by KERRY BARNES
‘Oh, Zara, babe. I’m so sorry. I truly didn’t know.’
She stared back and allowed her tears to tumble effortlessly. Then she tried to speak, but the sob was trapped in her throat. Mike rubbed her hands and wiped away her tears.
‘I couldn’t tell anyone. I was in hiding. Izzy sent me away for my own protection. I didn’t even know I was pregnant before I left England.’
It didn’t dawn on him at first, he was so immersed in her sorrow. ‘Ahh, Zara, bless your heart. If only I’d known.’
He meant if only he had known that she’d lost a child, but she took it another way.
‘I wanted to tell you, Mikey, I swear, but it was such a dangerous situation, and by the time things died down, it was too late. I thought, why should two of us suffer?’
Suddenly, he let go of her hand. His eyes narrowed with the surprise – yet another sucker punch inside two minutes – and he looked across the table in consternation. ‘What? He was my baby?’
She realized then that he’d had no idea what she was talking about. ‘I’m sorry, Mikey, I’m really sorry. I wanted to come back to England with our son and …’ She looked down, wiping her wet cheeks.
So many emotions flooded his brain – shock, hurt, anger – but Zara’s feelings took precedence. She was the one who was hurting. She had held her child – his child – and nurtured him. He may have lost two sons, but one of them he’d never even known about. He had the urge to know his baby’s name.
‘What did you call him?’
She looked up. ‘Michael.’
Unexpectedly, and without permission, he got up from his seat and pulled her into his arms and gently caressed her hair. ‘I’m so very sorry, babe.’
If it had been any other inmate, the two duty officers would have marched Regan off the visit for what he’d just done. Common sense prevailed, on this occasion, although it was a close-run thing.
Later, Mike would look back at this moment, seeing it as a turning point in his malaise. But, right now, something inside him released, and all that suppressed hurt and anger that he’d bottled up for so long simply vanished. As he pulled away to look into her eyes, his face looked completely different. He returned to the old Mike. ‘What advice, babe? How can I help?’
She sat down and wiped her nose with the cuff of her sleeve before clearing her throat.
‘I had a business deal with Davey Lanigan, and when I met him face-to-face to do the swap …’ She leaned closer and whispered, ‘Ronnie Harman was there. The deal nearly went tits up, but, luckily, I had Staffie, Willie, and Lou on board or I would have been toast.’
Mike puffed out his chest in anger. ‘You what? Did you say Harman?’
She nodded. ‘But, listen. Something strange is going on, Mikey, and I just can’t work it out.’
‘What the fuck was Harman doing there? I hope the boys ripped his fucking head off!’
She waved her hand impatiently because she needed him to listen. ‘No, they didn’t. I did. But, Mikey, something more important than the Harman thing is going on. Look, Izzy set up this deal with the Lanigans. I took over and all was going sweet. But it turned out Ronnie Harman had managed to convince Lanigan that if I turned up in vans covered in toyshop adverts, there’d be no merchandise inside, just heavy-duty muscle. Anyway, luckily for me, I did have a few heavies – actually your guys – because the Lanigans had two Transit vans on standby, full of their own men.’
‘They didn’t hurt you or me boys, did they?’
‘No,’ she laughed. ‘No, not at all. The Irish firm got battered, though. Anyway, that’s not the point. What I need to find out is how the fuck Ronnie Harman knew I had the vans covered in toyshop ads and men inside ready to fight.’
‘Well, it’s simple, babe. There’s someone on your firm that’s after bringing you down. Like you said, no one knew about the hangar, apart from your own family. Who else would have known about the Lanigan deal? It has to be an insider who was working with Ronnie Harman.’ His face tightened and he banged his hand down on the table. ‘Fuck me, I wish I was out of here. It’s so frustrating.’
She sighed. ‘Other things have been happening. Some of Izzy’s men have retired. My supplier for the Italian restaurants has gone on the missing list. So, I feel like something is going down, and whatever it is, it’s much bigger than the Harmans. Besides, they’re all dead now.’
