‘They did for a while. But sometimes it feels like one step forward, ten steps back in this city. Remember the guys who shot the bouncer? I can’t remember the date, but it was over a year ago now. The ones who went on the run and were finally caught? Well, their case is due in court next week, and it’s stoked up old feelings. There’s talk going around that the men were mistreated, bullied into confessions – that it may not even have been them pulling the trigger.’

‘Really? The evidence is overwhelming, though. Right down to eyewitnesses.’

‘I know that. But the kids would rather believe in conspiracy theories than what the police are saying, because the police haven’t historically been their friends. I mean, even you and I will have experienced that.’

They walked slowly back to the lobby, Elyas listening attentively, his concern growing.

‘With Akbar Khan gone, there’s been a power vacuum,’ his friend went on. ‘Some of the younger members of the community, they’re vying for positions. It’s complicated. The city has become a powder keg. It feels as if nothing can stop it from blowing.’

Before they parted, Elyas suggested they exchange numbers. ‘Give me a call if you want to talk on the record?’ His friend nodded, and they said their goodbyes. Then Elyas headed to the bar, where he found Ahad ordering drinks. ‘Where’s Jia?’ he asked.

‘She’s back in the auditorium, being the ice queen,’ Ahad replied.

‘It’s not that bad, is it?’

‘Let’s not do this again,’ said Ahad. ‘Don’t make her spend time with me. She hates me.’

‘She doesn’t hate you.’

‘She won’t even look at me half the time and the rest of the time she speaks to me as if I’m on work experience.’ Elyas could see the hurt in his son’s face. He reached out but the boy turned away. ‘I have to go pee. I’ll see you in there,’ he said, heading towards the toilets.

Elyas made his way back to the auditorium with the drinks, his head spinning. He was worried about Ahad. He was ready to confront Jia. But she wasn’t in her seat when he got there. He looked around and saw her standing near one of the fire exits, deep in conversation with a man Elyas recognised as the one who’d been sitting next to her. His complexion was pale, his eyes deep blue, making him stand out in the sea of brown faces. Elyas watched them for a moment; the man looked as though he was leaving – he was putting the package he was carrying into his pocket and pulling his coat on – so Elyas decided to head over.