Alfie got to his feet and kissed her on the cheek. “Night Mum.”
“Night sweetheart. I love you.”
“Love you too.”
After Alfie went up Beth carried Holly upstairs and put her down to sleep. The little girl was so tired she didn’t even stir.
Before returning downstairs Beth popped her head round Archie’s door and was relieved to see he was still out for the count. She watched him sleep for a few minutes, her stomach churning with anxiety, wishing there was someone else to share this burden with her. She couldn’t really confide in her parents, they’d just say it was her own fault for marrying Alex in the first place. They’d been dead set against the marriage from the start. Rachel was in Devon and there was no other adult in the house. She wished Nick was still alive, she was sure he’d know what to do. Even if he didn’t at least he’d be there to support her.
Beth went into the kitchen and poured herself a large glass of white wine.
Nick. She had no mementos of their time together, no photographs, letters, e-mails, nothing. He hadn’t even bought her a present because they’d both been so terrified of Alex finding evidence of their affair. All she had of him were the memories stored in her head and even they were starting to fade, his face blurring, the timbre of his voice changing. One day she’d wake up and be left with only the vague impression of someone she’d once loved and it broke her heart. Sometimes she even missed Alex, the Alex she married who’d loved her and doted on their kids, before he became obsessed with the Slovakian slapper. Beth took a gulp of wine and stared miserably into the glass. Rachel had told her Katia had given birth to twins - Alex and Daniel Maguire. How fucking creepy. The boys were back. A chill ran down her spine, which she decided to deaden with more wine. It was tempting to slide into a bottle and blot everything out with alcohol. She might have done if it hadn’t been for the kids, they were the only things keeping her sober. When had her life become so fucked-up? That was an easy question to answer - it was the day she’d met Alex Maguire.
Her dead husband’s smiling face flashed in her mind, his gentle touch, his loving kisses and a loud sob escaped her throat. She clamped a hand down over her mouth in case she woke the kids. The house they were living in now was new, she’d sold their old one because Alex was everywhere and she couldn’t bear it. Even here sometimes she swore she felt him occasionally, but it was nice - his lips on her forehead just as she was on the verge of falling asleep, his hand touching her hair. Once when she was getting dressed she’d thought she’d heard him calling up to her from downstairs, telling her he was home, like he used to when he gave a shit about her. Maybe she was going mad? How could she miss him anyway? He was an evil bastard who’d tried to rape and kill her best friend. But it was like there were two Alex’s. She still loved the one he was and hated the one he became.
Wearily she tramped back into the living room, glass of wine in one hand and the bottle in the other. Sod it, she’d get pissed tonight and get the nanny to drop the boys off at school in the morning.
As she sat back down at the computer she noticed she had a new e-mail. Opening it up she was delighted to see it was from Riley.
Hello Beth
Good to hear from you and yes I’m fine. Hope you and the kids are well. Would love to be friends. Please keep in touch because your e-mails are the only thing that make me smile out here. It’s hot, sandy and miserable.
Miss you too.
Riley.
Beth grinned from ear to ear. He was fine and he was still willing to talk to her, which was much more than she deserved.
After tipping the glass of wine down the sink and replacing the bottle in the fridge she returned to the computer and tapped out a reply with a smile on her face.
CHAPTER 30
“What do you think?” said Mikey.
He’d brought Jules to the flat he’d bought off Ryan and Rachel and which he still owned, the same flat where he’d put Amber when he’d learnt she was pregnant with their child and where Frankie and his cohorts had stayed during their sojourn in Manchester. It had required some redecoration after their departure, the dirty bastards. The fridge where Frankie had stowed his souvenir body parts had been the first thing to go and a brand new American-style one had taken its place.
“Very nice,” said Jules, nodding in approval. “But I don’t understand why I can’t go back to my old flat.”
“I think you’ll be more comfortable here.”
“You mean you want me where you can keep an eye on me?”
“Yes.”
“At least you’re honest about it. I suppose I’ve no choice?”
“Not if you want to work for me you don’t. It’s a good place to live, me and Amber were very happy here. Now we’re agreed on where you’re going to live we need to discuss how you’re going to prove your loyalty.”
It was inevitable this moment would come and now it had arrived Jules would face it head on, like she did everything else. “What do you want me to do?”
“There are three members of the Leeds chapter of Lucifer’s Shadow still breathing. I need that to change. They’re a viable threat. Is that a problem?” he said when her eyes flickered.
“No, no problem.”
“Good. Grant will pick you up at five in the morning so be ready. He’s in charge of security and my personal bodyguard by the way. The journey will take about an hour. I want you there nice and early, just in time to surprise them while they’re still sleepy. Grant will be there to help should you need his back-up but I’m confident you can handle it on your own. You will use your knives. Make it nice and personal and most importantly, quiet.”
Jules turned to the window, pretending to admire the view of the street below while she got herself under control.
“You knew they were still alive, didn’t you?” he said.
She took a deep breath and turned back round to face him. “Yes.”
“It’s smart of you to tell me the truth. Were you going to tell me about them?”
