Gerry didn’t go in for nightclubs or gyms, like their contemporaries. He liked the quiet life, so as a front for his office he’d chosen an accountants.
“The prick deserves to get done just for hiding out here,” commented Ben, the joker in their outfit, making them all chuckle. Robbie wasn’t among their number, he was at home, still nursing his injured ankle. Hayden thought he was only putting it on to gain more of Katia’s sympathy.
“Come on boys, enough messing around,” said Katia.
They all nodded and went silent, which pleased Hayden. He had worried they’d all think she was just a silly woman, more concerned with her looks than business. But over the past few months she’d more than proved herself and now, with the Slattery’s gone, her secret underground network was ready and waiting to swallow theirs. That alone had been enough to ensure their men’s loyalty and respect but they also recognised the hard streak within her, the one that wouldn’t flinch from doing what was necessary. That - on top of the fact that she’d learned a lot from Alex Maguire - sealed the deal and men who might not have been happy to have a woman as their leader were perfectly content with Katia in charge.
Hayden was the one who led the way. Anyone who was looking for an accountant would usually find this door locked, their knocks unanswered because this particular accountant’s office didn’t actually have any clients, which was why Hayden just kicked in the door, already drawing his gun, his men piling in behind him, Katia coming in last and closing the door, drawing her own gun. As there was another office next door they’d been careful to put silencers on their weapons. It was closed right now but they were taking no chances.
The first person they encountered was one of Gerry’s men jogging down the stairs, coming to see what the racket was about. He froze in shock halfway down when he saw Hayden and his men pointing their guns up at him.
Hayden put a finger to his lips, indicating for him to be quiet and the man just nodded.
Quietly Hayden crept up the stairs towards him and patted him down for a weapon but he was unarmed.
“How many?” he whispered in the man’s ear.
“Two,” he whispered back.
“Gerry?”
The man nodded.
“Join us or die on the stairs,” Hayden continued to whisper. “Your choice.”
“I’ll join you.”
Hayden nodded, grabbed him by the shoulder and forced him back up the stairs, careful to keep the weapon trained on his head, the others following.
At the top of the stairs Hayden pushed him through a door and he stumbled into Gerry’s office, who had his mobile phone pressed to his ear and a comical look of surprise on his face. An older man Hayden knew was called Tom just gaped at them.
“What the hell are you doing here?” said Tom.
Hayden didn’t even bother to answer such a stupid question. “Who’s on the other end of that phone?” he said instead.
“Mikey Maguire,” replied Tom, who was staring at Hayden’s gun, wondering if he could get it off him. He didn’t care about the other armed men behind him, he just wanted to go out fighting because undoubtedly they were here to kill them.
Katia stepped forward, aiming her gun at Gerry and indicated for him to pass her the phone. With an annoyed sigh he complied and handed it over.
“Hello Mikey,” she purred into the handset, smiling when there was a hesitation on the other end before a voice said, ‘Katia?’
“So you haven’t forgotten about me? I am touched. What wonderful timing this is, I’ve been wanting to talk to you ever since you stole my babies.”
‘They’re my cousins.’
“Oh yes but that’s nothing compared to a mother. I did want revenge against you for taking them from me and almost killing me but I’m going to be very busy. Your little plan to rule Essex from Manchester with your puppet in charge has failed.”
With that she raised the gun and fired, hitting Gerry in the centre of the forehead, pitching him back into his chair.
Hayden was proud of Katia. They’d agree that she would be the one to do this. A show of strength would prove her to their men once and for all and make them think twice about ever betraying her.
The sound with the silencer was just a dull thud but Mikey managed to hear it over the phone. ‘Gerry? Gerry?’
“Sorry, he’s not very responsive right now,” said Katia. “Actually he’ll never be responsive again.”
‘You evil fucking bitch,’ he snarled down the phone.
“You have absolutely no idea but I promise, you will find out.”
