“But Devon’s so far.”
“We live half an hour from Exeter airport and it’s an hour’s flight to Manchester. We set off at eight o’clock this morning and were in Manchester by ten.”
“I can’t argue with that.”
“It’s so beautiful Dee, lots of wide open spaces and fresh air.” She did invite Dee and Vince to come and stay once and they were all packed and ready to go when their daughter had a bad fall at work and injured her back, so they’d had to stay behind to help with the grandkids and never had the chance to reschedule. “Is Moira’s back better?”
“Oh yes. She still gets twinges, I think she will for the rest of her life, but at least she can cope now.”
“Come and stay. You can have one of our hotel rooms free of charge. I’ve got a new restaurant that’s begging for a good manager.”
Dee actually smiled. “You don’t half like throwing me in at the deep end; managing three nightclubs then a casino now a restaurant. I don’t have a clue about posh nosh.”
“You’re a very fast learner, I’ve every confidence in you and it won’t be as demanding as this place or the clubs. It’ll shut at midnight at the very latest, you’ll only work five days a week and you’ll have the days free to spend with Vince. I’ve got a gorgeous cottage you can stay in with plenty of room for the grandkids when they visit. What do you say?”
Dee hugged her tight. “What would I do without you Rach?”
“Is that a yes?”
“Course it bloody is,” she grinned.
Rachel was delighted. It would be wonderful to have one of her best friends back.
The morning of the funeral Rachel dressed carefully in a floaty black knee-length dress that splayed out at the bottom with a wide black belt at the waist. It looked like something from the nineteen fifties, not her usual style at all, but she loved it. A short black suede jacket and knee-length boots completed the look. She was ashamed of herself when she experienced a huge surge of lust at the sight of Ryan in his black suit with a steel grey shirt and tie. Every day the man seemed to get sexier. Leah didn’t have any black clothes so they’d gone shopping and she’d picked black leggings and a long jumper. Unlike Rachel she was a bit of a tomboy who was more comfortable in trousers. She nestled into her mum’s arms in the back of the rented Audi while Ryan drove, Rachel’s apprehension growing with each passing mile.
When they pulled up outside Martina’s house Rachel’s eyes filled with tears. She half-expected her to come bustling out to greet them with one of her bone-crushing hugs and it was a wrench when she didn’t. However Mikey made an appearance as they got out of the car and he pulled Rachel into his big chest. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tightly. He still possessed the same soothing effect he’d always had on her.
“Missed ya Rach,” he said.
“I’ve missed you too, so much.” She looked up at him and patted his face, the little brother she’d never had, although calling him little was a bit of a stretch because he towered over her, his shoulders enormous. He was as handsome as ever but his skin was marred with bruises. “What happened to your ear?” she frowned, which was swollen and red.
“Boxing match four nights ago. I lost.”
“You lost? That’s got to be a first.” He was famous for his unblemished record and was renowned for being unbeatable.
“It’s since Josh was born. I keep thinking about what would happen to him if I got injured in the ring. A fighter got a bad head injury a few weeks ago and he’s been left brain-damaged. Where would the little fella and Amber be if that happened to me?”
“I don’t think that attitude is a bad thing Mikey. Are you giving up the boxing?”
“I might have to, I don’t want to ruin my reputation. I think I’ll retire gracefully while I’m ahead of the game.”
“I must say I’m relieved. Are Josh and Amber here?”
“Yeah, they’re both inside.”
Rachel had made the journey up from Devon when he’d been born so she could see him, sneaking into the hospital after Alex left so they wouldn’t bump into each other and she hadn’t seen him since. He was seven months old now.
“Is it still going well with Amber?”
He gave her an adorable grin. “Very. You won’t believe this but I’ve not looked at another woman since.”
“You’re right, I don’t believe it.”
“Well, okay, I’ve looked, but I’ve never had the urge to touch.”
