She continued to glare at him but then Peter spoke up. ‘It’s best you listen, Adele. You don’t wanna go landing us all in lumber if there’s a way out of it.’ Then he turned to Glynn. ‘Let go of her.’

When Glynn released his hold on her hands she stared from him to Peter, then back again. The determined look on Glynn’s face unnerved her and, despite her anger, she was starting to feel anxious. Did she really want to risk the consequences if she went to the police? After all, Glynn wasn’t just someone who worked for Peter; he was a ruthless killer.

‘OK, go on,’ she said, sitting back down.

Adele could swear there was a slight smirk on Glynn’s face as he began speaking. ‘Well, it’s like this,’ he said. ‘For starters, you witnessed a murder in the club and neglected to report it to the police. They could have you for that.’

‘You wouldn’t,’ she said, wishing she felt that confident.

‘Not deliberately, no. But if you start shooting your mouth off to the police then it’ll all come out. Secondly, don’t forget that I killed that man for you.’

‘No you didn’t!’ she yelled. ‘He’d already let go of me. He was running away.’

‘And did you think I was gonna risk him coming back and doing more fuckin’ damage?’ Glynn spat. As he spoke she noticed the tendons tighten in his throat and the way he clenched his jaw. ‘After all,’ he continued, raising his voice, ‘he did have a fuckin’ knife at your throat!’

‘Calm the fuck down, Glynn,’ said Peter.

Glynn took a few moments to compose himself, his chest heaving as he took several deep breaths. ‘So, like I was saying, I did it to protect you. Thirdly, Dave and his goons now know where you live so you’re gonna need protection.’

He glared at Adele and gave her a moment to digest this information.

‘And lastly,’ he added, ‘the police will be very interested in you if they think you’ve been doing the accounts for a firm of crooks, especially when you’ve only just served a stretch. So, like I say, you’re up to your fuckin’ neck in it.’

‘You bastard,’ she cursed. Adele knew he had her, and in her desperation she looked to Peter, hoping he would counter what Glynn had said. ‘Just what the hell are you involved with?’ she asked her brother.

But Peter didn’t answer her question. Instead he said, ‘Glynn’s right. I think it’s best if you stick with us, Adele, and leave the cops out of it. I want to protect you; believe me, I do. If you agree to stay, I’ll have someone watching over your place 24/7. Just say the word.’

‘You mean you’re fuckin’ agreeing with him?’ she asked, disgusted with her brother.