It was a relief to arrive in Camden. My body sighed when I spotted the Roundhouse. The ride hadn’t been long, but it had been painful. Sat in the back between Aaron and Milena wasn’t pleasant. Marcus and my sister discussed their schemes, but I could hear her frustration. Her piercing voice was short and sharp.

No doubt Marcus had said something about her attitude with me. She wasn’t being nice, but there were no more snide attempts to wind me up. Of that, I was grateful. After this morning, I don’t think I could’ve taken any more of her condescending barbs.

Aaron turned away to the window. He hadn’t spoken since he stopped me from running. I was grateful of that, too, because I couldn’t look at him. It hurt to think he could still be playing me, but every time I caught his eyes, my heart drew towards him. The push and pull had my mind in pieces. I wanted to believe him, but experience told me I shouldn’t.

The man was never the mask I fell for.

The car slowed as we pulled up outside the dilapidated front of Wallis’ club. A shudder crept across my skin as I saw the building for the first time in five years. It looked the same as it always had, except more paint peeled from the boarded windows, and another letter had fallen from the boxing club sign. It looked so shitty and unassuming, you wouldn’t guess that anything went on inside. That’s the way Wallis liked to keep it. It’s not as if he’d want civilians walking in off the street. Especially not during one of his dog fights.

But it wasn’t the crummy facade, or the brutal fights that made me nervous to walk back into this building.

Aaron opened the door and stepped out. Then stood to the side and held it open for me. It was more a habit than done for my benefit. He gave me a curt nod as I thanked him, and guilt twisted my gut when he looked away just as quickly.

“Are you sure about this?” Milena called from behind me as she stepped out of the car. “It looks rather public.”

“I don’t expect things to go down out here on the street.” I turned to face her. “If no one bats an eye at the crowds after the boxing, I’m sure we’d go fairly unnoticed.”

“Well, excuse me if I don’t take your word for it.” She came around the car and followed Marcus towards the heavy front doors.

“No, this way.” I pointed at the side street. “He always keeps the front locked.”

I headed into the dank alley and towards the side entrance. The door was tucked away between the large industrial waste bins, and the smell was enough to stop most people from entering.

“Is this the only other exit?” Aaron questioned.

I pulled the door open and answered him without meeting his eyes. “Yeah, the front stays locked. This is the only way in or out. It’s not exactly up to fire standards.”

“It’s not fire I’m worried about.” He looked over at Marcus. Who merely shrugged and gestured for us to enter.

The door opened into a dark concrete hallway. Only the small emergency light at the far doors hinted it led anywhere. The hairs on my arms stood on end as I went inside, and a wave of apprehension came over me. I’d been here many times before, but it was the last one that made me sick to return.

The fighting pit in the basement is where Jack tried to take my life, but where I ended up taking his.

As the outer door slammed behind us, the loud clatter tensed every muscle in my body. Darkness closed around me like the memory lived and breathed from the walls. I took a breath and tried to dispel the thoughts. It was just a building, nothing more.

Quickening my pace, I reached the double doors at the far end and pushed them open with more urgency than needed. They swung wide as I walked through and came back quickly, catching Milena off guard.

“Dammit, Olivia. Who’d have thought you’d be in such a rush to get inside?”

I was fairly certain that was an offhand comment. She didn’t know this was where I started and ended my relationship with Jack. I couldn’t be sure though.

Milena and the guys followed me through into the main hall. It was a huge space, cavernous and dark. The windows were boarded leaving only a small row high above the main door. An elevated walkway ran along the walls which led up to an ornate, vaulted ceiling. It looked like an old theatre, but the only stage was the large boxing ring that dominated the centre of the room. The stench of blood, beer and cigarette smoke still lingered from the last event. It was a smell I thought I’d never have to endure again.

Marcus came up beside me glancing around as he checked out the space. “So, why this place?”

“Two reasons. First, the building is perfect.” I pointed over to the double doors at the right side of the hall. “They play poker in the back. There’s no other way out except through this hall. You can have your guys surround him with little trouble. Second, you can confirm he’ll be here. Can’t get much more convenient than that.”

He looked at me with a flat expression, and his eyes searched my face. I wasn’t sure if he was convinced or not, but I was right. He wouldn’t get an opportunity more suitable than this. Aaron came up beside us and Marcus turned to face him. “What d’you think?”

Aaron shrugged. “Building looks good, but I don’t like the lack of exits.”

“Fewer exits, less chance for him to get away,” I replied.

“Yeah, what if something goes wrong? What if we need to get away?”