She kissed his cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”
He squeezed her hand then he greeted Ryan. She was relieved when he seemed perfectly friendly to her husband but then again, Mikey had always understood their reasons for moving away. Alfie and Archie - Alex and Beth’s boys - came charging out of the house and hurled themselves at her, they’d always adored their godmother and she them. Leah cheered up slightly when she saw her old playmates and she threw her arms around a surprised Alfie’s neck.
“Beth,” smiled Rachel.
She came out of Martina’s house clutching Holly to her, her youngest child who was now a year old, a beautiful little girl with blond bunches. The child looked up at Rachel uncertainly.
“You don’t remember me do you baby girl?” said Rachel.
Holly blinked up at her with huge blue eyes, like Martina’s eyes, Danny’s eyes. Rachel hugged Beth and was shocked. Her friend had always been curvy but now she felt positively thin.
“You’ve lost loads of weight,” said Rachel quietly.
“I’ve been on a diet,” she replied, trying to make her voice light and failing.
“Why? You had a fantastic figure.”
“I was putting on weight being stuck at home all day.”
There was something strained about her smile and breezy replies. Her voice sounded hollow and false.
“What’s up Beth? Is it Alex?”
“No, everything’s fine. Come on in, everyone’s waiting to see you,” she said before Rachel could ask any more awkward questions.
Inside the house Battler and Bruiser were waiting and both locked her in suffocating hugs. Rachel loved her new life but only now did it strike her how much she’d missed these people, which was ironic because they were the reason she’d moved away. Declan was next, who had slotted into the Maguire fold very well. His younger brothers Charlie and Kian were present too, who had made the permanent move to Manchester from Ireland. They were friendly enough, even though Rachel had never met them before.
Amber greeted her like an old friend and Rachel was pleased. Josh was a big handsome boy and looked like a mini Mikey. They’d done the promised DNA test and confirmed he was the father but Rachel had thought it unnecessary. You could tell just by looking at him. Amber let Rachel hold Josh and she cradled him gently, as always thoughts of her own lost son creeping in, they always did when she saw a baby boy.
Finally the crowd parted and the moment she dreaded arrived. Alex was standing at the window, pale with dark shadows around his eyes and Rachel felt bad for him. He’d lost his father, uncle, brother and now his mother in just a few short years.
“Alright Rach?” he said, voice quiet and hoarse.
“I’m so sorry Alex,” she replied, handing Josh back to Amber.
He ran an awkward hand through his hair. “Thanks for coming.”
She wound her arms around his neck and hugged him, her muscles stiff with tension, fearing his response. It was a relief when he hugged her back. The tension in the room relaxed a few notches.
Now that was over Rachel could focus her thoughts on Martina. The house just wasn’t alive without her. So much had happened here; Ryan had saved Martina’s life after she’d been attacked by someone she thought was a trusted friend. She’d nursed Rachel back to health after she was assaulted by one of Ryan’s brothers and her ex-boyfriend. Frank had died on the floor of this very room after a fight with his brother Terry, who was dead himself, at Alex’s hands. It distressed her that such a lovely family home had borne witnes
s to so much horror and death.
“The car should be here in a few minutes,” said Mikey.
Everyone stood quietly together in a semi-circle, hardly daring to speak for fear of marring the sombreness of the occasion. Rachel moved to stand with her husband and daughter.
“Leah,” said Alex with a gentle smile, kneeling down before her. “You remember me, don’t you? Uncle Alex?”
She nodded, face white and lips pursed.
“You have grown up. You’re quite the little lady now. Is that a new outfit?”
She nodded again, melting to him slightly because he’d noticed her new clothes.
“You look beautiful Sweetheart. My mum would be so proud.”
This statement was too much for Leah and a tear slid down her cheek. Rachel’s heart went out to her, she was trying so hard to be brave.
“Why don’t you come in the lead car with us?” Alex said to Leah.
She looked up at Ryan and took his hand. “I want to go with Mum and Dad.”
Rachel didn’t miss the flare of anger in Alex’s eyes, divining the fact that she’d called Ryan dad had made him mad.
