Even though John pulled away, Tony still stared out of the car window, watching the people listening to the band in the darkness of the city with only the street lights illuminating them. Jake looked at him; he was never sure, but there were times like now and in recent years he could have sworn he saw tears in Tony’s eyes, but he never said a word and neither did Sharon.

When they got to the club, there were people queuing outside, waiting to go in. Tony’s Rolls Royce parked at the kerb, and the light from the famous neon sign bearing his name bathed the car in a pink glow.

‘Tonight, Jake,’ Tony said, wrapping his coat around him, ‘we wear our tuxedos. Let’s go and change.’ Tony waved to the crowds, who were shouting to him, then walked into the club, where the party was in full swing.

Later, Tony stood at the far corner of the bar, having drinks with a few of the celebrities he knew who were doing daytime pantomime at the theatres. He was playing host and everyone was lapping it up, as usual.

Then he left and went on to the casino to see how things were there. Graham, as always, had everything under control. The casino was busy and, yet again, people were shaking Tony’s hand and wishing him a merry Christmas.

This was how things were for the Christmas holidays, smiling and shaking hands. Playing host and buying champagne. It was good, but it was tiring.

Tony and Jake had been to see Angus and had given him a huge bonus for all of his hard work. He had been a good choice as leader of the South London mob, and now everything was back under control. Jake had apologised for Tony’s earlier outburst and it seemed all Angus wanted to do was forget it, too.

Joe, who had suffered the acid attack, was now back home. He would still have more hospital appointments to come, but he was on the mend.

Then the New Year was upon them and thankfully, for the time being, that would signal the end of the party season. Everything could return to normal.

Roxy had been to the club once or twice and she had even come with one of her gentlemen friends. He was a much older man, flattered by her attentions. She was showing off a diamond necklace that he had bought her and hanging on to his arm and laughing at his jokes. It was obvious she was trying to make Tony jealous, but it didn’t. Instead, Tony walked over and shook hands with Roxy and her companion. He ordered them champagne and then purposely left her there sitting on a bar stool, watching him leave.

20

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

January carried on as cold as December had been.

The accountant was back from Italy, which was where he had spent Christmas, and was sitting in the far corner of the office, sorting out the two sets of books he kept. There were the club accounts, all ready for the audit and tax inspection, and then there were the money laundering books, which few people ever saw.