Kasey with a K

Adam 41

Maxieplus

Sam and Billy had gone to sleep, and Kasey and I both were basking in the afterglow of gently making love. The fire crackled away and the rain pelted down on the tin roof. He pulled me in and kissed my head.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Yes and no Kase, I can't blame you or dad for the disaster of the past four months, you did what you thought was right and dads hands were tied because there was no word of your whereabouts. The thing is Kasey, we had a plan for the future, now after all this horror, we have to make a new plan. Like are you going to continue with your dreams or stay with your military instincts?"

"I'm going with my dream Adam, no more action man stuff, I have nothing to prove except my love for you and Sam."

"Well you don't have to prove anything to us, we love you just the same and you are our hero, especially Sams. We want you at home, so we have to talk about this office and salon business, dad was saying he might move you upstairs and you will have a view he even mentioned there was more activity around the offices up there."

"My office is small as you know. It's a bit quiet for me and I love working from home but only if you are there." he grinned.

"If I was there all the time I would be the one to get bored, I can give up the salon but I would also miss it."

"The salon is what makes you baby, no salon no Adam Sutton. I would never ask you to give it up, it's too important to us."

"I won't then, but we have to find you an office or a place to study in."

"I like the salon idea, Adam, it's quiet in the store room unless Tim has wigs to do."

"We will think about it, maybe you should go to the library to study, there will be like-minded people around you, and it's quiet. Why don't we go look at that?"

"We can baby." He cuddled closer and his arm went under my head.

"Good night Adam with an a, I love you."

"I love you also Kasey with a k, goodnight."

We had kidnapped Billie for two nights, I know the boys next door were great company for Sam and Bill, his best friend, and mum almost begged us to bring him to the cabin, she had something on in Canberra.

So the boys played all day, each day, and were exhausted by nightime, they watched tv for a while but their eyes had other ideas, so they snuggled up and went to sleep early.

The rain started shortly after, so Kasey and I watched a movie and generally did a lot of foreplay. Tomorrow we will go back home, our nights here will be over for another couple of weeks. Kaseys plans to renovate the cabin have been shelved because at the moment I didn't want to disturb the solitude of Adele's beloved son's home.

In the morning the kids had a quick breakfast and then they ran next door, they have until noon, then we will take them to KFC on the way home for lunch. I swept the cabin out and wiped everything down while Kasey had his nose in his computer again. He was going to ask his classmates what they do about studying. He got a few responses and was reading them, but I already know where he will end up, at home, where he should be.

While cleaning I moved the bed and in doing so I knocked a floorboard loose. I grabbed the torch and tried to bang it down again but it wouldn't budge. Pushing the bed further I could get my fingers under the wood and it lifted quite easily. Looking down I noticed an old biscuit tin, so I dislodged it and put it aside.

I checked around and that was all that was in the hideaway so I replaced the board which now fell into place easily. Returning the bed to its original position I then sat on the bed to open the big tin. It was vintage because the biscuits were the old type of cream ones.

Photos and letters were inside and two men's gold wedding rings were in a small jewellery box. I looked at some of the photos and decided that these belonged to John, Adeles son, I had seen some photos of him a while back when I used to visit her, so I knew it was him. Who I didn't recognise was the young man with him, maybe a cousin. I closed it up and placed it in my backpack to look at later on.

"We had better go, Adam, it's getting late I'll call the boys back."

"Sure Kase."

I grabbed our bags and he went outside to call them. I looked around one last time and yes, this is the perfect hideaway for us, but not for Kasey to study, not without me that is.

The kids were yelling their farewells from the new car and I waved to George and June, it wasn't a shock to find out she had moved in with them, and as George placed his arm over her shoulder I knew everything was going to be all right in their lives.

Kasey carefully drove back into town and when we stopped at the KFC outlet the kids got louder.

They played in the playpen for a while then they had to eat their delicious food, along with a milkshake. We had time on our hands because mum and dad won't be back until four, they will pick Billy up on their way through. They played some more then we pulled the plug, I told them they were missing their cartoons so that got them moving.

When we got in I put the kettle on and then the washer, Kasey set his computer up and the boys watched their shows. There was a message on the answering machine from Mr. Walsham Adele's lawyer, he wanted us to make an appointment with him in the following week. I suppose it's about the cabin, we are just waiting to make the final payment transfer when they give us the account and we sign the title.

