Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) (22 page)

Henrietta picked up her bag and coat. “I will see you tomorrow then. Oh, by the way, you asked me to look out for anything unusual?”

Katia’s heart almost stopped beating. “Yes?”

“It’s probably nothing but I think I should mention it. There was a blue car parked on the street for about an hour. The man in the car never got out, he just sat there. Then he drove off.”

“Where was this car parked?”

Katia followed Henrietta to the window, who pointed down the street. “Just there, four houses down.”

“Was he looking at this house?” she said, clutching Daniel to her tighter.

“It was hard to tell at this distance.” She frowned at how pale Katia had gone. “Are you ill Madam? Do you need help?”

Katia forced a smile. “I’m fine. Like you said, it was probably nothing. Did you get the licence plate?”

“Yes Madam, I wrote it on here,” she replied, handing her a little yellow sticky note. She waited for Katia to respond but she just remained silent, staring at the note, her brain working overtime. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes,” replied Katia in a faraway voice.

When Katia returned to her contemplation at the window Henrietta knew she was being dismissed and quietly let herself out.

Katia placed Daniel back in his basket then locked the door up behind Henrietta. Snatching up the phone she dialled Robbie’s number.

“Robbie, I need you here right now. Something’s happened. Leave Harry and Jason to oversee the business.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Katia smiled. One thing she liked about Robbie was that he leapt to her every command. She rushed into the kitchen and grabbed one of the knives from the block on the counter then checked to make sure all the doors and windows were locked before returning to her vigil by the window.

Robbie arrived ten minutes later. She opened the door to let him in then locked it behind him.

“Are you alright?” he said, forehead creased with worry.

“Henrietta said a car was parked down the street for an hour. The driver didn’t get out. She got the licence plate,” she said, handing him the little yellow sticky note.

“I’ve got a copper I can give this to.”

“You do?” she said, surprised.

Robbie nodded. “I cultivated him, not Vic. He belongs to us.”

Katia was surprised, she hadn’t thought he had it in him. “You’re doing very well Robbie, I’m proud of you.”

He puffed out his chest with pride. “Thanks Katia. You know I’d do anything for you.”

“Yes, I know,” she said fondly. “What if it’s Mikey Maguire?”

“So what if it is? He’s recovering from a war, he wouldn’t dare take on the Slatterys.”

“He’s stronger than we thought. Vic said he’s got Manchester sewn up tighter than a duck’s bum. His words,” she said, crinkling up her nose.

“Well I didn’t think they were yours,” he replied with a gentle smile. “Granted he’s impressed everyone up north but it doesn’t mean he can throw his weight about down here. As long as we have the Slattery’s protection we’re untouchable. If that car was something to do with him he might just have been scoping you out. I seriously doubt he’ll make a move on you here.”

Katia looked at her sleeping boys. “I’m not taking the risk.”

“Neither am I.” He gave her hand a tender squeeze.

She smiled up at him. He was so sweet and proving himself to be invaluable to her and she needed him. Of course he had a huge crush on her but all he’d ever be to her was a friend and colleague, a much needed friend at that, the only one she had. How could any man ever compare to Alex? She wouldn’t care if she never slept with a man again.

CHAPTER 24

“You’d better behave yourselves,” Battler told Jules and Lexie, Bruiser looking on sternly. The others had left for the night, leaving the brothers to guard the two women. Jules had been allowed out of the bedroom so she and Lexie could keep each other company.

“Don’t worry boys, we will,” replied Jules. “Unless you’d care to join us? The four of us could have some real fun. Spoilsport,” Jules called as Battler left, shutting the door behind him. “Get that down your neck,” she said, handing Lexie a glass of red wine.

“Thanks,” she replied miserably, accepting the drink. “Is your arm better? The sling’s gone.”

“Yeah, fine. I heal really quickly. Why do you look so pissed off?”

“Are you serious? My lunatic husband is hunting me down, Ryan hates me and I might not leave Devon alive.”

“Ryan hates everyone except Rachel. I wouldn’t worry about him.”

“Doesn’t he frighten you?”

“No.”

“He really tried to strangle you?”

“Yes but it was a bit half-hearted. I knew he wouldn’t go through with it, I saw it in his eyes.”

“He scares the shit out of me.”

“Don’t let him bully you. He’s all bluster and noise.”

“No he’s not, he’s bloody Ryan Law.” She lowered her voice. “He killed Alex Maguire, I overheard them talking.”

“I know, I saw it. He nearly cut his head right off,” replied Jules cheerily before taking another glug of wine.

“Oh my God,” whispered Lexie before draining her glass. “I thought I was escaping a violent man and I ran right into another.”

“Ryan’s not like Cole, he’s a different breed,” said Jules, refilling Lexie’s glass. “Cold, controlled violence rather than just hurting people for the sake of it.”

“I wish Riley was here.”

