Aftermath (Dividing Line #6) (3 page)

“We’re catching a plane in two hours, we don’t have time for this,” said Ryan.

“Then I suggest you cooperate. The station’s not far, unless you’d like me to arrest you?”

“That won’t be necessary, we’ll follow you,” interjected Rachel, throwing Ryan a warning look.

“Shall we just do one?” said Ryan as the officer returned to his car. “This motor can outrun his.”

“Oh yes, a police chase, how sensible. Let’s just do what he wants. At most we’ll get a slap on the wrists, possibly a fine, then we’ll be on our way. Don’t go causing trouble because I am not missing Mikey’s wedding.”

“You’re making a mistake,” he said, fastening his seatbelt and starting the engine. “This bumpkin won’t have had such a juicy pull in years. He’s going to drag it out.”

“Stop worrying. You’ll see.”

CHAPTER 4

Rachel stared at the clock with dismay. Three thirty. Their plane would be taxing down the runway.

“I hope you’re happy. We’ve missed our flight,” she muttered.

The arresting officer, who was ironically named Sergeant Payne, shrugged. “That’s what you get for committing lewd acts in front of innocent people.”

“It wasn’t like we were dogging,” she exclaimed.

Payne gave another of his disapproving frowns. Rachel sighed inwardly. It seemed they’d been stuck with a puritanical police officer.

“Please don’t use language like that Mrs Law.”

“You mean dogging?”

That look again. “You’re not helping yourself.”

“Where’s my husband?” she demanded, her tone becoming more standoffish.

“Being interviewed by my colleague. Just own up to what you did and we can move things along.”

“What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal is that one of those ladies you exposed your filth to was my wife. She was enjoying a quiet walk with her best friend, who it happens is a local councillor and well-respected humanitarian.”

“Oh.”

“They are intelligent women who know exactly what they saw, which was unabashed pornography.”

Rachel decided it was probably time to come clean, he wasn’t going to release them until they did. “Look, it was like this. My husband was upset. We’d just learnt some shocking family news. We pulled over so I could comfort him and things got heated. We thought we were in an isolated area and if we offended anyone I’m truly sorry, we didn’t mean to. Haven’t you ever got caught up in the moment?” she said with a conspiratorial smile.

His expression remained stony, the caterpillars above his eyes practically snogging now.

“Obviously not,” she sighed.

“So, are you admitting to having sexual relations in a public place?” When she hesitated the caterpillars relaxed. “The sooner you admit it the sooner you can go. You’ll probably be in time to catch the next flight.”

“Fine, we did it.”

“Are you admitting to having sexual relations in a public place?”

“Yes. Can we go now?”

The caterpillars danced with glee, rushing up into his hairline when he smiled triumphantly. “After you’ve been charged with indecent exposure.”

Rachel released a groan and rested her head on the tabletop.

“Four hours,” seethed Ryan as they drove to the airport in the gathering twilight. “If it hadn’t been for our solicitor that puritanical little prick would have tried to put us on the sex offenders register.”

“We really must thank Lauren properly, send her a bunch of flowers or something.”

“For doing her fucking job? No way.”

“Please calm down, it was your anger that landed us in that situation in the first place.”

He couldn’t respond to that so he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel instead.

“Don’t go breaking the speed limit,” she added. “We don’t want to get arrested again.”

He eased off slightly on the accelerator, scowling at the road, raising an eyebrow when Rachel giggled.

“I find nothing remotely amusing about the situation,” he said.

“Laughing’s better than sulking. Cheer up, it’s done with now. We paid our fine and we’re on our way to the airport.” She rested her hand on his thigh. “We’ve got a nice weekend to look forward to in a Scottish castle, which is more than that turd with the eyebrows has.”

She smiled when he released a chuckle. Ryan raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.

“Jez and Mikey will want to know what we found out about Jules,” said Rachel. “They’ll want to know if she’s a threat.”

“I’d say she is, whether she’s my sister or not. We killed her club. Jesus, what a life,” he sighed.

“It’s not all bad, is it?”