"Do you want to come with me?"

"Of course baby, we can go after we drop Sam off."

"Okay, I will ring him in the morning."

We waited for mum and dad to arrive and when they did it was a short visit, they wanted to get home, their weekend had been full on and they didn't get much sleep. Dad did tell Kasey the prime minister sends his regards and he should be receiving a letter in the mail.

"Do I have to go to Canberra?"

"No son, it will be an appreciation letter from the government, I think, for your help in the matter, a citation, you can frame it." He grinned, then asked Kase.

"Did you think any more about moving upstairs with me?"

"Yes and no, I still can't make my mind up."

"He's staying here dad, he will get more done here. Everything he uses is in this apartment and I will make sure he gets his breaks and will deliver lunch every day."

"Make sure it's lunch only son, we don't want to wear him out." Dad laughed, and I blushed, fathers don't say stuff like that, do they?

Lots of hugs from us and Sam and the apartment was empty again. He went back to his tv and Kasey to his computer so I sat and sighed, looked through my phone, and tickled Kasey's crotch with my toes.

"When will your books be delivered, Kase?"

"Tuesday I have to make room for them."

"Put them in your office, please don't crowd this table any more than it is." He leaned into me and said.

"I would love to fuck you on this table when I get the chance"

"Let me check my appointment book."

"Ummmm." He grinned.

The washing was done and I hung it on the clothes dryer in the spare bedroom, it will dry overnight if I close the door. Sam was my next call, I sat with him and we talked about his weekend away, he had loads of fun and it was really good to have Billy there, can he come again next time? I told him if he had nothing on it was okay with us.

I remembered the biscuit box so I went to the bedroom to retrieve it.

Sitting at the table again I opened it and started looking through the many photos. They had writing on the back and the first one I looked at was of two young men about eighteen, one in Military uniform one in civvies, the civvy one was leaning on John's shoulder and they were both looking into each other's eyes. I turned it over and it said 'John and me at the cabin.'

The next pic was of the cabin it looked like a building site, so this must have been taken before it was finished.

"What are those?" Kasey said.

"I found this box under the bedroom floorboards at the cabin. I think this belonged to John, Adele's son, but I'm not sure yet." He reached over and took the small white ring box and looked inside. He took them out and was looking inside them.

"Was he married, Adam?"

"I don't think so Kasey, those are two men's rings."

"They both say `Forever J.J.' inside you don't think he may have been gay?"

"He could have been Kasey, Adele said several times he was just like me, but I thought she referred to his eye colour, we have the same violet-blue shade."

I looked at the other photos, all of John and whoever the other guy was, they were looking through the cabin, sitting on the porch, in the forest laying in the sun. If I didn't know any better I think our Adeles John was gay by the poses they were in.

"His name is Jimmy Brady. It's written on the back of this photo."

"J.J. explained. Do you think they built the cabin to avoid public scrutiny?"

"Maybe Adam, have you read the letters yet?"

"No, I was working up to them."

"I think Jimmy was a photographer, have a look at this."

He passed it over and two boys were in jock straps, they were posing near nude on the bed, and kissing.

I sat back and reflected for a while, poor John he went away to war and never came back, it was so sad. I wondered what happened to Jimmy after that, Adele never mentioned him.

The letters revealed a bit more, they were from John and full of love and loneliness, he didn't hold back on his situation, he hated being in Vietnam and missed their cabin so much. Adele got a few mentions, like.

`I am happy mums been keeping you busy, dinner with her is always the best. I wish I had been there with you both.'

`Your gallery night sounds wonderful, Jimmy, I am glad you sold so many of your works they are top shelf, mum said she purchased a few for her conservatory because the forest colours were leaping off the photos.'

The letters were dated from seventy-one to seventy-four, so he was deployed later on in the war. I don't know whether he was a career soldier or was called up in the national lottery, so many questions and no one to ask except a few nieces who still patronise my salon.

"They built the cabin for Jimmy to do his photography work, he was very good Adam, and mainly took photos of the forest and wildlife surrounding the area, there are a few of John and some of Adele."

"How do you know?"

"I'm looking at them, he was quite famous Adam, in the art world."

