Alan gave a weak smile at the awe in his passenger’s voice. In the South of England, the house and its grounds would easily have been worth in excess of two million. It was one of the most beautiful properties he himself had ever seen. Its windows gleamed like diamonds in the sunshine and the house looked as if it was actually watching you. It was constructed on three levels, but from the front looked as if it was a bungalow type. It wasn’t until you went inside that you realised it had been literally built into the ground. The entrance hall was on the top floor, and the rest of the considerable area in the lower levels. Donna was enchanted as Alan had known she would be. They were once more greeted by dogs, but this time by two mongrels with shaggy black hair and friendly yaps. Alan got out of the car on the circular driveway and scratched both animals behind the ears.

‘Hello, old boys. Donna, meet Happy and Grumpy. They’re Jack’s kids’ dogs. Friendly pair of buggers they are and all. He saw someone throw a sack into the Docks and jumped in when he realised it was moving. These were the culprits.’

Donna knelt down and allowed the dogs to nuzzle her face, letting them lick her neck, enjoying the sensation. Then, laughing, she turned to look at Alan and froze. In the doorway of the house stood possibly the biggest man she had ever encountered in her life. He made Geoff Capes look like Finn McCool’s little baby. Behind him was a small, painfully thin black woman.

The big man lumbered down to greet them, his face twisted into a smile. Donna saw the oriental look about him and found herself holding a hand so big it could easily have swallowed her arm to the elbow. He was surprisingly gentle.

‘How do you do? You must be Georgio’s wife.’

He inclined his head as he spoke, as if she was a queen or at least a princess, and Donna knew instinctively that this was a man who liked and respected women.

‘This is Jack Coyne, Donna, and his wife Bethany.’

Bethany had held back. Now she was properly introduced she came forward timidly and shook Donna’s hand also. Her grip was firm, her skin cool. Donna said a shy hello and the two women were about to talk more when all hell broke loose. Six children of different shades and appearance broke out of the house, shouting and laughing at the tops of their voices.

Jack waved a hand at them and they all stood silent as they were introduced to Donna with proper ceremony.