Peter took a deep breath before continuing. ‘We look after them,’ he said tentatively. ‘You remember I told you before about the nightclub game being a bit ruthless?’

‘Yeah, I remember,’ said Adele, her tone still hostile.

‘Well, part of our business is to offer security services to pubs and clubs. Some of ’em were getting aggro from gangs so we offered to help them out.’

‘How very kind of you,’ said Adele, sarcastically. ‘So, what did David mean?’

‘Unfortunately people like David and his mates are part of the problem. Even though we’ve got our men on the door at these places, they still give them aggro.’

‘So why didn’t I know about this part of the business?’ demanded Adele. ‘And, presumably, these clubs pay you to help them out so why isn’t it in the books?’

‘I did tell you about the security side of the business. I just never got round to telling you the details,’ said Peter. ‘And the cash does get entered into the books. I keep a separate ledger for that side of the business.’

‘Why?’ asked Adele, still determined to find answers.

‘Well, you had enough shit to sort out so I decided to leave it till you’d caught up with the rest of the bookkeeping.’

‘Bet you did,’ said Adele. ‘I was wondering why you were banking so much money. Now it all makes fuckin’ sense.’

Peter just stared back at her.

‘Right, well, I’m out of here,’ she fumed. ‘There’s no fuckin’ way I’m ever coming back to work for you. And, I’ll be letting the police know about David and that other thug as well.’

‘No, don’t do that!’ warned Glynn. ‘Don’t go getting the fuckin’ coppers involved.’

‘Why not?’ asked Adele. ‘I think it’s about time the police knew exactly what you two get up to.’

‘Don’t do it, Adele,’ said Peter. ‘It’ll only provoke David and his mates even more.’

Adele wasn’t convinced. ‘Right, I’m going,’ she said. ‘But I will be phoning the police because I need to feel safe in my own fuckin’ home.’

‘No you’re not!’ said Glynn, stepping in front of her and blocking her way to the door. She noticed the air of menace about him as she stared into his eyes. ‘You’re not going anywhere,’ he said.

‘Hang on a minute, Glynn,’ said Peter, getting out of his chair.

‘Not till she’s heard what I have to say,’ said Glynn.

‘Get out of my way!’ she yelled, thumping his chest with her fists.

Glynn held her hands back while he continued to speak. ‘You’re in it as deep as us,’ he said, ‘so why don’t you just fuckin’ sit back down and listen to what I’ve got to say before you go off half-cocked and make a stupid decision you’ll regret.’