This is completely unexpected, even Alex is surprised. Whereas the security business earns hundreds of thousands of pounds the robberies generate millions, which Terry was quick to reinstate after Frank’s death. Battler had even been planning an early retirement on the proceeds and now all that has been snatched away. Mikey and Rachel glance at Battler and Bruiser apologetically but Battler smiles and nods his head, indicating that he doesn't blame them.
“Why are you treating them so disrespectfully?“ demands Rachel.
“It's just business. They understand,” replies Terry with a dismissive wave of the hand.
Battler’s face clouds over while Bruiser remains impassive, however the twitching of his jaw muscle indicates the anger seething beneath the calm surface.
“Alex, are you in agreement with this?” says Rachel, hoping he’ll help.
Alex shrugs his shoulders. “Terry's the boss now and things have to change eventually.”
Mikey opens his mouth to retort but Terry gets in first. “Well I'm glad we've got that sorted. We'll leave you to it.”
Terry stalks out of the room with his head held high, followed by the smug Devlin Brothers and a sheepish Alex.
“I'm so sorry,” says Rachel when they’ve gone. “I had no idea he would do that.”
“It's not your fault Mrs Maguire,” says Battler. “Terry's not half the man his brother was but we'll swallow what he throws at us, out of respect for Frank.”
“You don't deserve to be treated like this. It's wrong,” says Mikey. He looks as though he could commit murder. “And as long as we own these clubs you two will run the security.”
“We appreciate that,” says Bruiser and Rachel and Mikey stare at him in amazement. They’ve never heard him speak before. It just proves how disconcerted he is. “And you'll always have our loyalty,” he looks pointedly at Rachel. “Both of you.” This is a reassurance that the fact she is a woman does not lessen her in their eyes.
She smiles at the both fondly. “Thank you.”
“I think Terry wants to change the line up and he wants all of us gone,” adds Battler.
“I think you're right,” sighs Rachel.
“Between him and Danny, we're fucked,” says Mikey.
Rachel looks at him sharply. “No we're not. It's just a war on three fronts now. We need to stick together.”
She looks at the three men one by one and they all nod in agreement. A new alliance has just been formed.
The arena is jam packed, the noise of the crowd making it difficult for Rachel to hear what Beth is saying. They are sat ringside along with Martina, Alex, Battler and Bruiser. Terry hasn't deigned to show up.
“You what?” yells Rachel.
“I said Mikey's down to win, three to one. I've bet fifty quid.”
“Oohh you big spender you,” grins Rachel.
Beth sticks out her tongue and Rachel laughs.
The referee announces the start of the fight and the room erupts into cheers and applause as Mikey strides into the ring, full of confidence and bravado. Rachel swells with pride as she watches him. He's come so far, after all the shit he's gone through he's come out the other side stronger and his own man. Now he’s at the start of a very promising career she is sure he will succeed at.
As Mikey removes his robe she once again marvels at the man he has become.
“Christ Almighty,” exclaims Martina. “I could do my washing on that stomach.”
Rachel and Beth both giggle.
“Who thought he'd be packing kit like that,” continues Martina.
Alex is shocked by the way his mother is speaking and gives her a disapproving look.
“Don’t look at me like that you prude,” Martina tells her eldest son. “I may be your mother but I’m still a woman.”
Alex shuffles uncomfortably in his seat, not sure what to say but he lets it go. He knows his mum is still hurting badly after losing his dad and this is just a front to hide her pain.
Their attention is drawn from Martina by Mikey's opponent strutting arrogantly into the ring.
“Harry 'The Hammer Hartley,” announces the ref, his voice seeming to bounce off the walls.
“That's not bloody fair” huffs Beth. “He's almost twice the size of Mikey.”
“Yeah but they're both lightweights. Mikey is only just in that weight class by a couple of pounds while Harry's at the top end. That's why he looks bigger,” explains Rachel.
Beth nods and leans back in her seat, fretting about her fifty quid.
