Carnage

by Heather Atkinson

  “You could get a scholarship.”

  “There’s loads of competition for those.”

  “Not if you know the right people,” said Ryan. “Rachel and I sponsor scholarships at Exeter University.”

  “You do?” he said, head snapping up.

  “Yes and we know potential when we see it,” added Ryan with a knowing smile.

  Leah was heartened by the way Jacob positively glowed with joy.

  “Thanks,” he said before shovelling more peas into his mouth, looking much happier.

  Jacob left the Law home feeling much more relaxed than he’d expected. After dinner Ryan had helped Rachel with the washing up, which had amazed him as he’d thought a man like him would have considered housework to be the woman’s domain. Ethan and Aaron had invited him to play on their X-Box. Leah had joined in and they’d enjoyed playing a racing game. Then the family had regathered in the lounge to drink coffee, the boys on milkshakes and chatted about nothing of much importance. They’d made him feel so welcome and, for the first time in his life, he’d felt comfortable in a social situation. Leah had even sat beside him and held his hand and her parents hadn’t objected. It was hard to believe it wasn’t all some wonderful dream. When it came time for him to leave he found he was reluctant to go, enjoying the great company and beautiful house. Ryan had offered to give him a lift home but he’d declined, opting to take the bus, deciding he might feel uncomfortable being alone with Ryan Law.

  He wandered happily down the driveway, hands in his pockets, smiling to himself, the family gathered at the door to wave him off.

  Danielle watched him stroll by, looking incredibly happy. Despair rose up inside her. She had hoped the dinner would go badly, that Leah’s parents would hate him or that they were the scary people they were reputed to be and that he’d run out of the house swearing to never go back but that hadn’t happened.

  She got to her feet, hanging back when she saw him loitering at the bus stop, gazing off dreamily into the distance. He looked so beautiful in the dying glow of the sun, warming his caramel skin. Tears sprang in her eyes. He was the only thing she wanted. Why couldn’t he be hers?

  She waited for him to get on the bus. Fortunately another one should be along in twenty minutes. If she got on the same one he’d know she’d followed him and he’d be angry. At least tonight had made one thing perfectly clear. Leah Law had to go.

  “So,” began Leah. “What do you think?”

  “He’s lovely,” smiled Rachel.

  Leah gasped with relief.

  “Yes, he isn’t what I expected, I confess,” said Ryan.

  “What were you expecting Dad?” said Leah. “A nasty little thug who would nick off with the silver?”

  “To be quite frank, yes. But he is very intelligent. That boy could go a long way if he could find more self confidence.”

  “I think you’re doing wonders for his confidence sweetheart,” Rachel told her daughter.

  Leah glowed with happiness. “Thanks Mum.”

  “I find it hard to believe he’s responsible for the crime sheet Ashley showed us,” said Ryan.

  “That’s because he’s not,” said Leah.

  “Did he tell you that?”

  “Not outright but from what he’s mentioned I think he’s taken the fall for his Uncle Darren’s crimes.”

  “Why would he do that?” said Rachel. “Neither can I see Michelle allowing it.”

  “She might not have had a say in the matter.”

  “That would make sense. I just can’t equate that polite, intelligent boy with the feral creature we were told about.”

  “There is much more to this than we know,” said Ryan. He looked to his wife. “Rather than tackle Jacob about it perhaps you could use your new friendship with Michelle to find out?”

  “Don’t worry, I intend to. If that useless slob of an uncle has damaged that boy’s future to protect his own hide then I’ll make damn sure he pays for it.”

  “You are such a bad ass Mum,” said Leah.

  “I can be when the situation requires it,” she said, eyes turning black, making Leah smile.

  Jacob lay in bed, gazing up at the ceiling, feeling positive about his future, a completely alien feeling for him but one he was enjoying indulging in.

  The positive feelings were eradicated when his door opened and Danielle walked in. He’d been so distracted he’d completely forgotten to lock it.

