“I squirted ketchup on the plate in case you wanted some. You can wipe the bread over it.”
“Thank you.”
Fen was already dressed, wearing the lined trousers they’d bought yesterday.
“Have you had something to eat?” Ripley asked when he’d finished.
“That was for me too.”
Ripley shot him a horrified look until he registered Fen looked too innocent.
“Oh dear. Lying? Now you need to be punished. Clothes off.”
Fen grinned. “That’s a punishment?”
“Have you heard of edging?”
“Yes. My record is two minutes.”
The next thirty minutes was fun for them both.
Ripley parked in one of the large car parks in Charmouth. It wasn’t a warm day but at least there was no rain forecast.
“I’m so excited,” Fen said as they walked to the meeting point.
“And you just can’t hide it?”
“I’m about to lose control…”
“And you think you like it?”
Fen laughed.
He was busy taking pictures when a guy in his thirties, a canvas bag slung over his shoulder, came up to them. “Fen and Ripley?”
“That’s us,” Fen said.
“Hi. I’m Gordo.” Gordo held out his hand.
“Are you a barrister?” Fen asked.
Gordo frowned. “No, why?”
“He can’t shake hands with you if you are.”
Ripley rolled his eyes and took Gordo’s hand.
“Is that right?” Gordo asked. “Barristers can’t shake hands?”
“A tradition. Like the wigs and gowns.”
“Right. Well, I’m going to talk as we walk, so if you have any questions, shout out.”
Fen’s questions started before they’d even crossed the bridge to leave the car park.
“Are you a professional fossil hunter?”
“No.”
