“She was so beautiful, big blue eyes, long blond hair. She was into her bikes too and the first time we met was at a meet at a pub just outside Rochdale. I watched her climb off the bike in tight leathers and when she removed her lid and shook out her hair I fell in love for the first time ever. She liked danger; as well as biking she was into bungee jumping and skiing, she got me into extreme sports. But she had another side that liked to just sit and read, take walks through the park, spend the day in front of the telly after a night out. She was all about contrasts. One day she’d be wearing black clothes with heavy black make-up, the next she’d be in a pink dress with a flower in her hair. She really kept me on my toes,” he said with a fond smile.
“She sounds fun,” said Rachel. She’d never felt tiredness like it in her life but she was determined to do this for Riley. It was the first time she’d seen real joy in his eyes. She glanced at Ryan, who was leaning against the wall with his hands shoved in his jean’s pockets, listening.
“She was. We were inseparable from the day we met and I never knew a sad day again until…” He buried his face in his free hand and finally started to cry after two years of repressing his grief.
Rachel maintained hold of his other hand, deciding not to mention it when he started to squeeze a bit hard. “It’s okay,” she soothed. “Get it all out.”
Riley allowed himself another minute before abruptly sitting up and wiping his eyes, his defences snapping back up. He surmised the shock of seeing all those patches just outside the door must have brought on this rare bout of emotion.
“Why don’t you get yourself back to the hotel?” said Ryan. “It’ll drive you crazy knowing they’re so close.”
“I can’t leave you alone with those four out there.”
“They’re not going to try anything in here.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that, they have no boundaries. Mikey said he’d come here after going to the police station to try and get Battler and Bruiser out. Why don’t I stay until he arrives? We don’t want to take any chances.”
“Okay, if you think you can handle it?”
He gave one curt nod. “I can.”
Ryan and Rachel watched as he went to sit in the chair by the door, once again the very essence of composure. It would be impossible to guess turbulent emotions were seething beneath his cool demeanour had they not just witnessed him explode. Ryan sat beside his wife, his lower back slightly bruised after Riley had thrown him off. He’d never met anyone in his life he felt he couldn’t physically take on yet Riley had cast him aside as though he’d been made of paper. It had been a startling realisation.
Mikey’s arrival was announced by jeers from outside the room and Ryan popped his head round the door to see him glaring in outrage at the four MC members. Ryan smiled when he saw Battler and Bruiser following him.
“Back again so soon?”
“Our lawyer ripped those so-called charges to bits,” began Mikey. He stopped when the jeers of the MC members drowned him out. “Shut it you fucking morons, I’m trying to talk. I haven’t heard noises like that since I took my kid to the zoo.”
It appeared the four men were about to retort when Sister appeared and told them all to be quiet or leave. Her hard school-mistress voice had the desired effect and they went silent.
“You’re back,” said Rachel, delighted by the return of her two bodyguards.
“You couldn’t keep us away love,” said Battler, planting a kiss on her forehead. “You’re okay?”
“I am now,” she smiled, causing him to beam back at her.
“It took a bit longer than expected,” said Mikey. “But while Alex only has a DCS in his pocket, I’ve got an assistant chief constable.”
Ryan was once again astounded by how far Mikey had come. He wished Frankie was here to hear this. He noticed the blond exit Alex’s room and hurry down the corridor, head bowed, appearing to make a concerted effort not to look his way and his suspicions were confirmed but for now he’d keep them to himself. He looked at Rachel but she was talking to Battler and hadn’t noticed the woman.
“While I was waiting for them to be released I had a phone call from Strang,” continued Mikey. “Apparently he’s had some very incriminating footage sent to him.”
“What footage?” said Ryan.
“Apparently it shows him in a very compromising position - well, several positions actually - with Laila. Alex is threatening to send it to the police as well as every newspaper and TV station in the city if he doesn’t do what he wants.”
“What does he want?” said Ryan.
“He’s not made that clear yet but no doubt it’s something to fuck us up.”
“Alex said there was a hidden camera in the room he was holding me in at the brothel,” said Rachel. “Laila didn’t know about it. It’s how he knew I’d escaped.”
“Jez found the recorders at the brothel. It showed some soap actor beating and pissing all over a girl,” said Ryan. “I’m not sure of his name but you’d probably recognise him. There was also footage of Harvey Pallister, the TV journalist.”
“At least they can’t hurt us,” said Rachel.
“How many more videotapes does he have of rich influential people caught in compromising positions?” said Ryan. “And what will those people be willing to do to repress them?”
“Jesus that’s all we need,” sighed Mikey, sinking into a chair.
“I think it might be time to call on our old friends, The Coalition,” said Ryan. “We have a good hold over them and they are extremely influential. We could use them to counteract any harm Alex could cause with his videotapes.”
“And supposing they won’t help us?”
“They will if they know what’s good for them.” Ryan looked to Rachel. “What do you think Babe?”
“It’s a great idea. May Roberts is a crown court judge and Jeremy Hammond owns loads of newspapers and TV stations.”
