Dividing Line

by Heather Atkinson

  Cathy lays into her with her fists and feet, punching and kicking her until she drops to the floor, barely conscious. However she is lucid enough to see Cathy pull a small knife brandishing it with relish.

  “Let's see if Alex still fancies you with a face full of scars.”

  Beth feebly raises her hands to protect her face but two of Cathy's cronies pin her arms to the ground.

  “Oy, what you doing?” calls a voice.

  A passing car has pulled up and the driver is climbing out.

  “Leg it,” yells Cathy and she and her friends disappear into the night.

  “Jesus,” breathes the man staring down at a battered and bloodied Beth.

  CHAPTER 15

  “Who did this to you love?” Rachel says softly, holding her friend's bruised hand.

  Beth is laid in a hospital bed, her face a mess. Both eyes are so swollen they’re almost shut, her nose is broken and her lips twice their normal size. Her back and limbs are covered with bruises and she has two broken ribs. Beth had a concussion when she had been brought in, consequently Rachel has had to wait an entire day to discover who did this to her, although she already has a pretty shrewd idea who the culprit is.

  “Cathy,” Beth mumbles, confirming Rachel's suspicions. “Her and three friends, bloody cowards. They held me while Cathy hit me. She knew she couldn't beat me any other way.”

  Beth is surprised that she doesn't feel any fear of her attacker, which victims of such a brutal assault normally do, just cold rage. It courses through her body, giving her a strength she didn't think she possessed. She can see the same rage in Rachel's eyes, who grips the arms of her chair so tightly her knuckles are turning white. Danny gives Rachel’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

  “She was going to cut my face,” continues Beth, her eyes taking on a faraway look. “If that man hadn't turned up when he did Cathy would have sliced me open.”

  At that moment Alex bursts into the room and his eyes widen when he sees the state Beth is in. He sits on the bed beside her and, with a tenderness that surprises everyone, he gently strokes her hair.

  “How are you feeling?” he says softly.

  “Not so bad considering. It looks bad but the doctor said I should heal fine.” Beth winces with the pain of talking. Now she has an inkling of what Rachel went through when she was attacked by Steve.

  “Don't talk,” replies Alex, his voice barely a whisper.

  “It was Cathy,” says Danny.

  Alex goes white with rage. “I'll fucking kill her,” he hisses quietly, which sounds more menacing than had he shouted it.

  “No, I want to do it,” says Rachel firmly, her hands balling into fists at the thought.

  “It's my responsibility,” counters Alex. “If I'd sorted Cathy out properly like I should have done in the first place none of this would have happened.”

  “Beth's been my best friend since I was four years old. We grew up together. Cathy's mine.” Rachel's tone brooks no argument and it goes to show the force of her personality when Alex acquiesces to her request.

  “Alright but make sure she suffers.”

  “Don't worry. I will.” Rachel realises she has probably saved Cathy's life because if Alex could get his hands on her he would kill her.

  “I'll drive you,” says Danny following Rachel out. He is looking forward to seeing her in action.

  The landlord of the pub replaces the phone in its cradle and frowns. Trouble is coming and he’s powerless to stop it. However he can minimise the fallout so he whispers quietly in the ears of those who will not wish to be present when it all blows up. The clientele file out quietly one by one, so as not to alert Cathy and her three friends who are partying in the snug, unaware of what is about to descend upon them.

  The door to the pub swings open and Danny and Rachel enter. They glance at the landlord, who indicates the snug with a nod of the head. Cathy and her friends are laughing and talking so loudly they haven't realised the pub has gone silent, nor do they hear the Maguires enter, who stand surveying the four women with distaste. Cathy is the first to see them and all the self congratulation leaves her in an instant.

  “Enjoying yourselves?” says Rachel dourly.

  “It's between me and Beth,” replies Cathy, knowing she’s on shaky ground.

  Rachel scowls and Cathy's heart quickens, knowing she stands no chance against her.

