Divided Loyalties

by Heather Atkinson

  “No.”

  He studied her thoughtfully and smiled. “You say that Rachel but I’m willing to bet those black lace panties you’re no doubt wearing are wet right now.”

  She didn’t deny it because it was true and to save herself from replying she crossed her legs and picked an imaginary piece of lint off her skirt.

  “Back to business,” she said coolly, keeping her gaze fixed straight ahead and off Ryan’s handsome face. This was a stupid idea, she should never have come. She’d forgotten how powerfully he affected her and she didn’t understand why because she loved Danny with all her heart and soul. She surmised it must be one of those wild chemical reactions that sometimes explode between people and she determined to ignore it

  “Danny’s arranged a meeting for tomorrow,” she began, annoyed when her voice came out as a weak croak and Ryan gave her a knowing look. “He wants you and Jez there.”

  “Will you be there too?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you attend all the family meetings now?”

  “I do.”

  “So I’ll get to see a lot of you. This alliance just keeps getting better and better.”

  “I’m glad you see it that way,” she said, trying to remain detached and business-like. The car came to a stop and Ryan glanced out the window at the front of The Wherry Tavern.

  “This is where I get out,” she said, picking up her handbag. “Your family’s organised a party for you. Jez will take you there.”

  “So I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “One thirty at the warehouse, give you time to get over your hangover,” she smiled.

  She climbed out of the car, giving him a tantalising glimpse of stocking top. The car continued down the road and Ryan took in a shaky breath, drinking in the lingering scent of her perfume. Christ he still wanted her and he was determined to get her.

  Jez’s knowing eyes met his through the rear-view mirror.

  “What?” frowned Ryan.

  “Nothing,” replied Jez chirpily, not in the least disconcerted by his older brother’s scowl.

  Rachel walked into Danny’s office a little flustered after her encounter with Ryan Law. When she saw Danny at his desk that feeling evaporated, expelled by the swell of love for her husband.

  “How did it go?” he said.

  “Good. He agreed to the truce and said he’d come to the meeting tomorrow.”

  “Thank God for that. Do you think he’ll cause any trouble?”

  “No. He was okay when I said his businesses were still his own. I think he’ll get onside.”

  “That’s a relief,” he said, turning back to his paperwork.

  She was still tingling and turned on after the close encounter in the car and was determined to give that sexual energy to Danny instead. Slyly she locked the door, Joe the manager had a bad habit of popping in without knocking. Then she hitched up her skirt and straddled him.

  “Rachel, what are you doing?”

  “I want you Danny. Now.”

  “But the paperwork…”

  “Sod the paperwork,” she said, knocking the papers to the floor.

  With a grin he stood up, spun her round and bent her over his desk. Breathing hard he hitched up her skirt and yanked down her damp panties. It took him a moment to unzip his fly because his hands were shaking then he thrust into her hard. Rachel tried not to cry out too loudly because of the close proximity of the rest of the pub.

  He picked up the pace and a minute later they both came, Danny burying his face in her shoulder to stifle his groan.

  “Sorry for interrupting. We’re you busy?” she smiled, resting her cheek against the cool wood of the desk to get her breath back.

  “You can interrupt me anytime you like Babe,” he replied, planting a kiss on her neck before pulling out of her and fastening himself up.

  Slowly she straightened up and adjusted her clothing, feeling all warm and satisfied. She fixed his tie, which had been knocked off-centre.

  “I wasn’t expecting that,” he said. “You took me by surprise.”

  “Isn’t that the secret of a long and happy marriage? Keeping everything fresh and exciting?”

  “If it is then I’m all for it.” He pressed a hand to her abdomen. “And soon we’ll have our baby.”

  She nodded and hugged him tightly.

  Ryan was enjoying the party Jez had arranged for him. Present were the cream of the Manchester underworld, who were all congratulating him on his release and were anxious to remain in his good books, especially now the Laws were working alongside the Maguires. Despite the bad blood between their families Ryan could see the sense of working with them. The last war had ended with terrible losses on both sides. Now Ryan only had one brother left and he was determined not to lose him.

