He was challenging the man and Jack knew it and admired him for it.

‘Why are you so interested?’

Jack shrugged gently. ‘Curiosity. No more and no less. I knew that their torturer was an unknown – that he did the job well and that when it all went tits up they kept their traps shut about who you were. Wise men. Everyone is vulnerable in prison. Not the safest place to make enemies.’

Ray held his large hands up in a gesture of supplication. ‘So, now you know. What happens next?’

Jack Johnson smiled quietly. ‘Nothing. Why pick at a scab? I just wanted to know for my own gratification. It was the blowtorch that alerted me. I heard that was your forte. That and pliers.’

Ray laughed delightedly. ‘Those were the days, all right. No one knew who I was, see? So no one saw me coming.’ He coughed quietly before continuing, ‘I stalked my prey and I caught them. I tortured them and I left them to be found by relevant parties. I was good at my job and the fact that no one knew who I was worked in my favour when it all fell out of bed. I came South and the rest is history.’

Jack nodded. ‘You were lucky, Ray. The Wheelans kept schtum.’

Ray shrugged once more. ‘It was in their interests to keep quiet about me. I did what they asked and I know where the bodies are buried. They would never have seen the light of day again if I had turned.’

‘Which, of course, you never would!’

Ray laughed again as he said nonchalantly, ‘But the Wheelans didn’t know that, did they?’

‘Have you told anyone? Reggie or Barton?’

Ray shook his head. ‘And I am not going to. That was another life.’

Jack understood his logic and applauded it. ‘Sharon can never find out. You do realise that, don’t you?’

They held eye contact for a few seconds before Ray said casually, ‘She won’t. I can assure you of that.’

Jack smiled again. ‘Ever thought of taking on some private work? All under the table – no one would know who you are. I know a lot of people who would pay well for your kind of expertise.’

Ray was smiling again and Jack knew he had him. Men like Ray Donovan only came along every second or third generation and, when they did, they were worth their weight in gold.

‘I will broker for you and never mention your name.’

‘I’m game if you are, Jack. I miss my old occupation, if I am honest. A good stress-reliever, much better than the shite they spout on Good Morning!’

Jack laughed with him, pleased that he had struck the deal.

‘Fancy a quick snifter?’