Fractured (Dividing Line #4) (9 page)

“Here we go,” smiled Beth, entering the room clutching two mugs. He watched as she placed them on the coffee table then took a seat at the opposite end of the couch, careful to leave a space between them. They glanced at each other bashfully then looked away.

“So, any plans for tomorrow?” Nick eventually said.

“Probably a bit of shopping then I might hit the gym after. I’ve decided it’s time to get back into shape. Stop all the dieting and get fit instead.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” he smiled. “But you don’t need to worry about your figure, you’re beautiful. Please put back on the weight you lost and you’ll be perfect. I loved your curves.”

“You did?” she said flirtatiously.

In response he leaned in closer, letting his hand rest on her hip. “Oh yes.”

His face was so close she could have kissed him. Once again she admired the golden stubble on his face, she wanted to run her fingertips across it. No matter how much she told herself it was wrong she was fighting a losing battle. She ached for this man.

When she rested her head on his chest his arms went around her. Nick tried to avoid touching her anywhere on her exposed skin, which was difficult because she was in a strappy dress. He glanced down and sighed. He had an amazing view down the front of her dress. Despite her recent weight loss her bust was still ample and he tried to ignore the heat rising in his body.

“I think I should go,” he said.

Her head snapped up. “No stay, please.”

“If I do I won’t be able to keep my promise to you.”

“Maybe I don’t want you to.”

“Beth, you don’t mean that.”

“Yes I do,” she said before pressing her lips to his.

This time he knew she wasn’t going to pull away and he gripped her tightly, feeling those magnificent breasts pressing against him.

“Wait,” he said, pulling back slightly. “You told me this wasn’t what you wanted.”

“Of course it’s what I want, more than anything. I’m sorry but I’m weak. I could be putting you in danger.”

He ran his fingers through her hair. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take, but are you?”

She kissed him and started to unbutton his shirt.

“Beth stop, please,” he said, taking her gently by the wrists.

“I thought you wanted me.”

“I do, God I do, but I don’t want you regretting it and shutting me out of your life.”

“That won’t happen, I promise.”

“I couldn’t stand it if you did.”

“Why would I? I want you so much Nick.”

He smiled and kissed her. Beth wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down on top of her. It felt so good to be touched by a man again, especially as that man was Nick. His hands were gentle yet clever, teasing and working her up into a frenzy. He stripped her down to her underwear and kissed every inch of her, making up for the lack of tenderness she’d suffered for so long. His own body was beautiful and strong, more sinewy than Alex’s, which was a relief because she found his muscle mass smothering and overpowering. She wrapped herself around him tightly as he entered her, groaning loudly and sweat beading on her brow. It had been so long and he felt so good.

“Oh God I’m sorry,” she moaned as he moved inside her.

“What’s wrong?” he gasped.

“I’m going to come, sorry, it’s just…”

The orgasm choked the words from her and she locked her limbs around him as the glorious pleasure swept through her entire body, tensing every muscle. She was delighted when he released a loud growl in response and spilled himself inside her. She thought it was lucky she’d started taking the Pill again, not wanting to have another child with Alex because neither of them had even considered contraception, the months of longing building up to the point where it had exploded in this wonderful passion.

“I’m sorry,” she repeated as he kissed her neck.

“For what?”

“Normally I can go for longer than thirty seconds. You felt too good.”

“Don’t apologise for anything. It was great,” he smiled, gazing down at her and stroking her hair back off her face.

“Let me get my breath back then I’ll show you what I can really do,” she grinned.

Nick was delighted. The old Beth was back.

CHAPTER 10

Jez sat in his car a few doors down the street from the large detached house Nick Jordan had told him he regularly drove Alex to. This was where he stashed his secret shag-piece and Jez had a hunch that following her might tell him more about what Alex was up to behind their backs. He couldn’t follow Alex himself, he’d notice and kill him for it. He had no idea where this woman was going to lead him but she was part of Alex’s secret life so he held out some hope that she could show him something that would give him an advantage

After an hour of waiting she finally emerged from the house. Jez didn’t know her name and neither did Nick but she was a looker and very sophisticated, wearing a light blue silk blouse and skirt, her jewellery tasteful but expensive. She was too tall and skinny for Jez’s tastes but he could see why Alex was obsessed. She looked like she should be driving to a photo-shoot or a stint on the catwalk. For all Jez knew that was where she was going. Or maybe he was going to have to follow her round the shops or to the hairdresser but he had to do something.

The mystery woman got into her car - a convertible Mazda, no doubt bought and paid for by Alex - and set off down the street. Jez gave her a bit of a head start before following in the non-descript little black car he’d selected for this purpose. He was careful to keep two car lengths behind her as they drove to the most affluent part of the city, which was full of solicitors’ and architects’ offices. She parked outside an unexceptional two-storey building on the corner. Jez parked down the street and watched as she climbed out of the car and entered the building not by the front door but via a side door in an alley. This told him that she worked there, but why would a woman who had everything she needed bought for her by Alex have to work? There was only one answer, she was working for him. No doubt it was how they met but Jez wasn’t aware that Alex owned any properties here.

