Jian: Cast of Characers

Jian

Out on the terrace with Gil going through a batch of reports and miscellaneous do-dads that come my way these days!

The first was the Chanthira Foundation report on the first clinic. We'd served hundreds of patients from that first little boy's infected toe to rashes to pre-natal to broken bones. Also a number of gender questioning folks had been advised, given appropriate medication and given referrals to psychologists Dr. Vanatonu helped line-up.

Everyone taken care of successfully! Glitches were minor and we were getting the warehouse ready for more clinic openings!

Three more before the end of the year. Two in Bangkok and one in Korat.

Jian and I had talked about opening clinics in America for LGBTQ youth and adults. I was using my contacts to get started. New York to begin with early next year?

Lots of stuff from The Company and 21st Century Fox corporations and plenty of `chat' about stories from Fox News and Sports.

The New York PR law firm had a huge amount of requests for all sorts. People wanted us to sell this or that or donate or invest or whatever. They were doing a great job managing it, screening it and filing away most all of it.

All the serious bits were sent to Gil and then she filtered it some more and finally I got them. Gil also received requests directly from our friends and close business colleagues. Cho had joined several corporate boards, I chose not to do that but joined a few charitable foundations boards.

Hélène got me on the board of a United Kingdom animal charity, I didn't really have to do anything but... "Fay, there's nothing to it but we shamelessly desire your name to promote the cause."

I couldn't refuse such an honest request. We laughed about it.

Text from Cho, he was on the way home... Nothing about his game?? I sent back a smiley being low key like himself. Maybe his streak was over?? All streaks end.

51

Nell came up and we were sipping sherry on the terrace near the fireplace.

"Fay if you suggested I'd be having a sherry with one of the `well known women' on the planet and my fabulously wealthy and beautiful boss... "

We were giggling, "Well, the `known' thing certainly has it limits. I can still walk my dog and shop in Venice, California without being recognized."

She was looking up, "I don't know where I'd be if you hadn't hired me..."

A tear.

"No, don't. You got here because you had what I was looking for... Wait!"

I dashed in for a Cho-Fay handkerchief.

She hadn't cried much, "It's just that I had a dead-end job and was in a dead-end relationship... you gave me a way out of both all at once!"

"At the risk of repetition... You were qualified... You made it on your own... I had opportunities... That is so important. I've been trying to do that in other ways... Provide the chance that people need to make positive changes in their lives."

As we squeezed hands there was the `entrance' of the Cho with Pedro. I was scooped up for a hug and kiss. Pedro's cheek got a kiss too. I Intro'd Nell.

Dolores brought out Newcastles for the golfers! Cho was being cute... he had a terrific round. Pedro shaking his head, "Fay, the Riviera got roughed up some today! A 64! I've not seen the like ever!"

Cho holding me tight. We all sat. Pedro aiming his beer bottle at Cho, "Right on the first hole he started. We went out with one of the club Pro's. This guy whacks a huge drive, there's a road way down the fairway out of play most of the time, his ball almost reached it. The course is dry and bouncy but..."

He sipped, "So he lines up his second and knocks onto the green, the balls rolls by the hole by only a few inches. My caddy behind me is quietly swearing, `go in fucker' Cho couldn't hear. The caddy apologized to me but I understood the emotion."

"All Cho had was a tap-in for eagle! The Pro was shaking his head. I knew Cho was hot, he'd told me about his play at the other courses so I was expecting something but..."

He sipped again, " He had a few pars then on Six a long par three. The green has a sandtrap right in the middle, a unique hole. Cho hits the green front fringe two bounces hits the pole and sits a foot away."

Dolores brought out some fresh Newcastles and sherry.

Cho was laughing, "I was three under at the turn. It was good. Number ten is a short par four from the tee with a big bounce my ball was on the green, it rolled up towards the cup which was at the back. This time I heard Pedro's caddy whispering loudly drop... shit... damn...Fuck... drop.' It stopped two feet short. My caddy had done a Fore' shortly after I hit it, he saw it might make the green. Then yelled it out several more times. The people finishing on the green waved it was good."

Cho laughing, "I told Pedro's caddy that I'd heard... he apologized but I waved him off saying it had been said by others so no big deal!"

A sip of beer, "So another eagle and I was five under. I had a run of pars, some of which were near birdies. Seventeenth is a long par five. I had a good drive leaving me the caddy said two hundred and fifty yards. There's a bunker in front of the green but space afterwards before the green itself. I pulled out my three wood. Your face came up in my mind..." Cho kissed me, "... It made me peaceful to think of you."

Cho paused to kiss me again, "I stepped to the ball, my caddy had given me a huge grin when I chose the club. He'd done a good job and recognized my game's possibilities. He knew I was going for the green. I rolled my shoulders and took my swing. It was dead-on, I got all the club on the ball and it flew! The Pro and my caddy were calling "Fore' right away."

He leaned back against me, his arm wave, "I was detached from it just watching the ball fly... It hit just past the fringe of the sandtrap which helped and bounded onto the green to stop eight feet away to the right more or less level with the hole. My caddy had a huge smile and extended his hand."

Pedro laughed, "The Pro was astonished as I was but the foursome on the green were flatly shocked. The Pro asked Cho to go up and mark the ball so the others could finish. When he reached the green the foursome all shook his hand as he marked and picked up his ball."

I had a hand in mine looking in those dark beautiful eyes, a smile, "My putt rolled in for another eagle and I was seven under. Eighteen is a par four it's all up hill with the green in a bowl.' A good drive and a short iron left me with a twelve footer that was half downhill, half shallow side slope. I stood on the green fringe as Pedro had a very short pitch for his third eyeing that putt. I gave the putt a chance knowing it could roll past a good bit if I missed. But I read it' right and the ball went right into the heart of the cup with a nice plop sound!"

Pedro shaking his head, "Like I said he roughed up the course. The Pro had been won over, he knew Cho wasn't a fluke. I don't think he believed what I had said about Cho's game. Now he thinks Cho ought to play in tournaments."

Cho said the other Pro who'd he played with and who suggested a change in Cho's swing had come out when they finished to say hello and congratulate Cho. "I gave him full credit for my longer range and how it played into my accurate short game."

Pedro stayed for dinner with us and Nell. We had a good time, Dolores fed us well! Pedro made noises that he'd like to steal Dolores away for his house. Only joking though!

In the dark under the bed clothes later snuggled up, "After the Pro-Am at Winged Foot I got some offers for more but said I couldn't right now. I think after the holidays I will go to a few of the better ones that support charities we like. Maybe we could host one in for the Chanthira Foundation? Make a few bucks and tie it to a golf tournament which would draw good quality competitors. I don't know if it's best to do it in Bangkok because it is somewhat distant from the main tour sites or maybe we do it to support the building of clinics in America."

I thought it a great idea. Cho would go play, have fun, make new contacts and meet some golf Pros. And the Foundation could raise its profile and get some money. All good but we needed some quality planning. Maybe we could take over an existing tournament, rename it and add the Pro-Am to it. I'd look into that or rather Gil and Francis would.

I made calls to the recuperating ones in Bangkok. They were all good. It made me feel so glad I'd sent them all to Dr. Sanporam. He was so skilled and had a terrific staff!

Hot weather! We go east to Arcadia. Black G-Star skinny jeans, cutoff red polo shirt, black ankle boots, red lensed round sunglasses and silver jewelry! Cho grinning, he likes these G-star jeans!

We boarded the new Agusta AW139 at Santa Monica Airport enroute to Arcadia. The management of Santa Anita Park had set up a landing area in the maintenance area north of barns and west of the race track. We landed with no trouble and walked into the barn area.

At our barn Monaco got hugged by us both. James was with IrishRainbow, Jackson would be here soon. Mike and Tomas were there and Emanuel who had his right arm in a sling. He was emotional, "Miss, I took a tumble in a race yesterday afternoon. I'm lucky my helmet protected my head but I broke my collar bone. I'm out six weeks or more."

I kissed his cheek, terrible for him. He was off all his mounts so he lost income and his record at the track would suffer. He'd had many wins and places. We paid him a salary and his medical insurance so he had monetary protection.

We were intro'd to Marnie, she would ride SakChai tomorrow. They'd already gone out together this morning.

"Miss Martin, Mr. Cho, I can do the job for you."

We shook hands. Monaco told us she was a solid jockey who had had a mount for the Frontrunner Stakes until it was scratched for a high fever yesterday morning. Okay! Marnie would ride SakChai for this race and in the Breeders' Cup race.

I went in to see everyone. Glaa nickered, scoped out the mints and enjoyed being made over by Cho and I. He was having one of the best years in racing, better than any other in a long time. Unbeaten, in fact, he run away from his competition, winning handily. Now one more race of the year in the Breeder's Cup Classic. It was a mile and quarter and if his last at Saratoga was any guide... we might be in for something special. I guessed he'd easily be Horse of the Year again!

Next door his sister, Hansa was doing very very well. The two year old's `Triple Crown' of Saratoga winner! If Glaa was King of Saratoga, Hansa was the Princess.

SakChai, the White Streak, was affectionate like his siblings. They all liked to be talked too and caressed. SakChai was a demon about mints! He cleaned me out.

Poki and Rando were a loving pair also. Was it all from Asda... No, Hathai liked being with us. IrishRainbow was playful... I'd have to ask Robbie or Dom about him before he joined us. Maybe being with our team made them so playful and content.

I was walking with Mike heading towards coffee, Gil and PJ along. "Miss, Marnie is a good jock. She knows horses and has a strong hand and is track-smart. She'll do well."

I thanked him for telling me. I told him about Rando and Poki's day at the races. He did a bit of palm-rubbing, he'd like us to run them over here. He'd heard about BlackStar from Tomas. Another one he'd like to ride or watch. We got coffee, I met a few other jocks and staff from other barns.

They all thought Glaa looked terrific on the track. One was funny, he'd marry Hansa if he was magically turned into a colt!

I showed some snaps of Asda and Hathai. Those beautiful chestnuts in the sun! As horse folk they really connected with the beauty of that magnificent pair.

There were two young women at the coffee stall who were grooms, friends of Carlita, SakChai's groom. They asked for my autograph... I was surprised but I signed two Santa Anita Park programs for them. They thanked me, we did fist bumps!

We flew back to Santa Monica and arrived back at the apartment in plenty of time for a Jaidee walk before dinner. He made a limited attempt to reach China... I discouraged him after a while. We had been sitting there watching the sand fly trying to keep him from annoying other folk on the beach. Cute boy!

Dolores's baked fish in spicy tomatoes was flavourful and flaky! Wonderful savory rice alongside a vegetable casserole with cheese melted on top, the sweet white corn cakes again since I liked them so much. Cho really enjoyed them, he had missed them yesterday. A light flan, vanilla with a touch of coffee! Whipped cream! A big pile on top!!

I was on my tummy across the bed watching Cho through the bathroom door brushing his teeth. What a bod! All Mine!! A gorgeous `V' from shoulders to waist, slender hips, strong legs that had muscular shape but not bulging.

A real athlete and dancer! Whoooo we needed to dance more!

I was sort of zoning out... staring. Cho made a noise... I caught his eyes in the mirror... we both smiled. He turned... AaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the cock! He laughed now, "I'm glad I still have an effect on you!"

I put out my hand... Cho walked up and rested the Cock on my palm. Damn I loved this! Warm, a bit of weight... It was a handsome thing!

I looked up smiling, "Can I?"

"Well, since that request did not have much substance I would say ` not yet'."

I was giggling, I closed my hand around my prize. Cho's fingers slid through my hair, a slight massage before it went down to my neck and shoulders. He moved his hips forward towards my now open mouth...MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Delicious! I worked to get it nice and sloppy wet. I eased the foreskin back... the head slick and hot... I rubbed my lips with it!

I worked my mouth all over the delightful thing! Licking slurping sucking! Just terrific fun! Loads of suction on the head, tongue flicking around the head and pausing to tease the peeslit!

Cho's hands on my back a deep massage sssssssooooooooooooooo nice, strong fingers working my muscles!

I made a snug hole with my mouth so Cho could fuck my face! I stroked his thighs as the hips moved his penis in and out. I liked this MMMMmmmm the soft pubic hair on my nose... I slid my tongue out to lick his balls when they came close!

He'd gone from soft to firm! It was so wonderful that a penis would do that just so I could enjoy it!

He was rigid! The power of sex! He was as hard as could be! My sucking cock was so pleasurable for us both. The heat of my mouth combined with the heat from his cock! He was very excited! Pushing into me.

"Fay I won't last..." One of my hands made a come on gesture and Cho picked up the pace!

Stroking hard now his testicles slapping on my chin... he was tensing up... AAAAAAHHHHHHH cum! Cho's first on the back of my tongue he withdrew more spurts as I sucked hard on the cock shaft... I'd been giving him a lot of suction all the way through! I had my payoff... gobs of Cho cum sliding down my throat!!!!

My hands on the back of his thighs pulling him close... I didn't want to let go!!!!!!!

I knew his back was bent so I rolled over and reversed easing him down on my belly his face on my shoulder. My hands on his back rubbing him! His muscles so dense I let my fingers dig in softly, kneading him! I felt his kisses on my skin, little thank yous!

Cuddling, and kissing! Such a reward for giving him pleasure! We were a warm and happy bundle. Dozing some then we moved into the bed properly. Cho's warm skin pressing against my back and legs! I was asleep quickly.

Waking up Cho quiet behind me! Jaidee awake too. Kiss for him! Washed and sipping coffee looking at the news I almost choked... Hillary got a huge jump from the `concrete' story... an nineteen point lead in several respectable polls. Our own Fox News poll showed a seventeen point gap!

Ansara and I out with Jaidee. The beach empty and Jaidee was empty pretty quick! He was READY for breakfast!

Gil came in, I held up the iPad to show her the news. "You have Hillary's email right? Send it to me."

I got it and emailed Hillary saying there were two more stories coming, one about the bots tomorrow night and the other on bigots supporting Trump next week. I got a smiley back pretty quick and a big `thanks for the info.' There were many stars after that!

Cho kissed the top of my head after reading over my shoulder. "We are having fun?"

I giggled and nodded.

We sat to eat omelettes courtesy of Dolores. White cheddar and onions for me! Poppy seed bagel with a smear! Francis grinning over the table, he'd seen my short exchange with Hillary.

"Fay, keep it up and there may be a place in her government for you."

Oh shit! An old quote popped into my head `if nominated I won't run, if elected I won't serve' smiling as I said it. That had everyone laughing!!

Cho asked who, I burst out, "William Tecumseh Sherman."

Cho tilted his head, a look of query, "He was an American Civil War general who didn't want to be President so..."

Dolores nudged me, "I know some... He was the general who led the `March to the Sea' through Georgia which helped end the war."

Fist Bump!

"Yes, Sherman's March to the Sea, he sliced open an area which had seen no war, separating it's food stocks from where they were needed. It was pretty huge!"

Cho's arm around me squeezed, "I do forget how much you love history."

A Conference App `call' to my friends in Bangkok. All doing well! Karla and Michael would leave in a few days on a Gulfstream.

Pale orange silk dress, short sleeves, snug to my torso and a full skirt to mid-thigh, Jimmy Choo Romy 100 orange pumps with pale orange stockings. My nails and lips in a slightly darker orange! Gold bits around! `Joy' My Harcourt Racing and running horse pins!

I was paired with my man in navy blue! Lovely sculptured suit, white shirt and an pale orange tie! YES!

Leslie took us all to Santa Monica where the Cho-Fay Air helicopter lifted off quickly to Arcadia. We stepped out on the same place as yesterday. We did use an electric cart today. Monaco a with big smile, SakChai was ready!

We visited him, he was quiet but enjoyed being petted. We did our usual short stay and drove over to the grandstand. We went through to the box we now had permanently reserved. Gil and Francis, our Security folks. We relaxed.

Monaco had asked us to come a bit earlier, he wanted us to see a filly he had his eye run in a stakes race. She was five and her owner was thinking of retirement for her. She had raced nineteen times in four years. A superb record, 11-6-2, never finishing out of the money. Monaco handed us her pedigree.

No shit! Cho winked at me, "We need to buy her!"

On her dam's side, the great great granddame was Terlingua with Alydar as great great grandsire. Her sire's great great granddame was Weekend Surprise, Seattle Slew her great great grandsire through A.P. Indy! Some family! She had Secretariat's blood on both sides as well as his sire Bold Ruler through others besides Secretariat's daughters.

This is horse racing royalty! We need to ask how she ended up in California. I nudged Cho, "Asda? Rebel? Maybe since she is young she could mate with a colt from Rebel and Mahogany? Or Glaa? We would have many avenues!!"

I got kissed, "My thoughts also!!"

We watched her with great interest. Secret Sea was a gorgeous chestnut with white stockings on her forelegs and a graceful walk. She was in with six other fillies. It was a good start with Secret Sea stepping out with two others in the lead. It was a mile race with both turns. She stayed with one black filly into the turn, neck and neck onto the back straight. They galloped along matching up well onto the second turn.

Secret Sea edged ahead in the turn on the outside sliding a bit towards the centre of the track. She looked strong coming down the stretch, the black one not able to keep pace but trying hard. Secret Sea swept to victory past the finish. A good time but no record.

We'd both had her in our glasses the whole way. I leaned over, "Let's talk to her owner and make an offer."

I got a kiss.

After the Winner's Circle emptied I sent Francis down to ask her owner if he would talk to us. Francis had my card for Harcourt Racing with him.

We had three races to go. A text... Yes & now? I replied ...Yes, here? I got ... we'll be up

Secret Sea's owner was John Glass Racing. We met John in our box. He sat with us, he was interested. This team was much more about racing than breeding. We made a handshake deal. He was pleased. We'd meet at our barn after the Frontrunner Stakes. John had a horse in that with SakChai.

When the Frontrunner announced we were ready! The White Streak came out with other nine for the post parade. The Frontrunner Stakes was a mile and sixteenth so the field walked down to the chute off to the left. The loading was easy and they were ready!

Clang sound was faint but the horses exploded from the gates. SakChai was in the number two position, he quickly out ran the horses on either side. A black and a chestnut kept pace down the straight for the first time. As they passed us the three were abreast.

Into the turn SakChai on the rail edged ahead by half a length, out onto the back straight he pushed out to a length and a half. He was running smoothly switching leads easily. As they neared the second turn the other two seemed ready to make their move!

In the turn tight to the rail SakChai upped his game just as the his rivals appeared to surge. Coming out onto the home stretch SakChai's jockey Marnie asked him. What a response, he soared. By the eighth pole he'd opened up to five lengths but Marnie didn't let him go too fast. Going by the finish line he'd come close to the stakes speed record and had six lengths in hand. 1:42:05

We celebrated. Hugs and kisses all around! A race official came by to get us. Arm in Arm with Monaco and Cho we worked our way down to the track with our escort. In the winner's Circle with Cho holding SakChai's lead we got nice applause as a greeting. Marnie had a big grin.

We got a very nice trophy and the Santa Anita Park people gave us congratulations and thanks for racing there.

Marnie got a hug from me before going off for weighing.

Later at the barn we talked, Monaco made it clear she was SakChai's rider for the rest of this year. We wanted her to ride for us and told her we'd have work for her ongoing. She was pleased, "I've heard from the others what good owners you are!"

Fist Bumps!

John came over to our barn. It was his boy Alybesha , the black, that had won the `place' behind SakChai. We talked about Secret Sea... it was done! Secret Sea would move to our barn. He was quite happy we'd made him a good deal.

John got to meet Glaa and Hansa! He liked that a lot you could see. We talked for a while, he only raced in Southern California, mostly here and Del Mar also some at Los Alamitos. He'd often been at Hollywood Park before it closed. He enjoyed the life, his kids were involved so it was family. We liked him.

We walked with him to his barn so I could meet some of his crowd. My hand on his arm as we entered as young woman with a fork leaving a stall.

"Ronnie... Let me introduce to you Fay Martin and Mr. Cho they just bought Secret Sea!"

Ronnie, a slender brunette with a pixie cut and brown eyes, her head jerked with the announcement.

"Dad... Did you really..."

I saw a tear and stepped forward reaching in my bag for Cho-Fay handkerchief. She wiped her eye on a sleeve waving me away. A look and she ran away.

John was going to say something but I forestalled him. I asked where she might go... a trailer out back. I walked there and softly knocked... "Ronnie, can we talk?"

She opened the door, there'd been more tears... I extended the cloth to her... she accepted and dabbed her eyes.

"Please come in and sit."

It was cramped but I put my butt on an open space on the banquette seat at the end, the table in front covered in tack. She stood by the tiny counter.

"Ronnie, we want Secret Sea in our stable. She's a beauty and her pedigree matches up very well with several of our stallions... This might pain you... we want her to go to Harcourt House to meet Glaa's sire and see if they like each other."

Her eyes jerked open, "You're Glaa's owner? Oh shit, you're the Fox TV woman!"

I did smile, "Is that bad?"

She shook her head, "NO! It's... well you are on a different level from us. Why Secret Sea?"

Smiling, "We're horse people! She's a proven winner and she has the blood... the blood of Secretariat in her and we highly value that."

I told her we were breeding race horses, great ones we hoped. Using the best of several lines, countries and types.

"We want to mix those incredible genes of Glaa's family with Secretariat's progeny. Do you think they might be runners?"

A smile, "They might be amazing!"

"So you work for your father full-time?"

She had finished high school and was doing some college while working.

"Is Secret Sea a favorite of yours?"

A bigger grin now, "Yes, she's just the sweetest mare!"

I stood up and extended my hand... she thought I wanted the handkerchief but I took her hand, a bit of callous to it, "Would you like to try living in England for a while working for us? Being there with Secret Sea and our horses?"

It was good she hadn't given me back that little piece of cloth because she needed it again.

"Miss Martin... I would but my dad... My mom..."

I laughed, "Oxfordshire isn't nearly as far as the moon."

She laughed at that, "Come talk to your dad now... This doesn't mean you will leave tomorrow but soon. Secret Sea has to make the trip also."

Ronnie asked about the embroidery and was charmed by my story. Smiling we walked back to the office.

John was looking worried until he got a good look at us. Ronnie hugged him, "Dad, Miss Martin wants me to work for them in England."

John staring at me over his daughter's shoulder. I nodded, "She may be mucking out stalls but we'll teach her about training horses too."

Ronnie ran off to call her mother. John gave me a look, I grinned, "She'll have some good people to learn from, have a few adventures and we'll send her home a good bit the wiser."

"Miss... "

"Fay, John, I'm just Fay."

"Fay it's quite the offer... what happened in the trailer?"

"It's not just a trailer but a chariot to the stars."

He laughed out loud at me. Cho came up then. I got a kiss!! He got my news.

"Good we need folks to do the mucking out!"

We all laughed, John shaking his head, "Well, it is up to her. She's a woman and entitled to see more of the world but please let her see some countryside outside of the stable."

I smiled, "John, slavery has been outlawed in England for two centuries. She'll have a place to live with privacy, a salary, three meals a day and all the horse manure she needs!"

That broke him up, "Please don't encourage her to save it up!"

No worries' was my reply our gardener needs it for the flowers!'

Ronnie came smiling, "Mom thinks it's a great way to get rid of me!"

John hugged her, "Where's Jack?"

Down at the end was her reply, "Go get him."

To us, "That's my son and partner. John Junior."

Jack certainly looked like his dad, sandy hair and blue eyes, apparently Ronnie had her mother's colouring. Jack shook hands with us, pleased to meet.

"I watched your Glaa race here. He's got an engine no doubt! SakChai has run folks off their feet these last few months. You do have some fabulous horses. Now my sister is to be in your stable... Watch out she's got a temper."

Yeow! Ronnie gave him a good right to the bicep! "See... See!"

They hugged laughing. "I'll miss her but you are offering Ronnie a huge chance. She NEEDS to go!"

I got Ronnie to intro me to Alybesha. He was a handsome boy and a multiple graded stakes race winner.

"He does bite sometimes when he's cross and he doesn't like to lose."

In the stall I talked with the handsome fellow, he let me caress him and run my hands along his powerful dark flank. Ronnie's eyes were bulging, "Miss Martin, he doesn't let me do that!"

I gave him a kiss on his nose, he nickered which I took as a great compliment!

Walking back Ronnie thought I was some sort of temptress or goddess. Cho disabused her of that, "No but Fay has a way with horses and other souls."

I got a hug and kiss! They knew we would be leaving tomorrow in the late afternoon for New York and a race at the Belmont. John agreed to my suggestion to bring Ronnie and Jack with their mother to Venice for lunch and talk. They lived the far east end of Sierra Madre northeast of the race park.

"Then come into here and over to the maintenance area... we'll send a helicopter to pick you all up. Okay?"

John, Jack and Ronnie looked at each other and agreed! Hands shaken and hugs. Ronnie walked a bit back with us towards our barn, "Miss Martin, can I ask... " I stopped and waved the others on.

PJ moved a short way but waited.

"My name is Fay."

She gulped, "Fay... I want to do a good job but I really don't have that much experience... "

"That's part of it, to learn about horses, life and yourself."

She gave me a look like I was that goddess. I smiled, "No, I'm not up for deification. Your love of a horse got my attention. I have that love too."

We hugged.

The carts took us to the helicopter and we flew home. Gil had let Kavat know about tomorrow. It wasn't a problem, the pilot Ted knew he'd be flying all sorts. We were lending the aircraft to Pedro and Lori and Monaco when they needed it. Leslie used it when it was important for him to get around the spread out city.

Out on the terrace after a romping walk with Jaidee we sat with drinks before dinner. Francis smiling, he'd bet on SakChai's nose and at 4-1 made a few bucks! Gil who wouldn't bet asked why we didn't.

I told her we had on Glaa last year especially in the early races when he was an unknown quantity and the odds were good. Since then we hadn't bothered because now we didn't know the other horses very well and the odds weren't good for betting on Glaa. We mostly just stopped. A shrug.

Dolores called us in for dinner. Burritos! Veggie ones! Delicious black beans from a Cuban recipe a friend from Havana gave her. Fluffy red rice with tiny shrimp. The N'ice Cream run I made was used up afterwards!!

On the beach with Jaidee in the morning sun, warm day. Jaidee running the shallow water with me having a blast! Tai and Ansara got splashed when Jaidee shook himself! Hands covering their faces from the flying water and sand!

Cho and I on the conference App with Bill and Kent. The facebook/twitter Bot story would go on tonight! We'd seen a copy, it was hard hitting with loads of info and sources. They took the money and failed to care where it came from or what the messages said. They even helped them in payment mechanisms and who to target!

Naked greed by both twitter and facebook put on display by Fox News! Awesome stuff! Public shaming was one weapon to use and I'd put them on notice months ago. We'd use our social media presence to publicize the story and the reaction! I liked that, using their platforms against them!!

Bill knew we'd be in New York tonight.

We greeted John and his family in the entryway. They got the short tour. The ocean view was admired but the vista of the city to the east was really appreciated too.

Dolores did a buffet for our lunch. Shrimp in a salsa verde, several kinds of beans, soft tacos and /or tortilla bowls, lots of toppings like shredded lettuce, different cheeses, chopped tomatoes, sauces from mild to volcano hot, sour cream, Dolores' home made guacamole which was fabulous!

Tortilla chips and several types of Pico de Gallo freshly made by Dolores!!! A fabulous artichoke and jalapeno dip. The dining table groaned! We had Newcastles and Corona's or soft drinks or waters.

I had an iPad set on the table running through our pics (Gil's pics) of the racing season as a centre piece.

We grazed the food, sitting outside mostly. Julianne, John's wife, was the brunette model for Ronnie. She was nice and we talked horses and children. She got to see Chani and Charlie in a few videos.

Julianne was a bit amazed to be here with us, "Fay, you're a celebrity. You and Cho on magazine covers and news programs."

I told her we didn't see most all of that as we usually were too busy AND laughing we already know all that stuff. She laughed with me.

"The helicopter ride in was... well... I've never been treated to anything like that!"

"You would have spent the whole day driving in and back otherwise."

I squeezed her hand!

She was a southern California girl raised near Santa Barbara on a family ranch in the foothills. They had horses of course but all sorts. Growing up she had the job of the goats and fowl's care.

