A grin flashed across Mickey’s face. ‘Sounds good. I’m up for that,’ he said.

‘Don’t worry, it is good,’ said Peter. ‘I told you we were stepping it up.’

He then continued to detail their surveillance operation, giving out instructions for each of his men to follow. When he had finished, he stood up, stretching himself to his full height and asked, ‘Any questions?’

‘Yeah, just one,’ said Sam, tapping on the dining table nervously. ‘Did you tell Dave about the job before you got rid of him?’

‘No!’ Peter replied hastily. ‘Don’t worry about him. He knows fuck all, and it’s best that way… Now, is everyone clear about what’s involved?’

They all muttered their understanding and Peter strode over to his drinks cabinet. He took out the brandy and poured each of them a generous measure into a crystal tumbler. While he was pouring he heard the sound of the doorbell ringing. ‘About fuckin’ time!’ he said.

‘I’ll go,’ said Glynn.

While Glynn went to answer the door, Peter pulled a fifth tumbler out of the drinks cabinet and poured brandy into it.

He looked up as Glynn returned to the room with another man. Peter nodded at them, then turned to Mickey and Sam. ‘Guys, meet Mike Shaftesbury, the new fifth member of the gang,’ he said. ‘He’s a sound guy and comes highly recommended. Isn’t that right, Glynn?’ He smiled at Glynn, who patted Mike on the back. ‘Mike, meet Sam and Mickey,’ he added, nodding at each of them in turn.

Peter sauntered over to the dining table carrying two of the glasses while Glynn and Mike grabbed the remainder. They handed the drinks round, then Peter picked up the gun he had left on the table earlier. Once the men had a glass each, Peter held his up in a toast. ‘To bigger and better things,’ he said before handing Mike the gun. ‘Welcome to the gang.’

Chapter 12

Anna had been trying to avoid Shazza or, at the very least, make sure she was with Adele and Caroline when Shazza was around. Maybe Shazza wouldn’t try it on when they were there. But it wasn’t always possible to have them with her as she didn’t work in the kitchens with them.

She was on her way to her cleaning work with Cheryl, the new girl, when she caught sight of Shazza walking towards them along the corridor. Anna could feel a tremor in her stomach as she took in Shazza’s harsh features and tall, broad frame. And, even worse, Shazza had Denise and Louise with her. Anna decided to play nice and hope Shazza would be OK with her.

‘Alright?’ she greeted when Shazza was within hearing distance. She smiled at Shazza, Denise and Louise in turn.

The other women returned her smile but Shazza just nodded. ‘What have you got for me?’ she asked.

‘Nothing,’ said Anna.