Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) (26 page)

“Will anyone notice if he doesn’t make the flight?” said Lexie.

“People miss flights all the time. We did recently and no one bothered contacting us,” said Rachel.

“He travels a lot, he can be away from Spain for months,” said Lexie. “He told me once he was away for three years. No one there will bat an eyelid if he doesn’t return.” Her attempts to puzzle out how safe her future would be briefly distracted her from her fear. “He had a few different passports, I saw them in his safe once. He told me he had different citizenships. I knew they were forged passports, my dad used to deal in them.”

“And still the alarm bells didn’t start ringing?” said Rachel.

“I was happy with him then so I decided to forget about them. Yes, I know,” she added when they all appeared disapproving.

“No one’s coming here looking for Cole. He’s gone and that’s that,” said Ryan. “I suggest you get yourself far from here Lexie.”

“You want me to go?” she said, surprised.

“Yes I do and don’t hurry back. In fact I don’t think it would be any great loss if we never saw you again.”

“You really mean it? I can go?”

“Yes and I suggest next time you choose your men more carefully,” said Rachel.

“I’ll go and pack,” she replied, racing upstairs.

“Shame,” said Jules. “Just when we were getting on so well.”

CHAPTER 28

Ryan and Rachel drove Lexie to the airport, the silence and ill feeling swelling in the car, pushing the occupants to the edges of the vehicle, forcing their faces to the windows.

Ryan parked up, stealing the spot in the drop-off bay right outside the main doors just as another car was preparing to reverse into it. Ignoring the gesticulating driver of the thwarted car, he hauled Lexie’s bags out of the boot of the Range Rover and carried them into the airport, Rachel and Lexie having to hurry to keep up with him.

“Alright, I get it. You want me gone as soon as possible,” said Lexie as they rushed through the main doors towards the check-in desk.

He dumped her bags on the floor and rounded on her. “Too right I do. What you made me do…” He broke off and shook his head. “If you’d just given us some warning it would have turned out completely different. Fuck off to Jamaica and don’t come back.”

He stormed back out through the sliding doors, leaving Rachel and Lexie to look at each other awkwardly.

“I really am sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused,” said Lexie.

“I know. Give him time to calm down and he’ll come round.”

“Yeah, about three or four hundred years.”

“Maybe one or two,” she smiled.

“I will come back, one day. I don’t know when. I would like the opportunity to try again with your family.”

Rachel recognised how much Lexie had changed in such a short space of time. The arrogance and overconfidence had been knocked out of her. She would be tormented by memories of what she’d seen, guilt and self-loathing wrapped up with the horror. Lexie had finally grown up but what a price to pay.

“Maybe one day you will,” was all Rachel was willing to give her. She wouldn’t be surprised if Ryan never forgave her.

Lexie wandered dejectedly to the check-in counter, dragging her bags along behind her. Rachel watched her hand over her ticket and passport before leaving, just to make sure she really was getting on the plane.

She found Ryan waiting outside the doors, arms folded tightly across his chest, glaring at the world.

“Has she gone?” he said.

“I watched her check in.”

“Thank God. I never want to set eyes on the daft cow again.”

“You might have to, for Riley’s sake.”

“We’ll see.” His expression lightened. “Let’s go home, I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“Ooh,” she smiled when he took her hand and led her back to the car.

Ryan stopped when ringing filled the air. “What now?” he sighed, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “What?” He rolled his eyes and looked at Rachel. “Hello Thane. No, she’s not here, you’ll have to deal with me. Yes, she’s fine. Were you ringing for a reason or just to ask about my wife?”

Rachel put a hand to her mouth, shoulders shaking with mirth. After what they’d endured Thane’s banter was just what the doctor ordered.

“Yes, our solicitor’s looked over the contract. Rachel and I have both signed and the papers are winging their way back to you. Anything else? Yes, we’ll come up when the building work’s underway. No, we can’t come this weekend, we’re up to our eyes in it. Well, if that’s all I’ve got to go…” Ryan shook his head and held the phone away from his ear so Rachel could hear Thane’s deep Scottish brogue talking at warp speed. Clearly he was excited about their new business venture. Ryan put the phone back to his ear. “Yes, we will. Keep us informed and we’ll be up in a few weeks. Bye Thane,” he said, hanging up before he could get another word in.

