Haldorsen smiled. ‘Smart man.’

‘Why are you interested in the farm?’ Jack said.

‘What do you mean?’ Haldorsen gave him a blank stare.

‘You’re obviously not a farmer and, as such, probably don’t want to farm the land. You’re a developer of some sort, are you?’

Haldorsen nodded, looking pleased with himself. ‘Yes, I am. I find interesting properties for investors, and the island is such a property. My investors have plans for the place, of course, and unfortunately I can’t disclose them. Mostly because I’m not privy to such information,’ Haldorsen said with forced laughter.

Everything about him made Jack feel bad. He certainly didn’t come across as someone he wanted to do business with. On the other hand, the money was good. It was worth some thought.

He nodded. ‘I see. Well, I’ll get back to you, Mr Haldorsen.’

Haldorsen shook his hand again, then proceeded to follow him out into the reception, where he leaned over to the receptionist and grinned from ear to ear. ‘Whenever Mr Greene calls us, put him through to me at once.’

The last thing Jack saw through the glass doors was Haldorsen waving cheerfully at him.

Jack stopped at a coffee shop and sat down. He’d had no idea the farm would be so valuable to Haldorsen. This would take some getting used to.

Jack finished the coffee and stood up. He still had to go to the bank.

***

Ninni petted Frikk, who was watching the fish in the clear water with his full attention. ‘Fish are a lot safer than vipers. Remember that next time, silly dog.’

Frikk lay down with a sigh, his paws hanging off the edge of the pier. She didn’t want to take him out in the boat yet. He was almost back to his old self, but not fully.

‘Jack is a strange one, isn’t he, Frikk? All warm and lovely. It’s hard to picture him as this ambitious man who wants to impress everyone with his ability.’

Frikk barked and lifted his head.

Ninni didn’t pay attention. ‘Good thing he’s leaving soon, I think. Better sooner, before I get too attached and miss him when he goes.’

He’d been gone for over two hours and she was already missing him. Damn it, she thought.

Frikk barked again, but friendlier this time. Ninni turned her head and smiled when she saw Britt. ‘Hi.’

‘Hi, Ninni. I haven’t seen you in a few days. I guess you have a new deadline. My house is full of wine if you’re still up for it.’ Britt sat down next to her, feet dangling. ‘You don’t look well. Are you okay?’

Ninni was taken by surprise. ‘I must have eaten something that doesn’t agree with me,’ she said.

Britt put a hand to her forehead before Ninni managed to pull away.

She laughed. ‘I don’t have a fever, silly.’

‘No, you don’t, but you are pale. Do you sleep well?’

Ninni leaned her shoulder against Britt’s for a second. ‘I’m fine.’