saw the soft glow coming from his office. She creeped over, not minding the creaky floor below her anymore.

She appeared at the door, he was sat there like he had just got in too, "here."

He scoffed, looking up at her, "How's the fiancée?"she asked. It was the longest they'd been with out shouted, she just wondered how long until went off again, "The kids good?"

"Where've you been?" He asked again.

"Here."

"Vivian-"

"Johnathan."

He slammed his hands on the table. He hated Jonathan. He was quiet for a bit as he stared at her and she stared back. He gave up within a few seconds, "Just answer."

"Across the way, Janet's." The girl answered, taking a seat in the corner of the office. He went quiet again. "Why are you up?" She questioned. She noticed his slouched posture, which wasn't unusual. He looked tired but how else are you supposed to looked with four kids.

After there was no reply, she spoke again for the millionth time these past weeks, "I didn't do it."and for the first time, he didn't scoff, laugh, shout back. John stayed quiet for a moment as she stay in the corner, "Do you honestly believe I would do it?"

"I don't know." He muttered.

"Did you believe I did it when you first heard?" She looked out the window behind him as she waited for him to answer. The rain hit harshly against the glass. "Yes." He spoke

She continued to look at the rain drops as they ran down the window, "do you still believe I did it?" She heard him sigh and then felt his eyes on her, "No."

She whispered, "Why? Why didn't you believe me before? Did you think I could kill a person"

"I didn't know what to believe. I didn't- I didn't think you could kill someone on purpose. When Tom first told us, I thought you were protecting yourself. I don't know why but I got mad after that." She looked toward her brother, urging him to go on, "I was mad at myself, knowing I couldn't protect you."

She went to speak, but she didn't know what to say, but he continued, "and then Katie couldn't stop going on about how you do her hair the best. She wouldn't let Lizzie touch it. And I remembered how Ada used to do your hair and you'd complain for ages. You'd drive the whole house mad with your rants, but you'd complain more if one curl was out of place." He spoke just loud enough for her to hear across the small room. "And I realised you haven't changed as much as I thought. You are still Vivian, my, slightly annoying, baby sister. You aren't stupid." He smiled to himself.

"And you haven't changed as much either, you're still making stupid decisions." She input, he chuckled a bit and got up. He stumbled a bit, he might have had a few glass before talking. He walked over as she stood up. He wrapped his around her and she hugged her back.

"If he did . . . hurt you, you know we'd all be here for ya." He said.

"He didn't." She mumbled into his shoulder, "and I know."

After that he didn't ask anything else about what happened, not even who actually did it, or why she got the blame, but she didn't want to bring it up. John soon left saying a quick goodnight and she made her way up the stairs, hoping to get a few hours sleep.

—

"So that's Kimber." She stated, as she leaned on the table. Pol was sat down doing the numbers while Arthur was on the other side of the table. She heard a grunt from Arthur as she saw him watching the three men walk through the busy den. It made her shiver when Kimber looked her up and down like she was nothing but a prostitute. John, Scudboat and Lovelock were soon called into the office.

"Stop crowding me and make yourself useful." Polly snapped at the two siblings. Vivian stepped away, pushing past the men getting close to the office. Arthur walked the other way.

As she peaked in the window, Kimber was leaving. She stepped back standing behind a pillar, out of his sight. She wasn't scared of him but she was not in any mood to deal with anyone. She turned again to see his assistant leaving too, he gave her a nod before leaving. Much nicer than his boss, for sure.

Tom walked out as well, looking down at a document, the three other men following behind. She followed them as Tom lead them to the top of the den. Polly beside her as they waited for Tom to speak, "Gentlemen" he announced. Her aunt cleared her throat loudly, ". . . And ladies."

Everyone was gathered around, "I have in my hand a legal betting license, issued by the board of control." He held up the license, "The Shelby family has its first legal racetrack pitch." Her brother smiled happily as everyone cheered. Her aunt jumping up and down. The whole thing made Vivian laugh as she clapped loudly. She was happy for her family.

The girl wandered over to her family. She peered over John's shoulder as he scanned the document. "Shelby Company Limited, very official." She read. Tom wrapped an around around her shoulder, "Congratulations are in order." She said to him. He nodded in response.

"Does this mean I can get more 'involved' in the business?"she asked hopefully.

"Maybe, as long as you don't go killin' people." He smirked, causing her to push him off, giving him a glare.

Almost a month ago, Tom had come home, late at night. He had said that she was no longer wanted, that there was a deal made. And that Freddie and Ada were safe. Her brother had warned her again, that this is the last time. That he would be here to fix every mistake she makes. He didn't ask if she actually did it or who it was, he just left the subject. She was no longer to be supervised and followed, which was a surprise.

