Face in the Frame (28 page)

“Sorry hen,” he said, quickly replacing it on the table, blushing so furiously his cheeks felt to burn.

“Lucas drew it,” she said in a tight voice.

“It’s errr…very good.”

To his surprise she looked right at him. “Why are you blushing? It’s not like you haven’t seen it all before.”

Brodie thought his head might explode as he recalled that one magical night they’d shared together, the perfect curve and contour of every part of her incredible body flashing through his mind. He looked right back at her, his heart pounding, frantically trying to work out whether or not he should tell her how he felt about her.

They both frowned when there was a knock at the door.

“You expecting anyone?” he said flatly, annoyed at the interruption.

“Nope,” she replied, looking away.

“It could be reporters, fucking cockroaches. I’ll get rid of them.”

Brodie strode to the door, determined to get rid of whoever was intruding on his alone time with Cass. When he peered through the spy hole he realised that wasn’t happening.

“Go away Toni,” he called through the door.

“Now that’s not very polite. Open up please.”

“No.”

“I come with news that you really need to hear.”

He sighed and looked to Cass.

“Let her in,” she said resignedly. “She won’t go away until we’ve heard her out.”

He opened the door and in she flounced wearing a knee length black coat, short clingy skirt and blouse unbuttoned almost to the navel.

“No Caesar? Have you finally worn him out?” said Brodie.

“I want to show you that I come in peace and to tell you that the body in your grotesque little flat was nothing to do with me. Really you need to sort yourself out something better, a corpse could only improve it.”

“If you’ve finished insulting my interior design skills then you can do one. Cass needs to rest.”

She walked round him to Cass, concern etched on her face. “Dear Cassandra, look what that animal has done to your lovely face.”

“Thanks Antoinette,” she said flatly, completely unmoved, knowing Toni felt no genuine emotion apart from anger, lust and greed.

Toni turned her attention back to Brodie. “I came to say that body in your flat was put there by Malc.”

“Makes sense,” he replied. “He’s the only one stupid enough to come up with a divvy plan like that.”

“He’s a little hurt that you’ve taken my side in all this.”

“How many times do I have to say it? I’ve not taken anyone’s bloody side. I don’t give a shit but for some reason you all want me involved.”

“That’s because Mr Brodie you have done yourself no favours. With your organisation’s less than legal behaviour you’ve inveigled yourselves with the criminal underworld of this city, so now we see you as no different from us.”

Brodie’s nostrils flared with indignation. “How dare you.”

“It’s true. You flout the law every day of your working life and it’s only thanks to your police contacts that you haven’t been arrested. You’re a vigilante.”

“Aye I am and proud. You gave me that load of old fanny about a high-ranking polis wanting Pete to back down just to reel me in. You knew I’d go straight round to Malc’s and tell him to back off.”

“You’re right, I did because I’m a naughty girl. You have powerful friends whose secrets you protect and who owe you. That makes you powerful and you’re in this along with the rest of us and for that reason everyone is waiting to see what you’ll do. That’s why it’s important you choose a side.”

“Thanks for the ego boost hen but we both know you’re being well over the top.”

“No I’m not. Deep down you realise that, which is why I want to introduce you.”

Brodie looked around the room and shrugged. “To who?”

“Come in boys,” called Toni.

Cass’s front door opened and both her and Brodie’s jaws dropped.

“I don’t fucking believe it,” said Brodie.

“Did you have to bring them to my home?” sighed Cass, shaking her head.

“Brodie MacBride and the lovely Cassandra Carlisle, meet Mikey Maguire and Jez Law.”

The two handsome, strapping, dark-haired men in very expensive suits both nodded solemnly, looking all business.

Toni’s smile was sly. “Your reputations proceed you boys.”

“Ah jeezo,” said Brodie, dragging his hands down his face. “This city is fucked.”

“Isn’t Ryan here?” said Cass, disappointed.

“Why do all the ladies say that?” sighed Jez. Women went wild over his older brother, despite the fact he was very happily married.

