His heart dropped to his stomach. There was still no change in her voice. Her tone was so cold, he could sense it. ‘No, babe, ’course not. I made sure she wouldn’t. Look, this has all got so messy. I don’t care why you cut her face, I just want you to know, she’s here ’cos of Ricky, nothing else.’

‘Not my business, Mike, but getting nicked certainly is. That’s why I called. I’m really sorry about Ricky. I mean it. I hope to God he makes a full recovery. I genuinely mean that. I wouldn’t wish any harm on any of you, but I think it’s better that I stay away from your family for the moment and focus on my own business.’

He felt his throat tighten with hurt. He really needed her, but she was turning her back on him. ‘Zara . . . I, um, I care so much about you, ya know.’

‘Well, you just concentrate on Ricky. Don’t worry about me. I’m fine.’

‘It’s all my fault, Zara. I think I’ve fucked up, and now he’s lying in that sick bed, fighting for his life.’

‘Mike, don’t blame yourself. How the hell could what happened to him and that girl have anything to do with you?’

He sighed and had a sudden urge to tell her why he was released early and what his mission was really all about; however, his pause was too long.

‘Mike, I have to go.’ With that, the phone went dead. As he stared at the blank screen, he felt his world caving in. His dreams of having Zara by his side as his wife, the two firms united, had now vanished into the stratosphere. And it was all because of that fucking party and her stubbornness to see things at face value and not listen to him. As for Jackie’s little cameo appearance, dressed in his shirt, what a balls-up that was! He couldn’t have made it up. It would be laughable if it wasn’t so bloody serious. He’d only made matters worse. He poured himself a second drink and knocked it back. A sudden wailing from upstairs just irritated him even more. The lunatic bitch was the cause of all his troubles, and, for a moment, he thought about ending her life. After yet another drink, he felt his shoulders relax, and his head began to take control over his heart.

***