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  “You bet your arse we will,” she grinned, feeling so much better. How she loved her big brother.

  “What the fuck is this shite?” Jez muttered to Mikey.

  It was exercise time and what they had assumed would take place in the gym was actually in the prison yard, them and about fifty other inmates walking around in a big circle anti-clockwise, for some unknown reason. Woe betide anyone who tried to go clockwise.

  “Oy Law. No talking,” a prison guard told him.

  “Fucking dick,” said Jez. “We’ll have to pay out more cash to get some gym time.”

  “Too right we are,” said Mikey. “This is unbelievable.”

  “Jules is coming in tomorrow. We’ll get her on it.”

  “Oy Law, I won’t tell you again,” said the prison officer. “One more comment and you’ll be thrown into segregation.”

  “I’ve had enough of this,” said Jez, stepping out of the circle and marching up to the guard, whose eyes widened.

  Mikey watched as Jez hissed something into the guard’s ear, who visibly paled. He nodded and whispered something back. Jez sauntered back into the ever-moving circle, looking pleased with himself.

  “Well?” said Mikey.

  “We’re in the gym tomorrow.”

  “Nice one,” smiled Mikey.

  After another ten minutes of the dreaded circle they were led inside and escorted back to their cells, Mikey and Jez with their own guards, led separate from the group, so they couldn’t corrupt the other prisoners, who were such upstanding citizens. Neither of them had realised just how much time prisoners spend locked up. With the government drastically slashing budgets the prison service was desperately overstrained, meaning it’s much easier and safer for the staff to keep them all locked up for the majority of the day. Even their meals were taken in their cells. A couple of prisoners they’d spoken to had reported being locked up for twenty three hours a day when staffing levels were very low, which sent some of them absolutely spare. Apart from being allowed out briefly for showers, exercise, work, visits and association these four walls were their world. It was now four thirty and they wouldn’t be allowed out again until quarter to seven for evening association, which lasted an hour and a quarter before lockdown. It was a powder keg waiting to blow. They were both clinging onto the visits they had booked with their wives the following day. Ryan was going to be coming in too, to their mutual relief. They were so glad he’d come to Manchester to back up Jules.

  “What did you say to that guard?” Mikey asked Jez.

  “That our family is still on the outside and if he fucks with us his own family will suffer.”

  “Jesus Jez, that’s a bit harsh. He’s only trying to make a living.”

  “Desperate times call for desperate measures. I’ll get Jules to put some cash into his bank account. He’ll soon come to heel then, he’ll be terrified of his colleagues finding out he took a bribe, even if he didn’t knowingly accept it.”

  Mikey had to own that was actually pretty smart. “We’ll do that to all of them. That should make life easier in here. When the staff are taken care of that will just leave the other inmates.”

  “Don’t you worry about them. We’ll take care of them too.”

  Jez had that ruthless look in his eye again that was increasingly becoming a part of him. Mikey knew the day would come when Jez would be willing to go further than he was and it would divide them. When that day came he had no idea what would happen. He hoped it wouldn’t destroy their partnership because if it did it would destroy their business and their family. One of his worst fears was the Laws and Maguires becoming enemies again. Which side would Jules take? His heart would be shattered if he lost her.

  Mikey brushed aside these thoughts. He and Jez were still a solid partnership and he was determined to let nothing change that.

  Rachel had to own she was impressed. Within an hour Michelle had all the information they could want on the Garrick family, thanks to several well-placed phone calls.

  “Right,” she began. “Liam Garrick is a corporate lawyer with a good reputation in the Devon and Cornwall area. He has some pretty high-end clients and is known for being ruthless.” She turned her computer screen to face Rachel to reveal a handsome man with steel grey hair and cold blue eyes.

  “He’s a big bugger,” commented Rachel.

  “Because he loves playing rugby, wing forward to be precise. He’s pretty good too, although he is known for playing dirty. His law firm’s doing well, turning over a healthy profit. He’s been married to Jenna Garrick nee Arterton for eighteen years, they met at some charity event. He was a lawyer back then but not so high-flying. She was a legal secretary, gave up her career when she got pregnant with Freddie. Only the one child, which explains why he’s such a spoilt git. They’d have been better having loads of kids so he would have got lost in the crowd.”

  Rachel couldn’t help but snigger. “Have you got Liam’s work address?”

  “Here you go,” she said, scribbling it down on a piece of paper. “Who are we going to tackle first, father or mother?”

  “Usually I would go to the mother but my instinct’s telling me to check out the father. Would you be able to speak to Jenna Garrick on my behalf? Tell her I’ve hired you to look into the incident, Talking to a third party might get us somewhere.”

  “Course, I’ll get right on it. I’ll call you when it’s done.”

  Rachel gave her name to the snooty receptionist at the offices of Markham, Peterson and Garrick. The stuck up cow was clearly surprised when she was ordered to send Rachel straight through.

  “Last door on the right,” sniffed the woman before returning to her typing.

  The sound of Rachel’s high heels was muffled by the thick and very expensive carpet as she made her way deeper into the building. The entire office was finished to a very high standard, designed to impress.

