Victor stared at her, in contemplation. ‘I take it the deal is for two hundred grand, then? So, that’s five per cent?’

‘That’s what my father paid, wasn’t it?’

Victor beamed. ‘No flies on you, girl. Yes, it was, so ten grand, in cash, and you have a deal. Now then, what d’ya know about our new supplier?’

‘He worked with my father in the past. I remember Izzy talking about him. He’d always come up trumps. You must have met him if you accompanied my dad on the exchanges?’

‘What’s his name?’

‘Josh.’

Victor frowned. ‘I don’t remember anyone called Josh, but, then again, your father didn’t disclose any names. I was just there as the backup, you know, inside the wings, just in case.’

‘Well, anyway, he did a lot of business in the past, so you might recognize him.’ She paused. ‘I am making the right decision, aren’t I?’

‘I know your father never looked a gift horse in the mouth, and if you’re getting a good deal and you reckon you can get rid of this nasty shit drug and turn the South-East back to how it was, it can only earn you respect.’

Zara stood up. ‘Right.’ She took a deep breath. ‘Let’s do this. I’m going to meet Josh at nine o’clock. Presumably, you know where my hangar is?’

Victor nodded. ‘Of course. Your father loved to show off his light aircraft.’

‘Good. Could you meet me there at say eight thirty? I need to gather up the money first.’

Victor knew she was giving him a hint that it was time to leave. ‘Are you sure you’ll be okay, driving around with all that dosh in your car?’

Zara nodded and walked with him towards the front door to see him out. ‘Victor, I’m putting my trust in you completely. No one else will know. Once we’ve done the swap, I’ve another plan for Eric and the Lanigans, but I need that cocaine first.’

‘Sounds ominous? What plan is this?’

She winked and tapped the side of her nose. ‘Let’s just say, they’ll see me in a different light.’

‘Zara, listen, if what we believe is true, then Eric is one dangerous man. You won’t do anything reckless, will you?’

She grinned. ‘No, because you’ll be there. I’m going to arrange for Eric to turn up after the cocaine deal.’

Victor sighed. ‘Have you really thought this through, babe? I mean, what if he turns up with the Lanigans or Mike?’

She shook her head. ‘No, he won’t because the one thing that Eric wants, apart from my business, is me. Leave it to me, Victor. I’ll reel him in.’

‘I dunno, sweetheart, what if . . . ?’