“How’s Thane?” smiled Rachel.

“Still wanting to get into your knickers. He’s received the funds and work’s already begun. He was very….enthusiastic.”

He broke into a big gorgeous smile and Rachel beamed back. It was the first normal conversation they’d had in days and it felt good. Ryan slung his arm across her shoulders and she nuzzled into him as they strolled back to the car.

“Come on, I’ve got to give you your surprise,” he said, pressing his lips to her hair.

“I can’t wait to see it. By the way, it’s Tracey’s party tonight.”

“I haven’t forgotten. What have we got her as a gift?”

“Diamond bracelet.”

“Nice.”

They talked happily as they walked, their arms wrapped around each other.

Mikey popped his head out the back door to talk to Jules, who was in the garden smoking a cigarette. “Get your stuff together, we’re leaving for Manchester this afternoon,” he told her.

“Great. I can’t wait to get to work, but there is something I want to ask.”

“And what’s that?”

“Why are you doing this for me?”

Mikey nodded at Battler and Bruiser to give them some privacy, so they retreated inside. He stood beside her, leaning against the wall. “For years everyone thought I was a psycho, thanks to my mum blaming me for my older brother’s crimes. I’m sure you already know all about it.”

She nodded, her eyes for once soft and sympathetic.

“I know what it’s like having everyone think you’re something you’re not, thinking you’re mad and being afraid of you.”

“And you think I’m sane?”

“Maybe not completely,” he replied with a wry smile. “But I don’t think you’re entirely what you pretend to be either. Venom’s a front you put on but you don’t need her anymore.”

“What are you going to do with me when you get me back to Manchester?”

“I want to bring you in on the business, Jules Maguire.”

Pleasure flashed in her eyes before she caught herself. “What will I have to do to prove myself?”

“You’re very smart.”

“Genius actually. My IQ’s even higher than Ryan’s.”

He smiled at her impish grin. “That’ll please him. Play your cards right and you’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted - a good job, family and a place to belong. I know you don’t need the money but everyone needs something to do and I think you’ll enjoy the work. Don’t let your demons screw it up.”

“I’ll do my best but sometimes they’re strong.”

“I understand all about them, which is why there’s a condition on the offer I’m making you.”

“I knew it.”

“I want you to see a therapist.”

“I don’t want to see one,” she glowered. “They’re all nosy bastards.”

“Cassandra is very good. I used to see her myself.”

“You saw a therapist?”

“I did, after it all came out about my mum framing me for Jake’s crimes. She helped me a lot.”

“You wouldn’t be the law abiding good citizen you are now without her,” she said sarcastically.

“Exactly,” he grinned, eliciting from her a reluctant smile. “That’s the only condition I have and, given the chance I’m taking on you, I think it’s a very reasonable one.”

“So do I. Alright, I’ll see the therapist.”

“Thank you, and please try not to knock her out like you did your last one.”

“I’ll try. You’re not what I expected at all Mikey.”

“What did you expect?”

“A cold, ruthless bastard like Alex Maguire.”

“I’m learning from his mistakes.”

“Good. He was a fool. You’re not like him.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“I think I’ll like working with you.”

“Just try not to screw it up.”

“I know the penalty if I do.”

“I’m glad I don’t have to spell it out to you.”

“Mikey,” she called as he moved to return inside.

“Yes?”

“Thanks.”

“That looked an effort for you.”

“I’m not used to saying it, or meaning it.”

He nodded and disappeared inside, leaving her with a genuine smile.

Ryan’s excitement was contagious as he led Rachel through their rented home and into the garage attached to the house. A large object hidden by a white cover stood enticingly in the centre of the floor.

“I got you a present for passing your Direct Access,” he said, grasping the cover with one hand. “I know you wanted to choose your own bike but I saw this in a magazine and I knew it would be perfect.” Rachel had fallen in love with motorbikes after her experience riding around on the back of one in Manchester and, on her return to Devon, had thrown herself into getting her own licence.

