Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) (28 page)

CHAPTER 30

“What do you think?” said Mikey.

He’d brought Jules to the flat he’d bought off Ryan and Rachel and which he still owned, the same flat where he’d put Amber when he’d learnt she was pregnant with their child and where Frankie and his cohorts had stayed during their sojourn in Manchester. It had required some redecoration after their departure, the dirty bastards. The fridge where Frankie had stowed his souvenir body parts had been the first thing to go and a brand new American-style one had taken its place.

“Very nice,” said Jules, nodding in approval. “But I don’t understand why I can’t go back to my old flat.”

“I think you’ll be more comfortable here.”

“You mean you want me where you can keep an eye on me?”

“Yes.”

“At least you’re honest about it. I suppose I’ve no choice?”

“Not if you want to work for me you don’t. It’s a good place to live, me and Amber were very happy here. Now we’re agreed on where you’re going to live we need to discuss how you’re going to prove your loyalty.”

It was inevitable this moment would come and now it had arrived Jules would face it head on, like she did everything else. “What do you want me to do?”

“There are three members of the Leeds chapter of Lucifer’s Shadow still breathing. I need that to change. They’re a viable threat. Is that a problem?” he said when her eyes flickered.

“No, no problem.”

“Good. Grant will pick you up at five in the morning so be ready. He’s in charge of security and my personal bodyguard by the way. The journey will take about an hour. I want you there nice and early, just in time to surprise them while they’re still sleepy. Grant will be there to help should you need his back-up but I’m confident you can handle it on your own. You will use your knives. Make it nice and personal and most importantly, quiet.”

Jules turned to the window, pretending to admire the view of the street below while she got herself under control.

“You knew they were still alive, didn’t you?” he said.

She took a deep breath and turned back round to face him. “Yes.”

“It’s smart of you to tell me the truth. Were you going to tell me about them?”

“If we’re being honest, I really don’t know. They’re no danger to you, they’re just prospects.”

“They’re what?”

“Wannabees. They weren’t even full club members. Just young, inexperienced kids. Jasper kept them out of the worst of the fighting because he didn’t think they were ready. They were just there to mop up the mess afterwards. He didn’t think we’d be the ones being made a mess of.”

“I see,” he said, wondering whether she was telling the truth and deciding she was. “Well, I’ll leave you to get settled in. I’ve arranged for a removal company to pack up your old flat and bring everything here. They’ll arrive tomorrow afternoon.”

“You are organised. I’m impressed.”

“I’m guessing you don’t tell people that very often.”

“Astute too. My clever little cuz.”

“Don’t forget, five o’clock sharp. Set your alarm.”

“I’ll be ready.”

“I’ve no doubt, assassin.”

After he’d left Jules sank onto the couch and dragged her fingers through her jagged jaw length hair so hard she pulled out a few strands. She knew she could handle the task he’d set her no problem, but she’d no wish to do it. The prospects were young and no doubt scared and when she walked into the safe house they were too terrified to leave they’d look to her to show them what to do. She didn’t relish the prospect but what choice did she have? Mikey was right, they were a possible threat. They could start up the club again, come back to Manchester for revenge. Mikey was top of the tree and he was eliminating anyone who might take that from him. That she could respect and understand, but she really wished he wasn’t making her do this.

To distract her mind from tomorrow she looked around the room, attempting to puzzle out where he’d planted the hidden cameras. There was no way he’d leave her here unmonitored. There were no listening devices, she was certain of that. If there were he wouldn’t have talked about the murder of three men so blatantly. No, definitely just cameras. Now she just had to figure out where he’d put them.

She stood in the spot where he himself had stood with his back to the kitchen door. She’d noted he’d been careful to remain that way, so he wouldn’t get picked up on the camera she was certain was in the room.

Now she’d rounded down the general area she knew where to start searching. She went into the bathroom to retrieve an empty toilet roll tube then found a torch in a kitchen drawer. Lucky for her the flat came fully equipped. After switching off the lights and shutting the curtains she put the toilet roll tube to her eye and flashed the torch around the room, hunting for any small points of light bouncing back at her. Then she saw it, a small pinprick of light glinting from the face of the small clock sitting on the mantelpiece. It fit in exactly the right place according to where Mikey had stood in his attempt not to get picked up on it. Jules switched off the torch, put the lights back on and picked up the clock. Turning it over she opened up the back and there it was, a tiny pinhole camera a couple of centimetres square. Smiling to herself she put the clock back together then replaced it on the fireplace.

