Duality (5 page)

Jules stopped and sighed, realising a nurse across the room was watching them curiously. “I’ll think about it, alright?”

“Yes, thank you, that’s all I can ask,” replied Alice, thrilled. “You need to find Leighton, he’ll be delighted too with this news.”

“Leighton isn’t coming back.”

“Why, do you know something? What aren’t you telling me?” she shrieked.

“I don’t know anything. It’s just that if he was coming back he would have done it by now.”

“He won’t leave me. He
will
come back for me.”

Jules just shook her head. “See you later Alice,” she said before leaving.

She went straight home to mull over Alice’s words. She hadn’t been back ten minutes when her doorbell rang. Jules assumed it was Mikey returned to talk about the baby but it was Jackson instead.

“Go away Jax,” she called through the door. She didn’t want to be cruel but she loved this man. He was so good inside with a gentle heart, despite being a fearsome fighter in the cage. He wanted to be with her and she wanted to be with him but she was too afraid of dragging him down to ever commit to anything.

“No,” he retorted. “You were supposed to come to the fight last night and you didn’t. You’ve never missed one of my fights and I want to know what’s going on.”

“Nothing’s going on, I’m just tired.”

“Bollocks. Open the door.”

“No.”

“Open it or I’ll break it down.”

She couldn’t help but smile. He was worried about her. “Fine, I don’t want the hassle of having to buy another one,” she said, unlocking it.

Jackson Driscoll, champion cage fighter stood there looking heart-stoppingly stunning in a tight black t-shirt and blue denim jeans, dark hair a little mussed up. He had the habit of dragging his hands through it when worried. His hazel eyes brimmed over with concern. “You look pale.”

“I’ve had a hell of a day.” She pushed the door open wider. “Come on in.”

He entered then stood in the middle of the living room, waiting for her to begin. “Well?”

She couldn’t see the point in lying. He knew all the darkest secrets of her life and he still cared, so what was one more? “I’m pregnant.”

“You…you are?” he said, eyes lighting up.

“Oh God, I’m so stupid,” she said when she realised the implication of her words. “I’m sorry Jax, it’s not yours.”

His smile fell. “Oh. Then who?”

“I’m so sorry,” she went on. “I wish it was, it would be something to celebrate then.”

“Whose is it Jules?” he said in a tighter voice.

“Jared Slattery’s.”

“The man who kidnapped you and raped you?”

“He kidnapped me but he didn’t rape me, it was consensual.”

“It was forced consent.”

“In a way but he didn’t abuse me.” In truth she and Jared had been great together, physically speaking. The guy was a full blown lunatic who made her look like the essence of sanity.

“What are you going to do?”

She shrugged. “Keep it I suppose.”

“You are?”

“You sound surprised.”

“I thought you didn’t want children.” He frowned. “And I thought you couldn’t have any.” Her infertility was one reason why she’d always said they could never be together.

“I thought I couldn’t because Alice told me I couldn’t. Apparently it was just another of her twisted games.”

“Is there no end to that bitch’s evil?”

“I’ve just been to the care home to see her. She actually wants to be a grandmother to the baby.”

“I hope you told her where to go.”

“Course I did. So now you know what’s wrong.” She was embarrassed when she started to cry. “Sorry, hormones. I can’t help it,” she said before bursting into full blown tears.

He wrapped his arms around her and she buried her face in his chest.

“You’re going to be a mummy,” he said.

“Shut it you silly sod, you’ll make me cry more.”

“You’ll be great.”

She looked up at him hopefully. “You really think so?”

“Yes I do. This baby will finally settle you down.”

“Then why do I feel so scared?”

“Every new parent is afraid.”

“The doctor said things could go wrong because of my age. Apparently pregnancy’s much more dangerous if you’re over thirty five.”

“You’re fit and strong, there shouldn’t be any problems. As long as you quit smoking and drinking.”

“Already have.” She wrung her hands together. “I’m getting twitchy already. I’ve gone all day without a fag.”

“Wow, you must be really serious about this.”

“I think I am. I just don’t know how I’m going to cope. It’s not as if I even have the dad around to help out.”

“You’re not going to tell Jared then?”

“No I bloody well am not, he and his freaky mum would try to take the baby from me.”

“Your best bet is to find another father, so if Jared hears about the baby he won’t think it’s his.”

She sighed and nodded. “I don’t know who would be mad enough to do that though.”

“I would.”

“You what?”

“You said it yourself, life would be a lot easier if the baby was mine.”

“You’d actually be a dad to this baby, even though it’s not yours?”

All she could do was gape at him when he went down on one knee before her. “Marry me.”

