Divided Loyalties Read Free

held out his hand.  “Superintendent Benton.  I’m investigating the attack on your son.”
    “Oh,” he replied, relaxing and shaking the man’s proffered hand.  “Richard Spencer.”
    “How is he?”
    “He’ll walk again, eventually, but they broke his spirit when they broke his legs.  He’s a shadow of what he was.”
    “Has he said who attacked him?”
    “Two masked men, that’s all he knows.  He had to write down what happened because they broke his jaw.”
    “Have you any idea who would want to hurt your son?”
    “Only nearly everyone in the city.  There was a lot of bad feeling after he knocked down that little girl.  It’s clear this is about her after what they did to his car.”
    “I think I know who the culprits are Mr Spencer.  The problem will be proving it.”
    “Who?”
    “Ever heard of the Maguire family?”
    “I know of them.  A bunch of criminals.”
    “Precisely.  Witnesses say they saw two large muscular men enter your son’s house.  Their descriptions match two of the Maguire’s heavies.”
    “What has it got to do with them?”
    “The Maguires like to do good deeds, give a lot to charity, that sort of thing, to try and make themselves look respectable.  No doubt this is all some stunt to ingratiate themselves into the local community.  Sally-Ann’s family were given twenty grand yesterday by an anonymous donor.  No doubt that was them too.”
    “I want them prosecuted,” snarled Richard, shaking with indignation.
    “Like I said, we’ve got nothing.”
    “Then why aren’t you out there finding a way to bring them down?”
    Benton regarded him thoughtfully.  “I know some people who share the same interest in the Maguires as ourselves.  You should meet them.  Between us I’m sure we can come up with a solution.”
    Richard gazed down at his son, beaten beyond all recognition.  “Alright.  I’m in.”
    Benton smiled.  He’d been after the Maguires for years, especially Rachel.  She killed his mentor and predecessor, Superintendent Jarvis, and he was more determined than ever to make her pay in whatever way he could.  Despite what the Maguires thought, The Coalition was far from finished, Davenport‘s death was just a temporary setback.  They’d been waiting in the shadows, biding their time until another powerful benefactor came along.  And he just had.
     
    Janine Wareing flew into the office of the Wherry Tavern clutching a huge bouquet of lilies.
    “Thank you,” she cried, embracing a surprised Rachel.  “Thank you for what you did to that scumbag.  Now he’ll know what my baby goes through every day.  These are for you,” she said, handing Rachel the flowers.
    “Thank you Janine, they’re lovely.  Lilies are my favourites.”
    “I know.  I just wish I could do more for you.”
    “I don’t want any reward.”
    “The Council have found us a new home too.  It’s a lovely ground floor flat in the suburbs.  It’s close to the hospital and has its own garden.  Plus they’re going to kit it all out for Sally-Ann.  You should see her little face, she’s so happy.”
    “I’m glad.”
    “That was you too, wasn’t it?  The Council didn’t want to know before and now they’re falling over themselves to help us.  I can’t find the words,” she said, eyes filling with tears.
    “There’s no need,” replied Rachel, clasping her hands. 
    “I swear if you ever need anything and it’s in my power to give it then please just ask.”
    “I couldn’t ask for more.  Get yourself off home Janine and don’t think about it again.”
    At that moment Danny entered the room and Janine grabbed his face in both hands and kissed him full on the lips.  Rachel laughed at his startled expression.
    “Thank you, you lovely man,” she grinned before leaving.
    “Who was that?” he asked Rachel.
    “Sally-Ann’s mum.  She’s very grateful.”
    “So I see.”  He closed the door, pulled Rachel to him and kissed her hard.  They