“Of course I will.”
He looks relieved. “Thanks.”
As she exits the room she almost collides with the rest of the clan lurking in the corridor.
“Can I see him?” says Martina.
“Yeah. He's awake.”
Martina flies into the room followed by Mikey, Rick, Gillian and Beth. Alex hangs back.
“Will he want to see me?” he says.
“He asked to see you specifically. There’s something he wants you to do.”
Alex nods and enters Danny's room and he stands awkwardly at the back like a spare part. Rachel watches him with a frown, remembering all too clearly that only recently he had aimed a gun at her.
That evening when Rachel returns to Danny's room with her overnight bag only Martina remains. Danny is asleep and she gazes down at her son with large scared eyes, worry etched on her face. She looks exhausted.
“Hi love,” says Martina, stretching her tired limbs.
“How's he been?”
“He nodded off after he'd spoken to Alex. Been asleep ever since.“
“I'll stay with him now. Why don’t you go home and get some rest?”
“Yeah I could really do with some shut eye,” she yawns.
Martina picks up her coat and bag and slowly climbs to her feet. She looks at Rachel with gratitude and admiration.
“I want to say thank you, for saving Danny's life.” She hugs her tightly and lets her tears fall.
“I've asked Mikey to stay at yours tonight,” says Rachel.
“Why? It's all over, isn't it?”
“Just a precaution. Nothing to worry about.”
Martina isn't fooled. “Really?”
“Like I said, just a precaution.”
Martina regards her for a moment longer before deciding that whatever is going on Rachel isn't about to share it with her and she is too exhausted to press the issue.
“Well, night then.”
Rachel sleeps fitfully on the little camp bed they've put out for her in Danny‘s room. Even at night the hospital is a hive of activity and the slightest sound causes her to jump awake, her nerves on edge. What little sleep she does get is disturbed by nightmares from which she wakes panting and drenched in sweat.
Danny wakes at three o'clock in the morning, writhing in agony. His pain medication has worn off and hasn’t been topped up. His body is soaked in sweat, hands gripping the twisted sheets tightly. Rachel buzzes for a nurse.
“Danny, I'm here,” she says, holding his hand.
He grasps her hand so hard she winces.
The nurse hurries in to administer the medication. When she’s finished Rachel rounds on her.
“He should have had that two hours ago. Why did you leave it so long?”
“I'm sorry,” replies the nurse wide-eyed, well aware of who she’s dealing with. “I've just come on duty. The nurse who was on the shift before me should have administered it.”
“You tell her I want a fucking word with her tomorrow. I'll have her bloody job for this.”
“Yes. Sorry,” she stammers before hurrying out.
“Remind me never to get on the wrong side of you again,” says Danny with a weak smile.
Rachel mops his brow with a cool flannel. “You should never have had to feel such pain.”
She’s furious that he’s been forgotten, a critically ill patient. She will make sure Sister hears all about it.
Danny feels the pain relief kicking in and the fire in his leg begins to abate. His heart stops pounding and his muscles relax.
“How's the arm?” he says, indicating the bandage.
“It's fine.”
He regards his exhausted, injured wife sadly and wonders if he should have married her. If he hadn’t she would have been safe. Now thanks to him she’s been beaten up, threatened and stabbed. Guilt washes over him but he can’t bring himself to regret marrying her. He knows it’s selfish but he loves her so much he can’t bear the thought of life without her.
“You don't look fine Rach. You're knackered.”
“I'm alright. Soon it'll be over and I can rest.”
“Alex said he wants me to take over the family when I'm better.”
“But he's next in line.”
“I know but he doesn't think he's up to the job.”
“He's right,” she says coldly.
“Don't be like that Babe.”
“I'm sorry Danny but he was considering shooting me just a couple of days ago.”
“Please forgive him Rach. He didn't know what was going on.”
She purses her lips in annoyance and he grasps her hand tightly.
“Please. For my sake.”
She sighs. “Alright, I'll forgive him. For you.”
“Thanks,” he murmurs, sinking back into the pillows, his eyes beginning to close.
She kisses him on the forehead. “Get some rest.”
By the time she clambers back into her own bed he’s snoring softly. Despite what she’d told Danny she’ll wait and see if Alex passes the test they’ve set him. Only then will she be one hundred percent sure as to where his loyalties really lie.
The next morning Rachel returns from her shower to find Superintendent Benton looking down at Danny's sleeping form.
“Can I help you?” she says.
“How is he?” he says without looking at her.
She moves to the opposite side of the bed so she’s facing him, her eyes on Danny's face.
“It was touch and go but he's strong. He'll pull through.”
“Pity. I was hoping to charge Terry with murder.”
Rachel manages to contain her anger at his complete disregard for Danny's life. “As you can see,” she hisses through clenched teeth, “Danny's not up to talking to you yet so perhaps you should leave.”
He glares at her. “You lot have made me look a fool. My superiors are baying for blood and I've got nothing.”
“You've got Terry and Jake. What more do you want?”
“Yeah they're a good collar but at the moment they're only looking at a five years each, three with good behaviour.”
