Ask Me

Ask Me 67

Ted fed Benny and I started a wash, after about an hour Con came home he said he had stopped by the hospital to see bub and got stuck talking to Marty about something. His big guns hugged me as he kissed me full on the lips. Ted also got a hug but the cartoon was so interesting I don't even think he noticed.

"We have to go to Andy's for a barbecue Sunday will you be home?"

"Yes should be, but I will check the diary. What's it in aid of?"

"Nothing special just wanting to meet Bub's dad that's all."

"Do you think they will come with us?" Con was on to my idea.

"I'm going to give it my best shot Con."

"Umm, got a plan have you, Brent?"

I took his hand and we sat at the table.

"Con what are Bob and Ray doing when they are in London?"

"Looking at container ships baby why?"

"Where does Bubby's dad work?"

He thought about it for a while and said.

"I don't know, why?"

"He works down the docks, he does three different shifts and his knowledge on container ships will be invaluable." I winked.

Of course, the penny dropped and he started laughing.

"What if he won't be in it?"

"Then I have tried my best. I just need another little boy for Ted to play with that's all."

"And if they do agree, Sean Andy and Sam will come, good plan baby, this is why people call you the boss." I ignored him.

"I will have to talk to Ray about it tonight, but do you think they would be looking for someone like Daryl? Someone that knows the docks like the back of his hand?"

"Can't hurt to try baby." He pulled me in for a big smasher of a pash; I threw another boner as I got in a good chest grope.

Ray was excited with my idea, he immediately got on the phone to Bob, who in turn tried to ask me a lot of questions about Daryl; which I couldn't answer. He made me write a list of things down to ask Daryl on Sunday and said if I ticked eighty percent of the questions then hire him, they need an operations manager to liaise with customs and with importing and unloading. Just about everything about running ships. I promised I would do my best.

Con Ray and John huddled and Ray got very excited he told us they had been on the lookout for someone like Daryl for ages but nobody looked promising.

The following Sunday I was helping Andy with the bread rolls, the kids were out the back kicking the footy around, and Sam and Con were getting the barbeque fired up.

"What does Daryl do Andy, apart from working on the wharves?"

"He's the operations manager with Patrick's, he oversees the cranes, loading, and unloading. As far as I know, he also has a lot to do with customs, why Brent?"

"Just thinking that's all." I feigned ignorance, for now, tick tick.

Fran and Daryl arrived and the first thing he did was sweep Bubs up and started tickling him. I could see the love in his son's eyes, and his. I think we are onto a winner here.

Fran introduced him to us and he was quite a nice bloke very straightforward and handy because he immediately took over the cooking as Sam handed him a cold beer. I sat with Con and whispered.

"Just got some answers off Andy all checks out, and some boxes are ticked."

"How's Bob going with the container ships Sam, has he bought a couple yet?" I inquired; Sam gave me a funny look.

"I thought you would be the first to know about that, Boss." He chuckled nudging Andy in the ribs.

"Nah I know nothing about them, I will leave that up to Bob I think."

"There's not much to know, the ships practically run themselves nowadays the only hurdle is docking and unloading through customs. But if you run it legit like, there won't be any problems. Is Go Ship going into the container business, Brent?"

"Yes Daryl, it's Bob our manager's idea. We are looking for two container ships he's going to look at a couple when we go to London."

"That's a bit silly, he should be looking in Singapore or Shanghai that's where a lot of the ones for sale are berthed."

"Well, he's only just started looking. I don't even know how much they cost I assume they are pretty expensive Daryl."

"Nah not really, not in the big scheme of things. You can pick a good second hand one up between three and twenty million depends on what you want to haul. If you can get a cheapie it pays for itself in a few trips its the upkeep and running costs that drain the bank account."

"Is that so, I didn't think they were that cheap."

"Cheap for Go Ship but not for me mate, that's a lot of money to be throwing around. Tell Bob he had better hire someone that knows a bit about them."

"He's been looking but with no success, don't suppose you want the job Daryl, operations manager no shiftwork, cheap company housing loans. Company car and a whole lot more I can't think of at the moment. Of course, it will mean you will be home most nights maybe Fran and Bubs will hate that." I laughed, he stared at me for ages and as if he forgot something he quickly checked the hamburgers he had been cooking.

