‘I would also like to extend a dinner invitation, at my house, to you, Lomita. Details will be supplied through the same channel.’

Pointing to his black-suited assistant, a suit that was clinging with perfect tightness, not too much, not too little.

‘I do hope you will accept, and once again, thank you for gracing us with your presence. I look forward to our next meeting, when I will be a little less distracted.’

And with a final,

‘Excuse me.’

With no acknowledgement of the minion – Ever – Mr Lorken took his leave, planting the most delicate of near-miss kisses on Lomita’s right hand, which she had extended in expectation of some regal signing off. My God, she could perform, our Lomita.

‘I will be in touch.’

Miss Money-Root wrapping up, having directed the small stuff to Ever. She too took her leave, again with an understandable excess of attention to Lomita and the minimal requirement of effort directed towards Ever. The way it should be, he thought, as she, in their eyes, and indeed in his, was the money. In more ways than one. Money on the table. Lomita, who was well into her role, handed Ever the phone, having dialled, and asked him to summon Manita. An interesting choice of word, he thought; the phone was ringing by the time he put it to his ear.

Within five minutes they were back on the 10 – this triumvirate – heading back to Oakhurst Drive, with a sense of mission accomplished. Lomita said she was truly exhausted, looked drained and very pale. With some concern, she told Manita that she had forgotten to take her medication before she left. But nevertheless gave her summary of the evening.

‘I liked Mr Lorken, I think, yes I did, very charming, and Basquiat was not a well man, although his spirit fired out of his work and had he been helped, I suppose, we wouldn’t have witnessed that manic genius. Although do all artists operate, or rather create, in an altered state? I always hesitate to use that word, genius, and so I retract it. But he was close. Wasn’t he?’

Lomita was indeed very weak, helping her out of the car to her bedroom was more effort than normal. In the event, Ever took her all the way into the bedroom, not stopping at the door.

‘Don’t worry, my sweet, Manita will put me to bed. I feel that was all a little much, but I had the most wonderful time. Tell me about your escapades in the morning.’

A pause. Lomita held his look.

‘Did you think I was unaware? Would I be that naive?’

He smiled.

‘But may I suggest you take a diazepam and calm yourself.’

That had been her first reference to his dramatic exit; he was relieved he didn’t have to go into it now.

*

It was a pill and the shopping channel for him.