Jack in the Box (16 page)

The door to the kitchen was open. A middle-aged man, his black hair flecked with grey, was standing on a chair, relieving himself into the sink. He was wearing a black shirt and crumpled blue and white pyjama bottoms. On his feet were felt slippers that had once been red.

He turned, still urinating, and grinned, revealing badly-discoloured teeth. ‘The loo’s blocked,’ he said, shaking himself. ‘You’ve caught me at a bad time. I was just getting dressed.’

He stepped off the chair and held his hands under the tap. With a rapid motion, he ran them over his face.

‘Sorry about that,’ he said, wiping his forehead with the bottom of his shirt. ‘I don’t expect guests at this time of day.’ His eyes slid over her body, lingering at her breasts. He tilted his head, a calculation in the eyes. ‘I take it you want a boy. You after a threesome?’

‘We’re police,’ she said, showing him her warrant card. ‘Are
you Jimmy Porteous?’

He wiped his mouth with his knuckles, barely glancing at the card.

‘Relax, Mr Porteous. We’re just after some information.’ She gave this time to sink in. ‘You lived with Charlo Heggarty, I understand.’

For an instant, an expression of hopelessness appeared on his face. ‘Is that a question?’

‘We know you lived with him, it’s in your statement,’ she said in a friendly tone. She was keen not to upset him. ‘Have you heard of Max Quincey?’

‘Can’t say I have,’ he said guardedly.

‘He was arrested for Charlo’s murder, but released without charge.’

‘Why are you talking about Charlo after all this time? Have you caught the prick, then? Is it this Max guy?’

‘Max Quincey has been found murdered in the same way as Charlo.’

He came close enough that she could smell him. It was an oily sweaty smell, but she didn’t flinch. ‘The same way?’ he said.

‘We think the two murders are related. We’re hoping you can help us catch Quincey’s killer.’ She paused for effect. ‘And Charlo’s.’

He said nothing, but a veil came down over his eyes.

‘Are you a male prostitute, Mr Porteous?’

‘Me?’ He shook his head.

‘Do you still pimp boys?’ she said, smiling.

‘I’m not telling you anything.’

‘Please answer the Chief Inspector,’ said Steve.

‘I don’t have to.’ He looked from one to the other. ‘I know my rights, so piss off.’

It was time to take off the gloves. ‘Listen to me, Mr Porteous,’ she said, ‘this isn’t good cop, bad cop. This is a woman having her
period and perfectly within
her
rights to drag your arse down to the nick. So what’s it to be? Do you answer my questions here or from a police cell?’

Her change of mood unsettled him. ‘Okay, yes, I run boys.’

‘Now we’re getting somewhere.’ She glanced around. There was nowhere to sit in the kitchen. ‘Shall we go into the lounge?’

He nodded silently.

Remembering the rat, she took the armchair furthest from the sofa. Steve sat at the table. Porteous sprawled on the sofa, oblivious that his flies were gaping.

‘Mr Porteous, I’d like you to take a look at this photograph,’ she said. ‘It’s Max Quincey. I think you’ve seen him before.’

‘The ponce with the fancy clothes. Yeah, I’ve seen him,’ he said in a bored tone.

‘How well did you know him?’ ‘

I didn’t. I just saw him at the Duke. He was always there.’

‘What was he doing?’ ‘Picking up boys. Same as the other punters.’

‘When was this?’

‘Years ago.’

‘Around the time of the Jack in the Box murders?’

He nodded, watching her.

‘Did Max Quincey ever come here?’

‘Here? No, he never came here.’ He said it as though she’d insulted him.

‘Tell me about the boys, Jimmy, the ones killed at the same time as Charlo. I’m trying to build up a picture of what they were like.’ When there was no response, she added, ‘You do remember who they were?’

‘I remember.’ He bit his lip. ‘There was Liam,’ he said, half to himself. ‘Dark hair. Never could keep it combed.’ He lifted a hand to his face. ‘Had a stain here.’

She nodded encouragingly. So far, the description was
accurate.

‘Always in demand, he was. One look at him would send the punters wild, even with the mark on his skin. It was the expression in his eyes. Cheeky like. Made a shedload of money on the game, he did. Bought himself a posh coat. Went right down to the ground. Liam. Never knew his last name.’ He smiled, as though at some secret. ‘Then there was Gilly. We called him Gilly McIlly. Red hair. Great pal of Charlo’s. Always larking about, the two of them were. From the same part of Dublin. Liam was quieter. I used to wonder why the other boys bothered with him. I asked Charlo once.’

