#elsewhere

As one does.

Brekke emerges from the room and tries to avoid noting the hospital surroundings much as she seeks out Frank. He is not hard to find.

"Jonas will watch him for a time," she tells him.

"Good."\

Frank is off-center, holds himself uncomfortably. "We must talk, but for now... what have you learned?"

She frowns, looking at him. "Not here. Outside, in the rig."

He nods and leads her there....Aaaaaalllllll the way across the parking lot, to the Rig, and inside.

Once out in the parking lot, she says, "I do not know more than I did, other than that Jaymes is improving. He responded well to the heatherbalm. His concern is for Dagmar feeling guilt."

"Mmm." agreement "I think she will feel that no matter what else we do.

"Likely. She is stubborn. She would also attempt to conceal injury from those who might help."

"Mmm."

As they approach the rig, she says, "Tell me."

"You have been appraised of the situation? Children of Lilith?"

She nods, grimly. "I am thinking of having Lupe take a shift at guarding Jaymes. She will be in a better position to defend, should others of that kind attempt another attack here."

"She is.... " he nods "Yes. A good choice."

Frank eases himself into the rig and settles "Leech's efforts must be stopped."

She also settles, then turns to him. "What injuries are you concealing?"

"...or attempting to?"

"Shoulder." he shifts so she can find it if she likes; his shirt DOES show sighs of abuse.

She nods, glad that he did not make a futile attempt at lying. "Where else?" she asks as she takes a careful look at the shoulder, trying not to pain him.

"That's all, I think."

"And which foe gave you this damage?"

"The gunman here at the hospital. He didn't know why he did it."

She frowns and looks again. Is there an exit wound?

Well, the stitching Dr. Lee did on it is expert, and it appears the bullet was removed

Brekke nods at the work done. Then she thinks a moment before quietly singing a verse of one of the songs they enjoyed while traveling cross-country in the rig, years ago. She gently cups both hands at his shoulder, in front and behind, directing the glamour of the heatherbalm to settle there.

Frank reaches to cup her cheek, just to touch her.

The touch draws a small grin from her, but she focuses on his shoulder still.

The throbbing ache of the wound subsides, and Frank can feel the swelling decrease as the tissue begins to heal.

((So many interpretations of that available.....))

((But none will be utilized. stern look...with a grin ))

A soft grunt.

"Better?" she asks quietly.

Frank is quiet a moment.

"Shoulder is, yes. Thank you. What do we do about the vampires attacking?"

"I will advise Hemlock and send out a call to the other baronies and our allies. I think word is already spreading among the other holds that aided." She frowns at him. "Tell me what else is not better."

"We are under attack." quietly "Dagmar, and the rest of our family name."

"We are. But that is not, I think, what you meant by 'we must talk.'"

"When the danger is over, I'd like a word." clearly, AFTER things are settled.

She regards him, then says, "We will speak about this matter within two weeks...for the danger is never completely over, Frank, and you know this."

He nods. "I know. What would you have me do now?"

She considers, frowning. A long, deep breath. "I must contact Lupe," she says, the start of a list, apparently.

Lupe is not hard to reach. Turns out she's actually on Brekke's contact list, but seldom used

"We may need to help her get here," she says as she awkwardly makes the call.

A startled sound "Hola? Lupe here..." Then realization "Oh, Mrs King. I wondered why someone didn't text"

"Should I go get her?" Frank rumbles from the driver's seat; not to oust Brekke but to include her.

She puts up a hand to forestall Frank. "Yes, Lupe. I hope I did not interrupt you from something important. I need to speak with you in person. Can this be done?"

He waits.

"Sure thing, Mrs. King. Where?"