Author's note :
If you are guys are interested in a peaky blinders ff, check this one I'm writing : Peaky blinders : Finn Shelby reborn, or you can simply find it in my profile.
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The late December morning is cold over the Voss farmstead. A thick frost covers the fields while the air remains still. Elias stands on the porch holding the charred box from Tanner's shed. It has been nine days since the coyote hunt. Now, his fingers grip the wood tightly and he can clearly hear the creek's faint groan before the wind carries it away.
The letters inside the box, creased from being read many times, read "Hank—sell or it's over. R.T." Grayson's grudge is clear since the whispers three days back: Tanner's betrayal, land stolen and a death unpaid.
Tonight's the night; Elias feels it, the spirit's anger pulsing closer and he's ready to end it.
Inside the farmhouse, Daniel is in the kitchen near the hearth. He is busy stuffing iron scraps into a small pouch while his shotgun leans against the wall and a tin mug cools on the table. Outside, Mara works steadily as she carries salt sacks to the porch. Her rifle rests on her back and her breath is visible in the cold air.
Elias steps inside with the box under his arm. His footsteps are quiet, lighter than before. He sets the box on the table and speaks in a low, sure voice. "Look, the creek is calling. I can hear Grayson out there. We are trapping him tonight."
Daniel glances up while tying the pouch and speaks in a rough but steady tone. "Good, if he is loud, he must be close. How are you setting up the trap?"
Elias unfolds a sketch on a piece of creased paper he drew at dawn. He points at the marks on the drawing. "I plan to put the box in the center of an open flat area. Then we will pour salt in a wide circle around it and scatter iron pieces inside. This will pull him in and hold him in place."
Mara steps in after dusting off frost from her gloves and answers in a firm tone. "The flat area is open and will give him no cover. He will see the box and charge at it."
Elias nods, his senses alert as the cold snaps through the air and a faint light flickers by the window. He adds calmly, "The letters say Tanner crossed him. He wants that proof badly."
Daniel then slings the pouch over his shoulder and grabs his shotgun. "Your bait looks solid. The iron will hurt him when he makes contact. Are you going to lead the salt pour?"
Elias picks up a salt sack and his steps grow crisp as he heads out the door. "Yes, I will pour the salt wide and clean, just like before. Let's set it up."
Mara follows with her rifle in hand and speaks warmly but firmly. "Good. Keep the circle tight. Remember, he has claws so do not let him get too close."
They leave the farmhouse and walk toward the creek as dusk falls. The cold grows deeper as they lead the way, with Elias carrying the box and salt bag and a flashlight clipped to his belt. Daniel carries the pouch of iron and Mara's rifle catches the light as they step through the crunchy frost. Near old ruins by the creek, where ice shimmers on the bank and a heavy groan comes from the trees, Elias finds the perfect flat spot.
He sets the box down in the center and quickly pours salt in a broad, even ring around it. The frost hisses as the salt settles. Daniel then quickly scatters the iron scraps inside the circle, forming a loose ring that glints in the fading light.
As they stand there, the air suddenly seems to hum. A whisper breaks the silence with the word "Tanner," and a flicker appears on the ice. A tall, thin shadow forms with a low hat and long, curling claws. Elias steps back and raises his shotgun, speaking in a firm, low tone.
"He's here. The salt is holding him in place."
Mara kneels near the circle, her rifle steady. With a tight tone she adds, "The iron is set. Do you see him flinch?"
The shadow lunges forward, claws slashing through the air. The salt burns white and the iron bites into the shadow, slowing it down. A loud, raw wail rises from the creature and shakes the trees.
Daniel shifts his stance, keeping his shotgun ready, and says in his rough voice, "He is pinned well. The box is drawing him in. How will you finish this?"
Elias lowers his gun and takes a lighter out of his pocket. After flicking it on with his thumb, he speaks steadily, "Fire. We burn the letters. They are his tie."
He opens the box and spreads the papers out. Tanner's threats catch the beam of his flashlight. The shadow twists and claws scrape the ice. Its wail rises sharply with the word "Mine," but the salt holds firm and the iron gives it a solid blow.
Mara nods slowly and advises, "Light it up fast and full. He is fighting back."
Elias strikes the lighter and a small flame catches on a corner of the papers. With a firm tone he declares, "Stay gone, Grayson. Your fight is over." The papers begin to curl as thick orange smoke rises rapidly. Daniel tosses more iron into the circle and says in a rough voice, "Keep it burning. Burn him out completely."
The shadow shrinks quickly. Its claws curl back and its hat seems to dissolve into smoke. A final rasp, saying "Tanner," echoes as the flames consume the last piece of the papers. The salt circle flashes bright once, then dims. The box trembles and finally falls still.
After a moment, silence falls over the area. The cold wind eases and the creek falls quiet under a blanket of frost. Elias slowly lowers his hands and, with fogging breath, gently kicks a few stray salt crystals, breaking the line. His steps remain steady.
Mara stands up and lowers her rifle, her tone warm as she says, "Good work. The trap worked perfectly and the fire was just right. He is gone now."
Daniel slings his shotgun over his shoulder. A faint grin crosses his rough face as he says, "Excellent work from beginning to end. The land feels ours again."
They begin the trek back as night settles in, the farmhouse glowing warmly in the distance. The box feels lighter in Elias's pack. He feels it clearly; day nine has passed and the hunt is complete, and Grayson's heavy presence is lifted.
The sound of the creek fades behind them and although Tanner's shadow still lingers in memory, for now, the area is at peace.