‘Maybe, but will we?’ Harry said. ‘The chances of getting another job are pretty slim at the moment.’

‘You won’t need to.’ Matt’s smile was confident. He was going to make sure his idea worked. ‘Everything’s going to be all right, you’ll see.’

‘Wish I could believe that.’ Harry chucked the duster back at him. ‘Keep polishing. Anyway, I’m glad you’re staying. It gives hope to the rest of us.’

It was nine o’clock before Matt arrived home that evening.

‘You’re late,’ his mother scolded. ‘Have you eaten?’

‘Yes, thanks; I had a pie and a pint in the pub with Jake.’ He pulled a wad of papers out of his pocket. ‘The garage is in financial trouble, and we’ve been working out a rescue package.’

John was immediately interested. ‘What are you proposing?’

For the next hour Matt, his brothers and father sat around a table, discussing the idea. They all had fine business brains, even Luke; although his brother could appear superficial at times, that was only an act. Matt trusted the judgement of each of them.

‘You know you’re taking a risk?’ John pointed out. ‘Things are bad and going to get worse. You are intending to use your inheritance from grandfather, and could be throwing it away.’

‘I know that, but I’m prepared to take the chance.’

‘Do you want a partnership with Jake?’ Luke was scribbling figures on the back of Matt’s notes.

‘No. I just want to try to save the business and the jobs. When things take an upturn, Jake can repay me.’

‘Time limit?’ his father asked.

‘No limit. Jake can have all the time he needs.’

John was carefully checking the figures Matt had brought home with him. ‘Well, if you’re prepared to risk your money, Matt, then I say go ahead. This is a sound business with an excellent reputation. Even in a depression I still believe he’ll get a steady stream of work – perhaps not as much as usual, but enough to keep him ticking over. If he can weather this bad time, then I’m sure the business will recover.’

‘That’s my feeling.’ Matt sat back with a sigh of relief and grinned at his brother. ‘Luke, will you draw up a contract? Jake wants all this done legally.’

‘I’ll do that right away. And if you don’t mind, Matt, I’ll put in a bit of my own money.’

‘Wonderful.’ Matt looked hopefully at John and his father. ‘Any more offers?’

His father glanced at his eldest son with a wry smile on his face. ‘I think we can help Matt out here, don’t you?’

John lifted his hand in a resigned gesture. ‘Why not?’