Me: Any sign of Dave and Harriet?
Nell: Not yet. I hope they get here soon as the rooks are definitely gathering.
Me: Where are you?
Nell: We’re in a dear little fishing village with a harbour and views out to sea.
Me: Make sure you keep a lookout for the puppies. They must be near France by now.
Nell: I’m keeping an eye on the scooter while Rupert buys our morning croissants from the boulangerie.
Me: Lionel made me a mushroom omelette. He’s spoiling me because he knows I’m lost without you all.
Nell: It must be strange with no Labradors around.
Me: It’s dreadful. The llamas are doing their best, but it’s not the same.
Nell: You’re not allowing them upstairs, are you?
Me: Of course not. At least not all at once.
Nell: I don’t believe it.
Me: What?
Nell: A speedboat with two Labradors just passed here going the wrong way.
Me: The wrong way?
Nell: It’s going out to sea.
Me: Do you think it’s Dave and Harriet?
Nell: Of course it is. Rupert’s launched a flare into the sky and the speedboat is turning around.
Me: Where did he get a flare?
Nell: He’s resourceful, but that’s not the point. He had to alert them.
Me: Has it worked?
Nell: Yes, they’ve turned the boat around and are speeding towards land now.
Me: Good.
Nell: They’d better hurry. There are rooks everywhere.
Me: The puppies are going to need a comfort break and something to eat.
Nell: We know. Rupert bought extra croissants.
Me: They packed some food, but it was a Lionel picnic not a Poppy one, so Dave probably ate it all in the first few minutes.
Nell: Stop fussing about food. Our lives are in danger.
Me: It’s just nerves. Sorry.
