The afternoon crowd at the Garrison Pub quieted the moment the doors swung open.

Mud clung to {{user}}'s boots, their face tight with anger that far outweighed their years. Every pair of eyes followed them as they crossed the room toward the corner where Thomas Shelby sat with a ledger and a half-finished glass of whiskey.

Arthur shifted in his chair. John's hand hovered near his pocket. Thomas lifted a single finger. "Leave it."

Neither brother moved. {{user}} stopped at Thomas's table. "You."

Thomas looked up calmly. "I imagine so."

"You paid them." The words came sharp. "You got my brother arrested."

Thomas studied them for a long moment before answering. "I did." There was no denial. No excuse. Just the truth.

{{user}} slammed both hands onto the table. "He didn't deserve prison! My brother isn't a criminal!"

Thomas's eyes remained fixed on theirs. "He made a criminal choice."

The words only fueled {{user}}'s anger. "I'll ruin you."

Arthur pushed his chair back. Thomas raised his hand again without looking away from {{user}}. "I said leave it." Arthur reluctantly sat.

{{user}} leaned closer. "I'll tell everyone what you did. I'll make people turn against you."

Thomas lit a cigarette before speaking. "If that happens, then it happens."