“I’m fine, he didn’t actually hurt me.”
“But he went for you,” said Beth, clutching Holly to her.
“My doormen saw him off.”
“Then he’s obviously a coward who can’t stand up to someone tougher than he is,” stated Martina firmly.
When Mikey hugged Rachel she held onto him, his presence had always soothed her. No matter what her relationship with the rest of the Maguires was like, in her mind he would always be the brother she never had. As she looked into his eyes she saw he was troubled; concerned for herself yes, but something else was on his mind. In response to her questioning look he just shook his head, indicating not yet.
“The Slasher struck again, the night after he attacked you,” said Martina.
“So I believe but thankfully he only managed to hurt two people that night, he nearly got caught again by the doormen,” replied Rachel.
“He’s getting sloppy, I bet the police catch him soon,” said Beth.
“We can only hope. Brew anyone?” Rachel offered.
“Please,” Martina and Beth chimed in unison.
Ryan emerged from the living room followed by the children, the boys hurling themselves at their adoptive grandmother, who laughed with delight. Leah was altogether much calmer and greeted her Aunt Beth and kissed Holly.
“Everyone sit down, I’ll bring the drinks in,” said Rachel.
As she bustled about the kitchen, Mikey snuck in and shut the door.
“Alright Love?” she beamed at him.
“Not really,” he sighed, shoving his hands into his trouser pockets.
“What’s wrong?” she said, afraid he was going to tell her something about Alex and the business.
“I’ve knocked someone up.”
She blinked with surprise. “What?”
“Amber Sweeney. She was a one-night stand after my last match nearly three months ago, when I knocked out Big Joe Denton.”
“I remember.” He’d been elated because Denton had been pro, a bit big time and beating him had done Mikey’s boxing career the power of good.
“Are you sure it’s yours?”
He nodded. “I’ve asked around, she’s a good girl, doesn’t shag about like a lot of women off the Montford.”
“She’s off the Montford?” she said, incredulous. She used to lived on the Montford herself, it was where the Law boys had been dragged up. They’d spent years warring with the people from the Henley, the Maguires patch, however since the truce all had been harmonious. But when Rachel had first met Danny, his dad Frank had taken exception to her just because she was from the Montford and she was worried Alex would think the same about Mikey’s child.
“She’s agreed to a DNA test when it’s born,” he said. “She knows I have to be sure, we don’t really know each other.”
“That was good of her, most women would have been insulted.”
“She’s quite sweet and timid and her agreement tells me she’s nothing to hide.”
“Do you remember sleeping with her?”
“Vaguely. She’s really really pretty.”
Rachel thought hard, she was still familiar with most of the families on the Montford. “Amber Sweeney, huge green eyes, long curly red hair, tiny with big boobs?”
“That’s her.”
“You’re right, she’s not a slag and she’s only nineteen.”
“Oh crap,” he sighed. “At least she’s over age.”
“Is she keeping it?”
“She says she is, although she didn’t look too happy about it. Her parents were there when she told me and I got the feeling they were the ones encouraging her to keep it.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. Ken Sweeney is a money grabbing arsehole. I reckon his gran didn’t die, he sold her. No doubt he’s seeing you as a walking talking bank. Be careful of him. Did you use protection?”
“Obviously not.”
“You could have used a condom that split.”
“I can’t remember,” he shrugged helplessly.
“Have you told Jennie yet?”
“Course not, she’ll have my balls off.”
“But you weren’t seeing her then.”
“I know but she’s as jealous as hell.”
Rachel couldn’t really blame Jennie for that. In his dual role as champion boxer and powerful gangster, Mikey was constantly surrounded by female admirers. “So what are you going to do?”
“She’s determined to keep it so I suppose I’ve no choice but to support her.”
“That’s very decent of you.”
“I know what it’s like to be rejected by your parents, I wouldn’t wish that on any kid.”
Rachel hugged him. “You’ll make a great dad.”
“I’m not so sure.”
She hadn’t heard such uncertainty in his voice since he was first released from the secure unit he’d been held in for years after his own mother set him up to take the fall for his brother. Only Rachel had believed that he was as innocent as he’d claimed he was, which had forged the strong bond between them.
“You will. Trust me, when that baby’s born you’ll love it like nothing else on earth.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I am right and with you and Amber as parents, think how gorgeous it’ll be.”
He managed to raise a small smile. “Thanks.”
“Just don’t let Ken Sweeney take the piss about money, because he will try.”
He nodded then kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks Rach, I feel a bit better.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Will you be there when I tell Jennie?”
“You can’t do that to her, think how humiliated she’ll be if you tell her in front of someone else. I’m sorry Mikey, you’re on your own with that one.”
“But she’ll go mental.”
“Probably but if she can’t deal with it then you’ll have to split up. If you’re serious about becoming a father then you have to put the child first. If she stands by you then you know she’s a keeper.”
“I suppose,” he said, already looking nervous at the prospect.
She smiled and squeezed his hand. “You’ve dealt with people far scarier than Jennie.”
“You’re joking. Frankie McVay’s less intimidating.”