  Rachel rapped on the door, which was marked out as Liam’s by the polished nameplate. A deep commanding voice ordered, “Come in.”

  She opened the door to be confronted by the same man she’d seen on Michelle’s computer screen. He wore grey trousers and a white shirt with grey tie, the shirt sleeves neatly folded up to his elbows.

  “Liam Garrick?” she said.

  “Yes. Rachel Law,” he replied, walking around his desk with his hand extended, which she accepted. “How wonderful to meet you, I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Thank you,” she said, his calm, easy manner giving her hope that they could reach an accord.

  “Please, take a seat.”

  She sank into the large leather wing-backed chair opposite his desk.

  “Drink?” he said. “Tea? Coffee?”

  “No thank you. I came here to discuss this business with Freddie, Ethan and Isabella.”

  His smile faded. “Yes, a most regrettable affair.”

  “I take it you’ve spoken to Mrs Johnson about it?”

  “Yes but I believe the matter is now in the police’s hands, which is probably for the best.”

  “I’ve already spoken to DI Boyle. There is something that concerns me and that is Isabella changing her statement so quickly. First she blamed Freddie for the assault and now she’s accusing Ethan.”

  He nodded. “I understand why that would concern you and I don’t wish to sound rude but she did say she felt intimidated by your presence, which is why she accused Freddie in the first place.”

  “So I believe. You seem like a reasonable and intelligent man Mr Garrick.”

  “Well, I do my best,” he said with a self-deprecating smile.

  “So I hope I can speak without causing offence?”

  “Now I am intrigued. Please, go ahead.”

  “I know my boy and he would not do anything like this. Do you think your son is capable of attacking Isabella?”

  “Why yes, of course he is.”

  This reply was so unexpected she was momentarily stunned into silence. “Excuse me?”

 
“My son is a bully, always has been. Sadly his mother has spoilt and indulged him his entire life. There were complications during his birth you see and she can’t have any more, which is fine by me, Freddie is enough for anyone. Now he thinks he’s entitled to do as he pleases. It isn’t the first time he’s got violent with one of his peers but the same could be said for your son.”

  “Ethan has not been spoilt.”

  “Perhaps not but he has displayed violence before.”

  “Only in self defence,” she retorted. “He’s not a bully. He gets picked on because of who his family is.”

  “I would have thought being a Law would have had the opposite effect.”

  “Well sadly it hasn’t,” she spat.

  He took in her flushed cheeks and jet black eyes and smiled. “I am pleased you live up to your ferocious reputation and I’m delighted the rumours about your eyes are true. They’re fascinating.”

  “Is there something wrong with you?” she frowned.

  “Oh yes, without a doubt. Always has been but rather than shy away from it I embrace it.”

  All the bonhomie and goodwill that had existed in the room when she’d first walked in was sucked out of it as his countenance darkened. Her instinct began screaming at her to get out of there. “I’m leaving,” she said, getting up and striding for the door.

  Before she could reach it he put himself before it, a wildness in his eyes. “I was hoping this incident would lead to us meeting. Your son played right into my hands when he attacked Freddie. I’ve admired you from afar for so long Rachel.”

  “The name’s Mrs Law,” she hissed.

  “You’re a beguiling woman Rachel,” he said, reaching out to touch her face.

  She slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me you fucking lunatic.”

  The affable smile returned. “I want you Rachel,” he said, advancing on her.

  “You were spoilt too, weren’t you?” she said, backing away from him. Although he wasn’t a gangster she had no doubt he was just as dangerous as Alex Maguire, Hayden Brody and all the other terrifying men she’d encountered during her life.

  “I was, all my life. I always got what I wanted. I still do.”

  “You’re a predator. No wonder your son thought he could attack poor little Isabella.”

  “Poor little Isabella,” he parroted. “She’s a fucking slag, all you women are.”

  “You try anything and your secretary will hear.”

  “No she won’t. When the old bitch called through I told her to go for lunch and everyone else is out. There’s only us in the building.”

  “How many other women have you cornered like this?”

  He shrugged. “I’ve lost count.”

  Michelle had made no mention of Liam having a criminal record, despite the fact that it seemed he was a dangerous sexual predator.

  “You touch me and I’ll kick your fucking head in,” she said. “If you think you scare me you’re seriously deluded.”

  The danger fled from his eyes and his body relaxed. “Now you’ve got an idea of what your son put Isabella through.”

  She blinked at him. “Excuse me?”

  “Now you know what it’s like to be cornered by a sexual predator. I thought it might give you a little perspective while you’re running around town defending him.”

  “Is this some sort of sick joke?”

  “Like I said, perspective.”

  “I was right, there’s something seriously wrong with you.”

  “Scared you, did I?”

  “It takes more than that to scare me.” Although she had to admit it to herself, she was disconcerted. Who wouldn’t be with him flipping from one personality to the other. In fact he looked so amiable it was hard to believe he’d managed to intimidate her at all. “And I recommend in future you don’t use that tactic again or you might find yourself on the other end of the legal process. Now get out of my fucking way.”

  He stood aside to allow her to pass. As she reached the door he grabbed her wrist. “I meant what I said though Rachel. You are beguiling.”

