‘Jason?’ Jordan addressed the other brother. Jason jutted his chin towards him. ‘It wasn’t you who did it?’

‘No, he killed Keira,’ Will said. ‘They’re a lovely pair, aren’t they?’

‘You can fucking talk, man,’ Adam spat.

‘Jordan, let me and Liam deal with this.’

‘There are three cop cars outside,’ Jordan said. ‘Kelly is here.’

‘Who the fuck is Kelly?’ Jason demanded.

Will and the other officer looked at one another.

‘Let me do it now, otherwise it’ll be too late,’ Jordan pleaded through gritted teeth.

‘Jordan, stay calm,’ Will said, and began walking towards him.

He held the knives so tightly that he thought he might snap one. The blades looked lethal and commanding. He had the power; he could decide. As Will got closer, he noticed the other copper advancing too. He was within whispering distance when he said, ‘Hit the deck when they shout.’ Then he moved away. Jordan understood. Jason and Adam hadn’t heard the advice.

There was movement outside, and Jordan knew that if he was going to get to Adam, it had to be now. Ten seconds more and his chance would be gone.

Chapter 52

As they approached the rear of the warehouse, they noticed a car parked near the iron stairwell leading up to the only light in the building. Kelly and Rob got out and watched as the armed response team worked in silence with hand signals and gestures. Kelly touched the bonnet of the car: it was warm. Jason and Adam had recent visitors.

As the team readied itself to go in, she felt her phone go off. Damn, it was bloody awful timing, but she hoped it might be news from Johnny. It was a number she didn’t recognise and she didn’t answer it, but it called another three times in twenty seconds and so she pressed accept.

It was Johnny. ‘Thank God! You answered!’

‘Johnny? Where are you? I’ve been calling you.’

Rob gestured that it was fine for her to talk: he could keep an eye on the raid and would let her know when she was needed.

‘I lost my phone. It turned into a riot.’

‘I know, I’ve seen the footage, I’ve been worried sick. Are you all OK?’

‘Where are you?’

‘With Armed Response. It’s a long story. We’ve found the brothers.’

‘I’m at the hospital. Ted was injured, but he’s stable now.’

‘Oh Christ! I’ll get there as soon as I can.’

‘It’s all right, I’m here with Josie. Just concentrate on what you’re doing. I’ll see you later.’

She ended the call. The team was ready to ascend the stairwell. Their weapons were off safety, and they cocked them in preparation. Kelly watched mesmerised as they took the stairs.

Before they were halfway up, there was a wail from inside, then a figure emerged on the metal balcony with its hands up.