‘To be honest, Briony, I’ve been chasing up Bolger.’

‘What’s the rub? Have you found out who this mysterious backer is?’

Tommy shook his head. ‘Nah. It seems our Willy is staying round with the Oldses. Ronnie Olds hates him, I know that for a fact. He’s always hated ponces. Ronnie’s strictly robbing and villainy. But here’s a lot of dosh being spent, and I’ll be honest, Bri, it’s beginning to worry me. Someone wants us out of the picture for good. We’re not talking healthy competition here, my love, we’re talking death and destruction. Namely, mine and yours.’

She sat on the bed and put her hand over Tommy’s. ‘You’re really worried, aren’t you?’ Her voice was shocked.

Tommy bit his lip and nodded.

‘To be honest, girl, I am. There’s something going down here and I can’t get to the fucking bottom of it. I’ve been tramping the pavements like a madman and I can’t get nothing from no one.

‘Whoever’s backing Willy is very shrewd, and I think we already know that, and he’s arsehole fucking lucky. Because Willy ain’t mentioned him to anyone. Also, whoever it is ain’t a villain, because Willy’s buying up anyone who’s anyone.’

He sighed and wiped his hand over his face. His thick hair was tousled. Looking at him in the firelight, his face drawn, a feeling of fear stole over her. If Tommy Lane was scared then there was definitely something to be nervous about.

‘So what’s to do? Do we sit here and shit ourselves or do we go out and find the fucker? You tell me.’

Her tone was aggressive as she wanted it to be. She was frightened now herself, really frightened, and she didn’t like it. She didn’t like it at all.

Despite himself, Tommy laughed. Only his Briony would be prepared to go out looking for someone who could be the death of them. She’d pick up a chair and fight anyone!

‘Tonight there’s a fight over at Victoria Park. Olds will be there, maybe even Willy. I don’t think we can wait for Mariah to have her meet. I think we need the element of surprise, don’t you?’

Briony nodded and grinned.

Tommy leapt from the bed and lit one of his cheap cheroots. ‘Ring for a bit of scran. Bacon and eggs will do, anything. I’m starving. Then I’ll round up all the boys and tool them up. We’ll go there tonight and give them a run for their fucking money. If I’m going down, I intend to take a good few with me.’

Briony rang the bell.

‘I’ll get myself washed and dressed. I think we should get there as the first fight comes on. That way we’ll slip in easier.’