She hadn't brought up the guns to her brother, but over the past few weeks she had been checking up to see if they were still there. She knew that Polly knew but the boys don't. Uncle Charlie would know, it's him who is keeping them. Ever since the day of Ada's wedding, she had been watching Grace. She hadn't got much words out of her but she knew what she was saying were vague and lies.

But for now, she thought about her family. Seeing her brother smile was something that didn't happen often. She couldn't remember the last time he smiled because he was happy. They were all so happy.

—

Her arms linked with Janet's as they stumbled down the lane. She were laughing loudly, shouting and singing loudly. They probably woke up half the street but they carried on tripping over each other's feet, drunkenly. They had been drinking at the Golden. They went to celebrate getting the license but they may have celebrated too much but they were too intoxicated to care now.

As well as that, they tried to find Janet a new man, but she laughed at the idea, saying there was someone else on her mind but refused to tell the Shelby girl.

They almost made it to Janet's door — because there was no way she was going home like this — before they saw a mysterious figure. They laughed, ignoring the body but as she realised who it was behind the peaked cap. "'Ello dear brother." She shouted, waving as he approached her. He sighed tiredly at the sight of his sister.

The two girls were smiling despite being with the feared gangster. Vivian unhook her arm, "Bye Jan." she spoke, "I'm in trouble." She sang before looking to her brother, grinning. The Greene girl waved the girl off laughing before entering her own house.

"Come on." He said, making his way across the street, the girl following behind. By the time she got to the door, Tom was already there, holding it open. The smiled that was spread across her face, never disappeared, for no reason at all.

"Sit." He instructed his sister, who listened and flopped down on the armchair. He stood at the empty fire place, splitting a cigarette. "What's your curfew?" He asked his sister, taking a drag.

She was staring up at the ceiling, "We were out celebrating the license." She answered simply.

"You know what we told you."

"I know." Ever since she was a child, it was always the same, 'be careful', 'don't stay out too late', 'don't drink', and many more rules, it was the same for any woman on the streets. Her brothers were protective over her and Ada but with Ada away, they projected more of their protectiveness on to the youngest.

"I heard you offered Lizzie Stark a few pounds for sex, which isn't something a sister wants to hear about their brother. John definitely didn't want to hear it, especially that she accepted the money." She spoke.

"It was a test." her brother stated calmly. He tried to figure out how she knew but didn't ask.

"Also heard, you gave a job to the barmaid." She said, slowly leaning up to look Tom.

He looked back at her, "Needed a secretary." He stated again, listening to what Vivian had to say. Although she was drunk, he knew she had much to say, but didn't know where it would go.

"And a bookkeeper." She filled in, "why would you need a secretary? And why would you choose her? Someone you barely know, you can't trust and who is very curious about a business that is none of her concern." He didn't reply as she went on, just took in what she said.

"Was it after you found out about her lack of work experience that you decided to hire her? Or was it after she told you where she was the day of Ada's wedding, or did she tell you that." She asked slowly. They were yet to talk about the actually murderer.

He stared back at her, as her eyes hardened. He was confused about how she knew about their conversation in the church and what she was on about.

"I was by the black Swan because I was following a certain blonde down the street. She was following a man that just so happened to be in the Garrison for a meeting only a few days prior. Wasn't she was a bit curious about that meeting, brother?" She spoke. A few minutes ago she was drunk out of her mind but she wanted to have this conversation

"Vivian, what are you at?" He was confused. As well as, very tired but yet intrigued.

"I turned the corner to see she had shot him. Bang!" She whispered just loud enough for him to hear, making a gun with her fingers, pretending to shoot her self in the chest. She was definitely still a bit drunk.

"Why would she shoot that man? She had no reason to-?"

"Why would I shoot him? What reason did I have to do it?" She countered, her smile dropping.

Thomas sighed,"You can't blame a random person for something so extreme just because you don't know them. Take responsibility for your actions." He raised his voice ever so slightly. Ever since their chat, the night he came home saying she was no longer a wanted person, he still believed it was her who pulled the trigger. He didn't say it but she knew he did. They never brought it up until now.

"And you can't just give a random person a job just because you have a little crush on them." She answered back.

"Grow up Vivian, and stop being jealous and ungrateful." He spoke in a harsh tone, "You have a job in the business. What you wanted, eh? You're gonna have to earn your place like the rest of us." He said, before walking out the room. Jealous? Her brother was actually funny.

—

NOTES

    FINALLY! It has been over a month without an update. In the start, with the mention of puppies' names, I kinda made them similar to the actors who play the characters, just for fun. I really hope to get back on schedule but that's probably not gonna happen, so yea. When I had time, I had no motivation to write and when I did I had writer's block so I apologise. I hope to post more content on tiktok for you and thank you for 50k reads.

    Anyway, HAPPY FEBRUARY xx. As well as tiktok, there will be updates on instagram, vvioletneklace.wp