‘You’re still here though, Fido.’

He grinned. ‘They’ll take me out of here in a box, mate.’ He paused for a few seconds before saying: ‘Brunos is doing an eighteen and Lewis is riding his back. Sent two blokes to rough up his old woman, I heard. They’ve disappeared and now Lewis is like a monkey with a red-hot poker up his arse. I took the messages. I don’t like him so you’re lucky. I take his money and do me job, but that’s it. I owe him no allegiance, so I’ll give you a bit of advice gratis.

‘Lewis wants his poke, Alan, and Georgio knows where it’s hidden. The sooner that man opens his mouth, the sooner he gets buried. I’ll waive any money for this first message. That way you know I’m not on anyone’s take. No one will know about it, I can guarantee that. Afterwards each message is a grand, OK?’

‘You’re a mate, Fido.’

‘I’m your mate, Alan, because me and you go back to the old days. God knows, I do miss them.’

‘So do I, Fido. So do I.’

The other man shook his head wearily. ‘They’re arming the Old Bill now. I never thought I’d see the day. Once they carry a piece it’ll be open season for the villains. Every likely lad with a oner will be carrying a gun. Old Teddy Black’s in on it already. You know if you have handguns, each one must be registered, right? Well, with shotguns you only need one licence and you can have as many as you like. He’s putting out scores of sawn-offs. Like a fucking armoury his drum is, and it’s legal. Well, semi-legal, and that’s enough for old Teddy. It’s the drugs, see. Drugs and guns go hand in hand.’

Alan nodded in agreement. ‘Never liked drugs meself. But then, you already know that. When will the message be given?’

‘Tomorrow, by noon. I have a few screws on me payroll, I won’t send this one through a lag.’

‘You’re a diamond. I’d better get back and cash up. They’ll all think I’ve been nicked if I don’t show me face soon.’

‘I hear Amigo’s is doing well.’

‘It’s a living, Fido. I owe you one, all right?’

Fido nodded. ‘I’ll send someone round tomorrow to let you know the message has been delivered.’

‘I’ll be there.’

Alan left the club and walked slowly back to Greek Street. He looked at the debris-strewn pavements, the McDonald’s boxes, the circulars and flyers in the gutter, and sighed. Fido was right. The West End was changing, and he wasn’t sure whether it was for the good.