Me: I love the way the puppies’ ears just flop around.
Nell: Harriet’s ears are acceptable but David’s are inside out.
Me: He can’t help it, Nell. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: He needs to behave. The Bowling Incident is not forgotten.
Me: But he had such fun.
Nell: At least we’ve heard from Sally and the diamonds are back with their rightful owner, so there’s nothing the Beefies, or NOIR, can do.
Me: Who is the rightful owner?
Nell: If I knew, which I don’t, I wouldn’t tell you. You’re the worst non-spy I ever met.
Me: I wonder why that rook is still calling me if it knows the diamonds have been returned.
Nell: Does it ask for David?
Me: No, it just wants a chat.
Nell: A chat?
Me: Yes, I think it might be lonely.
Nell: Don’t be ridiculous.
Me: Even bad birds can be lonely, you know.
Nell: What do you talk about?
Me: Bowling.
Nell: Bowling?
Me: Yes, I said I quite enjoyed it but I found the bowls really heavy and it said that’s why it prefers crazy golf.
Nell: Crazy golf?
Me: Now, you’re doing that repeating thing.
Nell: I don’t believe this.
Me: It said flamingos are particularly good at crazy golf as they don’t need a club at all.
Nell: I give up.
Me: And I said I’d ask Malcolm if he played.
Nell: Why?
Me: Because he’s a flamingo.
Nell: I meant why are you engaging in conversation with a member of NOIR.
Me: I enjoy our little chats.
Nell: Do you even know if you’re talking to the same rook?
Me: Yes. I’ve saved his number under Roi so I know it’s him.
Nell: Roi?
Me: Yes. That’s his name. He’s French. Didn’t I tell you? Sorry.