Marcus smiled. “What could go wrong?”

“Fucking hell, Marcus. You had to fucking say it, didn’t you?”

Marcus laughed. “Relax, man. Your superstitions haven’t got the best of us, yet.”

Aaron shook his head. “So, where’s Wallis?”

“How the fuck should I know?” He held his hands up to his mouth and bellowed across the club. “Wallis!”

A door up on the far side of the walkway opened and the beast of a man, Wallis lurched out, wearing jogging bottoms and a blue tracksuit top. Classy as ever. He stopped when he caught sight of us, no doubt surprised by my sister and I. Collecting himself with a grin, he marched down the spiral, cast iron stairs to the side. His heavy footsteps sent pounding reverberations around the hall.

“Am I fucking trippin’ or do I see the Romano sisters at your side, Marcus?” Wallis called as he manoeuvred his huge frame through the fold out chairs surrounding the ring. “It’s one of those fucking mirages or something, init?”

Marcus walked forward to meet him and gave him one of those half-handshake back slaps. “No, you’re not seeing things. I’ve got them in with me on this one.”

Wallis laughed at Marcus as he slapped his cheek. “You never fucking fail to surprise me, do you? I wish I had your fucking stones, man. I really do.” He stepped forward and jutted his chin at Aaron. “Who’s this?”

He scowled. “Aaron Mason, as you asked so nicely.”

Wallis turned to Marcus and playfully backhanded him across the chest. “Ah, yeah. He’s your trainer. You’ve told me about him.” He turned back to Aaron. “Y’alright?”

“S’up, bud?”

Wallis ignored the sarcastic intent. He walked towards me, but greeted Milena. “Y’alright, girl?”

He didn’t wait for a response before turning his attention back my way, grinning as he eyed me over. “Hey, sugar tits. Didn’t expect to see you in here again. You’re a fucking great sight for sore eyes though.” He leant in to hug me, but his hands found their way to grab my arse as he did.

I fought him off. “Get the fuck off me, Wallis. I’m not that fucking pleased to see you.”

“Aw, come on now, girl. You know you’ve missed me.”

“Oi!” Aaron grabbed him by the shoulder. “Get the fuck off her.”

Wallis raised his hands and turned to Aaron. “Alright, man. Easy. I’m only playing.”

Aaron squared up to him. “Do I look like I am? Touch her again, and I’ll tear your fucking hands off.”

I pushed in-between them. “Aaron! Back the fuck down. I don’t need you protecting me.”

Wallis glanced at me and laughed. “Like that is it? You’ve found another one… or has another one found you?” He looked back at Aaron. “She’s right. She doesn’t need you to protect her. I’d watch this one. Don’t go carrying around any sharp objects if you catch my drift.”

I elbowed Wallis in the chest. “You… shut the fuck up.”

He chuckled as he rubbed his ribs. “See. Vicious.” He winked and clicked his tongue then turned and headed back towards Marcus.

I sighed and looked up at Aaron. “Drop the fucking act. It’s not doing you any favours.”

He began to say something, but thought better of it. Then he closed his eyes and walked away. Guilt wrenched my chest. He seemed sincere, but I couldn’t let that fool me. My head needed to overrule my heart on this one.

Wallis pointed back at us. “Got your fucking hands full with them two, I’d say.”

Marcus huffed. “Not an issue as long as you stay away from Olivia.”

“I ain’t talking about him. It’s those girls you’ll have to watch out for. Specifically, her.” He pointed back at Milena. “How the fuck did you get them on side, anyway?”

Marcus shook his head. “Long story. None of which is relevant to you.”

“Well, it’s my fucking business now. I’ve known Gian a long time. Worked with him for more than that. Now you’re bringing your fight with him to my doorstep. Expecting me to turn on the guy I play poker with every week. I think I need more than a brush off.”

Marcus narrowed his eyes. “Give me a break, Wallis. You’ve been playing both sides for years. Don’t give me the loyalty crap. You’ve got a lot to gain from this, or a lot to lose if you don’t.”

He held up his hands in defence. “Didn’t say I didn’t. Just that you’ll have to explain a few things, is all.”

Marcus smiled. “I tell you what you need to know, Wallis, that’s it. Think yourself lucky you get that much.”

Wallis sighed and shrugged. “Looking after my own back, Marcus. How do you know those girls aren’t gonna run off to daddy and give him the low-down on you and me?”

