Antonio looked across the bar at four men who were finishing their drinks. He quickly rubbed a tea towel over his face. ‘What do you expect, Neil? You weren’t here. But those guys who came here a while ago were reckless.’

Neil nodded. ‘Well, mate, if from your description it’s the same ones who stabbed me on the fecking sly, I’m ready. We’re gonna be one step ahead and show this firm that we ain’t backing off.’

Antonio sighed. ‘I just hope you know what you’re doing, that’s all.’

Neil grinned and sipped his brandy. He had a liking for a Hennessy. ‘Yes, that I do.’

A black BMW 7 Series drove past slowly, the tinted windows hiding the occupants of the car. Shamus got up from his seat, mooched over to the bar, and whispered in Neil’s ear. ‘I think we’re gonna have visitors.’

‘Good. It’s about time. I was wondering if they’d show up tonight.’

The remaining four diners, who were finishing their meals, rose from their seats and straightened their suits. ‘Compliments to the chef!’ one of them called out.

Antonio waved. ‘Thank you. Please call again.’

He nodded to the young waitress to give them their bill. Once the men were out of the door, she folded her pinny and asked for her wages. Antonio gave her a fifty-pound note. ‘Good girl. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘Fifty?’

Antonio smiled at her and nodded. ‘Yes, Tiffany, you worked hard. Now, get yourself home safely.’

Tiffany smiled in response. Quickly, she shoved the money in her bag and was on the point of hurrying over to the front door before Antonio had a chance to change his mind about her wages. But she didn’t go out of the restaurant.

‘Aw, I just need the toilet quickly. It’s quite a long walk.’

‘Er . . . remember the ladies’ is out of order. Only the men’s is working.’

There was silence as they all waited. Antonio poured both Shamus and Neil another drink and gave himself a double measure to calm his nerves.

Tiffany was now back in the dining room, waving goodbye.

Outside was pitch-black; the lamp over the restaurant hadn’t come on. Suddenly, Neil spotted how dark it was. ‘Wait up, love,’ he called, as she stepped outside.

She was on the point of turning back to smile at him; she’d been quite taken with the handsome man. But before she’d even had a chance to give him a flirtatious look, a huge hand grabbed her around the mouth, and she was lifted from the pavement and dragged towards the thugs’ car.