Donald looked down at the strained white face and despite himself he was impressed. He could almost taste her fear as she looked at him, and he decided there and then to be charming. It would have been fun to intimidate her, get Georgio’s goat well and truly up. But something inside decided him against it. He was amazed to find that he rather liked the look of her. She had the same bearing as his mother, was similar in looks. Also, she was a smart dresser and her voice spoke of a good education and upbringing, things he had always admired. No, he would leave the frightening of her to another day; today he would be nice. He sat beside her, aware that his intrusion was being witnessed by more than a few people.

‘Georgio has told me a lot about you, my dear - may I call you Donna?’ Before she could answer he pressed on, ‘But he never told me just how beautiful you are. Why, I’m amazed a woman with your assets is still bothering with a man like Georgio. He is indeed a very lucky fellow. I was rather under the impression his taste in women was not so refined. It just shows you how wrong you can be, doesn’t it?’

Lewis was enjoying Georgio’s discomfort. He ignored him, secure in the knowledge his taunts had found their mark.

‘I hear you have taken over the businesses, too. My mother is a strong woman, Donna. I have always respected women, though I’m not a great lover of them in general. My tastes run more to masculine friendships, you understand. But now and again a woman comes along whom I like, and I have a feeling you’re going to be one of them.’

Donna nodded graciously. ‘Thank you, Mr Lewis, I shall take that as a compliment. Is your mother visiting you today?’

He shook his head. ‘Not today. Maybe on Monday. It’s a very tiring journey for her. She’s well into her seventies, but marvellous for her age. I have her chauffeured down every two weeks by a friend on the outside. It’s wonderful to have friends on the outside, isn’t it, Georgio? Especially attractive ones. They brighten up the dreary days in here.’

‘I’ll look forward to meeting your mother, Mr Lewis, she sounds an amazing woman. I lost my parents when I was very young. I always feel that mothers are very special, particularly to their sons.’

For the first time ever Georgio saw Donald Lewis actually smile genuinely at someone, and he was even more amazed to find the smile bestowed on his wife.

‘You’re a very astute girl and I see I was right in my first impressions. I think you and I will be great friends, Donna Brunos.’ He looked at Georgio. ‘I hope you appreciate this girl, Georgio?’