Tom didn’t know, but he tried to look as though he endorsed the sentiment.

‘You made a hell of an impression on Stutz. He certainly put you through your paces, I gather. And now we know what you’re capable of . . .’

Stutz had clearly briefed him about Jefferson. And since they both knew what he was talking about, Tom couldn’t resist the direct question that might take him closer to what he needed to find out.

‘You going to ask me to do more of the same?’

‘God, no, I’ve got far more expendable people who can take care of things like that for us, should the need arise. It’s the loyalty that matters and you more than passed that test.’

There was a manic gleam in his eyes. They had crossed a line. But who were the expendable people? Were the hostel victims expendable? Tom tried another tack. ‘After what happened at the hostel, I imagine a good few of those lads on the Invicta campus wouldn’t half like a chance to get stuck into some serious revenge.’

‘They’re all right as foot soldiers but no more than that. And a lot of them are too winged, or too dim, to be of much use. Something I learned from Stutz, you need professionals all the way. Emotion’s useful but it’s hard to direct.’

Suddenly he veered off the subject – or appeared to. ‘Remember that fight at school? You gave me a damn good hiding.’

‘When I should have been doing my prep. I probably spent more hours in the ring than in the classroom!’

‘And why not? You were damn good. And it was a valuable lesson for me. Afterwards, I promised myself I’d start winning. Had to go to America to learn how to do that, of course. But who would have thought the day would come when you’d be working for me, eh?’

He was basking, gloating almost. Had that really been his motivation? The psychology was interesting – belittling and flattering at the same time.

‘Well, forgive my impatience but I’m used to action. I’m not wired for a lot of waiting around.’

Tom decided he should sound sceptical enough not to alert Rolt’s suspicions that he was being recruited too easily, and keen enough for him to feel that his new team member was going to be a hundred per cent loyal. ‘Look, I have to know exactly what you want from me. If I’m going to be on the team, I need to be clear about what the structure is here and what you’re planning. Basically, I just want to know what I’m letting myself in for.’ He hoped to God he’d judged it about right.