Maxxie catches sight of the smile and it warms him, relieves some of that tension that comes from retelling a difficult story. He smiles back, falling into his usual easy-going cheerfulness.

"'Course we did," he says, playing at a confidence he never, ever felt when fighting Anwar. "He's not stupid enough to miss out on this as a best mate."

He shakes his head. "We were even going to move in together. Me and James and Anwar, in London. How's that for a turnaround?"