“Shame,” muttered Paddy. “What about the mayor, could he help us?”
“Perhaps, it can do no harm to ask, but whether he would want to interfere is debatable.”
For the second time that day Paddy and Bridget were ensconced in the mayor’s magnificent quarters.
“Thank you for seeing us again so soon, but we think you may be the only person who can help us, Julio.”
“You certainly work fast, Paddy, and of course, I will be of any assistance I can be.”
Once again, Paddy apprised the mayor of the circumstances surrounding Erin’s case.
“If you could find a way to bring her case forward, it would help matters immensely. Her lawyer is confident that because of the language problems and Erin’s lack of understanding, it might sway the judge.”
“But if the evidence is missing, there is no case to answer,” put forward Julio.
Paddy and Bridget exchanged glances; he had repeated almost word for word what the lawyer had said only an hour or so ago.
“I will do the best I can for you. I will speak with the legal department in the morning and be in touch.”
“Hello, Michael. It’s me, your ma.” Lizzie shouted down the phone.
“I know who it is, you old bat, and if you shout any louder, you won’t need a phone. Just stick your head out the window.”
“Don’t be so bloody cheeky, this is serious. I’m worried about Gerry. Do you know where he stays?”
“Why are you worried about Gerry, Ma? He’s a big lad, he can take care of himself. He lives near the yard, I think, in Seymour Street. But I’ve no idea what number.”
“I’ve not seen him since the party. He didn’t come to the funeral and I miss him. He’s a good lad and he was a good friend to your brother.”
Michael hadn’t the heart to tell Lizzie that Gerry had been paid to be Sean’s companion. No point in upsetting his mum now, it would do no good.
“I can’t understand why he didn’t come to the funeral.”
“Maybe he just couldn’t hack it. Lots of guys are like that, Mum. Anyway, I’ll get one of the lads on it this afternoon. Now you get through next door and have a brew with Theresa.”
“Oh, I’m not talking to that big-mouthed erse! I told her something in confidence and she told the whole feckin’ street.”
“You didn’t by any chance tell her over the phone?” Michael asked.
“I did, as a matter of fact, and it was confidential.”
“Well, there’s your answer. It wouldn’t be Theresa that let the cat out of the bag, but you bawling your head off and all the neighbours party to what your confidential bit of news was. I’m not saying Theresa’s innocent, can’t say she hates a wee gossip, but you’re the real culprit, Ma. Go on, knock on her door and make your peace. I’ll check on Gerry and get back to you.”
Waiting Game
“You still haven’t seen him?” O’Farrell asked incredulously. “What the hell is he playing at? I thought you’d be number one on his to-do list.”
Bobby had called over to check on the old man and keep him up to speed on what was happening, or not, as the case was.
“Nope, I’ve not seen hide nor hair of either of them. They turned up at the apartment the day they arrived, but that was the only contact. You know Bridget attacked my mother and broke her nose?”
“Good Lord, I never had her down as the violent type, she was always the peacemaker. Just shows you, a mother will always protect her cubs. Let’s face it, your mother would tear anyone limb from limb if they harmed you.”
“I know, but I don’t understand why he’s not been near.”
“He’s playing mind games with you, son, and it’s working. You’re on edge, looking behind you, round corners, because you know he’s coming, but you don’t know when.”
“I’m ready, make no mistake. My theory is that he’s waiting for Erin’s release, he’s not going to jeopardise that in any way. As soon as he secures her freedom, he’ll come looking for the kid.”
“I agree, and you’d better be ready because he’ll come at you all guns blazing.”
“More than likely, but he has to keep me alive if he has any chance of ever seeing his grandchild again. There is no-one else except you who has that information and the last person they’d ever go looking for is you.”
“Bobby, don’t underestimate Coyle. Look at how he got the mayor on his side. You know, it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s already located the child.”
“No chance. I’ve been in daily contact with them and everything is kosher.”
“Just be careful, lad. Paddy Coyle is not to be trifled with.”
It was almost a week since Paddy and Bridget had arrived in Marbella and during that time they had left no stone unturned. They now had evidence that their daughter had intended staying with the Macks.
Thanks to Sam, Bridget had arranged to have coffee with Sophie, the girl Erin had spent the afternoon with and who had witnessed the incident outside the nightclub.
“She definitely still had the hots for Bobby, no doubt about it.” Sophie told Bridget. “The only reason she was staying on was because there was some other woman in the picture. She wasn’t really fussy if the other grandma spent time with her baby or not, it was definitely all about Bobby. I can’t stand him myself, big-headed smartarse.”
The girl had obviously had a bad experience there, thought Bridget.
“Then later, when we saw him hustle her out of the club, I was gobsmacked. I was standing in the queue with a group of friends, watching what was going on. I didn’t realise it was her to begin with. The two cops had her in the back of the van and away in minutes. Thinking back, it was definitely planned and Erin was so out of her face she was helpless.”
“Do you think she could have been drugged?” Bridget asked the young girl.
“I suppose so. She was certainly in a state.”
“Thanks, Sophie, you’ve been a great help.”
