Fractured (Dividing Line #4)

FRACTURED

DIVIDING LINE SERIES #4

By Heather Atkinson

Copyright Heather Atkinson December 2013

CHAPTER 1

Rachel lay curled up in the dark, trying not to make a sound. If she did then they would find her. She could feel Ryan’s arms around her, his warmth seeping into her back.

“They’re coming,” he whispered in her ear.

She nodded and his arms tightened around her.

There was a creak as the door opened, soft footsteps padding into the room. There was a moment of ominous silence before their hiding place shook and Ryan cried out in pain. The duvet was whipped off them to reveal two little boys grinning down at them.

“Aaron, you jumped on Daddy’s special place,” groaned Ryan, cupping his crotch.

When Rachel released a giggle Ryan’s grey eyes fixed on her and narrowed. “It’s alright for you, it’s always me they jump on.”

“Because you’re a big strong man who can take it,” she smiled, planting a kiss on his lips.

Ethan and Aaron, now four and three respectively, clambered under the duvet and the four of them snuggled up together. Ryan looked across the two boys at Rachel, smiled and winked.

“What time is it?” he said.

She glanced at the clock on the bedside cabinet. “Six o’clock.”

“Aw come on Boys, it’s Sunday.” He’d been hoping for a roll in the hay with Rachel before it was time to get up but it appeared that would have to wait.

“Swimming,” exclaimed Ethan joyfully. He was a genuine water baby and could cope without water wings already. Aaron shared his brother’s enthusiasm until he actually got into the water, then he released a shriek and spent the rest of the time clinging onto one of his parents. Ryan however puffed up with pride at the pool because every eye was drawn to Rachel in her swimming costume. It still gave him enormous satisfaction that she was his, coupled with disbelief that after seven years together their relationship was stronger than ever.

“Are you ready for breakfast Boys?” said Rachel.

“Yay,” they both cheered, making her laugh. She got up, stretched and pulled on her robe. “Are you getting up too?” she asked her husband.

“I suppose I may as well now my plans for a pre-breakfast workout have been ruined.” He grimaced at the ache in his crotch. “I just hope Aaron hasn’t put paid to those plans permanently.”

Rachel bent over to kiss him, surreptitiously sliding her hand under the duvet to cup the tender area, smiling when she felt him stiffen in response. “I think you’ll live. Come on Boys, breakfast time,” she called, leading them out of the room, leaving Ryan to recover in peace.

Rachel happily bustled about the kitchen while the boys ate, humming to herself. They’d been in Devon for almost a year and were loving it. The village of Newton Abbot where they had settled wasn’t far from the town of Dawlish where her parents lived. Finally Rachel had the home she’d always dreamed of - a big converted farmhouse with acres of land, a stable and paddock for the pony they’d promised Leah and a granny flat for visitors, so their little haven was kept entirely for themselves. They’d had it redecorated in warm creams and terracottas and to Rachel it was absolutely perfect. Despite the fact that they’d lived their entire lives in the city they’d all taken to country life. Leah - who had been the most resistant to the move - had settled into her new school quickly, making friends and excelling in her work. Both boys went to nursery, although Ethan was due to start school the following year.

Leah woke up next and once all three of the children had eaten their breakfast they pulled on their coats and wellies over their pyjamas and went out back to feed the chickens. Aaron found them hilarious and giggled uncontrollably as they pecked at the seed they scattered on the ground. That chore done, they walked across to the stables to feed Sophia, Leah’s beautiful russet-coloured pony with big soft eyes and a gentle temperament. Rachel watched as Leah fed the pony, stroked her and spoke gently to her. Their move had woken a deep love of animals in Leah and she was adamant she wanted to be a vet when she grew up, to Rachel’s relief. It made her sad too because from being young she had known that she wanted to be a nurse and she’d achieved that ambition, only to throw it away for an ugly life of crime, making the transition from helping people to hurting them with frightening ease. Still, if she hadn’t then she wouldn’t have this life now and she wouldn’t trade this happiness for anything.