“You really don't know what you've got with those two, do you?”
His interest is piqued. “What do you mean?”
“Oh come on Benton, I'm not a grass.”
He grits his teeth in annoyance. “I'm sick of your fucking games.”
“Have you searched the removal warehouse Terry owns yet?”
“And why would I do that? It’s full of hundreds of containers. A search would be impossible.”
She doesn't reply and his eyes narrow.
“Rachel, what are you talking about?”
“I've given you all the information you're going to get. Now it's up to you how you use it.”
As he hurries to the door she calls after him; “two three three.”
“What?”
“You'll see.”
Benton rushes off to get a search warrant and she watches him go with a smile. Danny and Frankie had left some of the goods from the robbery behind in the container so they can be linked to Jake and Terry. Benton is about to get the collar of his career. A minute after he’s left, Alex appears.
“Well?” she says with a raised eyebrow.
“It's done.”
Rachel closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. All her muscles relax and she suddenly feels much lighter, as though a huge weight has been lifted off her.
Terry is asleep in his hospital bed asleep, chest swathed in a large dressing. The chair by his bed is vacant. There is no one sitting anxiously by his side, no one to worry for him. Suddenly his body begins trembling violently as a vicious fit grips him. Alarms sound and nurses and doctors race into his room, the police guard on his door peering in curiously. Frantically they try to save his life but their efforts are in vain as he continues to seize.
“What the hell’s causing it?” exclaims one doctor.
“I’ve no idea,” replies her colleague.
> The fit releases it hold and his body slumps into the mattress. Still they try to revive him but to no avail.
“Time of death, nine fifteen am,” announces the doctor.
CHAPTER 35
In the hospital canteen everyone stares at Rachel as she waits in line for her lunch but their curiosity barely touches her. The horrors she has endured have hardened her, steeled her against the world. These people and what they think no longer matter. She is so far from her old life there is no way she can ever go back. To these people she is no longer Rachel Thomas, the nurse. Now she is Rachel Maguire, wife of the new crimelord of the city, the woman who took on the titans of the underworld and won. Rachel returns their curious stares with her own steady gaze and they look away.
After purchasing a sandwich she strolls out of the canteen and bumps into Benton.
“What do you want now?” she sighs.
“Alright, don't get on the defensive. I just wanted to say thanks.”
“For what?”
He laughs. “Playing that game, are we?”
“I have no idea what you're talking about.”
“You'll be pleased to know that Jake will be charged with aggravated burglary and handling stolen goods. By the time he gets out he'll be an old man.”
“Your superiors must be happy.”
“They're already congratulating themselves on promoting me and it'll get the press off their backs. Unfortunately I can’t charge Terry, seeing how he died three hours ago.”
“Yes I heard. Can’t say I’m sad about it.”
“There will be a post mortem.” He looks at her meaningfully.
She shrugs. “So?”
“Don’t you want to know what killed him, or do you already know?”
“I couldn’t care less what happened to that bastard. He’s dead and he can’t hurt us anymore. That’s all that matters.”
“Fair enough. Anyway I wanted to tell you that I'm going to give you and Danny a bit of breathing space. My way of saying thanks for the heads up.”
Rachel is pleasantly surprised. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy some time together, I know you've had precious little since you were married but be warned, this is only a temporary respite. Eventually I will take you down, both of you. By eliminating the competition you’ve ensured that you get my undivided attention.” He knows that the Maguires have eradicated their enemies in one fell swoop, allowing them unprecedented power. The Laws are no longer the force they once were.
She smiles sweetly. “Understood.”
He lowers his voice to a whisper. “I know you killed Jarvis, and one day you will pay for it.”
He strides off, pleased with himself. She is tempted to call after him and let him know that his precious Coalition is just a sham; that three of the most upstanding public figures in the city have been used like marionettes by the very criminals they were trying to bring down but she resists the urge. It seems she has just got Benton off her back for a while and she doesn't want to spoil it.
She hurries back to Danny's room to tell him the good news but is intercepted on the way by her parents.
“We just wanted to let you know that we’re going back to Devon,” says Rick.
“But I thought you were staying for a few weeks, until Danny’s discharged?”
Gillian and Rick avoid their daughter’s enquiring eyes.
“We were but after we found out what happened…,” says Rick hesitantly.
Rachel’s face falls. “What are you saying Dad?”
“All this you’re involved in, we don’t understand it. It’s not our world and to be honest love, it scares us.”
“I know but it’s over now Dad. We can all get back to normal.”
Tears shine in Gillian’s eyes but her lips are pursed with disgust. “But it’s not normal Rachel, it’s disgusting, abhorrent. You’re a bunch of criminals and it turns out young lady that you’re the worst of them.”
Rachel is so shocked by her mother’s vehemence she doesn’t know what to say.
“Steady Gill,” says Rick, giving his wife’s hand a gentle squeeze. He turns back to his daughter. “Why don’t you come back with us Rach? Get away from all this violence.”
“Dad, this is my home and Danny is my husband.”
