by Jane Keene
"Oh, crap!" The expletives were just rolling off Ryan's tongue. "I'm so sorry Victoria, the last thing I wanted was for you to get mixed up in this. Everything is crazy!" He strode over to her and tried to take her hand.
Victoria subtly moved away from Ryan's reach and made her way to the table where she had thrown her handbag.
"This day has been ridiculously unreal, first my work, my reputation is shredded, and then I find myself in a compromising position with a man I barely know."
Ryan's face reddened as he felt Mickey smirk at him.
"Only then to think my life is in danger because there is an intruder, who turns out not be an intruder, but the owner of the establishment. I need to get out of here".
Ryan wanted to stop Victoria from leaving with all his might, but he knew it was for her own good to leave now before things got too heavy between them. He simply nodded, he moved to the door and unlocked it, Victoria waved a small goodbye to Mickey, who was watching the scene with great interest. He waved back. Victoria hesitated slightly as she walked past Ryan to go through the door, he thought she wanted to say something, but she turned away and walked out into the night.
Ryan locked the door and turned to face Mickey. He breathed out heavily and sat down at the nearest table.
"So, this is what you get up to when I let you lock up at night?" joked Mickey.
"Mick, I'm really not in the mood for jokes, I can't believe I let things go so far, I put her life at risk, even if it was only you tonight, it could have been your man!”
"Aaaaargh!” Ryan got up and smashed his fist into his hand. "This stuff with Jack has to end soon I can't live like this anymore!" Mickey didn't say anything, he just walked over to Ryan and patted him on the shoulder.
***
Victoria walked briskly down the road, she pulled her biker jacket closer to her body, she felt cold. Maybe it was the shock of the insanity that was her day. All she wanted to do was get home as quickly as she could, jump into a hot shower and curl up on her sofa and cry, or eat ice cream or both.
She was so tempted to throw herself into Ryan's arms before she left, but luckily her sanity had stopped her. Who was he? And what was he involved in? Who runs around with a gun, maybe he was a spy? Her law brain kicked in, with all the trouble she was in she couldn't take a chance and become involved with someone who obviously was into some shady business.
The fact that he looked like he was prepared for the situation. He looked so skilled and comfortable with a gun in his hands. And, who was this Jack she heard him tell that Mickey guy that he thought that it was "Jack's guy?” Too many questions were bouncing around in her brain.
Victoria rubbed her temples, thank goodness she was near the car park, she routed around in her bag for her car park card and proceeded to validate her parking. She felt a sudden chill, even though it was still light outside, she noticed that she was alone and started feeling nervous.
The car park was quite empty, but she had been here a million times before without feeling anxious. She felt a little silly, maybe it was all the commotion in her life making her feel fragile and vulnerable. She got into her car and started the engine. Phew! She felt somehow more at ease in the safety of her moving vehicle. Maybe she wanted to subconsciously to put distance between her and Ryan. She needed a clear head now. She had bigger problems of her own, she needed to get evidence against Dermott and stop him for good.
Chapter 13
"Yes, I'm outside her house now. Yes, she is alone, and no sign of Mulligan. I'm not sure what he is up to, but there is no security outside the house either. He is either incredibly stupid or playing some game. Do you think he is using her as bait?" The voice on the other end of the line growled on for a few seconds, he silently awaited his next instruction. "Not a bother, I will send the letter special delivery today" was his reply to the voice.
***
Maisey, got into work 5 minutes later than usual, she had a pounding headache, and her stomach had been doing loops all morning. Bleeding Breda and her prosecco, followed by the further ill-advised whiskey shots. They had ended up dancing on the sofa singing to eighties hits until after three in the morning.
Maisey had dug out an old bottle of whiskey she had in the press for when her father came around to visit. The last time she had so much alcohol was the time after she heard she would never dance professionally again. She became a binge drinker after that she used alcohol to numb the pain. But once she found out she was pregnant with Billy, her maternal instincts took over, and she only ever had the occasional glass of wine.
