Mr Tan did the same. All outside influences faded into insignificance as he concentrated intently on the matter in hand. The construction work completed, he raised the embellished scone to his mouth, opened wide and took a large bite. As he chewed the mixture of scone, jam and cream the expression on his face was one of rapt delight.

Gary sipped his tea.

When Mr Tan’s scone had disappeared, he wiped his hands on his napkin and leaned forward. ‘Have you brought the first instalment with you?’

Gary tapped the case. ‘Fifty thousand. That was what we agreed, wasn’t it?’

Mr Tan bowed his head. ‘To seal the agreement.’

‘Would you like to check it?’

‘There is, I am sure, no need.’

Bloody hell! thought Gary. All that bother and he’s not even going to open the bloody case. He contained his irritation. ‘And in future?’ he asked.

‘In future you will let us know your needs through the agreed channels and we will supply exactly what you want, when you need it.’

‘As simple as that?’

‘As simple as that, Dr Wilson.’

‘And what sort of notice do you need? I mean, how quickly can you get the organs to us?’

‘Generally within a week. Ten days at most, but that would be in unusual circumstances.’ Mr Tan drained his cup. ‘Would you like a refill Dr Wilson?’

‘No, I’m fine thank you.’

‘But you have not eaten your scone.’

Gary smiled knowingly. ‘I’m afraid I have to watch my cholesterol, Mr Tan. I can’t rely on statins to do all the work for me.’

‘Ah, of course. The doctor must take care of his health.’

‘Just so.’

Mr Tan shook his head. ‘And so must I, regrettably. One scone will have to do. But then, as you say, Dr Wilson, you can have too much of a good thing, can’t you? And that would never do.’

Gary was anxious to move the meeting to a close. He had all he needed now. The recording would be sufficient to incriminate Mr Tan. He just had to be seen leaving the hotel with the money.

‘So, there is just the question of contacts then,’ confirmed Gary. ‘The “agreed channels” you mentioned.’

Mr Tan reached into the inside pocket of his jacket. Gary tried not to make the involuntary movement he would normally feel subject to on such an occasion and sat quite still. Mr Tan pulled out a large black leather wallet, opened it and took from one of the compartments a visiting card. He leaned forward and slipped it into the top pocket of Gary’s suit jacket.

‘If you just ring that number with the details of what you need, Dr Wilson, you will find that everything will fall neatly into place.’

‘Thank you. I’m very grateful.’ Gary made to get up.