‘Do what you fucking like, but remember what I told you. If you persist with your plan of action, get a cell change first.’

Chopper leant towards him as he opened his mouth to speak. Georgio pulled a long thin blade from out of the mattress.

‘Shut it, Chopper. You’re beginning to get on my fucking nerves now, all right? I might just flex my muscles on you, boyo, and wouldn’t that please your Mr Lewis, eh?’

Chopper was amazed at the change in Georgio’s face. His eyes were burning with hatred and his teeth were bared; an almost feral look was on his face. Chopper realised that he had underestimated Georgio because of his outward demeanour. Moving cautiously away from the blade, he slowly held up his hands.

‘You’ll keep, Georgio.’

The other man laughed harshly. ‘Don’t push me, you scouse cunt. You’ve trodden on my toes once too often for my liking. I’ve given you good advice, now take it or shut the fuck up. Do what you’ve gotta do but leave me out of it - OK? I have enough on my plate with Lewis, without you putting your two bob’s worth in.’

Chopper picked up some cards from the desk and began shuffling them, his face closed.

He knew what he wanted, and Georgio would keep for a while. But he would lay money on the fact that his cellmate was for the out, for the jump, and when he finally jumped, Chopper wanted to be right behind him.

Donna walked out of The Waterloo into the cold night air. She shivered slightly as they made for the car.

‘What did you think of Nick?’ Alan’s voice was curious.

‘I liked him, actually. Once you get past his funny clothes and camp way of talking, you discover a very intelligent man.’

Alan opened the door for her and as she sat down, he said, ‘Shall I let you into a secret? Nick ain’t gay. He’s a cross-dresser who got caught up in the gay scene years ago. He takes a woman now and then.’

Donna’s eyes widened at the thought.

Alan climbed into the driving seat and grinned.

‘Honestly, it’s as true as I’m sitting here. Some old lag told me that. He plays on the camp angle. And let me tell you, it’s the perfect cover for him and all.’

Donna nodded. She opened her bag and checked over her make-up, talking all the while.

‘Where are we off to now?’

They were once more cruising along Argyle Street.

‘Me and you are going to have a nice meal in a Chinky I know. It’s the Amber House Restaurant - you’ll love it. The best Malaysian food this side of the Clyde.’