Maybe, he conceded, it was his own natural sense of fair play. He would no more have asked this of his wife than he would have asked it of his mother or daughter. It was best to keep family out of the criminal part of your life; it was the code most villains lived by. Even the Krays had kept their mother out of their dealings, and that was more power to them. Womenfolk were to be loved, respected, cared for. You did not bring them on a bank robbery or ask them to get rid of stolen booty. It was an unwritten law. Anyway, most women couldn’t keep their traps shut. If they knew their old man was out blagging, by the time they’d told their mates, discussed it with their mum, and chatted to a few acquaintances, the Old Bill would be waiting at the car for him as he raced back from the post office or bank, his shooter at the ready and his balaclava full of nervous sweat and spit.

That was what had been bugging him!

Why was Georgio so adamant that his number two had to be his wife? Why not Stephen, his brother? Why not Big Paddy, his oldest mate? Why a little slim woman with large blue eyes and the most gorgeous hair and legs Alan had ever clapped eyes on? Yet, even as he cursed the fates that had made her go against his unspoken advice yesterday, as he cursed her for being so hard-nosed about helping her husband out, a little part of him was pleased. Because he realised, with a flash of insight that should have knocked him down, how glad he was that he would still be seeing her regularly. It was a long time since a woman had interested him so much.

Later on as he showered, and the London skyline was just beginning to appear with the dawn, he reminded himself of all Georgio had done for him, and reminded himself too that Donna Brunos was his best friend’s wife.

Maeve and Mario arrived at Donna’s house at eight-fifteen. Maeve parked her Lada in the drive, the old familiar surge of pleasure rushing through her at the sight of the mansion. Donna answered the door to them herself, a large smile plastered on her white face. Maeve took in the black circles under her eyes, the tightness of her skin and the slump to her shoulders, and silently cursed Georgio even as she asked brightly how he was.

Mario, in his usual quiet way, kissed Donna gently and asked her if she was sleeping all right.

Pleased to see them, Donna assured him she was fine and led them through to the large kitchen for coffee.