May 31, 1922, Epsom

Before the Peaky Blinders and their allies get to the races, Tommy explained that they must take over Sabini's race track licenses, and that he would be creating a diversion to distract the police from their actions.

Once it was done, John was on top of the world, the Peaky's finally had Epsom! Their territory in London slowly growing under Tommy's guidance and leadership.

That was why he was nearly knocked sideways when he found you there, his smile immediately dropping from his face when Arthur had called your name.

No, no not like this.. your heart began to race, a hot wave of shame falling around your shoulders.

John and yourself had been friends long ago, through school and beyond, though he'd lost track of you after the war, hearing bits and pieces about you, but never finding the time to truly ask after you.

And here you were, battered up and slowly bruising, a split lip and a red blotch on your cheek.

John sat you down and gently crowded you, in a way only he could, keeping you close and warm.

"What's all this eh? What's this for?" he ran a knuckle over the welt on your cheek and under your chin to lift your face so he could survey your injuries.

"Thought you'd make a few extra bob at the races hm?" he hummed, "the toffs at the races are the worst, duck. You know that.." he said quietly, your head ducked down low.

"Hey, hey, look at me, look at me ducky," he smiled softly, "it's gotta stop, love. Please.."