1 week later

John and Michael has been moved into the same hospital room so they would have some company, while they where stuck in bed. Michael had a lot of work to do stock wise so that helped keep him busy along with John to talk to. John has his own work to do anyway, he was helping write the plans for the raid of the Changretta's weapons factory. It's was a light summers day and it had been exactly a week since John and Michael has been admitted to hospital, both men where recovering nicely but slowly. Micheal put down his pad and pen he had been tuning calculations for ages, cigarette between his lips as he took large drags, he winced his chest moving to deeply for his liking.

"Ugh I cant think straight." Micheal huffed frustrated his head spinning slightly, he reached his hand up and massaged his temples, he pulled his other hand up and removed his cigarette from his lips.

"You alright?" John asked looking over from his bed which was beside him but a little apart, he put down his newspaper which he was reading to look over at Michael who was massaging his head.

"Sorry, just my head." Michael replied brushing it off, he took another drag from hid cigarette and choose not to go back to his calculations, he put the pad on his bedside table along with his cigarette.

"You shouldn't be working yet and you know it." John replied smirking but still concerned for his best friends wellbeing, he folded up his newspaper since he had finished reading it, he was about to ask Michael a question but the phone rang on Johns bedside. He reached over a picked it up giving a glance to Michael who looked concerned also alert.

"Hello?" John asked into the phone but his whole body relaxed when he heard Esme's voice come over the line.

"Hey honey it's me, Ada and I are leaving now anything you or Michael want from the office before we go?" Esme said he tone light and airy, seemingly care free, John out his hand over the part where she would be able to here his voice.

"Just Esme, you want anything from the office?" John asked and Michael visibly relaxed back onto his pillows of his bed taking a second to think before replying.

" Tell her thank you but I'm good." Michael replied relaxing fully and closing his eyes leaning back fully letting his body relaxed. He desperately needed it, John turned back to the phone call.

"We are all good, thanks baby see you soon." John replied into the phone gently he only let his voice be this soft when he was talking to Esme it just happened naturally.

"Ok, see you in 5." Esme replied before hanging up the phone, John reached over and put the phone back in its cradle. He winced pulling his arm back in the pull on his ribs to much. John looked across to Michael who had let his eyes slip closed, John chuckled softly the kid needed his rest. It wasn't long before Ada and Esme came inside both holding small brown paper bags, Esme immediately jogged to where John lay propped up on pillows. Michael slowly opened his eyes feeling a little sluggish, but as soon as he saw Ada he felt wide awake.

"Mmmmm baby." Michael mumbled smiling, he reached up his arm for her, she took his hand gently in hers and sat down by his bedside, she gently leaned in and kissed her boyfriend's cheek softly.

"Good morning." Ada replied a bright smile on her face, she ran her thumb over Michaels knuckles soothing him gently. They were distracted slightly by John and Esme having a little make-out session, Michael chuckled but I just reminded him how badly he wanted to take Ada right here, right now.

" How are you?" Michael asked drawing Ada's attention back to her handsome boyfriend, she smiled at him, he was looking better than he did a few days ago there was more colour in his cheeks than before.

"I'm good, Esme and I went shopping for a little while before helping Tommy with some business." When Ada let these words leave her mouth, Michaels interest spiked even though they had a meeting in the hospital later to discuss things. Even if John and Michael were in hospital they still needed to know what was going on and Tommy valued their ideas and thoughts very highly.

"What business?" Michael asked still holding his beautiful girlfriends hand in his own gently caressing her palm.

"Just some interrogations you will find out later." Ada replied softly clearly not wanting to worry Michael with business while he was currently needed to be focused on healing entirely, He nodded understanding her message. Michael shifted slightly to try and sit up more to which he held back a groan biting his lip, Ada quickly put a pillow behind his back helping support him as he sat more upright.

"Michael i-" Ada started but was cut off when Michael pulled her in with strength she didn't know he could possess in his current state, their lips crashed together and similarly like John and Esme has been began their own little make-out session, several minutes passed before Michael pulled away slowly.

"I'm sorry I just missed you." Michael said softly his breathing rapid, he winced with every breath he took. Ada blushes smiling slight and tucked her hair behind her ear, she always blushed when Michael kissed her.

"Keep it in your pants Gray." John called from his bed smirking, Michael chuckled about to reply when Ada did it for him.

" you can't talk." Ada replied playfully causing Michael to chuckle softly allowing himself a small wince, He loved that Ada always read his mind like an open book. Sometimes it was his worse nightmare, how she knew he every thought, his every movement.

"Ada..can you get me some water?" Michael asked feeling a bit light headed, he winced a little feeling slightly dizzy, Ada got up quickly and fetched some water in a glass for her boyfriend who took it gratefully. He drank every last drop trying to clear his head, trying to clear his dizziness. Ada immediately picked up on this just by the grimace in his features, pain was throbbing though his head. She sat down on the side of the bed, reaching her hand onto Michaels shoulder which was wrapped in bandages, she softly touched the area so gently it didn't even hurt.

