The Downfall Series Box Set

by Edie Baylis

  Ignoring the rapid beating of her heart pounding relentlessly in her chest, Anna reached the study and peered through the crack of the ajar door. Seth stood behind his carved wooden desk. She watched him pull a handgun from the waistband of his trousers and remove the magazine. Checking the contents, he replaced the clip back in the gun and flicking a catch down, opened the filing cabinet.

  Hurriedly putting the gun inside, Seth locked the drawer and stood still, his expression stern, but pensive. He wiped the back of his hand across his forehead and sighed as he inspected the blood staining his hands, arm and shirt.

  Not daring to move and drawn to the presence of the man she was silently watching, Anna’s breath hitched as she watched Seth unbutton his shirt and slip it off. She stared at the rippling muscles adorning his arms and torso and felt her heart quicken further.

  Reaching down, Seth picked up a leather holdall and stuffed the dirty shirt inside. Anna’s eyes travelled down the ridges on his stomach and followed the line of dark hair running from his navel to disappear behind the top of his trousers that sat on his hips.

  She watched entranced as he strode over to the washbasin and began scrubbing at his hands and arms.

  As Seth stood with his wide back to her, his muscles well-defined and rippling, Anna wondered what it would be like to touch them. Shaking her head to rid herself of these inappropriate thoughts she realised she needed to get back to her own room as soon as possible before her presence was discovered.

  SETH POURED A GLASS of whisky and sat down at the desk. Taking a long drink from the crystal tumbler, he leaned back in the chair and sighed. He needed to piece together what the information he’d got from that Batchelor guy meant. He’d no idea who this Aaron, Adam or whatever he was called was. Nor whom he was connected with, but he’d work it out. Presuming of course that twat was levelling with him. If he wasn’t, then he’d be paying for it. Tonight had been a mere taster of what he’d do to the bastard if he was messing about.

  The prospect of this whole thing being an inside job from Miller was still floating uncomfortably around in his brain. He couldn’t get it out of his head. Was this arrangement Miller had with him an elaborate set up to cut him and the Glint out of the running so that the Millers would have the monopoly?

  Seth shook his head in annoyance. He was being paranoid. That Batchelor guy worked for the Millers a few years ago of which Dan had confirmed. He wasn’t connected now - Dan would have known if he was. No, he was being stupid. This mistrust of Jason Miller’s interest in his wife was colouring his view and he needed to remain rational. Plus Batchelor had visited on the Tuesday and Miller said the questions had been reported on a Wednesday.

  Seth lit a cigarette and took a deep pull, savouring the smoke curling in his lungs. He hadn’t seen Jane either and his mind had been distracted whilst he’d been dealing with Batchelor. He hated arguing with her. He’d have this drink and get his adrenaline levels back to normal, then he’d go and find her to put things right.

  Sensing movement outside his study, Seth’s gaze moved towards the door. “Jane? Babe? Is that you?” He was surprised when Anna poked her head around the door.

  “Good evening Mr Wright. It’s only me. I was just about to check on Toby.” She cleared her throat in embarrassment. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you...” She had to at least pretend she was shocked by the sight of him half-dressed rather than making it obvious she’d watched and dare she say, relished seeing him strip down to his waist.

  Seth grinned seeing Anna’s flushed red face. “Don’t worry Anna,” he beckoned her into the room. “Come in.”

  Anna nervously stepped into the study and stood uncomfortably wondering what to do. What happened if he suddenly decided to shoot her? She’d seen the gun with her own eyes. For the first time since she’d been in the Wright’s house, tendrils of fear crept into her brain.

  “Blimey Anna, stand down! I don’t bite!” Seth laughed, pouring a small measure of whisky into a second tumbler. “Here, have this.” He gestured to a seat the other side of the desk. “Don’t worry, I haven’t got my cock out! You’re safe with me!” He laughed heartily watching Anna’s blush spread furiously across her chest. “How’s my boy been today?”

