Hunted

by Heather Atkinson

“Don’t worry about it,” she said, sinking into a chair at the kitchen table, disappointed. She had hoped they’d find something up at the Marsh farm.

  While Mikey headed upstairs Jez sat beside Rachel and took her hand. “We’ve had word from Grant. They don’t think Ryan is in Essex.”

  “That’s a relief. I’d hate to think what Katia and the Slatterys would do to him.” She sighed and shook her head. “God, I don’t know how much longer I can take this.”

  “We’ll find him Rach, I promise.”

  She gripped onto his hand. “I know, you found me often enough. I need a drink.” She got up and took a bottle of white wine out of the fridge. “Want one?”

  “Go on then, just to take the edge off.”

  She returned to the table and poured them out a glass each. “I don’t want to know what you intend to do about Katia but I do have to ask, is she still a threat to us? Please give me an honest answer.”

  “Yes she is,” he replied unflinchingly. “But you won’t have to worry about her for much longer.”

  Rachel nodded her approval and took a thoughtful sip of wine.

  “Jules was keeping Leighton Parker locked up in the cellar of his own house.”

  Rachel spluttered into her wine. “What?”

  “Mikey found out, he’d been suspicious for a while. She’d had him there two years, cut up his face and kept him locked in a cage in the cellar where he’d kept the girls he abused, as well as Jules herself. The weird thing is she couldn’t bring herself to kill him, even though she wanted to. Mikey had to put him out of his misery.”

  “Bloody hell.”

  “Messed up eh?”

  “Yes, very. How has she taken his death?”

  “Not good at first, she went on a bit of a rampage but I think she’s in control now. Why do you look so angry?” he said when her eyes turned black.

  “When I asked Mikey to bring her up here he never mentioned this.”

  “Does it make a difference?”

  “Course it fucking does. I’ve got someone whose grieving and messed up looking for my husband.”

  “Rach, she can handle this.”

  “She’s not thinking straight,” she yelled, throwing back her chair as she shot to her feet, knocking it over. “God knows what mistakes she’ll make.”

  “What are you doing?” he said when she picked up the phone.

  “Calling Battler and telling him to take her straight to the airport.”

  Jez snatched the phone from her hand.

  “Give me that back,” she spat.

  “Listen to me Rach. You wanted her here because she has certain skills and you were right, she can help.”

  “What if she fucks it up and takes us further from Ryan?”

  “She won’t. I spoke with her before we got on the plane. She was different, calmer.”

  “You said she went on the rampage,” she said furiously.

  “When Leighton first died. Mikey did him right in front of her. But she calmed down, she even saw a therapist, who made her realise her life is better without him. She was so calm I even invited her to my house for dinner. Do you think I’d let her anywhere near Cathy and our kids if I thought she was unbalanced?”

  His calm disposition, so like Ryan’s, started to pacify her. “I suppose not.”

  “Trust me Rach and trust Mikey. We wouldn’t have let her near this if we didn’t think she could handle it.”

  “Okay, I’ll give her a chance, but only because she has your support. But know this, if she fucks this up and Ryan ends up dead or badly hurt because of her then I will kill her.”

  “Sounds fair to me. Come here,” he said, pulling her into a hug. “We’re going to get him back, I swear to you Rach. You know Ryan, he’s probably already making whoever took him regret their decision.”

  “I want him back Jez,” she whispered, wrestling with her tears.

  “We all do,” he said gently, “and we’ll find him, promise.”

  Jules had been standing outside the spa Ryan had disappeared from in silence for a full five minutes.

  “Do you think she’s okay?” Battler asked his brother as they leaned against his car, watching.

  Bruiser frowned and shook his head before twirling his finger around his right temple, indicating he thought she was nuts.

  “True. This has gone on long enough, we’re wasting time. Jules,” he called, walking over to her. “Found anything?”

  She stared into the air for a bit longer before slowly nodding. “It’s not one man, it’s two.”

