Looking into their innocent little eyes, Jessica felt like crying herself. Picking on her was one thing, starting on the kids was another. Aware that Eddie was on his way back from the bar, she quickly pulled herself together. ‘Shall Mummy take you to get an ice cream from that van over there?’

The word ice cream usually managed to stop the tears and Jessica was relieved as, once again, it worked wonders.

‘Can I have a ninety-nine?’ Frankie asked brightly.

‘I want a screwball, Mummy,’ Joey grinned.

As Eddie reappeared he tried to wrap his arms around her, Jessica scowled and walked away with the twins. Watching Jessica walk away, Eddie stood chatting to Raymond and Dougie. He wasn’t really concentrating on the conversation – he couldn’t. The party was pretty packed now and Ed had no idea where O’Hara was, but he couldn’t get him out of his mind.

He’d never set eyes on any of the O’Haras since the day they’d moved off the site in Stratford. He’d heard rumours over the years that Jimmy was doing well for himself in the scrap game. He also heard that he’d originally moved to Basildon and then, more recently, to Kent. Finishing his Scotch, Eddie headed back to the bar to get himself another.

O’Hara being at the party was bad enough, but the fact that the cunt was swanning about in a Roller and had bought the fucking house that he’d wanted was far too much for him to swallow.

‘All right, Dad? Can you get me and Ricky a beer?’

Eddie smiled at his eldest two boys. ‘’Course I can. What you been doing?’

Gary grinned. ‘We’ve been sparring in the ring. I met this boy, Billy O’Hara. Same age as me, he is, and he thinks he’s the bollocks. He wants to fight me later and I’ll beat him, Dad, I just know I will.’

Eddie handed the boys their drinks. ‘I need you to beat that boy, Gary. I know his father and I hate him. Now, don’t let me down, son.’

Gary smiled confidently. ‘I won’t. I’ll let you know when we’re ready to fight and you can come and watch me,’ he said, dragging Ricky away.

About to walk away from the bar, Eddie came face to face with his very worst nightmare.

‘How you doing, mush?’ Jimmy O’Hara asked him.

Not wanting to mug himself off, Eddie kept his voice calm. ‘Fine. And you?’

Jimmy smiled. ‘I’m cushti. Actually, I’m glad we bumped into one another. I dunno if you’ve heard, but I think we’re about to become neighbours. Bought the place down the road to you, I have. I’m moving in this week.’

‘So I hear,’ Eddie said brightly. He was desperate to sound normal and hide the jealousy in his voice.