“Your other brother?”

She nodded, eyes filling with tears. “He’s the only person I’ve ever been able to rely on.”

“At least you have one person,” said Jules bitterly.

“You never had that?”

“No.”

“What about Dane?”

“He’s helped me out in the past but I wouldn’t say I rely on him. We’ve spent more time as enemies than lovers.”

“You’re so lucky having a magnificent man like that. He came down here for you.”

“Did he fuck. He was worried I’d mess up his nice new business deal.”

“What about your ex, Jasper? Couldn’t you rely on him?”

“Jasper,” laughed Jules. “Pathetic, inadequate and a dick that was so small it was practically invisible.”

Lexie spluttered into her wine, which Jules once again topped up for her. “I bet you couldn’t say that about Dane?”

“Oh no. The Great Dane really is something.”

“Great Dane? I take it that refers to…”

“It certainly does. He’d scare the shit out of you though.”

“Why?”

“He likes to chain women upside down and flog them.”

Lexie’s jaw fell open. “Upside down?”

“If you’re lucky he’ll put you the right way up before he starts fucking you.”

Lexie attempted to puzzle that one out but the alcohol was taking effect so she was unable to.

“Oh dear, little sweet vanilla girl,” teased Jules.

“Vanilla?”

“Straight boring sex.”

“No, I wouldn’t say that. I like a spanking.”

“Do you now?” smiled Jules, tilting her body towards hers and refilling her glass again. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg, there’s so much more to explore.”

“Like what?” purred Lexie, realising she was flirting and unable to stop herself. After all the recent pressure it felt good to relax and have a laugh.

“There’s a whole world of pleasure out there that you’ve been denied. I bet Cole’s not that great in bed?”

“He’s…okay.”

“Does he make you come?”

“Jules,” she exclaimed. “I can’t have this conversation with you, I hardly know you.”

“We’re just having a bit of a girlie chat. I’ll tell you all about Dane if you want.”

“I’m tempted,” she said with a mischievous smile. “Is Dane like Ryan and Mikey, you know, a criminal?”

Jules flashed her an impish smile that delighted Lexie. “He’s dangerous if that’s what you mean.”

“I like a bit of danger.”

“Which is probably what attracted you to Cole.”

A jolt ran through Lexie. “Oh my God, you’re right. I sensed something was wrong about him but it just made him more attractive to me. I spent years around dangerous men, my dad knew lots of them, he was one himself. I wonder what that means?”

“It means you’ve got daddy issues. Here, have some more wine.”

“Thanks,” said Lexie absently as she topped up her glass. She took another swig and smiled. “It’s going straight to my head.”

Jules flashed another impish smile.

“I’ve always had bad luck with men,” said Lexie sadly. “I pick the wrong ones, men I know my dad would have hated. How pathetic am I? Still trying to piss off my dad when he’s been dead for years.”

“You need a change. There’s so many different and exotic fish in the sea and you’re so beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Lexie replied coyly.

“I mean it baby girl. You’re gorgeous and you could have anyone you wanted.” Jules rested her hand on Lexie’s knee but she didn’t seem to notice. “Cole doesn’t deserve you.”

When she tried to kiss her Lexie jerked her head away. “What are you doing?”

Jules’s eyes slowly rolled open, the force in them pinioning Lexie. “Instructing you.”

“I don’t want or need instructing, especially not by another woman.”

“What’s your problem? We’re both consenting adults.”

“You’re a woman.”

“Doesn’t matter. We‘re just having a bit of fun.”

“It matters to me.”

“Your pupils are dilated, your cheeks are flushed and your impressive bosom is heaving. I don’t think it does.” Her hand slid up Lexie’s skirt, making her eyes widen. “Your damp panties tell me you’re lying.”

“Listen, I’m not really into…oh my….women,” she gasped as Jules’s hand worked. “This isn’t…I don’t…” Deciding to give in, she flopped back onto the couch. “Oh my God,” she groaned when Jules’s head disappeared between her thighs.

The door burst open. “What’s going on? We heard… Jesus Christ,” said Battler.

Bruiser stared at the oblivious figures writhing on the couch, his eyes popping out on stalks. The brothers backed out of the room, quietly closing the door behind them.

“Bloody hellfire,” said Battler. “We don’t mention this to anyone, especially not Ryan.”

Bruiser nodded, eyes still wide. He took out his mobile phone.

“What are you doing? You can’t bring Daina here,” said Battler.

Bruiser sighed and replaced his phone in his pocket.

“Don’t tell me that show turned you on?”

Bruiser avoided his brother’s searching gaze.

“Jesus. This could all be a distraction set by Jules. Stay alert,” said Battler before returning to his vigil by the window, walking stiffly.

Rachel moaned as Ryan’s lips glided down her bare skin, his hands sliding beneath her to cup her backside, loving how her breathing increased and her moans grew louder as he moved lower, her fingers tangling in his hair to push his head further down, lifting her hips up off the bed in eagerness.

