Adam 50
Maxieplus
He slept for another hour and then I made him have a shower, he wanted company, so I obliged him. When Adam Sutton goes without sex for two days he's not a very approachable person, but he enjoyed the royal shafting he got in the bathroom. Sam was all smiles again and watching tv in the living room, I think he was hungry because he had raided our biscuit barrel.
I turned the oven on and sent Trish a text.
`I'm ready for round two, dinner in fifteen minutes'
That was the moment when Kasey grabbed me from behind and whispered a big thank you in my ear, I turned and kissed him deeply and I lingered.
"My pleasure."
He didn't look at his paperwork and I doubt he will pull another all-nighter, but with him, anything could happen.
Mick and Trish were on our doorstep and Sam let them in. Kasey looked at Mick and said.
"I told you he had a temper the size of a sex-starved bull."
They were laughing while Trish and I set the plates up. I had bought some baby pies for Sam, they sat on the bench cooling and the others were dealt out by order, two each for Mick and Kasey one each for Trish and me, and a couple of spares just in case.
Tomato sauce for the boys and my eyes never left Kase as his hand flipped through some pages.
"You have to set boundaries Kasey, you cant expect Mick to work through the night, keep it to business hours in the future,"
"But it's so interesting Adam, I can't put it down."
"It's not urgent, if it's done in two days or twenty, it still won't be urgent."
"How do you know?"
"Because if it was, you would have barked back."
"I don't bark Adam."
"No you just give orders and now I will give you both some. No all-nighters, no ignoring your son, no walking past the salon without saying hi, and no more working like your lives depended upon it."
"But I like the pressure." he grinned.
"Tonight after you put your son to bed I will show you pressure, even if I have to hump you on the kitchen table myself."
Mick and Trish started laughing, I cut a pie in half and started eating it Kasey grabbed the other half Mick took a full one. The night was over for any work, the paperwork was gathered up and Kasey placed it in three piles. He told Mick he will see him at nine and told Sam he would be walking him to school, which bought on a huge smile teeth and all. I locked up while Kasey read his story to him and then when he came out I pointed at the table, he dropped his shorts and bent over it.
I was feeling a lot better within myself as I strolled to work. Mick had arrived early and looked a lot less stressed. Kasey had already started his paperwork but when Sam stood and stared at him he told Mick he will be back in half an hour, he could enter what was in one pile he had put aside.
I left and Kase will leave shortly after, I didn't expect him to call in like he always does but he did, coffee and some kissing and a good morning greeting to the staff, and I saw him out the door once again.
"Thank you," I said.
"See you at lunchtime, can I bring Mick?"
"Yes, I will get him some lunch."
He left and we got busy, the day was sunny and the temperature was rising. I got a phone call from the Brisbane Bombers, namely Cody Mitchell booking another event where the girls and guys had to have their hair done, which will be in a month. I talked to him about the penthouse and he wanted to come to see it one day, and he also tried to talk me into moving there. I wouldn't cave in, I liked my apartment and Adele was still there, she won't move upstairs. But as you know the ghost of Adele only lives in my heart, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind in the least, but I would.
Six regular clients today and a few dyes and sets and as I looked around my stylists were all busy. Tim was off to the theatre to pick up eight boxes of wigs for a new show and he and the commander were looking forward to their weekend off to chill at the cabin. Kasey and Mick called in and we had a very pleasant lunch, Trish had joined us today. They seemed to be excited they were getting somewhere, I think the big sleep helped.
"So no word on what it's all about?"
"Yes and no Adam, Malaysia is accusing China of interfering in their fishing waters and people smuggling. The Chinese are denying it and what you got from your friend was all the communications that had been sent back and forth. We are one by one debunking Malaysia's accusations."
"I see, so it's international law and espionage."
He stared at me for a long second and laughed.
"Just about right Adam, it's escalated into a world event of some importance, but it's looking like Malaysia has been caught with their pants down, they are the smugglers and they want China to stop fishing in their waters so their boats can go through unhindered. China has been filming and recording everything they have satellites that even listen in on conversations." He smiled.
"So the international incident is the accuser's fault."
"Yes Adam, they thought China wouldn't respond and the International courts would ban them from Malaysian waters before they could do something about it."
