Jules laughed with delight. “So he does speak. Wow, deep and hoarse. Sexy. I’d love to get you between my thighs, I bet you’re a right screamer.”
“I’m happy to strangle you. Only difference is I won’t let go until you go still,” he retorted before standing tall and straight, gaze distant, indicating he was done talking.
Rachel and Battler glanced at each other. It was the most they’d heard Bruiser say all at once in a long time, a testament to how much Jules irritated him.
“Christ I need a ciggie,” said Jules, rummaging around for the pack in her jacket pocket.
“Not in here you don’t,” said Rachel. “You can go into the back garden. Battler and Bruiser will accompany you.”
“You know boys, I’m really going to miss you both when I leave,” said Jules as they walked outside. “I love having you two guard my body.”
“Oh for God’s sake,” muttered Battler, making Rachel smile.
It was a relief when Ryan and Dane walked through the door an hour later. Rachel got to her feet to embrace her husband, his eyes heavy with dismay. He’d never wanted to do anything like that again and Lexie had made him.
“Sorted?” she said.
He nodded into her shoulder.
Ryan hadn’t told her what he was going to do with the bodies and she didn’t want to know. Whatever it was she’d no doubt it was thorough. Her best guess was Cole and his men were lying in their car at the bottom of the sea. It was the quickest and most efficient way to dispose of them. She cradled his face in her hands and kissed him while Dane squeezed past them.
“Do you want a kiss too?” Jules asked Dane.
“No thank you,” he retorted, slumping into a chair at the table.
“I bet you do.”
“Give it a rest. I’m not in the fucking mood.”
“You should be nicer to me. We’re going to be seeing a lot more of each other in the future.”
“Not if I can help it.”
“I’m not messing with you Dane. I’m going back to Manchester with Mikey and Jez. They’re bringing me in on the business.”
“You’re joking? Please say you’re joking.”
“I’m afraid not. You’re pleased, I can tell,” she smiled.
“Fucking ecstatic,” he glowered, unable to decide whether this news filled him with despair or excitement.
When Mikey and Jez finally turned up they were surprised to find Cole and his crew had already been eliminated.
“Why didn’t you wait until we got back to you? We told you we were looking into who he was,” exclaimed Mikey.
He was so serious it scared Rachel. “Why? What have you found out?”
“He wasn’t into drugs like Lexie said. He was a money launderer for some very nasty people and he didn’t just have ties to Spain and the UK, he was international too, working for some very vicious Columbians.”
“Oh shit,” she said quietly.
“Oh shit indeed.”
“They won’t be able to track him here,” said Ryan. “He’ll have covered his tracks too well.”
“I hope that confidence is well justified,” he retorted, outraged. “Why didn’t you wait for us? Why did you have to rush into it?”
“We had an opportunity and we took it,” said Ryan.
“You rushed into it and now it could backfire on you,” retorted Jez. He looked to Rachel. “Did you agree with what he did?”
“Yes,” she replied, lifting her chin. “Someone comes after us we bury them.”
Silence filled the room as Mikey stared at Rachel in surprise, her eyes black as night.
“On this Rachel and I are agreed,” said Ryan.
“I thought you were all law-abiding and legit,” retorted Jez. “Now you’re talking about killing anyone who gets in your way.”
“We can never be fully legitimate, we learnt that the hard way,” said Rachel, indicating her neck, the scar covered by the black choker. “We will do anything to defend ourselves and our kids. They turned up at our home and gave themselves a death sentence. Anyone wants to start looking into Cole’s disappearance and they turn up here we’ll do the same to them.”
“Jesus Christ Rachel,” said Jez.
Jules finally realised how fortunate she was to be alive. The look Dane gave her told her he was thinking exactly the same thing. Jules found her respect for her sister-in-law growing exponentially.
“She’s right,” said Jules. “You’ve got to teach people not to fuck with you. Violence is the only language a lot of arseholes in this world understand.”
“Thank you Jules,” said Rachel. She looked back at Mikey, who suddenly seemed a lot older than his years as he sank into a chair at the dining table. The weight of power was already taking its toll. “She gets it so why can’t you?” she told him.
“Murder is a last resort. It’s messy and it leaves a trail.”
“There is no trail,” said Ryan. “Dane and I saw to that.”
“This could have been negotiated and you know it. You got scared and panicked.”
“I. Do. Not. Panic,” spat Ryan.
“We were protecting ourselves Mikey,” snapped Rachel. He was starting to irritate her. “And as Ryan pointed out before, it’s always us people come after. Not you or your family, us, and I’m sick of it.”
Mikey took her hand and encouraged her to sit in the chair beside him. “Alright Rach, it’s alright,” he said softly. “I understand why, of course I do. Now we need to assess the risk of anyone looking into Cole’s disappearance.”
“Lexie,” Ryan bellowed up the stairs. “Get down here now.”
A minute later Lexie reluctantly walked into the room, eyes red and puffy from crying. She remained frozen in the doorway, loath to come into a room filled with so many frightening people.
“Tell us Lexie,” began Mikey. “Did Cole have any family?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Close friends?”
