‘Well, that night, why did you go to Antonio’s, my restaurant?’ She remained silent, waiting for a feasible explanation.

‘What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘Come on, Eric. Tell me the truth, please.’

He turned into a side road, stopped the car, and turned to face her. His expression was deadly serious. ‘Zara, I swear to God, I’ve never been to your restaurant. I’ve no idea what you’re on about.’

Her heart suddenly beat faster. She was alone in the car with a man nearly the size of Mike, and she was confronting him without even really knowing how the hell he would react. She also shocked herself with such a stupid, dangerous idea, yet she wanted confirmation she was right. Eric had just lied to her.

‘You were seen going there. You got out of your car and read the notice on the door.’

The cogs were turning as Eric thought of who would have told her. He had to play it cool and not come across as aggressively defensive. ‘Oh, sorry, yes, of course. You mean the restaurant in Peckham?’

She nodded. ‘Yes, Eric. What were you doing there?’

‘I overheard you talking to that Davey fella at the hospital. I know it was none of my business, but I just wanted to make sure you were okay. The fact of the matter is, I don’t trust the Lanigans. I don’t really trust anyone. I only had good intentions, though, I promise. And I heard you say something about a note on the door and I thought I would just check. I’m sorry. I know you can handle your own affairs. I just care, that’s all.’

She looked into his eyes to see if there was even a flicker of a lie. ‘But why, Eric? What the hell am I to you? And, more to the point, what does Mike think about your actions?’

He lowered his gaze. ‘He doesn’t know. I’m not sure he would even care. The man has his own mission that he needs to accomplish, whatever that is. I understand why he didn’t want me back on the firm right away. I guess we drifted apart when I didn’t visit him, but, anyway, that’s just how it is. Mike was locked up for a long time, and now he’s out, he’s acting reckless, running after bits of skirt that put it out there for him, when he could have a decent woman like you.’ He drifted off the subject.

Zara felt her eyes were about to fill up again, so she took a deep breath. ‘So, if Mike’s not interested, why are you looking out for me?’

A gentle smile spread across his face. ‘Isn’t it obvious?’