A Family Divided (Dividing Line #3) (7 page)

Ryan glanced at his watch and was surprised to see it was almost eleven and Rachel still wasn’t home. He’d got so caught up in Nietzsche that he hadn’t realised the time. He supposed not many people could say that. He tried Rachel’s mobile but it went straight to voicemail. Next he tried the club, but no one was picking up there either.

He jumped to his feet and started to pace. She
’d promised to be home early and Rachel wasn’t someone who broke promises. Something had happened. He tried her phone again and again but still nothing.

He sighed with frustration and threw his mobile phone onto the couch. His first instinct was to leap into the car and drive to Martina
’s Bar, but the kids were asleep upstairs, he couldn’t leave them. Just as he decided to ask Martina to come round and watch them while he went out, a car pulled up the drive. He rushed to the door and threw it open, stomach lurching when he saw it was a police car. They were here to tell him the worst news and he had to grab onto the door handle when his knees actually went weak. Rachel had been attacked or had a car accident, so many horrible scenarios running through his head at once as the car pulled to a halt. One of the officers got out but, instead of coming to the front door, he opened the back door of the car instead.

“
Rachel,” exclaimed Ryan. He tore across the gravel and swept her into his arms, holding her tightly. “Christ you had me worried.”

“
Sorry,” she said into his chest. “I didn’t mean to be late.”

“
Don’t apologise. I’m just glad you’re home safe.” He looked down at her ghost white face, a thick blanket wrapped tightly around her. “What happened?”

“
The Slasher…Martina’s Bar,” she whispered, shivering in his arms.

“
You’re in shock, let’s get you inside.” He looked to the two uniformed officers. “Thanks for getting her home safe lads. Goodnight.”

Ryan thought he
’d never hear himself say thank you to a copper but he was just so grateful she was home he didn’t care.

“
The DCI will want to talk to you again in the morning Mrs Law,” called one of the officers, but his tone was friendly enough.

Ryan marched Rachel inside, sat her down on the couch and thrust a brandy into her hands.

“What the hell happened? I thought he only struck on a Saturday?”

“
It seems he changed his mind,” she said before taking a sip of brandy.

Rachel gave him an account of the night
’s events, which left him reeling.

“
Bloody hell,” he said, astonished. “Did they catch him?”

“
No, unfortunately he outran Fletch and Leo. They’re not exactly built for speed and The Slasher was fast. But there’s a lot of cameras at the club and he must have come in without the hood otherwise he wouldn’t have been let in. This time the police might get him.”

“
They never have before.”

“
My club has better CCTV and better staff,” she said proudly. “When the lights came on and everyone panicked, I was ready to sack the moron on the spot who did it, but now I think on it, I think it was The Slasher.”

“
So he could make a quick escape?”

“
At first I thought so but that doesn’t make sense. If that was the case, why did he stop to attack me? He could have hit the lights then run out through a fire exit. Instead he went for me and my doormen almost got him.”

She realised her error when his face fell. She hadn
’t mentioned the part about her being attacked yet, she’d planned to break it to him gently.

“
What?” he roared.

“
Sshh, you’ll wake the kids.”

“
Sorry. What?” he said in a quieter tone.

She explained about James and the subsequent attack.

“Jesus Rachel, he deliberately targeted you.”

“
He did, but I think it was just because I was on my own, away from the rest of the herd. He saw an easy opportunity before he had to leave.”

“
Let’s hope the police find him. If they don’t, I fucking will.”

She shook her head and took his hands.
“No, please. We’re not like that anymore.”

“
If someone tries to stab my wife I’m not going to sit back and do nothing.”

“
It’s a job for the Police. He didn’t actually hurt me but he has hurt lots of other people and they deserve justice too.”

“
Yes, you’re right,” he said reluctantly.

“
We’re the type of people who let the Police do their jobs. Have some faith in them.” He raised a sceptical eyebrow, making her smile. She finished the brandy and put the glass on the table. “I need to go to bed, I’m shattered.”

“
I’ll lock up then I’ll be up.”

While Ryan locked up, Rachel checked on the children, who were sleeping soundly. Tears prickled her eyes and her hands shook as she wiped them away. Rachel Maguire would have taken what happened tonight in her stride, but Rachel Law hadn
’t been around violence for years. When she was in the thick of it at the club she’d been able to handle it but now the adrenaline had worn off she felt scared and vulnerable, recalling that figure standing over her wielding the large knife. Ryan’s arms wrapping around her waist made her jump.

“
Jesus, you scared me.”

“
Sorry. Come on, let’s get you to bed, you’re shaking.”

Warm and cosy in bed and wrapped in her husband
’s arms, the fear was soothed away and she dropped off to sleep, dreaming of blood, screams, a blade glinting in the light and a hooded figure looming over her, hatred in his eyes.

CHAPTER 5

Rachel felt washed out and bedraggled the next morning. As it was a Saturday they didn’t have to go anywhere and it was Adela’s day off, she didn’t work weekends, so the family just idled about at home. Rachel decided to go all out and spend the day in her pyjamas. Usually they were so busy and it felt nice to do nothing but spend the day watching television and playing with the kids.

