Charles waited until they had their coffees before mentioning money. ‘Your expenses. I know Gareth is punctilious about settling them and I daren’t go back without having done so. How much do we owe you?’

‘My expenses? I have none, of course, apart from shoe leather. But if you mean my pay, I thank you. The same as usual.’ He wiped his lips with his napkin.

‘Remind me, please.’

Timber Wolf was clearly unembarrassed by discussing money. He named a sum that was half what the file said he was paid each meeting. When Charles repeated it, questioningly, he said, ‘Yes, of course, that is the salary Gareth suggested and which I agreed. I think it is not too much?’

‘Not at all, it’s fine. I was just checking I’d got it right. Cash, isn’t it?’

‘Gareth insisted. I would have preferred payments into my account but he said they would be traceable if there were an inquiry. I agreed with that, too.’

Charles had twice that sum in euros in a sealed envelope in his jacket pocket. It would be awkward to open it and halve it in front of Timber Wolf. He could do it in the loo but it would be obvious that the envelope had been opened. Instead he took out the envelope and put it on the table as if getting it out of the way while he fished for his wallet. ‘There’s twice the usual in there. It’s a bonus.’

The envelope disappeared beneath Timber Wolf’s large hand. He smiled. ‘Thank you, Charles. I knew this information would be important for you.’

‘It is greatly appreciated. Greatly.’ He let Timber Wolf leave first while he settled the bill, standard practice in order not to be seen together on the street.