“No, just business acquaintances.”
“Good. Who knew you were together?”
“No one apart from his bodyguards, but they’re all…” She trailed off when her eyes filled with tears. She wasn’t sad Stevie and his men were gone, she was just terrified about being so close to those who were responsible.
“So no one else knew you were even together?”
“Definitely not. Cole was very private, he liked it to be just the two of us all the time.”
“Didn’t that set any alarm bells ringing?” said Rachel.
“It should have done, I realise that now but at the time it just seemed romantic.”
“See Mikey, no one’s going to come looking for them,” Rachel told him with a hint of smugness.
“What about the people who will be wondering how the hell they’re going to get their money?”
“What are they going to do, go to the police?”
“Cole wasn’t a drug dealer,” Ryan told Lexie. “He was a money launderer for some very bad people.”
Lexie was stricken. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” She thought she might faint with fear when Ryan glowered at her.
“There was a plane ticket for Alicante Airport in his pocket,” said Dane. “His passport was in the name of Thomas Wright. The car was bought from a garage in Exeter, paid for in cash. We found the documents.”
“Will anyone notice if he doesn’t make the flight?” said Lexie.
“People miss flights all the time. We did recently and no one bothered contacting us,” said Rachel.
“He travels a lot, he can be away from Spain for months,” said Lexie. “He told me once he was away for three years. No one there will bat an eyelid if he doesn’t return.” Her attempts to puzzle out how safe her future would be briefly distracted her from her fear. “He had a few different passports, I saw them in his safe once. He told me he had different citizenships. I knew they were forged passports, my dad used to deal in them.”
“And still the alarm bells didn’t start ringing?” said Rach
el.
“I was happy with him then so I decided to forget about them. Yes, I know,” she added when they all appeared disapproving.
“No one’s coming here looking for Cole. He’s gone and that’s that,” said Ryan. “I suggest you get yourself far from here Lexie.”
“You want me to go?” she said, surprised.
“Yes I do and don’t hurry back. In fact I don’t think it would be any great loss if we never saw you again.”
“You really mean it? I can go?”
“Yes and I suggest next time you choose your men more carefully,” said Rachel.
“I’ll go and pack,” she replied, racing upstairs.
“Shame,” said Jules. “Just when we were getting on so well.”
CHAPTER 28
Ryan and Rachel drove Lexie to the airport, the silence and ill feeling swelling in the car, pushing the occupants to the edges of the vehicle, forcing their faces to the windows.
Ryan parked up, stealing the spot in the drop-off bay right outside the main doors just as another car was preparing to reverse into it. Ignoring the gesticulating driver of the thwarted car, he hauled Lexie’s bags out of the boot of the Range Rover and carried them into the airport, Rachel and Lexie having to hurry to keep up with him.
“Alright, I get it. You want me gone as soon as possible,” said Lexie as they rushed through the main doors towards the check-in desk.
He dumped her bags on the floor and rounded on her. “Too right I do. What you made me do…” He broke off and shook his head. “If you’d just given us some warning it would have turned out completely different. Fuck off to Jamaica and don’t come back.”
He stormed back out through the sliding doors, leaving Rachel and Lexie to look at each other awkwardly.
“I really am sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused,” said Lexie.
“I know. Give him time to calm down and he’ll come round.”
“Yeah, about three or four hundred years.”
“Maybe one or two,” she smiled.
“I will come back, one day. I don’t know when. I would like the opportunity to try again with your family.”
Rachel recognised how much Lexie had changed in such a short space of time. The arrogance and overconfidence had been knocked out of her. She would be tormented by memories of what she’d seen, guilt and self-loathing wrapped up with the horror. Lexie had finally grown up but what a price to pay.
“Maybe one day you will,” was all Rachel was willing to give her. She wouldn’t be surprised if Ryan never forgave her.
Lexie wandered dejectedly to the check-in counter, dragging her bags along behind her. Rachel watched her hand over her ticket and passport before leaving, just to make sure she really was getting on the plane.
She found Ryan waiting outside the doors, arms folded tightly across his chest, glaring at the world.
“Has she gone?” he said.
“I watched her check in.”
“Thank God. I never want to set eyes on the daft cow again.”
“You might have to, for Riley’s sake.”
“We’ll see.” His expression lightened. “Let’s go home, I’ve got a surprise for you.”
“Ooh,” she smiled when he took her hand and led her back to the car.
Ryan stopped when ringing filled the air. “What now?” he sighed, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “What?” He rolled his eyes and looked at Rachel. “Hello Thane. No, she’s not here, you’ll have to deal with me. Yes, she’s fine. Were you ringing for a reason or just to ask about my wife?”
Rachel put a hand to her mouth, shoulders shaking with mirth. After what they’d endured Thane’s banter was just what the doctor ordered.
“Yes, our solicitor’s looked over the contract. Rachel and I have both signed and the papers are winging their way back to you. Anything else? Yes, we’ll come up when the building work’s underway. No, we can’t come this weekend, we’re up to our eyes in it. Well, if that’s all I’ve got to go…” Ryan shook his head and held the phone away from his ear so Rachel could hear Thane’s deep Scottish brogue talking at warp speed. Clearly he was excited about their new business venture. Ryan put the phone back to his ear. “Yes, we will. Keep us informed and we’ll be up in a few weeks. Bye Thane,” he said, hanging up before he could get another word in.
