Adam 49
Maxieplus
Kasey, Trish, and I, with Sam, walked up to the salon early. I didn't want my staff to turn up without me being there. It was open and full of military, they were sweeping the place again. Sam screamed and started helping them he followed and pointed out every nook and cranny, I could hear the guys laughing.
Kasey had bought his computer and his paperwork for the Malaysian government along. The memory stick he placed in his pocket, will be kept safe there. My father and the commander arrived and wanted the rundown of what was happening. We all sat in the tea room and discussed the next plan of attack. Kasey's computer and paperwork will be kept under lock and key for the duration, then transferred to Canberra for the government officials to look after. He said once the guys type out his findings it will be all over for him, his part is done.
"We will be watching you major, they may not get the documents but they can still get you," Dad said.
"You know I won't talk."
"Yes, I know too well, and that places you front and center to be kidnapped."
I looked at Kasey and then at Trish.
"And now it starts all over again, if I'm reading this right we are all in danger. They can come after my staff, my son, my husband, and me. Blackmail will be a word thrown around and if it involves any of my friends and god forbid our son, then we have a huge problem."
"Your reading too much into this Adam, the Chinese spy on us all the time, but they never interfere just observe mostly." dad said.
"Well, let's hope Kasey's findings aren't so bad that they have to destroy my friends and family." I wasn't mad I was just unhappy again, I have to put a stop to all this foreign work he is doing.
My team came in and they all had questions, which Trish, Kasey, and I answered. They were reassured they weren't in any danger but they had to be vigilant, especially when it comes to any new customers. The guys had finished sweeping the salon and Sam was all smiles when they asked him if there was anything else to do. He told them to stand down and go get breakfast, it's the most important meal of the day, he is so smart.
Kasey will take him to kindy after he secures his work, in the meantime, the salon cleared and he helped Trish dye my hair again, I hated this. The street seemed to be crawling with the military today and when Kase left with Sam on his shoulders I saw two men follow him. The kindy is secure but dad will have someone watching the back and front of it. Gloria was a little upset because she thought that her clients might have done the wrong thing, but I assured her that it was the embassy woman I had as a client. I asked her why she would think that, and all she said was, her clients were Asian. I started work after Kasey came back and reassured me Sam was very safe, I calmed down a bit then he went to finish his work, hopefully.
Dad had set him up in the clerk's office, he can dictate to them his findings and they will type them out. They said they will teach him to do dictation and the computer will automatically type the words.
Dad thought it better if he has people around him and their storage safe is better for him to lock his stuff away in.
He didn't come for lunch and he rang around three to let me know he's still dictating, could I pick Sam up?
He looked around for his papa and I told him what was happening, he was very busy keeping people safe. He skipped some of the ways up the street then he wanted a piggyback. I don't do it as well as his poppa so I was told.
I knew we were being followed and didn't even look around to check. As we walked through the small play park I thought I would give him a ride on the swing. It wasn't busy and the only people there were two women with prams. I sat and watched my son giggle his way through a small Whizzer-type thing with another little boy. Someone sat next to me, she had a pram that looked like it was carrying a small baby.
"How old is he or she?"
"She is a toy, Mr. Adam." I froze on the spot and looked sideways, it was my client the Chinese woman. I looked around for my shadow but couldn't make him out.
"Please Mr. Adam, do not make a scene for your little boy's sake."
"Don't you dare touch him, I will kill you with my bare hands if you even look his way."
"We do not kill children, especially ones with big bright eyes, in my country, the wisest of them all have eyes like your sons. He reminds me of my dear son that lives so far away from me now, and I do not want to scare him." It didn't make me feel any better, so I sat riveted to the spot and ready for anything. I took a deep breath and asked.
"What do you want?" I dropped my head.
"Your silence Mr, Adam, we have something to give to you. A gift from our commander for your husband." She folded back the covers and took something.
"So you are not here to harm us?"
"No, we are here to get a fair and balanced hearing, we are sorry we had to bug you but we had to make sure it was your husband that was doing the Malaysian government's work, and we had to see if we could trust him. All bugs have been destroyed, he is a very observant man."
"He is." I wanted to call her by her name but she didn't give it to me.
