Me: As soon as I saw Sally’s smiling face I knew everything was going to be okay.
Nell: Yes. Sally has that effect on everyone.
Me: Especially Dave. Did you see him when he heard her call ‘Davey, I’m back.’?
Nell: I did. He gave her his last bacon sandwich this morning and he only had two.
Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. So what’s the plan?
Nell: Sally and David have gone down to the quay for a walk and a chat with John the Doberman at Starbarks.
Me: He and Sally are old friends aren’t they?
Nell: They know each other from his MI5 days. He was a particular friend of Charlie’s.
Me: You must be missing Charlie during this difficult time, Nell.
Nell: Yes, but I consider myself very lucky to be surrounded by family. I know others are not, and will be feeling lonely. We need to look out for each other.
Me: Yes, we do.
Nell: The only way through this, is together.
Me: I do hope Sally makes Poppy see sense.
Nell: If I know Sally, I’m sure she will. She and Poppy are going for a walk this afternoon on the beach.
Me: Good idea.
Nell: David is going to tag along at a distance.
Me: Is he, though, Nell? I mean discretion isn’t exactly one of his skills.
Nell: Harriet is going with him and she’s taking snacks.
Me: Good. What about Babycakes Gillespie?
Nell: He isn’t going. Good grief. The mere idea.
Me: No, I meant is Sally going to meet him?
Nell: Yes. He’s joining us this evening for a fish supper.
Me: Does he like fish?
Nell: I don’t know. But that’s not the point. This is about getting our Poppy back, not menu choices.
Me: Of course. Sorry.