"If they own the waters then they could get China to stop." I was only trying to help.
"They can't, they have an agreement with the world court to allow them to fish fifteen percent of it."
"It all sounds very intriguing Kasey, who will win?"
"China is at the moment." He laughed.
I know he's not telling me the real story but I liked his yarn anyway. The embassy lady said it could cause world war three. I doubt if a few fishing boats could do that unless they are war ships, that would cause a fuss, and China was catching them interfering with their ships, now that would make them mad.
They walked back home and he said he would be back at three to pick Sam up. I was happy he would be doing that and I still had to show him through the big apartment.
I was ready for him at three and his big smile which was somewhat forced greeted me when he walked in.
"He's your son and he adores you, this is the one time of the day he loves seeing your face."
"I know Adam, sorry I was joking." He blushed.
We walked down the alleyways and he did manage to place his arm over my shoulders and say.
"When will I be let out of your jail baby?"
"When you get your priorities right, you wanted to be a lawyer, but no matter how good you are at it, you still have to study. This work you are doing for the government could have been done by their lawyers. I am confused at the moment, it's not what we planned, but if you have another plan I am willing to hear it."
"No other plan, it's just that I love this sort of investigative work. It's like playing a big computer game."
"Well I will give you that, but don't you need your certificate to truly do that sort of work?"
"Yes."
Sam screamed and he was a happy kid again, he had been waiting at the reception for us and immediately as we walked out the door he was on Kasey's shoulders again. He giggled as he told him about his day and as we approached the building I thought it would be a good time to show him the apartment.
"You said you didn't want to live here."
"I don't, but the office is too good to pass up, and there is also a plunge pool." That got Sam talking again he's been in it and loves it and the pool would be good for when Billy comes over. He was as expected, blown away as we moved from room to room, his hand swiped the front of the desk and he stood at the window to look at the view.
"It's amazing Adam, I can see us living here."
"Like Jimmy shut away from everyone we know and love."
"I see your point but this space is enormous and our friends will come here, it doesn't matter where we live as long as we are together."
"True Kase, but if we do, you have to restrict your work to the office and I don't think you will like that too much."
"That's fine, Sammy can sit with me." He smiled at his son.
"I will think about it then, Jimmy said it was all free but I doubt we could ever afford it anyway, and I certainly don't want it for nothing."
"It's not going anywhere Adam maybe we will talk about it later on it would be a shame if it was spoilt." Now he's having second thoughts.
We locked up and went downstairs, Kasey got a call and said down the phone.
"On our way just getting in the lift."
Mick was excited about something and couldn't wait to show Kasey, so they both went head to head with a whole lot of new paperwork.
I sat with Sam while he had his milo and biscuit then I went to find something for dinner. Trish is doing pizza tomorrow night so we can have chops or sausages tonight. My phone rang and Trish informed me she was doing the pizzas tonight because she had a date tomorrow night. I was immediately placed on alert but after I interrogated her she relented and told me, she was meeting Evans at the airport for dinner, it makes sense.
I got the necessaries out of the cupboards, pans rolling pin, flour, and oil then sat and watched the boys work. I flipped through my photos until I came across some nude ones of Kasey, then I lingered on his body.
The paperwork looked like it finally was disappearing as Mick typed away at the speed of sound. Coffees were made and I checked Sam was okay and he was happy to do his own thing.
Trish arrived with her shopping and a big smile for everyone, her hair was still down and she did look gorgeous.
She put some hairspray on Sam's hair and he sat there playing with it, the boys didn't ignore her and Kasey asked her how her day was. She prattled on until she noticed he wasn't even listening, I laughed and got a sour look from my man. I am getting a lot of them lately I hope it doesn't become the norm around here.
As I helped put the pizzas together we talked about Evans, she was only meeting him as a friend, and she still has to tell him about Mick moving in. I don't know how he will take it but if I know him he would be cool about it. That's his problem he's too cool about everything.
We decided to go see the other apartment after dinner. I wanted to see it at night time and yes, Kasey has me thinking about moving there.