Katia hung up and tossed the phone onto the desk. “I enjoyed that.” Her cold blue eyes landed on Tom. “Kill him.”
“You fucking c…,” he began to say, silenced by a bullet in the back of the head from Mick.
Katia looked to the man they’d encountered on the stairs, who now looked absolutely terrified. “You,” she said, pointing a finger at him.
The man jumped. “Me?” he replied, pointing at himself.
She rolled her eyes. “Yes you. So what’s your decision?”
“I’ll work for you,” he quickly said.
“And you don’t want revenge for these two?” she said, gesturing to the bodies.
“Why should I bother? They were a couple of wankers and they paid crap wages.”
“You work for me, you stay loyal and you will be well rewarded. I will make you rich, I promise you that.”
Instantly the man looked more cheerful. “Sounds great. I’m definitely in.”
“Good. How many more men did Gerry have?”
“Err, five, as far as I know.”
“Call them. We need to arrange a little meeting.”
All her men grinned, getting the feeling Katia was going to take them into the big leagues. Not too long ago they would never have countenanced being given orders by a woman but after hearing about the exploits of Rachel Law, Jules Driscoll, Toni McVay and Tanya Slattery herself, who were all legends, they’d realised there was something to be said for having a woman in charge, especially a fit one.
They all watched with smiles as Katia kicked Gerry out of his chair with one long leg and took his place, resting her hands on the desk. “It feels good to be at the top, doesn’t it boys?”
Hayden was bursting with pride as their men all eagerly nodded, respect shining out of their eyes for her.
CHAPTER 41
TWO DAYS LATER
Ryan and Rachel sat down opposite Mr Gross, a tall, thin, balding man with glasses in his mid-fifties. He had the look of a large hawk but his smile was kindly.
“I’m so sorry about how you’ve been messed around Mrs Law,” he began.
“So you should be,” said Ryan. “Have you any idea of the pressure my wife’s been under with all this?”
“Yes, I do and I can’t apologise enough but I can assure you an investigation has been launched. We can keep you updated if you like?”
“Please do,” said Ryan coldly. “This is completely unacceptable.”
“It’s alright Ryan,” said Rachel. “It’s not his fault.” She flashed Mr Gross an apologetic smile. “Sorry about him,” she said, causing Ryan’s eyebrow to arch.
“Please, there’s no need to apologise.”
“There’s every need,” said Ryan. He knew he was just dragging out the appointment. They were here for the result of Rachel’s biopsy and he was terrified. If it was a positive result then he wanted to extend the time before he found out and their world imploded, just for a few seconds longer.
“So, you have the result?” said Rachel, her voice steady, although inside she was trembling.
“Yes,” he said. “And I’m very pleased to tell you that it’s negative.”
While Rachel beamed, Ryan was the one to release a gasp of relief. “Oh thank Christ,” he said, turning in his seat and pulling her into his arms.
“The lump was benign,” continued Mr Gross. “However, due to your family history I would like to
up your mammograms to once a year.”
“That’s fine,” she said, clinging onto her husband, only just realising how tense her entire body had been when she finally relaxed, going limp in his arms. When Ryan eventually released her she sat up straight to face the consultant. “Thank you so much. It’s been such a weight.”
“I can only imagine but you can relax now and please remember, regular breast examinations at least once a month and if there are any changes, no matter how slight then contact your GP immediately.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Excellent. Well, I’m very happy to discharge you from my care and I do hope never to see you again, no offence.
“Me too,” she smiled, getting to her feet, feeling so much lighter. She held her hand out to him. “Thank you Mr Gross.”
“You’re very welcome Mrs Law.”
Ryan and Rachel left the hospital, strolling happily together, hand in hand.
“Right, this calls for a celebration,” grinned Ryan. “Where do you want to go? Your choice.”
She paused to think. “You know, I’d like to take a simple walk through the woods. I want peace and quiet, just the two of us.”