"This memory stick is a gift from my country, it will explain what your husband is doing even in more detail and make better sense. We feel he must know both sides to make an informed opinion." She whispered then she casually passed her hand over mine and slipped the stick into it.
"Please give me five minutes to clear the area and please give it to your husband in secret. This information could start world war three, be aware of that."
She got up and walked over to Sammy, she gave him a push while I put the item into my pocket. She came back and casually walked out of the park with her pram.
I was stunned and I didn't know why I hadn't screamed for help, but I also knew they weren't going to harm us, and this was important, otherwise, why would they go to all this trouble?
I grabbed my son and he once again wanted a piggyback ride, then we casually walked home.
When I got to the lobby I was touched on the shoulder, I jumped and then turned.
"Jimmy, my god you frightened the life out of me."
"Sorry Adam, hey Sammy how are you doing?"
"Good Uncle Jimmy and you?" He grinned.
"Very well son, Adam I want to show you something, have you got twenty minutes?"
"Yes, of course, how's the admiral?"
"He's fine Adam, and no, there is no big romance so you can keep your thoughts to yourself." He grinned.
"Where are we going?"
"The penthouse."
I followed him across the cafe and into the small lane to his entrance hall. He had a key for the lift and pushed the button. We ended up in penthouse number two's foyer. If I thought his apartment was big then this one takes the cake. Thirty-foot, ceiling-to-floor green-tinted windows met me, the light was blinding.
"Now you know why I don't use this one for a home, it collects more sunshine, but there are blinds." I followed him in and put Sam down, he did his usual thing by running around looking in every room.
"This is stunning, my god the pillars, the moldings, the beautiful handmade green glass it's amazing, the flooring, look at the floors." I gasped.
"A little different than mine and a whole lot more dramatic."
"So no one uses it?"
"No Adam it's never been used, it was bought for an investment and never rented out, the furniture and fittings were part of the sale and if you would like to follow me, I will show you why you are here."
I nearly pissed myself when I saw it, a tear escaped as he opened the double doors which led to a huge office space. He pulled at the shade blinds and the room woke up.
More big windows were lighting up the intricate wood paneled walls and the huge desk and chairs which were genuine deco.
"French bespoke office desk and chairs, it was made especially for this apartment, the price of it nowadays would probably buy this flat outright, one-off pieces by a good designer."
I looked at the sofa and ran my hand across the black leather with a stainless steel frame, and then I had to sit on it, I groaned at its softness.
"Sorry, it beckoned me to sit."
He came over and sat with me. My eyes were everywhere the intricate woodwork was amazing the lamps were waiting for me to turn them on.
"My god my heart is pumping so loud I think I'm going to faint."
"It's beautiful Adam, like a hidden museum piece discovered for the first time." The next was the main bedroom the swan bed and side tables nearly made me cry. As Sam ran past I grabbed him and said.
"If you are thinking of jumping on the bed, take your shoes off." He giggled and did what I said.
"Oh Jimmy what wonderful things you own, can I bring Kasey here sometime, he's got to see this."
"He will have to come here to look it over Adam, do you think this would be suitable for his new office?"
"What? his office my god I wouldn't allow him to disturb this place for all the money in the world." He laughed at me.
"Come there's more." He took my shaking hand and showed me through the place, the bathrooms were low-toned, they didn't have that heavy clout mine had, but my heart thumped just the same, they were magnificently done in pale hues.
The kitchen was dated but, oh so deco.
"I would like you to keep this original, but you can update the staff kitchen to suit yourselves."
"No, thank you Jimmy, but no."
"Adam I would like you to live here it's much bigger and more secure. If anything Kasey must make the office his, there is more room, and he can spread out."
Sam had found a room he liked and we had to go see it. Built-in bespoke bookcases and cupboards a walk-in wardrobe and a bath that screamed oceanic moments.
"So you are offering us this apartment to live in, are you sure your head is in the right space? this should be opened to the public as a museum."
"I had thought about that but I want you all to live here, yes there are things that should be in a museum and we can donate them including the office pieces, but the rest are for you and Kasey and little Sam if you want."
