‘If it’s true, it’s a matter of public interest. Are you saying a famous City bank is involved in fraud? It’s obviously very sensitive at this time. Politically.’

‘Thanks for explaining. It’s still the Dark Ages down here. I’m not saying anything yet, beyond the fact that we have received information which we believe is at least credible, and we will pass it on to the FSA if they wish to see it. We will be publishing our story in three parts, starting on Thursday.’

‘What are you waiting for?’

‘Just checking our facts.’

‘That would be a very good idea.’

The phone rings again and the editor gives the same information: We will publish on Thursday, and we will pass on our information to the authorities if they request it.

Nigel calls Julian.

‘Eric just called. His man spoke to this little weasel in Cornwall, the editor of a local rag, the Globe and Mail. He’s going to publish on Thursday. He’s happy to let the FSA see what he has.’

‘Thursday. Shit, what does he know?’

‘He wouldn’t say.’

‘OK, I’ll speak to Cy and then I’ll get on to Goldstone, depending on what Cy says. If he’s got details of the deposits, they will take months to trace. And I’ve checked with Amanda, the power of attorney covers us on the family trust.’

Massive doses of migraine pills – nearly twice the recommended dose – have kept the migraine in check just below the level of incapacity, but his vision is beginning to blur.

‘Cy, morning. Lovely day here, sun shining, birds singing, all that sort of stuff. How are you?’

‘It better be important. I’m on my spring break. Just done twenty lengths of the pool. What’s your problem?’

He’s panting still.

‘Who says there’s a problem?’

‘What you think I am, an idiot? There’s always problems.’

‘OK. There’s some press report about the bank. A news­paper in Cornwall received, they say, some information about asset manipulations.’

‘Have they published?’

‘Not yet.’

‘What’s the name of this newspaper?’

‘The Cornish Globe and Mail.’

‘And who owns it?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Jesus H. Christ. Find out, and get back to me. Anything else?’

‘OK, what I want to know is if I can tell the Minister privately that you are buying the bank, all agreed, and that you will stand it up if the Minister wants to speak to you.’