She stepped out from behind the girder and looked him over. His upright and thickset frame was new, but because she hadn’t seen him for so long, she guessed he would have changed over the years. She smiled to herself at how solid and confident he was now.

‘You’re early, Josh.’

‘It doesn’t matter. I have everything in place.’

She looked across the field, praying that Victor would arrive soon.

Then her shoulders relaxed; for there, across the field, were headlights. But then she frowned at the speed of the vehicle and wondered what was going on. Victor drove a taxi. Black taxis couldn’t reach the speed of that car. As it got closer, she realized her instincts were right. It wasn’t a taxi but a black BMW 7 Series, although it was hard to see who was inside.

Joshua stepped from behind his car when he heard the sound of the approaching vehicle. ‘Who the fuck is that?’

Sliding his hand into his coat pocket, he gripped his gun. ‘Zara?’

She shot a look his way. ‘I don’t fucking know.’

Zara was straining to see who was in that car, praying it was Victor. The vehicle came to a halt, right in front of the hangar, and, to her relief, the first man out of the BMW was indeed Victor.

Unlike the gentle taxi driver she’d met on the Old Kent Road, Victor looked so different; he appeared so much younger, fitter, and ready for business. ‘Hello, Zara. Sorry I’m late.’ He looked towards Joshua and blinked. All he could see was a dark figure, as his eyes hadn’t adjusted to the darkness.

‘I take it, then, you’re Victor, and you’re here to ensure the exchange of merchandise takes place properly, as agreed by Zara?’

Victor squinted at the man, still trying to see his face. ‘Yeah, that’s right.’

At that moment, the rear passenger doors of Victor’s car opened and out climbed two other men. Zara felt her body quiver; they were big guys with broad shoulders and short hair. At first, she frowned at Victor, before remembering that she’d asked him to bring along some heavies.

‘They’re my lads. You said you wanted some muscle.’ He looked at Joshua. ‘Just a precaution, you understand?’

Joshua nodded. ‘It won’t be necessary, but, Zara, if it gives you piece of mind, the more the merrier. You see, I’m hoping to continue our business. Let’s hope for a long and fruitful relationship.’

Zara loved the way he spoke; it was soft and warming. ‘Right. Let’s get on with it!’

As if someone had waved a magic wand, she felt her heart rate slow down and her muscles relax. She was now in charge. Let the fun begin!

The bang as the shutters hit the floor made everyone jump – but not her. Now they were all in total darkness.