Stage Two - As if that could happen

Sergeant Woodie heard a noise coming from the storeroom. He went out the back to investigate.

Hello? he said.

Starpuss twitched slightly. A bubble rose from somewhere down below.

This won't do, said Sergeant Woodie to himself. She'll never keep till Christmas. And in any case she's hardly a suitable gift for a kiddie in hospital.

He picked up the phone.

....

Sweezus and Surfing-With-Whales coasted along in the main peloton, somewhere between Lobethal and Stirling. It was cooler today.

Whoa! Eyeballs out! said Sweezus, as Will Clarke powered past.

Freakazoid! said Surfing-with-Whales.

And I thought Team Crustacean was the one to beat, said Sweezus.

Yeah, but that was before they lost their precious Starpussy, sneered Surfing-With-Whales.

Let's hope then, said Sweezus, that they don't get her back.

......

Belle et Bonne and Marie were waiting at the finish line.

Will Clarke had won the stage and was already being interviewed.

My strength is to keep on going, he was saying.

Belle et Bonne giggled.

What's so funny about that? frowned Marie.

Sweezus and Surfing-With-Whales crossed the finish line together.

Any news about Starpuss? asked Sweezus, when he'd stopped puffing.

She's being returned, said Marie. And there's a rumour going round that she's come back to life!

As if that could happen! scoffed Sweezus.