"The buck stops here Jimmy, this is too overpowering for me. I love my apartment and I love Kasey's mess, but this." I swept my arms around the enormous room.
"Is too much for us, too much for you to give, and too hard to keep clean." I giggled.
"Use my cleaners they are thorough, they already do his place every three months."
"Jimmy I will speak to Kasey, he might like to use the office space but we won't move here. I got Trish Eva and the security is fine down there. Here, the helicopters landing on the roof would drive you mentally insane."
"I see what you mean then, it's here when you want it, but speak to Kasey about the office will you?"
"I sure will, this would be a great place for him to hold up in."
"But there is something else you must tell him."
"What?"
He opened a small door that took us onto the vast balcony, a small plunge pool like the one we use on the rooftop was waiting for Kasey to lower his fine ass into. There were three dolphins at one end that delivered a waterfall into the pool. Sam screamed but there was no water in it and it was too cold anyway.
"Never been filled or used only once for the sale then it was drained."
"You use it, you will love it in summer, or come to the roof and watch Kasey and his mates swim." I giggled he blushed.
I left him at his front door, after big long hugs he handed me the keys so I could bring my husband up for a look. Sam was still on a high and I had to reign him in by telling him his cartoons were starting.
I kissed Jimmy and left in the fully mirrored lift that defied my senses with pure deco. The ground floor door was opened and we stepped out into a dank alleyway that had no personality of its own. To anyone in the street, it was only a means to travel from the main street to the back street.
I arrived home and Kasey was there, Sam jumped into his arms and I kissed him.
"Where have you been, your bodyguard was still standing at the entrance he said you went with someone."
"Jimmy, he wanted to show me your new office."
"What office?"
"You are going to go mental when I show you, but for now we have more important things to discuss, coffee?"
"Yes please, what office?"
"Apartment two, we have just had a tour of it, the office is as big as this room almost, and the desk is to die for but you can't use it, it's a museum piece."
"Papa, can I get down now."
"Sure pumpkin," He lowered Sam to the floor, then he turned the cartoons on.
I sat and told him about the apartment first, Jimmy's offer, and how I thought it would make a great space for him to work in. I dangled the keys and said we will look at it later, maybe show Trish also.
He was eager to see the place but I said we could go later I had some pressing news he would find more interesting.
I told him about my encounter in the park, he stared at me like I was mental until I produced the memory stick.
"You mean the same lady that came into your salon and bugged you handed this to you?"
"Yes Kasey, she said you needed to see the full picture that everything isn't what it appears. She also said we were in no danger and we should relax."
"Why would we believe her Adam?"
"Because she said Sam's eyes were the brightest like her sons and he would be considered the wisest man in her country. No killer says things like that."
"How would you know?'
"Because I watched a lot of spy movies also when I was young."
I grinned.
"You sure watched a lot of movies, didn't you have a life?"
"That was my life." I looked over at Sam who was wowing through yet another program.
He slipped the stick into his old computer and it lit up, he started reading some of it and jumped up closing the lid down.
"This is important it's the missing link I think Adam, I need to go get my new laptop."
"Give Mick a ring he may be able to bring it home with him." He got his phone out and rang him, then he opened the laptop again.
I didn't talk to Kase after that, I went and sat with my son there was something I had to ask him.
"How did you go with your homework baby?"
"Good daddy it was the best, Pete wrote about his rabbit and Lacy said she had a cat but they all like my bottle the best and want to see it."
"Then we can pack it up and you can take it for show and tell."
"No daddy, it's mine and I don't want to share it only with Billy."
"Ok, you do what you feel is the best baby, no big dramas."
"It might get broken, so I will keep it here."
"Good thinking, I didn't think of that."
"That's why you have me, daddy, to do all the thinking in the world."
He tears at my heartstrings a lot and now I need a tissue to wipe my eyes. I got up and answered the door, Trish was standing there with Mick he had Kasey's computer in hand. I let them in and he sat with Kasey who turned his old one off and the new one on. I told Trish about the apartment and Jimmy's offer she was happy for us but I could see some doubt.
"We won't move Trish, you will miss us." I smiled.
"Good."
The phone rang and Kasey answered.
"No dad I asked him to bring it here, there's something I wanted to check."
