‘Quiet, I haven’t finished yet!’ Peter commanded and he felt a glow of satisfaction when the staff became silent. Then he continued, ‘From what I’ve seen up to now it seems to me that you lot have been slackening off a bit. So now there are gonna be a few changes.’

He delighted in the startled expressions on the faces of the people in front of him. ‘For a start,’ he continued, ‘I want everyone to turn up to work on time. If you’re a minute late, your pay will be docked. Secondly, I want smart dress – black trousers and white shirts for the men.’ He looked intently at one of the barmen who was wearing faded jeans. ‘Those won’t fuckin’ cut it, mate, so I’m sending you home to get changed as soon as I’ve finished speaking to you all.’

Peter noted the sulky expression on the barman’s face but he carried on speaking. ‘For the women, smart black skirts and white tops, no trousers. I don’t mind how short you want to wear your skirts. It is a nightclub, when all’s said and done.’

He flashed an appreciative look at the legs of one of the younger barmaids, who was wearing a very short skirt.

‘Thirdly, no dipping the till. If I catch anyone at it then you’ll be out on your arse, no questions asked. OK?’

He waited for the staff to indicate their understanding. Most of them did so but one or two said nothing so he raised his voice. ‘I said, OK?’ he demanded, scrutinising those who had failed to reply until they responded.

Peter noticed that throughout the time that he had been addressing the staff, Julian had been acting bored, gazing around the room and yawning in an exaggerated fashion. But Peter didn’t say anything, not yet. He wanted to make Julian listen to everything he had to say first. Then he would make him squirm.

Eventually his speech drew to a close. ‘I think that’s about it for now but if anyone has any problems, make sure you come and see me, OK? If I’m not around then come and see Glynn.’

The staff relaxed and some of them began to walk away. Peter timed it until they had only taken a step or two before he spoke again. ‘Oh, one last thing,’ he shouted, waiting until they had all turned to face him. Then his eyes flitted to Julian. ‘You at the end – Julian, isn’t it?’

Julian nodded, his lips pursed in indignation.

‘You’re an ignorant little twat!’

Peter felt a sharp thrill as he noticed the look of shock on the faces of the staff, including Julian, who was stuck for words. ‘In future, if someone is speaking to you, don’t fuckin’ ignore them. Right?’

‘I wasn’t,’ protested Julian.