Duality (26 page)

She wandered up to Mikey, Jez and the others, who had remained silent throughout the entire torture session, standing there as a silent warning to the rest of Toni’s men. “You’ve done me proud boys. Thank you.”

Mikey nodded in acknowledgement. “You’re welcome. Need us for anything else?”

“No, you’ve played your part. Get yourselves back down to Manc Land and get making me more money.” She held out a hand for him to shake that was covered in blood and gore and eye goo. “Thank you. All even now.”

“All even,” said Mikey, shaking her hand. He’d had much worse on his own hands in his time.

“It’s been fun. You must visit more often.”

“We need to go home for a rest,” he said wryly.

“Boring bugger,” she said with a genuine smile. “Go on, get yourselves off. There’s only the clean up left to do.” She tossed back her head and inhaled deeply, eyes heavy with satisfaction. “It’s all mine, the whole fucking city. I am officially the Queen of Glasgow.”

“Yeah, that’s great,” said Mikey. He gestured to the fire engine. “Come on lads, let’s go.”

There was a tense moment as they clambered back into the vehicle, wondering if they were going to get a hail of bullets in their backs but they got into the vehicle without incident and Mark backed them out of the warehouse as Toni’s men got to work, dragging the bodies into a pile, smearing blood trails across the grey floor while Caesar poured bottled water over Toni’s hands then started to massage them, rubbing the gore away.

“I’m glad that’s over with,” said Shane, incredibly grateful as they backed out of the warehouse and drove to the main road.

“Don’t celebrate too soon,” said Jez grimly. “We’re not out of Glasgow yet.”

After returning the fire engine to Mark’s uncle they returned to their hotel and went straight up to their suite, frantically stuffing things into bags. But they were too slow.

“Aw crap,” sighed Mikey when there was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it,” said Mark, keeping one hand on the gun tucked into the back of his jeans while stalking up to the door and peering through the spy hole. “It’s Caesar,” he told them.

“Is he alone?” said Jez.

“Looks like it.”

Jez and Mikey tucked their own guns into the backs of their trousers and nodded. “Let him in.”

Shane didn’t have time to ask if he could have a weapon because Mark opened the door and let Caesar in, who was indeed alone.

“And what can we do for you?” said Jez, hoping he didn’t sound as hostile and suspicious as he felt.

“Boss Lady wanted me to come over and give you an escort out of the city.”

“We know the way,” said Mikey.

Caesar’s smile was amused. “I’m your insurance policy that you’ll get out in one piece. I’d be nervous too if I were in your shoes.”

“We’re not nervous,” replied Jez. “And we know the way.”

“Boss Lady’s really pleased with how you helped her out. She wants you to feel safe leaving the city. I’ll lead the way if it makes you feel better.”

“No need,” said Mikey. “We’ve got our escort.”

The lift doors pinged open and Grant appeared flanked by four men, all looking like they could use a really good fight.

“So you see, we’re sorted,” ended Mikey with a smooth smile.

Caesar’s brows knitted together. “Boss Lady will be pissed off if her kind offer is refused.”

“Stop saying Boss Lady,” said Jez. “It’s fucking creepy.”

Caesar held up his hands. “Fine, can’t say I didn’t try but Toni still has enemies out there.”

“As you see, we can take care of ourselves.”

“Suit yourselves. I’ll be off then. Toni also wanted me to let you know that she’ll cover the bill for your stay here.”

“Too right she will,” said Mikey.

Caesar turned and headed back to the lift, having to squeeze past Grant and his men, who glared at him until the lift doors slid shut.

“Wait out here,” Grant told the others before entering the suite and closing the door.

“What are you doing here?” said Jez. “You were supposed to be keeping a watch back home.”

“Declan sent me. Everything’s pretty quiet, nothing much going on. I don’t think anyone realised you’d even left the city.”

“It’s nice to be missed,” sighed Jez.

“Is Jules back yet?” said Mikey, ignoring the look Jez threw him.

