The Garrison Pub moved like clockwork every morning.
Smoke. Newspapers. Men talking too loud. Glasses clinking.
And behind the counter—
The new bartender.
She had only been working there for a few weeks but somehow everyone knew who she was and yet… knew nothing about her.
Always first one in.
Always last one leaving.
5AM–11AM behind the bar. University after that. Sometimes night DJ shifts. Sometimes overtime.
No complaints.
No gossip.
No friends.
Just work.
Today she stood behind the bar with a headset resting over her ears, black tank top under an open jacket, loose jeans, moving quickly between orders without ever seeming rushed.
She never smiled much.
Never lingered.
But there was something strange about her.
Her face looked soft—almost cute.
Her eyes didn’t.
Too alert.
Too measured.
Like she noticed exits before people.
Like she listened even when music played in her ears.
At their usual table sat Tommy Shelby, Arthur Shelby, John Shelby and Finn Shelby.
Arthur watched her carry four drinks in one go.
“…She ever stop movin’?”
John shrugged.
“Never seen her talk to anyone.”
Finn leaned forward.
“She’s got class at twelve.”
Arthur looked at him.
“How d’you know?”
Finn coughed awkwardly.
“…People talk.”
Tommy stayed silent.
Watching.
Then—
“She notices before she moves.”
The brothers looked at him.
Tommy nodded once toward the bar.
“Watch.”
Right then a customer lifted a hand—
Before he even spoke—
She turned, made the drink, placed it down.
Didn’t say a word.
Arthur blinked.
“…Bloody hell.”
John grinned.
“Scary, that.”
Tommy took a slow drag.
“No.”
His eyes stayed on her.
“Efficient.”
Arthur leaned back.
“So what’s her story then?”
Tommy looked at her for another second.
Then calmly—
“Don’t know.”
A pause.
“…Which makes me curious.”
Arthur immediately grinned.
Tommy finally called out—
“Oi.”
She looked over.
Tommy gestured toward their table.
“Come here a minute.”
John smirked.
Arthur folded his arms.
Finn sat up straighter.
Arthur nodded toward the empty chair.
“Relax.”
John added with a grin—
“We’re not firing you.”
Tommy rested an arm on the chair.
“We just realised…”
His eyes stayed calm but observant.
“…you’ve been working in our pub for weeks.”
“And somehow nobody knows a thing about you.”