Ray looked at Jack with a neutral expression and he was pleased to note that Elton was watching his every move. He really liked this kid and he knew that Barton had introduced them for a reason. They were kindred spirits.

Ray continued, ‘Bobby Carlton was always a cunt. Let’s talk to Teddy before we go any further. He is already Grade-A, even on remand. They have him in Belmarsh, treating him like a fucking IRA terrorist. He is the brains of the outfit – and I use that term loosely – so I think we should pay him the courtesy of a call. That way, there can be no recriminations or comebacks.’

Reggie thought that was an excellent idea, so he said as much. They had to cover their backs with this latest escapade, even though things needed to be seen to be done. ‘You are right. We need to approach both the main players.’

Jack knew when he had a fait accompli on his hands, but he had taken umbrage and that was never a good thing for anyone involved, least of all the person who had been the cause of Jack Johnson’s ire.

Ray Donovan bowed to Reggie’s superior knowledge of Jack and his foibles. Reggie had been part of Jack’s crew far longer than he had and he respected the man’s opinions. He would go with the flow and then see what the upshot was going to be. Personally, he thought the Carlton brothers were wankers; they might be named after the Kennedys but they had a long way to go to fulfil that potential. But he didn’t say a word. This was out of his hands until such a time as Jack decided what he wanted done. Then he would do everything in his power to make sure it all went as smoothly as possible.

Ray looked at young Elton and said jovially, ‘Looks like you will be having your first taste of Belmarsh! Let’s hope it’s the fucking last!’

They all laughed at the joke, even Elton, who evidently believed he was far too fucking shrewd to ever get caught out. The arrogance of youth, thought Jack Johnson. Well, many a man before him had thought the exact same thing. Young Elton was not the first to think he was invincible; it was part of the territory when you were green and foolish. Not that anyone pointed that out, of course. He was willing and that was to be encouraged. If it all fell out of bed for him they would look after him, that was par for the course.