Adam 52
Maxieplus.
The boys loved the museum as we walked down the many hallways into vast rooms. We looked at Jimmy's photos and I could just imagine him sitting in the gully taking intricate snaps, of a leaf, a flower, the colours leaped out of the frames, they were awesome.
The kids found a playroom and we bought hot dogs for lunch. I was thinking about Kasey when I placed that big roll onto my mouth, I almost giggled.
The dinosaurs and flying birds from yesteryear were their favourites until one big rubber thing turned its head and growled. That was when Billy decided he had enough and wanted out of there, but Sam's 'wows' were heard everywhere, he had never seen these things before.
A stop at the museum shop found them both with paper bags with toys in them, then we caught the bus around town to look at the sights. Droopy eyes were happening as we stopped outside our place, and we carried them both upstairs they were too tired to walk anymore.
"What do you want to do now mum?"
"I think I will have a lay down son, you call Kasey."
"I wasn't going to."
"But you have been thinking about him all morning, prove me wrong." I giggled and took my phone out.
He was having a late lunch in the cafeteria, I guessed that his plate is loaded up. I told him what we had been doing and he said he was in meetings all morning, so it was good to have time to himself. He couldn't talk to Sammy but said he will ring him later on. He also said he was very lonely and a little bit fruity, so I talked dirty to him for a minute or two. He certainly knows where he has to be to get his rocks off now, and he complained that his stiffy wouldn't go down. I smiled to myself as I hung up, you still have it Adam Sutton, 'Pow'
I opened a wine and sat on the balcony, it had been a very nice day and I thought I might get some more fresh air. I went to sleep almost immediately, the boys woke me up, they were playing with their plastic dinosaurs. I sipped the wine and then sat up. It was time to be a dad again so I walked back inside and hugged them both. After asking them if they were hungry, I proceeded to get some pizzas ready for dinner. Mum walked out ten minutes later and she grabbed a couple of my magazines and flipped through them, Trish knocked and Sam with Billy answered the door. She got the full rundown on what they did today and Mick got the same later on.
"So how was your hot date the other night Mick?"
"Good Adam, he's a nice guy he wants us to go away for a few days next weekend. It's a getting-to-know-you situation."
"Good, maybe he's the one then."
"I don't know yet, not sure."
"Well keep your mind open is he military?"
"Yes and closeted, which is why I don't know yet."
"Sounds like he just needs a push in the right direction, nobody cares nowadays."
"You're right Adam, but I have to find out why he's hidden away."
"Do you want a hand with the pizzas, Adam?" Trish offered.
"You hungry?"
"Yes." She giggled and poured herself a wine, she still had those earrings on, they sparkled in the light.
I had to laugh at mum as she flipped the pages of the mag she would look at her ring and smile, yes they are going to be good friends.
I lit the oven and started lining the pizzas up, it was when the third one was cooking the door opened and two well-built men walked in.
Billy cried and Sam wowed all over the place, they had caught the last flight out of Canberra. Kasey kissed me, dad kissed mum then he looked around and said.
"I'm hungry."
"Trish give me a hand, three more coming up." I grinned at my men.
Billy sat on dads knees and Sam was on Kasey's showing his toys to him and talking about the museum. Kasey had trouble on his mind, as he listened, but stared at me. Naturally, I moved my ass into a better viewing position. Mum showed dad her ring and you couldn't miss Trisha's earrings. I told Kasey I had done a list of the items in the safe and he smiled.
"So did you get it all done?" I asked.
"Yes and I have to convey the prime ministers thanks to you Mick, he said you did a sterling job." Mick blushed and answered
"All in a day's work Kasey, it is my job."
"I will have more for you to do next month, I was told to keep at least two months free."
"Do you know what it's about?" I asked.
"Not yet Adam, and yes if it involves going overseas I won't do it."
"Tell him Kasey, he needs to know." Dad looked at him.
"I was saving that for when we went to bed?'
"You talk about work when you go to bed?" Mick was surprised.
"Sometimes." I looked at him.
"So what's the news?"
"The court of Australia have fast-tracked my Law certification, I will sit my final exams next week, and if I pass they will accept me early."
