‘Jack, great to see you again,’ he said and held the door open for him. ‘I have great news.’

‘Here, this is for you.’ Jack handed him all the papers he had been able to find in the house. ‘I hope that’s what you need.’

‘Thank you. I’m sure it is. But listen, I already have someone who is interested,’ Mats said.

‘I thought you said it would take time.’ Jack felt a surprising sting of disappointment.

Mats shook his head. ‘So did I, but this person rang me up. It’s not a farmer, I’m afraid. He’s a developer of sorts, although I don’t know what his plans are for the property. But I think you should meet him.’

‘That sounds brilliant.’ Jack smiled at the agent’s enthusiasm.

‘Wait here, I’ll go and get his number for you.’

Jack waited in the main office. It looked like any estate agent’s office he had ever been in. Pictures of houses and apartments for sale covered the walls and the windows. He looked at a few and whistled at the prices. Almost worse than London, he thought.

Mats returned, waving a note. ‘Now, don’t let him know that you are eager to sell. Play hard to get, so we can get a good price for you.’

‘Do you want to be there if I make an appointment?’

Mats smiled. ‘Well, first we’ll see if you like him and what he has to say. Then we’ll get him here. That will give me time to go through your papers and all the rest of it.’

Jack nodded. ‘That sounds fine to me.’

The note had a name and a phone number. ‘Erik Haldorsen?’

Mats nodded. ‘He’s a big businessman in this town. Don’t worry, I’ll look after your interests.’

Jack laughed. ‘I appreciate that. Let’s see what they say, shall we?’

He dialled the number and a chirpy secretary put him through. Absolutely not a farmer, he thought.

It was a brief conversation, ending in an appointment. He smiled at Mats and put the phone in his pocket.

‘This should be interesting,’ he said.

Mats almost rubbed his hands. ‘Let me know how it goes.’

Jack nodded. ‘Absolutely.’

On the way back to the ferry Jack discovered a spice shop and walked inside. Oils and spices, and brands he recognised from home. He filled up on necessities like balsamic vinegar and a good olive oil. Agnar’s kitchen had nothing like this. This was perfect. He wanted to try a bit of cooking for the beach party. He didn’t analyse the sudden need to impress.

On the ferry he called his dad and told him about the news.

‘Have you called this developer yet?’ Paul asked.

‘Yes, I have an appointment with him. We’ll see how it goes.’

Paul paused for a second. ‘I see.’

‘What?’ Jack frowned.

‘Nothing. I just thought you would be more enthusiastic, that’s all.’

Jack smiled. ‘It’s too early to celebrate, Dad.’

‘I see. We’re really fascinated by the goats,’ Paul said, changing the subject.