“If we’re being honest, I really don’t know. They’re no danger to you, they’re just prospects.”
“They’re what?”
“Wannabees. They weren’t even full club members. Just young, inexperienced kids. Jasper kept them out of the worst of the fighting because he didn’t think they were ready. They were just there to mop up the mess afterwards. He didn’t think we’d be the ones being made a mess of.”
“I see,” he said, wondering whether she was telling the truth and deciding she was. “Well, I’ll leave you to get settled in. I’ve arranged for a removal company to pack up your old flat and bring everything here. They’ll arrive tomorrow afternoon.”
“You are organised. I’m impressed.”
“I’m guessing you don’t tell people that very often.”
“Astute too. My clever little cuz.”
“Don’t forget, five o’clock sharp. Set your alarm.”
“I’ll be ready.”
“I’ve no doubt, assassin.”
After he’d left Jules sank onto the couch and dragged her fingers through her jagged jaw length hair so hard she pulled out a few strands. She knew she could handle the task he’d set her no problem, but she’d no wish to do it. The prospects were young and no doubt scared and when she walked into the safe house they were too terrified to leave they’d look to her to show them what to do. She didn’t relish the prospect but what choice did she have? Mikey was right, they were a possible threat. They could start up the club again, come back to Manchester for revenge. Mikey was top of the tree and he was eliminating anyone who might take that from him. That she could respect and understand, but she really wished he wasn’t making her do this.
To distract her mind from tomorrow she looked around the room, attempting to puzzle out where he’d planted the hidden cameras. There was no way he’d leave her here unmonitored. There were no listening devices, she was certain of that. If there were he wouldn’t have talked about the murder of th
ree men so blatantly. No, definitely just cameras. Now she just had to figure out where he’d put them.
She stood in the spot where he himself had stood with his back to the kitchen door. She’d noted he’d been careful to remain that way, so he wouldn’t get picked up on the camera she was certain was in the room.
Now she’d rounded down the general area she knew where to start searching. She went into the bathroom to retrieve an empty toilet roll tube then found a torch in a kitchen drawer. Lucky for her the flat came fully equipped. After switching off the lights and shutting the curtains she put the toilet roll tube to her eye and flashed the torch around the room, hunting for any small points of light bouncing back at her. Then she saw it, a small pinprick of light glinting from the face of the small clock sitting on the mantelpiece. It fit in exactly the right place according to where Mikey had stood in his attempt not to get picked up on it. Jules switched off the torch, put the lights back on and picked up the clock. Turning it over she opened up the back and there it was, a tiny pinhole camera a couple of centimetres square. Smiling to herself she put the clock back together then replaced it on the fireplace.
She returned to her search but the living room was clear of any more cameras. However there was another camera in the kitchen, secreted in the wall. There were none in either of the two bedrooms or the bathroom. At least he wasn’t a pervert. Shame. The thought of him secretly watching her gave her a little thrill.
“You want a show little cuz, you’re going to get one,” she smiled.
Jules headed back into the living room, turned the light back on and stood before the camera in the clock. She pulled off her black hoodie to reveal the vest beneath. Slowly she peeled down the left strap of the vest and slid her arm out of it, staring into the camera provocatively. The right strap went next, revealing her black bra, the snake’s head peering over her shoulder. Gripping the bottom of the vest with both hands she pulled it off over her head and cast it aside.
Slowly she unzipped her jeans and slid them down her legs inch by inch, teasing, then whipped them off in one deft move.
Thoroughly enjoying the thought of his shocked expression when the nosy bastard watched this later, she turned her back on the camera and unhooked her bra, which joined the rest of the clothes on the floor. Her black panties were next and she wrapped her arms around herself, hiding her breasts and crotch, before turning back round. She flung her arms wide and stared right into the camera.
“Seen everything you want to see little cuz?” she exclaimed.
With that she picked up her clothes and stomped into the bedroom, pleased with herself.
Mikey flung himself down into his office chair and booted up his laptop, worried about what Jules was already up to. It was a relief when he brought up the feed from the camera to find her sat on the couch reading a book. Adjusting the focus he saw it was Macbeth. He hoped it wasn’t giving her any ideas. The only other person he knew who read Shakespeare for fun was Ryan. They were more alike than either of them would ever let on.
Wanting to be entirely sure she hadn’t got up to anything dodgy, he rewound the footage to just after he’d left and frowned. What the hell was she doing wandering about in the dark with a toilet roll tube to her eye? Maybe Ryan was right and she was fucking nuts?
It all became clear when the clock was moved, for which there was only one explanation. She’d found the camera. The clock was replaced and he saw her wander into the kitchen with the torch and toilet roll, where she’d undoubtedly found the camera in there too.
“Shit,” he sighed. Wait, it didn’t make sense. If she’d found the cameras then why had she left them in place?
He watched with interest as she returned to the living room, hit the lights and brazenly stood before the camera. He couldn’t hear what she said but it was clearly directed at him. Then, to his astonishment, she started to strip. When the moment came when she had her back turned, clothes in a heap on the floor, he found himself sitting up straighter in his seat and fiddling with the focus. His jaw dropped when she whipped back round to reveal herself. Bloody hell, she had a fucking snake running up her body, it’s coils wrapped around her stomach, its fangs bared, red eyes staring at him. Venom, her namesake.
