Dividing Line

by Heather Atkinson

  CHAPTER 19

  When Rachel wakes the following morning for a moment she’s blissfully forgotten what’s happened. Then it all comes screaming back and she winces with the pain. Slowly she sits up, feeling as though she's been hit by a bus. The first thing she sees is the bunch of flowers Ryan brought her and she smiles.

  Beth enters the room dressed for work and carrying her breakfast.

  “Alright love?” she says gently. “How are you doing?”

  “A bit better now I've had some sleep.”

  “I've got some time before I start my shift so I thought I'd pop in and see how you are.”

  Beth puts Rachel's breakfast of beans, scrambled egg and toast on the table beside her and Rachel grimaces at the watery egg.

  “Come on, I don't need to tell you that you should eat something,” orders Beth.

  Rachel picks up a piece of dry toast and nibbles a corner.

  “How did Danny take it?” says Beth.

  “Not good. We had a row and I told him to get lost.”

  “What?” she says, furious.

  “He said how could he know he was even the father when I spend so much time around other men.”

  “What other men?”

  “Mikey, Alex and Ryan.”

  “What an arsehole. He knows you've never so much as looked at another man since you've been with him.” Her expression softens a little. “Maybe he was feeling guilty for not being there for you?”

  “Maybe.”

  Beth spots the lilies. “At least he brought you some flowers. Your favourites too.”

  “They're not from Danny. Ryan brought them.”

  “He fancies you.”

  “No he doesn't.”

  “Course he does and I know you‘ve noticed.” Beth glances at her watch and jumps up. “I've got to get to work but I'll come back on my break. Some of the girls will be up later to see you and your parents should be here in a couple of hours.” Beth plants a kiss on the top of her head. “See you later mate.”

  “See you Beth. Thanks for coming.”

  When Danny wakes for a moment he too is blissfully unaware of what has happened. He is warm and snug in his huge bed and he thinks the form asleep next to him is Rachel. He wraps his arm around her and snuggles up, kissing her neck. Then he smells the cheap perfume and stale alcohol and he realises it is not his wife. He jumps away as the figure turns over and smiles up at him.

  “Good morning,” says Amanda Moore.

  She reaches out for him but he leaps out of bed.

  “You weren't so shy last night,” she purrs, flicking her thick red locks over her shoulder in what she thinks is a sultry manner.

  He takes a wad of notes out of his bedside cabinet and throws them at her. “Go get a cab.”

  “Wanker,” she mutters as he stalks into the bathroom.

  He heads straight into the shower, frantically trying to scrub away the stench of her then tilts his face up to the spray of water, letting it mingle with his tears.

  Rachel is discharged later that day and her mum and dad take her back to the house. She knows Danny is staying at the Henley because Frank has ordered him to give her some space. She doesn't feel up to dealing with him yet, she needs time to get over the loss of her baby first before she can deal with an overgrown child. Rick returns to work but Gillian has arranged to stay at the house with her for a few days. Gillian loves the house, it is so large and elegant. As she buzzes about cleaning she pretends it belongs to her.

  Rachel heads straight up to her bedroom when she gets home. She pulls out the pair of little yellow booties she'd bought just a couple of weeks ago, the ones she’d shown Danny and gazes at them sadly. She weeps for the child that will never get to wear them. Gillian hears her daughter's hysterical sobs all the way downstairs and races up to her.

  Rachel holds her arms out to her. “Mum,” she pleads.

  Gillian runs to her and wraps her in her arms. She lets Rachel get it all out of her system as she rocks her back and forth and strokes her hair, just like she did when she was a child. Gillian sees the tiny pair of booties lying on the bed and her own eyes fill with tears for her lost grandchild.

