Chapter One: Up In Flames

A/N: Hey everyone! So I'm a little nervous about posting this - I was going to wait until Season 4 to post this story, but some of my lovely friends encouraged me to go ahead with it.

This is a Michael Gray/OC story but this chapter focuses on my OC, Jessica Jesus, so please give her time to develop as a character :)

A huge thanks to WildRecklessYouthInMe, LovelyFandomLover and foxlowe for looking over this, you're the best!

"Oh, honestly." Jessica Jesus reached up with tentative fingers to the unsightly lipstick smudge just beneath her bottom lip. She had been doing so well with her makeup until she accidentally brushed her sleeve against her lip, leading to a crimson stain on her tawny brown coat and the smear on her chin. She snatched up the sponge on the cabinet and started to rub irritably, surmising she'd just have to start all over again.

Glancing over her shoulder at the clock on the mantelpiece, she was startled to realise that it was 11:30. She was meant to be at the club at 12:00 sharp. However, considering how long this was taking, she didn't know if she was going to make that deadline. Jessica let a sharp exhale pass through her teeth. Today wasn't a big show, but being punctual was important to Castle Club. However if she was slightly late, they might show her some mercy – Jessica had been dancing there for a couple of years, after all.

The key crunching in the lock caught Jessica's attention and she frowned. She wasn't expecting anyone else to be home until after she got back. Her father was preaching and her brother was with Finn Shelby. Unless a member of the Peaky Blinders had been sent over for some reason, no one had any business being there. Acting on instinct, Jessica reached into the chest of drawers beside the fireplace and fumbled around for the emergency gun. Her father detested firearms and had sworn never to touch one again, but it was a matter of safety. Just as the door was shoved open with a squeak of protest, she spun and pointed the revolver at the intruder.

"Shit, Jessie!" Isaiah held up his hands over his head in surrender, eyes widening at the sight of his twin sister aiming a weapon at him. Heaving a sigh of relief, Jessica let the gun clatter back into its place in the top drawer. She slamming the drawer shut and glared at Isaiah. She ignored the fact that her hands were trembling and wondered how she would have fared against a real intruder. Considering her aversion to violence and her slender, bird-like frame…probably not too well.

"I didn't expect you back until late, and you shouldn't use language like that," she scolded.

Isaiah scoffed. Of the two of them, Jessica was always the one who was more like their father, Jeremiah. She took the Bible and her prayers seriously, more so than her brother did. Isaiah, on the other hand, was loud and reckless. He wasn't as strongly Catholic as the rest of his family. She supposed they had their family's association with the Peaky Blinders to thank for his boldness. In comparison, Jessica kept to herself and didn't draw unwanted attention. She was very much aware of both her colour and her gender. Her love of jazz music and dance was the only thing that dispelled her natural shyness. She chose to ignore the fact that there were still many that called it the Devil's music.

"Yeah, right. Anyway, I came home because it's important, alright?"

For a moment, Jessica swelled with the hope that Isaiah was coming to watch her perform. Although he and her father didn't understand her obsession with dance, they always indulged her. Isaiah came to watch from time to time, Jeremiah less regularly because of his frequent street preaching. Most times, Jessica didn't mind that it didn't pay well. Though sometimes the constant noise of their neighbours and the ease with which parts of their apartment fell to pieces made her resentful. Isaiah brought in some extra money from his work with the Peaky Blinders, but it wasn't easy for a single father to support two teenage children.

"What's important?" Jessica asked slowly, taking care not to get her hopes too high. She was always childishly enthusiastic at the prospect of people coming to see her do what she loved, yet she understood that she couldn't expect them to come every single time she was performing.

"The Garrison's been blown up," Isaiah replied as he raked a hand through his curly dark hair. Suddenly the clock ticking down time on the mantelpiece, the lipstick stain on the sleeve of her coat and her still unruly brown curls didn't matter to Jessica. The Garrison was the favourite pub of the Peaky Blinders and everyone in Birmingham knew it. This wasn't a random explosion; someone had known exactly what they were doing, although why you'd want a dangerous, resourceful man like Thomas Shelby after you was perplexing to Jessica.

