Me: Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends in the United States.
Nell: Yes.
Me: Why is Dave sniffing Poppy’s face? She looks furious.
Nell: Poppy smells of Lion.
Me: Lion?
Nell: Yes, with a hint of Beefy.
Me: Surely not.
Nell: We thought it was Tiger at first, but after closer inspection David says it’s definitely Lion.
Me: I’m sure Poppy can explain.
Nell: She’s refusing to talk.
Me: You don’t think she’s eaten a tainted biscuit and turned Bad do you?
Nell: Anything is possible. After all she wasn’t exactly Good in the first place.
Me: True.
Nell: Have you ever ridden on a reindeer?
Me: Not recently.
Nell: Well, you may have to later.
Me: May I ask why?
Nell: Rumour has it that Poppy is meeting up with Lionel King and Associates for a Thanksgiving dinner. They were seen together earlier.
Me: But Lionel isn’t from the United States.
Nell: Do you know his Associates?
Me: No.
Nell: Well then. Poppy will need to be followed so I suggested you and Olive the Other Reindeer said she’d take you.
Me: Why suggest me?
Nell: I thought you always wanted to be a spy and nobody is going to suspect you.
Me: Won’t I draw attention to myself riding on a reindeer?
Nell: Not at this time of year. Just wear a hat and beard.
Me: Why can’t you go?
Nell: The Puppies and I are having Thanksgiving dinner with Babycakes Gillespie at the Big House. The Cat has invited all the Strictly cast and crew.
Me: I’d have loved that.
Nell: You have much more important work to do.
Me: Everybody’s going to get a Thanksgiving dinner except me.
Nell: Don’t worry. Olive usually has a few carrots and a mince pie with her.
Me: Ok. Sorry.
