#bergen_county

He listens, and he nods. "Cross my heart." He crosses two fingers as if fibbing, and makes an X on his chest.

"For serious, Kiddo." Frown. "We should tell Chief."

"I crossed best as I can cross. And I mean it too. Cross my heart and hope to lie. Stick a poodle in my eye."

She breaks away from grooming to scoop th epooka up into a hug. "Okay."

"Oof!" He grunts. "My riblets!" But hugs back just as tight.

"Let's go find her."

"Hup."

He trots allong with his Knight, right where he should be.