“Yes,” said Smithers, “I will send any news to that inbox as soon as it becomes available.”

        “Splendid, splendid,” said Tompkins, “I would wave you a fond farewell, but my hands are rather full now. See you soon.”

        Tompkins strode out of the house accompanied by the giggles of Filly. Almost immediately, Ralphie and Alex gathered their things together and headed out of the back door and walked to the garage, where Ralphie had parked his VW Beetle. He had the basic model with a souped-up engine that allowed a top speed of well over 100mph. He’d need that today.

        Tompkins removed his disguise from the Jaguar with one arm, while clinging on to Filly with the other. He unlocked the door and placed her delicately in the passenger’s seat.

        “Oh Tomcat, you are such a gentleman sometimes,” she said doing up her seat belt tight, as she knew he would head away at high speed towards the Stark residence.

        “Only sometimes, well there’s still time to improve, isn’t there,” replied Tompkins jumping in beside his wife. He started the car and reversed before heading along the track to the road.

        “I reckon it’s about 20 miles to Stalky’s,” said Tompkins, “and I am not 100% sure of the best approach. Part of me wants to sneak in the back way and part of me wants to drive right up to the house, as bold as brass, and sort things out once and for all – let’s see who we’re up against.”

        “What’s the main aim?” asked Filly. “Is it to Rescue Daisy or is it to see who our opponents are? Which is more important, Tomcat?”

        “Well, Filly, that’s the problem – I want both, I want to rescue Daisy, but I want to see our opponents in plain sight – find out who they all are.”

        “What are they likely to do with Daisy – presumably she will know the people who’ve taken her?”