Willie was laughing. It was so good to have the firm together on the outside and now their own sons with them. It was undoubtedly history repeating itself, from his own father, along with Lou’s and Staffie’s, all in the Regan firm, and now their own boys, vowing to look out for each other.

‘’Ere he is!’ said Staffie.

They turned to see Arty, a more handsome version of his father, crossing the road. For years, Staffie was teased because his oversized biceps made him look like Popeye. Now his son, who was a good foot taller, had similar bulging muscles, but his height took the dairy off the huge arms and legs.

Mike nodded at the boys. ‘Right, listen.’ He pointed to Willie, Staffie, and Lou. ‘We’re gonna drink at one end of the bar and sort out a bit of business. Youse will stay well away, have fun, don’t drink too much, and don’t be pestering us. What goes down doesn’t involve you guys, so, whatever happens, you’ve got ya wheels, so just fuck off and get away from here. Got it?’

Ricky was watching his father in action; he ran the firm, no question about that, and Ricky felt his chest puff out. His father was someone who hard men looked up to. His eyes then flicked towards Arty and Liam, to see if they were happily taking direction, only to find them nodding respectfully.

‘And you, Ricky. You stay with the boys, yeah?’

Ricky nodded back. ‘Yeah, no worries. I won’t even be looking your way, not when I’m sucking some bird’s face off.’

Arty slapped his back. ‘Get you, ya fucking dirty bastard.’

Liam had a high-pitched voice. ‘Listen to him. Our Ricky fancies himself as some Casanova.’

Willie placed an arm around his son’s shoulders. ‘Well, my boy, Ricky’s the looker, but, Liam, I guess, like me, you’re the charmer, eh?’

Mike, for the first time, gave a hearty laugh that made his cheeks red and his eyes water. ‘You, Willie? A charmer? The only thing you could charm would be a boss-eyed ferret.’

The banter between them had begun and it kicked off their good spirits and demonstrated their close bond with each other. Ricky was in his element, being treated with such affection by them all but especially by the lads. Not having a sibling and being cruelly treated by Tatum and his nasty sons, it was like a breath of fresh air.

Once they were inside, Staffie headed for the far end, followed by Willie and Mike. The younger lads sauntered over to the part of the bar closest to the DJ. Arty got the drinks in and nudged Liam. ‘’Ere, look at Ricky, eyeing up the barmaid.’

Liam rolled his eyes. ‘Like a dog on heat, he is.’

Ricky took a swig of his drink and winked at Arty. ‘And ya point is?’