Rachel made some calls to her staff, all of whom were a little shook up but otherwise fine. She told them the club would remain shut for the next two weeks, for which they would be paid. Dolores, tough as old boots, was still up for her trip to the casino and said since she didn
’t have to work that night she and her husband would pop round to the house to pick up the stake money before going onto The Crown. She was still very excited about her big night out.

Next Rachel phoned Fletch for an account of his pursuit of The Slasher. She
’d heard it second-hand from the police but wanted to hear it from his own lips. He couldn’t tell her very much, the street outside had been crowded but they’d managed to chase him quite a distance until he’d disappeared down a back street and simply evaporated. After assuring her he and Leo were fine, only disappointed that they hadn’t caught the bastard, she asked him to disperse his team around her other clubs in case The Slasher struck again, to which he eagerly agreed, wanting a second chance at nabbing him.

Her duties done, Rachel snuggled into Ryan
’s chest while he read, Leah curled up on her lap and the two boys played with their toys in the corner. The horror of last night suddenly seemed so distant and she felt warm with happiness and love. Could she be any more content? She didn’t think it possible.

However the peace was destroyed by the phone constantly ringing. First it was Martina, then Mikey, next Jez followed by Beth, all of whom wanted to visit but she told them she was resting and would see them soon. These calls were interspersed by more calls from journalists. Then the electric gate started buzzing.

Ryan sighed and threw his book aside. He’d got through Nietzsche and was now on Sartre’s The Age of Reason, working his way through the philosophers.

“
I’ll get rid of them,” he said, padding to the control panel by the front door. “What?” he snapped.

“
It’s Zoe Westerly, Manchester Evening News. I’d like to speak to your wife about what happened last night at Martina’s Bar. May I come in?”

“
No you can’t. Go away.”

“
Mr Law…”

But he cut her off and returned to the living room.

“Who was it?” said Rachel.

“
A journalist wanting to talk about last night, Gayle Westerly and you know what they say about her; blown her way right through Manchester to get where she is,” he said with a suggestive raise of an eyebrow.

“
What does that mean Daddy?”

Ryan coloured slightly, making Rachel smile.
“Nothing Cupcake, just a joke.” To his relief Leah was distracted by something on television. “Anyway, I told them to go away. Thank God I locked the gate last night.”

But Gayle Westerly was by no means the last of their visitors, the buzzer on the gate sounding every few minutes. Eventually Ryan
’s temper snapped. He shot up off the couch, strode into the hallway, closing the door behind him so the kids wouldn’t overhear, then unleashed a torrent of abuse down the intercom. His tirade was greeted by a stony silence followed by, “Mr Law, it’s Detective Chief Inspector Taylor.”

“
You could be press. Hold your warrant card up to the screen please.”

The black and white figure on the small panel held up his card, the details perfectly clear.

But Ryan was never one to be intimidated by the Police. “What do you want?”

“
We need to speak to Mrs Law about last night.”

“
Fine, come on up. Just make sure you don’t let any of those vultures in at the same time.”

He buzzed the gate open and waited on the doorstep for the DCI
’s arrival. From his position at the door he could see the crowd gathered at the bottom of the drive. He had to give the coppers their due, they ensured none of the sneaky bastards got through the gates as they swung shut, although one or two did try. When they saw him standing in the doorway they started snapping photos through the railings while he stared back at them casually, arms folded across his chest and leaning against the doorjamb in his t-shirt and black jogging bottoms.

Two men trudged up the drive, both tall and broad, the elder one the DCI. Ryan was glad they were both plain clothes so they wouldn
’t scare the kids.

“
Mr Law, DCI Taylor,” he said, extending his hand, which Ryan reluctantly shook. It always went against his nature to be pleasant with police officers. Taylor was a powerful-looking man with a commanding presence, dark brown hair flecked with grey swept back from a large forehead. His eyes were hazel but filled with intelligence, which, in Ryan’s opinion, was a rare quality in a police officer. “This is DS Swift,” he said, indicating the younger man beside him. “Is Mrs Law available to talk to?”

“
Yes but be gentle. She’s still shook up after what happened last night.”

“
Of course, she is the victim here.”

“
Don’t let her hear you call her that,” he said, leading them inside.

When the three men entered the living room, Rachel got to her feet.

“Who are they Mummy?” said Leah.

“
They’re just here to discuss some business Sweetheart,” she replied, glancing at Ryan.

He took the hint.
“I think it’s snack time. Why don’t you show me what you want?” he said, gesturing to the kitchen.

Leah and the two boys leapt to their feet and rushed out of the room, Ryan following and closing the door behind them.

“How are you feeling Mrs Law?” said Taylor sympathetically.

“
I’m okay and please, call me Rachel.”

“
I’m DCI Taylor and this is DS Swift,” he said, pretending he hadn’t noticed her fluffy bunny pyjamas. “We just need to go over last night again.”

“
I understand. Would you like anything to drink?”

“
No thank you,” replied Taylor.

She gestured for them to sit and she took the couch while they took the two armchairs.

“I know it’s a pain but if you could go over last night’s events again,” Taylor said gently.

