They all exchanged looks. Ninni secured a piece of the lemon cake. She cleared her throat. ‘Do you really think Erik Haldorsen would produce a false heir, just to get his way? Wouldn’t it be easier for him and his partners to wait until the farm went to state hands and then buy the land?’

Alma shook her finger. ‘I don’t think so. I think they want Agnar’s land as soon as possible. This man can sell it whenever he wants. There’s no waiting time, no bureaucracy and no competition.’

Jens leaned forward. ‘I talked to him when he came in to do his shopping the other day. He seems nice. I don’t think he’s a fraud.’

Alma made a sound and everyone looked at her. ‘And you didn’t ask him anything useful, did you, Jens?’

‘No, because I’m not the bloody Gestapo, am I?’ Jens replied with a wide grin.

Olav cleared his throat. ‘Actually, I’ve just been to see him.’

Everybody stared at him. Alma nodded; obviously she already knew. Olav looked uneasy.

‘How did you know he would be there?’ Ninni suddenly realised Jack had stayed at Agnar’s farm for two nights. That was too close for comfort.

‘Jens told me. Jack was in the shop, they talked, and he told him where he was staying. And I thought Jack should know about the grass. Being the new owner and all.’

Sigrid put a hand on his arm. ‘We thought it was best to inform him since we can’t be sure of what he knows or not.’

‘Well, what did he say?’ Tobben said.

‘He said the arrangement we had with Agnar still stands, and that he has no idea what to do with the farm. And that he’s only been here for a few days, so it’s too soon to say anything,’ Olav said.

‘That sounds reasonable,’ Jens said.

Alma sent him a dirty look. ‘But it’s not really proof of anything. How do we even know who he is? How is he related to Agnar? How can he take over the farm without any of us knowing who he is? And how did the lawyers find him?’

‘Why don’t you ask him?’ Ninni said.

‘Yes, that’s what I think too,’ Olav said. ‘Someone should just ask him. He seems like a nice bloke.’

‘Good. Then you can talk to him tomorrow,’ Alma said, looking at Ninni.

Ninni had no intention of being Alma’s errand girl. She’d be mortified. ‘Not on your life, Alma. If you want to know something about Jack, please ask him yourself. I’m sure he’ll answer you.’

Alma sighed. ‘I’m too angry,’ she admitted.

‘If I go, I’m not going to ask him all the questions you want to ask him, you know that.’ Ninni smiled at her. ‘And you’re the mayor. It would make a lot more sense if you go.’

‘Right. Then I will. Since you all seem to think that’s the best solution, I’ll go and see him after work.’