Me: Why is Dave looking at me like that?
Nell: He thinks you’re not coming back.
Me: I’m just going up to London to collect Alice, Jonathan and Faye. I’ll be back tomorrow.
Nell: I’ve told him, but he won’t believe me.
Me: He’ll be smiling when I bring them home.
Nell: He’s stopped smiling. He’s cultivating the moody look.
Me: Why?
Nell: The penguin says he looks cool.
Me: Does the penguin have a name, or is it like The Cat?
Nell: I have no idea. I can’t think of anyone less like The Cat, apart from encouraging everyone to show off.
Me: Did I hear Harriet say Sally has been in touch?
Nell: Yes. Apparently there is a rumour that The Hunter is in our area.
Me: Is it hunting the larger animals? Only if it is, we need to tell them to lie low.
Nell: No. I’m talking about The Hunter. A member of the Black Claw. Trying to turn naughty animals bad. He, or she, is working undercover.
Me: Oh yes. I remember. Is that why Harriet keeps watching us all and making notes?
Nell: Probably. Henry and Horst definitely know something, but they are keeping tightlipped.
Me: Do woodlice even have lips?
Nell: That’s not the point. Everyone is under suspicion at the moment.
Me: Well, I’m not The Hunter. I know I wore my all encasing hat yesterday, but only because of the wind.
Nell: We know you’re not. Good grief. The mere idea.
Me: Maybe it’s the penguin.
Nell: If it is, then it’s not exactly discreet. Wearing a sou’wester hat and carrying a film camera.
Me: What if it’s someone we know.?
Nell: Stop fussing and get on the train. You’ve got a daughter and two grandchildren to collect.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
