Sometimes the burden of her situation weighed her down. Despite what people said, money was freedom. It enabled you to really live and not end up sick with the stress of wondering how you were going to pay all the bills, like her mum suffered from regularly. Only those who had lots of money tried to make out it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, it was the big lie to stop the lower classes from becoming ambitious and threatening their position. Without it she was stuck being harassed by the local morons day after day with nothing to occupy her mind. On top of that something had been woken inside her that had up until now lain dormant. Ryan Law’s sudden attention had filled her head with all sorts of sexy scenarios that she doubted would ever be realised. None of the local boys had ever looked twice at her unless it was to take the piss and they weren’t half as stunning as Ryan. Her dad was right, he was a gangster and that was something she wanted no part of. But she couldn’t get the man off her mind.
After her appointment at the dentist’s she returned to her pointless wandering about the shops, attempting to get used to her new braces. She hated them, her mouth feeling overstuffed with metal. For years she’d fought against having them put in. She’d seen too many of her schoolmates bullied for wearing braces and she thought her buck teeth the lesser of two evils. Desperation had forced her hand.
Rachel hesitated before the window of an electrical shop to study the braces in the glass and her heart sank. The metal was very visible even in the reflection. She looked like Jaws in that James Bond film.
“Oy, Thomas.”
She sighed heavily, detecting the antagonism in the voice. Whoever it was was spoiling for a fight. Why did this keep happening to her? She was sick of it.
Turning, she saw two girls approaching her, both a couple of years older than herself. She recognised them as Lacey’s cousins, Monica and Julie Sanders. Yes she was under Ryan Law’s protection but they didn’t live on the Montford. In fact they were moving into the Henley when it was finished, their family enjoying considerably more wealth than their cousins, even if they were just as feral as the Shaws. But their move into the Henley put them firmly behind the Maguires, so they wouldn’t give a shit what Ryan said.
When Monica and Julie saw all the metal in her mouth they burst out laughing. Then the taunts started. Nothing very imaginative. Ugly bitch, mingin’ cow and, rather bizarrely Rachel thought, virgin slag, which just went to show the mentality of this scum. They had a nerve insulting anyone because they were both overweight and dog ugly, but because all the local boys knew they spread their fat thighs for anyone they were never short of male attention, which made the stupid bints think they were catnip for the opposite sex.
Monica drew back her fist. “This is for Lacey.”
Rachel couldn’t remember what happened. One minute Monica’s meaty fist was coming at her, the next both she and her sister were on the ground, crying and bleeding everywhere, Rachel glaring down at them, her knuckles once again bruised. She felt as though she was slowly waking from a dream into a fresh nightmare and stared at the blood on her hands, appalled. Monica looked especially bad, she’d really given her a good pasting.
The shocked passers-by moved aside to allow two police officers to pass. She didn’t protest as they snapped the cuffs on her wrists. She remained silent as they read her rights. She’d played this game before.
Rachel stared into the face of PC Benton, a smug, hotshot copper who was clearly determined to get another conviction under his belt.
“That was a vicious fight Rachel,” he said. “Care to tell me why you attacked two girls in broad daylight?”
“I didn’t. They attacked me first. They saw my braces and took the piss.”
“And you thought that was reason enough to beat the living daylights out of them? Monica has been hospitalised.”
“She’ll be fine.”
“That’s a very carefree attitude you have there about the wellbeing of others.”
“Why should I care? They were going to give me a hammering. It was self defence.”
“You know Rachel, that’s what I was willing to think. At first. Then I looked into your colourful history. You’ve been arrested four times for assault and you’re only sixteen, although no charges were ever brought. That’s quite an achievement.”
“Look at me PC Benton. I attract the bullies.”
“So you were just defending yourself each and every time?” he said sceptically.
“Yes.”
“And you managed to hammer those bullies into the ground every time?”
“Yes,” she said, attempting to look sweet and innocent.
“If that’s the case then why do these bullies keep coming back for more?”
“They’re not exactly blessed with brain cells.”
“Shall I tell you what I think Rachel?”
“I wait with baited breath.”
Annoyance flickered in his eyes. “I think you’re the bully Rachel. I think you’re angry at the whole world and you’re taking revenge on girls you see as more attractive than you.”
“More attractive? I’m aware I’m no supermodel but Monica Saunders looks like a pig in a wig.”
“Well she certainly does now after what you did to her. Apparently you got into a fight with her cousin, Lacey Shaw, recently?”
“I didn’t. Lacey got beat up and they thought it was me. That’s why they attacked me today, to get revenge,” she said, struggling with her temper. He was so smug she couldn’t stand it, like he already knew he’d won. “It was self defence,” she repeated as though he were simple.
“So you’re saying everyone attacks you and you’re just some sweet, innocent girl?”
“Yes. Now, I’m not saying another word until my appropriate adult gets here. You shouldn’t have started interviewing me without one, it’s illegal.”
