The publican was mid-forties; his father had owned the pub before him. He was slightly balding on top, with designer stubble and a smile on his face. He was a pleasant guy, and by all accounts got on with the money collectors okay and paid them regularly.

‘Quite a crowd you have tonight. How come you don’t have any strippers on?’

The publican put the drink on the bar and gave a deep sigh. He rubbed his chin and looked at Tony. ‘I know why you’re here, Mr Lambrianu, but I didn’t think it would merit a visit from the boss. The truth is, every year all the local stripper pubs in the area take turns to host a Christmas party for the stripper agency and the strippers. Some of the usual punters and other publicans come, as well. It’s a free bar, which is why it is so packed out. People do love a freebie, don’t they?’ The publican was fidgeting with his hands and looking down. ‘The problem is, Mr Lambrianu, this year it’s my turn to host it and I couldn’t afford to both fund the party and make my full payment, so there it is. I’ve always been straight with you and you know my payments are always on time, it’s just a bit short this month.’

Tony watched the nervous publican as he was talking. He noticed that, as much as he was aiming to look Tony in the eye, he was looking everywhere but. It was quite comical, as he was wearing his Father Christmas hat, and suit to match. With his blushes and embarrassment, his face almost looked as red as his suit.

In the far corner was an old piano that hadn’t been played in years and on top of it was a small Christmas tree, over decorated with tinsel and baubles. This place was really scraping the bottom of the barrel, considering it was one of the best and most popular pubs around.

Tony smiled to himself; as grubby as the place was, he remembered being a young man and thinking pubs like this seemed like the hottest places in town. He had enjoyed cutting his teeth in these pubs, enjoying and experiencing everything they had to offer. It had been good fun, but only now did he realise that Mr Mathers had worked his magic, and along with the clothes and the money, he had become a bit of a snob.

People in their Christmas outfits had tinsel in their hair and around their necks, some of it stolen from the pub’s Christmas tree. While he couldn’t help but feel a sense of distaste, he had to admit the pub had a friendly party atmosphere. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, firing party poppers and streamers in the air.

‘Did you say the stripper agent was here?’ Tony didn’t comment on what the publican had said, he thought he would let him sweat it out a little first.