He whipped the cover off in one deft movement.

“Oh my God,” said Rachel, eyes lighting up. “It’s gorgeous.”

It was all black - the bodywork, even the exhaust, a monster of a machine, a stunning sports bike with a racing black frame and black wheels.

“I saw it and thought of your eyes,” he said.

Gracefully Rachel flung one leg over it, settling herself into the seat, gripping the handlebars. It felt so right, as though it was made for her. “It’s perfect, I couldn’t have picked better myself,” she smiled.

“You really like it?”

“I love it, really, it’s beautiful. It’s a Ducati, just what I wanted.”

“The Ducati Diavel Dark Stealth. One thousand one hundred and ninety eight cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, Pirelli Rosso tyres, eight level traction control…”

“Are you writing a review? All I care about is the feel of it. Grab your gear, let’s go for a ride,” she said eagerly.

“Alright,” he smiled, pleased by how excited she was.

Nimbly she jumped off the bike, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. “Thank you so much. I love it.”

“I’m glad,” he smiled down at her. He was starting to feel like a normal person again.

“Come on, get suited and booted,” she grinned, snatching her jacket down off the peg.

Ryan was disappointed. He’d hoped for a bit more celebrating first. When he’d bought the bike he’d imagined bending her over it and taking her, maybe starting it up and letting the bike throb and roar beneath her at the same time. But they were inside. What about the fumes? If he opened the door someone might see them. How could he get round that?

“Come on Ryan,” urged Rachel, pulling on her bike boots.

“Sorry,” he said, shaking himself out of it. He would think over that problem later.

Ryan let Rachel lead the way, following behind on his green and white Kawasaki Z1000. He wanted to make sure she handled the Ducati no problem, which she was. He also wanted a good view of her backside, which looked incredible in tight black leather. Ryan determined the first thing he was going to do when they arrived home was bend her over that machine.

“What’s that?” frowned Jez, peering out of the window when he heard a loud rumble from outside.

Jules closed her eyes and shivered with delight. “That is music.” She rushed to the garage door, flung it open and sighed with disappointment. “Sports bikes.”

“What’s wrong with that?” said Mikey as Rachel and Ryan climbed off the bikes and removed their helmets.

“They’re for fairweather bikers who only hit the road on a Sunday morning when the missus gives them permission and only then when it’s nice and sunny. In other words, poofs.”

“Not everyone likes customs,” frowned Ryan.

“Say what you like Jules, it’s a fucking beast,” enthused Rachel, running her hand over the bodywork of the Ducati.

“You like?” said Ryan.

“Oh yes.” She grabbed him and kissed him. “You are in for a special treat later,” she whispered in his ear.

Unfortunately Jules overheard. “I’ve got some hints if you need them. Dane does this incredible thing with water, an amp and a nine volt battery…”

“Shut up,” barked Dane. “Jesus H Christ, is nothing private with you?”

“You are so sensitive.”

“And you are a loud, obnoxious, crude little girl.”

Jules pulled her knives from their sheaths and thrust her face into his. “And you’re a soft bloody pansy. Let’s cut you open and see if candy floss leaks out.”

“Who said she could have her knives back?” sighed Ryan.

“I did,” replied Mikey.

“And you trust her with them?”

“Yes I do.”

They all watched Dane and Jules glare at one another, not sure whether they were going to kill each other or tear each other’s clothes off.

“Well, maybe,” Mikey added when he saw how ready Jules was to use them. He walked up to her and rested his hand on her wrist. “Put them away,” he said gently.

Everyone was amazed when she did, especially Dane.

“You should know better than to wind me up like that Dane,” she muttered.

“You should learn to control yourself,” he said but there was no admonishment in his tone, more of a friendly piece of advice.

“Maybe my new psychiatrist can help me with that,” she said, the wry smile returning.

“You head butted your last one,” said Dane.

“Woman after my own heart,” interjected Rachel, making Jules smile and Ryan frown.

“He kept pushing me to tell him about the Parkers. I told him I wasn’t ready. He wouldn’t listen.”