#rivervale_lodge

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It is a truly beautiful spring day in New Jersey. The sky is clear with only a couple of clouds for emphasis, the temperature is beginning to hint at summer but still staying on the cool side, and the "long weekend" atmosphere has settled on the mood of the neighborhood.

A long, leisurely patrol might be just the ticket.

Brekke has spent much of the morning working on the gardens with Jack Flap, but yes, a patrol is in order.

If Frank's around, she might suggest that he join her.

Frank, in fact, is the one who does the suggesting.

They are of one mind, then. A nod, and off they go, onto the woodland trails.

An easy walk, known hazards.

"I should come out here and lay down some trail beams."

"As surface? Or as borders?"

"Borders, just to shore up the trail."

She nods. "That would be good. Would you like help?"

His beard moves. "From you? Yes. Always."

He is rewarded with a slight grin and pleased creases near her eyes. "Tell me when, and we shall do it."

She pauses to move a fallen branch off the trail.

"Mmm. This week?"

A nod. "That should work. You travel after that, correct?"

He nods. "Yes. Back to work."

She looks over at him. "You will enjoy being on the road again, I think."

He gives a shrug-nod and says "I will miss you."

"We will speak often," she assures him. Then an amused look. "I recall the days when you needed to seek out a pay telephone sometimes, and hope I would be at the Lodge when you called."

He chuckles. "Yes. I remember those conversations. You in the phone closet."

"I was strongly motivated to get an extension in the bedroom for privacy."

"Mmm...." His mind wanders to the possibilities of that arrangement.

A brow at him, and she shakes her head in amusement. They continue walking.

He touches the back of her hand with his fingertips.

She slips her hand into his. That pleased expression is still around her eyes.

They walk through the woods for a time.

"All is well with you?" Checking in.

"Mm." Confirmation. After a few moments, she adds, "I still do not know enough about what is occurring with the census ordered by the Count. I should speak with him, if I can."

After a pause, "Though I suppose I might just as easily learn more from Baron Kealan."

"Perhaps more easily."

"Mmm." agreement.

"I must speak with Sylvi, also, and find what the census is at Goldfinch."

"Yes."

And they continue patrol, speaking of this and that as they walk together.

((Fade or Pause))