He was at the appointed place well before time. It was in Covent Garden, close to a tavern frequented by unemployed actors like him. That was where he’d been approached by a man who offered him money in return for what had sounded like a simple service. He’d accepted the offer immediately. Then, as now, he’d been the epitome of elegance, hiding his poverty behind a fashionable carapace. With a large amount of money in the offing, his situation was about to improve. He could afford to pay a visit to his tailor again. A striking appearance was part of his stock-in-trade. It impressed managers of the city’s theatres. Having money to spend, he might yet be able to resurrect his career.

When he’d received the man’s letter, he’d been at once excited and fearful, exhilarated by the promise of a large fee yet worried that he might be tricked. Someone who could shoot a man in cold blood could never be wholly trusted. To settle his nerves, therefore, he’d popped into the tavern for a drink or two. He was now beside the alleyway, waiting to claim his prize. The actor even dared to believe that there could be further booty. After he’d spent his way through the first payment, he could blackmail the assassin again. But that enterprise lay in the future. His mind was focussed on what was about to happen now.

Expecting to see the man approach, he was startled to hear his voice behind him. The assassin emerged from the shadow of the alleyway.

‘I’m glad that you obeyed orders,’ he said.

‘You forget something,’ retaliated the actor. ‘I’m the one issuing orders.’

‘This is a final payment, mark you. I don’t want you coming back to me in the future with more demands.’

‘It would never cross my mind.’

‘Do you swear that?’

‘Willingly,’ said the actor, raising a hand.

‘So be it. I have the agreed amount with me.’ He produced it from inside his coat to prove that he was keeping his end of the bargain. ‘I’m not going to hand it over in public. There are too many prying eyes. Step into the shadows with me.’

Desperate to get his hands on the money, the actor followed him into the alleyway. He was almost trembling with excitement. The assassin handed over the banknotes with a wry smile.

‘You’ll never be paid so handsomely for such a fleeting performance.’

‘Is it all here?’ asked the other.

‘Count it to make sure.’