‘I was in the SAS. I left with fuck all to my name. If your father wanted someone taken away, removed from society, but didn’t want a big deal made of it, then he would call me. He probably told you I was dangerous because the one thing I won’t tolerate is not being paid. I did work for a man who fucked me off without a penny. First, I killed his brother, then I went for his cousin, and finally I went for him.’

Sitting back down, Zara grinned. ‘So, you mean, play by the rules or die by them?’

Victor gave her a firm nod. ‘Yes, and that saying, my dear girl, your father got from me.’

‘So, I can confidently assume that the man who killed your wife is dead?’

He grinned. ‘Yes, but I’m not a detective. This Hadlow gang isn’t run by a load of punks. There’s someone behind it all, and that’s where I’m baffled. So, if you still want me on the firm, I’m all yours.’

The nervous tremble left her body and a new-found confidence took its place.

Promptly at nine o’clock, the hard knock at the door had Victor on his feet.

‘It’s okay. It’s my men.’

Davey was first through the door, followed by Shamus and some other Irish men, who Zara had yet to meet. The sheer size of them was enough to make Zara feel she had serious backing. The manner in which they greeted her and with such respect shot her confidence through the roof.

Noticing their expressions change when they saw her guest, Zara introduced Victor before the atmosphere became edgy.

Davey gave a firm handshake and felt the power of Victor’s large hand.

‘Victor was a close and trusted friend of my father’s. He’s now on my payroll, so we can speak freely in his company.’

Davey raised his bushy brow. ‘Um, no disrespect, Zara.’ He then looked at Victor. ‘I know you trusted your father’s opinion but . . . ’

Victor coughed delicately. ‘I understand, Mr Lanigan. I have a few errands to run, so, please excuse me.’

Zara didn’t make a fuss and escorted Victor to the door, giving herself time to think about her impulsive decision. ‘I think I was getting carried away. It was great to listen to you talking about my father. The offer of being on the payroll still stands but maybe in a different capacity. Perhaps your ear-to-the-ground skills would suit us both?’

Victor allowed a generous grin to adorn his face. ‘Of course. I’ll get off to Margate and do some digging, and, yes, the CCTV. I can have that fixed up for ya, if ya like?’

Zara returned the smile. ‘Oh yes, please, if you wouldn’t mind. That will be one thing less to worry about.’

He gave a salute and left.