After swimming they drove to Rachel’s parents’ house for lunch. Rick and Gill lived in a lovely two-bedroomed cottage bought and paid for by Rachel. They had been delighted when their only child and her family moved down to Devon - not that they had anything against Manchester, it was where they’d been born and bred, but it meant they were away from the Maguires. At first they’d been sceptical when Rachel told them she’d severed ties with that family but she’d been true to her word. The only contact she had with them was over the phone with Beth and Mikey. Only Martina had been permitted to visit so she could spend time with her grandchildren. Gill respected how the Maguire matriarch treated all three children as her own grandkids when she was only related to Leah, her dead son’s child. Martina hadn’t begrudged their move, on the contrary she understood and Gill got the impression she knew more about her daughter’s life than she did. Something bad had encouraged them to move. Rachel had brushed aside their tentative enquiries, telling them they just fancied a change, but they’d both seen the trauma in her eyes when the subject was broached. Gill had decided they were better off not knowing.

“Aaron managed to swim a bit with his water wings today Dad,” Rachel announced as they all sat down at the table for lunch.

“Did he? Who’s a big boy?” he cooed, Aaron giving him a big grin in response.

“Dad’s teaching me to dive,” said Leah.

“And she’s learning quickly,” added a proud Ryan.

“Mum can’t dive, she just belly flops,” she giggled.

“I tried to teach her when she was younger but she never could get the hang of it,” smiled Rick. “So graceful on land but in water she’s like a stranded whale.”

“Charming,” said Rachel while Ryan and the children sniggered.

“Mummy’s a whale,” said Ethan.

“Thanks Dad.”

Rick beamed at her. Like his daughter he’d never been happier.

“There you go Ryan Love,” said Gill, placing his roast chicken dinner before him and patting his shoulder. She’d despaired when Rachel had told them she was marrying Ryan Law but it was the best move her daughter had ever made. Gillian considered him to be Rachel’s saviour and consequently adored him. Secretly Ryan loved the attention she lavished on him. His own mother was a vicious crack whore who he refused to have anything to do with and Gill’s maternal fussing meant a lot to him.

“Guess what I heard,” began Gill as she took her place at the table. “The Harbour is coming up for sale.”

“The seafood restaurant on the front in Brixham?” said Rachel, eyes lighting up.

“Yep. You know my friend Maureen? Well the restaurant’s owned by her sister’s cousin’s husband’s brother and he wants to retire.”

Rachel didn’t even attempt to puzzle out that complex relationship and looked to Ryan. “What do you think?”

“It’s got a great reputation, it’s always busy. Let’s go for it,” he replied, eliciting a smile from Rachel.

Gill loved the fact that her daughter and son-in-law were the richest people in the area and could discuss buying a restaurant as though it were a pair of shoes. Best of all, it was legal. They already owned two hotels, three restaurants, a shopping arcade and several houses, not to mention all their businesses in Manchester. Empire wasn’t the word and Gill and Rick were incredibly proud of them. If they hadn’t met each other neither of them would have achieved such dizzy heights alone. It was when they were together that they were strongest, bouncing ideas off each other. They were a formidable team.

“Why don’t you take a look after lunch?” suggested Rick. “You can leave the kids with us.”

“Good idea,” said Gill. “There’ll be a lot of competition for it, it’s a goldmine, even in the winter months.”

“Let’s do it,” said Ryan, smiling at his wife when he felt her foot slide up his leg under the table.

Rachel and Ryan returned home after collecting the children from her parent’s house and indulged in a scotch each to celebrate the acquisition of their latest restaurant. Negotiations had gone well and the owner had snapped their hands off when they’d offered the full asking price, eager to retire to his villa in Spain. Normally they’d take their time researching the place first but they knew it so well it wasn’t necessary.

The family settled down in front of the television together, Ryan as usual snubbing it to read a book instead. He’d gone through every philosopher like a dose of salts and was currently studying Japanese history. Their peace was interrupted by the phone ringing.

“I’ll get it,” said Rachel, having to force herself to leave the warmth of Ryan’s arms. She picked up the handset and smiled. “Alright Mikey? How’s Amber and the baby?”

Ryan looked up from his book when there was a sudden silence, surprised by how white Rachel had gone. Keeping the phone pressed to her ear she hurried to the door and disappeared into the hallway.

“Leah, keep an eye on your brothers for me, will you?” he said, putting his book aside and following Rachel out. He found her sat at the bottom of the stairs, a hand clamped to her mouth and tears shining in her eyes. He knew better than to interrupt when she was on the phone, despite how much he wanted to know what was wrong.

“Thanks for calling Mikey, I appreciate it. Yeah, let me know when. We’ll be there.”

Ryan’s heart sank at the prospect of returning to Manchester. Something really bad must have happened for Rachel to agree to that. “What is it?” he demanded the moment she’d hung up.

