Michael walked towards his friend with a smile of greeting on his face, holding out his right hand. As Patrick gripped it, ready for the handshake he expected, Michael pulled him towards him quickly and with his left hand he plunged an eight-inch blade into Patrick’s heart.

It was over in seconds.

Michael held Patrick as he crumpled in his arms, and carefully lowered him to the floor, giving him as much dignity as possible. He stood over him with his brother Declan as he bled out. He hoped that the man had not suffered too much.

‘Oh my God.’ Declan was nearly in tears. He knelt beside his brother’s lifeless body.

Michael shrugged. ‘My old mum used to say, Declan, I’m glad you think of Him as yours as you will need Him one day. She is a good Catholic, I’ll give her that.’ He poured two large brandies and, passing one to Declan, he said gently, ‘You know this had to happen, mate. It’s better this came from us than from someone else, someone who could use it to their advantage. It was quick, and almost painless. We did what was needed and we did it for the right reasons. Remember that.’

Declan knew that Michael was right, but it still felt wrong. For all Patrick had become, he was still his brother. ‘I know you’re right. But I wish it hadn’t come to this.’

Michael didn’t answer him. There was nothing he could say to make Declan feel any better. This was one of those things that happened in their world. It wasn’t malicious, it was just necessary.

‘I want it to look like a robbery, Declan. No one will believe that, of course, but it will satisfy the Old Bill and Carmel will get the insurance.’

Declan nodded. It occurred to him that with his brother’s demise, he now, to all intents and purposes, worked for Michael Flynn. Michael was now the new king on the block. Not that he cared – he wouldn’t want that kind of responsibility for all the tea in China – or should that be all the heroin the Chinese could supply? He knew Michael was thigh-high in that kind of shit.

Michael was already the go-to man, and Patrick’s untimely departure would only give him more power. He wondered if Michael knew just what he was taking on. Without Patrick behind him, Michael Flynn would have to prove his own worth in more ways than one.