He gave her a wink. “No, not by a long way.”

The next flight to Aberdeen was at eight thirty that evening, so they were in the granite city by ten. A taxi took them to Abercraig Castle. An hour later they were wending their way up the steep drive, dense woodland surrounding them on both sides, heading towards the massive sixteenth century building. Even though it had once acted as a fortress it was almost fairytale with its soaring towers and hundreds of windows that glowed with cosy, welcoming lights.

Exhausted, they dragged themselves into reception with its odd contrast of old stone floor and massive electric chandelier hanging over their heads. After checking in their luggage was taken up to their room and they headed straight to the bar - which was jammed full of stuffed animals’ heads and books - for a well deserved drink. Mikey, Amber, Jez, and Riley were all sat together at a table and they stood and raised a cheer when they entered.

“About bloody time,” beamed Mikey, pulling Rachel to him for a hug. “You were supposed to be here hours ago.”

“Sorry Mikey, I hope we haven’t put a dampener on the celebrations,” she replied.

“You’re here now, that’s what matters.”

She smiled and held onto him. The new king of Manchester, respected and feared throughout the city, but he would always be the little brother she never had. To her delight he still made her feel better when he hugged her.

“Riley, I’m so glad you could make it,” she said, hugging him next. There had been some doubt as to whether his regiment would let him have more time off.

“I’ve only got four days then I have to go back,” he replied.

“So what held you up?” said Jez, embracing his brother, patting him manfully on the back.

“Car trouble,” replied Ryan in a tone that indicated that was the end of the conversation.

“Really?” said Mikey, studying Rachel.

“Really,” she replied. When he continued to stare at her she couldn’t prevent her lips from twitching up into a smile.

“That’s strange because I heard it was a charge of indecent exposure that held you up.”

“What?” said Riley and Amber in unison. Judging by Jez’s smirk he already knew.

“Why ask if you already knew?” sighed Ryan.

“Let me have my fun,” he grinned. “You two just can’t keep your hands off each other, even at the side of a road.”

“Is that what happened?” teased Riley. “You pulled over for a quickie?”

“And we got caught by a miserable bastard copper whose never had any fun in his life,” replied Rachel.

“I bet he’s having a good old wank over it now,” added Mikey.

“Don’t make me punch you the night before your wedding,” said Ryan.

“Don’t, think of the photographs,” exclaimed Amber.

“Ryan’s only joking,” said Rachel. “Aren’t you?”

Ryan just shrugged.

Mikey looked at his bride-to-be. “I like how you think of the photos and not me.”

“Of course I was thinking of you but I just want tomorrow to be perfect,” she said anxiously.

He smiled and pulled her to him. “Help her out Rach, she’s really stressed over this do.”

Rachel grasped her hand. “Everything will be fine, don’t worry. Where’s Beth?”

“She’ll be arriving in the morning. She got held up with business.”

It sounded strange but Beth had proved herself to be quite the businesswoman. Thanks to Alex’s original will - that Ryan and Rachel had made sure was enforced - she’d inherited all of Alex’s money as well as his legitimate businesses. She handled the workload very well, taking Mikey’s advice when she needed it.

Ryan glanced at Riley when Beth’s name was mentioned and saw his eyes flare. It seemed he was still interested in kindling something with her. He thought Riley was probably ready for a relationship now he’d killed Jasper White in revenge for murdering his pregnant fiancée, but Ryan wasn’t sure Beth was ready. She’d lost her husband and lover in one fell swoop. That took some getting over.

“And Cathy?” said Rachel.

“Tucked up in bed fast asleep,” replied Jez with a fond smile. “She was knackered after the journey.”

“Are the kids here?”

“Nah, we left them with her mum and dad. We want a peaceful weekend.”

“I’m gagging for a white wine,” said Rachel, heading for the bar. “Anyone else want a drink?”

“I’ll have a double scotch,” said Ryan. “I need it after the day we’ve had.”

“There’s dozens of whiskies behind the bar so you’ll have to pick one.”

