Peter walked into the Sportsman’s and scanned the room. It was a Wednesday night so it wasn’t too busy. Along the ceiling ran wooden beams painted black from which hung assorted brass ornaments. The white walls were textured and the furniture was old but tasteful. A jukebox churned out hits from the late seventies. Peter noticed a faintly musty smell in the air only partly disguised by the vanilla-scented candles placed in alcoves.

There were few people in the pub and he focused on a couple of possibilities: men around his own age. He wasn’t sure whether any of them fitted the bill; it had been ten years since he’d seen Alan and he didn’t know whether he’d recognise him.

Then a guy in the corner stood up and waved. He was about Peter’s own age but slightly taller. Peter eyed him up as he made his way over. Yes, it was definitely Alan. Peter noticed the honed biceps and the taut chest muscles protruding beneath his fitted T-shirt. Bloody hell! He’d certainly filled out during his time inside.

Alan greeted him with a broad smile and they shared a man hug, patting each other effusively on the back.

‘Hiya, mate. How are you?’ asked Peter.

‘Not too bad. What about you?’

‘Good,’ said Peter. ‘What you having?’

‘No, it’s OK. I’ll get these,’ Alan insisted.

As Alan walked back from the bar, Peter studied him again. Yeah, he’d definitely filled out although he was still lean as well as muscular. He’d shot up, too, and now stood at around five eleven.

‘You’re looking well, mate. What you been up to?’ asked Peter.

‘Oh, this?’ said Alan, patting each of his biceps in turn while puffing out his chest. ‘Fuck all else to do inside, is there?’

‘True. So, what’ve you been up to since you got out?’

‘Not much really. The odd house job, you know. But I’m looking for summat more lucrative, if you know what I mean.’ He winked as he said the word ‘lucrative’ and had a quick look round to check no one was listening before leaning towards Peter and lowering his voice. ‘I believe you’re doing plenty now.’

‘Oh, yeah,’ said Peter. ‘Got meself a good little firm going as well.’

‘Anyone I know?’

‘Mickey and Sam. They’re still with me. Unfortunately I had to let Dave go a few years back. Bit of a loose cannon.’

‘Yeah, I heard about that. Word is that he didn’t stitch you up, though.’

Peter shrugged. ‘That’s not what I heard, mate. But you know how it goes: once you’ve lost that trust you can’t take any fuckin’ chances.’

‘Suppose so,’ said Alan. ‘Anyone else I might know?’

‘Well, the other two main players are Glynn and Mike. In fact, Glynn’s my right-hand man. He’s a sound guy – smart, too.’