She looked up at him, hoping she appeared calculating. ‘You’re not the first to say it.’
Nash’s lips twitched. ‘Not his biggest fan either?’
‘I walked away from a successful business up in Scotland to come down here and help James out. He told me he was doing well, that I could make a fortune, but he owes money and it seems he’s nowhere near as successful as he told me. I’m wondering if I’ve made a mistake.’
Nash lifted his shoulders then let them fall. ‘Why are you telling me?’
‘Because your brother told me James is a disaster. I’m wondering if it might be worth my while making some contacts of my own.’ Caelan waited. She was playing a dangerous game, and if Mulligan could hear her, he would be furious. The problem was, no one seemed to be taking him seriously. If she was going to find anything out worth knowing, she might have to bypass Mulligan, or get rid of him altogether. Send him back to Belmarsh and forget about him. Do the job on her own.
Nash appeared to be considering her words. ‘We don’t know you,’ he said finally.
‘Maybe that’s why your brother suggested we have coffee, a chat.’
‘I doubt he meant tonight.’
Caelan tried a smile. ‘No time like the present.’
His face closed. ‘We’re working. The place is heaving, same as every night.’
‘I can see that. How many people do you employ?’
He hesitated, and she guessed he was torn between telling her to mind her own business and boasting about how well he and his brother were doing.
‘Officially, around fifteen,’ he said.
‘Right. And unofficially?’
His face darkened. ‘What is this, twenty questions? Why do you want to know?’
She held up her hands. ‘Hey, calm down. I’m just making conversation.’
‘Yeah, well it feels more like you’re fishing for information.’
‘Maybe I am.’ She folded her arms. ‘I want to know if having a meeting with your brother is going to be worth my while.’
Nash’s eyes bulged, and for a second Caelan thought she had gone too far. She’d belittled Nathan Nash himself, his brother Reuben and their business in one sentence. She waited, watching as Nash visibly brought himself under control. When he spoke again, his voice was low, his aggression reined in, but only just.
‘You’re a cheeky bitch, you know that? If I were you, I’d turn around and walk away now. You think you can march into our club, our city, and start dictating what’s going to happen? If we want to do business with you, we’ll let you know. It’s not up to you to pick and choose.’
Caelan uncrossed her arms, put a hand on her hip. ‘You think? Here comes the man who makes the decisions.’
Nash spun around to see his brother approaching. Reuben flashed Caelan a grin.
‘Can I get you a drink?’ he said.
Nathan started spluttering. ‘You know what I caught her doing?’ he demanded.
Reuben shrugged. ‘Dancing? Enjoying herself?’
‘Trying to get into the office.’
‘I tried the door, yeah,’ Caelan said. ‘It says “Private”, and I thought there must be a corridor, more than one room. If the door leads straight into your office, then I apologise. Of course, I’d never walk in without your permission.’
‘Gave it a go, though, didn’t you?’ Nathan snarled.
‘She’s already said she tried the door, Nath.’ Reuben tried to slip an arm around his brother’s shoulder, but Nathan pushed him away. ‘Why don’t you let me handle this?’
‘Handle it? Fucking handle it? You’ve never heard of her before tonight, never met her, and you want to talk business? She’s related to James Mulligan. That should be all you need to know.’
Reuben scowled, moving close to his brother. ‘I think you’re overstepping the mark here, don’t you?’
‘Fuck off.’
‘Why don’t you go and collect some glasses or something?’
‘You’re a prick,’ Nathan snarled at him.
Reuben smiled. ‘Takes one to know one. Now get the fuck out of my sight.’
It looked like Nathan might argue, but in the end, throwing Caelan another furious glance, he marched away. Reuben looked at her, seemingly amused, then pulled a key from his pocket and held it up. ‘Shall we?”