"Do we know by whom?" Jessica questioned, clutching her coat tighter around her.

"Not yet, but it's only a matter of time." He quizzically examined the lipstick mark on her coat with a raised brow. "You can't go to the Castle Club today, not with all the bloody nonsense going on at the moment. It's not safe for you out there by yourself."

Isaiah sank onto the couch. It was tattered and worn like most of the furniture in the Jesus residence. He took out a cigarette and lit it up before patting the empty cushion beside him. After a moment's hesitation, Jessica sat next to him. Her body was still taut with apprehension. Like a bowstring stretched back with an arrow ready to fire. Isaiah took a puff from the cigarette, blowing out a plume of smoke before offering it to his twin. Jessica took a drag as well, letting the smoke tickle the back of her throat.

When they were little, the twins had been inseparable. Their mother left them when they were three. Jessica could only remember the scent of lavender and her honey blonde hair. She didn't die and she hadn't been through something awful. Simply put, she felt the societal pressure of being a white woman married to a black man and suddenly decided that being a mother wasn't for her. She didn't even leave a note; she just packed up all her things and disappeared. They hadn't seen her since.

For many years, Jessica was devastated at their family's loss. She used to pray to God to send her mother home. Now she hoped she would never see that woman again. Yet her departure from their life meant that even as small children, she and Isaiah were heavily reliant upon one another. As they grew older, they developed vastly different personalities. Isaiah remained protective of Jessica, though – something she teased him about because she was in fact the older twin by nine minutes.

Taking another puff of the cigarette, she rested her head on her brother's shoulder. She understood the logic of not going out during such troubling times, but she was still stressed at the thought of missing a show. For a few moments, the twins remained in contemplative silence.

"Is Father coming home early?" Jessica asked, handing the cigarette back.

"Not sure." Isaiah slung an arm around his sister. "Haven't seen him around. He'll probably come back once he hears about all this."

"We still need some things for dinner," Jessica stated. By default, she'd fallen into the homemaker role at a young age. Jeremiah was a surprisingly good cook, and Jessica had paid close attention to her father's lead. Now that he worked long hours to provide for them, it was predominantly Jessica who did the cooking. Not that she minded in the least. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking and the delicious aromas that wafted through their apartment when she did. Isaiah did try to cook, but Jessica often joked that they'd get food poisoning if they ate anything he prepared.

"Alright." Isaiah eased himself up off the couch. "We can get Finn to come with us."

No one messed with a Peaky Blinder, especially not Thomas Shelby's baby brother. Although he didn't cut an intimidating figure, Finn's presence alone was a protection enough. Not to mention they were also less likely to be subjected to the occasional racist remark if they were with him. Jessica inspected her coat and the dress underneath. She was definitely going to have to change into something more appropriate for the market.

"Well, well." Finn Shelby swaggered down the street toward the twins, straightening his coat and attempting to replicate the same effortless suaveness that his older brothers had. Considering he was thirteen, it didn't quite have the same effect. "My favourite twins."

Isaiah cuffed him good-naturedly around the back of the head. "We're the only twins you know, moron."

"Jessica." Finn nodded in her direction, cheeks a little pink. Isaiah recently told her that Finn fancied her. She was often oblivious to such things, but now that she knew she could tell by his slightly coy behaviour that her brother had been truthful. Although Finn was a good friend and she found this new information endearing, she was four years his senior.

"She needs some things from the markets for dinner," Isaiah drawled, as though the conversation of food and cooking bored him. Jessica nudged him playfully in the side, knowing that once they reached the markets her brother would cave and buy the nearest sweet treat in sight.

"Of course, I'll escort you." Finn offered a grin, linking his arm through hers which earning a startled look from an elderly couple passing them by. Although such glances were common and Jessica was used to them, it was Isaiah who was prone to strong words or threats of violence – especially if his sister was the one being ridiculed.

