Patrick was listening to the boy intently. Michael had no side, he was as honest as he was loyal. He had proved that already.

‘You’re right, mate. But I wouldn’t be the boss if I didn’t flex my muscles now and then. It never hurts to show that you’re aware of what’s going on. It’s the reason we are so fucking successful, son. Remember that.’

Michael knew he had been both praised and subtly warned. He wasn’t too bothered about either. He had no reason to worry – he had done nothing more than set up a good deal. He knew how to play the game. People like Patrick Costello needed to be reassured, needed to know that the people he put his trust in appreciated him. Michael was more than willing to give him what he saw as his due. It was a small price to pay for what he was getting in return, and he did respect him.

‘I won’t ever forget that, Patrick, don’t you worry. I want you to know that I am grateful for every opportunity and every penny that I have earned from being a part of the Costello family. I just wanted to bring something to the table. It’s a big earn, Oates likes me and, to be honest, I really like him. He’s a decent bloke. But I’m not a fool – I guessed you would already be two jumps ahead.’

It was exactly what Patrick wanted to hear. He relied on the network of people he had accrued over the years, people who were willing to give him the full monty about anyone and everyone around him. Even Declan wasn’t immune to his interest – that was something Patrick was not proud of, but he couldn’t help himself.

‘You’re a good kid, Michael. I know that.’

The office door crashed open, and they were all surprised to see Douglas Marshall burst into the room. Dougie was no more than a soldier, one of Declan’s crew of heavies, and his interruption was not appreciated at all.

‘What the fuck are you doing, Dougie?’

The words were spoken by Declan and the inference was that he had obviously lost his mind.

‘I’m sorry about this, Declan, but the fucking Barbers have turned up looking for a fucking row.’

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

Dicky Barber was drunk enough to be reckless, but not so drunk he couldn’t hear the warning bell that was clanging loudly in the back of his mind.

As he looked at the men policing the gates of Patrick Costello’s home, he could see that they would happily die before giving the Barbers and their entourage entrance. They were just standing there, completely unconcerned at the turn of events, armed, of course, and adamant that the Barbers were not on the guest list.