‘That’s better,’ he said, and he sat back in the chair again. He looked across at Jake, who wasn’t wearing a tie, because he had left it upstairs, and gave him a look of disdain.

Who’s interviewing who here? Tony thought. His face turned pink. Tony cleared his throat and tried to compose himself; he felt about five years old in front of this man. ‘So, as Jake, my brother, has asked, are you interested in working at the men’s club?’

Mathers paused before answering, then said, ‘That would depend, Mr Lambrianu. I was in charge of the club, and the staff were answerable to me. There is a housekeeper, Mrs Gibbins; she instructed the cleaners and made sure the rooms were aired. My gentlemen relied on me and how I ran things.’

Tony liked the way this man called the members his ‘gentlemen’, he thought that showed real style. No wonder they depended on him. He was like one of those butlers you knew about from old movies or posh television dramas. This man was looking for a job, but he had given his terms and put Tony and Jake firmly in their place.

‘Nothing in that department would particularly change, although I do have a few changes of my own that I wish to make.’ Tony was trying to pronounce his words as clearly as Mr Mathers was doing. He had always made a point of speaking properly, but this man made him want to improve himself further. It wasn’t just clothes that made the man.

‘Such as?’ Mr Mathers got straight to the point. He wanted to know what kind of changes Tony was thinking about making before agreeing to anything. Tony diverted his eyes from Mr Mathers; he really didn’t want to tell him he was thinking of having scantily dressed women in ‘his’ club. He felt embarrassed saying it. Mr Mathers waited patiently.

Jake came to the rescue. ‘We think a better kitchen, offering a broader menu would be in order, Mr Mathers.’ He waited and watched Mr Mathers nod his approval. Now for the big one. ‘We, well, I, also thought it might be a nice idea for your gentlemen to have the opportunity to appreciate some female entertainment, or at least waitresses. We anticipate they’d be dressed in sexier clothing than waitresses traditionally wear, although it would still be very classy.’ Jake was trying to find the right words and realised he had failed miserably.

Thank God Sharon walked in with a tray of coffee. ‘Here you are, gentlemen, I thought you might like this.’ She had organised a tray with a jug of milk and a bowl of sugar. Rather than their usual mugs, there were proper coffee cups and saucers. She knew how to appeal to Mr Mathers.

Jake explained to Mr Mathers that Sharon was his wife, and gained an approving nod. This was hard work. Sharon could see Tony and Jake were at a loss for words and thankfully intervened. ‘Would you like to pour, Mr Mathers, or shall I be mother?’ She put her hand out towards the coffee pot and instantly, Mr Mathers took over.