“May I interject?” Milena stepped forward, keeping her focus on Wallis. “If there were a chance that either my sister or I would report anything back to our father, do you think Marcus would have us here? Do you think your involvement would be anything but inconsequential in this set up even if we were to? Rest assured, I’m working with Marcus for my own benefits. I have no more allegiance to my father than you do.”

“Your own benefits, huh? I’ve always known you were a conniving little bitch.” He looked over at me. “What about you, sweet cheeks? I know there’s no love lost between you and your dad, but you’ve always been loyal to him. What’s changed?”

I glanced over at Aaron then caught myself and brought my focus back to Wallis.

“Really?” He laughed and pointed at Aaron. “This guy? You fought tooth and nail to protect your father from Jack, but for this guy… you’re gonna stab him in the back?”

I closed my eyes and shook my head. “No. Not for him.”

Marcus spoke up. “She found out about Rebecca.”

“Well, that’d make more sense. But I need to hear it from her.”

I opened my eyes and every one of them was staring at me.

Wallis stepped towards me and raised his eyebrows as he nodded. “Olivia, d’you want this to happen?”

He posed the question innocuously, but I knew the real intention behind it. He wanted to know if I was here of my own accord, or if I secretly wanted Marcus to fall. I nodded. “Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ll never be free of him otherwise, and I can’t do this anymore.”

It was true. It wasn’t for Aaron, and it wasn’t for my mother. If I was to go with it, it would be for me. I wanted Gian taken down so I could be free from this life. I just didn’t know if I could live with myself afterwards. He was still my father, and my only family besides my bitch of a sister.

Wallis nodded at me, but narrowed his eyes. “Okay. What you say, goes, darlin’.”

He wasn’t convinced. I could see it in his face. The questioning wasn’t over. He’d press further when he got the chance. Wallis and I became somewhat close while I was with Jack. Of course, he wanted to get in my pants, but we developed a strange bond after a time.

This was the place I came when I needed someone to talk to about the stress of the business. Wallis didn’t like Gian, but he didn’t like Marcus even more. He played along because he couldn’t do anything about it. Wallis wasn’t a big dog in the Syndicate, but he’d be more than happy to see both of them brought down. If I gave him the signal to go against Marcus, he would.

I just didn’t know if I wanted to give that, yet.

Wallis turned back to Marcus. “Alright. Looks like we’ve got a showdown on our hands.”

Marcus glanced over at me with a stoney expression. “If you say so.” He looked back at Wallis. “Show me the rest of the building.”

Wallis nodded and led the way through the chairs towards the double doors at the side. “The bar is through the back. We’ll be in here on Tuesday.”

He opened the doors and gestured for us to go in. Marcus stepped through first followed by Milena. Aaron held back watching Wallis as he waited for me to make a move. He wouldn’t leave us alone.

As I walked in, Wallis leant into my ear and whispered. “Are you sure on Marcus?”

I looked at him and nodded. He sighed and glanced back at Aaron as I turned away and stepped through.

The bar matched the main hall in its dark and dated decor, but it was smaller, more intimate. With a low ceiling and wood lined walls. The windows were boarded, but still held the thick velvet curtains. Old tables and chairs sat in the empty spaces between the bar on the left and the pool and poker table on the right. It smelled stale and damp. Not much better than the main hall. The carpet stuck to my feet with each step as I made my way over to Marcus and Milena.

Marcus laughed to himself as he looked around. “Lovely set up you’ve got. I didn’t think Gian would lower himself to such a place.”

“It’s got its charms.” Wallis said behind. “Besides, it’s not so much the place but the company that brings Gian here. I host a good game.”

“Who will be here on Tuesday?”

“Besides the obvious. Matt Grimshore, Alex Blake, Simon Phillips and all three Kendal brothers.”

Marcus looked surprised. “How long have the fucking Kendal brothers been coming?”

Wallis laughed. “About a year. Your kerfuffle with Gian doesn’t force everyone to pick a side, Marcus. We’ve all got our own shit to run. That’s easier when you’ve got more friends than enemies.”

Marcus shook his head. “Yeah, but the Kendal brothers hate Gian.”

“So do a lot of us, but business is business.”

He huffed. “I’ll be having words with them on Wednesday morning.”

Milena cleared her throat. “What about the other three? They don’t work with us.”

Marcus shrugged. “We’ll take them out. They make no difference to me.”

“Alex Blake does,” Milena argued. “He’s been running the contracts in the Middle East for my father for years. We need the contacts.”

He turned to her. “We’ll find someone else.”

“But he’s the only one…”

“He’s dead, Milena. We’re not leaving Gian’s loyalists alive. He’d only turn the contacts away from us, anyway. Think, woman.”

