Bentick’s had been run by Jerry Wilson for twenty years. Every lunch, Jerry would watch as men in blue suits parked themselves at small tables with women or cigarettes their wives didn’t know about. His favourites were the American Newports Simon Harper brought him (slipped into Jerry’s pocket at the end of Simon’s meal) and Cheryl – the blonde who often accompanied Bert Graham. Cheryl would sometimes hang around, sitting and chatting as Jerry cleaned.
“Darling, can I tell you a secret?” She leaned in one afternoon, “Bert’s a total pervert – you know he pays me extra to flirt with you!”