The Bottom Of The Bucket

They arrive back at Gaius's house.

It's dark.

Someone is standing in the front garden.

It's Henriette.

Denis is surprised.

You said you'd put me up, says Henriette.

Yes, but.... begins Denis. How did you find me?

Belle gave me directions, says Henriette.

You're welcome to stay at my house, says Gaius. Perhaps you could look after Ageless.

The famous Lobster Guy? says Henriette.

Here in the bucket, says Sweezus. He's moulting.

Aw, says Henriette, looking into the bucket. He looks poorly.

Ageless says nothing.

His final pieces have loosened but have nowhere to go.

Except the bottom of the bucket.

Okay, says Sweezus. I'll head off. See you first thing tomorrow.

When is the start time? asks Gaius.

Six pm, says Sweezus. Dunno the order.

Order? asks Denis.

Yeah it's a time trial says Sweezus. Didn't they tell you?

No one's told me anything, says Denis.

You'd better phone Vello, says Henriette. He's been working on team tactics.

I shall, says Denis. As soon as I've unpacked my dirty washing.

I too, says Gaius. Come in Henriette.

Henriette follows them inside, carrying the bucket.

She plonks it in the bathroom.

He doesn't want to stay in the bathroom, says Terence.

Why not? asks Henriette.

He wants to see Kobo, says Terence.

No I don't,  growls Ageless.

He doesn't, says Henriette. 

She'll be mad, says Terence.

Henriette wonders who Kobo might be. 

She leaves Ageless in the bathroon and goes into the kitchen

Gaius is making three cups of tea, and talking to Denis.

Forget team tactics tomorrow, says Gaius. Just go your fastest. The point is to rattle the GC contenders.

If we were on the same team, says Denis, I might believe you.

You should believe him, says Henriette.  

Oh? says Denis.

Because it's obvious, says Henriette.

Thank you, says Gaius.