‘No, I like them all, and they’ve trusted me all this time. What I want them to do is stir up a bit of concern, a bit of worry, if you like. I want them to spread the word that they’ve seen dealers hanging around.’

‘What? You mean you just want them to start some kind of gossip, like old women?’ It was unbelievable how Tony’s mind worked. Jake couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

‘You’ve got it. And then Angus gets some of the guys down there, to have a drink and make it seem as if they’re looking the place over. With that kind of gossip, they’re going to be on their toes, and so any stranger that shows his face is going to cause concern.’

‘Bloody hell, Tony, that blue rinse of yours has gone to your head. Do you realise how wacky that sounds?’

Tony laughed and ran his hand through his hair. ‘Worry and concern causes paranoia, Jake, and gossip makes it worse. I think I’ll probably get Angus’s men to throw in a fight somewhere and cause a little fear and mess. Then’ – Tony spread his hands wide with an innocent look on his face – ‘who are they going to call for? You and me, but we’ll be away. However, out of a sense of loyalty and protection, we’ll fly back and sort the problem out. What do you think?’ Tony was smiling; he had it all worked out. He waited for Jake’s response.

Jake found it unbelievable. ‘Oh, yes, superhero to the rescue, I get it. Of course, this has nothing to do with the size of your ego.’ Jake stared at him wide-eyed, still in disbelief.

‘No, Jake, but it will remind them what they are paying for and why. We have to keep them feeling safe under our wing – that is good business.’

The car stopped outside the casino and Tony reached for the door handle, about to get out.

‘Wait! Just hold on, superhero Tony. Just how far into this holiday do you intend to be called back? Because if we’re flying all the way out there for a day, we may as well go to Margate.’ Jake was fed up; even going on holiday seemed to create an opportunity for Tony to do some form of business.

‘For goodness’ sake, Jake, don’t you think I’ve thought of that? The gossip starts a few days after we leave, a little fight starts, what, about a day before we’re due to come back. Then, when people are worried and panicking, they are told that we are doing our duty and coming home at their request. With that sort of protection, they’ll be willing to pay us double.’ Tony laughed at the thought of it. ‘Come on, I need to see Graham; he has a training room starting up, upstairs.’

‘Why? There are already training rooms for croupiers, where do you think you got yours from?’

‘Aaah, Jake, but these are going to be “Lambrianu-trained” croupiers – the very best. That, my friend, is the difference, and if I may say so, I’ve done quite well under Graham’s guiding hand.’