I sat back and stared at him, then I said.
"So they are letting you cheat."
"Adam!" Dad almost yelled.
"Well it is cheating, why does he get a free pass, and others have to do the hard yards."
"Because he has important work to do, that's why." Dad likes to argue.
"And that is why I wanted to talk to him after we went to bed."
Kasey smiled at Mick.
"Well I don't like it one bit, it has cheating and bull dust written all over it." Kasey took my hands and said.
"I do the final exams on the promise I read the books and finish the course, it's all about the paperwork, they need to give me bigger jobs."
"You already have a job, you don't need anymore. What's his phone number I think I would like to talk to this supreme law person myself."
"You can't interfere Adam," Dad said.
"I won't then, but a letter posted to the editor of the Brisbane Times will rock his dainty cushioned ass."
"Calm down Adam," Kasey said.
"Okay I will, I will calm down, Trish some vino?"
"Yes please Adam, this is all very interesting." She grinned.
"You should sleep with us tonight, it's going to be fucking hilarious later on." I looked at Kasey and smiled.
"Adam, the kids, hush," Mum said.
I offered wine to anyone that wanted it, then I sat and fiddled with one of the boy's toys. Kasey nudged me under the table and I lifted my foot and placed it fair and square on his balls. He whimpered a little but what could he do scream in pain, it wasn't that rough or hard anyway, that comes later.
This is not our plan, this is just plain queue jumping. But I have to admit he does study a lot and knows most of it already. Maybe they just want him to hurry up so he can do some more amazing things.
Mum and dad got ready for bed, Billy decided camping was better, so he and Sam climbed into the sleeping bags. Trish and Mick went home and Kasey showered. I guess he's expecting a big piece of this ass tonight.
We were all knackered, and when I got there he was finished and he wanted to watch me shower. The performance will win me an Oscar this year, and Kasey's dick felt like a rigid statue as it settled in for a long slow fuck. I wasn't exhausted but Kasey was, he had gone all out by stopping halfway through and seeing to me expertly, then he continued. There was no way his first night at home was going to be spoilt by anyone, he had a plan.
With his arm across the back of my neck, he pulled me in and said.
"This is top secret Adam, no one can know any of this, not even the general."
"I promise Kase, hit me with it."
"They are wanting me to rewrite some of Australia's most difficult international border laws. They need to be urgently updated, but I do not know which ones yet. To do this I must have a license to practice. The paperwork will give me that license, but I will still have to do the study, so I can't even tell my schoolmates."
"I see, so they are not handing them out for free to all, just you."
"Just me Adam, I want this so badly and I know we have a plan and I will adhere to it. I promise, no taking on clients no courtroom battles until you and I feel it's time."
"Then congratulations councillor, guess I had better buy another picture frame."
He kissed me deeply and then his tongue traveled down my neck, I was putty in his hands.
Sam crawled in around one and I heard Billy run into mum's room so now my family is complete. I kissed them both good night and then closed my eyes.
They were in front of the tv when I got up, you know programs to watch, cartoons to discuss. I made them both a milo and kissed their heads. Sam has to have a bath today and I think Billy will be going home. I made coffee for myself and Kasey who was lingering in the afterglow of his good morning suck.
I sat propped up on the bed and sipped as his hand snaked its way into my crotch. He wanted more but I know he wouldn't see it through, not so close to his last one.
"So what are your plans for Adele's exhibition Kasey?"
"I have many things to do Adam, the first thing is to talk to a jeweller to get all those items in the safe valued. Then I want you to come with me down the alleyways and we talk to a few women about cataloging and pricing the outfits. Your idea about manikins and display cases is brilliant, we have to search out vintage ones to keep it all authentic."
"Wow, you have done some thinking. Will you get the jewellers to come here or do we have to take it all to their shops?"
"I am hoping we can hire them for a few days so they can do Jimmys also. That way we get valuations and detailed itemised lists of all the items."
"Very good, thank you." I kissed him.
"I will run it by Jimmy because the trust will be paying for all these workers, I also want to ask him where I can get a big photo of Adele blown up, like the one he has over his mantlepiece. I think the apartment needs one over its fireplace. I will talk to the museum people about others to be put on the walls. Baby, we have to make the apartment look like Adele lived there."
