Hunted by Heather Atkinson Read Free Book Online

us.”
    Mikey smiled. “You’re right, although they might think twice now we’ve got Mark Cameron on board.”
    “I think me and you should handle this personally, really hammer the message home to back off.”
    “Sounds fun. Should we bury them?”
    Jez considered it before shaking his head. “I don’t think so. We’ve seen enough killing lately. If they disappear it’s just going to fuel the rumour mill. People are still talking about Alex’s disappearance.”
    “And all eyes are on us. You’re right, we play it subtle. A good kicking should sort the Starklaws out, bunch of fucking wanks.”
    “Joel Starklaw is a regular at Dane’s club,” said Jez.
    “Is he still letting him in after what he nearly did to you?”
    “Only because I told him to. Dane called me after he’d heard and I told him not to bar him. I thought it might come in useful and I think the time’s come. Plus it keeps Dane’s deal with us private. If he had barred the Starklaws it would have shown everyone where his loyalties lie. This way he remains neutral.”
    Mikey was once again reminded strongly of Ryan. Jez looked so relaxed and absolutely self-assured, the tilt of his head, his cool poise, everything carefully learnt from his big brother. He’d come such a long way and Mikey’s respect for his business partner was huge. He hoped it would always be that way. “Clever,” he admitted. “Do you want to call Dane or shall I?”
    “You can leave the set up to me. I owe the Starklaws a little payback after they tried to stab me in the chest.”
    “Okay. Do you want Jules in on this?”
    “No, not until we know for certain about Leighton Parker. Let’s just keep this between us, it’s safer that way.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to go, I promised Cathy I’d be home in time for dinner. She said if I wasn’t she’d punish me,” he ended with a smile.
    “I really don’t want to know what that involves.”
    “I’ll put it this way, I’m already ten minutes late,” he grinned. “See you later, cheers for the drink.”
    “No worries mate.”
    Mikey found he didn’t want Jez to leave. If he did Amber would come back with her mum and he’d be stuck feeling awkward in his own home. He couldn’t stand to have Joyce around for long, so he decided to pay his father-in-law a visit.

CHAPTER 6
     
    Ken and Joyce Sweeney had lived on the Montford Estate for years, the same rundown blot on the landscape where Ryan had been dragged up, but now they lived in a swanky bungalow just eight miles from Mikey’s home that he’d bought for them and got not one word of thanks for. Ken himself opened the front door looking dishevelled in just a white vest and brown trousers held up by braces. He was unshaved and looked miserable.
    “Come on in Mikey,” he sighed, shuffling back inside.
    Mikey followed, closing the door behind him. “Bloody hell Ken, she’s only been gone a day.”
    The once-elegant lounge was a tip. Newspapers and dirty plates were strewn everywhere, the small bin in the corner was overflowing and there was an evil smell in the air, as though something nasty had burnt.
    “I can’t manage without her,” he exclaimed. “I thought I’d give the place a clean and tidy, show her I can change. I tried to do a load of laundry but the stupid washing machine flooded the kitchen, the vacuum burst into flames when I switched it on and I slipped on the water in the kitchen and hurt my back. When I was starving hungry I put a microwave curry in to cook and I even burnt that. How do you burn something in a microwave? It’s not possible,” he screeched.
    “Look, calm down mate. Sit down and I’ll make you a brew.”
    “You can’t. I’ve knackered the kettle.”
    “How?” frowned Mikey.
    “No sodding idea,” grumbled Ken, sinking onto the couch.
    Mikey shook his head. “You can’t even make a simple brew on your own. No wonder she left you.”
    “She’s never done anything like this before,” he