The Devil's Playground: The Devil of Essex, #2

By Natalie S. Clark

Everything should be going well for James Vance. Since his parents' deaths, he's taken to the roles of nightclub owner and loan shark like a fish to water. But not everything is perfect in paradise—with Makayla on his case for her fantasy wedding and a criminal organisation demanding a cut of his profits, he's starting to feel the heat.

Kara Harris' life is in shambles. With an uncontrollable gambling habit wreaking havoc on her finances and an unpaid loan to Advance Loans hanging over her head, she's forced to work for the man himself—James. She soon meets one of his enforcers, the brooding Russian, Zakhar, who takes her under his wing in an attempt to straighten her out. Kara quickly realises she has feelings for him, but his attention lies elsewhere.

With two murders under his belt, will James be forced to turn to his gun once more? And as for Kara, will she strike it lucky with Zakhar, or continue on her losing streak?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Natalie S. Clark
• Release date: May 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223230342

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Chelmsford, Essex—The Devil’s Playground.

Makayla entered James’s old bedroom in the flat above the club and made her way to the large chest of drawers on the far wall. She pulled open the top drawer and dug through his underwear and socks. Despite the fact that they had purchased a nice five-bedroom house in Epping for £1.2 million, James still kept a lot of his clothes at the flat, as the club was where he spent the majority of his time. Sometimes the punters got so drunk they would puke, or spill their drinks over him, or his most common problem, the mysterious bloodstains that appeared on his clothing that he refused to discuss with her. So it made sense to keep extra clothes and other necessities on hand, in case he needed them.

When Makayla couldn’t find what she was looking for, she closed the drawer and opened the next one.

Come on. Where have you hidden it? she mumbled. It’s got to be here somewhere.

She searched through his neatly folded T-shirts, looking for anything that might resemble a ring box. They’d been together a little over two years now, and what with it being Valentine’s Day, she was certain that today would be the day he finally slipped a ring on her finger. She was so excited she could barely contain herself. She’d already been through their house with a fine-tooth comb, and seeing as he’d yet to give her a Valentine’s gift aside from a bouquet of a dozen red roses and a card that morning, she just knew he had to have something special planned. Especially as he’d invited his sister and his friends to a small get-together at the club later that night. She’d even overheard him talking on the phone to Colby about how he had a surprise announcement he was going to make. He was going to propose, for sure.

Tugging open the final drawer, she pushed aside his gym clothes, and her stomach somersaulted as she laid eyes on a small black box with a tiny red bow wrapped around it. Bingo! She beamed from ear to ear and picked up the box, desperate to see inside. But it had been wrapped so beautifully that if she undid the bow, she would never be able to tie it again and James would know she’d snooped. Covering the box back over, she closed the drawer, not knowing how she would get through the next few hours until he popped the question. It was going to be torture, for sure. But by the end of the night, she would be wearing his ring, and she couldn’t be happier about it.

Leaving the bedroom, she made her way towards the lift. James was downstairs in his office, and after knowing what he had planned for her this evening, she wanted to do something nice for him too. She wondered if he fancied an afternoon blow job at his desk. She chuckled to herself, desperate to get her hands on his glorious cock, and pressed the button to the lift.

Any non-payers? asked James, as he counted the notes in the bulging money wallet Aidan, one of his debt collectors, had just handed him.

Aidan shook his long mop of greasy dark hair. Just the one, boss.

James glanced up. Yeah, who?

Bradley Harris, Aidan replied.

James arched his brows. Really? I’m surprised. He’s never given us any trouble before. He normally pays on time. What excuse did he give?

He didn’t. Just asked for an extra week.

And how did you reply?

I gave him till midnight to get the money, and just as an incentive, I had the Russian break some of his fingers.

James smirked. Hopefully, that’ll help spur him on. Is he gonna bring it here?

I think so, said Aidan, tugging at the collar of his shirt and looking uncomfortable in the suit he was required to wear when he was in the club.

