‘It’s all there,’ he said. ‘You can go in the men’s and count it if you like.’

‘No, it’s OK,’ said Alan. ‘I’ll take your word for it, but you know what’ll happen if it’s short.’

Alan’s eyes penetrated deep into him, but Peter held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated.

‘OK,’ said Peter. ‘Well, like I said on the phone, it’s a one-off payment. If any of our businesses get touched or any of my staff get harmed after this then it’s all-out fuckin’ war and none of us will win.’

‘Yeah, I heard you,’ said Alan, continuing to stare intently at Peter. Then he downed the remainder of his drink in one fast swig, slammed down his glass and waltzed out of the place.

Peter stared after him, hoping to God he had done the right thing. It had been a private arrangement between the two of them on the understanding that nobody else was to find out about it. Peter couldn’t afford for anyone to know, especially Glynn.

While he was thinking about it, Peter decided that he’d break the news of their standoff to Glynn next, without mentioning the money, so he left the pub and headed back to the club. He found Glynn there, standing at the bar with Adele by his side.

‘Can I have a private word, Glynn?’ he asked.

‘Sure.’ Glynn patted Adele on the knee. ‘See you in a bit,’ he said before he followed Peter to the upstairs office.

‘It’s sorted,’ said Peter, once they were both sitting down.

‘How d’you mean?’ asked Glynn.

‘Me and Alan have had a little chat,’ said Peter. ‘He knows the score. He daren’t muck about with us anymore. He knows what will fuckin’ happen if he does.’

Peter saw Glynn raise an eyebrow in surprise, and knew that he had risen in his estimation. But there was still a little doubt there. ‘Fair enough, but he doesn’t strike me as the type of bloke who scares easily,’ Glynn said.

‘He isn’t but he’s not fuckin’ stupid either. He knows what happened to Sam, don’t forget. So, I just explained to him that there’ll be more of that unless he backs off. And, after all, we’ve got a much bigger firm. He knows they’d come off worst.’

Glynn nodded at Peter, a smile of admiration now lighting up his face. ‘Nice one,’ he said. ‘Well done.’ Then he stood up, patted Peter on the back and left him alone.

Peter heaved a sigh of relief once Glynn was gone. He’d pulled it off, and not only did it mean that Alan’s crew would back off but it also meant he wouldn’t lose face in front of his men. He just hoped to God that Glynn would never find out the real reason Alan had agreed to all this.

Chapter 44