Shattered (Dividing Line #5) (5 page)

“How could one man have wrought such devastation on one family?” Ryan said quietly.

“I wish I knew,” she said, a single tear sliding down her cheek and staining her pillow. “He killed Martina too.”

“We know. She didn’t deserve that, she was a good woman.”

“I’m glad Danny and Frank are dead, so they’ve not had to see Alex like this.”

“And therein lies the paradox. If they were alive none of this would have happened.” He kissed her hand. “And we wouldn’t be together.”

Her tired brain couldn’t think of a reply, so she chose not to say anything at all. Ryan took this as proof that his statement was correct and it made him sad. If Danny hadn’t died she’d still be with him.

“You look tired, get some sleep,” he said, trying not to let his hurt show.

He helped her settle back into bed, pulled the covers up to her chin and gave her a gentle kiss.

“Wait,” she said, grabbing his hand when he turned to leave. “There’s something else you need to know. When Alex was trying to get me to admit we had an affair I realised something.”

“And what was that?”

“That in a way he was right. I might never have cheated on Danny physically but I did in my head over and over. When we set you up and you ended up back inside Danny wanted to have you killed in prison but I wouldn’t let him. I tried to tell myself it was because we needed you onside, that we couldn’t be fighting the Laws, even though we knew we could crush Jez on his own. Now I realise it’s because I was in love with you, even then. Its always been you Ryan, from the moment I saw you standing at the bottom of the church steps on my wedding day. I realised all this just before Alex cut my throat and I was so sad because I thought I’d never get to tell you, so it’s important to me that you know. So you see, even if Danny was still alive, me and you would still be together now.”

Ryan was elated. He leaned so close to Rachel their lips almost touched. He released a long contented sigh and gently stroked her hair. “I’m glad you’ve said that because you haunted me from that very moment. All other women were nothing in comparison. You saved my life, in more ways than one. I will love you till the day I die and no one else.”

“Even though I look hideous?”

“You’re always beautiful to me, even now,” he said, kissing her damaged face.

“I’m different inside, I feel it.”

“You’ve been through a very traumatic experience, of course you’ll be different but don’t be afraid of it. You won’t let it change you for the worst because you’re you.”

“You’re different too,” she said, touching his face.

“I am because I almost lost you.”

As Rachel gazed at him she felt the already intense bond between them strengthen even more, so much so that she didn’t want to take her eyes off him for a single second.

“I don’t want to leave you but I have to talk to Frankie McVay,” he said.

“Oh God, is he still here?”

“Of course. There’s no way he’s leaving Manchester without a piece of Alex Maguire in a Tupperware box.”

Her expression darkened. “He can have the fucker’s head but he’s not killing him. I am.”

“No Rachel, you’re not.”

She tried to sit upright and grimaced with pain.

“What are you doing woman? Rest for God’s sake.”

“Alex is mine. It’s my right,” she said through her pain.

“I won’t let you do it. You’ll have to live with it for the rest of your life and I don’t want you having his death on your conscience.”

“I can do it.”

“You can, I see it in your eyes, but you know as well as I do that you’re not physically capable. Alex would always win.”

“Not even he could beat a bullet in the head.”

“I’m the only one who can do this and you know it.”

In her heart Rachel knew this was true, she always had. “Fine, have it your own way. As long as he’s dead I don’t suppose it really matters which one of us does it.”

“We need to act while he’s still weak. I want to know if he has anymore of those sordid brothels.”

“What if he does?”

“I’m going to burn every single one of them to the ground, starting with the one you were taken to,” he barked, voice hoarse as he wrestled with his anger. “But first of all, I’m going to find Sabine.”

“Thank you.”

Ryan felt the change in their relationship too and was relieved it was a positive one. Being apart from her was going to be physically painful. “Battler and Bruiser will watch over you while I’m gone and no running off this time.”

“Promise.”

“How did Alex get you to leave the airport anyway?”

“One of his men threatened to stab Ethan in the kidneys with a plastic knife.”

“He’s only four for fuck’s sake.”

“That’s just what I said.”

“Why didn’t Battler and Bruiser spot him?”

“Battler was in the shop with me and there was no reason for Bruiser to notice him. The airport was heaving, there were people all around us. There was no way he could have known. Please don’t blame them, they did their best.”