That reminded me, I must ask Jimmy what happened to her beautiful home that I visited so many times, it was a museum on its own.
"Any other ideas?"
"Some Adam, but I will have to see what is in those rooms first, I know you want the albums and scrapbooks and any personal stuff I deem you should have. The pool will have to be checked and filled and the bedrooms all made up in the style of the era. And apart from that, I have run out of steam. I won't know until the rooms are cataloged."
"Will the jewellery be displayed?"
"Yes, some of the better pieces, under plate glass with alarms installed."
"Thank you, we didn't know where to start in the end."
"Leave it to me, you both won't have much involvement except with the finished product. I still need you to come for a walk with me, but I will ring Jimmy first and tell him my plans. We don't want to be stuck with the bills." He grinned.
Mum called out to see if we wanted coffee so I got up and took our cups out, she was making toast for the boys. I kissed her and said.
"Thank you, we both will have one."
I sat waiting for Kasey to show up and dad arrived, mum placed his coffee in front of him, he said good morning and then winked, so I winked back.
"We good?"
"Of course we are dad, it is what it is, and Kasey will be doing some good work."
"And that will be?"
"No fishing dad, he will tell you in good time."
They started discussing what time they would be leaving, and Kasey came out with everything swinging in the wind in his army underwear, dad groaned mum gasped and I made him go put some proper shorts on. He was only joking with dad, you know who's got the biggest dick today game.
They decided to leave around ten, so dad got on the phone to organise transport. Kasey said we will go for a walk before lunchtime and he will ring Jimmy shortly.
Breakfast was nice as usual and mum was keeping the toast and eggs up until the men had their fill, then she sat with me and ate.
After a long goodbye, Kasey grabbed Sam and me, and we began our search of the alleyways. We had a hit at the first and the best one, Sylvia was an ex-fashion student and knew her stuff. Kasey spoke to her while Sam and I looked at the trinkets, I could hear her in the background.
"My best friend Joy and I went through university together we majored in fine arts and costume. I can give her a call and we can make ourselves available any time you want. I have family that will look after the shop." That was easy, I liked Sylvia and was at one time her best customer. Numbers were exchanged and I told her.
"Be ready to be amazed." I smiled.
"Now Adam we have to find a trustworthy jeweller any hints, Sylvia?"
She laughed.
"If it's vintage go and see my friend James six doors up, he's not only trustworthy he's trained in the finer art of fine jewels."
So we ventured down the alleyway to find James.
He said he will get his offsider to help him and they can come to us. That was after Kasey explained the extent of the job.
"What's next?"
"We talk to Jimmy." He walked with Sam on his shoulders and I rang Jimmy to see if he was at home. We caught the lift and he opened the door, Sam hugged his legs and headed for the tv which was already on the cartoon channel. Coffee was made and we sat at his clean table. Kasey went through all the details he had in his head, and said was also thinking about placing a security guard outside the lift entrance and one in the apartment when it was ready for viewing. Jimmy said the museum will supply staff and security staff, he has to do something about the apartment's alarm system it needed upgrading. Kase had missed that one, he thought there weren't any alarms.
"Good, I will get the military onto that one, a freebie, may as well use them when we can." He took a piece of paper out of his pocket and added it to his mounting list.
"There are five boxes in the last bedroom I need to give you before you leave Adam, fine art at its best. I stored them here because I thought I would use them but your place is much more suitable. May I suggest plinths in your entry hall?" I dropped my head and asked.
"What are they?"
"Bronze deco figurines, Erte, a present from the well-known artist. They will look beautiful in your apartment."
"Not the museum?"
"No, not these they are a present for you."
I looked at Kasey he nodded and answered for me.
"Can we do this later, it's not that we aren't grateful it's just too much at the moment."
"I get your drift, they can stay where they are for the time being."
"Jimmy, can you tell me what happened to Adele's beautiful home?" I was wanting to know.
"It's leased out Adam, to a lovely family that looks after it beautifully. He is a corporate manager and she is a designer so it's in good hands. Why, do you want to live there because if you do?"
