Me: It was nice of the Cat to call round this morning.
Nell: I suppose so. Although I was in the middle of breakfast and I like to read the Sunday papers in peace.
Me: The Cat wasn’t to know.
Nell: I don’t know why it thinks I would care whether there are new cats in the area.
Me: It seemed agitated.
Nell: I know. Cats are funny creatures. It kept telling me to watch my back.
Me: I think it was angling for a cup of tea.
Nell: It was angling for my scrambled egg and smoked salmon.
Me: Where is everyone?
Nell: Dave and Harriet are out in the garden playing badminton with the farm dogs. Poppy is cooking a roast and Mutley is asleep in the sun. He does like a snooze in the hammock.
Me: Sounds like the perfect Sunday to me.
Nell: Except for those Dobermans on the hill.
Me: They are probably just out for a walk.
Nell: I saw one of them at the farm shop yesterday buying clotted cream. It waved at me.
Me: It was just being friendly.
Nell: You know they wanted Poppy’s family recipe for scones. The cheek of it. They asked her when she went to Starbarks for her regular Americano.
Me: I hope she refused.
Nell: Of course. Wait. What was that?
Me: I can hear barking. A lot of barking. Are Dave and Harriet arguing with the farm dogs again? Why is Poppy running?
Nell: Those are frightened barks and I can hear hissing and screaming. The puppies are in trouble. They need me now.
Me: Wait! Nell, be careful. I’m coming! Oh no! Let me help you. What’s happened? Why are you looking like that?
Nell: It’s too late. They have taken her.
Me: What?
Nell: Call the police. There have been injuries. Harriet has been kidnapped.
Me: No. Not little Harriet.
Nell: Stop wailing and call them now. There is no time to waste.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