"Just a headache, love." Michael said reassuringly, he lay his head back into his pillow allowing himself to relax in his loves presence, his eyes closed allowing his mind a brief break from the bright lights of the outside. He felt the bed dip down beside him but barely at all, she gently reached up to Michael face and carefully played with the side of his hair. He leaned into her touch automatically finding comfort in her touch like he always did.

"I think I should call a doctor." Ada whispered softly to Michael who winced as he forced his eyes open, his voice was ruff and dry as he took Ada's hand in his own.

"No, Ada I'm fine." Michael replied his voice still dry and harsh but not intensely so, his tone seemed forceful but Ada knew he just wanted her with him. It took some serious attack like this to remind Ada that Michael didn't have any biological family, the crazy dysfunctional gang was now his family. And if Ada knew Michael he would do everything he could to protect them all and sometimes that meant he felt he would put his own health last. Like he did with John, he pushed him out of the car first before himself, he risked his life for Ada with no regard to himself, he didn't want to bother Tommy that he had been shot because Tommy already had enough on his plate. Ada couldn't think of any words to describe what she wanted to tell Michael, she wanted him to be more selfish but new she couldn't say cause she would sound bad.

"At least let me get a nurse." Ada replied gently feeling his slightly warm forehead he leaned into her touch more, craving it like it was drug. She could tell that he wanted her right next to him right now, he reached out for her and she sighed knowing what he wanted. She wanted it to do it to, she needed him but he needed her more so she got up pulled the curtain which hung around his bed so it gave them some privacy. Michael smirked as Ada straddled his waist carefully luckily she didn't hurt him doing so, his hands reached up and held her waist. She moved from side to side and Michael groaned gripping her waist tighter and thrusting his hips forward. She slowly slipped her hand under the dress she was wearing and slipped her underwear down and off, Michael but his lip in anticipation. He hastily removed his boxers without moving to much and now their areas were flush against each other. Michael pulled his girlfriend down so he could kiss her neck without moving so much, she gasped but then moaned in pleasure as Michael left a small hickey on the side of her neck. Michael always liked to mark her, especially while he couldn't be with her it was his way of telling other men to back off. One hand moved back or her hips and guided her over his area, he was just about to push her down onto it when they heard the hospital door open. Ada jumped off Michael pulling her underwear back on as did Michael as quickly as he could, he huffed in frustration he wanted to take his girlfriend right there. But now his plans were interrupted. Ada stood up and pulled back the curtain so they were now exposed to were John and Esme where talking but it's wasn't them who had opened the door. Tommy and Arthur stood their smirking, Ada blushed heavily at the site of her brothers who knew what they had been doing. Michael kept one hand over his throbbing erectcron which was desperately so hard it became like torture.

"You dog." Arthur chuckled smirking and walked past Michael handing him a cigarette, he took it gratefully knowing that it helps calm him down. Michael took a long drag from his cigarette as Tommy and Arthur sat down at one of the tables, Esme and Ada sat on the beds next to their S.O's.

"Alright so first order of business, we did some interrogations on the men who escaped the car crash, they are very resistant to tell us who their boss is. But it's not out of loyalty but fear. So we are going to leave em for a few days then try again." Tommy explained and got no objections from any of the others, in the back of Michaels head he wondered were his mother was but that wasn't top priority right now.

"Second Order of business, Michael you made another million in the stock this morning well done." Tommy congratulated Michael who nodded thanking Tommy, he took a long drag from his cigarette, Ada squeezed his hand gently smiling at her boyfriend.

"Third order of business is rather sensitive, polly has left town, she says she needs some time. I'm not sure when she is coming back." Tommy said trailing off, he looked towards Michael who took a huge drag of his cigarette and laid his head back on the pillows and blew the smoke out. He didn't say anything he just continued to smoke, his expression was Impossible to read. One thing everybody knew about Michael was he would talk when he was ready, so Tommy sighed and moved swiftly on.

"That's everything we have to discuss for today, how are you two?" Tommy asked sitting back down in a chair at the table, John looked across at Michael who continued to smoke not really making eye contact with anyone.

"We are healing, doctors say I could be out by next week." John said giving Tommy and smile even though the mood was quite sad and sinister at the moment after hearing about Polly just up and leaving.

"That's good." Tommy said realising Michael needed he own space right now as he lit another cigarette, the kid was clearly stressed and pissed off and that was hard for him now cause he couldn't take it out on anything.

1 week later John and Michael have been discharged.

Michael sat at his desk in his office, god how he missed being here but now he was back, it felt like he never left. He was working on some calculations about the stock and cigarette between his lips, his body throbbed sometimes in pain but there was always an underlying ache in his various wounds. His pen was working furiously on the page as he did some calculations, his phone rung on his desk, he reached his pen-less hand towards it wincing as he did so.

"Shoot." Michael said as still wrote calculations hastily his mind still running about the stocks.

"Raise by 40% or sell Michael." Alan's voice came over the phone, Michael sighed tapping his pen nervously. If he sold they would be safe from losing any money, doing what every body else did. But if he raised he could gain more money or lose everything.

