Guns were Nathan’s thing. Or at least they were once one of his things. They made him a lot of money. Their acquisition and disposal, used to be a particular area of expertise of his. And he didn’t like the idea of some other fucker, least of all Mitchell, having that honour. It should have been Nathan people came to, and in future they would.

Nudge offered to make them both a brew. Nathan noticed the cups were chipped around the edges, and they looked like they hadn’t been washed since 1974, so he politely declined.

‘So, you want me to make sure the guns I get him are duds, but look like the real deal?’ he asked Nathan incredulously.

‘That’s exactly what I want, Nudge.’

‘But what about my reputation? And what if that fucker comes after me for screwing him over?’

‘Mitchell is too much of an arrogant prick to tell anyone that you were the one who supplied them. He wants people to think he can import them himself, without a middle man. And by the time whoever he passes them onto realizes they are blag, then the damage will have been done. I’ve heard who he’s trying to get these guns for. And believe me, once they realize he’s given them dodgy merchandise, he won’t be going after anyone.’

Nudge looked uncomfortable, but both of them knew that Nathan had him by the balls. Nudge might fear Mitchell, but he was more afraid of the psychopath who was currently standing in front of him. Nevertheless, Nathan reminded him of the benefits of his plan.

‘Look, Nudge. I know you’re feeling a bit twitchy, but it’s a win-win for both of us. You’re going to make a shitload of money selling him restored pieces of shit that are as reliable as a whore with a coke habit, and I’m going to be back to being the go-to man for supplying firearms. And if Mitchell gets a good kicking as well, then that’s the cherry on top, isn’t it?’

Nudge lit a cigarette and took a large gulp of his tea.

‘All right then. But no one can know it was me who supplied him with them. Okay?’

‘Of course not.’ Nathan gave him his most convincing smile.

‘Is Mandy on tonight?’ Nudge asked, his eyes full of lust now.

‘Yeah, she’s on. She’ll be waiting for you, mate.’

Nathan got up to leave then and Jake followed his lead. ‘He doesn’t seem Mandy’s type,’ Jake said as they got into the car.

‘He’s not.’ Nathan sighed. ‘She fucking hates him. She’ll have a fit when I tell her she’s got to entertain him all night. He’s not even a good tipper.’

‘What if she says no?’ he asked, reminding his father how young and naive he was.

‘She’ll do as she’s fucking told, son.’