* * *
‘I’ve owned the place for three years,’ he told her once they were sitting down with cups of coffee. The office was windowless, about sixteen feet square, with a desk and chair at one end and a couple of sofas, a low table and a complicated coffee machine on a wooden cabinet at the other. The walls were painted a light grey, with black and white canvases of city skylines and landmarks hanging at intervals along them – the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building, Tower Bridge. There was a second door leading off the room, and Caelan wondered what was through it. A cash office, perhaps? There must be a safe somewhere. A place like this would no doubt only accept cash payments. She made a point of not studying the door, which was timber-clad and ordinary-looking, though she was willing to bet it had a steel core and frame as well as a six-point locking system at least. No doubt Ewan and Mulligan were wondering where she was, Ewan at least probably worrying, but the chance to talk to Nash privately was too good to pass up.
‘It was a dump when I first bought it,’ Reuben Nash was saying. He sipped his coffee, watching her over the rim of the cup. ‘You’re probably thinking I haven’t improved it much.’
‘Your brother gave me the impression you and he were business partners,’ Caelan said. ‘Is that not the case?’
Nash chuckled. ‘Well, we are in a sense. Nathan spent years in the army. When he left, he didn’t know what to do with himself. He had some savings, so I offered him a role in my business, let him invest a bit of money so he didn’t feel like a charity case. But equal partners?’ He took another mouthful of coffee and shook his head. ‘No.’
‘What’s his role?’
‘His role? You’re taking quite an interest in my brother. Isn’t your boyfriend downstairs?’
Caelan smiled. ‘I’m trying to get an understanding of how things work around here, that’s all. And I’m pretty sure your brother hates me.’
‘He’s cautious, maybe even paranoid. He doesn’t like change or taking risks.’
‘And I represent both?’
‘Not in my view.’
Nash’s tone hadn’t changed, but his expression had. There was a veiled threat in his words and in his eyes, like a fox approaching a chicken coop. The chickens might feel safe behind the wire, but the fox knew it was an illusion, that it could break in and destroy them any time he wanted. Caelan realised she couldn’t afford to underestimate this man. Stefan Harris had been brash, upfront, boasting about how he made his living. Reuben Nash was reserved, courteous and no doubt much more dangerous.
‘I suppose being in the army would teach you to be cautious,’ she said. She tasted the coffee. ‘This is delicious.’
‘It should be, it’s stupidly expensive.’ Nash gave a slow smile, and again Caelan felt a flicker of unease. ‘Most people only get the supermarket own-brand stuff, but I’m willing to make an exception tonight.’ He set his mug on the table between them and leant back, crossing his legs. ‘Now, can we talk about you?’
Ignoring the tiny voice in her head telling her to run, Caelan said, ‘Of course.’
‘Cards on the table,’ Nash said. ‘I know Mulligan’s a drug dealer, so I’m guessing that’s your business too?’
‘It’s a safe assumption.’ She was going to be cautious, because in this situation, Victoria Smith would be. Also, she guessed Nash would be expecting it.
‘Anything else?’ he asked.
‘How do you mean?’
He exhaled sharply. ‘Come on. There are lots of different ways of making money.’
‘True. Why don’t you tell me how you make yours?’ She waved a hand. ‘Other than this place, I mean.’
‘I’m a busin
essman. That’s all you need to know.’
‘You said we could help each other.’
‘The way I see it, you’re new to London, wanting in on what happens around here. I can help, introduce you to people, put in a good word, but I’ll need something in return.’
Caelan’s stomach clenched, but there was no sign of fear in her voice. ‘Oh really? What?’
He smirked. ‘I haven’t decided yet.’
She put down her cup and got to her feet. ‘Well, get back to me when you’ve had a think about it. I’m a busy woman.’
In two steps he was beside her, using his height as his brother had to try to intimidate her. He didn’t touch her, because he didn’t need to. Caelan stood her ground, staring into his face.
‘What can you offer me?’ His expression made the insinuation clear.
‘I need to make some money, and quickly.’
He inclined his head. ‘Can I ask why?’
‘His name’s Stefan Harris.’
She saw the rage in Nash’s expression before he controlled himself and shut it away.
‘Let me guess. Mulligan,’ was all he said.
Caelan nodded. ‘And since James can’t pay, Harris is expecting me to.’
Nash moved away, hands in his trouser pockets. ‘But you don’t have the money.’
‘Or the inclination to bail James out.’
