Jian: Cast of Characers

Jian

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 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've 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 might 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.

52

I was out with Jaidee early. The sun barely up as we ran down the sand. I dropped towel and shoes before tossing a white plastic bone toy for him. He splashed in the shallows after it. Caught! We sent salt water spraying about, running up and down! Ro and Tessa were content to watch.

Jaidee and I a bit winded plopped down. I went to work on him with the towel. He was all happy tail and hanging tongue, wiggling!

A BIG Day of racing. We were really out there today! Three races. It was to be warm but not hot. I chose a sleeveless yellow dress, scoop bodice and back, snug to my torso and a bit flouncy to mid-thigh. No stockings today, green heels with a green bag. My running horse pin and a green cardigan in case. I had gold jewelry and `Joy' I was all Harcourt Racing colours!!

Cho in one of his wonderfully cut navy blue suits, WHITE shirt and his green and yellow Harcourt tie!

Yes! Sunny in a green short sleeved dress and brown ankle boots. The dress from Oxford Street shopping had a round collar, buttoned up the front and was a few inches above the knee. A brown suede over the shoulder bag. She looked very cute! I put a Harcourt Racing pin on her.

Gil and Francis were doing green and yellow bits too. Our Security Team in black and blue looking snazzy!

Some of my thoughts today went eastward to Ringgold's mother in New York! She was having an operation on her heart, a valve issue. We were missing Ringgold, it was lovely to have him with us. His advice to race in America brought us to this point. Today we could have three winners at this important year-end event, he had been part of it!

The helicopter dropped us at Santa Anita Park, several carts rode us over to the barn. Hansa was first up so she got our love. She gave me a gentle hip bump!

SakChai would go off a few hours later so we'd come back before then.

In our box we relaxed before the first race. Not much interest in betting, Hansa was the odds on favourite at 3-5. She would be running against competition she'd never seen. It was the Juvenile Fillies race, her first all-girls event.

The post parade took all the entrants down towards the chute end, the race was one and sixteenth mile distance. In my glasses Hansa was quiet as always. Her glittery red gold body entered her chute cleanly.

Monaco worked hard with all our equine friends to give them all the poise and skills he could. Jackson had Hansa's natural instincts honed for competition. The smooth shifting of leads was a massive advantage. Being business-like on race day also! Calm, ready to be released.

Jackson smiling, he knew his girl was ready. He had taught her well. She was smart on the track and ran with confidence! Her first race against fillies!

They were loaded... CLANG! They exploded out! Hansa running strongly right away. She and two brown horses together coming down the straightway for the first time. Hansa was going along easily, striding smoothly. As they approached the turn she was moving ahead of the other two. She was in the third path out from the rail to start the turn but closed to the rail when she switched leads on the back straight. A clear three length gap that she widened to five down the back straight when the turn came up she was widening.

Hansa galloping along now under an easy hold by Tomas she was in total control. Her fractions on the board were fast!

Coming out of the turn Hansa was asked by Tomas for more. Once on her right lead you could see her accelerate, the gap widening to ten by the eighth pole. No slacking as Hansa powered over the finish in style over twelve lengths clear! A golden-red body in motion! 1:39:10! Hansa set a new record for the event.

We whooped it up but not `very' over the top. Kisses and hugs all around! A check showed our girl had actually won by fourteen lengths! A track official escorted us down to the Winner's Circle where we were becoming comfortable! Hansa came up to go on her lead shank for Jesse who passed her on to Cho.

It was nice to receive the trophy for her effort! Cho looked great doing it with the Longines fellow and an NBC person. Hansa was the young queen today.

Tomas was a happy guy! We had told him he would be Hansa's jockey through next year which got him pumped yesterday! Today he was pleased and chill about his blow-out of the other fillies.

We went over to the barn as the next several races went off. Tomas back from weighing, all good. Hansa from her testing also all clear. A few media types which Cho and Monaco talked with. Tomas was beside me after a short chat with a DRF fellow.

"Miss, is there a decision on the the `Derby' or the "Oaks?'

I grinned, "Tomas it isn't final but we all feel she has the goods so she should go into the Kentucky Derby group."

He jumped for joy, "Yes! She can beat them! I'm really going to watch SakChai and his competitors today!"

Fist Bumps! Another news person wanted to talk with Tomas so I faded back. Sunny close alongside as we stepped into Hansa's stall to caress her. Reggie was taking her out for more cool down, she was looked quite relaxed.

We went in to see SakChai he was going out soon. He was quiet and gave me a big nose bump. We left him to get on with Carlita. She was grinning.

"He's so ready."

Fist bump.

We went back to the Grandstand as the Turf Sprint was next. We were outside the front entrance, I was behind my blue round shades looking at the Art Deco façade. It was a beautiful place for racing. The clear blue sky making it almost `Hollywood' ready!

Settled in but hungry. Gil and Francis were too and volunteered to make a food run! Okay! Gil called when they were on the mezzanine. I chose a poppy seed bagel with a smear. Sunny a nacho plate. They managed everything very well. Tara and Ansara got food for themselves and PJ and Rande. Gil paid the bills!

Hot coffee and a bagel! Yea! We all ate sitting in the warm sun! Cho had tacos and Sunny split my bagel and her big serving of nachos with me! Everyone said the food was good! It was the first time we ate here. A fab start!

The Juvenile was up! SakChai would be racing against many new competitors from the east. The White Streak walked along in the post parade calmly like his sister. His shiny white was so brilliant in the sun! All two year males going into the chutes for the mile and a sixteenth distance like the Juvenile Fillies.

All quiet then the Start! Four horses came out in the centre in a bunch SakChai got squeezed and bounced but kept his feet. Marnie had him in hand and guided him ahead. He was behind the rest by a few lengths but running Okay. Monaco's hand in mine eased up. A tight grin on his face.

SakChai was in pursuit and gaining on the trailers right away. At the turn he had moved up to fourth striding smoothly reaching out with power. He continued to move forward so by the end of the turn he was second on the shoulder of the leader a black gelding from Florida.

His long white tail flowing as he powered around the track.

Down the back straight SakChai moved up to be even as the turn opened. He switched leads so effortlessly going around the turn pulling away from his opponent. Onto the home stretch on the right lead Marnie let him go a bit and he responded. SakChai opened the jets!

It was terrific to see him accelerate. The three length lead was spreading with each stride. At the eighth pole it was six and the sixteenth pole it was near ten. He blazed over the finish line... 1:39:08!

The Santa Anita track rating for today was fast and other races had fast times but our two breaking records. SakChai came prancing up the track, Marnie a big grin. Carlita put on the lead and we went into the Winner's Circle again!

The track and Breeder's Cup folks were all smiles. We had good horses, it had been exciting to see SakChai recover and blaze away! A nice Breeder's Cup trophy!! And a second Longines trophy.

Marnie and SakChai went off to do their things. We went to the barn once more. Glaa was in his stall, quiet but didn't mind our coming in. A soft kiss for him, My Big Fast Man! IrishRainbow seemed pleased to see us. He nickered as Cho caressed his face. He certainly had grown a lot with us.

Tomas came up to me with serious face.

"Miss, that SakChai is terrific! Hansa will have her hands full with him next year!"

I squeezed his hand, "We'll see! It's a long winter to come and they both have a lot of growing up to."

Smiles!

We followed the horses entered in the Breeders' Cup Mile on their way to the saddling paddock. Sunshine, lots of sunshine! Cho holding my hand as we were trailed by Tara and Ansara, PJ and Rande leading the way.

Cho looked so sexy in his suit wearing the RayBan's he got from me at Christmas. Through my blue round glasses I could see some folks in the crowd recognized us. We moved as a group so we weren't approachable.

Santa Anita Park had provided us with a person to act as a liaison. The Park knew we were committed to being here. The barn and office, part of another barn to be added, the big box in the Grandstand reserved for multiple years. The helicopter pad we would pay to fix up further but it was theirs so others could use it.

The fact that Glaa and the others would winter here would be a draw for the Park. We were digging in here too.

In the box just looking around it was a great setting for events. The course in great shape, the San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop... it was special. The crowds were good, appreciative of the horses efforts and very good to the Winners.

The post parade for The Classic was starting. Glaa chestnut colour shining, IrishRainbow's deep brown had the glow of health, they looked wonderful. Mike and Dom in the green and yellow blocks and stripes!! They walked down to the chute end, The Classic is a mile and a quarter. Both horses quiet, moving along. My glasses showed they were as always easy to load...

The wait... then...CLANG and they were off! Glaa once again came out like a rocket from his number four position. Down the straight striding fully very quickly. IrishRainbow on his heels looking comfortable, very smooth.

Our boys leading the way as they passed us, Glaa had two lengths on his stablemate. The pace was fast, IrishRainbow doing fine and looking to stay close. Around the turn Glaa moved to the rail with IrishRainbow close behind. Tight to the rail then spun around the turn to step strongly onto the back straight.

Glaa stayed ahead now by three lengths, IrishRainbow had about seven lengths on the third place horse. Glaa switched leads and roared down the flat heading for the far turn with IrishRainbow still close. Entering the turn it was a four length spread for Glaa, it was now close to nine for IrishRainbow to the next runner.

At the head of the straight Glaa picked up the pace as he usually did, Mike didn't ask, Glaa chose. IrishRainbow wasn't letting go!! As Glaa ramped up so did he. Fabulous to watch his brown body flying in pursuit of the golden one. Our guys in total charge!!!

We were all cheering them on. At the eighth pole Glaa had five lengths, Mike was just completely still letting him run his race. Dom was asking IrishRainbow and getting it, he closed to four and a half lengths as Glaa flashed over the finish! 1:57.70!! An incredible time!!!

IrishRainbow followed Glaa running hard for the finish! I watched Dom raise his whip, they had performed so well!!! The show money was won by a grey, he was fourteen lengths behind IrishRainbow!

Jackson's stopwatch had IrishRainbow at1:58:30!!! Damn the boys were so HOT!!!

Cho and I kissed and hugged, I wrapped my arms around Monaco! Sunny was bouncing and clapping!

Monaco leaned over to say to us both, "Glaa may have a world record!"

My heart was still pounding in my chest, Cho's arms around me. I leaned back to take his face in my hands, a kiss! I didn't want to stop!!

We were escorted down to the Winners' Circle again. Dom brought IrishRainbow close before heading to the barn. I stroked that beautiful brown face! His breathing still elevated but calming down. Fist bump with Dom!

The Breeders' Cup folks with huge smiles. The cameras everywhere!! I sent Cho into the limelight once again to receive the trophy. A fellow from Longines gave him another ceremonial watch trophy and he got the Breeders' Cup hardware.

The NBC guy kept sticking a big-assed microphone in Cho's face I could see he was getting annoyed but he didn't change his outward demeanour. Those few moments of irritation were over and we headed to the barn. I squeezed Cho's hand and got a smile back!

Sunny giggling, "Uncle Cho, did that mic taste good?"

Cho laughed, "I did think about swatting it away like an annoying fly."

Laughter and a hug for Sunny.

We had a news conference planned at our Barn. Our uniformed Security with Leslie's and Camilla's direction helped arrange and manage the space, a small elevated area with a lectern. They also assisted our guests.

After our post-race visits with Glaa and IrishRainbow, who were both in great shape, we went before the news folks. DRF, BloodHorse Magazine with Practical Horseman, Horse & Rider, Dressage, Equus and others in the trade along with the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Washington Post, other large city newspapers, the four TV networks and NPR. It was a full space.

Cho and I to start. After thanking folks for coming (saying we shamelessly used our media power to get such a good press crowd, laughter) we said to celebrate this year's successes we were announcing a series of grants to various organizations that did research and had practical applications for equine health. We were specifically targeting two health issues today: laminitis and colic.

I gave a brief overview of each of these terrible killing diseases before asking in turn four representatives of groups working in the fields. They expanded on what I'd said without going over the top as we suggested. After they had each had time Cho took over to say we were giving two million dollars to each of their organizations.

Four million dollars to fight laminitis and the same for equine colic. We gave them huge bank checks mocked up for show. Lots of handshaking and hugs.

I went back to the microphones to once again thank the media for coming and that there are printouts available covering the two diseases in greater detail on a table at the end of the space. They could get some refreshments from the food truck also at the end of the barn courtesy of us.

We were `out' and stepped to the side with our four organization representatives. Cho and I told them that this was the beginning, we were going to do fund raising for more money for them and other equine illnesses. They were a happy crowd!

Sunny went to get several printouts since she didn't know what the two diseases could do to the horses she loved to ride.

Frank and Elinor came over to us with a few questions. I said for them to get their colleagues to join in. They went off.

Jackson came up from the barn office with a well-thumbed book in hand, "He does! Glaa broke the world record! Spectacular Bid did 1:57:80 here thirty six years ago. Glaa has the fastest ever mile and a quarter!"

More gravy for our awesome day! Fist Bump with Jackson.

NBC, CBS, ABC and NPR folks linked up our Fox Sports pair and the print journalists joining Monaco and us. We let them ask some questions since there hadn't been any time after the Classic. If there questions better suited for Monaco Cho aimed them that way. Someone asked about the next races for our crowd... Cho did say that IrishRainbow was in the Pegasus World Cup for sure, Glaa was a maybe.

We spent some time with them before begging off.

I Got Mike and Donna together with Dom and May, Tomas, Emanuel and Marnie. Monaco, James and Jackson got rounded up by Cho. All our barn staff folks! We went the short way to John Glass' barn, he let us use his office area for a short gathering. A big ice bucket with bottles of Taittinger's best were there courtesy of our new sponsor!

Jackson and a few others had soft drinks instead of champagne which I was pleased to see. I let Sunny sip some champagne from my glass.

A toast from Cho to our successful team and horses! There were cheers! Cho and I gave them the news of whose names they would be seeing and wearing.

Monaco looped my arm with his, "Fay, the sponsors are so outstanding, such famous names. I know we'll make them glad they joined up with us! I liked Roundell and Sasha, he called to talk yesterday. He wanted our exercise riders sizes."

I needed to send a big thank you to Roundell for what he had sent me.

I was outside giving Julianne a hug, she had been over for the racing. I got her a glass of Taittinger's. We sipped with smiles. We'd see Ronnie in a week or so then they'd come over and Ronnie could take a break to come back home for a while.

John Glass and Cho with Monaco. They waved us over. Monaco said the extra barn space would be the barn next door and we'd share it with John's racing team. They would get the office end.

John smiling. "Fay, I like the idea we'd be sharing. I think it will be very good for us."

Fist bump! A hug from Julianne.

Monaco was with Cho and me. Jackson was going to stay here for a bit, several youngsters would ship in and with the other newcomers here we wanted him to evaluate some of them and do some work. I said he could winter here if he wanted... Monaco shrugged saying he was good with that.

We asked Jackson, he had a face filled with interest, "Actually I would like to stay if possible. My bones have tired of the long cold winters in upstate New York."

John Glass was behind us, "Fay, Jackson, we have a nice big room above a storage space. Efficiency type place, you know tiny kitchen, full bath. Good heating, quiet and lots of sunshine! We have shared washing machines and dryers for our hands available nearby."

I squeezed his arm, "And ... " John turning to Jackson, "...You'd be welcome to eat with us anytime. It's only a fifteen minute drive away."

I had Jackson's hand, looking toward Monaco, "Monaco, you could get a good used pick-up truck..."

Thumbs up for that. The big hand in mine squeezed tight as we went on, he didn't tear up but you could see Jackson was getting emotional.

A bit choked, "Thank you... Thank you all."

"Done! You're in California for the winter!" A hug! Funny... Rande shook his hand! They did shoulder bumps!!

I liked our big extended family, I liked adding to it!! Cho kissed me holding tight. A whisper, "You are such a mother hen."

The hug tightened! Another kiss!

Camilla, Leslie's number two, would close up the goings-on at the barn.

We did our goodbyes.

Dolores had a very nice Alaskan crab cakes with red pepper aioli, shrimp paella, roasted veggies with a white cheddar sauce!! Delicious. We finished the N'ice Cream supply! Outside with an Amaretto and Sunny.

"Fay, this has been unbelievable! To see the races and all your horses, meeting people, really nice people!! Oh... my clothes!"

I was HUGGED! No Amaretto lost!

We didn't party too late, up near dawn for the flight to San Francisco and our meetings! Jaidee had had a good romp in the sand with us he was all waggy tail happy on the walk back. I told Sunny to throw away the tatty tennis ball we'd go for a new can of balls. It was a mess! Jaidee surely was a master in using up tennis balls!

A long day ahead!

It was warm so I chose a short sleeved black and white checked dress, full circle skirt to mid-thigh. Black tights and shiny black heels. Cho's black onyx gifts all over! `Joy' and I was set. A small black leather bag and red sunglasses. A black cardigan in case!

Cho so damned handsome in one of his gorgeous black suits and a dove grey shirt! Sexy man!

Sunny was coming along for it all. She looked older in her new Coach black print pleated dress, black ankle boots!

Once we were aboard the 767 we took off quickly, a big climbing turn to the north. A fast hop! In less than an hour we were wheels down at SFO. We parked on the east side near a private aircraft support company where a helicopter was waiting. It was a new looking AS 365n3. Cho, Sunny and I with Gil and Francis, PJ, Rande and Tara aboard.

We went south by southeast down the bay until Sunnyvale was off to starboard then a turn westward. It wasn't long before we could see Apple Park. The gigantic circular building looking very much like a space station. Damn it was big! They had us land on a grassy sports field to the west of the building.

We had an escort waiting to take us inside, up close it was truly huge, awe inspiring. Apple is the richest company on the planet, more than any other now or in history! It showed.

We rode up to the top floor and walked around the curve a short distance to the top management suite. There were PR people and Tim C*******. We were welcomed and thanked for the idea of their sponsoring us.

They wouldn't have thought of the deal but they liked our efforts with 21st Century Fox so we fit together. Our other sponsors were terrific, quality products and excellent corporate ethos.

They did their homework so they knew that The Company was a HUGE user of Apple equipment and software. They were interested in sending some people to Bangkok to meet with Ni and her group. Gil provided all the contact info for them. She also gave them Douglas and Jared's info so their London folks could visit with them and see what we were doing there up close.

One of the Vice-President's mentioned that The Company could be part of an Apple World Wide Developer Conference showcasing our software and use of Apple products. I said please talk to our folks in London and we'd be thrilled to participate. We passed along Eric's info. Fist bumps!

We didn't stay long just a meet and greet so they knew we were serious and wanted a personal connection. An hour went by quickly though.

Tim and I hugged, "It was tremendous what you said in your interview on Fox. You've made quite a splash."

Smiling I said I was just being me and I had such incredible support from Cho and our extended family. We chatted about my being a long time Mac user, all my old Mac's in the basement of our house in London. Tim laughed at that!

We found it easy to talk. I liked him. Hugs and handshakes!

Good ending. Both sides very pleased with it all.

We climbed up and away. I was still amazed by the sheer size of the building!

Cho kissed me, "You and Tim connected!" Fist bumps!

We were a speeding bullet back to San Francisco. Levis had arranged a landing spot on the edge of the Pier 27 property. We flew up the bay this time over the Bay Bridge to approach from the water. We eased down onto grassy triangle on the edge of the Embarcadero.

We crossed over to Levis Plaza going through the park which was very a nice small break space from the dense city. Grassy spaces, leafy trees and fountains.

Levis advertising folks and corporate officers met us in a large conference room looking out over the bay. Like Apple they wouldn't have thought of such a pairing but it seemed a `natural' to them. They were enthusiastic to join with our other sponsors and thrilled to be asked by us .

We didn't talk nuts and bolts since that was done by all our lawyers but we did give them an idea of how we felt there great clothing would fit in for us. I'd asked Roundell to send samples of his warming under garments to them. They thought very highly of his apparel and were pleased to know I would be using it personally along with theirs.

Their advertising folks had mock ups of print and video for us to see. Real thought had been used. In some Glaa was doing workouts which they paired with some of their clothes on models doing outdoor things. Or jeans on workers in the barns or up on horses. Exercise riders in Levis was pretty normal anyway so now... We liked. The quality shown through even in the mock ups.

They were very nice folks. They'd asked our sizes and desired clothing for a gift. I got several crop T's and Cho black skinny 511's, Gil and Francis got jean shorts and t-shirts. Sunny grinning as she was given crop T's and skinny black 511's. PJ and Rande got 511's too. Tara grinning got crop T's and jeans, she was beaming with her gifts in hand.

Cho kissed me in the park as we headed back to the helicopter.

"You were absolutely right to suggest we do these meetings! They know we are `IN' not outside the loop. AND it is not just another corporate deal!"

Hug and another kiss before climbing in. Then a short flight back down the bay around the city to SFO. Mira's voice on the tannoy said we would move right away to get into the taxi lineup. Onto Seattle!!

There was rain in Seattle! We were treated to something new when the cabin door opened. The rolling stair had a canopy! There were umbrellas ready at the bottom of the steps. We made it to the hangar almost dry! I was glad of the cardigan!

Nicolas had cars for us. First stop the top of Queen Anne! Sunny jumped into her dad's arms as we stopped under their Porchere. Greg grinning as he squeezed her, Kay next. Artie too. Little Suchart in the doorway with his nanny.

We all got hugs and kisses too. Kay holding Sunny's hand looking at her dress and shoes.

"You look older!"

I kissed Kay's cheek as she and Sunny hugged some more.

We were going on to Magnolia and they'd come for dinner. Gil had gotten an email from Martha that she was READY!

Standing on the lawn looking north up the Puget Sound, the rain had quit for now. So many shades of grey in the clouds and water with the dark green fir trees as a frame. It was quite beautiful.

I was joined by Cho, his smile was like sunshine for me!

Martha was glad to see us! She had pics of her grandkids! They were a month old, very cute identical twins, a boy and girl. I saw the look on Lloyd's face, those kids would be Spoiled!

That girl Sunny in her new Levis 511's jeans hugging me, Kay and Greg right behind her. Artie came over, shy smile... then arms open wide for a hug! Little Suchart in my arms, he looked serious... like what is all this? A finger found an opening under his jacket... tummy!!! Giggles!

I put him down so he could walk. Martha and Lloyd had been `child-proofing' the house. I told Kay, thumbs up!

We had a great dinner, Andy came down to add his voice to our talk about everything and the election. The final poll numbers from Fox News had Hillary with a twenty nine point lead, in some states like California and Washington it was ten points higher. In New York it was forty points. The numbers for the Congressional races were huge for the Democrats!!

On the terrace area outside the `office' Kay and I were sipping an after dinner Amaretto. She hadn't had much time to speak with her daughter today but their communications had been daily, hourly sometimes so she was up to date on most things. I brought up what Mr. Thorn and Ms. Jones had said about Sunny.

"I will be a fuss for Sunny to switch schools..."

Kay put her hand on my arm, "True but if she is held back by the course work... that's worse."

I agreed and Sunny wasn't in the dark. She had been going to Ms. Jones for extra work for weeks. So she would go to the same school in Abingdon as Anne Fraser and Kate. They were friends so Anne and Kate would help her. Switch over after term end at Christmas.

Jaidee tore around the grass after a tennis ball, it was wet and slick but he didn't care! I did the toweling! Cho shitcanned the ball which was a mess! Okay!

No rain in the morning but low clouds. Gil was working on things for me so Tara and Tessa came with me to the stables. Andy had Chess and Guy ready. He was going to get Tessa up on Artis for a refresher course. She'd ridden during several summers as a teenager so...

Tara and I headed out into the park. A warm up period was capped with a thunderous run across the old parade field down and back several times! We had the boys up on the hill near the chapel for a break. The multitude of grey shades was more pronounced with the wide vista out over the Puget Sound, north and south with the snowcapped Olympic Mountains ahead.

Another hard run then a trot to the barn! Tessa was happy she'd enjoyed herself and felt comfortable. She'd be with us tomorrow. Fist bumps!

I had a soft pale grey long sleeved knit dress, clingy to my slender frame down to mid-thigh, a black leather belt, black stockings and ankle boots. Silver jewelry, `Joy' and a small black clutch. The black leather moto jacket!

Cho in a new suit, dark grey, light grey shirt and dark silver gray tie with slender green stripes going down in a grid in the middle! He looked great!

Off to Starbucks in the SODO part of Seattle. So much construction! Buildings but also the roads. It was like Seattle government wanted to punish everyone all at once. Sorry but whatever happened to managed growth? Definitely an alien concept in Seattle.

The Starbucks folks met us at the door. We were escorted to a large conference room where we met their advertising people and Howard S*************. He was very pleased for Starbucks to join our other sponsors, `top level companies.' We thought so too! Like Levis they had ad mockups. Very simple and clever, our horses looking good. They would film at Santa Anita and Harcourt House in the next few weeks.

Cho gave them a review of our season just completed and of the racing schedules for next year. The first race would the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park in January. IrishRainbow was entered, Glaa was a maybe. He pointed out we'd have a larger number horses running next year so... Harcourt Racing would be competing on three continents. That was good with them, they'd be happy to be there too.

Smiles and handshakes were exchanged as we wound it down. Again it was short but meant to emphasize our link and show them we weren't hands-off on this.

Back through downtown to Queen Anne so I could link up Sunny and Kay. Sunny was taking me and Kay to her old middle school for a visit. Kay had set it up. Cho went on to the house then on to meet Ken to play golf.

We walked to Sunny's old middle school with PJ and Tessa. At the Principal's office Kay and Sunny did intro's. We had permission to go into classes and speak to the students. A short assembly was planned so I could talk to all the students.

Sunny's friend Jilly's mom, Maryanne, was at the office to meet us. I was told about Billy a transgendered boy who was sweet but needed a boost of confidence. I wanted to meet him. The Assistant Principal had called his mother but she wasn't sure her boss would let her go.

The kids in Sunny's old class of advanced students welcomed her. Hugs! We gave Sunny a chance to greet them first. Hugs and loud greetings!

They were shocked by my walking in with Kay shortly after AND Sunny's intro of me as her aunt. I said a few things to them all then I sat with Sunny and her transgendered girlfriend whose eyes were like saucers!

Jilly was doing Okay! School things all had settled down, this year she was just she. The boy who tried to bully her last year was being nice and had apologized to her. They were friends again. So all good. Jilly got up to bring him over. Keith's hand shook a bit in mine, I smiled and squeezed his and to make him feel comfortable. He sat with us.

I caught a look to Sunny from Jilly, a grin from my niece, poking her friend's arm, "Go on."

Jilly, a smile, "I think it was you saying you were transgendered on TV which made a difference. My mom thinks so! Keith..." she squeezed his hand, "... he came over to say sorry. When we came to do the enroll thing the front office folks were all so nice and smiley! Not that they'd been mean but more like they were unsure of how to deal with me and now it wasn't such an effort... I don't know."

I was smiling, "Well if I helped then it served its purpose."