  “If that's the case then why couldn't you take her on by yourself? Because you knew she'd beat the shit out of you. If you had we could have swallowed it, it would have been a fair fight but getting your friends to hold her down, that was just spineless. You need to be taught a lesson.”

  “But...but how's this a fair fight?” shrieks Cathy. “You've got Danny.”

  “Danny won’t be joining in. It's just me.” She pulls a bike chain out of her jacket pocket, letting the end drop to the floor so they can appreciate the malevolence of it. “I consider this fair play as you are carrying a knife.” Rachel's eyes glitter darkly and all four women swallow nervously. “You should be grateful Cathy. Alex wanted to do this himself but I persuaded him to let me do it instead.”

  Cathy goes white as a sheet, knowing that she is going to take whatever Rachel doles out to her because at least this way she will come out of it alive.

  The confrontation quickly becomes a part of local folklore. Despite the fact that the fight is between women it is conducted with all the violence of a man's quarrel. The landlord watches the entire scene through a crack in the door and wastes no time in spreading the word, serving to cement Rachel's reputation as someone not to cross. She makes short work of Cathy's three friends with the bike chain, ensuring they receive permanent reminders of their cowardice. But for Cathy she casts the chain aside and uses her fists and feet, careful to inflict the same wounds on her as she inflicted on Beth, in the time honoured Maguire fashion.

  Danny doesn't even have to lift a finger during the entire episode, such is Rachel's efficiency and he is amazed by her. He is well aware of her past escapades, knows that she can take care of herself but until now he did not realise the true extent of her capabilities. Watching her in action really turns him on and when she is finally finished exacting her revenge, panting and flushed with blood on her hands he gently helps her to her feet and holds her to him. She nuzzles into his chest as she catches her breath, the anger dissipating.

  “You've done Beth proud,” he says.

  Rachel takes in long deep breaths, trying to regain her composure. She hasn't felt like this for a long time; the adrenaline surging, the pleasure of victory and it is a heady drug. She gazes into Danny's bright blue eyes and kisses him hard.

  “Let's go home,” she whispers in his ear.

  “Oh, wait,” he replies.

  She watches, puzzled as Danny takes pictures of Cathy and her friends on his phone.

  “For Alex. He'll want to see,” he explains and Rachel nods in understanding.

  He forwards the pictures on to Alex then deletes them straight away. Hand in hand they stroll towards the door looking like any ordinary couple in love, Danny handing the landlord a wad of notes to cover the damage.

  Later that night Danny watches his wife sleep and once again he marvels at her. Unlike his contemporaries' wives who stay at home, look after the kids and have no real say in anything Rachel is different. She is unique, individual but tonight he has learnt that she is also his equal in every way. Some men would find this intimidating and would try to crush it out of her but not Danny. He loves her even more for it, unbelieving of his luck in finding this remarkable woman.

  Rachel stirs in her sleep, her breathing quickening, head rocking from side to side and he runs his hand over her shoulder, attempting to soothe her. Her eyelids fly open and she stares at him steadily with her dark eyes.

  “Bad dream?” he says.

  “No,” she replies slowly, running a hand through her long hair but he can tell from her expression that she has. Wanting to change the conversation
she rolls on top of him and kisses his neck.

  “How tired are you?” she purrs.

  “What, again?” he says incredulously. They'd already made love twice since they returned home.

  “Oh well, if you're not up to it,” she says rolling off him.

  He pulls her back towards him. “I didn't say that,” he smiles, kissing her hard.

  As she takes him into her she concentrates on the pleasure filling her up and the heat of her husband‘s body. It makes the horrible images in her head go away, just for a little while.

  Inadvertently Cathy's actions have only served to push Alex and Beth closer together. During her hospital stay Alex barely leaves her side and when she is discharged they are firmly established as an official item. When Alex is around Beth he is much more gentle and is fiercely protective of her. She seems to bring out his softer side, his coldness and distance dissipating in her presence. Martina is absolutely thrilled with Beth, her fear that he would ruin her soothed. This girl is good for her son, a breath of fresh air after the tainting influence of Cathy's spite, not that they'd ever see her again. After the hiding Rachel gave her she'd had the good sense to pack up and leave and they’d all breathed a sigh of relief. They wouldn't have to worry about her ever again.