‘What did he say?’ Steve pressed, when Porteous seemed disinclined to continue.

He looked up, as though surprised to see them still there. ‘He said they all looked out for each other, simple as that. You see, they hadn’t intended to go on the game. No-one does. I mean, what kid dreams of being a rent boy? No, they wanted to find jobs in London. Proper jobs. Brought money with them, to get themselves started, like. But it ran out sooner than they thought. Much sooner.’ His expression softened. ‘They had no idea what it costs just to exist in London.’

He fetched tobacco and matches from the mantelpiece, and rolled a cigarette. ‘I picked up Charlo for myself,’ he said matter-of-factly. ‘Met him at the Duke. Brought him here.’ He struck a match. The loose strands of tobacco flared as they caught. He inhaled deeply, then dropped the spent match on the carpet. ‘Took a shine to him, I did. Told him he could stop with me if he liked. It was safer for him than on the street, so he was happy enough. At least he had a proper bed, not like some.’ His eyes focussed on the tip of his cigarette. ‘I let him bring his punters here. He did it mainly with straight couples who wanted threesomes. A good boy, was Charlo. And clean. Always washing himself. Used to keep the flat spotless.’ He
glanced around. ‘I’ve let the place go a bit.’

‘What did the boys do when they weren’t with their clients?’ said Von.

‘Working, or looking for it. Sometimes they’d get things, you know, from the Jobcentre, like.’ He shrugged. ‘When that dried up, it was back to the Duke. Best place for punters. They’d get a drink, and sit and wait. I’d go with them, usually.’

‘Did you stay with them when they were with their clients?’

‘Sometimes.’ He tapped the cigarette, flicking ash onto the floor. ‘They felt safer when they knew I was round the corner. I only took a small cut of the takings.’

‘Did you love Charlo?’ she said gently.

‘Love him?’ A look of tenderness appeared on his face. ‘Sure, I loved him. And he loved me back.’ His mouth twisted into a cruel smile. ‘It’s not easy living on the estate when you’re like me. I still get banana skins in my face, and people making monkey noises. Charlo hated that. He’d have a go at them, he would. Got himself a couple of nasty shiners on account of it.’ There was a hint of pride in his voice. ‘If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.’ He ground the remains of the cigarette into the carpet. ‘I’ve never forgiven myself for not being here. You know, when it all went down. After Gilly was killed, I knew he wouldn’t be the only one.’

She felt the blood pounding in her ears. ‘How did you know, Jimmy?’

He stared at his slippers as though they belonged to someone else. ‘They were up to something. All of them. And they were in deep.’

Her heartbeat quickened. Could this be the break they were looking for? ‘Something at the Duke?’

‘Sure, at the Duke,’ he said impatiently. ‘Where else? And I’ll tell you something for nowt. It’s still going on. I didn’t want to know the details, I told Charlo to keep me out of it.’ His
voice hardened. ‘He was using, although he never did it here. But I could tell. Got the sweats now and again, he did.’

‘Drugs?’

‘Smack, if you want to be precise.’

‘Was he selling?’

‘Like I said, they all were. Every last man.’

‘Everyone at the Duke?’ Steve said in astonishment. ‘

Everyone at the Duke knows something,’ Porteous said with a self-mocking smile. ‘They either deal, or they know who’s dealing.’

She stared at him.
Everyone at the Duke
. My God, this was huge. No wonder they’d zipped it when her guys went nosing around. She could see Steve was thinking the same: Why had it been allowed to go on for so long?

Porteous was watching her. ‘I see what you’re thinking, but you’ll get nothing out of them. They’ve learnt how to keep quiet over the years.’

‘How many years? From the time of the murders?’

‘Way before.’

Her mind was in a whirl. So it predated even the Jack in the Boxes. A thought struck her. ‘Manny Newman wasn’t involved, was he?’

‘The Jew boy?’ he said with indifference. ‘He wasn’t in on it.’

‘Charlo and the boys knew him, though.’

‘They’d see him at the Duke. To chat to, like. They weren’t best mates.’ He played with the tassel on his pyjamas. ‘Manny was a loner. Sat on his own, didn’t want company. Just waited for a punter, then went out. Had his own place to kip.’

