Ruby laughs. She might have known it. A thief is a thief wherever he lands, so of course alliances between crooks had been made across boundaries and borders hundreds of miles away, where there were no coppers around. Those sorts of conferences were never mentioned in the newspaper dispatches, but Ruby can see now exactly how they would have happened.

‘So, the man you’re meeting tonight, you knew him in France?’

‘That’s right.’

‘And the girl? Did you meet her in France as well?’

‘Don’t be like that, Ruby. She’s nothing. Just a bit of fun.’

‘She’s a child, Billy.’

‘So are you,’ he grins at her.

The orchestra starts to play again, a livelier tempo, and a few people appear nearby, dancing.

‘You’re going back to Solly’s now?’ He’s trying to get rid of her – and not because of the dandelion-headed girl. His eyes search the shadowy corners of the club. He’s looking for his new associate and doesn’t want to be seen with her. Behind him, Ruby sees the blonde reappear, her eyes brighter and more awake than before. At least she’s wiped the powder from her nostrils. She hangs back, leaning against the bar, talking to one of the waitresses.

‘Not sure I am. I might stay, find someone to dance with, have a drink with. Perhaps I can do business here as well. You’re not the only one who can look the part.’

‘Go home, sweetheart.’ He speaks through his teeth and takes the empty glass from her hand. ‘You’re in the way.’

‘Is everything alright, Mr Walsh?’ There’s a man behind her, at her shoulder. She spins around, unnerved. She hadn’t heard him arrive. ‘No trouble here, is there?’

‘None at all, General.’ Billy nods to Ruby as he lays the champagne glass on the counter. ‘As it happens, the lady was just about to leave.’

This man looks like a soldier, an officer. Smart suit, standing straight, with broad shoulders, a soft plummy voice and a hard expression. Someone used to dishing out orders, although not old enough to be a real general. A man who moves silently. A better class of businessman, Billy said.

He studies Ruby for a moment, unspeaking. Billy makes no move to introduce her.

‘Is she part of your operation?’

‘No.’ Billy is quick to respond. ‘She’s nothing to do with it.’

‘I could be,’ she says. ‘I’m Ruby Mills.’

‘Miss Mills.’ He nods his head. He’s more polite than Billy.

‘She’s nothing to do with it,’ Billy repeats and glares at her. ‘Just a girl from the Borough with ideas above her station. And she’s going home.’

‘I’ll go home when I want.’