A Girl Called Cat- A Peaky Blinders Fan Fic

Chapter 1: The Beginning

The shrieking of a train whistle cuts through the air. Signaling that I, Catherine Brookes, have arrived at my destination. To the not so lovely Birmingham, England. Gripping my suitcase tightly, I take my first steps onto the train platform.

"This is chaos."

The scent in the air was not pleasant, thick with smoke and a hint of piss. People were bustling about, horns were being blown, everyone seemed to know where they were going- except for me. Shaking my head, I start looking around, searching for a cab or at least a map. Eventually I located a clerk in the station.

"Good day ma'am, how can I help?"

My eyes meet his. He has light brown hair that's closely shaved on the sides, a pale complexion with dark eyes. I take a step closer to the window to try and drown out the mayhem all around,

"Is there a cab service here at the station?"

"Yes ma'am, would you like me to ring someone up for you?"

"Yes, please."

Nodding his head he went to ring a bell behind the wall. While waiting for the driver to arrive, the clerk decides to make small talk, "You don't sound like you're from here, you American?"

My stomach twists, I hate small talk. Trying to appear calm I attempt to meet his energy,

"Yes sir I am. Keen ears you have."

Internally I welcome death,

'Oh God please tell me I didn't just tell him he has keen ears.'

However he seemed not to mind, "I knew it! I've never met an American before, but something about you just screamed 'American'."

"Thank you?" My brain starts to descend into madness, 'Why did that trail into a question? This is terrible.'

Before I spiral, the realization hits that he's looking at me, as if he were expecting an answer. "Sorry, what was that?"

"I asked if you've been to England before?" The corner of his mouth was curving upwards, hinting at a smile.

"No, this is my first time!"

"Lovely, and what do you think of it so far?"

"Well I've only been here a little over a day. I got into Cardiff late last night and hopped on the train this morning."

"I see, well, I hope you enjoy your time here. Not much to see in Birmingham though, why here?"

"My mother was originally from here."

This seemed to interest him, he lights a cigarette,

"Ah, and is she joining you here? Show you the sights and such?"

I hesitate, as if reading my mind he apologizes, "Sorry Miss, I shouldn't have said anything."

I slightly cough, "It's alright." The air was tense, the joviality from moments ago was gone. I hate awkward silences like these.

Trying again at small talk, the clerk asks, "So where are you going in Birmingham?"

"Oh, um, Small Heath."

He doesn't reply, only stares. A nervous laughter escapes me, "You not a fan?"

Solemnly shaking his head, replying, "Are you sure about Small Heath?"

I nod. "You stay safe over there, yeah?"

"Alright-"

"What's your name?"

I stare at him for a moment, confused at his evident stress,

"Um, Catherine."

"Alright Catherine, my name is Mathew Clark," slipping me a piece of paper through the gated window he whispers, "You give me a call if you ever run into trouble. Alright?"

I gently take the paper,

"Thank you Mr. Clark."

His positive exterior starts to bounces back, "anytime Miss, and call me Matt. It's what all my friends call me."

Though he tried to smile, the ghost of nervousness seemed to be there. Cutting the tension, a gruff man called out to Matt,

"Oi! The cab is ready out front."

Mathew's gaze met mine again,

"Well that's your cue, he'll help you with your bags."

I nod, trying to smile,

"Thank you Matt."

"Anytime miss."

I start to walk away but he calls once more,

"I'm serious, if you ever need to, call. I have a feeling we'll be meeting again, Miss Catherine. I hope under good circumstances.

I smile once more and find my way to the gruff man and the cab. Once turned away from Mathew, I whisper under my breath,

"Alright, that was strange."

Thankfully I didn't need to search too long before locating the gruff man. He was tall, well over six feet, and there was an aura about him, it was intimidating. Part of me doesn't want to talk to him, but I know walking to Small Heath isn't a good option either. Mathew seemed worried enough about driving there. I sigh and can't help but think,

'This is going to be an interesting trip.'

Taking a deep breath I finally flag the man down,

"Hello, you said my taxi was ready?"

A cigarette was perched in his mouth,

"Yes ma'am. It's just over here, follow me."

Offering to take my suitcase, I give it to him. I step up into the car, and wait for the driver to get in. My eyes scan the scene before me. There were a variety of shops lined up against the avenue, some old brick apartments, and all sorts of people wandering through the streets. Children playing, an old woman doing laundry, some vendors trying to sell their vegetables. It was interesting, it was familiar. I think back to my home, I would see a sight similar to this in the streets of Philadelphia. My mother always said she hated the city but never made any efforts to relocate, maybe she found some nostalgia in staying? Snapping out of my thoughts as the driver gets in the vehicle, he looks to me,

"Alright, miss where to?"

"To Small Heath, please."

He seems confused, as if wondering why a young girl would go there unaccompanied,

"Alright. Do you have an address or spot you want dropped off there?"

I pause, trying to remember my mother's last words to me, what was the place called?! It clicked,

"A pub, called the Garrison."

His eyebrows went up in surprise,

"Alright, we'll be there soon. I'll try to get you there in one piece." He laughed at that last part. Was it really so funny? We start driving down the muddy road. I can't help but wonder, what on Earth have I gotten myself into?