“Okay, sounds nice,” he grinned, slinging his arm around her shoulders. “And if it’s quiet enough we could sneak off into the undergrowth.”
“That was part of my plan,” she smiled, nestling into him.
Ryan left the hospital walking on air. Rachel was fit and healthy, he wasn’t going to lose her. His good mood briefly faltered. Now all he needed was for his sister to wake up.
CHAPTER 42
TWO MONTHS LATER
Katia sat before the trembling man, who had been tied to a chair, wrinkling her nose when urine dribbled down his leg. “You already smell bad enough, please don’t add to it.” She slapped him across the face with the back of her hand. “Have some dignity Garth, you are supposed to be a man.”
Hayden, Mick and Ben, gathered behind her, all chuckled.
Katia’s eyes hardened. She had found the violence that was an integral part of her new role was absolutely no problem for her. Plus, after the training Hayden had given her she was quite sure she was now perfectly capable of giving Rachel Law a run for her money. One day perhaps but now she was too busy consolidating her crew’s position. Jared Slattery hadn’t reappeared and after Gerry’s death they’d easily taken over his businesses. They had then cowed every Essex wide boy into submission, giving them the choice between working for them or being killed. All of them - apart from a few particularly stupid specimens - had chosen to join them, swelling their ranks. Now this man was all that stood between them and south London. But not for much longer.
“You see,” said Katia, producing a knife. “I want what you have. Your businesses, your muscle, everything and what I want I always get.” She pointed the knife at him. “But first, I want to know where you keep your drugs.”
“Go fuck yourself you Slovakian slag,” said Garth. He had hoped to sound strong and defiant but his voice came out so weak and wobbly they all started laughing.
“It makes no difference, your men work for us now. They will tell us.”
“None of them know,” he said, feeling a little more confident. “It was my little insurance policy in case they tried anything.”
“This is clever,” she said with a begrudging smile. “I like this idea. But you forget one thing. As only you know where the drugs are, you are the only one who can tell us. Meaning…”
She nodded at Mick and Ben, who tipped over the chair Garth was sitting on, slamming him back onto the concrete.
Katia got up to stand with Hayden, both of them impassively watching as their associates waterboarded Garth, his legs kicking and thrashing.
“I think he will tell us in the next minute,” she said.
“I’m not so sure,” said Hayden. “He’s tough. I’d give him two minutes.”
“Sounds like a bet to me,” she smiled.
He winked at her. “Name your price.”
She whispered in his ear, what she suggested giving him a hard on. “In that case, I hope he caves in before the minute’s up.”
Katia planted a kiss on his lips. “I thought you might. Release him,” she called to Mick and Ben.
They both stood upright, Ben removing the wet cloth from Garth’s face.
“There’s a panel cut into the floor, under the bookcase,” he shrieked. “The whole lot’s in there.”
Hayden glanced at his watch. “Thirty six seconds. You win, thank God.”
Mick and Ben shoved aside the bookcase, knocking it to the floor, scattering books everywhere.
“Watch it you philistines,” yelled Garth, infuriated by this treatment of his beloved books. “Fucking cro magnon monkeys.”
“What is he talking about?” frowned Katia.
“He thinks we’re all stupid.”
“Stupid?” she shrieked, stamping on his face with her high heeled shoe, silencing him. “You’re the stupid one for letting someone else take everything you had.” She sighed and smoothed down her hair, not liking it when she got out of control in front of Hayden. “Please get rid of him, he is giving me a headache.”
Hayden drew his gun and pumped two bullets into Garth’s chest then one in his head.
“Thank you,” she said.
They both peered into the hole in the floor down which Ben and Mick had disappeared.
“Well?” called Hayden.
“Drugs. Fucking tons of the stuff,” called back Mick cheerfully. “Enough to put the whole of Columbia out of business.”
“Excellent,” said Katia. “Gentlemen, we officially own the south.”
