Kevin sat on Eastford square and sucked slowly on his cigarette, tapping his foot. He felt like a cowboy hidden away in the darkness. He looked around. This was a waiting game but he knew that if he played his cards right, it would all work out. Good things come to those who wait and all that. The streetlights left pools of muted yellow light on the pavements. Kevin could hear shouting in the distance, and watched as a few youths started to gather, on the lookout for trouble. He didn’t know these kids but he recognised the type. He’d been one himself. He bet local residents complained, asked the council to move on the gangs and the trouble their bitter rivalries brought. But some things never changed, and after dark he knew the residents were effectively prisoners in their own homes.

No one challenged these kids. They held no respect for anybody. They had nothing except what they’d fought for – and they’d fight to keep it.

Kevin watched intently as he clocked a young lad in the distance serving up drugs to a man sat in a car. He knew the script well regarding dealing, no surprise given he had dabbled in drugs for years. He sat cracking his knuckles, until … bingo. He froze. That’s what he was waiting for. As soon as he spotted the lad starting to walk away from the car he jumped to his feet.

It was showtime. His voice was cocky as his pace quickened. ‘Oi, can I have a quick word, mate?’

The youth turned his head, didn’t know who the man was talking to. He was apprehensive. ‘Are you talking to me?’

Kevin jogged over to him and led him to a dark corner where no one would see them. He had to play his part well if his plan was going to work out how he wanted.

‘Got any weed, mate? Ged said I would get some here. A bit of cheese or haze would be mint?’

The teenager nodded and reached inside his pocket. ‘Yeah, I can give you anything you want, brown, white, you name it I can get it.’

Kevin took a deep breath before grabbing the boy by his neck and slamming him up against the wall. The kid looked terrified.

‘Who the fuck are you dealing for? Tell me now or I’ll kick ten tons of shit out of you. Fucking spill, don’t waste my time because trust me, I’ll snap your fucking jaw.’

The boy was struggling to break free, but Kevin had him in a killer grip. ‘I’ll strangle you, mate, honest to God, if you don’t tell me who the main man is, I’ll end you. Start talking, prick.’