Impossible Love

Impossible Love 112

Maxieplus

I lasted three days of hanging around at home, and within those days I went to see Remo's and the kids cottages, we drove past the two Nicky had decided he will buy, but we couldn't get parking, they were nice seventies places he will enjoy owning them, theres not much upkeep by the looks of them. He told me when they are settled and rented out he might head for Italy to look at everything Federico had talked to him about.

On that drive I remembered something, I had forgotten all about Gino, how the hell could I forget him.

"Gino, Gianni, I forgot all about Gino." He looked sideways at me and smiled.

"Three lovely cottages in Remo's street Antonio, he will also renovate or rebuild them."

"Thank God, my heart fluttered at the thought of him missing out."

"Not for him Antonio? I think your heart fluttered for me."

"It did my love it always flutters for you, were the houses from Stavros and his cohorts?'

"Not this time Antonio, Nina." He laughed his head off then said.

"He got a better deal than the kids and he's very happy."

"Did he pay the other flat off?"

"Yes Antonio, he has just about done everything you would have told him to do." Once again he grinned.

The gloom and sadness had left the family and now it had become a dull ache. Sabine is the strongest woman I know apart from gran, she had to bounce back because of the baby. It would not let her rest and she craved all sorts of unusual snacks right from the start. Tony was kept very busy during the night going to the store. A week after I went back to work we had a small baby shower of about two hundred people she knew at the Italian club. The gift table wasn't as big as my wedding one, but it was overloaded with presents, most of which she would never use, her request for no gifts wasn't adhered to, her guests ignored it. Yes, there were photos of the happy couple in the newspapers, and Iris was all over them both which made me feel a tiny bit left out. But I didn't mind in the end, I had pulled myself up and only concentrated on my kids and Gianni. We sat with the builders Nina had hired to do our home, and they did plans to bring the apartments into the twenty-first century, and we made them pretty much like the kid's flat, we thought the renovations there were fantastic. When we got the plans Gino ordered his to be done the same, while they were doing it, he will move into the one behind his, the builders will do his place first because we had insisted.

When we had finished organising the plans with the builders, grandad said the body corporation will pay a restorer to replace some of the broken tiles in the foyer and a fresh paint job will do the old building a world good. Outer windows and doors will be paid for by the body them and the outer building walls will be professionally sand blasted.

I had received from Roberto a new bank card and codes for the Vatican bank where my money is now resting with the Cartasso fortunes, and dividends from the Cartasso corporation will be deposited in there. I probably will never use that money and as Gianni says, we need for nothing in our lives, just us and our family.

After four weeks Iris was starting to get quite sick of going to Sabines just about every evening. I had noticed her rolling her eyes at me a few times. Her radio show was going well and the serial was as funny as the rest of it. I had noticed that they had filmed me in full flight going off my head and had inserted that and a few other forgettable moments into the serial. No one had guessed it up until now, I may tell someone I liked the answer. But in all honesty, I couldn't do that to the boys. The show had hit number one on the most-watched comedy on Youtube.

We had a small party by the pool to wish Nicky a good trip, the flats had been switched over to his name in record time, and he has also found an agent to look after them. He was loaded up with phone numbers and addresses in case he found himself in trouble, the main phone numbers he got were Robertos, Tinkers, and Matteo's. He had booked a tour for the first week then he was going to a small village on the coast where Federico was living for a time. There was a small house there he owned and as luck had it, it was empty. He took a cab to the airport because he didn't want us to make a big fuss. I liked him very much and he and I got to know each other quite well. He was just another nice young man that never got a break, and he never went to college either.

Two days later I ran to the cafe because I had started running again, I stopped to look at the car park it was now being used and almost finished. A tap on the shoulder made me spin around.

"Father Angelo?"

"Yes Antonio, it is very good to see you again."

"When did you arrive?"

"Three hours ago, do you want to escort me inside to meet my son?"

"For sure I can do that, he will be shaking with joy."

"Really?"

"No, he's going to jump into your arms and hug you to death."

"That is better." He laughed.

He took a deep breath and I showed him where to go.

Angelo wasn't outside in his usual spot so I told Angelo the father to sit with me and surprise him. Stavros knew who he was and I shushed him for a minute then ordered coffee.

The next thing I saw was our Angelo standing at the doorway with tears streaming down his face and father was moving fast to get to him.

