Strang raised his head, making no attempt to wipe away his tears. “Sabine?”
Ryan nodded.
“She showed me her photo, she used to talk about her all the time. Although I couldn’t understand the words, somehow I knew what she was saying. What will happen to her?”
“We’re putting her in rehab, Katia got her hooked on heroin. She’ll be well looked after, I promise.”
“She’d better be, she was Laila’s world. Can I meet her?”
“Not just yet. We’re organising Laila’s funeral, perhaps you could meet her then?”
Strang nodded, raked his fingers through his hair and got to his feet. “I’m sorry to disturb.”
“It’s alright.”
“Anything you need from me Ryan and I mean anything just let me know. I want revenge for what he’s done.”
“You’ll get it, I promise you that.”
He trundled to the door, not looking very steady on his feet. He paused and turned to look back at Ryan, expression infinitely sad. “I should have got her out of there sooner but I didn’t because I was afraid of Alex. Not anymore though.”
With that he left and Ryan couldn’t help feeling sorry for him.
By the time Bruiser returned after dropping the girls off at the hotel, Rachel had woken up.
“Are Sabine and Daina okay?” she asked him.
“They’re wonderful,” he replied.
Rachel gave him a grin. “Has someone got a crush?”
“Maybe,” he replied with a wink before settling back in a chair and picking up a paper, indicating the conversation was at an end, although the smile remained on his lips.
“I’ve got to go again I’m afraid, lots to do,” Ryan told Rachel.
“Get some rest please, you look so tired.”
“I’ll get a couple of hours.”
“You’ll get more than that. Have a decent night’s sleep and come back in the morning. I’ll only be asleep anyway.”
“I don’t want to leave you for long.”
“I’ll be fine, I’ve got Battler and Bruiser. You need to rest.”
“Okay, I will, but under protest,” he said, kissing her.
As Ryan left he glanced into Alex’s room, amused to see Col talking furiously at him. Alex appeared to be trying to calm him down. Ryan gave a smile and a cheery wave that sent Col into apoplexy. When he shot to his feet Alex grabbed his arm to stop him going after him. In sheer frustration Col stuck his middle finger up at Ryan, making him laugh and shake his head. As he wandered down the corridor he could hear their angry voices.
His head aching with tiredness and stress, the last thing Ryan wanted was to go back to a hotel full of people. What he needed was a little quiet time to himself to think so he did something he’d never done before, he went into the chapel.
The room was small but mercifully empty so he sat on one of the benches at the back, feeling like an intruder. The only time he’d been to church was for an occasion; weddings, christenings, funerals. He’d never believed in God, never believed in any power but his own. He failed to see the point in begging for assistance from something he couldn’t see. But now he found himself wishing he could believe and ask for forgiveness. Since he’d gone legitimate he’d thought about all the terrible things he’d done, all the lives he’d taken and it seemed it wasn’t over yet. He liked the thought of some omnipotent being who could take the guilt off his shoulders, but then again, how much guilt did he really feel? Gavin Sugar had contributed to the attacks on his wife and kids, in fact everyone he’d killed in recent years had been in defence of Rachel and his family and he found it impossible to feel bad about that, he’d do anything for them. However, despite his lifelong atheism, he couldn’t help thinking there was some higher power watching over them. He and Rachel had both been saved from certain death more than once and all of them had managed to get out of that fire unscathed. Whereas most people would have thought the idea of a God ridiculous after suffering so much heartache, he experienced a surprising gratitude.
“Thank you,” he whispered to whatever or whoever may be listening. He just hoped their benevolence extended a little longer and helped them out of the horrible mess they’d found themselves in.
“Hello again.”
It took Ryan a moment to realise the voice hadn’t come from some omnipotent being but from a flesh and blood person behind him. I really do need some sleep, he thought inwardly, amused by himself. He must be going soft.
He turned in his seat to see a tall elegant blond hovering in the doorway. It was the woman he’d met in the Relative’s Room. Leah. “Hello,” he said.
She sat beside him. “How’s your wife?”
“On the mend,” he said, a little annoyed. Why couldn’t he get any bloody peace? “How’s your husband?” he continued when he got the impression she was waiting for him to ask.
“Not good. He should be improving by now but he only seems to be getting weaker.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
She gave a sad nod. “Do you know why there are police on the ward?”
“Because of my wife. She was kidnapped. They’re here for her protection.”
“Oh my God, your wife’s Rachel Law?”
He nodded.
“I saw it on the news, it’s terrible. I’m so sorry. But why are they guarding two rooms?”
“Our friend tried to help her and he got shot. He could be in danger too.”
Katia repressed a triumphant smile. So that was the story they’d given the authorities. Alex was being made out to be a hero, but why? She could only surmise it was because they didn’t want the police to arrest him, they wanted to deal with him personally. Well she wouldn’t let them. The thought of the knife concealed in her handbag was a tempting one. She could end this with one thrust of a blade but she was curious to learn more about this man who, she had to admit, intrigued her. “That’s terrible. Is he alright?”
“It’s starting to look that way,” he replied, trying to keep the regret out of his voice.