"Rosie was a hen who was my buddy. She went everywhere with me. She would sit on a rock near the house waiting for my school bus and then run down the drive to greet me! She was special."

She paused, "Rosie taught me about love and how it sometimes really costs."

I squeezed her hand, "I had a mare, Gwen, she gave me the same lesson."

We looked knowingly at each other. Fortunately Cho came over and lightened the mood.

Julianne told us both about their ranch in Sierra Madre. Comfy house and stables, a good amount of space for riding and training. Chickens and geese, one gander who is their early warning system, no one gets up the drive without Hadrian's alerts.

A couple retired horses and a burro lived with them. They had a good life, lots of sun and the air was clean.

We had a great lunch, our guests enjoyed themselves. Ronnie loved Jaidee. Francis had talked with Jack and was half convinced to try a western saddle.

So we left it with Ronnie and family as her possibly coming over with Secret Sea in a week or ten days. She had a valid passport and would find out about her one college course being done remotely. They knew where she would be and how she would be taken care of during her stay.

Leslie's cars took them back to Santa Monica and the lift to Arcadia. Lots of hugs and kisses. We promised to come to their place next time. Done.

Not long after we mounted the stairs to the 767. Non-stop to Newburgh now! Gil with me, we settled in to work! Cho and Francis at the table with spreadsheets and piles of paper! Me with Jaidee on a sofa, reading with one hand, rubbing brown fur with the other!

Terrance was at the heliport to get us! Hugs and Fist Bumps! He was good, the service was hopping and Aylesha was doing very well. Ben with her every day was splendid for them! Terrance said the young man had a way with water colours sometimes too much on himself!

Roslyn welcomed us. It was late but she had a small snack of fruit, cheese and warm bread with butter. Nice. I handed over some plastic containers from Dolores. She'd put together some of her guacamole and Pico de Gallo as a gift for Roslyn, a taste from Los Angeles. Roslyn sniffed the Pico de Gallo with a smile.

Jaidee got a walk and treats before we turned in. Sleep came easy in Cho's arms.

I took Tai and Tara with me on Jaidee's morning walk. We went over to the dog park on the Hudson River shore. A good long walk and Jaidee had fun! There was only one other dog there that early, a pit bull named Claudia. She was a happy bouncy brown and white girl. Huge grin on her. She and our boy ran around together while I sat and talked with Paula, Claudia's human.

She worked for Bloomingdale's as buyer. My cuffed short shorts and crop top and cut off Seattle hoodie were cool. I was all black even my Vans. She bought women's casual clothing mostly for younger folks like herself and me.

"Well you have the body for your clothes. You look athletic."

I told Paula I like to ride the most but swim was number two. She was trim from running. She couldn't run with Claudia because dogs just don't get around that way.

"They're all stop-start, snuffle and browse. My vet made it plain to me when I brought Claudia home, he knew I'd done a few marathons and didn't want me to get going with her. I was glad he spoke up."

She smiled, "You look familiar to me... We've not met before?"

I said no, laughing, extending my hand, "I'm Fay Martin."

Holding my hand she snapped her fingers, "Yes! That's it, you and your husband bought Fox News."

I did give her the correct story about the ten of us and 21st Century Fox.

"You live down here?"

"Over near Sixth and Bleecker. We aren't around that much. We'll be here a few days then on to England. We have a horse running at the Belmont on Saturday."

"No Shit! The Triple Crown! Damn, you guys have been busy."

I showed her Chani and Charlie. Paula held my phone looking at the pics. Wistfully I thought.

"You've been VERY BUSY!"

She was divorced from a jerk who had trouble keeping his pants up. Seeing a few men, nothing serious. We said goodbye when she recognized the time!

"Yipes! I'm gonna be late."

We walked along a ways together. She turned off towards St. Lukes Place with a hug. We kept going to Minetta Street.

No Cho at home. I'd kissed him goodbye before going out with Jaidee. He was off with Sam to play at Winged Foot.

Roslyn had breakfast! Fluffy omelets, fruit and poppy seed bagels!! Munch then a wash up.

Into the Alice & Oliva Coley crew neck A-line dress in lemon yellow! Above mid-thigh, lots of leg showing. I added black ankle boots and black jewelry!

A car took Gil with PJ, Tara and me to the Fox Building. Up on the Fox News level I was in the doorway looking across the news room towards several of the sets near the Sixth Avenue windows. There was a show on-air in a corner set. I moved over to where Megan's desk was.

She was deep in conversation with a director then she saw me. Eyes bright! We hugged, in my ear, "Did you bring my lover with you?"

Huge grin!

"Indeed! She has a few days off in fact and awaits you."

Another hug.

I met with Reginé! She came over from London for a few weeks as Fox News was running these `hot' stories. Fox News and Sports were really popular on all the social media with massive jumps since June!

Her team managed content with dedicated personnel inside every 21st Century Fox unit. There were people on duty 24/7 to maintain the flow and watch for special events that were occurring. We kept up a steady stream of tweets and posts that weren't just space fillers.

Reginé truly believed in quality in communication, silence was better than inanity or triviality. Reginé often sent samples of them to me in emails, I thought our feeds were a terrific read.

I took Reginé with me to the 21 club for lunch. Gil got our usual tables, number ten and eleven. The car dropped us out front where a half dozen photographers snapped pictures. One tried to get closer but Tara's hand stopped that. Inside the manager smiling walking us into the Bar Room.

In the Bar Room many folks turned to look, a few stared as if I was really important! Reginé, Gil and I sat at table number ten and PJ with Tara at eleven. Drinks and ordering took place.

We talked about social media and influencing the conversation when there a bit of noise from the front. Someone was upset and doing some now LOUD yelling. PJ was paying attention.

I saw the manager go that way and it did become quieter. A blonde head popped out at the end of the bar but disappeared quickly. Then peace!

Food! I started with the Clayton's crab, a Caesar then the scallops! All delicious! Espresso and the Crème Brûlée to finish.

PJ and Tara smiling over to me. They enjoyed themselves.

Our waiter which we'd seen each time brought our bill to Gil. He was smart, figured it out. He bowed and said he'd made some very nice money betting on our horse. I gave him SakChai's name and IrishRainbow. A huge smile and a big thank you!

We walked out, the manager had a what I would call a sly grin on his face.

"Miss Martin, everything was good?"

I said wonderful as usual. He apologized for the noise earlier but a frequent guest had a bit of temper tantrum when he couldn't have his usual table and left in a huff.

I raised my eyebrows as a subtle encouragement. It was table number eleven and the person was Trump. That was brought a smile to my face. The manager's grin was explained now.

I thanked him for the information and appreciated not being disturbed. He gave me a bow and "You won't be here."

Interesting!

The car was pulling up. A few more pictures taken.

I guess we're news and something of a Will-o'-the-wisp. We never announce where we'll be and never fly on commercial flights.

My non-sequitur of the day:

"Gil, those French glossies... where do you think the cover snaps were taken?"

"I think they were cleaned up captures from the Fox press conference since you were wearing that cute black dress with short sleeves."

Fist Bump! We certainly didn't pose for pictures.

Upstairs In Bill's `study' he again laughed at my characterization. We gathered the department heads for a short meeting including Reginé. They all knew her and her team who got many plaudits from them. They got an outline of where Reginé's folks were headed and what they might need.

Her forces were going to do several waves of pro-active social media campaigns through to the next year. Reginé had mockups and a diagram for their work for the News division. She pointed out it would be much the same, other than content, for the others. The content would be a good deal richer for Sports and Entertainment sides with a lot more video!

Afterwards I wandered around with Gil and Tara. I stopped in offices and at desks through the Administrative floor. The folks were happy even bubbly. Some had left but one woman in Personnel sotto voce said she felt those who had gone weren't missed.

On the News floor Kent and two producers got me aside. The piece on bigots supporting Trump would air Tuesday. It would end the three weeks of slamming Trump overlapping a Presidential debate leaving a month before the election. The three stories would be re-run several times a week until the election day.

Fist Bumps all around!

Out on the floor I got to meet more of Kent's staff and some on-air personalities. The on-air folks mostly had journalistic or academic backgrounds, tended to be in their thirties and forties, a diverse group otherwise.

Kent was still recruiting. "Fay, we need to do some filling-in people and perhaps two more daily shows."

I saw Frank on the Sports floor. He and Elinor would out at the Belmont Saturday.

"Do you want a small scoop?"

He was all ears! "We just bought a mare in California, she'll be going to Harcourt House to have a few babies. Her name is Secret Sea. We got her from John Glass Racing."

"I know about her. She's quite the winner but not very well recognized and not hardly outside of California. You got a good one!"

Fist Bump! Boy was I doing that today!

"Yes, we're very pleased. Her pedigree is dense with quality on both sides."

I showed Frank a pedigree on my iPad.

"Well two Triple Crown winners is terrific! AND two of Secretariat's best daughters!"

He gave me a serious look, "You and Mr. Cho aren't going to syndicate Glaa or the others are you?"

"Well... I can't say never but we want to build a stable of real quality and we think it best for now to keep our resources on a tight leash."

Frank smiled, "You're on the record?"

I nodded, another Fist Bump! Donald came up at that point with a questioning look and smile.

"Are there secrets over here?"

I pointed to Frank, "He wheedled a few out of me."

Frank laughing, "I don't think anyone will believe I did that but I have recorded some comments!"

Douglas and I walked along, "I did give Frank a few bits that may be of interest."

"Sounds like understatement to me, Fay"

Smiles!

I stopped on the Eighth floor to look at the proposed... rather THE site for the new `computer centre.' Petra met me there.

"I'm keeping an eye on this for now until Eve gets here. The internet pipes are in and hot. All the planned power needs are met. So a finalized layout and build out is left."

We wandered around the space. Petra's HQ would be the other half of the floor. She had folks finishing the offices and miscellaneous rooms now. She said she was good! Fist Bump!

The car at the side door on 49th Street and we headed home. I leaned back looking at Gil. She mouthed one word and burst out laughing. Her silent Trump' had me giggling too. Tara and PJ enjoyed it since they were the ones at his table.'

Gil still grinning, "Did you notice the 21 Club manager never came to the table to speak to you. He never intended to ask you to give up the table."

I smiled, "Yes, I noticed and his attitude in the entryway. Looks like we've got the edge on Trump in more than one way. He doesn't have any horse racing connections either to give him further appeal."

Tai was off for a few days and Rande and Ansara with Cho. I got Ro to go on a dog walk. He liked Jaidee and played with him often so he was happy to go with us. I did a quick change to short shorts and a crop top and Vans.

We went south working our way west. We checked out Dogma on Seventh Avenue, I got a brochure. They loved meeting Jaidee. I went into Pet Central with the guys to get some of Jaidee's favorite treats, he got a sample. He was cute looking at the offered treat giving me sidelong glances. I gave him the Okay. Gobbled!

Last stop was Cones for ice cream. Several half gallons each of Almond Cream, Coffee Chip and Hazelnut! I was loaded but Okay! We went right down Bleecker and across Sixth to home.

The door to Roslyn and Yi's apartment was open, Alice was sitting there. She was a sweet little thing. She and Jaidee did `noses' all good! I called out to Yi to come up went she had a chance. She would.

Ice cream in the freezer, treats stored! I went out to sit in the sun for a while. I'd barely settled when Cho's text hit my phone. Fires... stars... explosions!!! Damn what could he have done?

I replied... girl... arrow... home and got... golfer... arrow... home... back! Good!

Yi joined me in the sun. She said Alice likes to sit in the doorway or she lays in the sun that comes through the front windows. Nina's Security staffers kept an eye out for her.

Yi was doing quite well, working with her editor she had completed her book. Changes done so it would be out in six weeks. The publisher expected a tour of Manhattan bookstores and around the metropolitan area. Then gauge the interest and go wider to certain cities. They were looking at Washington, D.C, Chicago, Los Angeles and City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco. They had definitely planned three stops in Seattle which was a top book town.

I told Yi she could use our house on Queen Anne when she was in Seattle. Good location, nice view and comfy! And stay in Venice if possible when in Los Angeles. She was happy to hear that! Fist Bump!

Gil would send her the info and add in Le Champignon d'Or in D.C. as a great place to eat if she was able.

I got us some Newcastles, we sipped and talked books. I was reading Luc Sante's "The Other Paris,' and "And The Show Went On' by Alan Riding to give me some deep Parisian background. `Vagabond' by Isabelle Eberhardt was also in my book bag. The second volume of the Collected Orwell too! I was in the book reviews.

Yi was reading several of Alice B. Toklas' books with a Trollope novel thrown in. She wanted some `space' from Hemmingway. We laughed.

Cho came out to us. I got a monster hug and kiss! Sam hugged me too. Yi had been intro'd before. I got our golfers Newcastles to wet their throats so I could get the story of the day. Sam called Sadie to say they were back. She was coming with the kids for dinner.

Cho smiling, "It started out oddly. I was on the green at number one in two but the pin was set at the bottom of the slope leaving me a nasty side angle putt. I two-putted for par but it should have been better.

On number three, a long par three, my iron shot hit above the pin and rolled back down the big slope to hit the flag and stop for a five inch tap-in. I did a run of pars until we turned to the back nine. At ten where I got my hole-in-one the conditions were the same. I chose the same club and tee spot. Again a smooth swing. I watched it fly with a slight draw in..."

Cho laughed, "Sam was beside me watching it hit the front fringe, bounce twice and roll forward. The hole was centered above the first swale and it carried right to it... Sam grabbed my arm... and it dropped in! Twice on the same hole, my only holes-in-one in over thirty years of play. This guy went crazy..." a finger aimed at Sam!

"Well I've never seen a hole-in-one! It was like it was slow motion as the ball rolled up the slope... then it was... gone!"

Sam shaking his head, "They say the back nine with the long par fours is so tough but Cho ripped it today. Four birdies and an eagle! AND a hole-in-one! It was awesome!"

Cho and Sam did Fist Bumps!

Fifteenth, Cho said is a tough hole, today he chose to drive it hard. "I was over the creek with a chip shot to the green. I used a wedge lifted the ball up to drop it above the pin and use the backspin. It came back sweetly roll right in! Another eagle!! The Eighteenth, my drive long well past the right side bunker. I had a bit over one hundred yards to the flag in the front half of the green near the edge of the swale. I dropped my shot again above the hole and let it wind itself back. It stopped a foot above the hole on the swale. Another tap-in for a 64!"

He was grinning, "That course really challenges you. The front nine has been more trouble to me than the back which is opposite for most golfers. Those long par fours are my meat!"

Cho had Rollo, the caddy, same as when he played in the previous time. He loved it.

"He knows the yardage of the course so well. So I have back to back 64's and two holes-in-one! Why haven't I played this course more?"

Laughing out loud I said every day if he wanted!

We had a great dinner, Yi stayed up to join Sam and Sadie and kids with us.

Gil smiling at me as she spooned up some Almond Cream ice cream leaving a clean bowl! "Fini!"

Yes to espresso on the terrace, a no to Amaretto for me.

We flew out to the Belmont in the early morning. IrishRainbow was back in the barn from his dawn exercise. He was bouncy and playful after his bath. A few mints went over well!

We stayed to talk to him and give him some love.

Monaco said he's ready! We'd be back tomorrow for the race.

Back on the terrace, I checked in with my post-op friends. They were doing great! The swelling for Lawan and Kamol was down further, they were able to walk without discomfort, hardly noticing it. Terrific! Nobody liked the plastic dicks but they did enjoy the process using my method.

Gil and I worked, Cho and Francis doing something together.

We had a quiet night. We watched some Fox News just to see. I liked it. They had serious discussions, the moderators and some guests held some Republican feet to the flames. Mass squirming!! Two conservative guests when pressed said they'd left the Republican Party rather than have any association with Trump. Oh YES!

It was warmish in the morning so black short shorts and the Seattle cutoff hoodie and Vans. I grabbed a plain black baseball from the closet for my hair.

The morning walk with Jaidee was a tour of Washington Square Park. We did the whole thing cover to cover! Ending on the south side near George's Dog Run.

There was a pit bull named Twist, gray and white, handsome even though he had some face scars and he was very polite. We met him near the dog run.

Twist was a rescue from a dog fighting gang. He been scooped up with other dogs and the jackasses who made them fight. The three main fellows went to prison, the dogs were evidence until the trials were over.

Twist was in a shelter and then a sanctuary, he was shown how to be a dog again. His companion was a slender blonde named Raphaela. She adopted Twist and they lived in her condo nearby. She worked in the garment industry designing clothes.

"You have the body nearly anyone would love to dress."

I thanked Raphaela, laughing, "I was asked in the Tom Ford shop on Rodeo Drive to model for them."

"Well, I can see why! You have the whole package, body and face."

I said I had so many things going on I wouldn't find the time. Stretching, I lifted the cap to run fingers through my hair.

"No shit! You're Fay Martin!"

I smiled pulling the cap back on. Too late!

Raphaela stared, "You dress so well! Does anyone do it for you?"

No, I bought it all myself and dressed myself. She couldn't hardly believe that. I shrugged.

"Fay, come visit us sometime. Mirabelle on Herald Square."

I made no promises. Heading back Tara smiling, "Why would it be so hard for you to dress yourself? It's not like you are in that Downton Abbey TV show."

I laughed, "Well I do like some of Mary's dresses."

We did Fist Bumps!

I was dressing for the Belmont thinking about Raphaela's comment, "Cho can I get a Lady's Maid? You like one of those upper class Edwardian English ladies had?"

He'd come in my dressing room to show me his clothes. He was standing there dressed beautifully, black suit, pale gray shirt and Harcourt green and yellow striped tie. Gorgeous!

I was in a black silk set of nickers and tiny bra. Hands on hips looking in the big mirror.

He laughed cupping my right beast, a swipe of a thumb over the silky bra on my nipple. Yeow!

"You my dear can have anything you want!"

We hugged laughing our heads off. I handed the `Joy' to Cho so he could apply it where he wanted before I covered it up. I turned in place to offer my bits!

I slipped into a white silk short sleeved dress, a loose skirt and a men's shirt collar. Navy stockings and heels, navy leather bag. Gold jewelry. I did have something new, round sunglasses with mirrored blue lenses, gold frame.

I stepped out of the helicopter at the racetrack, careful with the skirt part. They had electric carts for a trip to the stables. IrishRainbow was quiet in his stall but he seemed to like us being there. I caressed his lovely neck, a soft nicker. He got a mint!

Monaco was happy, IrishRainbow was prepared. We walked over to the grandstand going around the saddling paddock to avoid bothering those getting ready for a race.

We were box A20 again. I was missing Ringgold but he was with a brother in the Canadian Rockies, fishing. It looked wonderful in the snaps he'd sent. Neither Cho or I had been anywhere near there, some place north of Banff.

Gil and Francis got up to wander a bit. PJ, Tara and Rande were close to us, Ansara went with those two. No threat, being careful.

They were all back when the post parade for the Jockey Club Gold Cup began. Dom on IrishRainbow was quiet, the stable pony moving slowly. The temperature had risen so there wouldn't be much `warming up' needed. Just a jog to loosen up.

Monaco joined us on my right as always!

The mile and a quarter was familiar to these horses. They loaded easily, no drama. The pause...CLANG! IrishRainbow was in the number four slot, he came out nicely going strongly right away. He was level with two others down the straight to the first turn. They had several lengths on the rest and eased over towards the rail. Our boy was in the middle of the three going around the big turn. I was watching in my glasses, IrishRainbow was running well. Once the trio moved into the back straight Dom's hands made a move and IrishRainbow picked up the pace. He began to edge away.

As they approached the turn he had two lengths on his rivals. He was cruising along. Into the turn I looked carefully as he changed leads very easily, Monaco had really worked with him on this. It was a tremendous advantage.

IrishRainbow came out of the turn four lengths clear and looking very strong. Dom was a statue on his back guiding the horse close to the rail where the dirt was good.

Our colt was striding out, no falter! He powered his way down the home stretch unchallenged as the other two faded. It was terrific to see Dom's upraised whip as they surged across the finish line eighth lengths ahead! 1:59:00! IrishRainbow almost broke the Gold Cup record! He'd run well under a sub-two minute mile and a quarter!

We celebrated! Hugs and kisses! I was bouncing between Cho and Monaco an arm around each!!! We were thrilled at IrishRainbow's success! It validated our decision to keep him away from Glaa after the Triple Crown races. He was his own man now!

Dom's smile was massive as he rode our champ to the Winner's Circle. Darryl was there with the lead and brilliant smile! Cho led our winner in for the prize presentation. We collected a nice trophy and prize money.

The crowd was very nice to us and IrishRainbow with a loud applause and cheers.

We walked down the track towards the barns, Francis and Gil went to cash their betting slips. They'd both bet on our boy to win and did well at 3-1!

Dom came in from weighing a happy guy. A real nice win and a near record! He was jazzed. He and May hadn't set a date but probably in Florida where her family was after the new year turn. Maybe Valentine's Day? Fist Bump!

IrishRainbow walked in with Darryl, all Okay! He'd get more walking and a bath. They'd all head out to Santa Anita the first of the week. So they could relax a bit then train for the Breeder's Cup races, there was a month to go. IrishRainbow would be in the Classic with Glaa but he was a different horse now. We'll see!

Terrance was waiting at the heliport with a huge smile. He was rubbing three fingers together meaning money! He'd made bets on IrishRainbow to Win and Place and side bets on two other horses. The second place finisher came up BIG for him at 12-1. Fist Bump! We hugged and were laughing all through the ride to Minetta Street.

We had Daria, Bennett and Mike and Cindy coming for dinner. Ali and Francis were going out with Tai and Megan, dinner and dancing for them!

Roslyn had baked halibut with a fantastic citrus sauce! Whipped potatoes with braised leek, crispy green beans with almonds, a white bean vinaigrette salad, cross buns and butter. A tasty white burgundy matched well!

All served outside at the big table. Cindy liked the table and chairs very much. Her family had a house near Bordeaux when she was growing up, they ate outside all summer at a table similar to ours.

Mita had made us a cake all in Irish green, white and orange to celebrate our boy's win with a cute brown horse on top with a rainbow flag! Soft cake, the icing delicious! We had it with coffee.

Sitting beside Cindy talking clothes and such. I told her about Raphaela's shock this morning at my doing my own wardrobe. She laughed, "Who hires a lady's maid or dresser? Even if you wanted to have a person do that sort of `close up' involvement the hassle of modern life would make it impossible."

We laughed, I told her Tara's Downton Abbey' quip. Cindy's hand on my arm, "Fay, imagine doing what those ladies did? Languid breakfast in bed, bathe, dress, receive a visitor or two, luncheon, maybe go out to make a call on someone, tea, change for dinner, dine with friends and family, sit in drawing room to chat, go to bed? Maybe a charity thing' every now and then? I'd go stark raving mad!"

"Cindy, what must they have talked about? Family, friends, go up to London, maybe riding, babies but not how to make them, maybe politics but they surely would have been deeply conservative. So many subjects would have been taboo!"

Daria had joined us, "Dears, I did have some experience of that. I have English cousins and they lived up in Yorkshire on a big estate, neither of the girls worked. They sewed, rode and were very boring."

She did add with a smile, "Things could have changed as that was over fifty years ago!" Laughter from us all.

Hugs at the elevator for everyone. They loved what Fox News was doing and how the share price had risen in both common and class B stocks. We all have a good deal more money than we put in to start up the acquisition! Very happy investors!!

Cho and I on the terrace curled up on a lounge, Nice. A bit of kissing took place and it wasn't bad at all! Jaidee lying beside us. I leaned over the edge to stroke his fur, warm and soft! I was carried in to bed!

It was a short but enjoyable flight!

My morning started with Jaidee's nose near mine. The little guy needed to pee. I got up and dress in trackies and a sweatshirt, a chill so long sleeves. PJ was here so we went out. Jaidee watered a lamppost, a car tire and some grass! I had my plastic bag ready and made a deposit for him in the trash. All done! Tail wagging!

Today Cho was going to the Fox Building and I was shopping! I checked the weather, cool for now. So high waisted slacks in black from Dolce & Gabbana adding a sleeveless collared white blouse. Black heels and Cho's onyx jewelry pieces. Red nails and lips! `Joy' and a black cardigan with big gold buttons that I let hang back off my shoulders with my arms in the sleeves.

I wanted to get some shoes for each house, basics like black, red, navy, beige heels, black and brown ankle boots without adornments. Some sandals too. Gil was making an inventory of all our clothes and where the items were.

Smaller amounts of packing was the goal! We would leave the items as we visited each home.

Barney's, Bloomingdales, up Fifth Avenue and along 57th Street.

Before we left Bloomie's I asked to see Paula. She came down to Women's shoes where I was. She was pleased to see me, we talked for a few minutes. I said I'd come back when I had more time to see what she was buying. Okay!

Terrance kept a car nearby, moving as we did to take the things we bought off our hands. Gil and I had fun. She was spending some more of her hard earned money!

Tara, Ansara and PJ along. They worked well together, each getting some time to shop.

In Coach Cho got a new wallet for his Christmas and two pair of gloves. One black, one chocolate brown, VERY soft with thin warm lining! I bought myself two Charlie bags, black and beechwood! A pair of black leather gloves with wool lining, thin!! I stopped to look at a coat... Wool trench coat with big buttons. I choose it it in navy. Soft and it would be warm!

I was liking Coach more and more when I almost bumped into a mannequin in a cute lightweight dress. They called Duck Geo Babydoll dress. I bought it in black. Very cute with a bit of whimsy, three quarter sleeves and above mid-thigh!

The sales woman was nice, she recognized me, quietly in an aside, "Miss Martin, I think you're terrific for what you did at Fox."

I thanked her and asked about a few other things I saw. With her help I added a `Collar' dress in black, lightweight, short sleeved, thinking of Bangkok. Also a mid-calf length sleeveless black pleated dress.

Paola, the woman helping me really liked my D&G look! "Sleek and sexy too!"

In shoes I spent some time. First in my buying pile was the Western Mules, block heel, strap on the back of the heel in black. Two pair. Now heels! Three each of the Waverly Pumps in black and beechwood. The fit was perfect!

Gil had gotten several things, she was very pleased. Both Tara and Ansara did too! PJ called the car for a pickup out front. He bought a wallet for his dad and a scarf for mom!

Coach was an unqualified success! I left my sizes and measurements with Paola so I could order through her.

We went to Escada which I had briefly looked in at when I was in San Francisco. A wool/cotton long sleeved dress in black, v-neckline, slender to a few inches above the knee. A very handsome look on me.

I bought an assortment of casual jumpers for Christmas gifts. Bright colours, simple patterns. I got six in my Crew's sizes! Gil was wonderful having the info in her iPad! I added some cardigans too!

Another pickup!

Food!

Gil did a booking at the 21 club for lunch, both tables again! I did hope we'd be able to tweak someone's nose once more! The usual collection of paparazzi types out front were ignored but I still had to smile seeing the Harcourt Racing colours on the jockey.

We settled in. There had been stares and a small group did applaud until I waved. They were at table number fifty-five. I detoured to say hello. They were quite nice and were enthusiastic Fox News watchers now.

I got a Campari, a shrimp cocktail, a big Caesar with lots of anchovies, the Dover Sole. Our usual waiter smiling as I made my order without looking at the menu.

The manager came by to thank us for coming in again. He wanted me to know they had received our gift of two horse shoes worn by Glaa at the Belmont Stakes. They were considering where to put them. He asked if we would like to see them when we came in. I said yes but he should make the decision. He bowed thanking us again!

It was a good meal.

Back to shopping! The car had gone to Minetta Street to unload while we ate. Roslyn had lunch for the driver, Pell, waiting. He came back to scoop us up at 21. Over to Madison Avenue.

First to Berluti for Cho! I got him two light but warm jackets for golf. Silk and Cotton Zip-ups, one black, one in navy. Very soft with room to move. I added Polo shirts in several colours in both silk and cotton! A forest green, silvery gray, navy and white. I was pleased. I'd be back here.

Interestingly I was recognized by the sales associate. He didn't make much of it but he knew. I made my choices, he wrapped them and I gave him my American Express card, the smile got big.

When I signed he said `it was an honor to have served me' which I thought very nice of him to say. I shook hands with him, he bowed over my hand!

