'Hola,' Michael says, as joins him at the table. They always converse in Spanish when they are out and often also at work. Both are fluent speakers. Donnellan has the better accent but Hugh gets by. He speaks like an extranjero, a foreigner, but is no longer teased or mocked as a guiri, a funny foreigner. Donnellan orders mineral water.
        As he waits, Hugh gives him an update on what he has done during the week. After a moment he notices that Michael is not paying the usual close attention, he nods, agrees, does not ask any of his usual precise questions. In a way, Hugh is relieved. He recently botched a job, was too brutal with the tenant of a bar in Toledo who is way behind with the rent. Donnellan has been explicit he is not to get involved with the physical side of the job. For the heavy stuff, he has a number of gypsies he calls on. Hugh tells him, is apologetic about losing his temper.
        'Did you hit him?'
        'No. Just got hold of him and threatened him that I might.'
        'Still a frightening sight when you want to be.' Donnellan grins. He sips some water. 'All right. Tomorrow you'll need to go out to Vallecas. Get hold of Jesús and Manolo. You know, the usual deal. Half the money now, the balance when the job is done.'
        Over dinner, Michael says, 'I have another job for you. For both of us. You remember Fernando?'
        Despite himself, Hugh scowls. 'Him. Yeah I remember him.'
        'I want us to go and pay him a visit.'
        Hugh does not say anything, just eats, forking in mouthfuls of salad, while Donnellan picks at his.
        'A one-off visit, I promise you.'
        'Why?'
        'Let's say there is the possibility of a bit of lucrative business coming this way.'
        Hugh is suddenly weary; his temper rises. 'Look, you know I can't stand that arsehole. Why the hell do I have to do anything with him? He's got danger all over him. All that flash stuff, he's asking to get picked up.'
        'It's just a simple visit. We have a few meetings, get things sorted out and we leave. And while we do so, we spend a few days at the seaside.'
        'Big deal,' Hugh says savagely. 'I was on the Costa del Sol last week, stuck in a fucking traffic jam on the motorway.'
        'Take the toll road.'

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