#elsewhere

Jaymes wakes up more frequently, and the nurses that check up on him do't appear to be too banal. He is smuggled bits of glamour now and then.

Frank guards him, in his way, and they have an ally in Dr. Lee

And Frank is true to his promise; he contacts others to set up a rotation of protection in the room or nearby.

Thane Tiffany comes up, "Seriously, the Pekinese?"

She sits next to Frank "how you holding up there, hillside?"

"I'm finen, Tiffany.Thank you."He stands, a little stiffly "Dr Lee will check in on Jaymes, and the nurses are letting him sleep for the moment."

"I'll guard the fort." She hands him a note . It simply says 'Mr. King , give me a call- Zane' in Zane's hand writing

He reads it, nods. "Thank you. I'll call. Let me know when you come off guard duty, a text will do fine. Stay safe."and he departs to make that call to Zane as he walks back towards the Rig.

Zane picks up "Mr. King. Safe to talk as ourselves?"

"Mmm. Let me get in the Rig." he does so "Go ahead."

"Mountain, a vampire went after Dagmar's house. Connor was visiting, which turned out out to good because May dropped by.. the vampire tried to take her. Connor called a warning.. I was already on my way just to check on things. Dirk and Anne Marie also showed up. Everyone is fine."

"When was this?"

"Shortly after news got out about the shooting. That's not coincidence. I've been interogating tthe vampire "

"You -what-??"

A delay, then sound a phone being wiped "I've been interrogating the vampire"

"Where are you?"

"A basement where? Address?" Zane can hear the Rig powering up "Can you find out what happens if Leech dies?"

"It's a rental property... right now the vampire thinks I am his elder... incorporating you into the cantrip might be tricky, sir" He does give the address

Frank plots a course as he says "I'm not there yet. Can you find out what happens if Leech dies?"

"The Peon vampire doesn't know, but he SUSPECTS others will avenge him"

"What does he think his elders want, then? Leech's freedom? On what terms?" Frank puts the phone on hands-free, the Rig in gear, and starts towards Zane's location.

"Sir, it's all speculation. I have this handled as far as it can be handled with this guy"

"What is your exit plan, Zane?"

"Well, sir. I'm learning who and where his sire is, how he makes contact, and so on. Aftter I get the information on that, I can work myself up the chain. And.. this vampire? Frannkly I was thinking a crematorium"

"Zane, what do you mean by 'work myself up the chain'?"

"Zane, that is not a wise course. I do not wish you to do this."

"Wise course? I'm trying to use my magic to save-" His tone is defensive, a bit bristling, then he seems to catch himself "I'm sorry, Mountain. What DO you want me to do? "

"Wait for me. I'm on the way. I won't go into the basement; I can even stay in the Rig. Let's talk."

"Right, well, he's staked again so that should be fine"

Frank pulls up. Mmm yep. Rental area. Can't have been cheap.

"I'm outside now. Come on out and climb in."

Zane comes out and climbs in "Okay, what am I doing wrong?" As if braced for a lecture

"Didn't say you were doing anything wrong, Zane. I'm worried; vampires are especially dangerous. Do you have back up out here?"

"Ive got Dirk on speed dial and nearby" He says "And the place is rented and expennses covered"

Frank starts to speak, stops, frowns with puzzlement "How??

"Well I've had dirk on speed dial for over a year nnnow and Anne Marie insisted I call him in case of trouble"

"Imeant, how did you pay for this house and expenses?"

"I got contacts" He assures

"Annd it's just on short term"

Frank is quiet a moment, the Rig's idleing rumble a low undertone to his silence.

"Zane, that is less than honest. I am concerned about your efforts here. Understand, I am glad we have the information you have gathered."

"I am concerned about the risks you have taken, and plan to take. I am not sure it is worth what you will learn."

A long blink "Sir? What risks? It's a captured vampire who is under my spell?"

"Banality. Vampires are .... I don't know how you even know who I am, having spent the time you have in its presence, Zane. They are deadly on more than one level; they can make you mortal, then kill you. Forever."

"How are your cantrips working on such a thing?"

"Dross" He nods "And timing. I know about banality sir. The poor vampire isn't happy about the gift of pan, bu did you know that lowers banality?"

"Yes, I did."

"Well, there you go in part" A look at himself, horns still there, but yes less vibrant than he was "I understand your worries , Mountain. But I have valauble information that could at least close one avenue to hurting folks. Isn't that what any lodge member would do?"