F.C. parked her motorcycle in front of the Jumping Bean and went in again.
" O hello there", Debbie greeted her.
" Hi. I could surely use a cup of tea, very strong, and with a little milk and lemon."
" Very well. Tell me, how are things at the manor?"
" With the Old Lord you mean?"
" Uhuh."
" I think he's from the Dark Ages, Celtic probably. There are no signs of violence on the bones, but that doesn't tell us much yet. The jewelry suggests he was a nobleman, so lord of the manor isn't such an inappropriate title."
" So you're going to bring your team over?"

Miss Croft laughed.
" Team? I've a bunch of students ready, and there are a some locals who are interested, but that's all we have. The sergeant told us he couldn't protect the site forever and he prefers that we dig it all up as soon as possible."
" So when do you start?"
" Within a few days. The professor called miss Helen again and she told him it was okay if we set up our camp on her land, as long as we don't bother her too much.
" Ah yes. She likes her privacy. A mysterious woman, this lady Helen. I think her relationship with that Australian is quite inappropriate."
" Relationship?"
" Well, he's the only person that visits the manor regularly and I think they are closer than an employer and an employee should be."

F.C. nodded slowly.
" A pitty. He's rather... charming."
Debbie shook her head.
" He's getting too involved in the local affairs. Lady Helen, the George family... I even heard that Tanya and that young miss Andersen fancy him."
" Who?"
" Oh, Tanya, the barmaid at Fred's pub? And Kirsten Andersen, that Continental blonde."
" A rather popular boy then."
" Too popular if you ask me. All these strangers arriving in the Village... I don't mean you of course. Well, here's your tea."
" Thanks."