It amused her to see Mikey Maguire so disconcerted. “You’ll be fine. Have you told anyone else?”
“No, you’re the first.”
She was touched. “I’m always here if you need me, you know that. You’ve got plenty of people around you who love you, we’re all here to help.”
“Then I’m a lot luckier than most,” he smiled, squeezing her hand. “Do me a favour though, keep it quiet until I’ve told Jennie. I don’t want her hearing it second hand.”
“Course but don’t hang about. No doubt Ken Sweeney will be broadcasting it.”
His face dropped. “Shit, I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Can I tell Ryan? I won’t if you don’t want me to.” She didn’t like keeping anything from her husband, it made her uncomfortable.
“I suppose he can be trusted to keep it to himself. No doubt he’ll take the piss.”
“No he won’t, he loves being a dad. You might find it useful to talk to him.”
“Maybe,” he nodded.
“Right, help me get this lot through to the others before they wonder what’s happened to us.”
Mikey exited the kitchen carrying the tea tray, looking a lot happier. However it was short lived. When his mobile phone rang half an hour later his face dropped. Even though he was sat opposite her, Rachel could hear the shrieking on the other end of the line.
“Jennie,” he said, his eyes connecting with Rachel’s and right then she knew exactly why she was ringing. Ken Sweeney had obviously wasted no time. Mikey dashed out of the room to take the call, everyone regarding him curiously. He returned five minutes later. “I’ve got to go, something’s come up.”
“Nothing bad I hop
e?” said Martina. Since Danny’s death she dreaded any sudden, unexpected news.
“No, just Jennie going off on one as usual. I’ll see you later,” he said, casting Rachel another meaningful look before leaving.
“Oh dear, I don’t envy him,” said Martina, bouncing Aaron on her knee. “She’s a fiery one.”
“She is that,” replied Rachel. “So, where’s Alex?” she asked, trying to sound casual.
“Some business meeting,” said Beth, placing a bottle in Holly’s mouth, Leah sat beside her watching, completely fascinated. “He asked me to pass on his best.”
Rachel knew she was lying because she couldn’t meet her eyes. “Really?”
“Yes.” Beth kept her gaze on her daughter’s face and off Rachel’s, not wanting to see the hurt there. Despite what she’d told Rachel, Beth had realised her husband was turning against her best friend. She knew one day she would be forced to choose between Alex and Rachel. It would be easier if she knew why he’d suddenly decided he didn’t like her. All Beth knew was that it was something to do with Ryan because he wasn’t a fan of his anymore either, although his relationship with Jez hadn’t changed, which meant it was personal and not business. Whenever she thought about it she experienced a cold sense of dread because it could only end in tears and she had the feeling those tears wouldn’t be Alex’s.
After their guests had left, Ryan said, “so what were you and Mikey discussing in the kitchen?”
Rachel realised he thought it was something to do with Alex. “You might as well know I suppose, everyone else will before the day is out. Mikey’s got Amber Sweeney pregnant. It’s not funny,” she added when he burst out laughing. “He’s in a right state about it.”
“Well it was only a matter of time, he’s shagged most of Manchester. The law of averages was against him. When did it happen?”
“The night he won the Denton fight.”
“I’m amazed he was up to the job, he was leathered.”
“He can remember it, but only vaguely. Amber’s agreed to a DNA test when it’s born.”
“Poor sod, Ken Sweeney will be onto him for cash every chance he gets.”
“No doubt it was him who let it slip to Jennie. He’ll want to split them up in the hope Mikey will get with Amber.”
“Is there any chance of that?”
“Unlikely. They’ve only slept together once when Mikey was drunk. Hardly a great love story.”
“Amber’s a sweet little thing and a bit scared of her dad. He might well have used her as a honey trap.”
“Maybe. I suggested Mikey talk to you, I thought you could give him some advice about being a father.”
“Aw, why did you do that? That’s not the sort of conversation men have.”
“He’s scared Ryan, he’s worried he’ll be as bad as his own parents.”
His smile fell. “I can understand that. Alright, I’ll talk to him, but only if he asks me first.”
“Thank you,” she said, kissing him “You’re such a great dad I’m sure you’ll have lots of wisdom to impart.”
“Alright, you can cut the flannel. I said I’d do it.”
Her good mood suddenly fell flat. “I thought Alex might have come today.”
“I know. I’m going to have a word with him, I’m getting fed up of this. If he’s got a problem why doesn’t he just come out with it?”
“Are you sure that’s wise? It might make things worse.”
“Yes, I’m sure. At least we’ll know where we stand.”
“Be careful,” she said, worried for him.
“I’m not afraid of Alex Maguire.”
She didn’t doubt that he wasn’t, but she wondered if he should be.