“Actually I can if I think delaying the interview could mean a further crime is committed and with your record anyone would believe that’s possible. I wanted to talk to you alone. I can see you’re going to cause us no end of trouble when you’re older.”
“I won’t. I want to be a nurse.”
“You’re born for trouble.”
“I’m not like the scumbags on the estate, I want a decent life.”
“You’re right Rachel, you are different because you’ve got a good brain in your head, which makes you ten times more dangerous. Now tell me truthfully, why did you beat up Monica and Julie Saunders?”
“Because they fucking made me,” she snarled, clenching her bloodied fists.
Benton stared into her jet black eyes and smiled. “That’s quite a dark side you’ve got there Rachel.”
“I don’t have a dark side. I’m not bad or evil. I just want to be left alone.”
“If you have been the tragic victim of bullying then why have you never made a complaint?”
“Grassing isn’t good for your health.”
“How convenient.”
“There’s nothing convenient about being picked on for years.”
He smiled at all the metal in her mouth. “With all that in your gob I predict you’re going to suffer a lot more, if you’re telling the truth.”
“I am. Where’s my dad?”
“He’ll be here soon. Excuse me Rachel,” he said when the door to the interview room opened and another PC popped his head round the door.
Rachel sat back in the rickety chair while she waited for the smug git to return. She looked down at her hands and was dismayed by the mess they were in, they’d only just recovered from her fight with Lacey. Only a tiny bit of the blood was hers, Benton hadn’t let her wash her hands, she thought he must be trying to make her feel even worse about herself. Sometimes Rachel scared herself. In a way Benton was right, there was something dark inside her but it only came to the surface when she was threatened. She’d caused a lot of people a lot of damage over the years and she wasn’t proud of herself. Granted, all those people had been arseholes and had asked for it but that did
n’t stop her feeling bad about it. One reason she wanted to become a nurse was to atone for all that and she hoped caring for people would make her less liable to hurt anyone and soften out that dark, hard thing inside her.
The door was shoved opened so hard it bounced back off the wall and almost smacked Benton in the face.
“Is my dad here?” she said imperiously, undeterred by the fury in his eyes.
“He’s in reception,” he hissed through a clenched jaw.
“He should be here. I’m not saying another word until he’s here.”
“He doesn’t need to be. I’ve been ordered to release you.”
She couldn’t help but smile with delight. “Really?”
“Yes, really. Now do one.”
“But…why?”
“I’ve got my suspicions but I’m not going to share them with you. Fuck off.”
Delighted, she leapt up and rushed for the door but before she could go through it he grabbed her arm.
“Ow, that hurts,” she protested.
“I’m warning you Rachel. You’re going to cause mayhem in the future and I’m going to be there to stop you.”
“Are you deaf? I said I’m going to be a nurse.”
“So you say but I know your type. You’re trouble.” He leaned into her. “I’m watching you.”
“Get off me before I make a complaint,” she snarled, pulling her arm free.
He released her and she stumbled away from him, cradling her sore arm, unnerved by the zealousness in his eyes. She had the feeling he meant every word.
“Rachel,” cried her mum as she rushed into reception, desperate to get away from Benton.
Rachel found herself clasped in a big hug and her heart sank. She had hoped to get out of this without her mum finding out.
“Are you okay?” Gill asked her with concern.
“Fine Mum. They’ve let me go. Hi Dad,” she said, hugging him too. He looked tired and stressed and she felt horrible for putting him through this again.
“Hi sweetheart. They’ve released you then with no charges?”
“That’s right. I was just defending myself. Lacey’s cousins attacked me, they laughed at my braces.”
“How dare they after Ryan Law warned their family off,” said Rick.
The colour drained from Gill’s face. “Ryan Law?”
Rick closed his eyes and sighed at the enormity of his error.
“What’s Ryan Law got to do with this?” pressed Gill.
“Lacey Shaw had a go at Rachel and he warned her off,” said Rick, determined she wouldn’t know the whole story.
“Why? What’s his interest in our Rachel?”
“He’s only looking out for her, he said she’s a good kid.”
“I don’t like it Rick. Our little girl has come to the notice of a drug dealer and a murderer.”
“Will you keep your voice down. Remember where you are.” He steered his wife to the door. “Come on, let’s go home.”
“Fine but this discussion isn’t over,” said Gill as she was marched down the steps of the police station, Rachel slinking along behind them, feeling horrible for dragging them here. “I don’t want Ryan Law anywhere near my daughter,” exploded Gill the moment they were on the pavement.
“He’s just protecting me like he does everyone on the Montford. I’m nothing special,” said Rachel.
“Rachel’s right,” said Rick. He turned his attention to his daughter when he realised what he’d said. “I don’t mean about you not being special because you are. I mean about Ryan.” He looked back at his wife. “You’re going well over the top about this Gill. Ryan’s intervention is a good thing because without it Andy Shaw would have attacked her by now and who do you think is responsible for getting her out of the police station? When they called me and asked me to come down I understood she was going to be charged. By the time I’d arrived they’d suddenly backtracked.”