"Sell, the odds are in our favour." Michael replied over the phone taking a large drag from his cigarette relaxing slightly, comfortable with his decision.

"Alright." Alan replied and Michael hung up, he put the phone back in his cradle wincing, he stood up letting out another wince, he walked over to the window he had in his office and looked out onto the street. He heard a knock at his office door and turned around to see his beautiful girlfriend standing in his door way.

"Hey love." Michael said coming towards his stunning girlfriend, she smiled and blushed slightly but she had a certain look about her which Michael new meant one thing. She was wearing a beautiful dress which complimented her figure but not distastefully so, she lifted up the edge of her dress to reveal the stocking she was wearing. Michael pulled his cigarette from his mouth and double inhaled the smoke craving the hit which made his whole body tingle, he put out his cigarette and moved toward his girlfriend a smirk pulling at his lips. He walked right up to her, so close to her he put his hand behind her on the door closing it shut, he slid the lock on the door shut and smirked. He closed the space between them pushing her up against the door and smirk on his lips as he leaned down one hand on her waist the other shoved her head, their lips crashed together and they began passionately making out. Michael began more and more dominant as they kissed, he moved from their lips and down to her neck he ran his hand up her leg. She let a small moan escape from her lips, she gripped his shoulders careful about where he was wounded. His ran up to her ass and he squeezed tightly, she moaned and bit Michaels ear playfully, who growled softly.

1 hour later

Michael kissed Ada gently brushing her hair of her face, he was buckling up his belt and readjusting his shirt after having incredible sex with his girlfriend. Ada ran her hand over Michaels shoulders coming to rest around his neck, she smiled up at her boyfriend who was so handsome.

"God I missed you." Michael mumbled his forehead leaning against hers, she smiled smiling as Michaels arms wrapped around her waist.

"I'm so glad your feeling better." Ada replied and massaged the back of his head, she could feel the stress in his shoulders slowly decreasing. Before Michael could reply his phone rang on his desk, Ada felt the tension in his shoulders immediately return. He pulled away from her reluctantly and picked up the phone while pulling a cigarette out of his pocket, he put it in between his lips and

Lit it with the other hand.

"Michael it's Tommy, John is outside waiting in a car for you, I assume your with Ada but you need to get in that car." Tommy explained hastily and Michael took a long drag confused button he trusted Tommy so he immediately put his the phone back in cradle, he grabbed his overcoat then Adas hand.

"Michael what's going on?" Ada asked panicked as they practically ran out of the office and outside, there was a car waiting for them and he could see John in the front seat Esme in the back, Ada got in with Esme and Michael got in the front with John, who immediately took off to who knows where.

"John? Where are we going?" Michael asked and pulled out his gun he kept with him at all times wondering if he needed to use it. John kept driving as fast as he dared, he glanced across at Michael who was loading his gun.

"They think they found where poly is staying, Tommy told me to meet them there." John replied looking back to the road, they continued there journey and they saw a house in the distance on a hill. They drove up the house and saw a car approaching behind them, Michael felt a rush of fear and anger wash over him. But it completely disappeared when he saw it was Michael and Arthur, the arrived at the outside of the house on the driveway. John parked the car and quickly Tommy's car pulled up alongside it, Michael got out the car his feet landed on the cobbled driveway. He didn't wait for anyone else, he didn't realise the gun still gripped in his hand, he didn't care if the others followed him into the house or not. Little did he know the others were close behind him, he walked up to the front door he tried the handle he found it locked. Arthur moves past him and knocked on the door loudly calling Poly. No answer so Tommy moves forward and shot the lock on the door which blew off easily. John pushes open the door and the group walked though, Michael may have as well of been shot in the chest. Because there in the large main entrance room hanging from a beam with a noose around her neck was his mother. Poly hung from the ceiling, dead, she swung slowly back and forth. Michael stopped dead in his tracks as the rest of the group moved forward more into the room towards where the dead body hung. Michaels hands slowly started to shake, he drew in a deep shaky breath and didn't really know what to do..

"M-mom.." Michael whispered under his breath, his voice could barely be heard he looked so broken, so wounded. Tommy turned his head from where his eyes where fixated on the woman who hung there. He looked towards a man he considered to be like his brother now, he wasn't crying but you could tell he felt so broken. John who's good beside him rested a hand on his shoulder but Michael didn't even flinch, it was like he barely registered John had touched him at all. The gun which Michael still gripped in his hand shook slightly, his grip on it tightened and he took a small step back still not taking his eyes off his mother. The once strong, noble, loyal Michael looked like his whole world had been shattered right in front of him and it broke each onlooker to see. Ada has let slip tears, they rolled down her cheeks and a small sob left her body, Michael seemed to have snapped out of his trance and looked towards his girlfriend. He reached out for her and swiftly pulled her into him, she hugged him tightly sobs coming from her mouth as she buried her face in Michaels jacket. He kissed her forehead and whispered sweet nothings in her ear, he held her close and that's what Tommy admired about Michael so much how he was so selfless. Arthur could see Michael looked like he needed to leave so he moved over to where Michael stood holding Ada into him, he gently took his sister in his arms and comforted her, Michael nodded his thanks and looked back at his mother before he walked out the door and onto the driveway which was shrouded in fog. John followed the him outside, Michael just stood with his back turned to the house, All john wanted to do was hug him It was what the kid needed after seeing what just happened. He looked towards Tommy who nodded, John moved forward and stood beside Michael. Michael didn't even turn around, John moved toward him and reached his hand out onto Michaels shoulder, who then turned around attempting to look like he was fine. Even though John had just seen everything that had just happened to Michael. His whole world had just come crashing down, he didn't look that sad he just looked angry now.

