Jack Johnson was pleased that he’d got Sharon Scott a minder because, when all was said and done, that was exactly what this Ray Donovan was. And he knew she needed one. It was good that he wasn’t a local man – that would just cause more complications. Jamie Brewer was an arrogant little fuck, but he also had a few people on his side and that was why Jack and Reggie wanted to sort this with the least aggravation possible.

The Brewers were a big family that had managed to marry into other families. That meant that Jamie had good connections. But, as Jack pointed out to Reggie, that didn’t mean he was liked. One thing they knew for sure about Jamie Brewer was that he was a reckless fucker. He had far too high an opinion of himself. He always, however, made a point of going after what he wanted with a vengeance. That was what they were so worried about.

‘You think he is a new enough Face to give that cunt Brewer second thoughts?’

Reggie nodded. ‘It will buy time, at least, Jack. She is safe with Ray until we can discover what Brewer intends to do. He has made a point of saying publicly that he wants the ranks. I am quite happy to take him out myself, as you know. But it’s what goes with him we need to think about.’

Jack nodded sagely. ‘I hate this kind of shite. Jamie Brewer is a little cunt with big connections. From what I can gather, though, his own family are not that enamoured of him. They see him as a loose cannon. I’m meeting with his mother’s brother later on. I will try and sort something; I am not without my fucking own creds. I don’t want to start a fucking war over taking out that useless cunt but by the same token I will not let Sharon be taken advantage of. She’s under my protection so the fact he is stronging it is an insult to me, not to mention the insult to Lenny Scott. After all, she is his wife – or widow.’

Reggie knew how much Jack missed Lenny. He wished he could say how much he missed him too. They had had such fantastic sex, but they had also had fantastic conversations. They had been soulmates. If the world had been different they could have been the people they were meant to be instead of living a lie. For Sharon, Reggie was the reason she felt that her life had been wasted – her husband had wanted him over her. If only she could understand the truth of it all.

‘I think bringing Ray in is a good move, Jack. He is a big fucker and he is loyal. He likes her, as well. But then, what’s not to like?’ Reggie still acted the womaniser. What choice did he have?