She says it so nicely that it hardly sounds like a threat but it's not lost on Ryan. He leans back in his chair and clasps his hands behind his head, knowing he has been well and truly beaten and is surprised to feel his anger evaporate. He’d tried to pull one over everyone and had overreached himself. Now he’s been found out and this is his punishment. He thinks it ironic that the one thing he’s being prosecuted for is the one thing he hasn't done. Still he can't blame her or Danny, he'd have done the same in their position. He smiles at her.
“You really are the most incredible woman I have ever met but know this Rachel, I don't intend to remain behind bars for long.”
“I hear the case against you is weak and it’s so easy for evidence to get lost,” she smiles.
“You’re the reason I’m still alive?”
“Yes. I told Danny that you could still be a useful ally when you undoubtedly get out of here. Despite what you’ve done Ryan we still want the truce to hold. Our families worked well together and Benton isn’t about to give up any time soon. After everything that’s happened and the losses we’ve taken, truth be told, we need each other.”
“Agreed and I still mean what I said in the nightclub. If it ever falls through with Danny…”
“I’ll bear that in mind.” She leans closer to whisper in his ear, her lips almost touching his skin. “I still dream about you Ryan.”
Her eyes lock with his and turn jet black, making him smile. A bell rings, indicating visiting time has ended. She picks up her bag and gets to her feet.
“Oh, before I go I thought I should mention we've got Jez working for us.”
Ryan looks furious.
“Don't be hard on him. You're in here and he still has a family to feed. He's just doing a bit of low key work, under Battler and Bruiser. We'll look after him. We won’t see your family go without.”
Ryan nods magnanimously. Without him his family can't provide for themselves and he appreciates the Maguires putting a bit of cash their way. They don't have to and it certainly isn't expected of them.
“Will you visit me again?” he says as she takes her coat from the guard.
“Why? I thought you said you'd be released soon.”
“True,” he smiles.
“Goodbye Ryan.”
“Goodbye Rachel,” he whispers, watching her go.
Martina's Bar is as usual packed to the rafters. It’s Saturday night and everyone is out partying, completely unaware of the murders that have recently taken place on the very spot they’re dancing on. The doors open and everyone stands aside to allow Rachel and Danny to pass, who are holding hands and smiling happily, Danny limping slightly. Some nod at them with respect, others with fear. The new undisputed king and queen of the underworld have arrived. They are a novelty in many respects because they are a partnership in business as well as life. It’s the first time a woman has attained such power in their world and they are all curious to see what will come of it. Everyone has the feeling this is just the beginning.
Danny and Rachel are swamped by well-wishers, so they fail to notice the figure watching from the shadows, the skinless face hidden beneath a hood.
THE END
Many thanks for downloading and reading this novel. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did please check out my other books on Amazon Kindle. This is the first book in the series and there will be plenty more to come. Heather Atkinson.
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