#bergen_county

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Frank returns to the motel in the Jeep, and taps on Didi's door.

"Who is it?" Nervous look through the peep hole

"Frank, your friend from the other night."

"Oh..frank.. I don't remember much frank... there's a note.. but normally after my memory is fuzzy I think the worst. Weird thing? The note's in my hand writing... I'm a little creeped out, Frank."

But the door does open, the chain still up but she's looking through the crack

Frank offers a kind smile, somewhat obscured by his beard. "I can understand. You ate?"

"Yep. I did. Frank, the letter says that you helped set this up... and frankly, you don't look like any wanna be pimp I've ever seen. And I had.. weird dreams and a strange lingering sense that maybe not all people suck. Add to that, only the most desperate pimp would want me... I'm going to take a chance." She opens the door unlocking the chain "Don't let me down, okay?" And opening it she does.

She is much cleaner, much more kempt, though the rough life she had still shows its marks.

And her clothes aren't filthy so big bonus.

"Thank you, Didi. I try very hard not to let people down." He waits in the doorway, not entering but at least they can talk face to face.

"Come on in," She says "I think I have this for one last night" She offers. "is Adam okay?"

"I'm not a pimp." He assures her. "And I did help you last night. And I'll continue to help, if you let me. Yes. Adam is fine." He steps just a bit inside.

She dcloses the door "Good. it kind of weird after I met his friend but I remember.. being happy for Adam. In my dream he drank from a fountain and got younger... or maybe it was a 7 up. I don't know." She says "Can I get you a drink ? Coffee or water or something?"

"I'm fine, thank you." He's a BIG guy.

She looks up "Damn. What do they feed you? Okay.. uhm.. why are you helping me again? You told me.. I think"

The giant guy nods. "You helped a friend of mine the other night, and I feel one good turn deserves another."

"Two friends of mine, actually."

"I remember helping Adam, not sure who the other is.. but Adam almost jumped a cop for me but..." She shrugs

"He did?" A rumble. "Hm. He didn't mention that part. Ok."

"You hurt?"

"Oh yeah... I... oh.. " She snorts "The pig knew how to hit a woman without leaving too many marks"

"Which officer?" gently.

"Nothing you can do about it, big guy" She says "Let's just say he wants to keep the town beautiful"

"You might be surprised at what I can do things about, Didi. Maybe you'll let me know later." He doesn't push. "You have everything you need here for now?"

"I do, but ah, Frank... I can't live on your charity forever.. actually, I could I suppose but that's not a sound finacial choice for you," Wry

He chuckles. "Agreed. Didi, I don't want to pry; I respect your privacy, ok? I have friends who can help you get on your feet if you want."

"Yeah? Who?" Cautious "I mean, normally I wouldn't even consider my odds, but normally I don't wake up with a full belly new clothes and a temporary hotel room."

"Fair." Frank agrees. "I know a good social worker, she knows people who can help with doctors, employers, education. And I know some employers and educators too; semi-official ones."

"Semi official? Frank.." She looks impressed, "Do you do things under the table?"

"I have been known to."

"Good. Most folks who are always 'by the book' don't realize who the books have been written FOR. Politicians pass a law that dicks others over, yet oddly make themselves immune to same law. A system is made up of 'how to', but no one seems to realize to 'how to' you have to 'have money' .. sucks. Sometimes the only way to win at the game of life is to put some house rules in.. hell, sometimes it's the only way to break even. Not that I'm a winner." She frowns "This ..social worker, she by the book?"

His beard moves a little. "When she has to be. We work together when we need to."

"Not everything is black and white." He admits with a sigh.

"it's okay, Frank. You wouldn't like where the balance lay out if it was" She says "If everyone is defined by their WORST moments? Everyone's pretty much heading to hell and there's not much point"

Frank nods. "And, there is a point. So."

"Okay..what's your friend's name and how do I get in touch? I don't have a regular phone or..well address"

"I can take you to her, if you like. Here's her card." He offers Anne Marie's info. "Tell her who you are, mention my name."

"I will, and.. thanks" SHe says

"You want me to take you to her?"

"She's not busy right now? I mean. .I can just bother her NOW?"

"She'll make time for you."

"Well, then.. uhm. sure" She says

Frank nods and moves back outside to wait for her to be ready.

And she prepares.. and goes out. Didi and Frank chat on the way there a bit more. She relates some of her life screw ups to him and if he coaxes, he will learn about that corupt cop.

If it can be done gently he does; and the name might not surprise him.

It confirms a few rumors he'd heard before.

And soon Anne Marie is guiding Didi and Frank into her House Office to 'talk shop'

(End scene)

"No, absolutely not!" Tove says "Get those out of here, shoo shoo"