Riot

by Heather Atkinson

  Dwyer had heard the rumours that Declan was the stupidest of all the Maguires. Now he knew how right those rumours were but if he was offering his help he was going to snatch his hand right off.

  CHAPTER 10

  The three figures entered the vacant warehouse one by one. The first to arrive was a tall, pencil-thin man in a neat grey suit clutching a steel briefcase. Nervous, he continually glanced around, jumping at the scurrying of rats in the shadows. He almost leapt out of his skin when the second figure arrived, a heavyset man with a ring of sandy hair, making him look like a monk, his bald spot eating its way from the inside out.

  “Peter,” said the heavyset man. “What are you doing here?”

  “I was going to ask you the same thing Colin,” retorted the pencil man.

  The next arrival shuffled into the room, walking slightly hunched over, nose hooked, pate bald, resembling an elderly vulture.

  “Mr Bridges?” said Peter.

  “Well this is all very cloak and dagger said the old man in a surprisingly loud and commanding voice. “Which of you arranged this?”

  “Not me,” said Peter.

  “Or me,” said Colin. “So it wasn’t you?”

  “If I had I would have ensured we had more comfortable surroundings than this.”

  The last to arrive was an unpleasant looking individual with a squashy face resembling a tennis ball that had been repeatedly stepped on, a mop of curly dark hair and soft brown eyes. “Who are you?” he said.

  “Who are you?” retorted Bridges.

  “Bruce Spencer. I was invited here.”

  “As were we all.”

  “Why?”

  “None of us have the slightest idea.”

  “I invited you,” said a voice from deeper in the room.

  They all squinted into the darkness.

  “Who’s there?” called Colin.

  A light spluttered into life overhead to reveal a fifth figure.

  “DCI Dwyer,” said Colin. “Is that you?”

  “Yes it is Chief Superintendent,” he said, sauntering up to them.

  “Why on earth have you dragged us all here for? Have you gone mad, man?”

  “This bloke’s a police officer?” said Bruce.

  “Yes, recently promoted,” said Colin. “A decision I’m seriously beginning to question.”

  “Allow me to explain,” said Dwyer.

  “I suggest you do just that,” said Bridges. “And fast.”

  “Have any of you heard of The Coalition?” began Dwyer.

  Colin and Peter shook their heads while Bridges and Bruce nodded.

  “My dad used to be a member,” said the latter.

  “A colleague and fellow judge once mentioned it me,” said Bridges.

  “What is this Coalition?” said Peter. “Some sort of secret society?”

  “You could say that,” replied Dwyer. “It was a pact between some of the most powerful and influential members of this city to do one thing.”

  “And what was that?”

  “Bring down the menace that has terrorised our city for so long.”

  “Dog poop?” said Peter.

  Dwyer rolled his eyes. “No. The Maguires and Laws.”

  “Oh not this again,” said Colin. “You’re obsessed Dwyer, everyone on the force knows it.”

  “You’re right, I am and with good reason. They killed my brother.”

  “There’s no evidence of that.”

  “It doesn’t change the fact that they did.”

  “They killed my dad,” said Bruce. “And they broke my jaw and both my legs.”

  “Because you knocked down and paralysed a little girl,” said Peter. “Obviously you don’t remember that I prosecuted that case and you got off with a ridiculously short sentence because of your rich daddy.”

  “For God’s sake, that was years ago. Why can no one let it go?”

  “Because it was a horrible crime that you have shown absolutely no remorse for.”

  “I’ve paid the price. Isn’t that enough?”

  “No. Nowhere near enough,” snapped a furious Peter.

  “Gentlemen, please,” said Dwyer. “We’re here to discuss the Laws and Maguires, not sling mud at each other.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” said Bridges. “Please proceed DCI Dwyer.”

  Dwyer knew Bridges from the many times he’d had to give evidence in court. He was a ruthless bastard, willing to bend the rules if he was convinced someone was guilty, which was exactly why he’d chosen him. All four men had been very carefully vetted.

