But the Baileys had been at the top for far too long, and Terry was not going to let old stories and ancient history cloud his judgement. Everyone could be taken down; it just needed the proper planning. As in any war, if you used your knowledge of your adversary properly, you could eventually find the right strategy to bring about your enemies’ downfall. The Baileys’ downfall had to be catastrophic – not only public, but also serious enough to incapacitate them completely. That meant, of course, that the Bailey brothers had to die – quickly and violently. Without these two, the whole family would flounder.

Daniel broke the silence, aware that Terrence Allen was nervous, and wondering what the fuck was going on in his head. ‘So, Terry, me and Peter here feel that you need a bit of a tug. Your language tonight and your general attitude has offended us deeply. You see, unlike you, we feel that when in someone’s home, a modicum of decorum is to be expected. Do you get my fucking drift?’

Terrence Allen was astounded by Daniel Bailey’s sincerity; he truly did believe that he had the right to say his piece. Whereas Terrence would have used the behaviour as simply an excuse to pull someone into line, he realised that the Bailey brothers believed that they had an honest grievance. It was like stepping back in time. It made him finally understand just what he was dealing with. These men were fucking dinosaurs, still living by some old criminal code, and they had to be made aware that those days were long gone.

Terry Allen smiled, feigning bafflement. ‘Come on, guys, this is a party, for fuck’s sake! I’ve had a few drinks, a bit of gear. If I offended you I can only apologise.’

Peter could tell Terry was far more rattled than he was letting on and he was pleased. Their summoning him away from the party would have been noticed; they had made sure of that. ‘You came into my home, and you have not shown me or my son an ounce of respect. Listen to me, Terry. If you ever fucking disrespect me or mine like that again, I will kill you. You don’t curse around my family, my wife and daughter, and you do not fucking act like a lairy cunt on my watch, or my brother’s. Do I make myself clear?’