If it were yesterday, I would have let the comment pass to avoid a row, but now that ‘that Black’ had proposed, I wasn’t having it. Barky might be in a pissy mood, but there was no need to take it out on me. I couldn’t deny I was different lately. But while Barky was right that it was because of Lucien, he was wrong to say I was too sensitive. I was starting to think that until now I had not been sensitive enough. I was seeing things now, staring them down when before I would have turned away. Was one way better than the other? It was true that before Lucien my life had been easier, but perhaps I’d finally found the narrow gate.

‘I wasn’t with Lucien at Hussmann’s, as it happens. I met him afterwards.’

‘Wait, Hussmann’s?’ Barky said. He looked up sharply, the frown on his face a mix of anger and worry, and I realised that he must know who owned it.

‘Yes, Hussmann’s. I went there to meet Black Bill.’

‘You’re getting mixed up with the Blackbirds now, Zillah? I thought you were better than that.’

‘So, I can’t mix with the Blackbirds nor Lucien. Who should I associate with then, Barky? It’s not as though I have a line of people queuing up to be my friend.’

‘You’re a big girl, Zillah. I shouldn’t have to tell you why to steer clear of thieves and murderers. As for Lucien, I just don’t like the cut of his jib.’

I couldn’t fault Barky’s honesty. From the first he’d been down on him. But now I thought about it, Lucien hadn’t been too friendly himself. I remembered the look that had passed between the two men yesterday when Lucien had suggested we go to the Dog and Duck. But tonight was a good night. I wanted to get back to how I’d felt when I’d left Elvira’s, confident in my plan to save the Leopard Lady.

‘You feeling all right, Barky?’ I said, deciding that I would be the one to smooth it over.

‘Don’t know what you mean.’

I got up and moved closer to him, leaning against the table at his right hand. ‘You seem a bit crusty tonight, that’s all. I wondered if it had anything to do with you not going out last night?’

After the thrill of Lucien’s declaration, I wanted Barky to be happy too.

‘You know you can tell me about where you go at night, Barky. Who you go with?’

I saw Barky’s shoulders stiffen. I knew I probably shouldn’t pry, but maybe if he could talk about it, he’d feel better.

‘I don’t ask you about your business. You best keep your nose out of mine. Don’t make me regret having you stay here.’