Me: Where is Dave?
Nell: Having ear rubs with Kev.
Me: There is nothing wrong with his ears. You’re the one with the ear infection.
Nell: I know. The silly animal watches my ears being rubbed and then asks for his to be done.
Me: It’s actually rather sweet.
Nell: He adores it.
Me: Any news from Nigel?
Nell: He’s missing home but bravely persevering. He’s managed to get the name of the nasty recruiter.
Me: What is it?
Nell: Hunter.
Me: Do we know what kind of dog he is?
Nell: No. We don’t even know if he is a dog.
Me: Hunter sounds like a wolf.
Nell: A little unlikely, but possible. He might well be a cat.
Me: True.
Nell: After all Mutley’s arch enemy, Compton Pauncefoot, is a cat.
Me: Maybe he’s part of The Black Claw.
Nell: I wouldn’t be at all surprised.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: Walter Pigeon came to see me this morning.
Me: Why?
Nell: He heard about our difficulties and wondered if we would like him to go undercover.
Me: How did he hear?
Nell: Eavesdropping, of course. He’s fully prepared to wear a black toupee and a newsboy cap.
Me: Why on earth would he do that?
Nell: He wants to join the Beaky Blinders. Do keep up.
Me: Oh. I see. Rather him than Malcolm.
Nell: Malcolm?
Me: Yes. I saw a few of them talking to Malcolm earlier when he was hanging out the washing.
Nell: We can’t have that.
Me: It has to dry, Nell.
Nell: No. Not the washing. I meant talking to the Beaky Blinders.
Me: I wouldn’t worry. I don’t think Malcolm wants to join.
Nell: Of course he doesn’t want to join. They were probably threatening him.
Me: Oh. I didn’t realise. Sorry.