He had cleared the table of a lot of 'done' paperwork and Mick had a small pile to do. The pizzas were ready and the smells were making me hungry. Sam had his special one in front of the tv and the men dived in to secure the biggest pieces. The talk around the table was about the apartment. I argued that it was brand new a window into the past, and it should not be interfered with. Kasey argued that it could mostly be shut off and we only needed the two bedrooms and living areas. It became a headache for me in the end and I firmly decided I would not accept the gift. I had told Kasey if he wanted to use the office he could, but he would be back to his original problem he would be alone up there.
We cleaned up and I took Trish upstairs, Sam has seen it, he doesn't need to see it again, and anyway, he has a phone call to make.
She was also blown away and agreed with me it shouldn't be touched.
"Having a live wire living here would see walls damaged with scuff marks, Kasey's paperwork would get bigger and you would be lonely Adam. You can't be expected to be shut away from the world if anything, open it up as a museum." Bingo Trish.
"Whoever runs it would probably have to live here, a job for Jimmy maybe?" I answered.
"I doubt he would do it, he would never get out of the building."
"I can see I started a real dilemma here." We heard him say as he walked in.
"Hi, Jimmy you remember my friend Trish?"
"Yes good to see you again. What did your man say?"
"He wants to try and live here but I don't want to spoil it. We think it should be turned over to the museum to run as a window into the past. Deco is hugely popular and this place is perfect. The entrance price should keep it running independently."
"You don't want to turn it into a high-class salon?"
"I already have one, it's up the road." I giggled. The salon potions would destroy the intricate marquetry flooring for a start if accidentally spilled.
He looked at it all and then at me.
"So you don't think you could live in it?"
"No, and you shouldn't have even asked, now I'm totally in love with it. Why did you ask anyway, you already know the answer, turn it into a museum?"
"Because I value your opinion, and you have made the right decision."
"So I am now being included in your decision-making?"
"In a nutshell Adam. Yes."
Groan.
"Adele would be impressed Adam, she didn't want to destroy it either and left it to me to decide. Now I have left it to you, and I agree it's too grand to be used as a home. My place is much more suitable because two families have lived in it from the start. The museum will keep it pristine for future generations. How does the Adele Banks museum sound?"
"Bloody perfect." I relaxed a bit.
He was testing me I'm sure of it, anyone else that didn't have my sense of history would have jumped at the chance to live here. Trish and I said our goodnights but before we left we offered to deliver a pizza for his dinner but he said next week, he had already eaten.
Oh and Adam, you will have to make an appointment with Bill Walsham and we can discuss the terms of the lease and what rental we will charge."
"Leave me out of it."
"I can't do that son, you must be at least involved with this."
"I will ring tomorrow how does this Tuesday sound?"
"Perfect."
"He's trying to tell you something, Adam."
"I know Trish, he's including me in the family trust I think. I don't need this and I don't want it."
"What if there's no one to leave all this to, what if he's just training you up to take over?"
"There are other family members Trish I have had them in the salon."
"They don't speak much about Adele's trust do they?"
"Come to think of it, no they never mention family matters."
"You have your answer then, Jimmy is the last of the Banks family, he's in charge of the trust and you are next in line. Next time you are in his apartment measure it up for your showcase."
She giggled and I answered her firmly.
"I don't want it Trish not now, not ever."
She had made a point why else would Jimmy offer such a luxurious place to me, he's testing me all right and I will have something to say about that next Tuesday.
The boys were watching tv with Sam when we got back, they said they had stopped for the night. Mick did have paperwork to take home and Kasey leered at me as he said he would like an early night.
"Can I play camping papa?"
"Yes in your room." He giggled.
"It's okay Sammy I want a sleepover anyway." That excited him to no end.
I made coffee and thanked Trish then told her she didn't have to.
"Adam, Mick will be up late and I need my sleep, I'm used to sleeping with someone, and Sammy is ideal."
He slipped out and sighed as he flopped onto his back.
"That was awesome Adam, I love doing it to you."
"I like it too Kasey, especially the kissing."
"I like doing that to you a lot."
"Thank you."
"We are nearly finished and now I have to start reading and making notes for my final report, Mick will type that up for me. Having him here has quartered my workload. In a day or two, he can go back to his office."
"You can call on him anytime Kase, I believe he's yours to do what you want with."