Jez’s eyes alighted on the drawing of Cass that was still spread out on the coffee table and his eyebrows shot up. Mikey and Toni followed his line of sight, Mikey deciding to be a gentleman and pretend he hadn’t noticed while Toni released a purr of pleasure and snatched it up.

“Oh my Cassandra, you’re everything I dreamed you would be and more.”

“Give me that back,” said Cass, grabbing it out of her hands and rolling it up.

“Was that produced by the talented hand of Mr Lucas Thorne?”

Cass just nodded, cheeks red with embarrassment and outrage.

“If you like I can make him suffer while he’s in prison?” offered Toni.

“I’ll think about it,” was all Cass replied.

“Why have you brought this pair to me?” said Brodie, indicating Mikey and Jez.

Toni tossed back her head. “I told you it was time to pick a side. I just want to be sure you choose the right one.”

“It’s nothing to do with me,” he countered.

“And I say it is,” she yelled, black eyes flashing. “You were seen going into Malc’s club with Tam, it’s all around the houses.”

“That’s why you sent me, so you could strong arm me into this mess,” he yelled back, furious.

“Everyone thinks you’re siding with those two manky bawbags. Now it’s time to show me where your loyalties lie.”

“I don’t have any loyalty to you, Tam or that big melon-headed bastard. Don’t you get it?” bellowed Brodie, getting seriously angry.

“You don’t have the luxury of staying out of this one Brodie, it’s too late.”

“So that’s why you brought Pinky and Perky here,” he said, gesturing to Mikey and Jez.

“What the fuck did you just call us?” demanded Mikey in a strong Mancunian accent.

“Mr Brodie has a very unique way of speaking,” said Toni. “He’s also utterly fearless. I’ve still not decided whether that makes him the bravest man I know, or the stupidest.”

“That’s right Toni, I’m not afraid of you or Ant and Dec.”

Mikey’s fist slammed against the wall. “I’m getting sick of this dick’s mouth.”

“Yes, that’s the effect he has on most people but I’m one of the very few who can appreciate his considerable talents,” said Toni, resting a hand on Brodie’s chest.

When Brodie knocked her hand away Mikey and Jez leapt to defend her, while Cass jumped to Brodie’s side.

“Now everyone just calm down,” said Toni, standing in the middle of the four of them. “This is a first, me peacemaker.” The amused smile vanished. “Pick a side Brodie. I won’t ask again.”

Brodie released a grunt of frustration, staring hard at two of the most dangerous men ever to come out of the north of England standing here before him and Cass, ready to do whatever damage Toni told them to. Then he looked to Cass, the person he treasured most in the world and knew what he had to do. “Fine,” he sighed. “I’m on your side. Happy now?”

Her lips curled into a malicious smile. “Delighted.”

“You can bugger off now.”

Jez looked to Toni in consternation. “Are you sure you want mouth almighty here to help? That enormous gob will only make things worse.”

“I haven’t even got warmed up yet,” said Brodie.

“I can imagine,” replied Jez with an amused smile. He definitely seemed to be the cooler of the two. Mikey looked like he wanted to rip Brodie’s throat out.

“Mr Brodie is an asset to our cause,” said Toni. “Not only does he have influence over the polis as well as certain criminal elements in this city, he also knows all their secrets.”

“And I’ll go to my grave before I tell you what they are,” said Brodie.

Toni’s gaze was cold. “That can always be arranged.” Her eyes flicked meaningfully to Cass.

“You are such a bitch,” said Cass, knowing full well what that look implied.

“Oh no dear Cassandra, I’m so much more than that,” said Toni.

When she reached inside her jacket pocket Brodie put himself in front of Cass.

Toni threw back her head and laughed. “Sweet but there’s no need to worry.”

Brodie and Cass glanced at each other when she produced a glasses case.

“Jeezo, whose eyes are in there?” said Brodie.

She smiled wickedly and pulled it open, making them both grimace. “Guess who?”

Brodie shook his head. “You didn’t. Tell me you didn’t.”