"After I saw you on Fox I found the youtube video of Lana Wachowski giving that speech you mentioned. She was terrific! Oh... will you meet Billy? He's a year younger. You should meet him."

"I will."

I sat and talked with all of the kids. Lots of questions about Fox News and being `famous.' One fellow asked who PJ and Tessa where. The kids were leaning in to be near when I explained that they were close to protect me... there had been reports of crazed zombie middle schoolers in Seattle so...

They laughed but the questioner was persistent, he wanted a proper answer. I took off my motorcycle jacket and slid up my left sleeve. The class could see the thin white scar going up to the white star. A girl looked at me, "Someone hurt you?"

I said yes over a year ago. She had a sad face. I hugged her, "I'm Okay but now PJ and Tessa are around so I'm safe."

The boy with the question did high fives with PJ and Tessa. Smiles!!

The Assistant Principal arranged for me to meet Billy. He was a nice, polite and would be a `blonde with freckles' heartbreaker when he grew up. I asked him if he doing Okay. He said mostly yes. The kids who he went to elementary school with mostly knew him but many others here and a lot of the older ones didn't. A couple of boys had been a bit mean about him being him. I asked if he was made a bit more visible would that be Okay and work for him.

Billy said yes. He wanted it to be known, nothing hidden. He wasn't afraid, he just wanted to be seen as Billy.

I had an idea about that!

Before the school assembly I asked if there was a way to mark where Billy was sitting when I was speaking to the school. The Assistant Principal would do it for me whenever I needed it.

Sunny said she'd sit with her friends. Up on the stage with the Principal and a school board representative. No press because this wasn't meant to be anything like that. I was intro'd. There was a nice applause.

I took the wireless microphone off its cradle, I said it was nice to see them all. I moved around on the stage edge with a thought back to the last time I'd been on a stage with a mic.

I said my husband and I were getting used to being in Seattle. Not enough time yet, we're working on it. We had connections here, I motioned to Kay, "My sister Kay and her family live here, you all know Sunny..."

She was funny, she stood and took a bow... everybody laughed and clapped.

I said we owned a home on Magnolia and a few other things. We liked the welcoming attitude and the generosity of spirit in the people.

"I am a transgendered woman, one of many who are contributing to the bettering of America by living our lives out in the open so all can see. We believe people will value us when they know us."

The Assistant Principal had pointed out Billy. I kept talking as I walked down the steps and over to him. I put out my hand and his face had the most endearing smile, heartbreaker for sure.

"I met Billy today. He is living his life now as he needs to... so I hope you all will help him."

I put the mic under my arm and applauded Billy. He teared up as his classmates gave him a huge applause and many cheers. The girl beside him grabbed his hand.

I went near where Sunny and Jilly were sitting, I intro'd her, I asked Jilly to stand, her smile was a monster. Everyone applauded and she did a little curtsey laughing.

I walked around for the last few minutes telling them to appreciate the differences we all have, learn and grow from all they are exposed to every day. Everyone had something to contribute and we needed to accept those offerings with grace and happiness.

I got a big cheer and applause. Kay took my hand, I got and hug and kiss! Maryanne hugged me and intro'd a slender blonde woman who had just arrived, Thora, Billy's mom. She had missed it all.

I got Jilly and Billy together afterwards with their mom's. The girl classmate hadn't let go of Billy's hand which was very cute. I had Gil give them her email and telephone number.

"If I can help you somehow get in touch."

Hugs for them. Sunny was going to stay until the school day was done. Kay kissed her.

The Principal was all smiles, thanking me for what I said. I told her that I might want to return when we were back. I was welcome anytime!!

I stopped Thora on the way out, "Are you Okay with your boss?"

"He was upset that I wanted an hour off when it wasn't an emergency `just some assembly'."

I smiled, "How far is it to your office?"

Six blocks. I looked at everyone they all grinned `no problem' and I could see PJ's special look. He knew I was going to be a bit naughty! He was in!

We did fist bumps!

It wasn't all that far and a fairly level walk east across part of Queen Anne Hill. Thora went in ahead of us then PJ, Kay, Gil and me. Tessa had the rear. Thora's boss at a front desk looking PO'd when she entered. Thora went towards her desk and then came back... I was still behind the others... PJ moved aside as Thora came up to the front... the man was about to say something when I stepped forward and Thora... about to do an intro stopped... a noise in her boss' throat... sort of choking!

I guess he watches the news because he KNEW who I was...

"Sorry to take Thora away but it was for a good cause. I wanted to thank you."

I extended my hand... `Gobsmacked' was created for such a moment!

A bit of trouble getting it out but he said it was all Okay.

"I'm glad. We won't stay so as not to disturb your work."

I waved goodbye and we left. All very decorous until we were out of sight then FIST BUMPS and PUMPS all around.

PJ laughing, "Fay, priceless!"

Kay had my arm, squeezing, "Well I would guess Thora will be treated a bit better from now on."

"I hope so but it's strange that anyone should have to need a jolt to be nice."

Gil gave me a mock `punch' on the arm, "Fay, come back down to earth. Things like that will never change."

"I guess I'll have to keep trying one human at a time!"

We headed back to Kay's with a stop at a bakery! Lots of sweet things! Kay made coffee!!! We sat in the big kitchen booth talking about all sorts in between bites. The election results would start to come in from the East in about three or four hours.

Back at the house Francis and Tara had just returned from riding. Happy!

No news from Cho but was hardly to be wondered at.

I did some calls and emails. One call was to Bill. His forces were ready! A few hours until the polls closed on the Atlantic Seaboard states.

Eric had replied to my email about the traffic test here. I was going over to Metro to see about the video device testing first thing in the morning. It had been spectacular to date. Helmut very jazzed as was his management at MAN! Karl from Metro would meet me at the bus barn. Then I'd meet with Antoine in Ballard.

Jaidee and I on the lawn... tennis ball time! He whizzed around, jumping, running and rolling around. Cho's car came in and I sent Jaidee to him. Cho captured the little man on the edge of the driveway. Hugs and kisses for me too!

Cho took a sip of the coffee I'd made for him smiling over the rim of the cup.

"We had fun playing in the wet. It rained a bit unfortunately the course hadn't drained very well from yesterday. Standing water and slow greens. I did well enough."

I gave him an elbow... "Okay, don't hurt me!"

Laughing he said shot a 68. Ken had an 80, he'd some bad luck with a couple of locations where his ball ended up on really soft ground giving him two double bogeys. Cho didn't go into detail about his round except he still hadn't a bogey himself for a long time.

I cuddled up in the booth with him. We liked it! It was we asked for and the workmanship was excellent. Comfy and solid! Martha said the company was a woman owned cabinetry business in Ballard. They had worked hard and had it completed quickly.

I said to save their company info for other things. Thumbs up!

We had a quiet `family' dinner. We talked about tomorrow. Cho and Francis were going to Boeing Field to spend some time at both the companies then helicopter down to Emerald Downs Racetrack for a visit. Francis and Kavat arranged a landing spot in a parking area south of the track away from the barns. We were still thinking about a trip for Glaa there but it would have to be next year for sure.

My visits with Karl and Antoine and a stop at the Ballard Nautical Yard to see Jud were scheduled. Jud wasn't moving the `Fay' as we wouldn't be here long enough.

The rain returned along with some very blustery winds, above thirty miles an hour. The temperature dived too. We lit a fire in the Office where the TV was to watch the election returns. I powered it up and sent it to Fox News. The whole Eastern Seaboard results were in. Hillary way ahead. Trump had managed to take Georgia and South Carolina only barely all the rest had gone to Hillary.

Exit polling for the next tier of states had Hillary with a wide margin in most all. Ohio, Michigan Wisconsin, Illinois, even Indiana all went to Hillary. It was looking like a landslide for her. In the House of Representatives and Senate races republicans were falling all over the map. At this rate the Democrats would control both houses of the Congress.

Coffee, Amaretto and Cho's arm around me made for a nice way to watch the results. Trump lost Missouri, Minnesota and Iowa, he was ahead in Texas by two percentage points with much of Dallas, Austin and Houston to count. Then a surge of votes from the rest middle west showed Hillary winning several states republicans must have counted on.

Less than an half hour to go for the west coast polls to close. Colorado, New Mexico all for Clinton. The shock of Texas going for Hillary ended the suspense. Hillary was elected the first woman President of the United States of America.

I sent her an email right away. Gil's iPhone going off as I pushed send... she was waving frantically, pointing and mouthing... `Hillary'. I took the phone, Hillary thanked us for all we had done.

"I realize you are business people but the Fox takeover was more than that I know. America and I are in your debt. Thanks so much."

My congratulations included her likely supportive Congress.

"Fay, that's also on my list of things I can partially put down to you two. I will use it to make this country strong and healthy!"

I sent hugs and kisses. I sat next to Cho and started to cry. He enfolded me in those strong arms.

"I know we did the impossible and made some big changes happen. It's all because of your thoughts at Christmas time."

Francis tugged out his handkerchief... so I had another man to get Ellie to make a gift for.

We watched Washington State go nearly eighty five percent to Hillary, her tail was long here... there were only Democrats in the Congress now from this state. Oregon too. California's red Congressional districts were turned blue with a eighty six percent state-wide steamroller win for Clinton. The west coast was solid blue top to bottom. The Washington State legislature now with an overwhelming Democratic majority. In California the Democrats had a super-majority in both houses of their state legislature. Big changes coming in both states!

Seattle went 94 percent to Hillary, Detroit over 96, New York City crushed the weasel from Queens. Favored son my ass!

Over four hundred and eighty Electoral College votes at this point, a crushing defeat for republicans. A chance to move America forward on so many fronts. Healthcare, financial inequality, LBGTQ and Women's rights, the opportunity to have race relations become a topic we would no longer hide from but finally move bigotry to the distant far edges of life.

Cho kissed me, "Let's call New York. Have the PR law firm put out a statement from us congratulating Hillary and Tim and all the successful candidates for Congressional office and the many local positions and the many people across America who fought for their candidates."

We did it right away. It was late but the lawyers were prepared to get it done and publicize it. We saw it on Fox News after we sent it to them! Megan and Roberta Chesney read it in full live on the air as part of the election coverage.

Gil said the Washington Post carried on their front webpage also other major news sites. Not the New York Times... no surprise there.

I wiggled my butt in Cho's lap those arms encircled me to squeeze. I leaned back to his ear, "What's next?"

I got a squeeze and a look, "Well, what do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking of Dad. His problems in the southern provinces seem only to be getting worse. He says the government isn't acting to address any of the Moslems grievances."

"It is complicated with Thailand having such a fractured polity combined with the unrest in the south, there doesn't appear to be any willingness to tackle the Moslems issues. I think we should talk to some people about it though."

"If we... well, if you were to take the temperature of the men in the government. How flexible can or will they be? And I... using Fox News try to dig out what might the Moslem umbrella group MARA Patani's positions of all the issues. Autonomy versus separation, cultural affairs, etc...??"

The arms around me were tight, I pushed on, "Do you have any contacts in the Moslem community?"

"We have to go VERY slow on this. There is a hundred years of ill will involved, many deaths on each side, a lot of scar tissue built up around the wounds."

A kiss on my forehead, "To answer you... Yes, I do know a fair number of businessmen which could be a way in since while they are Moslem and believe in the cause... they want commerce to continue undisturbed."

Another kiss, "If we get started on this it might gobble up a good deal of time if our efforts are to have any effect. Do not imagine money will solve this."

I slid around so my slender arms wound themselves about my man. "I understand what you say and I know it's not six months of buying stock in a company. It seems to me that a new King could be a rallying point. The Moslems had a monarchy before Thailand took over those provinces, right?"

Cho nodded, "Okay. We do some quiet looking and digging."

"First, if we are to use Fox News... we should try to make contact with some of your businessmen so anyone going there might have local resources."

Agreement. Cho would make some calls as I would to Kent.

Once in bed I fell asleep quickly even with the huge news, Cho's warmth always did it for me.

Jaidee romping on the grass in a bit of weak sunshine. He was nearly full grown now, handsome, athletic and smart. What a terrific guy! We played some before our breakfasts. Breakfast was his favorite crunchies served by me and mine courtesy of Martha was a steaming hot cheddar cheese and veggie bacon omelet! English muffins, mine had honey, Cho's groaning with a load of blackberry preserves from Martha's niece in Suquamish A mug of coffee and my man beside me.

Gil grinning over the table holding up the New York Times front page... they reluctantly agreed with the huge number of Americans that Hillary would be the next President. The Seattle Times got it right... massive headlines screaming out Hillary's win. Adding the state legislative changes which could mean so much!

Cho got a big kiss on the driveway as he headed out for Boeing Field. He had Francis with him and Rande and Ro. Tara, Tessa and Gil with me today. PJ and Ansara were going downtown on their day off.

Chess was ready, Guy too. Tessa on Artis. We went out to the lower park area slowly letting Tessa get acclimated. A turn south through the trees, I kept an eye on Tessa but she was fine. We came out across the road from the parade ground and I told Tessa what we would do. She should follow but at her pace.

I asked Chess... he responded as always...Zoom! Tara was able to stay close as Guy clearly was ready to run hard. Down... back and down the ground before going up the slope to the level area near the chapel. Another day for going down to the beach with Tessa.

Tessa was smiling, "Fay, that was wonderful!"

Her gloved hand stroking Artis' neck, "He's a lovely boy!"

I gave his nose a caress, "He is indeed! I first rode him at Saratoga last year."

Andy had me meet two new horses, Beltrane and Fury. We'd bought them in Kentucky and shipped them out. They came from Roundell and Sasha. Retired racers who'd been re-trained as riding horses.

Sasha said they were good runners with really pleasant dispositions.

He also had a fellow who was new named Dean. Dean had worked at Emerald Downs for several years, Andy met him on a trip there last month. He was in his late twenties, nice looking and Andy said he knew horses.

I shook his hand in between his saddling Fury and Beltrane. He did the job quickly and expertly! He gave me a knee up on Beltrane, Tara on Fury. We walked out to the lower park for an easy trot. These boys had been here less than twenty hours so we just stretched their legs. Beltrane moved easily, relaxed, so I asked for a bit more... he accelerated smoothly. Tara followed my lead, Fury kept up with us with no problem. We trotted around some before heading back.

Andy would get them walked a good bit later to loosen them up more.

I was saying goodbye to Andy with a hug and fist bump when there was a sort of noise from Dean...

He exclaimed, "Damn, you're that Fay Martin!"

I had to laugh out loud, "Yes! And for everyone's sake I hope to be the only one."

Andy's head was shaking, "Dean, my man, you'd better get used to it."

Dean was blushing, a nice thing in a young man, "I'm sorry... I don't mean to be a loud groupie sounding guy."

"No need to be sorry... wait until you see Andy with a hot scone!"

That broke Andy up, laughing, "An inside joke but I think you'll probably get it eventually."

Dean seemed like a nice fellow, Andy said in the office that he might be the one to take over here but the management side was only lightly tested. He'd work on that so he'd work on that some before his trip home for Christmas!

Waves! We three walked home. Tessa was looking questions so I prompted her.

"Andy worked at Harcourt House as the number two in the stables. He agreed to come here to set up these stables for us and stay a year or two. He wants to be home for Christmas so he has to work on the staff so he doesn't fret while away."

A quick shower and hair fix and we were off to Metro. Black G-Star jeans, black t-shirt and a blue and black checked flannel shirt over all. Black ankle boots and silver jewellery. The black pea coat and gloves.

Karl was at the bus barn, we shook hands. Two fellows took us through several buses and then their basic procedures with the video server. They loved our software! They could call up any video using the bus equipment number, scan through by date or hour or route number. Our algorithm worked so fast decoding the file!

I'd worked on a time for a call with Helmut in Germany, it was early evening there. I put us on speaker. The consensus was Metro would do a full roll-out and require our device to be factory installed for all future vehicles from MAN. Helmut said he and his boss would go to London in two days to work with Eric on licensing and get a look at Reg's latest variants. Cheers!

Karl was happy, his boss was definitely `IN!' There would be a server expansion and software upgrade, new 4G connections and they'd add staff which we and MAN would train.

Karl's handshake was tight, his pleasure in our work and this deal obvious!

Antoine met us on Market Street at Twentieth Avenue NW in downtown of the Ballard neighborhood. We sat in small park to look at the Traffic App on his iPad. We could see how the traffic flow breathed in and out normally then how the bridge closure affected it and the way our control of the signals helped it come back to normal.

Since our system actually counted the cars and did adjustments on the fly special events or traffic levels because of accidents, etc... were taken into account, the signal timing was changed accordingly. Seattle Department of Transportation liked us!

The map overlay worked perfectly, the colours excellent and it was simple to use the modelling feature to game what if's. Ni's team and Douglas' folks had done a fabulous job on this. Big thanks sent along to both groups!

Antoine and I with our teams moved along Market Street then across to Starbucks. I bought for us all. I had a nice Venté Almond latte in hand. I checked my iPhone for the account balance, it was $453.25. Okay, I didn't remember putting that much on it. Gil said she'd added some money at the beginning of September when we went to Saratoga for the big weekend.

"Anyone want cake?"

Laughter but no takers. I bought a strawberry scone!

We sat around a table, Antoine's number two Corrine showed me things on the App with some data from the city on the other bridges we were negotiating with the city about taking over. We had their ear with our success with the Ballard Bridge so the deal was essentially done.

Corrine was one of the hires from my trip with Andrea, she was a local girl, a University of Washington graduate. She and Antoine would get help from Rang and Zack. Rang from my Bangkok Mafia and Zack another northwesterner from Portland, hired at same time as Corrine.

I called Jonathan at the Seattle Department of Transportation, he said we'd have the paperwork by Monday afternoon with the official go-ahead. Great!

I asked if he still was interested after he sent his CV? He wasn't sure but he was considering it. I said call Antoine and talk, he would. I let Antoine know that and the deal for the other two bridges was done. Fist bumps! He'd be on to Reg about equipment!!

On the way to the ship yard the sun broke through, I dragged out my round red sunglasses. I let the sun hit my face in the parking area. It felt good for a few minutes!

We went into the lobby I wanted to see Jud. The woman at the front desk looked up... BINGO!!

Even with my glasses she knew and buzzed Jud's office. He came out for a hug and we wandered to the back. A slow walk through the yard as Jud gave me an update on everything especially on his two juniors taking more management roles.

"Here's a small example, Pelle dealt with a personnel issue yesterday. We do mandatory drug tests on our own, not for anyone else but because of the machinery we must use. All the staff me included do the test. One fellow tested positive for marijuana which is legal here. Pelle did an interview to find out when he used it to see if it could affect him here. His test was done on a Monday morning so... his level was up. The fellow smokes sometimes on the weekend never during the workweek. So we're good."

Jud smiled, "Pelle learned a bit about subtlety when talking in a formal setting."

Rodney and Pelle were exchanging tasks that only Jud had done before. Fist Bumps!

Tricia was great! Their daughters were doing very well, the English teacher was nearly done with her PHD dissertation, then she would have to defend her work and do some testing. Then decide if she wanted to change jobs! The aerospace engineer would graduate with her Master's in the spring. She'd had meetings with Boeing recruiters and NASA. She was aces in joining metal and non-metal parts and stresses on the materials. Okay.

We went up Ballard Avenue back towards Market Street to an Indian restaurant. They had a very nice buffet that we thoroughly foraged! A delightful dal soup, aloo gobi, biryani rice, two vegetable dishes, a smashing spinach paneer and naan! Loads of choices and if you ate meat even more! Chai!

Stuffed we wandered a bit looking at the shops. We crossed Market Street to see the Buffalo Exchange. Used clothes! It was very well done. I just looked around casually, Tessa had a good go through the tops, she said she was looking for some older things... sort of retro...

A sales woman said to try Redlight Clothes up on Capitol Hill, they had lots of nice things. On Broadway. She put that in memory for another trip.

I told her I'd take her back to Boardwalk Vintage when were next in Los Angeles. Gil gave that a thumbs up! They'd look for some vintage shops in Greenwich Village.

We walked back towards the east to meet a group of Seattle LBGTQ folks at Caffè Umbria. I did a detour into a shop across the street... we had a bit of time.

Tides and Pines looked interesting! Shoes! I went straight there. I tried on what caught my attention in their window, the Sutro `Young' half boot. A nice fit, turned up broad toe with a wide heel, lace-up in a warm light brown called Chedron. They had them in grey too. Okay!! Four pair of each... a shock for the sales woman!

I asked if they could ship... Yes, Gil provided the addresses in New York, Los Angeles and Harcourt House. One for here. I added two Flynn Skye Clara tops, black with white polka dots, short sleeved cut above the waist.

That was me for now. They would send one top to Bangkok, one to Los Angeles and the shoes. I had one pair of each in hand as we re-crossed 22nd Avenue.

In Caffè Umbria we met the LGBTQ group reps and got a big table, Gil arranged all the coffees. We had four groups represented. They didn't know very much about the Chanthira Foundation except what Gil had sent them which wasn't surprising.

I didn't need to intro myself but they were stunned I would appear at the meeting! Staggered for real! And wondering about our relationship to the Foundation. Once past that we talked about their programs and goals.

We wanted to know more, Gil was keeping notes as each person was able to speak about their group.

I talked money for them and health clinics. They had wide eyes as I described what we meant in a full-service clinic. There were looks exchanged. I had their attention for sure!

Time for questions. Several asked about what our involvement would be after they took our money and huge relieved faces when I said we wouldn't be involved in running anything. It was a common reaction which I put down to insecurity about their independence. They would have to allow us to audit how they spent the money each year but that was all. We might be able to do some fund-raising assistance for them but short-term we'd be more focused on the health clinics.

When we decided to setup a health clinic it would be ours... possibly sited near or adjacent to one of their locations but our operation top to bottom. I gave them our basics about paying for care, yes we'd like money but we weren't going to squeeze or judge.

All of which did amaze them over and above sitting in a Seattle coffee shop with me and my team. I asked if they knew why we were supporting LGBTQ groups here, New York and Los Angeles?

Only two knew I was transgendered, the other two had no idea... I did say Cho and I had gone on Fox News to do an interview about it several months back so I was definitely out in the open. I gave them a brief bio on us. Then Gil wrapped it up with a request to have their bank info sent to her so we could make the donations quickly and contact info on anyone else they wanted in the loop.

I let them know that there was Ku who would be heading our American clinic efforts. She would be based in New York but out and about to see everyone soon. I emphasized Ku's relationship to Cho and I was she was a `sister' to us having our full trust. I could see they got it.

One woman did stay to tell me about an existing clinic that was very successful. They treated all comers and was independent. The Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center. She said it had an unusual start nearly fifty years ago... the now defunct Black Panther Party created it but it had grown well beyond them in a few years.

I said we'd look into it and thanked her for the information. I passed it on to Gil for action.

One more thing to do today... The `Great West and Seattle' Train Store was here in Ballard two blocks south on Ballard Avenue. We scoped the shops and restaurants as we strolled south. Interesting things, a return trip was necessary!

The train store was great! Good stock! I was looking for more buildings for downtown, I set Gil to work on it. I headed to the HO figures section. I found railroad workers, construction folks, shoppers and kids. Strollers and bikes! I chose a dozen different sets.

Gil found a department store different from the one she'd built, a modern office tower, an interesting apartment house, a California style bungalow court, a movie theatre and a really fabulous small hotel! Yes! Terrific finds!!!

The owner was pleased to see us! He had a nice sale! We got his small catalog and the website address was on it. He would ship to Bangkok. Tessa had called the car so Gil and I got it all in the boot!

Home! It has been a full day! Cho would have news!

Big hug on the drive! Cho and Francis grinning they had a good day too! We had Newcastles' on the living room terrace, the sun was out but it wasn't warming us. I had a Mac over my shoulders. Ro and Tara had Jaidee romping! Another tennis ball looking pretty sad.

Cho was very pleased with his visits at Boeing Field. Amarha was doing it!! She had morale high in both companies. Our pilots were transitioning to the new aircraft rapidly. There were only a few flights in the old Robinson's. None after this week was the plan. Good!

We were donating the old helicopters to a non-profit vocational training school, they'd be taken apart and put back together but not flown! All but two were sitting without main rotors waiting for a truck to pick them up.

The team from Don Mueang were training local staff to maintain the 767's and the Gulfstreams. We had a full suite of tools and equipment to do it. Another pair from Bangkok would be over soon to relieve the current team.

There was a Gulfstream on the way to take Sunny back to Harcourt House.

Both Cassidy and Matthew were doing great! Amarha said they both were like good Army First-Sergeants, getting the paper pushed and in proper form! She didn't have to worry about that side of the business. Cassidy still got to do some tech stuff too.

The helicopter folks had a continuous supply of coffee with a pair of DeLonghi machines, all they needed was a cup and adjust the machine to the strength desired. There had been some cheering when the old machines had been junked!

The trip to Emerald Downs had been interesting. On the way the sun had appeared bathing Mount Rainier, lighting up the snow covered mountain. Cho had a few snaps, very beautiful!

The race track was in good condition although not a surface Cho liked, the facilities, barns, storage, walking areas, etc... also good but it wasn't ready to support a G2 race much less a G1. The grandstand was fine for a regional race meeting.

So the decision was not to move any horses to Emerald Downs. We talked about it. Some horses would go to races in Arkansas at Oaklawn Park, The Fair Grounds in New Orleans, Gulfstream Park in Florida in the late winter early spring. Then others would follow the same trail in Southern California that was good for Glaa and SakChai. Others to the northeast to run at Aqueduct and the Belmont, maybe in Maryland and Monmouth. The Triple Crown races for the three year olds and the Saratoga Season in the east especially for two year olds.

Then everyone would be back at Santa Anita before the Breeders' Cup races at Del Mar next year.

Dinner from Martha! Dungeness crab cakes! Love those. Baked veggie casserole with Asiago, Romano, Parmesan on top! A very flavourful dark bread with honey butter. Ice cream at the end!!!

In the dark above the sandy terrace, Cho's arm around me, Jaidee against my leg, we looked at the water in the dim light. Flashes of brightness from the restless surface! All good with us.

The sun was peeking through again in the morning. It was looking to stay for a while. Cho was going off with Ken to play a different course, Rainier Country Club in south Seattle. Pam would come over later she had a charity meeting thing and a doctor's visit this morning.

Tara and Tessa were ready to ride, Tai called as we walked. There was nothing going on in Bangkok about us. Good.

In New York there were rumors via photographers who worked at Fox News and Sports that a few paparazzi wanted to find out where we stayed. Okay, we would have to deal with that. She'd passed it on to Petra and Sumate already.

In England, the Sun newspaper was still under a `no contact' order but the others knew about Harcourt House. The Thames Valley Police were running patrols through Nuneham Courtenay more often just being visible. Carter kept the village leaders in touch with things going on at the House.

