A Family Divided (Dividing Line #3)

by Heather Atkinson

  Inevitably as the night progressed, Rachel made her way back over to him, appearing anxious for his approval.

  “Are you having a good night?” she said tentatively.

  “Cracking Love,” he grinned, slinging his arm around her shoulder and kissing the top of her head. “You’ve done so well for yourself, I’m really proud of you.”

  The delight in her eyes was almost pathetic. “You really think so?”

  “Course I do. Soon you and Ryan will have taken over the world.”

  “I didn’t think you’d come tonight. You’ve been a bit distant lately.”

  He sighed and made a show of appearing ashamed of himself. “I know I’ve been a short with you and I’m sorry, but I’ve been short with everyone. I’ve had some business pressures but they’re sorted now and I feel much more relaxed.”

  “Oh, I thought I’d done something to offend you.”

  “No you haven’t. I’m sorry Rach, I’ve been an arsehole lately.”

  “It’s fine. I’m just glad you’re here tonight and we’re still friends.”

  He gave her a big hug. “Always.”

  When she hugged him back the loathing welled up inside him but he was good at Poker too and kept his expression amiable. She kissed him on the cheek then skipped off happily. Alex watched her make her way back over to Ryan, saw them embrace and the loathing turned into hate. From her expression he knew she was telling Ryan how they were friends again and Ryan smiled, nodded and no doubt said how good that was. Ryan looked over the top of her head towards him, those hard grey eyes searching and a little cynical. Alex nodded at him and Ryan nodded back, but the mistrust didn’t dissipate. It seemed he was going to be harder to convince. Fortunately he had a way to do that too.

  Rachel was concerned about Mikey, who wasn’t the life and soul of the party as he usually was, so she took him into the VIP bar for a drink and a quiet chat.

  “Still struggling with the prospect of becoming a dad?” she opened.

  “Yeah,” he said miserably. “It’s not how I planned my life. Yeah I want kids, but not yet.”

  “Sometimes things don’t work out the way we plan, but that’s not always a bad thing.”

  When her eyes went soft and hazy, he knew she was thinking of Ryan.

  “I’ve always been curious Rach, do you love Ryan more than Danny?”

  “Yes,” she replied without hesitation. She appeared horrified by what she’d said. “I mean…”

  “It’s alright. I kind of thought that was the truth. You and Danny were a good pair, but Ryan was made for you. He’d never hurt you like Danny did.”

  Rachel was shaken by what she’d said and took a swig of champagne to calm herself. She’d loved Danny the moment she’d set eyes on him, but she hadn’t with Ryan because they’d met on her wedding day and her head had been full of her husband. Her love for Ryan had been gradual, fuelled by an intense chemistry. Maybe that was better than thunderbolts?

  “I loved Danny, I always will.”

  “I know.” He patted her hand. “Don’t be ashamed of your feelings.”

  But she was, she felt like she’d betrayed her dead husband. She forced a smile.

  “Anyway, we were talking about you.”

  “Oh yeah. Jennie dumped me.”

  “I’m sorry Mikey, I know you liked her.”

  “She kicked me in the knackers too. Called me a tart then left me.”

  “Maybe it’s for the best. You’re going to have so much more to concentrate on for a while.”

  “What if no woman wants me because I have a kid with another woman?”

  “Don’t be daft. You’re rich, handsome and powerful. Trust me, you’ll still be irresistible to women and having a kid already didn’t do me any harm.”

  “I don’t think it would have mattered to Ryan if you’d had ten. I’d like something like you and him have.”

  “Am I hearing things? Mikey Maguire talking about settling down?”

  “Knocking up Amber’s been a bit of a wake-up call, made me reassess things.” He gave a faraway look before shaking himself out of it. “Anyway, Ken Sweeney’s taking the piss big style. He keeps trying to tap me for money.”

  “What for?”

  “Pram, cot, baby clothes, all that.”

  “But it’s far too early, she’s only just found out she’s pregnant.”