He served everything up on a platter while Sam and Andy bought out the salads, the kids were hungry after their training and Con diced up Ted's meat who in turn smothered it in tomato sauce, I noticed the other two did the same.

"Brent, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Daryl."

"Was that comment genuine?"

"Yes mate, you would be helping us out enormously but don't take my word for it its Conner that owns the company with Ray and John."

"Not true Brent you own it too or did you forget?" Con whispered in my ear.

"Oh yes that's true thanks Con, what do you think?"

"Your call Brent, you don't need my opinion because you already know what I would say, and anyway I'm the rock god in the family but you're the boss." He smiled.

"The offer is genuine I don't know what the pay rate is but I'm sure your son might." I laughed.

He looked at Bub's then Fran I could detect a glassy eye.

"What do you think, should I try for it?" Fran looked at Bub's.

"What do you think Bubbie do you want your dad home every night he could tuck you in."

"Oh daddy, then take it I will be just like Sean and Teddy, that's what their dads do, please daddy go for the job."

"Who do I talk to?"

"Bob at Go Ship, I will set up an appointment for you this week, what shift are you on?"

"Afternoon so anytime in the mornings would be good." He smiled.

"Done I will call you, give me your number."

I waited until he had another beer and the food was almost gone before I made my next move.

"Of course Daryl there's a signing bonus too you know."

"What bonus?"

I heard Con chuckle into his soda.

"The job comes with an all-expense paid holiday to Disneyland." That got everyone's attention the kids looked at each other like they had won a lottery.

"That's not true Brent, I've never heard of such a thing."

"Okay here's the plan, you and Bob go look at ships in Singapore while Bubs Fran Andy Sam and Sean come with us to London for Cons concerts. After you shop, you both meet us there, then we fly to New York for a couple more concerts and as we make our way to the west coast we drop into Disneyland for a few days."

The air went quiet he didn't know what to say, so I added.

"Wait a few minutes I have to make a call."

I went inside and rang Ray. He was pleased it had gone so well and gave me a ballpark figure so I thanked him and said we can talk later.

With the biggest smile on my face, I walked back and sat next to Daryl.

"The job pays around a hundred and fifty grand plus a company car, the holiday is a signing bonus and you get to be with your family more."

"What!! that's nearly twice what I get now." He yelled.

"So you will take the job, and the holiday?"

"Of course I will, but I haven't got it yet."

Sam leaned over and said.

"You have the job, Bob just wants to meet you and you need to fill these forms in also."

He handed paperwork over to Daryl who looked blankly at them then he said.

"Have I just been stitched up?"

"Yes, just go with it Daryl, you won't win any arguments, not today," Con said then laughed as he tickled Teddy. The laughter and jokes were thrown around the table for the rest of the early evening.

"Fuck your good Brent." It was Andy in my ear.

"Well I didn't want Teddy to go on holidays without his mates, so I think I just killed two birds with one stone." I chuckled.

Fran pulled me aside while Daryl put Bubs to bed.

"Thank you, Brent he already knew there might be a job going at Go Ship, but was too humble to ask. You have made my year gorgeous." Then she kissed my cheek.

Sean had gone off to bed with Sam in tow, and Ted was laying in Cons arms dead to the world, so I collected my family and got them settled into the car. I didn't think we would be here that long today, but Daryl was on a high he's a very funny bugger, very blokey, but gentle as a lamb a real dad.

I rang Bob when we got in while Con put Ted to bed. He was pleased and said he would ring Daryl in the morning.

"He wants to say goodnight to you baby." I moved to Ted's room and lay on the bed and kissed his forehead.

"Goodnight son."

"Goodnight daddy." He was sound asleep in minutes.

Con was waiting for me, he had pushed a pillow under his hips and was assuming the position that he likes when he gets screwed. It took me no time at all to drop my shorts and climb on board. It was slow and deep I savored every moment with my sweet Con, and when I was spent I cleaned us both up then snuggled into his amazing guns.

"What are you going to do with it, baby?" He whispered in my ear.

"With what Con?"

"The finding staff bonus."

"Never heard of it Con."

"You have now." I felt his chest convulse, bloody smart ass.

Tom and Shane called by the next day they were so excited Shane had received his passport and they were going into their final exams next week. I was asking the boys what their plans were.

