Alleyn withdrew his hand from his trouser pocket and looked absent-mindedly at the L.50,000 note. The porter slightly cleared his throat. ‘Signor Mailer is not here this evening,’ he said, ‘I regret.’

‘That is disappointing,’ Alleyn said. ‘I am very surprised. We were to meet. I had an arrangement with him: an arrangement for special accommodation. You understand?’ He yawned widely and used his handkerchief.

The porter, watching him, waited for some moments. ‘Perhaps he has been delayed,’ he said. ‘I can speak to Signor Toni on your behalf, Signore. I can arrange the accommodation.’

‘Perhaps Signor Mailer will come. Perhaps I will wait a little.’ He yawned again.

‘There is no need. I can arrange everything.’

‘You don’t even know—’

‘You have only to speak, Signore. Anything!’

The porter became specific. Alleyn affected restlessness and discontent. ‘That’s all very fine,’ he said. ‘But I wish to see the Padrone. It is an appointment.’

Alleyn waited for the man to contradict the term ‘padrone’ but he did not. He began to wheedle. Mellifluously he murmured and consoled. He could see, he said, that Alleyn was in distress. What did he need? Was it perhaps H. and C.? And the equipment? He could provide everything at once and a sympathetic couch in privacy. Or did he prefer perhaps to take his pleasure in his apartment?

Alleyn realized after a minute or two that the man was trading on his own account and had no intention of going to Toni for the cocaine and heroin he offered. Perhaps he stole from the stock in hand. He himself kept up his display of ‘withdrawal’ symptoms. The L.50,000 note shook in his grasp; he gaped, dabbed at his nose and mopped his neck and brow. He affected to mistrust the porter. How did he know that the porter’s stuff would be of good quality? Mr Mailer’s supplies were of the best: unadulterated, pure. He understood Mr Mailer was a direct importer from the Middle East. How was he to know—?

The porter said at once that it would be from Mr Mailer’s stock that he would produce the drugs. Mr Mailer was indeed an important figure in the trade. He became impatient.

‘In a moment, Signore, it will be too late. The performance will end. It is true that Toni’s guests will retire to other rooms and other amusements. To be frank, Signore, they will not receive the service that I can provide.’

‘You guarantee that it is of Signor Mailer’s supply?’

‘I have said so, Signore.’