“Martina’s dead,” she replied, tears spilling down her cheeks.

He stared at her, absolutely stunned. “How?”

“She went to sleep and never woke up. Alex found her and called an ambulance but by the time it got there it was too late. She’d had a massive stroke.”

“Oh my God,” he sighed, sinking onto the step beside her and pulling her into his arms.

“They haven’t set a date for the funeral yet but Mikey will let us know when. I know we said we’d never go back to Manchester but we have to say goodbye to her.”

“Of course we do, we’ll go,” he soothed.

“Leah’s going to be devastated, she adores Martina. Do we tell the boys too?”

“I think we should try and explain, whether they understand or not. They’ll want to know why everyone’s so upset.”

“Okay,” she said, wiping her eyes and squeezing his hand. “How do you want to do it?”

“Like everything else we do. Together.”

She kissed him. “God I love you.”

“I love you too. Let’s get this over with, it’s not going to be pleasant.”

Leah took the news of her gran’s death badly, asking why she’d lost her when it was only a year since she’d lost her baby brother. Thomas had been stillborn after Rachel was involved in a car accident orchestrated by the Maguire’s enemies, the catalyst to the split between their two families. Leah crumpled into Ryan’s arms, sobbing her heart out, while the boys clung onto Rachel.

“I want to go to the funeral,” she told her parents.

“Are you sure Sweetie? It will be upsetting,” said Rachel.

“I have to, she’d want me there.”

Rachel glanced at Ryan, who nodded. “Alright, if that’s what you really want,” she said. She knew there was no dissuading Leah once she’d made her mind up. In that respect she was just like herself.

CHAPTER 2

The day before Martina’s funeral Rachel and Ryan left the boys in Rick and Gill’s care and flew to Manchester from Exeter Airport, taking Leah with them. After collecting the black Audi they’d hired for the duration of their stay they drove to a hotel they owned and arranged to stay in one of the suites, a large lounge with two bedrooms, so Leah could have her own space. She jealously guarded her privacy. Rachel thought she was going to be a nightmare when she was a teenager.

“It’s weird being back in Manchester,” said Rachel as she unpacked.

“Good or bad weird?” replied Ryan.

“Bad. The sooner we’re home the better.” Rachel was on edge. She recalled the look Alex Maguire had given her when she’d said she wanted nothing to do with his family anymore. She hadn’t seen or spoken to him since and now she was going to have to face him at the funeral. Emotions would be running high and the alcohol would be flowing and she shuddered to think what was going to happen. However when she looked at her husband she was reassured. Ryan was the only person she knew who was physically capable of taking Alex on.

They’d flown in the day before the funeral so they could take a quick tour of their businesses and make sure everything was running smoothly. But before that they had something more important to do.

After purchasing three bouquets of flowers they went to the graveyard where Frank, Danny and Thomas were buried. They would be up here the following day for Martina’s funeral but wanted some alone time to visit their son.

Leah lay the bouquets on all three graves and Rachel clung onto Ryan’s hand as memories of the one and only time she’d got to hold their little boy returned, how small he’d been, how beautiful. She didn’t want to cry, she wanted to be strong for Leah but the tears fell anyway. She smiled down at her daughter who stood by her side and took her other hand, small face pale and upset.

After this Leah was so depressed she just wanted to return to the hotel room, so Rachel stayed with her while Ryan did the rounds of their businesses. However she’d requested he leave the casino to her. She wanted to see her old friend, Dolores, manager of their only casino, City 3107.

“Rachel,” Dolores practically screamed across the casino floor. The small blond woman raced up to her, considerable bosom wobbling, and swept her into a hug. Rachel hugged her back, cringing as everyone turned to look. So much for the low-key homecoming.

“Good to see you again Dee.”

“Christ girl I’ve missed you so much.”

“Missed you too.”

“I’m so sorry about Martina, she was a fabulous woman.”

Rachel swallowed down the lump in her throat and nodded. “Me too. How have you been?”

“Oh fine, fine, you know me.”

There was a forced cheer about her that gave Rachel cause for concern. “Dee?”

“I’m fine, honestly.”

Rachel was astonished when tears filled Dolores’s eyes. In all the time she’d known her she’d never seen her cry. “Come on, you’re going to tell me all about it,” she said, taking her arm and leading her towards the office.

“I told you I’m fine.”

“No you’re not.” She sat Dolores down in a chair and stared down at her. “You’re not leaving until you’ve told me.”

