Me: Wasn’t it beautiful down on the beach?
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: The sun was shining and everyone was having a wonderful time.
Nell: You really didn’t notice anything at all, did you?
Me: What’s that supposed to mean? I noticed you having a serious chat with Dave.
Nell: Yes.
Me: And then I noticed Harriet rushing out of the sea.
Nell: Yes.
Me: And I noticed Harriet dancing around in the seaweed as usual while Dave looked on in confusion.
Nell: First of all, Harriet was not dancing around in the seaweed, she was looking for evidence.
Me: Evidence? Well, she found her ball.
Nell: That was coincidental. And secondly, David was not looking on in confusion, he was looking around in fear.
Me: What did he have to be scared about? Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell; Didn’t you see all the birds?
Me: What birds?
Nell: The big black birds gathering behind him on the beach.
Me: I didn’t see any birds on the beach.
Nell: No, but we did.
Me: Is that why we rushed home?
Nell: Yes, of course it is.
Me: Why can’t there be any birds on the beach?
Nell: They weren’t any old birds.
Me: Do you think they were bad birds?
Nell: We know they were.
Me: What happened?
Nell: While I was talking to David about keeping a low profile Harriet saw them gathering and rushed out of the sea to tell us.
Me: I didn’t realise.
Nell: And while she was checking the seaweed, David kept watch to see if they were moving any closer.
Me: I still think she was looking for her ball.
Nell: That’s not the point. David needs to lie low. Nobody must know where he is. Do you understand?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