  “That’s what I said. I told him to wait a few months. There’s no way I’m paying for that bastard to have his kitchen redone.”

  Rachel thought of the spare flat in their new development and was struck by an idea. “There’s only one way you’re going to get him off your back.”

  “Please tell me what it is, he’s driving me barmy.”

  “There’s one flat left in the new block we’re building. Two bedrooms en suite, everything on one level, perfect for a young child and its got good security. It’s first floor but the lift is next to the flat, so she’d have no worries there. It’s perfect for Amber.”

  Mikey visibly brightened. “Set her up in her own place. Why didn’t I think of it before? Rach, you’re a genius. That would get that turd Sweeney off my back.”

  “It would. You can see the baby when you want without him breathing down your neck.”

  “How much do you want for it?”

  “It’s up for two hundred and five thousand, but as you’re family I’m sure we could give you a discount.”

  “I’ll take it. Don’t let anyone else have that flat, that’s if Amber wants to move. She might want her parents on hand with a baby.”

  “Or maybe she’s as suffocated by them as you are and she wants to get on with her own life?”

  “God I hope so.”

  “Have a word with her and I’ll get Ryan to hold it back for you, it’s his project.”

  He kissed her cheek. “You’re a bloody lifesaver. I’ll speak to her tomorrow and let you know.” He clapped his hands together and got to his feet. “Suddenly I’m in a party mood.”

  “I’m glad. Just don’t get so obliterated you don’t know who you’re sleeping with.”

  “I’ve learnt my lesson with that one Rach. No more shagging about for me.”

  “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

  He gave her his cheeky grin, kissed her on the cheek and wandered off, whistling a happy tune. Rachel remained where she was to contemplate what she’d said about loving Ryan more than Danny and knew in her heart it was true. But Danny would always be her first love and that was special too.

  While Rachel was occupied talking to Mikey, Alex took the opportunity to speak to Ryan in private.

  “Alright?” he said amiably, trying to ignore the hatred inside him rearing its ugly head.

  “Yes thank you,” replied Ryan politely, although his voice dripped ice.

  “Congratulations on this place by the way, I’m sure it’ll be a success.”

  “So am I.”

  From Ryan’s disdainful expression, Alex knew he was going to have to work to get back in his good books. “I bet you’re pissed off at me for that day in your restaurant with Strang?”

  “How astute of you but it’s not just that. You upset Rachel and I don’t like that.”

  Ryan was speaking quietly and calmly, telling Alex he was at his most dangerous. He half-expected a fist in his face any moment. Not that it worried Alex, he was probably the one man in the world capable of taking Ryan on.

  “I know I’ve been an arsehole lately but I’ve had a lot of work pressures. I’ve not just been a prick to you and Rachel, ask Mikey, Col and Jez. But it’s all sorted now and to be honest, I’m ashamed of how I’ve behaved.”

  “Rachel said you apologised. I just hope you don’t treat her like that again otherwise you and I will seriously fall out.”

  “I won’t,” he said sincerely. However all he wanted to do was put his fist through the pompous bastard’s teeth. His posh accent had never bothered him before but now it drove him crazy because Ryan was as Mancunian as h
imself.

  “What were you meeting with Strang about?” Ryan’s eyes were full of challenge.

  Alex, realising this was a test of his sincerity, was prepared. “He’s got a contact in the city planning department I’ve been interested in cultivating and he made the introductions.”

  Ryan’s face was expressionless. “Go on.”

  “And that was that. I didn’t want to meet in your restaurant but he insisted, just to wind you up. He knows you and Rachel always eat there on Fridays. I felt really awkward. I thought it best to remain aloof, to try and rise above it all but it seems I fucked it up.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything before?”

