Shattered (Dividing Line #5) Read online

  “Now Col,” bellowed Alex. His strength was returning but he wasn’t strong enough to drag himself up and charge in there himself.

  “Alright, I’m going,” mumbled Col, shuffling out of the room.

  Just as Alex knew he would, he burst back in a minute later. “She’s gone, the room’s empty. I spoke to a nurse who said she packed up and did one. She left behind a note saying she’d discharged herself.”

  “When did she move?”

  “They’re not exactly sure but apparently she disappeared not longer after the MC’s kicked off.”

  “It was a distraction. Fuck, I thought you’d bunged her doctor to tell her she couldn’t be moved.”

  “I did Boss but Rachel used to be a nurse, she probably knew she’d be okay to leave.”

  Alex wanted to rip the room apart and the fact he wasn’t physically capable only worsened his already foul temper. “She still needs medical treatment, she’s not fully recovered yet. She’ll be in a private hospital somewhere. Find her.”

  “She could be anywhere. She might have gone abroad.”

  “No, she won’t be far. She’ll want to be near so she can carry on giving orders.” He noted Col’s pissed off look. “You do understand how important it is that we eliminate Rachel and Ryan as soon as possible. They’re our biggest threat. Once they’re gone Jez and Mikey will fold and we’ll take them out then Frankie will find himself alone in Manchester with no allies and we’ll fucking do him too.”

  Col didn’t like the prospect of taking on Glasgow. Frankie was king there but if he was gone there were others, equally powerful and dangerous, willing to step into the breach. Now Dane Black had been thrown into the mix and he was not a man Col wanted as an enemy. The situation was so perilous it almost overwhelmed him and he would think himself very lucky if he managed to get out of it alive.

  “We need to change tactics,” said Alex thoughtfully. “I might have to forgo the pleasure of killing Ryan and Rachel myself. We just need them gone. Now.”

  The private hospital looked more like a country house, a sprawling white building set in neat gardens surrounded by nothing but peaceful woodland and rolling fields. Attendants were ready and waiting to take Rachel out of the ambulance and transfer her into a wheelchair. Ryan and Battler went inside with her while Bruiser drove off in the ambulance to dispose of it.

  Inside she was pleased to see everything was absolutely spotless. The receptionist led the way to Rachel’s room, making them feel like they were in a hotel and not a hospital. It was a quiet, calm place, conducive to rest and recuperation, the expensive décor designed to soothe the most nervous of patients.

  “What do you think?” the sunny receptionist asked her.

  “It’s lovely,” replied Rachel approvingly, smiling at the large bright airy room with a wonderful view of the gardens that she was going to use for the remainder of her recovery.

  The attendants placed her in the huge bed ever so carefully, so practiced she didn’t even experience any pain. After the three of them were served food and drinks they were informed the doctor would be along to see them shortly then they were left alone.

  “Do you really like it here?” Ryan asked her.

  “I do. I feel much safer.”

  He kissed her fingers. “Good.”

  Battler smiled at the relief on Ryan’s face that his wife approved.

  The consultant - an amiable woman in her forties - came to visit and after examining Rachel pronounced that she was healing well and assured them that with rest and careful monitoring of the wounds, particularly the neck wound, everything would be fine.

  “I’ve got to get back to Manchester but I’ll be back this evening,” Ryan told Rachel after the consultant had left. “But I’ve squared it so I can sleep in here, with you. We’re paying enough money.”

  She positively beamed. It felt like ages since they’d last shared a bed.

  “The doctor insisted on separate beds though. Unfortunately,” he added.

  Rachel’s smile dropped.

  Ryan walked into Mikey’s old flat with Dane and frowned when he heard the murmur of strange voices. He entered the living room to find Frankie talking with two men he’d never seen before, a harassed Jez and Mikey looking on. Riley, as usual, was watching everything from the back of the room, arms folded across his chest, giving nothing away.

  “Hello,” said Ryan to the newcomers. Both were large and hulking, obviously Frankie’s heavies and the pair couldn’t have looked more different. One wore glasses, had a goatee beard and short dark hair. The other had shaggy dirty blond hair that stuck out in strange tufts and a thin ferrety face.

