Chapter 50

16.7K 517 104
                                    

I quickly realised it had been a mistake inviting Lord Edward to Fakenham

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

I quickly realised it had been a mistake inviting Lord Edward to Fakenham.

In fact, I'd forgotten about our encounter entirely until Grubs parked the car and he sauntered over, beaming and bouncing.

"You've arrived!" He exclaimed. "Jolly good."

My heart sank. I hadn't factored this into my plans when I invited Tommy to a negotiation. But I wasn't about to be rude, so I gave a polite smile and offered my hand when he asked for it.

"You say you don't have a single horse racing today?" Edward asked as we were waved through.

"Just a few," I answered. "None of them powerhouses, I must warn you. Please don't go placing bets out of courtesy."

"Oh, but I already have! And rather good odds, the cookie gave me, considering—"

"Bookie," I gently corrected, biting my lip to hide a smile. I could not glance at Michael, walking beside us, or I knew we would burst out laughing.

"Oh?" Edward looked genuinely bemused. "Bookie... rather an odd name, isn't it? I suppose you gambling lot are an odd sort. Father always said..."

"Kill me now," I murmured to Michael beneath my breath as Edward rattled on.

"If Thomas Shelby does come, I might not have to," he replied.

"Keep an eye out for him. Tell Grubs, too. Thomas has a habit of sneaking up on me at these things."

Michael gave a quick nod. "Miss."

"Please, Edward," I interjected when he finally stopped for air. "Would you excuse me for a moment?"

"Off to see your horses?" He asked. "I'll come along."

Michael leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Grubs has spotted Thomas Shelby."

I fought the urge to put my head in my hands. This was falling apart.

"Actually, I just need a moment to speak with an old friend," I told Edward. "In private."

For a moment, I thought I had actually gotten through to him. But then, his jaw tightened, and his eyes lit up.

"Shelby," he announced. "From the hunt."

Thomas did not speak. Did not greet me in his usual way. I risked glancing at him, and almost regretted it immediately. Arms folded across his chest, eyes brows slightly raised, lips pressed together. He was angry.

"You made it," I said.

"Am I going to regret this, Kimber?" He asked.

I swallowed. "Michael, show Lord Edward our horses."

Michael glared reluctantly and didn't move at first. What was wrong with them all?

But finally they left, leaving me and Tommy alone. Not counting Grubs, in dark sunglasses and a black suit.

Kimber's Daughter - Tommy Shelby x Reader Fan FicWhere stories live. Discover now