‘Kayaks, is it you’re after? For you and the young lady?’ He gave Hannah a quick but thorough inspection.
‘That’s right. How’s Margaret and the baby?’ He turned to Hannah. ‘Danny and I were at school together, although he was a few years above.’
‘Not that many years, but thanks for asking. They’re both grand. Another on the way.’
‘Congratulations. Who’d a thought? Danny Kielty, father of two.’ He turned to Hannah. ‘Back in the day, he was quite the hell-raiser in Dingle.’
‘Go on with you.’ Danny rapped Conor’s knuckles with the Biro in his hand. ‘And you were an angel.’ He gave Hannah a conspiratorial wink. ‘If you’re wanting the dirt on Con here, you just come chat to me. I can tell you a tale or two. He wasn’t always so fancy, you know.’
‘Go on out of that, Danny. Two kids doesn’t make you a saint either.’
Danny punched him on the arm and laughed. ‘Nor more it does. How long do you want the boats for?’
‘An hour or two should do it.’
‘Well, you picked a fine day. And it’s quiet – you might have some fun with Fungie.’
If Hannah hadn’t been so aware of Conor she might have missed that almost infinitesimal shake of his head.
‘Fungie?’
‘Local joke,’ said Conor. ‘Now, Danny, how much do I owe you?’
‘Mates rates for you.’ He grinned. ‘A hundred euro an hour because you’re a rich telly bastard now.’
‘Very funny. I’m just the odd job man, these days.’
‘Rumour is that Moss Murphy’s about to hit the jackpot. He says his land is worth a fortune.’
‘Murphy? What, don’t tell me there’s gold in them there hills of his? He’s drilling for oil?’
Danny shrugged. ‘No idea, but he’s been over in Dick Mack’s swearing up and down that he’s about to come into money.’
‘Can’t imagine how. That place of his is falling down around his ears and has been for a long while.’
‘Something to do with that nephew of his. He’s a right little fecker.’
‘Yes, we’re not so fond of him.’
‘Shotgun man?’ ventured Hannah.
‘Yeah, that’s the man. Ah well, Danny. We ought to be making the best of the weather. Give me your two best kayaks.’
Danny tossed his Biro up and flipped it with a laugh. ‘I only have best kayaks.’
Hannah turned to look at the view from the office, leaving the two men bantering and teasing each other as Conor finished the transaction. She’d already decided that she’d buy them lunch later to pay him back.
Thankfully the waves looked gentle, rippling with that sort of soporific swell that promised calm. While she hadn’t done any sea kayaking, she was reassured that she’d been through a few gentle rapids and could cope with today’s small waves. If the wind had picked up at all she probably would have chickened out.
With helmet and paddles in hand, having changed into wetsuits, they left Danny’s basic office and went down to the small, shingled beach area where two red fibreglass kayaks were waiting for them. Hannah wriggled her way into the waterproof spray deck and the neoprene shoes that they’d hired and waded into the shallow water, wincing as the cold water lapped around her ankles.
‘All set?’ asked Conor, fiddling with the chin strap of his helmet.
‘Yup,’ said Hannah shortly, trying to hide the tiny sense of apprehension. She was always like this on a new stretch of river or canal at home, but at least here they were in a bay and not the open sea.
As soon as she dipped her paddle in the water, her muscles working in her back and shoulders, the tension eased and she looked up, squinting against the bright rays of the sun that bathed her face in warmth. High, bright clouds raced across the sky, wispy edges changing shape as they sailed above. The gentle breeze brought with it the taste of salt on her lips and the smell of briny freshness from the sea. She followed Conor, watching his quick, even strokes as they paddled away from the nearby quayside and all the little fishing boats bobbing at their moorings. The air was filled with the ringing and clinking of the metal halyards against the masts teased by the wind like it was conducting some invisible orchestra. Overhead, two irate seagulls bickered, squawking at each with loud indignation, their W-shaped wings flapping as they wheeled and dived at each other.
Once they left the shelter of the little beach, it took more effort to propel the little kayaks forward against the current which was pushing back towards the shore, but despite this it was good to feel familiar muscles contracting and stretching.