“That is good. A friend who is willing to take a bullet for you is a very valuable one.”
“Yes,” he said quietly, jaw tightening.
Katia’s blue eyes studied every subtle reaction. He was difficult to read but he had his guard down, he didn’t know she was a threat and that filled her with a sense of power. She was enjoying herself. Sitting back in her seat she decided to give him a treat and crossed her legs, her skirt riding up to reveal slender creamy thighs. To her irritation he didn’t even notice.
“I’ve got to get going. See you later,” he said, getting up and leaving the room.
“Bye,” she called after him.
When he’d gone Katia slid into the chair he’d just vacated. The warm spot he’d left sent pleasure running through her. She felt an odd combination of hatred and attraction for Ryan Law. He was intent on destroying the man she loved but she also found him incredibly alluring. Those hard grey eyes set in that handsome face combined with the command and danger that surrounded him sent her pulse racing. Despite this she wouldn’t hesitate to kill him before he could kill Alex.
“Get a fucking grip Col,” said Alex, grabbing the man’s wrist and squeezing, reminding him of his strength and power. “I’m sorry about Gavin but don’t lose it, not now.”
Col released a groan of anguish and buried his face in his hands. “The smug bastard had my brother’s teeth in a plastic tube. He rattled them at me. How fucking sick is that?”
“He’s obviously been taking lessons from Frankie. Now calm down and think. You said you came here to tell me something.”
Col sat upright, attempting to gather his thoughts. He’d come here with something vital to tell Alex but that had gone out the window when he’d been struck by the realisation that another of his brothers was dead. The need for revenge was overriding everything else and he struggled to remember why he’d come here in the first place.
“Think Col.”
&nbs
p; Alex’s savage snarl brought him back to his senses. “I had a phone call from a very pissed off Vladimir calling me an English dog and telling me he’s going to feed me to his pet pigs.”
“Why? We’ve always been good to Vlad.”
“The Laws burnt down his brothel and all of ours.”
Alex thought he’d misheard. Surely this couldn’t be happening? “What did you say?”
“They torched the brothel Rachel was held in as well as the other two. They must have tortured the addresses out of Gavin. Then they attacked Vladimir’s.”
“Why his?” Alex hissed the words through his teeth, so enraged he couldn’t get the muscles in his jaw relaxed enough to talk.
“They took two girls from the brothel. Some fat bint named Daina and another, Sabine.”
“Sabine.” His eyebrows knitted together. “Fucking Laila. She must have done a deal with Rachel, that was her price for helping her escape.”
“The Laws told Orlov the attack on the brothel was on your orders and now we’ve got Vlad after our blood.”
“Didn’t you talk him down?”
“Course I did and I think I managed to get through a bit but he’s insisting on meeting you.”
“Not here, I am not having him seeing me in this condition. I’ll meet him when I get out of here. Try and keep him sweet until then. We could do with his muscle.”
“I will Boss.”
“Did you speak to Vic Slattery?” This man was head of a very powerful family down south, the Jordans’ old rivals. When the women he’d trafficked got too messed up to work in his brothels, Alex sold them onto Vic to use in his own, less salubrious establishments.
“I did and he said he doesn’t want to get involved. Apparently he’s heard Frankie McVay’s supporting the Laws and he doesn’t want to piss him off.”
“Fucking spineless bastard, he’ll get no more favours from me.”
Alex couldn’t believe how much damage Ryan and Rachel were doing him. His brothels gone, the compound out of his reach, now Vladimir had turned against him. He wanted to rage at someone and Col was a convenient target but right now he needed him so he had to keep him sweet. But the fact that he was allowing their enemies to run rings around them proved he wasn’t number two material. He needed a substitute and he thought he had just the person.
CHAPTER 10
Ryan was exhausted by the time the taxi dropped him off at the hotel. He was practically asleep on his feet in the lift and was dismayed when he opened the door to the suite to find everyone still up, Beth and Daina doling out food that had just been delivered by room service.
“How’s Rachel?” Beth asked him as he shut the door behind him and hung up his jacket.
“Getting stronger. Battler and Bruiser are staying with her tonight.”
“That’s good.”
“Where’s Rick?”
“Flaked out in one of the bedrooms. I think all the worrying got to him.”
“Have you arranged for his flight back out?” he asked Mikey.
“Battler has because only he knows where they’re staying. He leaves tomorrow afternoon.”
“Do you want anything to eat?” Beth asked Ryan.
“No thanks,” he replied, sinking into a chair beside Jez and rubbing his eyes.
“When did you last eat?” she continued.
“Can’t remember,” he yawned.
“Then you’re having something and no arguments. Rachel won’t be impressed if she finds out you’re not looking after yourself.”
Ryan looked at Mikey with surprise, who shrugged his shoulders. The new Beth was so much stronger and assertive than the old one that he thought it best not to protest and just let her do as she pleased. He noticed Riley sat at the breakfast bar watching her. He could understand why his brother would feel an affinity for her, they’d experienced similar traumas, but he made a mental note to advise him in private not to make a move, it was far too soon for both of them.