  Frank stares into the bathroom mirror and sighs heavily. He's about to chair another family meeting, the first with Ryan and Jez Law in attendance, but he doesn't feel up to it. The loss of his grandchild has hit him hard, Martina too. Their grief has been made more acute by the terrible way their son has treated Rachel. Beth made sure they knew exactly what Danny said to Rachel at the hospital and every time Frank thinks about it he experiences a hot flush of shame. He'd never thought Danny capable of such callousness. Now Battler’s told him that Danny shagged that slag Amanda Moore while his wife was in hospital recovering. Tears of rage prickle Frank's eyes and he blinks them away. He is dreading seeing Danny today, he feels as though he could kill him. Most men would murder to have a girl like Rachel and Danny is shagging about with the local bike. Well he'll sort his youngest son out if it kills him. Frank pauses when he hears the front door open and relaxes when Alex and Terry's voices drift up the stairs. He goes down to greet them.

  “Alright Dad,” says Alex. His eyes fill with concern. “How's Rachel?”

  “Devastated. Gill's staying with her till she gets back on her feet.”

  “Has Danny been to see her yet?”

  “Not since she came out of hospital.”

  “Prick,” says Terry.

  “Oh you've not heard the best of it yet.” Frank nods at Battler and Bruiser who have just entered the room. “Go on, tell them what my wonderful son's done now Battler.”

  Angrily he relates the tale of Amanda Moore.

  “Does Rachel know?” says Alex.

  “No and I don't want you blabbing to Beth. I don't want her telling her.”

  “Course I wont Dad. I'm not stupid. Where's Mum?”

  “Gone to spend a couple of days at her sister’s. She's furious with Danny, can't bear to look at him.”

  There’s a polite knock at the door and Bruiser opens it to reveal Ryan and Jez.

  “Hello Bruiser,” says Ryan politely.

  Bruiser just stares at them. He’s still unsure about this pair.

  “May we come in?”

  “Suppose,” he mutters.

  “Thank you so much.”

  Bruiser frowns, he doesn't like the poncey way Ryan talks, it makes him sound queer. Nevertheless he stands aside to let them pass but his massive bulk barely allows enough room. While Ryan steps into the hallway confidently Jez nervously squeezes past Bruiser, who glares down at him.

  While Jez is still struggling to progress down the hallway, Ryan strolls into the living room and extends his hand for Frank to shake.

  “I’m so sorry for your loss,” he says sincerely.

  “Thanks Ryan. We're all pretty shaken up.”

  “How’s Rachel?”

  Frank studies him carefully. He can see the genuine concern in his eyes but he knows Ryan’s affection for Rachel is more than just simple friendship. Danny may be acting like a prick but Rachel is still his wife and he doesn't like the way Ryan looks at her. “Not good, not good at all.”

  “She's tough. She'll pull through but I suppose the loss of a child isn't something you ever really get over, is it?”

  There’s a moment‘s silence as they all ponder this.

  “Shall we wait for Danny?” says Alex.

  Frank shakes his head negatively. “Nah, I don't think he'll show up.”

  They walk into the dining room and take their seats.

  “Right, first things first,” says Frank loudly. “This frigging Coalition. Terry?”

  Terry leans forward and regards them all seriously. “We've spoken to every contact we have in the police and the courts and no one knows anything about it. I even spoke to Pete's kids. They've no idea who was behind it.”

  “Where are they now?” says Ryan.

  “We've got them in a safehouse. From there they'll be sent abroad
when things have had a chance to die down.”

  Ryan notes that Terry doesn’t tell him where the safehouse is. So much for trust.

  “We reckon the whole Coalition thing was just a smokescreen,” says Alex, “made up by Jarvis to try and intimidate us. Maybe he got a couple of old friends to do him a favour but that's as far as it goes. There's no trail leading to anyone else.”

  “That doesn't mean they don't exist. They could just be careful,” says Ryan.

  “Perhaps but we've nothing else to go on,” retorts Terry.

  “So as long as we maintain our alliance we're safe,” booms Frank. “No one else has the muscle to take us on. I think the danger has passed.”

  Ryan isn't so sure but he has nothing to back up his case. He decides to let it lie, for now.

  “Right, let's move onto the drugs,” says Frank.

