A Family Divided (Dividing Line #3) (24 page)

“
Are you sure?”

“
Course I’m bloody sure. Let the man go, he didn’t do anything.”

“
His hands are covered in bruises.”

“
So? It’s nothing to do with me. Let him go.”

“
Alright Mr Dawson, as long as you’re sure.”

“
I am.”

With that he hung up and exhaled shakily.
“I’ve done what you asked. Now please, go away.”

“
Alright, it’s sorted. Let’s go,” said Alex, causing David to start sobbing with relief.

“
No,” said Rachel in a hard voice.

The others stopped to look at her questioningly.

“What if he calls Taylor back after we’ve gone? Wouldn’t it be better just to finish him, so we know for sure?”

David looked from her to Alex, who appeared to be seriously considering her proposal.
“You can’t. I won’t say a word, I promise.”

“
It’d be a hell of a mess to clean up,” said Alex wearily. “Let’s give him a chance. If he does go running to the coppers we can just pay them off then come back and finish him away.”

“
Oh Christ, you’re Alex Maguire, aren’t you?” said David, realisation dawning.

“
Yes. You picked a fight with the wrong family.”

David knelt in the prayer position and clasped his hands, looking pleadingly at Alex.
“Please let me live. I won’t mention any of this, I won’t even think about it I swear,” he wailed, tears running down his face. “I don’t want to die.”

“
Not many people do,” he replied impatiently. “This little fucker’s getting on my tits. Let’s get out of here.” He grabbed the front of David’s shirt in one fist. “You should have listened to my friend when he warned you off,” he said, jabbing a thumb in Jez’s direction, “but you didn’t and look where its got you. You ever mention this to anyone or you go back on your word and I’ll kill you myself and I’ll make sure no one finds what’s fucking left of you. Do you get it this time?”

“
Y…yes. I’ll never mention it, I swear.”

“
Good boy,” he said before shoving him roughly to the floor. “Let’s go.”

They filed out one by one, Rachel ensuring her stiletto heel landed on David
’s outstretched right hand, causing him to cry out in pain. It was only when they were back in Mikey’s Mercedes that they all burst out laughing.

“
Wow Rach you should be an actress. That was great,” grinned Mikey.

“
Thank you,” she smiled. Only she knew she hadn’t been acting. She had been fully prepared to put a bullet in David Dawson if it meant Ryan stayed free. She didn’t dwell on the thought, it scared her. It was a relief to hand the gun back to Mikey, who shoved it into the glove box, she hated the feel of the thing.

“
I thought he was going to wet himself,” said Alex. “Who the fuck does he think he is?”

“
It’s over now,” said Rachel. “Come on Mikey, start the engine. We’ve just got time to collect Ryan from the police station before the auction starts. Swing by my house first, he’ll need a change of clothes.”

“
I’ll get onto Taylor and make sure they’ve got him ready. I don’t want them dicking about with paperwork,” said Alex, pulling out his phone.

Rachel
’s eyes met his through the rearview. “Thanks Alex.”

“
You’re welcome Love,” he smiled.

Rachel sat back, pleased they were on such good terms while the antipathy inside Alex only increased. All of this was earning him brownie points. Having her and Ryan
’s complete trust would only make it easier to destroy them.

Fifteen minutes later they pulled up outside the police station and Rachel dashed inside, leaving the men waiting in the car. They would only draw a lot of unwanted attention. Ryan was already waiting for her in reception, casually leaning against the desk. He straightened up when he saw her, not sure if she was going to be angry with him or not. Her smile told him that she wasn
’t.

She ran to him and he grinned and lifted her off the floor as he hugged her tightly.

“Let’s move,” she said. “We’ve still got time to get to the auction.”

They hurried out of the station, down the steps and into Mikey
’s car, climbing in the back with Jez.

“
I brought your suit,” she said. “Hurry up and change.”

“
In here?”

“
The windows are blacked out, no one can see.”

“
They can,” he said, gesturing up front. “And so can Jez.”

“
None of us have the urge to look at your bits,” said Mikey as he pulled out into the traffic.

“
Come on, I’ll help you,” said Rachel, attempting to unfasten his jeans.

They both giggled as he lifted himself up so she could slide them down. Amid much shuffling and writhing he managed to wriggle into the black trousers and while he fastened them up she unbuttoned his shirt, taking the opportunity to run her fingers down his chest.

“Careful, I don’t want to go into the auction with a hard on,” he said, giving her his devastating smile.

“
Oh God, make it stop,” groaned Mikey. “You’d better not get up to anything on my backseat.”

“
We’ll behave,” called Rachel cheerily, planting a kiss on Ryan’s lips.