  “Two? The police have found nothing to indicate this was the work of two men. He waited in the woods, my men found the spot he hid in. There was only evidence of one man, alone.”

  “Your men and the police aren’t as good at their jobs as I am. Yes, there was only one man in the woods. The other was out here, on the car park. Two men - one to knock him out, the other to drive the getaway vehicle.”

  “No one could sneak up on Ryan.”

  “Normally I’d agree with you but these two are smart, very smart. You wonder why no one saw Ryan or any of the other victims being abducted?”

  “Yes,” he sighed impatiently.

  “Because they weren’t here.”

  “What the bloody hell are you on about woman?”

  “No one snuck up on Ryan and no one approached him. This was done from a distance. Show me where the first man waited.” With that she plunged into the undergrowth between the spa and the car park.

  Battler turned and nodded at his brother to follow him as he plunged in after her. There was no way he was disappearing into the undergrowth alone with her. He didn’t know whether she’d kill him or sexually assault him.

  “Here,” said Battler after walking a few metres into the shade of the trees. “Twigs broken underfoot, grass flattened. He didn’t leave anything behind though, unfortunately.”

  “The police found just a few drops of blood,” Jules said as she studied the spot the abductor had crouched in. “Not enough for a gun or a knife. Ryan was shot with a tranquiliser dart. They have a range of up to seventy yards. That explains the blood, a couple of drops from a dart syringe embedding itself in his flesh. He hits the ground, the man waiting here sneaks out and the accomplice pulls up in the abduction vehicle, probably a van, blocking the view of Ryan from anyone who might drive into the car park. No one questions a white van, everyone just assumes they’re making a delivery and the staff in the spa can’t see anything because the glass is heavily tinted so the posh bastards inside aren’t disturbed by the real world while they’re enjoying their fancy treatments. Plus one man would struggle manoeuvring someone of Ryan’s size into a vehicle alone.” She paused, looking around breathlessly, thrilled by the hunt.

  “I don’t know,” said Battler. “This all sounds a bit Hollywood and how would they know no one else would be around?”

  “Because they’ve watched Ryan and the spa for weeks. This is the staff car park, so no customers would be here, their car park is on the opposite side of the building. They also knew there wouldn’t be any shift changes until five o’clock.” She straightened up, brushing moss off her jeans. “There’s only one way to prove it. I need to see the other abduction sites.”

  “There’s a problem with that. We don’t know where the other victims were taken from.”

  “What, none of them?”

  “Well, maybe two.”

  Jules got to her feet. “Show me.”

  Battler and Bruiser were almost smug as Jules looked up and down the street.

  “No trees here,” called Battler cheerfully. On one side were a row of shops, on the other a large pub with a beer garden outside, which was in full use thanks to the warm Saturday afternoon. The county had endured a few days of rain so they were all making the most of the sunshine. A few of the customers watched her with amusement as she stood in the middle of the road, giving the finger to the cars that blared their horns as they drove by, forced to go round her.


  “Which victim was taken from here?” she said.

  “Peter Everill, the fourth man to disappear,” replied Battler. “He came out of the bakers here where he worked, he’d just finished his shift,” he said, pointing to the shop behind them.

  “What time?”

  “Seven thirty. He’d stayed late to do some cleaning.”

  “Was that his regular habit?”

  “Yeah.”

  “How long ago was this?”

  “Four years.”

  Jules looked across at the pub and smiled. “That looks pretty new to me.”

  “Ah,” said Battler, realisation dawning.

  They strode after her across the road, the occupants of the beer garden appearing very excited about the loony who had been standing in the middle of the road coming into the pub. One man even gave her a wolf whistle as she passed by but she didn’t even hear him, her mind too busy churning.

  She pushed her way to the bar, ignoring the protests of those waiting to be served.

  “Oy you,” she said, pointing at the barman. “When was this pub built?”

  “What?” he called back, looking harassed.

  “When was this pub built? It’s a perfectly simple question.”