“You were her family too Leah, you should come with us,” pressed Alex, struggling to keep his voice soft.
“I want to go with Mum and Dad,” she repeated, lip wobbling.
“Please don’t push her Alex, she’s upset enough,” said Rachel. She tried to say this as gently as she could but Alex still gave her a haughty look and straightened up. “The car’s here,” he said in a harsh tone before striding past them to the door.
CHAPTER 3
There was a huge turnout at the church. Martina had been very popular but there were a lot of curious onlookers too, hoping to catch a glimpse of a notorious face. Rachel and Ryan’s return had sparked a lot of excitement and they were stared at as they milled around outside, waiting to go into the church. The press had been kept at the gates but they didn’t let that stop them, pressing their cameras up to the metal bars. It was a relief when the church doors opened and they could go in.
Rachel took her place with Ryan at the front pew, Leah sat between them. They weren’t invited to sit with the Maguires on their pew on the opposite side of the aisle and she knew that was down to Alex. Glancing around the church she recognised Franco Cipriani who had helped them obtain their casino, Col Sugar and his four brothers sat directly behind Alex’s pew, looking more like his personal bodyguard than genuine mourners. Nick and Robbie Jordan were present too. She caught Nick’s eye and he gave her a small nod, which she returned, memories of that horrific night screaming back to her. She recalled Nick aiming a gun at his own mother’s face…
“Alright?” said Ryan with concern.
“Fine,” she replied tightly.
He followed her line of sight to the Jordan brothers and divined exactly what she was thinking.
The door opened and a shock of red hair entered. Rachel was surprised Frankie McVay had made the effort to come all the way from Glasgow for Martina but then again it did show respect for his business partner, unless there was something vital he wanted to discuss with Alex. She hoped not. The last thing he’d wanted to talk to Alex about had almost got her and Ryan killed. She was amused when he barged his way into a pew and everyone fell over themselves to get out of his way.
Jez and Cathy arrived two minutes after Frankie, looking harassed. They took their seats beside Rachel and Ryan, quietly greeting them with hugs and kisses.
“What kept you?” Ryan asked them.
“Jack isn’t very well and we couldn’t get him to settle at my mum’s,” replied Cathy. Jack was their second child and was just a few months old. Their daughter Ruby was now four.
“Nothing serious I hope?” replied Rachel.
“No, just a cold, but he’s really cranky.”
They went silent when the doors opened and Martina’s coffin was borne in on the hefty shoulders of Alex, Mikey, Battler and Bruiser, the sight blurring when Rachel’s eyes filled with tears. Martina had been the warmest woman she’d ever known, she’d welcomed her into her family, nursed her back to health more than once and been a doting grandmother. Out of all the Maguires she’d been the best.
The coffin was placed reverently on the stand before the altar then the men took their seats. Rachel was pleased when Battler and Bruiser sat beside her rather than the Maguires, Battler giving her a gentle smile and taking her hand. The brothers had saved her life more than once and she adored them. She just hoped this show of solidarity didn’t go against them in Alex’s eyes. It felt like battle lines were silently being drawn.
A lifelong friend of Martina’s got up to make a speech but she could hardly get the words out and had to be led away, sobbing. To everyone’s surprise Declan got up next, reciting anecdotes about Martina that were humorous but also respected the sanctity of the occasion, impressing everyone. His cheeky Irish brogue and genuine love for his aunt elicited many fond smiles, his words summing up Martina perfectly.
Then it was Alex’s turn.
He cut an intimidating figure as he took his place at the lectern, glowering down at the assembled crowd. Rachel thought he looked bigger than ever, the sheer power radiating off him a little unnerving. No one could or dare take their eyes off him.
Surprisingly his speech was a pleasant one. He talked about his childhood, what a good mother Martina had been, mentioning Frank and Danny. Then he went on to recite a list of those who meant the most to Martina, concentrating mainly on the grandchildren. “And not forgetting Leah, Mum’s other adored granddaughter. Unfortunately she didn’t get to see much of her in the last year of her life.”
