‘There are two hundred people going to the reception and more coming in the evening, so I doubt they’ll miss one person leaving. If I need to, I’ll tell Carl Winter that I’m not feeling well and leave.’

‘Anything else anyone wants to add?’ Murphy asked.

‘The banks usually take in extra cash before a bank holiday weekend. It seems strange that none of our suspects have been out plotting up their place for a hit.’

‘They could have done a recce before we started our surveillance or have been given the details by Camel Hair Coat Man,’ Murphy said. ‘Apart from that, George Ripley may actually have a heart and not want to risk another robbery going pear-shaped and getting nicked before his daughter’s wedding.’

‘Hmm, we’ll see about that,’ the Colonel said darkly.

‘Right, we resume at six a.m. tomorrow,’ Murphy said, dismissing them.

*

Thursday was another uneventful day, and some on the team began to wonder if the Ripleys knew they were being followed. Murphy’s experience told him otherwise, and his thoughts were confirmed on the Friday at midday when Teflon spoke on the radio from his OP overlooking GR motors.

‘All units . . . all units . . . Targets 1 and 4 leaving garages in gold Mercedes.’

‘Central 888 has eyeball and will follow,’ Kingston replied, and continued with a running commentary. ‘Vehicle turning right into Bruce Grove and maintaining thirty miles per hour.’

‘Received by Gold,’ Jane said from the office with Murphy standing beside her.

There were a few minutes of silence before Kingston spoke again.

‘Target 1 has turned left and is entering rear of hall.’

Bax came on the air.

‘OP1 has eyeball and holding.’ Several seconds later he spoke again. ‘Targets 1 and 4 entering hall.’

‘Looks like they’re having a meeting.’

Bax came back on the radio, sounding excited.

‘All units from OP1 . . . Male in camel hair coat wearing brown snap brim trilby has just got out of a cab and entered hall. Unable to give description as eyeball on his back.’

‘Christ, I wish we had a listening device in there,’ Murphy said.

‘You could send Dabs in again,’ Jane suggested.

Murphy took the radio from her.

‘OP1 from Gold . . . receiving, over . . . ?’

‘Yes, go ahead.’

‘Have you access to a phone?’

‘Yes, there’s one right next to us.’

‘Call me in the office.’

A few seconds later the phone rang, Murphy answered it and asked Bax if there were many ‘punters’ in the club. He told him there were about six unidentified men who had entered the club since it opened, and some were carrying snooker cues. Murphy asked to speak to Dabs.

‘Yes, Guv, what’s up?’

‘I want you to go in the snooker hall, make out you want to join or practise on a table and see what’s happening – then phone me back later.’

‘On my way, Guv,’ Dabs replied enthusiastically.

‘That was a good shout about Dabs, Jane.’

Murphy handed the radio back to her.