  “I’m really tired,” he began, pushing himself upright, wrapping the duvet tightly about himself.

  “This won’t take long,” she said, perching on the edge of the bed.

  “What won’t?”

  “I want to say that I’m fine with you seeing Leah.”

  It seemed today hadn’t finished with its surprises. “You what?”

  “I can see she makes you happy and that’s all I want, for you to be happy. I used to think only I could do that for you but now I see I was wrong.”

  Jacob forced himself not to recoil when she touched his face with her cold, clammy hand, the nails bitten down to the quick. The odour of stale sweat washed over him, making him feel sick. “Thanks,” he said slowly, fearing a trick.

  “Maybe I can find someone too?” she said. “I’d like that. I’m so lonely. Who’d have thought it possible in this madhouse but it would be nice to feel close to someone, apart from you,” she breathed, leaning closer.

  Jacob pressed himself back against the headboard, afraid she was going to kiss him. Plus Danielle hardly ever brushed her teeth so her breath stank. “I’m sure you will,” he said, pulling the duvet higher.

  Danielle’s fingers curled into a fist, which momentarily shook, her eyes blazing with a disturbing amount of conflicting emotion before she shot to her feet. “You look tired so I’ll let you sleep. Goodnight.”

  “Night,” he said.

  The second she’d gone he leapt up and locked the door, rubbing his face on his t-shirt where she’d touched him, still feeling slightly sick. Dare he believe she was speaking the truth? Or was she lying to lull him into a false sense of security? It was impossible to tell with Danielle, she was so unpredictable.

  He got back into bed and tried to return to his pleasant thoughts but all the good feelings had gone.

  CHAPTER 16

  “Oh, it’s you,” said Mikey.

  “I did get the time right, didn’t I?” said a timid Amber. “You did say eleven o’clock?”

  “Yes,” he sighed.

  “You were hoping I wouldn’t turn up, weren’t you?”

  “I was.”

  “I’m serious about this Mikey. I want my boys back.”

  “We’ll see,” he said as she stepped inside.

  Amber took off her coat and was gratified to see him look a little bemused. She’d forgone her usually low-cut, thigh-revealing dresses in favour of a long sedate skirt and blouse buttoned up to the neck. The only jewellery she sported was a simple gold heart at her throat and a wristwatch.

  “You off to the nunnery after?” he said.

  “I told you I’ve changed my ways.”

  Still he appeared doubtful. “Come on through.”

  Amber’s reception wasn’t any warmer than her last one, Josh glancing up at her before looking back down at his drawing while Zach just appeared confused. The gormless way his jaw hung open annoyed her but she put on her best smile. “Hello boys.”

  “Hi,” said Josh without looking up from his drawing.

  “Did you have a good week at school?” she continued.

  “It was okay.”

  Amber was surprised by the slyness that filled his eyes. It was too calculating for an eight year old and she couldn’t decide whether he’d inherited it from Mikey or herself. “Me and Zach helped Mum and Dad pick where they’re getting married.”

  Despite her lack of maternal feelings it still hit her hard that he was calling another woman mum, especially the woman she hated most in the world. But she was a great actress and managed to con
ceal her feelings. “And where did you pick sweetie? I bet it’s awesome if you chose it.”

  Mikey couldn’t help but be proud of his son when he appeared unmoved by this praise.

  “The church where Uncle Ryan and Aunty Rachel got married then a big barn for the party afterwards.”

  “Big barn?”

  “It’s a barn out in the country,” said Mikey. “It’s beautiful.”

  “I’m sure it is,” she said, trying not to look too eager. Finally the details Katia had been waiting for. “When is it?”

  “June the tenth,” he replied.

  “A nice summer wedding,” she said, doing her best to look pleased when inside she was a twisted mass of fury. She wanted to launch herself at him and rake her exquisitely manicured nails down his smug face, the bastard was enjoying rubbing it in.

  “That’s what we thought,” he replied, reclining back on the couch, resting one foot on the opposite knee.