"No Adam, he doesn't float my boat at all, you do."
I giggled.
"Well, I offered."
"Thank you but no, now we have to get you off. What do you feel like?"
"Move down the bed baby, I like that the best."
Trish was up in the morning and Sam was sitting you know where watching tv. The eggs and toast were being cooked and I apologised for sleeping in. I had the best sleep and was woken by a beautiful surprise coming from my nether regions. Kasey was well and truly horny this morning. That hunk that resides in my bed was edging for a bit more of my bum so what can a guy do, accept that he loves it?
I didn't say anything to him about Jimmy's test but I will have to say something about the apartment, but will leave that until Tuesday night.
Tim and the commander left Friday afternoon, they will get there just before the boys get home from school. I hope they enjoy their KFC. Trish had gone to the airport to dine with Evans, and she said he was cool about Mick moving in with her. He understood the gay bit and was happy she had some security in her home.
I made the appointment with Mr. Walsham for ten am Tuesday and was looking forward to telling Jimmy to shove his family trust. I remembered Meryl's attempt to confuse me with Adele's will, so I will be ready this time. Mick and Kasey worked through the days and quite often Kasey would dictate something or other to him, sometimes when working and sometimes he would ring him when he thought of something new to add.
The next thing that happened was, he was summoned to dine with the prime minister in Canberra. Included in that letter was his letter of commendation, which was for his help with the Timor saga. The cover letter said he will be awarded his medal from the prime minister when he next sees him. He wasn't too happy about it I can assure you, underneath it all I think my man was leaping with pride, I know I secretly was.
On Monday Tim waltzed into the salon and couldn't stop talking about the weekend they had away, it was perfect and they had slept well. The kids next door were amazing and loved their treat, he was to thank Kasey and me from them. He said there was a lot of timber in the carpark and a big excavator on site but no digging was found.
I must ring Rhoda for an update. I noticed a crystal around his neck, he said he bought one for each of them and had his cards read. He wouldn't say what was told to him, only he is very happy.
I had just finished a wash and set when Kasey came in, he grabbed my arm and moved me to the tea room. I could hear Tim and Marko laughing they had started on the wigs finally.
"Before we start Adam, Rhoda can be bought off, so please don't ring her about the goings on at the cabin."
"You blackmailed her?"
"No, but I begged her not to say anything because it's a surprise from Sam. She doesn't want to break his little heart." I slumped he kissed me.
"And she bought it?"
"Yes." He grinned.
"Well, I will just have to wait and get a big surprise then."
"That's my boy." He almost had my clothes off as he hugged me.
"Have you just been to see Keith?"
"Yes he told me Rhoda confided in him, so I have just got off the phone with her."
"Sorry."
"I understand, and Sam is very excited about the extensions but Adam, he doesn't know what they will look like."
"Okay, how far ahead are you and Mick?"
"It's going to take another week, I have to fly to Canberra Thursday for the night. I'm no good at official dinners as you know."
"You will be okay Kase, is dad going with you?"
"Yes, him and the commander, I want to catch up with Hargraves while I'm there it's been a while since Eva's wedding."
"You do that, he will be pleased to see you."
"I tried to get you added to the invitation but it's a closed dinner, military only Adam."
"That's okay I understand, and I also understand there is something hidden you're not seeing."
"Like what?'
"Why dad, why the commander, why isn't mum going, lots of questions Kase. I think there's something up and be prepared for anything."
"Do you think so?"
"I do, the medal part of it should have been done weeks back so that's just a cover."
"You might be right there, I had better keep my guard up then."
"No going overseas Kasey I mean it this time, if you go don't come back." He grinned at me.
"It's not going to happen baby, and I understand."
"Well you have a family here, Sam will start school next year and I want you here when he does."
"I want to be here Adam, I will ring you and let you know their plans."
"I might just go up and see Keith, I know dad won't tell me anything but Keith might."
"Just leave it, I won't be accepting any posts away from home that's not in my contract anyway."
He left me with some dark thoughts once again, he can't be that naive, even I can see something is going on.
The day was once again busy and Trish had her hair up in braids again, I guess she likes it that way or it could be her Dutch heritage, something I only found out recently.
