Page 42 of Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm

‘Thanks,’ said Nico, shaking his hand. ‘We’re really grateful.’

‘My pleasure,’ said Ethan before looking over Nico’s shoulder with a frown. ‘Unfortunately, there are some people only bent on destruction.’

Nico turned around and took a deep intake of breath as Dodgy Del clambered out of his battered coach to wander over.

‘Good morning, all,’ he said, with a wide grin.

‘It will be if you don’t destroy any more buildings,’ said Ethan, with a frown. ‘What are you doing here? Don’t you think you’ve done enough damage?’

‘Well, I wanted to make amends for that,’ said Del.

‘Do you?’ asked Nico.

‘Of course,’ Del told him. ‘I feel really bad for the ladies here on the farm. So what can I do to help?’

‘You can stay away from the tractor,’ said Nico quickly.

‘And from my electrical wiring as well,’ added Ethan, narrowing his eyes. ‘I don’t need you causing any unexpected shocks to any future guests.’

‘Humph,’ said Del, making a face before turning to look at the spare decking. ‘What about this lot?’

‘It’s all in hand,’ said Nico.

‘I must be able to do something to help!’ Del told them.

‘Well, that would prove that there’s a first time for everything,’ drawled Ethan.

‘Good morning, Del,’ said Flora as she came out of the back door and walked across the courtyard. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Offering up my services to you all,’ he told her, with a winning smile. ‘Still feel bad about what happened yesterday. So what can I do to help around here?’ he repeated, looking between them all.

‘I think we’re okay, thanks,’ she replied quickly.

‘We’re really okay for everything,’ added Nico, as he and Flora exchanged alarmed looks.

‘You’ve got the tents?’ asked Del.

Nico nodded. ‘Yup.’

‘Lights?’

‘I’ve sourced them,’ said Ethan.

‘Listen, it’s not that we don’t appreciate the offer,’ began Flora.

‘Where are the campers going to wash and, you know, do their business?’ asked Del, screwing his face up in thought.

Nico suddenly found himself hesitating. It was the last big decision and cost that they needed to make. The easiest solution would be portable washrooms with toilets attached. But their investigations online had garnered some eye-watering prices for even the most basic of models. ‘We’ll figure something out,’ he blurted out.

It was exactly what Del appeared to want to hear. ‘So you haven’t got anything sorted yet?’ he asked, suddenly looking delighted. ‘Well, don’t fret. I can certainly help you there.’

‘It’s fine,’ Nico told him, his words coming out in a rush.

But Del was holding up his hand and shaking his head. ‘Nah, I know a guy, you see? Got some top-quality items. I’ll have a word and see if he’s got something with a shower as well. Yeah?’

Flora looked panicky. ‘Del, you don’t need to make anything up to us. It was just an accident, that was all.’

‘Happy to help,’ said Del, nodding enthusiastically. ‘Listen, I’ll be in touch, but you should have something within the week. You’re opening for the bank holiday weekend, right? Let me go and have a word with my contact.’