He accompanied her to the bar and studied the arranged bottles before launching into a detailed discussion about each one with the barman.

“Oh for God’s sake, it’s late. Just pick one,” exclaimed Rachel.

She went quiet when he slowly turned to look at her, eyebrow cocked. “The eighteen year old Glenfiddich please barman,” said Ryan without taking his gaze off Rachel.

“I love it when you look at me like that,” she said.

“Like what?”

“Like you want to throw me to the floor and have your wicked way with me, just to shut me up.”

Gently he cradled her face. “Rachel, I always want to do that to you.”

She smiled up at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him hard.

“Someone call the police, they’re at it again,” called Mikey.

They both turned to see Mikey and Jez sniggering together. Although he didn’t show it, Ryan was pleased. They seemed to be the best of friends, although it was hard to believe those two slightly tipsy young men ruled Manchester with an iron fist.

“Something amusing?” said Ryan, leaning against the bar and taking a sip of whisky, enjoying the smooth velvetiness slipping down his throat.

“Just considering myself lucky you’ve still got your clothes on,” said Mikey, causing Jez to burst out laughing.

“Let the children have their fun,” said Rachel, giving Ryan a quick kiss, liking the taste of whisky on his lips and wishing she’d ordered one instead of a wine. “Where’s my little godson?” she asked Mikey.

“He’s staying with Amber’s mum and dad tonight so we can get a good kip for tomorrow,” he replied.

“We’ve got him a little pageboy suit, he’s going to look so cute,” enthused Amber.

“He’s only thirteen months old. How’s he going to be a pageboy?” said Ryan.

“He, well he…” began Amber.

“Just ignore Mr Grumpy here. He’s still upset about being arrested.”

“I think I’ve every right to be,” he retorted.

“Not really. We were guilty, after all.”

“I…” He closed his mouth when he realised her logic was impeccable and decided to take a sip of scotch instead.

After one drink both Rachel and Ryan were stifling yawns. The others looked tired too, except for Amber, who was bordering on manic.

“I’ll never sleep tonight,” she said.

“Have a scotch, it’ll work wonders,” said Ryan.

“I hope you and Mikey aren’t sharing a room tonight?” said Rachel. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”

“I’ve booked a single room for tonight while Amber’s in the bridal suite,” replied Mikey. “It’s all sorted.”

“Where do I need to be tomorrow?” said Rachel. Amber had asked her to be matron-of-honour as she considered her responsible for getting her and Mikey together in the first place.

“Bridal suite at ten,” replied Amber. “That gives us plenty of time to get ready.”

“I’ll be there,” she said, taking Ryan’s hand. “Night then.”

“Night,” they called in unison, making her smile. Her family.

“This place really is something,” said Rachel as they ascended the dramatic sweeping staircase to the first floor, passing oil paintings, suits of armour and antiques, the old stone walls bloated with history.

“It is. I’d like to get a guidebook. I expect it has some fascinating stories,” replied Ryan.

Their room was even more impressive, the centrepiece a massive four poster bed. The latticed windows overlooked stunning gardens and beyond that the woods that blocked out the world, not a road or any traffic in sight.

“I wonder why it’s called the Blue Room?” said Rachel. “There’s nothing blue in here.”

“It was probably originally decorated in blue, or there was a blue item of furniture that’s now gone and the name stuck. That’s how rooms like this usually get their name.”

“You are so clever,” she smiled, sliding her arms around his waist.

“I have many talents,” he said, kissing her neck, pressing her back onto the bed.

“There’ll be none of that tonight Mister, I’m knackered.”

“But…”

She silenced him with a kiss. “I’m dead on my feet.”

“Fine,” he sighed, releasing her. “What happened to you always wanting me?”

“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” She stripped off her clothes and climbed under the fresh sheets. “Mmmm, lovely.”

“I know what would feel even nicer,” he said suggestively.

“Tomorrow,” she mumbled, settling into the pillows. “God this is comfy.”

Realising he wasn’t going to get anywhere he stripped off and climbed in beside her.