"No, no, no. I don't, I was just curious I thought the family might have sold it that's all."
"Adam, you Kasey, Sam, and myself are the only family left. What is in that apartment across from us is all of Adele's personal belongings, the family in her home is looking after the furniture and our trust does any maintenance, so it's in good hands. As I said, we are the only family, and one day it will be all yours, so if you want to move there you can now."
"No, I was only thinking the other day about it that's all. I am happy with the apartment she gave me. I don't want to know about anything else."
"Neither did I. So here we are, forced into doing something we never wanted. Adam, when I die the lot will go to you and Kasey. It's practically yours now to do what you want. You, Kasey, and Sam are the answers I have been searching for what seems like forever. You will benefit and the trust will go on with Kasey's help, hopefully to Sam's family. We are doing all right kiddo this was Adele's problem that she handed to me and now I'm handing it to you." He grinned.
"Thanks a lot, Jimmy, now what do I do?"
"Search me Adam, but I know your husband will know what to do."
"He's looked after his trust for years," I told him.
"I know, you don't think I didn't had this gorgeous hunk checked out for nothing, he's perfect for the job?" That grin again and another job for my Kasey.
We kissed him goodbye and his final words were.
"Do what you want Kasey, just send the accounts to Walsham associates. You might also place your apartments on the books, rates, and bills should be paid through the trust, and that mounting restaurant account also." He winked this time.
I stood next to Kasey he shielded me from the onslaught that was named Jimmy, I get it, but I don't want it.
I wouldn't talk about it for days after that encounter and the next Tuesday Kasey and I both went to the Australian Law council. I sat while he did two exams, I wouldn't let him go on his own, this was too important and I wanted to be with him every step of the way. Two hours and five coffees later he walked out smiling. I didn't even have to ask him how he went the kiss and continued smile told me all I needed to know.
We celebrated with a very nice lunch at a top restaurant and by the time we had finished it was pick up our son hour. He did say his diploma will be couried out in a day or two with all the relevant paperwork for him to sign and return. When we arrived home from picking Sam up there were two men sitting at my table with Mick, they were set up with all sorts of lamps, microscopes and more paperwork, they had started on the jewellery. Sam screamed as usual but was told not to touch anything, he could sit and look but no touching. I made the coffee and placed some cakes on the table we had bought on the way home.
"How is it going guys?" Kase asked. "This is serious stuff Mr Casey, it should be in a bank." One guy said the other nodded.
I overheard the conversation from the couch where I had settled, they will take two weeks to do it all, so there goes my lovely home again. Kasey did remind me that it had to be done and a little discomfort around us will be worth it.
Sam got bored and wanted the tv, they said that was fine they understood and could still concentrate on their work.
Kasey went out to the balcony and made a phone call, he told me later it was to Canberra to let them know the results, but they already knew. Having the jewellers around didn't bother me because as the week went on they started telling me about each piece and how they can tell where each stone originated from.
Wednesday a courier arrived with his certificate all stamped and signed, we had a small party and I placed it into a simple silver deco frame to hang on his office wall. He said he will get a bronze plaque for the letterbox, but I knew he was joking. By Thursday the jewellers had settled in, they were arriving at nine and leaving at three so I didn't see them much after the first few days. They again told Kasey they will be finished on time as expected, maybe a day or two over. This was because he wanted a detailed report on each piece not just the valuation.
Friday saw a large package being delivered by the military it was three volumes of international border laws. I nearly screamed when I saw the huge whiteboard sitting up against my windows, but I didn't say anything because Kasey was almost shaking with excitement.
"There has been one law placed atop another and at the moment its like a deck of cards and could topple at anytime, how the wigs make sense of them is beyond me. Everything is left up to interpretation, nothings set in concrete." He had started reading one volume as soon as we got in.
My days were now full of confusion, the ladies had started on Adele's possessions, I resisted going up to the apartment to help I had to sit and trust they were doing a good job of it and respecting her things.
I arrived home the following Tuesday with my husband and son, the apartment was quiet except for Mick sitting at the table typing up Kaseys notes, the whiteboard was full of coloured lines and words that were too big for me to even pronounce.