‘Guess you’re fucked, then.’ Nash didn’t sound overly concerned.
‘Unless…’
‘Unless?’
She raised her eyebrows. ‘Someone gives me a chance to make some cash.’
He went to the door, held it open. ‘Nice talking to you, Victoria. Give my regards to Stefan Harris.’
Caelan walked past him, chin up, not looking back. Let Nash think he’d scored a victory. She would find out what his game really was, and then she would destroy him.
13
Downstairs, Ewan was looking fretful, Mulligan furious. As Caelan slid back into the chair beside his, he turned on her.
‘Well that was the longest piss in the history of the world.’ He was jittery, eyes flitting around the room, his knee bouncing again.
She reached for the fresh bottle of beer on the table in front of her. ‘What’s happened?’
‘Stefan Harris is here,’ Ewan told her.
‘He asked where you were,’ Mulligan said. ‘And we didn’t know what to say. Harris doesn’t like not getting an answer.’
‘Poor thing.’ She glanced around. ‘Where is he?’
As she spoke, the crowd around the bar shifted and parted, and she saw Harris. He wore a white T-shirt and jeans and was looking at his drink as though there was something unpleasant floating in it. The same two men were with him, each with a pint in his hand. Harris said something and both started laughing.
‘Fucking sycophants,’ Mulligan said.
Harris spotted them and raised his glass in a mock toast. Mulligan groaned.
‘He’s coming over.’
‘So?’ Caelan sat back.
‘We don’t have his money.’
‘He gave us forty-eight hours, remember?’
Mulligan squirmed. ‘You think he plays fair?’
Caelan sighed. ‘Fine. I’ll talk to him.’
‘Vic—’ Ewan began to say. Caelan smiled at him.
‘It’s fine. What can he do?’
‘Tear you to fucking shreds,’ Mulligan muttered.
Caelan was already on her feet, Harris smirking as she approached.
‘Here she is, the woman who’s going to bring me my fifteen grand. In less than…’ he made a show of checking his watch, ‘one day.’
His companions chortled, and Caelan nodded at them.
‘Evening, all. Not brought your walking punchbag with you tonight, Stefan?’
Instantly his face changed. ‘What?’
Caelan continued as though he hadn’t spoken. ‘Would you like the cash delivered to your home, or somewhere else?’
Harris shifted position, aware that people around them were listening. ‘Wherever you like, sweetheart. As long as I get the money, who cares.’ He leered at her. ‘And dress yourself up a little, yeah? We could go out. I’ll treat you to dinner.’
She smiled. ‘If every other person in the world dies between now and then, and I’ve no other option, maybe.’
Furious, Harris opened his mouth to scream at her, then seemed to reconsider. He forced a smile, though his eyes burned. ‘You’re funny. I’m sure you’ll still be laughing when you can’t pay and my boys here come to take whatever they like as compensation.’
‘You’re terrifying, you know that? Not quite as terrifying as your boys, but scary all the same.’ Caelan made to turn away, but Harris grabbed her arm, as she had intended. Before she could react, she felt him being dragged away from her. Two of the bouncers had him by the arms, holding him still as he struggled. His friends hovered nearby, confusion clear on their faces, unsure whether to wade in and help their boss or to stay out of it and hope for the best. Three more bouncers arrived, faces set. They stopped nearby and waited. Reuben Nash stood watching, arms folded, his face impassive.
‘You’re not welcome here, Stefan,’ he said.
The music was still playing, but everyone in the place had fallen silent, moving closer to see what was happening.
Harris stopped struggling and sneered at Nash. ‘What are you going to do, bar me? That’d be a mistake.’
The bouncers holding him yanked his arms back as he tried to break free, their eyes on Nash, waiting for instructions. Nash chuckled.
‘I think that’s my decision, don’t you?’
‘And mine.’ Nathan Nash had pushed his way through the crowd and strode over to stand beside his brother.
Reuben didn’t look at him. ‘Let me deal with it.’
Harris gave a mocking laugh. ‘You going to let him talk to you like that, Nathan? He treats you like a kid.’
