Nell: Mutley says we should all stop worrying because he has a plan.
Me: He is in the garden resting. I don’t want him to overdo it. He is fifteen this month.
Nell: Yes, I know, a senior dog needs quiet now and again. Poppy has made him some shortbread to go with his morning coffee. He has had a passion for it since his golfing trip to Gleneagles.
Me: I didn’t know.
Nell: Yes, he is a keen player, as am I. He wants David and Harriet to learn so we may take them over to the golf club when we have a free day.
Me: Good idea. Do we know yet why Jago sold out to the Beefies?
Nell: I’m afraid it was blackmail.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: It seems Jago’s father is not quite what he should be.
Me: A criminal?
Nell: No, a Great Dane.
Me: Not Ron Gilbert from Torquay?
Nell: Don’t be ridiculous. Ron Gilbert isn’t the only Great Dane around here. Although, I suppose it is possible. Anyway, that isn’t the issue. It means Jago is not a pure Doberman.
Me: Why does that matter?
Nell: The Salcombe Set only accept pedigrees. Jago would be cast out.
Me: Stuff the Salcombe Set then.
Nell: John said the same thing. I mean Poppy is not a pedigree but does anyone care?
Me: Of course not.
Nell: Unfortunately Jago does.
Me: Well, it’s none of his business. He’s not the one marrying Poppy. It doesn’t matter a jot where she came from.
Nell: Do calm down. I’m not talking about Poppy and I completely agree with you. But Jago can’t bear anyone to know he is not a pedigree. The Beefies threatened to pass his birth certificate on to the Daily Growl.
Me: So in return for silence he sold the cafe?
Nell: Yes, he panicked.
Me: Oh dear. What can we do?
Nell: Apparently, Mutley is going to get it back.
Me: How?
Nell: He is sending in The Cat.
Me: The Cat?
Nell: Yes. Undercover as a hygiene inspector.
Me: Is that really a good idea?
Nell: It wants to wear sequins on its white coat and hat but it’s perfectly willing otherwise.
Me: It’s going to have to eat a lot of fish.
Nell: It’s a cat.
Me: Good point, sorry.
