Me: Dave is awfully quiet.
Nell: He’s still in character. He did so well yesterday that we are letting him continue until Harriet gets back.
Me: But he’s being a bit aloof.
Nell: It’s the Scandinavian detective thing. He wants to be called Wallander.
Me: So, tell me again how it went.
Nell: Mutley was amazing. Sven chatted away to him in Swedish but as he is deaf and was wearing thick glasses it had no effect whatsoever.
Me: How about the pickled fish?
Nell: David served it in a haughty, distant manner and tossed a herring down his throat like a true professional.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: The fun began when Mutley showed Sven his watch.
Me: Well, that was a waste of time. See what I did there? I thought Mutley was supposed to be hypnotising him.
Nell: He used the watch. Do keep up.
Me: Clever.
Nell: We had a tense moment when Gladys accidentally went into a trance but fortunately David saw it happen and intervened.
Me: Did it work on Sven too?
Nell: Yes. He is going to release everyone this afternoon at the quay.
Me: How are we going to do make sure they all go?
Nell: Personal invitations. Harriet threw hers in the sea but Jim the Farm Dog says she will be there, even if he has to carry her.
Me: What about Poppy?
Nell: She and Ron Gilbert are coming. They are picking up a takeaway from MuttDonalds.
Me: And The Cat?
Nell: It’s rather taken with David’s gloomy Scandi look so it’s agreed as long as it can wear grey and keep in the background.
Me: Fingers crossed that we have them back by the end of the day.
Nell: It’s paws pressed. You know that. And we will.
Me: Yes. Sorry.