Mike chewed the inside of his lip. ‘The man with the most clout in London was your ol’ man, so there may be another firm testing the water, now he’s off the scene. And, Zara, whoever it is, they’ve managed to get someone onto their side who’s extremely close to you. Zara, think about it. Izzy was putting it out there that you would take over. He placed you on the front line, taking care of business, so the Italians and the Colombians would all know that you were the boss once he’d gone. That firearms deal was just a tester for me, wasn’t it? He matched me up with the Lanigans for his own ends. He wanted to have me on your firm, to work with you, didn’t he?’
She grinned. ‘Well, yeah, he wanted to see how tough you were, and, I have to be honest, he pushed you to see if you’d be afraid of him. And, well, you proved that when you told him to fuck off …’ Her face suddenly saddened. ‘There were some things that my father hid from me. I think he would have told me more, but his illness took a grip sooner than he thought it would. He knew about us, Mikey, and about the baby. All that time, I thought I’d kept it a secret. I think that’s why he wanted you by my side. Perhaps he assumed we had an unbreakable bond.’ She looked up, hoping for a sign that Mike would admit it.
With a deep frown that almost covered his eyes, Mike said, ‘Of course he knew about us. And I expect he knew you’d be faced with trouble. Perhaps he saw it brewing before he died. That’s why he wanted me on board to help you, knowing I would. And if I wasn’t in this shit-hole, I’d be there for you.’
‘He was such a clever ol’ git.’ She smiled, thinking about how much her father really had looked out for her. ‘I never could fool him.’
Holding her hand, he squeezed it and smiled.
The bell rang. Visiting was over. Mike leaned forward. ‘The Harmans must have been working for this bigger outfit, and it’s my guess that this firm has men on the inside. Look, promise me you’ll lie low for a while? I’ll talk to the boys. At least we don’t have the Harmans to worry about—’
‘I’m not so sure. Although Frank and Ronnie are dead,’ she interjected, ‘I have a sense they were working for someone else. Izzy wasn’t worried about the Harmans. He must have assumed they were all bumbling idiots and never realized that they may have been involved with someone more powerful – but who, I have no idea. It wouldn’t be any of Izzy’s men. I mean, my men haven’t mentioned the name of another firm.’ She suddenly paused and frowned. ‘Unless …’
Mike gripped her hand tighter. ‘Unless what, Zara?’
‘Guy Segal. But … no, it can’t be him. He’s just a sly old fool and wouldn’t dare take me on. He doesn’t have the clout, the money, or the presence. Plus, he’s got to be sixty-five years old now.’
Mike chuckled. ‘That means fuck all. Me ol’ man’s not much younger and he’s still as dangerous. But listen, stay low, go away for a bit. Fuck the business. It’s not worth it, babe. You have enough money. Ya dad left you almost everything.’ His eyes glowed with a gentle expression. ‘You’re worth so much to me, Zara, and I don’t want you hurt. I know you’re tough, but I can’t lose you as well.’
Her heart skipped a beat; Oh, Christ, he did still love her. That look in his eyes made her melt. He was the only man she’d ever loved. But she’d also made a promise to her father to keep the business going, so how could she let him down now?
As if Mike had read her mind, he went on, ‘Izzy couldn’t have predicted this, but I know he sent you away to protect you. And as your fella, I’m going to do the same. He wanted me to look out for you, and I’m telling you to go away for a bit. Go to the most unlikely place, where no one wi
ll think to find you. Ditch ya phone and speak to no one. I reckon someone’s listening in on your calls or your conversations. Change your car. Tell your closest friends, family, whoever, that you’re off on a short break to Spain, and then go somewhere else. Get a new phone and just send Staffie a smiley face, so we know you’re okay, and leave the rest to me.’
The constant tightening in her chest had gone; she could breathe now. All the bricks had been lifted from her shoulders.
‘Finish up your visits, please!’ bellowed the officer at the desk.
There was an awkward moment when both Mike and Zara just gazed at each other.
‘Mikey, I do still …’
‘I know, babe, and I love you too. I always ’ave. So, do as I bleedin’ well say and stay safe, yeah?’
She nodded and lowered her eyes.
The parting embrace was gentle yet firm, and he held her close and gently kissed her neck. ‘If you meet someone special, then, that’s fine, babe. Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid. I can’t bear to lose two people I’ve loved.’
