Billy reaches for the fag packet and matches in his jacket pocket, lights a cigarette and considers the three policemen, a polite smile playing on his lips. ‘I really have no idea who this Mr Enderby would point to in a pub full of villains like us, even if you did have the guts to bring him here. But what I do know is this: you have nothing to prove I was anywhere except upstairs all day – the word of a man with a dodgy heart, perhaps, at most. And his eyesight is bound to be poor. You can search this establishment from top to bottom and you won’t find a ring or a brooch that hasn’t been properly paid for by any member of my family.’ He pauses, as if turning something over in his mind. ‘We’ve probably still got the receipts.’

Ruby can feel the crescent brooch hard against her skin. The diamonds are sticking into her flesh.

The door swings open to admit Annie Richmond on the arm of Frederick Moss. Ronald and Albert are a pace behind them. Annie doesn’t even check her step as she takes in the scene. It is familiar enough. She knows Inspector MacKenzie, as do Moss and her brothers.

‘Miss Richmond; good evening.’ The inspector is scrupulously polite, respectful, even. He nods to the men. ‘How’s that car of yours, Ronnie?’

Ronald looks puzzled for a moment. He’s not known for the speed of his wits. Ruby chews her lip.

‘My car? What do you want to know about my car for?’ Ronald scratches his ear and frowns. ‘Bloody thing’s useless. I should never have had it. Crankshaft’s gone again. Been talking with a man who might be able to fix it, but he’s had it these past two days, so I dunno…’ He shrugs.

Perhaps he’s not as stupid as he looks. Ruby chews harder on her lip to stop herself laughing. Annie was clever to use him. She normally prefers her black Chrysler for a swift escape but sending Ronald with his own car was a smart move.

The inspector finishes his pint and lays the glass down on the counter before turning back to Billy. ‘Mr Enderby is a sick man, Mr Walsh, a sick and old man, who lost all his sons in the war. If he dies as a result of the shock he’s had, as a result of an aggressive robbery, then you’ll be responsible for more than the theft of a few stones. I know you did it – you and your charming lady love over there – and you know I know. I can find a way to make it stick on you. Robbery with violence.’