Daniel sighed in annoyance. Why was his brother so worried about a fucking nonsense like Alfie Clarke? ‘Let it go, Pete, OK? We’ve been through this, get a grip.’

Peter saw Delroy as soon as they entered the pub. He was alone, and clearly well out of his comfort zone. Despite himself he felt a twinge of respect for his son-in-law. He guessed rightly that Delroy had heard whispers that there could be aggravation at this meet and he had come to watch their backs. Peter walked over to him as if he was a long-lost child. Taking Delroy in his arms he hugged him, making a big production of it. Everyone was watching expectantly. Word on the street was that these two were not the best of friends, but they seemed to be happy enough in each other’s company now.

Daniel looked around the pub. He guessed there were twenty or so people in there, just the usual hangers-on, nobody to worry about. He allowed himself to relax. The fact that Alfie did not have anyone there who might be a handful went in his favour.

He joined Peter in greeting Delroy, understanding that the man must have heard something on the grapevine or he would not have been there. He appreciated the man’s loyalty, and he knew his brother did too.

The atmosphere was genial enough, and he smiled his best smile as he said loudly, ‘A large Scotch! My old woman gave me a daughter today. I’m celebrating.’

Alfie Clarke smiled. ‘A child, eh? Until my boy was born, Dan, I never understood the importance of family. He is the light of my life, bless him.’

Daniel grinned. ‘Well, wait until you get three or four of them! They grow up and go to school, and they are always in trouble, always costing you money. And, to top it all, they end up twice your fucking size!’

Alfie laughed at the thought; he couldn’t wait. He was picturing a life with a son by his side, imagining comforting his boy, making him into a good man, teaching him all the scams, every con available. He was eager to start the child’s education. For the first time in his life he was part of a unit, a family unit, and he was loving every second.

Peter watched as Daniel acted like the man’s new best friend; it was what he was good at. He could lie to a person’s face, and they would never suspect anything was amiss. Daniel was volatile, and he was at his most dangerous when he was like this, playing the fool, acting the goat. He could laugh and joke, and ten minutes later cut your throat.

‘So, Alfie.’ Daniel’s eyes glittered dangerously. ‘What’s this my brother and I hear about you upsetting our Northern friends?’

The time for pleasantries was clearly over.

Chapter Seventeen