When his dad had run the loan business, he had insisted that all his men dress up smart on their rounds, but James knew that wasn’t always practical, so he had made a change. And now, when he and his men were out collecting debts, he allowed a certain amount of freedom with their clothing, knowing that jeans and T-shirts were more realistic, especially with the dirty side of the job. But when it came to the club, it was formal attire all the way.

So, what do we know about this Harris problem? asked James. Does he have a wife? Kids?

Not that I know of, said Aidan. I think he said he was a mechanic. I know he has a sister who works at The Rose and Crown pub because I was having a friendly chat with him last month before the problem started and he mentioned it in passing.

James glanced at his Citizen watch. That ain’t far from here. We’ll take a drive down. Maybe threaten the sister, to let the brother know we mean business. And if Harris don’t show by midnight with my money, hunt him down and bring him to me.

I was just about to take my break. Do you want me to delay it and come with you, or shall I pass it over to Charlie?

I’ll take Charlie, let him know, and grab Zakhar, too.

I’ll go and speak to them now, boss.

They both looked up as the door to James’s office opened unexpectedly and Makayla stepped inside, looking stunning in a pink bodycon dress that showed off every luscious curve on her dynamite body.

James caught the starstruck expression that appeared on Aidan’s face as he gawped at Makayla with his tongue practically hanging out. And in the back of his mind, he couldn’t help but wonder if Aidan had watched any of Makayla’s porn movies. Not that it would surprise him. It seemed that the world and their dog had wanked off to his woman at some time or other.

I ain’t disturbing anything, am I, babe? she asked in her honeyed voice.

James shook his head. No, Aidan was just leaving.

Makayla walked further into the room and came over to James. He slipped an arm around her tiny waist, holding her close, breathing in the floral scent of her perfume.

Tell Charlie and Zak to be ready to leave in twenty minutes.

Aidan responded with a nod, then left.

Once they were alone, Makayla raised on tiptoes and planted a brief kiss on James’s lips. You going out?

James waved a dismissive hand. Yeah, just work stuff.

Anywhere nice?

Hardly.

So, are you off chasing a loan, then?

Oi! Work rule, remember? he said, quickly shutting her down. Reaching for her luscious bottom, he grabbed himself a handful of arse. So, what were you doing upstairs in the flat?

Oh! I was, uh, I was just seeing if it was tidy or needed a run round with a duster and hoover.

You know I have a cleaner who comes in to do all that.

Oh yeah, I, uh, forgot, she said lamely.

James stared down at her, amused. He wasn’t stupid. He knew she’d probably been up there looking for her Valentine’s gift. He could have given it to her now, but wanted to save it until later, when they were with family and friends at their get-together.

He tipped her chin up to look at him. Listen, babe, I need to get back to work. Do you want me to ask one of my men to drive you home?

Makayla pouted. But I only just got here. I was bored at home. I want to spend some time with you.

Babe, I’m working; you can’t be here; and besides, I’m going out, James explained, reaching inside his jacket for his wallet and handing her a bundle of notes. Why don’t you take yourself shopping? Buy yourself something nice. I’ll be home around seven to get ready for this evening, and then we can come back here to spend time with our friends.

Or I could just stay here and blow you, she said, batting the money away, a mischievous grin on her lips as she reached for the fly on his trousers and yanked at the zip.

Mak, stop! Someone could walk in, he said, halting her hand.

It don’t bother me, she said, pulling her hand away from his and going for the button on his waistband.

James knew he needed to get back to work. But fuck it. She was offering to suck his dick. He wasn’t about to turn that down. He shoved the notes back into his wallet and returned them to his jacket. Alright, but lock the door first.

Makayla headed over and turned the key in the lock, then sashayed back over to him in her strappy black heels, looking like the cat who’d got the cream, and dropped to her knees in front of him as he leaned with his back against the desk.

He watched her intently as she pulled down his trousers and boxers, freeing his hard cock, which sprang out and hovered tantalisingly close to her parted lips.

She gave him a wicked grin, playfulness in her stunning green eyes, and without hesitation, downed her mouth over it.