“This life of yours will get you killed,” says Gill. “You’re lucky you’re not dead already and we can’t stand by and wait for it to happen, because one day it will. It’s inevitable.”
Rachel hates to see the pain in her mother’s eyes and doesn’t know how to make it better.
“I knew what I was getting into when I married Danny and I don’t regret my decision.”
“If he truly loved you he’d want to see you safe,” says Rick.
“He will keep me safe. I promise you.”
“Why can’t you see him for what he is?” says Gillian. “A common thug.”
“Don’t call him that,” replies Rachel, eyes narrowing.
“We’re going to Devon Rachel and we’re never coming back and as far as I’m concerned, you don’t exist.”
Astonished, Rachel watches her mother walk away without a backwards glance.
“Remember where the money came from to buy you that house? Or have you conveniently forgotten?” Rachel calls after her. “I didn’t hear you complain about that.” She looks to Rick, pleading in her eyes. “Dad don‘t do this to me,” she says, reaching out for his hand.
“Come with us,” he begs once more.
“My place is beside my husband,” she replies firmly.
He sighs, wiping away his tears with the back of his hand. “Then I’m sorry love. You’ve made your bed and I can’t watch you destroy yourself.”
When she arrives back at Danny’s room Rachel can hold in her pain no longer and she bursts into tears. He takes her in his arms and cradles her until she calms down enough to tell him what has upset her so much.
Ryan patiently waits in the visitors room of Manchester Prison. He looks cool and collected, despite the fact that he is a seething mass of rage and bitterness inside. When he sees Rachel striding confidently towards him his fingers grip the tabletop tightly to prevent himself from leaping up and strangling her on the spot. The eyes of every prisoner are on her, simultaneously attracted by her beauty and curious to catch a glimpse of this woman who has risen so high.
“Hold that,” she orders one of the guards, throwing her coat at him.
The surprise on the guard’s face is almost comical and everyone stifles a laugh yet the authority in her voice is such that he obediently holds her long black suede coat.
She sits down opposite Ryan and crosses her legs, her skirt riding up slightly to reveal a flash of thigh and those stockings. He inhales sharply and grits his teeth.
“I didn't think you'd come,” he says gruffly, attempting to keep the anger out of his voice.
“I admit I was surprised when I got your visiting order but I wanted to see you.”
“Why?”
“You might not believe me but I like you Ryan and I still hope I can count you as a friend.”
“Friend,” he huffs. There’s a pause before he asks, “how's Danny?”
Her face lights up at the mention of her husband's name, annoying him. “Much better. He's being released next week.”
“Oh, good,” he replies none too convincingly. “Does he know you're here?”
“Yes.” She leans towards him conspiratorially. “I'm sorry Ryan, really I am. I didn't want to do this to you.”
“You mean you didn't want to set me up?” He speaks loudly so everyone can hear.
She isn’t the slightest bit concerned and smiles at him, careful to keep her voice low as she talks. “All I did was give you a taste of your own medicine. Davenport told Danny everything. You told him to introduce himself to Terry and suggest the robberies, you played them both. All the time Terry thought he was getting one over everyone when in fact you were the puppet master. The robberies were your idea. Terry sa
id they were his but he never was that bright. You didn’t want any of the risk, not after you'd just been released from prison so you decided to use our family to do your dirty work. Terry played right into your hands when he cut you and Jez out of the robberies because Davenport was still giving you half his share of the proceeds in lieu of it all being your idea. You were making a million a time for doing nothing and if it all went wrong then we’d be the ones blamed. But I can’t blame you for telling the police about the robbery that had to be called off, I know you’re not that sort of man. It was Terry hoping to create paranoia and confusion and get someone else blamed in the process.” She looks about and leans even closer. “I bet The Coalition was all your idea too, wasn't it?”
“Clever girl,” he replies, genuinely impressed.
“You explained the whole thing to Davenport, who in turn approached the others and made it sound like his own idea. You needed a way to ingratiate yourself with our family. Setting up Martina's attack, making yourself look like a victim, it was really smart. You killed Alan Sugar and the Austin Brothers to get everyone to turn against us, you tried to weaken us from within. I knew you were lying Ryan. When I ‘accidentally’ met up with you in the park that day. I thought it was convenient at the time, I mean how often do you go taking walks by duck ponds? When you said you had no idea about the meet I knew you were trying to pull one over us. At the time I just couldn’t figure out how.”
“It’s true. I had you watched closely that day. I was going to call round to your flat on some pretext but when you decided to go out for a walk I changed my plan to make you think we just ran into each other. I never intended for Martina to get hurt, it went like clockwork. I got there just in time to save the day.”
“So you could be the hero in the eyes of our family?”
“Exactly and I got to spend some time alone with you.”
She tries to resist smiling but fails.
“Does Benton know about all this?” he says.
“No and I don't think there's any reason why he should. Neither of us want that coming down on our heads but should things start to get awkward for me or my family then I may use this knowledge to my advantage.” She looks at him meaningfully. “I wonder what he'd do to you if he ever found out? You'd spend the rest of your life in solitary, if he allowed you to keep your life that is.”
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