"I'm going to Business college to do corporate tax and stockbroking, I think that's the way to go I have to keep up with my boyfriend, I don't want him to be richer than me." Shane smiled.

"You will do just as well, and when you're settled in I will give you some of my stocks to manage."

"Cool Brent."

"Now I want you, Shane to do something special for me while we are away, you can say no, and its no big deal but I would like you to sit with Bubby for an hour now and then."

"Why?"

"He gets bored with his numbers and letters at school, I thought you could teach him something about the stock market, you know how it works how to place bets and things."

"I can do that for the little guy, isn't Andy teaching him bookkeeping or something?"

"Yes he does, but I thought he would enjoy learning other stuff as well, they wanted to put him up a class at school, but his parents don't want him to be separated from his mates so have kept him down. He's bored shitless because he already knows the work."

"So they are all coming with us then Brent?" Tom inquired.

"Yes baby, all of them except Bob Ray and Daryl they are going to look at container ships for a few days, I will try and talk to them about going earlier so they don't miss out on London."

"That's great, and of course I'll teach the little guy all about placing bets and selling." He had a big grin on his face, well I don't know the terms I don't do it, Ray does.

"Have you both made a list of things to do while your there Tom?"

"Yes Brent we want to ask you something, it's okay if it's not happening but we wanted to ask you anyway."

"What is it?"

"Well, will we have a private room, or are we sharing?"

"Your own room boys, you don't think I would do that to you do you?"

"Well, we just wanted to be sure that's all." A gorgeous looking Shane blushed.

"It's okay, I know the feeling and you have your own room there, and in America. And one more thing too if you want to go off on your own you have to take a security guard with you. I don't want to be the one to have to explain to your parents if something happens. Its okay boys I will get a very gay-friendly guy to look out for you both."

"Okay sounds good to me, what about money do you know what sort we need, pounds or euros, I know its dollars in the US but what about England?"

"Pounds Tom, just bring enough for play money any shopping you do you will have a travel card to use."

"What?"

"I will organize the cards for you both so you can shop and eat without using your own money, you will need that for when you both start college."

"You can't do that Brent we want to pay our way."

"I know how that feels Shane, but for now just indulge me and Conner let us spoil you just a little bit. It's your end of school, early Christmas present trip which includes as much shopping as you want, come on just let us do this small thing for you."

They were deep in conversation, when Conner came in I half-heartedly wished they weren't there I was feeling a bit frisky.

"We want to pay our way, my parents aren't poor Brent but we sort of need to know how much to take."

Poor Shane.

I made Con coffee as he talked to the boys about their dilemma, then he went over to the drawer and took out the safe key. He rummaged around and I gave him two big envelopes he then popped two blocks of cash into each then wrote Merry Christmas on them. He handed each to the boys.

"This is an early Christmas present but for your graduation, we will pay for all your hotel rooms and meals okay?"

They looked at each other dumbfounded.

"Tom I think the sight of all that money has got your luggage going again." Con chuckled Tom went beetroot.

"You're such a bloody tool, Conner," Shane said. Poor Tom sort of laughed along.

It was our idea and it's our early Christmas present for everyone. And yes I understand completely what they were saying, I have been there before. Ted was so excited when we picked him up Bubs and Sean had been asking him questions all day, so he had bought them up to speed on long haul travel. They were looking forward to seeing the ocean from the sky.

I was reading a magazine and Con was watching the late-night news, don't get me wrong here. Conner does a lot of interviews and TV, especially now he is about to tour again. Things like that just pass me by, he and Marty organize that stuff, many times I have passed a paper stall and seen Cons face on the covers of magazines. I had promised myself that I wouldn't buy or look at the articles as they would be full of half-truths and innuendo.

Tonight he hit my hip with his hand and said.

"Look."

I looked up and there he was on TV as large as life, they were showing a clip from his Foxtel concert and telling everybody that his concerts start again in eight weeks. I don't know if anyone would fly over to the UK to watch them but it was nice to see some hip-thrusting again. He will possibly do an Australian tour when he gets back. Ted and I will fly to the cities he's at and I can show our boy around while his dad works.

"You need to reduce the packing in your jeans Con that's obscene."

"All me Brent as you know, does it upset you that I put it out there?"

"No Con not at all, it's your job to sing and look sexy for the masses. I love you when you do the intimate concerts it's not quite out there and to be honest your audiences are different, they appreciate your music, not your dick."