She returned to her search but the living room was clear of any more cameras. However there was another camera in the kitchen, secreted in the wall. There were none in either of the two bedrooms or the bathroom. At least he wasn’t a pervert. Shame. The thought of him secretly watching her gave her a little thrill.

“You want a show little cuz, you’re going to get one,” she smiled.

Jules headed back into the living room, turned the light back on and stood before the camera in the clock. She pulled off her black hoodie to reveal the vest beneath. Slowly she peeled down the left strap of the vest and slid her arm out of it, staring into the camera provocatively. The right strap went next, revealing her black bra, the snake’s head peering over her shoulder. Gripping the bottom of the vest with both hands she pulled it off over her head and cast it aside.

Slowly she unzipped her jeans and slid them down her legs inch by inch, teasing, then whipped them off in one deft move.

Thoroughly enjoying the thought of his shocked expression when the nosy bastard watched this later, she turned her back on the camera and unhooked her bra, which joined the rest of the clothes on the floor. Her black panties were next and she wrapped her arms around herself, hiding her breasts and crotch, before turning back round. She flung her arms wide and stared right into the camera.

“Seen everything you want to see little cuz?” she exclaimed.

With that she picked up her clothes and stomped into the bedroom, pleased with herself.

Mikey flung himself down into his office chair and booted up his laptop, worried about what Jules was already up to. It was a relief when he brought up the feed from the camera to find her sat on the couch reading a book. Adjusting the focus he saw it was Macbeth. He hoped it wasn’t giving her any ideas. The only other person he knew who read Shakespeare for fun was Ryan. They were more alike than either of them would ever let on.

Wanting to be entirely sure she hadn’t got up to anything dodgy, he rewound the footage to just after he’d left and frowned. What the hell was she doing wandering about in the dark with a toilet roll tube to her eye? Maybe Ryan was right and she was fucking nuts?

It all became clear when the clock was moved, for which there was only one explanation. She’d found the camera. The clock was replaced and he saw her wander into the kitchen with the torch and toilet roll, where she’d undoubtedly found the camera in there too.

“Shit,” he sighed. Wait, it didn’t make sense. If she’d found the cameras then why had she left them in place?

He watched with interest as she returned to the living room, hit the lights and brazenly stood before the camera. He couldn’t hear what she said but it was clearly directed at him. Then, to his astonishment, she started to strip. When the moment came when she had her back turned, clothes in a heap on the floor, he found himself sitting up straighter in his seat and fiddling with the focus. His jaw dropped when she whipped back round to reveal herself. Bloody hell, she had a fucking snake running up her body, it’s coils wrapped around her stomach, its fangs bared, red eyes staring at him. Venom, her namesake.

“She’s your cousin,” he told himself when he found himself unable to drag his eyes off the screen. Fucking hell she was gorgeous. Her body was all beautiful honed lines and gentle curves. Powerful and strong. The body of a woman who worked out a lot. An Amazon.

“Stop it,” he said, hitting the fast forward button, watching her pick up her clothes and rush into the bedroom until it caught up to the present time. She was still sitting on the couch reading the book. She looked sideways at the camera and smiled. No, she couldn’t know he was watching her right then.

Disconcerted he slammed the laptop shut. He would get rid of the cameras tomorrow.

Jules didn’t bother going to sleep. Getting just a few hours kip would make her feel groggy. Instead she used the time to prepare. She’d strapped the knives to her arms, the only weapons she was taking and sat on the couch in the dark, slowly breathing in and out.

When Grant arrived she was completely unruffled, as though this was just a casual outing when inside she felt like shit. Grant was older than she’d expected, late forties, hair silver with the good looks of an ageing Hollywood actor. Big and strong-looking, just like a bodyguard should be

“Ready?” was all Grant said. He was dressed in his version of a biker with black jeans, big boots, a leather jacket with tassles and a stetson.

“Attending a Village People convention after we’ve done this?” she said.

“The boss warned me you were hilarious,” he deadpanned.

“So you’re Mikey’s sergeant-at-arms?”

“Drop the biker shit. I’m in charge of his security. Let’s go.”

She nodded and followed him out the door and downstairs to the car, a ratty little black hatchback. They passed the journey in silence, Jules focusing entirely on keeping her emotions locked up tight. It was the only way she could do this.