“She’s your cousin,” he told himself when he found himself unable to drag his eyes off the screen. Fucking hell she was gorgeous. Her body was all beautiful honed lines and gentle curves. Powerful and strong. The body of a woman who worked out a lot. An Amazon.
“Stop it,” he said, hitting the fast forward button, watching her pick up her clothes and rush into the bedroom until it caught up to the present time. She was still sitting on the couch reading the book. She looked sideways at the camera and smiled. No, she couldn’t know he was watching her right then.
Disconcerted he slammed the laptop shut. He would get rid of the cameras tomorrow.
Jules didn’t bother going to sleep. Getting just a few hours kip would make her feel groggy. Instead she used the time to prepare. She’d strapped the knives to her arms, the only weapons she was taking and sat on the couch in the dark, slowly breathing in and out.
When Grant arrived she was completely unruffled, as though this was just a casual outing when inside she felt like shit. Grant was older than she’d expected, late forties, hair silver with the good looks of an ageing Hollywood actor. Big and strong-looking, just like a bodyguard should be
“Ready?” was all Grant said. He was dressed in his version of a biker with black jeans, big boots, a leather jacket with tassles and a stetson.
“Attending a Village People convention after we’ve done this?” she said.
“The boss warned me you were hilarious,” he deadpanned.
“So you’re Mikey’s sergeant-at-arms?”
“Drop the biker shit. I’m in charge of his security. Let’s go.”
She nodded and followed him out the door and downstairs to the car, a ratty little black hatchback. They passed the journey in silence, Jules focusing entirely on keeping her emotions locked up tight. It was the only way she could do this.
It was still safely dark by the time they arrived in Leeds. The safe house was a small semi-detached house in the less desirable part of the city. The neighbours wouldn’t hear anything, not the way she had it planned.
Grant parked the car a street away.
“You know what to do?” he said.
“Go in and give them all presents?”
“This isn’t the time to be fucking funny.”
“I’m guessing there never is a right time for you.”
“Let’s just get this over with.”
“Someone doesn’t like getting up early in the morning,” she said as she climbed out of the car.
He was careful to stay behind her as they walked to the house and she bristled, half expecting a knife in her back, but she made it to the front door unscathed and knocked.
Jimmy opened it up, twenty four years old.
“Venom, thank fuck you’re here,” said the cute blond haired man, standing aside to let her in, almost shutting the door on Grant.
“This is my friend, Bruce,” she said, ignoring Grant’s glare. “We’re all that’s left of the Manchester chapter,” she explained. These three had been on the periphery, they wouldn’t know if he was part of the club or not.
“We’ve been hiding out here for weeks waiting for someone to contact us. We didn’t know what else to do.”
“Where are the others?”
“Still in bed. Venom, what do we do?” said Jimmy, blinking his big blue eyes at her.
She sighed. This wasn’t going to be pleasant.
“That’s what we’re here to discuss Jimmy. Get the kettle on and we’ll talk about it over a brew.”
He gave her a relieved smile. “Oh good. I’m so glad you’re here to take over,” he said as they followed him through to the kitchen. “We’ve been so worried the Maguires would find us here.”
“It’ll all be okay now Jimmy, don’t worry
,” she said, trying to keep her voice light when all she wanted to do was knock Grant the fuck out and tell Jimmy to run. “Just leave it to me.”
Jimmy’s body went rigid when she slid the blade between his ribs, puncturing his heart.
“It’s alright,” she whispered. “Just let go.” She withdrew the blade and he dropped, already dead. She stared at his body, his big blue eyes still wide. “Shit,” she sighed.
“Two more,” reminded Grant’s sombre voice.
Quietly they mounted the stairs, Jules clasping both knives. In the first bedroom lay a man with long dark hair, fast asleep. A blade in his heart took care of him. He didn’t even wake. The third had unfortunately just woken up, standing beside the bed in his underwear, rubbing his eyes. He gave them a puzzled look before Jules hurled both knives, sending them spinning end over end. They embedded themselves in his chest and he dropped at the side of the bed.
Just to be sure they checked the rest of the house, but there was no one else there. As quietly as they’d come they left.
CHAPTER 31
“Well?” was all Mikey said from behind his desk when Jules walked into his office at the warehouse. Grant had escorted her all the way through the bowels of the Maguire compound, waiting outside the office door on guard duty while she went inside.
“It’s done,” she replied.
“Any problems?”
“None. Grant said to leave the bodies in situ.”
“That’s right. No one will connect it with us, if you’ve done your job properly.”
“I did,” she replied confidently.
They stared at each other in silence, the subject of the hidden cameras hanging between them. Her naked body flashed in Mikey’s mind and he cleared his throat. “You look tired. Take the rest of the day off. You start work properly tomorrow.”
“Thanks. I could do with blowing off some steam. Do you mind if I bring a man back to the flat?”
“I appreciate you asking me but that depends on the man.”
Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) Page 26