‘I’ll wait for ya, Mikey, I promise. I never did love anyone else. It’s always been you, and I guess it always will be.’
Chapter 18
The e-mail arrived, confirming the purchase of a one-way flight to Spain. She printed it off and left it on the desk for anyone to see. After packing a small suitcase, she loaded the boot of the taxi and left in the dead of night to travel to Gatwick Airport. However, she had no intentions of flying to Spain. As soon as the taxi pulled away, she hurried over to the rental office and hired a car for a week. If she was seriously being watched, then whoever they were would check the taxi office to see where she’d gone. Driving to Liverpool, she prayed that they would lose her scent. After the set-up with the Lanigans, Ireland would be the last place she would go – in her enemy’s eyes – surely?
The drive was tiring, but a few stops for coffee and a bit of time to refresh at one of the service stations had her bright-eyed when she knocked at Davey Lanigan’s door.
Neil appeared. His bruises were still there although his eye wasn’t so swollen. ‘Come in. Me father’s in the lounge.’
She followed him through the double oak doors that led into a wide entrance hall. During the first meeting with Neil, she hadn’t taken a good look at him, for obvious reasons. With deep-blue eyes and clear skin, he was attractive, but there was only one man on her mind – Mike. She gazed at the plush, elegant décor, complemented by an antique cabinet and a stunning display of fresh flowers.
Once inside the large lounge, where there was an inviting open fire and an enormous thick rug, providing a homely feel to the room, her eyes then focused on Davey, sitting on one of the four sofas.
She gave a sympathetic smile when she saw the black bruising down one side of his face. His eyes didn’t hold that former evil look, which had oozed such confidence. She wondered if she really had knocked him sideways.
‘Sit down, Zara,’ he said, gesturing with his hand.
She hoped she hadn’t jumped out of the frying pan into the fire. Yet, somehow, as she gracefully sat down, her instincts told her she should not feel threatened by Davey Lanigan.
A moment later, she heard the stomping of high heels from the hallway. She turned to face a middle-aged woman with red hair, pale skin, and a thunderous expression. She was wearing a black dress, which showed her middle-aged spread.
‘You’ve got some nerve, girl!’ she bellowed in a thick Irish accent.
Zara jumped to her feet, before the raging woman could tear into her.
‘Tania, stop right there. You have no fecking business, interfering. Now, get the feck out!’
Tania, evidently his wife, screwed her face up and glared at Zara. ‘The fecking state yer left me old man in, I’ve a good mind ta fecking smash you one meself.’
Zara suddenly laughed. ‘Listen, lady, no disrespect, but it was a fair fight.’
Neil laughed along, and Davey had a massive grin on his face. ‘It was dat all right.’
Tania huffed and scowled. ‘Well, I don’t fecking know. Women fighting like men. What’s the world coming to? Well, I best offer yer a drink. A pint of lager, is it?’
Zara laughed again. ‘No, thank you. A cup of tea would be lovely, though, and … er, please, don’t spit in it.’
A peachy grin swept across Tania’s face. ‘You’ll be lucky if I don’t shit in it. No, okay, love. It seems that silly ol’ bastard ’as forgiven yer, so I best do the same. One lump or two?’
‘Oh no, it was only one lump, right across the face.’
Tania rolled her eyes. ‘I meant sugar.’
With a wink, Zara replied, ‘One, please.’
The ice had been broken and they were now set for business.
‘So, Zara, let us be perfectly frank with each other,’ said Davey, sitting upright. ‘You and I were well and truly set up. However, Ronnie Harman had underestimated you.’ He coughed. ‘And so did I. But that’s not the issue. The point is, now we both have a common enemy.’
She smiled. ‘Oh yes, we do, and as I see it, really, I did you no wrong. I’m a woman of my word, and you know that now.’
He looked at his son and smiled. ‘Yes, you are.’
‘Davey, something is going on, and I don’t think the past incidents are all down to the Harmans. They weren’t strong enough to have that much front. I do believe there’s a bigger man behind all of this, but the problem is, I have no idea who. The truth is that in the last few days my business has been slipping away from me.’