It was still safely dark by the time they arrived in Leeds. The safe house was a small semi-detached house in the less desirable part of the city. The neighbours wouldn’t hear anything, not the way she had it planned.

Grant parked the car a street away.

“You know what to do?” he said.

“Go in and give them all presents?”

“This isn’t the time to be fucking funny.”

“I’m guessing there never is a right time for you.”

“Let’s just get this over with.”

“Someone doesn’t like getting up early in the morning,” she said as she climbed out of the car.

He was careful to stay behind her as they walked to the house and she bristled, half expecting a knife in her back, but she made it to the front door unscathed and knocked.

Jimmy opened it up, twenty four years old.

“Venom, thank fuck you’re here,” said the cute blond haired man, standing aside to let her in, almost shutting the door on Grant.

“This is my friend, Bruce,” she said, ignoring Grant’s glare. “We’re all that’s left of the Manchester chapter,” she explained. These three had been on the periphery, they wouldn’t know if he was part of the club or not.

“We’ve been hiding out here for weeks waiting for someone to contact us. We didn’t know what else to do.”

“Where are the others?”

“Still in bed. Venom, what do we do?” said Jimmy, blinking his big blue eyes at her.

She sighed. This wasn’t going to be pleasant.

“That’s what we’re here to discuss Jimmy. Get the kettle on and we’ll talk about it over a brew.”

He gave her a relieved smile. “Oh good. I’m so glad you’re here to take over,” he said as they followed him through to the kitchen. “We’ve been so worried the Maguires would find us here.”

“It’ll all be okay now Jimmy, don’t worry,” she said, trying to keep her voice light when all she wanted to do was knock Grant the fuck out and tell Jimmy to run. “Just leave it to me.”

Jimmy’s body went rigid when she slid the blade between his ribs, puncturing his heart.

“It’s alright,” she whispered. “Just let go.” She withdrew the blade and he dropped, already dead. She stared at his body, his big blue eyes still wide. “Shit,” she sighed.

“Two more,” reminded Grant’s sombre voice.

Quietly they mounted the stairs, Jules clasping both knives. In the first bedroom lay a man with long dark hair, fast asleep. A blade in his heart took care of him. He didn’t even wake. The third had unfortunately just woken up, standing beside the bed in his underwear, rubbing his eyes. He gave them a puzzled look before Jules hurled both knives, sending them spinning end over end. They embedded themselves in his chest and he dropped at the side of the bed.

Just to be sure they checked the rest of the house, but there was no one else there. As quietly as they’d come they left.

CHAPTER 31

“Well?” was all Mikey said from behind his desk when Jules walked into his office at the warehouse. Grant had escorted her all the way through the bowels of the Maguire compound, waiting outside the office door on guard duty while she went inside.

“It’s done,” she replied.

“Any problems?”

“None. Grant said to leave the bodies in situ.”

“That’s right. No one will connect it with us, if you’ve done your job properly.”

“I did,” she replied confidently.

They stared at each other in silence, the subject of the hidden cameras hanging between them. Her naked body flashed in Mikey’s mind and he cleared his throat. “You look tired. Take the rest of the day off. You start work properly tomorrow.”

“Thanks. I could do with blowing off some steam. Do you mind if I bring a man back to the flat?”

“I appreciate you asking me but that depends on the man.”

“One you approve of. No one linked to Lucifer’s Shadow. I just need some fun.”

“It’s your flat, you can do what you like, as long as you’re subtle.”

“I always am.”

When he looked doubtful she flashed him a smile.

“One more thing Jules.”

She hesitated by the door. “Yes?”

“What happened to Leighton Parker?”

“Not yet.”

With that she left and Mikey cursed his brilliant camera idea when his eyes remained fixed on her backside.

“She’s your cousin,” he told himself again. He called Grant in. “How did she do?”

“I hate to admit it but I was impressed. She did it quickly and quietly. I didn’t have to lift a finger. She’s a pro.”

“Did she want to do it?”

“I don’t think so, she made it as painless as possible for them. But she’d made her choice and she stuck to it.”

Mikey nodded as though something had been confirmed for him. “Not the psychopath she’s made out to be then?”

“Perhaps not.”

“Would you be willing to work with her again?”

“I think so, as long as she keeps her smart arsed quips to herself.”

