‘Is it that simple?’
‘Probably not.’ I smile wryly. ‘But it’s a start. And I’ll be with you every step of the way.’
This time, she squeezes my hand.
‘And I’ll tell you what else is a start,’ she smiles back. ‘I’m pulling out of that fucking apartment. I can’t live there, not after what happened.’
‘There you go. Fists up.’
‘Fists up,’ she echoes.
There’s a quiet knock at the door. Dan reappears.
‘Can I come back in?’ he asks. ‘Your parents are giving me an earful.’
Lily nods. While Dan takes his place back by the fire, I give her a raised eyebrow, reminding her to keep a lid on our secret.
‘So, are we okay?’ he asks.
‘We will be,’ Lily confirms. ‘Congratulations.’
‘On what?’
‘Getting married. Maya told me.’
‘Oh. Well, thank you.’ He smiles briefly, before fixing Lily with a super-serious gaze. ‘Listen, I know this is painful for you, but I need to know something.’ He pauses. ‘How did you meet Boyd?’
‘Is it important?’
‘It could be.’ He rubs his chin. ‘It’s been playing on my mind. You’re not exactly easy to bump into, Lil. You get driven everywhere, your shopping’s done for you, you move in pretty elite circles. Where did you meet him?’
‘At a party.’ She shakes her head. ‘A friend introduced us. Well, I say a friend. She’s an acquaintance really. I haven’t known her that long.’
‘What’s her name?’
I know the answer before it’s even escaped from her mouth.
‘Claudine.’
I look at Dan. The mask’s in place. No trace of shock.
‘How long have you known her?’ he asks.
‘I met her last autumn, I think.’
His eyes flit to me.
‘So, she’s been scheming all along, even before she got hold of Boyd. God knows what she’ll do now he’s gone.’
‘She’ll stop,’ I tell him.
‘Will she?’
‘She’s got nothing more on you.’
‘What’s going on?’ Lily demands. ‘Do you know her?’
‘A woman with a grudge,’ Dan explains. ‘But why weren’t you suspicious? She’s the one who caused all the trouble at The Savoy.’
She shakes her head, confused.
‘She was there with Isaac,’ he presses.
‘I sold her tickets, but I don’t know anyone called Isaac.’
‘The one I ...’ He waves a hand.
‘The one you duffed up? I didn’t see. I followed Maya out. By the time I got back, it had all blown over. I didn’t see Claudine. Nobody mentioned her name. I didn’t know she had anything to do with it.’
‘She took off. Isaac was close behind.’ He runs his fingers through his hair. ‘Stay away from her. She’s poison.’
‘So, you’ll tell the police? You’ll tell them she was involved?’
‘No,’ Dan smiles. ‘She’s not broken the law and she’ll give them nothing. Besides, I don’t need the police. I’ll deal with this my own way. We’ll see you again later in the week, Lil. Look after yourself.’ He steps forward and holds out a hand to me. ‘We need to go.’
It’s almost an hour later, after a near-silent drive through mid-morning traffic chaos, and I’m standing in front of yet another Georgian townhouse, this time in Belgravia, and it’s one I’ve visited before. Guarding me from view on a higher step, Dan stands in front of me.
‘Sure about this?’ he asks.
‘Of course I am. Partners, remember?’
The truth is I don’t want Dan ending up in trouble. Over the next few minutes, it’s highly likely he’ll lose sight of his temper, and I need to be on hand to keep him under control. He nods uncertainly, and presses the bell. It doesn’t take long for the call to be answered.
‘Goodness me. Look what’s crawled out from under a stone.’
I can’t see him, but the sound of his voice sends a prickle down my neck.
‘Got a few minutes, Isaac?’ Dan asks. ‘For old times’ sake?’
‘What’s the matter? Come to your senses?’
‘Yes.’
A sickening belly laugh.
‘I’m not surprised.’ Warmth slips into the walrus’s tone. ‘It’s been all over the news. Man falls to his death at the Concordia. For a while, I thought it was you, but they confirmed the name this morning. Apparently, there was some sort of a fracas. Nice bruises. I’m assuming you were involved.’
‘Correct.’
‘That’s two near-death experiences now. They say it changes a man.’
‘It certainly does.’
‘Well, you’d better come in.’
Without warning, Dan stands back, revealing my presence. I look up at the drooping features, the grey eyes that miss nothing, and I feel distinctly nauseous.
‘Oh,’ he sighs, pursing his slobbery lips in dismay. ‘On second thoughts, I don’t really have time.’ He shakes his head. Rolls of flab wobble under his chin.
‘Then I suggest you make time,’ Dan replies coldly. ‘After all, it’s in your interest.’
The grey eyes examine me, and then return to Dan. Without another word, he stands back, allowing us into the hallway before closing the door and leading us through to his gloomy study. Eyeing up the erotic paintings, the manacles and whips hanging on the walls, I inch my way into the room, coming to a halt at the edge of the worn rug, just behind Dan.
‘You’re in luck. My little chick’s here.’ Isaac motions to one of the two Chesterfields where, draped in a crimson silk dressing gown, Claudine’s currently sipping on a glass of red wine. Without offering a seat, Isaac lowers himself onto the second chair and picks up his whisky. ‘We were just having a chat. Claudine’s very upset.’
‘Really?’ Dan asks. ‘What’s the matter? Did she break a nail?’
‘You got away with murder,’ Claudine purrs, crossing her legs and making absolutely sure the dressing gown falls away from her crotch.
‘Self-defence.’
‘You killed my friend.’
I try