He turned the computer around and the colours burst into life as I saw hundreds of photos on the screen. One, in particular, was a portrait of my Adele and I couldn't stop the tears as I touched the screen gently.

"Adam, I also have some good news, Jimmy is still alive, we should go and return this tin to him."

"Where is he?"

"Right here in Brisbane."

I didn't know what to do, because I didn't want to disturb his life, but I know my curiosity will get the better of me in the end. We looked at the photos and read the rest of the letters then I packed it all away.

Kasey went to his office and brought out two photos he had printed off, one of my darling Adele and one of the boys.

"For your albums."

"Thank you."

I placed the tin into my display cabinet then patted it and then closed it up. It can stay there until I decide what to do with it. I then went back to the table and tried to read Wikipedia on Jimmy Brady, but I was too emotional, so I asked Kasey what he would like for dinner.

"Anything Adam, order from downstairs tonight it's been a tiring weekend for us all."

"Okay, don't say it too loud otherwise Trish will call in."

He laughed, which reminded me I have to go and pay the account I may look at their specials board while I'm there.

"Baby, do you want to come for a ride down to the restaurant?'

"No daddy I have to ring Billy, can I have some chicken wings, please?"

"Coming right up son."

I rode the lift down and went to pay my hefty account, Kasey was right we must do a cooking course it's getting quite big. Of course, I didn't mind, their food was always healthy and fresh.

I will have nona Zena in the salon this week so I will ask her about the pizzas. Taking the food back upstairs I winked at Kasey and he asked how much the bill was.

"Three hundred Kasey, a bit high this week." He handed over some money and I won't argue with him over it, he can pay half if he wants to.

"I heard the lift, how was the weekend?" Trish beamed as I let her and her wine bottle in.

"Great, we had a wonderful time. The boys slept like logs and the air was fresh and crisp. Have you had dinner?'

"Yes, Adam." She smirked.

"Well I will order you some just in case, will your boyfriend be joining us?"

"No, he's still at the airport night duty." I smiled, I know she hasn't eaten, so I rang downstairs.

I told her about the tin box and she wanted to look through it so I went to retrieve it.

"Where about's does Jimmy live, Kasey?" She asked.

"Closer than you think Trish."

"And that would be?"

"Penthouse above this apartment."

"What?" I nearly screamed at him.

"He lives in this building, penthouse number one."

I was gobsmacked I knew someone lived there but it never occurred to me that it would be someone I wanted to know. Then I remembered Cody's comment, the guy who lived there was a recluse, then I felt so sad for him.

"He's a recluse, Cody told me," I said to Kasey.

"Well according to this write up he's semi retired, and still works part-time at the state gallery."

"Why don't we see him?" Trish asked.

"Private mailbox, private entrance, private lift."

"I've never seen it, Kasey."

"It's on the right of the cafe, down that little walkway. It services both the penthouses, I'm looking at the building plans now, he must come and go unseen by everyone."

"Then we have to get this box back to him, maybe he forgot all about it."

"And maybe he deliberately left his memories there," Trish answered me. Maybe he did, maybe he just walked out and locked the door behind him. I will read his Wikipedia page when my emotions are a bit more settled, then I have to go and try to see him, that's if he will see me.

"So what's with Evans working the airport all the time Trish, surely there's no threats about." I wanted to change the subject.

"Didn't Kasey tell you, he's in charge of its security? Wilson is heavily involved with the military's architectural arm, and the team was reassigned not long before Kasey disappeared. I thought you knew."

"No, he didn't tell me."

"I forgot in all the chaos, sorry baby."

"That's okay Kasey, so the bomb squad is all gone for good."

"From here it has Adam, it all comes from Canberra under Hargraves supervision, so Evans was offered the airport job. He's in charge of the Federal Police out there, in other words, all the border security."

"Wow, I bet he's pleased."

"Not so much Adam, he has to do shift work, so that's not making him happy."

"I will talk to daddy."

"Don't drag us into your family problems Adam, leave it alone."

"Get the door, Trish, that will be your not needed dinner." She could have hit me but she didn't, she just huffed and answered the door.

"Daddy I'm hungry." Sam was at my side.

"Coming up baby, are you going to sit at the table? You can tell aunty Trish about your weekend." She glared at me, he said.

Yes, daddy." I know she loves him, it's all a game.

