Mike shook his head. ‘I forgot me toothbrush. Lucky I did, eh?’ He then looked at his son’s expression. ‘What happened, Ricky? For fuck’s sake, you weren’t gonna fight him, were ya?’

Ricky was still standing in a fighting stance, his face tight and angry.

‘Ricky?’

‘Yeah, Dad. I was gonna have it out with him. I ain’t scared anymore, like I said.’

Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

Ex-Detective Superintendent Magnus Stoneham sat back on the modern, low-backed armchair with his fingers rhythmically tapping the end of the armrests. For a man in his early seventies, his demeanour mirrored that of Conrad, his youngest son, who sat opposite. Although Magnus was now grey, and he had thinner features and tighter lips than Conrad, the men were easily identifiable in many other ways as father and son.

‘So, how did the meeting go? I suspect if Mike Regan is anything like his father, then it began like pulling teeth.’

Leaning against a window in the oak-panelled study of the eighteenth-century country manor, Conrad smirked. ‘Yes, that’s exactly how it was. However, Father, you were right. He does have a sense of morals.’ He tutted. ‘It’s madness when you actually think about it. Mike Regan, a bank robber, an arms dealer, and someone serving time for torturing and murdering another man. Regan’s a piece of scum, isn’t he?’

Magnus laughed. ‘Yes, well, no doubt you are right. This idea of using a sense of morals among the immoral—’

‘Hold on,’ interrupted Conrad. ‘I wouldn’t say Regan is immoral. Lawbreaking, yes, but immoral, I’m not so convinced about that.’

‘No, quite, but the point is, we need to ensure this idea of yours and your sister’s doesn’t have serious repercussions.’

Pushing himself away from the window, Conrad walked over to his father’s drinks cabinet and poured two glasses of Redbreast Irish Whiskey.

Magnus tutted once more. ‘Not too much. That’s saved for special occasions.’

Yes, when you invite the Gentlemen’s Club over, thought Conrad. ‘How are the bridge nights going?’

Magnus raised his brow, knowingly. ‘Yes, fine. Anyway, what plans do you have in place for this clean-up operation, and, more to the point, have you had a chance to speak to your sister?’