  Glad for the change of the subject, Anna took a sip of the whisky and enjoyed the feel of the spirit as it warmed the back of her throat. A wide smile spread across her face as it always did with the thought of that dear little boy. “Oh, he’s been an absolute darling like usual.”

  “Good day then?” Seth asked, stretching his long legs out to the side of the desk.

  Anna forced herself not to look and instead concentrated on Seth’s face, noticing he’d got dimples hidden under his closely cut beard when he smiled. Stop it Anna, she admonished herself. She needed to change the subject. “Beautiful flowers you sent to Mrs Wright.”

  Seth’s eyes narrowed. “Flowers? What flowers?”

  Anna hesitated, realising she’d somehow said the wrong thing. “Oh, erm... flowers arrived this afternoon. I thought.... I mean, I presumed that....”

  Seth frowned. Who was sending Jane flowers? It certainly hadn’t been him.

  Anna cleared her throat and quickly stood up. “I’d better get on. I was on my way to check on T..”

  “I thought I heard you come back Seth,” Jane said, walking into the room and stopped, seeing Seth shirtless and Anna with a drink in her hand. She raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t realise you were busy...”

  Anna blushed deeper. “I was on my way to check on Toby and I was just saying hello.” She smiled nervously and made her way out of the room as quickly as possible.

  JANE WAS BUSY REMOVING her makeup in the en-suite bathroom when Seth came in and stood behind her. “I need to talk to you about something,” she said.

  “And I need to talk to you too, but for now....” A soft smile played on Seth’s lips as he looked at his wife. Reaching around he pulled at the tie around her satin robe.

  Jane met Seth’s eyes in the reflection of the mirror as her robe slipped from her shoulders and fell in a heap upon the tiled floor exposing her nakedness to his gaze. She took in his powerful shoulders standing a foot above hers and felt his need pressing against the small of her back. As he ran his hands lightly down her arms she closed her eyes, feeling her nipples puckering into hard points at his touch.

  “Jane...” Seth murmured, scooping her hair out of the way so he could trail a line of kisses down her neck. “I’m sorry about what I said last night and for disappearing this morning.” His hands gently ran over her breasts. “You’re right. Let’s get Grace back before we think about having any more kids.”

  Turning herself around to face him, Jane slowly traced her finger down his chest, over his hard stomach and heard him take a sharp intake of breath as she unzipped his trousers and wrapped her hand firmly around his length.

  She moved her hand down his cock and as his mouth searched for hers, she smiled. “That’s all I was saying Seth, but I’m not saying never ok?”

  Seth grinned widely and lifted Jane on to the marble sink surround. Her eyes were half-closed as his hands massaged her breasts hardening her nipples further. His eyes ran over her body as he stood between her thighs. “Christ I love you,” he whispered and slid into her. He’d ask about the flowers later.

  THIRTEEN

  ELIZA WAS TRYING TO enjoy Digger’s tongue working her frantically. He’d taken the initiative by pushing her backwards onto her desk and burying his head between her legs, but it just wasn’t working. She normally loved impromptu stuff like this, but just had too much stuff on her mind today to relax.

  “What are we going to do?” she whined.

  Stopping, Digger irritably raised his head and looked at her. “For God’s sake Eliza, you’ve got to accept the little bitch has done a runner. She’s gone!” he snapped huffily. Christ, it didn’t say much for him if all she could think about was the girls when he was desperately trying to make her come.


  Wiping his hand across his mouth, Digger got to his feet. “Listen, it’s not the end of the world. We’ve got more than enough stuff to be getting on with without this kid thing,” he reasoned. “Do you not realise we’re this close to fucking Seth and Jane up once and for all? That was the fucking plan to start with before all this business with that stupid cow started wasn’t it?”

  Eliza pulled her skirt down and slipped from the desk. “Don’t you think I know that, but are you that thick-skulled you’ve forgotten you’ve lined up a buyer for Lacey’s kid? That stands to net us some good coin!” She pouted heavily. “It will bring in thousands extra Digger. I thought you agreed it was a good idea?”

