Darling David, let me make you complete. Ariana can be your daughter too. I just know you’re made to be my family

I won’t be sending any more mail as, obviously, you won’t be able to receive it. Don’t fret about a suitable ardrobe for Morocco. I’ll take care of all your needs. Men are hopeless at such practicalities. Feel the warmth touch your hand, that’s me.

Sagapoh,

Your Cassie,

Siempre.’

I bundled it fast, lobbed and caught it on the fall with my right foot. Kicked it mightily across the room and saw it bounce off the far wall.

‘In one,’ I said.

I parcelled up the guns lest Noble came calling. Took them out to the car, piled them in the boot – a day to drive carefully. Thought I wasn’t showing the strain till I got to the accountant’s office and Iris said, ‘What happened to you?’

‘More important, what happened to Duran Duran?’

‘You look rough Cooper, maybe you should call round to me, I’ll give you some T.L.C.’

Time to cut to the chase.

‘Is he in?’

‘He’s tied up.’

‘Sure.’

And I barged on in.

He looked more like a sour priest than ever. A large slice of Danish was en route to his mouth, I said, ‘Arnold L. White – mid bite.’

‘What happened to knocking Mr Cooper?’

‘What happened to my business?’

He took a chunk of the pastry, chewed a bit, then a gulp of coffee, replied, ‘A touch of poetic justice you’ll appreciate. Your firm is up for repossession – isn’t that ironic.’

‘It’s fuckin’ criminal is what it is.’

‘You sound, how should I put it – surprised.’

‘I’m bloody flabbergasted.’

‘Am I to believe your partner didn’t inform you of the developments?’

‘Got that right pal. You didn’t think to give me a bell yourself?’

‘Not my place dear boy.’

‘Leopold, don’t you care if you go down the shitter with me.’