Face in the Frame (26 page)

“Thorne killed him, he must have manipulated him until he snapped.”

“We can’t prove that. All we can do is wait until Cass wakes up and hopefully she’ll nail him to the wall for us.”

“I’m going with her,” he said, lunging after her stretcher, puzzled when his knees went weak.

“Brodie,” said Pete, rushing to his side. “Jesus, you’re bleeding.”

“He got me with the scalpel,” he replied, rolling up his t-shirt, surprised by the amount of blood. “Bastard got me deeper than I realised.”

“I’ll drive you to the hospital.”

“Could you take that pair too?” he said, gesturing to Ross hobbling around on one foot and Christian sitting on the floor, bleeding from the forehead.

“Jeezo, I’m not a bloody ambulance service.” He sighed wearily. “Alright, come on then. I want you all where I can keep an eye on you.”

Brodie looked through the glass in the door of Cass’s room, his heart breaking at the sight of her quietly crying. When he knocked she hastily wiped away her tears.

“Come in.” She beamed when he walked in. “I was hoping to see you. I want to say thanks.”

“You’re welcome hen,” he smiled, perching on the edge of her bed, trying not to wince as he tugged at the stitches in his side. Another scar to join the one the Judas bastard John Lyons had given him. “What did the doctor say?”

“I’ve had twelve stitches in my jaw and they want to keep me in overnight because they don’t know what Lucas doped me with. I just want to leave, I hate hospitals.”

“Don’t be daft hen. Do as they say, don’t take any chances.”

“I’m staying put. At least there are other people here. I couldn’t stand going back to my empty flat just yet.” She grasped his hand. “You came back for me, even after we fell out.”

“Of course I did, you’re one of my best friends.”

“I am?”

“Yeah, I thought you knew that.”

“You were so distant when I said I was leaving for London. I thought you didn’t care.”

“You know me sweetheart, keep it all in, stiff upper lip and all that shite. I never wanted you to go. I just didn’t want to make it any harder on you.”

“That’s so nice,” she said before bursting into tears. “Sorry,” she added, wiping them away.

“It’s alright. You’ve been through a lot.”

“I’ve been such an idiot. You tried to warn me and I wouldn’t listen. I swear I will never again doubt your gut. I never have before so why did I this time?” she exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air.

“Because you fell in love.”

“I was blinded by it you mean. Lucas was going to cut my face off while I was still alive.” She screwed her eyes shut and shook her head, squeezing tears down her cheeks. “I can’t believe it.”

“He’s one sick bastard.”

“I should have seen it. You think after all this time working for you I would have learnt to spot a psycho by now. Sorry, I didn’t mean you’re a psycho, I mean we encounter them on a daily basis.”

“Wood for the trees hen. You were too close to see it. Even
I
thought I’d got it wrong. He was very convincing.”

“He’s scarred me. The doctor said the cut was very neat, actually practised was the exact word he used but I’ll always be left with a mark, just to make sure I can never forget the bastard.”

“Isn’t there make-up and stuff you can wear to hide it?”

“That’s not the point. I’ll know it’s there, all the time. He said he wanted me all to himself and now he’s done it. He will always be with me.” she said with a shudder.

“Did he admit anything to you?”

“You mean did he admit to cutting people’s faces off and putting them up in his exhibition?”

Brodie nodded, on tenterhooks.

“When I realised what he was going to do I asked him if he was going to put my face in his exhibition and he said no, I was to be kept for his eyes only. He implied he’d done it before, although he didn’t come straight out with it.”

Acute rage gripped Brodie. In that moment he understood how Ricky had sawn their dad’s head off. If Lucas Thorne had been standing in front of him right then he would have done the same to him. “His attack on you gives Pete all the excuse he needs to tear apart his premises. Maybe he’ll find something to prove what he’s been doing?”

“I heard what happened to the exhibition and I’ve been thinking, Lucas had a special computer system that controlled the faces and their voices in his flat. He was able to change the tone, accent, even the sex of his voice with that equipment.”

“I thought actors did the voices?”

“That’s what he wanted everyone to think, it’s what he told me at first, until he showed me that system. I bet he spoke to the poor bugger who got burned to death through that, probably drove him crazy. He’s so convincing,” she ended miserably.

“Pete will find something then he’ll be locked up for life. He’s going down anyway for what he did to you.”

“But that’s only an assault. With his contacts and influence he won’t serve long. Then he’ll be out.”

“We won’t let that happen.”