Sam had also tracked down the three doormen on duty that night and, as suspected, for a tidy sum they had agreed to look the other way when Bobby had some low-life junkie ejected and arrested.
Thanks to the mayor’s influence, Erin’s court hearing had been brought forward and she would be appearing the following morning.
“Please don’t think this is a foregone conclusion,” Rosa Cortez told her while preparing Erin for her hearing the next day. “Because there is still no trace of the evidence, it should mean that there is no case to answer. However, the judge could grant an extension because it is alleged a large quantity of drugs were involved. But I am confident we can present a good enough case for you to be released.”
Bridget had visited Erin every day and was amazed at the girl’s fortitude. Although desperate for news of her son, she never complained. She was, however, as vengeful towards both Bobby and his mother as they were to her father.
“As soon as I get out of here I’m going straight for them,” Erin told her mother.
“We’ll do exactly as your dad advises, dear. He knows what he’s doing and we know they’re both rattled that he hasn’t come after them yet. Sophie heard them going at it hammer and tongs yesterday, so don’t you worry, your dad has everything in hand.”
“What’s Sam doing? She was very secretive when she came to see me yesterday.”
“She’s a clever girl, that one. She only got herself a job at the Marbella Princess as a promoter, so she can keep an eye on who comes and goes. She’s already sussed out all the different entrances to the building.”
“I like her.”
“Me too.”
“I’m dreading tomorrow. What if I don’t get released? I could be here for God knows how long. It’s a minimum of ten years for a drugs courier. And the Macks would get custody of Ryan here in Spain.”
“Don’t think like that. You have to be positive, this time tomorrow it could all be over.”
“Or just beginning,” sobbed Erin.
One in O
ne Out
Without a doubt it had been the longest night of her life. Erin Coyle was almost at breaking point. She’d been assured by her parents, her brief, her cellmate and most of the internees that she had nothing to worry about. The outcome of her hearing was a no-brainer since there was no evidence, it had all miraculously disappeared. But no matter what anyone said to reassure her, she couldn’t get it out of her head that until she walked free from the courthouse, there was always the chance something would go wrong.
“I have no idea how I would have survived in here without you,” Erin thanked Cindy.
“Just fine, girl, you’re made of strong stuff. And don’t you worry, this time tomorrow you’ll be nursing that little baby and on your way home.”
“I’ve got to find him first. Jesus, Cindy, he could be anywhere, and there’s no way Bobby will just surrender him. No way. Not after all the trouble he went to get me off the scene.
“Whatever you think of the grandma, she won’t let any harm come to him. Hey, this is probably all for her benefit, to keep him to herself. I’ll bet you if you find her, you’ll find the boy.”
“Maybe, but for the minute he’s nowhere to be found. There are dozens of people on the case, out looking for him, but no clues have turned up so far.”
“Okay, but once you’re out you’ll find him. A mother’s instinct always works. Try and get some sleep. It’s a big day tomorrow.”
Erin paced the cell until daybreak.
There were shouts of ‘Good luck’, ‘Adios’, and inmates banging on their cell doors as Erin walked across the landing towards freedom, praying as fervently as she had ever prayed in her life.
Bobby answered the call on the third ring.
“She got off and the three of them headed straight to Nick the Greek’s place,” said the voice on the line.
“Okay, thanks. I’ll be in touch,” Bobby replaced the receiver and dialled his mother.
“She got out, Mum. Did you do as I asked?”
“Yes. I’ve packed a case, but where are we going and for how long?”
“Not far, and just for a few days. I’ll be there in the next half hour or so.”
“I’ll be waiting downstairs.”
“Hello, Señor Coyle. They have just left the apartment block, mother and son, in a white BMW. They are heading out of town on the road to Ronda.”
“That’s fine, José. Don’t let them see you. We’ll set off now. Don’t lose them.”
Paddy’s instinct had proved right. He’d had José, one of Nick’s men, posted outside Diane Mack’s apartment since five a.m. He was sure that they would go underground and that’s exactly what seemed to be going down.
“Let’s go,” Paddy motioned to his wife and daughter. “José has just reported that they’re on the way to Ronda. We’ll catch up within ten minutes.”
“Paddy, that’s a hell of a road when it’s dry, but in this weather it will be treacherous.” It was one of the very few stormy days that occurred in that part of the country and the rain was relentless. “Do you want a driver to go with you?”
“Thanks, but I don’t know how this is going to turn out, so better if it’s just us. We’ll be fine.”
“Seriously, Paddy, be careful. It’s a bad road and this storm doesn’t look like it’s going to let up,” said Nick.
The Coyles caught up with the BMW and José had peeled off before the road started to climb. This road was infamous for its zigzag course up and over the mountain, with magnificent views and terrifying, sheer drops into the sea below. There was no sightseeing today; the road was treacherous and took all of Paddy’s concentration.
“Do you think they are going to collect Ryan?” Erin asked her mother.
“I’ve no idea, sweetheart, though nobody but a mad person would be on this road unless they were desperate. So they certainly must have a good reason to be out in this storm. Jesus! Paddy, be careful,” Bridget squealed as the car swung dangerously across the grass verge and she caught sight of the drop below. She was praying with all her might that they wouldn’t meet their maker on this death-defying road.