She pinched her lips at his tone. “As you wish,” she spat.

“I do.” He turned back to Wallis. “Where’s the basement?”

I nearly choked on my own stomach as he said it.

Wallis smirked. “Underneath the building.”

“Funny fucker. Show me it.”

Wallis’ smirk grew wider. “As you wish.” He turned and headed towards the door. “This way, folks.”

My stomach turned to knots as we left the bar and approached the door. In my head, I told myself that it was just a room, empty space surrounded by concrete, but my body didn’t believe it. My heart upped its beat and pounded through my chest. The pulse thudded in my ears and drowned out the noise of the others.

I didn’t want to go down there. I didn’t want to go back to the cold, lifeless room, and know Jack’s body was once lying in that pit. The memory burned into my eyelids. I could see it as if he was in front of me now. Blood pooled out on to the floor surrounding his body in a halo of darkness.

“Olivia?” Aaron’s voice pulled me from the image. “What’s wrong?”

They were all stood at the basement doors looking at me. I must’ve dropped back. Aaron and Marcus looked confused, but Wallis knew what was wrong. I shook my head. “You all go ahead. I’m not going down.”

Milena smiled and placed her hands on her hips. “Why not?”

Wallis stepped towards me. “She doesn’t have to go down. I’ll stay up here with her.”

Aaron shook his head. “Like fucking hell you will. I’ll stay up here.”

“We’re all going down.” Marcus opened the door. “Olivia, after you.”

“No.” I backed away from them. “I’m not going down there.”

Aaron came forward and grabbed my wrist. I tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. “Get the fuck off me.”

My hands shook. My breathing became fast and heavy as I pulled away from him. Fingers of panic spread out through my chest and wrapped around my throat, tightening like hands that weren’t there.

“Olivia, calm down.”

“Get off me.” I could hear the restriction in my voice.

“Get the fuck off her before I make you.” Wallis came at Aaron and pushed him on the shoulder.

“Not now, Shrek.” Aaron turned back to me and grabbed my other wrist. “Olivia. Look at me. Calm down.”

“I said get the fuck off her!”

Wallis came at Aaron again and punched him across the jaw. As soon as he let my wrists go, I turned and ran for the door. I needed to breathe. The pressure overwhelmed me. It felt like the building was closing in. I hit the exit doors at full speed and ran down the concrete corridor to the exit. The doors slammed behind me and I knew someone was coming. Fumbling with the handle, I swung the outer door wide as I fell into the alley, and scrambled to keep my feet. My breathing was too heavy, I was lightheaded. I stumbled to the opposite wall, struggling to keep my balance.

Hands gripped my ribs and spun me around. Aaron held me close, his chest pressed against mine and he placed his hands on my face.

“Slow.” He demonstrated with steady, shallow breaths. “Calm down and breathe slowly.”

I looked into his eyes and tried to match his breath.

“I’ve got you. You’re safe. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Sadness flooded my heart and spilled over into my chest. Washing away any fight I had with it. I wanted to believe him. I wanted it so much.

The door to the club flew open and Wallis lumbered out clutching his nose. “Get the fuck away from her.”

Aaron sighed. “Back off, Wallis. She doesn’t need this right now.”

“No. She doesn’t need you fucking using her, either. She’s had enough of guys like you.”

Aaron shook his head, but held my eyes. “Just breathe, Olivia. Focus on that.”

I closed mine and did as he asked, keeping my breath as even as I could.

“Y’know he’s playing you, don’t you, girl? Just like Jack.”

My eyes shot to Wallis.

Aaron growled. “Fuck off, Wallis. I’m getting really fucking tired of you.”

Wallis kept his focus on me and shook his head. “You don’t know, do you?”

“What?” I shouted at him. Dread pitted my stomach.

“Who do you think Jack was working for?”

Marcus stepped out from the club. “Wallis!”

The realisation hit me like a slap in the face. “I never found out.”

I looked back at Aaron. His brows furrowed in frustration. “I’m not playing you, Olivia. You’ve got to know that.”

Tears stung my eyes, but the anger kept me from breaking down. “That’s what he said.”

I pushed against his chest to get away to the side. He resisted but then stepped back, letting me go. I moved over to Wallis and focused my anger back at Marcus. “Is it true? Was Jack working for you?”

Marcus came forward, shaking his head. His palms held open. “It’s not like you think.”

“Is it fucking true?”

He stopped and sighed, resigning himself to giving me the answer. “Yes.”