A poor choice of business associate had left Patrick on the wrong side of a dangerous moneylender in the East End. A twenty-five grand debt had quadrupled in the eight weeks since he’d left London. Grace had offered him the money and he’d gratefully accepted. His cockney counterparts had left Liverpool a lot happier and richer than when they’d arrived.

‘I’ll pay you back with interest, of course,’ Patrick said.

‘I know you will.’

‘And I’m forever in your debt, Grace. I’d hate to think what would have happened if I hadn’t been able to get that money together. Anything you ever need, just call me.’

‘Thanks, Pat,’ she said, hopeful she would never need anything from him but his companionship.

As she continued making the tea she thought about Patrick’s comments earlier. Imagine her the boss of some criminal empire? Dressing in power suits and barking orders at her minions. A small laugh escaped her lips as she contemplated the absurdity of the notion. But what if? She’d have her own, personal army at her disposal. Nathan would never be able to get to her again. She’d be untouchable. It was certainly something worth fantasizing about at least.

Chapter Four

Glancing at the entrance to the pub, Grace checked her watch. It was a little after nine, and Patrick was usually always there by eight on a Monday. She had grown used to his presence in the bar most nights, but particularly on Mondays when she finished early and they would share a takeaway and a bottle of wine after hours. She enjoyed talking to him. He could regale her for hours with his tales.

Grace was beginning to feel anxious. What if something had happened to him? It reminded her of all the nights she’d sat waiting for Nathan to come home, worrying about what he was up to. At least that was until she could no longer bear the sight of him. Why did she invest so much of her time in men who were clearly up to no good?

Just as she was contemplating phoning Patrick’s mobile, he came bounding through the double doors. Despite her annoyance at him for making her worry, she felt herself instantly relax. The tension in her shoulders and chest slipping away as he made his way over.

‘Grace,’ he said excitedly. ‘I’ve got a very interesting business opportunity for you.’

‘Oh?’

‘Can’t talk in here. But I’ll tell you all about it. Shall I nip out and get us an Indian?’

‘Yeah, okay.’ She nodded. Intrigued and bemused. What possible business proposition could he have that might involve her?

Once the pub was locked up and Grace had checked on Jake, she and Patrick sat down with their curries while he poured two glasses of wine.

‘So, what’s this about a business opportunity, Pat?’