“How did you get on with Frankie?” Ryan asked Mikey, stretching out his long legs and resting his feet on the coffee table. If they’d been at home Rachel would have killed him for putting his feet on the furniture. The memory of her admonishing him for doing that very thing made him smile.
“Don’t bloody ask, the man’s a lunatic.”
“Only just realised that?”
“You won’t believe what he did.”
“I shudder to think,” he replied, resting his head back in the chair and closing his eyes.
Mikey glanced about to make sure no one was listening before leaning in. “We went into the first brothel Alex owns and the man on the door laughed at him and asked if he was in The Proclaimers.”
“Oh dear. He doesn’t like that.”
“That’s an understatement. You know that plastic tube he gave you for those teeth?”
“Yes.”
“He had a larger one in his pocket. That one doesn’t contain fingers or teeth but a much more vital part of the man’s anatomy.”
Ryan’s eyes opened. “He didn’t?”
“He did, it was bloody disgusting. He’s only going to take it home with him. I mean, why would you want someone’s cock on your wall?”
“I have no idea. So what was the outcome?”
“Neither of Alex’s other two brothels are standing. Frankie’s mates from Glasgow arrived and we burnt both of them down. After that insult Frankie decided he didn’t want them left standing.”
“Did you get the women out first?”
“Course we did. They all legged it. It’s done, thank God.”
“Where’s Frankie now?”
“Back at the flat with his mates getting lashed. I got out of there as quick as I could.”
“At least he’s out of our hair for a few hours.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a pale Sabine approaching them almost tentatively.
“Can I speak to you in private please?” she said, wringing her hands.
“Sure,” replied Ryan, hauling himself to his feet and following her to the back of the room.
“I am very ashamed,” she began, “but I am used to being given…” She shook her head and pressed her hands to her eyes. “The drugs,” she said, unable to look at him while she said it.
He noticed how much she was shaking, how twitchy she seemed. “We can arrange that and it will be safe and clean. Go to your room and Jez will bring it to you.”
“Thank you. I am very humiliated.”
“Don’t be.”
She wandered back to her room, staring at the floor. She was a proud girl and her involuntary drug addiction was a source of torment for her.
Ryan sank back into his chair. “Jez, Sabine needs a top up.”
“Top up? Oh I see.”
“Just enough to take the edge off. Hopefully this time tomorrow she’ll be in rehab.”
“I’ll sort it,” he said, just wanting to collapse into bed. It was dark and cold outside and he was reluctant to leave.
“Don’t go alone,” Ryan warned him.
“Take Declan and his brothers with you,” said Mikey.
“Cheers mate.”
“Aw bless, I don’t think he wants to go out,” said Mikey as they watched Jez lumber to the door, steps dogged with fatigue.
“Can’t say I blame him. I have a concern Mikey.”
“Oh yeah?”
“When this is over and you find yourself top of the tree, what place will my brother take?”
“We’ve already discussed it. We’re going to honour the truce you and Frank brokered. We’ll be business partners.”
“So you won’t get carried away and try to seize the heroin as well?”
“You’re joking? Frank didn’t want our family to touch it and I agree.”
“Alex said he’d respect Frank’s wishes too but I’m sure Jez was on his hit list right after you.”
“No fucking way, I’m not Alex. He’s always had a screw loose, you know that. Look, it’s like th
is. The past few months have been hell. You and Rachel were in Devon, you didn’t see Alex degenerating. Through it all Jez was the only one I could trust enough to discuss it with and make plans.”
“And how successful those plans were. Idiots.”
“I’ve been called worse.”
“I like you Mikey, you came through for us when we needed you and Rachel adores you.” He leaned in closer, cool grey eyes boring into him. “But if you betray my brother I will be straight back here with a Tupperware box of my own. Are we clear?”
“Crystal.”
“Excellent.”
A plate of hot noodles and chicken was thrust before Ryan. “Beth says eat this or she will be very angry with you.”
“Thank you Daina, tell her I will obey orders,” he replied.
“I will,” she smiled.
“Daina, you look happy.”
“I am in a beautiful place with kind people who don’t want to hurt me. So yes, I am happy.”
“I suspect Bruiser is something to do with it too,” he teased.
She blushed but her smile was broad. “Maybe.”
“Her and Bruiser?” said Mikey as she hurried back to assist Beth. “He must be twice her age.”
“Let’s find out. Daina, how old are you?” Ryan called across the room.
“Twenty five,” she called back.
“Exactly half his age,” grinned Ryan.
Mikey was relieved when Ryan smiled. After watching him beat Gavin Sugar to death he was eager to stay on his good side.
Ryan slept solidly until six the following morning. Instinctively he reached out to the space beside him and it was a shock when he found it empty. Eager to return to his wife’s side he jumped up, took a hot shower, dressed in freshly laundered blue jeans and a black shirt and walked into the main living area. Only Riley was up, making coffee.
“Want one?” said Riley, holding up a cup.
“Please. How long have you been up?”
“About an hour. I can’t sleep past five.”
“Army training?”
“Yeah.” Riley didn’t add that the nightmares had a lot to do with it too.
Ryan seated himself at the breakfast bar. “Thanks,” he said when Riley put a steaming mug of coffee before him.
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