  It also rankled with her that he still looked mouth-wateringly good. She’d always been very attracted to him, right from the moment she’d seen him drunk in a pub he owned after winning a boxing match. Beneath that black jumper and blue jeans were all those muscles and that smooth skin. How she longed to feel him inside her again but it was plain he wasn’t interested. She could strip off right in front of him and he’d probably laugh. It baffled her how he could find the goth slag so attractive and not her.

  “So, where is this barn then?” she pressed.

  “I forget the name,” he shrugged.

  Amber knew it was a lie. Mikey Maguire forgot nothing. For some reason he didn’t want her to know, probably because he was afraid she’d turn up and make a big fuss. Little did he know of the sheer havoc she actually intended to cause.

  “I’m sure it’ll be lovely.”

  “It will be.”

  Amber dutifully did her best to play with the children, Zach warming to her slightly when she played a stupid game of trying to snatch mechanical fish out of a rotating board with a tiny fishing rod. She thought it a huge waste of time but Zach adored it, laughing uproariously every time one of them successfully hooked a fish, the fat round body dangling from the magnet on the end. She even let him win, which earned her a nod of approval from Mikey.

  “Josh, do you want a game?” Amber asked him after he’d sat watching from his little desk.

  He hesitated before shaking his head, returning to his colouring.

  “Okay sweetie.” She looked back at Zach. “How about another game?”

  “Yay,” he cheered.

  “Great. Let’s get those fish back in that pond,” she said, replacing them in the little holes in the board. She glanced at Mikey, hoping to see him watching her with adoration, recalling how he’d used to feel about her but to her annoyance he had his head buried in the newspaper.

  Amber was allowed precisely one hour of visitation before she had to say her goodbyes to the boys. Zach waved her a cheery goodbye but Josh was more curt. Mikey escorted her to the door and she got the impression he didn’t want to leave her alone unsupervised anywhere in the house. He’d always been a paranoid bugger when it came to security but it still offended her. He treated her like a stranger off the street rather than his ex wife.

  “Same time next week?” she said, forcing a smile.

  He nodded. “Me and Jules have booked Lanzarote for the honeymoon and we’ll be taking the boys with us.”

  “I thought you’d want some time to yourself?”

  “Well we don’t. We like having the boys around.”

  Amber realised her error. “I didn’t mean…”

  “So you won’t see them those two weeks.”

  “Okay, I understand,” she said, trying to look sad about it. “I think it went quite well today.”

  “Better than last time. It’s amazing what happens when you show children you actually care about them.”

  With that he stepped inside and closed the door in her face. Amber skipped back to her car happily. Little did the bastard know he wouldn’t be going on his honeymoon.

  She couldn’t wait to get home and call Katia. Finally things could be put in place.

  Katia cradled little Krystina to her. The child was beautiful with her huge blue eyes and mop of blond hair. She was also extremely sweet natured and the boys doted on their little sister. Already they were extremely protective.

  They were taking some time out and enjoying a day at their large, luxurious home with their children. Hayden lay on his front on the carpet, playing with a laughing Daniel, who was already big for his age. Alex sat on the couch sipping a glass of milk, watching sedately. Daniel was always up for some fun and games but Alex always preferred to sit and watch, either seeming amused by the antics of inferior beings or revolted by them. The boys were approaching five years old and already they were the terror of the expensive nursery Katia had enrolled them in. They were due to start school soon and Katia thought she must be the only mother in the world who wasn’t anxious about the transition. Her boys were utterly fearless and incredibly strong, big bruisers for their age. Best of all they absolutely had each other’s backs. As a couple of bullies at the nursery had discovered, if they took on one they took on both of them. The boys were incredibly close and understood each other without the need for words. As was common with twins they’d developed a language not even their mother could understand, an odd combination of clicks and grunts. They’d been using this language a lot less lately and Katia anticipated they’d soon stop using it altogether.

