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And now, after the shootings and high drama, Maudie says goodbye to Toni at Blackpool Railway Station.
Peter Lacey brings his crime novel to a most satisfactory conclusion.
The book can be read again from start to finish by clicking on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
After the violence dies down Tony Rossetti tries to get the seriously injured Maudie to safety.
Peter Lacey’s crime novel is so real you can taste it.
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...She sat on the inside and Steven Dyson held her left arm twisted behind her back. But now his attention was wholly fixed on the shattered figure at the end of the platform. Dyson's agitation was close to panic.
Toni prepared to duck in case Maudie fired the gun...
Fiction doesn’t get more exciting than this. Peter Lacey’s crime thriller moves to a breath-stopping climax.
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Maudie, seriously wounded and driven by superhuman resolve, steps up his one-man war in the setting of Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s nail-biting crime thriller please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
...The engine below them hooted. It drowned Curtis's words. Maudie took the gun from his waistband and shot him while it was still sounding...
Peter Lacey’s thrilling crime novel builds to a deadly confrontation in the Pleasure Beach at Blackpool.
To read earlier chapters please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
Toni Rossetti heads for Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and a fateful meeting with Steven Dyson, the man prepared to use violence to seize control of her family’s business interests.
Peter Lacey’s novel moves towards a ruthless climax.
To read earlier chapters please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
...Keeping the cars between himself and the rear door, he went to the Rover and crouched behind it. His legs gave way and he fell to his knees. He steadied himself with his left hand and made sure the shotgun didn't touch the ground. He looked towards the building. The door was flanked by waste bins as big as a man, and steam came from an extractor fan high in the wall above them...
Maudie goes into action in his one-man war against the Dysons, who are trying to get their hands on the Rossetti business interests.
A nail-biting chapter!
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s crime novel please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
As Toni Rossetti waits for the fateful meeting with the man who will stop at nothing to seize her family’s business empire she reflects on her life, past and present.
Peter Lacey’s crime thriller builds towards a violent climax. To read earlier chapters please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
Time passes slowly as Toni waits for her fateful meeting with stop-at-nothing Steven Dyson who is trying to gain control of the Rossetti family business.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s thrilling crime novel please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
...He put on a fresh pair of surgical gloves that he took from the suitcase before he began.
In the left-hand pocket he put three canisters, two of smoke and one of CS gas. He wiped the Luger of prints and stuck it into his belt, the butt concealed by the loose shirt. The flick knife with the six-inch blade he taped horizontally on to the tape that covered his stomach...
Maudie prepares for the final battle – and he’s ready to go the limit.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s thrilling crime novel please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
...Maudie picked up the bat and used it as a walking stick. He paused by the body and the staring eyes confirmed that Melvyn was dead. He felt no remorse. He felt nothing. The past had taught him to subdue emotions because they got in the way. Besides, he ached too much to give a toss...
Peter Lacey’s crime novel continues to deliver the goods.
To read earlier chapters please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
...She had time to kill. Then, at the Pleasure Beach, she might have something else to kill...
Toni Rossetti sets out for her fateful meeting with the man who is trying to seize control of her family’s business enterprises in Blackpool.
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Maudie acquires a shooter – and he’s now in charge of his own situation.
Peter Lacey continues his thrilling crime story. For earlier chapters please click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/the_limit/
Can Maudie possibly fight back after the beating he has taken.
Peter Lacey’s crime novel, set in Britain’s major seaside resort, moves up another notch on the thrill scale.
To read earlier chapters of this gripping tale please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...Towards the end, when they were tiring and the hurt had built into one continuous ache, he sank into a no-man's-land where time had no meaning. The pain kindled mixed-up memories of long ago...
The Dysons’ hired thugs make sure that Maudie experiences the extremes of pain.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s tough crime novel set in England’s premier seaside resort please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
..."They want to meet you. You have to phone Steven Dyson within the next half hour." He paused. "They're demanding, not asking. I don't like it, Toni. You'd be a fool to go. Maybe it's time for the police."...
What will be the outcome when Toni Rossetti meets the evil Steven Dyson, who is more than willing to use violence to take over her family's Blackpool business interests.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's taut crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...She refused to cry and she refused to forget the recent events. She wanted to remember them in detail and use them to fire her hate....
After a night of shock and horror Toni Rossetti is determined to continue her fight against the evil Dysons, who are trying to take over her family's business.
Peter Lacey continues his tough no-compromises crime story.
Hardman Maudie is about to have his endurance tested to the limits by thugs hired by the Dysons.
Peter Lacey's tough crime novel set in England's premier seaside resort continues to deliver the goods. To read earlier chapters please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...There were no doubts now that she would use the gun. When Maudie had first handed it to her, she had wondered whether she would ever have the nerve to pull the trigger in anger. Now she knew there would be no hesitation, no compunction. Her tormentors were animals....
