#rivervale_lodge

He touches the stump, "I can track the tree now that I 'know' this" And withinn a moment, a flickering wisp appears, and they start to walk

Frank takes the rear point.

Brekke follows Dutch, keeping watch over him as he keeps his eyes on the wisp.

He trails, and it akes another half hour, someone took a truck... but then they come to it. A huddled crumpled house that needs paint, has a broken fence.... that's barely standing up. The vehicle in question is there

Frank grunts softly. "I can get help here by the morning, I think."

"Help in what form?"

She looks to see if there's any sign of the tree being up and decorated?

It's up, one can see it in the winndow, but nnot yet decorated

"To judge from here? Groceries. Presents. Within a month? Structural support, a plumber, an electrician, hell, a general contractor. A auto mechanic."

Brekke nods. "We should also endeavor to see if there is any nurturing of spirit we can accomplish. There may be a dreamer hidden in there among the despair."

A rusty broken bike for a little girl lays in the yard. .. irreperable and deserted

She points to the window. "See it there."

"Presents." Frank repeats grimly.

"World is cruel and cold, " Dutch frowns "But a single candle and all that"

"We'll need to get a replacement."

(pause)

Brekke grins slightly. "You may need to borrow a Santa suit, Frank."

"Mm. Not the first time."

"True."

"Really? Story there"

"Still...I think it will be easier to recover the tree now than after it is decorated. Also, the father must know that he cannot do this...but that the local ranger is willing to be forgiving this time."

"Well, your turf, I'll follow you two onn this" Dutch says

"This part is mine," she says to Frank.

"I think if the father has food on the table, presents under a tree, and a chance to catch his breath he won't be in the woods at night with a dull ax spending the energy to take a tree." Frank points out.

"Yes, and agreed. But...if we can engage his cooperation in replacing the tree, less trickery is required on our parts."

He nods.

"Wait here." Then she heads for the door, her mortal appearance wearing her forestry service uniform. She goes through what's left of the gate and up to the front door, where she rings the bell or knocks.

Frank steps away, out of sight from those who would answer the door, and takes out his tiny phone to make a few calls.

The doorr opens, a sweaty beleaguered man opens the door

"Good evening, sir. I am Brekke Dierks from the New Jersey Forest Service. May I speak with you a few minutes?"

"Ah... " His face goes pale, "Ah, this may not be a good time. My kids are asleep"

A brow. "Sir, I believe that makes this the perfect time. It is about the tree."

He winces "Please, dear god, don't arrest me"

She shakes her head. "No. I will not. I think I understand what happened here, but can you please explain the situation to me as you see it?"

"My kids, lousy year, their mother died six months ago, but the medical bills.... lost my job with the good insurance... got another, not as good and... now ... look, Ranger... I screwed up, but this will be their first Christmas withoutt their mother. It was almost their first one without a tree. I just couldn't swing it AND the gifts . So I ggot hem some gifs, and the tree I... well, yeah, I took one down."

She nods, frowning a bit. "I am very sorry for your loss and your difficulties. And I understand why you made the choice you did. However, in taking a tree that has not been farmed, you are increasing the possibility of transporting damaging insects that go dormant within the wood, and you also risk interfering with local animals that may nest in or near the tree itself. I am sure you do not wish either of these outcomes."

She may be stretching the truth of the actual risks in this case, but he need not know that.

"Didn' know abou the bugs. I didn't see any animals"

"I'll..." He says "I'll get the tree... I ... sorry I killed it for nonthinng"

"Many are already in hibernation. It is December," she points out.

"Thank you. And...if you will allow, I think we can arrange for a replacement that has been correctly farmed. At no cost to you."

"I.." He blinks "Why would you do that? I'm... lucky not to be fined or in jail"

"I would not, if you were cutting down trees to sell for a profit. But that is not the case. Your children should have a good holiday. Please, bring me the tree."

"Yes, sure I.. thank you" And he goes inside

And soon, the tree is brouht out, the man straining to not damage it

Brekke relieves him of the burden, carrying the tree with both strength and gentleness. "Thank you. Now...sir, I do not know your name."

"Jeff Croix" He says

A nod. "Mr. Croix. And your children are...?"

"Daphne... she's 8, and Junior, he's 6"

"Good kids"