James let out a ragged breath and bit down on his lip. Fuck! Her mouth felt divine. It was like being encased in a warm, wet cocoon of bliss. Nobody gave blow jobs like Makayla, and thanks to her old profession as an adult entertainer, she had learnt to resist her gag reflex and always took him deep into her throat, giving him head like no woman before her ever had, or could.

As she continued to lavish him, her mouth sucking him off good, he laced his fingers into her blonde locks, holding onto the silky strands as he guided her at a pace he liked. Just as he thought he might bust a nut, she paused, and slipped him from her mouth, and ran a blazing hot trail of saliva towards his balls with her tongue. She licked the delicate sacs all over, taking each one gently into her mouth and giving them their fair share of attention before returning to swallow his cock once more.

Oh Jesus, he groaned as he fisted her hair with urgent need. How he fucking loved this woman, worshipped the ground she walked on. She was so fucking sexy, he wanted to devour her.

Needing his mouth on her body, he pulled her to her feet and tugged her dress over her head, then tossed it to the floor, leaving her in only heels, hold-up stockings, and a sexy white lace bra and matching thong. He stared at her in awe, his gaze raking hungrily over her slender frame. You’re a fucking beautiful bitch, you know that?

Makayla grinned. And you’re a handsome bastard.

Get that fucking bra off now, he said, licking his lips, his gaze transfixed on her cleavage. "I want to feast on your tits.

Makayla reached behind and unhooked the garment, then tossed it to join her dress.

James gave a murmur of appreciation as her massive, perfect tits sprang free, never tiring of looking at them.

Makayla squeezed them together and offered them up to him. Is this what you want?

Fuck yes!

Leaning in, he went to town on her rosy pink nipples, sucking, tugging, and tonguing them until they were erect, hard, and overly sensitive, and she was whimpering for him to stop. He couldn’t help getting carried away. She was so sensual and responsive. Just touching her made him feel like he might lose his mind.

Giving her a change of pace, he shoved a hand down the front of her thong. He wasn’t at all surprised to find she was sopping wet, the lacy material soaked in her juices. He prised apart her labia and slipped two fingers into her tight wet hole and finger fucked her at a slow, steady pace, watching as her eyelids fluttered shut and she let out a soft moan. Not being able to resist, he lowered his head and sucked on a nipple, then bit lightly on the hardened nub.

Makayla cried out, but then gave a moan of ecstasy as his thumb circled her clit.

As he continued to tease her, the strong smell of her arousal made his mouth water, making him eager to taste her.

Not wanting to wait a moment longer, he swept a hand across his desk to clear it of clutter, then laid her back onto the surface, his cock painfully hard and bobbing against his shirt as he longed to fuck her brains out.

Sliding his fingers into the elastic sides of her thong, he pulled it down and off, leaving her in just her stockings and high heels. She was all long legs, tiny waist, and big tits, and he loved it. He spread her legs open and dipped his head between them, inhaling her womanly scent before holding her gleaming pussy lips apart and spearing her with his tongue.

Oh shit! Oh shit, Makayla cried out.

James loved hearing the noises she made. It turned him on even more. Encouraged, he continued probing her pussy, licking her from clit to arsehole and then back into her sticky warmth.

When he felt her hands grab his hair, he knew she was getting close. He placed a finger in her pussy to get it lubricated and then slithered it down to her arsehole. Makayla loved anal play, and who was he to deny her?

His finger breached her tight rosebud, going in up to the knuckle, and at the same time he tongued her clit. Less than a minute later, her anus throbbed and spasmed around his finger as she came in a violent orgasm, her head thrashing from side to side as intense pleasure spiked through her veins. He knew she’d had enough when her legs tried to close around his head.

Taking the hint, he pulled away and came up with a smile, his face covered in her juices.

Now that she was done, it was his turn. Grabbing her by the tops of her thighs, he widened her stance and then entered her in one deep stroke. Where she was so wet, it made for a deliciously tight yet slippery ride. She felt amazing.