She needed coffee and lots of it; it was the only thing that would get her through the day.
Ryan was at the coffee station prepping for the morning crowd. He looked up at her, "Whoa Maise! I'm sorry to say it but you looking a little peaky today, what did you get up to last night? Maisey slumped onto a chair nearby and held her head in her hands.
"Don't go there Ryan, please tell me that there is coffee ready, I'm about to keel over right here." Ryan poured Maisey a coffee and handed it to her.
"Talking about peaky, what's wrong with you, you seem out of sorts this morn? Anything you want to share?" Maisey asked quietly.
"Naaah, nothing to worry yourself about." Answered Ryan he was wiping the surfaces down, he didn't want to meet Maisey's eye, she might be a bit off colour today, but she was still very perceptive.
"I can't believe it, look at her!" Maisey gestured towards the door, Breda had just arrived looking like she had a full eight hours sleep.
"If you want to know why I look like this ask Breda, she is responsible for my pain this morning."
Maisey climbed off the stool and walked towards the restrooms. Breda sauntered passed Ryan, "So, Breda I see you're trying to corrupt our Maisey into your wicked ways."
Breda shot Ryan a look of contempt, "Well my dear, you should know. We all have a level where we can be persuaded over to the dark side."
Ryan just grunted and turned around. He didn't feel like getting into it with the likes of Breda this morning.
She ventured on "Oh, by the way, are you not telling us something",
"What is it now Breda? I'm busy?” she smiled a cat-like smile.
"We all family here, surely you should share if you have news? Like a new girlfriend?"
Ryan looked at Breda suspiciously and shot back, "What the hell are you on about, are you still drunk from the last night?"
"Don't get tense with me, I'm just the messenger, some guy across the road gave this to me to give to you, it smells nice too".
Breda handed Ryan an envelope. Ryan snatched it out of her hand anxiously.
"He said to tell you it was a letter from your girlfriend".
Ryan's heart was beating fast; he ripped the envelope open, there was nothing in it, he leapt over the coffee station counter and ran towards Mickey.
Breda had never seen the likes of it before; Ryan jumping over the counter was an act of pure power, like a jaguar in the jungle. She really wanted to despise him, but it was difficult when he looked so darn good.
"Mick, I need a word", Ryan grabbed him by the arm and they went hurriedly to the office. "Victoria's in danger, she is in danger!” Ryan thrust the letter into Mickey’s face.
"Calm down Ryan, how do you know this? Is this letter the only proof? Mickey looked down at the envelope; it was very generic, the writing on the envelope was addressed to Ryan. "It smells like her, the bastards have her I just know it!"
Ryan was pacing around the room, running his hands roughly through his jet-black hair. "The worst thing is, I don't have her phone number, and I don't even know where she lives?"
Just then there was a knock on the door, "Eh Mick", Maisey stepped into the office, "sorry to disturb, but there's a lady out here asking about one of our regulars. Would you talk to her? Ryan, please can you come back, I have coffee orders backing up."
Ryan looked up at her, his face was thunderous, but he managed to contain himself and he answered
Maisey calmly.
"Just two secs, Maise, I have to sort something out with Mickey, it's crucial. Get Cormac behind the station he knows what to do."
Maisey was about to say something, but the urgency in Ryan's voice made her think twice. Mickey got up and said, “Let me go see what's happening out front. Do not do anything crazy just wait here."
He gestured for Ryan to remain calm. Ryan paced around the room some more, he felt out of control, he hated feeling this way; he could not believe that he had brought this on Victoria.
He couldn't stand around doing nothing, so he followed Mickey back into the Cafe. Mickey was speaking to a smallish woman with sandy blonde hair and glasses, she was neatly dressed in a grey business suit, almost something Victoria would wear. As he got near, he picked up the tail end of the conversation.
