Tony took another sip of his drink and glanced at Jake. ‘Because, even dressed in the best Savile Row suits, Jake, you still look like a scruffy bugger. There is no help he could offer you.’

They were both smiling. It was an ‘in’ joke, the way Mathers always went out of his way to reprimand Tony. Even when Tony and Jake were alone, in their boxer shorts and T-shirts, Jake would scold Tony and say, ‘Whatever would Mathers think?’

‘If I had Ralph Gold’s seal of approval, those members would be eating out of my hand. He’s as thick as thieves with them.’ It was still playing on Tony’s mind.

‘Forget it, Tony, it’ll all sort itself out in the end. Ralph Gold knows we want a meeting with him, and he’s forever dangling the carrot in front of our noses. “Yes, boys, I’ll let you know when I have an appointment free.” That’s all he ever says,’ said Jake. They were both exasperated. Considering all the money laundering they were involved in together, and the deals they had done without actually discussing things with each other, Tony felt it was about time they talked properly.

‘Maybe I’m just stressed, with one thing and another. I think I’ll go and see what the ladies are doing; I could do with a spot of light entertainment of my own. Let’s see, over there, to the right, is the lovely Roxy, with legs up to her armpits and blonde hair down her waist, waiting for her Prince Charming, and on the left is Bernice, waiting for a decent quickie before she goes home to her boring husband.’ Tony took a coin out of his pocket. ‘What do you reckon; heads for Roxy, tails for Bernice?’ He grinned broadly and waited for Jake’s answer.

‘I’d say, why not both? Unless you’re not up to it any more.’

Tony picked up his glass and grinned again, showing a perfect set of white teeth. ‘Now that is a bloody good idea, Jake. Why didn’t I think of that? One warm up quickie, and the rest of the night’s my own.’ With that, he walked to where Bernice was waiting for him.

‘You’re worse than he is.’ Sharon was standing behind the bar collecting the cash register receipts. She leaned over and gave Jake a peck on the cheek. ‘By the way, tomorrow night is Ashley’s men’s night, if you know what I mean. Why don’t you come along?’

Jake nearly choked on his drink. ‘Not bloody likely! If I want to see a guy stripped down to his bare arse, I only have to go to Tony’s apartment early in the mornings, when some woman has stayed over. Not a pretty sight.’ Suddenly Jake had a fleeting thought. ‘So, has there been a lot of interest in the idea, then? Is Ashley sure the members would like that sort of thing in the club?’

Innocently, Sharon looked up from the bar where she was sorting out the till rolls and putting them into a bag for the accountant to check. ‘Oh, yes. Apparently, once Ashley threw out the idea, some of the members were asking what night he had it planned for.’