Following Gabriela’s eyes across the page, Madeleine tore off a piece of bread, speaking between mouthfuls, in an effort at nonchalance. ‘Unofficially, the Stan Group, which shields itself behind the anonymity of one of the world’s biggest tax havens, is known to be run by Irena Vasiliev, a prolific Russian criminal. You might have heard of her?’ She paused for effect, but she didn’t look at Gabriela. ‘This associate of hers, Ivan Popov, is implicated in bribery related to his efforts in running GEF outside of Russia. Vasiliev herself is unable to leave her mother country for fear of prosecution. The UK is not the only jurisdiction she’s wanted by, not by a long shot, and the powers that be seem keen to give her protection in Moscow.’

Unable to speak, Gabriela simply stared at Madeleine as she continued.

‘During the course of ongoing NCA investigations, recordings have been made of Popov telling Vasiliev about bribes he was facilitating to get the company contracts in certain Caribbean countries. One of the ministers involved, apparently, was making more and more outlandish requests, and more frequent too: expensive jewellery and watches for the minister’s mother … He even requested a £500,000 car at one stage.’

Her mind flipped to the bag stashed behind the wardrobe in the hotel suite. Ivan’s face when he walked in and found her there – to think, in that moment, the worst possible conclusion she could think of was that he might be having an affair.

Leaning forward, Madeleine placed a hand on the papers and slid them back towards her. ‘It goes on.’

Gabriela felt herself nodding, but still no words would come. How long had she known?

‘But the bottom line is, Popov, one way or another, is going to jail. The other reason I’m now involved is because it turns out Mr Popov is quite a busy bee. And while he has been working hard to cover his tracks in this case, he has taken his eye off the ball elsewhere. Namely another sideline he runs supplying false student visas to traffickers, to help them move people from Russia to France and the UK, via Poland, usually. When all this comes out, well, you can imagine the papers are going to have a field day.’

Madeleine had watched her as she stood up, pushing herself out of the booth, the acid rising in her gut.

‘I’m going to go to the bathroom.’

Gabriela moved across the restaurant, keeping her eyes on her feet as if to make sure the ground was real and strong enough to hold her.