I thanked Tai, "So you like being our `advance' person?"

She did, "I like to read and play on the internet. I go to magazine racks in shops and bookstores to browse. There's a route I take now to visit stores. Around the World' Gem Spa' Universal News' Gramercy Corner' BJ Magazines' and Casa Magazines' in Manhattan. I walk and ride the subway, get a load and call Terrance for a pick up. It's fun!"

She was giggling, "I've gotten the used ones collected for women's shelters. A lady comes to my office in the Fox Tower every few days. I got help with Bangkok database connections and login from Kora so I can keep it up to date."

Cheers from me! "Keep going. How's the arm?"

It was good, healing fine, she'd have a small scar on both sides of her bicep. I asked about her `physical therapy' with Megan. There was a cute giggle, "She is helping a lot!"

We laughed.

Andy grinning as I rang off. All things fine here. Sunny had ridden Guy yesterday afternoon.

"Guy was pleased to see her. He was nickering and nudging her! Sunny loved it!"

I held out my paper bag... Andy peeked in... Huge smile, a strawberry scone. Dean came up with two saddled horses. Andy showed him the bag, a smile.

"Sorry it's not warmed up."

Andy laughed, "I'll do that part."

Fist bumps!

We were more adventurous today with Tessa. Down the road to the beach!

Tessa's smile was huge, "Fay, this is so fine!"

The wide vista at water level lit by the sun breaking out. Tessa sitting on Artis taking it in. I was stroking Beltane's neck then urging him down the sand in a gallop. The others followed me when I made a turn at the beach end sign and roared back back to the lighthouse.

"So how's Fury?"

Tara's smile said it all, "He's good. Strong and responds well."

We trotted up the road, no trucks today. Across the parade ground to the ridge top by the chapel. Tessa had a few places pointed out that I knew.

Up the Puget Sound to our right there was a large ship sailing south. Gray, raked bow, moving smooth and quiet. Gun turret on the foredeck, huge electronics arrays on top of the superstructure! As it came closer we could see rocket launchers amidships! All the other marine traffic looked tiny by comparison. It looked very dangerous as it made its way towards us! Heading to Bremerton Navy Yard.

Interesting to see these Navy ships every now and then. They were so different from all the other water traffic.

We turned for the stables. A hard ride to the trees then a trot. Dean took Beltrane from me. Andy called from the office, "Only the best!"

I laughed and waved to him. We walked home talking about horses and ships. Tessa had friend serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush based in Norfolk. "We went to college together, she's a weapons officer. I got a tour. It's huge, over five thousand folks onboard."

Her friend was moving up in rank and was generally pleased with the Navy. Unmarried which means she gets lots of attention from the male side.

"A bit too much sometimes but she's tough!"

Martha declared lunch whenever Pam arrived. Gil said she had a text, "About thirty minutes."

So we sat to do some work, emails and more. Carter's email about his Christmas plans made a warm spot inside me. We were going to have fun!

Gil was working on a Phuket get-together repeat but after our recent `incident' we'd have more Security staff! Thet was on that.

We were leaving tonight! I wanted to hold the Twins! Seeing them on the iPad was good... I shouldn't complain we'd be with them almost continually for over two months. The odd short trip away for us but they'd be in New York with us and then Christmas!!!!!!!

Pam! Hug and kiss! She was looking very HOT! Softly in my ear, "I'm pregnant!"

I didn't yell but squeezed some more. Pam wanted to talk so we went up to our bedroom.

"Fay... please... just for a minute?"

I wiggled out of my jeans and top, Pam's went dress over her head... naked we pressed tight to kiss. We lay horizontal... Ah Ha! Pam had a ring in her belly, a simple gold ring and a disk. I kissed her then read the words etched on it... she was carrying Ken's child! I licked and sucked on her... deep moans... "Fay turn around... let me..."

We made love to each other for a few minutes before decorum prevailed. In the bathroom a quick clean up and makeup restored. Pam borrowed a pale red lipstick. I straightened the bed clothes.

Dressed at the door, "I'm glad you wanted to do that."

I stroked her cheek, "Pam, I want more but I will be patient. Thanks for the taste and your tongue."

We went down for lunch holding hands.

Martha a wonderful vegetable soup AND grated cheeses to put on!! Smoked salmon on toast triangles with dill sour cream! A fruit salad! The three of us grinning afterwards.

I prompted Gil to give Pam and me the who's what's and when's on Phuket! She had good news! EVERYBODY wanted to come! The Crew, Andrea, Lori and Shira, Daphne and Sara! Eileen and Sue! Poor Jian's cockette would get a work out again as the solo `member' as the crew were ALL changed! Pam was in, Ken would play golf with Cho.

Malee was in with Eric in Cho's golf crowd. Reg too so I needed to talk to Rona. I wondered about adding Megan and Tai. Gil said she be on to them.

Pam smiling, "Ken thinks it's rather risqué and hot for me! Since I told him about us we've much more sensual with each other. Oh well... " patting her tummy, "... obviously!"

We laughed! Hugs!

I got Pam to excuse me for a short meeting with Nicholas, our Seattle Security team leader. An overview, he had a full staff, the temporary folks all returned to previous duty. All locations were completely covered by a full suite of our electronics. They all had photo-electrics arrays feeding batteries so in a power failure communications would be maintained.

He would begin taking on trainees for North and South America in the next years recruitment cycle. The apartment building we bought on Lower Queen Anne was terrific. Our staffers filled nearly two thirds, the rest would be for transient folks like the trainees.

We had several couples with young children and he had set up a small daycare in a large basement room. The woman running it is married to one of ours and is a former first grade teacher. Other staff with pre-school kids could drop theirs there also. An after school program in a room next door had six kids right now who got a place to be safe, do their homework and get some fun time.

"Fay, providing housing in this over-heated rental market means we have much better quality people throughout the staff. I think it's a real killer idea."

Fist bumps! I planted the idea we may offer our Security coverage to some of our friends as we had in Los Angeles so more staff. Nicholas was good with that! Grins!

I said we would ask the Queen Anne lawyers to scout another nearby building.

We talked about other bits and pieces then I walked him to his car. Big thank you!

Pam with me on the drive to welcome home the golfers. Cho's text had been a restrained few fireworks explosions!

We both got big kisses! Ken hugged me, "She tell you?"

Laughing, in his ear, "She showed me!"

Big squeeze!

"Well we had a helleva day! I was two under and Cho ten!! We enjoyed it! The other members flocked around to offer congratulations and drinks!"

We parked in the living room with various drinks. Cho grinning, "It's a nice course, narrow fairways, not very long and a lot of short par four's which I gobble up!"

Cho making motions like eating something with both hands. Pacman style!

"I was four under at the turn, two birdies and an eagle. Almost a double eagle on number seven, it is short par five where I easily cleared a cart track which the caddy said was three hundred and ten yards. Then a five iron bounced on the fringe edge, rolled toward the pin which was centered. Wacked the pole and stopped two feet away. Easy putt."

Ken laughed, "Cho was making it look easy. I like the course because it rewards my game. I keep the ball in play, Cho does too but he gets more yardage. He nearly got a hole-in-one of the back the nine on thirteen. It rolled past the flag by a few inches to stop three feet above the hole."

A sip of Newcastle and Cho finished up. "I had a three more of birdies then on the eighteenth I used a two wood from the tee, I had to dial back from the driver on a few holes. Well it was plenty of club because it was also nearly a hole-in-one. My tee shot hit right in front of the green, first bounce it was on. Then two hops it struck the flag pole in the back third of the green. Out of gas it caromed four feet to the right. I had a sidehill putt but I dropped it for an eagle."

Cho pointing to Ken, "He's not saying much but he was very smooth today. Making great shots all day."

Ken sort of bowed while sitting, we clapped. Cho said the course was beautiful, well drained from the rain and handsome to look at with the big fir trees all around. A good test

Martha gave us the high sign and we trooped in for dinner. Grilled ahi tuna with wasabi aioli, big baked russet potatoes with all the fixings, grilled green beans with pine nuts, sweet yellow corn muffins!! A Beaujolais that was delightful!

Brownies for dessert! They were like cake, rich, deep brown, full of nuts!! Espresso and Amaretto for me also!

During the afters I got more of Ken's story and how he knew Cho. Banking! Ken's family business was avionics starting in the late nineteen twenties. As airlines boomed so did their company, add in government contracts for the U.S. Navy and Army Air Corps. It had become quite large in his grandfather's day. Towards middle of the nineteen thirties his father had joined the business right from college and he got the company to stop selling equipment to Lufthansa, the German national airline and testing ground for the later Luftwaffe. The Nazis were too dirty his father would say.

When the war started they were positioned to expand quickly. Orders from the RAF quadrupled and the U.S. forces ramped up too. By war's end they had thirty locations making devices including some in England under license. The economic trough in the post war period wasn't so bad as they re-tooled for commercial equipment like TV's and telephone switch boards for business and more.

"When my dad married mom they transferred the family from Southern California to Seattle. Near Boeing... Yes, Boeing was a huge client but mom was from here. She was a Ballard/Blue Ridge girl."

"I came into the business after UCLA, we had momentum, the Cold War and the rise in computers kept us going. We started an investment bank to seed electronics startups. This was before Silicon Valley wasn't anything other than mainframe and minicomputer companies. No micro-computers! No Apple!" He laughed.

Cho smiling gave him another splash of Remy Martin. `Lubrication.' Ken laughed at that too! Pam reminded him about a family thing tomorrow, no big head. Ken nodded.

"Well to shorten this we..." a motion to my guy... "we got into a deal together. Excellent profits. We liked the way we worked, thinking a lot the same and so kept in touch. We probably done a dozen deals over the years... right?"

Cho said he thought eleven `but who's counting.'

They found out they shared another interest... golf. Ken's dad and grandfather too. He's kept the membership in several Los Angeles clubs from his grandfather and father. The Bel-Air Country Club and the Los Angeles Country Club. His grandfather joined very early on so it is quite an old connection.

The family house in Beverly Hills was handed to Ken when he married and ran the local Los Angeles based business divisions. He gave it to his son when he married about a fifteen years ago and Ken moved entirely to Seattle. He and Pam now just have a condo at the water's edge on Northwest Passage in Marina Del Rey and a boat moored beside it.

They go down there a few times each year to see the son and daughter-in-law and grandkids, Ken plays golf with old buddies and Pam shops and visits her friends. They go to Hawaii for weeks each winter and anything time they want some space.

Cho smiling, "You are about two miles from our Venice home. We have to get you over for a Dolores feast!"

Hugs and kisses at the door. Umbrella time. No running around on the grass tonight for Jaidee. Ro and Tara got him going in the long hallway. He was grinning with a mouthful of tennis ball when he came into the living room!

Martha would miss us but she had plenty to do with the house every day. She was making lunches for some Security staff and the stable folks and doing some baking. She fed Nicholas at least once a week when he came by. I shooed her to bed it was nearly two in the morning. Packed and ready to go. Smiles as we loaded up.

At Boeing Field the 767 crew were warmed up. We went straight to takeoff as nothing much was happening at that time of night. A fast taxi and turn on 31L roaring down the tarmac. Up and a shallow turn to port the Big Arc over the Pacific. Fourteen hours!

Time for bed with no alarum set. Cho rolled me flat on my tummy, he straddled my tush and began a heavenly back rub!! Oh Shit! This is great! Strong hands and fingers working all my muscles. I was zoned out!

It ended with his weight on me a soft cock in my ass crack, nestled. We lay like that for a while, I offered the same for him. Oh Yes!

I rested my sex in the small of his back rubbing softly as my hands did their work. Cho was so muscled without the ugly bulginess of a weight lifter. I had to work hard but I was rewarded with many thanks and some really wonderful kissing. We snuggled face to face.

Cho grinned, lifting his head he peered over the bed clothes... "Jaidee!"

A soft woof, "Come!"

He bounded onto the bed Cho eased him down between us, he got a massage on both sides at once. We got low moans and a lolling tongue. We moved to sleep, Jaidee went to his bed. I was pulled against my man, warm body on my back. Sleep!

We got up when we felt we'd slept enough, daybreak was slightly ahead of us. I was in jeans and a long sleeved jumper, the air-conditioning giving me a chill. Warm slippers and a cup of coffee!

Tan and Lis were up and working on breakfast for us. Omelets, toast, veggie sausage and fruit. With a full tummy I looked at the news.

Hillary was putting together her cabinet, all good names so far, well qualified. Any President would be glad to have these appointees working for America.

With sixty six Democratic Senators all her choices would get in. The House of Representatives was now three hundred and twenty five Democrats at last count with a few close elections still going. Hillary had the firepower in Congress to make changes, any changes she thought would make America the great place it should be.

Time for universal healthcare, gun control, equal rights that really are equal, fair housing, immigration reform that didn't hurt anyone, make education really educate instead of holding some kids back and so much more!

Mira's voice on the tannoy, `we had an hour.' Not much worrying over baggage... more time to play with Jaidee! He was a terrific traveler! We did a tug-o-war with his big rope thing. He won!

Buckled in as we turned to land on 03L. We were off the runway and a short taxi to our hangars. A bright white Agusta AW139 with the hibiscus on the tail boom was turning over. Up the steps, Jaidee in two bounds was in. Lifting up, a turn to port towards the river then the sinuous path to our dock. As we aimed for landing I could see the Twins on the terrace with Tha and Ba. Cho grinning at me.

I gave Gil Jaidee's lead so Cho and I could rush to the babies. Charlie with a funny tongue-filled grin, little hands reaching out. I pressed my cheek to his, warm and soft! Cho had Chani against his face, her small arms around his head... well... she was trying.

Under the shade of the umbrella I talked to my son and daughter, side by side.

Cho smiling, "Keren was right...you're a natural!"

I laughed out loud... Charlie laughed and waved his arms. We were all laughing!

Cho scooped up his son for a hug! I had Chani up on her feet with my support on my legs. She was in a cute pink dress with a white bunny on the front and a matching pink wide brim hat, white edging.

We all took a walk in the garden. Knor came over to see the babies. He had a wide smile, he told us he had a new grandbaby! Congrats to his daughter, so he had a granddaughter and now a grandson.

"Please give our best wishes to your daughter."

Knor's happy face told the story.

Tha and Ba had the Twins in strollers they were going to go touring around. We kissed them goodbye, waving.

I was at the espresso machine, beans grinding... iPhone went off with the SiFi tone... After her election night call to Gil I gave my number to Hillary. I gave her the SiFi ringtone.

"Hillary... I've been reading good things about your cabinet... Cho would be the better choice since he personally knows many of the financial folk... Yes we do support an economic research group... They have but we have not spoken to them... their contributions were solicited and they were paid... through our London office... We are hands-off on that initiative at the moment... By all means... let me pass you on to Cho..."

Cho grinning took my iPhone, "Hillary, please remember I am not an American citizen... I would be but there is a residency requirement which is an issue since are on the move a lot... No I am glad to give you several names of colleagues and friends who are very knowledgeable and are people of high integrity... You have Fay's email so just substitute my name for her's... On our end it's encrypted... I've got it... I will do it right away... Oh yes... hang on..."

I got the iPhone back, "Yes we will be in New York in a week for a few days before going to England for nearly two months... Our big Christmas time... Family, friends and colleagues... Pretty much a continuous good time... Lots of new babies this year... Would you and Bill find the time to join us...? We'd be glad to have you stay... Well the visitor lists rise and fall but around the actual Christmas day it's family.... My adoptive father is the head of the Thai Security Police akin to the FBI or MI-5... A former Justice Minister in the Royal government will also be with us... possibly the current Justice Minister... at some point almost all the members of the 21st Century Fox Board of Directors will be there... Well we are flexible... Just give me a call... Same from us..."

Cho was laughing, "See what you got us into... I've been asked to recommend some people to be considered for several of the business and economic Cabinet level posts."

I wrapped my arms around this wonderful fellow, "That can't be so tough. Do you think she's interested in economists or bankers? The best economists aren't government participatory in that way."

"Well that would be up to them but I need to talk to each before sending any names to Hillary."

Kiss! Coffee! Which is putting the sugar first!

Cho went off to start on that task taking Francis along. It was nearly ten in the evening on the U.S. east coast. I took Gil with me to the train layout. Time to be construction workers.

There was a box waiting next to the new things we bought in Seattle. The railroad engineers hats! Big and boxy, striped material, dark blue and grey with high crown and wide bill. Yes! They fit well... we did high fives!

I setup a goods train, lots of box cars, oil tank cars and a sweet little red caboose all behind a dual diesel engines! I set it in motion it would run the parameter track while we built buildings. We pulled out an assortment from the Seattle train shop, I started on an apartment house, eight stories with a pool and deck. Gil went for a ten story office building that had spaces for `cute shoppes' around the street level.

The Twins could sit up now for short periods so Tha brought them into the Play Room to the highchairs. Up close to the train table I made the engines whistle, wail and shoot smoke from an old steam engine type model I added to the track, the industrial smokestacks puffed clouds of smoke! Charlie especially loved it. After his Dad's heart!

Chani was quieter but watched things go by. I had her in my arms when Daddy came in. Cho was behind Charlie watching with him. Charlie's little arms waving and `Ta Ta Ta...' came tumbling out with a chubby arm pointing.

Cho looking over at me with a huge grin! He happily took his daughter for a spin around the table. It was terrific that they could see so much better now and make noises trying to verbalize.

They were learning so many things about their new world. Charlie still didn't understand why the nice soft blue block didn't come back automatically when he tossed it. Chani was more into bashing her pink block on her chair these days.

Tha had done a spectacular job so far. They were good sleepers all through the night and went down easy for their morning and afternoon naps. Tha always had them in their beds before they were asleep so they'd get the point of the bed.

Tha was ready to travel with us. Ba and her daughter would make the trip to Harcourt House also. During the holiday she would begin to wean the Twins from her milk.

Later I sat in the office to talk with Eric. We did a catch-up and overview of where The Company was. We had so many projects going on all over the globe I suggested were re-align the world once more. Give Alex the Western Hemisphere, Michael would keep Europe and Africa, all of Asia and the Pacific Ocean areas would go to a third regional head also a Deputy MD. Who? I let the conversation go over possible folks before bringing up my choice. Jasmin!

Eric was laughing, "Okay! You sand-bagged me didn't you?"

I fessed up, "She has all the technical knowledge although none of it applied for the Company but she has shown she can manage and lead. She has done very well fitting into The Railroad's culture. And if you want to know how I felt about her ask Andrea, she'll remember."

"I liked her and I'm behind it if you have that much faith in her."

"Well, I haven't said a thing to her so I will have that talk tomorrow."

Eric passed me on to Andrea, "Hey Momma! How's things with you guys?"

Caroline was awesome! She was trying crawling now getting on with being mobile on her own! Ting was great, really loving teaching in London. Jian was enjoying being a `mom' with Caroline.

"I've some candidates to interview for the accounting manager position."

She settled on a day, Angela would do the arrangements with the interviewees and prepare the office. Arthur would join in as the position would report to him.

Andrea got a laugh about Eric walking in to ask her about Jasmin while I was still on the line. We had a laugh the three of us about Jasmin getting some management training from The Railroad.

It was late but I called Jasmin anyway. She was going to be in her office tomorrow... I'd be by for a talk. Jasmin went quiet on the other end then "Fay, you're building up to something aren't you?"

"You betcha, Honey!"

She laughed, "Okay, I'll be ready!"

Cho squeezing me in bed later, "You do think for the long haul and don't ever BS me about that again!"

Tough talk from the guy whose penis was in my hand! I giggled at that thought and Cho laughed out loud when I said it. I was thoroughly, comprehensively kissed. All my bits top to bottom and I returned the favor.

Lying inverted we began an in depth exploration of each other's primary sex organs! Damn, Cho always tasted so good! When I got his cock wet enough I started to EXPOSE the cockhead!! So hot to my tongue! I went to sucking that critter!

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Up and down combo by my mouth and hand had Cho rigid. This was fun but my concentration sometimes slipped as his tongue and fingers did incredible things to me. I kept at sucking... Cho's lips sucking my clit were causing quite a stir inside me aaaaaaa aaaaaaa aaaaaa aaaaaa SHIT! Cho had me over the edge of my first orgasm! I was quivering... Cho was not letting up... AH HA the heat blasted its way up my torso again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My face felt like it would explode from the warmth.

The cock in my charge was ready to do anything so my suggestion that Cho put it to use inside was well received!!!!! I had his face in my hands... pulled to my mouth as the stiff prick slid in! A kiss with my legs up in the air I sucked his tongue feeling each stroke...

A wicked grin, "Fay, I'm doing it right aren't I?"

No shit Sherlock might have come out but I wasn't able to speak. I did register the double contraction for later!

I marveled at Cho's ability to sustain our coupling. He had power and control... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Plenty of control!! On and on he went... My pussy welcomed the thrusts, the burn of pleasure!!!

I had Cho's shoulders under my hands urging him on... Those hips were on automatic, one stroke after another but the various rotations gave an added jolt! Cho smiling at my reaction, "Miss Martin, are we enjoying?"

Oh Shit YES! Was my response as third orgasm sent flames through me. I had tears... I looked up at Cho... his face... mixed love, lust and happiness... "I'm close..."

"Oh Cho cum... CUM in me..." I pressed my hands on his chest plucking his rigid nipples... that brought the smile to a peak and the short shoves of completion started... even on the edge of total pleasure Cho's body was under control... his pelvis kept doing its thing... until his release which was powerful.

His last stroke burned in me... I wrapped him up with arms and legs... kissing his neck with his face on my shoulder! He stayed taut for a few minutes... unwilling to stop then finally Cho relaxed onto my belly... He was quiet... breathing calmed... He propped himself up on an elbow to look into my eyes. I caressed his face... So much delight!

We kissed for a while then we were on our sides face to face gently touching... I didn't want to let go!

A cute grin, "You caught my double contraction didn't you?"

I laughed, "You bet! I stored it away."

A sweet kiss, "Good I don't want it lost."

Giggling, "Man they're coming fast! I guess I need to get you laid more often!"

I was given a anytime, anywhere' response to which I said you're on!'

I washed his cock with my mouth... Good work if you can get it! He volunteered for the water run!

I gave me a quick clean and lots of kisses for Jaidee. Our snuggle bunny in his bed... thump... thump... thump!

We sat up against the headboard holding each other, little caresses, sharing the water. We were quiet I had one hand in mine gently massaging it. It was warm and muscled and beautiful. Cho's body was so gorgeous... all of it. His feet so shapely, legs... the classic `V' torso. He had such power in him!

Oh well, I guess I loved being his girl and having it all for me!!

He laughed at my saying it, "Good! It is yours!"

We slipped down to sleep... it was so easy.

I was wiping my face with a towel in the sun, Cho still doing laps. He'd started after me. Gil jumped in as Cho stopped... when she came up from her dive they did high fives before I got to rub him with a towel. A kiss and he waved running in to get started on washing and dressing.

Gil swam, I got more coffee. Amporn's smile so bright. There was a plate of patongos with cream sauce in a bowl and another of salapaos! I was set!!

Cho got a sticky kiss as he departed for a meeting. He licked his lips and waved. Gil got some of the Amporn treats and we got dressed. A white pleated miniskirt hanging on my hips. Navy blue sleeveless top and navy espadrilles. Navy bag, gold jewelry, I put on the `Joy' and the blue round mirrored lensed sunglasses.

Tu with a big smile, "It is nice to see you back, Miss."

I squeezed his hand, "It won't be for long but it is good."

PJ and Tessa with me and Gil up the front steps at the Railroad. The security guys opened the door for us. I kept on going PJ laughing about my running the stairs.

Tessa kidded me, "Fay, you look good doing it."

We were all laughing, Gil pretending to be winded at the top.

Jasmin was in and ready to talk.

I told her The Company was re-aligning the world! And I wanted her to move over to take one third of the globe as a regional head and as a Company Deputy Managing Director.

Her face was total shock, "Fay... "

I smiled, "First you don't have to answer immediately, second, what do want to know about the job and last do you want to know what it pays?"

The head was shaking with the astonished look still there.

"Okay, you don't have to move because Bangkok is more or less in the middle. It covers all of Asia, southeast... southwest, the Pacific Ocean area. Lots of fresh territories like China and Indonesia and Turkey. Also I have a deal brewing in Tehran..."

Those dark eyes snapped up to mine, I was smiling and nodding.

"Fay, the money and that part I'm not worried about. I know it will be good but am I ready?"

I empathically said YES. I told her about my little aside with Andrea when she moved to The Railroad. That brought a smile.

"You've been thinking about this? Like a plan?"

I grinned, "Yes."

"See... I'm not in that league."

"But Jasmin, I wasn't either until I was `asked' then I found out I could. Now it's full speed ahead!"

We both laughed!

"You really want me to do this don't you?"

"Absolutely. You'll be good at it and it'll be good for you. So it's a win-win thing!"

She looked me, "What do I need to know that I don't have any idea about asking?"

"Well... you'll be traveling a lot, meeting many kinds of folks, dealing with issues that will be both familiar and new. You'll have to be creative AND up to date with The Company's products and equipment. You will definitely have to sit down with Reg in London for the hardware and Douglas and Jared for software. Andrea for a look at our staff capabilities."

I did smile ruefully, "We have to do something for Udorn and Kavnu. I need to get someone for them since I'm taking you."

"Ah but you brought me too."

"Yes... I doubt they'll want to recognize that part."

I stopped... Jasmin looked up... a slow developing smile... "You've already thought of someone haven't you?"

I laughed and nodded, "I'm going to keep it close for right now until I can talk with her. If she's interested I'll tell you and get her to call."

I turned to whisper in Gil's ear, a grin, "Okay Boss!"

That got her a mock arm punch! I received back a mock `OW!'

"Jasmin, do you know where the BIG guys are?"

"I'm pretty sure Kavnu is down the hall, I don't know about Udorn."

I went out... In Kavnu's office my news got me a long face but that I had a replacement in mind AND that she was a local, terrific, and knowledgeable made him feel better.

Udorn was coming back in fifteen minutes according to Kamol who was back at work. She'd buzz me in Jasmin's office.

"I am wonderful! We are dilating as per Fay..." A cute little grin! Hugs and kisses.

Her marriage right after New Year's in Los Angeles was being mostly prepared by Sarge's family. They'd have a small Buddhist ceremony here first.

Gil had the info. I made the call... It was just after lunch in Japan. Kei was very interested.

"Fay, I like Jasmin, I'm happy for her. I understood her issue with taking the Railroad position but since the two companies are so close and we have mobility I won't feel like I'm boxed in."

I knew she was the right one, smart! Kei was in if they wanted her.

"Can Kenneth spare you to come to Bangkok and talk with Udorn and Kavnu?"

"I'm sure he can."

