Duality

by Heather Atkinson

  “Really good thanks,” she said, removing her earrings.

  “Did you come home alone?” he said, watching as she unzipped the back of her dress and kicked it off.

  “Yes.”

  “And where is Jules?”

  “Gone back to Sabine’s place.”

  “Should she be sleeping around when she’s pregnant?”

  “She wants some fun before she settles down.”

  “You honestly think she’ll marry Jackson Driscoll?”

  “I do.”

  He laughed and shook his head. “That will never happen.”

  “You willing to bet on that?”

  “Yes but not money. I want to bet something far more interesting,” he said, letting his eyes run up and down her.

  “Fine,” she said, climbing onto the bed and straddling his lap. “If I win you do everything I say, in here.”

  “Sounds heavenly.” He yanked her hard against him and took her face in his hands. “And if I win I will explore every sweet inch of you. For hours.”

  Rachel released a whimper of desire as he kissed her, loving the feel of his hard, muscular body against her own.

  Suddenly he went rigid.

  “What’s wrong?” she said.

  “Something furry is pressing against my right leg.”

  They both looked down the bed to the lump that had appeared under the duvet. Rachel flung back the covers to reveal the ginger cat who raised his sleepy head and sniffed the air before curling back up into a ball and closing his eyes.

  “Aww, he likes you,” she smiled.

  “That is not staying here,” he declared.

  “Why not?”

  “Number one, there are things I wish to do with you tonight that I have no urge to perform in front of a cat. Secondly, I do not like furry things in my bed.”

  Rachel laughed. “I agree this is taking the piss a bit. Come on Teddy,” she said, picking the cat up.

  “Oh no, why did you have to name him?”

  “I didn’t, Aaron did because he looks like his ginger teddy.”

  “Oh great, now he’s been named he’s part of the family.”

  “And why not? He’s a lovely cat,” said Rachel, carrying Teddy to the bedroom door. She put him out in the hall and closed the door.

  “Now, where were we?” she said, climbing back on the bed and kissing him.

  They both sighed when a loud meow started up on the other side of the door, which quickly escalated into a full-on caterwaul.

  “That little bastard’s going to wake up the kids,” said Ryan.

  “I’ll let him back in,” said Rachel getting back up.

  “Don’t do that…oh hell,” huffed Ryan when she opened the door and Teddy strutted in, looking a little put out.

  “No,” Ryan said firmly when the cat tried to jump back on the bed.

  Teddy stared back at him and Rachel watched, amused as a battle of wills ensued. It was only when Ryan hadn’t blinked for a full twenty seconds, refusing to look away first that the cat realised here was someone who was perhaps not to be messed with. Instead he jumped down off the bed, walked over to the dress Rachel had discarded on the floor and curled up on that instead.

  “Well I can’t do it with him there,” said Ryan.

  “He’s going to sleep,” she said, kissing his neck.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, folding his arms across his chest, “but I won’t be able to perform adequately.”

  “I’m sure you will.”

  “Nope.”

  Rachel sighed and sat back on her haunches. Then she spied the door to the en-suite bathroom. “Fancy getting hot and wet?”

  His devilish smile made her stomach flutter.

  CHAPTER 12

  It was late by the time Mikey, Jez and their associates arrived in Glasgow, having delayed their journey with stop-offs on the way up to meet with various business acquaintances. But it had been planned that way, they wanted darkness to cover their arrival. No one could know they were here until Toni was ready for them to know.

  They entered the five star hotel owned by Toni via the back entrance, leaving the car in the underground car park.

  Toni had arranged for them to take the suite at the top of the hotel, which had its own lift and staff, so there was no need for them to encounter anyone else. The suite was pure luxury but it made Mikey and Jez uneasy, it reminded them of the time they’d gone to war with Alex and they’d taken a suite at a hotel owned by Ryan and Rachel. They hoped they weren’t going into another war, they’d barely had chance to recover from the last one. It only strengthened their resolve to end this before it could escalate that far.