No words just silent hugging and Stavros had the biggest smile on his face.

The coffee arrived with Gianni, he had spotted me come in and when he looked over to see what I was staring at he took my hand and kissed it, he also did the sign of the cross.

Bella was found and was introduced, he hugged her then they came over to the table and he spied Stavros, who got another hug and some pretty genuine, I'm sorries.

"You are beautiful my son, and just like your mother. God has been good to you, are you happy?"

"Yes papa, very happy my life couldn't get any better than it is right now."

"That is good to hear, when we get the time you will show me your Melbourne, I am looking forward to it."

"There isn't much to show papa, this is my world. Antonio, Gianni, Bella, and grandad, also my restaurant and our home." He kissed Bella.

The boys came down the stairs and joined us opening a bottle on the way, we all had a glass of wine, and Iris was introduced, she smiled, in a wicked way, not nice Iris. He was a very handsome man, and in his jeans and t-shirt, I could see he looked after himself, his chest was as big as Gianni's.

We had introduced everyone to him but I doubt he will remember all their names. While he was sitting there he leaned over to look at something, then he abruptly stood up. He looked Leon and Carlos in the eyes then said.

"You disrespect me Camorra, where are your boots?"

"Out the back Mr, Boss Vatican Camorra," Leon whined.

"Well put them on, I have a job for you to do while I am here."

"What job?" Carlos asked.

"For the Camorra, so get ready to go to work."

"Really?"

"Yes and be quick I haven't got all day." As they ran off I started laughing my ass off.

"Don't you laugh Antonio, it didn't go unnoticed you haven't dressed properly either."

"Whoops sorry boss, I ran to work, not the ideal thing for good shoes."

"That is good to hear, I heard you have been a little run down lately so we can hit the gym tomorrow, at first light." He laughed.

The boys came back with their boots and a big smile on their faces.

"That is better, you will be my bodyguards while I am here."

"Yes, Camorra boss we will follow you everywhere, shop with you, shower with you and sleep with you."

Everyone started laughing.

"You have no idea who you are dealing with here Angelo, they weren't joking." He blushed bright red.

"Another wine Camorra?" Leon winked at him he blushed further.

"Well yes boys, but maybe I will hire a different bodyguard for this trip." They were almost crying after he said that.

"We are the best in Melbourne even in the world maybe, we will not let you down."

I couldn't stop laughing and our Angelo was almost bent over laughing.

"What do I do now?" He whispered to me.

"You caused it, you suck it up." I laughed again.

"Leon, Carlos stop it, he was joking with you, and get me another drink."

"But Gianni, we want to do that."

"You don't, you have a family to bodyguard, let our Angelo look after his papa."

"Were you joking Camorra?"

"Yes boys, I am sorry."

"Not as sorry as we are." They poured Gianni another drink then left the table to go out the back.

"It's a game they have played all their lives Angelo, they have always firmly believed they were mafia from a very early age."

"Sorry Antonio, I was just having some fun, I didn't think they would take me so literally."

"They will get over it, give them a vino or two and it will all be forgotten." I laughed again.

Iris left us and went out the back, she's probably commiserating with them and telling them what an awful man he is.

"I guess that backfired, I had better do something about it, and soon."

"You are staying with us aren't you papa?"

"Yes son, if Bella doesn't mind."

"Of course I don't mind, your bed has been made up for weeks now, it had better get some use." She laughed.

"I have to go into headquarters for a day or two but it's only for a few hours, I have to look like I'm doing some work. So Stavros, tell me about my son and do not leave anything out." He grinned at our Angelo.

Stavros started with his birth, and by the time father Angelo's eyes started to droop he was only up to three months old. Our Angelo and Bella drove him home to settle in and to maybe sleep, I went out the back and the boys were smiling again.

"We know he was joking Antonio, but it was not fair to promise something then take it back so we are okay." Leon smiled.

"Good, because I do not want either of you to be hurt."

"All is good Antonio, we have each other, maybe we will start up our very own chapter." He smiled and I put my hand up and replied.

"Count me in boys, where do I register?"

Nina came to my rescue when she dumped her big handbag on the table.

"I'll have a glass of wine thank you Carlos,"

She sat next to me and placed some plans on the table.

"Finished product and council approved and I have already told Gino to start moving, is there anything else?"

