Jake opened his mouth to protest, but Tony was having none of it.

‘No, I insist, Jake. I’ll go, and you can have an evening with Sharon and her family’s buffet. Personally, I think I’ve got the better deal.’ He started laughing.

Jake didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Tony was right. If he got delayed in any way and turned up late Sharon would go berserk. He didn’t relish the idea of the family party. They really were the worst nights, and the most boring, but he was married and that meant compromise, didn’t it? He emphasised to Tony that he wasn’t to lose his temper and start throwing his fists about.

‘He’s a bit short on his money, that’s all, but I did also hear he’s throwing a massive Christmas party tonight. If he’s that short of money to miss his full payments, how can he afford to host a party? That’s the only reason why I’m going. No hard stuff, eh?’

Tony looked up to better see Jake’s worried face. ‘No hard stuff, Jake, I promise. Party, eh? Well, as you say, let’s see how he’s robbing Peter to pay Paul, shall we?’ Tony made the sign of the cross on his chest and smiled.

It was true, this particular publican had always been good as gold and never missed a payment. Time to pay him a visit in the flesh and remind him who was boss. Tony hadn’t been around the East End a lot of late, what with one thing and another. Now was not the time to let things slip.

Jake left to collect Sharon, who wanted to do a bit of shopping and to buy a new dress for the evening. She seemed pleased that Jake was making the effort and taking time out for her and her family.

Tony carried on with his paperwork. When he heard the club getting into full swing, he checked his watch. It was time to get washed and shaved and check out this publican’s party.

Tony looked out of the car window as John drove him through the streets to the pub. He saw people all dressed up, wandering around; some were holding their drinks and having a cigarette outside, others were just arriving and already looked the worse for wear.

‘Just follow the music, John, that racket is where we need to be.’ The music blared out of the pub door each time someone opened it. Tony sat in the car looking at the little side street the pub was in. It was dark and icy and he could see the two-up two-down houses with their Christmas decorations and lights flashing in the windows. It all seemed a million miles away from the West End.

His thoughts drifted to Joe; he had been one of the bouncers who’d looked after these East End pubs. Hopefully he was on the mend, although he would be scarred for life.