It was strange really; no one ever understood that robbing was the easy part – it was the disappearing act afterwards that was hard. Once people saw a sawn-off, they tended to do as they were told. The Old Bill, on the other hand, were not so amenable. They hated blaggers with a vengeance; there was nothing so annoying to a Filth than a bank being knocked over in their jurisdiction. Fucking muppets! What were banks for? Sitting there, full of wonga, and no real security. Done properly it was a piece of cake.

He and the boys had sussed out the lay of the land already. It was a good little set up and the bank would be full of dough as it had all the wages for the surrounding areas waiting to be picked up. It was on a quiet road too – just the kind of place he liked. They’d do a final check but he was sure they’d covered all the bases and they’d be in and out, quick as a flash.

Terry ordered more drinks and started to tell a story about an old mate from Warrington who had robbed a bank while drunk as a cunt. It was a funny story but it was also a bit of an allegory. It showed the stupidity of people while in the throes of alcohol, and how badly things could go against you if you weren’t careful.

He noticed that young Vincent listened raptly, and he knew then that he had got his point across with the minimum of fuss. He didn’t like aggro and he didn’t like heroes. He liked people to do their jobs and forget about it. Seemed that this kid had all the attributes he needed.

So, finally, Terry Marchant relaxed and was able to enjoy the rest of his stay in Southend.

Chapter Eighty

‘I told the social worker I didn’t want to see her, Nana.’

Mary relaxed, breathing out a heartfelt sigh of relief. ‘You did the right thing, child. She wouldn’t have wanted to see you for any other reason than trouble. God forgive me for saying that about my own daughter, but it’s the truth. Everything she touches she destroys, and we both know that, don’t we?’

Gabby nodded. ‘I’m sorry I never told you, Nana. I didn’t want to upset you. But when I came in and saw your face I knew then Auntie Celly had to have said something.’

Mary smiled sadly. ‘She did it for the best, lovie.’

Gabby nodded, but her eyes were filling with unshed tears. ‘I know, Nana, but I wanted to see her a bit, just a little bit. She is my mum.’