“Who threatened Ethan? I’ll fucking have him and all.”

“Gus, the one I knocked out in that house at Moss Side. I used his phone to call you but Riley killed him when he came into the warehouse.”

“One down, the rest of them to go,” he growled.

Despite how rotten she felt Rachel’s heart thumped with excitement at the danger in her husband’s eyes.

Ryan kissed her and got to his feet. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“I’ll miss you but get some rest, you look tired,” she yawned.

“I will.”

She yawned again, worn out by the conversation. “You need to get Dad away, I don’t want him near this,” she murmured as she started to sink into sleep.

“I’ll sort that too.”

When her eyes closed and she started to softly snore he smiled to himself. He watched her for a couple of minutes before tearing himself away and opening the door. “Alright, you can come back in.”

Battler and Bruiser entered and looked at him expectantly, awaiting further orders.

“I’ve got to meet the others. I don’t want you to leave her side and don’t let anyone near her. Even if they say they’re staff you ask for ID first.”

Battler didn’t even bother to tell him that he knew what he was doing because he still felt so bad about losing Rachel in the first place. “Got it,” he replied.

“I’m trusting you two,” said Ryan. “No more fuck-ups.”

“There won’t be any,” said a determined Battler.

Ryan gave him a hard look before leaving. He had a lot to do but first and most importantly, he had to call his daughter.

CHAPTER 5

Fortunately the Relative’s Room was still empty so Ryan slipped inside to call Leah. Before dialling he sat for a few minutes trying to figure out what to say, the phone gripped tightly in one hand. This was not going to be easy.

He dialled, half-hoping no one picked up. He hated it when his little girl got upset.

“Hello?”

It was Gill and he groaned inwardly. No doubt she would have questions too.

“Hi Gill, it’s Ryan.”

“Ryan, thank God you’ve finally called. What’s going on over there? Rick called me but he was very vague. I know he doesn’t want to worry me but I’m going out of my mind. How’s Rachel?”

“She’s okay but she’s not well enough to fly yet so we’re going to be stuck in Manchester for a bit longer.”

“What exactly is wrong with her?”

He heard the strain in her voice and was determined to reassure her. “It’s just the after-effects of the fire. She needs some rest.”

“Can I talk to her?”

“She’s sleeping.”

“You’re not keeping anything from me are you Ryan?”

“No Gill, I wouldn’t dare,” he said, making his voice light. In the background he could hear Leah demanding to talk to him.

“Alright Leah, just a minute,” Gill told her.

“Do you like where Battler and Bruiser took you?” he asked in an attempt to distract her.

“Yes it’s beautiful. The boys are having a great time but Leah’s very worried.”

“If you put her on I’ll put her mind at rest.”

“So Rachel’s really okay? You would tell me if it was anything serious, wouldn’t you?”

“Course I would. Don’t worry Gill, just relax and enjoy your holiday.”

“Alright,” she said, sounding relieved. Ryan knew she hated to worry, she’d been saturated with it when Rachel had been married to Danny and now she couldn’t go through it all again. Unlike her first son-in-law, she trusted Ryan so she was willing to take his word for it.

“I’ll put Leah on. She’s going to explode if she doesn’t talk to you.”

“Thanks Gill. Bye.”

“Dad?”

Ryan swallowed hard. He missed her like crazy. “Hi Cupcake, are you enjoying your holiday?”

“No. I miss you and Mum.”

“I miss you too Sweetheart, so much.”

“Uncle Alex hurt Mum, didn’t he?”

“Where’s Grandma?”

“She can’t hear, I’m in my bedroom.”

“Good girl and yes, he did.” There was no point lying to her because she’d know, she was Rachel’s daughter in every way. “But she’s going to be okay. He couldn’t beat your mum.”

“Is she hurt bad?”

He hesitated before replying, “no.”

“I don’t like it when you lie to me Dad.”

He forgot this girl was actually older than her nine years. Alex had done that to her, as had their old way of life. “Yes she is Cupcake but I promise you she’s going to be alright. She just needs time to get better.”

“I want to see her,” she said, starting to cry.

Ryan pressed a hand to his eyes. “You can’t I’m afraid, it’s too dangerous. When she’s better we’ll fly out to meet you. Soon we’ll all be together again.”

“Will Uncle Alex try to hurt her again?”