"You reckon baby? I never thought of it that way."

"Of course Con, they are quiet and hang onto your every word. I know I do I much prefer those moments to the noisy rock concerts."

He turned the TV off and snuggled into me throwing his leg over mine, my hand automatically held it then caressed it from hip to ankle. He's had a big day today something about being tied up in the recording studio; his voice did sound a little scratchy when he arrived home.

"Did you record another song baby?"

"Yes but I'm not liking the way it sounds, maybe I can get you to come with me tomorrow, you can listen to it and tell me what's wrong we can't work it out."

"Maybe I will Con, I'm sure it's perfectly all right, maybe you just tried too hard to get it done."

"Maybe."

He then took a deep breath and started his I'm asleep breathing. I turned the lights out and moved onto my side, I could feel his warm breath on my chin so I kissed his forehead and went to sleep.

Ted was in bed with us in the morning, he must have crawled in during the night. I hadn't woken, I didn't like that because he might need me. He was dry so it wasn't that maybe he just got lonely.

I went to the toilet then jumped back into bed, he had woken up and was staring at Conner who was still asleep.

"He will wake up soon Teddy," I whispered.

"Its okay dad I was just looking that's all."

"Did you have a bad dream last night?"

"No daddy, I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep so I came here."

"That's good son, it was good to wake up and you being here."

"I didn't wake you because I only needed some smells that's all."

"Good baby, I think you're a little overexcited about Disneyland and all that stuff maybe."

"Maybe dad, I better get up now or I'll miss my cartoons."

"Okay, I'll be out in a minute."

He went to get up but Con pulled him back, Ted laughed and Con moaned.

"Where's my good morning kiss."

Teddy kissed him on the cheek then scampered off the bed to go watch his programs.

"You too." He moaned again.

Okay, I can do that, so I started giving him very soft kisses on his lips he flipped over and held me while he went back to sleep. I extracted myself and went to put the coffee on. I downed my pills and as I popped the toast in Ray came knocking on our door. I unlatched it and let him in.

"Don't make breakfast this morning Johns been up since four, he couldn't sleep so he's made food."

"Okay, I'll just do the toast for Ted to get him going."

"How did Daryl go with Bob?"

"They hit it off immediately, he starts in four weeks we have to make some room for him and get some staff."

"It's going to be big isn't it?"

"Yes son, and we don't want Bob involved he's already doing perfectly well where he is, and Daryl knows what he's talking about he just might turn out to be a diamond in the rough, or that's what we are hoping."

"Ray, Conner said something last night and I don't want it to happen, he said a finding new staff bonus is to be paid to me, is that true?"

"Only in Conner's head Brent, if he mentions it to me then you get one, son we have been here before if you don't want it I will shift it into Ted's portfolio for you. Conner doesn't have to know, but it may be a good idea to tell him anyway." He took both my hands, there was a warming touch to them.

"I know it gets old son but he wants so desperately for you to be his equal in every way, and so do we. He's already pumped as much as he can into Ted's accounts, and quite frankly your account is enormous now. I don't know why he would say that there's no need for it now."

"I think I might take more interest in my accounts from now on just to keep an eye on them. I don't want him giving me money. I feel safe now and all I want is for him to be happy."

"I will sit with you and go through your investments and accounts you actually don't spend all that much, neither does Conner, maybe you might consider philanthropy and become a patron of the arts or something I know the charity is basically Mary, Cody and Dan's thing, have a think about it and in the meantime I'll discourage Conner from making that request."

"Thanks, Ray I don't know why Conner wants to push all this money onto me all I have to do is ask him and I get what I want anyway."

"He doesn't want you to feel like you're a paid servant son don't you get it?"

I thought about something that happened a long time ago when Steven thought I was a rent boy, I have never felt so low and insulted in my whole life, and I suppose Conner is making up for that, but love is enough for me, yes that's all I need.

John sang out he has bought in a tray of fresh croissants and the fillings, some cheese ham eggs, it all looked so delicious.

"We had an early visitor this morning also John, Ted crawled in with us because he couldn't sleep."

"Must be something in the wind son. I tossed and turned all night." He put his hand on Ray's shoulder.

