‘If you’d have brought me into everything, you wouldn’t be having the hag you’ve got now. I run your fucking sites, and believe me when I say your old woman done a brilliant job on them. She is a natural worker. I mean that and all. As for you getting out, it seems you’ve got that all sewn up as well. I watch Donna and Alan, and you watch them, and we all watch Lewis. Nothing like complicating everything, is there? You should have come to me straight off and we’d have sorted it between us.’

Georgio shook his head. ‘No way. Lewis knows we’re close. He’d have sussed immediately. The only reason you’re here now is because he’s off the Wing for a while.’

Paddy grinned. ‘But his henchmen ain’t. My visit will be all over this nick by teatime. You’re involving me now because of Donna. No other reason. You want me to watch her and Cox. Well, I have been, or at least I’ve had others watching her, put it like that. I’m still watching the house, and I have something to tell you that you’re not going to like. Three of Lewis’s baboons visited your da’s restaurant last night looking for Stephen. He’s closing the net, Georgio. If I was you I’d put your hand up and get out of the game. It’s getting too dangerous for everyone concerned.’

Paddy was pleased to see Georgio’s worried look. He was too sure of himself at times. Even banged up, in the worst trouble of his life, he still had that devil-may-care attitude and sometimes, like now, it really irked Paddy.

‘Fuck Lewis! I want to know what’s happening with Donna and Alan.’

Paddy lit a cigarette. ‘Nothing, I’d lay money on that. Think about it, Georgio. Donna is busting her arse to get you out. Don’t put everything in jeopardy because you think Alan is tumbling your old woman. It’s senseless, especially knowing what we both know. You’d leave her high and dry in the morning if you thought it would benefit you in any way, and don’t try to tell me different, Georgio. I’ve known you too long to be bullshitted.’

Georgio sighed heavily. ‘It’s the thought of it, you know. Stuck in a fucking cell, and all you can see after lock-up and lights out is your old woman humping while you’re banged up with only a right hand and distant memories.’