"Get on a plane either tonight or early tomorrow."

She would. Done!

Udorn was looking at me as I told him what I had been up to, "Fay, we train them for you?"

He was laughing, a big hug!

"Well, Kei has roots here, family but she's young and very smart... so she'll work right in!"

Kavnu joined us, he was happy that there'd be no time between people and Kei was a local girl.

He nudged Udorn, "Remember Fay is our boss!"

They laughed and I joined in.

"Once again you make things happen like..."

Udorn snapped his fingers. I gave him a kiss to share with the new mother Ubon and Mali Fay.

Kavnu and I walked back towards Jasmin's office.

"Fay, Ni is tremendous! Back at work but taking it easy."

He smiled, "We are doing her expansion together... it is very much fun!"

I gave him a hug and waved to Li. "I miss being in the same office with Kamol but we are close."

"Good. You and Tarek will like being near the beach when you go over for Kamol's wedding. Dolores is very nice and a great cook! She'll introduce you California Mexican food!"

Li was grinning!

At Jasmin's door, she looked from her MacBook.

"You did it?"

"Done! Kei will be here tomorrow to talk with the big guys..."

I did a thumb over my shoulder.

"Kei! She's nice, I like her. Damn girl, you really do work fast."

"You'll develop it too. There a several projects which I will keep a hand in but I hope not to annoy you."

"Fay, it is possible to annoy me but you are NOT a candidate. I have a lot to learn so watching you will be school time."

We did fist bumps!

"I'll call Andrea in a few hours then you'll need to talk to her too. Eric is totally onboard. You should plan for time in London. In fact you should come out to Harcourt House again this time for Christmas! We do go a bit overboard but it's terrific. I'll get you on a horse."

More fist bumps. I told her to come for dinner unless she had plans... No, she'd be there! Gil messaged Amporn, her response was in English... `No problem!'

We were both laughing! Kiet helping her English expanding into colloquialisms! Yea!

I asked Gil send on to Jasmin the Iranian proposal and all the info, plans, etc... I used to create it. Done!

"Something for you to get started on."

Jasmin smiling. Fist bumps.

Cho and Francis had arrived at the Railroad so we all went to lunch at the little French place Phailin and Kanda took me to. It was small but the food was good! It was some place new for Cho, my French foodie. I said it was the reason for buying the Quai de Bethune house.

Cho leaned over for a kiss and agreed. I had `NO problem!'

After lunch we split up, Gil and I visited Ni and Lawan. They were happy! That was an understatement! They were back to work, no issues with the post-surgery things and dilating away with their men! We all laughed about it!

Lawan had worked on Pride and Prejudice while recovering, it had been checked by others including Prasert and me. We all approved! So she had more than three quarters finalized. We were considering releasing the first half at Christmas time. It was going to be free to anyone who wanted to download it and when the full version was ready for printing we wouldn't charge any school that wanted copies.

I asked Ni to make an Apple Store app for the Jane Austen novels. She would do it, put in all the Jane Austen's novels in several languages and wait for Thai translations. Not a rush job.

We were smiling at each other sitting in her office chairs, she got up to sit in my lap. Hugs and a kiss.

"Fay, you have remade me! I will love you forever!"

We both had wet eyes after that! I managed to get a Cho-Fay handkerchief out of my bag for us. I gently patted her damp cheeks.

"You're my sister!"

I left it at that.

"I met Kavnu's ex-wife when we picked up the boys for two days last week. She was very nice to me. I had been worried about it. Kavnu thought we should meet for the boy's sake. She and I sat to talk, I was praised for being able to play footie with them. She wasn't athletic. We are not to be buddies but it will be Okay between us."

I hugged her some more, "Who wouldn't love you!"

We laughed. At her door we kissed again her eyes bright! I gathered Gil and PJ and Tessa to go home.

Bikini time! A small black one on me in the sun with the Twins. They were fresh from their afternoon nap. Played some in the sun and sat in the shade for some reading time. A sweet story book about animals living together in a barnyard with a very caring farm family.

Amporn had some snacks for us before dinner. We nibbled the Twins slurped. I had Charlie, Cho doing Chani. It was terrific holding them, they were participating. The chubby hands on their bottles. When he was done Charlie did a burp and giggle, loud giggles. Patting his hands together and waving his arms. He was having fun!

Cho grabbed his iPhone, one of the folks he was talking to for Hillary was calling. Tha and I moved the Twins to their double pram for a garden tour. Tha smiling as she went off.

I was in the kitchen taking in the wonderful aromas that would be our dinner when my iPhone went ooooooeeeeaaaaAAAAoooooeeeeaaaaAAAA" Hillary. It was early back there! When we were in New York would there be time to talk with the Vice President? I asked when he'd be available... Hillary said Tell me when it would work for you.' No Shit!

We set a day and time after I checked with Gil. Biden didn't say what he wanted to talk about when he asked her help for getting a meeting. Okay we wait.

Cho had passed along to Hillary's Cabinet search team leader the names he thought might be valuable after they agreed to his doing it.

He shrugged those strong shoulders, "We will see. I doubt they will want to be `in' government but I mentioned they might be right for the Council of Economic Advisors."

It was just the four of us for dinner, Jian was in London being Mom! Tomorrow we'd have a gathering, the Crew, Family and many others. Still being low key. Respect!

In the morning a crowd went over to the Northside Stables. Francis took Tessa and Tara, I urged Gil to go. I was going to the Foundation office then to the warehouse. A stop at Mongkut! PJ and Penny with Ken. Penny was going to to join the Personal Protection Team along with Ken.

Penny had been with Eve and Ku for a time before the Twins were born and recently helped Will and his family. Penny a long term employee of our Security. Ken was sort of new... Well he'd been in our Security for nine almost ten months and in personal protection elsewhere for a few years. He was American and ex-Secret Service and ex-Green Beret.

Rak2 was in my arms on the Foundation office terrace, my old stomping grounds. We were under that huge umbrella, he was nodding in a short time so I passed him to Anong to put down.

I borrowed the space for a talk with my protectors. I knew PJ would give them a good going over of the rules and our particular quirks but I wanted to have my say too.

Penny and Ken listened closely, I could see concentration on their faces. I let them know they were appreciated and not to do anything but protect us. AND if there was something I was doing that made their job harder please tell me or PJ.

I knew some about Penny, she started in the uniformed division of Security before moving over the protection division a bit more than two years ago. Her family was all in Bangkok so she'd get to see them often.

I got Ken to give some background rather than me reading it. He was from Virginia, no accent at all, his family was from the middle peninsula between the York and Rappahannock rivers. King William County, King and Queen County and the coastal towns. They'd been sharecroppers, farmers and fishermen after the Civil War set them free.

He'd joined the U.S. Army, he was good at it, going to the Ranger School and then to the Green Berets. He'd seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, many deep penetration missions. He spoke and wrote Arabic, several dialects also French and a bit of German. He'd done an undercover mission pretending to be a African Moslem terrorist which ended in a big terror cell being rounded up! A friend recruited him into the Secret Service, doing counterfeiters first then protection.

Ken had been with us long enough to have met all our current Protection Team so he wasn't a newbie to them. PJ said Ken had a good sense of humor even he got most of the jokes. I laughed at that.

I left them out there to visit with Anong a bit. She was doing great! Rak2 was a good nurser and Rak loved to give him a bottle and rock! She said it was so sweet to see them like that. Their nurse was gold! Our diaper gift was greatly prized!

I also had an easy errand to do... I picked up the MacBook from the credenza. The curved shape made it memorable.

We were going, Ken saw the laptop in my hand as I carried it down. Eyebrows raised? I said I'd give him the lowdown later.

Kei called, she'd been in to see Udorn and Kavnu. They made her an offer and she was IN! Her parents were thrilled but... "They think I might live at home but that's not on! I need a place of my own!"

I laughed, "Email Gil and she'll put you on to our Bangkok property guy. Maybe he'll have something you like."

A big Yes!

I invited our Team to the pool. It would be a welcome for Ken and Penny and a further way to introduce me.

Behind my round blue reflective sunglasses I could see Ken's reaction to the tiny white bikini with gold strings I wandered out wearing. I got to see Ken's muscled dark torso and legs in a yellow speedo. Penny's little pink bikini didn't do her any harm!

Amporn provided snacks and Kiet drinks. I reiterated my take on their role and how Cho and I would always take that into consideration. PJ had a few things to cover before I got around to the MacBook.

I told the story as a first person narrative of the breakup of a criminal gang after my friends and I were kidnapped. Saul had tried to kill me before with surrogates before getting personal. I was in front of Ken and Penny with an extended left arm as I described Saul's attack and its ending.

Ken grinned at the kick to the balls! I asked him about it.

"Fay, it's hard to get men to use that in a fight it's much easier to train a woman to go there. It's the shared realization of the pain which of course ought to encourage you to disable your opponent."

Fist bump!

PJ smiling, I knew he advocated the `kick to the nuts' as a tactic. Cho certainly did as he showed doing it to the black clad killer in our house shortly after we all were freed from captivity. I pointed that out to everyone!

So now the MacBook was on a shelf in our office here! A spot of distinction!

So we talked, ate and swam a bit doing some blending and re-enforcing some bonds. PJ working in tips and tricks during our relaxation.

Cho got out of the car to my charging across the lawn into his arms. BIG kiss and hug! He was laughing! We walked up to the terrace where got to be re-intro'd to Penny and meet Ken.

We had a short trip to make. We both dressed in black since the late King's mourning period wasn't over.

The Wat Chana Songkhram Ratchawora Mahawihan temple had a small chapel where Kamol and Sarge were to be married. Tarek and Li where outside waiting.

We entered and stood at the rear. Kamol was escorted in by her father after Sarge came in from a side door with another U.S. Marine in his dress blue uniform who was to be his best man. Li was Kamol's `best.' The four knelt in two rows in front of the altar as the monks filed in. The monastery abbot was an uncle to Kamol and performed the rites himself.

It was almost all in Päli with the final blessing in Thai. I understood the prayers... they asked the couple to be noble in their dealings with all of god's creatures, to honour each other and their families and wished them a long and happy life together.

I helped Li to pass forward to Kamol the white boxes of offerings to the monks. It was a quiet dignified service. Kamol's face could only be described as angelic... their kiss magnificent.

We got to meet Kamol's parents afterwards. The abbot uncle came around from the back of the chapel to greet us all. Kamol's father beside me took my hand, "Miss..." he had some trouble going on, "... thank you for helping Kamol. She has been changed through your wonderful gestures. Now she is happy."

He raised my hand to his lips, a soft kiss. I hugged him saying she is a sister now. He intro'd me to his wife and his brother the abbot. I said the prayers were ideal for them. I was sure they would be happy.

He looked at me as did Kamol's father. I said in Päli to the abbot I had learned some of the language because of the prayers at my wedding had been inspiring. A smile spread across his face.

"You are a language scholar?"

I said `sort of,' I had a facility with languages from my parents.

Cho and I gave the happy couple our best wishes. They were off for a few days to a family beach house then in a month or so to Los Angeles for the wedding there. We were providing a plane for their travel with Tarek and Li.

Tonight was a picnic at ours! Cho was off the hook on cooking as others were doing it all. Amporn made some of the food and the rest from the Kiet's restaurant. It was to be an outdoor pool party kind of thing but as we were now low key. Swimsuits, shorts were the dress of the day.

I was down by the drive welcoming folks. Kanda in nice black shorts with a bikini underneath with Thoi in shorts too A new pair she had purchased for him. We had a giggle over those quite nice legs. Thoi doing a few poses!

Dad and Phailin following the Thoi's lead were likewise attired. I had Phailin on one side and Kanda on the other heading to the bar. The men talking with Cho. I got the ladies drinks and aimed them towards the food.

Back as welcome person I got to hug each of the Crew and their men! Terrific! Reyna looked smashing in short shorts with a bikini under I was informed, I pointed to the pool! Thet smiling, he got his cheeks kissed.

"I heard you had a confab with your Team, you are consistent!"

"Ah... you have good sources."

We laughed and hugged, I gave Thet a turn to aim him towards Cho.

The petite stunner Lawan in my arms smiling up at me, "Friend, good to see you here."

We kissed! I gave her `big lug' a hug and cheek kiss. While I had their hands Kavnu and Ni arrived. The four circled me, Kavnu was the spokesman.

"Fay, we... his hand making a motion to include them all, "... We want to be married together with... " Reyna and Thet had come up behind me, her hand on my shoulder, ... "in a Buddhist ceremony with you and Cho standing up for all of us."

I looked at my friends and I reached up to put a hand on Reyna's, "When?"

I could feel her fingers tighten. Kavnu smiling, his face had a special smile. I was kissed a lot. They said in the new year they didn't have a fixed date.

"How about if the `where' is at the Forest Palace? We load you all up and do it in the garden like we did?"

Cheers from all! Boy was I kissed for that idea! Cho had come down to us. He held my face in his hands... smile... kiss!

Us girls huddled... They would look to do it after our Phuket trip so they'd all have open calendars for honeymoons! I waved to Gil, she would send Alia's contact info to them so she could set it all up like ours.

I needed to call Jian and Ting. Did they want to do a Buddhist ceremony? They could join in and Ting's parents were only up the road in Korat. Jian answered, she was holding Caroline.

She and Ting jumped at the offer. I motioned to Gil, she was asked to send Alia's info to Jian so they could get involved with the planning.

The Crew were thrilled that Jian and Ting would be there too. I saw Ni's face, a tear rolled down her left cheek. I pulled her close to wipe it away.

"Dear one, it will be such a happy day!"

Ni squeezed me, "You have made it so!"

A lot more squeezing!

Cho had welcomed Udorn and Ubon, Mali Fay came with them. I walked with Ubon to the nursery, Tha smiling as she took in the little lady. Holding Ubon's hand as we headed back to the party. She looked fabulous.

I said so. Huge grin, "I am getting my figure back! We are doing so fine. Mali Fay is a good baby... most of the time but she can yell."

I laughed, a kiss for her. She got a lassi and food, I went back towards the drive.

I barely got there when Anong holding Rak2 had emerged from the car helped by Rak. Hugs and I got to hold Rak2 on the walk to the nursery. The little guy joined the others who were asleep.

Outside Rak's grin was huge, "Fay, he's so cute! I say that even though he's my son!"

Laughing as Cho joined us, "Well, Rak, my friend you need to look in at ours... talk about cute!"

Anong holding my hand as we all laughed out loud! There was plenty of `cute' to go around!

Amedee and her husband! I wanted to talk with her! Cho and Thoi took the Justice Minister off. I got a Newcastle, Amedee taste tested it and liked! So we had beer to walk on the lawn. We had to dodge Jaidee and Kavnu's boys playing with balls!

I asked her to come to Harcourt House at Christmas and go to Chawton with us. She smiled, she hadn't ever been so it would be quite the treat. I told her they now sold her book in the shop after I had mentioned it. The Director it turned out had her own copy and really liked it.

Amedee gave me a look, "Fay, you are a very unusual person. So sophisticated but approachable, outgoing and introspective. In the present day but prescient. One could think you are otherworldly."

I squeezed her hand, "It's probably simpler than that... All my personal facilities have been set free by my love for Cho! Everything I do comes from that."

We hugged, I said she was very perceptive. "We need to spend more time together."

She said they'd come to Harcourt House, her husband would agree. The way she said made me sure it would happen! He had some `meeting thing' in Vienna that she wasn't going to go to ... But now... she would check the dates.

We had a nice party, everyone was relaxed. Nothing loud or boisterous. Respect for the King!

Dad took my arm, "We will be at Harcourt House for Christmas. I may not be able to stay a full week but Phailin will. I overheard Our Justice Minister decide he and Amedee will come over."

Dad nudged me, "Amedee is quite discreet but wields the power in the family. She raised their boys very well. Both are smart and well educated and have excellent careers. She'll be a grandmother in a few years since both are married now."

On our walk back to the terrace we were ambushed by two attackers, Kavnu's boys. I captured one and Dad the other. Laughing I said their penalty was to get us all lassi's from Niran. Okay. They darted off.

"That was a cruel punishment!" We laughed, hugging!

We enjoyed the delivery, so did the boys!

We were well fed and taken care of by our folks and the caterers! We could say goodnight and goodbye all at once in several toasts, hugs and kisses. We'd next see them all at Harcourt House!

The Twins first big trip. Tha was ready, a cabin on the Cho-Fay 767 was prepared for her and the Twins. The nursery at Harcourt House had already been broken in by other young ones and was fully readied for our influx.

Two helicopters were needed this time! It was near mid-night as we lifted off. The tarmac at Dom Mueang brightly lit. We were on board and getting settled in short order. The Twins had barely awakened in the flight.

Tha had a plan to wake them and then get them back to sleep to keep to their sleep schedule. She was organized! Ba and Pinky had a cabin of their own. By the time this trip was over Ba will be weaning the Twins off her milk.

Kor texted us rather than make a tannoy announcement that we were taking off.

We took off due north and stayed on that heading to go over the pole to Newburgh.

I sat to work with Gil for a few hours before bed. We did email and I worked on reports from far and wide. French elections in the new year which promised to be messy, the Brexit rubbish going on because the Tories had no balls at all, and in America a new President who knew what she needed to accomplish and also knew how to do it. That promised stability and a good business climate.

We had a project possibility in Canada, our first. I would go with Alex to Banff in the new year to take a look and talk to Alberta provincial and Calgary city water folks. It was up near where Ringgold had gone fishing with his brother, I'd ask him about the place. His email about his mother had been very positive, she seemed to be up and around doing well.

Also in the new year I would go with Jasmin on a few stops. Indonesia, Malaysia were maybe's and a return to Iran for sure. I was going to go to Angola with Michael sometime after those first trips. Then two stops, one in L'Aquila in Italy and then Clermont-Ferrand in France.

I was planning to do these with the hope to have Cho and the Twins with me for a few trips to compensate.

Finally I called time on myself and went to join Cho in bed. Jaidee was awake, he got kisses and rubs. Cho's arm slipped around me... Aaaahhhh he was so warm! A soft neck kiss and a squeeze then sleep!

Sunrise over Quebec! Tom came down the passageway from the cockpit as I fired up the DeLonghi machine. We were less than an hour out from Newburgh nearing Montréal. Okay.

I took a coffee to Cho as part of my wake for him but he was smiling as I came in the door. I kissed him and went on to wake the others. Tha was quietly packing things a huge smile, "Fay, they are doing well. Sleeping sweeties."

We hugged. She came out for some tea before our landing. Cho and the others were up moving around. We all worked our way to seats. Cho got Jaidee in his. Cute!

We came pretty much straight in to land on runway16. We taxied off at the end and right over to our hangar. Two white Agusta AW139's were waiting. I had Charlie in his travel seat, Cho carrying Chani in her's. We loaded both helicopters.

In twenty minutes we crossed over the George Washington Bridge and made our approach to the Heliport. The Security folks disembarked first then us. Terrance had three cars waiting, he had a big smile as he got to meet the Twins.

Hugs and we piled in. Over on West 30th Street to Seventh Avenue and down to Bleecker Street and Minetta Street. Nina out front with Gary. Smiles of welcome and oooooooo's over the Twins who didn't appear fazed by all the new faces.

Roslyn at our lift door grinning. We put the carriers down so she could meet the kids. Charlie reaching out to grab her hand. Lots of grins and noises. Tha got setup in the nursery and we brought in the munchkins.

"Fay, they're gorgeous!"

I hugged Roslyn, thanking her.

"Oh breakfast is ten minutes...Okay?"

I said YES! Only an apple so far!

Roslyn delivered scrambled eggs with fine herbes, veggie sausage, rye toast and orange blossom honey or raspberry preserves!! Or one after the other! Coffee and a big glass of orange juice!!

The Twins had Ba with them and Pinky was eating with us.

Cho was ready to go he was picking up Sam and the senior partners of our PR law firm to go out to Winged Foot. The East Course today, Cho had only played it once.

Big hug and kiss for him. A loud good luck!

After an hour or so on email and a few calls Gil and I took Jaidee out again. Tara and Tessa with us as we turned east on Bleecker Street towards MaJa. Sadie came out of Sullivan Street waving. We hugged and crossed to MaJa. They knew we were coming and had agreed to be very quiet about my appointments. I was down under Gil's name.

Hug for Maggie and then Janice. She knew what I wanted! We started in washing and then sitting for the hair to be cut and styled. Their pedicure lady was doing me at the same time. My first real professional pedicure! Red nail polish!

Sadie was getting a good trim of her pixie cut. Gil, Tara and Tessa watching and keeping Jaidee company. Janice just cutting away.

We all made small talk, they were thrilled with Hillary's election. America had a chance now to really move forward!

Sadie's done, so Gil sat with Maggie for a trim too. Tara said she was good and Tessa was going up to a cousin's at 134th and Lenox Avenue tomorrow to get her short dreadlocks worked on. Jaidee lying there looking so wonderful no cut for him.

He'd had a bath before we left Bangkok his fur glossy and soft! Cutie pie!

Janice was finishing up. I stood up to look at me! Perfect just what I had envisioned. YEA!

Janice smiling knowing she'd pleased me!

Gil beside me, "Fay you look terrific! It's great for your face! Damn you have the neck for it!"

I turned around to face everyone... Big smiles! They really liked it. Me too!

Janice held up the book of photographs we used to work from so I and the others could compare. Mine was a bit longer than Louise Brooks' bob, down a little further on my neck but the shape was the same. The effect was the same!

YES!!! Walking back home felt great! I had a new look, what had been `Fay' for so long was gone now. Okay!

Time to go uptown. Red wool dress, mid-thigh and very soft body hugging, long sleeves, round collar. Black chain belt, black tights and heels. Cho's black onyx gifts all over me! The gold triple braided bracelet on my left. A black clutch bag. `Joy' A black wool jacket to my hips, big black buttons with an easy turn up collar, black leather gloves.

Looking at me in the dressing room mirror... I liked!

Down to the car, PJ and Tessa. In the lift Gil smiling, I gave her a `what's up' look.

"You look different... incredible actually."

PJ was grinning too, he did a fist bump with Gil.

Pell had the car ready and Nina came out to say goodbye and did a `double-take' when she saw me. A smile and thumbs up.

I leaned back in the seat feeling good. A lot of things going our way. A warning to self about complacency!

Which became prescient when my iPhone made a noise. Ni's stingray locator App had a hit. We were very near the Fox Tower. No reason to think this was an area the police might target so... maybe paparazzi?

I asked Pell to pull over for a moment. It showed on our other iPhones. PJ had the App on his. So did Gil.

It was a ISMI catcher/tracker model vulnerable to coded signals to shut down. I sent out the code for that for the first time... in a few seconds the signal from the stingray device disappeared... it didn't come back. Success. An email to Ni right away!

I asked everyone to be silent about this. Also to PJ to make sure it was on all our Team's iPhones. Thumbs up!

At Fox Tower we passed through the lobby to the lifts causing a minor stir. On the management floor Bill was at his door with a grin, "Welcome! Good to see you."

Hugs! Bill had my hand holding me at arm's length, "Damn Fay, that is terrific hair!"

He got another hug for that. I guess the day would have a few more reaction times! No need to take the piss Fay!

We sat for a few minutes going over some bits but we got so much info regularly there wasn't much to tell.

"Kent has a few things for you! His folks are having fun going after Trump still!"

I left my outer things in the office and went down to the news floor. Megan was at her desk `on camera' so I detoured to Kent's office.

He stood up and stopped... I laughed , "What? You look like something's changed!"

He waggled his finger, "Trying to do a fake on me. You look great! Okay... done."

We laughed. He motioned to the big chairs, "Fay, we have three stories building on Trump. We have a copy of the video made in the Moscow hotel... Yes the very one... Trump has the prostitutes pee on the bed, each other and finally on a picture of the Obama's."

I know my face showed disgust... "Oh yes, you can see it all very clearly. What's more Trump makes no acknowledgement of the camera as if he doesn't know he's being videoed. We know he's dense but to go an hotel in Moscow and NOT expect to be recorded... defies commonsense."

I asked how... Kent had a beautiful sly smile, "We conned a Russian intel agent by allowing him to think he conned us! One of ours who looks a lot like one of Trump's most trusted insiders, one who had done deals with the Russians before, play acted saying now that the election was over they wanted to secure the video so it would never come out.

He laughed, "It was bluff and double bluff. We said we'd pay in his preferred cryptocurrency part of a fee for the legitimate video, only an unedited copy which we told him we had the equipment to evaluate whether it was or not, then we'd pay the balance after we were satisfied. We built in a penalty if another copy surfaced knowing full well there wasn't a way it could possibly work but it sounded great. Like we were real serious. A real nice piece of hoodwinking the con man."

I was laughing now.

"Well we did pay a million dollars in his cryptocurrency but with the help of a coder we have a relationship with a bit of alteration was done to the transaction which if the Russian had caught would have ended the deal but we wouldn't have lost anything. The Russian's fave cryptocurrency turned out to be, funny enough, one of the least secure ones. The transaction was accepted with our special malicious code which bounced the money back to us leaving a temporary record looking like it was still there. We were pressing for a quick turnover. So the Russian checked to see its arrival then sent us the video. By the time he might have tried to move his `money' it wasn't there anymore."

Kent was rubbing his hands, laughing.

"He doesn't know Fox News was behind it. When we do use it we can frame it any way we like. We got it anonymously or we conned him or whatever."

"We did check the video, frame by frame, it is legit. There are no breaks, no edits, no add-ins, nothing. It runs for thirty one minutes. Now we have to create a mechanism to display it even though there are naked women urinating on a picture we really don't want to show. A lot of digital editing."

"We also need to show who paid for the women. If it was Trump as we suspect... The whole thing is bad enough with him being there but to tie him to it as a performance he paid for..."

I spoke one word, "Schiller."

Kent's smile broadened, "Yes!! He may be vulnerable to prosecution in New York for several crimes we have some knowledge of. I don't know if they are enough to pry him loose but we should try."

Fist bumps!

Kent said we had dirt on Trump impregnating a woman who worked for him then trying to cover it up. A story which also dated from when the rumored trysts with the porn actress took place. We didn't have anything solid on that... Yet!

So we would have Trump in the news a bit more. He won't be happy.

Down on the Fox Sports floor Douglas grinned, "We are sitting on stories about Mr. Cho's golfing exploits."

My raised eyebrows got him to go on.

"Well, we know the L.A. Times have several accounts of his ripping up courses there from some golf Pros and club staff. We have the Winged Foot people telling us about a `64' with a hole-in-one..."

I laughed , "All true! Cho's out there right now playing. He's on the East Course which he's hadn't played much with some friends."

Elinor came into my field of vision over Douglas' shoulder, she turned to come over.

"Douglas, you have to decide what to do. I won't warn you off but you might ask Cho."