  “This is weird, it’s going to be like staying inside Toni,” commented Jez.

  The floor was covered with white fur rugs, which matched the fur coat Toni was famous for wearing. The furniture was a gaudy mixture of animal prints and diamantes were everywhere.

  “Urgh,” said Shane.

  Mark sank into an armchair and sighed with contentment. “It might be chintzy but it’s bloody comfortable.”

  “I’m glad someone appreciates my interior design skills,” said a husky voice.

  Toni appeared in the room from a corridor leading down to the bedrooms, draped in all her finery, looking like a human version of the room. Caesar as usual was behind her on guard duty.

  “It’s good to have you here boys,” she said. Her eyes settled on Shane. “Boys being the operative word. Why are you bringing children to my fight?”

  “Shane is an integral part of our crew,” said Mikey. “He helped us out big style during the Jared Slattery shite. He was born for this life.”

  Mikey’s look indicated that Shane was here to stay and if she didn’t like it then it was tough. They were in the position of power now and Mikey was determined to use it.

  “Fine but he’d better be useful,” she said, sitting on the couch and crossing her legs, Shane desperately looking everywhere but at her exposed cleavage and thighs.

  “So what’s the plan?” said Jez, taking a chair.

  “The plan is to kill Malc, Tam and everyone associated with them,” said Toni.

  “So we’re going with subtle then?” he said cheerfully.

  Toni’s eyes darkened and narrowed. “Why are you always so chirpy? It gets on my impressive tits.”

  He shrugged. “I suppose I like my life.”

  “I hate optimists. Anyway, we have more important things to discuss than your life philosophy. As you know, I want to keep your arrival here a secret until I’m ready to give Tam and Malc a nasty shock.”

  “Have they targeted any more of your men?”

  “Not since yesterday. They’ve snipped the toes off two of them. I’m forced to say it’s a smart move, they’re not killing anyone - yet - nothing overt to get the polis interested.”

  Shane was about to ask what a polis was then thought better of it. He didn’t want to look like a dick.

  “Does Tam still have no idea that you know what he’s up to?” said Mikey.

  “Nope. Only Caesar knows that,” she said, placing her hand on her bodyguard’s backside. “He is the only one I trust apart from one other man.”

  “Who?” said Jez.

  Toni smiled. “He’s quite a character and I think you should meet. He isn’t far from here.”

  Mikey and Jez followed Toni inside a block of flats, leaving Mark and Shane hovering outside. They hadn’t liked being left out, fearing a trap but they’d been reassured when Caesar had waited outside with them. They were also reassured by the fact that the building was clearly occupied - not the best place to stage an execution.

  Mikey and Jez noted that Toni had a key for the main door and assumed she kept a flat here. They took the stairs up to the fourth floor and waited while Toni knocked.

  “Stay out of sight for now boys,” she whispered while they waited for the knock to be answered. “I want you to be a surprise. Wait for my signal to come in.”

 
When the door opened they both stood to one side to avoid being seen, trying not to laugh when a voice called through the door telling her to go away.

  Finally she convinced the person on the other side to open up and she disappeared inside. The door was closed and they could hear the vague murmur of voices but couldn’t make out the words.

  “Who do you think is in there?” whispered Jez.

  “How should I know?” whispered back Mikey. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a brothel, this is Toni after all.”

  “If it is I’m out of here,” said Jez.

  “Don’t look so worried, I was only joking.”

  “Yeah, well, this is making me uneasy. Who the hell is in there? She could have an army waiting to ambush us.”

  “An army in a flat?” said Mikey dryly.

  “Like you said, this is Toni we’re talking about.”

  “Come in boys,” they heard her call loud and clear.

  “That’s our cue,” said Mikey, taking a deep, fortifying breath.

  They were almost disappointed when they walked into the flat to find just two people - a man and a woman. Hardly the army they’d expected. The man was handsome and strapping with black hair, greying slightly at the temples although he was only in his mid forties. The most startling thing about him were his bright amber eyes, which stared at Mikey and Jez with a pissed off expression. The woman was younger, late twenties and was a stunner with a mass of dark hair and huge doe eyes. Despite their attractive looks they both managed to radiate menace, telling Mikey and Jez this was going to be no ordinary meeting.

