Kelvin McCarthy was suddenly feeling very frightened, and that was an alien concept to him. All his life, he had been cushioned by his name. Now he was feeling the terror that being at the mercy of a man like Michael Flynn could elicit. Kelvin McCarthy was a coward really. He had always traded on his father’s name, and that had been enough to get him what he wanted, and guarantee him a level of protection. He wasn’t so sure about that any more. But he still believed that, whatever happened, no one would harm him because his father was Christie McCarthy, and that alone gave him the criminal equivalent of diplomatic status. His father’s name and his reputation was like money in the bank. He had worked with everyone who mattered, from Jack Spot to the Krays and the Richardsons, and had carved for himself a unique place in the world of villainy. He provided a service that no one else could even attempt to emulate. His word was his bond. His whole business relied on his reputation as a man of the utmost integrity, who could be trusted without question. That was his father’s main strength, and why his father was so respected in his world. It was also why he felt that even someone like Michael Flynn would think twice before he did anything that might cause a rift between them.

Kelvin watched Michael warily. The man was completely relaxed, and that alone was unnerving. He was acting as if this was an everyday occurrence.

‘So, Kelvin, what do you think I should do with you?’

Declan Costello walked from the room, and busied himself pouring them both large whiskies. He had a feeling they were going to need them. Michael was baiting the boy, and he hoped that Kelvin had the brain capacity to give him the answers he expected. He didn’t hold out much hope though – he could see the boy was rattled.

Michael accepted the glass of whisky from Declan, and took a large gulp. He was enjoying Kelvin’s fear. He needed to be made aware of his actions. ‘I mean, think about it from my point of view. You came into my club, and you then caused a big fucking scene. You even had the fucking audacity to pull a gun on a very good friend of mine. I mean, think about it logically, Kelvin. I can’t let this go, can I?’