“Mikey, you need to get down here,” he said into his phone.

Half an hour later Mikey jumped into the passenger seat. “What’s going on?”

“Do you know if Alex owns this property?” Jez said, nodding at the building.

“No but he doesn’t exactly share everything with me anymore.”

“His shag piece works there.”

“Works? I would have thought she had all her needs provided for.”

“I think she works
for
Alex.”

“Doing what?”

“In a place like this it’s not drugs or a nightclub and it’s certainly not a pub.”

“Has anyone else gone in?”

“Not yet but…hang on.”

They both watched as a very well dressed and overweight man casually strolled up the small set of steps to the front door and rang the bell. A few seconds later the door was opened by a shadowy figure and Jez was sure he caught a glimpse of blond hair. The well dressed man smiled and stepped inside, the door slowly closing behind him. Within the hour another three men - all similarly dressed in expensive clothes with flashy watches on their wrists - knocked on the door and were admitted.

“What the hell is this?” frowned Mikey.

“I know what it is, I own a few of them myself. It’s a high class brothel,” replied Jez.

“What? Alex has never mentioned it. Why all the secrecy?”

“He knew I wouldn’t be impressed by him encroaching on my territory, but he isn’t usually shy about treading on people’s toes. Something’s all wrong about this.”

“Hold on, what have we got here?” said Mikey, peering through the windscreen.

“Is that Stephen Strang, Rachel and Ryan’s business rival?”

“Looks like him. I can’t stand that wanker, he was born an arsehole and got bigger. He was also pretty pally with Alex.”

Strang had been Ryan and Rachel’s main competitor when they’d lived in Manchester and he’d tried to snatch more than one lucrative deal out from under them, including the casino, but he’d never been able to outsmart them.

They watched as Strang beamed at the face behind the door before walking inside. The man who had gone in first exited, strolling down the street looking considerably more relaxed.

“I think we should have a word with Strang,” said Mikey.

Jez nodded in agreement.

They had to wait two hours for Strang to emerge but when he did he too looked happier and more relaxed. He got into his Porsche parked on the opposite side of the road and they followed him back to his office. They gave it five minutes before going inside and announcing themselves to the receptionist.

“Yes?” smiled the blond behind the desk, flashing them both her best smile.

“We’re here to see Stephen Strang,” replied Mikey, returning her smile.

“I’m afraid he’s given instructions not to be disturbed.”

“Trust me, he’ll want to be disturbed. We represent Rachel and Ryan Law. They have a business proposal for him.” Mikey knew Strang wouldn’t be able to resist such a proposition.

“Alright, I’ll try,” she replied.

Mikey admired the cute way her nose crinkled up when she smiled. He shook himself out of it. Amber was his girl, no one else.

The receptionist spoke into the phone then hung up with a surprised look.

“Gentlemen, you may go on up.”

“Thank you,” said Jez, giving her a wink, eliciting a coy smile from her.

They took the lift up to the third floor. Stephen Strang was waiting to greet them at his office door.

“Please Gentlemen, come in,” he said pleasantly. He seated them before his desk and offered them both a scotch, which they declined. Strang retook his seat, rubbing his hands together. Mikey was amazed that he was such a successful businessman, he wasn’t even trying to hide his eagerness.

“So, what’s this deal Ryan and Rachel have for me?”

“Nothing,” said Mikey coldly.

Strang’s smile faltered. “Excuse me?”

“They don’t have any offer for you, they think you’re a turd. We’re here because we want to know where you’ve just been.”

“I don’t see how that’s any business of yours.”

Mikey got to his feet and planted his hands down on Strang’s desk, making him shift uncomfortably in his seat. “Do you know who we are?”

“Yes,” he replied, swallowing hard.

“Then you should know that it would be wise to answer all our questions. We saw you go into a building on Brown Street two hours ago. You knocked on the door and it was opened to you by a blond. We also know the building is owned by Alex Maguire. What we want to know is what goes on in there.”

Strang appeared confused. “You mean you don’t know?”

“If we did we wouldn’t be here talking to a wanker like you. Now if you don’t want me to practice my right hook on you I suggest you answer the fucking question.”

“It’s a sort of gentleman’s club,” Strang began awkwardly.

“I’m guessing it’s not all whisky and cigars?” said Jez.

“Upstairs it is. If the police walked in they wouldn’t think anything was suspicious. It’s full of antique furniture and old books. Downstairs is the real business.”

“And what’s that?” said Mikey, struggling to contain his impatience. He’d been greatly disturbed by Alex keeping this from him, he felt it proved how little he respected or even cared about him.

“There are women downstairs. They’ll do anything you want.”

“You mean it’s no holds barred?” said Jez.

