‘This doesn’t look much like a druggie’s den, more like a fucking quaint farmhouse,’ said Willie, as he gazed around the area.

‘Looks can be deceptive,’ remarked Staffie.

‘Yeah, you’re right there. Look at me. I might be ugly on the outside, but I’m proper handsome on the inside.’

Staffie laughed. ‘Shame you can’t turn yaself inside out, then.’

‘Cor, after that curry last night, I reckon I fucking did.’

Mike remained quiet, not listening to the men’s bantering tones; he was planning his next move, now hell-bent on finding the men who’d hurt his son.

What they couldn’t see, of course, were the two off-road bikes behind the cottage.

Willie got out first and lit up a cigarette as he leaned against the car. Staffie hopped out next and stared at the face of the building; no lights were on, no smoke was visible, and there was no noise evident.

‘I think it may be empty!’

Mike closed his car door. ‘Well, lads, let’s find out, shall we?’

Willie pushed himself away from the Porsche and stubbed out his cigarette. ‘Remember, looks can be deceptive.’ He pulled a gun from the back of his belt and giggled like a madman.

Staffie shook his head. ‘Seriously, Willie, you need to look in the mirror, mate. You resemble that bloke out of The Shining.’

Willie nodded and laughed. ‘Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment.’

Mike was silent as he approached the front door. He leaned sideways against it and listened.

From the corner of Staffie’s eye, he saw a curtain twitch and suddenly shouted. ‘Duck!’

Mike was the first to lower his head. Willie, however, didn’t. Instead, he went into reckless mode and was about to charge at the front door with his full body weight.

In a flash, Mike pulled him back. ‘What the fuck are you doing?’

‘What did ya think I was goin’ to do?’

‘On my say-so, dickhead. You’re too flaming reckless!’

Willie felt himself blush. ‘Sorry, Mikey.’

Mike rolled his eyes and then winked, feeling somewhat guilty he’d been so harsh. ‘All right. After three, you and me.’ He turned to Staffie, who was crouching down by the car, and flicked his head to join them.

After the count of three, Mike lifted his foot, and with one almighty bang, the door came off its hinges and crashed down into an open-plan room. They piled in, wielding guns, with Staffie behind them. Inside, it was almost completely dark, due to the heavy curtains across the window.

Their eyes were instantly drawn to two scruffy figures, standing near a sofa. As they became more accustomed to the gloom, they saw each of them raise their hands above their heads.