MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26. Mr. Cataliades arrives at the hotel with the news that a plane will be leaving in three hours, stopping first in Dallas and then in Shreveport, and that if they want a ride home, they need to be at the terminal. As they part, Sookie discovers that Quinn has been taken to a nearby hospital. She elects to visit him rather than catch the plane. Sookie finds Quinn unconscious with a weary, hungry, filthy Frannie at his bedside. She gives the younger girl money for a change of clothes and a meal, and Frannie offers Sookie the use of her car to drive home, since she will have to take Quinn home in his van.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. After two days of driving, a relieved Sookie returns home to an ecstatic welcome by Amelia. Tara soon arrives with the news that she and JB du Rone have gotten married. Sookie tries to be happy for her friends and tells herself that if she just stays away from vampires and Weres for a while, she’ll be okay.

The Secret Dialogues of Bill and Eric

TO: WILLIAM COMPTON

BY THE ORDER OF OUR QUEEN, YOU ARE SUMMONED TO A MEETING WITH ANDRE PAUL TOMORROW NIGHT AT FANGTASIA.

ERIC NORTHMAN,

SHERIFF OF AREA FIVE

Phone: Eric calling Bill.

ERIC: “Bill.”

BILL: “Eric.”

ERIC: “Quinn is in town.”

BILL: “Yes.”

ERIC: “Is he with Sookie?”

BILL: “Is that any of your business, Eric?”

ERIC: “I like to know who my employees are associating with.”

BILL: “Your employee? I believe that Sookie is in the employ of the queen, not you. If Sophie-Anne calls to ask me who Sookie is spending time with, then I’ll see what I can find out. Not until then.”

ERIC : “As if you don’t already know.” (Silence.)

ERIC : “Need I remind you that you are still a resident in my territory?” BILL: “I remember that quite well, Eric. I am also in the employment of the queen and am too busy performing my duties in preparation for the summit to spy for you. And as you well know, Sophie-Anne trumps you every time.”

Phone: Eric calling Bill.

ERIC : “Bill, did you go upstairs? What has happened?”

BILL : “There has been trouble on Jennifer Cater’s floor. I believe the Arkansas vampires are all dead, except perhaps one.”

ERIC : “Well. That’s certainly convenient.” BILL : “My thoughts exactly.”

Phone: Eric calling Bill.

ERIC : “The trial is going forward. Meet us in the exhibit room where the wedding was held.”

BILL : “Has Sookie been contacted?”

ERIC : “Yes, Andre sent her a message. He’ll wait for her and escort her in. We will kneel before our queen to show our support.”

In person:

ERIC : “Please get a picture of Kyle Perkins to Sookie. Tomorrow she will be looking for the place where Kyle learned to throw the arrows with such accuracy.”