  “Who’s this walloper?” said the ferrety one.

  Ryan had no idea what a walloper was but he divined it wasn’t complimentary.

  Frankie rounded on the man. “Shut it you fanny. This is Ryan Law and you will show him some fucking respect on his own patch.”

  The man hung his head. “Sorry Frankie.”

  “Apologise to Ryan.”

  “Sorry Ryan,” muttered the man like a naughty boy.

  “That’s quite alright,” he replied affably. For the sake of diplomacy he decided to let the insult go and looked pointedly at Frankie. “And who are your friends?”

  “This is Paul,” he said, pointing at the one with the glasses. “And this eejit is Jamesie.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Ryan smoothly replied. “Allow me to introduce Dane Black, President of Angel’s Wrath MC.”

  “Good to meet you Pal,” said Frankie, shaking Dane’s hand heartily. “So you’re ready to kick Maguire arse?” He looked at Mikey. “Except you.”

  “Glad to hear it,” replied Mikey.

  “Enough chitchat. What’s the fucking plan?” said Frankie, swinging from affable to psychotic in an instant.

  “Well, we’ve taken out Alex’s brothels and Mikey controls the compound. We’re cutting off his finances and some of his business partners have already allied with Mikey,” he said pointedly, hoping Frankie would get the message that Mikey was more than capable of replacing Alex. If he did get it he didn’t show it. “We’re isolating him.”

  “Outsiders are getting wind that there’s trouble in the camp,” said Jez. “We have to watch out for anyone trying to encroach on our turf.”

  “Let’s give them a big fucking show of strength, shall we?” grinned Frankie, clapping his hands together. “I’ve got an empty Tupperware box and I’m not going home till it’s full.”

  Ryan watched Frankie’s companions’ reactions to this statement, wondering if they found his predilection for body parts unsettling. While Paul didn’t even blink, indicating he was used to it, Jamesie gave a disturbing smile.

  “Mikey, any movement from Katia?”

  “Alex’s tart?” said Frankie.

  “Yes, that’s her,” replied Mikey. “And no Ryan, she’s not moved. She’s still in a house in the suburbs being guarded by Robbie Jordan. You’ve got to feel sorry for the bastard, having to put up with her. I bet she’s a real fucking diva. I’ll let you know the second she moves.” When his new mobile phone started to ring he tutted and pulled it out of his trouser pocket. “This bloody thing is going non-stop,” he said, retreating into a corner to take the call.

  “So what do you suggest we do?” Ryan asked Frankie, dreading the answer.

  “We round up anyone loyal to Alex and fucking do them,” he grinned, relishing the prospect of more violence.

  “Everyone who was loyal to Alex is coming over to Mikey’s side,” he replied. “Mikey’s done a brilliant job taking over everything. Alex has very few supporters left.” He paused, hoping Frankie would praise Mikey for his considerable achievements but there was nothing. “He’s been forced to look for outside help, which is why he turned to Lucifer’s Shadow for help,” ended Ryan, annoyance clear in his voice. “That’s all thanks to Mikey.”

  When Frankie opened his mouth to reply, Mikey yelled out, “listen up you lot.”

&nbs
p; They all went silent and turned to regard him, outrage in Frankie’s eyes at the interruption.

  “Alex has put a contract out on you and Rachel,” Mikey told Ryan.

  “You fucking what?” exploded Frankie. “Now everyone will know there’s division in the camp. The prick.” He continued to rant about Alex’s stupidity, not once mentioning the fact that Rachel and Ryan’s lives were in peril.

  “That was Mark Cameron,” said Mikey, talking over Frankie when it became apparent he wasn’t going to contribute anything constructive to the conversation. “You remember him?”

  Ryan did indeed. He was a hitman for hire with a fearsome reputation. They’d paid him a visit in their hunt for Danny’s killer and he’d been very cooperative. Most importantly, he’d helped them when Rachel had been kidnapped by the Jordans.