The trio made their way down to the markets and that was when Jessica got her first look at the damage that had been done to The Garrison. Thick black smoke wafted up to the sky from the remains of the Peaky Blinders' usual drinking hole. Cops swarmed the street, urging nosy pedestrians to be on their way. Glass shards were everywhere. Finn caught Jessica's hand and tugged her to the side in order to avoid stepping on any of it. Her hazel eyes widened as she took in the ruined pub.

Isaiah let out a low whistle, shaking his head slowly and stuffing his hands in his pockets as they continued on their way. "What's Tommy think about all this?" He asked their freckled companion.

"He's dead-set on finding out who was responsible," Finn stated. "So is Aunt Polly. It definitely wasn't an accident, but since we've gotten so big lately…" He shrugged his shoulders.

Jessica knew what Finn wasn't saying: Who would mess with the Peaky Blinders? Someone wanted Tommy's attention, but would they be happy with the cost of gaining it?

Although Jessica often disapproved of some of the gang's less legal activities, she was also grateful. They had accepted her family without batting an eyelash. They provided a protective atmosphere for her and Isaiah. If you were a friend to the Peaky Blinders you were pretty much untouchable. Isaiah took it as an excuse to behave in whatever manner he saw fit.

Compared to the wreckage of The Garrison, the markets were a welcome sight. Smiling, Jessica took out her purse and counted out how much money she had. When they were younger, they hadn't always been able to afford meat. That was no longer the case due to Jeremiah's work with the Peaky Blinders. However, Jessica still saw it as a luxury item along with the sweet treats that Isaiah always insisted on purchasing. She hummed a tune from Castle Club under her breath as she shopped, picking out what she needed and passing over the cash. A routine she was all too familiar with.

"Did you want me to carry that?" Finn offered as Jessica started piling the food in the hessian bag she'd brought with her.

"Thank you, Finn." Jessica gave him the bag, eyes casting around the markets in search of Isaiah. Of course he'd bought a candy apple and was looking the pretty young girl selling flowers up and down as he sauntered back towards them. Jessica couldn't help but roll her eyes. How typical of her brother. She propped one hand on her hip and raised her eyebrows as he approached.

"Something catch your attention?"

"Nothing I can't come back for." Isaiah winked as he nudged Finn who wore a knowing smile. Jessica wrinkled her nose in distaste. There were certain things she didn't want to know, and her brother's recreational activities with the young ladies of Birmingham was one of them.

"Hat on the stand, Father," Jessica called from the kitchen as she peered into the lounge room to see that Jeremiah had returned home. With a low chuckle and a shake of his head, Jeremiah obliged. Jessica offered him a quick smile before turning her attention back to the casserole she was making. There was the clinking of cutlery from the dining table where Isaiah was setting places for dinner. Jeremiah strode into the kitchen and gave his daughter a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I'm glad you listened to your brother and stayed home."

"Well, we had to get ingredients for this." Jessica gestured to the casserole. "But we had Finn come to the markets with us. Father, do we know anything more about who did it yet?"

"Not yet, sweetheart." Jeremiah took the dish from Jessica and brought it over to the table, setting it down carefully. "But I have some news to discuss with both of you over dinner."

Isaiah perked up at those words, as he always did when he thought he was about to hear some brand new information. The family sat down at the table and for a few moments the only sound was the rattling of dishes as they piled casserole onto their plates. Jessica enjoyed family dinners. She basked in the simple domesticity of it as if they were an ordinary family. Once everyone had served themselves, she glanced at Jeremiah expectantly.

"Let's say grace." Jeremiah clasped his hands and bowed his head. Jessica followed his lead, narrowing her eyes across the table at Isaiah as he heaved a sigh before reluctantly copying the move. It was no secret that he wasn't quite as devout as the rest of his family. She kept her eyes closed as she listened to Jeremiah thanking God for the blessing they were about to receive.

"Amen."

"Amen," the twins repeated in unison before they started digging into the casserole.

