Shattered (Dividing Line #5) by Heather Atkinson Read Free Book Online Page B

tailing that dick for?” said Frankie.
    “We want to find out if Alex has any more brothels,” replied Ryan. “We’re going to destroy his income. We need to weaken him financially. His men will soon desert him when they know he’s potless. You can be a big part of that too Frankie.”
    “How?”
    “Break off your deal with him.”
    His eyes bulged. “Are you fucking mental? That brings in a fortune.”
    “Let me finish. Break off with Alex and strike up a fresh deal with Mikey instead.”
    “But he’s just a wean.”
    “A what?” frowned Mikey.
    “A fucking kid. You’re not up to running an operation on that scale.”
    “I hate to tell you this Frankie but I’ve been running it for the past year. Alex hasn’t given a fuck about it, except for the profit.”
    “Whatever. I don’t trust you to do it.” Frankie’s eyes settled on Ryan. “But I’d trust you.”
    Mikey and Jez glanced at each other nervously.
    Ryan’s face turned so hard he looked like a statue. “Excuse me?”
    “If you want my back up you and Rachel will take over when Alex is gone.”
    “We’re out of the business and we’re not getting back in,” said Ryan, voice devoid of emotion.
    “Then why should I help you when I get nothing out of it? I might throw my weight behind Liverpool instead, they’ve been after your patch for years. My help might tip the scales in their favour.” Frankie looked pointedly at Jez. “You wouldn’t stand a fucking chance.”
    Ryan felt the situation spinning out of control. Frankie was threatening all their lives - including Rachel’s and his little brother’s - if he didn’t agree. He’d no choice, he had to keep him sweet and hope he could persuade him otherwise later, or maybe Mikey would prove himself to him.
    “Alright,” he muttered, planting his hands on his hips. The perfect life he’d enjoyed before Alex had ripped it apart and trampled on the pieces was all a distant dream, one it seemed he was never going to get back.
    “Fucking fantastic Pal. Welcome back,” said Frankie, holding out his hand.
    Ryan shook it, wanting to rip the appendage off and beat him to death with it but for now he’d reign himself in. Unfortunately he needed Frankie. He threw a warning glance at Mikey, telling him not to get pissed off and he gave him a small nod in response.
    “You need to meet with Dane Black,” Jez told his brother. “We need someone to counteract Lucifer’s Shadow.”
    “What the frig is Lucifer’s Shadow?” said Frankie. “Sounds like one of those wanky computer games those sad gleekit fannies play.”
    “They’re a motorcycle club,” said an impatient Ryan. “Alex is using them as muscle and they’re nasty bastards. Dane Black, president of their rivals the Angel’s Wrath MC, owes me a big favour. If we can get him onside we can counteract Lucifer’s Shadow.”
    “Lucifer’s Shadow, Angel’s Wrath,” sneered Frankie. “Sounds fucking gay.”
    “Well they’re not and I recommend you show them some respect. Dane may go in for theatrics but he’s an astute businessman and a very useful ally.” In all the fuss Ryan realised he’d forgotten to speak to Riley about his relationship with Lucifer’s Shadow and made a mental note to ask him about it as soon as possible. “So this is what we’re going to do. We grab Gavin Sugar ASAP and find out what he knows. Then we get Dane Black onside and find Sabine.”
    “Who in the name of holy fuck is Sabine?” cried Frankie, throwing his hands in the air.
    “You don’t need to be concerned with that, it’s something I’ve promised to do for Rachel but I need Gavin Sugar first.” He turned his back on Frankie, sick of the sight of him. “Riley, a word please.”
    “I don’t want anyone sneaking off and whispering in corners,” said Frankie.
    “This is a personal matter and nothing to do with you,” said Ryan.
    Frankie’s eyes narrowed and sharpened. “You’d better start bucking up your ideas if we’re