Bane (Memphis #1) Read online

  MEMPHIS

  BOOK 1

  BANE

  D H Sidebottom

  Bane

  Memphis, #1

  By

  D H Sidebottom

  Copyright © 2017

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to actual places, incidents and persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2017 D H Sidebottom. Please do not copy, alter or redistribute this book.

  Please secure author’s permission before sharing any extracts of this book.

  Prologue

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-one

  Twenty-two

  Twenty-three

  Twenty-four

  Twenty-five

  Twenty-six

  Twenty-seven

  Twenty-eight

  Twenty-nine

  Thirty

  Thirty-one

  Epilogue

  Out now

  Prologue

  Rik

  Aged 15

  The heat was stifling for so late in the day, the late Indian summer that had every person in Britain praying for an early winter was beating down on my bare back. I could feel my skin crisping under the strictness of its blistering rays, the intensity of it turning the sweat on my skin to steam before it had a chance to trickle down under the waistband of my shorts.

  Me and Esther had slipped down to the brook that curved around the south of her family’s estate, desperate for a dip in its cool water. The brook was out of bounds, but Esther being Esther had grabbed my hand and pulled me behind her as she giggled all the way down. I couldn’t deny her, I never could. She was my best friend; she had been for over five years. Since she had ran into me on her shiny new skateboard – the one she had stolen from Ben, the school bully, after he had teased her. She couldn’t slow down, her tiny body careering round the corner and her stiff shout of ‘Get out of the way!’ not much of a warning since she had already rammed me off my feet.

  I knew her parents didn’t approve of our friendship, and not just because I was three years older than her. I was from the shitty end of town, the side where no fucker dared to enter after the sun went down – or while the sun was up for that matter.

  Esther lived in a house larger than the whole of my rundown estate, the damp and dirty flat I shared with my mum a place where even I forbade Esther to enter.

  She sulked, of course, when I had gotten angry with her the one time she had knocked on my door. I had grabbed her hand and hauled her ass all the way back home. ‘But I don’t care where you live, Rik,’ she had argued when I’d ripped into her all the way back. ‘You know it doesn’t matter to me.’

  I knew it didn’t matter to her, Esther saw past who I was on the outside, her soft eyes forever seeing under the skin and muscle that made me. I often wondered if she had been adopted, her gentle and caring heart a far cry from who her parents were. If I was honest, her father, William Dean, scared the living shit out of me. There was something ‘wrong’ with him. It wasn’t that he was strict with Esther beyond normal discipline, Esther was a free spirit and she was ‘rebellious’ at the best of times, but I’d witnessed things in that house that made my skin prickle.

  A splash of cold water in my face snapped me from my thoughts, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sound of Esther’s happy laugh.

  She tried to run, her little legs jumping over stones in her endeavour to reach the other side of the brook. She was halfway up the banking when I crushed her in my arms and brought us both down into the long grass. “You know you’ll never outrun me, little legs.”

  She laughed but tried to free herself. “Hey, I’ll have you know I’ve grown another half inch since last week!”

  Laughing, I spun her round so she was looking up at me. Her blue eyes twinkled and I slipped my finger under one of her unruly blonde curls that was stuck to the corner of her mouth and tucked it behind her ear. “A full half inch, huh?”

  She nodded proudly. “I’m just a late starter, that’s all.”

  I smiled at her animation. She was definitely a late starter. Her age twelve chest which should now be forming resembled that of a six-year-old, and her tiny five-foot length was a full foot under my six. All the boys at school teased her. But not for long, not after I was done with them.

  “You’re perfect as you are,” I whispered as I brushed another disobedient strand of hair off her flushed cheek.

  “Well you have to say that,” she grumbled, “you’re my best friend.”

  She wriggled out from underneath me and sat up, leaving my body with a cool chill. I missed her closeness already but I clenched my fists and forced myself to be still.

  Leaning back on her hands she raised her face to the sun and closed her eyes. “If I don’t start growing some boobs soon Tommy Hanker will never notice me.”

  I winced at the pain that dug into my chest. Gritting my teeth, I exhaled heavily through my nose. “Tommy Hanker is a wanker.”

  Esther snapped her eyes open at my rhyme and narrowed them on me. “What’s he done?”

  “He’s done nothing; I just don’t like him.”

  She continued to watch me, before she sighed and closed her eyes again. “You think we can stay here forever, Rik? You think my parents will ever find me if I hide here, in the long grass?”

  What I would have given to give her that wish, to hide with her forever; there under the sun, the long reeds camouflaging us from everything and everyone. I wanted nothing more than to shield my best friend from the horror of life – of the life I knew her parents would force on her one day. She was so delicate, almost porcelain, but she was also the strongest girl I knew underneath all the tomboy foolery. What she lacked in size she made up for in spirit and energy.

  Laying back, I rested my head in my hand and propped myself up on my elbow as I turned to look at her. She was so pretty, with the sun bouncing off her golden hair. Her tiny sunburnt nose that was smothered in tiny freckles shone in the late evening light, and her long eyelashes brushed over the tops of her cheekbones. She had the palest pink lips ever, and they were so perfect, so plump…

  Blinking, chastising my rampant thoughts, I closed my own eyes and refused my eyes a view. “They mean well, Es. Your dad’s only like he is cos he loves you.” We both knew I lied, but it wouldn’t ever stop me trying to comfort her pain.

