#rivervale_lodge

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When the Lodge phone rings a bit later, Kerri answers. "King and Davidson residence, Kerri speaking."

"Hi Kerri. It's Jess. Is my mom available?"

A pause. It's only been an hour or so since they spoke. After a moment, she says, "I think the Kestrel's back. I'll see if she can talk. Hold on." The phone is set down, and she can hear Kerri's footsteps moving away, a door opening and closing.

A longish pause.

Jess, unseen, chews on a hangnail as she waits.

Eventually, the sound of the door again, and then footsteps, heavier this time.

The phone receiver is picked up, and another pause. "Jessica?"

It's Brekke.

"Hi." subdued.

A pause.

"Hello."

"Um. So... is this a bad time to talk?"

"No. It is not." Pause. "What do you wish to discuss?"

"Just... what happened. I feel like maybe ... we should talk about it?"

"Yes. You said you would explain. Later, you said."

"Now is fine."

"Mom....." a deep breath "I've never seen you act like that. I didn't want you to do something you'd regret later. That's why."

"Hm."

"That is all?"

"Yes."

A pause.

"I see."

"You had the right to send us away from your demesne," she allows.

"But that doesn't -make- it right."

"No."

"I'm... I'm sorry it happened like this but I'm not sorry I tried to protect you."

A long moment of silence.

"She had more spirit than I'd anticipated."

"She's ... enraged. And I think she's afraid."

"Good."

"She should be."

"She should not have a moment's comfort or security."

A long moment.

"I haven't heard back from the Duke yet but I will let you know when I do."

"Yes."

"I may contact him. Add my voice."

"... it won't sound like my mother is speaking for me? Or over me?"

"You must do all things alone?"

"And I have no right to speak, when she has endangered both of my daughters?" Her tone clearly feels this is not the case.

"How about, when I hear from him, I tell him you'd like to speak with him about it?" she offers.

A pause.

"For now. But I will not wait a long time, Jessica. I have done my waiting."

"I waited for him too." she says softly.

"And you recovered him."

"And you saw what they did to him."

"They did. Not her."

"Her crimes are against me and mine. And Siv."

"Jessica. I will not lose more to that House."

"I know."