“She took the piss out of your outfit?”

He nodded.

“You do look like a gay cowboy.”

“Thanks boss,” he said wryly. Grant had enormous respect for Mikey Maguire. He was a good employer and had proved himself to be a powerful leader. Initially Grant had worked for Alex who, in his opinion, had been a complete tit, keeping him as a heavie when he’d been capable of so much more. Mikey had realised his potential and recruited him as his head of security, for which Grant would be eternally grateful. He enjoyed working for him so he would keep a close eye on Jules. She’d impressed him but it didn’t mean he trusted her.

Jared Slattery was the complete opposite of his dad, Vic. A towering mass of muscle standing six foot four inches tall, hair dark blond, eyes wide and dark brown. Fortunately for him he took after his mother, who was renowned for her beauty and height.

“What do you think?” Katia asked him as the girls ambled in a small circle before them. She was getting angry with them, she’d shown them how to parade proudly with their heads held high and their breasts out but instead they shuffled with their shoulders slumped, looking sad and pathetic. They would feel her wrath later.

“They’re a bit wishy washy,” replied Jared, unimpressed. “Pale and skinny.”

“It’s what men want.”

The face he pulled told her he disagreed.

“So, would you be interested in sampling the goods?” she said.

Sasha, the one Katia had picked out for his special attentions, buried her face in her hands and started to cry.

Incensed, Katia grabbed a fistful of her hair and slapped her across the face three times. “Shut the fuck up stupid bitch,” she bellowed in her face.

It had the desired effect and Sasha went quiet.

Jared finally seemed interested when Irina descended the stairs looking a lot more confident a damn sight healthier than the other girls.

“Now this is more like it,” he said, eyeing her up like she was a piece of meat in a butcher’s shop.

Irina stood her ground when he slipped a hand into her dark hair, lifted a section of it to his face and breathed in her scent. “Lovely,” he said. “I want this one.”

Katia glanced at Irina, who gave a very slight nod in response. She’d promised her second-in-command she could choose which men she ‘entertained’ and she was keeping that promise because Irina was proving to be invaluable. Fortunately Irina understood how important it was they get this man on their side and she would be well rewarded for it.

Irina had confided in her that she’d been a sergeant in the Slovak Army Land Forces              and was dishonourably discharged after beating up a fellow soldier. The fact the man had tried to rape her had done nothing to help her cause and she’d had to run after his family came after her for daring to complain. Now she was a soldier looking for a leader, waiting to be given orders and she’d finally found her niche here in this back street brothel in Essex. There would be no danger of her trying to seize control from Kaita, who was coming to rely on her.

Jared surprised them both when he took Irina’s hand in a gentlemanly way and led her upstairs.

After locking the other girls back in their rooms Katia anxiously waited downstairs for Irina to return, hoping Jared wasn’t too harsh with her. The Slatterys reputation was less than civilised and she feared what strange sexual proclivities the prince possessed. It was a relief when Irina descended the stairs an hour later in one piece, perfectly composed.

“Where is he?” Katia asked, anxious that he’d enjoyed his time with her.

“In the shower.”

“How was he?”

“Gentle. I was surprised. He spent a lot of time combing my hair and sniffing it. Then he got me to strip down to my underwear and walk up and down his back in high heels and hit him. After that we finally had sex. He was very knowledgeable about how to touch a woman.”

“So he didn’t hurt you at all?”

“No. I was the one who did the hurting.”

“You have no objection to entertaining him again?”

“None at all. I enjoyed him. He was very vigorous.”

“Good. You have done very well Irina.”

“Thank you. I am glad I could please you.”

“Go and check on the other girls and discipline Sasha for crying earlier. Don’t be too hard. Her client will be arriving in an hour.”

Irina nodded and headed back upstairs, passing Jared on his way down, who stopped her to bury his face in her hair before allowing her to continue on her way.

“I trust you enjoyed her?” said Katia.

“Very. When I come here I want her.”

“As you wish. Whatever you want here is yours.” Katia had been willing to offer herself to Jared if it meant she got rid of Vic Slattery but he’d shown no interest in her and she’d surmised his weakness was for brunettes, which was a bit of a relief. He was very good looking but the only man she wanted was dead and buried.

“This is just the beginning,” she told him. “I have big plans for expansion that will make us both a lot of money.”