She could hold back the tears no longer, so she let them flow freely. “I really loved him Brodie,” she sobbed.

He held her to him, all thoughts of confessing how he truly felt about her withering away. She was in no shape to hear it, not after being scarred inside and out by that bastard. He would have to resign himself to being just friends with her. After almost losing her that was enough. “I know sweetheart, I know.”

“I love a monster. Even after what he did to me, part of me still loves him.”

“Course you do,” he replied, gently rubbing her back, enjoying the contact and at the same time dismayed that this was as close as he was ever going to get. “You can’t turn that sort of stuff off and on like a tap. It doesn’t make you a bad person.”

“It makes me a fecking idiot.”

“No, not at all.”

“I’m off men for life. I’m going to become a nun.”

This disheartened him even more. “Don’t be so hasty. You’ll get over this and put it behind you and things won’t seem so bad.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Of course I am. I’m never wrong.”

“I won’t forget it again. I’m sorry.”

“No worries hen. Now, when you get out of here you are going to take a nice wee holiday and get yourself together then you’re going to come back to work all bright eyed and bushy tailed.”

“I still have my job then?”

“Course you do. Jeezo, do you think I could run that place with just Christian and Ross? I’d be out of business in six months.”

“Thank you. I don’t deserve this after what I said to you,” she said, breaking into fresh tears.

“Hey, it’s alright now. You’re safe,” he said softly, cradling her to him. “Remember, he’s a prick.”

Cass started to laugh through her tears.

“Do you want me to call your parents?” Inwardly he cursed himself when her laughter abruptly stopped.

“No.”

“You sure? The media’s going to love this when it gets out, Lucas Thorne is famous.”

“I’ll tell them, I’m just not up to it yet.”

“Okay hen. Want me to pick you up when they finally let you out of this hole?”

“That would be great.” She grasped his hand, sending his temperature soaring. “I really don’t know what I’d do without you, I was mad to even consider moving to London. Oh hell,” she added, burying her face in her hands when the tears started again.

“It’s okay hen,” he said, pulling her back into his arms and rocking her. “It’s okay.”

CHAPTER 24

Caesar was waiting for Brodie outside the hospital doors.

“Oh for fuck’s sake, not now,” snapped Brodie. “I’ve had a shitter of a day.”

“So I’ve heard but the boss wants to see you.”

“Tell her I’ve got to go home and wash my hair.”

“You’ll want to hear what she has to say. It’s about John Lyons.”

Brodie froze. “The Judas bastard?”

Caesar nodded. “The Judas bastard.”

“You still standing there? Let’s go.”

For the first time in their acquaintance Brodie ran headlong into Toni’s office rather than being reluctantly urged in by Caesar. In contrast to his last visit, Toni wore a smart cream business suit, although her blouse was unbuttoned low enough to reveal plenty of cleavage. Her hair was held back in a neat twist and she sported minimal make-up. Today she was playing the smart businesswoman.

Toni smiled up at him from behind her desk. “I thought that would have you come running.”

“You mean you used Lyons as a ploy to get me here? Well let me tell you doll if you did then you’ve made a big mistake because I’ve had a really shitty day. So stop arsing about and tell me,” he yelled, slamming a fist down on the desk.

Toni looked down at his hand and smiled. “I like your hands Brodie. They’re so big and powerful. I wonder what they’d look like with no fingers.”

The sweetness with which she spoke made the threat even more chilling and he hastily retracted his hand.

“That’s better,” she said. “There’s no need for rudeness. Now please sit. First I wish to hear how dear little Cassandra is after her ordeal.”

Brodie knew Toni would tell him nothing about John Lyons until he’d told her what she wanted to know, so he sighed and threw himself into the chair opposite her desk while Caesar took up guard position by the door. “She’s not good to be honest. Thorne tried to cut off her face.”

This shocked even Toni. “He did what?”

“He tried to cut off her face,” he repeated louder, as though she were deaf. “Luckily me and the boys got to her in time so he only managed to give her a cut along her jaw, but she’s been left scarred.”

“Why would he want to cut off her face?”

“Because he’s a loon who likes cutting people’s faces off and sticking them up in his exhibition.”

“Is this some sort of joke?”

“Nope. Lucas Thorne is a serial killer.”

“I wondered why I felt so drawn to his work,” said Toni thoughtfully.

“Yeah, that explains it,” he said sardonically. “But of course I can’t prove it.”

“Has he been arrested?”

