“Where’s the sport if I can’t thwart you? Half the fun is our little battles.”
“Why is it up for sale? I thought it was making a mint,” she said.
“Apparently the owner opened the casino in the first place because he wanted to share his love of gambling. Unfortunately it seems that love has cost him all of his money and he needs to sell the place to stay afloat. Interested?”
They both maintained their poker faces. “We’ll have to discuss it,” was all Rachel was willing to reply, although inside she was wondering if it would do for her hotel.
“Well, I’ll take my table. I’m meeting a business associate. Thank you for the champagne.”
He finally followed the waitress to his table and Ryan and Rachel watched as he settled himself and picked up the menu.
“Why has he come to eat here and why is he telling us about an available business?” said a suspicious Rachel.
“I don’t know and I don’t like it.”
“And he’s wearing a pink shirt. What sort of man wears pink? It’s what you dress little girls in.” She drew her eyes away from Strang and back to her husband. “If you ever wore pink I’d divorce you.”
“And quite rightly so.” His smile dropped for the second time and Rachel was stunned by the fury in his eyes. “What the fuck?”
She knew it must be bad. Ryan only swore when he was at the very limit of his rage. Rachel turned back round in her seat to see Alex being led by the skinny waitress to Strang’s table.
“No way,” she said. “He wouldn’t.”
“He would,” said Ryan tightly. “You know what he’s been like lately.”
“But he wouldn’t do that to us.”
“He’s all about money and business now. Family’s taking a back seat.”
“Not to us, no,” she said, shaking her head vigorously.
Ryan was touched by the hurt in her eyes. No one upset his wife. Elegantly he dabbed at his lips with a napkin before getting to his feet. “Back in a minute.”
“What are you going to do?” she whispered, grabbing his hand.
“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt them,” he said, kissing her hand before strolling over to Strang’s table. “Hello Alex, you should have said you were having a business meeting, you could have had a private room,” said Ryan smoothly.
“Oh, you’re here. How nice.” Alex spoke with a smile but Ryan caught the underlying sarcasm.
“I wasn’t aware you two were in business together.”
“There are lots of things you’re not aware of,” replied Strang, eyes twinkling with pleasure.
Ryan ignored him and looked to Alex, who stared back at him, clearly enjoying the situation.
“May I ask what you’re discussing?”
“It’s private,” replied Alex, casually perusing the menu.
Ryan would have loved nothing more than to put his fist through that menu and straight into Alex’s face, but he was better than that now. “Of course, do excuse me,” he said with all of his public school good breeding. No one would have guessed that beneath the calm exterior he was fantasising about inflicting extreme violence on them both. “May I recommend the risotto? Our chef’s is the best in the city. Alex, you must bring Beth and the children round for lunch this weekend.”
“I’ll speak to her about it.”
Ryan returned to his table and sat down beside an anxious Rachel.
“Well?” she said.
“They wouldn’t tell me what they’re up to, which isn’t surprising. I’ve invited Alex for lunch at the weekend.”
“Why? I’m so furious I could hit him.”
“I told him to bring Beth and the kids. I’m hoping if I ply him with enough drink he’ll get loose-lipped.”
“Alex is too smart to fall for that.”
“I thought he was too smart to get into bed with Stephen Strang.” He sighed in frustration and looked at the two of them whispering together. “What the hell is going on?”
“So, did they swallow it about the casino?” Alex asked Strang casually while he examined the menu.
“They listened, but they don’t trust a word I say.”
“That’s what I’m banking on.”
“What are you up to Alex? They’re your family, why do you want to hurt them?”
“I just want to bring them down a peg or two, that’s all. They’re getting too up themselves.”
“I’ll say. They think they own this city.”
“They practically do,” replied Alex, knowing it would annoy Strang.
“Not for much longer if I have my way,” he managed to hiss through clenched teeth.
“You look tense Stephen. You could use something to relax you. I’ve got some fresh merchandise just waiting to be broken in.”
He smiled predatorily, dazzling Alex with his teeth. “I’m in the mood for something tall and blond.”
Alex thought of the woman who’d smiled at him. “I’ve got just the one for you. Gorgeous, could be on the cover of a magazine.”
“I’ll be there tonight.”
Rachel and Ryan left the rest of their meals untouched, Alex’s meeting with Strang having caused them to lose their appetites. As they left, the two of them were chatting like old friends, both giving them big smiles and raising their glasses in a toast at them on their way out. It took all of Rachel’s strength to muster a carefree smile. She was damned if she was going to show they were getting to her. It was a relief to climb into Ryan’s Range Rover and shut the door. Only then did she let her pain show.
“Don’t let them get to you,” said Ryan.
“I don’t care about Strang, it’s Alex whose hurt me. He’s been off with me for a while now. What have I ever done to him?”
“He’s probably just under pressure.” Even as he said it, he knew there was more to it than that. Alex Maguire was changing and not for the better. “Why don’t we pay a visit to the casino?” he suggested, starting the engine.
“Why not? It might be suitable for our hotel idea.”