  “If you could answer her we’d be very grateful,” said Battler politely, the line at the bar parting before the bulk of the brothers.

  “Alright, for you Battler. Two years ago if it’s that important.”

  “What was it before then?”

  “Just waste ground.”

  “Trees and bushes?” said Jules.

  “Yeah, I think so.”

  Jules turned to face the brothers triumphantly. “See, I’m right.”

  “You might be,” said Battler grudgingly.

  “If I am are we on for a threesome tonight?”

  She’d only said it to embarrass them, punishment for not believing her and they both coloured, even their bald scalps went red.

  “No we are bloody not,” said Battler loudly and vehemently, Bruiser frantically nodding his head to show his solidarity with his brother.

  Staff and customers alike looked amused as the brothers hastily exited, their stubbly faces burning with humiliation

  “Where do you get off behaving like that?” demanded Battler the second they were outside. “We’ve built up a good reputation around here and I will not let you destroy it.”

  The occupants of the beer garden all leaned in to better hear the row.

  “I wanted to teach you a lesson,” said Jules. “I know you think I’m a psycho but I’ve found out something you couldn’t. Have a little faith in me. What’s your problem?” she snapped at a man sat at a picnic table close to where they were stood, who was gazing up at her adoringly.

  “Marry me,” he grinned.

  “Sorry love, I’d frighten the shit out of you,” she replied. Battler and Bruiser were forced to hurry after her again when she suddenly marched off the pub grounds and into the road, causing another car to blare its horn. “Shut it, dick,” she barked, eliciting a round of applause from the pub.

  The three of them climbed into Battler’s car.

  “We would be ever so grateful if you could keep a low profile. We need to do this subtly,” said Battler, annoyed.

  “What’s the point in that? If someone’s missing it’s vital everyone knows.”

  “Because we don’t know if Ryan’s disappearance is connected to the other men’s. What if it’s something to do with his past or Mikey and Jez’s present?”

  “You’re the ones who called the police.”

  “I don’t worry about plod, they can always be paid off. Just please, try to be more diplomatic.”

  “I’ll do my best but it’s not my strong point.”

  “No,” Battler snarled when she placed a cigarette between her lips. “You light that and I’ll throw you and it out the fucking window.”

  “I love it when you’re dominant,” she grinned, replacing the cigarette in its packet.

  CHAPTER 22

  Hayden, Grant and Mark were sat in a car a few houses down from Katia’s front door waiting for her to emerge from her large, plush home.

  “It’s not right that evil cow has a pad like that,” commented Grant.

  Mark Cameron nodded in agreement.

  “Who is this Katia exactly?” said Hayden, sat in the back. He was an impressive-looking man with dark brown hair and cold blue eyes. “I’ve heard mention of her but I don’t really know what she’s done.”

  “Alex started a human trafficking operation on the sly,” began Grant.

  “Dirty bastard,” muttered Hayden.

  “He rounded up some eastern European girls and set them to work in his brothel, poor cows,” continued Grant. “Katia was one of those girls, brought over from Slovakia. He became obsessed with her and he set her to running the brothel. She was ruthless too, beating the shit out of all the other girls. He got her pregnant and they had twins.”

  “Hold on,” frowned Hayden. “What’s going to happen to the kids if she’s dead?”

  “Mikey and Jez want them back in Manchester.”

  “Why?” he said suspiciously.

  “Don’t worry, they’re going to look after them. They share Mikey’s blood, they’re his second cousins or something. They’ll be well looked after but Katia’s a threat to us all. She has to go.”

  “I’m not comfortable killing women,” grumbled Hayden.

  “This is no ordinary woman, she’s an evil, conniving bitch, trust me. It’s why Alex fell for her. Given the chance she’ll bring us all down. If you don’t like it then say now.”

  “I’m in, just as long as it’s for a good reason.”

  “It is. Here she comes,” said Grant, starting the engine. “Oh crap, she’s got the kiddies with her.”

