#rivervale_lodge

"Leave them. Call 911 from the phone, let them know where those two are. Ditch the phone as soon as you get close to home." A pause. "Spare a moment to talk to Connor? He's been listening, and won't forgive me if I let you hang up."

(thump thump thump tail)

"Okay."

Kerri passes the phone to Connor. "Don't talk too long, she's on a mission."

"Dagmar!" He peeps! "You didn't come for dinner. It was pork chops. I ate them for you."

"Hey Connor. Thank you for helping with dinner. When we get home, I'm going to need special Squire assistance from you, okay? There's a little boy, who will need a nice friend to make him feel safe."

Suddenly his back straightens. "I'm terrible at that. I'll have to call in the Shadowpaw."

TXT to Kerri: I'll get the coffee on

"Does he needs cookies? Or... Cookies?"

"Cookies might help, kiddo."

"I know the recipe." Solemn, earnest.

"Okay, I trust you. Can I talk to Kerri again, please?"

"Yus." Phone handed over.

And Connor disappears into the kitchen.

Kerri receives the phone and grins as he goes. "He's on the job," she tells Dagmar. "Need anything else from me right now?"

"No, we should be there.. uh... two hours, maybe? I took stops coming out, so that's a guess."

"That was pretty much my guess. Get going, and safe travels."

"Thanks, Kerri. See you soon."

Kerri hangs up and heads into the kitchen. It's still early, but she switches into overdrive. Another text to Anne Marie assuring her that she's preparing food for the newcomers (so the boggan doesn't have to be burdened by that).

Connor has showed surprising initiative. Coffee maker is on, and he is mixing a bowl that probably has, based on the counter leavings, eggs and cream in it.

"Good start, but remember to tidy as you go."

"They're from Canada, so I'll make French Toasts. The kind in the pan that bakes. Can we have bacon, too?"

Puppy dog eyes.

"That sounds like a good idea. I'll get started on that."

...

Connor's ears perk up when he hears the sound of the truck crunching gravel. KEEN ears, he can tell between Frank's truck (which is home) and others...

Kerri, having run to the store for more groceries, left Connor IN CHARGE. Or at least, so he sees it.

Dagmar leads the way on her bike, followed by a box truck.

He howls a welcome, then remembers and halloos instead, waving vigorously.

He has set out a folding table! There are cookies and lemonade, and cheese and crackers... a loaf of bread, cold cuts... looks like he just pulled half the fridge out and put it on the table.

She parks and waves back.

SOME of that is intended for the 4th, Dagmar knows.

Well, this was unplanned.

Did Kerri want that cake set out, the one with the fireworks in the frosting? Alas, a slice is already missing! But plates are near it, showing not JUST puppy hunger.

She directs the truck to park by the rig, and goes round to open the back.

The now free people pile out, looking surprised to actually find green in Jersey

She helps with a hand down for those who need it.

The youngster waves encouragingly, gesturing to the table where pitchers of ice water and lemonade glisten invitingly.

A big smile for the pook!

There is also a couple crayon signs up. One says "baño" and points towards the downstairs facilities. If anyone snoops, they'll find that the Pooka, BETTER at snooping, has locked doors. Alas, where the keys are might be another question, but only the kitchen, main living/dining, and bathroom are readily accessible at the moment.

"Okay, okay, there's food, and folks can shower..."

Agila translates for everyone. She is being used as a human switchboard

The shy boy is soon being gently courted by Connor, who can clearly see his 'friend' and strikes up a conversation. Shortly after, they are eating sandwiches.

Dagmar tries! Her spanish is basic and slow, but serviceble. Less luck with the Tagalog.

Something smells... toasty.

..Sniff.

Heavily toasty.

She takes off towards the kitchen.