“Not that I know of,” said Grant.

“Well now we’ve got that sorted let’s go,” said Jez. “I want to get home to my wife.”

“Yeah, me too,” said Mikey, feeling it was expected of him when in truth there was another woman he was keen to see.

CHAPTER 25

Rachel and Ryan looked up from their breakfast when Jules entered the kitchen, her bags packed.

“You’re not leaving already?” said Rachel.

“Yeah, it’s not fair to keep Jax hanging any longer,” she replied.

“You’ve made your decision?”

“Yep and you’re looking at the future Mrs Driscoll.”

Rachel smiled and got to her feet to hug her. “You’re doing the right thing.”

“I know. I just needed time to realise it.”

Ryan got to his feet to embrace her too, feeling much more at ease doing so after the time they’d spent together. “Congratulations.”

“Will you give me away?” she asked him. “You and Jez?”

“It would be my honour. Then you’ll be Jackson’s problem.”

“Very funny.” She looked to Rachel. “And you’ll be one of my bridesmaids?”

“I’d love to and thanks for helping out with the whole Valentine mess.”

“You’re welcome and it was fun. Gave me chance to practice my pick-pocketing skills.” Jules had been the one to steal the phone from Valentine’s jacket pocket and replace it with an exact replica of the phone Emily had given him containing only the footage of Valentine and Kirsty making threats against Billy. A simple swap that had managed to cause so much havoc. Both Kirsty and Valentine had been arrested for attempting to incite violence, although Valentine was currently in hospital recovering from a heart attack. The phone containing the footage of Rachel and Jules torturing the men in the restaurant had been destroyed.

“Do Mikey and Jez know you’re on your way back?” said Ryan.

“No, I think they’re still away.”

“Away?” said Rachel. “Where are they?”

“Glasgow.”

“What?” Ryan and Rachel exploded in unison.

“What the hell are they doing there?” demanded Ryan.

“Apparently Toni’s having some trouble with Uncle Tam, you know, family problems boiling over into business.”

“You mean, war?” said Rachel quietly, conscious of the children in the house.

“They’re trying to stop it from getting that far.”

“I’m calling Jez right now,” said Ryan, storming over to the phone on the kitchen unit. “I don’t know what the idiot thinks he’s fu…oh hello Leah.”

Leah walked into the kitchen and halted. “Are you going Aunty Jules?”

Jules turned to face her. “I’m sorry, I have to honey. I’ve got stuff to do.”

“I like having you here,” she said miserably.

“And I love being here but I’ve got a lot of planning to do. I’m getting married.”

“You are?” said Leah, eyes lighting up. “When?”

“I don’t have a date yet but as soon as I know I’ll let you know because I would love you to be one of my bridesmaids.”

“Wow,” she exclaimed, delighted. “I’ve never been a bridesmaid before.”

“There’s a first time for everything and you’ll be great.”

“Will it be down in Manchester?”

“Probably. Is that okay?”

Leah hesitated, nervous about being back down there after what had happened to her mum at the hands of her Uncle Alex. She took a deep breath and nodded. “yeah, fine.”

“Great. Give your Aunty Jules a hug,” she said, opening her arms wide.

Leah hugged her warmly and Rachel thought how strange it was that Leah adored her Aunty Jules, who was a criminal and assassin, but hadn’t been able to stand her Aunty Lexie, who had no real criminal history to speak of, although she was a bit of a spoilt brat.

Rachel went to round up the boys, who were just as disappointed as their older sister that Jules was leaving.

“I’ll visit again soon,” she promised. “And you’ll be coming to Manchester for the wedding anyway.”

This appeased them somewhat and after lots of hugs they all walked her to the door.

“It’s been nice having you here,” Ryan finally admitted.

“We did make some progress, didn’t we?” she smiled. A meow had her looking down at the floor. “See you soon too Teddy. Don’t be too much of a pain in the ar…I mean bottom.”

Ethan and Aaron started to chuckle at her use of the word
bottom
.