“Yes, they’ll fulfil any fantasy, no matter what it is.”

“Even if it’s violent?”

“Yes,” he replied, shame-faced. “But I never hurt any of them, I’m always gentle. There’s one in particular, Laila, she’s beautiful. I always ask for her. I want to elevate her out of that life. She’s special to me. I was thinking of asking Alex if he’d sell her to me.”

Mikey was disgusted. “Sell her?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not after a personal slave or anything. I just thought the only way he would let her go was if he was recompensed for the money he’d lose out on. But I haven’t asked her if she wants me yet.”

“Very touching,” said Jez sarcastically. “What a story to tell your grandkids. Let me guess, all these women are east European?”

“Yes.”

“And do any of them ever look ill or a bit vacant?”

Stephen was confused. He was answering all their questions but Jez was growing increasingly angry. “Yes.”

Jez slammed both fists down on the desk, making Stephen jump. “Strang you stupid stupid bastard.”

“I beg your pardon?” he blustered.

“Do you think those girls are there willingly? It’s a human trafficking operation you idiot.”

All the blood drained from Strang’s face. “No, I’m quite sure you’re wrong about that.”

“Shut the fuck up and listen,” snarled Mikey.

Strang did as he was told.

“They bring the girls over here promising them a career as models or au pairs, that’s the standard lie,” continued Jez. “They get them hooked on heroin and work them until they’re all used up. Then they’ll be moved on somewhere a lot less high class and bring in fresh girls to replace them, innocent women just wanting a better life.”

“You’ve got a cheek, I know what sort of business you’re involved in,” said Strang disdainfully.

“Don’t you even fucking compare the two. My girls are there voluntarily, they earn a good wage, they’re treated well, they work when they choose and if they touch drugs they’re sacked. They even have the option of taking a bodyguard with them if they think a client’s going to get too heavy. Neither are they forced to do all the depraved things those girls are no doubt subjected to at Alex’s place, they are not sex slaves. Do you think Alex’s girls survive such a harsh life and move onto bigger and better things? No. Eventually that life will kill them, whether it’s the drugs or some brutal bastard beating them to death.”

“No, don’t say that,” said Strang, hating the thought of Laila enduring such a life.

“Have you any idea of the jail time you’d get if you were caught in that place?” said Mikey. “Human trafficking is extremely illegal and carries a heavy sentence.”

“Woah,” said Strang, holding up his hands. “I’m just there to use a service, I’m not trafficking anyone.”

“Supply and demand Strang,” said Mikey. “You create the demand so Alex makes sure there’s a supply. You’re just as guilty as he is. You can’t honestly expect us to believe you didn’t know what was going on in there? Surely your precious Laila told you?”

“She doesn’t speak any English,” he replied, face taut. “Alright, I admit I thought there was something a bit weird about the place. I’ve heard the girls crying and screaming, the men shouting at them but I told myself it was just a game, that they were role-playing.”

“Don’t give me that shit. You were as thick as thieves with Alex, you know exactly what goes on in there and you don’t give a shit. I wonder what the newspapers would do if they found out what you get up to?”

“Please don’t do that,” said Strang, starting to panic. “I’ll give you whatever you want. Name your price.”

“We don’t want or need your fucking money. We want to hear everything you know about that club.”

Strang sighed resignedly and sank back in his seat. “If I tell you will you go away?”

“Yes,” said Mikey, retaking his seat and waiting for him to begin.

Without Mikey Maguire looming over him Strang could breathe a little easier.

“Everything takes place below stairs. There’s a hidden door in one of the wooden panels in the wall of the upstairs club. Below is a series of rooms where the girls are. You pay for how long you want and you can choose the girl and the fantasy.”

“Is there only the one entrance to these rooms?” said Mikey.

“No. There’s a rear door leading into an alley but I’ve never used it. We always go through the front.”

They nodded for him to continue, his information tallying with what they already knew.

“Who meets you at the front door?” said Jez.

“Katia. She’s the most beautiful woman in there, tall and blond. But no one’s allowed to touch her, no matter how much you offer.”

“Tried have you?” said Mikey.

“Actually I did get some alone time with her once. She used to be one of the girls but when she became manager she stopped sleeping with the customers.”

Mikey thought that sounded just like Alex. No one was allowed to touch his stuff.

“Katia runs the place,” continued Strang. “She has her own office downstairs. She greets you at the door, takes you downstairs to the girls and disciplines them if they get out of line. She can be pretty ruthless too.”

“You mean she’s the Madam?” said Jez.

Strang nodded. “When you’re finished she escorts you back out again.”

“So you’re not allowed to wander around the building on your own?”

“That’s right.”

“Who are the clientele?”

“All wealthy and connected people, women as well as men. It’s a very exclusive club.”

“Do the girls stay on the premises?”

“From what I can gather, yes. They don’t speak English, except for the few dirty words they’re taught.”