"No it's all over I will speak to you tomorrow there's no danger."
"Go home dad, mum and Billy are waiting for you, goodnight." He hung up.
"He wanted to come here Adam, I told him to go home."
"I see and since when do you give my father the orders?"
"Since now." He chuckled Mick mirrored him.
"Well Kase I was told that this information could spark world war three so no telling anyone, Mick top secret."
"Yes sir, commander Adam." He saluted me.
"That goes for you too Trish."
"I have no idea what you are talking about Adam."
"What would you like to eat Trish, the specials board said roast beef."
"Thank you that would be nice, Mick are you staying for dinner?" She grinned.
Mick looked at Kasey and I said.
"It's roast beef tonight."
"Good I will stay because I think the major might have something for me to do."
"Make mine a double Adam," He never even looked up.
"Of course garbage guts." He did then.
"Don't be so sarcastic Adam."
"Sorry, sir." I saluted him.
"I think this is fascinating, Mick can you fire the other laptop up, and get the Malaysian files loaded?"
"Yes sir." Kasey looked at him sideways and said.
"Don't encourage him."
Trish and I talked about my meeting in the tiny park and she was happy it's all coming together, then we talked about the salon and maybe the potential salon at the cabin. Nothing we talked about was set in stone, but we were still thinking that once a month was still the best option.
The boys worked in unison as Kasey gave instructions and Mick typed in the information, I had no idea what they were talking about and neither did Trish.
"Come on let's get you washed and dried I might even throw in a head massage."
Sam had to have his done and ordered some smelly spray also. Mick looked up as I did Trisha's braids.
"You should leave it natural, I always thought that look Adams giving you was too severe for you."
"It's easier to manage Mick."
"So is wavy hair, for god's sake you are surrounded by stylists all day, use them." He went back to his work and I giggled my way through a magnificent blow-dried wavy style that suited Trish wonderfully.
"I will fix it in the morning."
"You do that baby." I winked but it did look good, and Sam sprayed it for her which he liked doing.
"Got to ring Billy now, you're done aunty Trish see you next week for the appointment." He rushed off to get his phone we laughed.
I rang and ordered dinner, two regular two large, and one small serving of roast beef. She did look good and a lot less severe with her hair down.
The boys were getting into it, they were like a well-oiled machine. Kasey was talking Mick was typing.
"And can you insert this into page two, at the bottom will do?"
"The next one is put on page one at the bottom, I can work it out from there. Mick, can you do a blank page so we can place all the confusing sentences in?"
"Done."
"Shit this is going to take me ages."
"I will help you know." Mick smiled.
"I will talk to the general tomorrow, I need staff."
The food arrived and it was put onto plates, falling apart roast beef and veggies, Mick almost licked the plate, Sam did and Kasey wiped it with some bread.
I put aside my idea of showing them through the apartment because they were so engrossed with the computers. I will suggest they do it upstairs and tell dad they are working from a remote location, but they can't use the desk that would be sacrilege.
Trish helped me clean up and we sat with Sammy for a while then she said she had to go home because she had washing to do. Sam didn't ask her to stay, I don't think he even thought about it but she did get a squeezy hug from him.
I put him to bed and read his story and told him his papa will be in later on to kiss him goodnight. Mick and Kase were flat out, it was like they had opened pandora's box. I kissed Kase and said goodnight then went to bed. No Kasey at two am, so I poked my head out and they were still hard at it. At four am Mick was gone and Kase was fast asleep at the table. I placed a small blanket across his shoulders, turned the lights off, and left him to it.
I got up at six he was hard at it again. I kissed his head and his hand touched mine then he kept reading, I didn't have to ask him if he wanted coffee he hadn't made one so I will do that simple chore for him.
I placed it in front of him, he didn't look up just took it and sipped away. I had an idea and placed my foot in his favorite position he groaned and grabbed it then pushed it harder into his crotch. We sat for the next hour with me keeping the coffees up for him, then Sam arrived and he came over for his kisses and cuddles, Kasey patted his back and I said.
"He's still busy."
"I think so daddy, maybe later on, can I watch tv?"
"Yes, son but keep the volume down I'll get your milo."
