‘Thanks a lot, Alan, it’s really nice to know I can trust you so much and that the feeling is mutual. Everywhere we go, people look at me as if I am an interesting specimen. Annie, Jonnie H., Nick, even poor dumb Albie. They all know you and Georgio. Yet I ask you one civil question and you talk down to me like I’m dirt. You afford a greater measure of respect to rent boys and ex-prostitutes from Shepherd’s Market. Now, if you don’t give me a straight answer, I am getting up and going home. I am going to tell my Georgio to leave the whole lot in your capable hands, as well as ask what is going on with him, Scotland, and all the people we’ve met since we’ve been here.’

Alan shrugged helplessly. ‘You do what you’ve got to do, love. All I can say is, as far as my interests are concerned, they’re fuck all to do with you. I ain’t got to tell you nothing about my dealings, or anything else come to that. As for your old man’s business, that’s down to him to tell you, not me. Be fair, love. I ain’t got to tell you nothing. You ask him, all right? About the respect, well, I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, but there you go. These people, Annie included, are a big part of my life, love. How and why I know and respect them is my business again, OK?’

Picking up a menu he glanced at it as if engrossed. Donna fought down an urge to get up and walk from the restaurant, knowing in her heart that it was exactly what Alan Cox wanted. She was shrewd enough to realise that he hated her tagging along.

Looking into her face, he smiled gently.

‘Look, Donna, is it my fault you don’t trust your old man?’

She lit herself another cigarette and sipped at her glass of Perrier. Alan Cox had just hit the nail on the proverbial head.

She didn’t trust Georgio. Which was why she was in Scotland.

The revelation shocked her.

‘I don’t like you, Alan Cox. I tolerate you for my husband’s sake. Don’t worry, I’ll never question you again.’

Alan raised his eyebrows whimsically. ‘I take it you’re leaving then, so I’ll just order for myself, shall I?’

As he scanned the menu he realised he had hit a raw nerve, and the knowledge saddened him. He looked over at her, and was astonished to see the glassful of water coming straight towards his face. It was too late to duck.