Nowadays, she was nothing more than the woman who washed and ironed his clothes, and provided him with a meal whenever he wanted one. He kept his own hours, and she never knew when she would see him. This was not what she had expected from him, but she had to tread warily. He was determined to marry that young Josephine and, now he was starting to earn, she realised it wouldn’t be long before he did just that.

She was losing her hold over him, and she couldn’t let that happen. Not without a fight anyway.

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Patrick and Declan were holding court in a public house near enough to the docks to make a good meeting place, yet far enough away so the meetings didn’t look dodgy. It was a great pub, and the Costellos were regular punters. Their main workforce were happy to hang out there and, as it wasn’t that big, it was also easy to keep an eye on the clientele, watch the comings and goings.

Michael walked into the bar just after nine. He was well dressed for the occasion, in a slim-cut, dark-blue suit, an outrageous lilac paisley shirt, open at the neck, and chunky gold cufflinks that had his initials etched on them. They had been a present from Patrick Costello and he wore them at every available opportunity.

His thick dark hair was still long, but it was now cut and styled professionally. Michael had always been aware that his good looks made women love him, and men admire him. As well as the looks and the build, he also had the added bonus of a nice disposition.

He made his way to the bar, and he was gratified to see that Patrick Costello already had a drink waiting for him. He caught sight of Terry Gold watching him intently, but he didn’t react in any way. Terry had not been pleased by the turn of events and Michael’s inclusion in the Costello inner circle; his nephew Jimmy had been his boss after all. Terry Gold was well aware of Jimmy’s business practices, robbing everyone he dealt with hand over fist. Michael knew that Terry Gold was probably wondering if he might have mentioned that to anyone of importance. He was insulted by the man even thinking that about him. As if he would do that! He wasn’t a fucking grass.

‘You’re looking sharp lately, Michael, I didn’t recognise you when you walked in.’

Michael laughed, but he was a bit embarrassed at Patrick’s words. He had changed in a lot of ways, but now he had money he could afford to look good. He felt he needed to dress as befitted his new station in life.

‘Do you like it? I got it in Ilford from some Jewish geezer. It’s the most I’ve ever spent on clothes in my life.’