Her mind flitted to Glynn. Yes, she would also see more of him. Just the thought of him sent her pulse racing and she tried to put him out of her mind and to focus on other things instead. His kind of trouble she could do without.

She took another look around the office while she thought things over. It was more than a challenge; it was a mammoth task. But it was doable, just. And it was better than the alternative.

‘OK, how much will you be paying me and when d’you want me to start?’ she asked.

Chapter 31

Glynn and Mike walked into the George and Dragon. The landlord, Pat, stiffened as soon as he saw them approach the bar.

‘In the back,’ said Glynn, lifting the latch on the end of the bar, then following Pat through to the living quarters.

‘Well?’ asked Glynn once they were standing with Pat in his living room.

Pat gazed back at them, confused. ‘What?’ he asked.

‘Don’t get fuckin’ smart,’ said Glynn. ‘You know what we’re here for.’

Mike stepped up to Pat and grabbed him by the throat. ‘Don’t fuckin’ take the piss!’ he stormed. ‘Get the fuckin’ money. Now!’

Mike then pushed Pat viciously, forcing him to step back.

When he had regained his footing, Pat still had a confused expression on his face but it was now tainted with fear. ‘B-but I’ve already paid this month’s money,’ he said.

‘What d’you mean, you’ve paid? We haven’t fuckin’ had it,’ said Glynn.

‘He’s a piss taker,’ Mike chipped in. ‘It’s not the first time he’s tried to get out of paying.’

‘No, I’m not lying,’ Pat pleaded as Mike hovered menacingly close to him. ‘One of your guys came with another two blokes yesterday.’

Mike took a step closer to Pat.

‘Hang on a minute,’ said Glynn. ‘What d’you mean, one of our guys? Who was it?’

‘I don’t know his name but he was definitely one of your lot. He’s been before with Pete.’

Mike flashed a look of incredulity at Glynn, who then asked. ‘What’s he look like?’

‘Red hair, about five foot nine, average build. That’s about all. Just an average-looking bloke.’

‘Sam,’ said Glynn, exchanging a look of concern with Mike. ‘Why the fuck would he have been here yesterday? He doesn’t do this pub now, except when we can’t make it.’

Then the realisation dawned on him. They hadn’t seen Sam around much lately. He’d told them he was taking a few days away with his wife and kids, and Peter had OK’d it, knowing how hard Sam had worked for them in the past. But what if he hadn’t really gone on holiday?

‘What about the other two guys? Do you know them?’ Glynn demanded.