“Stubborn cow.”

“Yes I am. Now spill.”

“It’s nothing to do with the business.”

“I didn’t think it was, we’re making a ton of money. What’s wrong?”

“It’s Vince. He’s got emphysema.”

It was the last thing Rachel was expecting. “Oh Dee I’m sorry.”

“It’s the silly old bastard’s fault for smoking thirty a day. He’s lucky he’s not got lung cancer. The doctor thinks he’s had it for years. Sometimes you can go for ages without noticing the symptoms. He started gasping for breath when he was only talking but he refused to go to a doctor, he said it was just a cold. When his lips and fingernails turned grey I told him to go to a doctor or I’d castrate him. So he did, stupid sod,” she muttered.

“But it’s a treatable condition. Is he on any medication?”

“Inhaled steroids to help his breathing but he can’t use them for too long, they cause worse symptoms than the emphysema and he’s learnt some breathing exercises that help. If the worst comes to the worst they’ll talk about a bloody lung transplant,” she exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. “My Vince has never had a day’s illness in his life. Well, one day actually. He said he had a bad back but I think he was putting it on to get out of mowing the lawn. He’s stopped smoking and I’m telling you he’s a right grumpy bastard for it too. I said it was better when he couldn’t talk.” Despite her harsh words Rachel could see the pain in her eyes. Dee adored her Vince. “The doctor said it would be best to get away from the city, move to the country where the air’s cleaner and fresher but we’re too old to start over again. We’ve lived in Manchester our whole lives, our kids and grandkids are here. What the hell do we do?”

“I know all about moving away from friends and family and rather than be intimidating it can be great too, a fresh start.”

“You’re young Rach, you’ve got your life ahead of you. Mine and Vince’s are nearly behind us.”

“This isn’t like you Dee. I’ve never known anything defeat you.”

She looked up at Rachel, white-faced. “I’m scared Rach. I can’t lose my Vince.”

Rachel hugged her tightly and she clung onto her as she cried into her shoulder.

“You won’t lose him, he’s a stubborn bugger, remember? You said so yourself. I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you and Vince come to Devon? You can have a look around and see what you think. I could use someone I know down there to help run the businesses.”

Dee stared up at her in surprise. “You’d do that?”

“Course I would. You’re one of my best mates Dee, you’ve helped me out so much. Now let me help you.”

“But Devon’s so far.”

“We live half an hour from Exeter airport and it’s an hour’s flight to Manchester. We set off at eight o’clock this morning and were in Manchester by ten.”

“I can’t argue with that.”

“It’s so beautiful Dee, lots of wide open spaces and fresh air.” She did invite Dee and Vince to come and stay once and they were all packed and ready to go when their daughter had a bad fall at work and injured her back, so they’d had to stay behind to help with the grandkids and never had the chance to reschedule. “Is Moira’s back better?”

“Oh yes. She still gets twinges, I think she will for the rest of her life, but at least she can cope now.”

“Come and stay. You can have one of our hotel rooms free of charge. I’ve got a new restaurant that’s begging for a good manager.”

Dee actually smiled. “You don’t half like throwing me in at the deep end; managing three nightclubs then a casino now a restaurant. I don’t have a clue about posh nosh.”

“You’re a very fast learner, I’ve every confidence in you and it won’t be as demanding as this place or the clubs. It’ll shut at midnight at the very latest, you’ll only work five days a week and you’ll have the days free to spend with Vince. I’ve got a gorgeous cottage you can stay in with plenty of room for the grandkids when they visit. What do you say?”

Dee hugged her tight. “What would I do without you Rach?”

“Is that a yes?”

“Course it bloody is,” she grinned.

Rachel was delighted. It would be wonderful to have one of her best friends back.

The morning of the funeral Rachel dressed carefully in a floaty black knee-length dress that splayed out at the bottom with a wide black belt at the waist. It looked like something from the nineteen fifties, not her usual style at all, but she loved it. A short black suede jacket and knee-length boots completed the look. She was ashamed of herself when she experienced a huge surge of lust at the sight of Ryan in his black suit with a steel grey shirt and tie. Every day the man seemed to get sexier. Leah didn’t have any black clothes so they’d gone shopping and she’d picked black leggings and a long jumper. Unlike Rachel she was a bit of a tomboy who was more comfortable in trousers. She nestled into her mum’s arms in the back of the rented Audi while Ryan drove, Rachel’s apprehension growing with each passing mile.