“I’m going to miss you,” said Leah, hugging her again. “It’s going to be so boring without you here.”

“Oh thank you,” said Rachel.

“I don’t think boring can be used to describe your mum and dad,” said Jules, hugging her back. “And thanks, I’ve had a great time.” The taxi was already waiting for her at the bottom of the drive, which would take her to the airport.

“Take it easy you,” said Rachel. “Let Jackson pamper you.”

“Ooh the possibilities,” she said before falling into a pleasant reverie.

“Err, the taxi,” said Ryan.

Jules snapped herself out of it. “Yep, I hadn’t forgotten. Take care all of you. Don’t get up to anything the second my back’s turned,” she grinned.

“I’ll help you with your bag,” said Ryan, picking up the large holdall at her feet and carrying it down the drive for her.

“Wow, thanks big brother,” she smiled. “Shall I give you a tip?”

“That’s really not necessary but allow me to give you one. You’ve got a chance at a great life with Jackson, so keep away from Mikey.”

“Are you suggesting I would cheat on Jax? Because I wouldn’t.”

“I don’t want you to mess things up just when you’re about to get everything you’ve ever wanted. I almost lost Rachel once. She wanted to go legitimate and I didn’t. Truth be told I was afraid, I didn’t think I could survive in the legitimate world and she dumped me, to protect herself and Leah. It was Jez who made me see sense and I will always owe him for that. If it hadn’t been for his intervention I wouldn’t have all this now. I’m just trying to do the same for you.”

“I appreciate that but I’m not going to mess this up. Jax is the man I want to be with.”

He nodded. “You’re making the right decision.”

“I know and that’s because my IQ is higher than yours.”

“Hmm, I never did see proof of that.”

“Oh, did I forget to show you?” she said, taking a piece of paper out of her jacket pocket and holding it out to him.

He took it off her, scanned the paper and frowned before handing it back. “There’s only one point between us.”

“Yes but the important thing is that the extra point belongs to me.”

“I demand a recount,” he said wryly.

“Anytime. Right, I’d better go or I’ll miss my plane. I’ll see you when you come to Manchester for the wedding?”

“Try and keep us away.”

They hugged again and Ryan watched as she got in the taxi. It pulled away, Jules frantically waving at him from the back seat. He waved back, watching the car turn the corner, feeling a little sad when it had gone.

A meow drew his attention downwards to Teddy rubbing his head against his legs. Ryan scooped him up, the cat purring contentedly in his arms and stroked his head.

“Yeah, I’ll miss her too,” he said.

“I miss Aunty Jules,” said Leah, sat at the dining table, staring miserably into her dinner. “She was fun.”

“It is a lot quieter around here without her,” said Rachel.

“Yes,” said Ryan. “Isn’t it lovely? I’m joking,” he added when they both glared at him.

“Aunty Jules,” said Aaron, clapping his hands together, making Ethan laugh.

“Can I really get a tattoo done by her?” said Leah eagerly. When she caught her dad’s look she hastily added, “when I’m eighteen I mean.”

“We’ll talk about it then,” said Rachel, secretly hoping that would put an end to that conversation, getting up to answer the phone when it rang. “Hello?” she said into the receiver.

Ryan’s heart sank when Rachel released a heavy sigh and hung her head, watching anxiously as she scribbled something down on the notepad they kept next to the phone.

“What is it?” he said, secretly sneaking some fish to Teddy, who was crouched under the table.

“That was Billy. He’s found Teddy’s owner.”

Ryan froze, surprised by how hard the news was hitting him. Beneath the table Teddy nudged his hand in thanks with his fuzzy wet nose.

“He can’t go,” said Leah. “This is his home now, he’s happy.”

“I understand sweetie,” said Rachel. “We’d love to keep him but think how much his owner will be missing him. It’s not fair to keep him when he has a home already.”

Leah shot to her feet, tears in her eyes. “It’s not fair,” she yelled before running out of the room and storming upstairs.

