Once James was dry and dressed, he headed down the stairs, fed Penelope and let her tinker around in the garden for a while, before locking her inside and heading out of the house. His car gleamed in the winter sun. Holton Miles, a successful CEO of a European motor dealership chain, had given it to him as a gift. In fact, he had unwillingly bought a quarter of the house, too. James lowered the convertible roof and slipped on his sunglasses. The wheels spat gravel across the drive as he sped through the gateway and down the road, swerving around a woman on a bike. When she shouted after him and told him to slow down, he gave her a finger and sped down the lane.

When James arrived, he pulled up on the street behind Amber’s car and headed for the café. He spotted her through the window, sitting at their usual table, deep in thought. He often wondered what she was thinking. A lot went on behind her eyes. His talent for seeking out the weak was accompanied by the ability to know when someone would be tough to crack. He pinched his cheeks to make them blush and feigned shortness of breath.

He entered the café and headed towards the table.

Amber was beautiful. Her long auburn hair had a way of giving her hazel eyes a flame-like glow when the sun hit them. Her body was toned and wrapped in flawless, ivory skin. She was in her early forties with almost no signs of ageing. James often found himself looking for the tell-tale signs of plastic surgery: small scars behind her ears, the puncture from a needle near the corners of her eyes and around her mouth.

‘Sorry I’m late, work crisis.’

‘No different to usual then,’ she said with a smirk and nodded towards the counter. ‘I’ve ordered your coffee.’

‘Thanks. I could definitely use it this morning. So, how’re things?’

The waiter arrived with the coffees. He was young and evidently new; he practically radiated nerves.

I was like you, once, he thought to himself. Now I crush people like you.

‘Would you like to order any food?’ the waiter asked.

He was too excited to eat, but would have to if he wanted to think straight. To lose focus now, just as the deal was about to be executed, would be disastrous.

He ordered his usual breakfast and spoke curtly when the waiter turned to leave. ‘And I’m severely allergic to nuts.’

‘I will let the kitchen know, sir.’

The waiter left and James took a sip of his coffee.