“What?” she shrieked.

“I want to marry you Jules.”

“You can’t, I’d mess up your life.”

“Will you stop with that stupid argument? I love you, you’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted. Now we can have the complete package - a family, together.”

“But this baby isn’t yours.”

“It won’t matter, it’s still half you and I’ll love it like my own. It won’t make a difference and now we know you can have kids there’s nothing to stop us from having one of our own.”

Jules was sorely tempted, here was the answer to her prayers - a father for her baby, a man who would give them his name to protect them from the Slatterys. She wouldn’t have to do it alone. The best part was she could marry the man she loved. But could she drag him into her life? “I need to think about it.”

“Course you do, it’s a huge decision. Take all the time you need.” He placed a gentle hand on her abdomen. “Well, not too much.”

“I can’t believe you want to marry me.”

“Why? You know I’ve been in love with you for ages.”

“I know but I never thought you’d want to go that far. Being married will make it a lot harder for us to split up.”

“Why would we split up?”

“When I inevitably drive you round the bend.”

“No doubt you will but it won’t make me divorce you.”

“You say that now but…”

He took her face in his hands. “If you let fear of failure stop you from doing something then you’ll never be truly happy.”

“Where’d you read that, in a fortune cookie?” Her expression softened. “I’m so afraid of messing up your life.”

“I want you Jules, I need you. Marry me.”

Jules wanted to shout
yes
and leap into his arms but she couldn’t, she had to look at it from all angles, consider every possibility. “I need time to think.”

He tried not to look disappointed. “Alright.”

“I’ve got my first scan tomorrow. Would you…” She trailed off, not used to asking anyone for anything, she’d been self-sufficient for so long but this was so far out of her comfort zone that she needed someone to lean on and here was Jax being the answer to her prayers. But asking for help didn’t come easily to her.

“Would you like me to come with you?”

“Yes please,” she smiled, relieved he knew her so well.

“Of course I will.”

“Thanks. Jesus, I feel like such a fish out of water here.”

“You’re not the first woman to feel like that.”

Her hormones kicking off again, she went from emotional to horny. “Well, if we’re going out in the morning perhaps you should stay here tonight?” she purred, sliding her hands across his chest and down his stomach.

“Should you be doing that in your condition?”

“I’m pregnant not dead.”

“In that case, how could I refuse?” he said, leaning in for a kiss. “But nice and gentle. None of our usual athletics.”

“Spoilsport.”

“What’s wrong?” he said when her smile dropped.

“Bloody morning sickness,” she replied, rushing for the bathroom.

CHAPTER 5

Ryan scowled at Detective Inspector Ashley Boyle, who was no closer to finding the men who had attacked Rachel than he had been the night before.

“We found Mrs Harper’s car burnt out in a field, which unfortunately destroyed all evidence,” he continued, shifting uncomfortably as Ryan’s scowl deepened. “We’ve contacted a unit specialising in gang crime to see if they can give us any background as to who might have done this.”

Ryan looked to Rachel and noted her stony look. Clearly she was thinking the same thing as himself - that this specialist crime unit was more likely to have information on themselves than the attackers.

“So basically, you’ve done nothing,” said Ryan coldly.

“That’s unfair Ryan. We’re still working on it, we just need some time.”

“And if they decide to exact retribution in the meantime?”

“Not very likely. Research indicates most people who take part in these gang initiations are aged late teens to early twenties, inexperienced and often scared. They won’t be back.”

“I beg to differ. They are young, stupid and pumped full of drugs and aggression. They may see this as a challenge, the ultimate way to prove themselves.”

“I highly doubt it.”

“With all due respect Ashley, what do you know?”

“I’m only a detective inspector,” he blustered.

“Yes, so I’ve heard,” he replied with a disdainful arch of the eyebrow.

“Just what is that supposed to mean?”

“Please you two,” said Rachel. “This is not helping.”

“Sorry,” said Ashley. “But I resent the implication that my team and I are lazy and incompetent.”

“That’s not what Ryan meant, is it Ryan?”

Noting how black her eyes had gone, he thought he’d better agree. “Of course not. After everything we’ve been through I just want this resolving as soon as possible, especially with the hearing tomorrow.”

It worked. Ashley’s eyes filled with sympathy. “Of course, but it’s only a sentencing hearing, Brian Crossly and Gerard Kerrell have already pleaded guilty. Eddie Cope was going to plead not guilty and take it to trial, until the other two gave such damning evidence against him.”

Ryan’s lips curled into a smile. His friends incarcerated in the prison system had persuaded them to do that.