Cass peered into the glasses case. “I’d know that dopey look anywhere.”

“You took Kevin’s eyes,” said Brodie. “Malc’s half-brother.”

“I did, for his threats against the lovely Cassandra.”

“And to get at Malc,” said Cass.

“I admit that was my primary motivation.”

“You’ve just started a war,” said Brodie, shaking his head.

Toni smiled and clapped Mikey and Jez on their backs. “And with their help as well as yours, I’m going to fucking win.”

They all froze when there was another knock on the door.

CHAPTER 26

“Who’s that?” whispered Toni who was not ready for the rest of the city to find out about Mikey and Jez yet.

Cass glanced at the closed door. “It’s hard to tell at the moment.”

“Cass, you in there?” called a voice.

“It’s Pete,” hissed Brodie.

“Detective Inspector McLaren,” added Toni for Mikey and Jez’s benefit.

“Flippin’ marvellous,” tutted Mikey.

“Is there a back exit?” said Jez.

“Not unless you want to use the window,” smiled Brodie, well aware they were four floors up.

“You’re just a laugh a minute, aren’t you?” retorted Jez.

“You’ll have to hide until we can get rid of him,” said Cass.

“Quick, in here,” said Toni, darting through a door.

“Hey, that’s my bedroom,” said Cass.

“I know my dear,” said Toni, reclining back on the bed with a smirk of pleasure.

Mikey and Jez looked at each other and shook their heads before following her in and closing the door.

“We’re trapped in a bloody nightmare,” said Brodie before he opened the front door.

Pete looked back at him, face pale with dark circles around his eyes, shirt rumpled.

“You look like crap,” commented Brodie.

“And hello George Clooney,” he retorted, stepping inside.

“Err, Cass was just going to rest, weren’t you?” said Brodie, leaving the front door open in the hope he’d take the hint.

When Pete flung himself onto the couch he closed the door. Subtlety went right over his friend’s head.

“Yes I was,” she said, making a show of rubbing her eyes and yawning.

“Don’t you want to hear my news?” said Pete, settling into the cushions and knotting his hands behind his head.

“Elton John wants his hair back?” said Brodie.

“It’s my fucking hair,” he bellowed. His eyes alighted on something lying on the floor and widened.

“Oh bloody hell,” muttered Cass, picking up the naked drawing of herself, which had unrolled just enough to reveal her face and bare breasts. She rolled it back up and stuffed it into the bin.

Brodie forced himself not to laugh when Pete went red and nervously cleared his throat.

“Have you got news about Lucas?” said Cass, sitting beside Pete, an anxious look on her face.

“We’re doing him for the assault on you, even though he’s still denying it,” he replied, desperately trying not to look at her chest after his glimpse of that impressive drawing. “He insists you fell and cut yourself, although he hasn’t an excuse for the scalpel. But your evidence along with what we found at the scene as well as Brodie and Christian’s statements are enough to get him for that.”

“And for cutting off people’s faces?”

Pete sat up straight in his seat, looking glum. “Unfortunately we can’t find any evidence.”

Brodie’s eyes hardened. “What?”

“We’ve searched his flat here and he gave his permission for his studio in London to be searched by the Met but that’s it. We turned up nothing.”

“That’s it?” exclaimed Brodie. “What about tearing apart all the premises he owns? He’s not going to start cutting up bodies in his studio, he’s going to have somewhere special for that, somewhere only he knows about. You need to do an in-depth search into his entire life…”

“Don’t tell me what I need to do Brodie, I already know but my fucking hands are tied. His lawyer’s a complete bastard and he’s managed to block everything we’ve tried to do.” He turned to Cass, eyes wide. “I’m sorry Cass, I really tried but I’ve been told to back off and if I don’t my cock will be hanging from the chief constable’s door.”

“I’d bet he’d like that, the kinky bastard,” glowered Brodie.

“It’s not your fault,” Cass said to Pete. “You tried your best.”

“So a serial killer is going to be let fucking free?” said Brodie.

