Despite the heat in Mr Carlton's office, Manny Grice was shivering. His seat was flanked by two of Mr Carlton's 'clerical assistants', preventing him from leaving. On the other side of the desk, Mr Carlton himself was idly filing down his fingernails.

"So, Manny - where you going? A nice holiday somewhere?" There was a hint of steel beneath Mr Carlton's enquiry.

Manny smiled weakly. "No, Mr Carlton. I wasn't going anywhere."

"Really?" A pudgy finger pointed at the two men standing either side of Manny. "The boys here tell me that you were packing when they came calling. Isn't that so?"

"Yes, Mr Carlton," the two burly men murmured in unison.

Mr Carlton nodded and turned his attention back to Manny. "It wouldn't have anything to do with our gentlemen's agreement, would it?"

Manny tried to meet Mr Carlton's gaze, but he couldn't. There was something about the fat man's eyes that reminded Manny of a shark he had seen in the Brighton aquarium. "Please, Mr Carlton. Sir." Manny tried to stop the quiver in his voice. "Boycey deserves a chance. The kid's got talent. He could make a lot of money for you. For us." Manny tried to decipher the expression on Mr Carlton's face, but there was no sign of comfort. "For you," Manny concluded lamely.

"Really?" Mr Carlton said.

""Oh yes!" Perhaps Manny could make something from this show of interest. "You saw how he put Lancaster down - and Lancaster's not a pushover. My boy could go all the way! He just needs someone to encourage him."

"I believe you." Mr Carlton smiled, and Manny allowed himself a smidgen of hope. "Your boy could go far. I agree with you. And I agree he needs someone to encourage him. But, Manny, you are not the man for that. How could young Boyce learn anything from a man who doesn't keep his promises?" The smile fell away. "No. The boy needs a firm guiding hand. Like mine."

Manny lowered his head in defeat. "Of course, Mr Carlton. But," Manny dared to look up again, "I'm sure we could come to some arrangement?"

Mr Carlton nodded. "Of course we can. Boys - fix him up, right?"

"Yes Mr Carlton."

Manny felt strong arms lift him from his seat and guide him towards the door and the steps down to the yard.