[Noinkling]

At the squeal from the kitchen, both Benat and Cook looked toward the closed doors, concern on their faces. As a reflex, Benat looked down where Cullen had lain so quietly, or so he thought. The dog was no longer there, nor was he anywhere in sight as Benat scanned the room.

‘Bear and bee! Now where’s he got off to?’ Benat’s eyes were drawn back to the kitchen’s doors and he had a growing dread that somehow Cullen and the squeal were connected. ‘Begging your pardon, m’am,’ he said to Cook but I think I should check on the whereabouts of my dog. I fear he’s gone in there and scared someone.’

He stood, dwarfing Cook as he did so, and turned to make his way to the kitchen.