Ryan was pleased with her approval. “I doubt they’d use any illegal brothel owned by Alex, they’re terrified of the Maguires after The Coalition debacle.” Ryan looked to Mikey. “What do you think?” He’d decided it was time he treated Mikey as an equal rather than as someone who worked for him. If he couldn’t show him that respect then how could Frankie? He’d come a long way in just a few short years and Ryan thought he’d make a great leader, he was a natural.
Mikey appreciated being asked. “I love it. The question is, how do we use them? As yet we don’t know who Alex is going to bribe, other than Strang and he’s refusing to cooperate after Alex had Laila killed.”
“He actually turned him down?” said Ryan.
“It seems he’s got more balls than we gave him credit for. I told him to do one before Alex gets hold of him but he said he’s staying put. He wants to help us.”
“That’s very good of him but I can’t see how we’d use him,” said Ryan.
“He said he’s willing to do anything, no matter how illegal, just as long as it hurts Alex.”
“So I believe,” said Ryan, smiling at Rachel. “In that case I’m sure we’ll find something for him to do.”
“As long as it doesn’t hurt the Maguire businesses,” said Mikey.
“Don’t fret, we won’t damage your empire,” said Rachel. “But I guess that explains why Battler and Bruiser got nicked. The DCS that Taylor told us about gave the order to mess with us and leave me vulnerable. He was probably a client of the brothel and Alex has leverage over him. What is it?” she asked when she noticed Ryan turn pale.
“The businesses. Alex will hit our businesses just like we did his. If we’re caught up in a police investigation all our assets will be frozen and we’ll be well and truly fucked. I’ve got to make some calls,” he said, rushing for the door.
“Phone Dolores, she’s back in Manchester,” Rachel called after him as he ran out of the room, Mikey following.
CHAPTER 13
Mikey and Jez paced back and forth in the Relatives’ Room, barking ord
ers down their phones, Ryan at his staff at every hotel, spa, restaurant and club they owned and Mikey at his men to assist them in the search.
“Turn the place upside down. Something has been planted there,” Ryan told Dolores. “Me and Rachel are being set up. I don’t have time to explain further, just please do as I ask and let me know what you find.”
“I will,” she assured him.
Mikey hung up. “I’ve got my men helping your staff,” he told Ryan. “You need all hands on deck.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that. Listen, no offence but I need a bit of time on my own to think. I want to be sure I’ve covered all bases.”
“No problem. I’ll go back to Rachel’s room.”
Ryan had intended to go outside for some fresh air but instead found himself drawn back to the chapel. He sat in the same spot and just closed his eyes, savouring the peace and calm. Now he might be able to gather his thoughts and think of some way out of this horrible mess. Too many unknown quantities were involved and he didn’t like that, there was no way for him to control the situation. They’d taken away Alex’s money, muscle and businesses but it still felt like he had the upper hand and all they could do was wait to react to whatever he doled out to them. Now the brothels had been taken care of he hadn’t the first clue what to do next. Killing Alex would be the best solution but it was impossible to get at him.
Ryan sighed and hung his head as he thought about what Alex had almost done to Rachel. He couldn’t stop imagining the horror she must have felt when she’d realised his intentions, the sense of betrayal. Ryan knew Alex Maguire was many things but one thing he didn’t have him down as was a rapist. He’d expected him to beat and torture her but not that. It was unthinkable. He couldn’t bear it that Rachel had endured so much and he felt as though he’d let her down, that he should have protected her better. That was one reason why he was letting her in on this rather than sending her away where she’d be safe, because he felt he owed it to her. He would never let her down again.
“Oh, hello again,” said a voice.
Ryan turned in his seat, not bothering to hide his exasperation. It was the blond woman, Leah. He could never forget that name.
“Listen, I’m not in a talking mood…,” he began.
“Me neither.” Her lovely blue eyes filled with tears. “My husband passed away.”
Ryan felt like a complete shit and his demeanour entirely changed. “I’m so sorry. Please, sit down.”
She sank into a chair and pulled a tissue out of her expensive Prada handbag.
“Are you alright?” he said. “Sorry, stupid question, clearly you’re not.”
“It was just so unexpected. We all thought he was getting better, the doctors too. They said he was recovering. Mark even told me he was feeling quite good. Then he had another heart attack. I was there, it all happened so fast. They tried to bring him back but they couldn’t. Now he’s gone and I don’t know what I’m going to do. How will I go on without him?” she said before crumpling into tears.
He patted her on the shoulder. “I know it hurts but one day I’m sure you’ll move on.”
“I can’t, not without my Mark.”
Ryan didn’t know what to do. This wasn’t his problem, he had enough of his own but he didn’t want to upset a grieving widow. He kept looking to the doorway, hoping someone would come in who could help but they appeared to be alone.
Katia rested her head on his shoulder, tilting her body towards his. When men felt her heat it was usually enough to encourage them to come closer but Ryan remained rigid in his seat and she was getting annoyed. Why couldn’t he just want her like every other man? She’d arranged to lure him outside to a quiet corner of the hospital where there were no cameras. Col and his brothers were ready and waiting to kill him. After what he’d done to Gavin they were desperate for revenge.
