The superintendent broke into a large smile. ‘Don’t you worry about that, Tony, I have friends in that department.’ Tony looked at him; he didn’t doubt this man had friends in high places. Everyone wanted something. It was all a case of you scratch my back and I scratch yours. The police were more corrupt than the mobsters he knew.

At the end of the night, everyone shook hands with Tony and thanked him for a wonderful evening. His hands were aching and so was his face, from keeping that famous smile of his in place. When they had all left, Tony, Jake and Sharon surveyed the room. What a mess. Food had been dropped on the floor, party poppers had been pulled and streamers were scattered everywhere. As quickly as the waitresses could clear the glasses, another round of drinks had been brought to the tables.

‘Why don’t we all have a drink? We can let the staff go home and clean up in the morning,’ said Sharon. It had been like walking on eggshells all night. No one had dared say anything out of place. Everyone knew the police were never off duty, and having an accountant in the back office, laundering money, had set their teeth on edge.

‘No lady tonight, Tony?’ Sharon laughed at him; she could see he was tired. He worked hard and was passionate about everything he did. This club was his baby. Jake had already half-told her about what the accountant had said. ‘I hope you’re not losing your touch.’ She poured them all a drink, took her shoes off, and sat on a chair. The last of the bar staff had gone, and the bouncers were saying their goodbyes.

Tony put his glass to hers. ‘I will never lose my touch, Sharon, but sometimes business has to come first. Don’t worry, I’ll make up for it tomorrow.’ He felt better, now. He was already thinking seriously about what the accountant and Jake had said. He intended to try charging at the door, to see if it worked. The dancers, however, were a different matter.

2

CELEBRITY STATUS

It felt like a backwards turn. Nevertheless, while Tony still wasn’t overjoyed at the prospect of having exotic dancers in the club, he was prepared to listen to new ideas. The accountant, Jake and Sharon were all waiting in the office for him bright and early the next morning. He’d had a sleepless night, tossing and turning. Would this be a downward slope, the beginning of the end?

When he walked in, the three of them looked up; it was obvious to him that they had started the discussion already. ‘Well, what have I missed?’ he said, sitting down and picking up the mug of coffee Sharon had made for him.

Sharon spoke first to ease the way. ‘It could be a good idea, Tony, having dancers here at the beginning of the week. Are you concerned it would make the place seem cheap, the way it used to be?’ She had hit the nail on the head, and they all knew it.