‘No, they’re not. It’s only the poor unemployed devils who are on the breadline.’ Matt turned to face Jake. ‘There’s still money around in the more affluent classes. In fact some of them are doing very well and I think we should take advantage of that.’

‘I still don’t see how selling cars would help us. We might end up with a yard full of vehicles we can’t get rid of.’ Jake was shaking his head, but was now studying the empty space in front of him intently.

‘It would be worth a try.’ Matt could sense that his boss was beginning to warm to the idea, so he pressed the point. ‘You said yourself that we can’t go on like this for much longer, and we don’t want to swell the unemployment lines, do we?’

‘It’s a gamble, but, as you say, it would be worth a try. Dammit, I’d do anything to keep my few remaining men in work!’ Jake sighed deeply and ran a hand over his tired eyes. ‘But how are we going to buy the cars?’

‘My brother Luke is willing to lend us the money to get started.’

Jake gave a dry laugh. ‘My God, you Stannard boys are eager to throw your money away, aren’t you?’

‘We don’t look at it that way. I’ve discussed this with John and my father as well, and they both reckon it has a chance of succeeding.’

‘Do they indeed? Well, they’re very sharp businessmen …’ Jake rocked on the balls of his feet, deep in thought.

Matt said nothing more. He could suggest this to his boss, but in the end it was Jake’s decision. If he said no, then that would be the end of it, and probably the end of the garage. It had been a good business for many years, and would be again, if they could only keep it going somehow.

After what seemed an age, Jake spoke. ‘Perhaps we should put in a petrol pump as well?’

‘That’s a great idea!’ Matt smiled. ‘Is it on, then?’

‘Yes!’ He slapped Matt on the back and grinned. ‘We’ll start on the wall tomorrow. Now let’s go and have a pint. I’m parched.’

The next morning Jake called a meeting and explained the plan to expand by selling good-quality second-hand cars in an effort to keep the business going. This idea met with approval and enthusiasm from the remaining staff. From a workforce of eight they were now down to only four: Harry, Steve, Alan and Matt as the apprentice. They were all eager to try anything to save their jobs.

‘Right.’ Jake rubbed his hands in anticipation. ‘I want Steve and Alan to demolish that wall out the front, and Harry and Matt to go and buy us some cars.’

Harry grinned at Matt. ‘We’ll enjoy that, won’t we?’