  The entire Maguire family is gathered around the massive oak dining table in Frank and Martina's house eating Sunday lunch. A huge beef joint sits in the centre of the table surrounded by plates of vegetables, potatoes, salad and Yorkshire puddings. Martina insists that no matter how busy they all are they meet once a week for dinner so Sunday lunch has become a family tradition. They are all in good spirits, talking and laughing, even Mikey. But the tension of pretending to be dead has got a little to Martina and she is more subdued than normal. Frank watches her with a smile. He's got a surprise for her that he is certain will cheer up her. He waits until everyone has finished eating then he presents her with a little black box tied with red ribbon.

  Martina looks at him quizzically. “What's this?”

  “Open it and see,” he grins.

  She unties the ribbon, opens the box and takes out a set of car keys. Her eyes light up.

  “The Mercedes?”

  He shakes his head negatively. “No.”

  “What then?”

  He takes her hand and leads her to the door. “Come on, I'll show you.”

  The whole family follows them out the back and into the large double garage. Frank opens the door and Martina shrieks in disbelief. Inside is a brand new gleaming black Aston Martin DB9, Martina's dream car.

  “Oh my God,” she cries, throwing her arms around Frank's neck and kissing him repeatedly. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

  He laughs out loud with delight at her happiness. “Well get in, see how it feels.”

  The family all watch with smiles as Martina opens the door with great reverence and slides inside. “Frank, its gorgeous,” she enthuses, caressing the dashboard gently. “You're on a promise tonight for this love.”

  “Urgghh,” frown Alex and Danny in unison.

  “Stop taking the piss you two,” she chastises with a grin as she starts up the engine. “I'm just going for a spin.”

  “You can't do that yet sweetheart. You’re still dead, remember?”

  Martina's smile drops. “What?”

  Frank swallows nervously. “It'll all be over tomorrow night. We can go for a drive the day after, go into the country and have a meal at that pub you like.”

  Martina finds it difficult to be mad with him knowing he’s only bought her this car to cheer her up.

  “Okay,” she replies magnanimously.

  Frank smiles with relief.

  Superintendent Jarvis is sat at a table in the Hatton Restaurant laughing loudly with his cronies and smoking an enormous cigar, enormously pleased with himself. His face is bright red from the heat in the packed restaurant and the large amount of wine he has consumed. He has just told his funniest joke and the other five men sat around the table, all very senior officers in the force, are in stitches. He only has six years before retirement and he is cementing alliances in an effort to get another promotion before that time comes. Once the Maguires and Laws are out of the way he can really rid the streets of filth and make himself look good in the eyes of his superiors. Now Martina Maguire is dead Frank will be on a serious rampage. With a bit of luck Ryan Law will be next then both families will be effectively finished. Then he can really concentrate on destroying the remaining Maguires. He is looking forward to it.

  So it comes as a great shock when Martina Maguire strides confidently into the dining area on Frank's huge arm. She looks dazzling in a blue sequined top and skirt, blond hair piled high on top of her head. The waiters buzz around them subserviently, seating them at the best table and ensuring they want for nothing.

  Jarvis watches all this with his mouth hanging open.

  “I say Jarvis, are you alright?” says the area commander, a tall stocky man with a large moustache.

  “Err...yeah,” Jarvis manages to stammer, his red face turning purple. “Just a bit hot.”

  He undoes the collar of his shirt and downs a glass of water. His eyes never leave Frank and Martina, who smile and raise their glasses to him in a toast. Jarvis's vision swims and his chest erupts in agony as he feels a crushing weight bearing down on him. The other diners gasp as he slides off his chair, unconscious.

  Frank and Martina watch as everyone crowds around him, one of the waiters shouting for someone to call an ambulance. They turn back to their menus, unconcerned.

  “Champagne love?” says Frank, a smile playing on his lips.

