Big Lenny was ashamed and annoyed in equal parts. If he was honest, he had always harboured feelings for Sharon Conway, but while his son had been alive, he could keep them in check. Seeing her alone with those two little boys, he had begun to think that he could be the answer to her prayers. She was so innocent, and he felt she needed a man of the world to look out for her. He still believed that she needed someone who could be a father to her sons and a man with her.

As far as he was concerned, Reggie Dornan and the northern ponce, who now seemed to accompany her everywhere, were out of order. She was his son’s widow and that gave him rights. What those rights were even Big Lenny wasn’t sure, but one thing he was sure of was once she understood where he was coming from, she would know it was the right thing to do, not just for her but also for those little boys.

Lesley had guessed that there was something troubling him, and he hated deceiving her. But she was old; old and boring. He was still a virile man and Lesley had never really been that hot in the sack – it had been the fucking missionary position their whole life. He envied the young men these days; they were pursuing women and girls who knew that sex was not just for the procreation of children. They liked a good time too.

He swallowed down another shot of vodka and immediately poured himself the next. It was Dutch courage. He knew that all Sharon needed was persuasion. She was ripe for a man, and that was something a girl like her would need explaining. She needed a real man. Which is exactly what he was.

Chapter One Hundred and Nine

Ray had settled into the London scene well. He was liked and that meant a lot. Unpopular people, especially if they did not originate in the Smoke, could often find their lives very difficult. Doors would be closed to them, and disrespect would be rife. Unless, of course, they had a killer reputation – then it was a different kettle of fish. Then they were vilified behind their backs until an opportunity came to see them off.

Ray Donovan, however, through his treatment of Sharon Scott, was seen as a man’s man by everyone. He made a good impression and he didn’t presume, which was always a good idea with Londoners. His friendship with Barton King also helped. They were an incongruous pair, but the genuine camaraderie was easily apparent. Barton was known as a man who did not suffer fools gladly, so this Ray Donovan had to have something going for him. Reggie Dornan and Jack Johnson were also giving him his due; all in all, Ray’s life was settled.