#elsewhere

Frank ended up a bit late on his regular original delivery, but the folks were surprisingly understanding.

Being patient in detention sometimes pays off (the unpaid time spent loading and unloading).

Indeed, and the folks have worked with him before. They let a lot slide , but rarely have to with him, which is another reason they do let it slide

"Not a problem" One guy fills out the paper work "Had one poor bastard driving through the smokeys and had to reroute because of wild fires."

Frank nods and produces a box of .... ooo... he always carries the best goodies. Truckers may run on Dunkins but King brings home made stuff. Kerri may not be aware that he keeps her stuff for these guys, but hey.....

"Appreciate the understanding Fred."

"Oh , is that good stuff again? Hell, Frank, for that I'll set the time of arrival back 30 minutes"

(Well, he might not have told the guys he makes these gifts to where they come from, either.)

"No, now, that's not a bribe. Just a pick me up."

"Well," He takes it "I'm picked up. You heading back or looking for more work?"

"Heading back."

"Have a great trip then" Fred says with a smile putting the goodies to the side with great effort "We'll keep you in mind for more work later in the season if you want. I get tired of working with assholes so you're a breath of freshair"

"Thank you. Take it easy, Fred." Frank completes the paperwork and the drop, and makes a phone call to update Rivervale on his status.

He gets Siv, "Hey Da!" She answers, actually at the lodge "how goes?"

"Hello Siv. Finished the run with a small detour, heading home now. I'll have to take a rest stop, though."

"I'll let folks know. Mom's not at the lodge tonight but Vali and Kerri have it all handled"

"Where's your mother?"

"Oh she's fine. She's visiting Jessica" Siv answers "She called to let us know she was staying the night"

"Is Jessica ok?" yep, definitely concern in his voice.

"Well," Siv sounds surprised "Mom said all was well so I assume so?"

"Mm. Probably. You're right. Ok."

"Anyway, Anything you're hoping for meal wise when you get back?"

"Mm. Not really. Looking forward to home-cooked, though."

A chuckle "I'll bet. Well, I don't know of course, but I did see some pork ribs and corn being brought in."

"Sounds fantastic. I'm leaving Dayton now but I'm going to take a rest stop just outside. I'll call when I get back on the road."

"Thanks , Da. Always good to know you're good. Love you" She says. His little girl is rather expressive for a troll, but then, Fiona

"Love you too, Siv." he rumbles.

And once done, he gets underway.

Frank drives for a bit, then finds his spot just outside Dayton. Friendly to truckers, clean, has decent chow available.

After the adventure, though, he feels better just staying with the truck. He gets out and puts the truck to bed (as it were) and then steps inside for the toilet and a shower but skips chow in favor of the last of his meals in the rig and to sleep there.

He will also take what precausions he can, magical and otherwise, to hide the Rig.

And he carries his tire tapper with him.

A little caution after all that is prudent. He's still not sure Conrad won't sic someone else after him

Fear tends ot have an 'arm's length' aspect

And.. he gets a phone call hours later, waking him from his nap

"Mm. Hello?"

"Sorry about the timing, but I thought you'd want to know as soon as the doctors gave word " Mina says forgetting to say who it is

"Mm?"

He sounds a bit groggy.

"Oh sorry, Frank. It's me, Mina. It's about the boy? The one you busted ass to help?"

"Yes?" now he sounds more alert.

"You'll be happy to know the heart was still viable, and as of roughly 15 minutes ago, the doctors consider the surgery as a success. Andrew, that's the name of the boy, will be fine."

"Well, there's always a chance of rejection, " She corrects "But it looks good. No it looks great. The young man's family is estatic"

Something loosens in Frank's chest, and his knees's complaints are worth it. "Good. Thank you, Mina."

"I'm just the decoy and bearer of good news. " She says , smile in her voice "They were terrified when they heard the heart was missing. The hospital is downplaying it as a bueracratic snafu, so the boy may never know you saved his life, but you did the Oak proud today"

"Thank you, Mina. It wouldn't have worked without you. You are welcome at Rivervale any time."

"Oh busy in the medical field... how's 2025 sound?" a joke.. maybe

"Sounds just fine. No need to call ahead; come when you can."

"I may just hold you to that. You get back to sleep. Lord knows you've earned it. God be with you, Frank"

"Thank you, Mina. Stay safe." Frank thumbs it off and sets it down to settle back in.