“Patience, child,” said the old man. “There is only one thing that matters when you’re trying to close a deal. Timing.” He leaned back and closed his eyes, although he was wide awake. He had told his secretary that under no circumstances was he to be disturbed between ten to five and ten past. Neither Vic nor Seb said another word.

Suddenly Saul’s eyes opened and he sat bolt upright. He checked that the two phones on his desk were placed exactly where he wanted them. At six minutes to five, he leaned forward and picked up the black phone. He dialed the number of an estate agent in Mayfair, and asked to speak to the senior partner.

“Mr. Kaufman, this is an unexpected pleasure,” said Vaughan. “How can I help you?”

“You can start by telling me the time, Mr. Vaughan.”

“I make it five to five,” said a puzzled voice. “Why do you ask?”

“Because I wanted to be sure that you’re still open for bids on Shifnal Farm in Shropshire.”

“We most certainly are. But I must warn you that we already have an offer of one point six million pounds from another bank.”

“Then I bid one million, six hundred and ten thousand.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Vaughan.

“And what time do you make it now?”

“Three minutes to five.”

“Please hold on, Mr. Vaughan, there’s someone on the other line. I’ll only be a moment.” Kaufman placed the black receiver on his desk, picked up the red one and dialed a number.

After three rings a voice said, “Adrian Sloane.”

“Mr. Sloane, I’m calling back about the Nigerian oil bonds your bank is offering to selected investors. As I said earlier, it sounds a most exciting opportunity. What is the maximum amount that you’ll allow any one institution to invest?”

“Two million pounds, Mr. Kaufman. I’d offer you more, but the majority of the shares have already been taken up.”

“Can you just hold on while I consult one of my colleagues?”

“Of course, Mr. Kaufman.”

Saul placed the red phone back on his desk and picked up the black one. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Vaughan, but I must ask you once again, what time do you make it?”

“One minute to five.”

“Excellent. Would you now be kind enough to open your office door?”

Kaufman put the black receiver back down on his desk and picked up the red one. “My colleague is asking, if we were to invest the full two million, would that entitle us to a place on the board of the new company?”

“Most certainly,” said Sloane. “In fact, I could offer you two places, as you would own ten percent of the stock.”

“Allow me to consult my colleague again.” The red phone was placed back on the desk, and Kaufman picked up the black one.