But even as Peter spoke those words, he thought back to a time when David had betrayed him previously. It had been when they were kids. They’d been lifting lead from the roof of an abandoned factory with their friend Alan, and David had fallen through one of the skylights. His injuries were so bad that Peter and Alan had called an ambulance, then fled the scene once it arrived.

Peter had known there was no need for David to have given his and Alan’s names to the police. But, nevertheless, he had done so. Peter had shrugged it off at the time. They were only kids, after all, and David would have been shaken up by his injuries.

Glynn’s voice broke him out of his reverie. ‘That’s the trouble once they’re on the fuckin’ coke,’ he said. ‘They lose all reason. I know what you mean, though, mate. You and him were good mates, weren’t you?’

‘Yeah. We were once,’ said Peter, taking a comforting swig of his brandy.

‘What makes you think it’s him?’ asked Glynn.

‘Just intuition and the way he’s been acting.’

‘OK. Well, let’s not jump the gun on this, Pete. You don’t wanna miss summat while you’re suspecting the wrong guy, do you?’

‘Suppose not. But, I don’t see who else could have done it.’

‘I know, but it’s best to make sure. I tell you what, why don’t I do a bit of sniffing around; see what I can find out? Then we’ll know for sure.’

‘Good idea, mate,’ said Peter.

‘Do you mind if I ask the name of the firm that beat us to it?’ said Glynn. Peter looked at him suspiciously until Glynn added, ‘It might help me find something out.’

‘Yeah, sure,’ Peter said. ‘It was the Millers.’

‘Aah, makes sense,’ said Glynn. ‘It’s their type of thing.’

‘Yeah, they’re fuckin’ slimy enough to nick someone else’s job, as well,’ Peter replied. When Glynn shrugged, he added, ‘Oh, and thanks,’ leaning over to clink his glass against Glynn’s.

‘No probs, mate. It’s for the good of the firm,’ said Glynn.

Peter’s disappointment in his friend David had made him drop his guard. Glynn was making all the right noises so he willingly put his trust in him. After all, Glynn hadn’t given him a reason not to. Yet.

Chapter 3

Adele returned to her cell ready for lock-down. Her cellmate, Anna, was already inside and looked as though she had been there a while. As usual, she was splayed out on the bottom bunk wearing only her ill-fitting underwear. It wasn’t a pretty sight.