Lorna Vasquez was staring at Bish defiantly.

He pocketed his phone. ‘Nothing,’ he said. ‘My work here’s done.’

That evening he paid a visit to Algiers Street Food on Uxbridge Street. He was politely advised that, it being a Saturday night, all they could offer him was a seat at the bar, where he was most welcome to have food brought. He ordered a tasting plate, ignored the wine list, and then ordered more of what he’d tasted. Bish recognised Bilal Lelouche from the CCTV at Holloway. He was dividing his time between chatting with guests and checking up on his staff, but Bish felt the man’s attention on him the entire time, and when he’d finished his meal it was Lelouche who came to remove the plates and cutlery.

‘May I?’ he asked, indicating the stool beside Bish when everything was clear before him.

‘Of course.’ He extended a hand. ‘Bish Ortley.’

‘Bilal Lelouche.’

They talked about food and business for a while, even though they both knew that Bish wasn’t here for the hospitality.

‘What you did was illegal, Mr Lelouche,’ Bish said at last.

‘And what was it that I did, Chief Inspector Ortley?’

‘Passing off Noor LeBrac’s daughter and Eddie Conlon as your own children.’

‘Well, you do not have proof of that.’

‘Do you know where Violette and Eddie are?’ Bish asked. ‘I’m not here to bring any harm to them.’

Bilal Lelouche shook his head. ‘Both Jamal and Noor have asked me to keep an eye on her. But Violette is a very determined young lady. They stayed one night. I haven’t seen her since we left. . . since this morning.’

‘But she’s in contact?’

‘I sense you’re angry, Chief Inspector Ortley.’

‘Then you’ve read me wrong. Maybe I’m disappointed Violette didn’t come to me. Because I would have done anything to get her and Eddie in to visit Noor.’

Lelouche eyed him. ‘You make it seem as if it’s personal.’

‘Doesn’t everything feel personal when you get to our age, Mr Lelouche?’

The other man’s smile suggested that he couldn’t help but agree. Bish took the photo of Khateb from his pocket. ‘Do you recognise this man? His name’s Ahmed Khateb.’ Briefly he explained the connection to Violette.

Lelouche studied the photograph. ‘He does not seem familiar. I’m sorry I can’t help you.’

Bish pocketed the photo and removed his wallet to pay.

‘You haven’t tasted our date and honey pastries, Chief Inspector Ortley.’

Bish looked at him. Bilal Lelouche had a story to tell, and these days Bish couldn’t resist one.

A waiter was beckoned and instructions given.

‘How is it you know the Sarrafs?’ Bish asked when they were alone again.

‘The LeBracs,’ Lelouche corrected. ‘Etienne came across my food at the souk close to where he lived. They had moved in with his wife’s family when she took up her studies again. The next week he brought Noor to my stall and told her it was the way he wanted her to cook.’