#bergen_county

CC nods to him approvingly as he goes to get that ice

At the counter, he makes his request.

And it's provided!

He bustles out again to provide as first aid, and retakes his seat to listen.

"So my family ignores me a lot... I came close to running away..." Looks like Audrey is opening up even more "But even if mom says I'm acting like a slut justt for going out to parties, she's never hurt me.. nnor dad. They're just..."

"Physical abuse is only one TYPE of abuse" CC says gently, then nods to EBG

"Dry." he supplies.

"Dry" A nod and the ice is applied "Thank you"

"Most welcome, my dear." He looks a question at Callidora.

CC 's eyes register a very strong 'possibly'

"Have you lived in the area long?" he inquires gently.

"Heck no, we moved here during Covid. " She shrugs

He nods. "And you live with your family."

"Yeah, me, my brother"

"And mom and dad" She finishes

"Well, they needn't know about our happy meeting, do they?"

"Thank you" A pause "I donn't even knnow your real names"

A glance at Callidora; she knows his penchant for nom de guerre.

CC says "Oh us? How rude of me. Benjy, we forgot to give our names"

"Benjamin Frothengale." he splays a hand on his chest, a gesture Callidora knows he's stolen from Zara. "Allow me to introduce Cicely Mountjoy." he indicates Callidora.

"Charmed" 'Cicely' says

"Thank you, Mistter Frothengale, miss Mountjoy... for saving me"

"Only what decent people would do." he assures her.

"Well, I suppose but.. if there's anything I can do for you, please, le me know?" Audrey asks

CC looks over at EBG, a slight head tilt, a question, perhaps askingg with her eyes if this girl should be milked for info, possiblly his thoughts on opening the lantern near her , though her act of rebellion was merely to slip out

He purses his lips and sips his coffee. Perhaps..... Then he answers Audrey "I'm not one to hold others to a debt, my dear. You've slipped out of the house; can you slip back in? Will you be well from here?"

"Probably" She nods "Parents are probably more worried about nolann than me"

"Nolan? Your brother?"

"Yeah... i'm the girl so I'm expected to be the GOod twin, but he's... well, they've learned that was a mistake' Wryly

"Twins." he says politely "But what do you mean, a mistake?" he seems puzzled.

"Because at the last place we were at? My brother took a car for a 'joy ride'"

"he stole a car?" CC smirks

"Oh -dear-...." aghast!

"no.. stealing would mean he'd get hit with a BIG Crime, he 'joyided' which played better with the judge' Audrey says

And yes, the girl seems more relaxed. Her brother getting away with stuff a source of amusement, and envy

"And the play worked."

"Yes," she admits "Why do boys get away with everything? "

"One DId gget stabbed" CC reminds

"Well yeah, you know what i mean though" She says

"I'm so sorry to hear that you and your family are not close. Such a tragedy."

"Oh I LIKE my brother really..." She sighs "I just..envy"

William, sorry, Benjamin, drums his fingers in thought but asks "He is more... visibly his own man, while you sneak around. That sort of obviousness isn't to your taste, is it?"

"He's got more spine"

"Annd of course, when I do try it... THIS happens" She shrugs

"THIS happening was nnot your fault or some punishment from beyond" CC says firmly "THIS happening were two individuals who decided to be monsers insntead of people"

"I could not agree more."

He drums his fingers, thinking, and glances at CC.

They get a break "Oh geez. I .. uhm where's the lady's room in here?" Audrey gets up

CC poinnts "Back that way, to the left."

He nods agreement and waits till Callidora and he are alone. "What do you think?"