The four of them walked across the road to the pub, Dean keeping a firm grip on Reggy’s arm. He didn't think he would try to run off as he was still limping, but Dean didn't want to take the chance.
‘After you,’ Carly told David, gesturing to the door.
Rolling his eyes, he shoved open the door and walked in. Dean entered next, pushing Reggy in before him. Carly kept her hand on her taser as she followed the men inside. Rather than the expected trap there were just a few people sitting at the tables or propping up the bar. The two haggard women who had been there before were still present. Carly’s stomach rolled over at the sight of their gin and tonics.
‘There he is,’ said Dean.
Sure enough, standing at the bar nursing a pint of lager and chatting to the landlord was Eric Martin. The landlord whispered something to Eric and nodded in their direction.
Eric turned to look and rolled his eyes. ‘No’ you again. What you wantin’ this time?’ His eyes widened when he saw David and a bruised and swollen Reggy. ‘Shite.’
‘Shite indeed,’ said David dourly. ‘We need to talk.’
Eric reluctantly joined them at a table in the corner.
‘What’s up with you?’ he asked Reggy. ‘Why are you limping?’
‘She twisted my baws,’ he muttered, pointing at Carly.
Eric’s eyes lit up. ‘Can I get some of that action too?’ he asked her. ‘How much do you charge?’
‘Believe me, you don’t want this done to you,’ groaned Reggy. ‘I still feel sick.’
‘So what’s this about?’ said Eric.
‘You know exactly what this is about,’ said David.
‘Actually, I don’t have a clue.’ Nervousness filled Eric’s eyes. ‘Unless it’s about… the Tallans?’
‘Bang on the money,’ said David dourly.
‘Great,’ Eric mumbled. ‘I knew this would come back to bite me on the arse.’
‘You said Reggy told you that the Tallans were a spent force and that the Alexanders were taking over,’ Dean told Eric.
Reggy’s head snapped up. ‘That’s bollocks, Eric. You were the one who told me.’
‘Shut it, you,’ Eric growled at him.
‘I won’t shut up,’ snapped Reggy. ‘You told me because you knew I ran their gym and you thought I should know.’
‘You’re gonnae tell us the truth,’ said Dean. ‘Right now.’
‘I cannae,’ replied Eric, turning pale. ‘Really, or he’ll kill me.’
‘Who?’ demanded David, leaning forward in his seat.
‘I… I cannae say. Please don’t make me,’ he said, eyes wide.
‘Carly,’ said David, eyes locked on Eric.
She reached under the table, grabbed Eric’s crotch and twisted. The entire room looked round when he shrieked with agony. Carly released him and Eric sagged forward in his seat, hands cupping his crotch while trying not to throw up.
Everyone resumed their conversations as though nothing had happened, none of them bothering to come to his aid.
‘If you don’t tell us,’ David said to Eric. ‘Then she’ll keep twisting until your baws come off.’
‘It was Neil,’ he wailed.
‘Neil Tallan?’
‘Aye, him. He ordered me to tell Reggy that Rod wanted to get rid of him when really it was the other way around. Neil thought Reggy would start spreading that rumour around because he’s a massive gobshite but for once, he kept his enormous mouth shut,’ said Eric with an accusing look at his friend. ‘Neil wants everyone to think Rod was trying to kill him to give him an excuse to get rid of his brother. Rod has some dangerous contacts and Neil doesnae want them coming after him for revenge. He wants Rod out, he’s sick of splitting everything down the middle. That’s what he says anyway. He wants it all to himself; he’s turned into a proper greedy bastard. He’s trying to clinch a big deal but his new partners don’t want Rod, they think he’s an arsehole. They told Neil he has to get rid of his brother or the deal’s off. Neil’s got no choice. It’s not personal, just business. He got me and a few others to spread the word that his own family was done. Rod set up the debt collecting side of the business. If people stopped coughing up, it would make Rod look like an idiot. Neil did that to make himself look better in the eyes of his new business partner.’
‘Who’s this new deal with?’
‘Nae idea, he’s been keeping that one very quiet but it’s someone international with links to a cartel in Amsterdam. Neil’s always wanted to break out of Scotland but Rod isn’t as fussed, he doesn’t have Neil’s ambition but he’s been willing to go along with it because it’s what his brother wants.’
‘Could his deal be with Toni McVay?’
‘You must be joking. That coo doesnae like to share with anyone.’
David’s eyes flashed. ‘Neil’s the one whose been making people disappear, isn’t he?’
