As he watched him go, Petey Bailey knew he had just lost the best friend he would ever have. He felt almost tearful, because he had made himself a serious enemy – one who was far too close for comfort, and far more intelligent than he had ever given him credit for.

Danny had always accepted that Petey liked to be in charge, and had been more than willing to listen to his opinions and, more to the point, respect them. Now all those years of familial friendship and camaraderie were gone. Like their fathers before them, years of love and affection had been wiped out in minutes.

Petey Bailey also knew, though, that he didn’t have the loyalty which came naturally to Danny and the others. He was quite capable of removing his cousin should the need arise. He knew too much and that, unfortunately for Danny, meant that Petey would be looking for any excuse now.

Chapter One Hundred and Eleven

‘Do you really believe that Michael O’Toole can keep this up for the duration?’

Peter Bailey sighed. ‘He knows the score, Daniel, he knows he’s just a fucking front. Everyone knows he’s just a front. But it keeps everything on an even keel. He’s so grateful it’s pitiful to see really, and we can trust him.’

Daniel looked out of the window at the scrapyard. Unlike his brother Peter, he felt much more secure here than in their new offices. He liked the scrapyard and the whole feel of the place. It was surrounded by a big metal fence, and the night watchman kept his Dobermans here day and night; no one was coming in here without his knowledge. Peter believed they were past all of that now, but Daniel would never feel that way. He still had the gutter in his bones, and he was proud of that.

‘I think the Allens could benefit from a personal appearance.’

Peter laughed. ‘They don’t need that, Dan.’

Daniel could see their reflections in the windows of the Portakabin. Even though they were different races, there was a distinct resemblance. It was their build more than anything, and the shape of their heads. He had missed his brother when they had been at odds, and he was glad they had patched up their differences.

Daniel was of the opinion that the Allens needed to be watched, especially Terry. Billy Allen was basically a fucking moron – a thought in his head would die of loneliness. But Terry Allen was a man whose disposition guaranteed his need for revenge.

If it was left to Daniel he would just take the fucker out; it wasn’t like anyone would miss him. But Peter felt differently. Daniel thought his brother was making a big mistake, was becoming far too lenient for his own good. But he kept his own counsel.

‘You still on for tomorrow?’