‘Did you think it was that easy?’ Lenny said. ‘You thought you were going to ride off into the sunset, just like that?’
‘What do you want, Lenny?’ Ruby said, stepping back as she allowed him inside. She did not want to spend any more time in her old flat than she had to and, gathering up the last of her things, she was just about ready to leave.
‘I heard you’re moving in with my brother. Setting up home, are we?’
‘You heard wrong. Now, if you’ll get out of my way, I’ve got things to do.’
Lenny blew out his cheeks and shoved his hands deep into his coat pockets. He was suited up today, somewhat overdressed for a visit to her old address. ‘You can’t leave until you settle your debts.’
‘I’m paid up until the end of the month.’
Lenny smirked. ‘I’m not talking about the rent. Did you think I was giving you Mandy’s address out of the kindness of my heart?’ he tutted. ‘You should know by now that my favours don’t come for free.’
Ruby frowned, her voice rising an octave. ‘I helped you; I put my neck on the line to put Nathan in the clear.’
‘Not true. He was already in the clear before I gave you Mandy’s address. Not that you had the courtesy to update me. Oh come on, did you really think I didn’t know about that?’
Ruby frowned, her heart plummeting in her chest. To be indebted to Lenny Crosby was not a good situation to be in. ‘You never said. . .’
‘I didn’t need to. You know the code of practice. Did you think you were exempt?’
‘I was clearing up your mess. You started all this by advising him to throw acid in Tanner’s face.’
‘Such slander. I don’t think Nathan would like to hear you talk about the family like that, do you?’
‘Whatever. Tanner’s on remand in prison. It’s over.’
‘He’s in the morgue,’ Lenny said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
Ruby picked up her coat from the back of her chair and shrugged it on. Every second in this flat was tainted. She wanted to move on, but Lenny would not let her go. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘Haven’t you heard? He hung himself in his cell about. . .’ He pulled back his shirt-sleeve and checked his designer watch. ‘Oh, about ten minutes ago… nasty business, that. Still, as you say, it’s over now. He won’t be troubling us again, and you don’t have to worry about any awkward questions in court.’ Silence fell between them as the implication of his words became clear. He leant against the chair, blocking her movement. ‘Do you still have it?’
‘Have what?’ Ruby said, her blood running cold.
‘The shooter.’
She shook her head – she had taken Downes’s advice and disposed of the gun the next day.
Lenny gave a slow nod, making it clear he was enjoying every second of this game of cat and mouse. ‘So, about this debt… I’m just kidding. You did a good job.’ His face broke into a vicious smile. ‘Don’t want to spoil the housewarming, now, do I? How’s your mum, by the way?’
‘She’s fine.’ Ruby swallowed.
‘Ah, good. Sorry I haven’t been in to visit. I don’t like those places. Care homes, prisons, they’re pretty much the same to me. Know what I mean?’
Ruby nodded. She knew exactly what he meant. If he could get to Doctor Tanner in prison, then he could get to her mother just as easily. He was putting on the squeeze so he could use her in the future. He could try all he wanted. Helping Nathan was a one-off, she wasn’t for sale.
‘Great! Well, enjoy the move.’ The words trailed behind him as he walked away.
Ruby closed the door behind him, her hands shaking as she fumbled with the lock. She did not need to check with the prison to see what fate had befallen the doctor. Tanner was the last person she was worried about. Her thoughts were focused on the veiled threats made against her mother. She should have known that Lenny would try to gain control now that her relationship with Nathan was restored. They had a future together. She would make it work. As she gathered up the last of her belongings, she decided on one thing: she would not allow Lenny’s interference to blight her relationship with Nathan. Whatever came her way, she would sort it out on her own.