“
Next motor I buy is going to have privacy glass,” said Mikey.

“
How do you think I feel? I’m sat next to them,” said Jez. Nevertheless he said it with a smile, glad to see Rachel and Ryan back on track.

Ryan shrugged into the shirt, buttoned it up then pulled Rachel to him.
“Thanks for getting me out of there.”

“
Anytime,” she smiled. “But I did have some help.”

“
Thanks Boys,” called Ryan.

They all nodded their heads in acknowledgement.

“Would you rather we dropped you off at a hotel instead?” said Alex when the pair of them started to passionately kiss.

“
Tempting but we need to go and crush Strang,” said Ryan cheerfully.

Rachel glanced at her watch.
“We’ve only got five minutes. Can we make it?”

“
I’m going to do my best to get you there,” said Mikey, banging on the horn and swearing at the car in front to get a shift on.

Mikey pulled up outside the auction house and Alex, Jez, Rachel and Ryan leapt out while he went off to find somewhere to park. They raced inside and slowed to a halt when they saw everyone milling about, chatting.

“Shit, we’re too late,” huffed Ryan. “This is all my fault. If I hadn’t been so stupid and lost my temper…”

“
Shh, here comes Strang,” whispered Rachel.

“
Well, well, well, what kept you?” he smirked.

“
The traffic was murder,” replied Rachel.

“
Really? I heard it was a little police trouble that delayed you.”

“
It was just a misunderstanding, it’s all straightened out now,” said Ryan smoothly.

“
I’m glad to hear it but I’m afraid you’re too late, the hotel’s sold.”

“
Who to?”

“
Sadly not myself, but at least you didn’t get it. Looks like your plan to take over the world has failed.”

“
Who did win it?” Ryan said casually, as though it didn’t bother him, although he was boiling inside.

“
Some little blond woman with a shocking mouth,” he said, nodding towards the corner of the room where an eager crowd had gathered round her.

Alex frowned.
“That looks like…”

Before he could say another word the woman spied them and waved through the crowd.
“Cooee.” She stepped round her admirers. “Get out of my way for God’s sake, I can’t breathe.”

“
Hello Dee,” beamed Rachel.

“
Thank God you’re here, they want me to pay and I don’t have a million in my bank account.”

Ryan turned to Rachel, a smile on his lips and eyes dancing with laughter.
“You sent her?”

“
She was back-up in case we didn’t get here in time.”

Strang
’s expression was thunderous. “Who is this woman?”

“
She manages our casino,” replied Rachel sweetly.

“
You can’t do that, she has to be a registered bidder.”

“
And she is. She’s working on behalf of our new company, Thomas Holdings.”

“
Thomas?” said Ryan.

“
Yes,” she smiled gently.

He cupped her face and kissed her.
“Did I ever tell you that you are the most amazing woman.”

“
Once or twice,” she smiled.

They kissed harder, Ryan pulling her tight against him.

“Please remember where you are,” spat Stephen.

“
Oh come on. What’s life without a bit of romance?” said Ryan.

“
That wasn’t romantic, it was one groan away from a blue movie.”

“
You sound like a bitter loser,” he smiled. “Come Rachel, we have to pay for our new business.”

Taking her hand they stepped past him and, accompanied by Dee and Jez, went to add the crowning glory to their empire.

“I hope you’re right about this hotel,” Strang quietly said to Alex.

“
My contacts are waiting. The Laws have just wasted a million pounds.”

CHAPTER 20

“Where are you going now?” yelled Beth.

“
Out,” Alex threw back over his shoulder.

“
You promised you’d spend time with us.”

“
I’m busy. Why can’t you leave me alone?” he seethed as he pulled on his jacket.

“
All I’m asking is you spend time with your family. You’re never here and I’m sick of it,” she screamed.

Holly started to cry and Beth was torn between chasing after her husband or going to her daughter. Her daughter won.

Alex sped off, gripping the steering wheel tightly, his rage refusing to dissipate. He was sick of the whining shrew. She never used to be like that. What happened to the lovely girl he married? It never occurred to him that he might be the cause.

He pulled up outside his gentleman
’s club and entered through the back door. His clients didn’t like to be reminded that their beloved club was owned by a criminal. He hung back to watch as Katia led a well dressed man Alex recognised as a renowned defence lawyer downstairs to one of the private rooms. She was wearing some of the clothes he’d bought her: a grey silk blouse and matching pencil skirt. Her hair had been cut into a chic bob, accentuating those big blue eyes, her nails painted rose pink and make-up subtle, a far cry from the prostitute in the jeans and t-shirt. She looked stunning and classy and was chatting to the client easily, confirming he’d made the right decision. Even if Patti hadn’t been on the take he still would have put Katia in her place. She would be the heart of his club, the untouchable heart, the fantasy none of his clients could attain, no matter how much money they offered. She would draw them back again and again in the hope of finally having her but it would never happen. He tried to convince himself it was just a business strategy, but he knew it was because he hated the thought of anyone else touching her.