  He’s interrupted by the slam of the front door and Danny enters the room looking the worst for wear. He is unshaven, his clothes are crumpled and he wears sunglasses. They all regard him with distaste.

  “Blimey it's cold in here,” says Danny, sensing the frosty reception.

  “Nice of you to join us,” says Frank sarcastically. “We didn't think you were coming.”

  “I've never missed a meeting yet. No reason to start now.”

  Danny sits in the vacant chair between Ryan and Bruiser. He removes his sunglasses and Frank tenses with anger. Danny's eyes are red rimmed and he sniffs and rubs his nose intermittently, a sure sign of cocaine abuse. He's been around drugs long enough to know the signs.

  Danny removes his jacket and Ryan grimaces at the large lovebite on his neck.

  “What's up with you?” demands Danny.

  “You appear to have something on your neck.”

  Danny's hand immediately goes to the lovebite and everyone strains to look at it.

  “Had a run in with a vampire did you?” quips Ryan.

  Annoyed, Danny shoots to his feet. Ryan stares back at him steadily, showing not a flicker of concern.

  “Fancy your chances do you?” snaps Danny.

  “Don't be ridiculous boy, you know you couldn’t possibly beat me but if you would like to try I would be more than willing to accommodate.” Ryan speaks quietly but firmly, like a teacher admonishing a child but his eyes glitter with menace and not even Danny Maguire on the edge would take on Ryan Law. Danny opens his mouth to retort but Frank silences him.

  “Sit down Danny,” he barks.

  Danny ignores him.

  “I said sit down,” roars Frank, slamming his fist down on the table.

  Danny knows when his father means business and instantly obeys. He glares at Ryan, who merely smiles back at him pleasantly.

  “Now, if we could return to business,” says Frank.

  After the meeting Frank collars his younger son before he has the chance to sneak out. “Danny, a word.”

  Danny sighs and follows his father into the study, closing the door behind him.

  Frank whips round to face him, rage etched on his face. Shocked, Danny takes a step back.

  “Have you been to see Rachel yet?”

  Danny doesn’t reply, instead he stares at the floor and shifts awkwardly.

  “She came out of hospital two days ago. Why haven't you been to see her?”

  “I dunno.”

  “She needs you.”

  “No she doesn't. She's got Mikey, Alex and Ryan and you. All running round after her like blue arsed flies.”

  Frank is astounded by his son's pettiness. “It's a good job we are there for her because you never sodding are. You're too busy chasing little tarts like Amanda Moore. I hope you used protection because that's one dirty slapper.”

  Danny's jaw drops open.

  “Oh yeah, I know all about it.”

  “Thanks Battler,” mumbles Danny.

  “How could you do it?”

  “I don't know that I even did, I can't remember anything about it. One minute I was in the pub the next I was waking up next to that...thing,” he says, screwing up his face in revulsion.

  “You fell on your feet when you met Rachel. She's one in a million and you treat her like dirt.”

  Tears well in Danny's eyes. “She lost our baby,” he yells. “And now I can't even look at her.”

  Frank is furious. He slaps Danny hard with the back of his massive hand, causing him to stagger backwards. “It wasn't her fault,” he bellows. “You think she did it on purpose? She's fucking devastated.”

  Beneath the full force of Frank's wrath all the anger leaves Danny and he starts to cry. “It was only when she lost the baby that I realised how much I loved it. I was scared Dad. I couldn't even look after Rachel properly. How could I cope with a baby too?”

  “What are you talking about? You look after her just fine.”

  “Where was I when Steve and Adam Law attacked her in our own flat? Or when Pete and his heavies attacked her here? Mikey and Ryan were there for her, not me. Even when she was losing the baby it was Mikey again.”

  “You were too busy getting drunk in your club.”

  Danny looks at his father with large, scared eyes. “A part of me prayed for that baby to die and now it has. It's my fault.”

