Paddy nodded. ‘I know, but it’s something all long-timers have to get used to. She’s on the outside and you’re banged up. She can get up, do what she likes. It’s the freedom element. You assume her freedom allows her to do things she wouldn’t normally do. Like shunt Alan Cox. Stop winding yourself up, Georgio, get back in the real world and get yourself out. Then if you find out you’re right about her and Coxy, you can do something about it.’

Georgio swallowed the logic of what Paddy said, and smiled.

‘You’re a mate, Paddy. You’re right. I can’t do anything while I’m stuck in here, and if there is anything funny going on then I’d like to deal with it personally.’

Paddy nodded and stubbed out his cigarette.

‘So what’s the score then?’

Georgio looked at him intently for a few moments before making up his mind exactly how much to tell him.

Alan Cox and Anthony Calder waited patiently for Donna’s arrival at The Barking Dog public house in Barking High Street. They sipped Guinness and chatted amiably, smiling now and then at the women with their parcels and children enjoying a quick sandwich or a burger after a hard Saturday’s shopping. Donna walked in at just after five past two. As usual she looked immaculate and Alan watched as Anthony and three men at the bar openly admired her as she walked towards them.

‘Sorry I’m a bit late.’

The two men stood up.

‘We haven’t time for a drink, love, we’ll have one when we reach our destination.’

Two minutes later Donna was in the back of Anthony Calder’s black Cosworth and they were on their way to Ilford. The men were silent until they pulled up outside a house in Mortlake Road.

‘This is a safe house, Donna. We’re meeting the man who’s going to be the brains behind the jump. Keep your mouth shut and your head down and listen carefully to everything he says. He will not repeat himself.’

She got out of the car, her stomach quivering with what she wished was excitement but acknowledged to be deep fear. Even Alan and Anthony were subdued. Whoever this man was, he was obviously someone to be respected.

Alan opened the door with a key and the three trooped into the dim hallway. To the right of them was a doorway and Alan tapped gently on the door before opening it.

‘Eric? Hello, mate. Long time no see.’