Tony stood up. ‘She’s about to leave, Jake, just as soon as I get her up and out of bed. We have things to do.’ He thought it was time to put Lydia out of her misery and then maybe she might stop polishing the same table and actually do some work. ‘Oh, and I did get the hint, Lydia,’ he said, ‘and there will be a little extra in your wages, to help you through Christmas. There might even be enough for a new duster.’

‘Ooh, Mr Lambrianu, that will be very much appreciated, thank you very much.’

‘Come on, let’s leave them to it and get some coffee.’ Tony started to walk up the stairs to his apartment. ‘Nosy old cow,’ he muttered to Jake, who was following him upstairs. ‘You’re no better, encouraging her with your flattery and your kisses.’

‘My God, we are grumpy this morning. What’s wrong? Did Roxy say you were losing your touch?’

Tony snorted.

‘Also, I like Lydia. You’re right, of course, she’s an old gossip, but that workshy husband of hers hasn’t done a day’s graft in years because of his bad back, or so he tells her. I tell you what, though, if you need to know anything, Lydia is the one to ask.’ Jake was laughing as he walked into the apartment, then he stopped. ‘Bloody hell, Tony, I thought the party was downstairs.’ Jake surveyed the room; clothes were discarded everywhere, there were silver champagne buckets, now filled with water as the ice had melted, corks had been popped and empty bottles were strewn around.

‘How many are here?’ asked Jake, looking around.

Tony just shrugged. ‘Not sure, I never counted.’ He yawned and ran his hands through his hair. ‘Still, it’s check out time, now.’ This was Tony’s usual procedure the morning after. All of his charm and flattery deserted him; now it was back to business.

Jake started making the coffee. He could hear Tony shouting into the bedrooms to get everyone up and everyone out. He carried on making himself busy as he watched a dishevelled Tony doing nothing short of throwing three women out of his apartment.

As always, Roxy was the last to leave. She knew Tony well enough now not to argue about it.

Jake poured coffee into two mugs, then looked over at her. She was wearing last night’s clothes and her once-perfect make-up was smudged. Her long flowing blonde hair had been quickly combed, but still looked tangled. Suddenly her sequined minidress looked tacky.

‘I thought I might come back to the club tonight, if you fancy a drink love,’ she said.

‘Doubt it Roxy, I’ll be at the casino tonight. And don’t call me love, my name is Tony.’

Tony was fed up, already; he knew she was waiting for an invite, but his mind was on the day ahead of him. She’d served her purpose and he wanted her to leave. Jake felt for her; it was painful to watch, at times.