“No. He will be done for his assault on Cass, we’ve got a really strong case but it will go to court. You up to that hen?” Pete asked her.

“Damn right I am,” she said.

“Good,” nodded Pete. “You’re our biggest weapon against the creep.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t back out. He made me a victim after I said I’d never be one again. I owe him some serious payback.”

Pete shook his head when Brodie gazed at her soppily.

“Is he still locked up?” said Cass.

Pete shifted uncomfortably. “He was released an hour ago hen, I’m sorry. Quarter of a million pound bail and that irritating wee squit Oliver Fender paid it.”

“So he’s out,” she said, wrapping her arms around herself.

“And he’s gone straight back to London, we made sure of it. Don’t worry, he won’t come round here.”

“You sure about that?” said Brodie.

“Oliver took him straight back. The press were hoachin’ outside the station, it’s all over the news.”

“Great, they’ll come knocking soon,” sighed Cass.

“I’m surprised they’re not here already,” said Pete.

“This flat isn’t under my name.”

“We’ll get you into one of our safe houses tomorrow,” said Brodie. “Thorne has been here so it’s not secure.”

She nodded, looking glum.

Pete jumped up. “Right, I’ll be off then.”

Brodie and Cass tried not to sigh with relief, all too conscious of Toni and her Mancunian friends hiding out in the bedroom.

“You coming Brodie?” said Pete, hesitating on his way to the door.

“No.”

“I could do with taking another statement from you about the body in your flat.”

“I thought DI Dickhead was on that one?”

“He is but…I’m helping out.”

Brodie thought how crap Pete would be at undercover work, he was absolutely shite at any sort of subterfuge. He knew exactly what his friend was thinking, he was anxious to get him away from Cass before he did something stupid like confess his feelings to her. Maybe Pete wasn’t being so daft, he’d been on the verge of confessing again before Toni had knocked on the door. But there was no way he was leaving Cass alone with three gangsters.

“I can’t imagine the pair of you working together,” said Brodie, all innocence, determined to torture him a bit first.

“Well, I said I’d help out because it’s you.”

“I’m touched,” he said, fluttering his eyelashes, elated when Cass actually smiled. Back in the hospital she’d looked like she’d never smile again.

“Well, aren’t you coming then?” said Pete, starting to lose his temper.

“I’ve asked Brodie to stay on for a bit,” interjected Cass. “I don’t want to be on my own right now.”

“Wouldn’t one of your girlfriends be more comfort than him? Or Hannibal Lecter?”

“Brodie’s fine,” she said. “But thanks for letting me know about Lucas.”

“Yeah, thanks for letting us know that you lot are bog useless,” added Brodie. “If you could swing it so I could be alone with Thorne for ten minutes I’ll soon have him talking.”

“I’d love to, believe me. If I had my way I’d throw in his slug of a lawyer too but, unlike some, I’m restrained by the law.” His eyebrows knitted together when Brodie and Cass’s gazes moved to her bedroom door. Neither of them were thinking anything carnal but Pete thought they were. “Come on then,” he practically barked at Brodie.

“No,” repeated Brodie, planting his feet, turning himself into an immovable object.

“At least can I have a word with you in private?” hissed Pete through a clenched jaw.

Brodie nodded towards the kitchen and not the front door like Pete had hoped.

Together they entered the immaculate black and white tiled kitchen. Pete closed the door behind them and said, “don’t you dare do something stupid.”

“Like what?”

“Tell her how you really feel.”

“Do you think I’m a fucking halfwit? I wouldn’t do that after what she’s just been through. I’m here as a friend, that’s it.”

“Then why won’t you leave?”

“You heard her, she wants me to stay.”

“Yeah and that worries me too.”

“Why?”

“Because she was almost killed by the man she loves, she’s hurt and vulnerable and she might just turn to the nearest man for extra comfort, if you know what I mean.”

“Extra comfort? You make me sound like a toilet roll.”

“You know what I mean. She’s been hurt enough and I am not going to let you make her feel any worse.”

