Fractured (Dividing Line #4) Page 17

Two ambulances pulled up behind the fire engine and the fire-fighters jumped out and set to work. Rachel’s heart leapt into her mouth when a large Land Rover drove in, wondering if Alex had come back to finish them off, but it was only the Marsh’s, the family from the next farm. They’d seen the fire from their house, heard the sirens and offered to take Sophia and whatever other animals they could round up back to their farm. Their generosity touched Rachel and she hugged them. They brushed off her apologies for covering them in soot.

  Ryan was the only one of them injured so he was taken away in an ambulance, Leah going with him because she refused to leave his side. Rachel and the boys got in the second ambulance, Riley accompanying them at Ryan’s insistence, having already come to the same conclusion as his brother for the reason for the fire.

  CHAPTER 20

  At the hospital, after being checked over and pronounced well enough to be discharged, the family were reunited in Ryan’s room. He had been admitted for smoke inhalation as well as the burn. He was laid in bed looking exhausted, Leah still by his side. When Rachel entered he gave her a weak smile, hindered by the oxygen mask covering his face and reached out his hand to her. She sat by his bedside, Ethan still clinging to her neck and took his hand. Riley entered behind her carrying Aaron and took the chair in the corner of the room. When Rachel held her free arm out to Leah she ran round the bed and hugged her.

  “It’s alright Sweetheart, you’re safe now,” soothed Rachel, so relieved they were all alive.

  “Will Dad be okay?”

  “Course he will, you know him, he’s tough.”

  “What are we going to do Mum? We’ve lost everything.”

  “We’ll buy a new house, new clothes, new everything. Don’t worry. We’re all safe and that’s what matters.”

  “I loved our house.”

  “We all did. We can build a new one on top of the old one, we could design it ourselves. What do you think?”

  This actually cheered Leah up a little. “Can we have a swimming pool?”

  “I don’t see why not,” she said, looking at Ryan, who nodded, struggling to keep his eyes open.

  “There you go, your dad says yes,” smiled Rachel, stroking her daughter’s filthy hair back off her face.

  When Rick and Gill arrived Rachel held onto her dad for dear life, just like Leah had with Ryan.

  “Are you all okay?” said Gill, looking terrified.

  “Yes Mum, we’re fine. Ryan’s the worst off with smoke inhalation and a burn to one shoulder. He went back in to save Leah.”

  Gill bent over to kiss his forehead, her adored son-in-law going up even more in her estimation. “Thank you.”

  He just nodded, on the verge of falling asleep but fighting to stay awake with everything he had.

  “Riley got me and the boys out,” added Rachel.

  Riley was startled when Gill flung her arms around him. “Being heroes must be a family trait,” she said dramatically. Riley looked uncertain before tentatively patting her on the back as she continued to hang from his neck.

  “Do you know what caused it?” said Gill, finally relinquishing Riley and picking up Aaron, who rested his head on her shoulder. The boy was exhausted.

  “No, not yet,” replied Rachel, feeling sick to her stomach because she knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was arson. Alex had almost killed them all.

  “It was an old building, maybe it was faulty wiring or something?” offered her dad.

  “Probably,” replied Rachel, deciding it would be best to keep them in ignorance for as long as possible. “I need to make a phone call, so if you don’t mind keeping an eye on the kids?”

  “Course,” said Rick, settling Ethan on his knee.

  Ryan’s eyes snapped open and fixed on Riley, who nodded.

  “I’ll come with you, I could use some fresh air,” said Riley.

  Ryan appeared relieved and sank back into the pillows.

  “Who are you calling?” Riley asked her once they’d left the room.

  “Mikey. He has to know what Alex has done.”

  “Are you sure you can trust him? If he’s Alex’s number two he might be in on it.”

  “No way. If you knew Mikey you’d realise there’s no possible way that would happen. I think Mikey and Alex are fighting each other for control of the family, this happened once before, when I was married to Danny. Me and Mikey sided against Alex and his Uncle Terry. He’d always stand by me rather than his cousin. Alex didn’t know what Terry was up to back then, he thought we were the bad guys but when he discovered the truth he sided with us instead. This time he’s the enemy,” she said sadly.

  “You’ve got to be careful. Alex probably didn’t believe you about Beth not being at the house. Either he set that fire to flush her out and it got out of control or he intended to kill you all.”

  “Including his own niece. The bastard is going to pay.”

  Riley was taken aback when her eyes turned jet black with wrath. He’d heard of this phenomenon but had never actually seen it before, until now. Her kids had been threatened and she was turning into the tigress Ryan had said she was in order to defend them. “You can use my phone,” he said, pulling it out of the pocket of his jogging bottoms.

  “Thanks.”

  They went outside while she made the call, Riley by her side, standing guard.

  Rachel scowled at the smokers huddled together in a corner who were desperately trying to shield their cigarettes from the wind. She couldn’t stand the stink of smoke. She looked like a patient herself, she was still in her nightie and robe, although the creamy silk had been ruined.

  “Mikey, it’s me,” she said when he finally answered.

  “What’s happened?” he replied, voice tight with tension.

  He knew her so well he instantly picked up something was wrong and it consoled her. “My house has just burnt to the ground.”

  “Oh fuck. Is everyone okay?”

  “Fine. Ryan got the worst of it, he got burnt and he’s suffering from smoke inhalation but he should be discharged tomorrow.”

  “The kids?”

  “They’re fine too. Riley saved me and the boys. If he hadn’t been there I don’t know what would have happened.”

  “Are you sure you can trust him? He arrives then Alex turns up and your house burns down.”

  Rachel resisted the urge to look at her brother-in-law standing just a few feet away. It hadn’t occurred to her that she shouldn’t trust him and she kicked herself inwardly. The old Rachel wouldn’t have made such an error, but her instinct told her that he was on their side. Was that feeling right or was she losing her touch? “I think I can.”

  “Be careful Rach, you don’t know him and all this shit started when he turned up. I know how he dealt with Alex but that could have been a set-up to get you to trust him.”

  “I know.”

  “He’s with you now, isn’t he?”

  “Yep.”

  “I’m coming down there right now. I’ll call Battler and Bruiser too.”

  “Thanks Mikey. I’ll call Jez, he’ll want to know about Ryan.” She turned her back so Riley and the smokers couldn’t hear. “Is Alex back in Manchester?”

  “I don’t know, I haven’t seen him for a couple of days.”

  There was a hesitation on the other end and Rachel got the feeling he was holding something back. “What is it?”

  “Not on the phone. I’ll tell you when I get there. Delete this call from your phone, won’t you?”

  “Yes Mikey, I’ve not forgotten everything I learnt.”

  “Sorry. Tensions are running high up here. I’ll set off within the hour.”

  “Send Amber and the baby away Mikey. Alex might take his anger out on them.”

  “It’s already done. They’ve gone with Cathy and the kids.”

  “That bad eh?”

  “That bad. Stay close to Ryan until we get there.”

  “I don’t intend to leave his side. I’ll feel better when you�
��re here Mikey.”

  “I’ll feel better when I see you. Just hang tight.”

  “I will. Love you.”

  “Love you too Rach.”

  She hung up then deleted all trace of the call from the phone. It probably wouldn’t hide anything if the police got hold of it but at least Riley wouldn’t have Mikey’s number. “Is it okay if I call Jez?” she asked Riley.

  “Sure.”

  “Hello?” said a sleepy voice.

  “Jez it’s Rachel.”

  “What’s happened?” he said in exactly the same tone Mikey had.

  She gave him a quick explanation, assuring him they were all okay and he sighed heavily. “Alex, the dirty bastard. This is just the sort of stunt he’d pull.”

  “Mikey says he hasn’t seen him for a couple of days.”

  There was another significant pause before he replied, “no.”

  Fear shot through her. What the hell was going on up there? “Explanations will have to wait. Right now we need you here. Mikey’s rounding up Battler and Bruiser then he’ll be on his way.”