  He had been watching Jez carefully, who he’d just realised was a changed man. Gone were his scruffy clothes and unkempt hair, replaced by an expensive suit, Rolex watch and immaculate grooming. Ryan had just realised how good looking his brother was, with the same dark hair and narrow grey eyes as himself. Everyone treated him with respect, eager to ingratiate themselves with him. He was a man of power, to be feared and respected and Ryan couldn’t help but be proud of him.

  Ryan was distracted by a busty blond snaking her arm around his waist. She was nowhere near the calibre of Rachel Maguire but he’d been surrounded by men for the last six months so he had a lot of pent up sexual energy to get rid of. She’d do for that. As he kissed her, thrusting his tongue into her mouth aggressively, he closed his eyes and imagined it was Rachel, recalling her scent and taste with perfect clarity. He’d thought about her non-stop since the day they met.

  CHAPTER 4

  The first meeting with Ryan Law in attendance was held at the Maguire warehouse, which acted as their base of operations and was a heavily fortified compound where they could be sure they wouldn’t be overheard. Danny, learning from his dad’s paranoia, had it regularly swept for bugs.

  The meeting was a tense one because Danny had recruited the four Sugar brothers, who were deeply loyal to their family. However Ryan had murdered their older brother, Alan, during his attempt to set up the Maguires and everyone was a little nervous as to how they’d take to working alongside him.

  When Ryan walked into the room followed by Jez the atmosphere was charged and Danny glanced at the Sugars who, despite the dangerous looks in their eyes, kept themselves under control. When it became apparent that they weren’t going to attack him, Danny got to his feet to shake Ryan’s hand.

  “Welcome back Ryan. I’m very glad to have you here.”

  Ryan quickly assessed Danny. He’d definitely changed; he was stronger, tougher, smarter and looked every inch the businessman. The oaf he used to know who hurt Rachel had gone. Frank’s true heir.

  “I’m glad to be here,” he replied, casting a glance at Rachel, which didn’t go unnoticed by Danny. “I want to say thank you for taking Jez under your wing. He’s got me up to speed and I’m impressed. The businesses are thriving and he’s come out of his shell.”

  “It was no bother, he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”

  “I’m sure that together our families will do great things.”

  “We certainly will. Please, take a seat.”

  Ryan took the chair directly across from Danny, eyes sharp and taking everything in.

  Rachel was glad to see that Ryan’s second stint in prison hadn’t changed him. He was still brimming over with confidence, his presence powerful and commanding. Although she hated to admit it he looked better than ever with his thick dark hair, ruggedly handsome face and penetrating grey eyes. Those same eyes settled on her, his stare going straight to that delicious spot deep inside her and to disguise her disquiet she got to her feet and poured herself a drink. Although she didn’t think Danny and Ryan would ever be the best of friends they’d at least cooperate with each other in this new business venture.

  Battler and Bruiser arrived in quick succession, Mikey
following a few minutes later and the meeting could begin.

  “You’ll have to excuse my brother’s absence,” began Danny. “He’s still on honeymoon.”

  “No need to apologise. Forgive me Danny but I’d like to say something before we get started,” said Ryan.

  “As you wish,” he replied magnanimously.

  Ryan’s eyes settled on the Sugar brothers. “I want to apologise for what I did to your brother. He was a good man but you must understand it was business, nothing personal.”

  All eyes turned the way of Col Sugar, the eldest of the brothers and their spokesperson, relieved when he nodded slowly. “It’s in the past. Let’s leave it there.”

  “Thank you,” replied Ryan sincerely.

  That needed sorting out and Danny was glad that Ryan had the sense to get it out of the way immediately. The tension in the room relaxed and Danny smiled.

  “So,” he opened, “this is a big day, the first meeting of our new alliance.”

