In the dining room of the house, Dad sits with another father from the school - he's looking tired, but like he can finally see a chance to relax.

“Thanks again for setting this up tonight - things have been so busy lately that the two of us haven't had a free evening in…. god, probably almost a year at this point.”

“I've told you, don't worry about it - I get it, we were like that with Kelly. Plus, it's nice to know Jordan's making such good friends over here, they were such a state when we first moved in I was worried they were never going to settle in.”

The other father laughs. “Yeah, when Cassie lost that dogtective of hers she was in tears the whole week - but as soon as she got it back she was convinced that your house was some kind of luxury retreat and she had to see it!” He glances outside, to where the kids are playing in the garden, each with a toy in hand and a suitably silly voice, while a local magpie poses on the fence and eyes up the bag of peanuts Jordan has brought out.

Jordan's dad catches his look. “She'll be fine, go enjoy yourself. I know we said 12 tomorrow, but if you folks need a lie in, then don't worry about it - we've not got anything planned.”

Cassidy's father finishes his tea, and says his goodbyes to everyone in the house, letting his daughter know he loves her and he'll see her tomorrow.

That night, once they're both asleep, there's a happy reunion between Grrlock and Jordan's toys - as well as introductions to the others of Cassidy's toys who have come along for the trip. A fluttering envoy from the Court comes to the window, and they begin making plans.

“And you're certain this is safe?” Floopsy Bun-bun looks hesitantly between the bird strutting under her child's bed, and the dapperly-attired hound next to her.

“Of course, my dear Floopsy. Now, I will admit there were some problems when this place first linked up to Jordan's room, but we dealt with that - and you've seen it when we've visited there, it's fine now. Besides, this wouldn't work if Jordan and Cassie weren't such good friends, and if we hadn't made friends with their toys, since we need Ruri to make the link so the Prince can open it.”

There's a shimmer in the air under the bed, and an initial wave of nervousness sweeps through Cassidy's toys, only to be quickly replaced by smiles and cheers as the portal opens, and they see the friends Cassidy takes them to visit standing and waving on the other side.

“And this is a very special toy - he used to belong to your aunt Cassidy¹⁾, but he always got along really well with my toys so when she heard I was passing them over she insisted on giving him to you. This is Grrrrrrrrrrrrlock Bones, and do you know what he is?”

“Dog!”

“Yes! And not just that, he's also really smart and good at investigating, he's a dogtective!”

“Da-ta-ta!”

“Now, all the toys I've given you are definitely good, and wouldn't do any kind of crimes, but if anything ever happens that needs investigating, you make sure Grrlock Bones is on the case, and he'll solve it!”

As with many of the new toys, Grrlock is first investigated by seeing what he tastes like²⁾. It's a very undignified way to greet such a fine and distinguished gentleman, but he will protect this new child with the same zeal as he did for his first child, and her best friend.