‘I suppose I asked for that, you only being mates with real-life thieves and murderers. But I had to try, Jerry, because it’s got me bamboozled. Anything you do hear, though …?’ She stood up to leave. ‘Can I give you a lift into town? I’m headed that that way.’

‘The offer is appreciated, but the answer must be obvious.’

‘Okay … one thing before I go.’

He rolled his eyes with exaggerated worry.

‘These jobs you were asked about … by the lads who gave you the kicking. They weren’t blags, by any chance?’

‘As I’ve already told you …’

‘Jerry, you’ve told me nothing that’s of use … which I understand is your normal policy if you don’t think you’re going to earn from it. But that’s no good to me … so it’s time to change the terms of our arrangement. Now, I don’t believe I’m putting you in any real danger out here … there’s no one about. But by my reckoning, the one o’clock from Crowley will be here soon, and there are bound to be a few people get off it, who will almost certainly see you talking to me. So, it’s going to suit you to talk fast. The other thing I don’t believe is that these guys beat you up and asked you questions so obscure that you can’t even remember them.’

He regarded her for a long time, his mouth screwed shut.

This was a different Jerry McGlaglen from the one she’d grown to know. He was frightened, evidently; whoever had beaten him, it had made him realise that, however well he thought he’d protected his real role in this world, there was no such thing as perfect secrecy.

‘You’re obviously aware,’ Lucy said, ‘that there’ve been several violent crimes in Crowley recently? People like you, low-level players, getting kickings for no obvious reason.’

‘It is, as they say, a rough old place.’

‘The list of victims includes the Benton brothers. And we all know what their speciality is.’

Again, he said nothing.

‘None of this could be connected to my case, could it?’

‘Oh, I doubt it, Miss Clayburn. Charity and the Crew don’t generally go together.’

‘You’re telling me all this violence is coming from the Crew?’

‘Or on their behalf,’ he said. ‘Or so I’ve heard. And yes … the offences I was questioned about while those hoodlums used my torso for football practice, were armed hold-ups of the Jesse James variety.’

‘And the Crew were the victims?’

‘I fear I’ve already said too much.’ A car passed by, and McGlaglen averted his face.