‘Mike, you didn’t need to do that. I wasn’t gonna con you out of money.’

Jackie’s face was a picture. Both men couldn’t stop grinning as they high-fived each other. For her part, Jackie realized she’d just been played. Although she’d had a good pay day, the thought of blackmailing Mike would have been so much sweeter.

Mike’s expression changed and with a scowl he said, ‘No, Jackie, you’re right, there. You won’t ever con me again.’ He forced a fake laugh. ‘Jesus, twenty-five grand, Jackie? As if I would ever give you a penny? In fact, I wouldn’t give you the shit off my shoe. Now, get out!’

Her face was a picture of pure shock. She made a stupid attempt to grab the money but was forcefully pushed away by Mike. ‘Get out of ’ere, Jackie, while you can still walk.’

As she steadied herself, her eyes took on the dark, evil glare that had always cast a dark shadow. ‘You bastard, Mike. You fucking bastard. I will—’

She stopped in mid flow when she saw his jaw tighten and his chest inflate. He was so big, one clump from him would knock her into next door, and the look on the solicitor’s face told her he wouldn’t prevent the situation either. She was hated, and if she was honest with herself, she wasn’t surprised. She snatched her bag from the floor, scooped up the contents that were scattered, and made her way to the front door.

Mike was on her heels, making sure she didn’t nick anything on the way out.

‘Mike, I don’t have money for the cab fare.’

Mike opened the door and glared. He didn’t even bother to answer her.

Once he’d slammed the door behind her, he turned to Miles. ‘Thanks for that. I don’t trust her.’

Miles nodded. ‘No, neither do I, and your gut telling you she wouldn’t read the details in the documents proved spot-on. Now you can wash your hands of her. It was good to see you, Mike. I’m so pleased Ricky’s out of the woods. Keep in touch.’

As Mike opened the front door again to see Miles out, he noticed Jackie hanging around by the gate. He pulled a twenty-pound note from his pocket. ‘Brandon, do me a favour and give this to her, will ya? She’s making my property look untidy.’

Miles got into his sports car and drove towards the gate where he lowered the window and dropped the twenty-pound note on the ground.

Mike laughed as Jackie chased after it, the wind blowing it further and further away from her.

***

Two hours later, Mike, Willie, and Staffie pulled into a dusty drive that led up to Leon Khouri’s cottage.