  “He heard on the grapevine about the contract and he’s not comfortable with it. He rang to let me know he won’t be accepting it but he knows plenty of others who don’t give a shit who they kill as long as they get paid for it.”

  “How much is the contract for?” asked Ryan perfectly calmly.

  “Half a million on each of you.”

  “Call Mark back. Tell him me and Rachel are putting out a contract on Alex. For two million.”

  “Two million?” spluttered Frankie. “For that toss bag?”

  “Yes because it will keep everyone who was thinking about coming after us busy. Alex’s ploy just backfired on him. He’ll have to stump up double what he’d anticipated paying out just to match my offer and without his brothels or access to his businesses he won’t be able to find the cash.” Ryan repressed a shudder. If it hadn’t been for Mark Cameron he could have walked out of this apartment block and got his head shot off. Maybe someone really was watching over them?

  “I thought Alex wanted to kill you both personally?” said Jez.

  “He’s realised he’s bitten off more than he can chew and he’s panicking,” said Frankie. “Now he just wants you gone.”

  “It seems I might not get the pleasure of killing him personally but the game’s just been upped,” said Ryan. “This contract means my movements are going to be seriously restricted. On the bright side, so are his. Now he won’t be able to move about and hopefully the Russians will be catching up with him soon.”

  Ryan looked to Dane and an idea occurred to him. “I think Dane might be able to help me with moving about the city. A motorbike helmet provides anonymity.”

  Frankie slapped Paul on the back, almost knocking him over. “What the fuck did I tell you eh? He’s a fucking genius. If anyone else found out someone had put a contract out on their life they’d be bricking it but Ryan Law not only comes up with a solution but turns it back on the bastard who put out the contract in the first place. He’s going to make us a ton of money,” he grinned.

  Riley, Jez and Mikey all looked at Ryan but he forced every single muscle in his face to remain relaxed as he wondered if he’d ever be able to get it through to Frankie that he and Rachel were out of the business.

  While Mikey got on the phone to Mark telling him about the contract on Alex, Ryan pondered on what to do next. “We need to get to Alex as soon as possible. The downside of the contract I’m putting out is that it’ll send him underground and then we’ll have no chance of finding him. The sooner Alex is dead the sooner this is over.”

  Mikey ended the phone call. “Mark said he’d put the word out but he won’t be accepting the contract on Alex either.”

  “I didn’t think he would, he’s smart and he’ll want to remain neutral so he can work for whoever wins,” said Ryan.

  “True. Shame though because he is the best.”

  “I could kill Alex,” said Riley.

  They all turned to regard him. A man of few words, everyone listened when he spoke.

  “I don’t want your money Ryan, I just want this over with,” he added.

  “Don’t we all. It will be risky,” replied Ryan.

  “I’ve made a career out of risky. If you could find out when he’s being moved I could be lying in wait. I need to get to him before he leaves that hospital.”

  Ryan didn’t even bother trying to dissuade him because it would be futile. He was becoming more and more proud of his brother. “The trick will be finding out when he’s leaving the hospital and by which exit. There are dozens of different ways out.”

  “It might not be a problem,” said Jez. “I’ve got one of my men masquerading as a porter on Alex’s ward and he has full access to the hospital. He’ll be able to tell us if he moves.”

  Ryan nodded with approval. He was proud of his other brother too. He turned his attention back to Riley. “If Jez’s man lets us know when he moves, could you be in position?”

  “It’s hard to say,” he replied thoughtfully. “It would be much easier if there was only one way in and out but that place is a maze.”

  “It’s going to be difficult I agree but if we don’t get to him before he has the chance to go underground then this is going to drag on.”

  “I’ll certainly do my best.”

  “I know you will,” said Ryan. “What do you need?”

  “L nine six sniper rifle. Make sure you get the long range cartridges in case I can’t get too close. But know this, if there are too many civilians around at the time I won’t take the shot. I won’t risk killing an innocent person.”

  “I completely agree,” replied Ryan. “We’ll get you the weapon today.”

  Riley nodded. “I’ll get down there and do a recce. Call me when you have the weapon.”

