Darkness

by Heather Atkinson

  CHAPTER 27

  The plane landed without incident at the quiet, private airfield in the middle of the Essex countryside. They were met by the contact Mikey had been nurturing, specifically to give them some back-up against the Slatterys and everyone was so glad he’d taken the time to do so. The man in charge was a tall, slender individual called Gerry Cake, to everyone’s mutual amusement. Gerry appeared to have a solid crew behind him and was the only serious contender to the Slatterys since Isaac Jones - the last contender the Slatterys had faced - had been killed. But they were new and up-and-coming and a little wet behind the ears. They were obviously excited to have the Laws and Maguires behind them and were going all-out to impress them in the hope that they would support them in their attempt to snatch the Slattery’s empire.

  “It’s good to see you again,” said Gerry, shaking Mikey’s hand. “Although I wish it were under different circumstances. I’m really sorry about your cousin.”

  “Thanks Gerry,” said Mikey, masking the pain the mention of Jules caused him. “This is Jez and Ryan Law, Jules’s brothers.”

  “It’s good to meet you,” said Gerry, who was trying not to look as overwhelmed as he felt. His own crew had always been kept down by Isaac Jones but now he was dead and gone Gerry had finally risen, absorbing what remained of Isaac’s crew and together they were strong but not strong enough to get rid of the Slatterys alone, hence his deal with the Laws and Maguires. The Slatterys did him a huge favour when they tried to kill Jules.

  “Have you been keeping an eye on Jared?” said Ryan.

  Gerry wished he could master that steely-eyed stare. “Yes. He’s not left The Homestead. Neither has Tanya. In fact there’s not been much movement at all, apart from the grunts going out to get supplies.”

  “Have you seen Cara?” said Jez.

  “No but one of my men followed Slattery’s man to the supermarket, he was buying kids stuff, clothes and toys.”

  “At least they’re taking care of her,” said Jez. “I hope.”

  “Security?” said Ryan.

  “Tight. The entire house is enclosed behind a seven foot high wall with electric gates. Guards at the gates, at the rear and front doors as well as inside the house.”

  “We already have an idea of the interior of the house,” said Mikey. “Negotiating it shouldn’t be a problem. Our main worry is getting inside.”

  Gerry couldn’t resist smiling. “That’s no worry. The vehicle’s ready.”

  “I can’t wait to see this,” said Jez.

  Rachel was chatting with her old employee, Fletch, who had worked for her as a bouncer when she’d owned her nightclubs in Manchester, before he’d joined Battler and Bruiser’s business. He was tall and muscular with a square jaw and stubbly head, completing the ‘bouncer’ look. Fletch was watching over Jules with Paula while Riley went home to get some sleep.

  “Heads up,” she heard Paula say.

  Rachel looked down the corridor to see DI Dwyer heading towards them, expression grim, eyes hard with determination and set on her. “Just great,” she sighed.

  “Mrs Law, how fortunate,” said Dwyer with a predatory smile. “A word if you don’t mind?”

  “Fine,” she said, knowing this was something she couldn’t avoid and she wanted it over with. “We can talk in the relative’s room. I’ll just let my daughter know where I’m going.”

  He nodded magnanimously, as though she needed his permission and while she stuck her head into Jules’s room to speak to Leah, Dwyer’s eyes settled on Paula. “Well, well, well, DC Lawrence. I wish I could say it was a pleasure.”

  “Me too,” she replied flatly.

  “So you’re guarding gangsters now, are you? How the high and mighty have fallen.”

  “Actually I work for a very respectable close protection team,” she retorted.

  “You mean the one run by Battler and Bruiser, the ex-Maguire enforcers?” he snorted. “Yeah, well respectable.”

  “Actually it is. Many of our clients are high profile and it pays really well, unlike the force.”

  Dwyer’s smirk fell. “So you are willing to relinquish your precious principles for something then? It’s such a shame that something is cold, hard cash.”

  “I’ve relinquished nothing. By the way, have you set anyone up recently?”

  Dwyer’s expression was cold. “You’d be wise keeping your vicious remarks to yourself.”