Deciding to change tactics she sat up, wiping her eyes. “I’m sorry, I’m embarrassing you.”
“You’re not,” he lied.
When the woman looked at him Ryan saw calculation fill her eyes, as though she was wondering what to say next. It was just for a second, nevertheless it was definitely there and it instantly put him on his guard. Was it coincidence that this woman had come into the same room at the same time as him three times now and that her name was Leah? Alarm bells started ringing.
Katia felt rather than saw his suspicion. His grey eyes narrowed and sharpened and seemed to see directly into her soul. Once again the hairs on the back of her neck stood up with the danger that surrounded him and she realised she had underestimated this man. She’d assumed her feminine wiles would be enough to put him off his guard but for the first time in her life she found they were woefully inadequate. Only now did she realise that he had absolutely no interest in her, no matter how beautiful she was, because she wasn’t Rachel. Now she was alone with him and he’d realised she was up to something.
“Katia.”
He whispered the word but it made her jump, as though he’d shouted it. It startled her to hear her own name on his lips and, if she was really honest with herself, it scared her. His concerned look had vanished, replaced by one that told her he would kill her in an instant should it be necessary.
“Who?” she said, feigning puzzlement.
“Don’t play games. I remember now, you were in that brothel pretending to be one of the girls, cowering in a corner like the cowardly bitch you are.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about and I will not sit here and be spoken to like this.”
When she tried to stand he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down.
“You will leave when I say you can.”
“I’ll scream.”
“You try and I’ll snap your neck before a sound leaves your lips. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the fact that you’re a woman will make me merciful.”
“I’m pregnant.”
“Refer to my previous answer.” He smiled at the shocked look on her face. “Don’t take my love for my wife and children as weakness. It’s my greatest strength because I will do anything - and I mean anything - to protect them. If that includes killing you and the devil spawn you carry in your belly then so be it.” His words possessed a confidence he didn’t feel. He knew he wasn’t capable of killing a pregnant woman, even if that child was Alex’s, but she didn’t need to know that.
Katia stared at him, stunned, but she had to admit she was fascinated too. He possessed the same simmering threat Alex did that had initially attracted her and he was so good looking that the danger only made him more appealing. It was his turn to be surprised when she sat back and smiled.
“What is so amusing?” he said.
“You are a dangerous man, yes,” she said, letting her Slovakian accent slip back in. “But you intrigue me very much.”
“What do you mean?”
“I find you very impressive. I see Alex has a worthy adversary,” she flirted.
He caught her hand before she stuck a small dagger that had been secreted up her sleeve into his heart. She bit her lip as pain shot through her wrist and was horrified to see the very same blade turned back at her, still held in her own hand, the tip pointed at her own heart.
“You must really think me the fool,” he said. “I am not one of those weak stupid men who can be distracted by a pretty face and you are only a pretty face Katia, despite what you obviously think.”
“You’re hurting my arm.”
“Good.”
While retaining a grip on her with one hand, he took his phone out of his pocket with the other. “Mikey, get up to the hospital chapel right now. You won’t believe what I’ve caught.” He smiled. “Good idea. Quick as you can Mikey.”
“Don’t look so smug,” she said as he ended the call. “This is a small temporary victory.”
“Nevertheless it is still a victory, which is more than you have right now.” He snatched the knife from her hand and rested it on top of his thigh, so the blade was still
pointed at her but out of sight of the door. “And you have just given us the upper hand. I’ve heard Alex is obsessed with you. I wonder what he’d be willing to give for your safe return? Don’t expect to hand himself over, he would never do that.”
“Good because I don’t want him to. I want him to live so he can kill you and your bitch of a wife.”
He grabbed her left little finger and bent it back, making her squeal. “Insult me all you like, I couldn’t care less, but if you ever call my wife a name like that again I will cut off a piece of you and send it to Alex, pregnant or not. You are not fit to speak her name.”
He released her and she flexed her finger to make sure it wasn’t broken. Ryan’s anger was different to Alex’s. While Alex shouted and raged this man kept a tight control on himself, only demonstrating his strength and ruthlessness when it suited him. She admired that and she would have to be smarter in playing him.
“What was the plan Katia? Did you think I would be so enamoured of you that I’d let you lead me off to where Col and his brothers are waiting for me?”
She didn’t reply, eyes flashing with anger at his enjoyment of her humiliation.
“I’m disappointed, I thought you were smarter than that,” he said. “You’re out of your depth. Alex should never have let you near this.” He read the look in her eyes perfectly. “Oh I see, he doesn’t know, does he? He’s not going to be happy with you when he finds out.”
Katia threw up a front of strength and nonchalance when Mikey Maguire walked in and closed the door behind him. Everything she knew about him had come from Alex, she’d never actually met him before. Now he was here in the flesh she realised her assessment of him as a silly little boy was completely off. Although not as intimidating as Ryan Law, he was still in possession of a confidence and power that put her in no doubt that he too could be very dangerous.
“What’s going on here?” said Mikey, intrigued.
“Mikey Maguire, meet the mysterious Katia,” said Ryan.
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