Alex’s accusing eyes landed on Rachel and stayed there so long she squirmed in her seat, whispers running round the room but she refused to break eye contact with him. Finally he retook his seat and disappeared from her line of sight behind Battler’s bulk. She released a shaky breath, glad when Ryan’s arm went around her shoulders, his fingers stroking the nape of her neck.
Leah, who had tried to be so brave the whole day, fell apart at the graveside. When Thomas died Martina had gifted her own plot beside Frank to him and bought herself another one. This had brought Rachel great comfort, knowing he wouldn’t be alone. Now he would be lying between Martina and Frank. However the sight of the four graves reduced Leah to tears - her cherished grandmother as well as the grandfather, father and little brother she’d never had the chance to know. Worst of all, only one of them had died of natural causes. Leah clung onto Ryan and sobbed her heart out. Only nine years old and she’d lost four of the most important people in the world to her. Not many adults had to cope with that kind of loss. She was crying so hard Ryan carried her back to the car and Rachel drove them to the wake because she refused to relinquish her grip on her dad. Rachel suggested they forgo the wake and return to the hotel instead, but Leah was adamant she wanted to go, to her chagrin.
By the time they pulled up outside Martina’s house Leah was a little calmer and allowed Rachel to fix her ponytail and wipe her face.
“Are you okay Sweetheart?” Rachel asked her.
Leah nodded, squeezing her mum hard when she hugged her.
Only close friends and family had been allowed back to the wake but there were still faces there Rachel didn’t recognise and it made her realise just how out of touch she was with the Maguires’ lives.
“Who are they?” Rachel asked Battler, indicating three large men congregated in a corner sipping orange juice. They looked like thugs with their shaved heads and designer stubble.
“Alex’s new muscle,” he replied, confirming her suspicions. “They’re arseholes.”
“So what are you two up to now?”
“We’ve retired from that game. Now we’re officially legit.”
“That’s wonderful news,” she smiled. “So business is good?” They were in the private security game.
“Very. I know now what you meant about it being a weight off.”
“If you fancy co
ming down to Devon we’ll have a lot of work for you. Even if you don’t fancy working down there, it would still be good to see you.”
Battler gave her a very rare smile. Martina was the only one who’d been issued an official invitation and he was delighted it had been extended to him and his brother now she knew they wouldn’t bring mayhem to her door.
“We’d like that, wouldn’t we Bruiser?”
“Yeah,” he smiled.
High praise indeed from Bruiser. He rarely spoke.
“You’re welcome anytime,” she said, patting their arms.
Ryan was across the room talking with Franco Cipriani so she remained with Battler and Bruiser. She’d caught Alex giving her more than one icy glare and it was making her edgy. He seemed so big and domineering sat in the armchair, making it look like a throne, everyone gravitating around his presence. Had he always been so menacing or had he transformed into something else entirely?
“Rachel,” Alex called across the room. “Why don’t you join me for a drink? We’ve not had a catch-up yet.”
Alex’s voice was devoid of emotion, which was very worrying. The room had gone absolutely silent. People weren’t stupid, they’d worked out something was wrong in the fold. She forced her best carefree smile and looked up at Battler uncertainly.
“Be careful Rach,” he whispered.
Christ, it must be bad if he was warning her. As she walked over to Alex she caught Ryan’s eye. He looked as worried as she felt.
She took the chair beside Alex and he turned to regard her.
“Looking good Rach,” he smiled, but it fell flat, failing to reach his eyes.
“You too. Have you been working out?”
“Yes. How’s life in Devon?”
“Really good.”
“The kids are happy?”
“Very.”
“Did the move upset Leah?”
“At first but when we bought her a pony she soon came round.”
“Mum was the glue keeping our families together. I don’t want to lose contact with Leah, she’s all I have left of my brother.”
Fractured (Dividing Line #4) Page 2