Fifty Three

I put down the receiver, picked it up and then put it down again.

I decided ringing Nina wasn't such a good idea. I needed to be more subtle - play the game like WPP was. I needed reinforcements. When it came to lying, deflecting blame and general dishonesty, I had no peer. But when it came to dodginess and underworld related activity, Gary was the man.

Before I roped in Gary, I needed more info. And I figured the best way to get it would be a surprise visit to Nina, say in the early morning when her parents would just happen to be home. I know, it's breaking my cardinal rule about mother's, but it's a risk I had to take - I had to see Mr Walk-with-a-purpose for myself.

I had to get up early anyway, since it was Paula's cleaning day. Nina's place wasn't too far out of my way.

I rang the doorbell and stood back from the double doors wondering how this play was going to change my life. Every decision I'd made in the last couple of weeks had reverberated with unseen long lasting repercussions so I didn't see why this one would be any different.

Quick, self important polished leather footsteps echoed on tiles before the door swung in. I swear John Farnham scowled at me.

Fifty Four