"I feel so silly going around and asking these questions, but I'm looking for a friend of mine, she comes here almost daily, I can't get hold of her and I was wondering if you had seen her today? She's tall, long brown hair, well-groomed, nose in her laptop?"
Ryan could not believe his luck; he knew this woman was referring to Victoria.
"Sorry to butt in like this, but are you looking for Victoria?" The woman looked confused, "Er, yes, Victoria Leeson. Was she in today? Ryan moved Liz by the arm to an empty table nearby, they both sat down.
"She hasn't been in today, but I did see her here last night.”
Liz looked surprised, "Victoria was here last night?"
Ryan waved his hand and said irritably, "I need to know where Victoria lives. It’s important!" Liz backed away slightly, this disarmingly handsome man had a dangerous edge to him. She answered carefully, "I'm sorry I’m not giving out my friend’s personal information." Ryan swore under his breath.
"Look, the problem is that your friend could possibly be in danger, I need to find her to make sure she is fine."
It took every bit of Ryan's control not to shake Liz. Mickey could see that Ryan was about to lose his temper; he stepped in and calmly explained the situation to Liz.
“Victoria was here last night, but we received a disturbing note that makes us think that she might be in need of our help. We don't have time to get into the matter. Please, we just need her mobile number and her home address."
Something in the tone of Mickey's voice made Liz trust him.
"I really do not know what's going on here, but I'm going to give you Victoria's number, and I will be going with you to her house!"
Mickey and Ryan nodded in agreement. "Ryan, go get your car, I will let the others know you have to step out, they will know what to do".
Ryan turned to Liz, "I will meet you at the car park near the church in 5 minutes, are you driving?"
"Yes, I have my car".
Chapter 14
Ryan followed Liz's red Toyota Yaris in his black Land Rover. He believed in living life simply, but when it came to cars he would not compromise on style and comfort. After a few miles, Liz stopped outside a newly refurbished Georgian. The view of the beach was remarkable, whatever Victoria did for a living she was obviously good at it judging by the area she lived in and the size of her home.
The blinds of the house were still drawn; Liz opened the gate and walked up the front steps to knock on the door. Ryan followed closely; they all stood on the front steps looking awkwardly at each other. Liz knocked again; this time she felt more frantic, where the hell was Victoria?
Ryan was getting jumpy. He started thumping on the door frantically.
“Victoria!” he was shouting, he didn't give a hoot about what the neighbors thought. He had to know if Victoria was fine. Still no answer.
"Liz, try her phone again." Ryan urged. Liz did what she was told, after a few seconds they heard a buzzing sound coming from the inside of Victoria's house.
"Oh My God! Her phone is on the house, but, where is she? Liz, do you have a key? We have to get in".
By this stage, Liz felt extremely concerned, she walked over to a Grecian looking urn that stood near the front door. The flowers billowing out of it were in full bloom, if the situation was not so serious she would have stopped and literally smelt the flowers. She stuck her hand around and fumbled in the plants and pulled out a key. Ryan looked sternly at her.
"I can't believe that people still do that in this day and age, how incredibly stupid can you ladies be, do you know how dangerous the world is? Hiding a key in the plant", Ryan shook his head in disbelief.
Liz suddenly felt very irritated by this gorgeous stranger and she shot back, “in case you have not noticed this is not the inner-city streets, this is a lovely neighborhood with good respectable people!"
"And that's exactly why you need to be more careful, this "lovely" little neighborhood contains goods and treasures of much value all the more reason for unsavory elements to pay you a visit".
Liz rolled her eyes at Ryan and unlocked the door.
The house was incredibly quiet, no sign of struggle or distress anywhere.
Ryan indicated towards the upstairs, "I will look up there you look down here". Liz was seriously getting tired of being bossed around by Ryan.
Ryan moved up the staircase. He was distracted by a sound coming from the room at the end of the corridor. So far, he was impressed with Victoria's decor style, simple, clean lines, and modern, but keeping with the traditional look of the house. The noise grew louder as he moved toward the end room. He quietly drew his gun from his jacket pocket, he pushed the door handle down and entered the room, the noise had stopped, and he realized it had come from the bathroom, he crept slowly to the bathroom door and with force he kicked the door open and pointed the gun into the room.