I put out my hand to Elinor, a huge smile on her face, "Fay, the hair... it's terrific!"

We chatted for a few minutes before I moved on. I saw Frank.

"I'd bet you two didn't see the piece on Glaa racing next year."

I had to admit we knew about it but hadn't seen it.

"It is funny you guys own a TV network but don't watch much."

"We're just not TV people. I was brought up on books and being outdoors. Where I lived in Hampshire we did even have a TV in the house... I'm not sure we could have gotten a signal. Cho watched some but he's been almost completely off it since hanging with me."

"Well so you know I ran with your `hint' and spoke with Monaco. He said Glaa was supremely healthy and loved to race so he will be on the track all next year. I did point out that would dismay many owners. Monaco laughed and said it wouldn't be as bad as several of your runners in the Triple Crown series."

I did smile, "Frank, you've seen Hansa and SakChai race in person what do you think?"

"I think Monaco's right! Glaa will win a lot of races but the three year old circuit competitors may be looking at the back end of a lot of Harcourt Racing horses."

We both laughed at that! Fist bumps.

I leaned close to say one name Rando.' Frank looked quizzical I grinned and urged him to take a look. I said the classic Dark Horse. His face had a smile Okay!'

I wandered with PJ and Tessa. On the News floor again I got to see Tai when she came in! Hugs. Her `advance' reporting was good. New York would always be a challenge but there were more paparazzi in Los Angeles.

Tai got to visit with PJ and Tessa.

Time for lunch. Gil had called the 21 Club, they were ready. Pell dropped us out front and the photographers went a bit crazy. They couldn't get close enough, there was quite the scuffle! One tried to elbow Tessa out of the way but `slipped' with some subtle assistance from her.

Inside the manager commiserated but it was a public area so he could only have the door folks do so much. My `no problem' was gratefully accepted. We were escorted to what had become our usual tables, numbers ten and eleven.

Gil and I together, PJ with a looking around Tessa. She knew of the 21 Club but hadn't ever thought to be here. PJ told her to order whatever to eat, no problem.

I did a Campari and soda with a twist of lemon to start, the clam chowder followed by the grilled trout. All very nicely done! Espresso after was enough for me.

We split up some when lunch was over. Tessa got a car to Minetta Street to get an overnight bag, she was seeing family for two days. The rest of us had Pell take us back to the Fox Tower.

There was a paparazzi scrum out front. We entered through the main doors to establish our use of them.

I had a follow up meeting with the four LGBTQ groups we had connected with. Gil gave them a précis of our link ups with the groups in Los Angeles and Seattle. They had met Ku here ten days ago and were enthused about her and the healthcare clinics.

Knowing Ku as an out lesbian and someone I considered a sister gave her considerable cachet with them! I made it clear she would be speaking for Cho and I and would be empowered to act. They'd make suggestions on locations, Ku and Jian would evaluate them.

I explained Jian's role and she would over after the Holidays for a tour and meetings. I also added a brief bit about my relationship of love and trust with her. Nodding heads.

So we were good.

Home! Pell had gone to the Greenwich Village garage to swap cars. He had a Range Rover with dark tinted windows now on West 47th Street at the side exit. PJ out first to open the doors then we popped in and were off. Gary's Security staff had noted several of the Paps had motor scooters and might want to follow us. The Paps didn't even guess. They'd be watching more carefully after this so we'd be creative.

I wanted to walk with Jaidee! I needed time outside. A quick change to trackies and trainers with a baseball cap and we were heading to Washington Square Park. We wandered a bit then went into George's Dog Run. Jaidee waited for me to release him then took off. Speedy little guy! There was a German Shepard, quite handsome, who Jaidee romped with for a while. My boy came right to me when I called. Lead on and we headed back.

Cho's text said they were on the way home. Jaidee slurped some water and I got coffee and the lowdown on dinner. A mixed seafood grill! Mike and Cindy, Bennet and Daria were coming. Sam and Sadie too.

No dress up! Black leather slacks, snug all over, resting on my hips. Red long sleeve silk blouse, scoop neckline, cut to my waist. Black heels. Silver jewelry. `Joy'

Cho came in with Rande, subdued. Big hug and an unspoken question in my eyes. A cute smile, "It's Okay I had a decent day."

Still thinking...What? I saw Rande's face, he gave it away. I jumped on Cho who effortlessly caught me.

"Yes, it was terrific! I'm still in the groove!"

A pause... That handsome face... those dark eyes on me... The hair! Cho held me close for a kiss, soft in my ear, "Gorgeous!"

He went to change. Gil came up the lift with Daria and Ali. Francis was waiting to scoop up Ali... they were gone! Gil too! The others weren't bringing their PA's, Ali came just to link up with Francis. He called out `don't wait up Mom' as the three disappeared down the lift.

Daria holding my hand, shaking her head, "Those kids are good together!"

I certainly thought so. Daria had already agreed to come over to Harcourt House for some time at Christmas so Ali and Francis would have time next month too.

Cho emerged looking like a million bucks in black skinny jeans and lovely medium gray shirt with red specks.

Daria smiling, "I remember seeing this fellow..." a hug from Cho, "... at some party about ten years ago thinking why hasn't some young beauty latched onto him then it hit me he hadn't found the right one yet was all. It's obvious he has now!"

A strong arm around my waist, a kiss.

Cho was bartender, we got drinks and parked in the big living room. Daria liked my hair, "Has anyone actually said Louise Brooks out loud?"

"No, she's not very well known these days. Janice who did my hair knew the name when I brought her up and had a book of photos we used this morning."

"Well you look great! I had my hair like yours for a few years in my twenty's. So long ago!"

We both kidded Daria about that admission! Bennett arrived just before Mike and Cindy. Hugs and kisses. Cindy loved my hair!

"Fay, you have the face for it! I like the way the wings curl forward to hang against your cheeks!"

The Twins came out with Tha for a visit. It was fine to see Daria holding Chani, our little girl holding several fingers. Chani's green eyes staring into Daria's blue ones.

Mike with Charlie on his lap, tiny hands gripping the coat lapels. Mike grinning, "He has a good grip already!"

Cindy beside Mike had one hand of Charlie's hers with a smile.

The Twins got to meet everyone, they were fine with it! Grins and noises, they registered high on the cute scale! They stayed for a while before they had their dinner and we ours.

We had a fine meal from Roslyn! Scallops, prawns, halibut and ahi grilled with a really tasty lemon butter sauce. Spoon bread! Roslyn got the recipe from Flo in Upperville. I liked that all our cooks could talk and exchange info and get wine tips from Carter via our Apple Enterprise Network.

The spoon bread was fab! Roslyn got a huge hug from me after dinner!

We sat around with afters talking about how 21st Century Fox was doing! We all had made a lot of money on the rise in the stock prices. We had sold a big block of non-voting shares to our M***************** family member so he and his family were seeing gains too. He was taken care of, our promises kept!

The Nielsen figures were still rising, slower now but up nonetheless. Our social media accounts were very active, mostly very positive with the occasional nasty ones but that was expected. Reginé would come out to Harcourt House to meet everyone and do a short talk on the plans we had in motion.

The New York crowd would all come over to Harcourt House the week after Christmas to Join Pedro and Lori from Los Angeles, Ken and Pam from Seattle and our English pair, Mac and Hélène. Only William wasn't coming. He wasn't much on travel and he was having his family at his then. He had the kit for a computer tech to setup to join in via the Conference App and a TV.

Sam and Sadie with their twins would be over at the same time.

Hugs at the lift for everyone!

Cho holding me from behind as we peered at our joint nudity in the dressing room mirror. A smile, roaming fingers... aaaaaaaaaa nipples! I held his hands over them, "I'm going to have the rings removed so I can put other things there like my tummy."

A hand slid down to cover the silver ring in my belly button, "I am good with that! Somewhere new to buy jewelry for."

Cho nosed around in my hair, "I like this haircut very much."

My long drawn out `Soooooooooooooo' got a grin in the mirror and a butt squeeze. He knew what I was on about.

We sat in a chair in the dressing room naked me on top.

"I'm not going into too much detail. I shot a 64, eight under. I know I can do better, I was very close to adding four birdies. One hole on the front nine, number four, was quite an experience. It is a long par five about five hundred and fifty yards with a big dogleg to the right and water on the right. I hit a big drive close to the right rough and had a good lie. I chose to go for the green over the lake. I used a three wood and got it all. The green is in a small bowl shaped area, my ball landed on the down slope and bounced to ten feet from the hole. I got an eagle. I birdied seven and eight. On the back side, I almost eagled ten and the birdied the last three for eight under. I can see myself the way I'm playing really scoring low on that eighteen. Oh, I had Rollo as my caddie again. He's gotten used to me."

I had that beautiful head in my hands, huge kiss!

"So do I get your autograph?" I was batting my eye lashes!!!!

Cho cupped my left breast, "Yes right here... You can't wash it off!"

We hugged and laughed. I was lifted and toted to bed.

We were sitting in bed leaning together looking at the book in my lap. Wonderful black and white portraits of Hollywood stars of the Twenties and Thirties. Three stunning pics of Louise Brooks! Cho's arm squeezed me.

"You look sexier than her but I have to say Ms. Brooks is awesome!"

I loved a dress she was wearing in one snap. Black and white. Slender shoulder straps leading a deep scoop front and back, snug to the torso down to the hips then loose. Just below the knee length in the front and to top of the ankles in the back. A basic shift with a fine net overlay. Colour unknown but light.

I took a pic with my iPhone. We'll see.

In the morning I got Tara and Ansara to go walking with Jaidee and me! We headed west towards the Hudson River and the dog park. Jaidee got to romp around chasing one of his tennis balls. It was early so we had it to ourselves until Paula and Claudia arrived. Our pups did some butt surfing and decided all's well. So they played and rubbed.

Paula was doing well, out there buying women's clothes for Bloomindales. She liked my new hair style, "It's a great look! Sleek and sexy!"

We talked fashions for a bit before my crowd aimed for home. It was about eight blocks but an easy walk. Jaidee made the most of the snooping opportunities!

Cho was going to Fox Tower and then to a bank meeting. Francis was waiting downstairs. Cho was looking delicious in a black suit, white shirt and red and silver tie!! Big kiss and hug! No lipstick to worry about.

Gil and I worked in the office for an hour then cleaned up and dressed for some shopping and wandering!

There was a chill in the air so I had on tights under my Munro tartan pleated skirt that had a two inch wide leather waistband, a white cotton cut-off sleeveless t-shirt under a black flannel shirt with one button at the top done, ankle boots. The triple braided gold bracelet, a gold ring in my navel with a slender chain around my belly. Gold rings in my ears and a heavy twisted double strand gold necklace. `Joy' The black wool jacket with the big foldup collar and black leather gloves.

Gil asked about the tartan, she liked the red and black hatching squared by the thin white lines. I told her the tartan was Munro, my mother's family. I had family I hadn't seen since I was eight or so in Fortrose near Inverness. I had Satang make the skirt from fabric I'd ordered.

First stop was to be a bit of a surprise for Raphaela. I decided to see just what Mirabelle had in the way of clothes. Pell was our driver again, he knew his business! We got out in front of Mirabelle's Herald Square location.

In the showroom I asked for Raphaela. The sales woman wasn't sure but you could see there was some sort of recognition though not zeroed in. Raphaela came down the staircase, I was pointed out. She came up I was in front of my crowd, Gil, PJ and Tara. There was a hesitation then the spark...

"Fay Martin! I am amazed!"

I extended my hand she took it with her left hand still covering her mouth.

I laughed, "Well you invited me."

"Sorry, I guess I never thought you might just appear!"

"I want to look around if that's Okay?"

"Of course! Can I get my boss?"

"Surely, go on."

I turned to the sales woman who now knew.

"Miss Martin, can I say your new hair is fabulous!"

I thanked her and asked about dresses. I was escorted to the right. I was looking when Raphaela re-appeared with a distinguished looking woman, European looks and style. I was intro'd to Coral. She was a bit non-plussed by having me in her shop.

A French accent when she thanked me for coming in. So I went with that.

"Merci, Madame. Je veux voir quelques robes et de demander si vous avez quelque chose comme celui-ci?"

That stopped her cold but I got the snap Louise Brooks up on my iPhone and showed her what I meant. Then emailed it to Raphaela.

She admired the dress, "Miss Martin, it is a good shape for you!"

Coral got the sales woman to pull a few things out. None fit the bill but I could see they made quality goods.

"Gil has all my measurements, could you make one for me? I won't be back until late in January."

We talked colour and I decided on a two pale complimentary champagne shades they had in a another dress I liked. Coral would send me pics as they went along. Gil gave her my data which was very complete, measurements for all of me. I left a deposit with my Amex card.

Raphaela still amazed at my showing up. I told her if I get one very good dress from it I was quite happy.

Pell took us up to West 57th Street. At Riflessi I bought Cho five ties, two silk sold colours of the Harcourt Racing green and yellow by DiStefano. Three Zilli ties, one I especially liked was black with diagonal red stripes white center lines.

Down the street to St. Laurent. Yea! I got a mini Lavalière dress in black crepe de chine with white polka dots low waisted! Terrific fit. My legs!!!! Ah! A double-breasted short-sleeved mini-dress in black with brass buttons!

Gil had called Tessa about her schedule, she'd be at Girl's Hair, the salon her cousin owns for her hair at eleven. That was 134th and Lenox. We rolled up at noon.

Tessa just finishing was surprised but happy to see us. I got to meet her cousin, Zula. Cute with lovely reddish short dreadlocks like Tessa had!

"Fay, you're all this girl talks about now... "

I laughed, "Well if it's work that's good but ... " one finger aimed at Tessa, "... you should think about other things."

Tessa smiled, "Yes Ma'am!" With a mock salute. We all laughed.

Zula was about to say something, a pause, "... Your hair! That's new!"

She gave me a WOW! Grabbing a glossy from a table she held it up... my face! My `old' hair!

`It's very cool! You are so right for that!"

I thanked her, "Done yesterday morning! I needed a change!"

I asked about lunch? Zula said the Charleston Café around the corner on Lex at 135th. Southern seafood and delicious. I squeezed Tessa's hand, "You're still off duty!"

I got Zula to come with us. Zula did say being her own boss didn't make it easy to get away from work but today...Yes!

The café had really delicious hushpuppies, crab cakes and field peas cooked with greens. Very creamy ice cream!! Mine was a vanilla sundae. The waitress had her hair done by Zula, they were dancing buddies. She knew Tessa too. I was intro'd as Tessa's new boss.

The waitress, Em, tilted her head looking at me. Tessa was nodding her head. "Your hair is new, right?"

"As of yesterday morning."

"Well... It's you!"

I thanked her. I squeezed Tessa's shoulder, "I like these short dreadlocks! They are sexy!"

Em brought out the chef and owner, Mildred, `Mill'.

"Damn! It's amazing to have you here! Could I get a selfie of us?"

I said sure, she leaned over my shoulder and Gil snapped a few with Mill's iPhone and hers. Em and Zula got in with us. We were attracting attention in the café so we cooled it. They were all so happy that Tessa was working for me. Giving her `fives' and kisses. I did love their energy!

Tessa's dad was working but her mom was home when we arrived. I could see where Tessa got her beautiful face! A hug, she was happy to meet me. I said we couldn't stay but I'd wanted to be intro'd to Tessa's family.

"When we are back in town after Christmas we'll have a party at ours in the Village. You can meet my family."

She'd like that that and would look forward to it.

"Say hello to your husband for me."

I did fist bumps with Tessa as she had another night with her folks.

We headed south back to Minetta Street. Tha texted the Twins were awake and roaring to go. I did a quick change to my trackies and trainers and we were a GO!

Nina smiling as we went down Minetta Street towards Bleecker. Tara and Ro were along. I had Jaidee, Tha had the Twins pram. Ba and Pinky hand in hand. We rolled!

As we passed the Little Red Schoolhouse the admissions lady was going in.

She got to meet some future students. They were bundled up against the chill but cute faces were sticking out.

She asked if they were `starting today?' We laughed, no, I said she had some time to prepare.

"Miss Martin, we'll be ready."

We went south as far as Father Fagan Park, a nice little sitting place with deciduous trees bare now but would be shady in the summer. We walked back up MacDougal Street over Houston then left on Bleecker to our street.

Tha was loving it. She'd never been far from Bangkok before, New York was of course one of those `magical' place names everyone knew. She was asking about things all through the walk. I liked telling what I knew. I told her to ask Tessa about things since she was a native New Yorker.

Ba was AMAZED. She was just an ordinary Bangkok girl... now in one of the world's great places. It was good with Pinky, she was having fun.

I was staring into Chani's eyes a few inches away, flat on our tummies. We were on the living room carpet. Pinky was colouring a pink princess pony beside us. Tha and Ba up to something. Gil holding Charlie in a chair.

Cho laid on my back! Heavy but I was Okay. No bouncing! He kissed my neck and reached out to take Chani's extended hand. We just hung out for a while as dinners were readied.

Cho and I sat side by side feeding the Twins in the kitchen with all the aromas of Roslyn's work floating by. Tha took the Twins and Ba carried Pinky out. Her dinner done too.

Our turn! Grilled polenta rounds under a light garlicky red sauce, then linguine tossed in an olive oil Roma tomato, onion and artichoke sauce, Como style bread and butter. Mita did tiramisu, she KNEW how too! Delicious! Espresso and Amaretto!

Cho got the heaters working so we could sit outside with the afters! I needed a jacket but it was so nice to have the darkness around our lantern.

In bed later were snuggled with Jaidee. We'd gotten communications from Scotland Yard about the fellow who recruited Will to attack Harcourt House. He confessed to multiple gun sale crimes and the incitement of Will to avoid terrorism charges. He confirmed who hired him, a man known to have done work for the M*************'s. Cho and I giving each other looks at that. We knew.

At this point there was no way to link them definitively together so... it was being left open.

The Colonel's friend had arranged for the other four men like Will who were possibly targeted to be visited quietly. All four said someone had made contact but it hadn't gone past the one time. Will had been chosen. The four men where offered assistance to help with any lingering issues from their service and they had all received some counseling and assistance. One was going see if he would fit in with our Security.

The Colonel was pleased that despite how this all started it ended with the men getting some further attention and help. As his email said... they should be cared for because of their sacrifices.

We were glad Will had been stopped from going too far and the others were left alone. All good at this point.

Before sleeping we discussed what was the Biden meeting all about. We'll see.

The day was slow to start. We headed up town to the hotel on 46th St. It was chilly and cloudy. I was in a sleeve-less black wool dress, mid-thigh with a loose circle skirt, black accessories. A black cardigan with white piping and the short black wool jacket over all, black leather gloves and a small clutch. Gold bits and `Joy' quite expertly applied!

We went up to the big suite for our meeting at ten o'clock. PJ set Ansara and Tara as the lift security, he and Rande would be with us in the main room off to the side.

Right at ten the lift was sent up with the Vice-President. Joe Biden had a huge smile and shook our hands. We sat on the sofas. He reached across to extend a very white envelope with the Seal of the President of the United States.

He said he was charged by President Obama to hand this note to us and say how much they appreciated our changing of Fox News to a true `publically' oriented network. Cho motioned to me to open the note.

It said substantially the same things and was glowing in its praise of our success. I handed it to Cho.

The Vice-President went to say that doing it this way they hoped to convey their gratitude and the serious nature of what we had done for America.

We thanked him for coming and the President for his kind words. I said we would write a reply and have it forwarded via Hillary since she would be our pathway to the White House. That part clearly surprised him.

We talked some about how Fox News had changed the landscape of television. We told him we personally were behind Hillary and would do what we could to help her agenda for America.

I asked him if would accept a comment from my heart... He was a bit taken aback by my phrasing but agreed.

Cho knew what I wanted to say, a squeeze of my hand.

"Sir, you have spoken of that you believe you owe Anita Hill..." his head jerked at the her name, `... a public apology. I would urge after the Inauguration that you do that. I won't make any arguments about it as you don't need that. It would be awesome for American women of Color and all other women to know she is given your respect."

His face had tightened but now relaxed into a slight smile, "Miss Martin, you amaze me and made the argument in a brief few sentences that no amount of further talk could enhance."

He was quiet... Cho and I giving him the space.

He nodded his head, "I will do it. I will arrange a suitable venue and do it."

We stood close, "Miss Martin..." my hand on his arm, "Fay."

"Fay, you delivered eloquence in a small package. I can see why you have a reputation for being a leader. Thank you!"

We shook hands again and walked him and his team to the lift. PJ held the lift as I gave the Vice-President a hug.

When the doors closed Cho squeezed me and I got a kiss.

"Damn, you did so good!"

Gil had a hand, "Fay, his PA jumped when you said Anita Hill. She was shocked for sure."

I leaned back on Cho, strong arms encircled me.

"Do you know what he meant about my being a leader?"

"I would imagine he saw the press conference and then knew we had the interview with Dorothy... otherwise I can't be sure."

Cho just smiled.

We sat back on the sofas. I asked Cho if he wanted me to write anything in particular in our note to the President. He shook his head, "You have the words I'm sure."

I smiled... Cho laughed, "I've..." a finger up, "... become comfortable with it. It seems natural."

He got a big kiss from me! We went down stairs, the manager came over to us in the lobby. He was pleased to see us. They missed not having Mr. Cho in the big suite.

Cho shook his hand saying he had always enjoyed being here and the house was doing quite well which was a testament to his good management. The manager bowed and thanked us again.

Terrance was out front, we were whisked to the Fox Tower. Up in Bill's office I handed him the President's note. A smile filled his face as he read it.

"It's nice to have his words but more to the point our advertising sales continue to rise!"

We laughed and hugged. I went with Gil down the hall to the office Cho and I maintained. We sat as I put together what I wanted to say in reply. Gil made it nice and wrote it out beautifully. Superb penmanship!!

I called Hillary. She wasn't surprised Obama had done it, saying he's old school in many ways. She'd be in Washington Monday so if we send it over she'll deliver it. She and Bill were in Chappaqua for two days. Gil got Terrance to send a car with a driver who knew the suburb. He was given the note and the address. They would notify Gil went it was delivered.

Lunch at the 21 Club. The paparazzi scrum out front as usual but no big deal. I squeezed Cho's hand as we looked at the Harcourt Racing colours on the small jockey. Smiles!

The manager welcomed us. He escorted us into the Bar Room we headed to our corner. As we passed Table Nineteen I reached into my little bag for a business card. I took Katie C***********'s hand, smiling I passed it to her, "You should call."

She looked down then her eyes snapped up to mine, a smile, she said she would. I squeezed her hand and followed Cho.

At our usual tables the waiter all smiles. He thanked me for the names of our horses, he'd had a very successful day betting on the breeders' Cup races.

We ordered. I started with a Campari and Soda. Clayton's crab followed by a `21' Caesar and the Dover sole. Espresso but no dessert. I leaned against Cho resting my head on his shoulder.

"You brought Bill's card to give it to Katie?"

I moved my head in a nod on his shoulder.

"You expected her to be here?"

"I've seen her here before."

Cho gathered a hand, "Sometimes... you do amaze me! What was that Amedee said...'Otherworldly'?"

I laughed quietly against him, "I'm just me."

I pressed Cho's hand to my thigh, "See flesh and blood."

I got a kiss for that. Hhhmmm Nice.

On the way out we got snapped a lot more! One fellow tried to get between us and the car... I had to laugh when PJ picked him up by the belt and collar lifting him out of our path. He put him down carefully back on the sidewalk with a squawk. His `colleagues' got snaps of that and were laughing. He'd broken an unwritten rule so... The paparazzo flipped his middle finger at PJ who smiled and waved as he stepped into the car.

PJ, Tara, Ansara and Rande did fist bumps! Cho was laughing. PJ showed how strong he was, powerlifting paparazzo.

"Should that be an Olympic sport?"

Everyone laughed at my question. PJ did two thumbs up!

At the house we were packing... or maybe not! I was laying on our bed with Chani, nose to nose... then a... "BA" from her and reaching for my hair. Terrific fun! I scooped her... rolling onto my back lifting Chani UP... three `bings' up... she was all smiles and gurgles... waving arms! The lift game was a big hit.

I laid her on my chest... we were both laughing as Charlie flew in with Cho. The boys next to us just the same. We lifted... many `bings'... hugged... kissed... squeezed! Lots of noises from the two babies and some from us which didn't make any sense but made the kids laugh!

Tai came by for a quick visit. She had a good meeting with the PR lawyers. They were working together on what came into the lawyers concerning any threats and the locations of same. She said they were very helpful and combined with Thet's folks accumulation of information made the reports she sent to Gil detailed. She was fine working from the office in the Fox Tower and living with Megan. Her arm was healing fine. They were good.

Gil had confirmation that our note to President Obama was in Hillary's hands.

The cars were downstairs, we loaded up for the heliport. Terrance getting to hold the Twins.

"My, such cuties! Maybe one day there will one for me."

I hugged him before the Twins went aboard the helicopter, "Well, you have to work a bit less and get out more."

Terrance laughed, "True! I'll work on that over the holidays."

We lifted off, turning north. At Newburgh everything was ready! Tha had the Twins ready to eat right away. We took off bound for Christmas!

At least six weeks at Harcourt House!!

I helped Ba and Tha feed the Twins. Then I sat to work before Soka and Ban served our dinner.

My trips after the holidays were firming up. Eve and Ku back in Bangkok were getting things ready to move to New York. Tono was getting some time off then he'd travel to London to get in deep with Douglas' folks and Jared's. Some advanced training and be able to see where the software was going. Really good for him. Us too!

Sanjara and Gil had Cho going with me on several trips. We'd be able to take the Twins since they would be weaned from Ba's nursing.

The Iranians had sent me quite a lot of data and other information on their projects. Eric had it too and we'd sit go over it with Reg. Vietnam was a go with Kenneth scheduled to do it. It was going to be a multi-month job based in Dalat. Mr. Tran had a bungalow set aside for our folks to live in when they weren't in the field and we had a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City ready to host them for some R & R.

Africa, Italy, France were `on,' the latter two with Cho with a maybe for the Angola one. Kavat was on top of it all!

What Colonel Ba sent me would be discussed at a Harcourt House meeting. I'd emailed Jack at the Foreign Office about us doing the work for PAVN. We'll see what comes from that.

Gil had done a review of our Personal Protection Team's languages, their proficiency and what they were currently learning. I was still learning Päli, the old language of the Thai Royal court and Buddhist religious ceremonies. Ever since our wedding where the prayers had been so inspiring I'd been working on it. `Getting it'.

I added Farsi to my list. I wasn't doing too badly considering I had no one to talk to but myself. Ha! I was planning to rope in Jasmin when she came to town.

Ken, our American newbie, had been working on Thai since he joined our Security nine months ago. He had a conversation level going fine and was progressing in reading and writing with our folks helping. He was trying teach Arabic to Tessa with help from Tara who had learned during two tours in Afghanistan.