Katia returned upstairs and spotted him standing at the end of the corridor.
“What are you doing down there?” she smiled. “Join me for a drink?”

He nodded and followed her into her office, which she
’d had redecorated when she took over, the flowers and chintz gone, replaced by cool greys and light greens. The effect was very calming.

“
Would you like tea or something stronger?” she said.

“
Something stronger. You don’t make the tea again.”

“
I would make an exception for you,” she replied, pouring out two glasses of scotch and handing him one.

“
How’s business tonight?”

“
Steady. We’ve two more due in two hours. All the girls are busy at the moment.”

“
Good,” he said, taking a swig of whisky. “So, are you enjoying your new position?”

“
Oh yes. It is easy work.”

“
Any problems with the other girls?”

“
No, I put them in their place when I took over.”

“
You’re a natural leader. Keep this up and I’ll move you onto bigger and better things.”

She swirled the scotch around in her glass.
“What did you have in mind?”

“
I’m not ready to tell yet,” he said, mischief in his eyes.

“
I wasn’t expecting you tonight. Did you want to discuss something with me?”

“
No, nothing in particular. I just wanted to see how you were coping.”

“
As you can see, I’m coping well,” she said taking a sip of scotch and crossing her legs, giving him a flash of milky thigh, tempting him.

“
I’d better go,” he said, putting down his scotch and getting to his feet.

She got up to follow.
“I’ll see you out.”

“
That’s not necessary.”

“
I’m a good hostess,” she said, moving round him to the door.

He caught her wrist in one hand.
“Don’t open it.”

“
Why not?”

He stared into those blue eyes, wrestling with himself. The next thing he knew, his lips were crushing against hers. He pushed her up against the door, running his hands over her backside, up the curve of her hips, brushing her breasts, ending up in her hair.

“I had to know what you taste like,” he said before pulling away.

“
And what do you think?”

“
Your taste is addictive. I won’t touch you again,” he said, turning his back on her, fighting with himself.

“
Even though you want to?”

“
I admit I do and I know I couldn’t stop.” He dragged his hands down his face. This wasn’t what he wanted. All his life he’d dreamed of having a marriage like his parents had, completely devoted to each other and he was certain he’d have that with Beth when he married her. But that dream was slowly slipping away. A year ago he’d never have considered taking a Slovakian madam as his mistress but he was now and that killed more of his love for Beth. He turned for the door. “I have to go.”

She stepped out of his way but reached out to touch his arm. Just the feel of her skin on his made him ache for more.

“When will I see you again?” she said.

“
Five more women will be arriving tomorrow to replace the others. I’ll be back then.” They’d sent four of their girls down south to the Slatterys, too used up to attract his wealthy clientele. Jovana, the fifth girl, had died from the injuries Patti’s friend had inflicted on her. Alex had shown the fat man his displeasure by breaking both his legs.

“
I will look forward to seeing you,” she said.

He just nodded before leaving and Katia sat in her chair and picked up her scotch, smiling as she recalled Alex
’s kiss.

Ryan waited for Rachel at their new art deco hotel, which was colossal and in desperate need of a lot of renovation. It had been very grand in the nineteen thirties but a series of inept owners had led to its present sorry state. However the scope was immense. He understood why Rachel was so excited, it could really be something.

He smiled when her gleaming black Mercedes pulled up. She
’d bought a new one after the accident, the old one holding too many bad memories. He expected her to leap out of the car excitedly, full of enthusiasm, but on the contrary, she looked positively livid.

“
What’s wrong?” he said.

“
Planning permission has been denied.”

He experienced a sinking feeling.
“How did that happen?”

“
I don’t know, it was in the bag.” They had councillors on their payroll who ensured any planning applications they made were always passed. “I’ve just been to talk to Beale, who voted against it.”

“
But he’s one of ours.”

“
I know. Someone got to him.”

“
Strang,” he growled.

“
I don’t think so, he looked terrified of something. No matter how much I offered or gently threatened he wouldn’t back down. Whoever he’s scared of, they’re more intimidating than us and it wasn’t just him, there were others too.”

Alex briefly flitted through Ryan
’s mind but he dismissed him. It didn’t make sense that he’d do this, although he’d no doubt he could scare someone enough. If he wanted to hurt them he could have left him to sweat when he’d been arrested. He wouldn’t help them like that then stab them in the back this way. But there was no one else he could think of.