We went back south to Chloe. I wandered. I liked some of their things but most did nothing for me. Their `ready-to-wear' just wasn't exciting for me. We stayed a bit but I wasn't buying so out the door. A sales woman had tried to help me find something and I thanked her.

She had a business card, I had Gil take it. The sales lady looked upset. I turned to her and took the card slipping it into my pocket.

"No disrespect was intended. Gil is my PA and takes care of those things for me. Thanks again for your help."

I extended my hand. She smiled taking my hand. "Sorry. I understand Miss Martin."

Pell behind the wheel as we turned south, he done very well today. At Minetta Street I enlisted Gil to help conceal the clothes and things I bought Cho. We managed to get them into two soft-side carry-all bags and hidden in a wardrobe. Fist Bumps!

I had a Campari in one hand, a scotch in the other as Cho came through the entry. A huge grin! I received a big kiss, defenseless as I was. Only after the kiss did Cho take his drink. Gil was laughing and hovering in case I lost control of the liquids.

All my friends in Bangkok were excellent! I spoke on Facetime with Jian. She'd spent time with all our post-op girls who were doing just fine. They'd all been back for checkups, all great. Karla and Michael were flying to Chalgrove tonight. Dr. Sanporam had a colleague in London to take over her post-op care.

Ku and Eve coming to New York soon after London and saying right here. They had all the good telephone numbers!

Dinner with all our staff outside. A buffet from Roslyn's Mexican side! She was awesome! Shrimp grilled with chiles, not too hot! Red rice and beans! Soft taco shells stuffed with grilled veggies ground beef stuff, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and sauces. I made two trips. PJ was so gallant to escort me both times he went!

There was ice cream to cool tongues if need be. Mine was fine but I NEEDED ice cream! Tai was with Megan for the last night, Ali joined us before Francis `dragged' her out to dance.

In Cho's lap, snuggled in, "We should go out one night too."

He agreed, "We will in Bangkok. I need your ears tonight."

I raised my eyebrows, my tush was gently patted, "Just talk about a few things."

I slinked my arms around Cho's neck, Kiss! MMMMMMMMM I was squeezed and kissed several times!!

In bed lying under the covers stroking Jaidee's little bod. He was between us, Cho's fingers on his head scratching him into a blissful state.

"The last big story on Trump is out tomorrow as we leave. Bill has the numbers from several sources about the first two stories. After the bombshell of the concrete' piece we promoted the bot' story and it was the most watched show that night. When the two stories were re-run, we did promos for them, they scored way up there too.'

Cho's other hand was giving me a scalp massage like Jaidee's! So nice.

"Bill is promoting the bigot' piece as the third part of a trilogy of exposés of Trump. Too many T's." He laughed.

A more serious look, "We are in a position that could lead to having under our hand enormous power. We have to use it well. Unlike M************* we care about people and I don't want to hurt anyone in making use of that power. But it seems inevitable some hurt will happen when misdeeds and criminality are exposed."

I caressed that face, I leaned over Jaidee to kiss my man.

"Bill has assembled a terrific collection of real journalists, hardworking and hard hitting! There is a lot of info flowing our way, some because of our politics but disgust is fueling it from Republicans who want their party back. In the last week of the election campaign Bill's forces have three more stories to be released on successive nights. One on the source of the money from the National Rifle Association going into republican hands, another on the Republican election cheating and gerrymandering in the states and the last is a wrap of republican attempts subvert the Presidential election outcome."

My eyes were closed, I turned to open mine seeing Cho's eyes, "You are thinking that by doing these stories we could alter the election? That we might have that power?"

Cho nodded, "Yes, we could erase the advantage the Republican's cheating gives them. We are running `get out the vote' messages for free thanks to you."

We kissed again. "That and more gives us a moral position that we must guard. Never can we go overboard except to correct great wrongs."

A hand went over his face, eyes closed. "Fay, I don't want to be melodramatic... this is one outcome. Be prepared!"

At my prompting Cho moved an almost asleep Jaidee to his bed. In my arms, I pressed firmly against his body!

"I think we have been careful in many things already." Cho agreed, a kiss before I went on, "You are right power is seductive there's certainly enough examples of people who have gone before us. I believe together..." a hard kiss, "we can manage it!"

Cho's arms around me! Warm, solid, comforting!

"Turn around little dove."

His flesh touching mine!!! "Sleep." Okay.

In the morning there was the sun but also the chill. Autumn was here! It had been warm and lovely thanks to global warming, seasonal change coming now. Trackies and light gloves to walk Jaidee! PJ had a knit hat on!

Out on Bleecker Street Jaidee did his business, I cleaned up. We walked along Sixth Avenue going south then reversed on the west side back up to Father Demo Square to cross over.

Alice was in the window at the front door. I stroked her, purrs! She was so soft, like an ermine!

We had the PR law firm folks coming for a meeting before lunch then we were off. The sun cut through the early morning chill so we could use the terrace. Ties were loosened but jackets stayed on.

They had reports about the rising requests for our images and names to be used to `hawk' products, some so laughable they could hardly be real.

One of the partners mentioned that their staffers were getting new training in stupidity, venality and avarice via the communications coming in for us.

"They're seeing the baseness of people like nowhere else."

At least it was at a distance! I asked if they were watching out for any issues with the folks dealing with it all. I was told they were rotating staff around.

They had received (as had Reginé's teams on social media) threats of violence in mail and email. If they believed the item had credibility it was passed on to the relevant police agency with a request that follow up be provided.

All packages were isolated and checked carefully including using a dog to sniff them before they went upstairs. We didn't think being too cautious was bad given our raised profile and all the nuts out there.

Our Security got ALL the information, even the obviously silly, and in some cases had done an investigation on our own. Thet had a separate team assigned to it with staff in Bangkok and overseas working on each of threats they believed had merit. Petra had several staffers working on this.

Under Kora's direction at the HQ in Bangkok, they were building a database of every threat by country and locality, person, media type, threat type, etc... The staff at our Security offices around the world had access based on their position. Kora and Ni were working to give our `principals' access via a mobile app.

Our lawyers said we had been sued by a number of cranks and some former staff at 21st Century Fox. The cranks were easy since they had no resources. The former staffers were being dealt with by Fox lawyers who kept the PR folks in the loop.

They said ex-Fox folks weren't going to get far because every contract had clauses for the company to buy them out or dismiss them at will. Solid contract law in each case backed up the Fox position. It was kind of sweet that Fox was defeating these folks with the tools they provided us!

We served lunch for the lawyers and our folks. Petra had joined us midway when the threats became the discussion. We kept going while eating. Lovely warm sandwiches from Roslyn! A German Bavarian style potato Salad which was warm, it had caraway seeds, soy bacon, vinegar and onions!

We were packed and off uptown. Terrance dropped us at the heliport where Scott the manager welcomed us.

"Mr. Cho, Miss Martin. Good to see you however briefly. Your friends and associates have boosted our operations quite significantly. I have hired two part-time staff just for the office, more to come."

We were happy... As I've been saying `we like to make money.'

The pretty white Agusta dropped us fifty yards from the 767 in Newburgh. Jaidee hustled up the stairs, he was ready! Stephanie's voice told us we were ready too. She had us moving down the taxiway, big power turn onto the runway and off! The rush always exciting. Jaidee taking it all in his stride as he looked out his window.

We all sat to work for a while before going to bed. Tara and Ro had fun in the front passageway with Jaidee and a tennis ball. We watched the `Bigot' piece with our staff.

Fox News lambasted Trump and the Republicans for pandering to the worse in the American subcultures of diseased people who hated everything and anything that didn't prop up their views of white supremacy. From southern confederacy whiners to outright murderers the list was long and our story ripped them.

Jim Crow might be a household name after this! It should have been all along. The risks that civil rights workers took were balanced by the progress made but Fox made it plain there was a long way to go yet. There were many constituencies that still didn't have any real voice at the national level.

The LGBTQ community had voices but no truly national figure. They did have many hard working groups right there at the spear point like HRC. We needed to consider giving money to several, Lambda Legal especially.

People with disabilities had some law behind them like the others but a standout voice was lacking.

President Obama had made a big breakthrough being elected but the republicans in Congress had obstructed real gains.

Well, no one watching could doubt where Fox News stood after this. Great reporting, terrific research and a solid narrative linking it all together! I was impressed again and happy with what we were doing. Sitting on a sofa with Cho, leaning back on him I had one hand in mine, I was holding tight.

In the dark before sleep, Cho warm against me I was kissed...quite passionately. It wasn't sexual but romantic and loving! We were as tight as any two people could be.

I had a deep sleep, my last conscious thoughts of Cho.

I was awake before the alarum. The sun rising as we crossed the coast above Scotland. I slid out to hug Jaidee! He warm and comfy in his bed. Damn cute too!!

I was washed and dressed munching on a Molly's cupcake or two or... Hot coffee. Soka came in smiling.

My handsome companion came out to get a bite of my cupcake. He was smiling!

We had time for breakfast. Soka did lovely scrambled eggs! Veggie sausage and toasted bagels!

We were working on ours as Gil and Francis joined us. They opted for toast and coffee. We'd be on the ground shortly.

Belted in as the 767 made its approach to Chalgrove. Lined up on the runway and down easy. A turn and we were off the runway. Our hangar shiny white with a big yellow Hibiscus Brilliant with red center on the big doors, it had a Gulfstream parked beside it.

Prasert smiling as we came down. He and Ellie were fresh back from Thailand. A hug! In a few minutes I got to hear the crunch of the gravel which was an English sound to me. A thrill every time.

Carter welcomed us. Fist Bump! Grins! Kendal and Stanton there for our bags. Audra in the entryway. A hug for her. She smiled and cocked her head towards the stairs. A kiss on her cheek.

I dashed up, Gil and Tara on my heels! Boxes in my dressing room! New hats and clothes I ordered! Beige khaki and a nice dusky rose jodhpurs, light and dark khaki shirts, dark green khaki riding jacket, ties in light khaki and dark khaki! The new hats in several khaki colours.

I chose the dusky rose jodhpurs, and light khaki shirt, dark khaki tie and jacket, a new campaign hat in dark green khaki on lanyard hanging down my back out of sight.

I went out to the front where Cho was with Phillips. Cho's eyes widened, I paused to seat the new hat. He opened his arms, hug and kiss! He had my hand getting to twirl for him.

"Fay that is great! Good colours and the hat! What is that called?"

"The US Army calls it a campaign hat, they've used them for way over a hundred forty years. Some call it a Royal Canadian Mounted Police hat or others say it's the US Forest Service Smoky the Bear hat."

Gil and Tara came out. They yelled out `Fay!' and ran over. Hugs, Gil, "Girl you just have it!"

I kissed Cho and did a fist bump with Phillips which made him laugh. We walked down to the stables. Gregory had been alerted.

I did sneak up on Pamela... Whoo what a loud nicker when she saw me! I gave her a hug and kiss! Diana came in to saddle her. Rascal for Tara who really liked him and Gil on Con.

Gregory pulled me to the office before I mounted. In a big cuddly fluffy basket Tess was lying with her kids! She given birth the day before yesterday. Four healthy kittens, two brown gray tabby like Sebastian and two ginger white like herself. One boy and one girl in each colour. Damn! Tess had designer kids!

Tess didn't mind my picking them up for a few seconds. She was relaxed, looking every bit the queen she is. Tiny little ones, eyes closed, warm bodies. Sebastian sitting in the big chair watching me make over his babies, he got a hug.

Carla's boy Charlie had helped in the birth and took some snaps. It had all gone very well fortunately! Kids and mom were safe and well! Dr. Crawford had been by, he gave them a going over. They were pronounced perfect little babies.

Knee up and we headed south. Sunny at school so the dressage arenas were empty. It was early so Freddie hadn't come down to the training tracks yet. Up the slope to warm up the muscles, I asked Pamela for some speed before the railroad and again after. A great gallop to the lock. The lock man waved, I heard `nice hat' from him. I waved back.

Roy was setting up. "Miss Martin, that's a swell hat! Very smart looking."

I thanked him and wished him success with the fish. We walked over all the water to the west bank then up once more we ran quickly along the shore. As we detoured around the ugly houses we came to the southern end of the two big fields we had just bought. I could see that Security had been over here. Signs posted.

We followed the south boundary of the fields which aimed us over to Archie and Margy's house. We rode past on the road to more fields I turned us north. Asking for speed Pamela rewarded me right away. On the dirt road we swept along a fast rate in a single file group. Pamela out running the boys easily, I didn't pull her up until we neared the Industrial Estate.

We eased over to the river path to the lock. Once in Sandford's `downtown' I steered us to Mr. Hardy's place. He heard us clip-clopping on the road and popped out. We exchanged greetings, he was well.

My hat was admired. He has a great nephew who was indeed a RCMP officer and he had a snap of him in his dress uniform somewhere. The same hat! Yes! He would be up for dinner tomorrow!

Going south to home we rocked it covering the the distance very rapidly. We waved to Dan Senior going by.

Freddie was on the track with a couple of horses and Diana as we trotted beside the fence. He was doing well. Our BlackStar had won both his races. Going away this last one. Freddie said he was very strong and he thought would do some growing over the winter.

I made a visit to Asda and Hathai. They both were in Asda's stall hanging out. Kisses and hugs for them. A couple of mints went away fast!

I stopped to caress Tess and her kids again before going up to the house. Gregory had several local farmers lined up for the kittens, we were working on an exchange system to keep our cats from inter-breeding. They would take some of ours, we theirs and some would be neutered by Dr. Crawford. Gregory had a spreadsheet!

Carla was happy to see me. "Did Mr. Carter mention Maxine to you yet?"

My no' got me some talk Is needed' Okay. "Miss, she's been helping or working here since you left. She's quite a good baker for someone so young. She works hard, has a good mind to manage jobs and she's lively and funny."

Well Maxine made an impression!

I got a pile of toast in the Breakfast Room as a supplement to my earlier feeding! I sat with Gil and Tara munching. Carter came through to say he'd had a talk with Cho about Maxine and Mr. Cho would like to see me after I ate. Another Okay!

Cho grinned as I deposited a fresh cup coffee on the desk. He opened his arms, I parked on his lap.

"So what's all this Maxine business?"

Cho kissed my cheek and got started. The police interviewed the mother who indeed had been in hospital. Their impression was that she knew her new husband had beaten Maxine. She wanted Maxine to be home and back at school. The step-father had been arrested, interviewed under caution and bailed the next day.

Social Services had interviewed both of them and had come to Harcourt House. They spoke to Maxine. Carter insisted on being present. He said she had told them what she had given me and a bit more. Maxine said the step-father, Ralph, had tried to have sex with her. There was no actual sex of any kind because she resisted and struck him with a pointed object and blood had been shed. That was the day she left.

Cho shaking his head, "The police called Ralph back in and did a physical exam finding a puncture wound on his shoulder where Maxine said she hit him. So they charged him with assault and several other things. He's still in their holding cells because he can't make bail and his wife won't help after the sexual assault came to light."

"What is Maxine's current status?"

"She's with us. Social Services are content with her staying for now. Her home is too unsettled especially if the step-father makes bail. They do want to speak with you and I as the owners. She needs to complete her school term. We have an appointment this afternoon at Gately School with the Headmaster. I think we need to do this or send her home which isn't likely to be good. Otherwise she goes into `care' which nobody wants."

I had no problem with helping Maxine, I liked her.

"So we try to get her work sent here so she avoids the problems at school?"

Cho shrugged, "I think that is the right approach. Either she's here or not. We could have her driven over each day if we can't get it our way."

"Fine but her issues have to be addressed. If they insist on her attending then we have to demand they take action."

I caressed Cho's face and my fingers slipped through that marvelous hair. Kissing!

I worked with Gil until lunch. We had a few trips set. The day after tomorrow we were flying to Frankfurt, visit the new building and see some bankers who were friends with Cho. As he said, I do need to be involved with the banking side to some degree. Cho was sure this was an easy painless way to start. Well, I wasn't sure about that!

From Frankfurt we'd stop in Paris overnight. Montaigan said it would be nice to see us. No problems.

I danced up the stairs. Washed. Black miniskirt with black stockings and ankle boots. A white short sleeved cotton shirt with the black cardigan over. Silver bits and Cho came to change and applied the `Joy'

He was in black and white too. A thin tie, black with small silver streaks running diagonally.

Prasert drove us over to the Gately School in Bagley Wood. The Head met us at the door and immediately recognized us and was DEFINITELY put on his back foot. Odd, it wasn't like he hadn't been told our names.

In his office Maxine was front and centre without being there. He was resistant to having her work prepared and sent off. I said we could have it picked up.

He said she would benefit more in a school environment. I brought their failure to protect her even after she had spoken to a deputy head.

I asked what he would do to protect her. `He'd speak to the staff and the students involved would be talked to.'

I said how about we send one of our Security people to escort her around the school.

He wasn't happy with us. He had no answers but we had more questions.

I guess I wanted to needle him when I asked if her school fees could be refunded to her mother and she would go elsewhere.

Giving money back didn't seem to be one of his life's pleasures.

Cho pointed out if he was unable to do anything for Maxine it would appear that the contract was being voided by him and so he owned money to Maxine's mother. That wasn't balm to the irritation I caused.

He was fluttering his hands. Uriah Heep came to mind.

"Why don't you just agree to her work being prepared for her each week. A car will come to collect it and bring the completed work to be graded. Everything will be away from the school and... " I looked at Cho, a wink, " And you won't make enemies of us."

Boy did that set off those hands fluttering again! There was some muttering and eyes bulging but in the end he chose to be sensible. Damn! It was only until the end of the term.

Maxine could sit for her GCSE's any time after the term end. She'd be sixteen.

Cho shook his hand, "I will send a car over in the morning. Thank you."

I smiled and nodded towards him. What a weasel!

In the car we hugged and kissed. "That was fun. I've never been able to enjoy meeting a school master much less annoying the hell out of him."

Cho was laughing, "Boy did you send a gust of wind up his ass with `enemies' line! Classic! Perfect! I knew you were going to say something grand!"

I leaned against him. We are a great team!

We got out on the drive by Harcourt Close. Holding hands we walked around the site. The houses were going up nicely. The job supervisor had a big smile, "We are ahead of schedule doing the framing and exterior work. The interiors will slow things down with the finishing work."

We thanked him. I asked if the trees remaining had caused any problems.

"Nothing we couldn't easily work around, Miss."

I thanked him again for that. Cho grinning as we walked up to the house, "We were right about that!"

Fist Bumps! And a kiss. Insisting on keeping all those trees would make a huge difference in the whole project! When our folks moved in it would be green and leafy!

Quick change so I could ride. Cho too!

Francis and Gil came with us. My buddy Rebel was ready! Cho on Max, Gil on Lu, Francis and his favorite Scout were paired. We passed Sunny and Charlotte working.

Sunny had an event this weekend so they were hard at it. She still preferred we didn't go to see her yet. Okay.

The four of us rode south around the Sci Centre. Cho got chance to look at the Denham School property from the outside, we talked about it as we rode. It could only be a school of some sort given its physical layout.

I mentioned an idea that had been percolating about it being a multiple purpose school. A coding academy and a cooking institute and an equestrian school and a language school ... It was big enough to accommodate several disciplines under its roof.

Cho liked that. He leaned over for a kiss. I saw Francis looking over at me... A smile.

We finished circumnavigating the Sci Ctr and I challenged all to ride like the wind! I urged Rebel, he was more than willing. We took off flashing across the grass! Leaning down near his powerful body was awesome. We flew!

I was looking ahead and saw a flash up by the stables. The bright sun hitting something. Rebel kept going I didn't want to slow down I finally eased him as we approached the flat. The others were far back but coming hard!

I steered over to Charlotte sitting on DD watching Sunny. Charlotte turned quickly to smile. My niece moving through the big arena very precisely, Prince stepping beautifully. Sunny was in command making my heart happy. She was a teenage girl but she had a dream!

Cho and the other two closed up beside us. I put out my hand to Cho. He captured it and squeezed!

Sunny made a last turn, moved to the end, saluted and then exited. Once she was out Prince was urged. She came over smiling, "Charlotte, well?"

Charlotte grinning, "You nailed it!"

Sunny threw out her arms and yelled! I laughed because it wasn't very loud, she didn't want spook the horses. Cool and thinking!

I took Sunny for a short ride to talk. She was very happy with her riding, school was great and living here wonderful. All of the staff treated her so well. She talked or texted or emailed with her mom and dad every day. Even Artie kept in touch almost every day. Same for friends in Seattle. She was looking forward to going to Seattle next month.

I said after we're back from Paris we'd go up to London for some shopping. She giggly happy about that! Since it was the weekend we could stay overnight. Yea! Yea! Done.

At the stable office Gregory had a huge grin, "Fay, you were really moving. It was a treat to see."

He held up the binoculars, ah... the sun glint! Fist Bump!

I was going to wash but I found the book from the Managing Director at Chalgrove. Audra had left it on my table in the dressing room. I opened the brown paper wrapper. I sat in a robe flipping pages. Pictures, charts and diagrams. I was wrong about Chalgrove. There had been some American bombers but most of the activity had been photo-reconnaissance.

U.S. pilots flying very dangerous missions over enemy territory without weapons... just cameras. They had to rely on their skills and speed. P-51's and P-38's were the aircraft. Agile and very fast. It made me feel quite amazed that those young men would challenge the Luftwaffe with no guns!

I had been there for an hour when Cho stuck his head looking for me. I got him to sit for a minute. I sat in his lap with the book. I gave him a précis.

A wave swept over me, I shuddered. Cho held me tight. I wanted to say something but I didn't trust my voice for moment.

"Can we find out if there is any memorial to them at Chalgrove?"

A kiss, "Yes. You wash and I'll find out."

He took the book and sent me on my way.

I rejoined Cho in the office with an offer of tea. He pulled me next to him, arm around my waist. I looked at the big iMac screen, a big cross. "This is the war memorial in the village of Chalgrove, apparently there isn't anything at the airfield."

Cho pointed the names of the fallen on the stone, twelve from World War I and three from the second war. That told the tale of the two wars very clearly.

He squeezed me, "What are you thinking?"

"That possibly near the entrance to the airfield there could a simple marker about the men who flew so many dangerous missions and how important the work was. Not anything huge. Maybe it's the multi-national in me."

I was kissed, "Let's talk to the Chalgrove folks, both the airfield and the village. Then... " Arms outstretched... palms up!

I was good with that. I nudged Cho, "The lady from the Jane Austen House has been in contact with Gil about our going down to meet them for an official `thank you' for the donation."

"When? At Christmas time? We'd have more time."

I said I would get Gil to propose that. Good. Tea!

I was watching from the banquette as Sunny ate a piece of cake. It was one of Maxine's works. A yellow pound cake iced in autumn colours with little fallen leaves. A work of art. Maxine did the cake herself and got Sue's help with the decorating. It was delicious. We took snaps before the cutting.

Sunny and I went down to the kitchen to congratulate Maxine. She working on bread for dinner. She got hugged. Sunny stayed to talk for a bit while Maxine worked the dough.

My phone buzzed. Bill with new poll numbers from the American election. Hillary was showing a twenty two point lead in the latest which was done before we ran the bigot piece. That was our poll, several of the others had a wider margin. He said our new one would be out in two days.

I told Bill that Reginé's team was showing another big uptick in support on all social media. The comments and retweets were running massively in our favor! She was doing some localized assessments especially in traditionally Republican states to see what the impact is.

Bill was really pumped, "This is a huge Democratic lead!"

I hoped so. We rang off.

Cho motioned me over, parked beside my man I gave him my news. He was delighted!

We had a `family' dinner! Us with Sunny, Gil and Francis. Carla led off with vichyssoise with small cheese incrusted toasted bread triangles, grilled salmon under a dill sauce, roasted almond green beans and potato rounds, grilled asparagus in lemon sauce, cute little curved bread loaves courtesy of Maxine.

Carter added a white Bordeaux sauvignon blanc from Pessac-Leognan! Lightly chilled and about twenty years old from a small winery he knew. He knew alright! It special for us to have his knowledge!

Afters in the Great Room. Espresso via Kendal a la Grandfather which always pleased him. Amaretto. I sat on a sofa waving Francis over. I inquired about the afternoon smile.

"Well... I was admiring your brains to be honest. The school... you thought of a way to use it that was both unorthodox but eminently sensible. Having disparate disciplines together... I wouldn't have thought of that but I could immediately see it."

Cho and Gil sitting opposite grinning, Gil with a `beware I think there's more coming' comment.

I leaned back to laugh, "You're right! I want photographers to come down from London to teach a course or fashion designers too. Or other artisans and craftsperson's. We could structure it in modules of four weeks or less. Provide housing, feed them and even have night classes. I'm thinking of students who are sixteen and up, they've done their GCSE's, not looking for college... I think there are lots of teenagers like Maxine."

I could see they all were with me. Nice. Even Jaidee standing next to me wagging his tail! Kiss!

In Cho's arms, naked, kissed, hugged. "My princess!"

I was tucked into bed with a warm Cho. Jaidee's chin on the edge of his bed. Sweet sleep.

Awake! Wow! I popped from sleep like a jack-in-the-box. Jaidee was happy. He sat on the runner in the bathroom while I did my usual's. Then in my new riding clothes again I met Tara coming down. She agreed to ride early with me to some new places.

Nan was in making things for the staff breakfast. We both got coffee and scones, Jaidee did his business with Tara as I made his food. Nan said she'd walk him down to the stables.

We met Thames on the lane, woofs and petting. I looked in at Tess. She was sleeping with her crowd in a pile, Sebastian on the chair keeping watch. Proud papa!

Pamela ready to run! Rascal surprised us with a loud nicker and some hoof scraping. Okay big girl!

We were off I told Anthony in general about our possible route, he waved with a mouthful of scone.

Southward we rode side by side. Tara was a good companion, quiet, letting me think. The lock man said we're too early for Roy which made me laugh. Over the Thames we stayed close to the river bank until we neared the railroad then north beside the tracks. There were dry dirt roads running more or less parallel which we used. In front there were tilled fields we went on their verges going west and north to Thrupp Lane.

At the west edge of Radley we went beside White's Lane in a grassy space more to the north. We used the lane as a guide, on our left was a large school, quite extensive grounds. A sign said Radley College. I'd heard the name somewhere but nothing else came to mind.

We kept northward on the grass beside the Kennington Road. We hadn't seen many people so far, too early for even school children. After we passed the college grounds I turned us into large fields going northeast toward Sandford Lane. On the lane we walked under the elevated railroad to the entry to the Industrial Estate.

Jeffery was just arriving at the office, we waved. He called out good morning. We walked down to the construction area. Samuel's back to us we approached. He smiled, "It is going very well Miss Martin."

"I hope...," I smiled too, "it meets your approval?"

He laughed loudly, "Miss you have given me my say in it so I am pleased."

I let him know we were happy to have his company here.

Tara leading we crossed the bridge to the lock. Dismounted waiting for the pedestrians to cross. A man tried to get us to go ahead but we demurred. The Sandford lock man knew me but wasn't as outgoing as the Abingdon fellow. I did wave to him which he returned.

The people were looking at us which made Tara smile, "Fay, are we that odd? Riders?"

"No, it's my hat." That brought laughter from her.

I laughed slipping it down my back as we walked the horses over, past the pub and through the car park. We remounted Tara asked where the walkers were going. I told her my guess was they'd get the bus into Oxford. We went the other direction out the south end of the village. Pamela could see the fence opening the grass beyond...

My girl leaped forward digging into the grass happily. She was galloping I loved it! Tara had Rascal close but as we neared the Radley's Pamela was asked... she surged ahead. Her strides lengthened further as she ran like the wind. Tara and Rascal had fallen back as we raced across the flat land alongside the river.

We drew close to the Fraser's I didn't see anyone, no matter they were coming up for dinner. I could see the training areas were empty so there was no slowing until the flat. Then we eased up and turned to look at the finished cross-country obstacles.

Solid construction and they looked good to the eye. Tara trotted up to look. She asked how the course was laid out. I gave her a tour.

"Are you going to jump them?"

I shook my head no. It wasn't how I liked to ride. I'd never been interested in `eventing' just being out running with a favored horse.