  The meeting just recapped how the illegal businesses were doing, which was very well. Ryan was amazed by Rachel, who joined in like one of the men and was listened to with as much respect as if she was one of them. He’d never known a woman like her, she really was one of a kind. It was very unusual for a woman to have such power in their world and Ryan fell for her even more. When he was screwing that blond and her friend last night Rachel had been in his head the entire time. He’d never felt guilty about his feelings for her before because Danny used to be an arsehole who treated her badly but now he was a man he could respect and who obviously adored his wife. Although he couldn’t help his feelings, Ryan had the terrible premonition they were going to get him into trouble.

  Rachel parked her car by Henley Towers where it would be safe and walked through the dividing gate onto the Montford Estate. It was like two different worlds, walking from wealth and success into poverty and degradation. Rachel herself was Montford born and bred and although it had always been rough and ready it was never dangerous like it was now. The Law family had always managed to maintain some semblance of order but now that Jez, the last of the family on the estate, had moved off it that order had crumbled and anarchy ruled. Dog faeces, litter and what appeared to be car parts were strewn about the grounds. She sighed inwardly at the boarded up windows, graffiti covered walls and overgrown grass. The people here used to be proud once, even though they didn’t have much. Now no one gave a shit.

  Rachel wrinkled her nose at the stench of urine, sidestepping the used syringes and condoms, which angered her because there were a lot of kids living here. Fortunately Tiff lived on the first floor so she didn’t have to clamber over the detritus of wasted lives too much and knocked on the door. It was opened by a pretty plump blond in pyjamas and a fluffy pink robe.

  Her eyes widened when she saw who was at her door. “Mrs Maguire. I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “Your gran came to see me. Can I come in?”

  “Yes,” she replied, pulling the door open wider to admit her.

  Rachel was relieved that Tiff’s flat was clean and tidy, albeit small.

  “If I’d known I would have got dressed,” Tiff blushed.

  “Don’t worry about it. I often like to lounge about in my pyjamas myself,” smiled Rachel disarmingly.

  “Do you want a drink?”

  “No thanks. Please sit, we need to talk.”

  They sat opposite each other, Tiff feeling distinctly nervous. Rachel put on her most sympathetic expression.

  “Your gran told me what Gavin Morley did to you.”

  Tiff’s eyes filled with tears and she looked down at her hands. “I don’t know why, it’s not your problem.”

  “Gavin Morley is everyone’s problem, including mine. Is it true Tiff?” she probed gently. “Did he rape you?”

  Tiff nodded, keeping her head bowed. “I’m friends with his sister. They live in the same flat. I went round there to see Lisa. She wasn’t in but Gavin was. He said I could wait for her, then he…”

  Rachel squeezed her hand gently. “It’s okay, I get it. Did he hurt you badly?”

  Tiff pulled down her robe to reveal mottled bruising all over her arms and bites on her neck.

  “I’m sorry Tiff,” she said quietly.

  “I’m not the first,” she replied, pulling her robe back up.

  “You’re not?”

  “He did the same to Jade Anderson. She told some of us about it but we didn’t believe her. I believe her now,” she said sadly. Desperation flared in her eyes. “You said you were here to help me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Gavin’s still threatening me. He said he’s going to do it again.”

  “He actually told you that?”

  “Not to my face.”

  Tiff switched on her laptop and brought up her Facebook page. Rachel was appalled by the disgusting threats poor Tiff had been hounded by. Gavin was clearly disturbed and incredibly stupid to broadcast his intent like that.

  “That’s proof enough,” said Rachel. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore, he’ll be sorted. In fact this whole bloody estate needs sorting.”

  A high pitched scream cut through the air, followed by a man’s angry shouting.

  “What the hell is that?” demanded Rachel.

  “The Crickleys next door. He must be drunk again.”

  “This happens a lot?”

  She nodded.

  The screams grew louder and more fearful then there was an ominous thud. A higher pitched scream joined the woman’s.

  “Jesus, there’s a child in there,” said Rachel, appalled.

  “They have a five year old daughter, Emma.”