Toni Rossetti is now fighting alone to protect the family business – and the battle is life-threatening.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s vivid crime novel please type his name in the menu on this page.
...The tapping at the window made her start. The bull terri¬er's head snapped up, its ears pricked for action. The tapping continued and the dog jumped to the floor, ran to the curtain and stood growling, the hair bristling on its neck.
Toni picked up the gun and took a hesitant step towards the window. The voice stopped her. It was a whisper of menace, yet she strained to hear what it said...
Hard man Maudie has been snatched by the Dysons, who are using all means to take over the Rossetti business in Blackpool. Now Toni Rossetti endures a war of nerves...
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s thrilling crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...One swing of a cosh and Maudie slumped across the body of Gerard. They didn't waste time. They picked him up be¬tween them and carried him back the way they had come. It took only seconds....
And Toni Rossetti finds herself alone in the fight to keep the Dysons from taking over her family’s business.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s thrilling crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...The telephone rang at ten past one and Maudie answered it. The voice at the other end was without expression.
"There's a present on the back lawn."
The line went dead.
The .38 Smith and Wesson, with the silencer already fit¬ted, lay on the table alongside a pair of surgical gloves in a cellophane packet. Maudie put on the gloves, picked up the gun...
The Dysons, trying to wrest control of the Rosseti’s Blackpool business interests, finally hit back.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s fast-paced crime novel please click on The Limit on the menu on this page.
…Toni entered into the spirit of the shopping trip when she realised she could have fun. It consisted of making him un¬comfortable by leaving him standing outside ladies' changing rooms, or asking his opinion about intimate garments in lin¬gerie shops…
Hard man Maudie and Tony Rossetti continue to be seen around town, unafraid of the scheming Dysons who are prepared to use rough-house methods to take over the Rossetti business empire.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s gripping crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
…"It's now up to the Dysons," Maudie said. "Of course, they may just leave us alone." He sipped the tea. "But if we want to stay healthy, we have to work on the assumption that they'll hit back. If they do, it won’t be a punch-up in the club. It will be major.’’…
Maudie readies the staff of Rossetti enterprises for a fight-back against the bullying Dysons who are trying to muscle in on a thriving business in England’s leading holiday town.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey’s engrossing crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
…A grey two-piece Chanel suit with Dior silk shirt in yellow. The high-heeled shoes and the tinted glasses were by Charles Jourdan.
She was worth looking at, if only for the labels. She knew plenty of women in town who would buy the labels from her —not the clothes, just the labels…
Toni Rossetti and hard man Maudie put on a show when they go to visit her injured brother in hospital.
Peter Lacey continues his story of the Rossetti’s all-too-literal battle to hang onto their businesses in England’s biggest holiday resort.
…"What do we do today?" she asked.
"Normal business. Only I go with you. High profile. Let them see us and make up their minds. If they're going to reply, it'll be today or tomorrow. It's a small town. They can't leave it too long. Give it a week and start breathing easier. Two, and I can go home."...
Hard man Maudie and Toni Rossetti wait to see whether the Dyson family will strike back.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's gripping crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
After putting the frighteners on the man who is trying to take over the Rossetti’s family business, hard-man Maudie and Toni Rossetti unwind in a safe house. Though the presence of a couple of bull terriers leave Maudie somewhat on edge.
Peter Lacey continues his crime story which is set in Blackpool.
Toni Rossetti and Maudie succeed in scaring foul Steven Dyson half to death.
Here’s crime writing at its very best in the latest chapter of Peter Lacey’s novel.
To read earlier chapters please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
Toni Rossetti gets in close with the horrid Steve Dyson, the man who is trying to "steal'' her family's business interests in Blackpool.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
..."It's automatic. Easy to use. And it kills. Remember that if you point at someone. It's not a toy, to fool around with. It's a deadly weapon. If you use it and you hit someone in the head or chest, chances are you'll kill them. Arms and legs are better targets. But if it comes to using it, I don't suppose there'll be time to make a choice. Are you sure you want it?"...
Toni Rossetti assures hardman Maudi that she does indeed want the gun - that she wants to battle to keep the family business out of the hands of the evil Dysons.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's realistic crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
Hard-man Maudie takes a tour of Blackpool, the town where he will battle to protect the business interests of Toni Rossetti.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's gripping crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
Maudie arrives in Blackpool, armed and ready to battle against the upstart Dysons who are trying to "steal'' Toni Rossetti's businesses.
Peter Lacey continues his gripping crime story. To read earlier chapters please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...He travelled first class to be able to watch his luggage more easily and read the Elmore Leonard during the journey. He was enjoying himself. His attitude was ten years younger already. Action had always been exciting; now it was rejuvenating.