“He has for the assault on Cass, not for being a serial killer. Some mad security guard at the museum burnt his exhibition to the ground. Unless the polis find something on one of his properties then there’s no evidence, except Cass’s statement that he confessed to her.”

“So the serial killer might get away with it?”

“Not if I can help it.”

“You have another quest. Good for you.”

“Anyway…Lyons?” he said, shifting impatiently in his seat.

“Oh yes. He’s been seen.”

When she went silent he barked, “are you gonnae share or did you just bring me down here for a bit of torture?”

“As tempting as that thought is, no. But before I tell you I want some information.”

“I should have known there’d be a catch. About what?”

“Who’s helping Big Malc?”

Brodie cracked a humourless grin. “Haven’t you worked it out yet?”

“I have my suspicions,” she said haughtily.

“And you’d like me to confirm them.” He turned in his seat to glance at Caesar, enjoying how Toni’s eyes widened. “It’s obvious. It’s Uncle Tam, but you already knew that.”

Solemnly she nodded. “I did. It was the only way to explain his reluctance about killing Malc. Anyone else and they would be six feet under by now.”

“That’s why you sent me along with him, to see what went on?”

She nodded. “If I’d sent Tam alone, which he wanted to do, he and that fucking big melon-headed bastard would have been laughing their arses off at me. That way they had to put on a wee show for you.”

“They were convincing. I really thought Malc was going to piss his pants, unless he thought Tam had changed sides.”

“Maybe,” she said, eyes darkening, manicured fingers curling into talons.

“Great. Now we’ve got that worked out perhaps you can tell me where Lyons is?”

“Oh yes,” she replied, coming out of her violent fantasies against Uncle Tam. “He was in Lerwick.”

“Lerwick?”

“It’s in the Shetlands.”

“I know where bloody Lerwick is. What I mean is what do you mean by was?”

“He was there for a few days then he left.” She pulled some photographs out of a drawer and tossed them onto the desk.

Brodie snatched them up, brow furrowing at the sight of his nemesis’s fat pudding face. “What was the bastard doing there?”

“Who knows? And to be honest, I couldn’t give a flying fuck,” hissed Toni. “Tam, the treacherous bawbag.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Whatever it is, it’ll be painful. He was always unsure about a woman running the family.”

“Why didn’t he take control himself?”

“Because I had too many supporters. I saw the way it was going, I knew Frankie would piss off the wrong person one day with his enormous gob, so I made alliances and bided my time. When someone did permanently shut his trap for him I was ready. But there are some in the family who don’t like being told what to do by a woman.”

“I’ve no problem with it,” said Caesar from the back of the room with a smile.

This comment encouraged Toni to smile back. “Caesar enjoys my discipline, don’t you baby?”

“Urgh,” said Brodie. “It’s lucky I’ve not eaten yet.” He got to his feet, scooping up the photos. “Ta for these.”

Toni arched a disdainful eyebrow. “I’ve not been given anything in return yet.”

“I’m sure Caesar will see to that the moment I’m gone.”

“He certainly will but I want payment from you.”

“I confirmed Tam’s a treacherous bastard for you.”

“Poor recompense for sending one of my men all the way to Lerwick.” She crossed her long legs, sending her skirt riding up her thighs. “I need more.”

“I haven’t got anymore and right now I’ve got a lot on my plate so I’ll be off…” He sighed and hung his head when he turned to see Caesar blocking his exit, gun in hand. “This is getting ridiculous. I don’t work for you.”

“You could if you wanted to,” said Toni. “You’d be an asset to my crew, which is what makes me reluctant to kill you, although I know Caesar would love it if I gave the order.”

“Aye I would,” he said with an evil smile, brandishing the gun.

“I’ll remember that next time it’s your birthday Caesar,” said Toni.

“I’m an ex-polis for fuck’s sake,” exclaimed Brodie. “I’ve still got close ties to them. You’re playing with fire Toni.”

“Yes and it excites me,” she purred. “And things are about to get even more exciting. I’m going to be playing hostess to some very special guests.”

“You got the Queen coming?” he sneered.

“I don’t think Jez and Mikey would take kindly to being referred to like that.”

“Are you serious? You’re inviting the Maguires and Laws up here and you’re actually telling me about it?”

“I thought you might like the warning.”

“If you think I’m getting involved with them as well as you then you’re off your fucking heid.”

“So I’ve been told but it’s happening.”

“What’s to stop me from going straight to Pete with this?”