Anthony smiling. Diana and Ethan took our friends off for a cool down and wash up.

We both got coffee in the Breakfast Room. Cho sitting his newspaper smiling over it at me. Kiss. I sat next to tell him about our ride. The newspaper cast aside so he could hold me! Yes! More kissing.

Sunny came in, a big grin. I stuck out my hand she grabbed it. She looked cute in her school uniform. She loaded a plate and went to work. I kissed them both before running off to clean up.

I was back to see Sunny run out the door waving. My `have a good day' echoed in the hall. I grabbed some cake and coffee and headed to the library. Work!

Gil joined me. She had a roughed out schedule for the Christmas Season and penciled in the Jane Austen House for a day and an overnight in Froyle.

When we were back in Bangkok there were two business day trips. Alex would be with me and Conrad from the microwave company. Cho and I wanted to go to Phuket, me the beach, Cho maybe buy a golf course.

I plowed through all the reports, papers, etc... for The Company, the Foundation, The Railroad, MTR and Fox! Damn! I needed Gil more than ever!! She was laughing, "Fay, some of this is so deadly dull."

Fist Bump!

We broke for lunch! Carla had grilled cheese sandwiches! Hot, gooey delicious cheddar cheese awesomeness! A pile of chips with catsup or mayonnaise. A tray of cake slices and cookies. I pretended to grab the whole thing and run off. There where loud Noooooooo's. I put it back but loaded a plate!

After lunch I went back to work. If I was going on a trip tomorrow it had to be completed. I felt good with it in another two hours or so. I rounded up Gil and Tara for a ride.

A call from Michael, he and Karla were back! She was doing great! I said we'd get together in a few days when we were up in town. Okay!

Sunny had breezed through the library to say she was home from school and heading down to work with Charlotte. I was dressing to ride this time in all black!

We passed them working before going up the slope. I waved to Kate as she rode north towards the flat.

We went around her house her father called out a hello. After I took us east towards the Oxford Road, over that went on to the A4074. Once beyond it we were on the land we had acquired many months earlier.

I saw Tom Radley working with a crew and some farming equipment. We stopped briefly they were preparing to plant this part of the acreage in winter wheat. Tom gave me a short bit about the how's and why's. It was nice. I thanked him. He said he'd see me later. Right! We were hosting dinner!

We headed on north going west of Little Baldon aiming for Baldon Lane. Once there we went west back toward the village crossing the A4074 again and going up Harcourt House Drive. I called `come on' we galloped around the house to the north down the hill to the lane that crossed between the paddocks. Back to the stables lane passing by the covered training circle and breeding room.

I walked down to see Asda and Hathai in their paddock. They were at the far end but looked up as I opened the gate. Asda whinnied and rushed over with his lady in his wake. Hugged them both. I was struck again how beautiful they were, lustrous golden red. So shiny in the sun's rays.

Hathai leaning on me while Asda went through my pockets! I surrendered my mints! Our golden lady was showing the foal inside now. A growing bulge.

The Dr. Crawford's came down, they sat on the fence. The younger had had a look at Hathai, she was doing very well. His uncle smiling, "Your new mare shipping in soon has quite the pedigree. Is it to be Asda she'll be sent to?"

"That's the starting idea but we want them to meet and see how that goes."

We talked horses and kittens. The older Dr. Crawford was laughing about Gregory's cat spreadsheet, "He likes barn cats. It is a sensible thing to do and not hard. There's plenty of cats around to exchange."

We stood in the wide doorway of their satellite clinic we were building. It was on the end of a stable row with good access by vehicle or horse. An X-Ray space was included. They were pleased.

Cho and I were pleased with all the construction in the stables. Lots of new stalls, much improved heating systems, the covered training circle, the breeding house, more storage. All the new apartments for staff, the second kitchen and staff lounge slash dining room were ready to open. Carla had hired new cooks and other staff, they had trained at the main kitchen.

The staff would get the same menu as the Big House staff lounge in a comfortable room and they wouldn't have to worry about their boots because there was a mud room with boot and coat racks and slippers.

Our guests sipping drinks in the Great Room. The Radley's, all five, the littlest was so sweet looking. The four Fraser's, Dr. Lone and his wife, The two Drs. Crawford and Mrs. Crawford, The Thorn's, Kate with other three of her family and Mr. Hardy. I had suggested a buffet to Carla and she set Marandi loose!

Maxine learned how to make pakoras, samosas and naan! Carla with these buffets in mind bought a tandoor oven and they did fish and shrimp in it. We had lots of things to go with the seafood, biryani rice, samosas, pakoras, a veggie curry casserole, a mango paneer dish, garlic naan, and a fruity tapioca pudding!

Our village friends had big smiles when they saw what was laid out on the sideboards! We all dug in big time. I loaded up a plate and went back for a separate one for naan and samosas. A Newcastle was delivered by Cho! A kiss in payment.

It was sit wherever at the table. I had Sunny on my right, Mrs. Lone on my left, Mr. Thorn, the younger Dr. Crawford and Tom Radley opposite. There was talk of horses, naturally but also school and cabbages, winter wheat and flowers. I told them about the garden at the Forest Palace with help from Sunny. The new mare coming and her pedigree.

I found out how winter wheat was good for the ground and what Mrs. Lone expected from their vegetable garden over the winter. Sunny was ready for her event on the weekend and really really ready for a shopping trip to London.

I made a re-fill trip and one more for a bowl of the pudding. I was good with one beer but espresso after! We all sat around the Great Room, I shared a settee with Mr. Hardy. We decided on a SPI Quad Game so it would be short, Cemetery Hill. It was part of the second day of the three day battle of Gettysburg which was pivotal in the American Civil War.

He and Greg were still planning their game for the Christmas visit. Mr. Hardy had copied the rules for that one so I could read them. I was being sneaky... I also had a copy of `Bar Lev' and was preparing to do a bit of kibitzing. Of course the last time I opened the game I was probably fifteen.

I slipped on a mac to be at the door to say goodnight to everyone. The evening was quite chilly. Cho gave Sunny a piggyback ride up the stairs with three of us laughing watching him go! Jaidee chasing them.

It was an early rise morning tomorrow.

The weather might slightly warm to cool so I chose the soft gray tweed pants, low waisted, a white silk long sleeved blouse, black ankle boots and a black wool blazer. Silver bits of jewelry, `Joy' of course. Some black leather gloves in case with a small black leather bag.

Cho in one of his totally cool black suits, white shirt and silver gray tie! Simple, elegant and sexy!

Francis in black looking terrific and Gil in a black light wool jersey dress, long sleeves and snug, black heels. We looked wonderful!

It was still dark as we rolled up to Chalgrove. Paulette at the door of the Gulfstream, Derry at the controls. Paulette said we were ready so we all sat and strapped in. We taxied and took off immediately. A big turn to starboard heading southeast. In fifty minutes we were on approach to Frankfurt.

On the ground we parked at the northwestern end. A big black Mercedes waiting on the tarmac. Our driver said it would about twenty five minutes to the address we wanted. Out on a dual carriageway we zoomed along shifting motorways several times then on city streets to the Untermainbrücke which gave us a view of downtown.

We turned onto Kaiserstrasse and stopped in front of our building. At the door Herr Bucher met us. He was the building manager for the property management company. We got a tour of the whole place. The office on the first floor we would use had a nice reception area, a good sized work room and a group of private offices. Maybe more than we would need but it was fine.

We learned about the tenants while we sat to have a coffee in the little café on the ground floor. Herr Bucher knew them all quite well. Some had been here for fifteen years when the building opened.

Herr Bucher was surprised we all could speak German, he recognized us by our names but wasn't overawed which we appreciated! He was glad there were to be no big changes in the way he managed the building and the tenants would go on as usual.

He understood our Security would be here shortly to go over the whole building and some different but not onerous procedures would be put in place. We hoped it would be mostly transparent to tenants.

We had a luncheon booking at the Restaurant Français down the street. The two bankers would meet us there, Beck and Hoffmann. Cho had done business with them at Commerzbank for several decades and he wanted me to meet them.

Eve calling... I picked up. She and Ku would be at Chalgrove tomorrow morning should they come to Harcourt Home or Basuto Road? I said Harcourt, we'd be back there by noon. She said she was pumping right now for the babies. I laughed at the thought. Eve giggled.

We walked the short bit to the restaurant. The day was warm, sun shining, we had a table in the courtyard. I got to meet the two `solid burghers' as Cho described them, Herr's Beck and Hoffmann. Both appeared to be in their late forties, nicely dressed, and trim figures unlike the stereotypic German banker from the past.

I found out both were athletic, one rowed, the other was a horseman. Herr Beck, the rider and I started in right away on horses. He lived on an old family place north of Oberdorfelden where he had room to ride. He'd done equestrian events when much younger but preferred the pleasure of being alone with his horses riding freely.

I mentioned I felt much the same. He certainly understood my rides around Harcourt House. I said Francis had recently taken to riding was seeming to be really liking it. Francis agreed. While he did have the obligatory sore muscles for a bit that phase was gone, he was enjoying himself thoroughly.

Ludwig had met Cho over a deal which Commerzbank and one of Cho's banks were underwriting probably twenty two years ago.

"We have stayed in touch, done other deals, exchanged information as bankers are wont to do and a few bits of business gossip."

He laughed, "Years ago we unknowingly came into a deal on opposite sides, we had a phone call about something else and we each asked about the ethics of the deal from our own perspectives. Then found out from the conversation we were both in and it could be dirty. We backed out."

Cho and Erich Hoffmann were listening now. Cho smiling, "Ludwig and I were very unhappy with our respective clients over that and dropped them subsequently. No amount of money is worth compromising your business or personal ethics."

Erich smiling, "We like to make money and we want to keep on doing so... Much harder if you are not wholly trusted."

I stuck out my fist... he wasn't sure what to do... Ludwig laughed, "Your sons are too old."

He bumped my fist... we laughed. Eric extended his fist and we bumped! Laughing all around.

They were pleased we bought a building nearby although the reason, Brexit, still bewildered them. Us too!

Ludwig suggested we stay with his family at some point and we could ride. Cho and I made the same offer to him and Eric.

It was a good lunch, I liked the two bankers and they seemed to reciprocate. They said it was great to meet the woman who caught Cho! We all had a chuckle over that. My first brush with the `banking' side a success!

Off to the airport, we had a bunny hop to Le Bourget. In less than an hour we were parked next to a hangar off the Rue de Prague at the north end of the airfield.

Out onto the N2 heading south, we went on the Boulevard Périphérique going southeast around Paris until the Cours de Vincennes where we exited. Around the Place de La Nation to Rue Faubourg Saint-Antoine, we spun through Place de La Bastille to Boulevard Henri IV leaving that onto Rue Saint-Louis en L'Isle once over the bridge. Two left turns and we were in front of the Quai de Bethune house.

In his sitting room Montaigan greeted us like very old friends. A hug and kiss for us both. We wanted to see the new office and asked if he would like a walk with us then dinner at Brasserie de l'Isle Paris?

A big `Qui' when we told him where, "It is a good stretch of the legs."

We crossed over Pont de Tournelle, Tara in front knowing where we were going, PJ beside me and Rande over next to Cho. Montaigan in between us with Ansara bringing up the rear behind Gil and Francis.

Montaigan set the pace but no worries he was strong and we moved right along. We walked under the riverside trees down the Quai la Tournelle to the Rue des Bernardins. Down the block to our building. At the door, Pierre met us. He was a partner in the law firm upstairs and helped bring the building to our notice.

Their firm assisted us in the purchase and he had taken in hand all the keys and he had our limited real estate power of attorney. We got a tour, meeting a few of the commercial tenants, not bothering the apartment dwellers. The chocolatier gave us a few samples. I tried their white chocolate which was excellent! Though I thought the young couple who supplied Champignon D'Or made better, I didn't say so. I did buy a pound of white chocolate squares for later!

We sauntered along going back towards the river, looking in shop windows. I did step into da Zavola to see if it changed, it hadn't. We stopped to look and snap the great view of the back and west side of Notre Dame! The huge circular rose window and flying buttresses part of a world famous monument that seemed from our viewing angle still in a Renaissance Paris.

For our Security folks it was really something amazing like the last walk to the restaurant. We crossed the Pont Saint-Louis to the brasserie. The owners knew we were coming as Montaigan had rung them. They were pleased to see us again. They had booked several tables outside on the Quai de Bourbons. We had a nice corner in the late day sun.

I went in to the bar for an espresso as last time. The same co-owner there, Alain. I got the little white cup and saucer with a double shot. Sipping talking food. He said the haddock was very good today.

He stopped our waiter, Thierry, so I could make my choices. The fresh tomato salad, cheese omelette, the haddock, the Alsace Munster cheese and the Vert Sorbet. He scribbled smiling.

Cho would chose the wine. Alain admired my French, "You have lived here?"

"Briefly about eight years ago but I have a facility with languages which I was gifted by my parents."

We spoke about cooking, he liked to but here the chef wouldn't allow him in the kitchen. We laughed over that. "But it is his domain... He is very good and I do not want to annoy him."

This time no eager Americans bothered us. We had a marvellous dinner. Montaigan told us a few stories about the house. His father like himself was born in the same room where he now sleeps as we would soon. His grandfather was born in one of the rooms one floor up.

They had died elsewhere as he expected to do. He had been the man of the house since 1958 when his father was killed in Algeria fighting the rebels. He had been the commander of Foreign Legion parachute regiment out in the Bled chasing guerrillas. During World War II his family had been separated for years. His father captured in the Debacle of 1940, escaped back to France, then went underground into `Combat' one of the Resistance groups.

He himself been in the army for many years, it was a family tradition dating back into the Bourbon dynasty. He had seen combat in Africa and done a lot of guard work in the remaining colonies. He is the end of the family, his selling us the house was putting an end to it for him.

I had his hand, "While we aren't family we will take care of the house."

I repeated our welcome to Montaigan to come and stay whenever he wanted. I kissed his cheek. We walked back to Quai de Bethune for after dinner drinks. Cho had brought along a bottle of the Remy Martel Louis XIII. Montaigan's eyes lit up and he brought out a tray of glasses with Francis' help.

The bottle opened and snifters filled. I took a small amount. We were in the big sitting room with the balcony doors open, a slightly chilled evening breeze that felt good and muted sounds wafted in. I watched everyone enjoy their drink and went around with small plates from the kitchen with white chocolate squares for each.

Aaaahhhh they could enjoy both together like I had at Gerald's prompting. Montaigan was enjoying it! Gil smiling remembering her taste at Gerald's.

Cho and I used one of the bedrooms on the third floor opposite the master suite, Gil the other. Francis and Security on the floor above. One was on rotated duty through the night as the building hadn't been secured. Four hours on then to sleep.

I was awake early and took Tara with me to the boulangerie around the block. We bought a half dozen loaves and shopped for butter and fruit at a small grocery. I cut the loves and Tara and Gil helped me butter them, into the oven. Francis did the fruit. I made coffee.

Montaigan came down to the breakfast table with a huge smile.

"I could smell the coffee!"

All of us sitting or standing around the kitchen, toasted loaf quarters slightly brown buttery delicious, coffee bowls and a choice of fruit. Smiles all around.

When we were ready to leave Montaigan took Cho and I into the study.

"I want you to know that I am proud to have met you both and honoured you will live here. I am old with no loved ones left... " he had a tear, "...please enjoy the house as we have."

I pulled out a Cho-Fay handkerchief, offering it to him. He smiled and accepted, wiping his eye. He smelled the `Joy'

"My wife so loved this scent... I can never forget."

I asked him to keep the handkerchief and explained the embroidery when he asked. He smiled at me, taking my hand and Cho's. I kissed his cheeks. He and Cho hugged.

Then he shooed us on, "Go, I am fine, just a few memories which is what I have left."

We retraced our route to Le Bourget and Paulette had us airborne soon after we buckled up. In forty five minutes Chalgrove was out the starboard side windows as we made our approach from the north.

Prasert waiting. Eve and Ku were in-bound about three and half hours out. He had a car for them. We rolled up the drive onto the forecourt to see Carter waiting. Smiles and a Fist Bump!

Reg and Rona with Eric and Malee were here already. Ting and Andrea arrived earlier than them. Babies upstairs! MFA, Caroline Jian and Anne Malee! Ellie must be thrilled. We went up to visit them. MFA sticking out an arm as the other clung to a chair. I scooped her up, she giggled, holding on to me.

I kept her in my arms to greet Caroline and Anne. A nursey full of happy babies. Our two would be here in two months.

Cho and the guys were going to play golf. He had an invite to play at the Oxfordshire Golf Club over past Milton Common, the other side of the M40. They all mounted up and us ladies wished them a good game waving at the departing cars.

I went to change so I could ride before Eve and Ku arrived. Down the stairs to the Breakfast Room where everyone had gone, I let them know I wouldn't be gone long. Gil had work and Francis went to his office. Tara came with me.

Pamela was ready as was Rascal. We went down the grassy lane to the flat. Charlotte waved, she was waiting on her two older students. Tara and I warmed up our horses then a good gallop. We worked our way around the Sci Centre towards Denham School. I saw Mr. Richards on the parameter looking at something with a workman. I waved to him. He called out a hello which I responded to as loud as I could.

We kept going around the Sci Ctr. we walked over the railroad on the Station Road bridge then back to grass. We passed between the Centre and Clifton Hampden going north now all the way back to the flats at speed. Rascal ran very strongly alongside Pamela. Big smiles on us..

Charlotte's pair had arrived and were working. She would be off with Sunny tomorrow morning for another event. Charlotte was confident in Sunny's abilities.

Freddie was there when I handed Pamela to Anthony.

He said he and Monaco had been talking about BlackStar and thought he should run here on grass. He seemed more at home that surface. I was good with that. We'd have at least three horses running in the varied three year old highest level races across North America next year. With our pregnancies and yearlings we'd average six to eight horses in top flight races the next few years... after that even more.

I was at the door when Ku and Eve rolled in. Huge hugs! Eve in my arms, "Fay delicious!" We all were laughing about it all.

I wanted to talk with them before we joined the others in the Breakfast Room for tea. Sitting the Great Room an arm around Ku's slender waist I brought up my idea what she could do in New York while Eve setup and ran our new computer centre.

"We want you to be the Chanthira Foundation coordinator for our participation LGBTQ activities across America."

Big eyes... Ku was going to say something but I forestalled her, "It means you will have some travel... And deal with Jian about Chanthira Health Clinics, report to the Foundation board and all the daily bits and pieces."

Those dark eyes on mine, they had a soft loving look, "Fay, I haven't been a big mixer or a boss before now. Am I the right one?"

"Yes! We want a nice, likeable person who knows us and speaks from within herself. You will be in contact with established groups, some politicians and donors. We will support you all the way. We will get you some staff and an office in the same building as Eve."

I turned to look at Eve... she had a smile, "You thought of this already?"

I said YES! Cho and I wanted Ku. I gave them a précis of the plan to donate money to LGBTQ shelters and add health clinics in three cities. They got that some money was in the hands of New York shelters and Ku would work with them. She and Jian had to make a plan for clinics.

"Ku, we love you! This is an new venture for us and we want our love to be shared with those who need it by someone who knows us."

A kiss on her cheek, "Now you two need to talk about it. No need to answer today. You'd be busy, as I said some travel as we want to include Los Angeles and Seattle. There would also be some media exposure. So you have to be Okay with being seen as an out lesbian."

Those dark eyes smiling at me, "I am not fearful of being labelled... I have Eve and all my friends behind me!"

YES! I hugged her, Eve climbed onto us. We lay on the small sofa in pile laughing and kissing!

From under them I asked if that was a yes?

Ku's cheek against mine, "Yes!"

Okay! We got upright to talk some more. Going to London Saturday morning, Fulham match, shopping, Sunny coming down after she did her `event,' shopping Sunday! Monday, Eve would be at The Company to participate in new computer centre planning, Ku to sit with Francis to go over our financial support for the LGBTQ shelters, with me and Cho for our overall planning, Ku would establish email connections to the shelter folks I had spoken to already... Ku was grinning over all that.

We laughed as I added that Gil was getting names from the New York folk of Los Angeles and Seattle shelter people to make a start connecting to them. I told Ku she could use the top floor office at The Company and get help from Angela.

I could see she was excited about it! Good! FOOD!

Eve squeezing me, "The Fay... always looking for food!"

In the Breakfast Room, Rona, Malee and Andrea got to meet the co-ordinator!' They all cheered her! We sat down to as Ku noted a heavy destruction of sweet treats Fay is widely known to do!'

After the marvellous feeding we all walked up to the third floor to be with the babies for a while. It was terrific to see Malee holding little Anne. A beauty. We had all girls here and I wondered how Charlie was going to do surrounded by all of them.

Everybody laughing, most saying he would be made over so much! When Rak2 and Suchart were here at Christmas the odds would be better.

My phone buzzed with a text from Cho... Stars in a row! A big check next to a golfer... Okay I think I get it. They were heading home!

I changed to a black skirt, white long sleeved shirt and red knit jumper vest, black ankle boots and silver bits! All the ladies had changed into like clothes, casual but cute!

At the door as the golfers drove in. Cho stepped out with a smile and open arms... which I filled with me!

Reg, Eric and Ting each got a hug too. Their ladies sharing hugs all around! The golfers went up to wash and change. In the Great Room we got drinks organized, meaning scotch. Kendal had two bottles of Lagavulin 25 out at my suggestion.

He was ready to pour when the `golfers' trooped in. Cho looked over at me, a blown kiss. He helped pass the whisky along so each had theirs. We ladies had various drinks from Campari to fruit juice for our nursing mom's to raise to toast the guy golfers. Cheers to everyone!

Mingling, talking. I sniffed Cho's glass... a heady brew! So dark like dirt!

We were around the fireplace as the day grew quite chilly with sun nearly gone. Ting grinning across from me, "Well if no one wants to tell I will..."

I looked my question... He started with a motion towards Cho, "Do you sense the supressed excitement? The caged lion there..." His hand motioning again to a very relaxed looking Cho, "... Well he did his roaring on the golf course today. A 63! On a tough course!"

Cho was smiling, "it was a nice course."

Eric laughed, "Sure you would think so after what you did to it!"

Cho was laughing quite hard, "Well for the ladies sake let's not."

"Damn," popped out of Reg, "Cho give'm the highlights."

I put out my hand and drew Cho down by me, keeping the hand.

Cho kissed my cheek, "Okay. The first hole robbed me so I took my revenge on the rest."

Ting laughed, "Go on tell it right."

Cho's putt for birdie on the first rimmed out of the hole because the edge had been mashed down by someone stepping on the edge. They'd try to fix it but it was too damaged. They reported it to the clubhouse and So...

He nearly had a hole-in-one on the second, a par three, his tee shot sliding by VERY close. On the fourth he played short of huge bunker that was across the fairway, "I was about one foot from the rough. I shocked the caddy by pulling out my two wood. It was a good lie and I gave it a good swing. I got all of the ball very smoothly. The poor man was off to the side watching as it flew straight on, it must have hit some firm ground for the bounce was terrific. Then he was yelling `fore' frantically. My ball rolled to a stop on the green edge about fifteen feet short of the hole."

He was grinning, "All these guys were slack jawed," his hand pointing to the guys who all laughed.

Ting laughed, "Well you were the only one who wasn't gob smacked! All the caddies were amazed, stunned more like it!"

Cho started again, "We walked around that monster sand trap, I kept going to mark my ball. The players on the green all shook my hand, they'd never seen or heard of anyone reaching the green in two."

Eric put in, "The woman in the group gave Cho some looking over I must say!"

I dug an elbow into his ribcage with a laugh.

Cho grinned, "She wasn't my type!"

Cho got his eagle! Then several pars and a birdie. On the back nine, "I began with several pars then the fourteenth I almost eagled it when my approach stopped three feet short. Fifteen was a birdie on an easy par three. Seventeenth was interesting, it's a bit weird. A long par five with a lake that creates two fairways. I had a big drive near the water and played my second over the water to a space between two bunkers, it bounced onto the green. The flag was on the left down the slope I had a eleven footer uphill which rolled in for eagle."

"Okay put everyone out of their misery, finish," from Reg.

Ting waving his hands, "The last hole had my caddy behind me saying some unrepeatable things but all basically wishing Cho's second shot to go in!"

"I had a good spot with my drive, only one hundred yards or so to the green's front edge. I used a wedge lifting the ball up as the pin was on the edge of the middle level of a three level green. It dropped beyond the the flag and drew back...and back... And Back... it stopped about nine inches from the cup. A tap in for a 63."

Eric shaking his head, "We all played fairly well, Reg was the best of us at ten over par."

Reg said the club folks who had given Cho the invite had heard about his round with Adam Declare at the Drayton Park course. They were shocked at Cho's round on their course which they think is tough.

"Well Cho disabused them of that feeling today," Reg shaking his head like he had the first day I walked back into his life as `Fay' in his office.

I hugged all the golfers before we went in for dinner. Unbeknownst to me Ellie had made place cards with autumn scenes, lovely things! The centrepiece was an autumn display of leaves and greenery. Simple and tasteful! Charming!

A lovely dinner with good friends. Our dessert was a large cake shaped like a maple leaf, beautiful colours like it had just fallen still gorgeous gold reddish that was going brown. The edges were brown. It was a combination of Sue and Maxine! We had them in for praise! Maxine with a slightly lopsided grin.

A delightful time after in the Great Room talking. Jaidee laying by the fire looking so gorgeous, lustrous brown fur shining!

Cho leaning against the door of my Dressing Room, we were talking about business. Funny how we had these conversations all over the house. Who did we like and trust to be `sponsors' of Harcourt Racing? We needed to decide before the end of the year so next season's racing materials could be readied.

In bed on my back with a `Cho' on top... kissing!! Very nice... before sleep.

Dressing in the morning an idea popped into my head... Fox Sports as a sponsor? Or 21st Century Fox? I emailed it to Cho so he'd see when he woke up.

Jaidee with me, food for us then a walk down to the stables. Cormac was the early person today, he got the hot scone. A big thank you!

Pamela and I were off!. South up the slope was the warm up then I asked Pamela for speed we turned toward Denham School and around the Sci Ctr and back to Harcourt land. Then Pamela gave me her speed all the way home!!

The chilly morning became HOT with her power carrying us across the grass. Terrific! I slowed to a walk to do a cool down, we toured all the new bits we'd built for Sunny. Equestrian Ventures had done their work very well!

I visited with Asda and Hathai for a while. They had been running along the fence of their paddock when I stuck my head above the fence. A loud whinny from Asda when he saw me. They came over to me at the gate. I had mints and they got them from me!

Cho and I wished Sunny good luck out front as she and Charlotte drove off for her event over past Chipping Norton. A horse trailer with Prince and Zephyr followed them down the drive, Anthony as driver and groom. He pointed to his riding companion, Yvonne, going along for some experience.

Inside for us. Cho sat with me in the office, I grabbed one of the big leather chairs. "So what about the ethics of some part of Fox sponsoring us?"

"Let's get the lawyers looking and send an email to the Board to get their thoughts. We do need to go beyond one sponsor so... keep the thinking cap on."

I sat upright then walked over to the desk next to Cho I rested my hand on an item on the desktop, "What about asking them?"

Cho grinned, "Well it isn't like we don't use their things every day! Call the New York attorney's office Monday. Wait... call Sam in a few hours, they'll be up soon over there. It's not his speciality but he'll know someone."

Fist bumps!

We got in the cars for Basuto Road. It was short of noon when we rolled to a stop in front of the house. Standing there Cho's hand in mine. How many times had I gone in through that door in my BF days? All my feelings were post BF... They were all Fay... nothing left of the past life. A very strange thing almost like having the weirdest amnesia.

Cho kissed my cheek sensing my thoughts, "It's a home again... for us!"

We were all casually dressed, jeans and jackets or jumpers. The sun was doing a peekaboo thing, I added a jacket.

We walked over to Craven Cottage for a Fulham home tie against Norwich City. Always a good game. A visit to a football ground was first for Eve and Ku. Sitting in the box looking east across the pitch seeing all the Fulham faithful as the sun came to bathe the stands in yellow light.