“No because I won’t let him. I promise Leah,” he said determinedly.

“I know you won’t, you’re stronger than he is.”

“Yes I am. How are your brothers?”

“They’re fine. Grandma can’t get Ethan out of the pool, he loves it.”

“What about Aaron?”

“He’s getting braver in the water but he still cries if he gets splashed. He’s such a wuss.”

Ryan couldn’t help but chuckle. “Leah, you can’t tell Grandma anything about Uncle Alex.”

“I know, Mum already told me.”

“But Granddad knows about it. He’ll be back with you soon and you can talk to him about it if you want to.”

“Is what happened to Mum my fault?”

Ryan was stunned. “No. Why would you think that?”

“Because I shouted at Uncle Alex at Grandma Martina’s funeral. Did I make him angry?”

“This is not your fault Cupcake. I don’t want you thinking like that. This is Uncle Alex’s fault because he’s greedy and selfish.”

“He told me his brother is my real dad but he’s not. I hate Danny. I heard Granddad telling Grandma that Mum keeps getting hurt because she was married to him.”

“Leah, you mustn’t talk like that about Danny. He loved you and your mum and if he was alive he wouldn’t let his brother hurt her.” It was easier for him to stick up for Danny after what Rachel had told him. She’d always loved him, even when she’d been married to Danny, so now he could be generous when it came to his memory.

“You’re my only dad.”

“And you’re my daughter and I love you so much but don’t think of Danny like that. You must respect his memory Sweetheart.”

“Okay,” she replied grudgingly.

“If it wasn’t for him you wouldn’t be here. I’ll always be grateful to him for giving me you.”

“I suppose. Oh Ethan what are you saying?” Ryan could hear his son babbling excitedly in the background and Leah sighed. “He wants to talk to you Dad.”

“Okay, put him on. Hello big man,” he smiled in response to the boy’s babble.

Ethan talked energetically about the swimming pool before saying goodbye then Leah came back on the line. Ryan thought it a blessing his boys were having a good time, blissfully unaware of this mess.

“I’ve got to go Dad, Grandma’s taking us shopping.”

“Have fun. Are the bodyguards going with you?”

“Yes. They’re almost as big as Battler and Bruiser.”

“Are they okay?”

“Yeah, they’re fun. Fletch has two sons so he’s good with the boys. Uncle Alex won’t come here, will he?”

“No chance. He’s been hurt too.”

“Did you hurt him?”

“No. Someone else did.”

“I hope he dies.”

Ryan knew he should tell her it was wrong to wish death on another human being but in this case it would only be patronising. He was sure she realised her own dad was intent on killing her uncle, so he decided it would be best not to comment at all. “I’ll let you go shopping then Cupcake. I’ve got to get back to your mum anyway.”

“Can I talk to her when she’s well enough?”

“Course you can. I’ll get her to call you.”

“Alright. I love you Dad.”

“I love you too Sweetheart.”

He didn’t hang up until she did then he remained where he was, attempting to compose himself. Next he rang Leah’s school and spoke to the headmistress. She’d already heard about Rachel’s abduction, it was all over the news after all. Thank God they’d managed to contain the situation so everyone thought she’d been kidnapped for a ransom because they were a wealthy family. The headmistress listened sympathetically as he explained that Leah would be out of school for a while for her own protection because the ringleader hadn’t been caught yet. As it was exceptional circumstances she said they would allow Leah the time off and Ryan promised he would arrange a private tutor so she could catch up on the work she was going to miss. Fortunately the boys were in nursery so they could be kept off as long as was necessary.

Just as he concluded the call a tall blond woman entered the room.

“Am I disturbing?” she said.

“No, you can come in,” he replied.

She shut the door and took a seat opposite him. “Are you visiting someone?” Katia had been practising her clipped English accent, which was as refined as the man’s sat opposite her. Not a trace of her native accent remained.

“My wife,” he replied more to himself than her.

Katia was getting annoyed. He didn’t seemed to be paying her any attention and she was used to men falling at her feet. “Is she very ill?” she said in an attempt to keep him engaged.

“Yes but she’ll get better.”

“You’re lucky,” she said sadly.

He realised how insensitive he was being. “I’m sorry, I’m being rude.”

