‘Sadie love, it could take the lining out of me overcoat and I couldn’t give a toss. Today, I needed something and so I had it. By the way, where’s the heroin coming from? How’s Lewis getting it in?’

Sadie hunched slim shoulders. ‘That’s a state secret, mate. No one knows. But I think it’s coming in through the kitchens meself. Black Dessie brings it to Lewis, I know that much, and he’s in the kitchen, so I just put two and two together.’

‘Do you know where Lewis keeps his stash?’

Sadie looked worried for a moment and said slowly, ‘What if I do?’

Georgio grinned then. ‘If you do, Sadie, I’ll give you a good bit of bunce for the information. I’ll also make sure you get first choice with the new boy, how’s that?’

Sadie smiled, making herself look very young and pretty.

‘He keeps it in his clock radio. But for Gawd’s sake don’t let on I told you!’

Georgio rubbed his hands together in glee. Then, lifting his mattress, he took out a bottle of Famous Grouse whisky.

‘How’d you get that?’ Sadie asked.

Georgio took a long pull and then said, ‘There’s a friendly little screw I know. Want a pull on it?’

Sadie nodded and he handed her the bottle. ‘And don’t get fucking lipstick all around the top.’

Sadie rolled her eyes and took a long drink. Then passing the bottle back to Georgio, she took a joint out of her pocket. Lighting it, she said, ‘Might as well have a bit of a party, eh?’

Their laughter could be heard all over the Wing.

The sun was rising and Donna and Alan sat side by side, watching its brilliant ascent.

‘I’m going to book a flight as soon as possible.’ Alan nodded his agreement. ‘The sooner we get back the better. There’s still a lot to be done.’

Donna pulled on her cigarette and blew out a long stream of smoke. ‘I can’t wait to see Georgio and tell him he’s going to have to sit it out for years. I’m really looking forward to it.’

Alan stared at her in the dappled red of the sunrise and said seriously, ‘You can’t tell him that, Donna.’

‘What! What are you talking about?’

He took a deep breath. ‘There’s too much been done. The jump is due in three days, Donna, there’s no way we can stop it now. No way. Too much has already been set in motion.’

She shook her head in denial at what she was hearing. ‘You’re joking! Tell me you’re joking!’