Me: Look at Dave with Tony. He brought him a tea towel. Bless him. Darling boy.
Nell: Yes.
Me: You look a little shocked. Does it have anything to do with the Serious Conversation you just had with Sally?
Nell: Yes.
Me: I feel a certain Knitwear Wolf might be involved.
Nell: Way too involved for my liking.
Me: Tell me.
Nell: You’re not going to believe this.
Me: I just might.
Nell: This is strictly between us and your thousands of readers.
Me: Of course.
Nell: Rupert’s been working undercover for Sally.
Me: I knew it.
Nell: Leaping in the air and squealing is not keeping quiet.
Me: I couldn’t help it.
Nell: The Beefies thought he was working for NOIR.
Me: Which he sort of was.
Nell: Yes. As a double agent from the start.
Me: Impressive.
Nell: Rupert gained Sponge Finger’s trust and was commissioned to steal Poppy’s recipe book and bring it to the Beefies for testing in their French Cafe.
Me: I see.
Nell: After its success he collected the book and brought it to NOIR in Paris.
Me: So the motorbike rider was him?
Nell: Yes, but between Kingsbridge and Paris he took it to Sally and the book was copied and the recipes were altered very slightly.
Me: So the NOIR cafes failed?
Nell: NOIR was supposed to blame the Beefies but someone blew Rupert’s cover and now he’s in mortal danger from everyone.
Me: Where is he?
Nell: Still in hiding in Paris and waiting for instructions.
Me: Try not to worry. Sally will get him out.
Nell: Never mind Sally. I’m getting him out.
Me: You’re not a spy. You’re a senior Labrador.
Nell: I am Nell Martin and Rupert needs me.
Me: You can’t go. It’s far too dangerous. Sorry.