  “I was worried you’d let something slip to Strang and mess up my chance of getting access to his contact. Maguire Construction has a lot of money riding on a new housing development and the planning department could seriously screw it up. But I’ve got the man in my pocket and the development is going ahead unobstructed.” He knew Ryan still wasn’t convinced of his sincerity. Rachel was just as smart as Ryan, but she was much more trusting, which would be her downfall. Ryan wasn’t so easily convinced.

  “And that’s why you’ve been such a bastard to Rachel? It’s not good enough.”

  “You’re right, it’s not and I have some information that I hope will make it up to you.”

  Ryan raised an eyebrow. “Do enlighten me.”

  “Strang’s got a spy in your camp.” Alex saw every muscle in Ryan’s body go rigid, his eyes narrowing and hardening, hands bunching into fists.

  “Who?”

  Alex nodded at one of the black-clad figures moving about the room with trays full of champagne glasses, smiling and chatting with the customers, the one who had served them when they met with Sid, the one Rachel had been considering promoting.

  “How do you think Strang knew this place was coming up for sale in the first place?” said Alex. “I managed to pry it out of him after a few drinks, Strang can’t hold his ale.”

  “Bastard,” whispered Ryan.

  “Bet you’re glad of my relationship with him now?”

  Ryan nodded once, slowly. “Thank you Alex. We owe you one.”

  Yes you do and you’ll pay up. “That’s what family’s for.”

  His job done, Alex wandered off to continue mingling, confident he was back in the Laws’ good books. Unfortunately it seemed he was going to need them.

  “What’s up with your face?” said a voice, rousing Ryan from his thoughts.

  “Jez,” he smiled, pleased to see his brother. “Glad you made it, I didn’t think you were coming. Hello Cathy, you look lovely.”

  “Thank you,” she said shyly, the bulge of her pregnant belly just visible beneath her black cocktail dress.

  “Ruby kicked off just as we were leaving, took us ages to calm her down,” explained Jez.

  “Is she alright?”

  “Fine, my mum’s looking after her tonight, so we can have a bit of fun. I love Poker,” enthused Cathy.

  “I didn’t know you played,” said Ryan.

  “She can’t she’s crap,” chimed in Jez.

  “Oy you,” she said, tapping his arm. “I’m okay.”

  “No you’re not,” he laughed.

  Jez was saved from being admonished by his furious-looking wife by Rachel approaching and kissing them both on the cheek, then the two women launched into baby talk.

  “Seriously, what’s up?” Jez asked his brother quietly while the women chatted.

  “Strang,” he said, spitting out the man’s name as though it disgusted him.

  “What’s the arsehole done now?”

  “Setting up spies in my camp.”

  “Who?”

  “No one important.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I haven’t decided yet, this could be turned to our advantage. I need to discuss it was Rachel first.”

  “She doesn’t know?”

  He shook his head negatively. “I’ll tell her tomorrow. No need to spoil her evening.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Alex told me. He’s been meeting with Strang apparently to cultivate a contact in the planning department.”

  “Do you believe him?”

  “I don’t know. He’s been very odd lately.”

  “Tell me about it, he’s becoming a nightmare to work with.”

  “So it’s not just us?”

  “No, it’s everybody. He and Mikey have been falling out a lot lately.”

  “What about?”

  “Everything. Mikey’s supposed to be his second but he’s not listening to him anymore, just does what he wants.”

  “The power’s going to his head?”

  “Big style. He’s turning into a bit of an arse.”

  Ryan nodded in agreement. “I’m wondering if Alex telling me about Strang’s spy isn’t as altruistic as he made it out to be.”

  “Maybe it is, he’s nothing to gain from it.”

  “Or perhaps he wants our trust again?” Ryan said thoughtfully, glancing in Alex’s direction, who was talking to Franco Cipriani.

  Alex saw him looking and gave him a nod. Ryan nodded back, apprehension creeping over him.

