Hunted Read Online Free Page A

tired, craggy sort of way, intelligent deep set blue eyes studying them as they approached, assessing whether they posed a threat or not. After this close scrutiny he gave them each a nod and they took their seats.
    “ Thanks for coming,” opened Mikey, unbuttoning his suit jacket to show he was unarmed. He took a sip of his coffee before continuing. “I have a business proposition for you, one I hope you’ll consider very carefully.” Mikey had huge respect for Mark Cameron, he’d helped them out when Rachel had been kidnapped by the Jordans, thanks to Alex. He’d also saved Ryan and Rachel’s lives by letting them know Alex had put a contract out on them. He’d always been faithful to their family and Mikey wanted it to stay that way. Mark was ex-army and one of the hardest and smartest bastards in Manchester. Not the sort of man you wanted working against you.
    Mark ’s eyes fixed on Jules. “Are you part of the Maguire firm now?”
    Jules left it to Mikey to field the question. This was his show.
    “It turns out she’s a long lost cousin of mine, as well as Jez’s half-sister,” said Mikey. “So yes, she’s in the business.”
    Mark just nodded, giving nothing away.
    Mikey decided to get straight to the point. Mark wasn’t one for mincing his words so he thought he’d appreciate it. “I want you to come and work for me exclusively.” When Mark’s only response was to take a sip of coffee he decided to plough on. “You’ll be paid a regular wage, which will provide you with a level of financial security that your ad hoc work can’t.” Mikey had heard that Mark’s mother had just been put in a care home specialising in dementia, a very pricey care home at that. Mark loved his old mum, which was why Mikey had decided to approach him now. Judging by Mark’s raised eyebrow he’d sussed him out.
    “ Why do you need me when you’ve got Venom? Her reputation’s as good as mine,” said Mark. Jules nodded at the compliment.
    “ Because I want you to head up my security as well as concentrate on your area of expertise. Your skills are second to none.”
    “You already have a head of security.”
    “I’ve put Grant in charge of another area of the business, so I have a vacancy. If you’re interested come and see me at my office tomorrow where we can discuss things in more detail.” Mikey had inherited his Uncle Frank’s paranoia about discussing anything incriminating in public, you never knew who was listening in. If the police were recording this conversation there was nothing they could use against them. However he knew the compound was completely secure, Grant swept it twice a day for bugs and before any important meetings. It was the only place he would discuss anything illegal, apart from his office at home, which was equally secure.
    Mark was clearly troubled about stepping into the Maguire compound and Mikey couldn ’t blame him, it had swallowed a lot of people whole, never to be seen again.
    “ If I wanted to set you up Mark I wouldn’t meet with you here. I’d just have sent Jules round.”
    Mark ’s eyes locked with hers. “That would be interesting. I wonder what the outcome would be?”
    “ Not good for you,” she replied, but her smile was playful.
    When Mark ’s blue eyes twinkled Mikey realised she was flirting with him. Still, it seemed to be working.
    “ Okay Mikey, I’ll come to the meet but it’s just you and me.”
    Mikey nodded. “Ten thirty tomorrow morning okay?”
    “ I’ll be there.” With that he got to his feet, then hesitated. “I won’t mind if you’re there too,” he said, winking down at Jules before strolling out of the café.
    They watched him go, Jules ’s eyes fixed on his firm backside. “What?” she said when she saw Mikey frowning at her.
    “ What is it about you? I’ve never seen Mark Cameron smile before. Why do you have this effect on men?”
    “ Wish I knew,” she replied with a cocky shrug. “If I could bottle it I’d make