‘I will send you photos Nonna, lots of them, especially when those decorators have worked their magic.’

Miriam smiled. ‘Well, if you don’t mind boys, I am going to have a nap. When you get as old as me, you get tired more often.’ She kissed both of them on the cheek and left the room.

As he poured himself and Jake a drink, Tony’s mind wandered back to business. ‘Apart from all of that soppy stuff I hear, what news do you have from Sharon?’

‘It’s not soppy stuff; we love each other!’

Laughing, Tony blew kisses into the air. ‘Yeah, I miss you too Shaz!’ He threw a cushion at Jake. ‘Now tell me, what’s happening?’

Tony had already told Dan what to do while he was away, and he had apparently done his job well. Sharon had told Jake that people were on their guard, waiting for trouble. Dan had let the whispers out that while Tony was away, he suspected the South London mob would try and cause trouble. Angus had got a few of his men that were known to the older publicans to drive erratically through the streets, hooting their horns, playing loud music and shouting abusive comments. It was nothing major or out of the ordinary, but once Dan and his friends had started up the gossip about the possibility of trouble brewing, everyone seemed nervous.

Publicans noticed that there were strangers hanging around on street corners, whispering to other men. This all awoke a cold feeling of dread in them. What was about to happen? Some of the publicans had already been to see Sharon and told her their fears. Apparently, they knew there was going to be trouble. Tony’s plan was already working.

Hearing the reports from Sharon, Tony and Jake couldn’t help but laugh. This was ridiculous behaviour and they were all paranoid, but yes, they would all be pleased to see Tony back at the helm. It made them feel safe.

‘So, Jake,’ said Tony. He was relaxing on a sun lounger with a glass of home-grown wine. The sun was shining and the floral smell of grapes emanating from the vineyard filled the air. Jake was dozing on another lounger; business seemed a million miles away. ‘Jake, are you listening to me? And don’t pretend you’re asleep behind those dark sunglasses. Listen to me; time for plan B.’

Jake sat up. ‘Yes, I’m listening.’ He yawned and stretched, then he moved his sunglasses and placed them on the top of his head. ‘What’s plan B?’

‘Let’s see what Angus’s friend, Luke, can do, shall we? I’ve got Bennie to make up a few little packets of cocaine. He can sell them outside of Mick’s pub, and then he can start a fight in the pub or something. I don’t really care about the details, just as long as people are worried and prepared to pay for our help.’

‘Okay.’ Jake laid down again. He wanted to soak up the sun and sleep. Rosanna’s huge meals were making him tired, and what with the many bottles of different wines Miriam insisted they tried, well, he was enjoying just letting the world pass him by.