He sucked on her tits some more as he ploughed himself into her, whilst Makayla wrapped her legs around his waist, drawing him even deeper into her body. He was fucking her with such intensity that he almost had her lower body off the desk. With a strong ache in his balls and the tingles building up inside of him, he was fast approaching orgasm. The need to come strong as he slammed into her, the desk shunting across the floor and Makayla’s tits bouncing all over the place. Seconds later, he gave an almighty roar as his cock twitched and throbbed and his load emptied inside of her in a wonderful rush of release.

He collapsed against her, and he looked down at her with a lazy smile. Now, this is how we should always celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Makayla grinned happily. Always.

CHAPTER 2

The Rose and Crown—Chelmsford, Essex.

Kara’s heart sank as she spotted her brother walking into the pub where she worked behind the bar, pulling pints for the customers. Seeing the strained tension in his eyes and around his mouth, it was obvious something was wrong. Bradley never came to visit her at the pub, preferring to use his own local, and that alone caused her stomach to tighten with worry. What if something bad had happened to their mum?

Forcing herself to concentrate on her job, she took an order from a middle-aged man wearing a high-vis jacket. Grabbing a clean glass, she filled it with beer from the beer tap, all the while keeping one eye on Bradley as he slowly advanced through the heavy throng of customers. Whatever it was her brother wanted, his timing sucked. The lunchtime shift was in full swing, and it would be difficult to give him her full attention. Something was definitely off with him, though, as his normally bright and happy demeanour seemed muted, and when a woman customer accidentally bumped into him, he gave an audible grunt, as if in pain.

The woman was quick to apologise, but Bradley ignored her and continued on, and it was then she could see that he appeared to be shielding his left hand.

For a split second, their eyes locked, and she felt a sickening pang as she recognised the disappointment in his eyes.

Kara handed the high-vis man his beer, then took the ten-pound note he was holding out to her and placed it in the till. When she turned back to pass the man his change, Bradley had finally made it to the front of the bar, ignoring the annoyed protests from the patrons accusing him of pushing in.

Kara, we need to have a talk. Now! said Bradley.

The harshness of his voice made it clear he was angry with her. And then it dawned on her why he was here. Oh Shit! She turned to her co-worker, Tina, a short, stocky blonde. Hey, can you cover me for five minutes? I just need to speak to my brother. I wouldn’t normally ask, but this is really important.

Tina gave a begrudging nod. Alright, but be quick. It’s too busy in here for me to cope on my own.

I will, Tina. You’re a star. Thank you.

Tina gave a small smile. Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just make it snappy.

Kara nodded and lifted the bar hatch to join Bradley. She then led him towards the rear of the building, and out through the back doors, into the quiet pub garden.

The sharp February air hit her like a tonne of bricks after the comforting warmth of the pub. She shivered as she scraped one of the quaint, wrought-iron garden chairs that surrounded the matching tables across the stone paving and sat down. She flinched as the cold, hard metal bit through the thin fabric of her skirt, prompting her to shift about uncomfortably and regret not bringing her coat out with her.

Bradley sat down opposite, a dark expression on his face.

You okay, Brad? You don’t seem yourself, she said, her voice sympathetic. She reached out and gently touched his forearm.

His blue eyes narrowed as he shrugged off her hand. I wonder why? Maybe it’s because I’ve just had to deal with the thugs from AdVance Loans.

The anxiety in her stomach intensified, flooding her body. She wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her hands up and down them in an effort to warm up, and, in a sense, soothe herself. So, what happened? Did they give you an extra week?

Bradley gave a slow shake of the head, and Kara realised she was being optimistic.

Fat chance! They put the interest up, just for my nerve of asking.

They did what? Are they authorised to do that? Tell me they can’t do that, Brad.

Well, apparently they can. Instead of one-thirty a week. It’s now a hundred and fifty quid. They also said that if I ever ask to skip a week again, not only will they put the interest rate up even further, but I’ll have to deal with their boss in person. And rumour has it that if it goes that far, you might as well be dead.