‘Aye. They were people he brought in on his plan but he changed his mind when he realised they might betray him to Rod. A pal of his owns a factory and he let him dispose of their bodies in his industrial incinerator.’
David leaned forward in his seat. ‘Who killed them?’
‘Dillon Manson. He followed them around for a bit first, got to know their routines before snatching them and killing them.’
‘One of them was a relative of mine,’ thundered David.
Eric looked sheepish. ‘Sorry, pal,’ he muttered.
Carly took out her phone and showed Eric the image of the man who’d followed Jack. ‘Is that Dillon?’
‘Naw, no way. Dillon’s got long hair and he’s bulkier than that skinny prick. That guy looks like Wilson Parnell who works for Neil.’
‘Why was he following Jack?’ Carly frowned at Dean.
‘Neil was probably trying to work out if he could trust him,’ replied her cousin. ‘Jack’s still an unknown quantity.’
‘So the Alexanders are working for Neil then?’
‘Course they are.’
‘What will Neil do now?’ David asked Eric.
‘He doesnae want to get sent down for Rod’s death, so he’s gonnae force some family called the Savages to kill him and take the fall for his murder too.’
‘Do you know the Savage family?’ said David while Carly and Dean gaped at him.
‘Naw, I never heard of them.’
‘Two of them are sitting right in front of you.’
Eric stared at Carly and Dean. ‘This pair?’
‘Aye.’
‘Holy fuck,’ breathed Dean. He slammed his fist on the table. ‘This information would have been handy the first time we spoke to you.’
‘Sorry,’ said Eric with a wry smile. ‘But Neil’s way scarier than you.’
‘I’ll fucking rip you a new one,’ yelled Dean, lunging across the table at him.
‘Calm down,’ Carly told her cousin firmly. ‘We don’t have all the information we need yet.’
Dean nodded and retook his seat while glaring at Eric.
‘Why put the blame on us?’ Carly asked Eric. ‘Out of the two brothers, I much prefer Neil. We would have probably backed him if he’d asked.’
‘Which goes to show how naïve you are,’ David told her. ‘Rod’s been the one protecting your family, stopping Neil when he wanted to punish you more severely, convincing his brother to give you another chance. If it hadn’t been for Rod, you and Dean may well have ended up with broken kneecaps after botching that collection.’
‘Oh,’ said Carly. ‘I’d no idea.’
‘Neil has been getting increasingly impatient with his brother for a while now, but I’m still surprised he’s gone this far.’
‘Who got shot at the bistro Neil goes to?’ David asked Eric.
‘A good friend of Neil’s. He’s trying to frame Rod for the shooting to give him an excuse to get rid of him.’
Carly turned to Eric, barely managing to restrain her panic. ‘Rod and Neil are at my home right now with my family. Why are they there?’
A knowing dawned in Eric’s eyes that none of them liked.
‘You two are Carly and Dean, aren’t you?’ he said.
They both nodded.
‘Neil was gonnae arrange to have you two kidnapped by the Alexanders to force the rest of your family to kill Rod. Judging by the fact that you’re both here it failed.’
‘What will he do now?’
‘I don’t know but Neil always has a back-up plan.’ He leaned forward in his seat, gaze boring into Carly. ‘Always.’
She glanced at an equally stunned Dean before tearing her phone out of her pocket and calling Jane.
* * *
All was quiet and tense in the Savage flat. Jane, Harry and Eddie sat on one side of the kitchen table, Rod and Neil on the other. No one spoke, although Rod had tried to a couple of times but he’d been silenced by a warning look from his brother. For the first time, the Savages clearly saw that this was no equal partnership. Neil was definitely the dominant one.
The sound of Jane’s mobile phone ringing was a little shocking and she hurried to answer it before Neil could tell her not to because, judging by the look on his face, he wasn’t happy about her receiving a call.
‘Who is it?’ he demanded.
‘Carly,’ she replied, pressing the answer button and putting the phone to her ear before he could object. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Fine,’ replied her sister’s voice. ‘Are you?’
‘Aye. It’s all quiet here.’
‘Thank God. Listen, you can’t react to what I’m about to say. Just make out like everything’s normal, okay?’
‘Understood,’ Jane replied calmly.
Jane had to admit to herself that it was a struggle not to react to what her sister told her. It was even more of an effort not to glance Neil’s way.
‘You have to get out,’ said Carly. ‘Don’t listen to Neil. We’re on our way.’