  She snorted, but didn’t say anything.

  I hated that she was so unhappy. Esther needed to be free. She loved nothing more than to be outside, surrounded by nothing but wide open space and the tranquil quiet. But the Dean family were anything but tranquil, or free. Esther was a prisoner under her father’s military rule. Her carefree spirit was being crushed under the demands he set on her, and I could see her struggle every fucking day.

  “Esther?”

  We both groaned at the sound of her mother’s high-pitched shriek.

  “Well, that’s that,” Esther moaned, her bottom lip slightly sticking out in a pout. “At least we managed an hour.”

  “ESTHER!”

  There was something strange in Mrs Dean’s scream, eagerness and fright echoing over the large gardens.

  Esther frowned, sitting up straighter.

  “ESTHER. ESTHER!”

  We both stilled when her mother came rushing through the gap in the h
edgerow, the one Esther and I had, for the first time, unsuccessfully managed to conceal.

  “Quickly,” her mother urged with a hand reaching out to Esther across the narrow stream. “Quickly, Esther. Come now.”

  “Mother?”

  Mrs Dean never moved her stare to me, instead her terrified eyes sought nothing but her daughter.

  “We have to go, Esther. Don’t start, not now.”

  “What’s going on?” Esther asked. Her voice broke as dread curled through her body.

  Snatching Esther’s hand in her own, Mrs Dean pulled her across the water and finally looked to me. “Go home, Rik.” She looked uneasy for a minute as she glanced back towards the house. “You must go through the field at the back. Don’t come near the house.”

  “Mrs Dean?” Agitation slithered under my skin when her face paled and she looked like she would burst into tears any minute.

  “Go!” she snapped, yanking at Esther. “Go, Rik. Now!”

  Esther’s brilliant blue eyes watered as she sought me out. I nodded to her, smiling though the fear and concern that made my heartbeat quicken.

  Mrs Dean turned once more before she disappeared through the hedge. “Go, Rik. Please.”

  Esther gave me one last smile before her body slipped through after her mother.

  Esther didn’t turn up for school the next day.

  That afternoon I peddled my bike harder than I ever had before. But the Dean house was empty, void of any life.

  Finding the key that Esther always hid for me in a loose brick under her bedroom window, I climbed onto her bedroom balcony and slipped through the veranda doors. Her room was exactly as it had always been. Her clothes remained in the huge walk-in wardrobe, her stuffed toys were still perched on the small couch that sat at the base of her bed, and her smelly girly stuff still sat on the shelves in her private bathroom.

  The Dean family had disappeared.

  And I never saw my best friend again.

  One

  Fourteen years later

  Esther

  Gritting my teeth, I hooked my feet around the bottom of the chair legs and watched Geoffrey closely. He looked relaxed and comfortable, the familiar small smile that always curved my boss’ lips was full, and his large grey eyes twinkled with their usual happiness.

  The other man at the table, however, looked far from comfortable and easy. His beady, shrewd eyes hadn’t left my boss for the whole duration of our meal. Brandon Knox, one half of Warne Industries, was as cold and shrewd as they came. For the third time in as many months he had insisted on wining and dining my boss in attempt to purchase a company that would never be handed to him.

  Geoffrey just smiled wider and easier when Brandon narrowed his eyes further. “I appreciate your interest in Sparrow Towers, Mr Knox, but as I’ve told you, many times, my company isn’t for sale.”

  Brandon’s face hardened, his eyes blackening further with a force that was proving difficult to look away from. “Times are changing, Sparrow. Surely even through your old eyes you can see that. Your old traditions and company compassion will soon become drown in a sea of sharks.”

  Geoffrey just smiled wider. “You see, that’s what makes Sparrow that touch above all others. My company, Mr Knox, has been thriving for many years, and I have no doubt that my ‘traditions’ and my ‘compassion’ will see it thrive for many more years. After all,” Geoffrey reached for his wine and took a sip as he cast me a quick glance. “I must be doing something right if you’re so hungry for a company that boasts benevolence and consideration towards every member of its staff.”

  Brandon smirked and, for the first time during the uncomfortable meal, glanced at me. “Ahh, Miss Evans, Sparrow’s famous personal assistant.” Bracing myself I stared at the man licking his lips as if I was his next meal. “You’re young and fresh.” I was surprised he’d noticed. “And what are your views on your boss’ persistence?”

  I smiled at Geoffrey, my respect and love for him making my answer easy. “I’m behind Mr Sparrow three hundred percent, sir. Sparrow Towers, or rather Mr Sparrow, took me under his wing many years ago now. He not only taught me how to work beneath him and admire him by his immeasurable devotion to his employees, but he also taught me the value of my own colleagues. Loyalty and respect are earned, as they say, and given in equal measures.” I doubted very much that Brandon Knox even knew the meaning of the words ‘loyal’ and ‘respect’.

