Me: Do you know why Dave’s downstairs on the yellow chair talking to a couple of Jack Russells in trilby hats with pencils behind their ears?
Nell: Journalists, I expect, wanting a statement from the Mayor of Kingsbridge on the latest developments.
Me: What latest developments?
Nell: Haven’t you seen the headlines in The Growl on Sunday?
Me: Not yet.
Nell: ‘Where is The Great Barberino?’
Me: He’s downstairs having bacon sandwiches in the kitchen with Harriet.
Nell: Quiet. They don’t know that and neither do the Beefies.
Me: So who’s on Lionel’s boat?
Nell: A Fake Barberino. One of Sally’s team.
Me: Do we know where they are?
Nell: Henry and Horst say they’re on their way to Plymouth.
Me: Not to Drake’s Island?
Nell: Yes. Beefy HQ.
Me: I’m awfully worried about them.
Nell: Don’t be. Sally says it’s all under control. As soon as they have enough evidence they’ll be on their way back.
Me: How?
Nell: A group of Navy Seals has surrounded the island with Princess and Sir Roger Blubbery.
Me: He isn’t really a Sir. Poppy knighted him with her sword.
Nell: They’ll escort them back to our beach where Rupert will be waiting on his motorbike to drive them home.
Me: Won’t Henry and Horst get awfully wet riding on a seal?
Nell: They’re wearing life jackets and are secured to The Fake Barberino’s top hat. Do keep up.
Me: Is Poppy still cooking a roast?
Nell: Of course. Everyone will be hungry.
Me: Have Sunday Songs started?
Nell: Not yet. Why?
Me: Somebody’s singing.
Nell: It’s The Great Barberino. Stop him now.
Me: Why? He has a lovely voice.
Nell: The whole team are at risk if the Beefies find out he’s here and not on Lionel’s boat.
Me; Oh yes. Sorry.