Nathan’s face was red, his shoulders tensing, but he said nothing. There was a crowd around them now, people jostling each other, muttering, a few laughs. Nathan turned to glare over his shoulder but kept his mouth closed, and Harris tried again.
‘He’s taking you for a mug, Nathan. How much does he pay you? Less than he does the barmaid he’s shagging, I bet. Call yourself a partner? You’re a fucking joke.’
Nathan pressed his lips together, and Caelan saw fury in his eyes. Snarling, he threw himself at Harris. A gasp went up from the crowd as his fist connected with the other man’s jaw, the bouncers staggering, only just managing to keep Harris on his feet. The music had stopped now, and the main lights were coming on, while Reuben stood as though frozen.
Nathan went for Harris again, and Reuben came to life, yelling his brother’s name, trying to grab his arm. Shaking him off, Nathan reached inside his jacket. Caelan recognised the glint of a blade before she registered the knife in Nathan’s hand. Instinctively she shouted a warning. The bouncers had allowed Harris to slump to the floor and were moving away as quickly as they could. Caelan didn’t blame them. People were scrambling clear of the scene, the bar staff huddled together in a corner, the DJ making a run for it.
Nathan’s eyes were wild, his teeth bared. He grabbed the front of Harris’s T-shirt, jammed the blade under his chin.
‘You never did know when to keep your mouth shut, did you, Stefan?’ He spoke calmly, as though he and Harris were chatting over a pint. Harris’s eyes were wide, his face glistening under the lights. Caelan saw him swallow, the blade pressing against his Adam’s apple.
‘Let’s calm down, shall we?’ he managed to say. His jaw was swelling, bruising from the punch he’d received already visible.
‘Funny how you can be polite now there’s a knife at your throat.’ Casually Nathan moved the blade, giggling as Harris squirmed. Caelan wondered whether he’d been sampling some of the wares on offer in the club.
‘Come on, I was joking,’ Harris choked out. ‘Your brother’s the one you want to b
e having words with.’ He lifted his hands as though in surrender. ‘Let me go, mate, and we’ll say no more about it.’
‘You’ve no respect, Harris, not for me, not for my brother. You’d be nothing if we hadn’t helped you out.’
Caelan could see from Harris’s face that he didn’t agree, but he was trying to nod. ‘Like I said, put the knife away. Let’s have a drink.’
‘A drink?’ Nathan shook his head. He removed the knife, let go of Harris’s T-shirt and stepped back, blinking as though he’d just woken up. Harris got to his feet, taking his time, trying hard to look as though nothing had happened.
Reuben turned to his brother. ‘Finished?’
‘Fucking right he has,’ Harris said. He nodded to his men and, shamefaced, they moved towards him. Harris met Reuben’s eyes, hawked, and spat on the floor. ‘Not welcome here? I wouldn’t piss on the place if it was on fire.’
He walked away, his men scurrying after him.
The place was close to empty, just a few people still gawping. Beside Caelan, Mulligan shifted.
‘Let’s get out of here,’ he whispered. ‘The police will be here next.’
Reuben turned away from his brother without a word and marched towards the stairs. Mulligan raised his voice.
‘Might want to make yourself scarce, Nathan,’ he said, cupping a hand around his ear. ‘Reckon I can hear sirens.’
Nathan started. ‘Shit,’ he said. ‘Shit.’ He gazed around as though lost, making no move to leave. Mulligan walked over, gave him a gentle push.
‘Go on, clear off. You’re found with a knife, you’ll be doing time. You’d better hope no one filmed what just happened.’
Nathan’s eyes strayed up to the next floor. ‘But I need to talk to—’
‘You need to leave. Don’t worry about Reuben. I’ll talk to him.’ Still Nathan lingered. ‘I mean it, pal.’ Mulligan jerked his head towards the exit. ‘Get lost. You want to go inside again?’
Nathan shook his head, finally seeming to register what Mulligan was saying. He took off at a run, pushing past the last remaining punters, skittering over the dance floor, disappearing from view. Mulligan turned back to Caelan and Ewan.
‘Daft bastard,’ he said. He yawned, rolled his shoulders. ‘Bedtime, I think.’
Time To Go Page 13