  He scoffed shaking his head as a cruel smirk tilted his lips. “And tell me, Miss Evans, exactly what ‘working beneath Mr Sparrow’ actually entails?”

  At first I didn’t understand his insinuation but when I noticed Geoffrey stiffen for the first time all night, Brandon Knox’s disgusting inference made my teeth grind. “I’ll put that remark down to your small-mindedness and your own disgusting protocols, Mr Knox. Such a shame you’ve been trying in vain to purchase something that will never be yours so long as you continue to offend and... Breathe.”

  Geoffrey’s eyes widened on me, his shock at my unusual outburst making me feel contrite, and I lowered my eyes as a small blush crept up my face. I wasn’t helping Geoffrey one bit but I’d heard enough of this idiot and his bullying. Warne Industries held the monopoly of entertainment establishments in the UK capital. They were bullies, money being their sole aspiration. Originally, until around nine months ago, Warne Industries had been owned by Henry Warne. He had established the company around six years ago, and we had all been surprised when he had suddenly sold to Brandon Knox. Brandon and his anonymous partner had then proceeded to buy out various other companies, and now they had their sights set on Sparrow. I couldn’t quite work out what they wanted with Sparrow. Geoffrey always said that it was people that made a company and after working for him for four years, I had to agree with him. There wasn’t one member of his staff that didn’t admire him, or wouldn’t do anything for him. Could Warne Industries boast that in their company résumé?

  Brandon Knox was also rumoured to be sectioned to the London Mafia, not that that particularly surprised me, but the reputation and gossip didn’t leave much to the imagination.

  Surprisingly, Brandon’s lips twitched in amusement and he stood up, throwing his napkin onto the table. “I like her, she’s feisty,” he said to Geoffrey. “When I take over your company, and believe me, I will, I’ll promise to keep her on.” Then he turned to me. “She’ll be fun to play with.”

  Geoffrey shook his head at me when I made to stand but Brandon laughed and walked away.

  “Arghh,” I growled, “I hate that man!”

  “Milly, my dear,” Geoffrey scolded, “Hate is such a strong word.”

  “Hate is a strong emotion,” I retorted. “Why does he never listen? Three months he’s been hounding you, when will he stop?”

  Geoffrey sighed as he gestured to the waiter for the bill. “Unfortunately, some people haven’t had the privilege of an upbringing with respect and devotion. We mustn’t blame them for the failure of their guardians.”

  “Why are you always so generous with those that don’t deserve it?”

  Geoffrey held out my coat for me to slide my arms into and I shivered when the cold, early evening air hit my face before we climbed into the car waiting for us.

  “Whether or not they respect us doesn’t mean we shouldn’t offer them the same grace, Milly.”

  I looked to the window and rolled my eyes, figuring I’d never win an argument with him. I never did. His compassionate ways always brought me down a peg or two.

  “I’m worried, Geoffrey. They aren’t people to cross, and…”

  “Milly, my dear. Don’t concern yourself with what will be. Fate has a funny way of rewarding us.”

  I wasn’t sure I agreed with that statement.

  “Let’s just agree to disagree on our opinions of Brandon Knox and his partner, or we’ll forever be arguing.” Geoffrey smiled and I sagged into the seat, nodding in agreement.

  The car pulled up outside my house and I turned to Geoff
rey. “Do you want to come in for a drink?”

  Shaking his head, he smiled at me. “I have to go back to the office. There’s a few things I need to sort out.”

  I frowned. Although it was still early evening, and it wasn’t unlike Geoffrey to be in the office until the early hours, I was unsure of what things he was talking about. As his assistant, I worked closely with him, and as it was a Friday, I was sure I’d wrapped up and signed off anything that was outstanding in preparation for the weekend. “What things? Do you need me to help?”

  Shaking his head, he took my hand and patted it. “Go and enjoy your evening with Camron, it’s early and you can still have an evening of fun.”

  “It’s fine,” I persisted. “Camron isn’t expecting me until much later.”

  When he scowled at me, I sighed and bid him a goodnight. He waved happily through the window when the car pulled off and I walked up my path.

  I could hear loud music coming from inside the house and I smiled to myself, knowing Camron would be in a good mood given his choice of Queen’s, Fat Bottomed Girls playing loudly from the speaker.

  Turning the key in the lock I pushed open the door. The hallway rushed at me, giving me tunnelled vision when my eyes landed on the back of Camron’s bare body dancing up the hallway. He was singing with the music, but instead of the original line, he sang “Fat bottomed Milly, you make my dick go soft.”

  Except it wasn’t that what made my stomach clench with hurt, it was the sight of my best friend wrapped, as naked as my boyfriend, around his body, her long slender legs hooked around his waist while she laughed loudly at his words.

  Camron’s white arse was clenching with each thrust inside Lisa, their obliviousness of me making them sing louder and improvising each line with something degrading about me.

  They disappeared into the kitchen and I swallowed back the bile as I walked into the room and picked up the stereo controller. Then skipping two tracks, I stood and waited as ‘Who wants to live forever?’ burst through the air.