‘He doesn’t usually do the phones, he’s more on the transport end of things, but he’s doing the phone tonight as a favour. You just fill him in on how things work and he’ll take it from there, he’s a quick learner.’ Nancy nudged Ged and looked at him encouragingly. ‘That’s right, isn’t it, Ged?’

He nodded, finding his tongue. ‘Yeah, that’s right. Just give me the lowdown and I’ll be sorted.’

Squeaky laughed out loud and shook his head. ‘For fuck’s sake, I should get a raise for all the fucking training I do. You’re not the first one they’ve sent me who doesn’t know the script.’

Ged’s cheeks were flaming, the beetroot red clashing with his hair. ‘Just cut the shit and tell me what to say,’ he snapped. ‘You only need to tell me once then I’ll be fine. Is that alright with you or should I ring Mathew and tell him you’re giving me shit?’ Smart move. Squeaky relented, cracking his knuckles and tried to backpedal.

‘Nah, nah, I’m just saying is all. You just don’t know my sense of humour yet. It’s all good, our kid. So, when they ring, just ask what they want. It’s usually white or brown they ask for. All you need to do is tell them to go to the bridge, they know where it is, and then fuck them off. Don’t let them keep you on the phone either. And no cash, no drugs, simple. A few of them try and get tick and promise you the world in return but give them fuck all, just tell them that’s the rules and that usually shuts them up. Oh yeah – don’t use your name, change it, don’t want nobody knowing who you are.’

It was a lot to take in, seemed like it was a big operation. The phone started to ring again. This time Nancy took the call.

‘What d’you want?’ she asked in a confident voice. ‘Yep, go to the bridge and they’ll be with you shortly.’ She ended the call and smiled over at Ged.

‘Induction over, you’re ready to go. Squeaky, three brown. Get your lad ready to go.’

Ged was sweating, his hands were clammy. Squeaky was on the blower giving his orders to the foot soldiers and he could see it was going to be a very long night indeed.

Chapter Twelve

It was a Monday morning and Donny was in early as usual. He sat in his office sipping at his coffee, the hot steam rising from the mug. Rita was in early too and didn’t seem her usual self. Today she was all smiles and laughter, rather than her standard mardy mood. Donny studied her and grinned.