  “So am I. I’ll get the next available flight. Is Riley still with you?”

  “Yeah, he saved me and the boys. Someone blocked the fire escape so we couldn’t get out.”

  “Bastards. So it was definitely arson?”

  “It would seem so, although we’re still waiting for confirmation. If it was an accident I don’t see why the fire escape would be blocked.”

  “I don’t want to sound petty but be careful of Riley, you haven’t known him long.”

  “That’s just what Mikey said.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll soon be there. Just stay safe until then.”

  “I will, thanks Jez.”

  “Bye Rach and take care.”

  She hung up and handed the phone back to Riley, wishing she could trust him but knowing she couldn’t. Mikey and Jez were right, he could be in on this with Alex, although she couldn’t see why he would be, he’d been in Afghanistan for the past six months, or so he said. Ryan’s checking had only told them so much because the SAS was such a secretive organisation. If he was lying to them he’d chosen the perfect cover.

  “Shall we go back up and see how Ryan’s doing?” Riley suggested.

  “Yes.” She didn’t want to let her family out of her sight.

  “They told you not to trust me, didn’t they?”

  “Don’t be daft,” she said, forcing a smile.

  “Yes they did, it’s what I’d do if I was in their position. I turn up and you’re attacked then your house is burnt down. I know it doesn’t look good for me. I just want you to know that I’m not the enemy. I’m here to help and I wouldn’t hurt you, Ryan or the kids for anyone. Apart from the army you’re the only family I’ve got.”

  She sensed he was being genuine but her family was at stake and she couldn’t afford to let her guard down. “I appreciate you being so open with me.”

  “You can trust me. I hope you realise that one day.”

  “So do I,” was all she was willing to reply.

  Walking back into Ryan’s room she found him fast asleep and wished he’d wake up so she could discuss what Mikey and Jez had told her but that was selfish. He would need his strength for the inevitable fight ahead.

  “Sister says we can’t all stay,” said Rick. “We’ll take the kids back to ours for some rest.”

  “No,” she replied, not liking the thought of them so vulnerable. “I’ll arrange for you all to stay in the suite at The Grand. You’ll have more space and you can be waited on hand and foot.”

  Rick frowned. “Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

  She nodded. “I can arrange for clothes for the kids to be taken there, it’s just more convenient.”

  “More convenient than our own home?”

  “Yes,” she replied, silently willing him to stop arguing.

  Rick picked up on his daughter’s agitation. “Okay.”

  “I’ll call the hotel and let them know you’re coming.”

  “Do you want to use my phone again?” offered Riley.

  She’d no wish to go back outside and leave her family again. “No thanks, I’ll ask if I can use the one at the nurses’ station.”

  They gladly let her use their phone, feeling sorry for this family who had lost everything in the space of a night. Rachel got through to the night duty receptionist at the hotel, who was appalled by what they’d been through and promised to have the suite ready for them when they arrived. She also said she’d arrange for the day staff to pick up some clothes for the children as soon as the shops opened. Rachel hung up feeling a little better. The hotel had excellent security. Her staff wouldn’t let anyone near her family.

  “Right, it’s sorted,” she said, returning to Ryan’s room.

  “Lovely, a night in a posh hotel,” smiled Gill.

  Rachel avoided her dad’s suspicious eyes. He’d always been quicker on the uptake than her mum.

  There was a knock at the door and it was pushed open by Detective Inspector Boyle. It was the first time Rachel had met him professionally, however she knew him quite well socially and she thought the crush he had on her was about to come in very useful.

  “May I speak to Mr and Mrs Law in private?”

  “Come on, let’s get you to the hotel,” said Gill, picking up a sleeping Aaron.

  “I don’t want to leave Dad,” said Leah.

  “He’ll be fine Leah, honestly. They’ll let him out tomorrow, no need to worry. You need to get some sleep,” said Rachel.

  “Come on, it’ll be fun. We can order room service, whatever you want,” said Gill.

