Donna’s eyes widened. ‘Who did he murder?’

‘That’s the funny thing. Alan kicked to death a smalltime hustler called Tang. He was from Chinatown. It was penny halfpenny stuff - a bit of drugs, he ran a few girls, nothing too elaborate. No one knows why he did it. Alan never said and I’ve never asked.’

‘How come you know all these people, Georgio?’

He shrugged. ‘I thought we’d already established that I have been a naughty boy. In my game, building and motors, you meet all sorts, love. I never judged them, just took their money - money that kept us in the manner we had become accustomed to.’

‘It also got you in a lot of trouble.’ This was said with some bitterness.

‘I was small-time, Donna,’ he objected. ‘I was on the fringes. How was I to know it would all blow up in me boat? It never had before.’

She sighed heavily. ‘No, I suppose it didn’t. So where do I find this Alan?’

‘You’ll find him any night of the week at his restaurant in Greek Street. Don’t worry about talking to him, you can tell him anything, absolutely anything. Explain about Lewis, he’ll need to know all about that. His restaurant is called Amigo’s. Make sure you mention you’re Georgio’s wife, OK? Let him know you’re my wife before you do any talking.’

‘All right then. I’ll go tonight.’

Georgio grabbed her hand. ‘You’re a good girl, Donna. I knew I could trust you.’

‘Do you really think he can get you out of here?’

‘If anyone can, Alan can.’

‘Say he does, what then?’

Georgio kissed her fingers. ‘One thing at a time, baby. Let’s concentrate on getting me out first, then we’ll start making plans. Now, how about a cup of coffee?’

Donna handed him her purse and watched as he bounded over to the snack bar.

She had a feeling that she was mad, that the whole thing was mad.

She lit herself a cigarette and wasn’t surprised to see that her hands were shaking.

Donna parked in Frith Street and walked slowly to Greek Street. It was early evening to the people in Soho on a Friday night, just gone ten o’clock. Donna took in her surroundings with interest. As she had driven around looking for a parking space she had been amazed at the women in the stripjoint kiosks. Some walked out on to the pavement scantily clad, shouting their wares and the delights to be found inside the small cinemas and clubs.