Isaiah was too impatient to wait until they'd finished their meal before he asked Jeremiah about the news, so of course he asked through a mouthful of food. "So, what's this news?"

"Shelby Company Limited is planning an expansion." Jeremiah set his knife and fork down. "The boys want to do business in London."

London. Jessica let it sink in for a moment. She hadn't been to London since she was small, and she could only remember it vaguely. People talked about London like it was the centre of the universe, but Jessica had found it colourless and dull. She didn't understand why the Shelby's would want to do business there when things were running so smoothly in Birmingham, but she knew little about such dealings so it wasn't really her place to say anything.

"I want you two to get more involved in the company."

The words made both twins' heads shoot up. Jessica's fork fell to her plate with a loud clang while Isaiah paused mid-chew. She could see the awe in her brother's eyes. Isaiah had been pestering their father to be involved for ages, wanting to make some money however he could. Yet Jessica knew wherever the Shelbys went, trouble followed. She supported her family, but she wasn't certain it was something she wanted direct involvement with.

"Involved how?" Isaiah inquired.

"They're talking about buying The Garrison when it's fixed up." Jeremiah cast a knowing look at his daughter. "You two could help run it. Isaiah, you could do the books. You'd work out of the same premises as everyone else. Jessica, you would be able to headline shows and I know how much you love doing that."

It warmed Jessica to know that her father took her ambition seriously and was actively encouraging her to do something that could further her success. It was true – Castle Club wasn't a bad place, but she rarely got to do her own performances. If she got involved with The Garrison, she could make all of the music and dance arrangements she desired. The thought excited her, but she didn't want to raise her hopes too high.

"Really?"

"You will both be turning eighteen in not too long," Jeremiah said as he began gathering up the plates from the table. "It's time you got jobs."

"Jessica, love." Polly Gray smiled as she warmly embraced the girl, kissing her cheek. The two women had a sincere fondness for each other. In the time their father had fought in the war, Jessica and Isaiah had been taken in by Polly. Yet another benefit of the Peaky Blinders gang being like an extended family. After what Jeremiah had said, Jessica thought it best to speak with the Shelby family matriarch. She didn't want to excite herself too much if it was for no good reason.

"I hear business is booming." Jessica followed Polly into the kitchen, shrugging off her coat. The maternal attitude Polly had toward the girl had sometimes made her yearn for her mother all over again, but she quickly brushed such thoughts aside. Her mother would be a poor parent indeed, and she was far luckier to have Polly. The older woman brought a tray over to the dining table, complete with a teapot and two cups.

"You probably also heard about The Garrison." Polly eased herself into the chair opposite Jessica. "Arthur's buying it, you know. It's being rebuilt. We'll have a grand opening once it's all done."

"That's actually what I came to speak to you about."

Polly laughed. "So it wasn't just a social call."

Jessica took the liberty of pouring them both tea. "Father said there's a chance that I might be able to…be in charge of the entertainment there. Dancing and such. I know that Tommy isn't all that fond of it, but if the pub belongs to Arthur…"

"Of course." Polly leaned back, taking a sip of her tea. "I know how important it is to you. I could put in a word with Arthur. There are no guarantees, but you know there are always other jobs within the company. All you have to do is ask."

Jessica's smile was strained. She adored Polly, but she didn't have the heart to tell her that some of the illegal activities that went on with the company didn't sit too well with her. She would never turn up her nose when the Peaky Blinders had been so good to her and Isaiah. Yet she couldn't see herself doing things that she didn't condone. Isaiah had hoped she would eventually ease up, but Jessica didn't think that was the case. Polly seemed to sense her unease.

"You'd never be made to do anything you didn't want, Jessica."

She knew that, but part of her dreaded what felt like inevitability. That sooner or later she would have to get involved with the grittier side of the gang. She couldn't expect protection without giving something back. Jessica wished that her dancing would be enough. She was excited at the thought of helping out with the Garrison. This way she could run her own shows. She could dance the way she wanted, to whatever music she wanted. But with the Peaky Blinders, nothing was ever that simple.