‘Please forgive me, Mum. I was jealous. I couldn’t bear the thought of Freddie wooing you, touching you.’

‘But he didn’t do any of those things, you silly bastard. I told you that. We’re friends.’

‘I know that now. I saw him out shopping with his new lady a couple of days ago. They were holding hands.’

‘Oh well, at least Freddie took my advice – something you’re not very good at.’

‘Please, Mum. Look at me. Without you, I’m nothing. I take back all I said, every single word. I was so angry that morning, I drank half a bottle of Scotch and my mouth ran away with me. You are the reason I’ve bought that club. You’ve made me into the man I am today. I swear on my life, I will never treat you or speak to you again in such a way. I was bang out of order and I know it. I also know I have issues that I need to sort. I think I’m damaged goods. All that shit with Macca, Marnie, Yvonne, Bonnie – it’s had a lasting effect on me. I ain’t the full shilling, I know I ain’t.’

Queenie softened. ‘There’s nothing wrong with you. Come ’ere, give me a hug.’

‘Do you forgive me? The club opening won’t be the same if you don’t come.’

‘Yes, I forgive you. But I swear to you, Vinny, you ever speak to me like that again, that’s the end of me and you. I mean that, an’ all. I also want you to bring me that gun you were waving around the other day. I will look after it for you. You’re not in a good frame of mind and I don’t want you doing anything stupid.’

Vinny smiled. ‘Good idea. I bought you a present to wear at the opening night. Wanna see it?’

‘Go on then.’

When Vinny pulled the jacket out of the posh carrier bag, Queenie stared at it in awe. Nobody down her street had a real fur jacket. ‘Oh, it’s beautiful, Vinny. I love it!’

‘Try it on, Mum.’

Queenie did as asked. It fitted perfectly. ‘Thank you. I love it.’ She did a twirl before looking at herself in the mirror.

Vinny grinned. ‘Only the best for my mum. Roll on Friday week for the grand opening. I can’t bloody wait.’

‘Me neither. Oh, and by the way, I’ve invited Patrick O’Leary. It was very nice of him to pay for me to go to Ireland and visit his mother’s grave. He’s bringing his brother with him.’

‘Great stuff. I always liked Patrick and Daniel. Top blokes.’

Queenie smiled, then looked at the clock. Daniel would be calling her soon. ‘You get off now, Vinny. Thank you again for my lovely fur coat. It’s truly beautiful.’

‘My pleasure, Mum. I’ll nip round to the club and bring the gun straight back to ya.’

‘Erm, actually I’m tired, boy. It’s been a long day. Drop the gun round to me in the morning and in the meantime, I’ll think of the perfect hiding place. That OK with you?’