Bertie grinned. ‘Yeah, but she ain’t got that air of danger that her mother always had. And she was one mad cunt – she shot my mate, and I could never get back at her, because she was only defending herself and her sister. It’s a bastard, but it’s the truth. If Parker had come after my old woman, I would have wanted Cynthia Tailor on her team, know what I mean? But he was a silly fucker was, Kevin. He wanted revenge, and revenge is something you do at your leisure – not in the heat of the moment.’

Derek nodded at the truth of the other man’s words. ‘Well, none of them have had any real luck, have they? Jimmy Tailor killed himself, we removed Parker from the equation, and the son’s in some kind of home for the mentally incapable. Fucking great family to be marrying into, that lot! Makes the fucking Borgias look like the Mickey Mouse Club.’

Bertie laughed. ‘Well, young Vincent will soon make up his mind about them all once he’s out from behind the door.’

Derek agreed with his old friend and said seriously, ‘Amen to that.’

Chapter One Hundred and Nine

Mary loved little Cherie, she was an endearing little thing, but she could see a lot of Cynthia in the child and she had to admit that bothered her. She had the same selfish streak and the same arrogance that had been Cynthia’s trademark all her life. She had her great-grandfather twisted around her little finger, but Cherie, Mary knew, understood, even at four years old, that her great-nana Mary wasn’t as enamoured of her as she should be. Consequently, the child was a bit offish towards her. She was a little manipulator, but then she would be; after all, she had a great teacher.

‘You all right, Nana?’

Mary nodded. ‘I’m fine, love, just tired that’s all. Did Vincent phone today?’

Gabby nodded and grinned. ‘This morning. I can’t wait, Nana, I’ve missed him so much.’

‘He’s a lucky lad. He got a result when all was said and done. Only four years . . .’ Jack’s voice was full of pride and, hugging his granddaughter, he continued, ‘I hear he is very well thought of. I went in the pub the other day and everyone, and I mean everyone, was buying me drinks, and asking about him. Saying what a diamond geezer he is. You done well there, Gabby – he’s got a great future ahead of him, that boy.’

Gabby glowed at the praise and, smiling, she said happily, ‘I know. Bertie Warner came round today and dropped off a few quid, as he put it, to get Vincent back on his feet. It was ten grand! They’re having a party for him as well – Vince will love that.’