Ryan was distracted by the phone Hayden had given him ringing. “It’s Hayden,” he announced, pulling it out of his pocket.
They all gathered round to listen as Ryan put it on speakerphone.
‘Ryan?’ said a voice.
“Yes, it’s me. Go ahead Hayden.”
‘I’ve just got back from The Homestead. Jared’s there with his mum plus eleven of their men. All are armed. They know you’re coming for Cara.’
“How is she?”
‘Upset, been crying non-stop but she’s being looked after. Tanya’s making a big fuss of her.’
“Well that’s something at least.”
‘There’s someone else there too.’
Something in his voice made Ryan’s stomach plummet. “Who?” he said, his tone indicating he couldn’t care less when in fact the opposite was true.
‘Your mum. Estelle.’
Ryan looked to Jez, who was turning purple with fury.
“What?” exploded Jez.
Ryan waved a hand, indicating for him to be quiet. “You’re certain of this Hayden?”
‘Completely. My gran used to live on the Montford, I remember her clearly. She hasn’t changed.’
“What the hell is she doing there?” said Ryan, feeling his calm slipping away.
‘She says she wants to be a grandmother to Cara.’
“Grandmother?” hissed Ryan. “That’s just a word she rolls out hoping to gain the approval of others. She’s throwing her lot in with the Slatterys.”
‘She is and I’m afraid there’s more.’ They heard Hayden take in a deep breath. ‘She’s the one who told the Slatterys that Jared might be Cara’s real dad.’
Jez puffed out an angry breath before picking up the coffee table and hurling it against the wall, sending a cloud of plaster and dust into the air before it slammed onto the floor, disturbing more dust.
‘Jesus, what was that?’ said Hayden.
“Just Jez venting his anger,” said Ryan. He looked to his brother. “Keep it together.”
“I’m fucking trying,” he said, wrestling with himself.
“How did she know Hayden?” said Ryan. “She’s been out of the country.”
‘When she came back to the UK she decided to do a little digging on you all to find out what you’d been up to. When she found out Cara was born nine months after Jules had been kidnapped by the Slatterys she thought it a bit suspicious so she decided to go to them with the information.’
“Surely the Slatterys already knew she had a daughter?” said Ryan.
‘Yes but they’d no idea how old she was. Tanya had ordered Jared to stay away from Jules because she knows how obsessed he is with her and whatever she orders he obeys, so they knew nothing about her life. When they found out they decided to send one of their men to Manchester to get a DNA sample for Cara. He took a straw she’d used at a restaurant Jackson’s parents took her too. I thought you should know.’
“We appreciate that,” said Ryan, voice choked with rage.
‘No worries. When are you going to hit The Homestead then?’
“Soon,” was all he replied before hanging up.
“The fucking two faced slag,” snarled Jez, kicking the wall, his foot leaving a large indentation in the plaster. “She stirred all this shit up again, the Slatterys were leaving us alone. We should have fucking topped her at the wedding.”
“I’m inclined to agree with you,” said Ryan, expression dark.
“What’s going on?” said Mikey, racing back downstairs. “What’s all the banging and yelling about?”
“Hayden just called,” replied Ryan. “Apparently Estelle is at The Homestead with the Slatterys. She was the one who told them about Cara.”
Mikey’s jaw fell open. “Estelle? But I thought you sent her abroad?”
“We did. We also had an alert put on her passport in case she came back into the country.”
“She must have got a fake,” said Jez. “To get revenge on all of us. She’s terrified of Jules so she was probably hoping the Slatterys would top her and now she’s hoping they’ll finish us off when we turn up for Cara, as she knows we will.” His eyes narrowed. “We should have filled in that fucking hole and buried the bitch alive.”
Ryan shot to his feet and walked into the kitchen, wishing he could look outside, natural daylight would have helped clarify his thoughts but every window was boarded up.
“Aren’t you going to fucking say something?” demanded Jez, following him.
“Do forgive me,” said Ryan, slightly sarcastically. “But I’m trying to decide whether I have it in me to kill my own mother.”
“If you don’t then I do.”
“Doubtful.”
“I fucking do,” he exclaimed. “She nearly got Jules killed. Or she might yet because she’s still in a fucking coma. She doesn’t give a single shit about any of us, her own kids. She’s a monster and she needs to be stopped.”
“I’m well aware of that but - for the first time in my life - I don’t think I’m capable of something.”
“Rachel’s not here to stop you now.”
“I know but I still don’t know if I’m capable.”
“For fuck’s sake, what does she have to do before we stop her permanently? Look at what she’s done to Jules. Next it could be me or you…or Rachel.”
“Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Use Rachel to try and incite me to commit matricide. If you’re so desperate for her to go why don’t you do it?”
“Alright, I fucking will.”
Ryan grabbed his younger brother by the shoulders and forced him to face him. “It’s easy to say that now but when you’re face to face with her, gun in hand, do you honestly think you could do it?”
“Yes and I’ll tell you why. All I need to do is think of Jules lying in her hospital bed missing her womb.”
Ryan released him and shook his head. “I think if it came down to it you would falter and that’s no insult to you, believe me.”
