‘With respect, Mrs Brunos, without the aid of a medium I doubt very much we could prove that. Hint at it certainly, but we could not use that as the basis for the appeal. What we need are strong hard facts. Evidence. The evidence the police have is all circumstantial, and of course the statements from Wilson. Without him, it would seem our case is stronger, I grant you. But, as I said, I don’t make promises, and I never give people false hope.’

Maeve and Donna rose from their seats.

‘Well, thanks for your time, Mr Booth. By the way, are you still on a retainer?’ This time, Maeve’s voice was loud.

‘I am.’

Donna watched the man’s confusion.

‘Then I suggest you start earning it. Good day, Mr Booth.’

Maeve bustled to the door of the office. Donna, scarlet-faced, nodded at the man and followed her mother-in-law out of the room.

As she shut the door behind her, she heard the hearty sigh of a man relieved of a great burden.

Donald Lewis watched as Georgio played football. He was now on the five-a-side team and they were practising for their Saturday afternoon match against B Wing. The score was a forgone conclusion; the A grade prisoners always won, even against the screws.

‘Is it my imagination or is Brunos getting cocky?’ Wally Wagstaff spoke out of the side of his mouth; only Lewis was aware of what he was saying.

‘He is cocky, Wally. That’s his problem. It’ll always be his problem. He don’t know when to shut his great big trap.’

Wally scratched his large beer belly. ‘Want me to have a little reception committee waiting for him in his cell?’

‘Nah. That’s something I’m saving for when the time is more appropriate. Then I’m going to break his balls with my bare hands.’ Lewis’s voice became confidential. ‘You see, Wally, the thing with Brunos is, he’s big, handsome and clever. Three things guaranteed to get on my tits, so to speak. I have a little fright lined up for his nearest and dearest. That should guarantee our Georgie boy a loosening of the tongue, because if I don’t find out what I need to know, and soon, he’s going to be in big trouble. I can afford to write off the money, easy as pie. It’s pennies and halfpennies to me. It’s the principle of the thing, see? Georgio took the piss. I don’t like people who take the piss out of me.’

Wally nodded his bald head sagely. ‘I get your drift, Mr Lewis.’

Lewis turned on the man and sneered into his face. ‘I couldn’t give two fucks whether you get it or not, mate. You’re like Georgio, you’re just another ponce.’ His tone was becoming agitated and Wally began to feel nervous.

‘Shall I fuck off, Mr Lewis?’