Cho was working on his contractions which made him laugh when I said it.

We all had French and German also many others but those were paramount.

Dinner and a lot of play time. Cho on a sofa with the Twins! Quite a show, I watched and had a fun time with Jaidee. He romped between me and Ro for a while before we wound down, he got to visit with the Twins. Charlie had been yelling as he watched Jaidee run around. Chani laughing over a wet nose on her toes! The Twins went in for a nap. We did kissed and waved!

Cloudy with a chilly breeze going down the steps at Chalgrove. I had our boy, Prasert looking down at Charlie in his carrier, a big smile.

"Fay he's handsome."

I did a thumb over my shoulder towards Cho. Laughter. Then he got to see the Princess! Chani's eyes wide open!

"Oh my, she's a beauty!"

Cho's finger pointing to me. Laughs! We loaded up.

When the gravel crunched I was happy!

Carter! Cho got out to shake his hand, I passed Charlie out to Cho. The Gil passed Chani out to me. Carter's smile!!

"Mr. Cho, Miss Martin, they are beautiful babies!"

Sunny came to see her niece and nephew! She grabbed Cho for a hug! A happy girl, we hugged.

"Fay your hair!!"

Another hug!

Cho got one carrier Carter the other and we went in. Ellie was in the entryway. She knelt beside the Twins gently stroking their fingers.

"Hullo babies, I'm Ellie."

It was quite emotional for me to watch the parade up the stairs, Ellie with Chani, Tha had Charlie, Ba and Pinky following. Stanton and Conrad had the Twins and the nurses' baggage. Kendal smiled and did a thumbs up as he started with our things!

I turned to Carter... a fist bump and a hug! Thomas was here too! Fist bumps!!

"I'm ready!"

Carter laughed, "The House is too."

I intro'd our new Protection Team members to Carter and Thomas.

"Miss Martin, Carla thought you might like something warm but light before bed. She has a vegetable broth and cheese toasts in the Breakfast Room. The espresso machine is warmed up. And there are some of Sue's cookies..."

I was smiling and laughing, "Well I'm ready for that too!"

Carter had a look, I smiled, reaching up to lightly fluff my hair I knew that was it. I slowly batted my eyelashes...

"Louise Brooks!"

I laughed, "Bingo!"

Fist bumps!

Sunny joined us. Gil and Francis dove in.. Jaidee lay beside Cho, leaning on his foot. Cute.

We had a nice snack and trooped to bed. Gil to the top floor, Francis outside to his apartment. Sunny up with us. Cho, Jaidee and me lying on the bed. I was tired tonight.

Cho started to undress me with a `no ulterior motive' comment! Ha! I did sit to help. I moved the clothes to my Dressing Room. I slid into the bedclothes waiting as Cho came back naked!! HhhhhhhhMmmmmmm Warm and cozy!

Jaidee looking over at us from his bed... thump thump thump Cho laughing, "Jaidee..."

Woof!

"Come."

Whoosh he was on the bed jumping between us. The Great Dog Rub commenced! A one point all four legs, a tail and a tongue were waggling about in the air! The little man enjoyed his rubbings!

Sleep!

I was awake and ready to go. Jaidee's thumps said he was too. Dressed in gray and black with the electric blue string tie, the Spanish equestrian hat, scarf and black gloves, I left off the boots. My first outing with `Kentucky Heat' under garments on. A vest today.

I took one of my `Cho' bags into his Dressing Room while he slept on! Gifts! I hung the two Berluti jackets on hangers with a polo shirt under! The navy one got a forest green shirt and the brown gloves stuck on the end of the cuffs and pushed part way into the slash pockets. The black one got a slivery gray polo and black gloves.

I stepped back... it looked good. A Berluti tableau!

I gathered Jaidee and we ran down to the kitchen. I got things going, send our boy to his `box' and put on my boots. Nan came in smiling. Hug!

"Miss it is wonderful to have you all here. Oh... I do like your hair. Very chic!"

"Thanks! The Twins will come down in a short while so you all can meet them."

Smile!

Jaidee and I on the lane to the stables. Mr. Snooper checking his territory for scents. I heard a woof ... Thames came tearing out of the office to greet his chum! Noses put to work!

Anthony had a huge grin, "Miss, your girl is ready she's been chomping at her bit."

"Pamela!"

My girl whinnied, I gave her a big hug and kiss. I walked her, Anthony gave me a leg up and we were gone. Down the grassy lane to the flats then a trot up the long slope before crossing the track and on to the lock.

The lock man waved and a hullo. I returned as we walked over the top of the barrier. Roy was just setting up, I wished him good fishing. Over the second bridge and back on Pamela were trotted along towards the railroad tracks. Past the ugly houses onto Harcourt House land I asked her and was rewarded with speed and power!

We rocked along then slowed to walk into the boat yard. One of the workers saw me and stuck his head into a doorway. Dennis came out, smiles, "Miss Martin, good to see you."

We talked about the boat. It was in the boat house, they checked it once a week. I wanted to go out even if it was chilly, just a thing we should have done but missed it.

"No problem. Give me a heads up, I'll have someone go over and get it out. I guess it wouldn't an extended thing, right?"

"True. Just to be out in it and remind ourselves of what we've got. AND not to forget it."

Okay. Pamela and I moved on to the Industrial Estate. Samuel's new car repair space was nearing completion. I was looking in at the bays when he saw me and came over. I leaned down to shake hands.

"They've done you and me proud. The hydraulics will go in starting this week. We could be operational by the first week of the new year."

His smile told the tale, huge!

The Recording Studio next door had advanced quite far too. Webster had smiles too.

"Miss, we are going great guns inside now. All the basics are done and we've begun on the interior of the big studio. We're on time!"

I thanked him and pushed on. On the road approaching Mr. Hardy's place we saw the man himself.

"Miss Martin, Hullo and welcome home!"

We chatted a bit, he was returning from his early morning walk. He looked terrific, trim and his face appeared to have gone backwards in age, flushed with the chill air. He was happy, working hard on his book, trying to defeat himself at several games, ready for Greg and a trial of `Bar Lev' skill.

We had a game planned so he'd be up to the house tomorrow to play and have dinner.

Pamela saw the fence opening at the end of Church Road, she eagerly took off over the grass. We swung by the Radley's kitchen so I could say hello to Deanna.

Radley was out somewhere' with a hand waving towards the north. My see you tomorrow' got a smile. At the Fraser's Anne was getting ready to go school. She was excited that Sunny would join her and Kate after the holidays.

Sarah smiling squeezed my hand, "I can hardly wait to see your Twins."

I laughed, "Nice to be able give then hugs and not worry over a diaper, right?"

We both laughed big over that!

I asked Pamela for a last bit of speed, she did it! We roared around to the flats and then did a cool down walk as I looked over the tracks, jumps and arenas. All looking great! Gregory knew his business!!

I hugged and kissed my girl as Anthony had Ethan take her for more walking before a bath.

Anthony smiling, "Andy texted me a snap of the scone you took him. We both got a kick from that."

Fist Bump. He had his this morning!

Ronnie's head popped out of a stall, "Hullo Fay!"

I waved her over. She was dressed in jeans and an old jumper with `wellies' and a huge grin.

"I'm great! Having a blast," in answer to my obvious question.

"I've been up to London, into Oxford to see the college and more but come..."

We walked over to the paddock beside Asda and Hathai. Secret Sea was halfway down the fence leaning over, Asda was opposite her. They were doing some nose bumping.

"They like each other. Hathai likes her too."

I squeezed her shoulder, "A lot of possibilities over there."

I opened the gate and walked in their direction. Asda saw me and snorted before running up the fence. Secret Sea came to me, nosing. She got a mint, Asda too. Ronnie and I climbed the fence to sit stroking those noble beasts. Hathai came out of her stall moving fine, she was WELL advanced now in her pregnancy. A mint went down just fine.

"She's been a bit grumpy but I take her and Mahogany out for long walks down the hill. They like it and are happier then."

Fist bump!

"They're entitled to be grumpy when they are toting around a child. Exercise is great for them!"

Cho was in the Breakfast Room with a newspaper and Francis and Gil. Sunny dashed through saying hello to us heading out to St. Thomas'. We had to work back into the rhythm of the place.

Before Cho and I went upstairs to the nursery he drew me into our suite.

Kissed and squeezed with many `thank you' kisses all over my face and neck.

"Oh... you found the gifts?"

Laughing Cho kissed me again.

"Yes my dear and thank you. The jackets are quite comfortable and not bulky. I tried a mock swing or two. They will be great on the golf links. And the arrangement was very creative!"

Another kiss!

Chani and Charlie were ready. We carried them down to the staff lounge. So many ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh's and aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh's.

They were held, kissed and cuddled by everyone. The Twins seemed to love it! They'd been conditioned in Bangkok with all the aunts and uncles around. Plus two sets of grandparent types!

Sylvia, Gregory's wife, her tummy now showing their new one was grinning holding Chani, "Fay she's a sweetie."

I stroked Chani's hair, "Well... no argument from me."

I found out Nan had been promoted to be the head cook in the new kitchen we'd built for the outside staff. She was sorry not to see me in the mornings as she had. I was pleased for her. She still had to be up before the chickens.

In the kitchen Maxine was grinning with a dash flour on her cheek, "Your Twins are very sweet. Your hair is a hit! All the girls like it."

I said I hoped they got Cho's temperament after thanking her for the compliment.

Eliza, Will's wife, came up to me.

"Miss Martin, your children are beauties!"

She had a big smile and looked great. She was in her working clothes, her Harcourt House uniform choice was the slacks and top. Audra usually wore the dress version, each staffer could choose.

It was fantastic to see her happy, she said Beth was enjoying school. Will was on duty...Okay.

I walked down the basement hallway to the Security Office. Will looked up from the desk with a grin.

He was `good' to answer my question, they were all doing well with our help. He was learning the job, it was interesting and exacting and that was Okay for him.

"I like to concentrate on the job at hand. Focus! Oh, Thomas has kept me up on what's been happening on the `case' it doesn't look good for the fellow they sent after me."

I agreed, he'd been able to bargain away the terrorism charge but he had to cough up names, amounts and what weapons had passed through his hands. The Colonel's contact told us there was probably a dozen years in one of Her Majesty's prisons for him.

Cho and I went down to the stables with Charlie and Chani. They got to meet everyone! Pamela's nose was rubbed by Chani. It was great for them both. Chani's eyes bright, a quiet nicker from Pamela.

Charlie joined us in Cho's arms. Pamela was wonderful, the little hands touching her was fine. She seemed very happy!

The Twins were intro'd to Asda and Hathai. They also were very good with them letting the tiny fingers stroke their noses.

The tall, dark and handsome Rebel was terrific! The Twins patted his face. His dark eyes looking at me, he rubbed his nose on Chani's tummy. She giggled and burst out in `Da Da' as her chubby fingers rested on Rebel's nose. He made sweet little sounds rubbing her.

Dear sweet Iris had each on her back in our arms. I told them both Iris would be their first pony. I sat on a hay bale with Chani, Iris rested her nose against Chani's face. A gentle girl. Chani's little arms doing their best to hold the warm and soft nose.

Walking back up the lane Cho grinning.

"This was really fine!"

I thought it would be when I suggested we do it. All the horses had been quiet and seemed pleased. Even rough, tough guys like Rebel were incredibly tender.

Tha and Ba took over for some feeding and nap time. We kissed the Twins before they went up.

We changed for a trip to the East Oxford Golf Club. I did my long sleeved heavy cotton red dress with white birds on my bosom. Black tights and ankle boots. The black pea coat, gloves and a small black bag.

It wasn't far, up to southern Oxford, hang a right on the A4142, off at Horspath Road then a short ways to the club main drive. We passed lots of industrial parks and the huge BMW Mini plant. It was a monster! This might be the faster way, Cho said he'd probably go through Chiselhampton and Garsington normally. As there was a back entrance from Wheatley Road.

The club looked quite fine going up the drive. The gray stone was distinguished, tall casement windows, the portico, large dark paneled doors, it made a good impression.

We were met by the Club Secretary, Robert, looked about forty five or so, nice face, brown regimental mustache. He escorted us to an office and a small conference room. We were intro'd to the staff. They knew we were coming but...

We were something a bit out of the ordinary for them.

The Secretary's assistant gave me a tour of the building. Pro Shop, a few small meeting rooms, the bar which I liked. Dark, dim with wood polish smells and very well kept. The barman smiled when I asked after Newcastle beer, in stock! He'd been head of the bar for eight years!

The dining room staff seemed nice, my tour guide said they have a terrific reputation. The food and service always get the highest ratings.

My comment was if you are making a good profit as the record showed they had to be good. Smiles!

It was a lovely room looking like time had stood still from the turn of the Ninetieth Century. The manager was pleased I was fond of the décor.

I asked about the business side, she nodded, "Miss we try very hard to watch our costs AND deliver the finest food. We can because we limit our menu offerings, change them seasonally and have special dessert days that bring in diners just for desserts."

I got to taste a peach cobbler that was for tonight. Wonderful! It would be paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The head cook was grinning when I expressed my admiration for her work.

"We have some talented people working here. They work hard and show their creativity."

I shook her hand! I love it when a boss gives credit to their workers right up front!

We went out the back onto a service road as I asked to see the caddy shack and workshops. PJ and Tessa along for the walk. I got to meet some of the men and look around some. All very neat and organized.

My guide said the Secretary did routine inspections and knew the difference between a mess that was a work in progress and just a mess. I laughed at that.

"He's serious but good with all the staff. They know what he wants and why."

My guide obviously liked her boss.

I asked how long she'd been here... six years, she was from the area and moved back when her husband got a position at the BMW Mini plant. Two children, a pair of cute cats and a nice detached house in Garsington.

Reunited with Cho, he was in the Pro Shop talking with the manager with a putter in hand. I got a hug and an offer to learn to play from one of the club Pros... not him.

Cho did say it wouldn't work with him.

I laughed, "You know us quite well."

General laughter. I demurred saying I'd stay with my horses. Cho grinning opened his arms for another hug!

In the car we took the `back way' through Garsington to Chiselhampton and Little Baldon. A scenic drive that was something of a big hook to get back to Harcourt House. In my mind I was trying to map a ride to the golf course via horse, much shorter. A surprise for Cho!

We had our neighbors in tomorrow night and a trip to Southwold the following day. Then Sunny had a competition, she asked us to come for this one. Good! We wanted to see her and it meant she was feeling good about it.

I walked Rebel down the lane with Tessa on Max beside me. A wave to Charlotte who was watching Sunny work. We went up the slope then over the tracks and worked our way around the Culham Sci. Ctr. I pointed some more of the landmarks for her and on the way back I steered us towards the path to the river.

"When you are riding near fresh water you need to consider that the banks might be undermined by the current which is different from the seashore. Down there..." I motioned towards the spot where Dragon and Kate went in, ".. a local girl and her horse went in a year ago. We're on the new path we had built to re-direct the trail away from the river bank."

Tessa looked down, "Were they Okay?"

"Yes, cold and wet but fine."

We went on down to the flat below the house hill and I opened it up with Rebel. Tessa urging Max who was game but didn't have the power of Rebel. At the property line I turned us up the hill to the lane between the paddocks and headed to the stables.

At the end of the lane Tessa stopped to look back down at the river, "Fay, it is beautiful even with winter coming on. Strange I should be on a horse looking at a river I've heard about but never expected to see... The Thames...!"

I smiled, "Well it's no Mississippi River for size but just as important. It's amazing how far it goes on its winding way. Get up early enough to ride with me tomorrow... you'll get to see some more."

Tessa said what time, she had a smile when I said. She was in!

We headed to Asda and Hathai's paddock. I climbed up to sit on the fence, Tessa joined me.

I pointed out the two chestnuts, "Hansa and Glaa's sire and dam also SakChai's sire."

Asda and Secret Sea were down at the bottom of the paddock noses over the fence. Hathai was grazing to our right. She ambled over to visit. A mint disappeared, I gave Tessa one and that was gone...!

The other two figured out something was on offer and trotted up the fence. I gave Tessa a few more mints to give to Secret Sea, I handed out several to Asda and another to Hathai. It was great to see them enjoy their treats.

Tessa looking over her shoulder with a huge smile, "Fay, this is great! It's funny...They love mints!"

I laughed, "Just don't let them see you eat one of theirs."

Chani and Charlie were crawling! They were on the carpet in the Great Room with us. Chani was in a peach dress with peach and white booties and a white cardigan, Charlie in dark green shorts and white polo shirt under a pale green jumper.

I was face to face with my daughter, on our tummies smiling at each other... then a loud "Ba Ba!" Now since she didn't give me any context I just took as a general social comment. I grabbed her, swung my hips and she was sitting in my lap facing toward her brother.

Cho had Charlie in his arms and they were swinging around. Charlie laughing... gurgling and waving his arms! Terrific stuff.

We did a trade after a short while and Chani got to `fly' around! She loved it too. Her quite noisy "Ba Ba's and DaDa's" were like a chorus.

Charlie put his arms around my neck his face on mine. Sweetie! We hugged then did the `lift' game.

Im on my back with Charlie in my hands on my chest then I do a bing or two or three and Charlie goes up' in the lift to the floor of the bings. He loved it! My arms weren't long enough to go past four bings.

Tha was sitting on a settee laughing. She took Charlie to go up for their dinner, Gil was going up to hers to change, she got Chani.

Dinner was a semi-dress-up, a sit down meal with our Gil and Francis with all the Personal Protection Team with Thomas and Yone. Fourteen.

I did a small classic sleeveless little black dress, thigh high stockings, and three inch heels. Silver jewelry on all surfaces and I started with long black gloves up to my biceps. Cho grinning as he put on a few dabs of `Joy'

"You could be my delicious meal, let's skip the other food!"

I gave him one helleva a kiss! Then put on my RED lipstick! We laughed!

Drinks in the Great Room to start. Sherry and some scotch! Everyone was OFF duty!

Our folks looked terrific! Lovely dresses and snazzy slacks on the ladies. The guys in suits cut to show their toned bodies like Cho. Colourful ties abounded.

Carla did Italian. A delicious white bean garlic soup, toasted asiago encrusted bread squares, grilled polenta in a light red sauce, Frutta del Mare, linguine with a white sauce surrounding clams, mussels and calamari. Lightly crunchy Como loaves and local butter. Several bottles of Barberani Calacia Muffa Nobile Dolce Orvieto Classico Superiore set it all off wonderfully. Carter!

A wonderful table setting, our staff smiling, laughing and enjoying, a great dinner! Afters in the Great Room. Kendal had started a fire as the evening had chilled the room.

Jaidee with a chew toy had claimed a good spot by the fireplace. We talked horses! I told all our riders to go to Go Outdoors to get extra riding clothes and have the store ship to houses with stables nearby. And there was golf talk and clothes, books and music plus our trips coming up was thrown in.

I learned how to bring a crab pot into a boat from Ken and some Virginia geography too. He was looking forward to visiting Upperville and maybe a side trip for him to Deltaville, his parent's home. I gave him a we'll see for us all but it sounded good to me.

Pamela nickered as she was lead out to me. Rascal was bouncy, ready for a ride with Tara. The eager Lu would carry Tessa.

It was early with a chill in the air, Anthony happy to get a warm buttery scone. We headed down the lane, I set the pace with Pamela. When everyone was warmed up we galloped across the grass southward.

The lock man waved with a smile. Roy had just arrived. We shook hands, I intro'd Tessa. I wished him good fishing and a hello to Angie.

Remounted we rode my usual route, back on Harcourt House land I asked for speed and they followed. Pamela out ran both Lu and Rascal as we edged the fields.

Archie was heading out, we waved and he yelled out `looking good!'

At the boatyard no one was in so I emailed Dennis that I wanted to try going out on the boat this afternoon. We rode on to the Industrial Estate. Tessa was getting a course in some of my topography.

We walked through to the Recording Studio. Webster was talking with a slender woman whose red hair was long and beautiful. Webster intro'd us. Tabitha, `Tab' was the friend of Eric's that Francis had interviewed in London for us a few months back. She had years of experience in managing music studios and would take on the job for us.

I slid down to meet Tab. She had a lovely voice with a bit of Scot's left.

We walked into the building with Webster. He gave us a sense of how long to go for the various parts. Francis was in the process of finding a vendor for the coffee shop space. There wasn't any competition nearby.

Tab said she had a friend in Oxford who works at a snack shop that did espresso drinks maybe she would be interested. Tab didn't think she would have the money to go it alone though.

"Call her. See if she can come to Harcourt House for a talk... today if possible."

Tab pulled out her phone and made the call as I went on with Webster. Tessa and Tara were with me.

Webster had us outside where the car park would go when Tab came out.

"Fay, Lotte could come down now... here or Harcourt House?"

I said the House as I wanted to complete our ride. Done.

I asked if Tab wanted to come over to join us, she said yes. Okay!

Remounted we rode over to the bridge, walked over to stop at Mr. Hardy's. He was smiling, "Yes, I'm ready to be thrashed again!"

I was laughing, "We have to wait on the decision!"

Pamela was READY to run when she saw the fence opening and the grass beyond. Tara knew what would happen and Tessa got it when Pamela took off.

My girl! Pamela swept us across the flat grassy spaces through the Radley's and Fraser's leaving our companions well behind. Those two were running hard... no catching up with Pamela! After we crossed the property line I slowed her down to a trot as we approached the training tracks. Freddie, Ronnie and Diana were out with several horses.

Freddie waved me over. Ah... Jonny was here. I hadn't expected him to have come until next week.

I slid down to shake his hand.

"You are a surprise but I'm glad you're here."

"Miss Martin, thank you. I wanted to see your possibles here before I went to America."

"Well spend time with Freddie and then come up to the House and find me and Cho."

A huge smile and Okay.

The three of us handed over our horses to Anthony and Ethan. I grabbed some mints and we made a short stop to see Mahogany, Mandy and Heather. I let them do the treats. Tessa got a kick out of it.

In the Breakfast Room Cho was reading but threw open his arms. Kisses and my butt in his lap.

I gave him my news! He was grinning, "Go for it. If Lotte is who we want then go with your idea to setup it up."

Squeeze! I grabbed a coffee and then whoosh up the stairs. Wash and into black G-Star jeans, cutoff black t-shirt and the warm flannel black and red checked shirt. Silver bits and ankle boots. Red lips!

Charlie and Chani had their breakfast and were crawling on the Nursery carpet. Both moving along pretty good. Ba sitting at the table with Pinky. She was colouring and adding glitter to an girl's outfit who happened to be pink! Ba was telling Pinky to be careful with the glitter so none went off the table.

Stanton escorted Lotte and Tab into the Great Room and Kendal was bringing coffee. Lotte was a nice looking blonde with blue eyes and a big smile. She and Tab had worked together when they were younger and kept in touch as they changed jobs.

She was currently the under-manager at a coffee shop in Oxford with a full espresso drink menu and served a good variety food also. I asked questions about herself. Amongst other bits she had a son who was six in school and loving it.

"He's a smart one!"

I laughed at that and before I could ask... Lotte said his father was not in the picture, ever! Okay!

I gave her my ideas, we would pay to get the shop setup and a salary for her then once it was going she would start taking her money from the profits. She would act as the owner but she wouldn't have to pay us for the equipment we put in to get it up and running.

Her eyes were big as I went along. She `got' that all the operations would be on her shoulders and she would be responsible to Tab for keeping it going and Carter as our personal representative.

We would help her to do an advertising campaign in the local area. I asked her to see Webster so she could see the building plan and to give ideas on the arrangement for an outdoor seating area. She would get help doing the hiring, etc... from Carter.

We had a good visit. I was happy and so were they. Lotte would give notice at her work and start looking for a few staff people. She would get with Webster tomorrow after her shift..

When they had gone I detoured downstairs before lunch to see Carter. I parked my butt in a chair with a shit-eating grin.

He laughed, "Okay Miss Martin, tell me."

I giggled, "How about you consider hiring an under-butler? We have expanded the House so much and there are so many folks doing so many different things like the two ladies who were just here."

A large hand stroking his chin, "There is something in that. If the `person' could be a manager for many of the outside activities like the Garden Centre and now the Recording Studio and others it would be a huge help. And keep an eye the building program too?"

"That's fine! So it's up to you now!"

We laughed and did fist bumps! I waved as I bounced out.

Cho good as ever to sense I'd been a bit `naughty'... the smile and..."Okay what have you been doing?"

I told him my new adventure. He pulled me close, a kiss, "Good! I don't want to wear him out!"

I went up to the Nursery but The Twins were just going down for a nap. I got to kiss them.

Good hot soup and bread! Fruit and we were ready for another `adventure.'

Down to the river bank, a nice walk of a hundred yards to the boat house and Dennis' smiling face. He had the boat ready. It was a bit chilly but we had prepared. Two huge thermoses of hot tea and car blankets! Lots of blankets!

I liked the boat and the canvas top with its bright colours was welcoming. We grabbed seats and draped the warmth around us. Jonny was looking a bit larger in a mac he borrowed for the ride and happy for a blanket. Smiling though.

Gil and Francis grinning at us. PJ and Rande had boats in their backgrounds and approved of this `adventure.'

Dennis had us moving north up the river. We passed the boatyard with the folks ashore waving. There was a long stretch with our property to the port side and the Fraser's and Radley's to starboard before I got to see the Sandford Lock from an entirely new perspective.

Cho and I talked with Jonny as we toured northward. We got his view of the racing scene at Longchamp, what barn space was like, the grass, other trainers and staff and what he'd liked to do there. We gave him an idea of what horses we would run and what our standards were. He'd known Monaco for a half dozen years and admired him. Now he was a Triple Crown winning trainer with some incredible prospects for the coming year. Jonny was looking forward to the challenges.

Monaco highly recommended Jonny, `he has excellent horse sense and a calm deliberate manner, very unFrench in many ways.' So we were also looking forward to the racing season.

Jonny was wowed by our sponsors, `Taittingers' was way up there! Apple was big in France as was Levis, Starbucks was known but with so many local coffee houses not as big. Roundell's company a total unknown but I said I'd him show some of their clothing. I was wearing it under on my rides. Very warm without being bulky.

Gil had her Leica out snapping away. We didn't have a long wait at the lock then off towards Oxford. Some shallow bends then a big hook to the left, under the railroad tracks and the A423 then the Iffley Lock. We were cruising along at the full five knot limit against the flow.

After Iffley there were houses' back gardens right on the river and cricket grounds then it was built up on both sides. At the Osney Lock we turned back. Dennis knew the river very well, he'd worked on and around it his whole life from Kemble where it begins to the North Sea.

Dennis gave us a tour of things we could see and what was out of sight. The trip south was quicker, at both locks we went right in and out. Dennis eased her into the boat house. We were pleased.

