#elsewhere

For Frank, the first day of the drive went smoothly, a little cold rain but that was brief.

But he was making surprisingly good time., It seemed traffic flow as almost eerily kind to him.

Sometimes the fates line up that way. He drives carefully, as always.

He's got a family to get back too, and, in some ways, a rig this big is much like being a troll. It's bigger, more powerful than smaller vehicles, so restraint and responsible use of that power is important, just like a troll must restrain his or her self.

He checks his gas, he may need to refuel in the next few hours. But should he get it down now and hope to pick a cheaper price, or go further and hit a usual spot that might be pricier but he knows well?

He's doing ok; he decides to go bit further to the usual spot.

Finally Frank pulls up to Avery's Trucker Emporium , a fancy name.. most just call it Avery's. Even though Avery himself died six years ago, his family carries on. They're nocker kin, a bit brusque, but they treat the machines right.

As he pulls in for a refuel, Ava Daley , daughter of Avery Daley, greets him. "Rigger... how the furk are you doing?"

"Doin' just fine Ms Ava. How're you and yours?"

"Oh we're a furking mess as usual. " She snorts "but we're holding together. Jo Jo swears she found her real True Love this time. I'll believe it when I see it, but at least the man knows the difference between a carburetor and an engine. Last 'mister right really' was so helpless around machines it made me cry. Davey's at college, wants to be a Civil Engineer... holding on pretty well"

"How's your own wife and kids?" She inquires as they set his vehicle up for it's usual choice fuel. It does cost a bit more, but he swears there's a touch of heather balm or string magic in every gallon that makes his vehicle run as if it just got a class A tune up

"Good." He rumbles "Healthy and sound."

"If you have to have one thing going right, healthy family is in the top 3. Go on, get some grub inside, maybe a showerr. This beauty will take awhile to ffill up"

Frank nods, and heads in for a road break, being sure to log it.

He logs it. Hits the showers, changes clothes, and hits the trucker trough where some of his peers are assembled

He grabs.... a salad. And crackers.

"Geez, Frank" One trucker asks "How do you keep any energgy with that? Does't a big guy like you need protien?"

"Sure. I get protein; might have some chicken on this."

"Beans..." Another trucker suggests "that's protein too. Just be sure to keep the air flow strong in case they figgh you"

"Good point." He rumbles.

A few chuckles

He hears chatter, bear traps, which County police are fair and which ones are trying to screw folks for money. Weather rreports but also talk of wives at home by some

Of courrse, most are sons of Adam

(Pause)

Frank settles in and yes, orders a grilled chicken breast, sliced. And a glass of milk. He eats.

the food here is decent, solid

As is Frank, and many of the other patrons. He finishes, pays (and tips!) and hits the bathroom one more time before going out to his rig.

He hears two voices comin from a stall

(Perception plus Alertness)

/roll 7

A phone call in the stall? Mmm

nnnot unheard of... but...

"Look, I want more money. Whatt I'm doing, it might be seen as murder"

angry squak on the phone

"Look, it's still ticking, or will, onnce you get into your bosses chestt, but he's jumped ahead of a waiting lis. you can't expect itt cheap"

Frank remains quiet, listening; this can't be good.

"Look, it's reasonable... just another 10000... I'm the one the authorities will be tracking down when tthat kid who was supposed to geting his dies"

Frank tries to figure out which stall... maybe he's tall enough to see some details over the top without revealing himself?

Or moving?

He is... mostly he sees a MAGA cap from this angle. the man wearing it has a phone he's handling inepetly

Mmm he's not actually USING the toilet savve to sit on. thank goodnness

Frank nods to himself; only one entry/exit to the restroom?

Yup. that's the case.

Frank slips back out and browses near the door.

"Don't worry, me and the Dragon will get it there. Pleasure doing business wih you" the guy hangs up

And out he comes

Frank takes a good look at him; not staring, but noticing the details. Including where he's headed.

Five foot 11, a balding blonde, bit of a spare tire onn him