‘And you’re sure he didn’t deal?’ she said, praying he’d give her the answer she wanted.

‘I’ll tell you how I know.’ He scratched behind his ear. ‘It was around New Years. A big haul of dust must have come in because the boys were flush with cash. That’s how I knew, see.
Charlo had a whole pile of notes and he could never have made that much on the game.’ He nodded at the television in the corner. ‘Bought me that in the sales. Late Christmas present. Anyway, we went down to the Duke for a drink. Manny was there, in the snug. Some geezer went up to him and tried to slip him some dust, to sell on, like. Manny went spare, threw it back in his face. The packet split and it went everywhere.’ He laughed mirthlessly. ‘The look on the geezer’s face. Everyone saw. Manny wasn’t too popular after that. Charlo told me it was on account of Manny’s mum that he wouldn’t deal. She was so far gone that World War Three could have broken out and she’d never have noticed.’

‘Were drugs passed around so openly?’

‘Course not.’ He picked a strand of tobacco from his teeth. ‘Most of them were so good, you’d never know how they did it.’

‘Was Max Quincey into drugs?’ she said, after a pause.

‘He came to the Duke for boys, nothing else.’ He sneered. ‘I doubt he could tell smack from baby food.’

‘Did you ever see Max pick up any of the Irish lads? Or Manny Newman? Please think carefully.’

‘Can’t say that I did. But my memory’s not what it was.’

‘I appreciate you telling us all this, Jimmy. Just one more question. When Charlo was killed, did you inform the police about the drug dealing?’

He almost spat out the words. ‘Didn’t want to know, did he?’

‘Who?’

‘Him. The copper that ran the murder enquiry.’

‘DCI Harrower?’

‘Yeah, I think that were his name. I tried to tell him that’s why Charlo and the others were killed but he just nodded as though I were telling him about my summer holidays. He didn’t write any of it down.’ His expression dissolved into one
of despair. ‘At least you’re listening. That’s why I’m sticking my neck out, saying all this. I want you to nail the piece of shit who killed my Charlo. I was the one who found him. Lying there. His lovely dreamy eyes gone.’ The words were barely audible. ‘And you say he’s done it again?’

‘He may have, Jimmy,’ she said softly.

‘You have to catch him.’ He crossed himself. ‘And, God help me, I hope he burns in hell.’ Tears slid down his face. He wiped his nose with the back of his hand, smearing snot over his lip.

She got to her feet. ‘Thank you, Jimmy.’ She held out a card. ‘Please get in touch if you think of anything else.’

He ignored her, hugging himself as though he were suddenly cold.

She laid the card on the table. ‘We’ll let ourselves out.’

They reached the Toyota just in time.

Three youths were kicking Larry, who was rolling around on the tarmac, shielding his head with his hands. Steve grabbed the nearest boy by the hair and wheeled him round, pulling his arm up his back. The boy squealed in pain. As Steve snapped on the cuffs, the larger of the boy’s companions rushed at Von. She held her ground and tried to block his punch, but his fist glanced off her cheekbone. Ignoring the pain, she moved in swiftly and drove her knee hard into his groin. The youth howled and dropped like a stone. He rocked in the foetal position, snivelling, his hands thrust between his legs. The third boy assimilated the situation, and promptly ran off.

She pulled out her cuffs and turned the boy over. ‘Don’t rub them, sunshine,’ she said, securing his wrists. ‘Count them.’

Larry dragged himself to his feet. He collapsed against the car, breathing deeply.

‘Good of you to take one for the team, Larry,’ she said. ‘You all right?’

‘Just a few bruised ribs, ma’am,’ he gasped. ‘You’ll have to show me that manoeuvre some time.’ He managed a smile. ‘It’s not in the manual.’

Steve was bundling the boys into the car. ‘Watch it,’ the tall one yelled. ‘I nearly hit my head.’

‘It’s all right, son.’ He pushed him in. ‘The car’s insured.’

Chapter 20

Steve was watching Von trying to get coffee from the machine in the hall. It offered the usual choice of tea, chocolate, and several types of coffee, but the only thing worth drinking was the americano.

‘Aye, boss, a pimp with a heart.’

‘Most of the ones I’ve come across beat up their lads, not take care of them,’ Von said, pressing buttons at random.

‘So what do you reckon? The Irish lads were involved in a heroin ring, got too close, and were killed? Danni said their murders might be linked.’

