Ged sat on the train looking out of the window, lost in a world of his own. A final trip, then it was over. Bright lights in the distance, the noise of the speeding engines. This was his last drop, the end of feeling anxious, the end of putting himself at risk. He patted his coat pocket and closed his eyes for a few minutes. He’d be in Blackpool soon and his plan was to get in and out as quickly as he could. There would be no staying over at the trap gaff, he was just doing his job and bringing the cash back. Then he’d put this life behind him. He wasn’t a thug, a gangster, who was he trying to kid? Ged opened his eyes quickly as he felt the back of his seat move. He could feel someone’s warm breath; the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and a cold rush of adrenaline flooded through his body. His knife, where was it? He rummaged in his coat pocket. Voices behind him, whispering. Ged gripped the handle of the sharp metal blade inside his pocket, and braced himself to plunge it deep into anyone who thought they could have him over. He jumped up and looked behind him, meeting the eyes of two teenagers, both dressed in black with hats pulled down low. He stepped out into the aisle and headed to the toilets still clutching the blade. He was probably being paranoid, but those two guys seemed shifty as fuck.

Ged stood in the toilet and checked his watch, he’d be in Blackpool any minute now; he relaxed a little. He turned left out of the toilet rather than right and went to sit somewhere else, looking back as he moved along the aisle. The two lads had gone, nowhere to be seen. He was spooked though, his breathing getting faster and his heart still thumping. He looked around again just to double-check. Nothing. He let out a laboured breath and found a place near the doors ready for a quick exit. He perched on the edge of the seat, trying to make sure he had a good view of the areas around him. If anybody was coming for him, he would be ready for them. He reached into his coat pocket again and gripped his knife again. Frankie had given it to him and he never thought he’d actually have to use it but God help anyone who fucked with him – they were getting it dug deep into their flesh.