Don't Ask Don't Tell

Belle et Bonne is annoyed with herself.

An ostrich had to die to be that bracelet.

That was what she had meant to say to Sweezus. But she had wimped out and said that stupid thing about it going stiff.

 No wonder Sweezus thought that she was jealous.

Sweezus is not surprised that Belle is jealous. It is an awesome bracelet. He resolves to drop into the Middleton Arts and Craft Centre and buy her a leather bracelet when they get there.

...........

Mrs Hume settles back comfortably in the passenger seat. How nice it is to have a driver. Especially a handsome young one such as Arthur, who has had such an interesting life.

Arthur is telling Mrs Hume about the pirates he met in La Rochelle.

Weren't you afraid? says Mrs Hume.

I'm never afraid, says Arthur. Except perhaps of death.

That's the only thing I'm not afraid of, says Mrs Hume. Dying, yes.

Arthur screeches to a halt at an intersection.

Farky is roused from his back seat torpor.

Cripes! says Farky. Are we dying now?

No, says Mrs Hume. Arthur is a competent young driver. How are your wee legs?

Stiff, says Farky. Are we there yet?

No, we're only at Port Noarlunga, says Mrs Hume. Arthur, how about we stop off here and let him have a run?

Alright, says Arthur, stopping with a jerk.

...........

Belle et Bonne's phone is ringing.

It's papa! she says to Sweezus. I wonder what he wants.

Answer it, says Sweezus. But slow down.

Papa, says Belle et Bonne, what do you want? I'm wobbling all over the road.

Stop then, says Vello. I want to speak to Arthur.

I'm not with Arthur, says Belle et Bonne. He's driving Katherine's car.

Good grief! says Vello. And is she in it? I'd better not tell David!

They'll be alright, says Belle et Bonne. What did you want to say to Arthur?

A message from Gaius, says Vello.

Oh, how is Gaius? says Belle et Bonne.

Very excited, says Vello. He went to Dry and Spineless, and now he's totally obsessed with phasmids. He wants Arthur to be ready for a phasmid hunt. He's coming home tonight.

He's out of luck, says Belle et Bonne. Arthur's going surfing. Now papa, please don't tell Gaius where he is.

No, no, says Vello. Where is he?

I don't exactly know, says Belle et Bonne.