“How’s Thane?” smiled Rachel.
“Still wanting to get into your knickers. He’s received the funds and work’s already begun. He was very….enthusiastic.”
He broke into a big gorgeous smile and Rachel beamed back. It was the first normal conversation they’d had in days and it felt good. Ryan slung his arm across her shoulders and she nuzzled into him as they strolled back to the car.
“Come on, I’ve got to give you your surprise,” he said, pressing his lips to her hair.
“I can’t wait to see it. By the way, it’s Tracey’s party tonight.”
“I haven’t forgotten. What have we got her as a gift?”
“Diamond bracelet.”
“Nice.”
They talked happily as they walked, their arms wrapped around each other.
Mikey popped his head out the back door to talk to Jules, who was in the garden smoking a cigarette. “Get your stuff together, we’re leaving for Manchester this afternoon,” he told her.
“Great. I can’t wait to get to work, but there is something I want to ask.”
“And what’s that?”
“Why are you doing this for me?”
Mikey nodded at Battler and Bruiser to give them some privacy, so they retreated inside. He stood beside her, leaning against the wall. “For years everyone thought I was a psycho, thanks to my mum blaming me for my older brother’s crimes. I’m sure you already know all about it.”
She nodded, her eyes for once soft and sympathetic.
“I know what it’s like having everyone think you’re something you’re not, thinking you’re mad and being afraid of you.”
“And you think I’m sane?”
“Maybe not completely,” he replied with a wry smile. “But I don’t think you’re entirely what you pretend to be either. Venom’s a front you put on but you don’t need her anymore.”
“What are you going to do with me when you get me back to Manchester?”
“I want to bring you in on the business, Jules Maguire.”
Pleasure flashed in her eyes before she caught herself. “What will I have to do to prove myself?”
“You’re very smart.”
“Genius actually. My IQ’s even higher than Ryan’s.”
He smiled at her impish grin. “That’ll please him. Play your cards right and you’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted - a good job, family and a place to belong. I know you don’t need the money but everyone needs something to do and I think you’ll enjoy the work. Don’t let your demons screw it up.”
“I’ll do my best but sometimes they’re strong.”
“I understand all about them, which is why there’s a condition on the offer I’m making you.”
“I knew it.”
“I want you to see a therapist.”
“I don’t want to see one,” she glowered. “They’re all nosy bastards.”
“Cassandra is very good. I used to see her myself.”
“You saw a therapist?”
“I did, after it all came out about my mum framing me for Jake’s crimes. She helped me a lot.”
“You wouldn’t be the law abiding good citizen you are now without her,” she said sarcastically.
“Exactly,” he grinned, eliciting from her a reluctant smile. “That’s the only condition I have and, given the chance I’m taking on you, I think it’s a very reasonable one.”
“So do I. Alright, I’ll see the therapist.”
“Thank you, and please try not to knock her out like you did your last one.”
“I’ll try. You’re not what I expected at all Mikey.”
“What did you expect?”
<
br /> “A cold, ruthless bastard like Alex Maguire.”
“I’m learning from his mistakes.”
“Good. He was a fool. You’re not like him.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I think I’ll like working with you.”
“Just try not to screw it up.”
“I know the penalty if I do.”
“I’m glad I don’t have to spell it out to you.”
“Mikey,” she called as he moved to return inside.
“Yes?”
“Thanks.”
“That looked an effort for you.”
“I’m not used to saying it, or meaning it.”
He nodded and disappeared inside, leaving her with a genuine smile.
Ryan’s excitement was contagious as he led Rachel through their rented home and into the garage attached to the house. A large object hidden by a white cover stood enticingly in the centre of the floor.
“I got you a present for passing your Direct Access,” he said, grasping the cover with one hand. “I know you wanted to choose your own bike but I saw this in a magazine and I knew it would be perfect.” Rachel had fallen in love with motorbikes after her experience riding around on the back of one in Manchester and, on her return to Devon, had thrown herself into getting her own licence.
He whipped the cover off in one deft movement.
“Oh my God,” said Rachel, eyes lighting up. “It’s gorgeous.”
It was all black - the bodywork, even the exhaust, a monster of a machine, a stunning sports bike with a racing black frame and black wheels.
“I saw it and thought of your eyes,” he said.
Gracefully Rachel flung one leg over it, settling herself into the seat, gripping the handlebars. It felt so right, as though it was made for her. “It’s perfect, I couldn’t have picked better myself,” she smiled.
“You really like it?”
“I love it, really, it’s beautiful. It’s a Ducati, just what I wanted.”
“The Ducati Diavel Dark Stealth. One thousand one hundred and ninety eight cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, Pirelli Rosso tyres, eight level traction control…”
“Are you writing a review? All I care about is the feel of it. Grab your gear, let’s go for a ride,” she said eagerly.
Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) Page 24