"I better go get Con while these are fresh." I didn't go get him because he came out thirty seconds later, of course, he was scratching his balls, my immediate thought was I could lick them for you. After saying good morning to the neighbors he then kissed Ted again and sat with us while I made him coffee.

"So what was happening last night?" He indicated Ted with his nod.

"Don't know Con, John had much the same night he's been up since sparrow's fart," I replied as I shoved a croissant over to him on a small plate. He began to load it up. I didn't look at him because I didn't want him to get a complex.

"Well I know one neighbor that's going to have an afternoon nap today I feel knackered already." Poor John, he's been busy since he got up.

"Anyway getting back to our conversation Brent, Daryl will hopefully set up the shipping side of things. I was going to suggest he take Bubs with him to supervise." He laughed, Ted came over to the table to see what all the fuss was about, there must be an ad on TV. I made up a small bun for him and he crawled onto Johns lap and ate it.

Children can sometimes be susceptible to adults around them. I wondered if John was feeling all right, but I held back from putting my hand on his forehead. I detected a slight twitch, it was subtle but I saw it in his hands they were shaking slightly. I will make time today to sit with him while nobody else is around, my instincts were now on high alert all of a sudden.

"Okay, so John and I have to go into work this morning so can you drop our grandson off at school Brent?"

"Of course Ray, it will be my absolute pleasure."

"No kissing dad." Ted looked sideways at me.

"No kissing son." I smiled.

We cleaned up and Con showered and dressed while I got Ted ready. John had done his lunchbox and Con had slipped four Kit Kats in for him and his mates to share. We walked him across the road and then we both kissed him then he ran off to find them, no arguments.

"Do you think he even noticed we kissed him?" Con was chuckling.

"No, I think his mind was on playing before school." I laughed back.

"What are Ray and John up to Con, they usually don't go into work so early?"

"Don't know baby maybe there's a meeting or something."

"Maybe."

I left it at that because Cons hand had made its way over to my zipper and his finger was rubbing along my cock, which was feeling very happy. We headed for bed as soon as we got in, and didn't leave it until lunchtime. Poor Con was nearly at the exhausted stage by the time we finished, we had put that porno disc on to watch again and he had to try everything the guys did on it, lucky it was just a one on one otherwise we would have had to call Grant in to be our third.

I heard banging around next door but when I went to see if the boys were home there was no answer when I knocked. Conner was watching the midday movie so I made a sandwich and plonked it in front of him then went up to Ted's room to look out the front window, Ray's car was there, that's odd.

"What's the matter baby you look a bit confused?"

"Nothing Con, I was just checking that Ray and John are home, the cars there but the back door is locked it's just odd that's all."

I didn't want to say anything to Conner just yet I wanted to talk to John first.

"They probably walked up to the market maybe."

"Yes that's it, maybe they did Con." I sat with him for an hour then let Benny out to do a wee.

"Good afternoon son, do you want us to pick Ted up?"

It was John coming through the gate that adjoins our properties.

"If you want to John otherwise we don't mind, is everything okay?"

"Yes Brent all's good, we will pick him up then."

"Are you sure?" I whispered to him, he gave me a blank look and replied.

"Yes, everything's good son we just had something to do that's all."

"Okay John, but if you need anything just let me know."

He walked into our house and made himself a cup of coffee then sat and watched the last twenty minutes of the movie. He looked okay but his hands still shook.

"He's having some tests done there's no need to panic just yet." Ray smiled at me when I finally got him alone.

"Well, what did the doctor think Ray? "

"Not much, it can be one of many things, as you know. We just have to wait a few days Brent, don't stress and please don't mention it to Conner."

"I won't Ray, I don't think he's noticed, he hasn't said anything I pray all will be good."

"I'm sure it will be son, just go on, as usual, that's all we want, we will deal with the outcome when it happens. Brent we are worried it could be onset Parkinson's, his mum had it for years, but we are not going to panic just yet."

I placed my hand on his shoulder and kissed his head then I went to get Con to go to the park.

Ray followed us with Johns picnic basket, Conner was a bit quiet on the way then when we parked he stopped me getting out of the car.

"Tell me."

"Tell you what Con?"

"Just tell me, Brent let's not play this game again please, not today anyway."

I breathed out and tried to think of a way to soften the shock but nothing was coming to mind.

