Eddie arranged a meeting at his Auntie Joanie’s house the following weekend so that Gary, Ricky and Raymond could get to know Stuart properly. Ed could sense Gary and Ricky’s reluctance at employing another pair of hands, and the situation reminded him of when Raymond had originally joined the fold many years ago. At the time, the firm had only consisted of Ed, his dad, Uncle Reg and his two brothers. It was Ronny and Paulie who had kicked up a stink over Raymond’s arrival. They classed him as an outsider, but were soon proved wrong, and Ed had no doubt that Gary and Ricky would be, too.

‘How long has your aunt lived here?’ Stuart asked, as they pulled up outside Joanie’s house.

‘Donkey’s years. I used to sort of live with her when I was a kid. After my mum died, Auntie Joan did everything for me and my brothers. A real fucking diamond she is and I love her dearly.’

‘And how’s my favourite nephew?’ Joanie asked as she opened the front door.

‘I’m fine, Auntie. This is Stuart, who I told you about. He’s gonna be working with me and the boys from now on.’

Joanie smiled as Stuart kissed her politely on the cheek. Eddie had spoken fondly about the lad in his letters and when she’d visited him in prison. ‘You go up. The others are already here and I’ll bring yous some sandwiches up in a bit.’

Eddie introduced Stuart to everybody, then sat down at the head of the table. Gary had a face like a smacked arse and Ed had to restrain himself from clumping him one.

‘You got a problem, boy?’ he asked angrily.

‘No, Dad,’ Gary replied sensibly.

Eddie had warned Stuart on the way over that Gary and Ricky had doubts about him taking someone new on. ‘We’re a close-knit bunch and it’s mainly always been family, but act keen, prove yourself and they’ll change their tune in no time,’ Eddie urged him.

Stuart listened intently as Eddie described the situation with Colin Griffiths and the outstanding loan.

‘Stu needs to learn the ropes, so I suggest we all have a day trip to Milton Keynes tomorrow and show him how we work.’

‘OK, but why don’t you let Stuart confront Griffiths. I take it he’s on trial until proven,’ Ricky said sarcastically.

‘No problem. I’m happy to do whatever it takes to prove myself,’ Stuart said ambitiously. Prison had taught Stu not to be frightened of anyone, and the quicker he demonstrated his worth and got Eddie’s sons off his back, the better.

Raymond grinned. He liked Stuart; he reminded him of himself when he’d first joined the firm. At twenty-six, Stu was older than he had been at the time, but he had the same glint in his eye, a look of steel and determination.