Although he was effectively in complete charge of the business, John sat to one side and let his father play the major role when Joey came in to discuss his retirement.
It was an emotional moment. Joey’s loyalty was second to none. He had risen up through the ranks when life in the business was far from settled and had protected Peter’s father’s back on more than one desperate occasion. He had trained Peter and supported him when his father died and, with his vast experience in the business, had for a long time acted as a replacement for the old man while Peter adjusted to his new role. He had also played an important part in the training of John, not only in the selection of instructors, but setting their work in a broader context for the boy.
“I’m just starting to feel tired, Peter,” h
