Georgio was amazed at Donna’s words. His Donna who had always been so pliant - that was the exact word to describe her, pliant. She had fitted in with whatever he wanted, and now she was sitting across the table from him, telling him exactly what she should have told him years before. He was honest enough to admit that to himself.

‘Don’t be upset, Don Don.’

Donna flinched. ‘Don’t call me Don Don! It sounds puerile. Nothing you can do at this moment in time will make me feel any better. Christ Almighty, Georgio, can’t you see what you’ve done? You used everything we had to further your own aims and now where are we? You are stuck in here, a man is dead, and our last chance of earning a livelihood is in danger. Well, I hope you’re pleased with yourself, I really do, because you’ve pulled some bloody stunts in your time but this one takes the biscuit!’

Georgio was shocked at her voice, at the contempt in it. At the utter frustration.

‘I suppose I am in danger as well, am I?’ she went on furiously. ‘Is that why Big Paddy seems to be joined to my hip these days? Is that how your brother Stephen knew about the car lot so quickly? Is that why I am being treated like a child by all and sundry? I suppose even Carol Jackson was brought in on the big secret! Georgio has pulled a fast one again. This time it’s all blown up in his face and now he’s got a maniac after him. What do you want me to do about all this trouble now you’ve told me? I assume that’s why I’ve been invited into your confidence, only you never deigned to tell me anything before.’

Georgio had waited for that last question. He answered her immediately. ‘I want you to help me get out of here.’

Donna licked her dry lips twice before she could summon the strength to reply. ‘I beg your pardon!’

Georgio smiled, that little grin that had always made her heart lurch inside her breast. ‘I want you to get me out of here.’

Donna stared at her husband’s face. It was full of hope, full of longing, and she saw his mouth quiver slightly as he watched her. She noticed for the first time the lines around his mouth, the grey in his thick hair, and the worry etched deeply across his forehead as he frowned.

Georgio looked suddenly old and this knowledge shocked her.

Then, as she thought about what he had said, she began to laugh. It was a low laugh at first, gradually building into a high-pitched giggle. People at tables near them turned and watched the pretty woman guffawing loudly. They smiled at her, joining in with the non-existent joke.