  “I don’t fucking believe it,” said the man.

  “Did you have to bring them to my home?” sighed the woman, shaking her head.

  The man and woman were introduced to Mikey and Jez as Brodie MacBride and Cassandra Carlisle.

  “Your reputations proceed you boys,” said Toni, clearly pleased by how dismayed Brodie and Cassandra looked to see them.

  “This city is fucked,” sighed Brodie.

  Mikey actually took this as a compliment and was preening until the woman looked past them to the door expectantly and said, “isn’t Ryan here?”

  Jez looked amused. “Why do all the ladies say that?”

  Mikey was confused when Jez suddenly blushed and looked away. Following where he’d been looking he saw on the coffee table what appeared to be a sketch of Cassandra completely in the nude.

  Unfortunately Toni noticed too and snatched it up. “Oh my Cassandra, you’re everything I dreamed you would be and more.”

  “Give me that back,” said Cassandra, snatching it out of her hands and rolling it up, blushing.

  Mikey looked from Brodie to Cassandra, puzzled, wondering just who the hell these people were. He was brought back to the discussion when Brodie gestured from himself to Jez.

  “Why have you brought this pair to me?” he said.

  Anger stirred inside Mikey at how disrespectful he sounded. Who the fuck did this prick think he was?

  “I told you it was time to pick a side,” said Toni, tilting her chin. “I just want to be sure you choose the right one.”

  “It’s nothing to do with me,” countered Brodie.

  Mikey assumed he was referring to the war between Tam and Toni, the war no one was supposed to know about but it seemed everyone in Glasgow was all too aware of it.

  “And I say it is,” yelled Toni, losing her temper. “You were seen going into Malc’s club with Tam, it’s all round the houses.”

  “That’s why you sent me, so you could strong arm me into this mess,” Brodie yelled back, furious.

  Mikey had never seen anyone stand up to Toni before and this told him that Brodie, as much as he hated to admit it, had enormous balls.

  As they continued to bicker Mikey gathered that in true Toni fashion she’d backed Brodie into a corner, forcing him to help her. Why he hadn’t quite gathered yet but he would. He was drawn back into the argument when Brodie gestured to himself and Jez and said, “so that’s why you brought Pinky and Perky here.”

  “What the fuck did you call us?” snapped Mikey.

  “Mr Brodie has a very unique way of speaking,” said Toni. “He’s also utterly fearless. I’ve still not decided whether that makes him the bravest man I know, or the stupidest.”

  “That’s right Toni,” said Brodie. “I’m not afraid of you or Ant and Dec.”

  No one had called Mikey names since his brother had died and it wounded his pride. He was tempted to smash his fist into Brodie’s sneering face but instead he punched the wall. “I’m getting sick of this dick’s mouth.”

  “Yes, that’s the effect he has on most people,” said Toni. “But I’m one of the very few who can appreciate his considerable talents.”

  When she rested her hand on Brodie’s chest he knocked it away, causing Mikey and Jez to rush to her side, ready to defend her while Cassandra stood by Brodie’s side. She might have been a looker but Mikey got the strong feeling Cassandra could take care of herself.

  “Now everyone, just calm down,” said Toni.

  As she continued to prattle on in an attempt to keep the peace, Brodie and Mikey glared at each other.

  “Pick a side Brodie,” said Toni coldly. “I won’t ask again.”

  Brodie glanced at Cassandra before sighing and saying, “fine, I’m on your side. Happy now?”

  “Delighted,” she smiled unpleasantly.

  “You can bugger off now,” he barked.

  “Are you sure you want mouth almighty here to help?” said Jez. “That enormous gob will only make things worse.”

  It was Brodie’s turn to smile unpleasantly. “I haven’t even got warmed up yet.”

  “So I see,” said Jez with an amused smile.