"Con, John has some hand tremors. Ray took him off to the doctor for tests this morning, the results will be back in a few days. Johns mum died of Parkinson's and I think, they think, John has the onset of the disease but they won't know for a few days. There's no need to go into a big panic it may be nothing Con. They didn't want me to tell you because they don't want a fuss, especially around Teddy."

"Thank you." He leaned over and kissed me then opened his door and got out of our car. He leaned on the car roof and I sidled up to him, I hear him faintly say.

"What's your opinion, Brent."

"Con it's too early and I'm not the one to ask, but maybe it's just a vitamin deficiency, it could be loads of things. If he was going to get Parkinson's, I think he might have had the signs years ago so I will delete that theory."

"Okay." I was trying to give him some minor options and I just don't know.

His hand was resting on my shoulder as we walked over to our table, John had already put the afternoon tea out and Andy was chatting up a storm, they were talking about England and the west end. I gleaned from their conversation that Ray and John had been there several times before. Andy was so on a high, he was nearly bursting.

"Oh Ray, I handed Bubby the twenty-five dollars this morning you would have thought it was a million. Poor Fran had to dry his tears several times over breakfast." He chuckled.

It warmed my heart to hear that, I can see Bubs is going places, but with his dad and mum's guidance he still has plenty of time to be a little kid.

"Where did you and Ray go this morning John?" Oh no, Conner please don't say anything.

"Go Ship, son, just to finalize some stuff why were you looking for us?"

"No just wanted to know that's all, It's just I didn't see you around and it's a bit unusual."

I nudged Conner under the table to try and silence him, but he didn't say anything more.

"Run Mr. Conner's?"

"Of course Mr. Walsh." He gave me that million-dollar smile that I love so much.

"How are you feeling Con?"

"Okay baby, just a little sad but I'm positive everything will be okay he seems happy enough at the moment."

"Positive thinking Con, there's no need to worry over something that hasn't happened yet."

"True." He went quiet again.

Upon our return to the table, I pulled him behind a tree and kissed him.

"Con please don't say anything around Teddy, can you just act normal so he doesn't pick up on anything; kids are tuned in to that kind of thing."

"Yes I know I have been there myself, he really will be all right won't he Brent?"

"We will see Con, he's pretty bloody healthy and as I said the shakes could be a nervous disorder or a lack of something in his diet, we just have to wait. I know it's hard but that's all I got at the moment."

"Okay I was trying to keep it normal at the table before, have you been told not to tell me?"

"Yes Con, their two biggest worries are you and Ted."

"Okay, I won't say anything. I want to shield Ted as much as possible he's too young to deal with all this shit again."

I leaned in and whispered in his ear.

"Everything's going to be all right Con, have some faith." He was deep in thought, then he nodded his understanding, there's no way he's going to upset our boy.

We all enjoyed our very pleasant picnic, the kids polished off the leftovers, then I helped John pack up. It was business as usual. It wasn't until Ted's bedtime that I had even an inkling Ted thought something was up. He had his bath and did his teeth then turned to Con and said.

"Dad can I sleep in with grandpa tonight, he can read my story. And if you miss me you can come and get me?"

It took both of us by surprise we didn't know what to say then Con answered.

"Teddy, of course you can, we had better get you in your best pajamas and go ask them okay?"

"Cool dad, but if you miss me you promise to come and get me?"

"I promise son, and I will miss you anyway. I will be awake all night missing you because that's what dads do." Teddy's fists immediately tightened up and he leaned in and kissed Cons cheek.

"I love you, daddy."

"I love you too son, now let's go talk to grandpa."

They scooted off into next door but before they went Ted had to get a book for them to read. We will leave both back doors open tonight just in case he gets homesick.

"Do you think he knows Brent?"

"I don't know Con, but he has been restless at night lately and this sleepover is unusual, maybe he has a feeling Con. I mean a gut feeling, I don't know how to explain it, baby, a need to be close to them tonight feeling."

"I know what you mean baby I used to do the same thing but I didn't know why it was happening, just that I had to sleep with them. But its a good thing don't you think?"

"Yes, Conner a very good thing. I can get some carpet burn by the front door now, god I miss that." I sighed, then laughed my head off looking at his blank stare.

"How can you be thinking about sex Brent; our baby has left home aren't you just a little bit worried about him?"

"Nope." I went back to giving my rock god a blowjob that will settle him down.