Maybe Victoria went home to see her Mam, she was under a lot of stress; Liz was downstairs in the kitchen trying to rationalize Victoria's disappearance. All of a sudden, she heard a blood-curdling scream from upstairs, her heart jumped into her throat and she ran upstairs.
"What the devil are you doing here?" screamed Victoria. She was standing outside her shower with little, but a very angry expression on her face.
Ryan was so taken back by the sight of Victoria's wet naked body he was rendered temporarily mute. Victoria hurriedly grabbed a towel from the rail and covered herself. Ryan was torn between wanting to scoop Victoria up into his arms and crushing her with relief that she was fine, but at the same time he wanted to scream at her for putting him through the hell he had been in all morning.
Just then Liz came bursting in.
She ran towards Victoria and embraced her, "I'm so glad you are fine, you gave us such a scare.
Victoria was just about to give out to Liz, but she looked down into her friend’s eyes and saw genuine concern, Liz had tears in her eyes. Victoria calmly disentangled herself from Liz’s grasp and she took a deep breath.
"Would somebody please tell me what you both are doing here" she suddenly became aware she was still in her towel, and under Ryan's close scrutiny. She pulled the towel closer to her body.
Liz suddenly aware of Victoria's lack of clothes ushered Ryan out of the room.
"I will explain while Victoria gets dressed, please go downstairs and maybe put on some coffee. Ryan was about to say something but thought better of it and stalked out of the room.
Victoria waited for the sound of Ryan going down the steps, "Just give me two seconds to throw something on and then I want a full explanation".
Liz moved to the window, “I think you are the one that needs to give an explanation, what is going on between you and Mr. Gorgeous? You really are a dark horse!"
Victoria now dressed in a pair of casual jeans and an emerald green ribbed tight-fitting jumper; gave Liz dagger looks.
"There is nothing going on between Ryan and me are you crazy?" Victoria was blushing from head to toe, she ran her fingers through her wet hair, and flopped herself down on the white ottoman at the foot of her large king-sized bed.
"I can't get into it now about Ryan; I just want to know why there
was a party in my room that I didn't know I was invited to?"
Liz drew up the cream wing backed chair that had been next to the window, "I am kind of confused too, and it all started when I could not get hold of you on your mobile and house phone this morning. The first place I thought to go, and look is at the coffee shop you always go to, I asked one of the waitresses if they had seen you and she asked the owner. But all of a sudden, Ryan appeared and was asking all sorts of strange questions. To end the long story, we ended up here because apparently Ryan received some letter with information about you, I don't know you will have to ask him, I'm just glad that you are fine. In any case, why didn't you answer your phone or your door all this could have been avoided?" Liz said with irritation in her voice.
Victoria stood up and started pacing the room, "I had a really bad day yesterday, a bit of a crazy night and I just needed a little time without distraction, so I left my phone downstairs, took a sleeping pill and went to bed. With all that's going on, the last thing I wanted to do was check my phone messages."
They were distracted by a knock on the door, Victoria went over to open it, Ryan had two cups of coffee, the smell was heavenly, but what was more heavenly was the sight of him, she wanted to run her hands all over his muscled torso, he was so close she could see him draw breath. His presence was so disturbing, but in another way, she was truly relieved to see him.
“I thought you ladies could do with some coffee,” he handed Victoria a cup of the steaming hot liquid, their fingers brushed slightly causing Victoria's breath to catch and she looked straight into Ryan's eyes, the message she read in his look was loud and clear, he was more than willing to take up where their antics of the night before had ended.
Victoria blushed, and quickly moved to the other side of the room. Liz looked on with curious interest, the electricity between Ryan and Victoria was ridiculous. She stood up and declined Ryan's offer for coffee.