#anywhere

A knock at the Thomases door.

Brenda has been busy, largely speaking French to Kongkea and helping the Shelter to get her home. Frank has talked to DiDi, but that's..another story.

The door opens a crack and Lily peeks out

Brekke looms tall over the tiny sluagh. A nod hello. "Lily. You are well?"

The little girl smooths her out of date dress of dusty white "no., but thank you for asking"

Brekke nods, not really expecting any other response. "I would like to speak with your family. All of you. Are all at home?"

"yes. and i am still mad at adam." a pause "will this therapy apply electric shocks to his forehead? i have mixed feelings but if it doesn't go past 5 minutes, I may wish to watch"

A brow. "It does not."

"ah" she says , perhaps a bit sad, "please come in. "

"I thank you." The Chieftain ducks inside. "Will you advise them that I am here?"

"yes, chieftain" she moves ..first upstairs.

And Adam gets a knock on his door

Brekke...stands near the front door, not having been directed anywhere else.

It is then that Brenda comes into the hallway.

"Chieftain? Oh my goodness. I'm sorry , I didnt' know you were here yet, please, come in"

Brekke nods. "Brenda. Thank you. Lily let me in. She has gone upstairs. You are well?"

"Still stressing about Adam a bit" She admits "But your husband and I helped Kongkea the other day. Been in contact with the Embassy of Cambodia, isn't that exciting?"

A slight grin. "It is. I am glad you are able to assist her. That you were able to speak her language was important."

"Yeah?" From inside.

"Well, actually french isn't her language but she's got the basics enough to get further. I took notes on what she could tell me about her captors but that's for antoher time. Where do you want us to..gather? Kitchen, or living room?"

"Wherever you think would be most comfortable for the family. Perhaps wherever you commonly have family meetings?"

ADAM might hear a whisper "... downstairs... visiting... meeting'"

He hears whispers, at least, so it must be Lily. Some rustling and he opens the door. "What?"

Not rude or abrupt, but asking for a repetition.

"I suppose the living room" Brenda says "Kyle, sweetie, could you see if the coffee is ready? The Chief is here."

Lily looks up at ADAM "the chief is down stairs. she's visiting to help us. there's a meeting."

"Oh God....." He mutters. "Fine. Be there in a minute."

"fine. " the little girl smooths her dress, and goes down

Adam goes about grooming and dressing. He ponders about voile, and finally chooses a casual highwayman look.

Brekke nods, "Kyle, good morning."

"Morning, Chieftain, black right?" Kyle says

"Yes, thank you."

Lily returns "mom, adam's all spazing cus the chief is here but he's on his way. " a glare upstairs.

Brenda says "Thank you, Iily, and try to be nicer to your brother. Okay?"

Lily wrinkes HER nose but says "okay"

Brekke takes a seat wherever is suggested.

Eventually Adam comes downstairs; not too late to be rude, but not -immediately- either.

"Adam. Good morning."

Brekke is given a large chair opposite a sofa and at angle with another chair

"Morning, Chief. Morning." He greets his family.

"I hope this is not an inconvenience," she says to all of them, "but I am concerned, and I wish to...to understand better what troubles are here."

Adam hovers, standing.

"Adam," Brekke indicates an available seat, close to his family.

...and an eyebrow if he hesitates.

Kyle observes

Brenda says "I'm not sure what can be resolved here anytime soon, Chieftain, but, well, thank you for trying. "

"All efforts must have a beginning," Brekke replies.

Kyle glances over at Adam, who has still not sat down

"I wish to ask you questions. I think...it will be tempting to argue and disagree. Please do not. Please wait. All will be heard." Then, "Kyle, you are eldest, I believe?" She looks between Kyle and Brenda.

"Yes." He says.