Nell: So, how was the soirée?
Me: I’ve got good news and bad news.
Nell: Go on.
Me: The good news is that Dave was a huge hit with the rooks.
Nell: Any particular reason why?
Me: They enjoyed the singing but it was mainly down to the pie.
Nell: Before we get to the pie, would you like to explain the singing, please? Only, I seem to remember you were asked to be discreet.
Me: I was ever so discreet. I just sat and knitted.
Nell: You don’t knit.
Me: I know but Miss Marple does so I thought it might be a good idea.
Nell: Good grief. Just tell me about the pie.
Me: Well, for someone unknown reason there was a Victorian theme going on.
Nell: I’m beginning to regret asking this.
Me: And the hotel decided to serve the old favourite of four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.
Nell: Don’t tell me David ate the blackbirds?
Me: No. He bit into the pie and released them all to tumultuous applause.
Nell: Especially from the blackbirds, I expect.
Me: Yes. They were only sitting in the pie but it was ever so cramped.
Nell: Dare I ask what the bad news is?
Me: I’m afraid we didn’t manage to take any photos in the ballroom. Only one of Dave in the garden, but it’s a good one.
Nell: Was Lionel King there?
Me: Yes, alone though. No sign of Roary or Tigerlily.
Nell: That’s where you are wrong. Sally’s plan worked. While you and David were acting as decoys Sally’s team managed to locate them.
Me: Where are they?
Nell: In the Agatha Christie suite and you are going to help us save them.
Me: I am?
Nell: You can do this.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