We ate as Sam rattled off verbatim what he did all weekend and now and then, Trish would kick me or Kasey as we sat there laughing our asses off. He also told us that the penthouse was owned by Adele Banks but was put in Jimmy's name in seventy-five the year after the war ended. I needed to know this story I hope he's not a mean old queen but I can't imagine he would be, not if Adele was involved in his life.

Dinner was delicious and Trish did leave some dollars on the table, I got offended because she does sometimes bring food, I was only kidding with her, and she was with me.

"Do you remember what day Zena will be in?"

"On Wednesday Adam, but she's still seeing Marko why?"

"I need to know how to make old-fashioned pizzas." she giggled.

"Adam, they are easy to make."

"Well, when I buy one it's just not the same as the ones we get at the cabin they are cardboard and arty farty looking."

"That's because you are buying gourmet ones, look at the standard menus, but I grant you the ones up the hills are much better."

"I am going to ask Zena how to do the old-fashioned ones."

"You do that." She smirked.

"Okay, what aren't you telling me?"

"Zena will have you making dough till the cows come home, she will do it the hard way."

"And your suggestion is?"

"Leave it to aunty Trish, old fashioned pizza coming up tomorrow night, just give me a list of the toppings you like. Sammy, I need you to write down what you like on your pizzas."

"Daddy, can I have some paper?"

Kasey had been listening and handed him some paper and a pencil. I will add ours to it later.

She was tired and Sam was ready for bed, I know Kasey was horned up and waiting for a romp. So I kissed her goodbye and she left with her list of ingredients. Sam was read his story, and his eyes were shut tightly after a small chapter. Kasey and I showered, he wanted to do some rimming tonight so he scrubbed me clean having a good poke at the same time.

"What will I do about Jimmy, Kasey, leave it or confront him?"

"Talk to Mr. Walsham first, he may be able to add to the story."

"Good idea."

"I always have the best ideas, Adam." He slowly moved down the bed.

No Sam this morning, he must have slept through the night. I threw my dressing gown on and went out to put the coffee on, then I went to check the washing, it was dry. I picked it all up and took it to the lounge where I folded it into three stacks, Sams was the biggest.

He ran out and hugged me then ordered some soldiers, then the tv was on. He has kindy today and I have work, I am slowly working myself back into it and now I have a full list of stylists again I can afford to relax a little.

Kasey will wait for his delivery he said it was coming today and I have to make an appointment with Mr. Walsham, maybe for tomorrow.

He crept up behind me and his big arms went around my body as he kissed the back of my neck.

"Good morning baby."

"Good morning gorgeous, what would you like for breakfast?"

"Just eggs on toast, maybe some grilled tomato and bacon, have we got any mushrooms, I like mushrooms too.."

"And toast?"

"And toast maybe three slices today."

"Are you hungry?" I laughed.

This is his normal breakfast fare, of course, he's hungry, he's always hungry.

He kissed Sam who turned and smiled at him for a moment, then he went back to watching his program. The laptop burst into life as he sat down, his emails were beeping and I guess he will have a busy day.

"All over Adam, it's all done everyone on the list has been dealt with."

"And the babies?"

"All sorted, they didn't want to send them back because the parents couldn't be traced anyway."

"Or the parents have their money and don't want the kids back." He looked at me, shook his head then went back to his reading.

"Any idea when your books will arrive?"

"This morning, I won't unpack them, Sam and I can do that later it gives him something different to do."

"Good idea."

"When do you think we can go to the lawyers?"

"Tomorrow afternoon after we pick him up from kindy.."

"Okay, Adam I wanted to talk to you about it before we go."

"What's up, baby?" I sat with coffee in hand while the toaster did its thing.

"Well I was thinking we should get them to add Sams name to the title, we need to get him some investments."

"I wish you had of thought about that four weeks ago, I think the title is already done in our names."

"They can tweak it, it's just a matter of us signing a separate contract and attaching it to the title."

"Lawyers stuff?"

"Yes Adam very easy to do."

"Then I agree Sam should be on the title."

"I will talk to him when we are there."

I had thought about adding him but Kasey never mentioned it, but to be fair his mind wasn't in a good place back then.

Breakfast was enjoyed by all and we showered and dressed while Sam picked out his outfit for the day.

I left for the salon and Kasey will walk him to kindy, it was a fine day so the walk will do them some good.

