Me: You walked a really long way on the beach.
Nell: I know.
Me: And you posed for Kev while the puppies swam.
Nell: I did not pose. I was having a short break and Kev took a photo.
Me: You never pose for me.
Nell: Moving on, in celebration of the safe return of Henry and Horst, Lionel, Malcolm and Manuel are preparing a Sunday roast with all the trimmings.
Me: Did they find Poppy’s recipe book?
Nell: Don’t you think I would have told you if they had?
Me: Are they using the BBC Good Food website?
Nell: Certainly not. Poppy has been dictating the recipe to me since first thing this morning.
Me: I thought you looked tired.
Nell: I am.
Me: And a little worried.
Nell: I’ve had some disturbing news and I’m not sure what to do with it.
Me: Tell me.
Nell: You must keep it to yourself.
Me: I will.
Nell: Henry and Horst saw something troubling when they were trapped at the French Cafe.
Me: What?
Nell: A motorbike pulled up outside and the rider took delivery of what looked like a book.
Me: Poppy’s recipes?
Nell: Possibly.
Me: Could they identify the motorbike?
Nell: They could.
Me: And the rider?
Nell: They said he looked familiar but he was in his leathers and wearing a helmet so they can’t be sure.
Me: It couldn’t be him, Nell.
Nell: Henry and Horst wouldn’t make something like that up. They’re honourable woodlice.
Me: He would never be involved with NOIR, or the Beefies.
Nell: Of all the animals he is the one I trust the most.
Me: We all do.
Nell: But if it was him, and he has the book, why hasn’t he returned it to us?
Me: I don’t know. Sorry.