  Paula’s ice blue eyes narrowed. “Or what?” she said, making Fletch chuckle.

  “You might be surprised,” he replied. Realising Rachel had finished talking to her daughter and was waiting to hear his reply, he smoothed his frown out into a smile. “Ready Mrs Law?”

  “Yes but are you?”

  He glared at Paula and nodded. “We’re done here.”

  “What an arsehole,” said Fletch as they watched Dwyer vanish into the relative’s room with Rachel.

  “You have no idea,” replied Paula.

  “So, what’s this about DI Dwyer?” said Rachel once they were seated opposite each other. “Have you any information about what happened to Jules?”

  “I’m sure I can’t tell you anything you don’t already know and no, this isn’t about that. I think you know what I wish to discuss?”

  She nodded. “Benton.”

  “I knew Mikey would do his research on me and that it would all come tumbling out. I just wanted to let you know that my brother wasn’t in his right mind and that I hold nothing against you.”

  Rachel was astonished but hid it well. “Really?” she said, allowing just a little doubt to creep into her voice.

  “Yes. He always did have an obsessive personality that only got worse as he got older. If you’re worried about me following his footsteps then don’t be. I’m not like him.”

  “I appreciate the assurance.”

  “I don’t like you though, you or your entire family simply because you’re criminals. I don’t hold anything against you personally though for my brother.”

  “Your honesty is very refreshing.”

  “I prefer to be up front, then everyone knows where they are.”

  “My sentiments exactly. Well, if we’re finished here…”

  “Just one more thing,” he said when she started to get to her feet, causing her to sit back down again with a sigh. “I do know my brother would never have killed himself.”

  “You said yourself he wasn’t in his right mind.”

  “True but he would allow no one to defeat him and he certainly wouldn’t have made things easy for you. I visited him in prison the day before he died and he was surprisingly upbeat, his solicitor was arranging an appeal, he was determined to get out of there, although in my opinion there was little chance of that after what he’d done.”

  “Maybe he was so determined to escape prison he was willing to kill himself to do it?”

  “Oh no because that would mean you won. I know you had him killed.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “Maybe not you personally. Perhaps Alex? Or Mikey? Word has it you’re like brother and sister.” He broke into a malicious smile. “Or perhaps it was your husband? By all accounts he was in love with you even then. Maybe he wanted to help ease your torment?”

  “I know it must be difficult for you to come to terms with the fact that your brother committed suicide but blaming others isn’t going to help. Why can’t you just let the past stay buried?”

  “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Well your family killed my brother and I’m going to prove it.”

  Rachel wasn’t in the least bit worried, the task would be impossible. There was no evidence to find. Then she recalled what Paula had said about him setting people up and suddenly she felt a little nervous.

  Detecting this, he smiled wolfishly. “Thank you for your time Mrs Law,” he said, getting to his feet and strutting from the room, very pleased with himself, leaving Rachel to sit there, her mind reeling, wishing she could talk it over with Ryan or Mikey. But no way
was she going to put this on them when they were about to walk into a dangerous situation. It would have to wait until they got back.

  “Well,” said Ryan. “That’s certainly something.”

  “We call it The Tank,” announced Gerry proudly. “It’s a converted police van. One of my men is a genius with bodywork. Bullet proof glass and panels, fully armoured.”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes with rocket launchers,” quipped Jez.

  “We tried but they were too heavy, they caused too much drag.”

  Jez did a double take at Gerry before realising he was serious.

  Gerry pulled open the back doors. “Take a look inside.”

  There were bench seats running lengthways either side of the van, equipped with seatbelts, everything painted black to match the exterior.

  “Looks like something from a film,” said an excited Shane, jumping inside to get a closer look.

  “Openings have been installed front and back,” said Gerry. “I believe one of you is a shit hot sniper?”

  “That would be Mark,” said Jez.

  “Just slide these panels aside,” said Gerry, pushing open a panel in the right side of the vehicle. “There’s one in each side and they give you a good range. The whole thing’s fully armoured so nothing is getting in.”