  They all watched Katia strap two bundles wrapped up in blue into the back of her car.

  “What now?” said Mark.

  “We follow her,” said Grant. “We might get a chance yet.”

  Beth and Riley were both shocked by how dreadful Rachel looked. Her face was stark white, her cheeks hollow, eyes ringed with black shadows, making the irises look like tar. Her hair was uncombed and nose red from crying.

  Without a word Beth stepped inside and hugged her friend, feeling Rachel’s tears soak into her hair.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” whispered Rachel.

  “I’m always here for you mate,” she whispered back.

  Rachel’s arm shot out and pulled Riley into the hug too. “Thanks for coming.”

  He was still in his army fatigues. He’d insisted on coming straight here after Beth had told him about Ryan’s disappearance. Anticipating this she’d already packed a bag and booked the tickets to Exeter airport. They’d flown out two hours after Riley’s flight had landed at Manchester.

  Rachel released them and wiped her eyes, composing herself. “Thanks for coming, I appreciate it. Where are the kids?”

  “With my parents,” replied Beth. “I didn’t want them near this after everything they’ve been through.” Archie was a little angel for her parents. It was only her that he behaved badly for. She thought it would do both of them good to have a break from each other.

  “Any word?” said Riley, knowing this was really bad. It would take something horrific to keep Ryan from his family.

  “Nothing,” Rachel replied, eyes glittering as more tears filled her eyes. “I’m trying not to think about the person capable of taking a man like Ryan. It’s too scary.”

  “Where are Mikey and Jez? I thought they’d be here by now,” said Beth.

  “They are. They’ve gone out to do a round of the hospitals again, just to make sure Ryan hasn’t turned up yet.”

  “We’ll I’m here to help. What can I do?” said Riley.

  “Plenty with your skills. Listen, there’s something you should know. I’ve asked…”

  The front door opened, cutting off her words. In walked Jules, wh
o was talking excitedly, followed by Battler and Bruiser.

  “We’ve got a lead Rach,” said Jules. Her smile dropped when she saw Riley. “Oh shit.”

  Unable to run out the front door because Battler and Bruiser were blocking it, she dodged around Riley and made for the back door. It said a lot about Riley’s capabilities that Jules ran from him.

  “Get back here you bitch,” he roared, running after her. He made a grab for her but she ducked under his arm.

  Jules could hear the others shouting but Riley was unstoppable. Just as her hand closed over the door handle he grabbed her, pulled her back and threw her across the room. She landed flat on her back on the tiled floor, winded. When he came at her she rolled and shot to her feet. He snatched a knife from the block on the counter, brandishing it expertly in one hand.

  “What did I say would happen if I ever saw you again?” he snarled.

  “I’m here to help.”

  “Bollocks. All you do is hurt people. You’re probably behind this.”

  “I am not,” she retorted. “I’ve changed Riley.”

  “Scum like you doesn’t change. Where’s my brother?” he bellowed at her, advancing on her with the knife.

  “That’s what I’m trying to find out. We’ve finally got a lead. Are you going to kill me before I can see it through?”

  “Lies. All you know is lies. You’re just trying to lead us away from him.”

  “Riley stop it,” yelled Beth. “What do you think you’re doing in Rachel’s house?”

  “You don’t know what she’s like,” he replied without taking his eyes off Jules. “She’s a fucking snake. She arranged this.”

  Jules held her hands out, palms up, in a gesture of supplication. “I didn’t, I swear. Now put the knife down so we can all find Ryan. Together. He’s my brother too.”

  “No he’s not. Other people mean nothing to you, you selfish slag.”

  He lunged at Jules, who tried to fight back but found herself knocked off her feet, looking up at him from the floor with the knife pressed to her throat.

  Riley felt something jammed into his back, felt the steadiness of the hand.

  “Let her go,” said Rachel’s cold voice. She jammed the taser even harder into his back. “I love you like a brother Riley but don’t think I won’t shock you.”