“Ryan did that?” said Rachel in wonder. “For me?”
“Who else do you know with the clout to arrange something like that?” said Rick. “Say what you like about Ryan Law but he always keeps his word.”
“Wow,” said Rachel.
“Don’t you smile about this Rachel Thomas,” frowned Gill. “Honestly, all these fights will be the death of me.”
Her grin fell. “Sorry Mum.”
Gill gazed at her daughter’s huge front teeth and all the metal in her mouth and her anger dissipated. If Rachel hadn’t been such a good fighter it would have been her in the hospital. “Let’s go home. We’ve got a bit of spare cash this week, how about we pick up a Chinese for tea?”
“Lovely,” smiled Rachel, the streetlamps reflecting dazzlingly off her braces.
Ryan was hanging around the front of the flats with his four brothers watching the Maguire’s stuff being moved into the Henley, Battler and Bruiser standing guard against any interference. Her parents didn’t notice him but Rachel did. As her Mum unlocked the door of the flat she nodded her thanks to Ryan, who smiled and nodded back.
“My contact came through,” he said. “Rachel’s back.”
Simmy wondered why he was going to all this trouble for a plain sixteen year old girl but was wise enough not to ask.
Ryan picked up the baseball bat that he’d propped up against the fence. “Jez, Jamie, keep an eye on the Maguires.” The youngest two of the brothers looked thrilled to be allocated a task and nodded eagerly. “Simmy,” Ryan continued, “take Adam and pay the Sanders a visit. I’ll go and see Andy Shaw. He needs to know how displeased I am.”
Ryan cheerfully strolled across the estate with the baseball bat draped across his shoulders. It would give him a lot of pleasure to do this for Rachel, she was a good kid. He was looking forward to seeing what sort of woman she would become, he was willing to wager she was going to be something special.
MIKEY
Fourteen year old Mikey crouched in a dark corner of his bedroom, his hands clamped to his ears to block out the horrible sounds emanating from below.
As always his room was messy and filthy. His mum kept his brother’s room spotless, palatial for her prince while Mikey was left with a gloomy, smelly hole that hadn’t been decorated in years. Paint peeled off the walls in strips, the furniture was falling apart and the brown carpet mainly consisted of holes, what remained of it held together by fragile threads. He was actually glad he didn’t have any friends because he wouldn’t have wanted to bring them back here. But, despite how ugly it was, he liked his room, it was his sanctuary against the world.
He curled up into a ball, clutching his knees into his chest, the screaming and crying from below gaining in crescendo. He was unable to comprehend what was going on because no one had told him anything. His Uncle Frank had suddenly descended on the house and ordered him upstairs and, as he was terrified of his uncle, he’d resolved to wait here until he was told he could come out.
The wail of a siren filled the air. Deciding to be brave he peeked his head just above the windowsill to see two ambulances pull up outside the house. Four paramedics leapt out and rushed to the door and more deep male voices joined the cacophony below.
Ten minutes later he saw his brother’s best friend and his girlfriend being wheeled out of the house on stretchers, their faces white with pain, oxygen masks over their mouths. They were loaded into one of the waiting ambulances that set off with its siren screaming. Two minutes later Mikey watched his brother and mother being wheeled out in much the same condition. He waited until the ambulance they were loaded into had disappeared from sight before returning to the corner of the room, rocking back and forth. What was going on?
Tears filled his eyes, making him feel even more ridiculous. He was used to being ignored and forgotten but this was different. This time it was really bad.
When he heard footsteps on the stairs Mikey pressed himself back against the wall, hoping the black clothes he wore would help him blend into the gloom of the room. The steps creaked and groaned beneath the
weight of the person making their way towards him. It had to be his Uncle Frank. There was no one else in the house, he must be coming for him.
When the door was pushed open by an enormous hand Mikey wished he could evaporate into thin air. His uncle entered the room, craggy face creased into an angry frown. Mikey jumped when he slammed the door shut behind him.
“What you’ve done is bad Mikey. Very bad.”
Mikey’s insides clenched with fear and confusion. What was he supposed to have done? The way Frank looked at him made him tremble all over. Contrary to what everyone thought he wasn’t stupid, he knew his uncle was a dangerous man, he’d heard the stories, even though no one in the family would say it outright. Uncle Frank’s two sons were just as frightening, especially Alex. He hated it when they came to visit, he got flustered and tongue-tied, terrified one of them would speak to him. But they rarely bothered with him, he could see in their eyes they all thought he was weird. It was his job to fetch them drinks when they came to visit then he would leave them to it, retreating to his room until they’d gone.
“I…I haven’t done anything,” he said in a small, timid voice.
“We both know that’s a lie Mikey.”
Mikey had been raised never to contradict Uncle Frank. His word was law so he found he was unable to do it now. Instead he said, “why did the ambulances take Mum and Jake and his friends away? Are they ill?”
Dividing Line Origins (Short story anthology - Dividing Line Series) Page 3