‘Okay, no problem,’ Jane replied casually. ‘See you soon.’
Jane hung up and took a breath before regarding the table, attempting to form what she had to say clearly in her mind. ‘Thankfully, they’re fine,’ she said. ‘David chased them for a bit but they managed to escape. They flagged down a passing taxi and are on their way here but they’re taking the long way round just to make sure they’re not followed.’
‘That’s a relief,’ breathed Harry. ‘I’ve been so worried about them.’
‘Me too. I’ll just go and check on Da’, he’s been quiet for a while.’
Jane glanced at her uncle and cousin and tried to convey to them that something was wrong but she wasn’t sure the message had been received.
Jane was very conscious of Neil watching her as she left. She wandered down the hallway and knocked on Alec’s door. ‘Are you awake, Da’?’
She pushed the door open wider, walked inside and closed it behind her. Her father was asleep on the bed. Thankfully she hadn’t disturbed him. How she wished he was already in the care home and wasn’t caught up in this mess. What the hell were they going to do? They couldn’t run away and leave him here. The only option was to get the Tallans out.
Jane took out her phone and started typing a text message to Jennifer. She hadn’t told the Bitches to go home as Neil had ordered her to, thank God. What he’d said hadn’t felt right, so she’d told them to stay close instead. Perhaps Jessica had got to a couple of the girls but she knew the majority couldn’t stand the woman, so no way would they allow her to lead them. What she and her family needed was some of the usual mayhem her girls were great at causing.
After typing out her order, she pressed send knowing it would be followed to the letter. Now all she had to do was wait.
She looked to her father and smiled, finding the sight of him sleeping so peacefully reassuring.
‘They won’t lay a finger on you, Da’,’ she whispered. ‘I promise.’
To her surprise, his eyes fluttered open. ‘What’s going on?’ he said more clearly than she’d heard him speak in weeks.
‘Nothing,’ she replied, finding it difficult to lie because he’d surprised her so much.
‘Don’t… lie,’ he breathed, producing his handkerchief from under the pillow and pressing it to his mouth.
‘It’s all okay,’ she said. ‘You don’t need to worry.’
He had to swallow before continuing. ‘Who… is here?’
Jane knew she couldn’t deny they had visitors. Obviously he’d heard their voices. ‘The Tallan brothers,’ she whispered.
Alec sighed heavily. ‘You’re working for them…’ He grunted with frustration when he had to dab his lips and swallow again. ‘Aren’t you?’
Jane nodded.
His gaze hardened. ‘Eddie did this.’
‘Don’t blame him, Da’. We knew what we were getting into.’
‘Are you in danger?’
‘Neil is gonnae kill his brother and set us up for it. We have to leave.’
‘Who else is here?’
‘Just Eddie and Harry. Rose is at school and she’s been told to go to her friend’s house after. Carly and Dean are out.’
‘Leave me.’
‘No way.’
‘I’ll be fine. They’re no’ interested in me.’
‘It’s not an option. Besides, the Bitches are helping us.’ Her father already knew she was back running the Bitches. At least she hadn’t lied to him about that. ‘Rod and Neil will be the ones leaving.’
‘Neil has people working for him and they will come here. Just get out.’
‘No.’
He huffed with frustration. ‘So stubborn.’
‘Because I take after you. We’re going nowhere without you.’
‘Fine, then take me and leave me somewhere. Just go. Please.’
Jane smiled at the sound of grinding metal from outside. ‘No need. The girls have things in hand. Back in a minute, Da’.’
She got to her feet, hurried out of the room, down the hall and into her own bedroom that looked out over the front street. Sure enough, there were seven of the Bitches, led by Jennifer, attacking the Tallans’ black Mercedes. They were actually prying off some of the bodywork with crowbars. They’d left the windows and tyres alone, as she’d instructed. After all, how could they leave in their car if they couldn’t drive it?
Jane pushed open the window and the girls turned to give her a cheery wave. She waved back then raised her thumb, indicating they’d done their work and could go but to stay close.
The women nodded and raced off. Once they were out of sight, Jane closed the window and hurried back into the kitchen.
‘I heard a noise and saw some kids vandalising your car,’ she told the brothers. ‘They’ve made a hell of a mess.’
‘Wee bastards,’ exclaimed Rod, leaping to his feet and rushing out of the room.
‘How bad is the damage?’ Neil asked her.
‘Pretty bad. You’re better taking a look for yourself.’
Neil gave her another of his scrutinising looks before following his brother out.
