Missing Bird Paperwork

Excuse me ladies, says the official.

Yes? says Katherine.

Your parrot, says the official, indicating Jinjing.

It's a toy parrot, says Katherine.

May I see it? asks the official.

You'll have to ask Terence, says Katherine. It's his.

Jinjing's not a toy parrot, says Terence. He was, but his button broke and now he can say what he likes.

Is this true? asks the official.

Yes, says Katherine. But the fact that he had a button should tell you something.

There's an empty cage below decks, says the official. Looks like it's been forced open. A parrot is missing.

Do I know you? asks Katherine.

The official does look familiar.

Victor, says the official. Katherine?

Yes, says Katherine. What are you doing on the Spirit of Tasmania?

Security, says Victor.

Margaret, it's Victor, says Katherine.

Margaret looks up from google maps.

Victor, says Margaret. You do get about.

Makes for an interesting life, says Victor. How's Gaius?

Same old Gaius, says Margaret. He'll be joining us soon. Flying over. Wouldn't come with us on the ferry. Goodness knows why.

Victor decides against offering a suggestion.

What are you doing in Tassie? asks Victor.

Cheese tour, says Katherine. Know any good cheese shops near Devonport?

Just so happens I do, says Victor. There's good one in Burnie. The Cheese Shop.

Imaginative name, says Katherine.

Now, about the parrot, says Victor.

The toy parrot, says Katherine.

I'll take it back to the cage, lock it in, and release it to you  at the appropriate moment, says Victor. No questions asked.

It seems like a huge waste of time, says Katherine.

Nevertheless it avoids loads of paperwork, says Victor. Missing bird paperwork. The worst kind.

Let him have it, says Margaret. Then we can disembark properly, and get on with our day.

What do you think, Terence? asks Katherine.

Too late! says Terence. Jinjing's flown away.