“Soon,” he mumbled into the skin of her belly.

“Now, please,” she groaned, stretching up her arms to grasp the bars of the bed head.

He blew on her skin, scattering goose pimples across her body. When she tried to sit up he kept her pinned to the bed by her wrists, grinning down at her as she struggled beneath him.

Her eyes rolled over black, but this time the overriding emotion wasn’t anger. It was something even more powerful. “Ryan. Now,” she said through gritted teeth.

“You’re close already, aren’t you?”

“No.”

“Yes you are,” he said, pressing down harder on her wrists when she continued to struggle, her hands snapping shut into fists.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him against her then tutted when his phone started to buzz insistently.

“Don’t you dare pick that up now,” she said when he reached for the device sitting on the bedside cabinet.

“I have to check. The new security system automatically sends an alert to my phone if it’s breached.”

“Oh…alright,” she muttered.

He released her and squinted at its glowing screen.

“Shit,” he said, whipping back the duvet.

“What’s wrong?”

“The motion sensors in the garden have been tripped. Thank God we had that new system installed.”

In an instant Rachel was out of bed. She threw on her nightie and dressing gown and rushed out the door to check on the children while Ryan called Fletch.

“I’m on it,” said Fletch’s voice over the line. “I’m in the garden. My phone got the alert too. Only thing is, I can’t find Leo.”

“Fuck. You start searching, we’ll join you in a minute.”

Ryan hung up then hurried after Rachel, finding her in the boys’ room checking the fire escape. After fire destroyed their last home they’d specifically chosen this house because of the fire escape.

“It’s still locked,” she whispered so as not to disturb the two sleeping boys, jamming a chair under the handle of the fire door.

Together they rushed down the hall to Leah’s room, who was safely sound asleep.

“Thank God,” breathed Rachel, sagging against the wall.

“You wake Mikey and Jez while I pull on some clothes,” said Ryan.

Rachel nodded and rushed into Mikey’s room to find him sprawled out on the bed snoring, one arm flung out beside him, the other resting on his stomach.

“Mikey, wake up,” she said, shaking him.

“What is it?” he grumbled, rubbing his eyes.

“Someone’s got into our garden.”

His eyes snapped open and he jumped up, Rachel averting her eyes when she saw he was stark naked.

“Sorry,” he said, cupping his genitals.

“I’ll meet you downstairs,” she replied, hurrying across the hall to Jez’s room. “Jesus, does no one wear pyjamas anymore?” she said when Jez flung off the duvet then quickly pulled it back over himself when he recalled he wasn’t wearing any clothes.

“Sorry Rach.”

“Get dressed quick. Someone’s in our garden.”

She came out of Jez’s room just in time to see Ryan - now wearing a t-shirt and jogging bottoms - race downstairs and into the kitchen and she went after him, managing to grab his arm before he went out the back door.

“Wait for Jez and Mikey,” she told him.

“I have to get out there.”

“Don’t be so reckless. Wait for them,” she said, maintaining a tight grip on his arm.

Ryan wrestled with himself, desperate to protect his family but not wanting to do anything that might put them at risk.

“Fletch and Leo know what they’re doing. For all we know it could be a cat. Just wait for them, please.”

“Alright Babe,” he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Have you got your taser?”

She nodded and produced it from the pocket of her robe.

“I’m beginning to wish I’d let Dane stay here. We could have used his back-up.” He’d arranged for Dane to stay in a hotel they owned because, after his deception about his relationship with Jules, neither of them trusted him enough to let him stay in their home.

A loud banging announced Mikey and Jez were charging down the stairs, pulling on their clothes.

“Will you two keep the noise down? We don’t want to wake the kids,” said Rachel.

“Sorry,” replied Mikey, descending the last few steps with much more stealth.

“There’s someone in the garden,” said Ryan. “Mikey, stay with Rachel. Jez, you’re with me.”

“No,” said Rachel, pulling him back when he moved for the door.

“I have to find who’s out there.”

“Let Fletch and Leo handle it.”

“Fletch is on his own, he can’t get hold of Leo.”

“Why do you have to go? Ryan please don’t leave me,” she exclaimed.

Ryan hesitated, Jez and Mikey looking away in a futile attempt to give them some privacy, feeling awkward. None of them had ever seen Rachel this way before. She was usually so quietly brave, never complaining. She just accepted a fucked-up situation for what it was and dealt with it. Now she was begging Ryan to stay with her. Rachel never begged.

“If you go out I’m scared you won’t come back,” she told him.

“Stay with her bruv, we’ll take a look,” said Jez.

Both Mikey and Jez patted Rachel on the arm as they walked past her to the back door.

“I’m sorry,” she said when they’d gone. “That was weak and hysterical.”