‘Well, there lies the problem. No successful firm can survive when the fear has gone. Izzy is dead, God rest him, and you are left alone. I think Izzy never underestimated you, but he may have miscalculated on the loyalty and goodwill of his men.’
‘I’m sure you’re right because my men are backing off with no explanation.’
Davey sniffed the air. ‘I’m not sure how we can help, apart from keeping you safe here, which I feel obliged to do. I at least owe Izzy and yourself that much.’
‘Did you know my father well?’
Davey grinned and nodded. ‘I think I knew as much about Izzy as he knew about me. The thing is, Zara, your father’s set-up was much like mine here in Ireland. We had mutual respect. I was straight with him and he was likewise. We couldn’t really afford to feck each other over and we never trod on each other’s toes. I really wouldn’t have wanted to have upset the man. He was fecking dangerous.’
Zara chuckled. ‘He said the same about you.’
‘You see, Zara, it’s all about persuading people to make the right choices. The carrot and the stick are powerful motivators, that they are.’
She nodded, listening to his words of wisdom.
‘Okay then, Davey. I think we could work together because my father also made it known that you were a very serious mob and not to be crossed. Back in London, your reputation precedes you. That can only be good for business.’
Davey grinned. ‘Yes, no doubt he did. And we have a genuine respect for your firm, Zara. Tell me then about your proposal, and I may have one for you.’
Her eyes lit up. Instantly, he saw the devil in them and waited for her cheeky expression to turn into words.
Their conversation was interrupted by Tania shuffling her way into the living room with a tray of refreshments. She looked at Zara and winked. ‘Tea and one lump.’
Davey eased himself forward to look at the tea. ‘Did you make me a coffee?’
Tania raised her eyebrow. ‘Go make yer fecking own. All that shouting at me earlier, and now yer expect a drink? Bollocks.’
Zara didn’t know whether to laugh or look away. She hadn’t seen a couple like this before and wondered if they were happy or terribly miserable.
‘What? Tan, make us a nice coffee, will yer?’ his voice softened.
She grinned. ‘There, look, yer silly ol’ bastard. It’s on the tray.’
She chuckled and left the room.
‘Y
ou were saying, Davey?’
‘Well, actually, I wasn’t, but, anyway, you told me that this Mike Regan was the man who supplied me with the arms?’
Zara nodded and sat up straight, hoping this would lead to a deal.
‘Can you make contact and get the deal back on for me?’
Zara now knew she had a business to barter with. ‘Okay, I can get you a regular supply of arms, but I want your help in return.’
‘Go on,’ replied Davey.
She smiled and picked up her cup. ‘First, I hope I can trust your wife,’ she said, before she took a sip.
Neil laughed. ‘It wouldn’t have been spit, it would have been arsenic, if she’d had any doubts about yer.’
With a nod, she said, ‘It’s all about trust, eh?’
Once she placed the cup and saucer on the coaster by the side of her, she sat back, smoothed down her skirt, and took a deep breath. ‘I need to stay in Ireland. I can’t have anyone in England knowing where I am. I have all the business contacts and know the ins and outs with the drug dealers, the suppliers, and the buyers. Restaurants are supplied by me, but, lately, they’re pulling out. I want that business back, but I can’t be seen to be doing it myself. They need to think that your firm is taking over. Do you think you can handle it?’
It was Davey’s turn to chew it over. ‘And I take it that in the process, you want to know who’s behind the firm that’s attempting to run you out of town?’
‘Yes, that’s about it … oh and trust. You have to trust me.’
‘Well, Zara, you have my assurance that I trust you, so tomorrow, we can go over the finer details, and if we both make good money, then it’s got to be a win-win. And I think we can do more than take back your business for you. If we find whoever is trying to bring you down, they must have businesses of their own – or, if not, they have to be rich – so we will be taking over their assets as compensation.’
She sighed with relief and relaxed her shoulders. ‘Is there a B & B near here?’
Neil jumped up and waved his hand. ‘You can stay with us. The house has enough spare rooms, and mum’s bark is worse than her bite. I think she likes to have a woman around instead of just men.’