Warm-ups began, we could re-connect players with numbers. Cho and I shared a fish and chips lunch as the match started. Fulham pressing from the beginning, deep in the Norwich end. Excellent ball movement by the Cottagers. They kept possession for some time before a superb pass sent the left wing in on goal the right back tried to intervene but was too late. The winger got his shot off by a fraction of a second... low and hard, the keeper dove but it slid passed his outstretched glove.

One nil to Fulham! A fine goal with a lot of build-up in the first twenty minutes. Norwich with the ball came forward but they lost control . Back went Fulham to the Norwich end. Again ball control working it around... pressing... pressing Then three quick passes had a defender overplay the ball's movement and the right middle fielder struck a huge shot that beat the keeper high and away.

Two nil to Fulham. Norwich tried to get one back in a flurry of activity. A great effort by a defender broke up a pass and terrific ball forward sent Norwich wildly falling back as Fulham controlled until the half.

Cho was loving this. Gil and Francis did a food run! We got another big pile of chips! Yes! Munching as the second half began.

Norwich had a good spell but Fulham didn't a yield goal and went on the attack. A long period of control again was the build-up a third goal from four corners in a row. Norwich had sent the ball repeated out behind but this time a mid-fielder was unmarked and headed it home.

Three nil to Fulham. There was twenty minutes left. Fulham made two subs and Norwich two. Then was some end to end play with a few shots on goal but no real threats from either side. With timing running down Norwich sent in its last substitution. He picked up the tempo for Norwich but the Fulham defense wasn't having any today. Every attack was blunted and a breakaway was nearly the fourth goal. The Norwich man in the net made a terrific save.

Time was up on a good Fulham win in what I thought was a well-played match. Very few fouls and only one Yellow Card. Excellent play all around. A pleasure to watch. Go Cottagers!

We had a nice stroll back home. Sunny texted in the middle of the second half she was on the way so we didn't have long to wait for her. Hugs at the front door. She dropped her things in the bedroom and we wandered out to eat.

A half dozen blocks over to King's Road to Vicino. A fine Italian restaurant. Gil had asked earlier for the banquette corner and the next few tables. We were in and ready!

Cho went straight to wine. Several bottles of Vino Nobile di Montepulicano dotted the table. Very nice, a slight peppery and wood cask taste. Rich!

Several orders of Bruschetta Pomodoro were quickly eaten, for me a salad then Rigatoni Quattro Formaggi e Tartufo, four cheeses and rigatoni with truffle bits. Cho went for a House Special Spaghetti all'Aragosta, a whole lobster in garlic, chile red sauce. We shared a Gamberoni in Padella, big prawns in butter, lemon and garlic with the table.

Sunny was hungry! She had some bruschetta and some prawns to start, a salad and the grilled seabass! A glass of one quarter wine and the rest water. She felt very grown up with us.

We had a toast to Sunny for getting another Second Place in a much more advanced group. At thirteen she had been three years younger than the other riders. They all had been competing for years rather than a few months like her. Charlotte was over the moon!

Her call to me was filled with fulsome praise of Sunny. She said my niece was working very hard and there was one more competition near the end of November. Sunny would come with us to California, a few days in Seattle then back to Harcourt house to work on everything before the meet. A nice reward for her efforts.

Good food, nice pleasant atmosphere, excellent service, a good dinner. Low key. We walked home happy.

I tucked Sunny in for the night with a kiss. She was having a `smashing time' her last words.

Rolls in oven and I scrambled eggs for us all. Sunny poured juice and her milk. Ku cut up the fruit. Smells making me more hungry! Coffee!

We figured out the day for us all.

Cho was going back to Harcourt House shortly to round up the guys for golf. Sunny and I were going shopping. Gil too! Brompton Road then Oxford Street with a possible stop in Carnaby Street just for fun.

The plan: get Sunny a few dresses, shoes and doodads. Get me a few basics for the various wardrobes. Gil wanted some shoes.

I chose a black miniskirt, cut-off white T-shirt, black and red checked flannel shirt over with black ankle boots. Silver bits and `Joy' in Cho's choice of locations!

Kisses for Ku who said she was going back to bed. Big eyes from Sunny. We laughed. Francis was staying with her at Basuto Road to go over the financials and other bits for her new role in the Chanthira Foundation.

Ku had spoken with Kavnu, who was PO'd at me for poaching her, she recommended he grab Li after Kamol was back full time. Kavnu thought it a splendid idea although Udorn might not. A lot of laughter over all that manoeuvring.

First stop was to see Karla at home in Cottesmore Gardens in Kensington. It had been Michael's aunt's place which he recently got in her will. Nice little place that got a lot of afternoon sun and had shady piece at the bottom of the garden.

We got to meet Melody the tuxedo cat. What a sweetie! She had the cutest face and loved attention. Big purrs!

Karla was doing great. She would see Dr. Sanporam's consulting doctor tomorrow. No problems. While everyone was making over Melody I was pulled outside.

"Fay, I can't thank you enough for everything you and Cho have done for me. For us!"

I hugged her, "You doing well and being you is all we need to pay us back! You are a sister now."

A big squeeze at the door, a bit of my red lipstick on her cheek.

Then Harrods for a few things at the Christmas Shop and clothing. A cute dress for Sunny as a start, a light olive green, long sleeves, cut like a shirt to mid-thigh. A narrow belt of darker olive. She looked great in it, it was awesome for her colouring.

She got a pair of light brown ankle boots to go with the dress. A small light brown leather bag with a slender strap. Big smile!

Over at Harvey Nichols I saw several things I liked. A warm toned red dress long to mid-calf, slender close to the body shape widening a bit below the knees, sleeveless. Looking in the mirror I really loved this shape on me.

A skirt that hung on my narrow hips to mid-calf, soft beige wool, loops for a small belt. I added a trim little brown belt. I bought two white silk blouses, long sleeves, small cuffs and collars. A cashmere vest jumper long to my hips, lightweight, several shades of blues and browns mixed. A really good look showing off my slender body.

YES! A terrific coat, lightweight wool, ivory, slender shape down to just above my ankles. With four long narrow pleats from below the hips to make walking easy!! A small pleat in the middle of the back to give room to move in the slender shape. Longer seemed to be my theme for today!

Sunny sitting there with a hot chocolate watching me. PJ off to the side with one of his enigmatic grins sipping his latte. Tara had permission to do a bit of shopping and was off somewhere.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! An aquamarine halter top sheath dress snug to all of me down to upper-calf at the front and arcing down in the back to my ankle tops. It was silk with an elegant bronze knit mesh over it all that formed the round collar. Lots of bare arms, shoulders and back!

Sunny loved it! She was bouncing in her chair! "Fay you have to buy it! You look fantastic!"

In the mirror I wondered about all the skin, I turned to the woman helping me, "What about long gloves? Anything like this bronze?"

Her eyes lit up and she dashed off!

Gil beside me, "You are going to need a bodyguard for sure when you wear this!"

The store lady stuck her head back in, "Miss Martin, what size is your foot?"

Armed with my reply she was gone again. I was laughing.

Tara came back with a few bags and a big smile. She had a few things for herself but also gifts for Christmas as the sales woman returned. Her eyes were BIG, "Fay, that's it!"

I gave her a thumbs up. Then stuck my hand into a long bronze coloured glove. All the way up to my bicep, snug. I liked these gloves. I stuck my hands out turning them, the gloves were a great fit!

I sat down as the shoes came out. Bronze heels with a slender strap, open toes. The fit was right! I walked around the show room, the whole thing worked! I stared out of the mirror at myself... I knew the change of hair I was considering would be exactly right for this look.

All purchases down to the car. Some minor alterations. They would be sent on to Harcourt House.

On Oxford Street Sunny scored several dresses and skirts with assorted tops. I bought a few pairs of heels for the wardrobes.

Sunny in a cotton navy blue dress, small collar short sleeves with cuffs, mid-thigh length full skirt, lightweight. Matching belt. We got her some low heels in navy, a cardigan in white with navy edging. Very cute!

We did go Carnaby Street. I wanted to go to the Vans store. All of us got something!

I got slip-on tennis shoes in several primary colours with some checks in red thrown in. Sunny got red checks and pure white. Gil did two pairs of slip –ons in black and red. Tara got several in primary colours like me. Even PJ bought a pair of black checkerboards!

In the car Prasert grinning broadly. I leaned over the barrier to kiss his cheek! Our overnight bags already in the boot so off to Harcourt House! Eve, Ku and Francis would come along later.

The crunching gravel making me happy as we rolled in. The guys had finished their game and were having drinks with some of the other golfers before coming home.

Carter smiling, "Miss, Mr. Cho said they would be here for dinner `for sure'!" Fist Bumps!

All of our baby's nurses loved being here. Plenty of places to walk with a pram or sit to get some sun. The food was praised. We met them on the terrace coming in from the west gardens.

The guys made it in time and we all sat around the dining room gabbing about our day. The babies had been `aired' in the garden for a while. Rona had ridden with Diana along as guide. They had a good ride out around the Sci Ctr!

Malee kissed my cheek, she'd had a wonderful long nap. "I feel I've caught up on sleep."

In the Great Room after we got the golfer's stories. Espresso and Amaretto as accompaniments for me!

They played the close-in Oxford course. No long hole by hole except one long par five which Cho came ever so close to a double eagle and a short par four where he drove the green and was SO CLOSE to a hole-in-one. The ball hit the flag and bounced away two feet.

He shot a 65. Reg kidding him with a big yawn, "Only a 65."

Cho was laughing, "Well you all know how I've (Yes, I caught that with a grin to him) been playing..."

Eric patted his shoulder, "Don't worry a mere 65 won't put us off you."

There was a lot of laughter, Cho was the loudest. My man certainly wasn't vain!

Well everybody would leave in the morning. Our friends to London, Eve and Ku to New York and us to Bangkok.

Lots of kisses and hugs on the forecourt. We all drove out. I got big hugs and kisses from Sunny.

"Fay thanks for the weekend and new clothes. I will be ready to go to LA."

HUGE hug!

Going up the stairs to the 767. Jaidee passed me in a rush. He had been impatient while talked with the Chalgrove DM. I thanked him for the book and asked about any memorial. There was none. He did think that a marker would be a fine gesture in memory of the men who served.

He got Gil's email so he could forward what contacts he had from the veteran's visit from a few years ago. More thanks and that we'd be in touch.

Stephanie had us airborne soon after we boarded. Work time with Gil then lunch then some time with Jaidee before sleep. Cross-legged, Cho's head in my lap, my fingers grazing through that lovely hair. Jaidee tired leaning against Cho's side.

Francis smiling at our family tableau.

Sleep came easy with the warmth Cho applied to my skin. Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Tom from the cockpit on the tannoy interrupted breakfast, "We are one hour out from Don Mueang."

I finished two reports before packing up my piles. Soka was collecting the various bits smiling. She and Ban had told us she was pregnant with their first child.

We told her to follow her doctor's instructions but she could work as long as it permissible. No chances to be taken! They were very happy and agreed!! She would work for Kavat on the ground as long as she can.

The Cho-Fay helicopter was making the turn to the dock landing grid. I was looking at the house... It felt like home to me. Jian's arms open for me. Hugs and kisses. Amporn and Niran were in Pattaya, a favoured aunt was ill. Kiet and Achara smiling.

Straight to the nursery! Chani in my arms! Cho with his son! Side by side holding the Twins. Chani reaching for my hair, she pulled, not too hard and squealed out. Shining green eyes!

A loud coo of `dadadada' from Charlie! Cho laughing, "Us guys have the advantage with some easy to say letters."

We moved outside under the umbrellas. Charlie came over to me after a while. Tha helped with our transfer. Chani reaching out with both arms for her dad! Cute.

Charlie's dark eyes on mine. A tummy rub was terrific fun! He waved his arms and gurgled. Big smile!

In the late afternoon we had the Twins with us in the Play Room. Nap time over. Cho reading to them on the terrace as I joined Gil and Francis building house and businesses for the train layout. We were taking an idea from Rona and Reg. Two highchairs were ready for the kids to watch the trains rolling. It would be a few weeks or so but we were ready.

Fox news on the TV in the background! With only a few weeks to go on the election campaign in America Hillary Clinton now had a twenty five point lead in our own Fox poll! More in some others. Our three big stories had rocked the campaign, gutting support for Trump.

Questions being asked about twitter and facebook were quite embarrassing for them. Oh so sorry! They wanted the money more than running a clean and ethical platform. Fox News was already working on two new pieces on them so we wouldn't let up!

Gil finished another big building for the downtown, she anchored it with fibre optic cable up inside. A switch and the new office building was lit! Francis had given up on his `soviet' apartment paradise idea to work on Public Safety buildings, the fire station and police precinct.

My factory would make widgets and nice brown spurts of smoke! Whatever a widget was we would make the best!

Cho had the Twins in their double pram so out to the garden, hood up. We tooled around, talking to the senior gardener, Knor, who I liked. He was taciturn but had a great smile when you got him going. He really liked the Twins being out.

We lifted them out and sat on the lawn. Chani on her tummy grabbing at the grass trying to pull it. My question to Knor had an easy answer, no chemicals of any kind on the lawn or flowers and shrubs. None anywhere out here!

Chani did try to eat some of what she pulled out. It was easy to stop that. Charlie was being more relaxed, his dad's hand rubbing his back. We didn't let them get much sun, back on the terrace under cover. Me in the sun!

A relaxed `family' dinner! The three of us with Gil and Francis. I had Kiet call his family's restaurant and deliver. He and Achara joined us. After that we had an early night.

Swimming in the morning was terrific! Coffee and an omelette by Cho! He went off to the Railroad and I went visiting my friends. Ni, Kamol and Lawan. Jian to the Foundation office.

Email from Eve and Ku. They were in New York, Roslyn was terrific, the apartment was terrific... Terrific!

Okay I got it! I wished them a good stay. Ku would go the Fox Tower with Eve in the morning. Each meeting with their `clients.' Ku had her iPad if she wanted to bring me into any discussion using the conference App.

I was in the garden at Anong and Rak's with Rak2 in my arms. He was sweet, looking cute in a blue onesie. Anong was doing fine, no complications. They had a nurse and Rak had been going in to the main store office for half a day but now he was back to full-time. I missed him today.

Kamol's Sarge was leaving as we drove up to their place. A nice comfy little house in a quiet neighbourhood. Sarge was on duty in the afternoon until later in the night. A hug for the big guy.

Kamol smiling. A hug and whisper, they had just completed a dilation session a la Fay and Cho! Giggles!

She would start back to work part-time next week. I gave her an ears-only info on the possible switches in office staff when Ku moved to New York.

Kamol laughed, "I think Udorn is anticipating changes."

Lawan answered the doorbell looking awesome. A delightful pale blue short sleeved dress. Hugs and kisses. I got to meet Koka, a sable brown mostly Burmese cat, petite and gorgeous! I sat on a bench on their balcony, Koka parked on my lap! She was sweet and had a loud purr for such a tiny lady. She was the daughter of Burmese cat belonging to an American Family who had travelled a great deal and stopped for a while in Bangkok. Cute!

Lawan declared herself to be Fantastic! She and Thang were doing very well. He had to go to work on a project so she was on her own today and the next few days.

"Come over to ours! I'll send a car in the morning. I will be in and out but there's a sunny terrace, food, drink and two babies to play with."

Lawan was `IN.' I said I'd ask Ni when saw her shortly. Fist Bumps!

Ni was up for that too. All the guys could come over too. We'd have fun! Ni was fine. Swelling wasn't an issue and she and Kavnu were `enjoying' the dilation times!! His sons would be here in about two months for several weeks. She was looking forward to that!

Gil called for a car to pick them up. Shorts and bikini tops were the dress of the day. They had appointments at the clinic for check-ups in the next few days.

We went on to the Chanthira Foundation offices. Jian and I were going over to the warehouse to do an inspection. It wasn't a long drive.

The manager gave us a tour showing off the new areas for order completion and shipping. There were two vans for now. When the clinic in Korat opens they would have a van there to do pickups from the railroad shipping office where their supplies would arrive.

The Railroad was going to do a charitable donation for any shipping costs so we'd able to send whatever we needed very easily.

Back at home Ni and Lawan were out on the terrace relaxing, their men knew where to come for dinner. Bikini time!

Cho would bring Kamol to the house with him. Sarge would pick her up here. It wasn't a hugely out of the way home for him. Their house in Wat Thep Sirin district wasn't a bad drive especially later at night.

We had dinner delivered by Cho's favourite French-Polynesian restaurant. Grilled fish, coconut prawns, rice, noodles, veggies. Kiet `sacrificed' himself to make an ice cream run.

We had fun. I was stuffed by its end and we managed to save some for Sarge. Kavnu and Ni were gone, Lawan and Thang too. Kamol and I sitting together on a lounge as Cho and Sarge talked about football (soccer!) and how Cho had enjoyed going to Craven Cottage.

Sarge enjoyed his late dinner, hugs and kisses at their car. Standing on the grass with Jaidee leaning his warn bod against my leg.

Everyone enjoyed dinner and seeing the Twins. The girls had done some feeding and diaper changing. Tha held a class' which was very funny! We'd done a tour of the train layout. Sarge had had small set of trains as a boy in Los Angeles, his who knows what happen to it all' did make us laugh.

He did cast his eye toward the billiard table. He suggested a game. Cho winked at me and said watch out. Sarge's head pivoted to me, I was doing the fake `looking the other way' which made Francis burst out laughing.

"I do feel it only fair to warn you...," still laughing Francis helped remove the cover.

Sarge watched me put my cue together shaking his head. He broke and dropped a low ball. He was good, smooth, looking like there had been some misspent youthful hours. He rolled in four more before being stumped.

I ran the table including a nifty bank shot around the eight which nudged it in front of a side pocket which gobbled it up with my next shot. Sarge grinning, "Remember I'm just a poorly paid soldier."

We hugged. We let the others have the table. Sitting on the banquette he confirmed my `misspent youth' idea. We laughed.

"Fay, I was in trouble a lot until a friend was killed in a gang fight. I walked away then. Strange I joined the Marines knowing I might be shot at or have to kill someone but it seemed a more structured life. Not the chaos of the street. Now I have built a solid career, tested myself in combat and found a love."

A very nice smile, "I'm not complete but it feels very right..." a pause, "Thank you and Cho for helping Kamol. She would do anything for you two."

`Sarge, if she AND you are happy... we will be paid back in full."

He squeezed my hand. It was a good night. The girls would come over again tomorrow to hang out.

I kissed Cho by the terrace in the morning sun trying not to drip on him. Gil and I had swum for quite a while, the laps felt good. Cho and Francis off to the Railroad, Jian to the Foundation.

I had a new task for Kwang that Jian was going to get her started on, research how to setup or takeover or ??? a golf tournament. We'd need a venue, sponsors...

That reminded me of our sponsors so a call to New York. Sam had passed on the idea of using 21st Century Fox sponsoring Harcourt Racing to a disinterested colleague. He said it would be legal but unwise from an ethical standpoint. Okay! That was out.

"What about my other idea?"

I could hear Sam smiling, "That was bounced off a lawyer friend in Los Angeles. His feeling was you'd get a positive response to talks and a possible deal. He did say they would want any other sponsors to have the same `values' as their corporation."

I knew we would be good with that condition since it was our value set.

"Can your friend represent us and make direct contact?"

Sam said yes and he would be thrilled to do so, "He's a fan of yours! He was excited to think you might join with companies that promote good causes and still make money."

I laughed inside at that my often repeated phrase. I said to `Go!' And we would be in Los Angeles in two weeks.

I went to see the Twins again. They were having a short nap. Tha had done well to get them to a day/night schedule. The result was they were good all night sleepers with a couple of naps during the day.

Lots of exercise, fresh air and a small amount of sun. It was fun to sit playing bicycle with their legs. Charlie really got a charge out of that. He was gurgles and smiles. Chani not quite as enthusiastic but some tummy rubs got her giggling.

Cho came home after lunch when I had the Twins on the Playroom terrace reading aloud a report from Francis about the Ballard Nautical financials. One hand holding the report the other tickling bare toes. The dull business words didn't bother them, their eyes on me the whole time. I kidded with Cho about how adored I was. We had a laugh!

The crew had spent most of the day beside the pool, sunning, eating and laughing! It was great to see them all so happy! Their guys came by for dinner.

A sad faced Amporn came out with bad news... King Bhumibol Adulyadej had died. A revered man, most Thais like Cho had known no other figure so central to nationhood other than him. Seventy years on the throne.

A year long period of mourning was declared and all joyful events and celebrations were disallowed for thirty days. The wearing black or white colours was asked to show respect.

Cho called The Prince to offer our condolences. We were thanked gratefully. He and his older brother and sister would be deeply in mourning but he would like to see us at a few of the remembrance events. Cho said we would and for him to please tell us the ones he'd most appreciate us attending.

The Prince was sad but his father had had a long eventful life.

We did have our friends over to dinner but it was low key. I enjoyed it though as I always did, I loved them all so much. A kiss for each and a hug as they left.

Cho's hand in mine with Jaidee walking the lawn. He suggested an overnight to Phuket. There was a golf course he was considering buying. It was a private club with a corporate owner. He would go there with Francis, I could use the beach.

I was up for that. We flew down the next evening. Pha and Anodo welcomed us, little Ty had his arms open to hug me. Sweetie.

I had an Amaretto in hand as I sat in shallow water splashed by the light of the lanterns. Cho beside me. He was going to the golf course in the morning. Francis would look at the books as he walked the course and looked at the other physical aspects.

I was planning on working for a while then SWIM!

A kiss for my man before he closed the Range Rover door. Ro and Rande, Ansara driving. She was quite good at it.

Gil with me, coffee, sun, paperwork! Pha and Anodo drove into town for some shopping for dinner.

Tai called loudly from the kitchen to PJ and Tara that someone was ramming the fence near the gate at the road. An alarum alerted her, she'd seen it on the iPad on the kitchen counter.

I turned to Gil, "Gil take Ty and go into the closet of our bedroom, lie down! Call Dad! I've pushed the Panic App." Gil scooped Ty up and ran.

PJ had dashed inside... returning with the weapons bag. He handed out weapons, two Heckler & Koch submachine guns and Glocks for him and Tara. Tai got her Glock and clips.

A big four-wheel drive pickup truck came lumbering down the slope impeded by the underbrush, turned sharply left to get to the drive. A huge crash and horrible metal grating sounds. It was hung up on the stones that buttressed the north side of the drive incline.

It was stuck. Men jumped out of the back with hand guns...

PJ's voice ordered them to stop and stand still or be fired on. I heard the crash as Tara flipped the big wooden table on its side. The robbers kept coming, running and firing wildly... I ducked back... Tai was hit in her left arm... spun around falling into the door way.

I jumped out from the kitchen to pull her in... with the automatic rifle firing of PJ and Tara as the back drop. Their HK33KA3 carbines spraying rounds which over-powered the handguns of our attackers.

I had Tai's arm wrapped in several kitchen towels. I had her Glock in hand, I put my iPhone in her good hand. She'd slid two full clips towards me.

I'd pushed the Panic App before the truck had showed now it was blinking Tai held it up to show me.

Tara called out in French there was one headed around the house. There was sporadic firing from the now pinned down attackers, PJ and Tara waiting for targets. I went to the master suite telling Gil to stay in the closet. I locked the doors to the small terrace. From behind the curtains I saw a man go by looking around gun in hand.

I ducked behind the kitchen island counter so I could see through a door to the deck. I guessed the man was trying to get behind PJ and Tara to stop their fire. He jumped onto the wooden decking... I fired three shots... his body flew backwards out of sight... I'd seen his weapon go flying too.

I yelled in French to PJ and Tara the fellow was down. Once they heard me they opened fire. Tara sprayed rounds all over the slope keeping the attackers' heads down. PJ risked rising up to fire directed shots at the exposed men. I could hear their cries of pain and calls for help as his shots hit them.

Our folks stopped firing and PJ shouted out instructions to... drop weapons... stand up... walk out to the drive and lay down on their faces. I watched two men do that right away, two others called they were wounded and needed help. PJ went up the slope with Tara covering him. No resistance so those two wounded men were shifted to the drive. Sounds of sirens and helicopters broke the silence.

There some moans from the wounded ... after the move. PJ did some basic bandaging to stop the bleeding and he decided to wait on the medics for anything more.

I stepped out towards the deck where my attacker had gone down. He was on his back... three bloody spots on his upper right torso, hands empty... his handgun in the sand ten or twelve feet away. I stepped down... he was unconscious and breathing in a laboured fashion...I retrieved his gun.

Back inside I gave it to Tai and walked out to where PJ and Tara had collected the four wounded men. Some rope from the shed tightly around their ankles as they lay on the drive... arms out if possible.

Tai called out she'd opened the gate with the kitchen iPad. Security Police cars and ambulances came down the drive.

I let Gil and Ty out of the closet but had them stay in Gil's room so Ty wouldn't see the mess. Tai was bleeding but it was mostly stopped by the towels. She brushed off the first medics toward the more seriously wounded attacker out back.

I knew a helicopter had come in on the side beach, I saw an officer emerge from the trees with several heavily armed commandos behind him. The captain came over to me, "Miss Martin?" I nodded. He seemed relieved I was Okay.

PJ came over, as the Security Policemen took over the prisoners, to tell the officer that according to one of the attackers there had been ten of them. He had counted five dead and five wounded.

A second group of Security Police commandos had landed on the road, they closed it and had local police going north and south detouring traffic.

Tai was being bandaged by a medic on the deck. PJ and Tara now realized I'd taken over from Tai and I shot the fellow on the deck behind them. PJ with a wry grin and fist bump. Tara gave me a hug.

I saw a reflection of myself in the glass of the door... my hair was a bit blown about, a Glock in my hand and the spare ammo clips were sticking out of my bikini bottom. I looked like a pirate... a modern one... a dystopian one!!

I said it to Tara, she laughed outright! PJ looking over, Tara motioned him closer and told him... I watched the smile take over his face.

`Fay, you want to keep that?" PJ pointing to the Glock.

"For under my pillow!"

That broke them both up.

Tai was going to the hospital but she got a big hug from me, a kiss on her cheek.

"Fay, you did good!" High praise.

Gil brought out a sleeveless shirt and shorts for her to take with her to cover up the bikini. Her Glock would be locked up in the Security building. Okay.

Now why? PJ had the Security Police separate the two lightly wounded. We interrogated them briefly. The leader was the fellow I put three rounds into on the back deck.

It was to be a smash and grab raid. They'd heard a very rich man bought the house and was staying there. Our black Range Rovers had been seen going in. They had seen the one going out. Hoping for fewer people.

They would smash in the fence, drive down, jump out waving their guns expecting to shock the people and grab everything of value and drive away.

The fence didn't go down easy! The truck getting stuck screwed up the next part but our shooting at them... that shocked them and they were pinned down, several shot right away. Their gang leader tried to go around to stop the machine guns... then our firing wounded everyone... they gave up.

A helicopter airlifted Tai and the wounded with Security Police officers riding inside. The Captain asked that we please stay so his commander could talk with us.

He said there had been several raids like this on large wealthy homes recently. The only lead they had was a description of the truck, his hand waved toward the immobilized vehicle. It had Security Police men photographing it and the bodies on the slope.

One came by to ask about the location of the fellow shot out back. I walked over to show him. I still had Tai's Glock... I handed it to PJ to lock up with her ammo clips. He was putting away their weapons for now.

I put on a black crop t-shirt, shorts and black checkerboard Vans. The Range Rover with Cho came down the drive to park. He climbed into my arms. So right! So needed!

Cho gave a description of the SUV and of Anodo and Pha to the Security Police captain so they would be allowed in.

I was glad he hadn't seen the `pirate' look. He didn't know about my part yet.

We checked on Gil and Ty. Gil got Ty some juice and they were sitting in the chairs on the shared deck off from her room. I knelt next to him to tell him some bad men had come to rob us, his parents were gone before it started and they would be back soon. He was good. Fist bump!

Back outside we spoke with a Colonel of the Security Police who had arrived. We impressed upon him that we wanted the news of this restricted as much as possible, Cho said we understood he couldn't lock it up indefinitely. Cho wanted it to be folded into a story about the robberies as a whole.

