The mention of his wife’s name lifted Eddie’s mood. Jessica had told him to keep her pregnancy quiet until she had seen her doctor and knew how far gone she was. She didn’t even want the twins or her parents to know just yet. Desperate to tell at least one person, Eddie smiled.

‘Keep it to yourself, but we’re gonna be parents again. Found out yesterday, Jess did. She’s over the bloody moon; we both are.’

Thrilled at the prospect of becoming an uncle once more, Raymond grabbed Eddie around the neck with his right arm. ‘You’re a dark horse, you are. I’m surprised at your age you can still get it up, you cunt.’

Laughing, Eddie pushed him away. ‘Remember, not a word to anyone. Jess ain’t told your mum and dad yet, so don’t put your foot in it, for fuck’s sake.’

Paulie and Ronny were sitting at their usual table. Both had faces like smacked arses. As Eddie walked in, he heard a few sniggers. He took no notice, walked up to the bar and ordered himself and Raymond a drink.

‘What you having?’ he shouted over to his brothers.

‘Are you sure you can afford it?’ Ronny asked sarcastically.

Eddie sat down and tried to make the two of them see sense. ‘Look, I know you’re both upset, but I’ll always see you all right. If you need any money, just ask me and I’ll give it to you. Dad left me strict instructions: he wants me to look after a few people, make sure they’re comfortable. He left me the bulk, ’cause he knew he could trust me to carry out his wishes.’

‘You’re a lying cunt. Don’t take me and Paulie for mugs. You can stick your handouts where the sun don’t shine,’ Ronny spat at him.

Eddie turned to Paulie. He had always been the more sensible one out of the two. ‘Is that your opinion as well, Paulie? Is it?’

Not able to hold Eddie’s gaze, Paulie stared at his lap. ‘I want out, Ed. I want out of the business and out of your life. We’re meant to be brothers and all you’ve ever done is stitch me and Ronny up. Well, it’s gone too far now. Me and Ronny have discussed things and neither of us want any more to do with you.’

Eddie looked at Paulie in amazement. He guessed that he might have a cob on, but he had never expected this. They had always worked together; how could he even think of walking away? ‘Don’t be so childish, Paulie. Dad wouldn’t have wanted this. We’re Mitchells, we’re meant to stick together. What do you wanna leave the firm for? It’s stupid, I knew fuck-all about Dad’s will. It was his wishes, not mine.’