‘Look, a lot has happened. You were away for twelve years, I was locked up for five, and then we probably fell into each other’s arms because it was meant to be at the time, if you know what I mean. The party – you didn’t need me, and the truth is, you probably never did. I guess, like me, you had thoughts of us being in a bubble of romantic bliss, and they kept us going during those cold, lonely nights, but reality has a way of slapping you in the face. I have a business to take care of, and you have yours, and, Mike, the only thing we have much in common is the arms business. Other than that, we owe each other nothing.’

Totally gobsmacked, Mike was stunned into silence.

‘Sorry, Mike. Like I said, I’ve a business meeting. Would you excuse me?’

Mike’s face suddenly dropped, and his shoulders slouched. It was over, and he could see in her cold, dark eyes that the former passion had gone. It was dead.

As she opened the door to Victor, Mike didn’t even acknowledge him. He hurried past, marching to his car. Zara stared at the only man she really loved as he walked away. She could feel her ears tingling as the lump in her throat made it almost impossible to swallow. The hot tears pricked her eyes, and she quickly shied away, not wanting Victor to see her heartbroken expression.

But Victor was sharp. He noticed right away the chemistry between the two of them. It was perfectly apparent that the big guy was the one she gave her heart to.

‘I take it that was Eric’s brother? Jesus, two peas in a pod.’

‘Yeah, they are. Come in. We’ll talk in my office.’

Victor followed her.

After they had settled themselves, Zara asked, ‘Any news to report?’

‘Not really. My pal down at Margate said that these gangs of Yardies made horrendous threats, and when he didn’t take them seriously, he found a dead cat in his living room. The bastards actually broke into his house and left a death threat, and so he gave in, sold up, and moved. I followed Eric, but he was just going about his normal business. He was at home most of the time, and then he made a few visits to the pub, a visit to his mother’s, and had a few bets in the bookies. He didn’t go anywhere else, so I reckon he must have overheard your conversation with Neil or Davey and decided to take a look for himself.’

‘Okay, so our next move is to reopen Antonio’s on Saturday night. Davey’s men will be dining, and Shamus, believe it or not, is a dab hand at pasta, so everything’s in place to wipe out this fucking gang.’