#bergen_county

CJ bounces a bit hoping for a story

"You have finished your juice?"

He sips until it makes that 'empty really stop' sounds

"I'll wash up." Frank offers in a murmur, and extends a hand to CJ for the cup "All done? Story time."

A nod to Frank, and she says to CJ, "Do you have a book that you would like?"

His eyes get huge and he nods pointing to the book case. A book awaits "PLease?'

"Ah? I do not know this one. Where shall we read?" She offers a large hand to the little boy, to let him lead her.

Frank helps CJ down as needed.

A door slams. The thud of a backpack on the floor. "MOM, I'M HOME"

"Hello, Dame Dagmar." Brekke's voice from the kitchen.

A beat. "Chief?" And footsteps approaching the kitchen.

"Sam SiS!" the boy calls out

"Yes. Please excuse us, but your mother asked Frank to babysit. She had an appointment."

She blinks. "Mom's not here? Is something wrong? Why didn't she text me?"

Sam reaches for CJ.

"Sissy moma go bye bye" CJ hugs her sis'

"Frank said he did not think there was trouble...?" She looks to Frank to confirm.

CJ is picked up and placed at her hip.

"She was in a hurry, but not panicked."

"Aunti Brek gonna rea us Story" CJ assures his sis

"She said it had to do with someone from Thyle."

"Ah, yes...I did promise a story to CJ."

Eyebrows lift. "The troll island? She hates Thyle."

"One reason she may have moved so quickly."

"So - someone from Thyle is... here? In town?"

And the Chief has taken CJ back so Frank and Dagmar can talk. one of his favorite new stories being read

"Here, or close by, I suppose. She said she'd be back in 4 to 5 hours, and that was [time] ago."

Brow-furrow.

"I don't know if she has her phone with her, but you could try calling her if you are concerned."

"That's all she said?"

Frank nods.

Frown.

And there's her phone. Tappy-tap texts.

(What's going on?)

For a bit, no response

then TXT: Giving someone a ride. Do your homework. Your dad is bringing home pizza when he gets off work

TXT: To the island?

TXT: ALONE?

From another room, the low, steady tones of Brekke reading a story...though she does make a fair attempt at doing the voices.

TXT: That isle? NEVER

TXT: Is there danger?

And CJ cheers'

TXT : Nothing I can't handle.Will tell you more later

TXT: I can be there

Frank has finished cleaning the kitchen and waits nearby Dagmar, patiently.

txt: Stay home. Brother may need you

Frown!

TXT: B&F are here

"She's being cagey."