The Crown Casino was enormous, an old converted warehouse spread over three vast floors slap bang in the city centre. As well as the main casino floor it had two bars - one for all the customers and a second swanky VIP lounge - plus a hundred seater restaurant, separate poker lounge and a function space. It was stunning in a big blingy Las Vegas sort of way and Rachel had to own she was impressed.
“Have you ever been here before?” she asked Ryan.
“A few times.” Ryan enjoyed Blackjack and Poker, but only for the mental challenge. He approached cards scientifically and of course enjoyed beating other people but he simply didn’t have time for it anymore between his family and businesses. “It’s a good place, plays by the rules, no dodgy dealings.”
“Well that’s a good start.”
“It doesn’t have any hotel rooms.”
“We could keep it as a casino,” she said, starting to get into the excitement of the place, which was already busy at two o’clock in the afternoon. “This is something we haven’t branched into yet.”
Her enthusiasm had dispelled the hurt at Alex’s meeting with Strang and Ryan smiled. “Let’s see if we can find the owner, I know he spends his time here.”
“You know him?”
He nodded. “Sid Meakin. We got friendly when I used to come here. He’s alright.”
She planted a kiss on his lips. “You never cease to amaze me.”
But they didn’t need to find Sid because he found them wandering around the main casino floor.
“Ryan, good to see you back,” said Sid, clapping him on the shoulder. He was a craggy-faced man of small stature with wiry grey hair and huge bags under his eyes. “Here for some poker?”
“No, we’re here on different business. Let me introduce you to my wife, Rachel.”
“Nice to meet you,” she said politely, extending her hand.
Sid suddenly looked a little nervous and both Rachel and Ryan were quick to pick up on it. Th
en he recovered himself and smiled, the apprehension melting away. “Nice to meet you too, I’ve heard a lot about you Mrs Law. Would you like a drink and we can discuss whatever it is you’re here about?”
They followed him through to the VIP lounge, which was low-ceilinged and dimly lit with neon colours. The massive central columns supporting the roof were encased in plastic and similarly ambiently lit, creating a soothing atmosphere. The customers were richly dressed, sporting expensive watches and tailored suits, engrossed at the gaming tables, their every need attended to by waiters and waitresses selected for their good looks as well as their efficiency. Access to this room was invitation only.
The three of them took a seat at a table in the corner furthest from the gaming tables. A handsome waiter dressed in black shirt and pants seemingly appeared from nowhere and politely enquired what he could get them. Sid ordered a vodka and ice, Rachel a chardonnay and Ryan a fresh orange juice because he was driving. They talked about trivial things until the waiter had served them their drinks and evaporated into the ether again.
“We heard you’re selling this place,” Ryan said quietly before taking a sip of orange juice.
Sid nodded and hung his head. “Needs must. I’m drowning in debt.”
“How did that happen? This places look to be turning over a good profit.”
“It is. I created The Crown because I wanted to share my love of gambling, but that same love has landed me in dead lumber. It’s mortgaged to the hilt, as is my house. I’ve nothing left and no choice if I don’t want to end up on the streets. I’ll miss it though,” he sighed.
“Is it on the market yet?”
“It will be in a couple of days. You heard fast.”
“Stephen Strang.”
“That arsehole. I don’t know how he heard but he’s been sniffing around for a few days. Why did he tell you? I thought you were rivals.”
“We are and that’s what’s bothering us, so we had to check it out,” Ryan smiled.
“Yeah, I suppose. Are you interested in buying?” he said hopefully. “I’d rather sell it to you than him.”
Ryan took a sip of orange juice without replying, not wanting to commit himself just yet. “So, what exactly has Strang been saying?”
Sid sucked in a deep breath before continuing. “Well, he comes in on the pretext of playing Poker, although he never bothered before. When he sees me making my rounds of the place - I like to keep my finger on the pulse - he starts pestering me with questions.”
“How good is he at Poker?” said Ryan.
Clearly it wasn’t a question Sid expected because his eyes clouded with confusion.
“He’s okay, no great shakes. Why do you ask?”
“I want to know how good his poker face is.”
“He’s a decent bluffer but he plays small, like his heart’s not really in it and that’s because he’s not here for the gambling.”
Rachel considered asking if Alex ever came here then decided against it, not wanting to show there was dissent in the family.
“I suppose it’s only natural he wants this place. He has two casinos already,” said Sid, knocking back his vodka and gesturing in the direction of the bar for another. A minute later the same waiter reappeared with fresh drinks for them all, giving them a polite smile but at the same time not intruding.
“Excellent service,” said Rachel, thinking even if they didn’t buy this place she’d still poach some of the staff.
“Thank you,” smiled Sid, pleased by her praise. In actual fact Rachel made him very nervous. He’d heard of her exploits and thought her a bit unnatural, despite how beautiful she was, how sweet her smile. In his mind she was the perfect partner for Ryan Law. They both scared the crap out of him.
“So, what do you think?” Ryan asked Rachel once they’d climbed back into the Range Rover.
“I think we shouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole. There’s something weird going on. Sid was definitely jumpy.”
“I agree. Strang would probably expect us to ask around discreetly first, not approach Sid directly. There’s something odd about it all.”
Rachel thought of Strang and Alex laughing together, the hurt returning.