  “The Coalition worked with my brother, Superintendent Benton, although it was originally set up by his predecessor Superintendent Jarvis…”

  “And looked what happened to them,” said Colin.

  “Jarvis had a heart attack,” said Dwyer.

  “Not according to your brother. He insisted Rachel Law, or Maguire as she was back then allowed him to die, just as you’re insisting that your brother didn’t commit suicide, he was murdered.”

  “I knew my brother better than any of you and he wouldn’t have taken his own life, he wouldn’t have given his enemies the satisfaction.”

  Colin’s expression was doubtful. “And now you’re proposing to set up this coalition again, are you?”

  “Yes.”

  “What happened to the original members? Are they dead?”

  “No, they’re alive. They all quit their jobs and left the city around the time Alex Maguire died.” He decided not to mention the two members who were murdered, including his brother.

  “And why was that?”

  “They were in fear for their lives.”

  “Of the Maguires and Laws you mean?”

  Dwyer nodded.

  “And you want us all to be in fear too, do you?”

  “No because we won’t make the mistakes they made. Already I’m so close to bringing down Mikey and Jez but I need your help to do it.”

  “What do you have on them?” said Colin with interest.

  “I’m saying nothing until I know we’re in this together and you’ll back me.”

  “Afraid we’ll go running to them, telling tales?” said Peter.

  “Yes and I won’t apologise for that. I didn’t select you at random, you’ve all been meticulously vetted. Bruce, they killed your father and attacked you. Your father was a part of the last coalition as it’s useful having someone onside with a lot of wealth and influence, which is why I chose you.” Although Bruce had sold his father’s business empire he’d invested the money wisely and was now as astute a businessman as his father, to everyone’s surprise.

  “Peter,” continued Dwyer. “I know you’ve tried to prosecute Maguire-Law enforcers so many times and failed because they’ve got off on a technicality, despite being guilty as hell, usually because of witnesses refusing to go anywhere near a courtroom or evidence disappearing.”

  Peter’s lips pursed and he nodded.

  “Mr Bridges,” he continued. “You too have always done your best to bring them to justice but have suffered the same setbacks as Peter.”

  “It’s true, I have. I’ve only ever managed to send two to prison but only for a few months and that’s in all the time I’ve been behind the bench.”

  “And you Sir,” he added, addressing the Chief Superintendent. “I know you’ve tried equally hard to bring them down but to no avail, thanks to those higher up the chain of command.”

  “DCI Dwyer, are you accusing your senior officers of corruption?”

  “Yes. It’s the only way they’ve managed to stay at liberty for so long. It was bad enough when we all found out DCI Taylor was on their payroll. Can you imagine what would happen if it was revealed an executive officer was too?”

  His eyes narrowed with interest. “Do you know who?”

  “No Sir but I’m getting close. I need help to get Mikey and Jez in a courtroom. Do you want in or are you going to go back to watching all your hard work go down the drain as they and the
people who work for them are repeatedly let off the hook?”

  The four men all looked at each other. Bridges was the first to speak.

  “Do you have a chair DCI Dwyer? My old legs are getting rather tired.”

  From the corner of the room Dwyer produced one of the four chairs he’d brought with him, unfolded it and placed it by Bridges. He sank onto it with a grateful sigh, resting his hands on his cane. “My health isn’t what it was so soon I will be forced to retire. I would consider sending down Mikey Maguire and Jez Law to be the jewel in my career. So please do outline your plan.”

  Dwyer smiled and nodded and looked to the other three men.

  Bruce took one of the chairs, limping slightly as he went, testament to the horrific beating he’d been subjected to by Battler and Bruiser. “I’m in,” he said, placing his chair beside Bridges and slouching into it.

  Colin likewise took his place. “As the judge said, it would be the highlight of my career. I’ve always suspected the Assistant Chief Constable of being in that family’s pocket. If he falls I’ll be next in line for his job and all the perks that brings.”