Once again she dredged over it all, the events still very vivid in her mind.

“We did out best to prevent that stampede,” she said, thinking she was going to be in big trouble for that. “But some idiot turned on the lights and when everyone saw the blood they panicked and ran. It wasn’t my staff, they’re too smart to do something so stupid. I think The Slasher switched them on,” she said angrily.

“
We know Mrs Law. You’re fortunate you’ve got such good quality security equipment. The cameras captured it all. You had the situation very well under control and you’re right, The Slasher himself hit the lights purposefully to cause panic. We thought at first it was to aid his escape, your doormen were on the ball. He hung back casually, perhaps to avoid getting stuck in the crush for the door and joined the line heading for the fire exits instead. Then he did something very strange. He was almost out when he turned back and went for you. This is a huge deviation from his usual pattern, as is the fact that he struck on a Friday and not a Saturday.”

“
You think it’s a copycat?”

“
Perhaps. Tell me about the knife again.”

“
It was large with a curved blade, like a hunting knife.”

“
What I’m about to tell you is confidential Rachel, so I trust you’ll keep it to yourself?”

She nodded her assent.

“We purposefully kept back details of the knife The Slasher used so we could sort the genuine attacker from the crackpots. The Slasher has always used something small, we think a Stanley knife. Nothing like the weapon you described, another indication that this is a different assailant.”

“
So someone’s read about his exploits and decided they want a bit of the same?”

“
Perhaps,” he said again.

Rachel decided he was one of those people who didn
’t commit himself to a theory unless he was one hundred percent certain.

“
Another possibility is that this was a deliberate attack on yourself.”

A sense of dread welled up inside her and denial was her instant reaction.
“No, I think you’re wrong there.”

“
Just consider it Rachel. You’re not often at the club anymore. On one of the rare occasions you do go in this happens. The assailant targeted one of your clubs and even attempted to attack you. I think this was all designed to hurt not just you personally but your business too.”

“
Who would do that?” she said, feeling her old life catching up with her again.

“
I was hoping you could tell me.”

“
I’ve no idea.” She took exception to his cynical look. “I know you’re aware who I was, but I’m not that person anymore. I’m a legitimate businesswoman now, nothing more. Yes, I have trodden over people in the business world but it’s been purely legal and they aren’t the type of people to do something like this. Could you see his face on the CCTV footage?”

“
No, sorry. He was either wearing his hood or keeping his head down. So you haven’t upset anyone recently?”

Rachel thought of Alex then immediately dismissed the idea.
“No, not that I’m aware of.”

“
Perhaps you’re right and it was just a copycat, but this attack did seem focused on you.”

“
Or maybe I was just unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?”

Taylor gave another
perhaps
, which seemed to be his favourite word.

“
Tell me straight, am I in trouble for the stampede in the club?”

“
No. There was nothing you could have done to prevent it. People can be silly panicky creatures. You and your staff are to be commended on your actions. No one died, which is a miracle in itself. You’ve got proof on the security footage that you did everything right so if anyone tries suing, which they might, you can tell them to get stuffed.”

Rachel nodded, relief washing over her.

“Well, I think I’ve got everything I need for now,” he said, getting to his feet, the DS who had remained silent for the entire interview following suit.

“
Oh, before I go, have you watched the news this morning?” said Taylor.

“
No, we’ve had the kids’ stuff on.”

“
Maybe you should take a look? It seems you’re quite the heroine,” he smiled.

“
I am?”

“
James Ford has been singing your praises from his hospital bed, telling anyone who’ll listen how you saved his life, as has Carrie Jones.”

“
Who?”

“
The man who was crushed and the woman who got slashed and you pulled into the cloakroom. No doubt you’ll be all over the papers too tomorrow. The press got hold of it too late to go to print this morning.”

“
How are James and Carrie?”

“
They’ll be fine and in no small part that’s down to you. Thank you for your time Rachel. We’ll be in touch.”

She closed the front door behind them, noting the pack of journalists clustered outside the gate, who frantically started snapping when they saw her. She knew she
’d have to face them eventually, they wouldn’t give up until she’d given them something but she wasn’t up for it right then, especially not in her pyjamas.

“
How did it go?” Ryan asked her when she padded into the kitchen, the children seated at the table tucking into Cheerios.

“
Fine, there’ll be no comeback,” she said, accepting a mug of coffee from him. “Everything was caught by the CCTV cameras and Taylor said we did everything right. No one was badly hurt either. It could have been a lot worse.”

“
Yes it could,” he said meaningfully.

Rachel thought of what Taylor had said about her being deliberately targeted, but there was no way she could tell him that in front of the children.

“I’m going to have my coffee followed by a hot bath then I’ll face that lot out there,” she said.

“
Are you sure you’re up to it?”

“
Yes. It might make them go away.”

The hot water soothed away the majority of Rachel
’s aches and pains, only her back still ached slightly when she’d jarred it after trying to get out of The Slasher’s reach. She dressed carefully in light blue jeans and a long sleeved black jumper before applying just a light touch of make-up, so she appeared presentable but a little vulnerable, just the image she wanted.