Too Late To Say Goodbye | Tommy Shelby {1}

96.

The sound of silence rang in Tommy's ears.

He slowly walked through the distillery, and over to a crate of already bottled gin.
Sighing as he read label.

Shelby Company Limited
Gin
Distilled for the
Eradication of Seemingly
Incurable Sadness

He's given his blood, sweat and tears to his companies and yet here comes a man thinking he can take it all away, just like that.

Dropping the glass bottle back into the crate, he closed his eyes leaning his head back, trying to reset his mind.

The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the warehouse, he didn't dare move.

"It's almost time, Tommy."

The sweet, angelic voice called to him from a few feet away. The same voice that will always bring him comfort.
Turning to face her, she stood a foot away from him now. Dressed professionally in a dark button up dress, not much else besides dresses fit over her bump now a days.

He nodded at her, looking over her shoulder to see Polly and Finn waiting there as well.
Bringing his pointer finger up to wave her to come closer, she obeyed.

Placing his hands on the base of her neck, "you being here is one of the biggest risks I'm ever going to take."

It almost felt as if she could feels his nerves through his fingers
"Tomm-"

"I need you to listen to me."

She stopped talking and nodded, sensing he needed to get this out, for his own sake.

"When they get here, I want you by my side. I will do the speaking for our group. And if anything goes out of our plan, you do not step in. Do you understand?"
He didn't want to sound controlling but with everything that's about to happen, he needs the reassurance that she'll be okay. Because if anything happens to him, he doesn't want Bella to get involved.

Bella could feel the urgency pouring out of him, it was rare to see him this stressed and...scared.
She knows it'll be a hard thing to do, staying out of this, but she will to help Tommy during this.
Swallowing her pride, she nodded.
"Okay, I understand Tommy."

He held her gaze for another moment before leaning in to kiss her forehead.
"I love you." He mumbled against it
"I love you too." She whispered back before Tommy stepped back, waving the other two over.

The four of them stood lined up, Bella's shoulder brushing against Tommy's as they each silently counted down the minute for Changretta to arrive.

Polly was to her left, standing tall like a soldier. While Finn next to her, slightly fidgeting trying his best to stand tall. To him, without John and now Arthur, it was important be able to take their place to help Tommy.

Just as the clock strikes 12:00, the sound of the door to the distillery opening was heard, followed by foot steps really set Bella's nerves into place.

But she kept her business face strong as Luca rounded the corner, looking smug with his usual toothpick in his mouth.
Vinny was to his right, looking professional as he held his gun in his arms.
They came ready for business.