This is a Global Player Original podcast.

This is a global original podcast produced by Global and Forest Sounds.

Just a heads up, this podcast contains strong language and adult themes that may not be suitable for all listeners.

This story starts in a tiny village in Merseyside.

Steve chose to retire here because it's so sleepy.

Some might even say sedated.

On this crisp February morning in 2011, the streets are characteristically quiet,

save for the odd neighbour leaving their mini mansion to get in their

car to work. Others are still having their first cup of tea of the day in the comfort of their

cookie cutter houses. It's hard to imagine the energy and frenzy of Liverpool just down the road,

but Steve can take boring if it means no chaos.

Steve is no nonsense.

The first thing you notice is that he's huge.

He looks like an ex-boxer, but he's actually a gentle giant.

The kind of bloke you'd want to grab a pint with, that you'd imagine had stories for days.

And you'd be right. I'm not using Steve's surname to protect his identity.

When you get to the end of the series, you'll understand why, which I realise is a great way to get you

to listen to the end of the series. Sneaky. Steve's about to take the dogs out for a walk when he

hears the doorbell go.

It's annoying, bound to be a parcel for the neighbours.

What are they always ordering?

But when Steve opens the door, he's faced with a man and a woman, both in suits, both stern-faced.

...