The bell rings, announcing round one, and the room goes expectantly quiet. The two fighters skirt round each other, sizing each other up and delivering a couple of tester punches. Then Harry decides he's had enough playing about and suddenly lays into Mikey viciously, jabbing his stomach and chest. Mikey raises his gloves to ward off the blows as Harry turns his attention to his upper chest and face. Mikey takes the punishment unflinchingly until Harry starts to sweat and tire. The crowd are on their feet, yelling and shouting at Mikey to do something. Being a Maguire the majority have put their money on him, hoping he’s inherited his family's famous savagery. Rachel looks over at Patrick Harrison, who is watching the proceedings calmly, and realises this must be part of their tactics. When she looks back at the ring Harry’s stopped his attack, face dripping with perspiration. Mikey lowers his gloves and smiles slyly, barely affected by the onslaught before laying into him, delivering three blows to his abdomen and one immense uppercut to his jaw. Harry staggers back against the ropes, clinging on to keep himself upright. The crowd, realising Mikey had just been tiring his opponent, begin cheering him on again, their roar reaching a deafening crescendo. All the Maguires are on their feet yelling, Martina using language that would make a docker blush.
Harry shakes his head to clear his vision, stunned by the strength of his opponent. As the bell rings indicating the second round Mikey launches a fresh assault and two minutes later Harry is unconscious on the canvas, the ref counting him out. The bell rings again, marking the end of the fight.
“The winner,” announces the ref into the microphone, “Mikey Maguire.”
The crowd go into histrionics and Mikey has never looked happier.
Rachel follows the rest of the family out of the arena to the car park, intending to head back to The Wherry Tavern for a celebration on an as yet unprecedented scale. She breathes in deep lungfuls of cool night air, her ears still ringing with the din from inside. As she approaches her car she is halted in her tracks by Vince, Dolores' husband.
“Can I have a word please?” he says politely.
“Yeah, sure. I'll catch you up,” she calls to Martina and Beth, who look puzzled but don't ask any questions.
“Dolores has been trying to reach you on your mobile for ages so she sent me here instead.”
“What's up?” she says, already knowing she isn't going to like what he has to say.
“Those Devlin Brothers, the ones Terry's got working for him. Well the younger one, Billy, he attacked one of your barmaids, that pretty blond girl, Kelly.”
Rachel's eyes fill with concern. “What do you mean, attacked?”
Vince looks uncomfortable. “He tried to rape her.”
“What?” exclaims Rachel, causing a few heads to turn her way.
Vince is surprised by the cold rage that settles in her eyes, indeed it unnerves him and he looks down at his shoes to avoid her gaze.
“He attacked her in the staff room. He must have been watching her routine because he knew she'd be alone. Luckily two of the barmen nipped up for a crafty fag and managed to pull him off her, then he legged it.”
Rachel sighs and runs a hand through her hair. “How is she?”
“A right mess. I left her at the club with Dolores.”
“Okay, I'd better get over there then.”
Vince is relieved. He’s glad she is going to take the responsibility out of his Dee’s hands.
“Oh my God,” says Rachel.
Kelly sports
a bruised cheek, her right sleeve is ripped at the shoulder and her face is streaked with mascara and tears. Rachel hugs the girl tightly and Kelly sobs on her shoulder.
“Oh sweetheart I'm so sorry,” says Rachel, stroking her hair. “Don't worry, he won’t come near you again. I promise.” She feels terrible. The poor girl has been shocked with a stun gun and sexually assaulted in her club in the space of three days. No one should have to endure that and Rachel is kicking herself for allowing it to happen.
“I'm sorry Rachel, I can't stay here, not after this,” wails Kelly.
Rachel is disappointed to lose her. She's a good worker and she’s very fond of her but she can’t blame her.
“Its alright, I understand. I'll give you enough cash to tide you over until you find another job.”
“Th…thank you,” she stammers, wiping away her tears.
“If you ever change your mind, there'll always be a job for you here.”
Kelly nods.
“Go on, get your coat. I'll take you home.”