  “Well, okay.” Leah kissed Ryan on the forehead, who was still sleeping, then hugged her mum.

  “Do you have any officers free who could take them to the hotel? They’re staying at The Grand tonight,” said Rachel meaningfully.

  Boyle nodded. He already knew the fire had been arson and she was trying to tell him they could be in danger. “No problem. I’ll get two officers to meet you out front,” he said before making a call on his mobile phone, seemingly oblivious to the ban of their use on the ward.

  While he talked into his phone Rachel watched her parents and children walk away, struggling to contain her fear that something would happen to them. Leah paused to look back at her and raised her hand in a wave. Rachel waved back, hating how scared she looked. Her little girl knew her own uncle had almost killed her.

  When they were out of sight Rachel returned to Ryan’s room and shut the door.

  Boyle ended his call. “Their escort is ready and waiting.”

  “Thanks Ashley,” she replied, perching on the end of Ryan’s bed.

  Boyle looked to Riley, who’d resumed his seat in the corner. “You are?”

  “Riley Cutter. I’m Ryan’s half-brother.”

  “I didn’t know he had one. Just visiting?”

  “I’m in the army and I was owed some leave, so I thought I’d spend some time with the family.”

  “You were the one who called the fire brigade?”

  He nodded. “I was staying in the annex. I was woken by a noise.”

  “What sort of noise?”

  “Footsteps outside.”

  “That woke you?”

  “I sleep very lightly, after years in the army I’ve become accustomed to listening out for danger. By the time I got outside whoever it was had gone but I saw the flames, grabbed my mobile phone to call for help and went inside.”

  “How did you get in?”

  “Kitchen door. It was unlocked.”

  “I locked that door myself before going to bed,” said Rachel.

  “The house went up very quickly,” continued Riley.

  “It was an old house full of wood. It didn’t take much,” said Boyle.

  “It was three hundred years old,” said Rachel, hating how much history had been lost. “Is everything gone?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid it is. It burnt to the ground.
The stables are gone too but the annex is salvageable.”

  Rachel nodded and turned her back so they wouldn’t see how upset she was.

  “Were you insured?” said Boyle.

  She spun back round. “Yes for a substantial amount but we don’t need the money. You’re welcome to check our financial records if you want.”

  Boyle appeared embarrassed. “I’m afraid that might be necessary. It’s been confirmed it was arson, petrol all over the lower level. Whoever did it intended it to go up like a Roman candle. We noticed the fire escape had been nailed shut too.”

  “Yeah, we found that out for ourselves,” said Rachel quietly.

  “I don’t think you did this. I think someone wanted to kill you. All of you. Any idea who’d want to do that?”

  Riley didn’t say a word, deciding to follow Rachel’s lead.

  “No,” she replied.

  “Are you sure about that? You haven’t made any enemies in business recently?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.”

  “And what about back in Manchester?”

  “No.”

  Boyle appeared unconvinced. He looked to Riley. “Could you give us a minute please?”

  “Rachel?”

  “It’s fine Riley. Go get yourself a coffee.”

  He nodded and left the room. Boyle didn’t speak until he’d gone, dropping the cool professional demeanour, concern filling his eyes. “Rachel, please tell me what’s going on.”

  “I wish I could, I don’t have any idea myself.”

  “Someone tried to kill you and your kids. If you know something you have to tell me before they try again because, make no mistake, they will.”

  Rachel sighed and ran her hands through her hair. Boyle was sweet and very good at what he did but he was used to dealing with people caught speeding, the odd fight on a Saturday night when the pubs chucked out, nothing on the scale of Alex Maguire. He’d only end up getting hurt. “I really don’t know Ashley, if I did I’d tell you, my kids need protecting.”

  “So do you.”

  “I’m more worried about my children.”

  “I can arrange that but I urge you to take this threat seriously.”

  “I am taking it seriously. Are we in any trouble?”

  “Not with us, you’re the victims but you’re certainly in trouble with someone else.”