Marcello looked confused. "What? When was I on a horse?" he asked, and then shrugged. "I'll go on foot. I can't very well stay inside and do nothing."

She flashed him a hard look, her jaw working. For a moment she seemed on the verge of saying something sharp. She nodded, looking him over. "Suit up, then. We'll put you on foot patrol."

He nodded, looking relieved. "I'll find your mother first and meet you downstairs," he agreed. He leaned forward, and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I love you," he said, and hastened out of the room.