Timmy shovelled half the omelette into his mouth on his fork. He chewed noisily, unaware of the faint look of revulsion on the faces of both Sadie and Georgio.

‘This is handsome, Sade, do us another one.’

Sadie tutted and left the cell to go into the kitchen once more and resume cooking.

‘She ain’t a bad old stick, my Sade, is she, Georgio?’

Georgio smiled. ‘No. In fact, she’s all right really.’

Pleased with Georgio’s answer, Timmy shoved the other half of the omelette into his mouth and chewed on it noisily.

‘Didn’t anyone ever learn you any manners, Timmy?’

The big man shrugged. His mouth full of food, he mumbled: ‘Nah, what for? I ain’t going to be eating with the Queen, am I?’

Georgio grinned. ‘I think we can safely assume you’re right there, Timmy. Honestly, you eat like you ain’t eaten in months.’

Timmy picked his front teeth with his fork.

‘Well, it’s good scram, ain’t it? I don’t know why you’re always going on about the way I eat, the way I smell and everything. I’m a man, ain’t I? Men are a bit . . . well, manly.’

Georgio pushed the rest of his omelette on to Timmy’s plate.

‘Just because you’re a man don’t mean you can’t have a wash or eat with your mouth closed, Timmy,’ he said good-humouredly. ‘Christ Almighty, how far do you think Sylvester Stallone would have got if he ate like a pig and smelled like a poke of devils? It’s like torture in this cell some nights with the hum of you. Honestly, Timmy, I’m telling you as a mate.’

Before the big man could answer, Lewis walked into the small cell. ‘You should listen to him, Timmy. Our Georgio likes his men to smell nice. He’ll have Sadie off you if you’re not careful.’

Timmy carried on eating, ignoring the man in front of him.

‘I think it’s about time you went into the kitchen with Sadie while I have a little chat with my friend here.’

Timmy picked up his plate and walked towards the cell door. Lewis called after him.

‘By the way, Timmy, I want you showered night and morning. You stink. You offend me.’

Timmy nodded slowly. ‘Yes, Mr Lewis.’

Taking out a clean handkerchief, Lewis dusted off the chair Timmy had used and sat down.

‘I don’t know how you stand it locked up with him. I’ll get him moved in with Sadie for you, OK?’

Georgio sipped his coffee. ‘And then who will you put in with me?’

‘A little mate of mine called Chopper Harris.’ Lewis grinned, a feral, nasty grimace. ‘You know my Chopper. He’s as sweet as a nut.’

Georgio put down the coffee cup. ‘I like sharing with Timmy. The guy’s all right.’