Kara’s heart pounded loudly in her ears as fear gripped her. That’s outrageous; they’re just the bloody debt collectors. Did you tell them you didn’t have the money this week and that you would pay double next?

Of course I fucking did. Bradley barked a little too sharply, making her flinch. And do you know what their response was?

Kara shook her head, her long, red ponytail swinging back and forth.

Bradley brought his hand up for her to see.

Kara gasped as she saw that the first three fingers of his hand had been splinted and taped together.

Oh my God, are they?

Broken? Yes! We have until midnight to find a hundred and fifty quid. Otherwise,…

As Bradley’s words trailed off, Kara’s body sagged and shook with intense fear as the full enormity of the situation hit her. This is all my fault. How are we going to raise that kind of money? Look, do you have any cash on you? I could put a bet on and—

Would you bloody stop? For god’s sake, Kara, you’re the reason we’re in this mess in the first place. You and your fucking gambling debts. I’ve bailed you out so many times. You’ve trashed your own credit rating, and now you’ve fucked up mine, too. So now we’re stuck borrowing from fucking loan sharks, only this bastard is the worst of the bunch. Did you know who he was when you sent me to him to get your loan?

Kara shook her head. Not really. Shantelle said one of the mums at the parents and toddlers group she attends once got a payday loan with him, and that it was all legit and fine. So I figured it would be okay.

Bradley gave a short, bitter laugh. Oh, little sis, how fucking wrong you were! Have you heard of the name James Vance, aka the Devil of Essex?

Kara rolled her eyes. Well, yeah, of course. Who hasn’t heard of him? He’s notorious around these parts.

Well, did it ever occur to you that AdVance Loans was his? I mean, hell, his surname is even in the company title, and you didn’t twig that?

Oh crap! How had she not noticed?

Well, neither did you, she argued back.

That’s because I assumed you had a smart head on your shoulders. Although, why I ever thought that is beyond me. You’re a stupid fucking idiot with a gambling addiction. I can’t trust you anymore. You swore to me that if I got you this loan to pay off your gambling debts this one last time, that you would turn over a new leaf and get help. Instead, you’ve shafted me. You gambled away this month’s salary and now can’t afford to pay back the loan shark. If that money ain’t paid by tonight, those debt collectors are gonna come looking for me with baseball bats.

We could always ask Mum.

No fucking way! You’ve already been through most of her life’s savings after that cunt Lenny the Loan threatened to burn down the family home with Mum inside it. She’s been on antidepressants ever since. You will not ask her for another penny.

Alright, alright! Calm down. Maybe Shantelle can lend me som—

Don’t you dare. She has a kid to bring up. Don’t bloody drag her into your shit.

Well, then, I don’t know what else to do.

Do you have anything to sell? asked Bradley.

No, not that would bring in that kind of money.

What about your TV?

I sold it months ago, and I only got thirty for it, anyway.

Bradley gave her a look of disgust, and Kara lowered her gaze to the table.

Oi, Kara, I need you back behind the bar, hollered Tina from the doorway.

I’ll be right there, replied Kara. Tina acknowledged her response and went back inside.

Kara turned back to Bradley. I promise I’ll find the money, even if I have to beg, borrow, or steal it, okay? She wondered if there would be enough money in the pub till to cover the debt.

Don’t do anything stupid to get it, said Bradley, as if reading her mind. As far as AdVance loans are concerned, I’m the one who took out the loan, so you are safe and in the clear. What I want you to do is speak to your boss and have your wages paid into my bank account from now on. That way, I can manage your money for you and make sure your bills get paid. I have about seventy quid in my own bank account, which I can give you, but you’re going to have to find the rest. Do you think you’ll be able to do that?

Kara nodded. I’ll be extra nice and helpful to the customers. Some of them tip well and offer to buy drinks. I’ll take the money instead of the drinks. It all adds up. Or maybe my boss can give me a small loan. I’ll figure this out, Bradley. I swear it won’t happen again.

Bradley stood up and dropped a kiss on the cheek. That’s what you always say.

As Kara watched him leave, she was determined that this time would be different.

