‘Well, no names mentioned, fellas, but I am meeting a very gorgeous glamour model at the end of the evening.’ That was the term usually applied to topless models, who were known for their very large breast implants. Either that, or God had been very generous.

They were beautiful sought-after women, who men fantasied about and women envied. Tonight, Denise would be at the top of the list. She would envy all the publicity the new love in Tony’s life was getting, and she had fantasied about being part of his empire and becoming Mrs Lambrianu. Her embarrassment and stupidity outweighed his. He had a little blue hair, and his notorious womanising ways were even more established. But he was the cheeky playboy who had been caught out, whereas she was vindictive and bitter. Instead of her acting skills, everyone would be talking about how petty she had been. Surely, going out with Tony Lambrianu meant you knew what you were in for. He was not known for his monogamy.

Tony wished them all a good night, waved at them and walked through the doors of the club to host the night’s entertainment. It was then that he spotted Ralph Gold and his wife, Julie. They were standing with the local mayor, who had come in all his finery for the evening’s proceedings. The newspapers had made him pose and shake hands with Tony and the police superintendents.

Ralph Gold glanced over and saw Tony; for a few seconds they looked at each other, then Ralph Gold nodded his head in recognition. That was it. Tony was desperate to get into the inner circle of Ralph Gold’s friends. That really was his big dream. Ralph Gold was into everything, but he was untouchable because of the people he knew and was friends with.

Tony made his way over to Jake. ‘Have you seen who’s here?’ Tony nodded his head in Ralph Gold’s direction.

Jake nodded. ‘I saw him earlier. Has he said hello yet?’

Tony shook his head. ‘No, he just nodded at me.’

‘By the way, nice one with the press and that Denise. She’ll never live it down; believe me, that will crucify her career. Once everyone knows she’s bad news and made a public fool of herself, she’s history.’ Jake smiled at Tony. He was impressed by the way that Tony had smiled and laughed at himself. Suddenly there was a tap on Tony’s shoulder.

Ralph Gold stood there. ‘Well done, Tony.’ He nodded towards Tony’s hair. ‘Nicely saved in front of the newspapers. You’re learning.’ With that, he started to walk away.

‘Mr Gold, can I have a word, if you have a moment?’ Tony was impatient but respectful. Maybe now was the time to ask for a meeting; after all, Ralph Gold had approached him and Jake.

‘Not now, son, it’s a charity night and we’re here to have fun. Business is for other times, not in front of a room full of police and their wives.’