Michael spoke. ‘I know you’re wondering why I’ve offered you this opportunity, especially as Patrick wasn’t exactly your biggest fan. But, for all that, he did admire you. He admired that you never challenged him, or bad-mouthed him. He was a funny fucker. He didn’t like you, but he’s gone now, and I think you are perfect for what I want.’
Jeffrey Palmer looked around him. He was in Michael Flynn’s home, in his private office, and he was impressed at the way the man lived. It wasn’t just about having money. Michael lived like a real businessman and his home reflected that. It wasn’t the usual mix of expensive shite and ostentatious furniture. Michael’s home was like his own – on a larger scale, of course. Like Michael Flynn, Jeffrey had married a decent girl, with a bit of savvy, and the intelligence to grow into the money that was coming in, who read the right magazines, and educated herself about how the other half lived. It was only a shame that Michael and his wife had not been blessed with a child to complete their family.
Jeffrey looked at Michael, and said seriously, ‘I never knew why Patrick treated me like he did. I resented him for it, but I also knew there was nothing I could do to change it. The fault, whatever that might have been, wasn’t on my side. But I can tell you now, Michael, you won’t regret bringing me onboard. This is perfect for me, mate. I have already dipped me toe in, so to speak, and I am aware of the main players we will have to deal with. But I assume that’s why you want me.’
It was what Michael wanted to hear. ‘I know you’re up to speed on the people concerned, but you must remember that this time you will be dealing with them on my behalf. That means you will be the main man – none of them can shit without your say-so now, and they will accept that. They need me to smooth their paths for them, and I will do that as always, but remember, like you, they are still working for me. You will be required to remind them of that, yet oversee everything personally. This will also give you not just added status, but more money than you can imagine. It’s already up and running, Jeffrey, all I want from you is to take it over, and then report to me. I’d advise you to put someone in place to oversee your usual earns. This lot is going to take up all your time, believe me.’
Jeffrey Palmer was impressed, but not really shocked; he had expected nothing less. He knew that Michael Flynn would insist on his total dedication to the cause he had offered him, and he was more than willing to do that. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. ‘That is a given, Michael. When do you want me to start?’
Michael laughed loudly, with genuine humour; he had known from day one that Jeffrey Palmer would bite his hand off for this opportunity. Getting up, he poured them both large whiskies and, when they were once more settled, he said seriously, ‘I will walk you through it, from start to finish, do the introductions to the hierarchy – that’s who you will be dealing with from now on. I know you have already tapped into them for your own gain, and that is a big plus as far as I am concerned. Just keep in mind that you are there for me in the future.’
It was a warning.
Jeffrey Palmer smiled. He had good teeth – teeth that he had inherited from his mother, and his sons had been lucky enough to inherit them too. His mother was Irish, strong as an ox, and he could see himself in her. His father, on the other hand, had never been more than a distant memory. He had been murdered when Jeffrey was two years old, shot to death over a game of poker. It wasn’t a death worth commemorating; the man had been a piece of shit. Jeffrey had always sworn that his life would amount to something, that he would not be the kind of man his father was – an East-End bullyboy, whose only aim in life was to drink, gamble and engage in small-time villainy to achieve those ends. Jeffrey had made something of himself, lived down his father’s name, and his father’s memory. Now, thanks to Michael Flynn, he would be able to reach his full potential.
‘Listen, Michael, I will do whatever is needed. You know that. I have to ask, though, how much product are we dealing with?’
‘A lot more than anyone realises, Jeff. We are shifting about ninety keys a week, and that’s just the cocaine. It’s big business. We supply everyone who’s anyone. Nothing moves without my express say-so.’
Jeffrey Palmer was suitably impressed. He was also working out his cut of the take. ‘I understand. It’s a big responsibility.’