Cho asked Dennis how she was handling several times as we were in different areas of the river. Dennis liked her a lot.

"She's easy to maneuver, responds to the wheel and throttle immediately. She glides over the wakes with no problem and gives a comfortable ride."

Cho's head nodding. "She's rides very well, her shape is great for the river."

He shook Dennis' hand with a thank you! Fist bump from me. Dennis looked happy. It had been an enjoyable few hours made better by Dennis' suggestion of a good river craft and his handling of her!

Mr. Hardy had just arrived as we came up from the river. He was looking quite good in a forest green pullover jumper over gray slacks, a black tie peeked out. We headed to the Library to try another game, Cemetery Hill from an SPI American Civil War Quad Game.

He would be the Confederate General Richard S. Ewell, me the Union General John Reynolds, an odd pairing. We would play only the first day and the second day portion of the battle involving the fighting around Cemetery and Culps Hills. The burden of attack heavily on Mr. Hardy.

My forces were trying to assemble at the start behind a weak cavalry screen, the Confederates pressing. I had to retreat to save my men, a fighting retreat maneuvering to stem the outflanking moves. When it looked like a counter attack could do damage I did. The Victory Conditions gave a greater value to destroyed Rebel units than my own. Sharp attacks on over-extended Rebel units caught him twice before he dialed back the aggressive tactics.

The only way for Mr. Hardy to `win' now was to take the Cemetery Hill but that was not likely. My forces were mostly intact, on slopes giving them decisive advantages in combat and a strong artillery presence in support. The Confederates came up the slopes many times only to be stopped cold.

Mr. Hardy smiling, "Did you ever play against anyone when you were young?"

"I did only once with a boy from school, it wasn't a good encounter. He just had a thing about winning and when he didn't it was all whinging. So I chose not to repeat the experience."

I sipped my tea with a ginger cookie in hand, "I really enjoy doing this with you. AND not because I have been successful so far... It's quite nice to have to think forward."

Cho had come in to see how things were going and caught that remark. A kiss.

"Don't believe a word of that Mr. Hardy, she does it for a living."

I tried to swat him but missing as he neatly dodged away, my `quick in his old age' got him laughing.

We were at an end so Cho sat down watching us put it all away. The little unit pieces going to their appropriate places in the plastic box. Cho hadn't the `game' familiarity as part of his growing up. No siblings like me. No Monopoly or Parcheesi kind of thing. Or wargames! He was fine without it. He was quite good at poker, his ability to focus, do the math and show nothing on his face paid him well there.

Dinner guests tonight were our neighbors. The Thorn's, Fraser's, Radley's, Cotton's, Lone's, Mr. Hardy staying on after our game. Cho and I greeting them in the Great Room after they had been relieved of their coats. Jonny looking quite dapper in a black suit and orange tie was intro'd to the others.

The ladies loved my new hair! Louise Brooks came up right away by Mrs. Lone. She loved the old silent movie stars.

A few apéritifs were consumed and general chatter. Jonny and Freddie had been talking a lot about horses with Sunny. Carter came in with the dinner announcement.

Carla's bouillabaisse went down very nicely! The grilled fish that followed was terrific with a white burgundy from Carter. A roasted vegetable medley of potato rounds, broccoli florets, shallots with Romano cheese, small loaves of hearty white bread from Maxine.

A chocolate layer cake with a big horse on top done in golden red icing which was Sue and Maxine together! Soft, and tasty. That was trailed by afters in the Great Room. We sat around talking about local goings on, our open house days and other events in the village for Christmas.

Cho and Mr. Hardy talking at the drinks cart... I wondered what that was about. Mr. Hardy wasn't drinking for sure.

We said our good nights at the door as everyone was helped into their outerwear. Kisses and hugs sent them all home.

In my Dressing Room Cho smiling from a chair as he watched me disrobe. I shook my little naked butt in his direction... that got a big laugh!

"Adam is coming up Sunday morning so its golf , we'll play for the first time with me as an owner."

I wasn't going to ask about what he and Mr. Hardy had been serious about... but Cho was on my wavelength, "Mr. Hardy asked what I meant by your making a living in thinking ahead. I gave him a few examples of some of your recent handiwork, 21st Century Fox, Jasmin, Dalat and a few others."

Well those couldn't do me any harm. I did believe they were different from playing a game but...

Cho was resisting my nubile form too well... I parked on him... I got kissed and carried to bed. Jaidee woofed his approval. Cho rubbed him and disappeared to his Dressing Room... back... naked like me. Under the bed clothes we kissed, lights out, spooned... I was asleep quickly.

I was out early, no sun yet. Jaidee face down in his breakfast as the microwave dinged its job done. Butter on the scones, coffee in hand... it was Nan's last day in this kitchen for breakfasts. She'd bring the little man down when he was done.

I headed to the stables, halfway Jaidee came thundering down the lane with Nan a long ways behind. I waved to her it was Okay. Thames came rushing out to greet us. Lots of bow wowing and open mouthed fake gnawing on each other.

Anthony was ready... so was Pamela.

"No one able to get up this early with you?"

"No, they're all wimps."

We laughed, fist bumps. He got the scone, I got Pamela!

My girl and I were gently trotting up the slope towards the Sci Ctr the sun making itself known, a fox crossed our path to the right. He had a meal in his mouth, a rodent of some kind. He gave us a look and went on. He was beautiful!

Over the tracks we galloped to the lock. The alternate lock man waved. No Roy, we were too early. I called to the lock man before crossing further to tell Roy he's getting slow. He laughed and waved an Okay.

We galloped past the business park and over the tracks once more, around the ugly houses and on our land. A turn left to use the lane behind Archie and Margy's place then north again into Lower Radley. Around the loop road to exit out on the path to the river. We followed the river going north leaving the quiet boatyard to our right.

It was very silent except for Pamela's hooves hitting the grass. Our route hugged the curves of the Thames until we were beside the Industrial Estate, under the power lines and over the first bit of the river. The lock man in Sandford was the usual fellow and he gave me a smile. I felt he might be warming to me and returned a big one for him. A wave as we walked over into the village.

I steered away from Mr. Hardy's as it was so early the sun was barely up. Pamela required no urging when we passed through the gate onto the grass. She leapt forward, running at full stride quickly. We had a wonderful run through the farms to the flat area below the house.

I walked us around all the bits we had added to the landscape. Sunny was using the arena and jumps every day! No cross-country yet. I was glad Charlotte hadn't gone there. Sunny needed to work up to that. She was thirteen and a half with plenty of time to grow up and be able to deal with the rigors of cross-country.

Diana was at the stables to take Pamela, I told her she'd had some cool down but more walking would be good. A smile and a thumbs up!

I gathered the Jaidee puppy. He had gotten his feet into some horse droppings but Anthony had cleaned him up. A laugh, "He's Okay to go up to the house. I got it all."

Fist bump! My little fellow lead me up the lane. Treats in the kitchen!

I was in the shower when Cho came in from breakfast, we washed... well it did get done after a while...

Jeans, crop T under a flannel shirt, ankle boots... all black. The black pea coat and gloves.

A dash upstairs to see The Twins. They were with Ba so just a kiss each.

Prasert was outside. PJ, Rande, Tessa, Penny and Ken. Jaidee on a lead. We climbed into a car with a big basket in the boot. All was transferred to an Agusta at Chalgrove. We lifted off with a turn to starboard and an east by north track.

The pilots put the pedal down! In thirty minutes we crossed the coast north of Aldeburgh to make the big turn to port around Southwold, a fast descent as we came in over the waves to land softly on the grass. I had Jaidee's lead as we walked to the beach gate.

A couple were waiting for us, Archimedes and Poetry. They were the resident Security team for the Southwold House. Arc and Po they were called, married and happy in the apartment above the carriage house. They were both from Norfolk, had family around and loved the beach in all weathers.

They were here full-time with a security firm in Norwich doing some short term work to give the couple some break time until Thomas moved more assets here.

Yone's Harcourt House crew could login remotely to watch everything through all the cameras and sensors any time.

Francis and Cho had the big basket, lunch for a dozen from Carla.

We walked through the tall windows at the back end of the central hall. The floors were a huge difference! We had the dark stain removed down to the original oak and a clear stain to allow the lighter wood to be seen. It made big change to the interior space. Much brighter.

The saloon, library and dining room kept the dark floor, most of the it would be covered by carpets. The bedrooms upstairs the same but the halls everywhere were better off lighter.

The painting was complete also. The saloon a light burgundy shade, the library a darkish warm green and the dining room a deep golden daffodil yellow. All the halls were a medium blue which worked very well with the light brown floors. Each of the bedrooms were different colours, our suite a lovely creame to go with the rose colours in the furnishings Jane had chosen.

A team from Norwich were hanging drapes today all through the house. Long and gorgeous hangings against the tall windows. Coordinating shades to the walls in each room. Madeline was in the back of the saloon with the drapers. My being pleased with what I had seen made her smile even bigger.

"Jane rang me to say she would be here in an hour."

Good! We wandered around. Cho's hand in mine. Jaidee off his lead walking along side.

"I do like the many colours a lot. So boring to see the same in many rooms."

I got a kiss! Po came up the stairs, "Mr. Cho, Arc has the car out front."

I kissed my golfer as he was going to look at several courses in the area. Rande and Penny went with him and Francis.

I went down to the kitchen entry to have a stroll on the beach with Jaidee. Gil had coffee, I needed some. A dog, a coffee cup and Gil, Ken and Tessa came along for the walk.

It was chilly but I had enough clothing for it. The waves were up with a good breeze coming onshore. I took the lead off and tossed a tennis ball for Jaidee.

We were alone, no one else in sight either way. Gil became the ball thrower.

Email from Kavat... everything set for Monday! I sent him a `Cheers.'

Gil got a text from Jane, she was here. So we turned back. I saw Ken's face, he was enjoying this somewhat blustery outing.

"Yes, I do love being outside going back to being on a boat or tractor as a kid. The Army only reinforced it."

"Maybe you should get up on a horse. They usually are outdoors."

He laughed, "Well... after listening to Tara and Tessa maybe I will."

"Please do. The stables folks can get you started. Talk to Anthony or Diana but the first rule is don't ride alone until you are sure of your seat."

Thumbs up!

Jane smiling as we shook hands.

"Fay, have you seen the drapes in your suite?"

I said yes and they are terrific. Jane had the first furniture coming in two days. The master suite then the rest of the first floor. The second floor rooms were more of a cookie cutter as much of the furnishings except colour were much alike, double beds, bureaus, armoires, mirrors. The carpets and draperies colours unique to each room wall colour.

The nursery would have cherry furniture against several warm yellow tones on the walls. Bassinets, rocking chairs, several large bureaus and armoires. The nurses' room with mahogany wood furnishings with a warm shade of green on the walls.

The top floor rooms would all have double beds, big armoires with extra drawers below and on the side, no bureaus. A writing table and chair in each room also. The run of different colours on the walls, carpets and drapes would continue. Each room would be named for the colour.

Gil was researching local companies to do the cleaning and gardening although Po wanted to do some gardening. Gil was keeping Thomas in the loop.

I got some folks together for another walk, a bit more ambitious, down to the Southwold Pier. It was about a mile or more, I promised hot chocolates... We bundled up more. PJ, Ken, Tessa and Gil. I had Jaidee's lead but he was off chasing Ken's tosses.

The sun made an appearance about halfway which didn't warm our bodies but was lovely to see. The Beach Café had an open table by the windows we crowded in. Hot drinks and some cookies for the table as a reward for the walk down and back.

Laughing as we dove in I said we'll be back in the summer then the walk will be very welcome. Jaidee beside me quiet being a good boy.

Cho texted they were done and on the way back so we moved ourselves. The café folks were nice!

The walk back was faster Jaidee well ahead as Ken sent his tennis ball bounding along quite far on the firm sand. We laid out lunch for all of us and the pilots. The Val d'Auge bottle was emptied and it felt good in my chilled toes. Po made us more comfy by getting a fire going while we were on our walk.

Cheese, fruit, bread, mushroom soup! Carla did good! We sat in the kitchen to get Cho's golf course news.

The local Southwold course was only nine holes and sparse but well cared for and good for him to practise. The greens looked fantastic.

The people were pleasant and welcoming to a new Full Member as Cho signed on and paid the fees.

They quite surprised to find he had no handicap and Cho suggested a possible member sharing arrangement with the East Oxford Golf Club. They were VERY much surprised to learn Cho owned it.

Cho explained a bit about us to one of the club officers after the fellow asked. He was amazed that we had a house here.

He was asked if we would live here and let the man know we would most likely be here at different times in the year.

The other golf course was Forest Glen west of Lowestoft. It had a full eighteen holes and a nine hole par three course. It was much more high-toned' thinking well of itself. The course was in excellent condition in the American style called parkland.' I could see Cho wasn't impressed but it wasn't the physical part... later for that.

Our lunch over, we cleaned up and Cho and I took a walk around. The drapers were done on the main floor and first floor, now working up on the second in the bedrooms. Their work was very good. Jane was emailed our pleasure and the foreman on the job was thanked by us. He'd pass on our compliments to the owners.

I had Cho's hand leading him and Jaidee to the empty Library. We stood by the fireplace.

Cho was grinning, "Okay you ready?"

I nodded.

"When we went into the club house there were several `members' sitting around a fireplace. The looks we received... well... our Asian faces weren't a welcome sight. A younger man came out of the bar area and recognized me. He runs ponies and his best was beaten by our BlackStar a few months back.

He was non-plussed to meet in Lowestoft. Hillman was nice, we shook hands. He was a member and I told him we owned a house north of Southwold which amazed him. I said it was mostly for summer visits. The men at the fireplace had stirred themselves watching Hillman's effusive greeting."

Cho squeezed me, a wry grin, "They were now eager to shake my hand on finding out who I was. You should have seen Francis' face... I think the word disgusted' covers it. So they were suffered,' it was good Hillman stayed around and gave me a tour. I didn't press him about the others just letting it go but although it is the closest eighteen holes I'm going to pass. Next trip I'll go south to look."

"Do you have others courses in mind?"

"Woodbridge, it's northeast of Ipswich and has an excellent reputation. About an hour by car from here."

"Can we call them to ask if there a place to set down the helicopter so we can stop today?"

A huge squeeze!! A KISS!! Cho leaned into the central hallway to call for Francis. That fine fellow `got it' and began phoning.

We stayed in the Library I got kissed some more for the idea! Nice stuff!!

Francis grinning seeing us, he said they had a lower parking area that was closed to vehicles right now and we were welcome to land there!

Fist bumps with Francis!

We loaded ourselves into the Agusta and were off. Our ascent over the sea and a big turn to aim towards Woodbridge. One of our pilots was a Suffolk man and knew the course area. In ten minutes were doing a slow descent to an asphalt square. Ken and Penny stayed with the helicopter and Jaidee. Ken chasing him around with a ball.

We were met at the door by the Club Secretary, he might have been the visual source for Colonel Blimp but his manner was open and friendly. We toured the buildings and Cho went off to walk a bit of the course with the Club Pro and Secretary. Francis and Rande went too.

I wandered inside, I had a look at the several restaurant's menus and spoke to several staffers. All very nice people.

I looked at a rack full of brochures for local attractions and businesses, I found one for a riding stables that was a few hundred yards to the west. I gave it to Gil for a follow up.

Cho liked the club and course, they liked him! So he joined with a full membership. They would even work out a way for the helicopter to land any time he wanted to play. Cheers!

In the air again I hugged him, "Quite the contrast in the welcome?"

He nodded, his chin rubbing my shoulder. A nice smile! I knew he was pleased with the Woodbridge Club. He had discussed a reciprocal agreement with the East Oxford club and the Woodbridge folks were keen on it.

A busy day ended in a nice dinner with Gil and Francis. I wanted to see the new kitchen. Nan had gone home by then, rightly so as she was the `early' one. The stable folks lounging loved it. They stuck their feet up, everyone wearing the big wooly slippers with their name on the side we got them so they could take off their boots in the mud room and relax. I clapped! Cormac stood up to bow and we all laughed.

They were happy which is terrific for us.

We got to hold The Twins before they were put down for the night. Little cuddlers! Charlie gave me a big yawn with a sleepy smile. I pressed my cheek to his, the small arms reaching out for me. Kisses for both as Tha got them into their bassinets.

I was up early as usual, dressed in a khaki outfit and the dark campaign hat. Jaidee was eating I was doing my thing. Marigold who took over for Nan was working on breakfast for the staff. She had been with us for nearly a year and `I love it here.' Fist bump!

Anthony completed our transaction, scone for horse. Grinning as always! A leg up and Pamela was stepping down the grassy lane. We took it easy going south around the Sci Ctr to Thame Lane and going past the Denham School grounds to the Abingdon Road. Along that until we came to open space opposite. Traffic was light so across the road and onto The Burycroft.

We went south beside that road until we entered Culham from the west. Past the Green was an alleyway going south bordered by a tall hedge. I walked Pamela down there, the hedge stopped and we were in an open field with the Thames beyond.

A sharp trot got us to the water and a bridge. Over that a left turn and a good run through the grass was the Culham Lock, Tolgate Road and bridge further on. Back on the north side of the river we followed the river path for quite a ways until Appleford was across the Thames. I walked Pamela over the railroad tracks and remounted. A good gallop northeast staying on the verge of the fields until nearly in Clifton Hampden.

A nice lorry driver stopped for us, a wave and thank you we were over the Abingdon Road again. In minutes we were back on Harcourt House property and running like the wind. Pamela knew it was the toward the stables, she let it out! I leaned down close to her neck, the grass was a blur beneath us! Striding like the queen she was, it made my day!

We slowed going down the slope to the flat and walked the rest of the way to the stable. Diana took my girl, she'd get some more walking and a bath like me.

Sunny was eating with Cho. She and Charlotte would be leaving shortly with the horse trailer going to the event ground out near Woodperry. We'd follow along later. She was smiling, `I'm ready' came out with a grin between bites.

Chani had her arms open for me when we came into the Nursery. So cute! She and I squeezed. Looking into those green eyes, she gripped and yelled out `Ma" so loud it startled me.

Tha's head came around, laughing, "She's making a point!"

I should say so, I'll remember that one for a while.

We gave Sunny and Charlotte a sendoff out front.

A county set' crowd... what to wear? And be warm! Black G-Star jeans, cut off white t-shirt, the red and black big checked flannel shirt, silver bits, Joy' and black ankle boots. The black pea coat and leather gloves. A black wool beret at a sexy angle, well Cho said it was `sexy.'

Cho in black too. Slacks and a black shirt from my Rodeo Drive buying spree. Low boots, a red jumper and a black trench coat and gloves.

Gil looking great in brown slacks over boots and one of the heathery macs over all with brown gloves.

PJ, Tessa, Rande and Penny were with us. Ansara had gone with Sunny. It wasn't a far drive through Garsington and Wheatley, under the A40 past Stanton Saint John then north.

The parking in a field beside the road and a short walk to the arenas. We paid an entrance fee and went in. The competition had begun went we arrived but Sunny was waiting behind a few riders for the jumps.

We decided not to bother with sitting and moved around to the far side of the jumping arena. Across the arena I could see Sunny and Charlotte, Ansara behind them.

Ah... Sunny's turn to jump. She was wearing her version of my Spanish Equestrian outfit. Nifty! The flat brimmed hat/helmet I bought looked good on her. She was at the entrance with Prince Sergey and... off! They moved smoothly around to the first jump... over easily... one after another they moved like liquid, over each jump with not a single touch. Sunny rode on Prince's back just right! A clear round with beautiful footwork and style!!

She was out! There was a very nice applause for the pair. Especially by us!

There would some time before the dressage arena would be up for her. We walked about going in the direction of the Harcourt trailer where Zephyr was waiting. Anthony and Yvonne were at the trailer.

Sunny got big hugs from us. Charlotte was very pleased.

Aside to me, "Fay, she looked the best so far that I've seen. Very controlled and moving properly."

Fist bump.

Gil had rounded up some teas. Not great but it was warm.

A country looking couple approached us PJ moved up but the man made it easy by asking if we were Cho and Fay? Their friend Adam Declare mentioned we might be here.

Sir Harry Wright and his wife Lady Bella. We shook hands. Adam's Faringdon stables abutted their property. Adam had said our niece was competing here, Bella's young cousin was also.

We talked horses a bit then Sir Harry stopped abruptly... "Damn...You own Glaa don't you?"

A Cho smile, "Yes, he is our brave boy."

Sir Harry's hand came out again for us both... "Damn, he's one helleva of a runner! In the last forty years there's hasn't been any horse like him!"

Cho grinning, "Well he has a full sister and two half-brothers that will be three years old next season in America..."

Sir Harry laughing, "Well that won't make you popular around tracks in America! I know it... BlackStar is yours isn't he?"

I said yes, and he was still improving. Which made Harry laugh.

Bella smiling, "Harry doesn't race anymore, he trains and breeds for this..." Her hand motioning around the arenas.

Harry smiling, "Your Prince Sergey has some of our Siberian Prince's blood via a Declare mare."

Cho put his arm around my waist, "Then your Prince must be a terrific fellow. Our Prince is a cracking great boy."

We all walked some, I slipped my arm with Bella's. "Fay, you two are world class celebrities... Funny you aren't attracting much interest here."

I laughed, "Well, we actually get around without too much attention mostly because we are hard to find. Not a soul here has even done anything more than glance our way. And that probably because of our black outfits."

Bella smiled, "Well it certainly isn't tweed."

We laughed. She was in jeans and a big jumper, boots and a mac.

I asked about her cousin, "Alberta, she's sixteen and up on one of ours, a big black boy named Noir River. They are going to the jumps now."

I told her about Sunny... "Thirteen? And away from home? That's tough!"

We stayed together until her cousin's group started in the jumping arena. We'd meet afterwards.

We were on a small berm to watch the dressage. Sunny looking very cool walked Prince to the entrance. Salute. And she began. Prince was stepping so perfectly doing what Sunny wanted. Her control was firm but easy turning them sharply, moving with precision. Each move was spot-on!

Gil and Francis were again both videoing from different angles. Sunny was fabulous to watch. She made the last move to the entrance...STOP and salute and she was out! What a performance!

We went back to the trailer, Sunny was off Prince hugging him... tears in her eyes. A Cho-Fay handkerchief in Cho's hand for her.

HUGS! Kisses! Charlotte's hand in mine.

"Fay, she was terrific."

Now we had to wait for the judging. Sunny got to watch herself on Francis' iPad in the dressage part. We leaned over her shoulder.

"Oh My! I felt so good going in, Prince was calm and I shutdown everything but the routine..."

I squeezed her, "You did good!"

We moved over to the viewing stand where they had a three step podium for the top scorers. Sir Harry and Lady Bella joined us. Her cousin Alberta was a cute blonde, she and Sunny were chatting.

The judges came out to small dais, they were very deliberate. The Third Place was announced... It was Bella's cousin! Alberta from Fairburn Hall Stables.' Sunny kissed her cheek, Alberta stepped onto the stand to get her ribbon. Then the Second... No Sunny... Then the First Place... they called Sunny's name!!!!!!!!! Sunny from Harcourt House.'

Our girl had won against much older more experienced riders!!!! She had a tear, it was wiped away by Cho's handkerchief still in her hand.

Sunny walked over to step to the top of stand and bent down to receive her Blue Ribbon. A warm applause for her. She shook hands with the other riders. Then a hug with Alberta. As she got down more riders clustered around to congratulate Sunny. I liked that!

She came back to us... hugs and kisses.

"Fay, this is really yours... you made it happen!" The Blue Ribbon in her hand.

Huge hug!!!!

I whispered in her ear, "No, you did all the work... ALL! We gave you the chance but you grasped it! The credit is with you!"

She buried her face in Cho's coat arms around him. Cho smiling said he was very proud of her for all the hard work and tenacity!

Both families together, we shook hands. We congratulated Alberta. She was a happy girl. Bella gave Sunny a big hug and Sunny got her to do a fist bump!

We took our leave saying we should have a visit. Their home Fairburn Hall was on the east side of Adam's about seventeen miles from Harcourt House.

Cho asked them to come over to meet Glaa's sire and dam. Harry wanted to do that! Gil got their address and phone numbers. All good!

Now we split up. Our group leaving right now, Sunny and Charlotte would wait for the trailer to be ready. Big dinner tonight!

In the car Gil and Francis sent their videos to Kay and Greg. Sunny was to call her parents with the news then we'd send on the video of the ribbon ceremony.

Sue and Maxine were alerted! We'd wait and see at dinner.

Adam was coming down tonight instead of Sunday morning for golf with Cho tomorrow.

Dinner was horses! Freddie and Jonny had spent the day together riding and evaluating our crew of racers. Charlotte and Sunny, our winner! Adam with us and Gil and Francis.

Carla with a wonderful meal capped off by a cake with a rider on top made of carved marzipan and icing, a blue icing ribbon beside it. Sunny cut the cake!

Adam's arm over my shoulders, "This is something you know. She's young but whipping older riders? It isn't easy to have the skills and poise working together."

I hugged Adam, "She's perfect on a horse! She'll be seventeen and perhaps very seasoned when the Olympics are on again."

We walked into the Great Room arm in arm.

"We're going to get her going to a few places in America next year to compete. We'll use Upperville Farm as her base. The arenas have been refurbished, there's jumping equipment and Daniel the manager, has started on rebuilding the cross-country course. The U.S. Equestrian Team used it one year and they liked it."

I nudged him, "Find us another coach like Charlotte. We'll put them to work here freeing Charlotte to travel."

Deal! Fist bump!

I was on a settee with our winner, whispering, "You want to do some different riding tomorrow?"

She nodded.

"I want to surprise Cho as he goes to play golf. A cross-country ride in the morning, we wait at the back entrance as they come around the curve they'll see us."

Sunny smiling, "I'm in!"

I enlisted Tara and Tessa probably they agreed since it wasn't at the crack of dawn.

Not so early a morning! Marigold smiling at us, she well on with breakfasts when we came in. Jaidee had been fed and now me and my riders. Scones and coffee. Anthony and Ethan both got scones today.

Pamela was ready, Rascal glad to see Tara, Tessa wanted Lu, Sunny on Natasha. Quite the crowd.

We went up to the forecourt and then down our drive to the village. We turned south to get to our farm land north of Little Baldon then north by east aiming for the Chiselhampton Hill Road south of Garsington. We passed between Chippinghurst and Denton to our right and Garsington on the left. I pointed us to the Wheatley Road where the back entrance to the East Oxford Club met a big curve.

We crossed to the grassy verge opposite and waited standing in a row. I checked my iPhone, we'd made good time passing through so many farms. It wasn't even ten minutes when the Range Rover came around the bend.

Cho behind the wheel rolled to a stop in front of us. He, Adam and Rande got out laughing, they bowed to us.

