It was young Danny and his brother Davey. Peter smiled widely at them both, pleased to see them and, as they sat down at the table, gratified to see their obvious pleasure in their surroundings. It was the first time they had been to this pub, and he liked that they were immediately impressed with it. They were good lads. They had never come to him complaining about their father’s behaviour – they had enough loyalty to try and sort out any creases by themselves. They were clearly relieved though at his intervention over Derek; he knew better than anyone how awkward his brother could be when the fancy took him.

Delroy went off to get them drinks, and Peter said quietly, ‘How did he take it?’

Danny shrugged his shoulders. ‘Better than I thought but, to be really honest, he was only swayed when we mentioned you. He’s a strange man, Uncle Peter.’

Peter sighed heavily, the joy of the day deserting him. ‘How are things on the street?’

Danny sat back in his chair, his blond hair golden in the sunlight. Peter had to admit just how good-looking his nephews were – they were really handsome.

‘We’ve smoothed most of it over, but the bookies are fucking antsy now, as you can imagine, after the old man’s latest escapade. Typical fucking bookies! Rob each other blind, but cut one of the bastards and they all bleed.’

Peter Bailey put his head back and laughed loudly. ‘Never a truer fucking word spoken, but they’ll get over it. What we need to do now is ensure that it never happens again. I have swallowed about as much as I can, and you know that. I could have rowed him out a long time ago, but I didn’t. Now I am telling you all, you can have your share, but if he steps out of line once more, I will fucking take him out myself.’

Danny and his brother both dropped their heads in embarrassment.

‘Do you know the worst of it, boys? Your father doesn’t even think he’s done anything wrong. When he attacks like that, it means nothing to him.’

No one said a word then. They just sat back in their chairs, and waited patiently for Delroy to bring out their drinks.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Lena was excited because today her Noel was bringing a girl home to meet her. It was the first time any of her sons had officially invited a girl round to the house. Oh, she knew they had snuck girls in – she wasn’t stupid – but the boys had always made sure they were gone by the morning. And now here was her Noel bringing home a girl he was obviously keen on, and she was really thrilled at the prospect.