Gary and Ricky said their goodbyes and left. Eddie ordered himself another drink and sat at the table alone. He’d met his sons in a pub in Aveley where no one knew him. It was nice to have a quiet bevvy and be anonymous for once. Glancing at his new watch, Eddie smiled. Gary and Ricky had always been thoughtful and generous. From the age of five upwards, they’d made or bought him nice presents. Frankie and Joey were the opposite. The twins had been given far too much from an early age and they’d grown up in their own little world. They rarely remembered his or Jessica’s birthdays and, even though they received plenty of pocket money, they never bothered spending it on anyone other than themselves.

Deep in thought, Eddie didn’t notice the man walk towards him.

‘Eddie, how are you, mush? I was sorry to hear about your father. Our families might never have been muckers, but your old man didn’t deserve to die like that. This is Alice, my wife. Can I get you a drink?’

Looking at Jimmy O’Hara’s outstretched hand, Eddie didn’t know whether to break it or shake it. Not wanting to make a scene, he did neither. ‘I can’t stop. My Jess is expecting me back. We’re having people round for dinner later,’ he said abruptly.

As Eddie stood up, Jimmy nodded to Alice to make herself scarce. ‘Go and get the drinks,’ he ordered.

Alone with Eddie, Jimmy faced up to him. ‘I know you probably think your old boy’s death was something to do with me, but it weren’t. Life’s too short to hold grudges and if I was gonna retaliate for your father shooting mine, I’d have done it in an honourable way. At one point, I was desperate to get my revenge, but I’m not fiery like I used to be, Eddie. Losing my Alice gave me the kick in the bollocks I needed. My family come first now and I don’t want no feud with anyone. I would never jeopardise losing Alice and my kids again, ever.’

Eddie stared into Jimmy’s eyes. He was quite an expert on reading people by their behaviour and expressions and he came to the conclusion that O’Hara was either telling the truth or was a fucking top-drawer liar. More confused than ever about his father’s death, Eddie said his goodbyes and left the pub.

Later that evening, Jessica smiled as Eddie launched into yet another one of his anecdotes. She’d been worried that tonight might be too much for him but, thankfully, she had been wrong. Eddie was on top form and she was relieved he was back to his old self.

‘There’s plenty more to eat in the kitchen. Is anyone still hungry?’ she asked.