But more would be too much – and suggest some debt was being repaid.

To his surprise, Duval shook his head emphatically. ‘No, sir. I don’t need a loan.’ He paused, then said, ‘I’m pretty good with my hands – and I like carpentry. Fixing things, that’s what I like to do. But I can’t get into the union.’

‘I see,’ said Robert, wondering what opportunities had been afforded by the state facilities in Joliet or Dixon. If the showers leaked, did they call in an inmate? If the governor’s desk wobbled, would the likes of Duval put a wood chock under its creaky leg?

‘So if you know anybody who was to need a handyman, that would be something I could do.’

‘Gosh,’ said Robert, using an Americanism no longer natural to him, ‘let me think.’ He was trying to buy time. He said, sounding lame even to himself, ‘If I hear of anything I’ll let you know. Have you got a number where I can reach you?’

‘You could call me at Jermaine’s,’ said Duval. He had demolished his pie; only a teardrop of ice cream remained on the plate.

‘No cell phone?’

‘Not yet.’ He smiled weakly. ‘They kind of expensive.’

‘Right.’ Robert looked down at his cup, trying to look thoughtful, then made a show of looking at his watch. ‘Duval, I’m going to have to get back to work now.’ He wanted to say. ‘You know how it is,’ but doubted that Duval would. Robert felt surrounded by a minefield of language he didn’t feel he should use.

Duval nodded a little sadly. ‘Of course,’ he said. He started to reach into his jacket and Robert realised he was going for his wallet.

‘No, this is on me. Next time you can pick up the tab.’

‘Okay.’ Duval’s pride seemed salved.

Robert got up, leaving six bucks on the table, and together they left the coffee shop. In the building’s foyer Robert stopped and pointed down a side corridor. ‘I’m going that way.’ He held out his hand. ‘Let’s keep in touch,’ he said.

‘Absolutely.’

Robert walked away quickly. He felt relieved. It had gone well – or at least not badly. He was glad that he’d done the decent thing, but he felt it wasn’t likely he would see Duval again – which was a relief.

Then he heard Duval call out behind him. ‘Bobby,’ he said, and for a moment Robert wondered if he’d left something behind.

Duval was standing in the corridor, one arm extended with his finger pointing at Robert, almost accusingly. There was a strained look on his face that hadn’t been there before. ‘There’s something I want you to know.’

Robert felt his earlier apprehension return. ‘What’s that, Duval?’ he asked.

‘I didn’t do it.’

At least that’s what it sounded like. ‘What did you say?’ Robert demanded.

Duval shook his head. He seemed suddenly possessed by an angry righteousness; there was nothing passive about him now. He stood, still pointing his finger at Robert. ‘I said, I didn’t do it.’ Then he brought his hand down and walked away.

Astonished, Robert stared at the retreating figure, trying to take this in.