By the end of the lunchtime shift, Kara had made £7.60 in tips, which was poor considering how much she needed towards her £80 goal. Feeling desperate, she walked over to Tina, who was glancing down at a red, chipped fingernail. Hey, Tina, hun, can I ask you a favour?

Tina’s body tensed, her defences instantly rising. No, Kara, forget it.

Kara let out a nervous giggle. You don’t even know what I’m gonna say yet.

Like fuck I don’t. I know your game, and let me tell you this. I ain’t lending you any more money. You still owe me twenty quid from September.

Heat rose in Kara’s cheeks as she was overcome with a momentary sense of shame. She hated asking, but the thought of those debt collectors coming back to see Bradley with their baseball bats urged her on. I promise I’ll pay you back on payday. Look, just a little loan, even a tenner? Pleeeeease!

Fuck off! snapped Tina, before storming off to serve a customer.

Oh dear, that didn’t go well, did it? came a deep, male voice from the other side of the bar.

Kara glanced up and found herself staring into one of the most handsome, chiselled faces she had ever seen, despite him having a slightly crooked nose. She hadn’t seen this guy in here before, although from the way he was dressed, he looked like the kind of man who was used to drinking in private clubs and wine bars, not this crummy little high-street pub which was mostly frequented by yobs. He had on an expensive looking black suit with a nice crisp white shirt and a silver and blue tie, which brought out the steely blue of his eyes. He was smiling at her, and she could see his perfect pearly white teeth and high cheekbones. Her insides gave a little leap of approval. He was gorgeous, even with his less than perfect nose. She especially loved that despite his immaculate appearance, he had a full day’s growth of dark stubble on his jaw, giving him a rugged, sexy look.

What can I get you? asked Kara politely, ignoring his comment. Her eyes remaining transfixed on his stunning face as he casually ran a hand through his short, chestnut brown hair. This man was definitely in a class all of his own. He was breathtaking.

Three pints of Fosters, please, he asked politely, as he looked down at his phone, which was beeping to let him know he’d received a text.

Kara smiled warmly, reaching for the pint glasses, and briefly glanced to the right of her handsome customer, not having noticed the two men he was standing with previously. One of them fitted right into this place, with his close-cropped sandy blonde hair and full beard, and street clothes consisting of jeans, a T-shirt, and a leather jacket. The other man was dressed similarly, except he was better looking and looked a little older than the other two, with a fade haircut and expressive brown eyes that appeared to be scowling at her. Kara shifted uncomfortably and concentrated on the job at hand, pouring the pints perfectly.

She gave them to her handsome customer. That’ll be £7.50, please.

That’s cheap, he commented.

Yeah, we’ve got a promotion on this week. All drinks are reduced.

Mr Handsome handed across a fifty-pound note.

Keep the change, he said with a wink. You seem to need it.

Kara was a little taken aback by his generosity. Normally she might have argued that it was too much, but she was desperate and wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. She gave him what she hoped was her most grateful smile. Thank you very much. That’s very generous.

He nodded his head, a smug, knowing look on his face.

Kara was confused, but quickly dismissed it. She’d never seen him in here before, and doubted she’d ever see him again.

She watched as the three men walked away with their drinks and seated themselves at a nearby table close to the dartboard. The two yobs started up a game, whilst Mr Gorgeous-as-Sin was back on his phone.

Kara went back to work, although not before first checking that the note wasn’t a fake. Thankfully, it was real, and now she only needed £29.90. Seeing as the bar was now quiet and the rush had died down, she headed out through the private staff access and out into the corridor. Then, stopping outside one of the rooms, she knocked on the white-painted door.

Come in, came a male voice.

Kara opened the door and walked into Bert, the pub landlord’s office, a smile on her lips. Hi, sorry to bother you. Do you have a minute?

The middle-aged man smiled back and beckoned her inside. Sure, I was just finishing up the brewery order.

Kara closed the door and settled down into the worn, brown, hard-backed chair.

Bert reclined back in his seat, resting his clasped hands on his growing beer belly. So, how can I help you, Kara?

