None of the three amigos could understand why, now everything was set up and he could send any of the accountants that worked for him to the club to keep on top of things, he insisted on taking care of things himself. He seemed to enjoy life there with the three of them. Perhaps it was because they had all worked together for years and he was accepted for himself. They even supposed he enjoyed being in the thick of things – there was always some gossip to enjoy or a problem to deal with. Probably, from his point of view, not only was it interesting, but he was on the inside looking out.

They were all in the office, having their usual early morning meeting. Sharon was checking the diary for future parties that had to be arranged.

‘I’ve been thinking, Tony,’ she said. ‘Your idea about bringing in some fresh blood from the East End isn’t such a bad idea. I’ve been doing some research and Ashley has been undercover as a punter, going into these pubs, checking out the girls.’

That made Jake and Tony laugh; they nearly choked on their coffees. ‘You have had Ashley, of all people, checking out female strippers?’ said Jake. Again, they laughed.

‘Who better to look at a load of naked women than a man who is not interested in women? His opinion is unbiased and true.’ Sharon looked at them both; yet again, she had got the better of them. She had thought the idea was interesting when Tony had suggested it, and then she had let it ferment in her brain. She had talked it over with Ashley and he agreed but, before wasting any time on auditions, he felt it would be best if he went and had a look, first.

‘Well, what did Ashley, the great womaniser, tell you?’ asked Tony. He was still laughing at the thought of Ashley being surrounded by all that female flesh. It was a wonder he didn’t pass out.

Sharon sat back in a leather wingback chair and crossed her legs. She was always immaculately dressed and usually wore a black suit, either trousers or a skirt. It was effective, with her blonde hair, and gave her that management appearance that was required. ‘He told me,’ she said, ‘that you weren’t a bad judge, Tony. Granted, he said some were as rough as a badger’s bum, but there were a handful worth considering. I’m going to set up some auditions, possibly for a Sunday; that way, no one has to take the day off.’

Sharon picked up her clipboard with the daily rotas on, blew a kiss to them all and left.

Over the next month Sharon and Ashley made themselves busy ringing around local striptease agencies. They let the agencies put the word out; that alone would create some gossip and the word would spread. Lambrianu’s open audition day became the talk of the town.