Welcome back to the Issy & Poppy greyhound detective kids story series. This case is a little different.

A Quiet Courtyard at Casa Adora

The afternoon sun was hitting the terracotta tiles — the baldosas — of the courtyard at Casa Adora, but the warmth seemed to stop just short of where we were sitting. This is a greyhound detective kids story, but not one with a mystery to solve. This one is about what happens after.

Dad was in his usual chair, his book How To Be Right open to a page he hadn’t turned in half an hour. Beside him, a mug of tea was slowly turning into a cold, dark lake, and a packet of Rich Tea biscuits remained stubbornly unopened. It was a crime against snack-time that normally would have seen a greyhound's nose nudging his elbow within seconds.

Issy was lying forlornly on the tiles, her long limbs tucked in, looking like a discarded piece of black silk. She wasn't watching for geckos. She was watching the gate.

In the distance, the frantic, rhythmic barks of Antonio Chispa’s dogs—the perros—echoed through the olive groves. Usually, Poppy would have let out a small, dignified "wuff" to indicate that such a racket was beneath the standards of a professional greyhound detective.

"Dad?" Issy said, her voice small.

Dad didn't look up from the chapter he wasn't reading. "Yes, Issy?"

"Do you think she’ll come back as a ghost?"

The Cardigan That Nobody Could Fill

Dad finally set the book down. He looked at the spot by his chair where Poppy’s famous jumper—which she always insisted was a cardigan—usually sat. "When she is ready, Issy. In her own time."

"She’ll need that cardigan," Issy noted, her ears giving a tiny, brave flick. "You can't be a Head Detective in just your fur."

What they didn't see, tucked into the cooling shadows of the lemon tree, was that the courtyard was far from empty. For those who know where to look, the ghosts of Dad’s past—the friendly spirits of pets from his childhood and his children's childhood—had quietly gathered to help. They aren't scary; they are the guardians of the memories.

Old Friends in the Lemon Tree Shadows

Spiny Norman the hedgehog was busy muttering "Importanter!" as he inspected the flowerpots, while Jasper, the bonkers rabbit, did a silent binky across the wall. High on the roof, Pecky the pigeon from South London sat cooing a gentle lullaby to Master Whisker-Wan the hamster. Even Joey the budgie was there, puffing out his yellow feathers in the Spanish breeze.

Near the gate, a very distinguished welcoming committee had formed. Russ from Lancashire and Glen from Montrose sat shoulder-to-shoulder with Toffee, the ghost-foster who had led a good life in Wolverhampton but returned to his roots in Andalucia to be here. There was even a message from Tintin, who was far too busy heading up an elite K9 unit in Belgium to visit in person, but had sent warm words saying Poppy was the bravest detective he’d ever known.

The Greyhound Detective Kids Story Continues

They were all waiting for a greyhound in a very specific cardigan to lead the way.

"Dad, someone has to keep the records," Issy declared, standing up and stretching until her claws clicked against the baldosas. "Someone has to check the perimeter and ensure the Biscuit Treaty is upheld. I am the Junior Detective no longer. I will carry on the Greyhound Detective Agency. For Poppy." This greyhound detective kids story was about to begin a new chapter.

She looked at the lilac knitwear. "But... do I really have to wear Poppy's jumper? It is for old ladies, and I am only ten!"

Dad managed a small, sad smile and finally reached for the packet of Rich Tea. "It’s a cardigan, Issy. And you can keep it nearby for professional consultations. Tienes razón. Poppy would absolutely approve."

Spanish–English Glossary

• las baldosas → the tiles
• los perros → the dogs
• tienes razón → you're right

A Special Note about Poppy ~ Una nota especial sobre Poppy

Many of you followed the mystery of Poppy's illness in our earlier greyhound detective kids stories. Our brave greyhound detective has now finished her final investigation. Read our special note about Poppy →

This story is part of the Issy & Poppy: Kids Edition collection — bilingual adventures with Issy and Poppy in Andalucía. You can explore the whole collection in the Kids Edition Hub.

Esta historia forma parte de la colección Issy & Poppy: Kids Edition — aventuras bilingües con Issy y Poppy en Andalucía. Descubre toda la colección en el Kids Edition Hub.