The Colonel said General Keren had spoken to him and he was in the picture about who we were and that I was the General's daughter. He would instruct his men but he could make no promises. But it was unlikely to come from his men who revered General Keren who had been their commander in the past. Cho signaled our thanks.

Inside the Security hut we gathered to watch the video from the front gate. The attackers had trouble with the fence, it didn't yield easily which gave Tai time to raise the alarum. The first mistake not to have scouted the fence better.

The Captain said they must have done some reconnaissance but because they couldn't get inside the fence beforehand they didn't know about the height of the retaining wall along the north side of the drive. That had been their second crucial mistake.

Then our automatic weapons fire was too much for them, the failure of the out-flanking move doomed them. It was at the point of the flanking move when Cho found out my part in the drama. My hand was TIGHTLY squeezed.

Since the facts were clear... no need to do a big crime scene preservation thing. A cleanup proceeded inside and out. The robbers who had been killed were removed to the morgue to be ID'd. A crane truck lifted the damaged truck onto a flatbed and rolled it away. The plants on the slope would fixed up another day. The retaining wall had some scratches on the rock but otherwise it was fine. A toughie! The fence was mostly down in one section but it proved very tough too!

Pha and Anodo managed to get through the clamour. Ty was happy to see them. They thanked Gil and me for shielding him. I hugged Pha, she whispered her eternal gratitude! I whispered back she'd have done the same for my kids.

Tai's blood was cleaned up, we all pitched in. Pha began to work on food for us all. The Security Police would withdraw later in the evening after the road was clear and the fence given an emergency repair.

.

I talked with Dad. He was sorry we were targeted and he had called the provincial police commander find out what had been done to catch the robbers after the other attacks. The Security Police Colonel had been advised by him to keep `the lid on' so we wouldn't be identified. Just a house owned by a rich couple. The ownership was via a corporation we controlled so our names weren't immediately obvious.

Gil sent encrypted messages in several methods to everyone we wanted to know about it. The New York PR law firm's principal who was dealing with our account got instructions to be ready for a conference call with us and the principal at the 21st Century Fox law firm. They could only have a close advisor in the room to take notes as it was a `need to know' only call. We would call from here at 2200 which was 1000 their time.

Cho sent Ro and Ansara out to buy two `pay-as-you-go' cell phones. We would use them and then discard them.

Tai returned in a few hours. Stitched up, bandaged with some pain meds and an ugly gray sling which I kidded her about. Smiles. It was a through and through wound in the muscle with a nick in the bone. She'd have a double scar, get some physical therapy, likely a one hundred percent recovery.

She leaned against me in the kitchen, "Fay, I hope you know you really did good. That fellow might have done a lot of damage."

I kissed her cheek with a smile. "Returning the favor."

We smiled over that.

Pha fed us some excellent fish, savory grilled veggies and roti. There was ice cream and sprinkles at the end. The Colonel and his aide stayed to eat so we were fifteen.

At ten we made the conference call using the clean phones. Cho had me give them the whole story and what was happening after. Right now it was a local Phuket police story. We weren't convinced it would stay that way. A gun battle at a private residence with five dead and six wounded was unlikely to remain on Phuket Island.

"Should we get out front. Like our `interview' with Dorothy we set the tone so anyone being negative had little traction."

We tasked them to prepare a statement that a local robbery gang had tried to force their way into our compound but our Security Service had stopped them. We had one staff wounded in the arm, five robbers had been killed and five wounded, they were captured and turned over to the Thai police. All the captured robbers would survive their wounds and be charged.

I asked them come up with some way to say I had been part of the defense without releasing the fact I had shot one of the robbers or consider not saying anything about it.

Also that the gang targeted us because of the value of the houses in the area and people were seen going in and the gang had robbed other nearby houses in Phuket. The robbers didn't know us at all.

Most of the Security Police commandos left after dark. One squad stayed up on the road at the fence until dawn. We had one of our Personal Protection force on duty through the night in shifts.

In the morning sun only the landscape scars on the hill showed anything had happened from the deck. Coffee in hand walking on the beach with my other hand in Cho's. Cho held me tight in the dark as we talked last night. He was very proud of me being cool and taking down one of robbers. I had no choice but to contribute to the defense it wasn't like I had `pushed in' without cause.

We sat on some rocks on the western arm of the cove looking back towards the house. I said I was good with what I had done just as I had been last February. My life and the lives of others were at risk... I'd do anything in that circumstance. Cho's `quite right' and a kiss followed!

The inevitable `event magnet' comment came but we both laughed.

He knew I couldn't have acted differently. I shifted the conversation to how we respond. Should anything different from a security point of view. I thought our folks had done well.

I asked about his golf course purchase. He had decided not to buy it. Francis was uneasy about some of the accounting methods and there were some records which were incomplete. No biggie!

A kiss! "You know how valuable Francis is? It isn't like we don't have other very qualified people but he is so mobile, willing and smart. What I really appreciate is he has a `sixth sense' about things. He sussed out some of the issues yesterday by following a few transactions which looked dodgy to him. A true skill!"

Cho got a big hug, "So there are good puppies?"

We both laughed walking back.

We were away to Bangkok in a few hours. Local folks would do the repairs. Cho asked Francis to get in touch with the fence people to inquire about what could be done to better resist such an attack. The fence had been great but more might be needed. A point to consider was we didn't want it to look like a fortress.

Dad and Phailin came to dinner. A big hug from Dad! I gave them my take, PJ, Tai and Tara walked up from the Security house to join us to tell their stories. Tai was doing fine. Sore but not much pain. I dug out several of my scarves I'd used as slings. Some colour! A big smile from Tai, hugs!

Turned out ours was the last of eleven robberies. Some in Phuket city where the truck wasn't used and then it was used against big houses outside the city like ours. The five we captured would all live, my fellow lost part of a lung but otherwise not too bad. They had all `talked.' The local prosecutors expected to pressure them to plead guilty to the attack on us with the weapons charges, they'd all see much more than ten years. Okay.

Walking with Dad across the lawn in Jaidee's wake. He was romping making me smile.

"Fay, we will clamp down on the news but expect something. The details we can keep quiet."

"Well, since I am somewhat in the news business I can understand the drive to get info. We have the lawyers in New York working on statement we will release via them today their time. It will be `light' on the details."

For Dad there was plenty going on. He was spending so much time on issues dealing with the restive South and not happy that the underlying problems still weren't being addressed in Bangkok.

"Without some changes the moderate elements can not hold back expansion of the radicals even as more people are hurt by the terror tactics."

It looked like they were caught up in the cycle of events and then reaction. The government needed to do something to break the logjam.

We had talked about it before after the assassination attempt. Nothing had changed. He was unhappy!

I hugged my Dad!

Later at 2200 hours we talked again with the New York lawyers to review the `statement' they prepared and sent along to us. A few minor changes then the Okay to release it at a news conference at the Fox Tower. It had been announced and all media were invited. It was billed as a personal statement from us with the PR law firm doing the presentation. Some questions would be accepted after everyone was told we would not be available for now.

So I spent my time with my friends and especially with the Twins. I love to tickle toes outside. Smiling gurgling faces!! Tummy rubs were very popular, hugs too. Cho and I did some feeding.

Ba was here every day now that Eve was away. She was so calm all the time and her little girl Pinky was sweet and fun to have in the house. Ba had agreed to come to travel to Harcourt House for Christmas. Her daughter too. We would begin the weaning process at six months.

Chani sitting in my lap on the Playroom terrace, the big umbrella covering us. One of her hands holding my thumb tightly as she swung her arm. Huge grin! I played with her feet which got me loud laughing!! Cho brought Charlie out and a book. I read in English to them about a boy and his dog. Then in Thai about farm birds, chickens, ducks , geese and a swan.

Cho read a story about a train! Very apropos!

Gil came out with some emails from friends and colleagues about the Phuket adventure! Because she had done a great job sending the info so most folks weren't worried but definitely glad we were Okay! A few questions, nothing big.

I had made a special call to Bill and Kent in New York. They got the whole thing so there would be no `gaps' for others to fill-in. Bill was going to the news conference to observe and call us later. It would after midnight here but ...

We waited for the call outside with Jian. She was shocked by the event but glad I'd been `cool' again. We snuggled on a lounge.

Bill's call came a bit after one AM.

We sat in the office with the Conference App connected to the TV and an iPad propped to aim at us. Bill and Kent together. The lawyers we would talk with in the morning.

Bill was pleased. As a news event it went over well Kent said, "It was nice and clean. Tight to the facts only. Speculative questions were rejected."

"The lawyer did very well. After the reading, the press all got copies in advance, the questions were general, some more specific were passed off to the Security Police PR department in Bangkok."

Since Dad had them prepared with the info he was confident they could handle it.

Fox News would run a piece that followed our `statement' emphasizing the random nature of the Phuket attacks.

Some other reporters would undoubtedly go to Phuket to look for more info. The Security Police there were set to refer any requests back to Bangkok. The local police were asked to do the same which was easy for them since they didn't know much.

The more enterprising reporters would find people to talk but they would lack any `authority.' The surviving robbers were all in Security Police custody so incommunicado.

Thet had added staff to the house to have a physical presence near the gate to discourage snooping. They were uniformed and armed.

So we went on with our life. It was all low key out of respect for the old King. Sober coloured clothing and activities. My friends came over every day to relax and recover from their operations. Amporn and Niran back from Pattaya fed us well. Their sick aunt was recovering fine.

The Twins had so many aunts and uncles around! A wealth of fun for them. Gil and I worked, Cho did his things at the Railroad and banks. He chose not to play golf in respect for the King.

I wanted to go dancing but we closed the Ballroom and Ice Rink. The staffs did do a lot of cleaning and the Ballroom orchestra did practice but no dancing. Everyone was paid their regular wage and we did do a subsidy for the wait staffs who would be missing tip income.

Quiet for now but we'd be going to California for the Breeders' Cup races in Santa Anita. Soon. A month after that it was CHRISTMAS at Harcourt House!!!

Email from Gregory about deliveries, one horse named Secret Sea. She was in excellent shape and in the paddock beside Asda and Hathai. Two, one groom and trainee named Ronnie. She was also in excellent condition and knows horses!! She was in one of the apartments, settled in with all her Harcourt Racing paperwork done, on the payroll.

Dolores was ready for us. Ted emailed to Gil that the nice folks at Santa Anita Park had made an effort to fix up the spot we had used for helicopter operations. It was expanded, cleaned up and marked.

I guess our buying into a big permanent box in the Grandstand and extending our barn space got their attention. Two youngsters from Bangkok had shipped in to get ready for the two year season to come, Rando arrived there from Bangkok to prep for his three year old campaign and Aneka to try her luck on the two year old distaff side. Aneka was unraced, a half-sister to Glaa and Hansa like SakChai. Asda her sire.

Monaco had nearly two dozen there counting stable ponies. Glaa, Hansa, IrishRainbow, SakChai all proven winners! They would run in Breeders' Cup races in a week.

An email via Gil from the New York PR law firm. There a hundred and ten requests for answers to various reporters' questions. Nearly as many interview requests. Yeah right! She printed it out. I sat on the terrace with the Twins to write down answers to the ones I chose. Some basic, a few more intrusive. I didn't spend too much time on it, my children's toes were more interesting!

Gil would put them in an email back. She said the Security Police PR had gotten a lot of queries from the U.S. which they answered from the info provided which was limited.

Okay time for the train layout to get some attention. When I walked in the Playroom Francis was knocking around some billiard balls. He looked the question, I stepped and looked at the end of the table... then him... and back to the table...back to him

"Fay, you're not serious? I couldn't beat you if you had both hands behind your back. You would bankrupt me!"

"Well, I do credit with modest interest rates but I compound hourly though."

We laughed, Francis broke and nothing fell.

"Okay, I'm done for."

"Shush, you don't have any money riding on it."

Francis laughed. I rolled three low balls in right away. The next dropped with a nice drawing back of the cue so I was lined up on another. It went away. The number six I bounced off the end cushion to roll down the table to a corner pocket. Number two I popped into the side leaving the cue ten inches from the eight ball. Dink it dropped!

I was smiling at Francis' shaking his head.

"Rack'em." He laughed aloud.

I broke with two falling and then we had a class. He broke and broke and broke and... At the end he was consistently getting at least one to drop. Fist Bumps!

Then to the trains. I set a freight train running around the parameter, a diesel engine, a dozen mixed cars and a cute little red caboose. It went round and round while we worked on buildings. Francis finished the public safety structures and went onto City Hall. I was putting together a large freight warehouse and loading platform. It was big.

Gil found us and joined in to work on several more downtown buildings.

A conference app call from Eric, "Fay... Reg, Arthur, Douglas and Jared are here with me..." he went quiet, "We got the GWNW contract! They notified me today."

I could see Eric cheering with the others. It was great! The single largest contract in The Company's history! A huge multi-year deal.

"You made the difference I'm sure. The CEO calling referred to you several times. He was obviously impressed!"

Well whether it was me or what we could do... it was a great moment for The Company. I was waving to Cho through this as he appeared in the doorway. He came over to me.

I told Eric we should look into leasing or buying a property in Dallas to house our staffers. We had some time before the contract started up so a local Dallas real estate firm should be hired.

We all chattered about the deal and how to support it. I was glad I insisted on going ahead with the New York computer centre. Now Eve really did have a lot of work!! She and Ku would be in the U.S. for years behind this.

Good news for The Company which would translate to a lot of work, more people needed and manufacturing for our tools. Reg had already done deals with suppliers in the United Kingdom, France and the U.S. for the hardware we would need for the assembly. Apple had responded they were ready and offered a new discount level for our purchases. Terrific!

We were considering our buying several of the suppliers to close the loop in our favor. Eric and Cho with Francis' help had accumulated a lot of info on them and were working the numbers.

Wattna called. He said the government had no problem with my use of my diplomatic passport to go to Iran since the ownership of The Company was held by Thai nationals and we'd be promoting Thai business. A bit indirectly but if he was good with it...

Gil acting for me made a visit to the Iranian Embassy in Bangkok in the Vadhana district. The Consul was nice and had received the information we had forwarded. He also understood who I was and my relation to the government. Gil didn't say anything about that just let it ride.

The Consul said the Islamic Republic would welcome me and my group. He agreed to my Security team being with me. Visas for all would be provided this week. He wished us a pleasant and productive visit. She thanked him.

Gil let Eric know right away and emailed our contact at the Tehran water board. I wanted to go very soon so we would able to go into the mountains before winter got a grip. The Consul said we were welcome as soon as the visas arrived.

Gil was on to Kavat to alert him for a quick trip. He would be ready with just a few hours' notice.

Cho leaned over my shoulder, "I just talked with Carter. The Gately School has been doing what we asked, no issues. Maxine is completing her school work and getting good marks. Social Services have been by to see her several times. They appear to be quite pleased with us."

On another part of Maxine, "Her stepfather has been bailed, there is a `no contact' order in place and he has strict monitoring. What is bothering Carter is although the mother has been invited to see Maxine she has refused."

I looked up at him, "Was she more in the `know?' Is this guilt?"

A very fine set of shoulders shrugged. I got a kiss which was very nice!

In the morning things began to hum. The Iranians at the Tehran Water Board got the Consul going because the visas arrived before noon. No shit!

Kavat said we could leave in two hours, arrive around midnight... Done!

The Water Board chairman, Mr. Vajadi said that was good for them, we'd see him in the morning. He would have aircraft and cars ready. And an itinerary would be emailed shortly. I liked the speed which meant their eagerness hadn't slackened.

Gil's emailed bonged with an incoming thirty minutes later. She walked in to me with Chani. I read it and we were a go!

Cho smiling, "As always you decide quickly."

Kisses! Me to pack. Cold weather in the mountains. The white Agusta lifted off an hour later. Gil, PJ, Tara and Tessa. Tessa would be with us during Tai's recuperation. She was new to us.

She was an American-Barbadian from New York City. My height, slender and taut looking. I liked her hair, lots of short, chubby dreadlocks that bounced as she walked. Lithe and athletic were my first impressions. She had joined the NYPD, gone as a sergeant into the NYPD SWAT force then joined us. She was a marksman with handguns and many types of rifles, excellent hand-to-hand skills.

Up the 767 steps. Mira in the lounge smiling, they were ready so buckle up. The big jet was on the move down the taxiway a we're off' from Stephanie during a power turn onto the runway. She gave it the gas' and zoom.

Mira on the tannoy, "It will be a bit over seven hours with some strong heads winds part of the way that will add time.."

Gil and I worked some then I asked Tessa to join me. I wanted some background and for her to know some about us. PJ on a sofa beside me.

Her dad was born and raised in Harlem, his family from North Carolina via the `Underground Railway.' They chose to stay in New York rather than go on to Canada. Their home had seen four generations grow up and old. Her mother's parents came from Barbados settling in Harlem two blocks from her dad's.

Large raucous families. Her older brother was a sergeant in the NYPD, two sisters were in the music business in Los Angeles and the younger brother was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. She was proud of them all.

The Sergeant didn't want her to leave the NYPD, he was certain she would have been able to reach `command rank' in a few years.

"Miss Martin..." My hand stopping her, "Fay." A smile.

"Fay, I just saw too many things I didn't like and wasn't going to allow myself to get into a situation where I might have to defend those things."

I leaned over to fist bump.

"Here we strive to be ethical and good. We are business people who want to make money but it is not to be made at the expense of our good name or self-respect."

I leaned back, "Just so you know when we are out I expect you are working all the time unless expressly told there was down time. You shouldn't ever try to carry anything or take charge of our dog or anything like that."

"Apparently you have made that point with our trainers because they were very specific about it.," Tessa smiled.

Okay, I guess Thet got my message. I had a smile inside for that. I could see PJ's grin in the corner of my eye...

"OW!"

He put on a good act after I gave him a punch!

"See Tessa what a wimp PJ is... one good punch and he's toast."

We were laughing. Tessa gave PJ a look which I saw and his reaction. "Go ahead if you have a question."

"Last week at Phuket... you really took out one after Tai was hit?"

"Yes, I used Tai's Glock. The guy was trying to get around behind Tara and wimpy here... so when he jumped up on a deck walkway outside the kitchen door I shot him three times."

PJ turned to me making a gesture with his hand which I interpreted as backward... Ah, our fun in February.

I made a go ahead motion but with a finger on my lips. He got it.

"Now this isn't to be repeated, not even to other Security folks. Yes?"

Tessa said `mum's the word.'

"In February Fay went to have lunch with her Dad, General Keren, at a restaurant across the road from the Security Police HQ. On the way back two men tried to kill the General. His bodyguard got shot and the General too by the lead fellow. I grabbed the gun arm of the other one. Fay got the bodyguard's dropped weapon and shot the second attacker. As I struggled to keep the other from firing Fay shot him in the thigh ending it all."

Tessa was looking me eyes wide!

I shrugged, "My biological dad showed me about guns when I was young, they haven't been part of my life but I knew what to do."

"How long ago was that?"

"Fifteen years or so. I was thirteen maybe fourteen."

I leaned back again with my Amaretto. Tessa was doing some consideration.

"You've come a long way if you're only twenty nine."

Smiling, "True especially in the last two years." Fist bump with PJ.

History lessons out of the way. We prepared for sleep and the next day which might be very busy. I had Gil lay out the head scarves I got Mongkut to order. Pants were fine as we were going into the mountains.

In the big bed I was lonely but it was so late in Bangkok I wouldn't call.

The alarum broke into my sleep. Soka was up and starting breakfast. Nice warm stuff to start off. The day. Everyone trooped out to feed!

Washed and dressed. Hiking boots, jeans and a warm jumper over two layers of silk and cotton shirts. All black. A black pea coat and gloves. A black head scarf.

We had parked in the night west of the main terminal. Down the stairs to a large dark car. We drove around the airport in the half-light to the military side. Mr. Vajadi, the deputy minister of Water Affairs met us at a pair of army helicopters. He introduced Mr. Montasser who was the under deputy for Planning of the Department of Energy.

We loaded up in the helicopters. Mr. Vajadi said they were equipped for flight in the thinner mountain air. We rose up swung around the airport then northward gaining altitude. The first stop was above the Amir Kabir Dam in Alborz Province. It was only about thirty miles from the airport.

The lake was artificial behind the dam fed by the Karaj River. We sat on a low wall to roll out some topo maps with Mr. Montasser showing me the valleys that fed the river then lake. Their plan was to dam the smaller valleys to increase water retention capacity away from the lake because the highway to Chalus, Route 59, was built so close to the reservoir there was a definite limit to the water holding area. The highway was critical to the connection to the Caspian Sea raising the lake level even a few foot could cut the road.

Remote controlling these smaller dams was why they contacted us. I was spinning the equipment needs in my head already.

We flew on to the Latyan Dam area on the Jajrood River northeast of Tehran. We landed on a hillside to the west and above the dam. More topo maps and a discussion of the terrain. It was a beautiful setting with the small city of Lavason to the left at the end of the lake.

Mr. Vajadi had a smile as we climbed back on the helicopters. The last stop was further northeast and we headed towards Mount Damavand. It was a gorgeous extinct volcano something over 18,000 feet. It dominated the Alborz Mountain range on the eastern end.

We landed about a half mile from the dam top. The reservoir had never been filled to capacity because of a persistent leakage at the base and a transfer tunnel had been bored to Latyan. The area was uninhabited so filling some of the valleys wouldn't displace any people. As for the wild life it was sparse and could live further up the valley.

Standing on the dam top the lake was beautiful and with the mountain it was quite the picturesque place. More time with topo maps. Big thermoses of tea and boxes of cake and some incredible cookies appeared. Persian Walnut cookies! Saffron cookies! Chickpea and pistachio cookies! They were all terrific. Gil was grinning at me. Mr. Montasser who organized this asked her why.

Gil smiling, "My boss is famous for loving to have tea and sweet treats. She has quite the appetite for cookies."

He was looking at me and passed a cookie tin to me, "Please go ahead, Miss Martin. We have plenty!"

I did snag a few more but didn't go over the top. A lovely setting to be outside, slightly chilly with a soft breeze. I like tea in the open. I knew I had a smiling face.

Mr. Vajadi sat beside me, "Miss Martin, it is interesting such a famous person would make a trip like this. Can you tell why you have come?"

"Mr. Vajadi, I'm not sure about famous but I'm the senior Deputy Director of The Company who also has a good deal of field experience."

I was about to go on when Mr. Montasser joined us, "Do you mind?"

"No not at all. I was saying I'm The Company's number two but I had been a field person. I enjoy going to new locations, getting a feel for the terrain and meeting the people. I made a trip to Vietnam earlier in the year to look at a project in the mountains west of Dalat. No roads or power."

I shifted my butt to better face them both.

"You have much of the same needs with limited power availability."

I stood up now to think on my feet.

I went through my thoughts about the controls at each of the small dams, using microwave communications, photo-sensitive arrays and more. They were paying close attention. Mr. Montasser asked a few questions and I asked about their ability to manufacture some of the components. We were definitely on the same wave length.

Mr. Vajadi was with us mostly in the technical parts but he was more the manager and planner than a doer or a tech. Both men were enthused and pleased. They could participate in our process, have their staffs trained and get the remote management they needed. Lots of handshaking all around.

I loved doing this right out in the open on a spectacular day with terrific scenery. I wanted to call Cho right there to tell him how I felt...

I nabbed some more tea and cookies!! Mr. Montasser smiling at Gil, "I see!"

Laughter. I walked along the dam top with Mr. Vajadi, "Miss Martin, you are quite the advocate for your company. I want you to know there is some resistance to using The Company because of past disturbances between our government and that of the United Kingdom."

"If you don't know I'm American as well as British and now Thai. My husband is Thai and so you know we own seventy eight percent of The Company and control the Board of Directors. It is technically a Thai corporation now if that helps. I carry a Thai passport as well as a diplomatic passport. We can use personnel from countries that have good relations with your government but we'd rather be able to send our very best and most experienced people."

We linked arms, "Miss Martin, could you make a return trip when we get to the decision point?"

My `I would come gladly' brought out smiles. All was packed up and we headed back to Tehran. At the military side of the airport we said our goodbyes. Both men would send on to me all their info about the dams, the geography and what they had as a preliminary schedule. I promised a report back to them outlining our scheme and we'd talk more as time came closer. They would have more definite info so we could finalize our proposal.

They were happy and I was still on a high. I went straight to my cabin to call Cho. He picked up and the day poured out of me. At the end I felt his love and... "Fay, in my business life I have met few people who I can say I admired... you are on the top of those few."

Oh Shit I was crying! Cho's gentle chuckle dug deep into my heart... Love and He really likes me... it was difficult to stop tearing up... the warm voice of my lover husband partner eased me down.

I was flat on the bed as Cho told me how he'd spent his day...he had done everything with the Twins. Bathing, feeding, changing, hugging, reading, playing... all day! I could feel the smile, "Tha said she could have had the day off."

I was wrung out after the call. Gil knocked with a dinner call after we were airborne.

Soka and Ban fed us wonderfully. Shrimp, vegetables, rice, roti and fruit. Espresso and Amaretto. Since they had downtime all the girls joined me with Amaretto.

Tessa sipping. It was a first for her, `not much alcohol' usually but she liked this.

In bed alone I spent a few minutes touching all my naked body parts. Some soft masturbation, my eyes closed but a vivid picture of Cho in my mind. Sleep came easily.

It was pre-dawn darkness for our approach to Don Mueang. On the ground to a greeting from Kavat. I thanked him for all his good work. He said he had two more people in training and would add Soka when flying wasn't good for her. So there'd be twenty four hour service and assistance from our Cho-Fay Air base!

I hugged this unsung hero! He said he wasn't sure how to thank us for his bonus it had been unexpected and wonderful. All I said was keep going!

The white Agusta dropped us all on the dock to a Cho greeting! Kissed, hugged !!

I emailed Eric from Tehran about my visit and would follow up with a call when they were awake. We would be off to Los Angeles in two days then Seattle. Sunny would join us in Los Angeles for the Breeders' Cup races direct from Chalgrove.

I sat with Gil on the terrace after a swim to give her some notes on the Iran trip. I couldn't go too far without more data from them but I got a good outline done.

The Crew was coming over soon. They'd all be back at work fulltime next week. My three girls were all in terrific shape. No swelling now, walking and doing things. Dr. Sanporam was happy with them.

We hung out gabbing, eating and some of us got to swim.

Cho came by to give a quiet update from Phuket. Everything was back to normal at the house. The fence would receive some bracing at the uprights so it wouldn't be as noticeable. The fence company said with that and some new type carbon fiber cross bars and joints the truck mightn't have gotten in. Okay!

After lunch Chani and Charlie went for a spin in the dual pram with Cho and I around the whole complex. At the Security house they all came out to see the Twins. Tai was doing good. A hug for her. Down by the river the Captain came onto the dock see them. A big smile!

We had them out for hours, lots of stimulation. Jaidee leaning into the pram wet nose on a bit of Chani's bare tummy made her laugh! She pulled on one of his ears, not too hard. Jaidee bouncing around us.

I called Eric to follow up my email about Iran. He was excited by the prospect of the work in Iran. Blending a lot of our technologies in some rough back country terrain. Reg joined our Conference App session then we talked about distances, communication latency and power requirements.

On the personal side they and the families were excellent. Anne sleeping pretty well which was good for them. MFA crawling everywhere, pulling herself up to stand for a bit then the inevitable pratfall. Rona enjoying the child tremendously so she might not go back to work. Reg was good with that although he'd miss their lunches.

The next morning found me sitting in the Chanthira Foundation office with my buddy. Jian had spoken to Anong who was doing well, Rak2 a good boy. In a week or so She would be back, bringing Rak2 with her. She could easily nurse him and work! Kwang said she'd be happy to do a diaper or two! So we went on to the new clinics.

The next two for Bangkok were well advanced. The land and bases were fully prepared and the modules ready to go in, about three days from today. The staffs were in training at the first clinic and in the offices and conference rooms where the Foundation staff was housed on lower floors in this building. Tala, our HR person, had a whole program laid out for the training. She was very good at this! Her hiring skills were bringing in an excellent group of folks!

The warehouse had everything from computers to x-ray to scales to lockers to pens ready to go into the clinics as soon as they were released from construction.

The Korat clinic was a few weeks behind the others but well on its way.

