Page 44 of Hold On

“Yeah, well, there are issues because the excavators only capture what the context sheet is asking for and we end up with a lot of trivial data, but when you’re new to this, it’s something to work with.”

“And you’re not going to put them in a place where they have zero chance of finding anything?”

Will laughed. “No. I want them to sign up again. There are plenty of walls and sections of road to excavate, and they’ll be under supervision.” He glanced at Ren. “How are you feeling?”

“Okay.” Ren sipped his beer.

“Really?”

Ren nodded. “I swam in the sea. First time for years in this country.”

“With someone, I hope, because you—”

“Yes. Someone was holding my hand.”

“Same someone as the helmet’s for?”

“Guy called Dominic. He lives with his brother above the stable block where I’ve put the bike.”

“Quick work on your part. What’s the attraction, other than the obvious?”

“The obvious being what?”

“Doesn’t have to be gay?”

Ren disguised his bristle by shrugging. “That only happened once and I don’t believe Oscar was straight, and you’re the one who isn’t picky.”

“His friend thought you’d turned him gay.” Will laughed.

“The friend was a moron.”

“So what’s special about this one?”

“Who said he’s special?”

“You’re taking him out on your bike.”

“He can’t drive. So if we want to leave this dust bath…” Ren thought about it. “He’s…tricky and that interests me. He’s also smart. Got a degree in Classics and Ancient Civilisations.”

Will tensed. “Has he asked questions about the dig?”

Ren turned to glare at him. “What the fuck, Will? You’re not dealing with international secrets. It’s just a coincidence he’s here.”

“He might be looking for artefacts.”

“Did you miss that I said heliveshere? His brother’s the boyfriend of the son of the marquess. Dominic’s not looking to steal your treasures. He’s not an archaeologist. He did a Maths degree as well.”

“Whereabouts?”

“Not sure about the first, but the Maths was through the Open University.” So was the first but telling his brother that might give too much away.

“What does he do?”

Here we go.Ren was an expert liar but he had to be careful or it could come back to bite him.“Nothing at the moment, like me. He’s considering his future.”

“Like you.”

Ren drank his beer. “Yep.”

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