‘You sure you’re alright, mate?’ asked Glynn.

‘Whatever happened when you were kids, it doesn’t give them the fuckin’ right to muscle in on our turf!’ said Mike.

‘No, it doesn’t,’ said Peter, aware that he’d allowed Glynn and Mike to catch a brief glimpse of his vulnerable side. That won’t do, he thought, straightening himself up and taking a swig of his brandy before adding, ‘And they’re not gonna fuckin’ get away with it!’

Peter looked at Glynn, his mind now strategizing. Then another thought occurred to him.

‘What about Mickey? Have they poached him, too?’ he asked.

‘No, as far as I’m aware he’s still one of ours,’ said Glynn.

Peter pursed his lips and let out a sharp puff of air, relieved. He didn’t think Mickey would have done the dirty on him but after what Sam had done, he couldn’t be too sure.

Now he was over the initial shock of Sam and Alan’s betrayal, he had to think of a way to deal with it. And he was going to make sure he never again showed any sign of vulnerability to either his men or his enemies. He couldn’t afford to.

Peter had learnt the hard way that no one could be trusted. If you didn’t stand strong they tried to take the piss. Well, they might try, but they wouldn’t fuckin’ win! He was determined of that.

‘What else are they up to?’ he asked, knowing that Glynn would have unearthed as much information as possible.

‘A few warehouse jobs, but that’s about it. Seems like their main focus is taking over our fuckin’ customers. And Sam’s giving them the tip-off about who we deal with. If you ask me, he’s become the biggest fuckin’ liability. We need to stop him.’

‘Yeah, we do,’ said Peter, draining the last of his brandy. ‘I want you two to sort it. Do whatever it fuckin’ takes. The more dramatic, the better. I want to send a message, loud and clear, to anyone who thinks they can take us on. Mess with me and you pay the fuckin’ price.’

Chapter 34

A few days later Alan’s new crew, David, Sam and three others, were sitting in the Sportsman’s. Alan had given the landlord a backhander to make sure they had a small side room to themselves. Alan had just outlined their forthcoming plans and they were all now relaxing with a few drinks.

At around nine o’clock Sam stood up. ‘I’m off now,’ he said.

‘You sure, mate?’ asked David. ‘It’s a bit early, innit?’

‘Yeah. I’ve promised the missus I wouldn’t get too pissed tonight.’

The men let out a loud jeer.

‘Some fuckin’ gangster you are if you can’t even stand up to your missus,’ teased David.