‘I know it’s hard to admit to these things. But there, the truth hurts, don’t it? Your husband is as much a part of all this as I am. It was his idea not to bother decorating the place. The men who come here don’t give a flying fuck what the surroundings are. In fact, I think the more sordid it is the better they like it. The stench of the place turns them on. Degradation is a heady drug, love, that’s why we make so much dosh. In Phuket, you can pick up a little boy or girl on the beach, lay with them all afternoon - if you want in broad daylight. It’ll be the same here in a few years. It’s the Asian black economy. Goa is just opening up now, as is this place.

‘Your husband had the foresight to see all this, along with his brother. We make films here, do anything we want to do, and no one can stop us. It’s a bit hairy at the moment, granted, but once we get ourselves off to Krautland we’ll be laughing. I don’t know why you’re looking so green around the gills. It’s all this that’ll get your old man home, and keep you in luxury for the rest of your days.’

Donna stood up. ‘Oh no it won’t, lady. I’m leaving.’

She made to walk towards the door, but Candy grabbed her arm in a vice-like grip.

‘You ain’t going nowhere, and if I have to belt you one right across the boat, I will. Stephen wants a word, and by the sound of it you’ve annoyed him. If I was you I’d sit yourself down and think what you’re going to say to him when he arrives. He ain’t a bloke to cross. Believe me, I know.’

Donna saw the determined glint in Candy’s eyes, and the taut muscles in her heavy arms. Eyes shining with tears, she pulled herself free.

‘This is all disgusting, all of it! You’re scum, do you know that? Fucking scum! And I’ll see you lot blown wide open, you just see if I don’t.’

A high-pitched scream echoed through the house and Candy opened the office door instinctively, Donna hot on her heels. Outside was a young Sri Lankan male of about eighteen.

‘Keep hold of this lady, Kassim. Make sure she doesn’t leave here.’

The boy nodded, staring at Donna with a mixture of awe at her whiteness and adolescent lust. The three went along the corridor to the right of them. The child’s voice was a low moan now. Candy opened a heavy wooden door and entered a large room, Donna and Kassim hot on her heels.