  Katia sat beside Alex Junior, who looked up at her and nodded - the closest he ever got to a smile - before returning his gaze to Hayden and Daniel, his head cocked to one side, as though he were trying to puzzle out this odd human behaviour. Katia had given up trying to encourage him to join in with the fun and games because he always refused. Alex knew his own mind and Katia respected that. The nursery had brought in a psychologist to talk to him, who he’d refused to speak to. Katia had gone into a fury over that, telling them it was just his way and that if they didn’t leave him alone she’d withdraw the hefty fee she was paying them. They’d backed down but she knew she was going to have a harder fight with the school. After all, the nursery would soon be rid of him but the school would be a different matter. If they tried they’d soon discover who they were dealing with.

  “Aww, you got me,” said Hayden, sprawling onto his back as an eager Daniel forced his hands to the floor. Naturally her strong soldier couldn’t be overpowered by a four year old but she adored how he always let him win. Hayden was teaching the boys to fight and already they were pretty good with their fists. Her heart threatened to burst, she couldn’t believe how perfect her life was.

  “Oh who is that?” she snapped when her phone rang, annoyed that this perfect moment was being interrupted. When she saw who was calling her annoyance evaporated. “Yes Amber?”

  Daniel released Hayden, who sat up to listen.

  “Why can’t you find out?” she scowled. “No, that will not do. You need to find out where exactly. It can’t be done at the church. Yes, find out and soon.”

  Katia hung up, Hayden smiling at the thrill in her eyes.

  “Are we on?” he said.

  “Almost. The idiot knows the date of the wedding and where the service is being held but not the reception. Wherever they’re having the reception will be perfect, apparently it is out in the countryside.”

  “When?”

  “Two months.”

  “Plenty of time to prepare.”

  “She’ll get back to me when she finds the location.”

  “You sure you can rely on what she tells you?”

  “I will be double-checking it all.”

  “How?”

  “It is easy enough. Ring the venues pretending I want to book a wedding and if the venues are already booked, we know she is telling the truth.”

  “It doesn’t mean it’s the wedding,” he said, not wanting to say any names in front of the boys.
He glanced at Alex, who was listening intently, his dark Maguire eyes flicking back and forth between them. Daniel wasn’t in the least bit interested, finding his action figures much more interesting.

  “I will find a way to confirm it. Don’t fret my man.”

  “This will have to be executed with military precision.”

  “Which is why it’s fortunate we have you to arrange things. Oh this is so exciting,” she said, getting to her feet still holding Krystina, Alex’s curious gaze following her as she paced back and forth. Her thoughts turned to Alex Maguire, her former lover. Since she’d met Hayden she’d thought about him less and less but he would always be special to her and this revenge was for him too.

  Soon my darling, she thought.

  Feeling something boring into her back she turned to see Alex Junior staring at her, knowing in his eyes. Often it felt like Alex had been reborn.

  As soon as Amber got home she began doing some research on her laptop, making a list of all high-end wedding venues out in the country within a twenty mile radius of Manchester. She couldn’t see them going any further than that. She had the name of the party and the date, that was all she needed.

  An hour later, she struck gold.

  “Hello,” Amber said into the phone. “I’m calling about the Maguire wedding on June the tenth.” Amber thought it sick how Jules’s last name wouldn’t change even after she was married. She’d gone back to her family name of Maguire when she’d divorced Jackson.

  “Oh yes. What can I do for you Ms Maguire?” said the chirpy female voice on the other end.

  Bingo, she thought with a curl of the lips. Her smile fell. Did she actually sound like that goth slag? “I just wanted to double-check the room capacity please?”

  “Oh yes, last minute guests?”

  “Something like that,” she replied, wishing she’d get on with it.

  “Happens all the time. The barn can accommodate one hundred guests comfortably. A hundred and ten maximum.”

  “Thanks so much,” she replied, hanging up before the woman could rabbit on any more. Next she called Katia and relayed what she’d learnt, delighted when she said how well she’d done and that if she kept up the good work there’d be a hefty bonus in it for her.