In the car up ahead, Diane was equally terrified. “Bobby! Take your time. You know how bad this bloody road is. Slow down or it won’t be Coyle who finishes us off, but your bloody driving. Slow down,” she repeated as the car skidded round a corner.
“What’s the plan then, and why have I got to leave town in weather like this?” Although she wouldn’t admit it, she was more than a little frightened of the husband and wife team, and now the daughter was on the loose, only God knew what would happen.
“Coyle knows you had no information that could help him, but my guess is he’ll take you hostage to trade for the kid. But he can’t if he can’t find you.”
“Bobby, have you honestly thought this through? You know it’s not like the movies. The people you’re dealing with don’t take prisoners. I know you thought your dad was a real tough guy and a successful businessman. But the reality of the situation was that he was a low-life shit who, alongside O’Farrell, preyed on the weak and innocent. He doesn’t deserve your loyalty, Bobby, or your blood. Whether you like it or not, Coyle killed Pete in self-defence and to save his daughter who was completely innocent in all this. Keep your eyes on the road!”
Bobby ignored his mother’s plea. “I’ve booked you into a small hotel up in the mountains for a few days. That’s all it should take. You’ll be quite comfortable. Trust me, I know what I’m doing.” The same couldn’t be said of his driving
“Christ, Bobby!” shouted Diane as once more, the car veered across the treacherous road, right into the path of an oncoming truck.
The sports car crumpled on impact.
The car behind flew round the corner, screeching to a halt just millimetres from the wreckage.
As the shocked truck driver alighted from his cab the car exploded, putting paid to any hope of survivors. Erin fell to her knees in hysterics at the side of the road. Despite everything Bobby had put her through, he was definitely the love of her life. And now the father of her child was dead.
It took hours to clear the road and recover the bodies, but the Coyles had to continue their journey. Ryan might be somewhere on this mountain and they had to find him.
There were few homes on the road and the Coyles stopped at each one. All were inhabited by peasant farmers who spoke no English and there was no sign of the boy. The last stop on the treacherous road was the Hotel Parador. The owner, Gwen, was a Welsh girl from the valleys and had only recently taken over the business. She was eager to help the desperate souls.
“I have only seven guests booked in tonight − three couples, and a single lady still to check in. A Mrs Glasgow.
“That’s her, Dad. That’s her,” wailed Erin.
“Of course it is. They would book under an alias to avoid us tracing them,” said Paddy. “I think you’ll have a vacant room this evening, Gwen.”
“So it would seem.”
“Maybe we should book in, see if anyone turns up?” Paddy proposed. He turned to the hotelier, “I don’t suppose you have a double as well as a single available?”
“Yes, no problem, but do you really think someone will turn up with the child?”
“What other reason could she have for booking a hotel room less than twenty kilometres from her home and under an assumed name?”
“They may have had to arrange to collect the boy away from town because they are so well known in Marbella. It’s the only reason I can think of for the two of them to be on this road. If Erin had been kept on remand, they wouldn’t have had to shift him, but with you around,” he addressed his daughter, “it might have been too risky.”
“Does this not seem surreal to you both? Ten hours ago I was incarcerated in the toughest women’s prison in Spain. Since then I’ve been in court, acquitted of being a drugs mule, the father of my child and his mother have been cremated before our very eyes trying to escape from us, and now we’re holed up in a three st
ar B&B hoping to kidnap my son back.”
“Well, when you put it like that,” her parents chuckled.
“It’s not funny! How can you laugh at a time like this?”
“Hey, don’t get uppity with me. I didn’t crash his bloody car. And whether you believe it or not, they did you the biggest favour of your life.” Paddy snapped.
“WHAT?”
“Did you really believe I could get your son back without blood being spilled? And it might well have been ours, Erin. I’m afraid of very few men and Bobby McClelland certainly wasn’t one of them, but don’t you think he would have come mob-handed to see us off? That’s why I didn’t go straight for him when we arrived here. He knew that I was coming, he just didn’t know when. I’m not sorry in the least. The stupid, reckless idiot did us a huge favour. We don’t have to fight him, and your son, when we find him, is heir to everything.”
“How can you even think like that?” his daughter was shattered at his remarks.
“I can think this way because if it hadn’t been them, it would have been us. My greatest revenge would be to take everything from them and, thanks to my grandson, that’s exactly what has occurred. Karma, Erin, karma. What goes around comes around.”
Great Expectations
Two months had passed since the accident and there was still no sign of Ryan. As Lizzie had predicted, Bridget and Erin had stayed on in Marbella to take care of the McClelland empire, but more importantly, to conduct the operation to find the missing child. Despite a significant manhunt mounted by the Spanish authorities, and an equally exhaustive search by Nick the Greek and most of the Costa del Crime, not one clue to Ryan’s whereabouts had surfaced, except for one possibility.
A few weeks after the funerals, Erin and Bridget had moved into Diane’s apartment.
“I couldn’t ever live here permanently,” Erin confided in her mother.
“Nor me. I keep hearing her clip clop across the marble floor and I get a waft of her scent every so often.”
The Betrayal Page 21