  “Fucking hell,” said Rachel, leaping to her feet. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

  Rachel strode out of Tiff’s flat, raced next door and pushed the door open to find a big sweaty man beating a thin, almost skeletal woman with bright red hair. A little girl cowered in the corner, face streaked with tears and terrified out of her wits. It was this sight more than the woman being attacked that fuelled Rachel’s rage.

  “Oy,” she yelled.

  At first the man was confused to see her standing in his living room. Although he stopped hitting the woman he maintained a grip on her with one meaty fist.

  “Let her go you fucking pig.”

  The man swayed unsteadily, eyes bloodshot with drink and anger. “Who the fuck do you think you are?”

  “The woman who’s going to kick the shit out of you, you cowardly bastard.”

  He grinned, appearing amused by the challenge. He released the woman and she slumped to the floor, her face bloodied.

  He rushed at Rachel clumsily, who sidestepped him and kicked him in the belly. When he crumpled in two she punched him hard in the side of the head then smashed her knee into his face, sending him to the floor in a dazed heap.

  “Take the child next door,” Rachel ordered the woman.

  With a nod she grabbed the little girl and they raced out of the door, skirting round the man. Rachel slammed the door shut behind them and pulled out her phone, glaring at the struggling lump of flesh on the floor.

  “Jez, you need to get your arse round to the Montford. Now.”

  “Why, what’s happened?”

  The man started to pull himself upright.

  “One moment please.”

  Rachel pulled her taser from her jacket pocket and jammed it into the man’s back. He jumped and jerked before slumping back to the floor.

  “Sorry about that Jez. There’s some shit here that needs clearing up.”

  After Jez assured her that he was on his way she locked the flat so the man couldn’t escape then returned to Tiff’s flat, who had been momentarily distracted from her worries by tending to the bleeding woman.

  The little girl was curled up on the couch, white with fear. She was a beautiful child with huge blue eyes and long blond hair but she looked dirty and neglected.

  Rachel sat beside her, careful to maintain
a distance so as not to scare her.

  “Are you alright Honey?” she said gently.

  The girl nodded then, to Rachel’s surprise, hurled herself into her lap, burying her face in her chest, her arms going around Rachel’s waist. Rachel experienced a strong maternal pull and she hugged her back, imagining she was her own child, the one she was aching for.

  Rachel checked her over to make sure she was uninjured and, apart from finger marks on her arms where she’d been roughly grabbed, she fortunately found none.

  Ten minutes later there was a knock at the door. Tiff and the woman looked afraid while the girl curled into her tighter.

  “It’s okay, it’s a friend of mine,” Rachel assured them all. “He’s here to help.”

  She had to prise the girl’s arms from her waist so she could answer the door. After checking the spy hole she opened the door to Jez.

  “What’s going on Rach?”

  “Let me show you.”

  As she stepped out into the corridor she was startled to see Ryan.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I heard there was some trouble so naturally I thought it my duty to come along.”

  She regarded him with a raised eyebrow as he leaned back against the wall. That sounded just a bit too self sacrificing for Ryan Law. God he looked good in a short black leather jacket and black jeans, his hair tousled. Those steely grey eyes narrowed and intensified and she had the disconcerting feeling he knew what she was thinking.

  Shaking herself out of it she walked past him to the Crickleys’ flat.

  “Come on in.”

  “Jesus Christ,” said Ryan when they entered the room to find a large sweaty man on the floor, his nose bleeding. “Rachel, did you do this?”

  “Yes.”

  Jez and Ryan glanced at each other, identical grey eyes twinkling with amusement.

  “Well Tom, what did you do to piss off Rachel Maguire so much?” said Ryan, kneeling by his side.

  Tom’s eyes widened. “Maguire? I didn’t know.”

  “He was beating up his wife in front of their five year old daughter. Their screams could be heard all over the estate and no one was doing a bloody thing to help them. I couldn’t sit back and let it happen. Since you left the estate Jez everything’s gone to hell. There’s no one to keep order anymore. Gavin Morley needs sorting too.”