Hayden beamed at her. Every day he fell more and more in love with this remarkable woman. Together they’d risen so high and, to top off their happiness, she’d agreed to marry him. Everything was going so well, except for one thing - Robbie Jordan. The louse was still hanging around them like the proverbial gooseberry but Hayden was confident that one day he would rid himself of the fucking rat. Then life would be absolutely perfect.
Mikey gazed out of the window, watching the snow lightly settle on the ground. It was Christmas Eve but he didn’t feel at all festive. However Josh and Zach always looked forward to it. After he’d spent his childhood being ignored and neglected by his family then the rest of it locked up in a mental institute for something he didn’t do Christmas had always come and gone without really leaving its mark on him. When Josh had been born it had suddenly become a time for the family to get together, some fun for the kids. But now it was once again a time of darkness and loneliness, despite his extended family. They were all going to Jez and Cathy’s for Christmas Day, which he was thankful for because it meant he wouldn’t be alone at home with Amber, the two women agreeing on a truce so the family could spend Christmas Day together. However one of the most important people in his life would be missing.
“I brought you something,” said Mikey, presenting Jules with a neatly wrapped gift, the gold paper glinting in the fluorescent lights. “Your favourite band brought out a new CD.”
He had hoped she would be unwrapping this herself but that wish hadn’t been granted. Instead he tore off the paper and held up the CD, even though she couldn’t see it.
“I’ll have to play it through the headphones,” he said, placing the disc in the CD player by her bedside and putting the headphones over her ears. “Last time we played out your thrash metal music there were complaints. I used to hate this sort of music but I’m actually starting to like it,” he added before pressing play. He’d taken to playing her favourite music in his car, it felt like it maintained the connection between them.
He looked down at her, hoping for the music to work a miracle and wake her up, like a hi-tech fairy tale - but nothing happened. She continued to sleep on.
Mikey sighed and slumped in the chair by her bedside. He was always careful to time his visits when Jackson wasn’t around. At first everyone had visited Jules every day
, even after she’d been moved from the hospital into this private care home. But their visits had tailed off to once or twice a week. Not that he blamed any of them, they all had busy lives and it was becoming so hard to see Jules this way. But he still loved the very bones of her and he made a point of visiting as often as he could. Jackson had done his best to come every day but Cara had become afraid of the sight of her mother, unable to understand why she wouldn’t wake up, so mostly he came alone now. Sometimes he missed visiting a few days in a row if he was fighting in a tournament away from Manchester, which was fine by Mikey because it meant he got more time with her. Every time he came with the hope that today she would wake up, he still had every faith that she would, despite the fact that everyone was starting to say that was never likely to happen. He didn’t like that talk, he was afraid they’d want to pull the plug on her. They were saying she wouldn’t want to be left in this state, that it would be a kindness to let her die but Mikey wasn’t ready to give up on her yet. That jolt of movement she’d shown in the hospital had never been repeated, crushing all their hopes. Jackson had agreed with him but he’d seen the look in his eye when Cara had started to cry the last time he’d brought her to visit. Jules in a coma was holding them back, keeping them all in limbo, preventing them from moving on and truly getting on with their lives. One day Jackson would get lonely, he’d want a wife who was awake and who he could interact with, a woman who could be a mother to Cara, a woman who could give him the child of his own that he still so desperately craved and he couldn’t blame him for thinking that way. However Jackson was her next-of-kin and it was his decision whether the plug was pulled or not and Mikey wasn’t sure Jez would stop him, he too was growing increasingly despondent with Jules’s condition. He couldn’t even be sure Ryan would intervene, although Rachel was still pretty optimistic she would wake up. Other than himself she was the only one. So Mikey had a back-up plan. If they did decide to switch off her life support he would sneak her away to another home he’d found, one only he knew about where she’d be left to come out of it in her own time. Everything was in place, so if it did come to that she would be safe, he’d make sure of it.
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