‘Right. See, I knew he was a sly ol’ git. He comes across as slimy, if I’m honest. I’ve seen him sneaking around. I told you about when he went to Antonio’s restaurant. So, what you’re saying is that Eric and the Lanigans are in cahoots. But what about Mike?’

She took a sip of brandy and placed the glass down, clearly annoyed. ‘Eric and Mike were close. I mean, really close. Maybe it’s because I was so in love with Mike that my brain wasn’t able to analyse stuff at a personal level. It was a head versus heart thing, I suppose. So I was resisting the idea that Mike had any involvement with all of this backstabbing. You see, the thing is, Mike and Eric were making a mint from supplying arms to the Lanigans before Eric fucked off to Spain or wherever he went while Mike was locked away. With Mike inside, that little bit of business dried up. Well, so I thought. I know Davey went to see Mike in prison to discuss setting up a business again. Mike gave Davey Staffie’s name, but then, funnily enough, Staffie, Willie Ritz, and Lou Baker all ended up inside. That’s a bit convenient, wouldn’t you say?’

Victor’s eyes were bulging. ‘Fucking hell. So, what you’re saying is that someone – perhaps Eric – took over, grassed them all up, and worked on the QT with the Lanigans, cutting everyone out of the business?’

Zara nodded slowly. ‘Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m saying, and not only that, remember I told you I had cut Eric’s wrist?’

‘Yeah, well, I don’t blame you.’

‘The guy who rushed to ambush the restaurant had a bandage on his wrist. My young waitress said he smelled of Joop! aftershave, and he wore a gold ring on his little finger. So, it must’ve been Eric.’

Victor put his hand to his mouth. ‘Jesus, Zara, he could’ve killed you. After all, he knows where you live.’

‘That’s why you’re the only man I can trust. You had your suspicions from the start, and you were right too. I’m just so grateful I have you because everyone else around me is a fucking snake.’

Unexpectedly, she rose, her eyes filled with tears, and she cried into her brandy. Victor jumped up from his seat and pulled her into his arms. ‘It’s gonna be all right, sweetheart. I’ll look after you.’

‘Oh, Victor, why am I so weak sometimes? One minute, I think I’m strong, and then the next, I just fall apart. It’s like I’ve two voices in my head.’

‘Babe, you’ve been through a hell of an ordeal, and by Christ, most men even would have turned it in and laid down and died, let alone a woman. You’ll be okay. You just need a break.’