Me: Oh Nell, I have some very sad news.
Nell: Tell me.
Me: Our dear friend Boone, the big golden Labrador from Vancouver, died yesterday in Jaime’s arms.
Nell: Oh no. Shel, Jaime and the family must be devastated.
Me: Yes. They rescued him in 2015 when he was 5. It was after they fell in love with you when they were visiting us.
Nell: Yes, Shel and Jaime are like family to us.
Me: They are.
Nell: Please tell them that we’re thinking of them and Boone is with Mutley and Charlie and Ollie now and watching over them all.
Me: I will. Are you coming home soon?
Nell: We can’t come home yet. We’re on a mission.
Me: Have there been any more developments?
Nell: Beauregard has developed a close interest in The Cat.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: He watches it, especially at dinner.
Me: Hungrily?
Nell: No. I think he finds The Cat a little too sparkly. All those diamonds.
Me: Is it still making everyone dress up for dinner?
Nell: Yes. Personally, I would have been happy just wearing my pearls if they hadn’t been stolen.
Me: What about the situation in the kitchen?
Nell: Malcolm is monitoring all deliveries and Manuel has become something of a star in the restaurant.
Me: Really?
Nell: Oh yes. He’s quite the Flambé King. Steak Diane here, Crêpes Suzette there. People can’t get enough of him.
Me: Good for Manuel.
Nell: Anyway, I can’t chat all day. I have things to do.
Me: Secret agent stuff?
Nell: No. I’m going to walk on the beach and think of Boone and his family.
Me: I wish you were here with me, Nell.
Nell: I am always with you. Even when I’m not. We all are.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