  “Sounds grand,” she replies, unable to repress her own smile.

  When Rachel arrives at work the following day she is apprehensive, praying Jarvis is not on her ward. She finds Beth in the staffroom reading a magazine and humming to herself, pleased to note that her friend’s bruises have almost faded away to nothing.

  “Alright Rach?”

  “Yeah. How's it going with Alex?”

  Beth's face lights up. “Oh he's lovely. So sweet and considerate and very romantic.”

  “Really?” says Rachel, surprised. It’s hard for her to imagine him whispering sweet nothings in Beth's ear.

  “Yeah and it’s the best sex I've ever had.” She raises her eyebrows mischeviously. “Are all the Maguire boys so well endowed?”

  “Judging by Danny, that would have to be a yes,” Rachel grins back. “Listen, I'll catch up with you later. I've got to get to work.”

  “By the way we've got a high profile patient on the ward,” replies Beth, her eyes returning to her magazine.

  Rachel knows what Beth is going to say before she even says it.

  “Superintendent Jarvis. He collapsed in a restaurant last night. Massive heart attack. He's one of yours.”

  Rachel groans inwardly. “How is he?”

  “Very weak. It's a bit touch and go to be honest.”

  With a heavy heart Rachel walks into one of the private rooms on the Intensive Care Unit and cringes. Lying on the bed linked up to a network of tubes and drips is Superintendent Jarvis. He rolls his head to one side to see who has come in and his eyes light up with malice.

  “Rachel Maguire,” he croaks weakly. “Come to see your family's handiwork?”

  “You brought this on yourself,” she replies, studying his chart.

  His eyes follow her around the room as she moves. “I dedicated my life to fighting scum like your lot and every time I manage to get one sent down I'd see them released a few years later, back on the streets and twice as dangerous. Even half my officers worked more for your family than they did me. The law's broken Rachel. I had no choice.”

  He pauses to catch his breath and Rachel glares at him with hatred in her eyes. “You were going to murder Martina without a second thought. She's nothing to do with the business, she's innocent and you were going to have her butchered.”

  Jarvis shrugs. “Collateral damage.”


  His nonchalance annoys her. She leans over him, jaw set with rage. “You think you're so superior with your lofty principles but truth be told you're no better than we are. Only difference is you haven't the balls to do it yourself. You're pathetic and you're out of your depth.”

  The blip of the heart monitor quickens as he becomes more agitated.

  “This is just the beginning. The Coalition is determined to wipe the lot of you out and they have power you wouldn't believe.” His face, twisted with wrath suddenly contorts into pain. He turns ghostly white and starts clutching at his chest and gasping.

  “H...help me,” he begs.

  The alarm on the monitor sounds as he goes into cardiac arrest. Rachel reacts on instinct and self preservation and switches it off. She stands looking down at him coldly as he reaches out to her pleadingly but she takes a step back and the horror in his eyes when he realises she is going to let him die almost breaks her heart. As suddenly as they started his movements stop and he flops back onto the bed, his eyes vacant. Rachel checks his pulse with a shaky hand and finds none. The blinds are drawn so no one has seen anything. She waits a moment longer then, taking a tissue out of her pocket, she dashes back over to the monitor and wipes the alarm switch. Keeping the tissue over her finger so as not to leave any prints she turns the alarm back on and hits the button for a crash trolley. Stuffing the tissue back in her pocket she leaps onto Jarvis’s body and makes a show of giving heart massage.

  “Help,” she yells.

  The crash team burst into the room and she climbs off the bed and steps back, giving them room to work. She watches anxiously as paddles are applied to Jarvis's chest. His body jolts and spasms as the current passes through it and they all look at the monitor anxiously. Nothing. This process is repeated again and again and each time Rachel holds her breath, expecting to hear the steady blip of the heart monitor as his heart restarts but it never happens.

  Reluctantly the doctor says, “alright. That's enough.”

  They all stand looking down at Jarvis's body solemnly and Rachel tries not to let her relief show.