The Choice. Kerry Barnes

expression, but, as always, he was composed and just listened.

      ‘Okay, thanks, mate. I owe ya one. And I’ll have that five grand sent to your ol’ lady tonight. Cheers. Stay safe.’

      Mike ended the call and sighed. ‘Well, they questioned Guy and Benjamin separately. Both said that Barak was dead. He died two years ago, and he’s buried in Golders Green Jewish Cemetery.’

      Zara gritted her teeth. ‘They’re lying. Did your men use force? I mean, did—’

      Mike interrupted, slightly annoyed. ‘Zara, of course they did. Jesus, they ain’t gonna have a nice chat over a cup of tea, are they?’ He took a deep breath and sighed. ‘They knifed ’em. In fact, both of ’em are now brown bread.’

      Neil grinned. ‘Fecking good job as well.’ He turned to Zara. ‘Listen. You knew them better than us. Would they take information to the grave or would they sing like canaries?’

      Zara nodded. ‘Yeah, they were weak men, especially Benjamin. He would grass anyone to save his own arse.’ She shuddered when she pictured him. It was that satisfied grin on the man’s face as her hand was severed from her wrist. She contemplated whether she would ever get over that moment.

      It was Mike who recognized her troubled expression. He followed her eyes as she looked down at her prosthetic hand. In that second, he wanted to comfort her, but he wouldn’t because this was business and she had to be in charge.

      ‘Just to be sure, I want the cemetery checked out. Then, we’ll know. But right now, we have to assume they were telling the truth, which means that someone else broke Torvic and Tiffany out of the hangar, and I, for one, am baffled,’ said Zara.

      Shamus slowly rocked back and forth on his chair; he was tired and worried. ‘That Torvic has someone who has the guts to take us on, and by letting that bastard loose, he, whoever he is, has just got himself heavily involved. Who would have the balls?’

      Zara picked up her phone and dialled her cousin’s number, praying that he would answer. Yet, once again, it went over to answerphone. ‘They have got Josh. I can feel it. He would never ignore my calls, ever.’ She left the room, not wanting to show how upset she was.

      Neil got up to follow, but Mike grabbed his arm. ‘Leave her, mate. She needs a moment.’

      Neil had worked with Zara for five years while Mike was inside. They had a bond like a brother and sister connection, and he didn’t want Mike to think otherwise, so he stepped back. ‘Yeah, mate, you’re right.’

      He paused. ‘Mike, I love Zara, but not how you might think, yer know. She’s like me sister, that’s all.’

      Mike patted Neil’s shoulder. ‘You don’t have to explain it to me. I know you looked after my girl, and if there was anything between ya, it would ’ave happened when I was in the nick.’ He laughed.

      Neil lowered his head. ‘Good. I’ve always wanted you to know that.’

      ‘Some things don’t need explaining,’ replied Mike.

      It was so apparent to Neil why Zara was in love with Mike. He was firm and projected a persona that commanded attention. Just his gravelly voice and intimidating glare made anyone want to listen. Yet with Zara, there was a slight softness when he spoke, and his eyes were shining when he looked at her. Neil would have wanted Zara for himself, but he knew there was only one man she’d ever loved and that was Mike Regan.

      Zara came back into the room. ‘I want to go to the hangar to see if there are any clues.’

      Shamus shook his head. ‘I checked. It was as clean as a whistle.’

      ‘I’m sure you did, but I just want to go back. I know the hangar like the back of my hand. If anything is out of place, I’ll know.’

      Mike shrugged. ‘It’s your call, babe.’

      Just as she was about to speak, her phone rang. It was Bella. Quickly, she took the call and held her breath.

      ‘Zara, the hospital’s just called.’

      With the blood draining from her face, she asked, ‘Is he hurt? Or …’

      ‘No, well, yeah, he is, but the stupid man didn’t eat after he took his insulin, and I guess working late or whatever … Anyway, he forgot, and so he went into a hypo and crashed the car. The doctor reckons he’ll be okay, but he’s got a few broken ribs, concussion, and no doubt the DVLA will take his licence away this time.’

      Zara chuckled in relief. ‘Thank God.’

      ‘What do you mean, Zara? He’s in bloody hospital!’

      ‘Sorry, Bella. I just mean, thank God he’s alive.’

      ‘Well, yes, but, it’s still not a laughing matter.’

      Brought to task, Zara cleared her throat. ‘No, sorry, it’s not, but listen. Don’t worry about him not being able to drive. I’ll organize a driver for you.’

      ‘Zara, please, I’m begging you. Don’t pull my Josh into your circle. I know what you’re about, but your cousin is … well, he’s a gentle man. I … we … just want a normal life.’

      Zara fully understood. ‘Don’t worry, I promise I won’t pull him in again, rest assured. Now, listen. This is serious, Bella. I want you to take the kids and go on holiday, yeah? I’ll make sure Josh is okay.’

      Zara sensed the hesitation in Bella’s voice.

      ‘You mean it, don’t you, Zara? This isn’t a request, is it?’

      ‘No, love, it’s not. Just go today. I’ll transfer money into your account, but just go now.’

      Bella’s voice sounded sincere. ‘I will, but promise me you’ll make sure my husband’s safe?’

      ‘He’s my only remaining flesh and blood who I can call family, so you have my word.’

       Chapter 4

      Poppy and Brooke sat on either side of Liam on the plane, while Arty sat with Ricky. Arty didn’t want Ricky to feel like a gooseberry. ‘D’ya reckon you’re gonna be all right? I mean, there ain’t no chance of your brain going funny again, is there? ’Cos ya did give us a right royal fucking shock.’

      Ricky crossed his eyes and put on a funny face, making Arty laugh.

      ‘No, Art. They fixed me up. I’m as right as rain. I just can’t take another blow to the head for a while. I’ve got a plate behind my ear, and they sorted out all that water on me brain, so I’m ready for the sun.’

      Arty stared at the last of Ricky’s yellow bruises and wondered how he could be so upbeat. He’d been in a chemical coma after the vicious beating. The doctors were reluctant to say he would survive, and yet, here he was, with his round girlie eyes and his prominent dimples, smiling back at him.

      ‘You’re a lot like your father, ya know that?’

      Ricky beamed. ‘So everyone says, and if I am, then I’ll be proud of meself. I’m so glad I found me dad and you guys. It’s like I was never away all those years. I’ve still got a lot to learn, though.’

      Arty guessed what he was on about. ‘Ricky, you just take your time and let me and Liam take the lead. Any grief, and you get behind us, yeah? Because, right now, something’s going on. I’ve never heard me ol’ man so shit-scared for me. Neither has Liam for that matter. His dad’s face was so serious. The situation is tense but it’s nothing me and Liam can’t handle.’

      Ricky nodded and looked across at Liam. Chuckling away, he said, ‘He’s in his element, ain’t he?’

      Arty laughed along. ‘Like a pig in shit. That Poppy really likes him, ya know. I think she’s a bit of a geek, and they say opposites