Joyce was furious. ‘Of course she don’t. Christ, she don’t wanna look like one of them tinkers. Never trusted the bastards, I ain’t. Years ago, when your mum was little, I had one knock on me front door. She was selling lucky heather and when I refused to buy any, she told me that bad luck was coming my way. The next morning, I got up, tripped down the stairs and broke me bloody arm. Even to this day, I swear she put a curse on me. Evil bastards they are. If you have the misfortune of meeting one again, don’t have nothing to do with ’em, will you?’

Joey smirked at his sister. ‘Of course not Nan. We wouldn’t dream of having any dealings with gypsies, would we Frankie?’

Eddie Mitchell tied the dogs to the wooden table and went inside the Optimist to get a drink. His mouth was as dry as a nun’s crotch and he didn’t know whether it was due to the hot weather or the impending phone call he had to make.

Eddie thanked the barmaid and went back outside. Buster and Bruno were lying on their backs having their stomachs tickled by some old boy in a trilby hat.

‘Good guard dogs you’re gonna be,’ Eddie muttered, as he walked towards the table. He had been training them to growl and bark at strangers, not lie on their backs with their legs up in the air.

‘Beautiful day, isn’t it?’ the man in the hat commented to Eddie.

‘Wonderful, mate,’ Eddie replied sarcastically. He was too worried about his gay son to get involved in pointless small talk.

As the man walked away, Eddie downed his whisky chaser in one. His heart was pumping nineteen to the dozen at the thought of what he might be about to hear. He rang Gina’s number and took a deep breath as she answered.

‘Well?’ he asked, trying to sound calm.

‘I have all the information you wanted, Mr Smith, including photographs.’

‘What did you find out?’ Eddie asked abruptly.

‘I’ll tell you everything when we meet up. I did an eighteen-hour stint to find out all the information you required. I now need to arrange collection for the remainder of the money I’m owed.’

‘Can I meet you now? Please, my mate’s desperate to find out the score,’ Eddie pleaded

‘Well, it’s a bit awkward. I have to attend a function at three o’clock at a friend’s house.’

‘I’ll meet you now. Anywhere that suits you. I’ll pay you extra, make it worth your while.’

Gina sighed. Mr Smith was a very generous but difficult client and, due to her crush on him, she couldn’t say no. ‘My friend lives in Benfleet. Do you know the Tarpots? I can meet you there at two-forty-five.’

‘I’ll be there,’ Eddie responded immediately.