‘Why? I’m gonna try to flog ’em somewhere else.’

‘Oh no you’re fuckin’ not!’ yelled Glynn, pinning Little Gaz up against the wall. ‘You’re gonna do as you’re fuckin’ told or I’ll have to do something about it. I want your takings for tonight as well.’

‘But that’s not our deal,’ Little Gaz protested. ‘You only take a mark-up usually.’

‘Yeah, and you don’t go getting fuckin’ caught usually,’ said Glynn. ‘Do I have to smack you around before you’ll do as you’re told, or what?’

Little Gaz slumped his shoulders resignedly and Glynn could see his hands shaking as he put them into his trouser pockets and pulled out a packet of cocaine and a wad of notes.

‘Right, that’s better,’ Glynn said, grabbing the packet and the money from Little Gaz. ‘Now, I want you to smack me one.’ He held up his hand and pointed at his left cheek, saying ‘Right here.’

‘You what?’ asked Little Gaz, dumbfounded.

‘You heard!’ growled Glynn. ‘Do as you’re fuckin’ told.’

Little Gaz stood back nervously then stared at Glynn for a few moments before swinging his fist. It landed on the bridge of Glynn’s nose with a loud thud, causing him to reel back.

A few seconds later, Glynn regained his footing. ‘Fuckin’ hell! You can’t half punch for a little cunt,’ he said.

Little Gaz grinned until Glynn’s next words swiped the smile away. ‘Right, now fuck off! And don’t bother coming back.’

Little Gaz made as if to protest. ‘You heard!’ yelled Glynn, holding his fist back, ready to deliver.

Little Gaz’s bottom lip jutted out and his shoulders drooped as he hurried away. Then Glynn slipped the package into his pocket and went back into the club. He was gutted. The drugs mark-up had been a nice little earner but he daren’t risk it after this, not for a while anyway. Maybe in the future he’d give it another go; he’d just have to bide his time till the heat died down.

*

Adele rushed across the dancefloor, trying to see what the trouble was. But her progress was slow as she tried to push her way around drunken and perspiring revellers. As she drew nearer she spotted Glynn hauling somebody away. Despite Barney shouting at the crowd it was some time before Adele could break through.

At the door to the foyer she was met by Peter.

‘What the hell’s going on?’ he asked.

‘I don’t know, but I saw Glynn pulling someone away.’

They rushed into the foyer just in time to see Glynn heading back into the club. Blood was pouring down his face from a busted nose and his left cheek was red.

‘Oh my God!’ said Adele, concerned despite her animosity towards Glynn. ‘Are you OK?’

He grinned. ‘Sure, nothing I can’t handle.’

‘What the fuck happened?’ asked Peter.