"Not that I can come up with, thank you Nina, hows Dave?"

She stared at me for a while and answered.

"Mind your own business Antonio, and I will mind mine." She sipped her wine.

"Have you started on Remo's place yet?"

"No Antonio, I want these boys to go through the house first, I value their opinions. The building inspection said it had good bones but there is still a possibility we may demolish it."

"Okay you should also look at Brent and Conners house it is the same period, although Remo's is a size smaller."

"Good idea, they have that friend who has opened the décor shop up the road. Maybe I can get an introduction."

"Dianna, a gorgeous woman she did their houses and the East Melbourne apartment block."

I had forgotten about her and we should show her the plans for the apartments. When Gianni and I went to look at the flats we bought in the city they were fantastic, she had used top-quality fittings and had also staged them to perfection.

"Well we can take a walk up to the shop and have a small talk to her if you like."

"I think I will talk to Conner and Brent first, maybe look around their home if they will let me."

"I can call them for you."

"Please do that Antonio, I need this particular home to be perfect for Remo."

She will do well with his property and from what I hear Dave has a few ideas of his own. I think they plan to put as much money into the house as they can and it won't be such a burden on Remo's mind, at least he can see where the money is.

"I did think a second story would be nice." I smiled.

"Yes Antonio, and a huge family room across the back." But there is also the possibility of demolishing it and building two townhouses on the block, that way he will have a home and an investment property."

"They would be worth more Nina, good thinking, and the kids and Gino's cottages?"

"I will see what Dave thinks maybe townhouses will be the best way to go all around, they seem to be popping up everywhere and although the homes are currently small the land is big."

"You can talk to Dave about it on your next date." She glared at me like a snake preparing to strike.

I shut up because I have been warned not to get into everyone's business by you know who. He had poked his head in and was listening and when we finished he sat and had a glass of wine.

"Please do not forget Antonio and I are paying for the kitchen so make it top quality please Nina."

"Well if my plan works Gianni, I actually will have twenty or more kitchens to order and maybe the same in butlers pantries, so I should get a good discount, Remo's will be bigger because I want to place an industrial one in it, just in case he wants to work from home occasionally."

"Wow, very cool." That was all I said because I agreed with her.

He watched me like a hawk, he even walked with me and the babies as they had their ride around the market, today he was shopping and stopped at the underwear guys stall, he picked up a few items and paid for them.

"A present for you Antonio,"

"Thank you husband, you are too generous they will certainly brighten up the bedroom." They were the loudest pairs of boxer briefs I have ever seen, he smiled to himself.

The "Girls" were still setting up their drag hire shop, the babies had to go and have a talk to them and play in all that bright tulle and feathers. They had received a good deal from Nina and the boys and couldn't wait to open with a bang.

I think the babies have a new place to play in because it was hard to prise them away.

"Any damage?" Alice asked when we got back.

"Limited today, only two lawsuits." I giggled.

"Good, okay it is time for a nap boys." They moaned and not in a subtle way but they saw sense when milk was produced, it had been a thirsty ride.

I went to put my new underwear in my backpack, but it was grabbed before I zipped it up.

"But you must try them on for me Antonio."

I did and I lit up the staff bathroom, and my husband liked them very much.

On the way back home he asked me about Nina and Dave, I only had the information that Remo had given me, that they had a few dates. It was Iris that worded us up some more.

"They have been dating just about every night from what I hear."

"Where did you hear that from Iris?" I asked.

"Sabine, she can't ring Nina after eight because she's busy and she commented that she was busy because she was entertaining David."

"And she told you that?"

"No Antonio, she told Tony, I overheard." She giggled, I think my Iris is back.

"I think it's on the quiet Antonio because of Remo they don't want to upset him so soon after his mum's death."

"But he told me."

"Then he will be good to go then."

Our number one son was at home with gran and grandad and he was already in the pool, the babies screamed again, only God knows why they do that all the time. They dragged Leon and Carlos out to the beach area while I changed into my swimmers. Gianni and I followed and we could hear all four talking their heads off. I think Lukas is telling them about kindy today because I heard games and painting being mentioned. I slipped into the pool and over to where gran was sitting and hugged her, then I poured a vino. Iris arrived from downstairs and she got in with us, the day had been hot.

