Suddenly they were both quiet, realising what that meant. Then, grabbing her, Vincent started to kiss her, and it was unlike any kiss they had ever had before. Gabby was in her dressing gown and, as he slipped it off her shoulders, she knew that she wouldn’t stop him, this time she would let him. When he lay her down on her little single bed, and she felt the money beneath her body, she knew that this was meant to be, that they were meant to be together.

Two big events in one day, and Vincent felt like he was the king of the world.

Chapter Eighty-Three

‘I’m telling you, the kid’s good, Del. He didn’t even break a sweat, and I know more experienced men who still collapse under that kind of pressure.’

Derek Greene was pleased at Terry’s praise of his protégé. He had a good nose for talent, and he prided himself on nurturing that talent and finding a role which suited the person best.

‘No, Del, he’s a good one. I was well impressed.’

‘How was your hotel? All right?’

‘Perfect – small, out of the way, and run by an old couple who couldn’t describe their own arses without a picture of it in their hands. Nice grub and all. It was a good little overnighter.’

Derek was thrilled. Terry Marchant was a Face of Faces in Manchester, but he still liked to work. He was a natural-born blagger, it was in his blood. It wasn’t as if he even needed the money – what Terry needed was the rush. Just like his own father, Terry Marchant liked the thought of getting one over on the banking system and the Old Bill.

‘So you would use him again, then?’

‘In a heartbeat. He’s got a natural talent for it, and that’s rare in this day and age. Too many young lads can’t keep their fucking traps shut. Also, he’s a nice kid, easygoing, never saw him drink once, only orange juice. That tells me he has a bit of savvy about him. I’ll spread the word when I get back to Manchester, you’ll get more calls for him.’

Derek nodded, pleased with the result. He had his cut nicely stashed in the safe at the scrapyard – that was what he called his petty cash. His beer and entertainment money. He had a feeling he would be getting quite a bit more of that kind of money from hiring out young Vincent in the near future. He only hoped the kid didn’t go splashing out on motors and watches he should not have been able to afford, thereby bringing down on him the interest of Lily Law.