"I'm fine." Michael said hastily not wanting to worry John, he put his head down not wanting to meet Johns eyes afraid of looking weak.

"No, Michael your not." John replied and pulled his brother into him, he held him close not wanting to let go. He felt Michael grip him back, he couldn't help himself he needed to be held and John was willing to give him that. John didn't care because he understood, he understood the pain even though not quite the same. He got it. He knew how hurt Michael was. Tommy watched the scene unfold out in front of him and was just glad Michael was safe now with John, it had hurt all of them this but this had hit Michael the hardest, it was his mother after all. John held Michael for as long as he needed before he pulled away, he wiped his face of any evidence of tears.

"Wanna get out of here?" John smirked softly trying to bring humour into the situation even though he knew this wouldn't heal Michael for a long time, something like this never did. Never could heal, he would just have to learn how to deal with it.

"Yeah let's go." Michael replied and John nodded walking back to where one of the cars where, John got in the drives seat of the first car, Michael in the passenger seat. The drive directly to Birmingham and straight to the office, the two rode in silence for most of it. John offering silent support whenever Michael needed it. They moved into the streets of Birmingham and Michael lit a cigarette and smoked as they drove toward the office building, the turned down their street and you could see people moving for them. Michael has his head down, john was really concerned for him, he knew the pain he felt his pain but knew Michael was so selfless he wouldn't tell anyone if he was struggling. Michael got out the car not caring anymore, his earlier hints of shock turned to pure anger, rage and John could see it. That type of anger was dangerous, terrifying especially for some like Michael who was normal calm and kept together, he walked into the office John close behind him. He headed immediately for his office, John kept a close eye on him as they reached his office door, he moved inside his office and went over to where kept his booze. John turned around and saw Arthur walking up the stairs and towards Michaels office when he saw John he nodded thanking John for staying near Michael. Michael collapsed down in his office chair what had just happened had forced him to forget about his wounds but new pain was coming back with angry vengeance, he grabbed a whiskey bottle one which had been sitting on his booze cabinet which John knew was the most expensive bottle he kept.

"Michael-" John started wanting to stop Michael from ruining his best bottle of whiskey, Michael didn't even listen as he lit himself a cigar, he took a long drag from it clearly relaxing. He ripped the cap of the whiskey and poured himself an entire glass, which Arthur winced at. Arthur moved forward and put his hand on Michaels arm which held the glass of whiskey, Michael met his eyes and Arthur saw the fire which burned deep inside him.

"Michael-" Arthur said but Michael cut him off taking the cigar from him lips, he turned towards Arthur nose to nose he could have growled feeling so primal, everything about Michael posture screamed "back off."

"Fuck off Arthur." Michael growled stepping forward forcing Arthur to take one step back, Michael kept eye contact with Arthur and John could see a fight brewing. Michael necked back his entire glass whiskey before staring back into Arthur's eyes like a stubborn lion. Michael was normally respectful and kept his anger under wraps, especially when Arthur provoked him but now he was ready to let it out.

"What did you just fuckin' say to me?" Arthur snarled back at Michael, John was waiting to intervene. Arthur walked one step forward but Michael didn't step back, the grip Michael hand on his empty glass was so tight that it smashed in his grip sending shards of glass into his palm, but he didn't even seem to notice. John moved forward and pushed a hand on Michaels chest and pushed him back, he did the same to Arthur trying to prevent a fight beginning. Michael shook his head and walked away, he brought his cigar to his lips and took a huge drag, Arthur could see the way the boy stumbled slightly that the whiskey had hit him hard.

"Call Ada." Arthur said to John who stood beside him a hand still on his chest, Michael poured whiskey into another glass blood dripping down his arm from his hand, he stalked over to John and Arthur.

"Come on, let's get pissed." Michael smirked and pushed the bottle into Arthur's chest and the glass into Johns, the boys could have turned him down but they all needed it, they all wanted to get pissed its what they needed. Arthur took the bottle and raised it up before taking a large swig from it, he winced that was some good whiskey. John did the same as Arthur while Michael grabbed John his own bottle and handed it to him in exchange for the glass.

