Ivy shut up. She could tell that her husband was on the verge of blowing up and that wasn’t something she was willing to let happen. For all her nagging, she had the sense to see when it was better to retreat. He didn’t go often, her Del, but when he did, it was, without doubt, in a spectacular fashion.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Jack Johnson was laughing his head off.

‘Pair of fuckers you got there, Lenny. Christ, they must run the two of you ragged.’

Lenny allowed himself a small grin. ‘Worst of all, is little Liam. He honestly can’t see what the problem is, Jack. He asked me last night if he was so naughty then why didn’t God step in and stop him. He is not yet four and he wanted me to go into a discussion about free will. Sharon told him God was everywhere and could see him wherever he was. “Not if I’m behind a wall,” he said!’

Jack was laughing once more. ‘Clever kid, to be fair.’

Lenny nodded and sighed heavily. ‘I am so angry though, Jack. All joking aside, between her and the grannies they are fucking destroyed. Ruined.’

Jack was aware Lenny had referred to Sharon as ‘her’ a lot lately. He seemed very discontented with his life, and that wasn’t like Lenny. He adored his family.

‘Look, I know this latest escapade probably frightened you, but that’s boys for you. They are dangerous, kids. They don’t realise that, of course.’

Lenny sat down and lit a cigarette. ‘It’s not just this latest aggro. Honestly, Jack, I feel at times like I don’t know what I am working for, you know? Sharon is a good girl, I know that. It’s just sometimes she bores me.’

Jack Johnson looked at his young protégé and said seriously, ‘Are you playing away from home?’

Lenny shook his head. ‘No! ’Course not. Fucking hell, I have enough with Sharon!’

Jack watched him closely. ‘Look, Len, it is none of my business, but remember all marriages go through hard times. That is natural, really. Being with the same person can get a bit wearing, you know? But don’t throw everything away. Think long and hard about that. The grass is rarely much greener; take it from someone who knows.’

Lenny nodded. ‘Thanks, Jack. Now what about the Wilson brothers? Any news?’

Jack shook his head. ‘They have disappeared off the face of the earth. No one has seen hide nor hair of them since last Monday. That’s four days.’

Lenny frowned at his words. ‘Do you think someone has taken them out?’

Jack shrugged. ‘What else could it be?’

Lenny stood up then and pulled on his overcoat. ‘I will get busy, Jack. See what I can find out.’

‘You do that, son. If something untoward has befallen them two, I want the culprit fucking bang to rights.’