The waitress came back again and asked them if they were ready to order.

‘Give us two house specials and have Julio set a table in my office. Open another bottle of wine and then leave us in peace, love, OK?’

The girl’s face was a picture and Donna felt a moment’s pity for her. Alan picked up the wine glasses and the bottle and Donna followed him up the stairs to his office.

He sat her on the small sofa and she watched as he directed Julio where to put the table. When he finally sat beside her she was smiling.

‘You’re a real busybody, Alan Cox - has anyone ever told you that before?’

He chuckled. ‘My wife used to say that. I’ve always been an organiser. It’s in my nature.’

‘Would you ever marry again, Alan?’

He was surprised by the question and she saw it.

He shook his head negatively. ‘Not on your nelly, girl. I’d never get tied to anyone again. Would you?’

Donna frowned. ‘Would I what?’

‘Ever get married again?’

Donna sat back on the chair, amazed that she even had to think about the question.

‘But I’m not divorced, am I? I’m still married!’

Alan stared into his glass as if it had become the most interesting thing in the world.

‘Of course, I’d forgotten that!’

They laughed easily together, both aware that she had got out of answering the question.

‘What do you think is going on in Sri Lanka?’ Alan asked her.

Donna shrugged. ‘I really don’t know. I was a bit sceptical about Thailand, I must admit. Especially now with Stephen being involved. I wouldn’t put it past him to have a brothel out there to be honest. But not Georgio. I know he was involved in Talkto but that was only on a sponsorship level. He is a sleeping partner.’

Alan grinned, displaying his large white teeth.

‘You mean, you’re a sleeping partner. Remember, that’s all yours now. Even the hotels are in your name if I know Georgio.’

Donna stared at him from under her eyelids.

‘They are. In fact, I’m quite a rich woman on paper.’

‘Should I make a play for you then, before all the toyboys arrive?’

He looked at the door as if expecting them to rush through it and Donna grinned.

‘Toyboys? Do I look that old?’

Alan placed a hand gently on her cheek.

‘You look lovely, Donna, you always do to me.’

He stood up abruptly and refilled their glasses. Both were aware that he had stepped over the boundary line. Neither was sure how to react now that he had. Alan returned to his seat and lit himself a cigar.

‘So Stephen’s off to Sri Lanka then? I wonder what they were shipping? Stephen’s into so much it’d be hard even to guess what he’s doing out there, wouldn’t it?’