Me: You know when we went down to the beach to look for Dave?
Nell: Yes?
Me: I didn’t feel your heart was in it.
Nell: What do you mean?
Me: He’s supposed to be on the island, Nell.
Nell: And?
Me: And you weren’t even looking the right way.
Nell: He might not be on the island anymore.
Me: Do you know something I don’t?
Nell: Do I?
Me: That’s not an answer.
Nell: Well spotted Sherlock Martin.
Me: You do know something.
Nell: I might.
Me: Why won’t you tell me?
Nell: Because you’re terrible at keeping secrets.
Me: No, I’m not.
Nell: The Beefies need to think David is on the island.
Me: Why?
Nell: That’s why we need to be seen to be looking for him.
Me: We are looking for him.
Nell: All is not as it seems.
Me: I hate it when you do this.
Nell: Herr Hoffmann is making a warming beef stew for lunch today.
Me: Stop changing the subject.
Nell: With creamy mashed potatoes, runner beans and peas.
Me: Dave loves runner beans. Tony grows them in his garden and sometimes he brings us some.
Nell: Yes.
Me: You’re trying to stop me asking questions about Dave.
Nell: And for pudding we’re having apple crumble with double cream.
Me: Dave likes custard with his crumble.
Nell: Custard will also be available.
Me: Are you telling me Dave might be home for lunch?
Nell: I couldn’t possibly say.
Me: Yes, you jolly well could.
Nell: Would you join me by the fire later? We could watch Saturday Kitchen together over a cup of Earl Grey.
Me: I’d rather watch out of the window for my Big Brave Beautiful Boy to come home.
Nell: We can do both, you know.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