‘I don’t buy heroin as the link, Steve. It doesn’t explain why Manny was attacked.’ She banged the side of the machine and five paper cups fell onto the floor. Hot liquid flowed into the waste reservoir. ‘God, why is everything in this nick broken? Oh come on, let’s leave it.’ She strode away towards her office.

He nearly had to run to keep up. ‘Manny could have been attacked because the killer assumed he was in on it.’

‘But you heard Porteous describe Manny’s reaction when he was offered heroin. Everyone saw the stuff flying.’ She flopped into her chair. ‘No, if the boys were all attacked for the same reason, it wasn’t the drug angle.’

‘Heroin, though, boss. Drugs and prostitution are usually linked. How come we didn’t clock it before?’

‘Because the others found zippo. But was there really nothing in Harrower’s report? Porteous said he told him about
the drugs, and Harrower showed no interest.’ She rubbed her temples. ‘Let’s take another look at the old case notes.’

He took the file from the shelf and leafed through it. ‘There’s a throwaway comment here that traces of heroin were found on the crime scene dolls.’

‘Then why wasn’t the drugs squad swarming over the place?’ she said impatiently. ‘I don’t get it. They send in dogs and everything.’

He was browsing through the file, looking at pages at random. ‘Pity Harrower isn’t still around. He passed away not long after he retired.’

‘Maybe there’s someone else in the drugs squad we could talk to.’ She nodded at the file. ‘Who else is in there?’

He flicked to the list of names. ‘Simon Hensbury.’

Her voice softened. ‘My old governor.’

‘According to this, he was Harrower’s boss on the case back then.’ Steve glanced up. ‘Bit younger than Harrower, if I remember. I met him on my inspector’s course. Something of a talking textbook.’

She smiled. ‘That’s him in course tutor mode. He was a good governor, though.’

‘Do you see much of him now?’

‘Hardly.’

‘Went early, didn’t he? To the Costa del Sol?’

‘He’s back. Got tired of running into people he put away.’

‘Shall I ask him to come in?’

‘He won’t come to the nick.’ She tapped the biro against her teeth. ‘I’ll call him. He owes me dinner.’

Steve looked at her with interest. ‘Owes you, boss?’

She put the biro down. ‘Steve, there’s something we need to make clear to the others. I want everyone quiet about the drug angle for now. I don’t intend to tell the Chief Super yet.’

‘You sure about that?’ he said uneasily.

She knew what he’d be thinking: not only was keeping your superior officer in the dark a bad idea, it was a disciplinary offence. If he found out, the Chief Super wouldn’t hesitate to haul her over the coals. ‘I’m not having the drugs squad taking over,’ she said firmly.

He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when he saw Danni at the door.

Danni glanced from Von to Steve, and Von wondered how much she’d heard. But she’d discovered years before that Danni’s discretion could be relied upon.

‘Is this a good time?’ Danni said. ‘I was on my way home and thought you’d like my analysis of your interview with Michael Gillanders.’

Von smiled. ‘I’d offer you coffee Danni, but the machine is kaput.’

‘No problem, I’m over-caffeinated as it is.’

Steve gave her his chair, and lolled against the wall.

‘So, what’s the bottom line?’ said Von.

Danni pulled out her notebook. ‘Cool customer, to begin with. Most people would have found your line of questioning intimidating. Not Gillanders, he held his own. You touched a nerve only when you suggested he might have killed the boys.’

‘Could he be the Mr X who killed Max Quincey?’

‘My best offer is, possibly.’

‘And the rent boys?’

‘He’s definitely not the Mr Y who killed them.’

‘Still thinking it’s two separate people?’

‘Aren’t you?’ When Von said nothing, she added, ‘So, any leads?’

‘Only one,’ Von said. ‘The Iron Duke.’

‘Thought you’d drawn a blank.’

‘Where my officers failed, others might succeed.’

‘A snout?’ Danni nodded. ‘And if he fails?’

‘Damn it, I’ll go there myself.’

‘Undercover?’ Danni said, her eyes sparkling.

‘It’ll have to be. They spotted the coppers I sent in and closed ranks.’ She stood up, wanting to bring the interview to a close. She was tired, and Kenny might be home. ‘I won’t keep you, Danni. And thanks.’

Danni remained seated. ‘Actually, I was hoping to entice you out for a spot of supper.’ She looked up at Steve. ‘You too, of course.’

