‘Yeah,’ said Adele, trying to cover herself up by adjusting her blouse.

‘Here, put this on,’ said Caroline, passing her her cardigan.

‘Thanks,’ said Adele. She did her best to smile while fighting tears and trying to control her shaking limbs.

‘Come on,’ said Caroline. ‘Let’s get back. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to worry. We’ll have a chat later in my cell where no one can hear us.’

Adele gave a weak smile then bowed her head, battling silently with a raging fear that threatened to overwhelm her. She knew Caroline’s heart was in the right place but it didn’t matter what Caroline might have to say. They both knew that Adele was in the firing line, from both Shazza and Sly. And there was nothing Caroline could do or say that would make things any easier for her.

*

Peter and his gang arrived at his apartment and placed the bags full of cash onto the dining table. Before they began splitting it up, Peter turned to Mike, his face stern. ‘What the fuck happened there?’ he asked.

‘What do you mean?’ Mike retaliated.

‘The girl. Was there any fuckin’ need for that?’

‘I had to shut the screaming bitch up, didn’t I?’

‘But you didn’t shut her up, did you? You made her fuckin’ worse!’

‘What’s the big deal? She’s nowt to you, is she?’

‘I’ll tell you what the big deal is,’ Peter hissed, his face now flushed with rage. ‘We don’t fuckin’ operate like that! No violence unless necessary. That’s the rule.’

Mike shrugged and Peter glared at Glynn, waiting for his response.

‘Pete’s right,’ Glynn said. ‘It’s not how we do business, Mike. It makes the coppers even keener if we’ve done someone over.’

‘Fair enough,’ Mike shrugged again. ‘If that’s how you want it.’

‘It’s how we do things,’ said Peter. ‘And anyone who doesn’t want to do things my way has no fuckin’ place in this gang.’

‘Alright, keep your hair on,’ spat Mike. ‘For fuck’s sake! I’ve already said I’m alright with it, haven’t I?’

‘Well, just make sure you fuckin’ are!’ added Peter.

Mike stared back at him, then snatched his share of the takings and fled out of the apartment. Then Sam and Mickey each took their share and said goodbye to Peter and Glynn.

‘Can I have a word, Glynn?’ asked Peter before he had a chance to leave.

‘Sure,’ said Glynn, and he hung back until Sam and Mickey had gone.

‘I’m not impressed with your mate,’ said Peter.

‘You’ve no worries, Pete. He’s alright. He’s just used to doing things a different way, that’s all. He’ll soon come round to our way of thinking.’