“If she’s in that house when we go in there then she’s as dead as the Slatterys,” he snarled before storming out of the room.
Ryan sighed and leaned back against the kitchen unit.
“You okay?” said Battler, wandering in.
“Not really,” said Ryan.
“It’s one unholy fuck-up, isn’t it?”
“That’s putting it mildly.” He watched Battler refilling the kettle to make a cup of tea. “What would you do if Estelle was your mother?”
“If she were my mum she would have been dead and buried years ago but it’s easy for me to say that. I don’t know what it’s like to have a mum and even if I did, she’s not mine, thank Christ.”
“She was never really a mother. She doesn’t know how to be.”
“Then what can you lose by topping her?”
“If I did I honestly don’t think I’d ever get a decent night’s sleep again. I’m not too proud to admit I couldn’t finish the job, despite what she’s done to Jules and what other carnage she might bring down on our heads. But I know Jez is right, she must be eliminated. I thought threatening to bury her alive then sending her abroad would be enough. Clearly not.”
“She’s not really leaving you much choice.”
“No.”
“You could always get someone to do the job for you.”
“You mean, put out a contract?”
“No. I’ll do it for you.”
“You would?”
He nodded. “She’s already put one member of the family in a coma. Next time it could be you or Rach or one of the kids. You’re my family too and I’m not going to let her do that, to any of you.”
Ryan was genuinely touched. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything yet. Think it over. The last thing I want when you look at me is for you to see the man who killed your mum. I’m fucked if I’m going to let her destroy anything else.”
Ryan nodded. “I will t
hink it over most carefully, thank you Battler.”
“Just make sure to let me know before we go to The Homestead, so I know what I’m doing.”
“Of course. I need some fresh air,” said Ryan, making for the back door. “I can’t think in here, it’s like being in an air raid shelter.”
“Getting claustrophobic?”
“No just…stifled.”
Ryan unlocked the back door, flung it open and stepped outside into the tiny yard, which was nothing more than a few uneven paving stones and weeds. It wasn’t the ideal location to ponder the deeper mysteries of life but it was better than being stuck inside. He paced the yard, covering it in three strides before turning and striding back again, over and over, attempting to puzzle out this fresh shock and completely failing. He could actually understand Estelle being angry at them for threatening to bury her alive then sending her abroad and telling her never to return but to almost get her own daughter killed, to be complicit in the kidnapping of her granddaughter then be in on the plot to lure her remaining children into a trap well, even by Estelle’s standards it was fucking low. But he knew that no matter the provocation he wouldn’t be able to take her life. He firmly believed Jez lacked the same ruthlessness, although he might not realise it until he was standing in front of her. They weren’t Alex Maguire, who had so coldly disposed of his own mother Martina, who had been warm and loving, the complete opposite to Estelle.
There was only one person who could give him the guidance he so desperately needed. He took out his phone to call Rachel.
CHAPTER 29
All was quiet in Jules’s hospital room, Leah and Rachel sitting on one side of the bed, Dane on the other. However the peace was not to last.
In walked Jackson, freshly showered and changed, who was outraged to see Dane Black sitting by his wife’s bedside holding her hand.
“What are you doing back so soon?” said Rachel. “You need some sleep.”
“I got a couple of hours. It was all I could manage.” He looked to Dane. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to visit Jules and I’m sorry if you don’t like it but I’ve known her since she was sixteen and she means a lot to me. So if you don’t want me here you’re going to have to throw me out.”
“That can be arranged,” said Jackson, grabbing him by the back of the t-shirt and dragging him out of the chair. Dane shoved him away and the two men squared up to each other.
Rachel was glad when Riley and Paula shot into the room and put themselves between them, she didn’t particularly want to attempt it herself.
“Take it easy the pair of you,” said Riley. “You’ll get kicked out if you start.”
“I want him gone,” said Jackson, jabbing a digit at Dane.
“Why? I wasn’t doing any harm.”
“You’re her past, I’m her present. You’re not wanted or needed.”
They started to argue, Riley and Paula managing to keep them from launching into a full blown fight right in the middle of the room.
A furious Leah got to her feet. “Stop it now the pair of you,” she yelled.
They were so surprised they stopped arguing to look at her.
“Aunty Jules is fighting for her life and you two are behaving like a right couple of dicks. If she was awake she’d be laughing her head off at you both.”
Jackson smiled down at Jules. “You’re right, she would.”
“If you want to fight, go ahead but you do it outside, away from all these sick people trying to rest. Or you can behave like grown-ups and shut up and sit down. Just make your decision quick because I’m bored of your stupid antics.”
With that she sat back down in her seat, arms crossed over her chest, foot tapping angrily.
“Jesus, she’s a chip off the old block, isn’t she?” Dane said to Rachel.
“She is that and she’s right,” replied Rachel. “You’re making complete pillocks of yourselves.”
Jackson sighed. “I’m sorry, alright?”
Dane nodded. “Yeah, me too. It’s time I was off anyway but I will be back later to check on her, if that’s okay?” he said, looking at Jackson.
Slowly he nodded. “Yeah.”