He smiled warmly. ‘I’ve made other plans.’

‘Ah, the beautiful barmaid. You two still together?’

He hesitated. ‘Sometimes.’ He turned to Von. ‘I’ll see you, boss.’

They watched him go.

‘What’s this about, Danni? You don’t usually include Steve in your invitations.’

‘I’d hoped to do a spot of matchmaking. I was intending to leave the restaurant early.’

‘You’re not still banging on about Steve and me.’

‘Fetch your coat, Von.’

The large glittering restaurant was Friday-night busy and every table was taken. Blonde waitresses in gold livery, the hallmark of the restaurant, fussed over the guests.

‘Don’t know why you’ve chosen this place,’ Danni said. ‘I don’t eat in hotel restaurants.’

‘This is one of the top hotels in Kensington,’ Von said. ‘Anyway, I’m hoping to see someone.’

‘Not Kenny, surely. This doesn’t look like his type of watering hole.’

‘Last time I was here, I had dinner with Simon Hensbury.’

Danni smiled, her eyes a cat’s. ‘You think your old Guv will be here tonight?’

‘If he’s in London, this is where he eats.’ She sipped at her mineral water. ‘It’s not only his type of watering hole, it’s his only watering hole. He’s allowed to smoke in this restaurant.’

‘Are you hoping to bed him again?’

‘I want to talk to him about the Jack in the Box murders. He was Harrower’s boss at the time.’

‘You didn’t answer my question.’

She studied the menu. ‘The fish looks good.’

‘There’s something you’re not telling me, Von.’

‘Kenny’s having an affair.’

When the silence had gone on too long, she glanced up. Danni was watching her calmly.

‘You don’t seem surprised,’ Von said.

‘I’ve seen this coming.’

‘Then why haven’t I?’

‘You’re trained to look for different sorts of clues.’ Danni played with her fork, running her fingers over the tines. ‘So what made you suspect the affair?’

It seemed a betrayal to discuss her failing relationship with anyone, even another woman. But she needed to talk to someone, and Danni was the closest she had to a female friend. ‘I smelt a perfume on him that I don’t use,’ she said finally.

‘And you think that falling into bed with Simon Hensbury would be getting your own back.’

‘I’m not intending to fall into bed with Simon Hensbury,’ she said testily.

Danni looked past her. ‘Is that him? With the Chief Super?’

She swung round. Richard Quincey and a tall broad-shouldered man had entered the room. They were deep in conversation, and continued talking as a waitress led them to a table by the window. Von’s eyes remained on Quincey’s companion. The blood sang in her ears as she watched the familiar movements, how he waited till Quincey sat down
before pulling his own chair out, how he patted his pockets feeling for cigarettes.

‘I can see the attraction,’ Danni said. ‘He’s sexier in a way even the Chief Super isn’t. But the Chief Super’s queered your pitch by coming with Hensbury. Are you still going to try to talk to him?’

She buried her face in the menu. ‘I’ll do it at the end of the meal. As though I’ve just spotted him.’

‘Too late. He’s coming over.’

Simon Hensbury was making his way towards them.

Her heart clenched as she looked into the familiar blue-grey eyes. She drank in every detail: the hair falling over his forehead, the lines in his face, the slight bump in his nose. And the smile creeping onto his lips.

‘Von,’ he said, his eyes roaming over her face. He laid a hand on her shoulder. ‘I haven’t seen you for such a long time.’

His voice was as she remembered it, rich and deep. She tried to think of a suitable reply but words failed her. It was the effect he always had when she saw him after an absence.

‘So, how are you?’ he said. Without waiting for a reply, he turned, his hand still on her shoulder, and appraised Danni quickly.

Von made the introductions. ‘Sir, I see you’re with Chief Superintendent Quincey,’ she added hesitantly. ‘I don’t want to disturb your dinner.’

He turned back to her, frowning. ‘Dreadful business about his brother. Just as that play’s returned too.’ He dropped his voice. ‘And Richard told me about the doll outside your flat. Just ghastly.’

This was her opportunity and she had no intention of wasting it. ‘I’d like to pick your brains about that old case. Could I give you a call next week?’

‘Let me give you my card.’ He reached into his jacket pocket,
the light reflecting off his signet ring. ‘Richard and I have a lot to catch up on, but do come over before you leave.’ His eyes ran quickly down Danni’s body. ‘Delighted to have met you, Dr Mittelberg.’ He walked away, holding his shoulders straight.