  Digger sighed. It wasn’t a good idea. It never had been. In all honesty he’d only gone along with it because she’d wanted to do it. “Yes babe it was,” he lied, pulling Eliza into his arms. “But only in as much as it was available. Now it’s not I can’t see the point in worrying about it.”

  He stroked her hair. “Listen, you tried your best to locate her and she definitely wasn’t still in the hospital under any name, so she’s ok and somewhere. Let it go. You’re not thinking rationally.”

  Eliza pursed her lips. “I think Jane Wright’s behind this. She was at the hospital that day and what happens if Lacey tells someone?”

  Digger sneered. “Why would it be anything to do with Jane? Besides, Lacey won’t say a word. She knows what would happen if she did.” She’d sorely pay for it.

  Eliza folded her arms, accepting Digger was probably right. However, she’d still be keeping her ears open because if she caught wind of Lacey’s whereabouts she’d make sure she was returned. It was always a risk when one went AWOL, but she still wanted it checked out. “I want you to make sure for definite the bitch isn’t at the Wrights.”

  Digger sighed. “Ok, but I’m not having anyone waste days on it.” He picked up the telephone. “Aiden? Get yourself up here.”

  Eliza stared at Digger. “What the hell are you calling him in for? Don’t you think he’s done enough damage? He can’t be fucking trusted!” she snapped.

  “Don’t be stupid woman! The hospital incident was out of his control. He’s alright Aiden is.”

  Eliza arched one of her overly-plucked brows. “You could have fooled me...”

  “As well as checking out what you’ve asked, I have another job for him to do at the Limelight. His inroad in there courtesy of his brother is invaluable!”

  Eliza smiled. She loved Digger. Well – at least as much as she could love anyone these days she supposed and he was good at keeping her mind on track on the occasions when it drifted off at a tangent. “Ok, maybe you’re right. As it happens I have another idea for Aiden too, but forget about that for the time being. I have some great news. Social Services have called me,” she raised her eyebrow suggestively. “Guess what? Due to my very specific criteria in a child they can unfortunately only match us with two children...”

  “Right and?” Digger muttered uninterested.

  “Well...” she grinned, perching back seductively on his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck. “The Wrights’ kid is one of them!”

  A broad grin broke out over Digger’s face. “Excellent! When do we get her then?”

  Eliza laughed. “Oh Digs, I wish it was that simple! We’ve got to meet both the kids first!”

  “Whatever for? We know which one we want!” Digger grunted irritably. He hadn’t got time for this old welly. Taking the kid was one thing, but having to play happy families with it plus another completely irrelevant one was another.

  Eliza sighed heavily. “We’ve got to at least show some interest in both kids otherwise it will look suspicious. I’ve got to set up a meeting for it. It’ll be at our house and you need to be there too.”

  Digger nodded glumly, hoping he wouldn’t be expected to act like a doting wannabe father or something. He wouldn’t have a bloody clue.

  Eliza was closely watching Digger’s expression. “I hope you’ll make an effort. You know how important this is.”

  “Yes, I know,” Digger mumbled. It didn’t mean that he was looking forward to it. “We’ll discuss this later. Aiden will be here any moment.”

  AIDEN FELT UNCOMFORTABLE doing anything which might cause his brother trouble.

  “But it’s not about involving Alan, Aiden. We just want to ensure you remain in close contact with him so you can get easy access,” Eliza smiled.

  Digger grinned. “As well as needing you to give one of the bar staff a slap, don’t forget it’s the Wrights we’re primarily after and we want your help with that by getting friendly with their au-pair.”

  “Their au-pair?” Aiden asked, surprised. He like the sound of that. Weren’t au pairs always young blondes with big tits?

  Eliza pulled a newspaper cutting from the drawer. “It’s unlikely, but have you seen this woman before?” She unfolded the picture taken at Jason Miller’s club. “You went to this as your brother’s guest didn’t you?”

  Aiden looked at the picture. Oh God – it was that dull woman he’d sat next to for all of five minutes... “Actually I do know her,” he said pointing to Anna. “Well, I don’t know her, but we spoke for a few minutes that night.”

