29th March
It was past midnight when Duck walked back into the farmyard, having checked the ewes in the barns. The farm seemed rather quiet to him now that everyone except Jenny had left.
He noted that a light was still on in the outhouse that contained Sam’s documents. Clearly, Jenny was intent on researching her theories about Sam’s papers – whatever those theories might be.
Duck made two cups of coffee in the farmhouse kitchen and carried them to the outhouse.
‘You’re up late,’ he said to Jenny. ‘I’ve brought you a coffee.’
‘Thanks,’ she said, continuing to stare intently at the screen of her laptop.
Duck detected a familiar smell in the air. ‘Don’t mind me if you want to roll another joint.’
‘I’ve run out,’ she replied in a calm, matter of fact way.
Somehow, it seemed to Duck that her reply was too calm and matter of fact. He had been mischievously expecting some signs of embarrassment or discomfort at his discovery.
‘You could offer me some of yours,’ she said, glancing up at him and smiling.
Duck fell silent and looked concerned.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Jenny reassuringly, ‘I’m not going to tell anyone. You’ve got your cannabis farm very well concealed. In fact, I wasn’t totally sure it existed until I saw your reaction to my comment just then.’
‘Farmers can’t make any money from just rearing livestock or growing crops these days,’ said Duck. ‘How did you suspect?’
‘I’ve been a spook for thirty years,’ said Jenny. ‘I don’t miss much. The cabling coming into this place and the warmth from the floor were fairly good indicators that there was something going on beneath this building. All credit to you though,’ she added, ‘I couldn’t find the entrance.’
‘There’s a tunnel from the old stables. Loading and unloading can be done from there, hidden from view.’
‘Good place to hide a million pound meteorite too, I guess.’
Duck smiled. ‘Nowhere better.’
‘It must be difficult trying to manage a farm on your own,’ ventured Jenny, changing the subject. ‘Have you never wanted to get married?’
‘The right girl never came along,’ Duck replied. ‘I had a few relationships, but farming isn’t like an ordinary job. It’s a whole way of life, and I’m not sure that any woman could adjust to it if she wasn’t born to it. You grew up on a farm in Kent,’ Duck noted. ‘How did you end up as a spook?’
‘I was recruited while I was a postgrad at Oxford,’ Jenny replied. ‘They thought my knowledge of languages and ancient cultures could contribute to deciphering intelligence – particularly as my doctorate was looking at the impact of cultural heritage on modern attitudes.’
‘You mean you were studying why people believe the things they do – like Arkangel and his crew.’
‘Basically, yes.’
‘Did you have time for relationships during your time at MI5?’
‘What you said about being a farmer sort of applies to working for MI5,’ Jenny replied. ‘It’s not something that normal partners can easily adjust to.’ She paused and smiled at Duck. ‘I wasn’t kidding about another smoke, you know.’
‘Come over to the lounge in the farmhouse,’ Duck replied. ‘I think we may be able to find something.’