Hours had passed and the three men where so drunk they couldn't tell each other apart, they where laughing uncontrollably over nothing, there was smashed glass on the ground all over his office. Ada and Esme stood at the bottom of the staircase they heard the drunken laughter and the occasional break out into song. Ada walked up the staircase closely followed by Esme also the dreading what she was going to see, she walked to the office door and looked inside. What she saw was so depressing, Arthur and John sat at the two chairs in front of Michaels desk a empty bottle in each of their hands along with cigars, then there was Michael he was slumped in his chair two bottles of various alcohol in his lap a cigar in his left hand, his right hand had blood covered in it and what appeared to be shards of glass. Arthur and John turned to see Ada and Esme standing in the doorway, they both stopped laughing immediately and put their empty bottles down, Esme moved forward and grabbed John and Arthur's hands and pulled them from the room with minimal protest, they stumbled after her in their drunken stupor. Ada walked toward Michael who didn't even look up at her as she moved over to his side of the desk, there was a burning photo of Polly on the ground by his desk. She picked it up careful of the burning flames, she dunked it a huge pale of full water before walking over to her love who looked so depressed. No broken.

"Michael." Ada said softly sitting down on the desk across from Michael but close enough to touch him, she reached out her hand a pulled the empty bottles of liquor from his lap. He looked up to her meeting her eyes slowly, his gaze was clearly clouded by alcohol and agony. He raised his hand up which held his cigar and took a long drag blood dripping down his palm from where shards of glass where evident. He blew out the smoke and Ada reached forward taking the cigar from his hand, surprisingly he did nothing to stop her, it broke her heart to see her boyfriend so broken.

"Honey." Ada whispered softly, tears welled up in her eyes, he met her eyes and she reached out putting one of her hands on his cheek.

"I'm fine." He whispered softly and put his non bloodied hand over the one resting on his cheek, he squeezed it reassuringly but she could she right though his drunken façade.

"She loved you." Ada whispered softly caressing his cheek with her thumb, he frowned and shook his head.

"I know she did." Michael replied smiling confused, Ada knew she had to push a little more for him to open you to her it's how Michael was.

"She loved you." Ada repeated and Michael sat up still confused, he took her hand of his jaw and she could see some drunken rage burning in him.

"I know she loved me, Ada!" Michael protested sitting up on his chair more his voice slurred from the liquor.

"She loved you." Ada Said softly and she saw it hit Michael this time and he looked up and back at her.

"Then Why did she leave?" Michael asked and his voice broke, Ada pulled him up and she stood as well, he collapsed into her embrace. A small sob tore from his mouth, his face buried into her neck his arms wrapped loosely around her waist.

"It's okay." She whispered in his ear holding him close, she rubbed his back supportively, another small sob cane from his mouth and his shoulders shook.

"She left me." He sobbed and Ada just held him, he was so broken and he needed her, he let the tears fall wetting the top of her shoulder in her dress. It broke her heart to heard the person she loved in so much pain that she let slip her own tears. She held him close to her but what the couple weren't aware of was Arthur and John standing at the doorway, both men wanted to break down just at the site of one of there own in such distress. Ada looked over her shoulder and saw the two men standing there, she nodded giving her permission for them to come over. The two men walked over and Arthur laid a hand on the back of Michaels back, John on the back of his neck. Michael looked up and saw the two men, even though all so drunk there emotions where so much stronger they felt Michaels pain. Before Michael knew what was happening, Arthur pulled him into his arms. Michael felt safety and allowed himself to sob, Arthur held him close John rubbing his back supportively. John didn't realise it but tears dropped down his own cheeks allowing himself to be upset for Michael and for himself. The three men stood in the office all in a drunken stupor of sadness and pain, it was the worst site when Tommy Shelby arrived at the office door.

The next day

Michael Gray stood in his shower water poured down his nude body, his body relaxed as the hot water ran down his body. There was a huge still healing scar running from his left peck to under his right peck from where metal had been dragged though his chest. He had several bullet wound scars on his body, along with a long scar along his left leg from where he had been he had burned. He wasn't ashamed of his scars, he wore them with pride, it showed the world what he had been though and that he had survived. But his mother's death wasn't a scar but it was a wound that nobody could see and he was sure that wound would never close. The worst part of it is that she chose to go, she wasn't killed, so Michael didn't have anybody to blame he couldn't get his vendetta, because there was none to get. He ran his hand though his now wet hair, his non injured hand Ada had already pulled all glass shards from it but he didn't care about the pain, it distracted him from the other pain he was enduring. He had endured so much physical pain but nothing compared to this emotion pain it was so much worse. He finally got out of the shower and dried himself off, he had brought a pair of sweatpants in the bathroom with him so he pulled those on once he was dry. He looked at himself in the mirror, the bags under his eyes were undeniable he hadn't slept at all, he had stayed up at his home office smoking and drinking but only just to take the pain away. Arthur, John, Esme and Tommy were staying in their mansion like house. It was evening now and Esme and Ada were making dinner, the boys had been riding earlier together to try and take their minds off everything. Michael left the bathroom wearing nothing but his sweatpants, Tommy Shelby sat in one of the chairs in the huge master bedroom a cigarette in between lips. He watched Michael come out of the bathroom topless, his abs on show but carrying a nasty scar across his chest which was still pink with healing tissue.