Ryan didn’t tell her off, he felt like doing the same thing himself.

“The owner said he can meet you in an hour, he’s only in in Ashburton. Best not drag it out,” Rachel told him. “The sooner he leaves the sooner the kids can get over it.”

“Yes, of course,” said Ryan as Teddy gave his hand a full on rub with his face. “I’ll do it now.”

Rachel watched her husband slink out of the room to fetch the cat carrier, looking miserable.

Ryan arrived at the arranged meeting point on a supermarket car park which, as it was late evening, was deserted. He sat in the car, Teddy in his carrier on the car seat beside him, staring at him accusingly.

“Look, I’m sorry,” said Ryan. “If I had my way you’d stay with us but you need to go home to your real owner.”

Teddy just continued to stare.

Ryan threw his hands in the air. “What do you expect me to do? I can’t abduct you. You need to go home.”

Teddy gave him a haughty look before sticking his nose in the air and turning his back on him.

“Fine, have it your own way,” said Ryan, folding his arms across his chest. He sighed and shook his head. “Listen to me, having an argument with a cat.”

When a red Hyundai pulled into the parking lot Ryan flung his door open, walked round to the passenger side and took out Teddy in his carrier, cringing when he let up a mournful meow.

“I’ve no choice,” Ryan furtively whispered to him before the driver’s door of the other car opened.

“Mr Law?” called the man.

Ryan turned, clutching Teddy’s carrier, feeling his jaw go tense with anger. He didn’t want to relinquish the cat but it wasn’t this man’s fault. “Yes,” he replied, forcing a pleasant smile. “You must be Ian?”

“I am.” The man grinned at Teddy. “There he is, the little bugger.” He extended his hand out to Ryan. “Thanks. I’ve been really worried. This guy’s been with me for three years. I was lost without him.”

Right then Ryan knew he was doing the right thing. “He’s perfectly alright, he’s been well taken care of.”

“So I can see,” said the man, taking the carrier from him, Ryan having to force himself to release it.

Teddy stared at him through the gaps in the door accusingly.

“Well, thanks,” said Ian, shaking Ryan’s hand again before heading back to his car.

Ryan sighed and kicked at a pebble on the ground. Rachel had suggested getting another cat to fill the gap Teddy would leave but he was irreplaceable.

Just before he climbed into the car instinct told Ryan to look back and he was horrified to see the man shaking Teddy in his carrier and swearing at him as he placed him in the car.

“Stupid bastard cat,” he heard him snarl at Teddy, who was crouched at the far end of the carrier, hissing and growling. “You’re going to get a battering when you get home, messing me about like that. Thought you could get away, didn’t you? But you couldn’t.”

Ryan’s eyes hardened as he marched back over to the car. “Ian?” he called.

The man raised his head, once again looking pleasant, the nastiness hidden away. “Yes?”

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“About what?”

“Teddy. He’s coming home with me.”

“You can fuck off, he’s my cat.”

Ryan’s smile was cold. “Not anymore.”

Rachel was surprised when Ryan walked back into the house carrying a very contented Teddy in his arms.

“What happened? Did Ian not show?” she said. “And where’s the carrier?”

“Oh he showed but he was a nasty bastard who started shaking Teddy about and saying he was going to get a beating when he got home.”

“Oh my God,” said Rachel, hand flying to her mouth. “He sounded so nice on the phone.”

“Well he wasn’t and there was no way I was leaving Teddy with him, so he lives here now. Permanently.”

“That’s fine by me,” she replied. “But where’s his carrier?”

“I was forced to leave it behind as I shoved Ian’s head into it and shook it around. I thought he deserved a taste of his own medicine.”

“You did the right thing,” she said, stroking Teddy’s cheek, who was purring away. “And the kids will be made up.”

“Precisely.” Ryan stroked Teddy with a smile. “You know, I was thinking maybe we could put a blanket on the bottom of our bed, for Teddy to sleep on?”

She smiled and kissed him. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”