She shrugged. “Tell him, see if I care. The Manc police have been after Mikey and Jez for ages and got nothing. They don’t even have criminal records. They’re two legitimate businessmen coming up to Glasgow to talk over a business deal.”

“What deal?”

“The factory I’m considering buying where we had our late-night chat. Of course they don’t know they’re coming up here yet but they will, they owe me. What’s so wrong with that?”

“We both know you’re using them to flex your muscles and to show Uncle Tam and Malc what big tough friends you have. Jesus, is it really necessary?”

“Yes because this is about more than just me, Tam and Malc.”

“It’s the whole family isn’t it? Half for you and half for Tam? You’re fighting your own uncle for control.”

“Bingo Brodie. I always said you were intelligent, despite the rumours. This is happening and you’d better choose a side.”

“Why? It’s sod all to do with me.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You’re well in with the underworld of this city. I’m doing you a favour giving you an advanced warning.”

“Alright, I appreciate that but I’m not getting involved in this, I’m not a criminal.”

“Aren’t you? Don’t think I don’t know about all your dodgy off the books business, all the people you’ve roughed up and hospitalised. If all that came tumbling out you’d be ruined and Pete McLaren’s career would be in tatters. He’s abetted you in most of that.”

“You’re really starting to annoy me Toni,” he frowned.

“And you are on my last nerve.” She leaned forward in her seat, gaze imperious. “Be warned. Now you may go,” she added with a dismissive wave.

“Oh thanks a bloody bunch,” he muttered, striding to the door. “You going to get out of my way?” he snapped at Caesar.

Caesar did, but he was smirking while he did it.

Brodie didn’t go straight home, despite how late it was getting. Instead he tramped the streets to mull things over. It had been a crappy day, he’d almost lost Cass, but he was also delighted because she was staying put. She might have been put off men for life but at least he’d get to see her every day. He was starting to resign himself to the fact that being her friend was the best he was ever going to get. Intermittently he kept calling Pete but he never answered, his phone just ringing out. Brodie got the feeling he was avoiding him until he had something to tell, it would take time to search Thorne’s premises. Brodie prayed they turned up something because he wouldn’t be able to bear it if that bastard escaped justice, it would burn him up.

He ambled back to the office, wondering what to do with himself. He paused for a moment to regard the spot where Fred and Robbie had been, which was still empty, wondering if it would ever be occupied again.

To his surprise, Pete was waiting for him at his office door.

“That wee nob from upstairs keeps peeking down at me,” was the first thing Pete said, nodding his head up the stairs.

Brodie looked up to see a small face peering down at him. “Cooee,” he called, giving Roger a camp wave.

“I might have known that dodgy article would be a friend of yours,” sniffed Roger, indicating Pete.

“Who are you calling dodgy?” Pete snapped back at him. “I’m a detective inspector.”

The small face paled. “Oh, I do apologise, it’s just that you look…you know…with your hair and everything.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” boomed Pete while Brodie sniggered.

“Ignore the fanny bawz,” said Brodie, taking Pete by the arm and pulling him into his office. “What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were on the Thorne case?”

“They’ve handed it over to DI King, the prick.”

“Aye he is a prick. Why? You’re much better than he is.”

“Because apparently I’m too close to it, seeing how Cass is the victim and I’m friends with her.”

“That’s a stupid reason.”

“They’re taking no chances, Thorne’s got a real hotshot slippery arsed lawyer, so DI Dickhead’s in charge and I was told to bugger off, so there you go. Fancy getting tanked?”

“I’ve got to pick Cass up tomorrow morning from the hospital.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t try to lure you back to my place when you’ve had too much to drink.”

“I mean I want to be fresh, she needs me.”

“Oh Christ, here we go.”

“What do you mean?” frowned Brodie.

“Your crush is going to be worse than ever. After rescuing her you’re going to see yourself as her knight in shining armour.”

“I’m not. We’re just friends. The last thing she wants right now is anything to do with men. She said she might become a nun.”

“That’ll change once she’s got over Thorne. Come on, let’s go out and get steamin’. Maybe we can find you a nice wee woman while we’re at it.”

“Don’t you dare start matchmaking again you prick. The last time you tried you set me up with someone’s granny.”

“She didn’t look like a granny.”

“Not to you because you had your beer goggles on. Jeezo Pete, she had a zimmer frame.”

“That wasn’t a zimmer, it was one of those shopping bag things on wheels.”

“No it wasn’t.”

“It wasn’t?”