Zara listened, her heart thumping as if she was facing a herd of elephants charging across the savanna towards her.

‘You do own Antonio’s, yeah?’

She nodded, urging him to go on.

‘Well, that Eric bloke pulled up outside and stared through the window. He looked around him like he was up to no good, and then, I thought he was reading the opening times. Anyway, once he drove off, I got out and had a look myself. I know Antonio. He always has the restaurant open, but it’s locked up now and there’s a note inside the door that says it’s closed due to staff sickness, but it will be open this coming Saturday. Now, if this Eric fancied a bit of Italian, there are plenty of good restaurants in Kent. So, why did he drive all the way back over to London?’

Her face paled, and Victor could see she was shaken up.

‘What is it, love?’

Her mind was off somewhere to a dark place. She sighed, making a sound through her mouth. ‘My dad always said, “Fuck your friends but keep your enemies closer”.’

Victor grinned. ‘Yep, ol’ Izzy had some great sayings. That was one of his favourites. Ya know, love, Izzy’s riddles always made sense.’

‘Eric either has information about my business or something so much worse. I’m beginning to get worrying vibes coming off him. I think he’s the person trying to destroy me. But why? Why would he do that? I’ve never done anything to harm him except . . . ’ She bit her lip to stop it from quivering.

‘I get it, love. What a man can’t have, he’ll destroy. It was another one of your dad’s phrases.’

She looked up, with her face slowly crumbling. ‘After what I’ve been through, how cruel could he be? Surely to God, he wouldn’t do that to me, would he?’

‘Jealousy is a compelling and destructive emotion, love.’

Misty-eyed, she chuckled. ‘That was another one of Izzy’s sayings, wasn’t it?’

‘No, that’s one of me own.’ Unexpectedly, he placed his arm around her shoulders. ‘If it’s any consolation, you’ve got me to help ya. I know they’re just words, but you can trust me. Izzy would be watching me, and I know he mates with the Devil.’

The meaty arm resting gently on her shoulders was like a comfort blanket, and she knew that he meant every word.

‘Victor, I’ve a meeting in about ten minutes with the Lanigan firm.’

‘Oh, okay, sweetheart. I’ll leave you in peace, then. I just thought you should know, that’s all.’

‘No, please would you stay? I think you may be able to help us. When I say the Lanigan firm, they’re my men too. Some of them, however, I have yet to meet myself.’