“It’s quite alright,” she replied. “You’re here for some peace and I’m disturbing. I’ve just been here alone for hours and I wanted someone to talk to. I don’t have any family in Manchester. Without my Mark I feel so lost.”

“I know what you mean.”

“When you’re in love you’re never quite whole without them, are you?”

He just nodded, staring miserably at the floor.

Katia was glad he was looking down because she experienced a vengeful fury, wanting to sink a knife into his neck or beat him over the head. This bastard was intent on murdering the man she loved. She would allow nothing to come between her and her future plans, not when she was so close to her ultimate goal. Alex’s marriage to Beth was over, she was as good as dead. All that stood in her way now was this man sat before her, off guard, unarmed. How easy it would be for her to slide a blade between his ribs while he was preoccupied. She recalled how he’d looked when he’d strode into that room in the brothel, the danger and power he’d exuded and thought if she tried such a direct attack she would come off worse and Alex would be furious. That’s if Ryan allowed her to live. This required subtlety and cunning and she had plenty of both.

“You’re right,” he eventually said. “Look, I’m not being rude but I’m tired, I need some sleep.” He got to his feet. “It was nice meeting you…”

“Leah.” She’d chosen this name specially. She’d done her research well.

His eyes flickered with pain. “Leah.”

“Maybe I’ll see you around? It would be nice to have someone to talk to.”

“Maybe,” was all he replied before disappearing out the door.

Katia smiled to herself. The first step had been taken and she determined it wouldn’t be the last he saw of her.

“About fucking time,” said Frankie when Ryan entered Mikey’s old flat. “I’ve been going off my heid stuck in here. Let’s get to the hospital and pull Alex’s tubes out.”

Mikey, Jez and Riley were already there, not looking too happy. Frankie had been ranting at them while they waited for Ryan to arrive.

“Hold on Frankie, we need to discuss what we’re going to do,” said Ryan. “We can’t get to Alex while he’s in hospital, he’s too well guarded and I bet you don’t want to go to prison for him.”

“Too fucking right I don’t, which is why I want him dead before the polis get anything out of him.”

“You shouldn’t have taken Dom’s hand. Now the police know you’re in Manchester. DCI Taylor knows all about your business arrangement with Alex.”

“How the fuck did that happen?” exploded Frankie.

“I’ve no idea. Take it easy, he’s promised to keep it quiet, he’s on our side.”

“I don’t want a fucking polis on my side, I hate polis,” he shouted petulantly.

“He’s not any old polis, I mean police, he’s a bent one who’s been trapped in Alex’s pocket and desperately wants out.”

“A desperate man is a dangerous one.”

“True, so we prime him to explode and send him back into Alex’s camp. We must work every opportunity to our advantage.”

“We’re not fucking doing anything when this is the perfect time to hit the prick hard and fast.”

“If we do anything to him in the hospital then the police really will get involved. Thanks to Taylor they believe our story and they’re leaving us alone.”

Frankie could see the sense of Ryan’s words but his temper was up and he needed to vent. So he continued to pace back and forth, spewing expletives. Ryan looked to the other three in exasperation, who all shook their heads.

“Mikey, any luck finding Gavin Sugar?” Ryan asked him, interrupting Frankie’s tirade.

“One of my men is watching him. He’s at The Wherry Tavern at the moment. He’ll let me know when he leaves.”

“What are you tailing that dick for?” said Frankie.

“We want to find out if Alex has any more brothels,” replied Ryan. “We’re going to destroy his income. We need to weaken him financially. His men will soon desert him when they know he’s potless. You can be a big part of that too Frankie.”

“How?”

“Break off your deal with him.”

His eyes bulged. “Are you fucking mental? That brings in a fortune.”

“Let me finish. Break off with Alex and strike up a fresh deal with Mikey instead.”

“But he’s just a wean.”

“A what?” frowned Mikey.

“A fucking kid. You’re not up to running an operation on that scale.”

“I hate to tell you this Frankie but I’ve been running it for the past year. Alex hasn’t given a fuck about it, except for the profit.”

“Whatever. I don’t trust you to do it.” Frankie’s eyes settled on Ryan. “But I’d trust you.”

Mikey and Jez glanced at each other nervously.

Ryan’s face turned so hard he looked like a statue. “Excuse me?”

“If you want my back up you and Rachel will take over when Alex is gone.”