"This was delivered a half hour ago Adam, they needed a signature." He tapped his hand on a small package. I made us all a coffee and Sam a milo and biscuits, then I sat and looked at it. With everything that has happened I didn't need the shock that was wrapped in the box. A hand carved jade statue of a boy riding a horse with wings, it was carved exquisitely and a note thanking me for my help in the Malaysian conflict, it was from the Chinese government.
Kasey picked it up and looked it over, he said it should be placed in the safe I wanted to give it to Sam to put beside his bed.
I watched Kasey copy the signature down and then get onto his computer, he also took a photo of it.
"Kasey I don't want to know please lets just let Sam have it."
"Adam it will be a pricey object, they wouldn't send out rubbish."
"Well, thats very nice of them but you did all the work, its really for you." He stared at me then said.
"Then we give it to Sam too look after."He smiled.
"Thank you."
He and I called Sam over and he wowed louder than ever before, he kissed us thanked us then sat it on the coffee table so he could look at it. After a half hour his perfume bottle joined it. We told him it was to stay by his bed and hes not to take it to kindy or out of this apartment. He understood and that night he even slept with it he loved it that much.
I was to find out its worth when Sam accidentally left it on the family table two days later, the jewellers left an appraisal certificate under it with a note. `Should be in a museum, rare, priceless object.'
I showed it to Kasey and he laughed, then placed the little statue back in Sams room. That will go on our insurance as a one off irreplaceable ancient carving in Jade
I tried to forget all about it and Sam loved it to bits anyway, I know he will look after it. It sat proudly with his snail lamp and perfume bottle, and our photo.
The whiteboard had a baby the next day and my apartment looked like a class room, Sam was warned not to draw on it, but I put my foot down when a large kids chalk board arrived just for him to play with the following day.
He had so much fun with it I couldn't complain and the one good thing that happened by that weekend was the jewellers cleared their implements and were now working in Jimmys apartment, they will be good company for him. Each piece had to be photographed and we gave Jim that job they will be matched up with the valuations.
I worked like a mad man just to get my head cleared, it took my mind off the craziness that was my home, and Trish made sure everything was good as she checked just about every customer I did. I had no doubt my work was up to scratch, but she was the back up girl, no one leaves the salon disappointed.
Mick had almost moved in, but to Kaseys credit they stuck to business hours and he cleared out around five to come back at six to eat, that gave Kasey and me some time to ourselves and our son. He didn't arrive until after I had left for work, and he typed away at the computer without one complaint. Kasey read mostly and made notes, I watched as he got frustrated and scribbled something out and wrote something else instead, a very slow process. He would sometimes jump up and link a line on the white board, I watched my son draw houses and farm animals on his blackboard.
He had allotted a half hour to play with it, then it was you know what time.
Four weeks and the jewellers had finished, the catalogue was big and it was all placed nicely into a big expanding file briefcase. Jimmy was actually smiling when it was done, he had a lot of fun photographing the items. He had showed Sam how it was done with black velvet and two bright desk lamps, I must admit the stuff looked so elegant when I looked through them all. Sam was paid for his work, Jimmy gave him a fifty dollar note, he thought it was Christmas and ran to tuck it into his hide away hole in his bedroom closet. He has a lot of stuff to stash in there.
I found it one day when cleaning, some coins and notes he had been given, some snacks and biscuits that were never opened. A large knife and a slingshot he had crudely made. When I found it all I nearly hit the roof, but Kasey caught me and dragged me into the bedroom.
"What the fuck is he doing, whats going on?"
"Making himself feel safe Adam, leave it there, and do not say anything, please for me and for Sam. Its his way of making sure he wont be carrying water for the rest of his life." I slumped against the wall then I started crying for my sweet little boy, he shouldn't have to be doing that, not now.
"Give him a few years Adam, he will forget all about it as his brain is flooded with new memories, at the moment hes not quite there yet and his stash is his security blanket."
I held him close and he kissed my neck until I calmed down, I could have made the biggest mistake ever by confronting Sam, and I was so relieved Kasey had it all in hand, and he was the cleverest man I have ever known.