Um, Bert… Would it be possible to get an advance on next month’s wages?

Bert gave an inward sigh, his mouth twisting slightly. I’d really rather not, Kara. I don’t like messing with the earnings like that. How much do you need, exactly?

Only about £30, so it’s not much.

Kara noted that Bert looked like he was having an internal battle with himself.

You only got paid on Friday, said Bert, scratching his temple. It’s Wednesday now. What happened to your money?

Oh, um, you see, my um… My mum’s cooker broke down, and um… I had to buy her another. Yeah, that’s it, so it’s left me short.

Just thirty, you say? he asked.

Just thirty, said Kara, hating herself for lying.

She watched with bated breath as he placed his hand in his jacket and pulled out his wallet. He counted out three ten-pound notes and passed them across to her.

Here, take it. You don’t have to pay me back. I always did like your mum; we used to go to school together. Anything to help out an old friend.

Kara stared at him wide-eyed. She couldn’t believe her luck. First the handsome guy in the business suit giving her a hefty tip, and now Bert. Good things always happened in threes, didn’t they?

She took the money, then leaned across the desk and kissed Bert’s cheek. Thank you. I’ll tell Mum you said hello.

Bert blushed slightly, and as Kara exited the office, she couldn’t help but smile. Her luck was changing for the better. She could feel it.

Kara arrived home at her small, one-bed flat a little after 2 p.m. She waved at her neighbour, Paige, who was taking some rubbish out to the bins. They were around the same age but never really spoke much, just the occasional wave, smile, or hello.

Kara let herself into the flat and put on the kettle. A cup of black tea would have to do, as she had run out of milk and had no money for more. The food cupboards were running bare, and she hated to think what she would do for food in a week from now. Thankfully, she still had a fairly large bag of dried pasta that she’d only recently opened and some porridge oats in stock, so it may not have been greatly nutritious or exciting, but at least it would fill her stomach and keep her going for a while. And if she got really desperate, she could always ask her mum or Bradley for some provisions. Although that would have to be a real last resort, as there was no way she wanted them to know the extent of her problems. They already despaired of her.

On her way home, she had stopped by the bank and paid the eighty pounds into her account, figuring it would be safer there than having it on her person, otherwise she might be tempted to gamble with it. She would just withdraw it from the cash machine later when Bradley came for it. Out of sight, out of mind.

Once the kettle had boiled, she made her steaming mug of black tea and added two sugars. Then, grabbing the last two custard creams from her now empty biscuit barrel, she settled down on the sofa with her laptop.

It was as if her fingers had a mind of their own. Within seconds, she was on the Courageous Bingo site. As soon as she logged in, her heart quickened with excitement. She had been awarded £1.70 in bonus points to play on the slots or bingo.

She loaded up her favourite slot game, Garden Paradise, and bet 25p. As luck would have it, the three parrots appeared, which opened up a bonus game entitling her to fifteen free spins, which also tripled the wins on the betting amount. She watched with growing excitement as her 25p bet and the £1.70 bonus suddenly became £45 of real money. By the end of the round, she was whooping and punching the air in joy. Holy shit! She was on a roll. Her finger hovered on the withdraw cash icon, but the next thing she knew she was hitting the play button and this time had bet 50p a spin.

Her stomach lurched as with each roll of the slots, it took more and more of her £45 win away from her, but that didn’t stop her as she was certain that with every spin she would get the three parrots again. And sure enough, she did, but this time none of the spins were good, and by the end of the round, she had only won back £4.60.

Kara was now down to £7.90 and figured she had lost most of it, so might as well keep going. Seconds later, a message popped up telling her she was out of money and did she want to deposit more funds? Kara pushed her laptop away, feeling disgusted with herself. She had just won and lost £45. That could have bought her a week or two of food. Tears stung her eyes as she took a hefty sip of tea, burning her tongue and the roof of her mouth but not caring, feeling like it was karma for her stupidity. She idly bit into the biscuit and looked down at the flashing message. Did she want to deposit more funds? She thought of the £80 sitting in the bank. Maybe if she deposited it into her bingo account, she could easily win it back plus more. Look at how quickly she’d won £45. Before Kara knew what she was doing, she was back on the slots, that pure adrenaline shot she got whenever she hit the spin button spiking through her veins and better than any drug on the market.