"Thank you, daddy."
"I have to get Mick in here can you ring him?'
"Good morning to you too husband."
"Don't get smart, it's too early." I chuckled then rang Mick with Kasey's phone I haven't got his number in mine.
Kasey sighed then jumped up he came to me and kissed me deeply and then he said good morning to Sammy. He was back by my side apologising when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." Sam rushed to the door to let Mick in. I could tell Kasey was all horned up because he almost had my robe open fully and the rubbing had started.
"Keep it clean fellas, Kasey did you stay up?"
"No I dropped off for an hour or two can you do these and those I have numbered the pages, I want to get them sorted first then I can read them."
"No problem can I make a coffee?"
"How do you like it?"
"Straight up and a drop of milk."
"I can do that for you."
"I bet you can." Kasey moaned, he's getting hotter.
He pulled me into the bedroom he couldn't stand it anymore and I dropped his shorts and then I relieved him of all his cream which made him feel so much better.
"I will get you in the shower baby."
"You certainly will Kase." I grinned.
My shower was okay but I was alone, I stood facing the mirror putting my smells on then I dressed in my uniform, stove pipe jeans that hung from my hips, and a nice lilac shirt. Sam was next and I wiped him down with a warm cloth, tossed his hair into place and he stood on the wash basin and sprayed it.
"Is papa taking me to school daddy?"
"I don't think so baby, I can walk you, he's a little busy."
"Okay is he going away again?'
"Not if I have anything to do with it he won't be. Let's just see where this is all going one step at a time baby."
"Yes, daddy one step at a time."
I did some breakfast for them both and sorted out Sam's backpack he only wanted tomato sandwiches today so that's easy.
Mick stretched and walked around the apartment working his kinks out and Kasey was reading he looked so professional with his glasses on. I kissed him goodbye and he grabbed Sam and apologised.
"Maybe you can pick me up papa?"
"Not maybe son, I will be there at three fifteen."
"Are you nearly finished?' I asked.
"Not by a long shot Adam, I have to ring Keith and see if I can borrow Mick for a few days."
"Done last night Kasey, I'm at your disposal." he smiled.
"Let's get to work." He sat down again and I left with our son.
I opened the front door and Trish was about to knock.
"Is he in there?"
"Yes but I doubt whether you will get a conversation baby, I will see you at work."
She kissed Sam and me, then entered the flat.
I walked him to kindy, and he hugged me then he ran off to see his mates. I rolled my eyes at the receptionist then I left to go do my job.
The smells were there and I lingered for a minute, Trish was in the tea room making coffee and I noticed her hair was down and she did look very nice.
"Did they acknowledge you were there?"
"Only just Adam, God that paperwork must be so interesting."
"I have no idea I thought it was about smuggling but now I'm thinking it's something more sinister."
"Keep an eye on him, he can take off overseas anytime."
"I know I have to be ready for the fight if he starts packing his bag, the signs are there again. Maybe I will go have a word with my dad today."
"You do that, but I doubt whether he would even know what is in those papers, especially the Chinese ones."
"Mick said there were three hundred pages and each matched page has to have a write-up, he said they haven't even got to the good stuff yet."
"When did he tell you that?"
"At three this morning he woke me up when he came in, I went to see if he wanted coffee so we talked for a bit."
"I might buy a drip coffee machine, at least I know it will keep them awake."
"He was saying he's never been invited to do stuff like this, and he's grateful to Kasey. He's now doing what he loves. Mainly he just types out dictation and it's pretty boring."
"Well they seem to get along with each other well, maybe a new partnership will be forged and he may end up working for Kasey full-time."
"Are you good with that Adam?"
"Yes, Trish he's a nice guy he won't interfere with Kasey's personal life I don't think."
"He fancies you, he told me early this morning he would kill for a threesome." She giggled, but it made me feel a lot better, and well and truly loved. The girls and guys came in and Marco fussed with Trish's hair a little then he looked at me.
"Snip snip flip over today Adam?"
"If you want one ton of military muscle chasing you down you can."
"Maybe not, good morning Gloria, did you have fun last night?"
"Yes thank you, we had a great time." She winked at him. I guess she had a hot date and went to the G club.
