Patrick was the head of the family. He made sure that everything ran smoothly, orchestrating every move that the Costellos made. He had a few men on his own personal payroll too. They had started out in the family business but, seeing their capabilities, Patrick had offered them a new path. When they came into his personal employ, they then saw the side of the Costello family business that was as lucrative as it was dangerous. Patrick trained them up personally, and they answered to him and no one else. The main criteria for working alongside him was the ability to keep everything on the down-low and if the person did get a capture, for whatever reason, they were expected to take the consequences involved without question. They knew they would be well compensated for their trouble.

Now Michael Flynn was getting the chance of a face-to-face with Patrick Costello and he didn’t intend to waste it.

He could hear Patrick coming up the stairs, back to his office, and he waited patiently for him.

Patrick came through the doorway beaming. ‘Sorry about that, son, but you know the old adage – no rest for the wicked, eh?’

Michael grinned in response.

Patrick stood by his desk for a few moments looking at Michael intently.

Michael held the man’s gaze easily, but it unnerved him nonetheless. Patrick Costello looked more dangerous than ever in his own domain. Michael could see that Patrick’s reputation as a man who was not to be crossed was more than warranted. Michael had never in all his life felt so vulnerable or so nervous. But he kept his emotions in check.

Patrick smiled suddenly. ‘Don’t be nervous of me, Michael. I have been hearing good things about you, son, and I want you to come and work for me – personally.’

Michael was so amazed at what Patrick Costello had said he couldn’t even answer him.

Patrick smiled at Michael. He could see not just the amazement but also the sheer want in the boy’s eyes. He had chosen well. Michael Flynn was much younger than any of the other men he had taken on, but the lad had already established himself as a good earner. Even more importantly, he already had a reputation as a young man who never discussed anything with anyone.