Ruby shakes her shoulders. ‘Well, I’d better go and see if I can find a drink.’

‘Good luck, sweetheart. You’ll do well here, I’m sure. Mr Lazenby seems to like you.’ He gives her a sad smile. ‘At least for now.’

The orchestra is playing loud and wild tonight, all shrieking clarinet and blaring trumpet. The sound vibrates up through the balls of Ruby’s feet, filling her whole body with music and excitement as she walks around the dancefloor to the ladies’ room to check her make-up. She should look her best.

The cocaine girl sits with her box of magic white powder in the corner, oblivious to the stink of the toilet, ready to dispense her wares to anyone that will pay. Ruby nods a greeting before peering into the cracked mirror and applying a fresh layer of lipstick.

‘Do you want any?’ the girl asks, gesturing to the box. ‘Keep you going?’

‘Nah.’ Ruby grins. The music is enough for her.

Another woman staggers into the room. Ruby doesn’t know her but recognises that she is in trouble. She looks haggard underneath the jewellery and the satin dress. Her eyes are wild, and one cheek is bright red, as though someone has just slapped her.

She stumbles to the sink. Ruby steps out of the way as she turns on the tap and begins to scoop water into her mouth.

‘Need to sober up,’ she slurs, pressing her cold, damp hands to her face. ‘You got any lipstick? I’ve lost mine. Ah, thanks, sweetheart.’ Ruby had not offered her own, but the girl has taken it from her hand.

Ruby watches as the girl paints her mouth; she is remarkably capable, considering.

‘Is he in?’ she asks of no one in particular.

‘Yeah, but still in the office,’ the cocaine girl answers. ‘It’s only just after ten o’ clock.’

‘Is it? I thought it was later. Lost my watch again.’ The red-faced woman turns from her own reflection and stares at Ruby. ‘I saw you with him, with Mr Lazenby, the other night. What’s your name, darling? You just started here?’

‘Ruby. Yes.’

‘Well, good luck, Ruby. You seem like a nice enough girl.’ She gives Ruby an appraising look, although she is not quite able to focus. ‘Yeah, pretty. You’ll have lots of admirers here.’ She hands back the lipstick. ‘Don’t go taking them all from us.’

‘Thanks.’ Ruby slips it into her handbag, checking the mirror one more time. ‘I won’t. Have a good night.’

The dance music is growing insistent and is more appealing than this conversation.