  “Unless the enemy is carrying armour-piercing rounds,” said Mark.

  “They’re not,” said Gerry. “The Slatterys use standard Glocks so it’s safe as houses.” He pushed aside the mat on the floor to reveal a panel. He opened the panel to reveal a small arsenal.

  “Bloody hell,” said Shane. “You planning on invading a small country?”

  “You’re going to need that lot if you’re attacking The Homestead,” replied Gerry. “It’s not going to be a walk in the park.”

  “Nice,” said Battler, picking up a shotgun. “Everything looks to be in good working order.”

  “Everything’s been triple checked,” said Gerry. “These weapons won’t let you down.”

  “Have you got anyone on the inside at The Homestead?” said Ryan.

  Gerry shuffled awkwardly. “Unfortunately no. I did my best but Slattery’s men are pretty loyal, mainly because they’re afraid of him. They wouldn’t dare cross him. Plus he’s the strongest in the area.”

  Ryan had to own that made sense. Why would anyone leave the strongest crew to join a weaker team? Should they have their way though, Slattery wouldn’t be on top for much longer. “This vehicle is all well and good for a full-on assault but it certainly stands out. We’d be pulled over by the police before we got anywhere near The Homestead.”

  “I’ve thought of that and I’ve come up with a solution,” smiled Gerry, pretty pleased with his own ingenuity. “There’s an abandoned farm not far from The Homestead. A friend of mine owns an articulated lorry that’s plenty big enough to carry this,” he said, gesturing to the vehicle. “We can load The Tank onto it and my friend will drive it there. It’s only a short journey from there to The Homestead on a barely used road the police never bother with.”

  “I see,” said Ryan. He looked to Jez, who he could tell was anxiously awaiting his opinion on his and Gerry’s brainwave, although he was managing to conceal it pretty well. Ryan slowly nodded. “Alright, let’s do it. It will certainly be a novel experience if nothing else.”

  Jez grinned at his brother.

  CHAPTER 28

  Gerry had arranged for them all to stay in the heavily fortified converted detached house that had once belonged to Isaac Jones and had acted as his main base of operations. As the walls were bare wood and plaster and the windows covered with steel plates it wasn’t exactly luxurious but it was well protected, easy to defend and had an escape route in the basement.

  “I like it,” said Jez, sinking gratefully onto the sofa. “Feels safe.”

  “You sure we can trust your friend Gerry?” said Ryan. “We’ll be sitting ducks here if he chooses to take us out.”

  “And why would he want to do that? He’d still be no closer to getting rid of the Slatterys. He’s looking after us because we’re going to do the job for him.”

  Ryan had to concede that he had a point.

  “Gerry’s cosher,” said Mikey. “We’re his best chance at being top dog in Essex. Without us he’ll be stuck in the small time.”

  Ryan nodded. “Alright but I think we should still be on our guard.”

  “Me and Bruiser will keep an eye out,” said Battler. “If someone takes over the shift later so we can get some shut eye?”

  “Me and Shane will do it, won’t we?” said Grant. He looked to Mark. “You’re going to need to be fresh tomorrow.”

  Ryan nodded. “Alright, agreed. No one lets their guard down. We’re on enemy territory here far from home and we don’t know if we can trust Gerry Cake yet.”

  “Gerry Cake,” snorted Shane. “What a shitey name.”

  “Let’s hope he doesn’t like having his cake and eating it,” quipped Jez, annoyed when no one laughed. Still, no one was in the mood for crap jokes. “I’ll give the hospital a ring, see if there’s been any change with Jules,” he said, taking out his phone and retreating into the next room to make the call.

  “This is a bit fucking savage, isn’t it?” said Grant, gesturing to the empty room that held nothing but a couple of couches, a coffee table and a small portable television.

  “You haven’t seen where we’re sleeping yet,” said Mikey, slumping onto one of the couches, attempting to listen to Jez talking on the phone but unable to make out his words.

  Grant frowned and stomped up the wooden stairs to look. He came back down a minute later, scowling. “It’s just a load of mattresses on the floor with sleeping bags. Not even duvets.”

