Me: Any sign of Poppy yet?
Nell: No. We looked everywhere.
Me: Have a cup of tea by the fire.
Nell: I can’t rest. I need to be out there searching. Where is Terry?
Me: He’s with PC Panda and Sally going through his statement again.
Nell: I can’t believe Squawk would attack his own brother.
Me: They don’t get on, Nell.
Nell: I don’t get on with Majorie Poops, but you don’t see me hitting her with my handbag.
Me: Squawk doesn’t have a handbag.
Nell: You know what I mean.
Me: Who is Majorie Poops by the way? It’s an unfortunate name.
Nell: Agony aunt for The Growl on Sunday. Goes to my Pilates class.
Me: So, what did Terry say?
Nell: He was on his way to meet Poppy when Squawk burst out of the bushes and attacked him.
Me: Did he steal the bacon?
Nell: Of course.
Me: But what about Poppy? Do you think she saw the attack on Terry?
Nell: Maybe. I wonder where Squawk has taken her.
Me: He’s going to regret it. Poppy is not someone to be pushed around.
Nell: I’m glad she has her long hair at the moment. Better to be scruffy and warm.
Me: It’s odd to see Terry looking all scruffy and smelling of seaweed. He is usually so pristine.
Nell: Yes. He’s not himself at all.
Me: Why is it taking so long?
Nell: Sally is very thorough.
Me: There she is, Nell. She’s waving at you to join them.
Nell: Perhaps there’s been a breakthrough.
Me: You’ll let me know what they say, won’t you? I don’t want to be kept in the dark. She’s my darling Poppy too.
Nell: You are coming in there with me. You and me. Always. Remember?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