  Digger smiled. “That’s good because she’s the au pair.”

  Aiden’s face dropped. “What? You want me to go out with her?”

  “What’s wrong with her?” Eliza screeched. “We’re not asking you to fucking marry the woman! Just get to know her. Make her like you. Get into her pants and make her scream with pleasure!”

  Eliza had heard Aiden was useful in the sack. She eyed him up and down. She wouldn’t mind a go with him herself, truth be told. “Make this Anna desperate for you. Treat her nice and pretend you’re mad for her. Make her come and her legs shake! That way you’ll get info out of her and also get into the Wright’s house thereby giving us an upper hand,” she winked running a sharply tipped nail the length of his thigh.

  Aiden scowled. He had no wish to get anything out of this Anna. Even that.

  Eliza’s face turned hard. “Listen,” she hissed. “I think you fucking owe us for losing Lacey don’t you?”

  That statement alone quickly reminded Aiden that episode would be used against him for ever by the looks of it. He nodded slowly. “Ok. Give me the address and I’ll see what I can do.”

  “You can’t just go round there you moron! You’ll have to arrange to accidentally bump into her,” Digger added. “She’s Tina’s sister by the way and she’s meeting her this afternoon. Why don’t you just happen to be walking past once she’s left Tina?”

  Tina’s sister? It gets worse! Aiden looked up, resigned to his fate. “Alright, I’ll go and speak to Tina and see what the plan is.” He needed to catch up with Tina anyhow. He knew she’d been avoiding him because she owed him and he was losing his patience with her.

  Digger smiled happily as he left the office. Everything was starting to fall into place quite nicely. He would have Seth this time and he’d do anything to attain that. It had never been an option to swallow what Seth and Phil had done. He’d just let them believe that and bided his time in the interim.

  SETH EYED JANE AS THEY pulled up in the parking lot outside the Italian restaurant. He’d been shocked this morning to find some scrawny timid-looking stranger sitting at his kitchen table nibbling toast.

  Anna hadn’t looked surprised. She seemed already party to the visitor and it was just him who wasn’t. He’d pulled Jane from the room and she’d given him a brief run down, but he needed to know more. A random stranger was in his house, around his child and he didn’t know the first thing about her, but then it seemed, neither did Jane.

  Seth had been even more shocked when Jane recounted what the girl had said. How did she know the girl was telling the truth? For all they knew she could be one of the many glue-sniffing little tarts who’d got knocked up by their boyfriends and was spewing out some far-fetched sob story to get attention and of course, money.<
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  Seth scowled. He needed more information. “Jane, if you’re getting involved in shit like this then you need to be sure she’s telling the truth. Who are these people who’ve been making her do this?”

  If what the girl said was true then he’d make it his personal mission to destroy them. How could he not take people out that were pulling stuff like that? It was disgusting! If anyone did that to his daughter....

  A vein in Seth’s temple throbbed as the sinister thought crept into his mind. For all he knew something horribly sinister could be planned for the daughter they’d lost, but hopefully he’d have more luck locating her with this new PI.

  Gritting his teeth he felt his eyes involuntarily fall to Jane. If anyone hurt his children or his wife he’d....

  “I don’t know who they are Seth,” Jane had said. “Lacey was too emotionally drained to answer questions last night. Whoever it is though has put the fear of God into her. She was adamant she wouldn’t give details, but believe you me, I intend to find the fuckers!” she snarled.

  “I don’t think you’ll be dealing with them do you?” Seth frowned. “I don’t want you putting yourself or Toby at risk. I won’t have you becoming a target by getting involved with whatever’s going on here.”

  “Oh Seth, we’ll always be targets now and again with what we do, you know that. Besides, you haven’t filled me in with what’s happening with the clubs.” She raised an eyebrow. “Or why you had blood on you last night....”

  Laughing at Seth’s expression, Jane smiled. “You think I haven’t known you long enough to see when you’ve done something – even if you’ve tried to conceal it?”