Me: Look at the puppies having fun in the sea.
Nell: Fun? They’re chasing hardened criminals.
Me: Are they staying at the hotel?
Nell: I certainly hope not.
Me: What happened?
Nell: Somebody stole Beauregard’s gold medallion last night.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: Sally was reading The Growl on Sunday on her balcony this morning when she spotted a Beefy in a shiny necklace. She alerted David and Harriet who gave chase.
Me: The Growl came out today?
Nell: Yes. I shall enjoy reading it over the next few days. Kev and Jamie have done a wonderful job.
Me: I’m sure they have. We should also wish all our readers in the United States a very Happy 4th July.
Nell: Preferably without fireworks.
Me: I’m afraid that’s never going to happen.
Nell: Did you know tigers can swim?
Me: I didn’t.
Nell: Beauregard is an excellent swimmer. He takes Oliver out with him.
Me: Really?
Nell: Oliver sits on his head wearing a life jacket, as you never know with opossums. They’re so easily startled. Henry wisely prefers to watch.
Me: Wait a minute. Was Henry on Beauregard’s medallion when it was stolen?
Nell: Fortunately not. He sat on David’s bow tie at dinner and Alejandro’s crown at breakfast.
Me: His large Aztec crown?
Nell: I’m afraid so. I said to The Cat, ‘This is becoming ridiculous. How can we be undercover with an alpaca in a crown?’
Me: True. And at breakfast?
Nell: I know. Dinner would have been acceptable. Just.
Me: Has there been any roaring?
Nell: Not yet but Lionel says it’s only a matter of time.
Me: He should know.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: He’s a lion, Nell.
Nell: I am aware of that, thank you. Go and read The Growl.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