They all grabbed coffee and buns and I went to unlock the front door, no military or bodyguards today, they had been called off. I don't know if I will see Kase today at all, he's throwing my routine out of wack. I looked through the appointment book and did think I should go home but what would I do there? It was a very slow morning because we weren't busy, we have days like this, and no one wants to go out in the cold weather. A couple of army guys came in and a detective wanted his curls tamed. Marko had a young lady who needed a good trim and James was helping him. Lynnie stood by waiting for orders and Anne filed her nails and then decided Eva should give her a good shoulder massage.
Gloria had two customers who wanted foils so I helped her. I told Trish to go home and the others if they wanted to take time off to work it out among themselves. It was just that sort of day and my gut feeling was, it was going to get worse.
I stood looking out the window with Trish hoping someone would come in for a wash and set but no one today. I saw Kasey hiking up the street, good I will have some company for lunch at least. No, he walked past and into the fed building, maybe on his way home then. I sent Lynnie to get some pies for lunch then sat in the tearoom waiting for my man. The pie was delicious and I sent her to get me another half dozen, we can have them for dinner tonight.
No sign of Kasey leaving the building and he didn't answer my text either which annoyed me. Gloria and Anne decided to take the afternoon off and Eva wanted to do some shopping. Tim was lucky he had three wigs to do and took his time to do them, he shooed everyone away citing it was his job and he didn't need their help.
By the time three arrived I was going stir-crazy I told Trish to lock up if it didn't improve, and I would see her at home.
I walked the alleyway to Sam's kindy and sat and waited for him to appear, when he did he sat with me and asked.
"Is papa finished yet?'
"No son, he's got a lot of work to do so it looks like we are on our own again."
"We should go to the cabin."
"We could for a night but I think it's going to rain."
he was bored, his papa and he have a lot of fun together and he's missing it, so was I.
We walked home slowly, even stopping and looking in a couple of windows, the shop owners know that's where they should put new stock because Adam Sutton will see it first and maybe buy from them. But nothing new today and no gifts for me or my son.
We took the lift and opened the door, two spunks were sitting at my table and by the looks, on their faces, they were both exhausted. Sam ran to his papa and Kasey placed his arm around him and kissed his head not taking his eyes off his paperwork. I went to prepare the pies and put them in the oven. I looked over at my son and he was looking at Kasey then the tv went on.
"Enough!" I screamed, and they both jumped.
"What?" Mick said.
"Enough work for the day, Mick go home and get some sleep. Kasey put that down and go sit with your son he has things to tell you." They looked at each other.
"Pies for dinner Mick see you at six, Trish is on her way home bring her with you. Kasey, what did I just say?"
"I don't know Adam all I hear is screaming."
"Get over to that couch and talk to your son before I grab all that paperwork and throw it off the balcony. You two have to make boundaries, and the sooner the better.
"I am working Adam, please don't be like that."
"Like what Kasey, you walked straight past me today not even a wave, you missed lunch and it looks like you are going to be up all night again. I told you to go talk to your son, he's waiting for his proper hugs Kasey." I almost tapped my foot I was so furious.
"But he's okay."
"He's not okay, Mick didn't I just tell you to go get some sleep?"
"Yes boss, straight away." he giggled then he said something to Kasey, he then picked up some paperwork to take with him.
I grabbed it out of his hand and threw it on the table.
"Sleep." I crossed my arms and stared at Kasey he got up and took his glasses off. He then walked over to the sofa to talk to his son.
I could see a big smile on Sam's face and I was happy it was back again.
I made coffee and went to sit with them, Sam was telling his papa he had a good day and he had missed him picking him up because he had news. The news was just kiddy stuff things he did during the day which wasn't that different than yesterday, but to Sam it was.
Ten minutes into the stories Kasey's head slumped and his hands relaxed.
"Come on baby let's watch a cartoon in dads bedroom." I took his hand and turned the tv off, and we went into our bedroom and propped ourselves up on the bed.
An hour later I heard a noise, Kasey had stirred.
"If you think you are going to do some work think again mister." He looked over the back of the sofa and got up, he then joined us kissing us both and immediately falling asleep again.
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