  “I will,” replied Ryan as Riley left the flat.

  “I don’t like this, there’s too many people running about in the shadows with bloody sniper rifles,” said Frankie, getting edgy. “I hate that fucking tactic. Killing should be up front, so you can see the life die in the other person’s eyes. What a rush,” he breathed.

  “I’d like nothing better than to kill Alex Maguire up close and personal but this is war and we need to snatch every opportunity to take the enemy out,” replied Ryan. “A long range bullet in the head is too good for him though.” Ryan was pissed off. He hadn’t wanted Alex’s death to be so easy, he wouldn’t even know what had hit him. Part of him hoped Riley missed and Alex did go underground. Granted, it would drag the whole situation out but then he could hunt him down and make him die slowly and painfully, just like he deserved. But he knew Riley wouldn’t miss, he wasn’t the type.

  CHAPTER 19

  Alex’s strength was returning. He was able to sit up unassisted and, although he was still experiencing some pain, it didn’t make him want to die like it had before. In fact when he did experience a twinge it only fuelled the hatred growing inside him. It was becoming all-consuming and he would unleash it on the Laws the moment he was out of here, which shouldn’t be long now, Col was seeing to that. He wondered just how far he could trust Col. Granted he’d been nothing but loyal up to now but sometimes he thought he saw a hunger in his eyes that he didn’t like. One day he would try to take the throne, just like Mikey. He’d have to put him down before that happened but for now he needed him and he’d keep him sweet until he was back on his feet and all his enemies had been eradicated. In fact he was seriously considering bringing Katia in as his number two. Thanks to Rachel and now Beth he’d realised just how powerful women could be in his world. The only difference was he knew Katia adored him and would never cheat on him like Rachel had duped Danny. She would work with him rather than against him. Katia had brains, cunning and cruelty in just the right amounts and together they would be unstoppable. He knew she’d give him a boy and they could raise their child to take over the Maguire empire, he’d be a smaller version of himself who would love learning from his dad. Alfie had well and truly done it, he was out, he couldn’t have a mummy’s boy as head of the family and Archie was far too bloody soft ever to be a leader, that much was clear. He thought it a shame though because Alfie had courage in bucket-loads. Although his defi
ance had infuriated him Alex had also respected him a little bit for it too. He admired people with the guts to stand up for themselves.

  His thoughts turned to Beth and he experienced a pang of regret, only a small one though. Once he’d loved her so much it had hurt. When they’d first got together, even after they’d married, his strength of feeling for her had taken his breath away. He still wasn’t quite sure how it had happened but all that love had slowly faded away. She’d turned into another person who nagged and moaned and went around in her dressing gown all the time. Even after she’d started making herself look nice again his contempt for her had continued to grow until it had smothered every last bit of love. However he rather admired the new Beth, the one who had sat by him so calmly and pulled out his stitches then tried to inject him with bleach. The weakness he’d so despised in her was gone. He’d done that to her and he was quite proud of himself. Maybe if she’d found that strength sooner he wouldn’t feel so much disdain for her now.

  Col burst into the room, out of breath and red faced.

  “What the bloody hell’s the matter with you?” frowned Alex.

  “You won’t believe it,” panted Col.

  “Believe what?”

  “The Laws. They must have heard about that hit you put out on them. They’ve put a two mil bounty on your head.”

  Alex turned as red as his colleague. “Fuck,” he roared. “Which bastard told them?”

  Col shrugged. “Could have been anyone. Mark Cameron let me know.” He couldn’t believe the tables had been turned like this. If it had happened to anyone else he would have found it quite funny. Now Alex was the one in grave danger.

  “I bet Cameron was the one who told Ryan in the first place, the sneaky bastard. He’s hedging his bets.”

  “He told me he won’t take on the contract.”

  “He probably told Ryan the same thing, the fucking snake. He’s trying to keep both sides sweet so he’ll still get lots of nice lucrative work off whoever wins. I’ll see the treacherous backstabbing wanker for this, the amount of work I’ve put his way. If he’d any loyalty he would have taken out Ryan and Rachel for me.”