Dolores couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed herself so much and wished she’d come to The Crown Casino sooner. It was classy in an over-the-top sort of way, the punters were loaded and behaved themselves and, best of all, she was winning, but then she always did. Already Rachel’s two grand had transformed into six grand and she’d attracted quite a crowd with her game and loud but likeable ways. Vince was watching on indulgently as everyone anxiously waited to see what hand Dolores would put down next. A royal flush once again obliterated her opponents and the watching crowd cheered. Hardly the subtle scout about Rachel had wanted but in a way it was good because she was getting the gossip about the casino from some of the regulars, who were happy to chat to the woman of the moment. Apparently it was a good place, popular too but there’d been a little trouble recently, but no one really went into details about that. From what Dolores could gather it involved some unpleasant people, although no names were mentioned.
When Dolores’s winnings reached nine grand she decided to call it a day. In the past she’d made the mistake of keeping going and ended up losing everything she’d worked hard for. So she packed it in while Lady Luck was still on her side. It seemed she’d cultivated quite the fan club, who all encouraged her to have one more game but she politely refused and left the table, much to the relief of her opponents.
“How about we book that Caribbean cruise we’ve always dreamed of for our anniversary?” she smiled, planting a noisy kiss on Vince’s lips. She frowned at something over his shoulder. “Hello, what’s this?”
Vince turned to see what she was looking at and saw Sid talking with two rather large gentlemen in expensive suits, Rolexes gleaming on their wrists. From their olive skin they appeared to be Italian or Greek. Dolores pulled out her mobile phone.
“What are you doing? What if they see?” said an anxious Vince.
“They won’t. Smile for the camera.” She took a photo of Vince, the two men visible in the background. Then she got her husband to stand aside and took a discreet snap of the men from behind the shade of a potted palm. Her camera was excellent and the quality good. As she slipped it back into her handbag she glanced around to see if anyone had noticed, but they were all too engrossed in the activities at the tables.
“Sid looks very nervous,” she said.
“So would I if I had to talk to that pair.”
“Do you recognise them?”
“I’m glad to say, no.”
One of the men pointed a hand bedecked with gold bling in the direction of a back room Dolores took to be Sid’s office and he reluctantly obeyed, head bowed, looking like a man on the way to his execution. Dolores hoped he wasn’t.
Rachel hung up after her conversation with Dolores then waited for the photos she’d sent her to arrive. The phone beeped and she opened the files to study the images of the men who’d been threatening Sid. She didn’t recognise them so she decided to show them to Ryan, who might know who they were.
It was a Monday, the kids were at school and Ryan had driven out to the site of one of their new housing developments on the edge of the city. They’d bought an early nineteenth century shipping and packing warehouse that they were converting into twelve luxury flats plus two stunning penthouses, each taking up half of the vast roof space. The flats weren’t even finished and all of them were sold except one apartment on the first floor. Ryan was using the show flat on the ground floor as an office and as Rachel made her way through the entrance hall she admired the expensive veined marble and Art Nouveau stained glass. It was an excellent place for professional couples, in easy commuting distance of the city centre but just far enough away to enjoy a little peace and quiet. Although she and Ryan had planned this development together she’d left the running of it to him and the last time she’d seen it the building work was still going on. She had to own she was impressed, he’d done a fantastic job.
She entered the flat, which was bedecked in neutral creams, giving the buyers a blank canvas on which to paint their own personalities. They’d decided to keep the original sash windows and double glaze them, making them real centre points of each room, the doors Regency style, modern and traditional merging perfectly.
She found Ryan sat at his desk, frowning at his computer screen.
“Lookin
g good,” she smiled.
“Yes its come along really well.”
“What’s up? You look confused,” she said, dropping her handbag onto his desk.
“I hate technology,” he replied, jabbing at the keyboard, causing it to bleep loudly.
“Don’t do that you’ll break it. What are you trying to do?”
“Get into the spreadsheets for expenditure on materials.”
She moved round the desk and sat on his lap so she could get access to the computer.
“We should work like this more often,” said Ryan, his arms sliding around her waist as he leant in to kiss her neck.
“I don’t think we’d get much done. There you go,” she said when the spreadsheet he wanted popped up on the screen.
“How did you do that?”
“With patience and a gentle touch.”
“Now you can put that gentle touch to better use,” he said, reaching inside her blouse and kissing her neck.
Rachel bit her lip and moaned at the feel of his fingers on her bare skin and of the stirrings she could feel beneath her that were originating in his lap. “Are any hairy-arsed workmen likely to come in?”
“No, they’re all busy,” he replied, hitching up her skirt. “And we’ve got a baby to make.”
“We might already have, it’s too early to tell yet.”
“There’s no harm in increasing the odds,” he said, sliding his hands inside her damp panties.
“I suppose not,” she breathed.
“Don’t move,” he said as he tore her panties in two and cast them aside, making her heart race. She heard his zip go down, there was a bit of fumbling then he pushed up into her.
“After six years, you still feel amazing,” he whispered in her ear as he thrust into her again.
Rachel moaned, gripping onto his thighs when he started to move faster. She had to arch her spine and lean back against him to prevent herself from being thrown forward.
“Ryan,” she cried moments before she came hard, feeling him spill himself inside her.
They remained locked together for a couple of minutes, enjoying the post-coital haze then she climbed off him, her legs trembling slightly from being stuck in a kneeling position.
A Family Divided (Dividing Line #3) Page 7