‘Wow, he’s even sexier close up,’ murmured Danni. ‘What was he like?’

‘Outstanding.’

‘I meant in bed, not as a governor.’

‘So did I.’

Danni’s lips curved into a smile. ‘Married?’

‘Occasionally.’

‘Married now?’

‘No idea.’

The waitress arrived, took their order, and left.

‘I notice you keep looking over my shoulder,’ Von said, staring hard at the table. ‘What are you seeing?’

Danni brought the glass of Chablis to her lips. ‘They go back a long way. It’s the body language, the way they’re easy with each other. That’s rare for professional men of their rank.’ She glanced at Von. ‘Has the Chief Super ever mentioned his friendship with Hensbury?’

‘He wouldn’t, he took over from Simon at Clerkenwell.’

‘Now they’re talking about you,’ Danni said into her glass. ‘They’ve turned in this direction.’

She kept her eyes on the tablecloth. ‘You sure it’s not you they’re talking about?’

‘You’re the common denominator so it’s natural they’d be discussing you.’

‘Discussing my progress on the case, you mean. Or rather, the lack of it,’ she added caustically.

Danni laid a friendly hand on her arm. ‘Forget it and enjoy your meal. It’s Friday. Haven’t you got the day off tomorrow?’ She glanced up. ‘Ah, here’s the turbot.’

As they ate, Von filled Danni in on her more recent discoveries, including the drugs scam at the Duke.

Danni blew on her coffee. ‘Take care, Von. Police who break up drug rings often end up dead. Maybe that’s why Harrower fought shy of it.’

‘I didn’t become a copper so I could hide behind my warrant card. When things get tough, that’s when you have to step up.’ She risked a glance behind her. Simon was listening intently to the Chief Super. ‘What do you feel like doing now, Danni? Shall we get a nightcap at the bar?’

‘You don’t want to get back to Kenny?’

‘His mobile’s switched off again. I’ve left him a message I may be late.’

Danni drew back her chair. ‘We should bid the gentlemen goodbye.’

Von led the way to their table. As they approached, the men got to their feet. The Chief Super looked none too pleased at the intrusion.

She glanced at the full ashtray in front of him. ‘Evening, sir,’ she nodded cheerfully. Turning to Simon, she said, ‘It’s been good seeing you again.’ She paused. ‘We’re just leaving.’

His eyes were steady. ‘So soon?’

‘We’re having a nightcap at the bar,’ Danni said when Von didn’t reply. ‘It’s been a pleasure,’ she added, smiling.

As they walked towards the door, Von could feel the men’s eyes boring into her back.

‘What on earth were they smoking?’ Danni said, once they were outside. ‘Whatever it was, it was horrible. Sweet and sickly.’

‘Cigarillos. I recognise the smell. It’s a brand called Hoyo de Monterrey.’

‘Hold on. Max Quincey smoked those.’

She lowered her voice. ‘They’d finished smoking by the time we got there. From where you were sitting, could you see which
one of them had the cigarillos?’

‘They were both smoking.’ Danni pulled a face. ‘But I think it was the Chief Super who offered his packet to Simon. Why do you ask?’

‘No particular reason.’

They found the bar and were about to order drinks, when Von felt an arm slide round her waist.

Simon’s face was close to hers. ‘Richard has just left, Von. If you want that chat, now is as good a time as any.’ He turned to Danni, letting his eyes rest on hers. ‘Provided, of course, that Dr Mittelberg doesn’t mind.’

Von was about to reply that she’d call him the following week, when Danni said, ‘Of course I don’t mind.’ She gathered up her bag. ‘I’ll catch you next week, Von,’ she said, making sure Simon couldn’t see the wink.

‘I do hope you don’t mind my breaking up your evening,’ Simon said, watching Danni leave, ‘but Richard has filled me in on the case. I’d like to offer my help, it’s what old friends are for.’

‘Sir—’

‘Simon. I’m no longer your governor. Why don’t we take that table in the corner?’ He smiled. ‘Still drinking vodka and tonic?’

She was flattered he remembered. But he’d always been good with details. His arm was still round her waist. He squeezed gently, then left to order the drinks.

He returned with her vodka and a glass of brandy. ‘So, what would you like to ask me?’ he said, settling himself beside her.