Today it was 795 years ago that the Village was first mentioned in the chronicles of the shire. At that time it had been a hamlet of only three farms, but it was an occasion to be celebrated. The market square was filled with booths and stalls, and in a huge tent a band was playing. Despite the drizzle, it seemed as if the entire population was present. Kirsten Anderson thought this was the perfect chance to complete her notes on the local intrigues and gossip. She sat down on a chair in Tanya's booth and took the notebook from her handbag.
" I'm happy we made peace", Tanya said.
" So am I. But never, ever again give my little brother a beer, allright?"
Tanya laughed.
" Promissed. So tell me, what's that?"
She pointed at the notebook.
" My research. I might share it with you some day, but I have to complete it first."
She paged through the booklet, scibbled a few words in it and then put it back into her handbag.
The notebook wasn't mentioned afterwards, but when Kirsten had to go to the bathroom, Tanya cast a look at her bag. Would she? Could she? Dared she? She hesitated, but then she opened the bag and rummaged through Kisrten's belongings. Lipstick, mascara, a purse, a handkerchief, a pen... The notebook...
She opened it and started reading at page one.

"Notable people:
Fred West, Pub owner. Takes a walk every day and had some nasty business with an inflatable doll. They say he had some 'trouble' with miss Mary Walker, the schoolteacher. A bit of a pervert, I guess.
Tanya, barmaid..."

The lines written behind her name were removed.

" Regular customers include father Gerard, mad and crazy Tom and Jim Child. Tanya's sister is Brook. She fancies Chriss Mann. Tanya likes him too, so I predict trouble. Their brother Harry has a relationship with the wife of factory worker Terry Loveday. I'm not sure how this is going to develop."

Tanya turned the page.
" Jumping bean vs. Whishing Well
The Jumping Bean is owned by Rose Jones, who gets help from her daughters Natasha, Louise and Debbie. That tough archeologist girl seems to have made it her habitual cafe.
The Whishing Well is owned by the George family (Ernie, mrs forgot-her-name, Jenny, Samantha, who just ditched her boyfriend). They have let a room to mr Peter Jack, who does all sorts of jobs for Lady Nascent who's actually called miss Helen something. I suspect that mrs. Day and Doris from the post office know more about that matter. Something to do with letters and photographs.
Anyhow, the Joneses and the Georges have some sort of feud."

It seemed a lot more was written in the notebook, but Tanya felt how a soft hand tapped her shoulder. As she turned around she saw Kirsten.
" I believe that is my handbag?", she said.