It was his Uncle Peter who had asked him to look out for his brothers’ interests and, even though his father’s name had not been mentioned, Danny knew that he was also asking him to try and work by his father’s side, and keep his eye on the family businesses. His Uncle Peter did not want to be given any reason to chastise his father; Danny knew if that happened it would not end well for any of them. His father, for all his talk and bravado, was still heartbroken over the rift between him and Peter.

Danny wondered how on earth he was supposed to smooth over this latest outrage, but he had to try. It was another step back for them all as a family, when he and his brothers had worked so hard to get this far. Damage limitation, that was what was needed. He almost smiled at the thought; he was becoming an expert at it.

Chapter Forty-Three

Peter Bailey was in the offices of his new nightclub; it was noisy and the DJ was not his cup of tea – give him Etta James or a bit of Bob Marley any day – but he knew the clientele were loving it and that was all that mattered.

He was quietly fuming. Daniel had once more caused a fucking scene, which he would, yet again, have to clean up. He had scarcely laid eyes on him in the years since the Alfie Clarke drama; they saw each other in church and that was it. But Peter kept close tabs on his brother – especially as far as the business went. He knew Daniel’s every move.

He sipped his brandy, savouring the burn and, as his eldest nephew came into the room, he held his hand up, enjoying the last few moments before he had to deal with the aftermath of his brother’s actions.

‘Is he dead?’

Danny shook his head. ‘No, but let’s just say Derek won’t be back in circulation for a good while. I’ve sorted him a private hospital with the best doctors. I’ve paid his wife off, and guaranteed all her bills are covered, including the school fees for the kids.’

Peter nodded, it was what he had expected. ‘You’ve got to sort him out, Danny, once and for all. If you don’t, I am going to have to get involved personally. I’ve covered his arse once too often and this has got to stop.’

Danny nodded humbly. ‘I know, Uncle Pete. We’ll take care of it.’

‘I know you will, son. Now, what’s this I hear about you, my Petey, and some problem with the debts?’