I somehow picked Eva up on the way she was checking her letterbox so I waited for her.

"I believe it's a big pizza night at your place tonight."

"Yes, Trish is going to show us how to make authentic ones. Are you and Wilson coming for dinner?"

"If you ask us we will."

"I'm asking you now."

"We would love to come thank you." She giggled.

I know she has been talking to Trish otherwise how would she know we were having pizza?

I noticed she almost did the same thing when she stepped through the door, she paused and smelt the fine scents then continued to the tea room. I took my time to take them all in, then with buns in hand, I followed her.

"Is Wilson doing ok with his studies?"

"Yes Adam very well, I sometimes think those four men had more to offer the military than bomb disposal, what a waste of training."

"Not for Hargraves."

"He's got the easy end of the stick, he's teaching."

"How do you think Evans will go out at the airport?"

She turned and looked at me then said.

"He's a strange one Adam, he's happy wherever he is working, nothing phases him at all."

"I know what you mean, he's got a gentle nature. I have no idea why he joined up in the first place."

"Because his father treated him as being an imbecile."

"Really? do tell." She sat with her bun and told me Evans's story, he never got along with his father and wanted nothing to do with the family business, so when his father kept treating him shabbily he joined up, there was nothing his dad could do about it. They had a love-hate relationship, nothing was said after that and he only goes home to see his brothers and mum and when he does his father disappears to the distillery.

"That is strange, did Trish tell you that?"

"No, Evans told Kasey and Wilson ages ago."

"Happy families." She smiled.

"Gloria is good isn't she?"

"She certainly is lovely, a real gem."

"Marko and James know her from the club she was in the show and working part-time in a salon, I think she has done it hard but she seems like she is on top of it all now."

"I was a bit worried she may start chatting up some of the army guys," I said.

"No, I don't think she is doing that, she's more scared of being outed I think Adam."

"That's sad."

"It is, she only wants to fit in. Marko said she quit the club when you gave her the full-time work."

"Then I will make sure she is treated nicely and as far as her job goes she's here for the long haul."

Gloria was next in followed by Trish, the three girls looked gorgeous and there was no competition who was the prettiest, it was Gloria today, but Trish will always win in my book.

We set up for the day and my first client was a bubbly late teens girl who wanted a full set of foils, not the cheapest do, but awesome when finished, so I set about doing just that for her. They take more than two hours to do so I called Gloria who had just finished a guy's cut.

"Can you help me do these foils lovely?'

"Of course I can, a side each?"

"Yep."

We set about covering dying and rolling the foils, she was an expert I could tell.

"Is this okay Adam?" She almost smirked.

I laughed and answered.

"You are full of surprises baby."

"I aim to please."

"Well you certainly are pleasing me every day, and if you have a problem or concern working here you come to me."

"I will Adam, and thank you for giving me a go."

"My pleasure." Then she started talking to the client, we can't forget her because she's paying.

He looked awesome when he called in, full lawyer's uniform blue cap to top it off with. I said my goodbyes to everyone and left with him to go get our son. Trish had disappeared at lunchtime I guess she knows what she's doing for tonight.

We walked up three alleyways and over the road to the kindy, Sam was waiting for us and we said goodnight to his teachers and he got a piggyback home, we stopped at a few shops and I did go into one to price an item in the window but they were asking too much. The prices are going through the roof at the moment vintage deco is very popular. The item I was looking at was a small snail lamp, it was beautiful and would look good by Sam's bed. Kasey stepped in and bought it, his reasoning was it can only go up in value. The great thing is it will never be placed in a garage sale deliberately it will always be deco vintage.

"I could have bought it Kase."

"You hesitated."

"Yes I suppose I did, it was overpriced."

"It's for our handsome son here, nothing is too much for him." He tickled Sam who wiggled around on his shoulders.

He had to set it up as soon as we got inside, it was awesome when turned on and he loved it alongside his perfume bottle.

The next thing was Kasey's books, seven cartons full.

"Are they all you need?"

"All of them thanks to the military, I will get updates posted out when they are available, but I only want the first six for now." He laughed.

"That would be dads doing."

"Yes he's coming over soon, he wants to debrief me with the smuggling case."

"Why not go there?"

"He is sticking to the plan, I work here, he works at the fed building."

"Oh."