He toiled away with his reading and one day I had noticed he had stopped, apart from reading bits and pieces from different volumes and his notes, Mick didn't seem to have much to do except find different things on the computer that Kasey wanted to check.
Jimmy called in one Saturday we were just about to go to a fun park with Sam, but he wanted us to accompany him upstairs.
I nervously walked into the apartment and it was like Adele was living there, spotlights were blazing their light onto photos and garments that stood proud on vintage shop models. The jewellery cases stood against a wall and were internally lit I could see the sparkles bouncing off the wall. I almost turned full circle looking at the items that were dazzling and sparse, each gorgeous outfit stood alone. My Adeles photograph over the mantle bought a tear to my eyes as I stood and stared at her. So much light so much shimmer from the sequinned outfits, the place was absolutely beautiful and the ladies had done a superb job. I looked into the bedrooms and the office, a wall of shoes furs and hats was frightening opulent as they were draped on one dressing room wall and a list of what they were and who made them, was attached outside it on the wall. Across every doorway was a gold rope with no entry on it. The bedroom which was suppose to be Adeles was simple in its elegance.
A dressing table littered with powder boxes lipsticks and perfume bottles, pink feathered slip ons by the bed and a beautiful lace nightie draped on the bed awaited her night repose. The chais lounge had an evening gown draped across it and heels that defied gravity were left deliberately scattered on the floor with an evening bag, suggesting she had just got in and was now readying herself for bed. I shook so much Kasey had to calm me down. It was ready for it's opening night, the pool was full and the dolphins did their magic and spilled water into it, tropical plants were placed on the balcony to support the era, the kitchen was pristine and a coffee cup and a tin of biscuits were left on the counter, even the butlers room was set up nicely with a set of tails and a crispy white shirt hanging ready for the next day.
"They did a superb job Adam, I cant fault anything, she would be so happy to see this." Jimmy sat on the large sofa and stared at it all from the family room. The highlight apart from the sequinned evening gowns on the models was a pair of six foot high victorian vases with pampas grass in them, they were stunning sitting in the entrance hall, so much to see so many things to touch.
"Adam please sit with us." Kasey patted the sofa.
"All the personal stuff is in that billiard room, packed up and ready to be bought down to us. May I make a suggestion?"
I nodded my understanding.
"Take one at a time, look through it and take it all in, then decide what you want to do with each carton."
"I will do that Kasey, one step at a time." I smiled.
"Do you want to help me Jimmy?"
"No Adam, I have my memories they do quite fine without cramming more into my head."
"Okay if I think its important I will let you know, how many boxes Kase?"
"About twelve baby. The rest is clothes and objects they will be rotated."
"Thank you for this, you have done a wonderful thing for us, how can I ever repay you?'
"I can think of a thing or two, we can start tonight."
"Dirty buggers." We heard Jimmy say under his breath.
I had another look through and each time I saw something different the detailing was awesome. I asked Kasey when the opening day or night was, he said in two weeks but the museum of fine arts will be doing that, his job is finished. Jimmy hugged him for a long time to thank him for doing it, and I will gave him an extra play when we go to bed.
Before we left I looked the jewellery over and the centre attraction was Adeles engagement ring, I had never seen it. My jaw dropped as it winked at me, it was quality plus and exquisite. I didn't try to count the diamonds but the centre one was huge and flawless so I was told.
Jimmy locked up and we went into his place for coffee, Sam sat watching tv, we hadn't told him we were going to a fun park so he was happy to do his favourite thing. Biscuits appeared as we sat and calmed down. Jimmy handed me the advertising which will be in the paper announcing the Adele Banks museum and its opening day to the world. There was a small write up on her and then he went to get a white box from the table and he handed it to me. I lifted the lid and gasped. A coffee table book, one like I wanted to do for her a lifetime away.
"For you, they will be on sale at the museum. It was full of her modelling photos and some family ones, some of the museum and in particular, one of me on the back cover he had taken one day. It read, imagined by Adam Sutton in memory of his dear friend Adele Banks. That bought on the tears and a brandy was passed over to me.
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