"No visiting Sabine tonight?"

"No Antonio, I will leave it all up to Tony from now on, it's the moaning I can't stand. Some people think that they are the only ones that get pregnant."

"Well she has left it for a long time I guess she's excited and worried."

"Yes Antonio, she is, but I don't need to hear it." She giggled and had wine while she watched her boys frolic in the nudo.

Gran was quite used to it now and sometimes I would catch her having a sneaky look at them, but when guests are around she makes the boys cover-up. My kids wanted to be bounced up and down again so I took one Gianni took another and grandad did little Luca, we heard a noise coming from the front and the kids, Maxie and Tommaso, arrived with Sam who screamed also.

They had dropped Anna off at home she and Gino were starting to pack up the flat and they didn't want Sam to get in their way. He had run towards the pool and jumped in, I reached over and grabbed him, that kid has no fear, he just laughed his head off because he went under the water.

The kids had their swimmers on and slipped in the pool, it was filling up fast, too bad if I wanted to do some laps. Gran got out and went to rummage through my fridge, Leon grabbed another two bottles out of the laundry and grandad fell asleep on the sun bed, it's his preferred resting place now.

Maxie was staring at me and started to wade across to where I was sitting. I was quick and before he arrived I said.

"If you get the choice of renovating or building townhouses, go with the townhouses that will turn your three two-bedroom properties into six four-bedroom ones, a much better investment." He smiled then hugged me whispering in my ear.

"We were thinking that and thank you."

I guess they have been told not to annoy me.

He retreated to Tommaso's side and nodded, Tommaso smiled at me as he blew me a kiss. The two Angelo's and Bella came up followed by Alice. Now my pool is full so I took myself inside to get more glasses.

"Did you sleep well Angelo?"

"Yes Antonio, we were talking for a while then I managed a couple of hours, I will sleep better tonight."

"So what do you do for the Vatican apart from the Camorra thing."

"I work in the finance department Antonio, I travel the world to audit the books that's why I was there the day the Contessa came by, I was making sure everything was legally done with her finances."

"So that's what you will be doing here also?"

"Yes, we are concerned about something suspicious so I have to go into the Melbourne office and have a look at their books."

"Underhanded bookkeeping?"

"Yes at the moment suspicious entries."

"Ok, so do you need a couple of bodyguards?"

"I hear you Antonio, and yes I will need them." He almost giggled.

"They are easy to control Angelo, just sit them with a bottle of vino at a table in a cafe close by, and tell them to keep a lookout."

"I figured I would do something like that, maybe next week?"

"When you are finished just tell them to go into work if you want to walk around the city or something."

"I will work something out." he smiled again and was showing off his gorgeous body for everyone to see, what a waste.

When gran came back she had platters of nibbles and don't ask me where it all comes from, she looks after all that. I am sure she is going to ask Angelo for a blessing soon because he was handed them first. The babies had some cheese things and Gianni grabbed a handful of peanuts, he grinned as he dumped them all into his gorgeous mouth.

"Now Antonio, we need to get Lukas organised, have you opened a bank account for him?"

"No gran I will be doing that this week sometime, maybe on Monday and he can come with me."

"All right then we need to start pushing money into it as soon as possible, go and talk to my friend Mr. Puzalo, he is a director at the bank, he likes cash deposits." She winked.

"I was wondering about that, aren't the government watching big cash transactions?"

"Yes Antonio, leave it up to my friend he is good to us."

later on she gave me a business card and I will call and make an appointment for Monday.

"What is this card Antonio?"

"Gran's friend at the bank we have to open an account for Lukas."

"Then I will come with you, this is too important a milestone for him. Maybe we will buy him a milkshake or something, to celebrate."

"We will Gianni, and I will make the appointment for Monday."

I had heard from Nick, he had arrived safely and was jet-lagged, he will stay in Rome for a week and do the bus tours that we suggested. He said he had only been there for three hours and is already in love with the place. He had booked a hotel that was central to everything and was pleased we had him upgraded to a better room. He will ring in a couple of days I told him to Facebook us because the babies are missing him, they like a good chat on the computer.

With that done I will now concentrate on my sons, there is nothing more important than them in my life.

"Gianni, do we get the kids some swimming lessons?"