“I’m not that bad in bed.”

“Will you stop joking for one second? This is Cass we’re talking about.”

Brodie’s grin fell. “I’m not an eejit, I won’t do anything like that. She just needs a friend and that’s why I’m here. If you’re worried about her ruining my honour then I promise I’ll keep my chastity belt on.” His phone started to ring again and he pulled it out of his pocket and sighed.

“Who’s that?” said Pete.

“Shelley, Lucas Thorne’s ex. We met when I went to interview his parents in Kent.”

Pete sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Please don’t tell me you shagged Lucas Thorne’s ex?”

“Well, maybe.”

“What do you mean, maybe?”

“Alright, I did.”

“If it had been any other woman I would have been happy for you, it’s about time you got your hole. I just hope this doesn’t interfere in the investigation. Certain parties will be very pissed off if they learn you’ve been sticking your nose into Thorne’s past, especially his vicious ferret of a lawyer.”

“Well I’m not going to tell them and I don’t think Shelley will either, she hates Thorne, he roughed her up a bit. In bed.”

“Are you going to get that?” he said, indicating the phone Brodie still held in his hand when it continued to ring. “It’s getting on my tits.”

“Err, no.”

“Why not? Hassling you, is she?”

“She is a bit clingy, to put it mildly.”

“You mean she’s a bunny boiler?”

“It’s starting to look that way. I’m going to have to get myself a new phone number, which is a total pain in the arse.”

“So not exactly a credible witness. Bunny boilers are known to be vindictive.”

“Aye I know. Anyway, you don’t need her, you’ve got enough to put Lucas behind bars.”

“I hope.”

Brodie frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Despite what I said to Cass, it’s really a case of your word against his. I just said that about the scene to put her at ease.”

“Don’t treat her like that Pete, she’s not a limp spine.”

“I know that but I just thought she could use a bit of cheering up. Let her worry about all that later, when she’s had some time to recover.”

“Aye, alright, maybe you’re talking sense, for once.”

“You know I am. So, you’re determined to stay here?”

“For as long as she needs me. You getting jealous or something? I know you like having me all to yourself.”

“In your dreams. Right, if I’m not wanted I’ll be off.”

“Pete?” said Brodie as he opened the kitchen door.

“What?”

“Thanks.”

Pete did a double take, astonished. “Did I really just hear Brodie MacBride say thank you?”

“Yeah, for everything you’ve done for Cass.”

“You’re not the only one who cares about her,” he said before leaving.

Pete left and Cass let out a breath of relief before flinging open her bedroom door. “The coast is clear…Toni, what are you doing?”

Mikey and Jez practically leapt back into the living room, blushing.

“It was nothing to do with us,” said Mikey. “We had to turn our backs to give her some privacy.”

Toni strode out of the bedroom, running a hand through her hair, flushed. “I do apologise Cassandra but I was overwhelmed by your scent all over that soft, sensuous bedding.”

“It’s just a duvet,” she exclaimed.

“She didn’t?” said Brodie, lip curling with disgust.

“No,” retorted Toni. “Believe it or not I do have some morals. I was just getting comfortable.”

Cass folded her arms across her chest. “I’m going to burn that bedding.”

“Why not keep it sweetheart, it’ll be like we’re sleeping together.”

“That’s enough Toni,” said Brodie. “Cass has been through a lot and you’re not helping. Now you’ve got what you want…”

“And a little extra,” she smiled.

“Pete’s gone so you can do one, you and Morecambe and Wise here.”

Mikey thrust his face into his. “See when this is over me and you are going to have some serious words.”

Brodie knew all about Mikey Maguire, knew he was a renowned boxer as well as a murderer but that meant nothing to him. “Bring it on big man.”

“Take it easy Mikey,” Jez told him, putting a hand on his arm. “He wants to wind you up because he’s pissed off that he’s been pulled into this.”

“Damn right I’m pissed off and it’s not wise to piss me off because when I’m pissed off I get…pissed off.”