  Dwyer was annoyed that he was only thinking of his own career rather than dispensing real justice but he was onboard and that was the important thing.

  They all looked to Peter, the last man standing.

  “I’m not sure about this,” he said. “Will we be doing anything illegal?”

  “Not illegal, no,” said Dwyer. “Just bending the rules slightly but for a good cause.”

  Peter knew all about Dwyer’s reputation as a zealot but there was no denying he got the job done.

  “I’ll ensure your back’s covered Peter,” said Bridges. “Have no fear.”

  “Just think,” said Dwyer. “All that time you’ve spent trying to get them and their worker bees sent down and nothing. It would make it all worthwhile.”

  Peter recalled the frustration every time he’d been forced to witness all his hard work come to naught and someone he knew to be horribly guilty simply strolled out of court. He would be a very happy man if he could make just one of the bastards pay for what they’d done.

  “Alright,” he said, taking the last chair and placing it beside Colin. “I’m in.”

  Dwyer beamed at the four men. The Coalition was reborn.

  Jules scowled when she felt the kick in her back.

  “Take it easy,” whispered Mikey.

  “The little bastard’s doing it on purpose,” she whispered back.

  “He’s just a kid.”

  “Not only did we not get a seat on the back row but we have to put up with this shite.”

  Jules looked over her shoulder at the spotty teenager sat in the chair behind her. She and Mikey had come to the cinema to watch the latest film in a big budget action franchise they both enjoyed but the turd behind her was ruining it and the film was only half an hour in. They’d annoyed everyone in the cinema by throwing popcorn and making dumb noises but no one was doing anything about it, which annoyed her even more.

  “Then he needs to be taught a lesson, while he’s still young.” She glowered when she felt another kick to the back of her chair followed by laughter. “That’s it,” she snarled, dumping her popcorn on the floor.

  Jules got to her feet, turned around, grabbed the teenager’s ankles and pulled. His eyes widened as he was dragged down his seat, his popcorn tipping all over him. The boy’s giggling friends went abruptly silent at the rage in her eyes.

  “You think it’s funny to annoy people just trying to enjoy themselves, do you? Well you pissed off the wrong person you little wank stain.” She snatched the drink off the teenager sitting beside him, tore off the lid and poured it all over him. The fizzy pop mingled with the popcorn, making a disgusting sticky mess. As she was on the end of the row she stepped into the walkway, grabbed the teenager by the front of his hoodie and dragged him out of his seat.

  “Piss off until you learn how to behave in public,” she said, kicking him up the arse as he scurried away, head bowed and humiliated. She looked to his friends. “You two wanting the same?”

  They shook their heads, jumped up and ran after their friend.

  Jules took a bow when the cinema erupted into applause. With a smile she retook her seat, leaning into Mikey when he wrapped an arm around her.

  “Nice one babe,” he said. “Now let’s enjoy the film.”

  “That was so awesome,” enthused Jules as they left the cinema. “My favourite bit was when that blond guy drove a car at the burning bridge and it crumbled behind him.”

  “Yes it was very…true to life,” smiled Mikey. He was just enjoying listening to her, he loved her enthusiasm and energy.

  She linked her arm through his. “Let’s go home and enjoy the gladiator outfit again before the kids finish school.”

  They were startled by a group of men leaping out at them at the entrance to the cinema, surrounding them while yelling and shouting.

  Acting instinctively, Mikey punched the nearest man, knocking him flat onto his back while Jules kicked out, catching one under the chin. His eyes rolled upwards and he staggered sideways, taking down one of his friends.

  “Woah, woah,” yelled Dwyer, stepping forward. “Police. Desist immediately.”

  Jules and Mikey stopped fighting. “Well why didn’t you bloody say?” said the latter.

  “Yeah,” added Jules. “This lot leapt out at us like dicks on a mission and didn’t declare they were police officers, which is illegal.”