  “Shocking,” said Mikey.

  “That’s luxury compared to what I had to put up with in the army,” said Mark.

  “Yeah but we’re not in the fucking back of beyond now, we’re in Essex for Christ’s sake.”

  “Same thing,” said Battler good-naturedly.

  “Stop being such a girl Grant,” said Mikey. “You’ve been spoilt. Roughing it a bit will do you some good.” All joking fell away when Jez walked back in, not looking happy. “Well?” said Mikey, half-afraid of what he was going to say.

  “I spoke to Rachel. No change. Jules is still in a coma.”

  Mikey sighed and slumped further down in his seat, looking miserable.

  “By the time we get back down there she’ll be back to her usual self,” said Ryan with false cheer. “Giving us a lot of pain for going after the Slatterys without her.”

  Jez forced a smile. “Yeah, course she will.”

  There was a moment of solemn silence, broken by Battler. “I’ll make a cuppa.”

  “I’ll help you Mum,” said Jez, grateful for the distraction, following him into the bare kitchen.

  Ryan sank down onto the couch beside Mikey, his limbs suddenly feeling heavy, not with fatigue but with grief. It wasn’t looking good for the sister who had only been in his life a short while and who he now could not bear to lose. On top of that, his wife might have cancer.

  To distract himself from his pain he decided to concentrate on Mikey’s, he was well aware of his feelings for Jules. “How are you holding up?” he quietly asked while the others bustled about, trying to make the place more comfortable.

  “Fine,” was his curt reply.

  “Jules will pull through, she’s incredibly tough.”

  Mikey swallowed down the lump in his throat. “Tough enough to beat the Grim Reaper?”

  Ryan’s gaze hardened. “Don’t talk like that, she’s not done yet.”

  “You didn’t see how much blood she lost.” Mikey’s mind drifted back to that horrible moment when she’d been laid on the ground, bleeding out, the despair in her eyes, saying Cara’s name over and over. He sighed and shook his head. “It’s not just Jules but Rachel too.”

  “She will be fine. They both will.”

  Mi
key forced a smile. “Yeah, course they will. Jesus, they’re both so strong.” He sighed again when his phone started ringing. Pulling it out of his jacket pocket he scowled at the screen. “Great.”

  “Trouble?”

  “No, just Amber,” he said before answering the call. “Hi babe.”

  Ryan watched with puzzled interest as Mikey huffed and puffed his way through the call, growing increasingly annoyed before curtly saying “bye,” and hanging up.

  “Trouble?” said Ryan.

  “Amber gets on my tits sometimes. Jules is in hospital fighting for her life, Cara’s been kidnapped and all she can think about is shite like shopping and shoes. She’s so shallow I can’t stand it.”

  “Get a divorce if you’re that unhappy.”

  “What about my kids?”

  “It’s not fair on them if you two aren’t getting on.”

  “To be honest mate, I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”

  “That bad eh?”

  He nodded miserably. “She’s not the woman I married. Don’t get me wrong, we still have good times, occasionally but she bugs the crap out of me. I just want to make sure I do the right thing for Josh and Zach.”

  “You’re allowed to be happy too.”

  Mikey did a double take. “Jesus, I had to check I was still talking to Ryan Law there.”

  “I can be sensitive when the occasion demands.”

  “Rachel’s taught you a thing or two.”

  Ryan couldn’t help but smile. “Oh yes.”

  Envy stabbed Mikey in the chest. All he wanted was what Rachel and Ryan had, what Jez had with Cathy and Beth with Riley. All around him were happy, contented relationships, real partnerships but he’d chosen badly and lumbered himself with a fucking dud. But that’s what comes from rushing into marriage and he only had himself to blame for the misery he was now enduring. He knew if only Jules had taken him up on his offer they’d be like the others - happy and loved up and he wouldn’t have let the fucking Slatterys near her, she would be fine, they’d be having their own baby and Jules would still have all her insides.

  “Scuse me,” he said, jumping up and storming upstairs, leaving Ryan to frown after him.