‘She’s right in what she says, you know, Donna. You’re an attractive woman, so be careful. Even Georgio’s mates are now suspect, remember that. That’s why I brought Carol with me this morning. Georgio will hear everything, who’s in here and who ain’t. Don’t ask me how he’ll know, but believe me when I say that he will.’

Davey paused for breath and drew on his cigarette before continuing. ‘If any of his business associates come round, make sure you’re not alone, or that they bring their wives. If possible, meet them in a pub or a restaurant. It’s the rules you live by when your old man’s banged up. Be especially wary of blokes who turn up on spec. Don’t let them over the doorstep. Georgio’s brothers will keep an eye on you, so don’t be too worried, just wary. You understand?’

Donna was stunned. Davey was talking as if she was some kind of gangster’s moll. As if Georgio really was a villain.

Carol tripped back into the conservatory with two mugs of tea. She gave one to Davey and sat down at the table. Lighting herself a cigarette, she picked up Donna’s Sunday Times and began turning the pages.

‘What’s happening with the car lot, Donna?’

She shook her head. ‘I really don’t know, Davey. Stephen wants to look over the books and that. He thinks I should run it.’

Davey looked at Donna as she spoke. Her face was heart-shaped, her cheekbones prominent. Her thick brown hair fell loosely across her shoulders, and her deep-set blue eyes were framed with thick black lashes. Her full mouth moved gently. Economical with words and movement was Donna Brunos, and as Davey looked into her beautiful face he felt a stirring in his guts.

Carol Jackson watched her husband as he looked at Donna and sighed inwardly. She didn’t blame him one bit. She had always resented Donna’s looks, her poise, her natural grace. That’s why they had never hit it off. Now, though, poor old Donna was on her own, and she was as green as the proverbial grass. Carol would keep an eye on her, and at the same time keep an eye on Davey boy. He wasn’t much, she admitted that to herself, but he was all hers. Women were vulnerable when the old man was banged up for a long stretch, and Donna had never had to look after herself before.

‘I think you should learn the business, Donna,’ she said now. ‘We sell at least one car a month, that’s when business is bad, but with the cheapest car coming out at nearly twenty grand, that ain’t a bad living. You’ll need something to keep you occupied. Believe me, I know from experience. If I can grasp the business, I’m bleeding sure you can.’