The silence between them now was palpable, each man realising what they were discussing.

Albrechtsen broke the silence. ‘What will he charge?’ he said with a resigned look on his face.

‘He’s a professional, so he won’t be cheap, especially as it’s a serving cop. It will be at least twenty grand, and that’s mates’ rates.’

‘So that’s over six grand each. Can we do that?’ Taylor asked both men.

‘I don’t have anything like that, otherwise why would I be working as a fucking jailer at a police station?’ Albrechtsen said.

‘Look, let’s not talk cash now, Jonesy. Call your man and set up a meet. We can talk about the finances once we know how much he wants. You’re sure he’s capable? Novak has shown us he’s more than competent at staying alive,’ Taylor said.

Jones nodded and then drained his beer saying, ‘Another?’ as if they’d been discussing football.

A new voice came out of the general hubbub on the terrace, and the three realised that they had company.

A tall, slim, well-dressed, middle-aged woman stood next to their table, a half-smile on her face. She was accompanied by a casually-dressed, short, stocky man with a shaved head, who Taylor recognised as the man who had vacated the table for him.

‘Gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Detective Superintendent Jane Milligan, and this is my colleague, Detective Constable Peter Rymes. We’re from Directorate Professional Standards.’ As she spoke, the table in front of them with the foursome Taylor had earlier observed all stood and positioned themselves strategically around their table, cutting off all avenues of escape. One of them produced a small camera and began to record the proceedings, while the diners from the other tables turned to watch.

Milligan spoke again. ‘These are also colleagues who have been enjoying dinner while you spoke. You are all being arrested for conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to abduct, blackmail, and attempting to pervert the course of justice. You do not have to say anything unless you wish to do so, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something you may rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.’ She checked her watch and then looked at each of them in turn.

All three men seemed to shrink within their own clothes as the familiar caution was read out to them, each word a body-blow as the shock hit them like a train.

‘Come on, fellas,’ said Buster. ‘Let’s get you lot out of here. We’ve warm cells with your names on them.’ A wide grin split his face.