"Dear Ladies, it is an honour to be greeted by you all!"

Rande by the Rover door with a huge grin!

We were laughing!

"Well don't get used to it Bub!," from me brought gales of laughs. Cho held my face as I leaned down, KISS!

"It's your first so we thought..."

Adam grinning alongside Cho. We waved them on to their golf.

Going back I changed our route to go to the narrow centre of Garsington. We passed through a lane to the Oxford Road, over that to a small yard that Apple Maps showed as having a small hedge. In the drive an older fellow was leaning on a shovel contemplating a garden plot. Not favorably.

I asked if we could go through the open space beyond.

"You're the Miss from the House?"

His arm waving in the general direction of Nuneham Courtenay.

I said yes. He took off his hat an made a sweeping motion, "Please be my guest."

I sent the others on and leaned over to shake his hand, "Thank you for your gracious welcome."

He smiled, "We hear good things are happening over there and that the lady of the House is a winner!"

I thanked him again for the nice compliment and his offer for us to pass through anytime. I waved and followed the others.

We crossed the Watlington Road now heading for the dirt road north of Toot Baldon. We reached it and turned south into the village to do a special stop. I had us dismount outside the Mole Inn.

It has almost noon, the innkeeper grinning at our means of transport said they would be glad to open for us. We walked our horses around to the garden side to tie them. The innkeeper brought out a large tin tub and filled it with water for our friends. His wife handed me some carrots. Munching took place. We went to do ours.

We got started with several orders of Thai fishcakes! They were great! The table went for fish and chips all around! Such good stuff!

Sunny smiling as she did justice to her food!

"Fay, this is so cool. Riding and stopping like this!"

She'd been taking loads of snaps.

"What did Mom say to you last night?"

"She was very proud of you for working so hard and putting yourself out there. You've a real supporter there."

The innkeepers wife refilled our tea pot with a HUGE smile.

"You're from the hall?"

I said we were AND their food was terrific! The smile got larger!

"Your tod mun was excellent! Only our cook in Bangkok could do better!"

"Oh Miss that's so nice."

She called her husband over to tell him what I'd said. We shook hands. They had a fine reputation for their menu and that he pulled a good pint.

I said I'd mention that to my husband who was playing golf with a friend. Maybe they'd detour on the way home. Smiles!

We had a great time. Several locals came in for a pint and we were intro'd to them. I asked after Adele who I'd met last year early one morning nearby.

She was the daughter of one of the men. He called her and she and the little one who got to touch Pamela's nose came in. Adele was amazed to see me again. I took her daughter out to see Pamela.

I held her up so she could stroke Pamela who was so nice to give her a soft nicker. I told the girl it meant she was happy which made her smile big. Inside she told her mother and granddad. Adele thanked me.

We left leaving behind lots of goodwill and going with full stomachs!

We headed southwest now with the next stop at Maeve and Gerry's cottage on Baldon Lane. We surprised them both by standing in their drive.

Gerry laughing, "Well Miss you do get around."

Maeve stroked and talked to all our horses, she knew them.

Our last bit across the Oxford Road and into Harcourt Close. It was quiet being a Sunday but the workers were really doing us proud. All foundations were completed and half the houses were framed and some onto interiors. It was going to be quite wonderful to have our people here in well built homes.

The stable folks were startled by the ride we had. They took our friends for washing and grooming!

I emailed Cho about the Mole Inn, he'd see it after their round was over.

Gil had things for me so some work had to be done. Poo!

Sunny came into the Library to sit with us, headphones on.

Now Now, Draemings, St. Beauty Band, Hey Violet, Chvrches, Janelle Monae and more from me to tickle her ears!

Text from Cho... >stop at Mole...B bak 2 U< >a volcano< I knew what that meant now!

I sent him a beer tankard and a heart.

Upstairs to wash. Bright blue G-Star's, yellow cutoff jumper with blue cuffs. Bright yellow heels, gold bits and `Joy'

I grabbed a mac to walk out to see Philips and Teddy. They were on the edge of a path discussing something. When heard me they turned, big smiles, hellos back and forth.

"So are we plotting?"

They laughed at that. "No Miss, we call it planning!"

Fist bumps. They gave me an overview of some winter plantings they were starting.

A text from Cho >enroute<

I said go back to plotting or planning!

I dashed inside to get two scotches ready. Even if they had a pint the scotch would still go over!

Sunny and I with Gil and Francis `lounging' in the Great Room when the guys arrived. Hugs and kisses. Sunny held out the glasses... an inch of dark smokiness!

Cho smiled, "First the beer and now this? Are you trying to put me at a disadvantage?"

I pressed against my man, arms around as he lightly clinked his glass with Adam.

They did a quick wash up and joined us again.

Shortly after Carter with a grin announced dinner. Carla fed us very well, soup, fish, veggies and Maxine bread. The dessert was tiramisu! Sue did this so well! I indulged myself with a second piece.

We sat in the Great Room again for afters and golf stories. Cho was pleased with his play and the course.

"It's a good test. The Club Secretary and Head Pro came out with us."

I leaned against him nudging with an elbow.

"Okay I'm going on..." laughing, "... Well I was on par until the Fifth hole a long par 5 with a huge bunker across the fairway. So dialed back with a two wood to play short of the monster. I had a decent lie about ten yards short of the sand so I took out the two wood again. My caddie's eyes rolled, he's George, this fellow..." finger pointing to Adam, "...did a little cough which made me laugh so I had to compose myself. I closed my eyes..." a big squeeze of me, "... thinking of you."

"Then I stepped up to address the ball. I got all the ball cleanly off the grass. George was yelling `FORE' almost right away. The ball soared, beautiful to watch and hit with a good bounce just off the green then three hops to roll right at the pin. The flag was off to the right halfway to the back, I watched the ball roll up to the flag, gently knock against the pole and DROP IN. A double eagle. Adam and George went a bit nuts, the Club Secretary and Pro pretty much the same as did the other caddies."

Adam laughing, "You're damned right! It was a terrific shot! I haven't ever seen a shot like that. Playing a wood from a fairway is always a dicey proposition except with ..." a thumb gesturing towards Cho.

Cho grinning, "It felt as good as the holes-in-one. And sort of overdue the way I've been hitting the ball."

I kissed my Pro. Shining eyes, little Charlie certainly got those!

"So I was with one stroke three under. The next hole a short par four I drove the green and two putted after my first stopped an inch short. Then a run of birdies so I was seven under at the turn. Feeling good too."

Kendal gave me my re-up of espresso a la grandfather, smiling. And more Amaretto.

"The back nine starts with a fairly long par 5 and has a narrow spot in the fairway between several huge trees. I banged my drive between them leaving me a five iron to the green. The green isn't large with a swale at the rear not in play today. I hit my shot lifting the ball with lots of backspin to above the pin and it drew back to stop three feet away. So another eagle!"

Cho got a break to wet his mouth with some espresso. Adam went ahead.

"So the Pro here," another thumb motion, "is nine under with the club folks shaking their heads. He goes an birdies three in a row so on Fourteen on the tee looking at a lot of water on the right he's twelve under. Showing his usual disregard for any obstacles on the hole he hits a monster drive that cuts the hole down to a chip shot after flying over the water. Chip he does, hits the flag to sit four foot away. Birdie."

Cho laughed, "Now you're not getting it all. Adam is two under, the Secretary is three over and the Pro is three under. So I'm thirteen under on Fifteen, another par four with water on one side and a gigantic bunker on the right pushing into the fairway. I hit over it leaving me an eight iron which rolled very nice to the swale and back down a bit. It left a tough sidehill putt which refused to go in."

Adam sipped his cognac, "Well the last few holes I don't know... Sixteen is a par three I had a great tee shot to with ten feet, Cho was about eight, the Pro fifteen and the Secretary about fifteen. We all birdied that one. Robert, the Secretary rolled in a very nice putt."

"So Cho's got a fourteen under game going in to the Eighteenth. The `hulk' here whacks a big drive leaving him a nine iron to the triple level green with the pin at the back. He drops his shot near the back edge and backspin draws to within six feet. Another birdie for fifteen under. That translates to a 58 which is now the lowest score ever recorded on the course."

Cho smiling, "Well, I think it's fair don't you... I'm the Chairman."

We laughed.

"Adam ended four under, a 68 which is a terrific score! The Head Pro the same and the Secretary was three over, he was very pleased. The course is in excellent condition, presents good challenges, the greens superb which makes for a great day of golf."

Adam grinning, "We played well doing a follow the leader..." the thumb gesture again, "Cho inspired us all."

He leaned over to do fist bumps with Cho. We toasted the golfers! Jaidee added a loud woof to the acclamation!

Adam was staying over and driving back to London in the morning. We went to bed with a busy day on for Monday.

Tessa looking blurry-eyed met me in the kitchen at the DeLonghi machine.

"Don't worry Fay, I'll be fine after some coffee and fresh air."

I laughed, "I just want you to stay on."

We both grinned. Scones, coffee and Jaidee on the lane down to the stables. Thames with his usual bow-wow greeting. Ethan was the early one today. A strawberry scone was just fine with him! Smile.

Pamela ready, Max beside her! A leg up and we were off.

Down the lane at a walk then building up as we crossed the flat and reached the slope. A trot up the soft incline then asking for more past the train racks. Around the bike thing and on towards the lock. A wave to the lock man, no Roy... too early.

Once over the water I was in tour guide mode for Tessa so she would have it in her head. All the high points noted.

We galloped past the boatyard and right through the wooded area to the Industrial Estate's eastern side then to the Sandford Lock. On the asphalt road in the village going south Pamela wanting to run more burst through the gate onto the grass. She was going.

I encouraged her, we were a bullet. I quick look back Tessa and Max were twenty yards astern as we passed through the Fraser's farm. Over onto Harcourt land I eased my girl. Slowing down rubbing her neck telling her how proud I was of her. Tessa caught up by the training tracks.

"Fay this was great! What a way to start the day!"

Fist bumps!

We walked our horses a bit then up the lane to hand them over to Ethan and Anthony.

Ethan rubbing his stomach saying how good the warm scone had been. Anthony laughing at him.

Cars out front. A day trip north. I hugged Adam goodbye out front as we all were heading out.

A black long sleeved wool dress, snug to my slender frame, black tights and ankle boots. A black leather belt, silver jewelry "Joy" and red lips after a kiss!

My black pea coat and gloves for sure.

Cho was in one of those `suits' I love. Cut perfectly for his body, simple but elegant in black with an open collared white shirt. The black trench coat and gloves for him.

The Gulfstream was airborne quickly going due north... next stop Inverness. In three quarters of an hour we were wheels down and taxiing to a spot north of the terminal. There were cars waiting. Ansara was staying on board, she was good, a book and she pointed to the refrigerator and the DeLonghi! Fist bumps.

The drive took us through the north end of Inverness to cross the Moray Firth then in a big loop north to Fortrose. On the High Street we turned right onto Castle Street, halfway down a neat little house. My Aunt Dee and Uncle Craig, she was my Mom's younger sister. I hadn't seen her since I was eight or so.

We got out and I knocked on the door. Aunt Dee answered... a questioning face, "Dear what can I do you for?"

I said I would be a shock for her but "I'm Dora's child, Fay."

She was taken aback, "No Philip."

"Aunt Dee, I was Philip now I'm Fay... Fay Martin."

I put out my hand, she grasped it the other hand to her cheek, "Oh dear god... Fay Martin... Not the one in the news?"

"Yes, that's me. I'm your niece now and this is my husband, Cho."

Dee reached out with her left for his hand, she steadied herself holding our hands, "Come in, come in all of you. Out of the chill."

She shepherded us into the lounge. I intro'd Gil and Francis and PJ and Rande.

"Fay... Oh my this is something. I must call your Uncle Craig." She swiveled around and then back... "Tea?"

We were grinning, tea! A British universal!

"Yes, lovely. I'll help."

"No... No... you're a guest."

I did follow her to the kitchen, she dialed the phone... I put water in the kettle and plugged it in...

Dee was holding the phone but opened her arms and we had a nice hug. She loved to hug I remembered that.

"Craig, please come home. NO nothing bad, a surprise has arrived and you need to be here. It's good believe me."

I was smiling when she rang off, "He's only a five minute walk away."

Uncle Craig was a chemist now working at Boots in the High Street. He'd moved over to them many years back when they merged with the company he'd been with for several decades.

We fussed with the tea, Cho came, he slipped an arm round me. Aunt Dee leaned back on the sink looking at me.

"I see the old you but my you are pretty, lovely hair and so slender. Funny that you never looked much like either of your parents. And I've seen your picture in the newspapers and magazines. I was looking at one yesterday in the hairdressers, I've even got one in the lounge somewhere."

Aunt Dee was the middle height for a woman, solidly built but not a bit overweight, her hair was cut short but longer than a pixie cut. The green eyes we had in common, a match in shade.

She liked my dress and Cho's suit.

"You two are famous AND you have babies!"

I got Gil to loan me her iPad so Dee could see the pictures in a larger format. Chani and Charlie from newborn to yesterday.

Chanthira and Chati... Aunt Dee liked their names and our shortcuts.

Dee holding the iPad looking at Chani..."Come... I have an album out front."

We headed back to the lounge after she poured the hot water in the tea pot.

Uncle Craig came through the front door, "What's all the excitement, Missus?"

She pulled him in to the lounge, "Prepare yourself for a shock Craig! You remember Dora's child Philip?"

He nodded... "Well this is Fay Martin, the one in the article I told you about last night... owning the famous horse and the big TV network in America..."

Uncle Craig's eyes widened, BIG..."She's Fay but had been Phil, your nephew and now is your niece."

Craig shook his head like trying to clear the cobwebs, "...Phil is Fay and she's the one?"

Aunt Dee nodding and grinning, "Yes! Yes Yes!"

I stepped closer, "Uncle Craig, how's your golf game? Still cursing?"

A huge smile, he took my offered hand, "It's your face for sure but very different."

I kept his big warm hand but reached out to Cho. "Uncle Craig, this is my husband, Cho."

They shook hands. Uncle Craig looking a bit misty-eyed, "Married..."

Dee jumped, "Yes, with kids! Oh... the album."

She pulled from under a pile of things on a book shelf. We all went back into the big kitchen I well remembered for the cooking smells. She flipped through the big book then stopped, "Look!"

It was me as a baby , she put Chani on the iPad side by side. Amazing! We looked so much alike at six months.

I stared at me. Cho leaned his chin on my shoulder, "You were a sweet looking thing."

Dee laughed, "You were a good baby. You can't remember but you spent many months here at that age when your parents had to go overseas on short notice. Several other times when you were small."

"I remember you and Uncle Craig very well, this house too... especially this room."

She turned to do the tea only to find Francis and Gil had done everything. We sipped tea around the counter and nibbled Dee's shortbread. It was so flaky and buttery. I know I got my fondness for it from her baking.

I saw Gil's eyes as she chewed, a glance to me, we were on the same wave length, "I can see why Fay loves shortbread so much! This is wonderful!"

Aunt Dee smiling, Craig has his arm around her, "Damn, Dee knows how to bake. Good thing I walk a lot or I'd as big as a house."

Patting his stomach which seemed to me to about the same size as my memories.

I got them to understand who in our crowd did what for us. Dee pushed the shortbread plate closer to PJ and Rande.

"You fellows keep your strength up!"

We all laughed but they both took another piece with smiles.

I wandered outside into the late fall garden with Uncle Craig. I could see what he planted for winter veggies and the last of some things like carrots and cabbages.

He had a smile, "You know it seems all quite natural to see you as Fay. Maybe because it's been such a long time since we've seen you... twenty years?"

"Yes, that's what I figured but you know a kid's idea of time is different."

Both my cousins were out and about doing things. The girl, younger than me, in graduate school in micro-biology and the son a serving soldier. Craig was proud of him you could see, a captain, a paratrooper and now in Intelligence. They were to be home for the Holidays.

I had Craig's hand, I invited them to Harcourt House.

"You can meet the Twins and our friends and family."

Inside Craig told Dee about the invite and I gave them the story of my having been adopted by the Keren's. A mini-version of my escapades but I had been welcomed as a daughter and sister.

Dee was looking at pictures of her two children, a soft look.

She squeezed me, "I'm sorry we haven't been in contact... my fault."

I squeezed back, "No!"

I think my vehemence surprised her, "I was so inside myself when my parents died, cousin Donella was so sick you nearly lost her but I should have done something to connect..."

She smiled, "Okay... Let's share the blame."

Craig patted Cho's shoulder, "I think we should stay clear of this."

Cho laughed, nodding his agreement. Cho began to say his parents had died close together also. He had been comforted by several close friends.

Cho explained our link to the Prince and his late father. And how good the Keren Family had been to both of us.

I suggested they come out to Bangkok sometime in late January or February for some sun. Cho mentioned golf' which lit up Craig's face. Cho also said he'd played yesterday at course near Harcourt House mentioning we had recently bought into it as an investment and... I interjected toy store for Cho' which got them both to laugh.

NOW Cho and Craig were talking golf. They went to the lounge and borrowed Francis' iPad. Cho pulled up the Pro-Am hole-in-one after Craig said he'd had one several years back. Dee and I watched them view the video when the ball rolled in Craig whooped! Cho had video of his, Craig had his friend's memories.

Dee and I went for more tea. "How did you two get here today? Not driving..."

I showed her a snap of the Gulfstream on my iPhone and that it was over at Inverness.

"If you can come down we'll send one up for you. What about Donella? And where is Graeme?"

Donella was in Edinburgh at university finishing her term but Graeme was in London right now at MOD.

"Well we should try to work out a family visit. Yes?"

A hug, "Yes, I don't want us to drift so far apart... I know you two must have so much going on but there isn't much family left. The parents and close cousins are gone on both sides so it's just our two little families."

We left it that although there wasn't much time in the holidays we'd find a way to get together.

"We are spending six weeks or so at Harcourt House. We're having friends, family and colleagues out to stay and enjoy the holidays with us. You all should join us."

Aunt Dee looked like it appealed.

Lunch? That was me. Instead of Dee trying to feed us all Cho said he like to take the crowd to eat somewhere Dee and Craig liked. They suggested the Fortrose café. A short walk. Okay!

Dee called ahead for a table for all eight of us. We walked down to the High Street then south... Uncle Craig wanted to stop in at Boots to tell the other chemist he was taking a longer lunch but would stay later. All good.

The café wasn't big inside but in the summer they had a nice garden at the back. They knew Dee and Craig so they put two front left tables together for us. It had a delicious aroma when you walked in, part baking with an egg and toast smell underneath.

I mentioned to Dee I didn't eat mammals or birds, she said Craig would never give in on his beef roast dinners. She said it didn't matter to her.

I got a cappuccino to start then the carrot coriander soup that had bread with it. Big slices. Then a huge piece of a chocolate tart! Great stuff!

We walked Uncle Craig back to work, a big hug for me and a very hearty handshake for Cho! We'd see him soon!

We crossed the High Street on the corner was a news agent with magazines in an outside display... my face was on two covers, the old hair style, clear enough face. One looked it was taken outside 21 Club.

Aunt Dee smiled, "See this is where I bought one glossy. You're famous!"

As she said famous' a clerk came out add a new title to the rack, it was another flashy picture magazine with my face right out front. Does She Have The Power?' as the caption.

Oh shit! It was well I didn't bother with any of these!

Dee looked at me... I laughed, "The short answer... No!"

She giggled as Cho hugged me, "Yes! You do!"

The clerk looked at us and did a double take on the magazine cover and me.

"I get it all time... that I look like her."

The girl's eyes were big, "It is you isn't it?"

I smiled, "Yes. I'm here to visit my aunt and uncle, low key... you know ...quietly."

She smiled, "I get it but would you give me your autograph?"

I did. I made my escape before anything else came up. Walking arm in arm with Dee we turned off the High Street into the nicely quiet Union Street.

"`Tis the long way but no one's around."

We walked by the Anderson pub, Dee said it was Craig's local. We turned half around into Cathedral Square at Rose Street and up to Fortrose Cathedral ruin. Most of it missing, bare space. Very quiet.

Back at theirs we said goodbye for now. We would wait to hear from them about a get together at Harcourt House. Big hugs! It was cool to see Dee and Cho hug! She really liked my guy, he's a charmer!

On the way back to Inverness Airport I got the car to stop at Boots. I said a quick hug and dragged PJ with me. Inside I went to the back where the chemist desk was. A young woman asked if she could help...

"I just wanted a going away hug from my Uncle Craig."

Big eyes on the counter lady. She seemed to know my face.

Craig heard that and came into my arms. Smiles! `See you again soon.'

I dashed out to the car and we were away. The Gulfstream was warmed up and we took off immediately. In fifty minutes the aircraft flared for landing and we got the braking `g' forces on the Chalgrove runway.

Prasert smiling as we stepped out. He happily whisked us away!

Carter fist bump! He asked to speak to us both for a few minutes nothing wrong here.' We sat in the Office. He found a possible under-butler! That was fast but... there was a hitch. It is his nephew, his brother's boy who is in service now at a house in Yorkshire. He is the butler but it was more major-domo role, a bit of this and bit of that.'

Cho smiling at me, "Well, I don't think we'll be corrupted and the staff would probably welcome another Carter. BUT you know what we want him to do so isn't going to be somewhat the same?"

"If he's here I can train him which is not happening where he is now. He can learn how to lead a staff, the wine management, how to prepare a great house for the seasons and more."

We looked at each other, my mouth opened, "Hire him!"

Then we all laughed and did fist bumps! So Carter2 was born! My naming him sight unseen.

Carter grinned, "Well, at least it will be easy to remember!"

He would ask the nephew to take a day off to come down and meet us and decide.

Okay! I changed for a ride then I ran upstairs. Chani and Charlie were up from their nap. Tha texted me so... a VISIT! I was on the carpet with Charlie he was laughing as I did a count of his toes through his socks. I kissed his tummy which got a LOUD `Wa Ba!' Now I don't know what he meant but the big grin led me to believe it was good.

Cho flew in with Chani! Her face... she loved it! They ended beside us on the carpet. Twins in between we talked, played and kissed them inter-changeably! Several loud noises from the `Ba Wa Da Ma Fa Ga' categories were repeatedly spoken.

We wore them down a bit before Tha took over. She was laughing so hard.

Hand in hand we descended. Cho went to the office, me the stables. Tessa was with me.

"Sounds like the trip to Scotland was good."

"It was! I'd put off doing something about my aunt and uncle for a long time. They are a good memory for me."

Rebel and Con were saddled for us. Cormac smiling, "Miss you should stop by and see Secret Sea after your ride."

Okay! The smile said there was nothing wrong.

We steered towards the arenas where Sunny was working with Charlotte. No more events for a while but there was plenty of technique to work on. They'd be done soon. I waved and turned going north with Tessa.

We bounced along the river, I waved to Dan Senior after his hello. Deanna pointed towards hers I made a circular motion. We walked through Sandford, I gave Tessa a tour. At the church we climbed down to go around the little Norman structure. I stopped to touch the Sergeant's grave giving her a synopsis of the events.

Dr. Lone greeted us around front and was intro'd to Tessa.

"You take good care of this lady, she's valuable to us."

I laughed and kissed a ruddy cheek. He looked good.

We headed towards the lane and Rebel knew! He was eager to run and I let him go!

We burned a path southward with Tessa and Con in our wake. Once through the trees I asked him for more! Man did he deliver! We were close to being airborne!

I dialed it back as we came abreast of the Radley house. As Rebel slowed, we turned to walk back, Tessa eased Con to follow with a huge grin.

"Fay this is so much fun!"

Fist bumps.

Mr. Radley opened the door, "You two were flying!"

I said how I felt about being close to liftoff. He laughed.

Deanna had tea and warm raisin muffins. I gave Tessa the heads up on those. We munched and talked. They were all great! Their daughter and grandbaby were at her family until this evening. The little Melonie was growing up very cute!

And Tom liked working for us! Mr. Radley said he wasn't giving anything away. I chuckled at that.

Tom's wife had done some sewing with Ellie for us and she was terrific in doing crocheting and darning.

I told Deanna to watch out we might get her in to do raisin muffins for the House. She laughed saying the lady who owns the B&B had asked her a few months back after tasting one.

"I do it in a trice but it would be a different feel from doing them for money rather than to enjoy. I'm not sure I'd like the change."

"Well invite us in anytime you have a batch!"

We hugged and remounted. Rebel and Con had the blankets removed by Mr. Radley, he said with a smile they'd gotten a carrot out of him. I laughed! A wave!

Before we built up speed Tessa mused, "Fay, she so right about her feelings. A pleasure turned to work ruins it I think."

"I haven't done that but it strikes home that it's true."

We trotted easily around to the flats. Sunny was gone and we were nearing time to change for dinner but I went over to Secret Sea's paddock.

She and Asda were nosing and talking down the fence a bit. Cute! I went into Hathai's stall. She nickered as I stroked and hugged her. A half apple went over just fine, a nice crunch.

I walked out into the paddock with Asda. He heard me and trotted over. I caressed that handsome face. He gave me a going over for treats which I didn't have, Tessa went to get some when she stopped laughing at his body search.

Asda and Hathai enjoyed theirs as did Secret Sea. Ronnie had come back with Tessa.

"Fay, it's nice to see them all so happy to be friends."

I smiled at her thought.

"And you? Doing Okay far from home?"

"I have the iPhone and iPad for Facetime and texts and emails during the day. I'm in touch! They'll be here in a few weeks, I'll go back there. I`m sure I will want to be here. I'm learning a lot from Freddie and Anthony. Everyone is so nice and welcoming to a Yank."

As we walked up the lane I thought about the racing in the same way as Deanna and muffins. I found Cho on the phone and sat to wait. He was looking at my face as he ended his call with Ludwig.

"What?"

I told him about Deanna's comment and my applying it to our racing.

"I don't feel we'll ever have a work and money attitude about the horses... we love them..."

A quiet `but' from Cho.

"I want to keep it in mind... something to teach Chani and Charlie when they can understand. They'll have a lot of money and a position to grow up with... I want them to appreciate and love things that give them pleasure and keep them separate from mere `acquisitions.' I'm not sure I'm being clear but I need to keep thinking about it."

Cho opened his arms I slipped in. A kiss, tender, loving!

"Our little ones have the best mother."

My eyes were wet but no Cho-Fay handkerchief was needed. I wanted to be a good mom... time will tell.

Dinner for Cho, Sunny, Gil, Francis and I was in the Breakfast Room. Grilled cheese sandwiches, chips, pickles and a lovely yellow pound cake hidden under delicious icing making the cake look like a log cabin. A bit of cotton for the smoke from the chimney. Odd but very cute! Maxine with some help from Sue.

An early start tomorrow.

Comments are welcome: abecker60@yahoo.co.uk