Dolores waits until Kelly disappears before talking.
“The other girls have said they're leaving too. The Devlin Brothers have been hanging about a lot lately and been giving us all hassle. This is the final straw.”
“Terry you bastard,” mutters Rachel.
“I've had words with him,” continues Dolores, her lips pursing at the mention of his name. “But he doesn't take a blind bit of notice of me.”
“Don't you worry about him, I'll sort him out. Will the girls be in tomorrow?”
“Yeah, they didn't want to leave you in the lurch so they said they'd do this weekend but after that they’ll probably walk.”
“I'll be in to see them tomorrow, before the club opens. It'll be sorted by then.”
“I don't know Rach, they're pretty adamant.”
“I should have been here more. I've dumped everything on you lately Dee and I'm sorry.”
“It's okay, I know you've had a lot on,” smiles Dolores. She doesn't blame Rachel, she's had so much shit to deal with lately.
Kelly returns with her coat and bag.
“Ready?” says Rachel.
Kelly nods, her lower lip trembling.
After dropping Kelly off at home, Rachel heads to The Wherry Tavern for Mikey's victory party. The noise and heat hit her as she enters and she sighs inwardly. She's really not in the mood for this and forces a smile, for Mikey's sake.
Mikey stands at the bar surrounded by admirers and being plied with drinks. He spots Rachel the moment she comes in and is relieved, he was starting to worry. He can tell something is bothering her despite the fact she’s smiling. He knows her better then she realises.
“Hey Rach,” he grins, wrapping an arm around her and kissing the top of her head.
His latest girlfriend Kim frowns. Mikey seems to forget her existence when Rachel is around. She knows they’re close, that there’s nothing romantic between them and Rachel is married but she still experiences twinges of jealousy. She’s ashamed of herself when Rachel smiles at her and asks how she is.
“Here you go Rach, get that down you,” says Mikey, handing her a glass of wine.
“Congratulations,” she grins, giving him a hug. “You were amazing.”
“I fight again next week, I can't wait,” he says gleefully. He watches Rachel gulp down the wine, her mask of happiness slipping. “What's wrong?” he says.
She looks surprised and forces the smile back on her face. “Nothing.”
“Come on Rach, I know something’s up. Office, now.”
His tone brooks no argument so she follows him through the crowd to the empty office. Kim watches them go sadly.
Mikey closes the door, the voices from the pub suddenly muffled.
“Right, spill it,” he says.
“It can keep. This is your night.”
“I'm not letting it go until you tell me,” he replies stubbornly.
“When did you become so masterful?” she grins.
“Beating seven bells out of someone will do that to you. Now stop stalling. What's happened?”
So she relates the whole saga of Kelly and Billy Devlin. When she’s done he looks as though he could commit murder. He likes Kelly, he even had a fling with her once. She is sweet and pretty and wouldn't hurt a fly.
“I'll fucking kill him,” he snarls. “Where does he get off, attacking young girls?”
He makes a move for the door but she grabs his hand and pulls him back. “That's not going to help. I'm arranging for Battler and Bruiser to keep them out of Martina's Bar, they're the only ones the Devlins are wary of and I'm going to speak to Terry, not that I think for a moment he'll listen.”
“We'll both have a word, that way he has to pay attention.”
“Okay. Thanks Mikey,” she replies, glad to have his back-up.
“We're partners remember? You don't have to deal with this on your own.”
She smiles and squeezes his hand. “Let's get you back to your party. Everyone will be wondering where you've gone.”
He takes her hand and leads her back out to the bar. “And you my girl are going to get drunk and have some fun for once.”
She laughs, feeling lighter already. It used to be her looking out for him and now it's the other way round.
She leans against the bar sipping her wine, watching Mikey being welcomed back by everyone with a cheer and his face lights up.
“Hello Rachel,” whispers a voice that causes her insides to spasm deliciously.
She turns to see Ryan smiling down at her and she can’t help but blush. She’d dreamt about him only last night, waking up with a moan and her panties soaking wet.