“In my opinion though,” continued Ashley, “I think they’re going to introduce some sort of plea to try and reduce their sentences.”

“In my experience things never go as you expect,” said Ryan. “Nasty surprises have a habit of cropping up and I want to ensure that they get exactly what they deserve. Has Crossly’s jaw healed yet by the way?”

The ice in Ryan’s eyes unnerved Ashley. He was well aware that Ryan had turned the tables on his captors by gouging out one of Brian’s eyes and forcing him to eat it before breaking his jaw and that intimidated Ashley. Not many people could get the better of a serial killer. “Getting there, he’s able to chew his food now.”

“Shame,” said Ryan.

“Yes, well, I’d better be off,” said Ashley, getting to his feet. “Oh, I almost forgot. Rachel, Mrs Harper asked me to pass on her apologies. She feels terrible for losing it when she realised who you were. You saved her and her child and she’s very grateful. She said if there’s anything she can do for you just let her know.”

“An apology to Rachel’s face rather than through a third party would be a good start,” sniffed Ryan. “Coward.”

“That’s alright,” said Rachel. “She was petrified last night. Tell her thank you Ashley.”

“I will.”

Ashley got to his feet, eager to be away from Ryan’s disapproval. “Sorry I have to leave so soon but I’ve got a lot on my plate.”

“That’s alright,” said Rachel pleasantly. “Thank you for coming.”

“You’re very welcome. I’ll keep you updated on our progress.” He ignored Ryan’s cynical snort. “I’ll see myself out.”

“That was a bit rude,” said Rachel when he’d gone.

“The man is a fool who couldn’t detect his way out of a one-way street.”

“I know you don’t like police but that’s a bit harsh, he’s a good officer.”

“Oh yes? If that’s true then where was he when I was kidnapped by Crossly and Kerrell? If you hadn’t taken it upon yourselves to find me I could well be dead now.”

Rachel didn’t even want to think about that. “Alright, maybe you have a point.”

“Of course I do.” He kissed her. “And now I’m sorry but unfortunately I have to leave you for a short while.”

“You do?” she said, disappointed.

“A problem’s come up at The Lighthouse that needs sorting out.”

“What problem?”

“Something to do with a delivery but as the problem involves money it requires one of us to deal with it. I’ll be back soon then you’ll have my undivided attention for the rest of the day.”

“That’s okay. I’ll probably have a nap anyway, I’m knackered,” she yawned.

He kissed her again. “Back soon.”

Ryan left, feeling angry. He should be with his wife not sorting out stupid little problems.

The Lighthouse was one of many restaurants they owned in the area, only a ten minute drive from their home, so fortunately he didn’t have far to go.

He walked into the restaurant to find Emily, one of their waitresses, bustling about setting tables for the lunchtime service.

She straightened up and gave him her best smile. “Hello Ryan.”

“Hello err…Emily. I had a call, something about a problem with a delivery?”

“Yes, I’ll show you,” she said, beckoning him enticingly with her finger.

Emily was absolutely crazy about Ryan, even before she’d started working here. Every time a job had come up at a business they owned she’d applied for it and finally she’d struck gold when Rachel herself had taken her on as head waitress, giving her responsibility and a good wage. When the manager wasn’t here she was in charge and Emily was relishing it at the moment because the manager was off sick and the Laws were trusting her to run things, which she was perfectly able to do. It was all over the town about Rachel being attacked last night and Emily had spotted her chance to be alone with Ryan. Rightly assuming Rachel wouldn’t be up to coming out to deal with petty problems Ryan was here and she finally had him all to herself.

Emily was aching with excitement as she led him through the back to the store room. She stopped before the new delivery of fruit and veg, still piled up in crates. “They’ve not sent us enough.”

Ryan sighed. “So? Just ring them up and tell them.”

“I tried but they said they wouldn’t because an account is outstanding and until it’s paid up we’re only on the bare necessities.” Their supplier didn’t dare cut them off completely, not when the Laws were their best customers.

“How did that happen?” demanded Ryan. “We have never missed paying an account.”

“To be honest, Jason has been letting things slide around here,” she said, deciding to use this opportunity to badmouth the manager. “He’s not been well and he’s all over the place. I hate to say it but I don’t think he can cope anymore.” It wasn’t true, Emily herself had sabotaged payment to the supplier and not just that one but their wine and meat suppliers too. Jason didn’t really understand the online payment system so he left it to her, which he wouldn’t ever dare tell the Laws because it was supposed to be his job, so she was confident she wouldn’t be found out.

Ryan sighed in annoyance. “I’ll call the supplier and get them paid up. Where’s the number?”