  Mikey was incensed to realise Jez actually thought Brodie, the dick, was funny.

  Things only got worse when Toni produced a glasses case from inside her jacket pocket. Mikey noted Brodie and Cassandra looked worried, so clearly they knew about her disturbing penchant. She opened the case to reveal a pair of eyeballs, watery blue ones.

  “You took Kevin’s eyes,” said Brodie.

  It was cleared up for Mikey who Kevin was when he added, “Malc’s half-brother.”

  “I did,” said Toni. “For his threats against the lovely Cassandra.”

  “You’ve just started a war,” said Brodie.

  Toni slapped Mikey and Jez hard on their backs. “And with their help as well as yours I’m going to fucking win.”

  They all froze when there was a knock at the door.

  “Who is it?” said Toni, making Mikey roll his eyes.

  “It’s hard to tell at the moment,” said Cassandra, gesturing to the closed front door. From the corner of his eye Mikey saw Jez put a hand over his mouth to stifle a laugh.

  “Cass, you in there?” called a man’s voice through the door.

  “It’s Pete,” said Brodie.

  “Detective Inspector McLaren,” Toni said for Mikey and Jez’s benefit.

  “Flippin’ marvellous,” sighed Mikey.

  “Is there a back exit?” said Jez.

  “Not unless you want to use the window,” smirked Brodie, making Mikey want to punch him again.

  “You’ll have to hide until we can get rid of him,” said Cassandra.

  “Quick, in here,” said Toni, rushing through a door to their left.

  “Hey, that’s my bedroom,” said Cassandra.

  “I know my dear,” smiled Toni, lying back on the bed.

  Mikey and Jez looked at each other and shook their heads before reluctantly following her inside and closing the door.

  They stood by the door, listening to the murmur of voices on the other side. Unfortunately they were too muffled to make anything out.

  They both looked at each other again, wide-eyed when they heard a soft moan from the direction of the bed. They looked over their shoulders to see Toni lying face down on the bed, face buried in the pillows, breathing in what they could on
ly surmise was Cassandra’s scent, body writhing disturbingly.

  They whipped back round to face the door, desperately trying to block out the disturbing sounds emanating from behind them. It was so unpleasant Mikey actually found himself wishing the door would open so he could talk to Brodie again.

  For twenty minutes they had to endure Toni’s horrible moans and watch her rummage through Cassandra’s underwear drawer, stroking her panties and bras.

  “Thank God for that,” said Mikey and Jez in unison when the door was finally opened by Cassandra, feeling awkward when she stared at Toni in outrage.

  “It was nothing to do with us,” said Mikey. “We had to turn our backs to give her some privacy.”

  Toni followed them out with a satisfied smile. “I do apologise Cassandra but I was overwhelmed by your scent all over that soft, sensuous bedding.”

  “It’s just a duvet,” she exclaimed.

  “She didn’t?” said Brodie.

  “No,” said Toni. “Believe it or not I do have some morals. I was just getting comfortable.”

  “I’m going to burn that bedding,” said Cassandra.

  “Why not keep it sweetheart,” purred Toni. “It’ll be like we’re sleeping together.”

  “That’s enough Toni,” said Brodie. “Cass has been through a lot and you’re not helping. Now you’ve got what you want…”

  “And a little extra,” she smiled.

  “Pete’s gone so you can do one, you and Morecambe and Wise here.”

  Now the shock of Toni’s performance had worn off Mikey’s temper surged back. He stood nose to nose with Brodie and snarled, “see when this is over me and you are going to have some serious words.”

  Brodie’s smile was almost eager, his amber eyes burning. “Bring it on big man.”

  Mikey tensed when he felt Jez’s hand on his arm, warning him.

  “Take it easy Mikey. He wants to wind you up because he’s pissed off that he’s been pulled into this.”

  “Damn right I’m pissed off and it’s not wise to piss me off because when I’m pissed off I get…pissed off,” spluttered Brodie, so angry he was twisting himself into knots.

  Jez smiled. “Eloquence isn’t your strong suit.”