Oh yes! Today was her lucky day.

CHAPTER 3

Bradley pressed the buzzer located on the brick wall panel outside Kara’s block of flats and waited for her to release the security lock so he could get inside and retrieve the £80 she had managed to acquire through work. Kara had sounded so excited when she’d called him from the pub to let him know she had the remainder of the money, telling him that he could rest easy. Well, for a few days, anyway. What would happen next week when the next instalment was due? His expression soured as the harsh reality of their dilemma hit home. Then they would be in the exact same boat all over again, only this time the thugs would break the fingers on his other hand. He glanced down at his throbbing strapped fingers as dread threatened to consume him. The only bright side was that they hadn’t killed him. He swallowed hard as he remembered how the Russian guy had spouted off at him in his mother tongue before bending them back at an unnatural angle and then the sickening snap of his bones breaking. At that moment, he had been certain that the Russian had been ordering his execution to his colleague. The relief when he realised he hadn’t had been immense.

When there was no answer from the buzzer, Bradley pressed it again and glanced down at his watch. It was a little after six. He had just left Everyday Autos, where he worked as a mechanic, and was desperate to get home to Lauren, his girlfriend. But for now, that would have to wait.

His sister was going to be the death of him, and he meant that literally. She was the world’s biggest fuckup, only coming a close second to their dad, who had been an alcoholic. Thankfully, Kara hadn’t been stupid enough to hit the bottle, but a part of him worried that she was following in his footsteps and had their dad’s addictive personality.

When there was still no reply, Bradley’s stomach knotted as the gnawing suspicion grew. Her flat was located above a row of shops along the high street, directly above the florist. He walked back around to the front of the shops and glanced up to see if there were any lights on at her windows, but there were none. It looked dark up there. Now he was starting to get worried. Dashing back around to the entrance, he stopped at the panel again, only this time he buzzed another flat. Seconds later, he got a response.

Hi, I’m trying to reach my sister in Flat 5, but there’s no answer. Could you buzz me in, please?

Yeah, sure, came the male response.

Almost instantly, the lock released on the main door to the building, and he pushed it open, saying a silent thank you to whoever had let him inside. He sprinted up the two small flights of stairs and then stopped in front of Kara’s pale blue door. He knocked firmly on the wood, listening closely for any sign of life from inside.

His eyebrows cinched together as he heard a noise and leaned in closer. Was that sobbing? It sure sounded like a woman crying. That feeling of dread grew stronger as he knocked on the door again, this time more frantically, the urgency building up inside of him. Kara, are you in there? Kara, open the door.

The sobbing seemed to get louder, and he now knew for a fact that she was in there. Oh shit! Had those debt collectors been to visit her and threatened her? Maybe even their mother, too. His stomach clenched, and he genuinely thought he might throw up. He pulled his mobile phone from his denim jacket pocket and started to call his mum, whilst at the same time shoulder-charging Kara’s front door in desperation. As his shoulder impacted against the solid wood, the force of it sent an immense bolt of agony through his already broken fingers, making him yelp out in pain. Shit! Fuck! Bollocks!

Hello? Bradley, is that you? said the voice of his mum, Sandra, on the other end of the phone.

Um, yeah, sorry about the expletives, but Mum, are you okay? he asked, sending a heavy-booted kick to Kara’s front door.

What’s that noise? asked Sandra.

Nothing, said Bradley, kicking it again. Uh, did anyone come to see you at the house today?

Just your Auntie Pamela, love. Why do you ask?

Oh, um, it’s nothing. Look, Mum, I have to go. Maybe go and stay with Auntie Pam for a while. Ok?

What? Why? she asked, sounding confused.

Bradley gave an irritated sigh. "You