‘How is the house coming on, Elle? Everything okay, no problems?’ said Jake.

‘No, none at all, it’s all pretty straightforward. I really like the chandeliers they bought, though. Did you know they have to hang them from the joists? I suppose it’s because they’re so heavy – you wouldn’t want one of those to come crashing down.’ This was a whole new world to Elle, who was used to her little bungalow.

Tony held out a notebook. ‘Elle, I know you’re busy, but this is a list of everyone that works for us, plus a few of the publicans. I don’t suppose you could write all the Christmas cards, could you?’ Tony had a sheepish grin on his face. He knew Elle would say yes and that she had probably missed being involved so much. This was his way of giving her something to do. He reckoned her life must be quiet these days with just Minnie for company.

Elle beamed. ‘Of course I will, Tony, love. Do you need presents buying for any of them, as well?’ Elle took out her pen, turned to a new page in the notebook and started to make a list.

Tony didn’t want to just give Mathers the usual Christmas bonus; he felt he and Ashley deserved a gift, as well, though he didn’t know what to get them. He felt Graham should be on his Christmas present list, too. He had taught Tony the casino life well, and had managed the casino excellently while he was learning. He would let Sharon do some investigating; she could find out what they liked.

The list seemed to get longer and longer. Tony decided it would be best to throw a giant party at the club for the strippers and the pole dancers. The bouncers and the drivers would also be invited and would get a cash bonus for all of their hard work.

‘Dear me, Tony, you’re in your mid-thirties and this is the first time you have actually made a Christmas list. Does it just pass you by, love?’ Elle put her hand on top of Tony’s. She still felt motherly towards him. He was a hard worker, striving to prove himself to himself. She thought that, no matter how he dressed or what he owned, every time he looked into a mirror, he still saw that young boy dressed in hand-me-downs.

He had never been fond of Christmas. It seemed to her, he just worked all the way through it, sorting the club and watching everyone else having a good time.

‘Christmas is a money-spinner for me, Elle, busiest time of the year. That’s all I focus on. Mind you, I look forward to having Christmas dinner with you. I’ll be here like a shot, this year – that’s if you’ll have me, of course.’ He smiled at Elle; whatever happened, he made a point of having Christmas dinner with her.

‘Of course I will, you know that.’ She smiled, grateful that he had brought the subject up. She hadn’t wanted to ask or put pressure on them to make them feel they had to go for Christmas dinner. They were grown up now, and had their own plans. ‘What about you, Jake, will you and Sharon be coming?’