‘What’s his surname?’ asked Alan.

‘Mason, Glynn Mason.’

‘Rings a bell but I can’t say I know him. What about the other guy, Mike?’

‘Shaftesbury’s his surname.’

Alan pursed his lips and inhaled sharply. ‘Ooh! I know him,’ he said.

His reaction was unnerving and Peter looked at him with raised his eyebrows. ‘And?’ he asked.

‘He’s bad news, Pete. I knew him inside. Bit of a sly one. I’d watch your fuckin’ back if I were you.’

‘Really?’ asked Peter. ‘Can’t say he’s given me too much trouble up to now. He can get a bit cocky now and again but once me and Glynn let him know the score he usually toes the line. Besides, he’s fuckin’ good at what he does.’

‘OK, mate. Just sayin’. It’s up to you who you take on,’ said Alan, but Peter didn’t like the way his lips curled and his facial muscles tensed.

Alan’s expression was one of disdain. Alan had always been smart and if he thought Mike was a bit dodgy then maybe he’d best heed his advice. Peter had no intentions of sacking Mike – he’d given him no reason to – but maybe he’d keep a sharper eye on him in the future.

‘Thanks for the warning,’ said Peter. ‘I’ll bear it in mind. Anyway, let’s get down to business. I’ve got a lot on at the moment and I could do with a few more members of the firm. I wondered if you fancied joining us. You could come in useful, especially with the security side of things. You look well handy,’ he said, eyeing Alan’s toned physique again.

Alan stayed silent for a few seconds, his face now fixed in concentration as though he was going over the details in his mind. Eventually he asked, ‘Where exactly would I fit into things?’

‘Well, Glynn’s my number two, like I say. But, other than that, it would depend on who steps up to the plate. We’re really going places, Alan, and there’ll be loads happening in the future. We’re gonna be the best fuckin’ firm in town!’

‘OK, I’ll have a think about it,’ said Alan. He then picked up his glass and drained the rest of his drink slowly before placing it smoothly back on the table. His expression was blank, his body language giving nothing away.

Peter, on the other hand, was a bit taken aback. Fresh out of prison with only a couple of house jobs behind him? He’d have thought Alan would have snatched his hand off. ‘OK, suit yourself,’ he said, ‘but you won’t get a better offer.’

Alan stood up and shook his hand. ‘I’m off now, mate,’ he said, ‘but, like I say, I’ll definitely have a think about it.’

‘OK,’ said Peter, ‘but don’t take too long.’