When they pulled up outside Martina’s house Rachel’s eyes filled with tears. She half-expected her to come bustling out to greet them with one of her bone-crushing hugs and it was a wrench when she didn’t. However Mikey made an appearance as they got out of the car and he pulled Rachel into his big chest. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tightly. He still possessed the same soothing effect he’d always had on her.

“Missed ya Rach,” he said.

“I’ve missed you too, so much.” She looked up at him and patted his face, the little brother she’d never had, although calling him little was a bit of a stretch because he towered over her, his shoulders enormous. He was as handsome as ever but his skin was marred with bruises. “What happened to your ear?” she frowned, which was swollen and red.

“Boxing match four nights ago. I lost.”

“You lost? That’s got to be a first.” He was famous for his unblemished record and was renowned for being unbeatable.

“It’s since Josh was born. I keep thinking about what would happen to him if I got injured in the ring. A fighter got a bad head injury a few weeks ago and he’s been left brain-damaged. Where would the little fella and Amber be if that happened to me?”

“I don’t think that attitude is a bad thing Mikey. Are you giving up the boxing?”

“I might have to, I don’t want to ruin my reputation. I think I’ll retire gracefully while I’m ahead of the game.”

“I must say I’m relieved. Are Josh and Amber here?”

“Yeah, they’re both inside.”

Rachel had made the journey up from Devon when he’d been born so she could see him, sneaking into the hospital after Alex left so they wouldn’t bump into each other and she hadn’t seen him since. He was seven months old now.

“Is it still going well with Amber?”

He gave her an adorable grin. “Very. You won’t believe this but I’ve not looked at another woman since.”

“You’re right, I don’t believe it.”

“Well, okay, I’ve looked, but I’ve never had the urge to touch.”

She kissed his cheek. “I’m so proud of you.”

He squeezed her hand then he greeted Ryan. She was relieved when he seemed perfectly friendly to her husband but then again, Mikey had always understood their reasons for moving away. Alfie and Archie - Alex and Beth’s boys - came charging out of the house and hurled themselves at her, they’d always adored their godmother and she them. Leah cheered up slightly when she saw her old playmates and she threw her arms around a surprised Alfie’s neck.

“Beth,” smiled Rachel.

She came out of Martina’s house clutching Holly to her, her youngest child who was now a year old, a beautiful little girl with blond bunches. The child looked up at Rachel uncertainly.

“You don’t remember me do you baby girl?” said Rachel.

Holly blinked up at her with huge blue eyes, like Martina’s eyes, Danny’s eyes. Rachel hugged Beth and was shocked. Her friend had always been curvy but now she felt positively thin.

“You’ve lost loads of weight,” said Rachel quietly.

“I’ve been on a diet,” she replied, trying to make her voice light and failing.

“Why? You had a fantastic figure.”

“I was putting on weight being stuck at home all day.”

There was something strained about her smile and breezy replies. Her voice sounded hollow and false.

“What’s up Beth? Is it Alex?”

“No, everything’s fine. Come on in, everyone’s waiting to see you,” she said before Rachel could ask any more awkward questions.

Inside the house Battler and Bruiser were waiting and both locked her in suffocating hugs. Rachel loved her new life but only now did it strike her how much she’d missed these people, which was ironic because they were the reason she’d moved away. Declan was next, who had slotted into the Maguire fold very well. His younger brothers Charlie and Kian were present too, who had made the permanent move to Manchester from Ireland. They were friendly enough, even though Rachel had never met them before.

Amber greeted her like an old friend and Rachel was pleased. Josh was a big handsome boy and looked like a mini Mikey. They’d done the promised DNA test and confirmed he was the father but Rachel had thought it unnecessary. You could tell just by looking at him. Amber let Rachel hold Josh and she cradled him gently, as always thoughts of her own lost son creeping in, they always did when she saw a baby boy.

Finally the crowd parted and the moment she dreaded arrived. Alex was standing at the window, pale with dark shadows around his eyes and Rachel felt bad for him. He’d lost his father, uncle, brother and now his mother in just a few short years.

“Alright Rach?” he said, voice quiet and hoarse.

“I’m so sorry Alex,” she replied, handing Josh back to Amber.

He ran an awkward hand through his hair. “Thanks for coming.”

She wound her arms around his neck and hugged him, her muscles stiff with tension, fearing his response. It was a relief when he hugged her back. The tension in the room relaxed a few notches.