"You never told me you could ride." Tommy said and Michael looked up and smirked but it was a sad smile, he could see him hiding his emotions, He would open up when he needed to.

"I used to ride a lot on the farm." Michael replied and pulled on a causal blue t-shirt, hiding a wince as he did so.

"And I used race." Michael continued which really caught Tommy's attention, he sat up straighter in his chair, Michael came and sat down in one of the chairs beside Tommy but they were angled toward each other.

"Who'd you race?" Tommy asked interested, he handed Michael a lit cigarette which he took and took a long drag before answering.

" Secretariat, Seabiscuit, Citation." Michael listed some of the horses and Tommy smirked those were the fastest and best horses in history.

"I trained them all, then they were sold and became successful." Michael smirked looking at Tommy's shocked face, he never expected that from Michael.

"Looks like I gave u the wrong job." Tommy chuckled and Michael smirked taking a drag from his cigarette.

"Im a man of many talents, Tommy." Michael replied pulling his cigarette from his lips as Tommy took a long drag and thought of an idea to help take Michaels mind off everything.

"So your proving to be, I need you to do something for me." Tommy said his voice low and slightly hushed, Michael sensed his urgency and leant in slightly so he wouldn't have to speak so loud, He took a long drag from his cigarette and doubled his smoke so easily.

"Tell me." Michael said and Tommy took his cigarette from in between his lips, he pulled out a picture from his jacket pocket after digging around for a few seconds, he put it down on the table between them and slid it across to his accomplice.

"Guglielmo Changretta, he is a high ranking member of the New York Mafia who are here still trying to kill us, I need him gone." Tommy explained his voice softer and he watched as Michael studied his the photo taking it up in his hand and taking a long drag from his cigarette before pulling it away from his lips again looking slightly confused.

"Why ask me to do it, why not Arthur or John?" Michael asked meeting Tommy's eyes and letting smoke travel out his mouth as did Tommy before answering.

"I've already given em jobs, i need this done clean Michael." Tommy said giving him the look which showed he was serious, Michael folded up the picture and put it into his pocket nodding.

"Understood." Michael replied and noticed on the back of his picture was information about where he lived and things like that before he stowed it into his pocket. He took a long drag before stubbing out his cigarette in an ash tray as did Tommy.

"How are you?" Tommy asked as Michael stood up going to pour himself and Tommy a whiskey, he put down two glasses on the table between the two chairs, before pouring a decent amount in each glass.

"Sick of people asking me how I am." Michael replied which caused Tommy to chuckle before taking the whiskey Michael had poured him and sipping some of it before putting back down on the table.

"I found this, beneath her body. You need to read it." Tommy said and pulled out a letter from inside his jacket, he handed it to Michael who hesitated before taking it. Tommy stood up from his chair and clapped Michael on his shoulder before leaving the room closing the door behind him, leaving Michael alone with the letter. He slowly opened up the parchment and began to read the ink stained pages. With that he began to read:

Im not going to apologise for what I've done, I've done this because I can't bare to see or cause anymore hurt.

Tommy, don't let this go to shit, promise me you will get out when you can. Stop gambling and see a shrink.

Arthur, stop drinking you're a nasty bastard when you drink and you take it out on everybody else, protect your brothers god knows they need you.

John, protect yourself, stay with Esme don't lose her. She cares about you, don't fuck it up.

Ada, keep your brothers safe and keep my boy safe god knows he needs someone to.

Michael, I know this hurts you, but I wasn't much of a mother to you anyway. This is how you will end up, but you won't listen to me. Stop being so selfless you, please take care of yourself more, your going to get yourself killed if you don't. Don't think I didn't love you.

-Polly.

Michael drew in a sharp breath and put down the parchment on the desk, he then downed the rest of his scotch. He fumbled for a cigarette in his pocket and lit it hastily needing it to calm him down, he drew in a long drag which helped calm his thumping heart. He didn't know what to feel at the moment after reading that, he didn't know what emotion should cause his next actions so he sat in the chair smoking for awhile mulling what he had just read over. He then stood up and walked over to his dresser choosing to push whatever he was feeling into a whole in his chest never to be re-opened until a later date and that is where it would stay. Some would say it wasn't the healthiest way of dealing with what he was feeling but it would do for now until he could address it properly. Michael got changed into a three piece suit for dinner which was his normal attire for the whole day anyway, he knew he would be up all night so he may as well look smart when he did it. He left the room cigarette still between his lips, he made his way towards the kitchen where he could hear happy noise, the preparation of food he could smell it, the scent made his stomach growl with hunger for food.

"John stop swearing in front of the kids!" Ads said after John swore loudly in the middle of his sentence, Tommy had his son Charlie up at the house since he wasn't going anywhere any time soon.