So far, he hadn't attempted to plan any aspect of the job. It was in Blackpool so he let it stay there. The time to start thinking about it was when he arrived, when he saw the fighting ground and could assess the opposition. Anyway, he was still a hired hand. He would be operating under the direction of Toni, although on his own terms...
Hardman Maudie is heading north to protect the business interests of Toni Rossetti, a young lady determined to get the better of violent interlopers.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's compelling novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...He grinned. He was a pools winner who'd just had a heart transplant. There was nothing he couldn't do, and putting a look of amazement on some East End faces was one of them...
Toni Rossetti gives ageing hardman Maudi a new lease on life - and also cash to buy shooters to protect her northern business interests.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
..."Toni, what you were talking about this afternoon. You were talking about a war. I don't know anybody big enough to have a quiet word with the Dysons, to warn them off. So, if you don't sell out, you're left with a war. That's nasty. Is that what you want?"...
Ageing hardman Maudie is assured that Toni Rossetti really does want to protect her business interests in Blackpool - evfen if that involves violence and goinhg to the limit.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...They were almost at the car when the man stepped out from behind the van.
"Jesus Christ!" Ruth said.
Toni looked behind. Two more men had appeared. They were dressed in dark trousers and sweaters. There was nowhere to run...
If she needed further convincing Toni Rossetti is made to realise that this holiday town is now a very dangerous place.
Peter Lacey's atmospheric crime novel continues apace. To read earlier chapters please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
Toni Rossetti, though involved in a desperate battle to retain the ownership of a thriving Blackpool business empire, still manages to enjoy a few laughs with an old friend.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...It was that percentage of detectable deceit that had given her a moment's disquiet. She became more at ease when she recognised it. The breed might be clever and successful and, in Steven Dyson's case, dangerous, but they all had one common factor. They were little boys who wanted their own way and who got very cross when someone said no....
The Dysons are determined to dominate the gambling scene in Britain's leading holiday town - but Toni Rossetti is equally resolved to fight them all the way.
Peter Lacey continues his taut crime novel.
Toni Rossetti is determined to fight to keep her family's gaming businesses - but is she "big'' enough to take on the Dyson brothers?
Ace crime writer Peter Lacey conveys an inside knowledge of his characters and locations.
To read earlier chapters of this story please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
Maudie had been a hardman in his day—and no one knew better than he did that his day was past.
But he has pledged to help Toni Rosseti. It's time to go see the Chinaman.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...He and Dempsey Wogan had arrived there very early one morning, mist over the water, birds just waking, the air fresh enough to make you drunk. It had been bloody beautiful, the first and only time nature had really moved him. Then he had got on with the job and kneecapped a Jock...
Maudie has been a tough character for sure, but now he is capable of shedding tears.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's hard-hitting crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...The gang leader had visited Blackpool only once. His business had been elsewhere, Haydock or Manchester racetrack. Toni had been a child but she remembered his visit to the house. It was years later that she discovered who and what he was.
He had arrived with three men, one of them Maudie. The visit had been brief. He had left a small suitcase, which her father had locked in a safe, and collected it the next day. Her father had not attempted to look inside...
Now, years later, Toni needs Maudie's help - but things are not what they used to be when "muscle'' is needed.
To read earlier chapters of Peter Lacey's tough and professional crime novel please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
...Blackpool has always been hard. You have to be hard to survive on the Golden Mile during Glasgow Fairs...
The Rossettis have been part of the Blackpool scene for decades, running nightclubs, bingo halls, pubs. But someone is muscling in on their scene. Someone prepared to use extreme violence. The Rossettis need help...
Antonietta Rossetti, hot-winged from Seattle, is arranging that help, as Peter Lacey reveals.
To read earlier chapters of this gripping story please click on The Limit in the menu on this page.
Mordecai Morgan is minding the shop in Brick Lane when a classy lady walks in.
...He raised his eyes without moving his head and got a surprise. She was as classy as an Elmore Leonard. In her thirties and beautifully put together. He could see that because the summer dress she wore was cream silk. The sun shone through it to provide a silhouette that made the bits catch in his throat...
The lady has one of his old cards, "Mordecai Morgan - Demolition'' and she needs help...
Story teller Peter Lacey is one of the very best in the business. Read his novel The Limit week by week, chapter by chapter, in Open Writing.
...And now, an extra-special treat for Open Writing readers.
Today we begin the serialisation of The Limit, a crime novel by Peter Lacey. Peter is a professional and polished writer, a gifted story-teller.
Make an appointment with your computer every Monday for the latest episode of The Limit. You are guaranteed a thrilling read.
