Early to work for a client meeting. Spent lunchtime beginning my investigation of how to recover the diamond. Got some good advice and am ready to go into the lanes and have a conversation this weekend about self-destructing jewellery.

After work the fine sight of Matty Boy standing outside the Blue Anchor in the sun munching twiglets laced with marmitey goodness, and reading the fab new Berliner-style Guardian.

Gradually moving inside to our favoured dim and furtive corner. Joined by Katie and the French Bloke, Craig, Ciara and Taranjit. Had lots to say to Craig, what with him being American. Always enjoy his company and he is particularly well-informed about international affairs. A certain amount of jollity in there, followed by the long lurch home to Brighton, where I availed myself for the second day running of a Chinese takeaway.