My buddy was so organized! Big progress charts, site diagrams, staff lists all over the wall. She was proving my choice to be MUCH more than an emotional loving pick. Jian can do this work! I knew it! Organized!!

Once we got Anong back in the office, Jian would make trips with me and Ku. New York for sure, Los Angeles and Seattle likely. I hoped Ku herself would have made contact with folks we could link up with in each city.

We hosted an extended family dinner at ours. Still being low key but bringing people we loved together. Dad and Phailin, Thoi and Kanda, Udorn and Ubon, little Mali came too! My Crew!

We got the Kiet family restaurant to bring the food giving Amporn a break. We had our usual caterers to the serving and clean up.

We had a few toasts and a general good time without being boisterous.

Thet took me aside to say Tessa would be on the team for now. Tai was on her way to New York taking a month's leave to recuperate. She would be fine. I smiled thinking about how Megan would give her `physical therapy!'

The Prince called Cho. The Seventh Day rites were to be held in the morning, he invited us. We weren't family... The Prince and Cho were close even if we didn't get to see him often.

It was a sunny morning looking like it was ready to warm up after a cool sunrise. I put on a black long sleeved dress, black stockings and heels. A black pillbox with netting. No jewelry.

It was a short drive to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. An aide to the Prince met us, we were escorted to hall where the King lay in state. It was symbolic as all you could see was the urn that would hold his ashes when he was cremated next year.

The Prince was there. He explained what would happen in the short Buddhist rites.

We were with a few others as the King was honored. Afterwards the Prince introduced us to his brother the new King outside under a large shady tree.

King Vajiralongkorn was subdued but polite. He remembered Cho and his parents being around a good deal years ago. He seemed pleased to meet us.

Cho said the loss of his own father followed soon after by his mother had been a huge shock and the King Bhumibol Adulyadej had been quick and very nice to offer his condolences and support.

"I have always remembered his kind gestures."

Our new King smiled, saying his father had been the kindest of men. We shook hands and moved aside so he could greet others.

The Prince thanked us for coming. He would remain in touch. We hugged, he and Cho shook hands and hugged.

At home we spent time with the Twins! I had Charlie in my lap on the terrace. He had on a cute pair of shorts and t-shirt, his head covered with a darling porkpie hat Lori sent him. So sweet, smiling, gurgling and giggling as my fingers found some tummy to play with! The occasional loud Ta' or "Da' or Ga' the last came in pairs so I figured he would be a Lady GaGa fan as he grew up.

His sister was being carried around the garden by Cho. She had a wide brimmed straw hat also from Aunt Lori, a paisley ribbon around the crown and hanging down at the back. A light blue dress!

It was all great fun! Nurse Tha got us to wind it down some so they'd be ready to nap soon. Charlie and I under an umbrella, he was sitting on my legs. He reached up for me but missed, grabbing my bikini top and pulling!

Cho laughing, "It looks like my little guy is learning geography."

My boobs were exposed for a few seconds, it was only us. I'd have to keep my eye on this one!

We carried them in for their nap. The sun and fun had them asleep pretty soon after being put down. Tha smiling! She was having some easy days with us around. Fist Bumps!

Alex and Conrad arrived in the late afternoon. Gil picked them up at Suvarnabhumi Airport. We had a talk about tomorrows trip, dinner on the terrace and we went down to the Playroom after the Twins were put down.

Conrad saw the billiard table, "I was raised by a father loved to play. He had me on a stool so I could learn."

Cho winked at me and suggested us against our guests. Jian gave Francis a look... and me a grin.

"No betting though Okay?"

A fun game. We let them break. Conrad didn't have anything drop. Cho bowed when I sent him in. He dropped three low balls before being stuck. Alex wasn't a rookie but not a pool shark. He put in one. That left a lot of balls on the table.

I lined up a side pocket shot and let rip! The ball slammed down with the cue ball kissing gently off the cushion... setup for the next... I ran our remaining balls off the table as the cue rolled to a stop five inches from the eight two feet from the corner... I tapped it home.

I stood up smiling, "Conrad you in this game?"

We were all laughing. He grinning, "Now I get those earlier looks!"

Francis took my cue. He broke for the next game dropping two. Fist Bumps!! He and Cho won that game easily. I sat on the banquette with Conrad as the next game got going.

I told him some about what I had seen in the Iranian mountains. We talked hardware, high-gain antennas and WokFi techniques, power levels, our stake mounted signal boosters, going up the mountain valleys. Conrad knew his stuff. I think I surprised him... when his turn to play came he asked Alex to go ahead.

We walked to get fresh drinks talking as we did, we ended up by the train layout. I fired it up. He loved it.

I gave him the history as my train of Pullman cars came by us... a big diesel pair, a baggage car, a mail car, a half dozen day to sleep Pullman cars, a restaurant car and observation end car with metal grill fencing around the back platform.

He was smiling, when I said `we run on time too!'

We sat at the controls, he played around a bit getting the feel of the train moving. I mucked about with some fencing around the train yard. He helped since his arms were longer.

When we all said goodnight I felt we'd gotten him `inside' a bit which what I wanted.

Okay I needed to looked sophisticated but not over done. Navy blue dress, short sleeves, narrow matching belt, stockings and heels also navy. Navy leather bag. Gold jewelry, the triple braided bracelet on my right and the dozen slender loops on my left, simple ring earrings. The blue tinted sunglasses. Cho gladly did my `Joy' at his choice sites! Red nails and lips. Not too red.

The helicopter dropped us at Don Mueang at 0700. Derry had the Gulfstream going right away. We were off and with the pedal down and tailwinds we had less than an hour flight.

The three of us were on the same page and prepared.

I could see a helicopter in the parking area as we taxied in to the Dalat terminal area. Col. Ba smiling as I stepped out. A firm handshake, "Miss Martin, it is very nice to see you again."

I said the same. He escorted to his Mil M-26T and we lifted off. The Colonel said Mr. Tran asked to be pardoned for not being at the airport but he had a bad knee from an car accident.

No problem from me it was a nice gesture but he, the Colonel, was taking care of us very well. Ba gave me a big smile! We landed on the Dalat Palace Heritage Hotel grounds as before and walked into the same conference room.

Mr. Tran extended his hands, shaking with a huge smile. He did have a cane beside his chair. I did the introductions around, Mr. Tran knew Alex and Gil.

I started with the news we owned the Houston Microwave company now as part of The Company. Mr. Tran looked up with a grin. I let Alex take over to go through the project review and he brought in Conrad to explain the microwave setup.

Conrad had slides and topo maps showing the geography of the target area and how we would bring in the signal. He showed slides of the equipment and how it fit into the scheme. He was detailed but not over the heads of our audience.

At a break Mr. Tran smiling waggled his finger at me about Nu the network guy I poached from another government agency. He laughed when I said he was doing very well for us and we would bring him back for this project.

"Miss Martin, I do hope he is happy, it is what I wish for everyone... And you? You have become famous since last you were here."

"Mr. Tran, I'm very happy! I have the best of husbands, two beautiful children and many friends."

I showed him the Twins. He thought them adorable.

"They are!"

We laughed. His were grown and off. I asked about his knee, it was annoying but it would be better soon nothing too damaging or permanent.

The other government departments that were subordinated to Mr. Tran for this project spoke and we wrapped up by one in the afternoon. We stayed for lunch.

The food as last time was very good, some excellent spicy prawns!! Col. Ba asked me to sit with him. Mr. Tran joined us with Alex. The Colonel wanted to know if our company would be interested in several communications projects for the PAVN. The military forces wanted to do some upgrading of the equipment and methods.

I said we would need to know particulars but we would be open to looking at the plans to see if we had the necessary skills. The Colonel was pleased.

After our flight back to the airport the Colonel and I walked across the tarmac for a few minutes talking. PJ stayed behind a discreet distance.

Col. Ba looking into the distance, "Miss Martin, you are very impressive as an advocate for your company and are very knowledgeable. It is you who has made me want you involved in the PAVN projects. Your professionalism... it is superior."

I got that the Colonel wasn't just a liaison or a pilot. I had surmised on my previous trip he was far more important, much more a real `mover!' Mr. Tran didn't defer to him but clearly respected the Colonel or his role.

I thanked him for his kind words... I was going to go on when he turned to me, "Miss Martin, you are a powerful person in America now... you control a strong news outlet... you make news..."

He stopped on the asphalt, "It is an honor for us you come for our project."

I was smiling... I extended my arm, he let me rest my hand on his arm as we turned back, "Colonel you are very kind but I wanted your government to know that we value this project. We too are honored to be asked to use our skills here. Please forward to me what you can about your other plans and I will be back in touch."

I waved from the steps of the Gulfstream. Inside Alex grinned, "Fay, the Colonel looked besotted."

I smiled, "He really wants us to be involved with the other things even though we haven't done anything yet for him to see. I believe he's been looking at other jobs of ours... Don't you think? He's got some kind of hush-hush plans."

Derry had us in the air quickly, we'd be back at home before five o'clock.

The house looked like a special place as we turned to the dock landing pad. The gardens lush, a light breeze moving the trees and the warm wood of the house. A very welcoming sight.

After Cho's hug and kiss we went straight to the nursery. The Twins were awake from a nap... such lovely grins! Charlie holding my thumb his tongue pushing a bubble or two breaking into a huge grin.

I did some Bronx cheers on his soft tummy which made him laugh! I held him close cheek to cheek. His small hands gripping me those beautiful brown gold eyes on mine. He was a sweetie!!

Cho was having fun with some toes! Chani laughing and waving her arms as his dark fingers went between her tiny toes then they walked up a bare leg to her knees... Great fun!!

We all had a terrific time!

I had Cho with me, Gil and Francis too as I gave him my ideas about Colonel Ba. Francis pointed out that we do show some of our most recent projects on our webpage. The water projects in New Zealand had gotten some local press, the same for our work west of Sydney. There was plenty of info out there.

Looking at Cho, "Well if he wants us to bid on some communications work for the PAVN I don't see any objection. Do you?"

He shook his head, "Every client has secrets we guard..." turning to Francis, "Would you look to see if we have on record any press meetings or news releases which spoke directly on any client job with specifics. And what was said and if there was any context included."

Francis gave us a thumbs up! He nudged Gil, she smiled, "Sure, I'll help."

We'd be gone soon so I made a luncheon date with Dad and Phailin. Cho calmly sitting there watching me dress until I slipped the dress up my legs and asked to be zipped in. It was the dress I wore in February! He knew right off. Giving me a look...

"I'm saying I don't believe in jinxes."

Okay from Cho. Black onyx jewelry and shiny black heels were a treat with the canary yellow. His fingers roamed through the horizontal diamond opening on my stomach. A kiss!

We walked to the car PJ's face showed he recognized the dress. A smile! I guess I wasn't being subtle.

We picked up Phailin at theirs and went on to the Security Police HQ. Dad remembered the dress too. He gave me a huge smile and a kiss! I also got a kiss and hug from Siri! Two tight fingers!

The owner of the restaurant was at the door to welcome us all. We were escorted to the same table under the big tree.

Dad started off with some news. First, Atat was fully back on duty, he was a sergeant supervisor in the bodyguard detail. He was recovered and things were good for him and his family.

Second from Phuket. The gang had been around for years doing minor crime then escalating to fund larger scale drug buys. The local police hadn't done a very good job dealing with the `crime wave.'

It turned out they had just officially asked for Security Police assistance the day before the attack. A wry grin from Dad, "Our commander... the colonel you met, had the request put on his desk when he flew out to your house. He called me later with it in his hand."

He smiled, "You ..." pointing to PJ, "...and your team will be rewarded! There was a reward for information and there would have been one for information leading to capture. Your team will get both."

He leaned over to fist bump with PJ!

Our team! They were Tops with us!

We had a great lunch! Phailin and I arm in arm walking ahead of the men towards the Security Police building. She would be over to our house every day while we were gone before our big Christmas trip. She wanted the Twins to see lots of Grandma and she'd get Keren over as much as possible. They WERE the grandparents! Thoi and Kanda were the unofficial ones.

That night at ten we heard Mira's voice on the tannoy, "We are cleared for takeoff."

Our route was over the North Pacific Ocean, a bit of China, Russia and Alaska where we'd cross the International Dateline. We should arrive in Los Angeles in the morning of today missing eight hours of life.

Cho had a tee time set with Pedro before we left Bangkok!?!?!?!! Time travel!

I was working with Gil for a few hours. Some catchup since I'd given so much time to the Twins!

Both of them had learned how to roll over! More watching for us when they were on the changing table or chair or sofa. Good little grabbers! Jaidee had an ear in Chani's grip... he wasn't hurt but seemed to give them more space than before.

Good sleeping times were the norm, all through the night. Tha had done beautifully!!

Charlie found out his squishy green block could fly but not come back automatically! He put up quite a racket wanting it returned. Chani was different, she tossed a yellow squeezable banana and laughed when it landed and bounced!

They had their first exposure to the train layout from their high chairs which we moved UP CLOSE. Charlie clapping as the train woo-whoo'd by him. Chani wasn't as thrilled by the train but she loved the factories making smoke puffs! Great stuff!

Tha had Niran there to run the trains a bit each day. He was laughing about us preparing them to take over the Railroad. So we did a short video of them as the trains went by and the smoke puffed. Little arms waving, giggling and making single word sounds!! I thanked Niran for the idea!

It was after midnight when we wound down. Jaidee had quite the workout and was laying half-asleep next to Cho on a sofa. I leaned over the back to pet my guys. This time Jaidee got the short flight in Cho's arms to his bed. I got Cho in my arms!! Kissing and caressing! Very nice! Sleep!

Darkness and silence! My dream was gone, no memory of it but I was awake... Maybe it was a naughty dream because I felt aroused. Slipping deeper into darkness finding my prize... I kissed the cockhead... so warm, my wet tongue easing into the foreskin touching the hidden head. I worked the wetness around so I could have the hot slick reward!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Mine! I suckled the heated flesh, tiny pissslit caressed... there was plumpness occurring!! I slid up taking the whole thing in... soft, warm, tender cockhead against my throat opening... Cho was waking... I giggled with my mouth full.

My prize was stiffening nicely! Cho's laugh making me happy! My tongue slipped out to caress those lovely balls! The penis growing further with that touching. I began to suck up and down the shaft... pressing into the dark soft public hair... I wiggled my nose in the hair slurping cock licking balls!!

Cho still laughing saying I was ambidextrous. I giggled around his erection continuing to work it. A single finger found the little ribbed opening... a gasp from Cho. I didn't try to go in just caressing which got Cho to urge my coming up. I released my prize to lick and kiss my way up his torso stopping at interesting points along the path to his lips.

I passionate kiss as his fingers found my wetness... on my back Cho went under to add to the moisture before entering me. OH SHIT YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved his prick was it opened my vagina... the slow stroke teasing me. Cho's body so under control as each thrust came faster but in an ever so s l o w way! The first gentle bounce of his balls against my skin sent a shiver up my spine.

I brought my legs around... arms gripping his shoulders... a tremendous kiss. His hips working... Damn it was delightful. On my side Cho pulled a leg up over his hip pressing us tightly. His pelvis moving like a piston... stroke after stroke seemingly tireless. I reached for a taut asscheeks tugging him harder against me. My verbal encouragements cut off by a tongue which was sucked!

Damn Damn DAMN Cho was kissing my face as the heat of orgasm swept up my body. An intense word of pleasure from me... my cheek mashed on his. He hadn't slowed his fucking... all through my climax Cho's body continued to penetrate me deeply... strong hands gripping... lips kissing my face and neck!

My hand worked to his ass crack and the rosebud therein. I knew he would cum hard but Cho forestalled me rolling us back to flat on my back he rose over me to plunge inside! Such power so controlled even now. He was FUCKING me but in an ever so wonderful way!

We rolled again! I was the rider and Cho my horse! I smacked my ass and rode hard. Cho's eyes glittery as those strong fingers worked their way up my body. Oh Shit... my nipple rings gently tugged and twisted! I didn't slacken my riding but the spams of pleasure were marvelous!

Over once more Cho leaning over me as his pelvis did the grind! Very nice too!

I had both his asscheeks in my hands ..."Fay I'm close!"

He kept up the work of those terrific hips! His shoves shortened!!

YES! I could feel it was time for him. I gripped him as his first spasm came... the last slap of those balls on my hot skin... the buried cock... I could feel his spurts... arm and legs holding him hard! I reached up with my mouth for his... contact... our lips mingled... Cho's rigidity slowly relaxed. I kept him tight on me... no letting go! His heaving chest on my bosom... he was cradled... my hands slowly roaming...

"Fay it was amazing."

Music to my ears!

The darkness all around, the bedcovers over us. We were hot and warm, satiated and eager, peaceful and excited! So many emotions and physical feelings. I was tingling, my sex holding the cock with the delightful burning of being well fucked.

It was splendid lying still with Cho on top, his weight both pleasurable and comforting!

We very slowly came down from our high stretched out on our sides facing each other. Kissing... caressing lightly!

I was thanked for my initiative! He was thanked for the finish!

My `No' for needing to get up had us back to spooning.. sleep returned after a short while.

I sat up to the alarum. Cho's face so gorgeous on the pillow. Our night's fun had been in the dark... no clock to provide data... like my interrupted dream had come to life!

Soft thumping brought my head around to Jaidee. His bright eyes! I slid out to kneel beside him. I got a kiss and gave one. I opened the cabin door for him to go to his box. I left it ajar as I did my toilette!

Jaidee was ready for food! The DeLonghi machine made it's noises of wakening as I made a breakfast for our little man. He waited for the word then woof and a dive in!

I had coffee and an apple looking at the overnight news. The polls in America were all showing Hillary with a big lead. Trump's response to the Fox News stories had been disastrous. He lied and we exposed each one!

facebook and twitter stumbled over themselves trying explain how their systems worked which Fox News had laid bare as greedy manipulations of the users. Both platforms were heavily criticized and other news organizations pounced with their own stories about how the ad programs promoted one side more than the other.

Various Congress persons were demanding an investigation of both platforms. Hearings... called for... A lot of noise but little substance as usual for the Republican controlled Congress.

Fox News was relentless! Going after senators and congressional candidates who even came close to Trump's views. Our affiliated stations in several big markets local news had done stories on the gun lobby's money flowing into the home-grown campaigns. One station in Dallas had found a lot of nra money supporting a fellow who failed to pay child support for kids of an earlier marriage and had an order of protection against him from another failed relationship after waving a gun around. Two ugly's together.

A satisfying read! Cho came out as Soka's smiling face came down the passageway. I showed Cho the news! A big squeeze and he parked half over me. We laughed and kissed. A whispered, "Did we do something last night or..."

I swatted his arm, he drew back with a comment about his golf game! We laughed and laughed!!!!

Sunrise over California! We turned on final approach to Santa Monica the light glinting on the white wings. A soft landing and lots of braking then on the taxiway back to our hanger. Leslie was waiting. Damn he had a fabulous tan!

We walked up the steps to the entrance, one of Leslie's folks held the door for us all. Dolores was our welcoming committee again. Hugs! She said the magic words for breakfast! French toast!! After the last time everybody was ready.

HHHHHHHHMMMMMMM Good maple syrup! Tasty! Dolores smiling as we devoured her handiwork! She was ready for seconds we called `go!' Yea!

Cho got a hug and kiss as his send off to play golf with Pedro. Jaidee and I went for a walk. We did have company, Ro and Tessa came along.

Down the beach, warm sand. The sun felt nice, low humidity and mostly empty sand. Short shorts and crop top were fine! Jaidee and I barefoot in the surf, splashing and running up and down. We had a blast. Wet and sandy! My hair the same where it stuck out from the baseball cap.

Toweling my feet and legs then Jaidee! Such a happy puppy! Lead back on we were more dignified walking home. We wandered into Boardwalk Vintage as it opened. BINGO! I found a cute jean jacket, Lee basic blue with a small patch on one shoulder of a dog with a big tongue hanging out. Fab fit on me so I knew it would be good for Gil! Done!

Fished out my little wallet and put down the old plastic! I wore it home!

Ro found a jean jacket too. His was black with a brown leather collar! Very Cool looking! Tessa bought some shades like my round red ones. She was grinning, "Fay, this was nice!"

Fist Bumps for both. In the lobby Leslie gave me a high sign, he had the car ready to pick up Sunny tomorrow morning! Yes!

Gil said she liked the new jean jacket as I took it off and held it in reverse. She slipped in. She liked it, "I bought it for you so you have one like mine!"

WOW's! Hugs! She spun around laughing! Then more hugs!

Now some work time! Gil and Francis had been looking at my schedule and Cho's so maybe he could come on a few of my trips. Looked like Africa would be the best. They'd talk with Sanjara tomorrow.

Dolores was making fish tacos tonight with lots of side dishes!!

I moved outside to the terrace with a light blanket. More reports and spending time with Gil. Nell called, she was just back from the New York State canal job. Come on up.

Nell joined Gil and I. I wanted to hear about the work.

The canal folks were very prepared and professional! That was terrific! The job was completed now ahead of schedule and on budget! Words I liked to hear!

Nell was jazzed. She got to work with Janine who had been there from the beginning and got Nell stuck in right away. The hardware was wasn't `easy' but the installs were. It all fit together like on the plans.

I laughed at that.

Nell grinned, "Okay, it was a plan."

I was laughing hard at that!

After a schedule change for Kenneth, he had gone with Michael to a look see on a project in the Congo! Inhospitable climate, terrain and politics.

Jones took the project as the install person for the mechanical bits. He had done the one for one of our companies in northeast Thailand near the forest preserve and the Palace.

I'd gotten an email from him saying it had been a great job to work, the New York State folks and ours knew their stuff making the project go very smoothly.

I had him forward it on to Eric, Alex had gotten it when I did.

Leslie's folks escorted up six leaders of four LGBTQ groups in the Greater Los Angeles area. We got them seated outside near the fireplace, assorted drinks. They got info about the Chanthira Foundation from Gil and Jian when we had asked them to meet.

They knew who I was but I needed to say why I was interested in this. I laid out our plan to put money into their groups with no strings except financial accountability. We would take no direct role in their activities but do some fund-raising when possible with them and outside for their groups.

Our focus was the health clinics. The Chanthira Foundation would ask for suggestions about locations and providers who have history with their groups. We were flexible about the size, maybe several smaller ones or ... The idea was we would work our way in carefully.

They understood Cho and I would be involved because this is a heart-felt project! I brought up that Ku would heading our health clinic operations in the United States. She was just coming on board and would be in contact very soon. They heard from me that she was someone we knew very well and trusted completely. She was part of our extended family.

I could see on their faces they got it.' They were upbeat about our participation but I made it clear we were doing this in New York and Seattle and we wouldn't be around that much. They also got' that.

A good meeting. They left happy and ready to help us make decisions.

Cho's text said he was stopping at Pedro's briefly then coming home. No problem about dinner. One small explosion at the end. Low key again but the explosion... I sent back my love of the golfer!

We had a conference setup with the Twins for after dinner here, morning over there.

I could smell the cooking as I walked to the entryway to greet my man. Hug! Still low key... Cho was holding it in... that meant he had a fabulous round! I just knew it!

He waited until dinner then during the tacos... He had shot a 61, ten under par!! Tied the course record!

What?!?!?! A cute grin! Yes he was going into the record books and into the club books too! Pedro and an old Los Angeles banker friend and colleague of Cho's had nominated him for membership. The club Pros supported it. He paid the fees today.

"So I can play whenever we're here, see tournaments and have friends over to play... AND they love my game!"

I kissed my golfer! A 61! Cho's lowest score on a big time course!! He was proud of it but it was a fleeting thing.

"The next time you go out it starts all over... a new day to battle the course from ZERO!"

I was kneeling in the big booth hugging my guy!!

Cho laughing, "Well if my playing well gets you this excited..."

We laughed. A big kiss!

In between bites he gave us the tale of his round. An eagle and eight birdies! It started on the first hole.

"The course is a bit dry except the greens. My drive got two good bounces to cross over the path leaving me a pitch shot to the green. I dropped it above the hole and it rolled back to stop a foot or so away. So that was my eagle."

I encouraged him to eat and we would wait for the story between bites. A grin!

"On Four my tee shot hit the flag after one hop and sat still six feet away. Five was a near miss eagle. My drive went into a bit of rough which slowed it to dribble out back onto the fairway. Another chip shot that hit near the flag and dropped to four feet away."

Some munching!

"Seven was also a near miss eagle. My drive rolled to stop just past the huge sandtrap on the left. It was a great lie and the green wide open. My chip was above and drawing back stopping three feet short."

A long drink of Newcastle, "So I turned at five under. Pedro and the first Club Pro I played with who gave me the swing advice were shaking their heads."

A grin, "I was feeling really in the groove. Number Ten which is an odd hole. A short par four. I used a two wood, I aimed to let the ball land in front of the green because it's too difficult to hold the green with a big club. My ball was in a good spot ten feet off the green with the pin on the left down the slope. A little chip hit the flag so another birdie."

A smile as he finished a second taco... How he did all the eating while talking???

"Eleven, I loved this. I hit a LONG straight drive probably three hundred and thirty with the bounce. A three wood from a good lie had my caddie yelling... Fore... FORE. The ball landed out front of the green, two big hops and it was rolling toward the pin to stop sixteen feet away. The folks on the green waved all was well and I went up to mark my ball. My eagle putt hung on the lip of the cup. We waited a minute or so, it didn't drop... so a birdie."

I planted a kiss on Cho's cheek.

"Sixteen, Seventeen and Eighteen were all birdies! A monster finish. Close for an eagle on Seventeen and Eighteen I hit the pole with my second. The ball dropped to hit right next to the hole but rolled away several feet. After it stopped the Pro said if it had gone in I'd have set a new course record."

That gorgeous head shaking, "I knew my score but not the record. It felt very nice to roll in the last putt! A 61 is very sweet. My very best!"

On the terrace with afters, Francis said he'd done the research Cho wanted. I nudged Cho, a huge grin on his face. He motioned to Francis to tell us.

"Cho asked about maybe buying a golf course near Harcourt House. The East Oxford Golf Club out beyond the A4142 near Horspath where Cho has played several times has agreed to the purchase of a controlling interest. So... I guess we all get to learn to play?"

I demurred, "Please I'll stay with horses!"

Cho laughing, a kiss, "That is fine with me. You have to suit yourself."

Another kiss, "It's an investment like any other but one with a different twist."

I leaned against him slipping an arm around to squeeze!

"You guys tell me about the course."

I got the basics for the green and growing bits and that the clubhouse was decently old, 19th Century, with some additions. There was a nice sized dining room that has been available for hire, a good kitchen, a quiet dark old style barroom, and a good staff. It was profitable in all areas, golf, bar and dining.

Francis had screencaps on his iPad so we could get a look. The course looked lush, the clubhouse... Well... it looked distinguished! A handsome building, the dining room and enlarged kitchen addition at the rear was done with the same style and stone so it fit amazingly well.

We'd go over when we start our Christmas period at Harcourt House. Okay! We like to make money!

Cho added that he could play for free! Well... sort of! Fist Bump for that!

We had a late call from Kent. The last polling numbers from today, Hillary Clinton now had a twenty six point lead in our own Fox News poll. It was an astounding figure. In the some of the states Democratic candidates were polling with big leads nearly matching the Presidential numbers. Many Republican senators were in deep trouble who had looked for an easy re-election!

Kent laughing, "There's less than a week to go!"

I asked him to hold on. I turned to Cho, "Can we do an editorial piece to say we support Hillary?"

Cho thought I should do it because I was a voter.

"Kent, tell me about a thought of mine, would it fly... I want to do a personal statement that I am voting for Hillary and why. I'm a registered New York voter."

He said he understood my desire but while legal and ethical if it is framed as personal, he didn't think I'd want to go there.

"So much whining from the Republicans maybe even requests for equal time and all the fuss that would bring. I can ask the lawyers to scan it for you."

No, don't bother was my reply. "I just sort of wanted to do a last shove."

Kent laughing, "Well given the way this network was in the past I understand!"

Cho squeezed my hand, a kiss afterwards.

Sunny was already flying our way, Dolores had her room ready and I had a shopping trip planned! Rodeo Drive!

