‘If we were to agree, how far will they let us go? And what’s really in it for us? I mean, what about our own business? Are they gonna turn a blind eye, or, after they get what they want, will we find ourselves back in the slammer?’ asked Lou.

Mike shrugged his shoulders. ‘The finer details, I don’t know, but, before I get another visit, I need to know what you guys want. Let’s face it, we could make a lot of money out of this. Think about it. We ain’t being informants, are we? And besides, we won’t be working for the Filth, ’cos if we’re clever enough about it, they’ll be working for us. They’ll give us tip-offs, and if I push ’em, they could give us information that’d work in our favour.’

Willie chuckled. ‘Sounds like a fucking plan, mate.’

Staffie’s face was loaded with disapproval. ‘I don’t know about this. It ain’t what we’re about, is it? And what do we really have that’ll guarantee we’ll stay outta jail?’

‘Fuck off, Staffie, you’re always unsure these bleedin’ days,’ spat Willie.

‘No, Willie, Staffie has as much say as any of us.’

Staffie’s narrowed eyes widened. ‘Are you sure you’re gonna be one step ahead of the law?’

Mike grinned. ‘Haven’t I always been – well, in the past, before I was banged up?’

Staffie chewed his top lip and sighed. ‘S’pose so.’

Mike grinned. ‘If we’re all in agreement, I’ll need to work out how to guarantee our continued liberty.’

Ricky watched the dynamics and how the men looked up to his father, hanging on his every word. He felt proud, but, also, he wanted to be a part of the firm and not just ‘Mikey’s son’. Although he and his dad had been apart for twelve years, it didn’t matter. He wanted to be by his side, no matter what that looked like.

‘Can I say something?’

Mike’s stern face lit up when he looked at his son. ‘Of course you can, my boy.’

Ricky nervously looked at the other men. ‘Um, your lawyer. Couldn’t he have a contract drawn up, or, better still, be present as a witness when the judge signs your release papers?’

Willie patted Ricky on the back. ‘Good idea, Ricky. See, up there for thinking, down there for dancing.’

Mike nodded, encouraging his son. ‘Yep, he may well be the brains of the outfit,’ he laughed, as he looked over at Willie.

Staffie jumped in. ‘And the fucking brawn. Ya should’ve seen him bash the fuck outta Tit and Tat.’

All four men laughed while Ricky blushed.

Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO