‘There’s my phone,’ he said. ‘It’s unregistered but I’ve had it a couple of weeks and in that time I’ve not sent a single text. And the laptop’s over there on the cabinet. I use it to stay across my businesses. You can take it with you but I want it back once you’ve checked it.’

‘Is that your only phone?’ I asked.

‘It is. I don’t make many calls. And that’s my only laptop.’

‘So there are no others at your flat?’

‘Go see for yourself. I’ll call security and tell them to let you in. And please tell your people not to make a mess like they did last time.’

I felt a flash of anger. The guy was playing us. He had no doubt taken steps to ensure that we wouldn’t find anything on the phone and computer that could be used against him.

‘So let’s be clear, Mr Slack,’ I said. ‘You’re saying you know nothing about these death threats?’

‘That’s exactly what I’m saying. There are plenty of people out there who are shit scared of you and might be tempted to make threats. But I’m not one of them.’

‘Well, you can rest assured that you’re not the only one we’re talking to.’

He gave a derisive snort. ‘But I suppose I’m the prime suspect.’

I allowed the corners of my mouth to lift in a smile.

‘Of course you are,’ I said. ‘And with good reason. You know we’ve turned our attention on you so your days as London’s Mr Big are numbered.’

He laughed then and I felt my hackles rise.

‘Listen to me,’ he snarled. ‘You no-good cunts have been trying to stitch me up for years. You’ve caused me no end of grief and for that reason I don’t give a monkey’s if some nutjob is threatening to kill a bunch of you. As far as I’m concerned you’re all scum and if the threats are carried out then I’ll be cracking open the champers.’

It was all I could do not to throw myself across the desk and dig my fingers into his eyes. But somehow I managed to repress the rage that rose up inside me. I forced myself to keep a neutral face, but I couldn’t stop my body from shaking or my heart from pounding against my rib cage.

Slack continued to stare at me unflinchingly, and I stared right back.

The silence stretched between us for about ten seconds. And then a sneer rose on his face and he said, ‘I’m not going to say anymore so you can bring those clowns in now and search the place. When you’re finished I want you to fuck off and take note of the fact that I won’t be so accommodating if you show up again.’