" Fucking whiskey." Came a small high pitched child's voice as Michael walked into the kitchen and everybody burst into laughter accept Ada of course who ran over to Charlie and told him not to say such things, Esme was by the stove preparing something. Michael and Ada did have their own private chef but they had given him a few days off since the family was running the house for the next few days. Conversation flowed easily over dinner, everybody just seemed happy which was a nice change from the somber mood they had all been in recently, once dinner was over Ada and Michael walked from the room, Michaels arm snaked around her waist, she started to lead him upstairs and for once instead of going to his office he walked up the stairs with her and into their bedroom.

"Your great with kids." Michael remarked as they entered the room, Ada smiled softly her cheeks blushing as she went to her vanity and removed her earrings.

"Thanks, I was always the one left to look after the boys when mum or dad wasn't around." She replied as Michael removes his jacket and slung it over a chair, he stunned out a cigarette he had been smoking at dinner knowing Ada didn't like the smell of smoke particularly much.

"Well they are all alive so seems you did a fair job." Michael smirked and removed his waistcoat placing it neatly back in his wardrobe, Ada then slipped out of her dress which left her just in her underwear as Michael unbuttoned his shirt facing away to give her privacy. Ada smirked seeing him facing the other way for her benefit he was such a gentleman. She looked at his muscled back which was riddled with small scars but the most prominent one currently was one in his lower back slightly to the left which was pinkish still healing, she knew it was from his most recent injury in the car crash where a bullet fired from their enemies made its way though his abdomen. She pulled on a skimpy nightdress before removing her underwear the silk of the garment soft against her skin. She took some balm which was resting on the counter of the dresser she was next to and walked over to her boyfriend who had changed into his pyjama bottoms but left his shirt off. She rubbed some of the soothing cream though her fingers before gently applying it to the healing scar on his lower back. Michael couldn't stop himself from leaning into her touch and letting a small moan escape his lips, her touch had that effect on him, it made him feel like he was melting.

"You don't have to do that." He mumbled out his voice slightly slurred with relaxation and pain relief as she gently massaged around the area bringing forth new realms of pleasure. There were several things about Michael, Ada knew for certain and one of them was that Michaels muscles were often incredibly tight from stress and if she massaged them out it would relax him so much it would help him sleep easily. Ada knew Michael had trouble sleeping, it wasn't hard to see, she knew why. Every time he fell asleep it was a nightmare based on real things that had happened to him.

"I want to." Ada replied and gently lead Michael over to their large bed, he laid down on the soft mattress facing upwards eyes dropping out of exhaustion, Ada took more balm and sat down beside her handsome lover. She massaged his chest over where the new huge scar was and then his tense shoulders which slowly unwinded under her fingertips. In minutes Michael was unconscious, she smiled and ran her hand though his hair pulling up the covers around them both before leaning over and turning of the light switch sending the room into near darkness apart from a few candles dyeing out around the room. She snuggled into Michaels side and felt his arms subconsciously envelope her holding her close to his warm body, she laid her head on his chest and relaxed knowing she was safe if she was in his arms. She fell into a blissful sleep letting that be her last conscious thought.

The next day 4:00pm

Michael stood outside his soon to be victims apartment, he was leaning against the wall waiting for the other person in their to leave the apartment. He was wearing his flat cap and had it pulled down so nobody could see his face fully, he was wearing black leather gloves so he wouldn't leave any trace of himself behind once the job was done. The door to the apartment opened and a man left, he knew from the picture this wasn't his victim, but once the other man was out of site Michael ducked into the apartment. He pulled his gun out of his pocket his beautiful black gun which would soon fire into somebody else's head. He searched for Mr. Changretta but strangely couldn't find him in the apartment, then he heard a rustling in one of the wardrobes. He knew Michael was coming, he raised his gun and pulled open the wardrobe door to find Guglielmo Changretta loading a large gun, he froze but Michael didn't hesitate he fired the gun directly into his forehead. The man collapsed dead instantly, he then closed the wardrobe door leaving the dead man inside, he put his gun back in his pocket. He started to leave the apartment knowing if that man he knew was coming he would have sent for backup to he would have had to leave quickly, he jogged from the apartment quickly stashing his gun in his pocket. Some blood was on the side of his cheek from the other mans wound he moved quickly from they apartment building and he could see several men pull up in different cars and run into the building. Luckily they seemed to so panicked they didn't notice Michael slip away, it was walking distance to the garrison and he could use a drink. Once he made it to the pub he went inside immediately, he went straight to the bar and the bartender knew it was Michael he would want a large whiskey. He pulled out a a cigarette and lit it removing his gloves as he did so, he took a long drag from his cigarette as his bartender brought over his whiskey.

"Tuff day?" The bartender asked and he looked up from his whiskey glass removing the cigarette from his lips, he held it in the other from his whiskey.