"Soon Antonio, Lukas is already not afraid of the water washing over his head, Leon and Carlos are teaching him to paddle. I think we will see how that goes first then we can take him for lessons, but maybe we might leave it to my brothers."

"All right I will leave it all up to you then." I guess I have nothing to do now, I had better do some more running, and I have to go into my workroom and see the ladies, they will be missing me.

On Monday we dressed nicely, it is an important day for us and Lukas. I dressed him up to the max and the boys fussed over his hair, that wayward curl was tamed once again, Carlos sprayed a small amount of aftershave on his hands then rubbed it into my baby's neck, he smelt wonderful and his smile was enormous. They went to dress and came back in suits and ties.

"Have you got something on today boys?" I asked.

"Yes, we are coming with our Lukas to the bank Antonio and we have a special gift for him also."

I guess they are then, if Gianni has turned this visit into a full-on production I will scream, it was supposed to be us, and our boy.

He drove us to the bank, four streets away, and insisted he park in the customer car park, we were treated like royalty as the security guard held the door for us, he's got a good eye and couldn't take them off my Gianni's butt. Lukas had a good look around and then he found them. Gran and Grandad were sitting in the waiting area and he ran over to greet them. Why oh why did I think this would be just a simple family day out.

His backpack was stashed full of grans cash, I had no idea what was in it except for Lukas money, we had added it up for him last night, he was a millionaire or so he thought.

I hugged both my grandparents and welcomed them to the party, gran almost slapped me but she was in a bank so she had to behave herself. After five minutes we were called into the office, chairs were found for everyone, and after the introductions, the backpack was handed over and a nice lady teller said she will count it and let us know the balance. She walked out of the room and Lukas went ballistic, once again he thought someone was going to steal his money. The bank manager reacted and picked his phone up and said something. The young lady came back with the backpack in hand and asked Lukas if he wanted to supervise the counting of his money. He was off my knees instantly, then she took his hand and they disappeared.

"She will run it all through an auto machine it won't take long, I guess he's very attached to it." He laughed.

"Very, now what do you need from us. I think a simple bank account will do and he will place money in it every week, his wages for a job he's doing."

"Yes Mr. Antonio everyone knows about his little jobs, his nona is very generous with him." Gran sat up straight.

"He will need both parents to sign the bank papers and I will get the ball going, by the time we have finished here he will have a standard interest account and a card to access it. Do you have his birth certificate I will also need both your driver's licenses?"

I handed over the items while Gianni fished in his wallet.

"He has a trust account with the Vatican bank would it be wiser for him to use that account?"

"Well yes, of course, we can link it here if you have the account numbers Mr. Cartasso."

"No, he gets a standard interest-bearing account with his money in it." I didn't even ask Gianni, I had made the decision.

"But Antonio, this way he can access his trust fund and buy many properties."

I turned and looked at him, I am about to burst his bubble I think.

"He has the money he's earned, it may not be much to you, but to him, it's a million dollars. He needs to see and understand what is happening to it and he needs to do this on his own, with his nona's supervision." I looked across at gran, she has a plan for him and it's not about any Cartasso money, it's about his wages.

"But Antonio, he will be able to buy many properties and watch them grow. I must insist he links it to the Vatican bank." Fuck me he still doesn't get it.

"And you had your wages linked to that account when you worked in the winery, and all the takings profits from your cafe are sent there also?"

"No, but that is different Antonio, I did not want to be linked to the corporation money, I did not want to know about it."

I smiled at him then I kissed him and said.

"Thank you, a standard interest-bearing account for our Lukas please Mr. Puzalo, no links to any trust accounts. Just one that his daddies and nona can access and comes with a plastic card."

"But Antonio........"

"Yes, Gianni?" I interrupted.

"Nothing." He brooded but will get it in the end, he's a bit slow today.

Lukas came back with a big smile on his face, he had a slip of paper with numbers on it.

"Deposit please mister bank."

"Coming up son, do you want to sit here and watch me open an account for you?'

"Yes please." He sat on his knees and watched.

"Nona is this ok?" She had to get up and check it was okay with her, then from a small printer on his desk a card appeared and Lukas had an account.

"You will have to think up a number for it to work Lukas but you can activate it online, later on, just six numbers easy ones for you to remember. And thank you for your very generous business. Anytime you want to see your money, you come by and I will be happy to show it to you."

