Gareth shrugged at Claire, and then at Quentin. "I just meant that there's a lot of fake things sold in Whitby for high prizes - fake jet, fake relics.. and fake treasure maps no doubt. Anyone can tell a nonsense story to make it seem worth more than it is." The fact that a pittance had been asked for something that was supposed to lead to great treasure, only made it more suspicious. He shrugged again. "But I suppose you're right. They wouldn't go to the length of providing a solution to the first clue."

He decided to stop talking. It made him feel worse. And he didn't want to throw up over his new employer, or over a lady. That would be unchivalrous.