"Something like that." Michael replied and drunk some of his whiskey he enjoyed the burn which traveled down his throat, he put the glass back down on the bar and wiped his jaw cleaning of the blood of his now dead enemy. After several minutes he finished his drink, thanked the bartender and left the garrison heading back for the office. As he walked he noticed eyes on him but he held his head up high and smoked as he walked, he arrived at his office door and went inside. Even though the stocks were closed he still had some work to do, he removed his jacket and put it on the back of his chair before taking a seat. Killing somebody was hard at first but it had become easier over the years that he had been in the Peaky Blinders, he just told himself that person was no better than himself that's why that person had to die. He took a long drag from his cigarette and let the smoke float up from his lips and into the air, he relaxed completely not feeling guilty which he was glad he didn't. That man probably committed more murders that Michael had, so he didn't feel bad, he removed his gun from his jacket pocket as his cigarette was held between his lips. He opened his draw which contained ammunition he started to re-load his gun when somebody walked inside. He looked up and met Tommy Shelby's eyes he stood in the doorway also smoking and he smirked.

"Done." Michael replied and put his gun back into his pocket after re loading it, he slid his ammunition draw shut and took a drag from his cigarette.

"Good, I need you to go somewhere for me." Tommy said before walking across to Michaels desk and handing him a slip of paper with and address not far from here, he frowned he knew this place it was mainly where they brought weapons from.

"What am I looking for?" Michael asked standing up cigarette between his lips as he slid his jacket on and grabbed his overcoat pulling that on as well, He checked he had his gun which he did luckily just making sure.

"Anything Italian." Tommy said and gave Michael 'the look' which was well known among the peaky blinders which meant, something is happening and I don't know what, if u see anything don't kill it yet. Michael nodded and took his slip of paper with the address even though he knew where he was going.

"Understood." Michael said and Tommy nodded as the pair left the office, Michael headed down the stairs and threw his cigarette on the ground once he got outside. He walked over to his Bentley which was waiting for him, he got into the drivers seat and started the car, he drove trying to not look suspicious near to the location. He dropped his car off a little outside the location and he pulled his flat cap down slightly so he could be less easily recognised. He walked down the back streets to the main area on the address slip, he had his gun ready in his pocket should he need it, he leans against a wall and observed for a while looking for anything suspicious, he noticed a man enter a phone box and dial a number. He watched the man look over his shoulder several times as if looking for something, or someone. Then he laid his eyes on Michael who looked away with casual haste, the man slammed the phone back in the cradle after saying a few more words and before Michael knew what was happening men appeared from everywhere. He decided he needed to get out of here and fast but discreetly as to not raise suspicions , so he walked as calmly as he could out of the alley he was lurking in but as he made his way to the end of the alley three more men appeared at the end. He was surrounded, he sweared as they began to close in, he knew it was pointless to shoot he was hopelessly out numbered and that would sure end in certain death, it was best for him to remain calm and try to see what they wanted. One man stepped forward out of the group and moved towards where Michael was standing attempting to be intimidating but it wasn't working on Michael.

"Let's cut to the chase, take us to Tommy Shelby." The man said in a thick Italian accent so thick it was hard to understand, Michael reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette putting it between his lips he lit it and took a long drag before blowing out the smoke in the mans face.

"Look Mr.Gray you can ether tell us how to get to him or we can make you tell us." The man continued and Michael took in his build he was about the same height as Michael, longish face large nose and seemed to resemble Luca Changretta, maybe he was a brother or cousin of his, who knows who cares.

"I'd like to see you try." Michael smirked and took a long drag from his cigarette, this made the man smirk he clearly didn't think Michael would choose that option, he smirked back and let out his smoke and met the man dead in the eyes. He gave him the look which said 'Im not afraid of you'.

"Take him." The man smirked and stepped back from Michael as 6 other men closed his, Michael reached his hand to where he gun lay in his jacket but wasn't quick enough to block the first punch which landed solidly in his rib cage. He recovered quickly and a fight between them broke out, despite being outnumbered Michael held his own knocking out 3 of the 6 men, but he was bested and on the ground on all fours being repeatedly kicked in the ribs so much so blood tainted his lips. Some blood ran down a cut on his cheek from one of the men's rings, he felt his arms be ruffly grabbed and forced behind his back despite his struggling, he felt the cold steel of handcuffs be clasped and tightened around his wrists, one of the men grabbed his hair and forced his head up, he licked his lips and tasted his coppery blood. The man from before moved forward and lifted up Michaels chin and he jerked his head away earning himself a punch in the jaw.

"Your gonna tell us everything we want to know Mr. Gray" the Italian said smirking and Michael growled a little and struggled against his bindings, he felt the two men beside him grip his arms to hold him still as the pulled him up to his feet. A dirty rag was forced into his mouth and tied at the back of his head despite his efforts to spit it out it nearly chocked him with how tight they tied it and it tasted foul. A hood was pulled over his head and secured, now Michael felt slight fear grow in his stomach he was being taken and nobody would be able to find him, but he refused to show his fear.

"Knock him out." He heard a thick accent say and there was shuffling of movements until he felt a painful whack on the back of his head, his vision went blurry and he felt his legs give out underneath him. He tried so hard to stay conscious but the pull of a pain filled sleep pulled him under and he let his entire body go limp.