“This way,” she said, leading the way to the office, swaying her backside for all she was worth. She was a very attractive woman and she knew it. At twenty three she was thirteen years younger than Rachel and she thought Ryan was probably getting bored, longing for a younger model but when she glanced back over her shoulder he just seemed distracted instead of being mesmerised by her behind.

When they walked into the office she bent right over the desk to reach the little black book Jason kept that listed the contact details of all their suppliers, aching to feel the press of Ryan’s red hot body against her own but there was nothing. Annoyed, she snatched up the book and flicked through it to the veg supplier. “There,” she said, holding it out to him, sticking her chest out for all she was worth.

“Thanks,” he said, taking it from her with barely a glance in her direction. He sat at the desk to make the call.

Emily stood watching him, mesmerised. Yes, he was in his forties and almost twice her age but he was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. Plus he was dangerous, she knew all about his history in Manchester. He’d even served time in prison, which excited her unbearably. His criminal background had convinced her he’d be more than willing to cheat on his wife, despite how it was rumoured he only had eyes for Rachel. And it was looking like the rumours were true, for once. He hardly seemed to notice she was alive.

Ryan paid the account over the phone then hung up. “Is that it?”

Emily felt a bit nervous, he didn’t seem to appreciate being dragged down here. “Yes, thanks for sorting that out. If my duties extended to payments I could have sorted it out for you so you wouldn’t have had to leave Rachel today. How is she by the way?”

He sighed. “You know what happened last night?”

“Yeah, everyone does. It’s impossible to keep a secret around here.”

“Wonderful,” he said sarcastically, getting to his feet. “I’ve got to get back to her, I shouldn’t have left her in the first place.”

“Sorry but I didn’t know what else to do,” she said.

He hesitated on his way out the door. “It’s not your fault, Jason left you no choice.”

Then he was gone.

Emily was disappointed she hadn’t got the hot and heavy session on the desk that she’d envisaged but it was still a step forward. Jason was on his way out and then she would be in charge here, allowing her to get even closer to Ryan Law.

She returned to the restaurant floor, watching as Ryan got back in his car and drove off.

“One day,” she told herself.

She frowned when a middle-aged, overweight man in an expensive suit pushed the door open.

“I’m sorry, we’re closed,” she told him.

“I’m not here for food,” he said, closing the door behind him.

Something about the man made her nervous and she wished Ryan hadn’t gone. “What do you want?”

“Relax my dear,” the man smiled smoothly. “My name is Valentine Halliday.”

He said it as though it should mean something. “And?”

“You don’t know who I am?”

She shrugged. “Should I?”

“I’m a businessman, powerful, rich and I’m a local councillor.”

He said it as though she should be impressed but after meeting Ryan Law very few men could impress her now. “So?”

“I’m looking for someone to work for me.”

“I already have a job.”

“And this doesn’t require you to quit. You can do both and I pay very well.”

“Doing what?” she said, afraid the dirty old perv was going to have her on stage dancing around a pole.

“I need you to gather information for me.”

“What information?”

“About your employers.”

“Ryan and Rachel?” she said with surprise.

“Yes, them,” he replied with distaste.

“Why, do you want to hurt them?”

“Not them exactly, more Rachel.”

“Rachel?”

He was getting a little fed up of her repeating everything he said but this girl was perfect for his purposes. She didn’t know it but her crush on Ryan Law was famous. In fact only the Laws themselves didn’t know about it because they were so wrapped up in each other, a weakness he was going to expose to his advantage. He wanted to hurt both Ryan and Rachel and he was going to use this silly girl’s feelings to do it. “You don’t need to know why. In fact it’s better if you don’t.”

“You’re not going to hurt Ryan, are you?”

“No, I like Ryan,” he said jovially. “It’s just Rachel.”

Emily’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “What do you want me to do?”

“I want you to keep an eye out, let me know if you learn anything interesting.”

“That’s it?” she said, both disappointed and relieved.

“That’s it.” He delved into his suit jacket and pulled out a wad of notes, which he dumped on one of the tables. “A gift, to say thank you for your assistance.”

Emily snatched it up, wide-eyed. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome my dear.” He handed her his card. “You can contact me on this number.” He let his eyes roam up and down her again. “Anytime.”

She didn’t even notice, she was so astounded by the amount of money she was holding. “Yeah, no worries,”

“Thank you Emily. I’ll see myself out,” he said, leaving her standing there, still gaping at all the cash. It didn’t even occur to her to ask how he knew her name.

Jules anxiously picked at her fingernails as she waited to go in for her very first scan. Jackson, sitting beside her, patted her hands.