“Definitely but I think I know someone who can help us out,” she said.
“Who?”
“Dee. She loves poker, in fact she’s brilliant at it. Despite how clever you are, she’d kick your arse at it Mate.”
He appeared amused. “I would love to test that theory. So you’re thinking of sending her in there to check it out?”
She nodded. “Strang doesn’t know her and neither does Sid, she likes to go to the smaller, less pretentious clubs. I’m sure she’d be up for it if I gave her some stake money.”
“Give her a couple of grand, nothing flash but enough to justify her being there.”
“Knowing Dee she’ll come out with a lot more,” she grinned. “I’ll pop into Martina’s Bar tonight and put it to her.”
“I’m not sure I want you going there until The Slasher’s caught.”
“Those attacks were on the other side of the city and it’s Friday, he only attacks on a Saturday. I’ll be fine.” She planted a kiss on his lips when he pouted. “Tell you what, I’ll go in early, before it gets really busy. I’ll be back before ten, promise Sir.”
His eyes flashed. “I like that. You can call me Sir more often,” he said, voice soft and seductive, making her tingle all over.
“Maybe I will, if you’re a good boy and let me go to club tonight with no argument.”
“Fine, as long as you’re back early. I have plans for you.”
“I will.”
He gave her a long lingering kiss before starting the engine, adjusting himself as he experienced a tightness in the trouser department. “Let’s go home, Adela will be bringing the kids back soon.”
CHAPTER 4
Dolores, manager of Martina’s Bar and a good friend to Rachel, was positively ecstatic about Rachel’s offer to finance her on a trip to the casino. The club was starting to fill up quickly and Rachel was glad no one was letting the activities of The Slasher put them off a good night out. They were sat at the end of the bar chatting, Dolores keeping one eye on the staff. Since The Slasher had started operating Rachel had upped security, using protégés trained by Battler and Bruiser themselves working in three teams of two, all properly licensed and wearing smart black suits with radios and earpieces. Rachel didn’t deal in amateur gorillas.
“Too right I’ll do it. I’ve never been to The Crown but I have heard a lot about it,” enthused Dolores, her considerable bosom wobbling with excitement. She was a short neat woman in her early fifties with cropped blond hair. She always dressed smartly in tailored skirt suits, the top buttons of her blouse left open to expose the cleavage she was so proud of. She’d worked at the bar since it opened and had risen to Bar Manager, until Rachel decided to take a step back to spend more time with her kids and made her General Manager of not only this club but her other two as well and she was making an excellent job of it.
“All you have to do is keep a subtle eye out, see who comes in, what’s going on. I’ll give you two grand stake money, which you can keep plus any winnings.”
“I’ll come out with a bloody sight more than that.”
“I know you will Dee,” said Rachel fondly. “Thanks for this.”
“I should be the one saying thanks, its been a while since I’ve had a good flutter. Is it okay if I take Vince with me?” Vince was her long suffering husband who worshipped the ground his small but formidable wife walked on.
“Course you can. Does he play?”
“Yeah but he’s shite, I kick his arse every time. If anyone asks I can say he’s taking me out for our anniversary.”
“Is it your anniversary?”
“No but it’s a good cover. It’ll be thirty years in September, pearl. What am I supposed to buy a man like Vince that’s made of pearl? Daft it is.”
“Remind me,
we’ll throw a party. That’s something to celebrate.”
“Not if you’d been married to the miserable sod all that time.” Despite her words, it was said with great affection. “Obviously I can’t do tomorrow night because I’ll be here but we can go Sunday night.”
“That’s fine. So how do the staff feel about working here with The Slasher on the loose?”
“They’re fine by it. They feel safe with the Maguire name above the door, like it’s a magic talisman that can keep away the bad people.”
“And what do you think?”
“In my experience, the Maguire name can attract the bad people too.”
“I can’t disagree with you there.” Rachel had always appreciated Dolores’s straightforward way of speaking, an increasingly rare trait these days. She wished Alex would be so open with her. “I might as well go over the books while I’m here, although I’m sure they’re in order. I’ll be in the office if you need me.”
“Okay,” said Dolores, returning to her post behind the bar. Despite her new loftier position, that was where she was happiest.
It didn’t take Rachel long to check the books. Just like all her other businesses it was running perfectly, everything in order and making a profit. She replaced the books in the safe then reclined back in her chair, wishing she could have a scotch but she was driving. Maybe she should look into The Crown Casino more closely? There was skulduggery afoot and she wanted to know what it was, she wanted to be challenged again. Alex wandered through her mind. She was losing his friendship, she was certain of that, their lives had deviated too much. The thought made her sad but also apprehensive. He was not someone she wanted as an enemy. Even though she was a Law now, Alex still felt to be as much her brother-in-law as Jez did.
She gathered up her things and headed back downstairs to the club, which was substantially busier than before she went upstairs. At least The Slasher wasn’t affecting business. The dance floor was crowded and she had to fight her way through the press of bodies towards the exit, the bouncers stern-faced as they kept an eye out for any trouble. Since The Slasher had gone to work they’d been on high alert.
A Family Divided (Dividing Line #3) Page 4