The music became louder. They were behind the stage, a couple of outrageously outfitted drag artists awaiting their cue. An illuminated green sign marked an emergency exit, but the way was blocked by a burly stagehand, who called to more men in the backstage area for support before running at them.

‘We can’t get out!’ gasped Cheng.

‘Yeah, we can,’ Nina told him. ‘You ever wanted to take to the stage?’

Eddie hurried to a large castored prop chest. ‘I’ll catch up!’ he shouted, pushing the heavy box towards the stairwell.

Nina raced past the waiting drag queens onto the stage, Cheng and Krämer following. A trio of cross-dressing performers turned to usher them into their act, a blend of cabaret number and burlesque striptease, only to react with surprise when they saw the newcomers were not who they’d expected. The lead queen, clearly a seasoned professional well used to unexpected developments, immediately addressed them suggestively, arousing laughter from the audience.

‘Ah, sorry, wrong turn!’ Nina said, squinting into the spotlights to find an escape route. A central aisle was visible through the glare. ‘This way!’

She jumped down, Krämer behind her. The German staggered on landing, his leg still hurt. Cheng didn’t move, gawping transfixed at the performers; specifically, their very revealing cleavages. ‘Oh for God’s sake!’ Nina shouted. ‘They’re not real! Get down here!’ The young man blinked, then in a fluster hurried after her.

Eddie, meanwhile, had brought the chest to the top of the stairs – just as the blond man and his comrades rushed out of the dressing room. The leader’s gun came up—

The Yorkshireman dropped on his back as a bullet cracked over him, then kicked the box hard over the top step. The pursuers frantically scrambled back as it cartwheeled to the floor and burst apart.

Eddie jumped up and ran after Nina. The first stagehand tried to block him, but even many years after resigning from service, the former SAS man was more than capable of defending himself. Barely two seconds later, the German was on the floor, gasping. The other stagehands suddenly slowed, not wanting to join their co-worker. Eddie nodded to thank them for their good sense and ran onto the stage.

His appearance drew a mocking introduction from the lead, something about liking bald men – he didn’t understand the rest, but guessed it was rude – and more audience laughter. He gave her a bow, then leapt off the stage, seeing Nina and the others heading for the exit.

It took less time than he liked to catch up, Krämer’s leg slowing him. ‘Keep moving!’ he shouted as they reached the doors. A look back. The blond pursuer rushed out from the wings. The drag queen began another sarcastic remark, only for concern, then fear, to course through the auditorium at the sight of the man’s gun.