Sam was picked up and my table looked a lot better now the paperwork had been stored in the office, only the two laptops and note paper were sitting there when we got in.
"That's better I can give it a good polish now."
"Well we can work with just the computers now, if I have to reference something I can get it from the office, how are we going with the apartment upstairs?"
"We aren't Kase I have put a stop to it. You won't work up there alone and I don't want to destroy its beauty."
"So we stay here?"
"For now we do baby, just go with me on this."
"Sure it's your choice anyway," He took my hand across the table.
"Kase I have something to tell you, but I won't know to what extent until tomorrow morning."
"Your pregnant?"
"You wish." I kissed his hand.
"Jimmy was setting us up, he wanted me to choose what was to be done with the apartment."
"This sounds interesting baby."
"It is and it isn't. Adele left him in charge of her family trust, if you think about it, there was only ever Jimmy and Adele. Meryl's family is separate from that trust, and I suspect there are only the two daughters running that one."
"That sounds right because Meryl's would have been separated from Adele's, makes perfect sense."
"Here is the big problem, I think he wants to incorporate me into that trust because he said I had made the right decision when I said he should turn it into a museum."
"And is he?"
"This is it, Kasey, I have an appointment with Mr. Walsham and Jimmy at ten in the morning. I think they are going to try and add me to the trust board. He said we would be talking about handing the flat over to the museum of fine arts, which he could have done anytime. He doesn't need me to do that, and I am wondering if he has another plan."
"He has no one to leave it to except Meryl's family, and I don't think, by the sounds of it, he wants to. Adele was your friend she has maybe left instructions for Jimmy to try and get to know you before he includes you. Go and see what they say but don't burn any bridges Adam. Be gracious and humble but listen to their proposals."
I stared at him for a moment and dropped my head.
"I don't want it."
"But who else is he going to leave it all to, the admiral? I don't think so, Walsham. I doubt it, the museum, probably? Or a trusted family friend who loved Adele and now loves Jimmy for what they are, not for what they have."
"Kasey, so your saying I should go for it?"
"I'm saying listen to them first before you go into a tirade about not wanting anything. That apartment was a test Adam, you passed that test."
"I wouldn't do that Kasey."
"Do what?"
"Go into a tirade."
"You have already planned your attack, otherwise you would have never made that appointment."
"Really?"
"Really." He kissed me on the lips, and I shelved the speech I had planned and felt much better within. He is a clever man in more ways than one, it makes sense that Adele's fortune would be handed to me, or should I say us because I have to think of Sam's future also. I am getting a little ahead of myself, I have to calm down and see what they want me to do first.
"Do you want to come with me?"
"No Adam, this I think you can do on your own any paperwork I can look at, but I doubt there would be much."
"What do you want for dinner?'
"You, always you."
"Okay beef kebabs tonight."
I left him to do what he does best, cook, but first he has to light the barbecue. Oh no, he's got his head stuck in the computer again and I think Mick has just rung the doorbell. Sam jumped up to answer it and I could hear him start to tell him about his day, Mick was so kid-friendly, he slapped Kasey's hand and hugged me then he went to listen for ten minutes.
"Sam we have to light the barbeque and you have to ring Bill and see if he's coming for a sleepover Thursday night," Kasey called out.
"Wow," he answered.
"Is Trish on her way?"
"Yes Adam, she's just dusting something or other." He grinned.
"Okay, what's up?" I know that evil grin.
"Well I asked my mum what happened to grans perfume bottle collection and she said it's all packed away. So I asked her if I could have it."
"Don't you dare take my ideas Mick. I'm warning you if you set up a
display case in that flat I will never talk to you again, that's my thing to do."
"Whoops." he looked at Kasey who was laughing.
"Feisty isn't he?'
"He certainly is Mick, did the display case arrive today?"
"Yes with the bottles." I glared at him and said.
"Well, I had better go take a look then, make sure they are all up to my standard, come on Sam let's go look at some glass." He jumped off the sofa, he's got a lot of jobs to do tonight. It was as I suspected a non-event, the display case was tiny and Trish god bless her had shoved it in a corner. The three bottles that were sitting on the coffee table were so small and cheap-looking, Sam started laughing.
"Not as good as our ones daddy." I looked at Trish and said.