Sam helped him put the six he wanted on a shelf then the rest of the cartons he stacked neatly in the office.

"I will start reading them to him every night."

"Sure you will, he wouldn't even understand the first line if it hasn't got bears or rabbits in it.' I laughed.

Dad arrived a half hour later, he had three generals and two admirals with him. I stared at him and said.

"You are going to bleed this situation to death aren't you?"

He giggled and answered in the affirmative then he saluted me.

If Kasey isn't working at the fed building dad will come to him, and bring his big gang of over-decorated men.

They all said hello to me and sat at my table, it was like a women's club meeting as they each had something to add to the conversation. I sat with Sam who was all bug-eyed and had no idea what they were talking about but I did hear a lot of well spotted in that mix. Kasey went to get a printout and placed it on the table.

"This is a list of all the villages that use child slavery over there, would you mind sending it off to your Indonesian counterparts." They looked at him and one Admiral who looked like he just got out of nappies threw his hand in the air and stood up.

"You do too much for the military Major Kasey I think you should be moved to the navy, we could do with a man like you." He walked over to us and Sam stood up and saluted him which he did back then told him to be at ease. I knew his name was Marcus and he drove a ship somewhere, but I didn't know where.

"Well young Sam the HMAS Canberra is in port, how would you like the grand tour?'

"What's the Canberra sir?'

"A big ship, it belongs to me at the moment so I'm inviting you aboard for a tour.' He screamed `wow' that was the first thing then he said.

"Can Billy come with me?'

"Sure he can son, two, maybe three or four visitors next Wednesday does that suit you?"

Sam looked at me, and I said yes it did.

Trish arrived and the men all stood up, now that is old school and I was very proud of my guests as Trish blushed through her introductions. She had her shopping with her and left it on the kitchen bench, then she did a no no, she offered coffee.

I think their meeting was over because dad was showing the guys my treasures and Sam took his new friend the admiral into his bedroom to show him his treasures. Trish just sat at the table with me and looked gorgeous.

"Who is that man?"

"Admiral Marcus Peters, gorgeous isn't he?"

"Wow wow and wow." She whispered.

"No ring Trish, maybe he will marry you if Evans doesn't."

She kicked me.

I overheard Admiral Peters ask Kasey if he would do some work for them in his spare time, and Kase said he would but he won't be sailing around on the ocean waves with them.

Goodnights were said and hugs were dealt out, Admiral Peters lingered when it was Trisha s turn.

"Let me tell you, you are a hairdresser, you smell awesome."

"Correct on both counts Admiral, you must come in for a cut one day." She was gushing.

I let them out and with paperwork in hand Kasey sat down with a big grin on his face.

"You fucking gushed, I don't believe you did that."

"I didn't Adam, you're making it up."

"You did and you were gushing like a little school girl."

"I didn't."

"What about me?" We heard Kasey say.

We both turned and I said.

"What about you?"

"I got his phone number." Now that changes everything.

Kasey waved the paper in our faces and goaded us.

"I got his number, I got his number, we are going on a date."

"What?"

He laughed at our faces and then let us off the hook.

"It's on his information sheet kids no date, yet."

"Is he single?" Trish asked. Kasey opened his laptop and started his investigation into Admiral Peters.

"Come on Adam, give me a hand." We stood at the kitchen bench and she started teaching me how to make pizza.

"Okay oven on two hundred, fan forced." I set the oven.

"Check."

"Small pot for tomato sauces." I got it out.

"Check."

"His bundle was big."

"Checked out, and checked." Then we laughed at Kasey's face, so he stood up and grabbed his crotch, and shook it at us.

"Check," Trish screamed into her shopping bag.

"Now the most important thing you should know is the base, the supermarket sells it already made up in a bag so you buy that, no mess no aching arms."

She placed a half dozen bags of ready-made dough on the counter. She also pulled out a rolling pin from somewhere.

"Open the tomato paste and a can of crushed tomatoes." I did that.

"Put them both in the pot and give it a stir."

She opened the dough and started rolling it in flour that somehow appeared. The three pizza trays were produced and we started putting it all together. They looked magnificent and I couldn't wait to taste them. There were plenty of toppings to make more because the trays were medium size, enough for me, Trish, Eva and Sam, but not for Kasey and Wilson they will want more.

Check.

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