‘Americans used to say “cream” and mean it,’ Parfit said conversationally. ‘Nowadays they almost always mean “creamer”, and that’s a polite way of saying “whitener”, which in turn means monosodium glutamate. A long way from cream.’ Dreyfuss didn’t appear to be listening. ‘You can’t believe words any more,’ Parfit continued.

Dreyfuss turned his head to look at him, then narrowed his eyes. ‘What the hell are you talking about, Parfit?’

Parfit considered. ‘Nothing,’ he said, shrugging his shoulders.

‘What exactly are we doing here?’

‘I told you, killing time.’

‘And I don’t believe you.’

The door to the café was opening, bringing in another customer. Parfit leaned close to Dreyfuss’ ear.

‘Don’t say anything about our leaving,’ he whispered.

The man walked over towards Dreyfuss and Parfit’s booth, then slid into the seat opposite them. It was Frank Stewart.

‘Hello,’ he said.

‘Mr Stewart,’ Parfit said by way of greeting.

‘What’s he doing here?’ Dreyfuss’ voice had become strained.

‘Parfit thought we should meet,’ said Stewart. He was admiring their uniforms. ‘Nice disguise.’

‘It’s the only way to travel,’ said Parfit.

‘So what can I do for you?’ said Stewart. The waitress was coming near. ‘Coffee and a half-pound cheeseburger, medium rare,’ he called. She nodded and started back to her counter, yelling the order through to the kitchen. Stewart shrugged. ‘I’m starving,’ he said.

‘Yes,’ said Parfit, ‘I thought a little chat might be of benefit to both of us. Esterhazy’s walking a very thin line.’

‘Oh?’

‘If you’re able to keep a close watch on him, without his knowing, then you might be doing yourself a great service.’

‘Keep talking,’ said Stewart. He picked up a sachet of sugar, tore it open and emptied it into his mouth.

‘There’s not much more I can add,’ said Parfit. ‘I’ll need a telephone number where I can contact you twenty-four hours a day.’

‘You’re doing this unsanctioned,’ Stewart observed. ‘That’s a dangerous game for us both.’ His eyes were interested but full of caution. He hadn’t survived this long without covering every bet on the table.

‘What makes you think—’

‘Because,’ Stewart interrupted, ‘you stipulated this meeting be strictly off the books. That smacks to me of a solo outing, and I’ve never been keen on one-man shows.’

‘This isn’t exactly a one-man show,’ Parfit said. ‘But you’re right. So far, there are more suspects than people I can rely on.’

‘But you’re willing to take a chance on relying on me? Why?’

‘Because you want to nail Ben Esterhazy,’ stated Parfit. The waitress was approaching with their order. The three mugs chinked together as she carried them.

‘I can’t argue with that,’ Stewart said, chuckling. He stared at the burger as it was placed in front of him. ‘No, sir,’ he said, picking it up, ‘I can’t argue with that.’