‘Listen,’ she whispered to Harry and Eddie when they’d gone. ‘Carly told me that Neil’s going to kill Rod in order to seal a brand-new deal he’s making and he’s going to force us to do it by kidnapping Dean and Carly and using them as hostages. We have to get out.’
They gaped at her in astonishment.
‘Oh, and Da’s awake and knows that we’re working for the Tallans.’
‘Holy shite,’ exclaimed Eddie. ‘First of all, let’s lock the bastards out.’
‘What about Rod?’ said Jane.
‘Who cares?’
‘He’s the only one capable of sorting out his brother. We need him. We can’t let Neil win.’
‘Aye, all right,’ he said reluctantly.
‘Who are you calling?’ Harry asked him when he produced his phone.
‘Peanut. Aye, all right, pal,’ he said when his friend answered. ‘Get round here, pronto. The shite just hit the fan. Oh, bugger. Just do your best, okay?’ He hung up and looked to his son and niece. ‘Peanut’s visiting his maw, who lives in Gourock, so it’ll take him a bit of time to get here. Right, you two, follow my lead.’
The three of them rushed down the hall to the front door, which was standing open. Rod and Neil were studying the mangled car, the latter swearing loudly and gesturing to it.
‘Harry, with me,’ said Eddie. ‘Jane, wait here. The moment we’re back inside, lock the door behind us.’
They nodded in understanding.
Eddie strode outside and up to the brothers, followed by his son.
‘Hey, what’s that?’ he exclaimed, pointing down the street.
When the brothers turned to look, Eddie grabbed Rod and began dragging him back down the path with Harry’s help.
‘What the hell are you doing?’ demanded Rod, struggling to free himself but Eddie and Harry held him too tightly.
‘Saving your life,’ Eddie told him. ‘Trust us.’
‘Get the fuck off me,’ he yelled.
‘Let my brother go,’ exclaimed Neil, charging towards them.
Eddie and Harry hauled Rod inside and Jane closed and locked the door.
‘Rod,’ yelled Neil, banging on the door.
‘Get the fuck off me,’ snarled Rod, tearing himself free of their grip. ‘You’re both dead, do you know that? No one treats me like this.’
‘Shut up and listen,’ Eddie told him. ‘Neil’s gonnae kill you.’
‘Don’t be ridiculous.’
‘It’s true,’ said Jane. ‘Your brother’s made a new deal with someone but they don’t want you. If he doesn’t kill you, then he doesn’t get his deal.’
‘I don’t believe it. Neil would never do that to me.’
They all looked to the door when the hammering increased in noise and vigour.
‘Rod, are you okay in there?’ called Neil.
‘I’m fine,’ he yelled before looking back at the Savages. ‘Who is his deal with?’
‘We don’t have that information.’
‘Have you got any proof?’
‘This is what Eric Martin told Carly and Dean.’
‘Eric Martin? You cannae trust a word that prick says.’
‘I think the best idea is to get out of here and then decide what we’re gonnae do,’ said Eddie. ‘We can go out the back.’
‘Wait,’ exclaimed Rod, holding up his hands. ‘Just let me think.’
They all regarded him expectantly as he began to pace the hallway and run his hand frantically through his hair. ‘You’ve only the word of a known liar for any of this.’
‘Your brother made a deal with the Alexanders. They’re to kidnap Carly and Dean and use them to force us to kill you.’
When Rod reached into his inner jacket pocket, Harry grabbed his arm and held it, allowing his father to snatch the gun secreted there.
‘Why are you carrying this?’ demanded Eddie.
‘For protection with all the people going missing.’
‘And if you’d got stopped by the polis?’
‘Me and Neil don’t get stopped by the polis any more.’
Eddie stared at the gun. He held in his hand the means to kill Rod and get on Neil’s good side. If they performed this service for him, they’d be in and the Alexanders would be out.
‘Da,’ said Harry with warning in his voice. He knew exactly what he was thinking.
Eddie recalled Carly’s words: Is that the path we want our family to go down? Not even he, despite his huge ambition, could murder a man in cold blood in front of his son and niece with his sick brother just down the hall. Besides, he would end up implicating his entire family. He’d already got them into this mess and he refused to get them in even deeper.
Instead, he pocketed the gun. ‘We need to get out of here. Jane, get Alec ready to move.’
She nodded and rushed into her father’s room.
‘What are you going to do?’ Rod asked him suspiciously.
‘We’re gonnae save your life.’