The card was placed with some papers into his now empty backpack, and we signed the consent forms, there was also grans signature to be added she will be looking after it from now on. We found a nice cafe across the road and coffee and cakes were ordered, gran talked nonstop to Lukas, some in Italian some English but he understood it all, and I stared at Gianni.

"They all get treated the same, no talk of big money Gianni it will only confuse them, they barely know what a dollar coin is. Do you think he would be treated differently than his poppa?"

"But I wanted to ...."

"Wanted them to be treated differently to what you and the boys were, I do not think so my love. Let him be a happy little boy don't confuse him with big money just yet." I held his hand.

He buried his head in his cake for a bit then he smiled at me, the biggest grin was then placed on his face, I nudged gran and said.

"Now he gets it, what took you so long?"

"Sorry Antonio, this cake is nice."

"Bloody duffas," Gran said.

She will lookout for his finances and every week she will take him to the bank to deposit his wages, but for now, he has to think up a number for his card. I suggested he use his birthday date, he agreed, no kid forgets their birthday.

The boys were onto their first wines and grandad tucked into a cake while gran and I shared one. His father took him across the road to the ATM and together they did the number. He was about to tuck his card into his backpack for safekeeping when Leon took his hand.

"A present for our Lukas, you are nearly a man now with a bank account and plastic card, this is for you." He handed Lukas a small parcel and when he tore the wrapping off it was a beautiful brown leather wallet. It had two crisp one hundred dollar notes in it and by the time he learned how to use it, four more had appeared, he was getting the royal treatment today.

Back at home he placed the wallet into the safe while the boys set up his internet banking for him, the `beach' was all forgotten until Sam and his brothers came up, we had Anna and Gino looking out for them for a few hours. Lukas signed out then ran to get his swimmers on, then it was everyone out to the pool.

He was paddling just fine on his own now but Leon wasn't too far away as he swam between them both, the other four just wanted to be dunked up and down, with bubbles. I will talk to him later on, or should I say we will talk to him about letting his nona have the wallet at her place, then she will be in full control of his finances.

Of course, the boys and we will still be making up envelopes for him, they will be something he can actually see and now grans big bag is all gone I have more room for our money, the safe looked empty so we had better start filling it up again.

Gino was in the pool with Sam, he had the biggest grin on his face when I moved to his side.

"What's up?"

"I paid off the other flat today, now, do I demolish or renovate?"

"Demolish, a much better alternative go and look at the new ones nearer the corner they are gorgeous."

"I can't thank Federico enough God bless his soul."

"Well that's what he wanted in the end, happy families and faces I think he succeeded."

"He did, do you think you will move into one of the new homes?" I continued.

"I want my son to grow up with his friends around, I think that's better Antonio and Anna and I love it here."

"Good my friend, and the steps will never be the same again if you move away." I smiled.

"They are not getting much use at the moment but I know this is only temporary, you will all come back soon." I know what he meant, it was our go-to place for a long time, so many enjoyable hours were spent on those steps.

"Antonio, the hardest part of going back to the steps is Sam will miss out on all this." He waved his hand across the pool. I know Anna tries to get him to stay home occasionally and it worked for a minute, but the pool is so alluring for little kids.

"He also likes playing with the soccer balls out the front, and so do our kids."

"I think we will just see how it all goes, I will still be there I am lucky I have Anna to look out for him if I disappear." He smiled lovingly.

There is no reason why I cant go and sit with him, the kids have plenty of babysitters, not just me. I think he's a bit down at the moment. I dried myself and put on some shorts and a tank top, then followed Gino down to the front stairs. I opened my bottle and sat with him, we greeted the passer-byes and when Iris and Alice came up the street, Gino ran inside to find the chairs and we four sat and talked.

The rest of the tribe weren't too far behind they had missed me and Sam had missed his papa, the boys were popping bottles, and Maxie and Tomas joined in, he had bought the cheese and biscuits. I winked at Gino and said.

"It couldn't be that simple could it?"

"Looks like a case of following the papa." He chuckled.

They had a ball and were playing on the pavement, we even started a small kick-to-kick thing which made them scream louder. I overheard Gino telling Anna they would demolish, she said she was good with that. The kids overheard and said they will be doing the same.

I smiled to myself, I think they are doing the right thing and I knew Federico had been listening because my heart fluttered.

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