I was watching sand flying out from under Jaidee's butt! Cho's body against me vibrating with laughter at the sight. Fortunately no one was being bothered by the digging or the airborne sand. We did get him to stop. Boy he gets revved up! At least in the sand we can fill in the hole no damage done!

Dolores fed us dessert outside since the temperature stayed warm. Ice cream sundaes!! I made espresso for everyone who wanted one. Calling out `the first round was on me.'

We watched some Fox News. Two excellent discussions on shows about politics and economics. Serious talk in an atmosphere of mutual respect for the others' views. So different!

My first thing after Jaidee's walk and my feeding was to host a meeting with the attorneys who Sam recommended to work on the sponsorship deals. Jillian and Carlos joined me outside in the sun. They the principal partners in the firm, they brought Kaela as the attorney to be our direct contact.

Gil had sent a list of companies we had agreed on to be a start. The good news was the one we most wanted had agreed to do various parts of the sponsoring.

Apple was the big one. The lovely notched apple would be on some our of equipment, blankets and clothing, we would share any designs so we were both happy. Taittinger's and Starbucks were in too for miscellaneous things like signing, banners, drinks and more. Roundell's company `Kentucky Heat' would provide clothing, warm under garments and vests, lined jackets and turtlenecks.

The attorneys were elated with the responses. Jillian smiling, "We have to say your profile... everything about you and Cho made the deals. The big three jumped at the chance. A colleague at Apple said they hadn't ever done anything like this but were thrilled to be doing it with Harcourt Racing!"

I had called Roundell myself, he was quiet on the phone for a few seconds then said `it would be an honour' to provide clothing for us. I told him we were approaching large companies but he would get the same treatment as they did.

We had standard clauses in the contracts with a lot about what we would do in the way of public appearances and advertising participation. Limited! No pictures could be used without our explicit permission, nothing about our children, our horses' names would be used sparingly but pictures and video was Okay. There were geographic limits for each and we would be informed in advance about any advertising, via the Los Angeles sponsor attorneys.

All the sponsors understood we would retain all rights and control to all pictures, names, words, etc... We weren't asking for enormous sums which confused them (and our attorneys at first) but when it was made clear we wanted quality over quantity they `got it!'

Jillian and Carlos had some big businesses and Hollywood types as clients but no one like us. We liked them and had confidence in their judgement. Our Gil and Francis were their connections to us.

We asked them to stay for an early lunch. It was vegetarian chili from Dolores with her fab white corn cakes , fluffy red rice and several salsa choices with chips.

They tried Newcastle beer and loved it. Damn!! Maybe we should them to a sponsor too? Laughter over that!

I put my Absentee Ballot in the mail! Voting for Hillary!!

Leslie called Sunny was on the ground boarding a car right now!

I changed for the trip to Fox. The Guess Gibson dress, horizontal blue and white stripes, zipper from upper thigh to neck, long sleeved. It would be easy to get in and out of for trying on clothes. Matching blue heels and bag. Gold jewelry all around! My `Joy' man to hand to do his stuff!

We were at the entryway as she stepped out of the elevator. HUGS! Kisses! A smiling happy teenager!

Her bags moved to the room. I got her to change from jeans to one of the dresses we bought in London. The navy blue cotton dress with short sleeves, mid-thigh length full skirt. Matching belt. The low heels in navy and I lent her a navy bag. I slipped a gold bracelet on her left wrist, her eyes BIG as I did. Heavy chain with a running horse bangle! She loved it. A kiss.

"Fay, it's gorgeous!"

I told her we had a mission. We were all going to 21st Century Fox Entertainment HQ in Century City. She would get a tour. Yea! Cho and I would do our meeting. Then Cho would play golf and we would shop! Yea!!

The car turned into the basketball shaped circle that was the entrance to Fox Entertainment. At the door there were three people there to escort us. In the Executive Suite Abbey had a huge smile! We hugged and shook hands, I intro'd Sunny.

Abbey said that Arabella, her PA, had a tour ready for Sunny. She'd get to see the production stages and maybe some shooting in progress and meet some folks. Behind the scenes stuff! I kissed her cheek, I could see she was interested!! Ansara went with Sunny.

We sat with Abbey and her senior staff. We talked personnel, shows, Nielsen ratings, budgets and cultural issues. We wanted more diverse casts, we needed to reflect America as it is. Several producers came in for that discussion.

There were movie plots and series project ideas they'd commissioned coming in. They gave us a feeling for the process of evaluating the submissions and the timeline for any chosen project. The difficulty of managing projects and bringing them to the screen was stressed.

I leaned close to Cho whispering , "They're worried we want to micro-manage."

His whispered reply was for me to clear it up. I grinned.

"Abbey..." she smiled and waved me on, I squeezed Cho's hand, "...Cho and I aren't TV folks, we haven't a clue on how to do production or what will go over with the audiences... you do. We won't be around very often. We want you on board with us for racially diverse scripts, also a lot more on gender issues and many more women behind the camera as well as in front."

My hand sweeping the table, "We will give the resources you need to find the way to make it work."

We could see the production people were glad to hear that and not put off when I finished with... "We wait to see your efforts."

After the room cleared, Abbey grinned, "Well they know what you won't do and what you want!"

Hugs! She called Arabella to see where they were. Sunny's tour was at a good stopping point. She joined us in Abbey's office. Smiles, she had seen a bunch of things and met some cast of `Brooklyn 99' after they finished a scene.

One of the actors asked Arabella why she was doing a tour, Sunny heard it. Arabella said Sunny was a valued guest. Sunny smiling, "I leaned over to tell him you and Cho were my aunt and uncle. Teasing!"

More smiling, "His eyes widened a lot." She was giggling over that.

We laughed. "Did you enjoy?"

I got a `definitely!'

Time to split. Cho was meeting Pedro and a banking colleague at the Bel-Air Country Club. A new golf course for Cho.

Francis was going back to Venice and Gil with me and Sunny. PJ and Tessa with us. Rande with Cho.

Rodeo Drive trip number two! Sunny was stoked! She'd never been to Beverly Hills.

First stop was St. Laurent! Shoes! Classic Tribute black pumps, Anja in Beige and Black suede pumps, Espadrilles with wedge heel in black and amber leather. Era cage heeled sandals in red and black.

I was buying for here and the other houses. Gil keeping the database up to date. We would separate them into carry bags to be dropped at the locations or shipped.

Sunny sitting next to me trying a LouLou Chelsea ankle boot! It looked great on her! Done! I got a Theo Chelsea ankle boot in caramel suede.

I bought two copies of the same Lavaliere black mini-dress, long sleeves, low waist above mid-thigh with a bit of flounce in the short skirt part! Sort of a flapper' look. It showed my gams' off very well!! I added a cropped long-sleeved mohair sweater in pale blue for me and Sunny.

PJ let Tara and Tessa do some looking and I stayed in one place in leather goods for a while. Then we headed south towards G-Start and Guess!

G-Star Super Skinny jeans! I got some more Low Waist in black, blue and grey. I added several of the Mid Waist in the same colours. I bought Cho a pair of blue Skinny jeans! Sunny got some jeans too.

I bought several tops for Dolly Warburton. Soft and cropped, one with a horse on the front. I added a skirt which was snug down to the knee with slits on the sides. She had a full figure but toned from riding. She'd be sexy in these!

Guess was more for Sunny. A sales lady ID'd my dress as theirs and said I looked terrific in it! Good start! Sunny got t-shirts and a nice sailor collar long sleeve striped jumper. I wasn't excited this time by anything in particular.

Before we crossed the road Leslie's man did a pickup again. We had done a lot of filling of the van at St. Laurent. Hugo Boss was for Cho! Shirts and several very nice ties! But for me I got a little black dress! A square bodice and back, slightly off the shoulder and tight to a few inches below the knee. Wide, soft ribbing fabric. It moulded to me looking terrific!

Boss had a Flounce dress in a spectacular red! Long soft sleeves , hemline at the knee. It flowed beautifully!! I bought it as Jian's Christmas gift. They had her size!

I grabbed a dark red sheepskin moto jacket. Crew neck, cut to the waist and slim fitted. Nice lining. I was trying it on... a sales woman helping me, looking at me in the mirror... then stopping what she was going to say... staring...

"You're Fay Martin?"

I grinned... she was the first. All my credit cards had been changed to `F. O. Martin.'

I acknowledged her, she didn't change her demeanour which was good.

"You have a terrific figure, easy to fit because you're so trim. Is it all from riding?"

I laughed, she seemed a bit abashed by her own question. "Sorry, I read piece about you in a magazine. Sorry!"

I reassured her it was Okay. "Yes a lot of riding and swimming."

Out to the van again! Then to the north end of the shopping street to Brooks Brothers to get Cho several sleeveless jumpers for golf. Navy, red and a fantastic sea green!!

Around the corner in North Beverly Drive a stop at Starbucks then Alice+Oliva!

I scooped up a sleeveless dress with a flared bouncy skirt to the top of the calf. V-neck, a wide belt of the same fabric, red poppies on a blue background. The skirt moved easily round my legs when I walked.

Sunny dove into dresses with Tara and Tessa. PJ standing back with me sipping lattes after grabbing my first item. He'd had shop time in Hugo Boss and Brooks Brothers. He kept watch bit we could talk.

He was using his clothing allowance carefully by buying quality goods that were well made and had a certain timelessness. Men had had a small advantage there but I thought it had narrowed a good deal. PJ had skinny jeans, tight jumpers and great looking shoes... We grinned at each other.

Sunny found a Sweatshirt dress, black and white with stripes on the three-quarter length sleeves and at the hem. At a few inches above the knee it was good for her. I said it was `right' and add it it in!

In Tops I went on a spree for Christmas gifts. Satiny tank tops, a fab blue lacy crop top with three-quarter sleeves and a sailor collar, I was thinking Ni. A very cute black and white striped bustier I thought a killer look for Lawan! A silver sequin tank top for Reyna! An off the shoulder blouson in shimmery blue and white for Malee, show off those nice shoulders! A white cut-off cable knit jumper with a big sailor collar and long sleeves for Rona! An off the shoulder crop top in black pinstripe with white, little drop straps to go down the arms for Andrea.

I bought several what they called sweater coats' rather than jumper coats' for a few English friends. Keep them warm.

Sunny found a few other bits. The sales lady was thrilled. We made her month in an hour or so! Tessa and Tara did their thing. I put down my plastic for Sunny and me. The woman looked at it then me... odd these various responses... She smiled at me.

"I thought so but I didn't want to bother you."

I smiled back saying it was appreciated.

"If I'm not intruding..." I said go on... "My dad is voting for Hillary because of you. He watched Fox before now he's found out about all the lies and is very PO'd."

"I'm pleased. I think we need her in the White House to maintain the progress women and all minorities have made under Obama."

We did a fist pump! "I think so!! Thank you for coming in today!"

PJ had called for the van. It was loaded up. Next door to Theory.

I was looking for anything that struck my fancy at this point. Bang! A white wool dress cut like a man's blazer!! Double breasted to mid-thigh, fitted close to the body. It was terrific looking in the mirror. Tessa was there holding both thumbs up! They had it in several colours but white was the best!

Another wool dress, a warm medium green with a split bodice and sleeveless to a few inches above the knee. I got Sunny into it. She looked great! I got one in charcoal.

I added a black silk fitted long sleeved shirt. Comfy and sleek.

Leather leggings for us both in `Artic Teal,' high waist, very snug from waist to ankle.

When we came out of the changing room PJ was talking with a woman I hadn't seen, she wasn't the sales person helping us. Tara said several sales folk, men and women had gathered.

Our sales person came up, she quietly said she hadn't let on I was here.

"So they work here?"

She nodded as PJ stepped close. The sales people were acting like groupies he asked a manager to move them along. The woman manager apologized. I was smiling by then. Gawd things can be a bit weird.

"It's Okay!" With a laugh, "I would have thought that they might have seen a few well known people before."

The manager said yes..."But Miss Martin, you are above the average for even Beverly Hills and Hollywood."

I looked at Gil who had been doing her database thing. She looked a question back. The manager came back from her office with a copy of today's Los Angeles Times. I could see we would have to do something about our insulation from the news.

My face was on the lower half of the front page with an amazing headline `Is This The Most influential Woman On Earth?'

No shit! Gil and I stared at each other, PJ leaned over my shoulder. He got it when I voiced that we needed someone to monitor the news about us full time. I said call Thet now... and Tai.

I handed the newspaper back to the store manager thanking her.

So I know what it means when we just do whatever without paying attention to the media. I couldn't ask Gil, it would be too much. She had her hands full!! Tai could be a quick but maybe temporary fix. Her English was superb, the same for her computer skills.

I asked Gil to email Reginé to call when it was around eight tomorrow morning our time.

The manager helped our sales lady to finish up. I thanked them both. The van out front once more!

One more stop. We walked across Beverly Drive on Brighton Way which I thought funny. Brighton in California! Back to Rodeo Drive and a half block south to Coach. We walked past Ferragamo, Balenciaga, Gucci and Prada. They weren't on my list today, just not me right now and not for Sunny.

Coach had a nice store! I sent Sunny on to look at clothes and I went to shoes.

I wanted sandals and found their `Flatform' wedge cute and comfy! Then several pairs of Waverly pumps in grey and black, four inch heels. Gil gave the sales person Sunny's shoe size to get out some Waverly's in black with a shorter heel.

I got another of their collared black dresses with lace at the mid-thigh hem to keep here in Los Angeles. And found Sunny in a black print pleated dress looking very cute. Done!

In bags I aimed her toward the Charlie bag since it was a good size but not too big. Sunny fell in love with the dark Ivy green colour!! Naturally.

The shorter Waverly pumps were a good fit and she was up walking with no trouble. In black with a pair of the `Coleen' boots in black also.

I slipped into Men's for a Dopp Kit in their gorgeous brown. Most of Cho's leather luggage was nearly the same warm colour.

Each of my Protection Team got a chance to shop. Shoes mostly. PJ in a pair of black lace-up Derby shoes. Big soles.

This time I wasn't recognized or they were `too cool' to say. Coach was very high on my list!!!!!!

The van loaded and sent on its way. Us too into another car.

Leslie's folks helped with the goodies. I did the work of separating things into bags to go to different houses with Gil keeping score! Sunny did a fashion show, delighted with her new things.

We had a nice walk with Jaidee on the beach. Short shorts and crop tops for us as the heat had stayed throughout the day. Same for the next few days.

Sunny got to see Jaidee's digging skills in a shortened form.

We did an ice cream stop at N'ice Cream again then down the Boardwalk to home.

Dolores had out some Pico de Gallo and assorted chips as a starter. Cho was on the way!! A solo volcano text? It was great last time.

Gil said she'd sent the email to Ellie about a run up to the FCUK store in Oxford to buy a selection of hats and tops in various colours for me. Good.

News from the Southwold decorators! They had both agreed to my idea for sharing the job. Jane's plan for the bedrooms I thought much better, romantic in fact and Madeline and Ken's for the main floor superior. So they would each get work and we'd get the best! The plans were detailed with snaps of the possible furniture and draperies, Edwardian as I asked! Terrific! They would start as we had sent them our consent.

They would have to coordinate with our Security which was easier now that we had someone there full-time.

Email from Stanislaus, to Gil, who Carter had hired as librarian and art curator. An excellent reference from Hélène. We would share him with her, a good arrangement for us and him. His email to Gil said that the inventory team had mislabeled some of the older books. In the group were Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century novels and scientific works were in fact not re-prints but original copies. The value of which was several thousand times that shown in the Harcourt Domesday Book!

He was going to spend more time in his follow up than Carter had allotted. Carter endorsed this!

We did too since his yearly salary was paid many times over by what he found out! A big welcome to Stanislaus!!

Sunny and I on the terrace looking out over the city. I was giving her a visual tour of what I knew. Dolores came out to help.

WHOA! I jumped as Cho's arms encircled me! Kiss and hug!! He was more revved up this time.

I got Sunny to get him a Newcastle. Cho grinning said he'd shot a 59! But the par was 70 on the Bel-Air course. Okay, I got it!

He'd had a blast playing the course which has many oddities. It wound its way into canyons with tunnels and bridges and elevators? Pedro's friend, George, was a Bel-Air member knew Cho through banking circles. They had been part of several deals without ever meeting.

Cho smiling he got a fast start on number one after a good drive he had a seven iron to the green on a par five, it landed and sat nine feet from the flag.

"So I started with an eagle. Pedro nudged George saying `I told you so' which got me laughing."

"There are a lot of short par fours which are great for me. A long drive leaving me a short iron which I play very well. Once you are close you control the ball much better as I dropped quite a few approach shots close to the flag."

"I had a run of birdies from the sixth through the ninth! I made the turn six under. On ten I nearly had a hole-in-one when by tee shot rolled past the about a foot away to stop three feet away. Ten is an odd hole, you have to walk over this suspension bridge after hitting your tee shot over a tree and brush filled ravine."

Cho had finished his beer and I went to get another. I brought him some chips and a small bowl of the Pico del Gallo. A sip and a munch.

"Almost another hole-in-one at thirteen as it hit the flag pole on the second bounce, it caromed off eight feet or so. Another birdie. Then another hard finish with three straight birdies. On the tee at eighteenth George and Pedro made another side bet, one of a series. I hadn't been involved but it appeared Pedro was ahead."

Cho kissed me, "I was thinking of doing that when I teed off. I'd had your face in my mind... Yes, a contraction and I've noticed how often they are coming!! ...I put my ball on the tee, rolled my shoulders, took my stance and swung... Boy did I get all of the ball in the sweetspot! It really flew!"

A chuckle, "We walked the fairway after they teed off, my caddy said it was one of the longest drives he'd ever seen on this hole. Pedro and George hit their seconds both on the green in good shape. I get to my ball the caddy says there's only forty five yards. I've my wedge out and a nice swing the ball lands above the pin and the backspin brings it to 1 foot from the hole. My caddy was hitting his thigh with his fist... `go in!' but it stopped. I marked and George rolled in a very handsome twenty one footer for a birdie! Pedro birdied too!"

Cho stretched, "We all played very well. Pedro was eight over and George is a scratch golfer and finished at one under! Me at 59! What a round."

I slipped into Cho's lap for a hug and kiss.

"We sat for a short drink in the bar. George said his good round was inspired by me. A club Pro came over to say hello because George pulls a lot of weight there. He's a quiet fellow but important in Los Angeles and U.S. banking circles and in many local civic events mostly behind the scenes. George told him my score which floored the Pro."

Francis laughed, "Because George `carries weight' and is a model golfer?"

Cho's smile was cute, "Yes, a strict rules player. The Pro of course knows this so my score has to be entirely legitimate. I turned in the score card and they asked if I would let them take a few pictures especially after a club officer came out and recognized me. He runs a few ponies and knew me from Glaa's successes."

He really laughed, "The club fellow said I was just the sort of person they should have as a member. George had hinted at it earlier once he'd seen my game. It's funny my banking connections link me to golf by my knowing ranking members who are colleagues. If they ask me to join I will. I liked the course and it fits my game quite well."

Cho hugged me, "And your day?"

Sunny started in on all the nice things she got shopping with me. I went in to get one of the copies of the Los Angeles Times Leslie sent up after my request. I handed it to Cho. He looked, I made a flip over motion then... "No Shit!"

I told him about the manager at Theory showing me that after her staff had gone a bit cray-cray! He heard what I did afterwards he gave me a fist bump.

"I talked with Tai. She can stay in New York with Megan for now and do the work on the internet. I sent her out to the Apple Store to buy a MacBook to use for this. She's going to connect with the PR Law Firm in the morning and Reginé who'll then call me. Gil and I are working on a list newspapers she'll check every day and she'll scan the newspapers and TV channels of all the places we go to or plan to travel to soon. We'll have her buy online subscriptions wherever necessary to get complete access."

Another fist bump and a kiss! He thought I had it going!

I said I'd show him a few of my purchases later.

Dolores called dinner and we trooped into the dining room. A tasty cold tomato bisque with little cheese toasts! Grilled scallops, big, tender and flavourful, a wasabi sauce on the side, a baked veggie casserole, a Caesar salad with anchovies and those delicious white corn cakes!! The ice cream run booty was the finale!

I tucked Sunny in, "Tomorrow is a visiting day in barns with horses so jeans will do but Saturday we're on show all day."

A big grin, she was ready to show off her new finery!

I gave Cho a brief look at my clothes and gave him the Dopp Kit! He loved it! I got a huge hug and kiss! It was the right shade to match his other bags!

I was lying on the bed my head over the edge talking with Jaidee in his bed. Thump... Thump... Thump! He was such a sweet boy. He'd had a fun walk after our dinner. Sunny, Cho and I with Ro and Ansara and a few of Leslie's people. Jaidee did his business then got entirely messy in the surf and sand.

The big beach towel did most of the cleanup. That tongue hanging out as I rubbed his body. Great stuff!

Sleep was fast coming on! I had to pee in the middle of the night... Thump... Thump... My little man got a kiss! I slid back under the bed clothes Cho's arm came around, a soft kiss on my neck...

I was up and in the kitchen watching Jaidee destroy his breakfast. I gone out with him early taking one of Leslie's crew. Jaidee got to do his thing without a big long tour this time. He was Okay.

I sipped my coffee and put away an apple. A good one too, crunch!

Dolores made me an offer I couldn't refuse... French Toast! Sunny's radar must have been on high... she came out in her sleep duds, tank top and pajama bottoms... yawning! I shooed her back to get some more things on, it wasn't that warm yet. Francis was ready! He heard the magic words too.

We three munching on Dolores terrific food! Gil and Cho emerged to find they were behind and strove to catch up. Dolores churning out the delicious toasts pieces like an assembly line.

Bread – batter- frying pan – plate – hungry person!

Reginé called at eight, she got what I wanted right away and would put a small team on it today. She would link with Tai and find out about the PR lawyers.

She'd gone to the LA Times webpage after reading Gil's email. "They spent some time on you. Funny they didn't contact you while doing it. But they certainly appear to like you and how Fox is doing!"

I agreed. We'd be ahead of it from now on. "Do you think they tried to reach me?"

It was a question for the PR lawyers. I emailed Tai to ask.

Dusit came up. He was just back from a Bangkok family visit. He was happy to be in Los Angeles! We chatted a bit, he was keeping things going for Alex.

We cleaned up for Santa Anita. I was in black G-Star jeans, cutoff black t-shirt under a red and black checked flannel shirt, big checks! Black ankle boots and silver jewelry with my usual `Joy' additive! Red round shades!

Cho in black and red too! Sexy legs!!

Sunny was in gray and green, gray skinny jeans with gray t-shirt under a forest green corduroy shirt. Her new Coach `Coleen' boots! I double checked that they were fitting good because she'd be in them all day. She was good!

Cho and I had a conference call with the Los Angeles lawyers handling the sponsor deals. Apple was completely IN, signed and delivered!! They were fine with Levis, Taittinger's and Starbucks. They had the report on Roundell's company we sent on and had no problem with them as a sponsor too. We were GREAT! Excellent companies to have our name associated with their quality and they with us!

I could see a terrific partner relationship going forward. We changed our schedule to make a stop in the Bay Area to see both Levis' and Apple's management. We'd see Starbucks in Seattle and Taittinger's on our next trip to France. Some personal connections at the start!

Leslie drove us over to Santa Monica Airport for our lift to Santa Anita Park. The nifty Agusta AW139 took us up and away quickly. I gave Sunny a brief tour of what we were going over. She could see a long way in the clear air, from Long Beach to deep into the San Fernando Valley. We were above the Foothill Freeway for some distance then a turn south to land on the spot Santa Anita Park made for us.

We walked into the barn area, Leslie was with us. Just checking.

Monaco grinning as arrived at our big barn. Filled with our horses! Hugs for him, Jackson and James. All the jockeys were there, hugs and kisses. Donna, Mike's wife stuck her head of the office to wave.

Emanuel was doing Okay, still in the sling but healing properly. Marnie his replacement on SakChai really enthused by her mount's willingness.

"Miss he wants to run! He trains like his brother and sister... hard! We're all READY!"

We had Glaa on a lead outside just walking. He bumped me with his head, nickering. He stuck his nose inside my shirt in search of mints. I gave him a couple. He was happy, rested but roaring to go according to Mike.

"He's been on fire in training."

Hansa was bouncing her head when asked if she wanted to go racing. Jackson's smile said it all.

IrishRainbow did a body search of Cho, when he sussed out mints he wanted some. I put some in Sunny's pockets... IrishRainbow gave her the once over and pushed her for the mints! She loved meeting them all.

SakChai was bouncing around between barns in the sun, shiny like a bright white light!

All our runners for Saturday were wired! Monaco, Jackson and James had brought them along to their peak!

Hansa would go off first in the Juvenile Fillies at noon then SakChai in the Juvenile at 1445 and IrishRainbow would try again against Glaa in the Classic at 1735.

John Glass came by, `Were we on?' A big yes. We loaded into cars to drive to John's ranch. We crossed under the freeway to Foothill Boulevard then to the east side of Sierra Madre and up into a canyon.

Their ranch looked comfy from the approach road, nice fencing, big shade trees all around the house and barns with open areas behind. Julianne on the screened porch smiling, "Welcome!"

We got the tour, a nice wood framed home with two wings, one a big kitchen with huge booth table, the other the bedrooms, a big living room with a nice big rock fireplace in between. The garden in the centre flanked by the house wings was a profusion of flowers, wild flower varieties but tended by Julianne. A covered walkway connected the rear of the wings with a fork that lead out towards the barns.

We met Alybesha again. He was very nice to me which did surprise John and Jack. I stroked his handsome black face, a low nicker. Jack passed me a couple of mints! Bingo!

They had a very fine setup, good training areas and really good barns. John and Jack missed Ronnie but she seemed happy with her new experiences.

In Julianne's kitchen, John made it plain she was the queen in there, I got an iced tea and parked my butt on a stool. She MISSED Ronnie! There was plenty of communication though. A flow of texts, emails and calls. No doubt Ronnie was enjoying her time at Harcourt House. Yes, still mucking out stalls but she really liked Freddie and he was showing her new things about training horses.

A grin from Julianne, "Ronnie likes the food! She sent snaps of her room and everything. Your fellow Gregory got her a tour of the big house... WOW!"

I said they needed to come over at Christmas to visit Ronnie and see for themselves. She was thrilled with the offer.

"All you need to do is get on a helicopter at Santa Anita Park and we'd do the rest."

A huge hug! The guys came in, Julianne squeezed John and told him my offer. His eyes lit up, I got a kiss on my cheek and Cho a big hand shake! Jack grinning, he'd never been further than a horse buying trip to Mexico.

Sunny and I helped Julianne with lunch. I'd told her about my eating habits when we planned this. She had thick potato leek soup, grilled tuna melt sandwiches and cut fruit! She was good with me.

I had a coffee in hand walking with Julianne, "Fay, you and Cho are just like us, sort of easy to talk to people. But you're both so important. I'm not sure why you'd spend time with folks like us."

Smiling, "Well first you're horse folks as we are! Cho's been racing horses in Thailand for twenty years. Glaa was just such a terrific prospect moving him to the U.S. race season made sense. Now it's a year and half on with lots of wins behind our team... but we've not changed, I loved to ride since childhood and being part of the racing is awesome. We do have a lot of interests all over, racing isn't close to being the biggest financial part but we put it high on our priorities because we love it so much."

I squeezed her hand, "I'm speaking for us both... We have a high profile, it isn't going to make any fundamental difference in us. In fact I found out yesterday how little it affects us when some young sales people at a store were watching Sunny and I shop. The store manager brought out the LA Times piece on me. I hadn't a clue."

"That was funny. We read that and they like you. They even think you are good for America!"

I laughed , "Well, Fox News is watchable by all Americans now anyway! We were over at Fox Entertainment yesterday. We told the production folk what we wanted to see more of... like women and people of colour as directors and producers, more roles that reflect how America looks and more. So that will help but more subtly than the changes at Fox news."

We said our goodbyes although we would see them Saturday. I told them Kavat would be in touch to schedule their trip to Harcourt House if they wanted to come. They knew that Ronnie would be home for Christmas.

Comments are welcome: abecker60@yahoo.co.uk