“Hello,” she replies coyly.
Those intense eyes assess her closely. “I don’t believe it. Rachel Maguire, you actually look shy.”
He watches her lips part and eyes turn jet black and he has to fight not to claim that luscious mouth again in front of everyone.
“I’ve been thinking about that night in the club constantly,” he says.
“Me too,” she purrs, unconsciously shifting her body towards his.
His fingers brush hers and she releases a small gasp when she recalls what those fingers can do.
“In fact, I’m thinking about it right now,” he says, his hand moving to the slit in her skirt and stroking her thigh. He’s leaning against the bar so no one can see what he‘s doing. Besides, everyone‘s attention is taken up by Mikey. “Oh my, stockings again?”
“Yes.”
“Oh God, what do you do to me Rachel?” he breathes.
He hastily retracts his hand when they’re approached by Beth and he leans against the bar casually and flashes her a smile.
“Rachel, oh hi Ryan,” she says, spotting him.
“Hello Beth.”
“Mikey gave me this,” she grins at Rachel, holding up a bottle of champagne. “Want to share?”
She doesn’t respond because once again Ryan has made her lose the power of speech. Even though he’s stopped touching her she can still feel his hand on her thigh and she knows she’s in for more wild dreams tonight.
“Hello, Rachel?” frowns Beth.
“Oh sorry, yes that would be nice,” she replies.
While Beth concerns herself with opening the champagne Rachel looks at Ryan apologetically. He smiles and gives her hand a squeeze before disappearing into the crowd and she watches him go, disappointed. Beth, so concerned with the champagne, has noticed nothing. Rachel hasn’t told her about her intimate encounter with Ryan Law and has no intention of doing so. It’s a delicious secret between the two of them and she’s enjoying it too much to share.
For a short while Rachel manages to forget her troubles as she joins in the celebrations, then Terry comes in and somehow all the joy is sucked out of her. Mikey too regards Terry with hatred in his eyes then he glances at Rachel and nods. Together they approach him.
“I hear you won the fight,” says Terry cheerfully, extending
his hand for Mikey to shake. “Well done lad.”
Mikey looks at the proffered hand with distaste and does not deign to accept it.
“We want to talk to you about the Devlin Brothers,” says Rachel.
“Look if this is about the robberies…,” begins Terry but Mikey talks over him.
“Fuck the robberies,” huffs Mikey. He’s sick of hearing about them, Terry’s obsessed. “Billy attacked a girl at Martina's Bar. He tried to rape her.”
They can both see this is news to Terry but then he shrugs his shoulders. “She was probably asking for it.”
“She's eighteen for Christ's sake,” snaps Rachel. “A fucking kid. She's devastated. She's quit her job and now the other girls are threatening to do the same and we want to know what you're going to do about it.” Her eyes are black with rage, she can't believe he's being so blasé. If it had been Frank he would have ripped Billy's head from his shoulders with his bare hands.
“I'm not going to do anything about it. Your club, your problem.”
“You're not going to punish him for trying to rape a young girl?” she demands.
“No. Like I said, it's your problem.”
Rachel and Mikey both stare at him open mouthed, unbelieving of what they’re hearing. They had thought that even Terry might have felt some sympathy for Kelly but obviously they were wrong.
“Then you can tell both those bastard Devlins they aren't to set one foot in any of our clubs ever again. They aren't welcome and if they do then we'll make sure they never leave. You get it?” spits Rachel.
Terry is surprised by the rage emanating from Rachel. Her top lip is drawn back in a sneer, fists clenched and eyes jet black. Mikey for his part looks equally ferocious. They’ve kept their voices low so no one has realised anything is amiss and from a distance it looks like they’re just having a chat. Only up close is the animosity evident.
Just to enrage them even more, Terry laughs and shakes his head and it takes all of Rachel's willpower not to smack him in his smug face.
“This is what you want isn't, it Terry? You want the clubs to fail so you can take them over?” says Rachel.
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