  “Oh son,” sighs Frank, wrapping him in his huge arms and letting him sob on his shoulder. He realises Danny is wracked with guilt and is putting it on Rachel to make himself feel better. He holds Danny's face firmly in his large hands, forcing him to look at him. “You go and fix it with Rachel. It's not too late, she doesn't know anything about Amanda and I know she misses you.”

  Danny wipes his eyes with the back of his hand and nods. “I will. I promise Dad.”

  “You can get through this but you need to do it together.”

  “Yeah, you're right. That night with Amanda Moore, I can't even remember it. Not a thing. I can remember being in the pub and the next thing waking up next to her.,” He shudders. “Every time I think about it I feel sick.”

  “Good. It's only right you suffer for it.”

  Danny nods his head and stares at the floor, overwhelmed with shame.

  “Oh and Danny?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Knock the coke on the head son or I swear to God I'll beat the living shit out of you.”

  “Yes Dad,” replies Danny, his voice hoarse. He knows his dad means every word.

  Frank feels a little better. He thinks his son can redeem himself yet.

  DCI Benton sits in the shadowy room with the three figures, just as Jarvis had done.

  “I found all Jarvis's records. He and I shared the same ideals. I want in.”

  “And why should we do that?” says Lord Davenport haughtily.

  “I'm the favourite candidate to become the next superintendent. You make sure I get it and I can be useful to you. Very useful.”

  He can hear whispers as the three figures confer and waits with baited breath, his body even tenser than usual.

  “Very well,” says Davenport eventually. “We shall ensure you are the next Superintendent but you must be aware that you will then be there to serve us as and when we require. I trust that won’t be a problem?”

  “Not at all,” he replies. Benton smiles. He'll get those bastard Maguires yet.

  CHAPTER 20

  Gillian is shocked to see Danny standing on the doorstep, looking sheepish.

  “Hi Gill. Is Rachel in?”

  “Yes.” Her shock at seeing him stood there dissolves into frostiness as she recalls his treatment of her daughter. “Wait here. I'll ask if she wants to see you.” She slams the front door shut, leaving him standing on the doorstep. A minute later the door opens again. “Come in,” she says coldly.

  He follows her into the front room. Rachel is sat on the couch and he is shocked by how pale she is, black rings circling her eyes. She is equally shocked by how scruffy he looks. Clearly he’s been suffering too and her heart melts a little.

  “I've errands to run. I'll be back later,” says Gillian ta
ctfully, picking up the car keys.

  Danny and Rachel don't speak until they hear the slam of the front door.

  “I've come to apologise,” begins Danny hesitantly. “I was out of order. I shouldn’t have said what I did at the hospital.”

  Rachel gets to her feet and stands facing him, her arms folded across her chest.

  “It was childish Danny and completely unfair.”

  “I know, I was a prick. I'm so sorry Babe,” he croaks, tears welling in his eyes.

  She is unmoved. “You said some horrible things. You even admitted you didn't want the baby in the first place.”

  He can see the seething rage beneath the surface and knows he's messed up royally. He approaches her but she steps away from him.

  “I only realised what I had when I lost it. I swear to you Rachel I didn't want this to happen. If I could turn the clock back we would never have rowed. But I can't.”

  “Talk is cheap Danny. You didn't want the baby and now it's dead. You got your wish.”

  Her words cut him to the quick. “But I did want the baby, really. When I found out about the ....the.…,” he can’t bring himself to say the word.

  “Miscarriage,” she finishes for him.

  He nods. “I realised what I'd lost. I'm sorry Rach for not being there when you needed me most. I swear I'll never let you down again. I'll stop going to the clubs every night, stop the coke, sort myself out. If only you'll forgive me.”

  She studies him, wondering if he is telling the truth or just telling her what she wants to hear. But she can see the honesty in his eyes and knows he is baring his soul. He's hurt her, more than she ever thought possible, but he is her husband and she still loves him.

  He's missed her so much and can't bear to see the pain in her eyes. He rushes to her and pulls her to him, relieved when she nestles into his chest.

  “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry,” he repeats over and over like a mantra.