“
What grounds did they give?”

“
That it’s a site of cultural importance. We can’t make any changes. What the hell are we supposed to do with it? No one’s going to want to buy it, that decision will show up in the searches. I’m sorry Babe, I’ve really messed up.”

“
You weren’t to know.”

“
I checked first, they said permission would be granted. Now I’ve blown a million on something that’s completely useless. We can’t do it up but we can’t knock it down. Now I know why Strang didn’t bid, he knew already, the bastard. What the hell do we do with it?”

Ryan lapsed into thought then broke into a slow smile.

“What is it?” she said.

“
I’ve had an idea, a really weird one, but it could work.”

“
Don’t keep it a secret then.” When he whispered in her ear her eyes widened. “A what?”

When he explained in greater detail she was beaming as broadly as he was.

“You’re insane. I’ve never heard anything like it.”

“
I know but we can make it work. That sort of thing is really popular at the moment. What do you think?”

Her eyes danced with mischief.
“Let’s do it.”

Katia sternly eyed the five terrified women as they were ushered in by Alex and Col. They were all bedraggled after the long journey but she could see their potential.

“
What do you think?” Alex asked her.

Katia grabbed the chin of a woman with hair the colour of honey and yanked her face up to hers.
“This one will be very pretty when she’s cleaned up. Good skin.” She scowled fiercely at the woman. “Open your mouth,” she snapped in Slovak. When the woman looked back at her blankly she repeated the order in Hungarian and then in Czech, to which she finally responded. Katia peered into her mouth. “Nice teeth,” she said in English before switching back to Czech. “Your new name is Honey. That is the only name you will respond to here. Forget your old life, that is gone.” Just to demonstrate her authority she slapped the girl hard across the face, who squealed and started to cry. Katia grabbed her by the hair and hauled her to her feet. “Stop snivelling,” she yelled in Czech. She shoved her towards a tall redhead named Daniela, who was her second-in-command. “Get her cleaned up. Dress her in white, it will look beautiful with her hair.”

Daniela nodded and led the shaking girl away then Katia turned her attention to the next one, a sulky dark haired woman who glared ferociously at her. Katia smiled predatorily.
“So you think you are tough little one?” she said. The girl didn’t respond to her, not in any language. Katia frowned as she took in her distinctly yellow pallor, her eyes the same strange colour. She noticed something on her left arm and grabbed the limb roughly, slapping the girl when she tried to pull away. Katia studied the rash on her arm then sighed and got to her feet. “We don’t want this one.”

“
Why not?” said Alex.

“
You see her yellow skin and eyes and the rash on her arm. I think she has hepatitis.”

Alex was livid.
“What?” he roared, causing the women to flinch. “What the fuck am I supposed to do with her now?”

Katia shrugged.

“Send her back?” suggested Col.

“
I’m not a fucking travel agent. Those Russian bastards promised to send me only healthy ones, what use is a diseased whore in an establishment like this?”

“
She might have had a relapse,” offered Katia. “She might have looked clean when she left then the disease returned on the journey here.”

“
Maybe,” sighed Alex. “Check the others.”

She studied the remaining three girls one by one and pronounced them clean from Hepatitis.
“But to be very sure, you need to test them.”

Alex sighed in irritation.
“I’ll get the doc on it.”

They were taken away until only the black haired girl remained.

“So what do we do with her?” said Col.

“
She can’t go back. I’ve greased the wheels on the way in but I’ve nothing in place for the way out and the Russians won’t take her back. She needs disposing of.”

“
I think she speaks English,” said Katia when the girl’s eyes filled with panic.

Before any of them could move, the terrified girl raced off down the corridor, aiming for the door she
’d come through.

“
Don’t let her get out,” exclaimed Alex.

Katia picked up an expensive vase from the small stand beside her and threw it at the girl. It hit her in the middle of the back and sent her sprawling. When she started to scream Col hit her round the back of the head, knocking her out.

“Get rid of her,” Alex told Col, who nodded, picked up the girl and slung her over his shoulder.

“
How many languages do you speak?” Alex asked Katia as they watched Col carry the girl out the back door.

“
Five. Slovak, English, Hungarian, Czeck and Polish.”

“
I’m very impressed, especially with the way you dealt with those girls.”

“
I only want to do my best for you.”

“
And you do Katia. I hope you know how much I appreciate it,” he said softly. Her powerful display had excited him and only made him want her more. Their eyes locked and Alex was drawn into her gaze. She fascinated him like no other woman had before, not even Beth.