"Dinner in half an hour, you did well." I could hear her laughing with Sam as I exited the apartment with a big smile on my face.
"Well, what did you think?"
"Mick, I am Adam, I love all things vintage, and my favourite items are my perfume bottles, Evans's handbag, my husband, and my son, you have absolutely no chance."
He started laughing just as Sam came back, he and Kasey went out to light the barbeque and they were whispering a lot, then giggling.
"Now that's all over and done with, veggies or salads?"
"Salads Adam, I'll give you a hand." Trish smiled. I did hear Mick say as she opened the fridge.
"Gran was always a cheapskate."
"She also shopped at the thrift shop." I had to answer him.
In the morning Kasey was still feeling a bit fruity so I fixed him up neatly and left him with a big smile on his face.
Sam was up and already making plans with me for Bill's visit, I will ring mum later and see what time he's arriving.
My big day started with a good breakfast and my smells. I had dressed to impress and sat in the vast bank building waiting for Jimmy to turn up.
He was on time and we hugged then he looked me in the eyes.
"I can never get enough of your eyes Adam, they bring back so many fond memories."
"Anytime you want them, they are yours to look into." I smiled.
"Now I want you to listen and believe what is said at the meeting, it is very important that you know what is happening."
"I will listen, I'm not going to resist change and I do understand."
"Good boy."
We entered the board room again, I have been here several times before. There were just the three of us and I greeted Mr. Walsham then made myself a coffee and sat down.
"Adam I have been talking to the museum trust and they think your idea is wonderful, I have left it to them to work out the finer details and they will get back to me. Nothing will be touched, nothing moved or stored away. There will be security and barriers away from the finer furniture."
"Good, they will look after it, I am pleased this is going ahead."
"Now the trust." I bristled up but took some deep breaths to try and calm down, I will do what Kasey says and listen.
"Go ahead."
"There is no other Adam, I resisted meeting you for years and I am sorry I didn't get to know you when Adele said I should have. As you suspect Meryl's wealth is separate from our dear Adele's, her family looks after that side of things. If you accept my proposal it will make you a very wealthy man, but in saying that I doubt whether you will touch any of it, as I haven't in all these years. This paperwork gives you a thirty percent share in the trust along with me. I need you Adam. I need you so much to step up, as I said before there is no one else and Adele's memory will die eventually. You have the means to keep this all going in Sam, he may marry and have children of his own and that comforts me more than anything. Are you getting my point?'
"Yes Jimmy, you both know I don't want this but I see your point. I will accept it." Jimmy stood up and hugged me and as he looked into my eyes his tears erupted. I held onto him until he collected himself then we had to have a brandy.
"Do you want your young soldier to look over this Adam?"
"No, I think I get the gist of it all. You want me to be on the board and you need me to carry on Johnnies, Adeles, and your work."
"That's correct, it's not hard but you will need to be on call for any emergency meetings."
"I promise I will try and do my best."
"Now down to business, in this folder is a list of our holdings and bank statements going back three years, the trust is in good shape and the emergency meetings I have mentioned are only basically body corporate decisions, like painting, security, stuff like that."
"And crazy neighbours that want to chase their husbands all over Timor." I smiled.
"Adam, this was all done by Adele before she passed, she ordered us to give you as much help and space as we could, and it was our pleasure to do just that for you and her. If you noticed there was one room in the penthouse I didn't unlock to show you."
"No, there were so many."
"Okay, there is a games room where I stored Adele's personal belongings. I didn't have the heart to go through it so I stored it. I want you to sort through it and take anything you want. I don't think there is anything important to the trust, only personal stuff including her photo albums and scrapbooks. The family didn't want any of it, so it's been left up to you." My tears started and I was remembering the hours I spent with her going through her albums. Sam will look at them with me, he will know who they belonged to and I will keep them safe.
"I will do that, and anything I find that would look good in the apartment I will place in it. The security will be high for small items and I want Adele to take centre stage." Another brandy and a well done from both men.
I signed two papers without reading them because I trusted them both and after two more brandy's I walked home in a haze. But before I left I was handed another large envelope and Jimmy said.
"We also need your help with this." The folder had Kasey's name on it.
Donations are gratefully accepted by Nifty