  Sadly Dwyer knew that was the truth and the whole thing had been captured on his team’s body cams, so he couldn’t contest it but they’d got a little overwhelmed at the prospect of confronting people who existed in the realm of legends.

  “Mikey Maguire,” said Dwyer. “You are under arrest for conspiracy to murder…”

  “Oh for God’s sake. This is just like the time you tried to arrest me for having an invisible gun. Go on then Poirot, who am I supposed to have murdered now?”

  “Amber Maguire.”

  “Amber?” he frowned. “She’s not dead you idiot, she’s in Spain.”

  “…you do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court…”

  “This is bollocks Dwyer. Amber’s not dead.”

  “…anything you do say may be given in evidence. Hands behind your back.”

  “This is a fit-up. She’s alive.”

  “Tell that to her right leg which washed up on a Spanish beach.”

  Mikey was so shocked he didn’t object when Dwyer snapped the cuffs on him. “She’s not dead,” he repeated. He looked to Jules, who appeared equally shocked.

  “This is bollocks babe,” she told him. “I’ll send your solicitor to the station.” She glowered at Dwyer. “You’re making a huge mistake.”

  “No. Your family has finally made their first one.”

  When she tried to go to her husband, two officers placed themselves in her way.

  “Tell them to back off Dwyer,” she hissed. “Unless you want them taking up valuable beds in intensive care for the next few weeks.” It made her even more furious when he chuckled.

  “Let the lady pass,” he told his officers.

  Jules pushed her way through them to Mikey, pressing her forehead to his and kissing him.

  “You know what to do,” he whispered in her ear.

  She nodded, feeling helpless as he was snatched from her arms. All she could do was watch him being led away, Mikey continually glancing back over his shoulder at her, so she failed to notice the boy she’d humiliated inside the cinema, fortified by more of his friends, all watching wide-eyed. After seeing what they’d done to those police officers they decided not to bother trying to get revenge.

  CHAPTER 11

  “Right, George has finally gone to sleep,” said Jez, wrapping his arms around Cathy’s waist. “And Ruby and Jack are at their friends. It’s just the two of us. I don’t bloody
believe it,” he yelled when the doorbell rang and George started to wail.

  “We can’t catch a break,” sighed Cathy. “You answer it. I’ll see to George.”

  While Cathy headed into the lounge, Jez stormed down the corridor and flung open the door to be confronted by a group of police officers, some in uniform, some in plain clothes.

  “I’m getting pretty sick of coppers on my doorstep.” Ice rippled down his spine when Dwyer stepped forward looking like the cat that got the cream. “Whatever you’re here for you’d better ensure it’s watertight, for your sake.”

  “It is,” he smirked, producing a pair of handcuffs.

  “What’s going on?” demanded Cathy when she came to the door to find her husband in cuffs and being read his rights.

  “Your husband’s being arrested for murder,” said Dwyer.

  “No,” she cried, shoving aside the surprised uniformed officer who had hold of one of Jez’s arms, knocking him into the door. “You’re not taking him.”

  “Calm down Mrs Law or I’ll do you for assaulting a police officer.”

  “Shut the fuck up you fucking twat,” she screamed at him.

  Jez gaped at his wife, who very rarely swore or even raised her voice. “Babe,” he said gently. “It’s okay.” He kissed her and Cathy took his face between her hands, tears filling her eyes. “Get the kettle on, I’ll be back soon.”

  He managed to plant a kiss on her lips before he was hauled away by Dwyer. Cathy shook off her tears and pain, slammed the door shut and strode over to the phone.

  “You’re really a desperate man, aren’t you Dwyer?” said Mikey. Rupert, his solicitor had turned up, despite Dwyer employing every delay tactic he knew and now he was stuck in a small, stifling interview room.

  “You keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better Mr Maguire,” he smiled. “When was the last time you saw your ex-wife, Amber Maguire?”

  “When she collected the boys from my house the day of my wedding to Jules. They came down with a tummy bug and were too sick to attend, so I asked her to have them for the day.”