“You seem like a woman who always succeeds.”

“I am.”

“What does my dad think of your set-up?”

The question was casually asked but Katia’s sharp ears detected the hint of animosity aimed at Vic. “He was very interested,” she replied.

“I bet he was,” frowned Jared. “Especially with the women.”

Katia had heard that Jared adored his mother and hated how Vic always cheated on her. Rather than criticise Vic outright she just gave Jared a knowing look.

“Can we talk in private?” he said.

She nodded. “Follow me.”

Katia led him into her office, which was nothing more than a glorified broom cupboard, a big comedown from her spacious, elegant office at Alex’s brothel full of expensive, beautiful things. The fucking Laws had burnt it to the ground.

“You’re a woman with ambition,” began Jared.

“I am.”

“You aspire to much more than this dump. You would prefer this to be like the exclusive club you used to run?”

“That is the dream.”

His eyes narrowed and darkened as he paced the room, covering the length of it in two big strides before turning and repeating the process. “There’s a new order coming Katia and it will be very profitable for those who get on board with it.”

Katia was aware she had to tread very carefully. For all she knew this was a test of her loyalty to the Slattery family, despite the rumours she’d heard of discord within the ranks. It always paid to do some research about those you were going into business with. She was quite sure Jared was seeing if she would side with him when he took his father out but she couldn’t be one hundred percent certain. One foot wrong and she might sentence herself to death.

“I have always been one for progress,” she replied enigmatically.

“Good because I think you’ve got the brains to really make something of this place. If my dad has his way it will stay a sleazy dump catering to the lowest of humanity but I see potential that will make us both a fat pile of cash. There are people standing in our way but they won’t be for much longer.”

Katia nodded. “You can count on me.”

“I’m glad we understand each other. Play your cards right and you’ll be well rewarded.”

The door opened and Robbie walked in. “Sorry, am I disturbing?”

“No. We’re done here,” replied Jared, giving him a hard look as he left.

Robbie knew Jared didn’t trust him and he was working hard to gain that trust. Jared had personally murdered a cousin of his but Robbie was willing to bury the hatchet. His entire family was dead while he was alive and well and he intended to stay that way. Plus he’d do anything for Katia.

“What was that about?” said Robbie, closing the door behind Jared.

“We’re on the up,” she told him. “And Vic’s on his way out, the fat ugly pig.”

“Jared’s going to replace him?”

“Yes, who is much more forward thinking and intelligent.”

“But just as cold and ruthless.”

“Cold and ruthless is good. We must be ready.”

“You’re sure we can trust him?”

“No but at least he is looking at expanding our business. If Vic has his way we’ll be stuck here forever and Jared has the guts to kill Ryan and Rachel Law. Vic does not, he’s actually afraid of them, the disgusting little coward. When the time comes you will give Jared whatever he needs. He’s our one chance at expansion, he has to succeed.”

“Okay, if you think it’s the right decision.”

“I do. I only hope I get to spit on Vic Slattery’s bloated corpse.”

“My contact came back to me about that licence plate.”

“The car outside my house?”

“Yes. It’s registered to a dentist in Hulme. Obviously a stolen plate.”

“Hulme is in Manchester, isn’t it?” she said, swallowing hard.

“It is. I think we can safely say the Maguires know we’re here.”

She clutched at his shirtfront. “They will come for us, for the boys. We can’t let them hurt the boys.”

He took her hands. “Calm down Katia, it’s okay. They’re not going to do any such thing. If they did it would mean war with the Slatterys. They were probably just scoping you out. If Mikey was serious about wanting us dead then we wouldn’t be here now.”

“You’re right,” she said, removing her hands from his grip and smoothing down her blond bob. “They wouldn’t dare.”

“Exactly. As long as we keep on the right side of the Slatterys we’re safe and so are the boys.”

“What if they want to take the boys? They have Maguire blood.”

“I think they’ll be happy to leave them with you, you’re a great mum. Anyway, I won’t let them. You have good people around you who will do anything to protect you and your kids, have a little faith in us.”

He was looking at her again in that zealous way that told her he wanted her, but it could never be, despite how sweet he was. “I do,” she replied.

For one awful moment she thought he was going to kiss her, but instead he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Good. The Maguires won’t touch you.”

Katia smiled at him but she knew if Mikey Maguire wanted to kill her there was nothing this sweet man could do to stop him.