Ricky agreed with his brother. ‘I’ve noticed a change in him ever since he’s been with that Gina. Look at what a prick he made of himself at his wedding, getting down on one knee, declaring his undying love in front of every bastard and then trotting off like some bell-end on that stupid horse and carriage,’ he added.

‘Don’t ever underestimate your father. He’s no mug, and if he’s changed his mind about killing Baldwin, then you can guarantee that he’ll benefit from it in some way, shape or form. Ed ain’t gone soft; he might have perhaps mellowed a bit, but that’s probably ’cause he’s got another nipper on the way. I’ve mellowed since Polly got pregnant and one day, when yous boys have pregnant wives or girlfriends, you’ll understand what I mean,’ Raymond explained.

‘I ain’t fucking getting married or tied down with kids. Too much grief, mate,’ Gary said immediately.

‘Me neither. I’m staying footloose and fancy free an’ all,’ Ricky added.

Seconds later, the door opened and Eddie walked in, followed by Stuart, who had travelled with him.

‘Why is it you always arrange these early meets and you’re the one that’s always late?’ Gary asked his father in a sarcastic tone.

‘Because it’s my fucking prerogative to be late. I run this firm, remember?’ Ed replied, as he took his seat at the head of the table.

Ricky got straight down to business. ‘So what’s going on, Dad? Why did we capture Baldwin and then let him go again?’

‘Cooey!’ a voice shouted out.

Eddie jumped up and answered the door to Auntie Joanie. ‘Cor, they look ’andsome. You cooked them bleedin’ quick, didn’t ya?’ he said, taking the tray off her.

‘I’d put the bacon on and buttered the baps before you bloody got ’ere. I know what yous boys are like, always starving. I’ve made you a brew an’ all and some homemade shortbread. Shall I bring ’em up now?’

‘Stuart will get ’em. You rest your legs, Auntie, and thanks, sweetheart, you’re a diamond.’

‘Let’s eat, and talk after,’ Eddie said. Nobody made a bacon bap like Auntie Joanie. She used thick butter and put four slices of quality bacon in each one.

Gary was the first to push his plate away. ‘Look, I didn’t drag meself out of bed at seven this morning just to indulge in a monkey’s tea party, so do you think we can get this meeting started?’