Many officers, from constables to detectives, all trained hard in the gymnasium in preparation for the annual event. It was good competition for each police station, and it was a great event enjoyed by all. Tony had agreed to host it in his club, and the boxing ring had been delivered and set up.

Although the evening was for charity, it created good relations between himself and the police. Tony’s day might have been a calamity, but he was determined to make sure the night was successful.

The police had sold tickets for the event, and this year, all the proceeds were going to children’s charities. This made it even more popular with the journalists. The newspapers all covered the event because the public loved to read feel-good stories.

Celebrities from all walks of life that were involved in children’s charities felt a responsibility to pop along to the club to give it their support, even if they didn’t stay for the boxing. This was another golden opportunity for Tony to introduce his club and himself to newcomers. A lot of the celebrities who were regulars at the nightclub also wished to attend and make charitable donations. There was plenty for the paparazzi to point their cameras at.

The main thing was that, since Tony had closed the club for the night to host the event, and had also made his own charitable donation – all in the aid of a good cause – his club would be in the newspapers again. Publicity was publicity, after all. Plus, knowing how the police force liked to relax and have a drink, his bar takings would go through the roof.

The police boxers turned up early to get ready for the night’s events. They used the strippers’ changing rooms, which made them all laugh and put them in good spirits. Each one had trained hard, and was determined to beat their opponent for the reputation of their station.

Superintendents and commissioners walked up the roped-off red carpet that Tony had laid down for them. It was all very over the top, and seemed more like a major movie premiere, but Tony had pulled out all of the stops. The superintendents turned up in their best uniforms, with all their shiny buttons and stripes. With their wives in awe at their side, they posed for their photos to be taken by the newspaper photographers, and then gave small interviews about why they were having this charity night for children.

Of course, in doing so, they all thanked Lambrianu’s nightclub for the hospitality. Crowds were turning up, and the atmosphere inside was electric.

Tony had given his usual doormen and bouncers the night off to do as they pleased. He thought it was pointless them being there. After all, who would be stupid enough to cause trouble in a club full of police?

As Tony had predicted, the bar staff were run off their feet and the waitresses were running around taking orders and clearing tables. The usual strippers had been given the night off, but Tony had co-opted some of them to act as ring girls. They were to walk around in the boxing ring, between rounds, holding up a sign with the number of the next round on it. This all added a little glamour to the proceedings. Sharon thought that maybe, after the boxing was over and the wives had gone home, a few of the men might like to see the pole dancers, as a little light entertainment.