  The opening night of City 3107 was, as everything the Laws did, a roaring success and business only increased. Ryan kept quiet about Strang’s mole until the next morning, when he and Rachel were back at the casino overseeing the tidy up before opening for the day. He’d decided to set a little trap for the sneaky bastard, leaving the office door open and paperwork strewn over the desk, just begging to be read. After telling Rachel all about his plan the pair of them waited in a small room down the hall, watching the live feed on Ryan’s phone from the camera he’d hidden on the desk.

  “Typical, it would have to be the lad I was thinking of promoting,” sighed Rachel. “If he’d given us some loyalty he’d have been set.”

  “Clearly he’s undeserving of it and better we find out now rather than after he’s given access to more sensitive information.”

  “True. Why would Strang even tell Alex who his mole is?”

  “He said he got him drunk.”

  “Just like you were planning on doing to Alex?”

  “It’s a well known tactic.”

  “What are we going to do if we catch him in the act?”

  “I don’t know about you but I’m in favour of feeding him through the shredder.”

  “Messy. We could either sack him or use him to get our own back on Strang.”

  “I’m still in favour of the shredder, for Strang as well as the mole,” he said, eyes never leaving his phone. He saw plenty of people passing the open door, one girl he recognised as the barmaid from the VIP lounge even popped her head inside but it appeared she was looking for someone and just left when she saw the room was empty.

  “We could be here all day. Neil’s busy today, he might not even notice the office has been left open,” she suggested.

  “Course he will, sneaky bastards always notice things like that. Here we go,” he said when a figure in black entered the office, quietly closing the door behind him.

  The pair of them got to their feet and hurried down the corridor, Ryan’s eyes never leaving the screen as he watched the figure rifle through the papers, opening drawers. Ryan’s blood positively boiled when he saw the creep pull out a mobile phone and start taking pictures of the documents.

  Neil just had time to stuff the phone back into his pocket when the door swung open to reveal a glowering Ryan Law.

  “Ah there you are, I was looking for you,” said Neil, perfectly calm.

  “Here we are,” said Ryan, Rachel following him in and closing the door. Her husband was speaking quietly but his was body tense, telling Rachel he was on the verge of ripping Neil apart with his bare hands. As Neil didn’t know him he took his cool demeanour to mean he didn’t know a thing. “What can we do for you?”

  “I wondered if I could have next Friday off?”

&nbs
p; “Why are you asking us? Surely that’s a question for your bar manager?” said Rachel, unable to believe how calmly he was behaving, standing there behind the desk, hands in pockets, the picture of innocence.

  “I couldn’t find her.”

  “She‘s behind the bar,” replied Rachel.

  Neil was a little non-plussed when her eyes turned jet black, her voice harsh with rage.

  “Could you be lying to us?” she pressed.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Don’t look so innocent,” said Ryan. “I want to see your phone.”

  “You’ve no right…”

  “Show me,” he repeated, harder and louder.

  “I don’t have to and there’s nothing you can do,” he retorted smugly.

  “In that case, let me show you mine,” he said, turning the phone so Neil could see the image of himself rummaging through papers and taking photos. “Care to explain?”

  Neil’s mouth opened and closed.

  “We know Strang put you up to it,” said Rachel. “You’ve got two choices. Work for us and keep your job or you can lose you job and we’ll make sure you never find another one in this city.”

  “You missed the third option Rachel. I put his head through the shredder.”

  “Ah yes, I forgot that one.” Her black gaze settled on Neil, causing him to squirm. “Don’t for one moment think he doesn’t mean it.”

  “Look, Strang’s an arsehole, I only did it because I need the cash. I’m still paying off my bloody debts from university, I got desperate…”

  He was interrupted by a knock at the door.

  “Go away,” called Ryan, his furious eyes locked on Neil.

  “I’m afraid that’s not possible. It’s me, DCI Taylor,” called a deep voice.

  “Taylor? What does he want?” frowned Ryan.

  “Must be about the attack at Martina’s Bar,” said Rachel.

  She opened the door and in strode Taylor followed by half a dozen uniforms and the big strapping detective sergeant. Her first thought was that they were here for her and Ryan.