“Thanks.” Dane looked to Leah and flashed her his best smile, making her blush. “Is that okay with you little lady?”
“It is, just as long as you don’t act like a prat.”
“I’ll be on my best behaviour, promise.”
She nodded benevolently.
Without another word he slipped from the room, followed by Riley and Paula. When they’d gone Jackson slumped into the chair Dane had vacated.
Rachel patted her daughter’s hand and smiled. Leah grinned back, pleased with her mother’s approval.
Rachel turned her attention to Jackson. “You sure you’ve had enough sleep?”
“Yeah. I couldn’t sleep properly without Jules next to me. Plus I couldn’t stop worrying about Cara.”
“Ryan and the others are in Essex. Shouldn’t be long now.”
“I hope to Christ they bring her home safely.”
“They will.”
“Is that them?” he demanded when her phone started to ring.
Rachel pulled it out of her bag and looked at the screen. “It’s Ryan. I’ll have to take it outside, phone’s aren’t allowed in here.”
She hurried out of the room past Paula and Riley and exited the ward onto the main corridor where Fletch stood watch. He nodded to her and she nodded back as she answered the call. “Alright babe?”
Jackson exited behind her, listening in, standing so close he almost knocked her over.
“Is it done?” she said into the phone. She listened to Ryan before telling Jackson, “they’ve not gone in yet.”
“What’s keeping them?”
“It’ll be soon. Why don’t you grab a coffee?”
He returned to the ward, muttering to himself.
‘Who was that?’ said Ryan.
“Jackson. He’s on tenterhooks here.”
‘He’s going to have to be patient for a little while longer. We’ll be making our move soon. Anyway, I’m calling about something else.’
Immediately Rachel picked up on the tension in his voice. “What’s up?”
‘Hayden called. According to him Estelle is at The Homestead. She’s the one who told the Slatterys that Cara is Jared’s daughter.’
Rachel was stunned. “Are you serious?”
‘Deadly, unfortunately.’
“Did you believe him? It could be a trick to wrong foot you.”
‘My instinct is telling me he was being truthful.’
“But we sent her abroad, she was so terrified I couldn’t imagine her ever coming back.”
‘That’s Estelle for you. Full of nasty surprises.’ There was a pause before he added, ‘Jez wants to permanently remove her.’
“Can’t say I blame him but how do you feel about that?”
‘I already know I couldn’t do it myself.’
“Thank God for that because it would haunt you until the day you died.”
‘I know, I just wish I could get that through to my younger brother.’
“If push came to shove I bet he couldn’t do it.”
‘I pray you’re right because he’s certainly angry enough to cross that line. If it wasn’t for Estelle, Jules wouldn’t be in a coma and Cara would be safe and happy at home.’
“It would destroy him too.”
‘Yes, which is why I’m going to do everything in my power to prevent him from going through with it.’
“Good. You’re doing the right thing.”
‘Yes, I think so. I just needed you to clarify it for me. Battler however offered to eliminate Estelle for us.’
“Oh no, please don’t let him do that Ryan. We’re so close to Battler and Bruiser and it will come between them and us, even if you don’t want it to. You won’t be able to help it. If you do decide she’s too dangerous to keep around it needs to be so
meone outside the family.”
‘You make a good point.’
“Promise me Ryan,” she hissed down the phone.
‘I promise you sweetheart. Please don’t upset yourself.’
Rachel sighed with relief. Battler was her second dad and that would be ruined if he killed Estelle, Ryan would be unable to get past it and their relationship would be destroyed. “Thank you.”
‘You’re quite right, it needs to be someone outside the family. I need to think about it. Anyway, how’s Leah?’
“Oh, fine. Dane and Jackson nearly got into a fight earlier and she told them both off. Calmed them right down it did, she was brilliant.”
‘That’s our girl,’ he said, a smile in his voice. ‘And how are you feeling?’
Her thoughts involuntarily turned to Dwyer and his chilling words but now was not the time to burden Ryan with that too. “Totally fine, don’t worry about me.”
‘But I do, I can’t help it.’
“Honestly, I’m good. Feeling so much better for getting everything off my chest.”
‘I’ll bet. Remember, if you ever need me I’m just at the end of the phone. We shouldn’t be too much longer down here.’
“Good because I miss you and be careful. I want you back in one piece.” A lump formed in her throat, tears filling her eyes but when she spoke she forced her voice not to wobble. “I love you Ryan.”
‘Do you need me to come back?’
“No, your niece needs you more and you have to be there when you confront Estelle to stop Jez from going too far. I’ll be fine, I’m just feeling a bit emotional.”
‘Have you heard anything about your test results?’
“No.”
‘You really haven’t?’
“Honestly. I swear.”
‘Alright. Well, I’ve got to go now. If you do hear anything…’
“I’ll call you straightaway.”
‘Thank you.’
“And let me know when it’s done.”
‘I will. Love you.’
Fresh tears welled in her eyes. “Love you too.”
‘Bye.’
And with that he was gone.
Rachel felt the hot tears roll down her face and when a voice said, “Mum?” she hastily wiped them away. Turning, she saw Leah watching her, worry in her eyes.
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