‘Kayaks, is it you’re after? For you and the young lady?’ He gave Hannah a quick but thorough inspection.

‘That’s right. How’s Margaret and the baby?’ He turned to Hannah. ‘Danny and I were at school together, although he was a few years above.’

‘Not that many years, but thanks for asking. They’re both grand. Another on the way.’

‘Congratulations. Who’d a thought? Danny Kielty, father of two.’ He turned to Hannah. ‘Back in the day, he was quite the hell-raiser in Dingle.’

‘Go on with you.’ Danny rapped Conor’s knuckles with the Biro in his hand. ‘And you were an angel.’ He gave Hannah a conspiratorial wink. ‘If you’re wanting the dirt on Con here, you just come chat to me. I can tell you a tale or two. He wasn’t always so fancy, you know.’

‘Go on out of that, Danny. Two kids doesn’t make you a saint either.’

Danny punched him on the arm and laughed. ‘Nor more it does. How long do you want the boats for?’

‘An hour or two should do it.’

‘Well, you picked a fine day. And it’s quiet – you might have some fun with Fungie.’

If Hannah hadn’t been so aware of Conor she might have missed that almost infinitesimal shake of his head.

‘Fungie?’

‘Local joke,’ said Conor. ‘Now, Danny, how much do I owe you?’

‘Mates rates for you.’ He grinned. ‘A hundred euro an hour because you’re a rich telly bastard now.’

‘Very funny. I’m just the odd job man, these days.’

‘Rumour is that Moss Murphy’s about to hit the jackpot. He says his land is worth a fortune.’

‘Murphy? What, don’t tell me there’s gold in them there hills of his? He’s drilling for oil?’

Danny shrugged. ‘No idea, but he’s been over in Dick Mack’s swearing up and down that he’s about to come into money.’

‘Can’t imagine how. That place of his is falling down around his ears and has been for a long while.’

‘Something to do with that nephew of his. He’s a right little fecker.’

‘Yes, we’re not so fond of him.’

‘Shotgun man?’ ventured Hannah.

‘Yeah, that’s the man. Ah well, Danny. We ought to be making the best of the weather. Give me your two best kayaks.’

Danny tossed his Biro up and flipped it with a laugh. ‘I only have best kayaks.’

Hannah turned to look at the view from the office, leaving the two men bantering and teasing each other as Conor finished the transaction. She’d already decided that she’d buy them lunch later to pay him back.