  “If you want to keep your genitals attached to the rest of your body I recommend you let me go. Right now.”

  He released her and held up his hands. “I meant no offence.”

  “Well you’ve given it. I know this isn’t a game you’re playing. Your son’s a predator because he learnt from his daddy.”

  “Oh Rachel,” he said, as though he were addressing a child. “No one will believe you.”

  “Trying to intimidate me won’t work. I’ve faced worse than you.”

  He leaned into her to whisper, “You’re in for a shock.”

  With a furious glare she yanked open the door and hurried out, Liam Garrick’s disturbing laughter following her down the deserted hallway. She rushed across the street to her car, jumped in, slammed the door shut and locked it. Her hands shook as she snatched her phone out of her handbag and scrolled down to Ryan’s number. Then she hesitated. He was working to get Mikey and Jez out of prison. If she told him about this he would come home and as desperate as she was to see him there were others who needed him more. So she shoved her phone back into her bag and started the engine. Ashley was the one she needed to discuss this with.

  CHAPTER 19

  “Bruiser’s had an idea,” said Jules as she retook her seat at the head of the table in The Manor, looking at the four men. “He knows Charlie and Kian, Declan’s brothers and he’s been in touch with them.”

  “I remember them,” said Ryan. “They didn’t have the stomach for this work but I will always be grateful to them. They protected Rachel from Alex and his men.”

  “I never met them myself,” said Jules for Mark and Carter’s benefit. “But Bruiser, as a long time member of the Maguire firm has known them since they were sucking at their mother’s titties.”

  Ryan was rather glad she’d used that unpleasant turn of phrase. It indicated that she was back to her usual self.

  “You know where we can find them?” Mark asked Bruiser, who nodded.

  “What do you intend to do to them?” Ryan asked Jules.

  “Ask them nicely where Declan’s holed up,” she replied.

  “And if they won’t tell you?”

  “I’ll make them.”

  “They probably don’t even know. Declan wouldn’t want to put them in that position.”

  “Maybe not but they might be able to direct us.”

  “You can’t leave Manchester. If you do the jackals might start attacking again.”

  “I know, which is why I want Bruiser to go.” She looked to Bruiser. “They’re already familiar with you so they might be inclined to tell you more. Mark, you’re going with him. You leave in the morning.”

  “No worries. I’ve always been a fan of Ireland.”

  “Peachy. Ryan, you’re staying here with me. That should encourage most of the little wankers around here to keep their distance.”

  Her eyes danced as she spoke, wondering if her older brother would swallow a direct order.

  Ryan wouldn’t dream of showing her up in front of her men, so he nodded. “I think it’s worth a shot.”

  “Nice one bruv. We’ll get right on it after we’ve visited the boys in prison tomorrow.”

  He leaned back in his chair and nodded.

  “Carter,” she said. “How have you got on with that list I asked you to get?”

  “List?” said Ryan.

  “I asked him to compile a list of prisoners in Strangeways with the help of our contact on the inside of people who could be a possible threat to Mikey and Jez. We have quite a few enemies in there.”

  “Good idea.”

  “I’ve found nine names who could be a possible threat,” drawled Carter, producing a piece of paper and reading aloud from it.

  “Nice work,” said Jules. “Mark, Carter, send our scariest lads to pay each of their families a visit and warn them that should their relatives lay a finger on Mikey or Jez then they will pay f
or their mistake. Just verbal threats for now but if we need to get physical then we will.”

  They both nodded and got to their feet.

  “Bruiser,” said Jules. “Would you mind going with them? When people find out you’re back in town they’ll piss their frillies.”

  The corner of his mouth cocked into a grin and he got to his feet, eyes dancing with aggression. Jules grinned at Ryan once the three men had left together.

  “I thought it best to get Bruiser out there doing something,” she said. “He looked like he was ready to blow.”

  “Really?” said Ryan, who had thought he was calm and in control. “He seemed pretty relaxed to me.”

  “Give over. He was like a big bald bomb about to go off. He needs to get rid of some aggression, which has probably been bottled up since Battler’s death.”

  “I had thought blowing Hayden Brody’s head off with a shotgun would have cured that.”

  “Nah. That sort of rage gets deep into your bones. It takes more than one bout of mindless violence to get rid of it. This will feel like old times for him, when he worked for the Maguires.”

  “I suppose. So what do we do?”

  “Head back to my place. I need to see my kids.”

  Ryan was relieved. They would help keep her grounded and keep Venom at bay.

  “My God,” said Ashley when Rachel had finished explaining her encounter with Liam Garrick to him in his office at the police station. “This is unbelievable.”

  “Tell me about it,” she replied. “I can hardly believe it myself. It seems so surreal now.”

  “And you’re sure he was definitely threatening you?”

  “After everything I’ve been through Ashley do you seriously think I could be mistaken?”

  “No, probably not. It’s just so strange. I’ve known Liam Garrick a couple of years, he’s an upstanding member of our local community.”

  “So were Brian Crossly, Eddie Cope and Gerard Kerrell and they turned out to be psychopathic serial killers.”

  “Touché.”

  “Liam Garrick is a dangerous sexual predator. You need to start looking into him.”