Kasey with a K

Adam 72

Maxieplus

Two wonderful things happened at the end of the week. Eva's farewell party was held in the afternoon at Jimmy's place, he had tons more room than us. I had spent a few days inviting all our staff and our steadfast clients to the party. There would be no party without nona Zena and her handsome husband Luca as well as Susan, my greatest triumph. All the kids from the north side salon and their partners.

Chloe will be attending and Marco's mum couldn't come. The whole kit and caboodle, Jimmy and myself had it catered for and his balcony space was used for drinks and food.

Sam helped by making up some thank-you gifts, he insisted he buy them and make them up. We had to supervise that there weren't any kid's toys in each box, just sugar-coated almonds, chocolates, and some beauty products. He worked like a horse tying pink and blue ribbons around each little box. They were stacked up near the entrance and when they left the guests were instructed to take one with them, again, it was Sam and Billy's job to hand them out.

Eva looked radiant and Wilson was groomed down to the last whisker, he stood out. Hargraves arrived from Canberra on his own, and finally, Evans made a big entrance by kissing me and then bouncing me around the floor.

There were people I didn't know and Kasey I believe had invited some friends of his own, like the film crew and the typing pool boys.

Jimmy was the perfect host, he fussed around making sure the drinks were flowing and the finger food came out on time. Sam was his assistant and he checked that everything was going as planned, that was until Billy arrived and then they disappeared, when I looked for them they were playing in the small cocktail pool.

I spent time talking to my staff from the north side shop, they were excited for Eva, and also to meet Chloe again.

A young man had arrived with Luca and Zena, he didn't go unnoticed. I was watching him talk to Mum and Dad then Kasey had joined in, he did have an air of military about him. Sandy blonde hair and handsome, with a body shape to die for, he exuded confidence, a bit like my Kasey.

I was tapped on the shoulder and came chest to face with Zena, I looked over her pretending I couldn't see her.

"I'm down here Mr, Adam, stop joking around."

"Oh, there you are Zena, no platform shoes tonight?"

"Please do not be rude, have you seen my Luca?"

"Not since you both arrived, have you lost him already?"

"Maybe you had better look in the bathroom for me, he did say he might hang around there for a while."

"Why, is he ill?"

"No, he thinks he might be gay and will pick up someone in the bathroom."

I stared at her and started laughing.

"You can try Zena, but I still won't believe a word you say."

"Too bad Adam, don't forget you may be missing out on the best night of your life."

"I doubt it, Zena."

"Isn't that a gay fantasy, turning a straight man gay?"

"Been there done that baby, have you met my Kasey?"

"It is a good day Adam we will all miss Eva very much." That's right Zena, change the subject.

"I think we are going to be family soon Mr Adam."

"How so?"

"My nephew will have his eye on Miss Chloe."

"Who is your nephew?"

"Georgio, that nice young man over there talking to your parents."

"He belongs to you?"

"Yes, didn't you hear me say he was my nephew?"

"Yes, he's beautiful Zena and blonde."

"Bottle blonde Adam, it suits him very much don't you think?"

"My god Zena he is stunning where have you been hiding him?"

"He is my nephew by marriage Mr. Adam, Lucas's sister's younger boy, he's Italian, special forces."

"Is he now, and he wants to meet Chloe how unreal. I must go and tell Kasey."

"He knows Mr. Adam he was the one that insisted we bring him along."

"Then he must be excellent at his job, and he knows how to handle himself also."

"Yes he does, he used to fly all over the world doing security for the prime ministers and others."

"Security can be a bit rigid sometimes, I hope he is in touch with his inner self."

"Mr. Adam he is a wonderful boy, he loves watching Bambi and he cries too. I have seen him do it."

"Have you eaten?" Change the subject.

"I had better go and find Luca he will probably have a young man for me also, I don't want to keep them waiting."

"You are hungry then."

"Yes, Mr. Adam and I see my Luca filling his plate up with all sorts of nonsense. I had better go and make sure he gets fed well." She blushed and then left me to it. I searched out Kasey, he was now talking to Wilson and Evans I threw my arm around Evans's shoulders and nearly kissed his cheek it had been too long.

"How have you been Mrs. Casey?" He grinned.

"Really good Evans, where is that beautiful wife of yours Hargraves?"

"Family business but she said she will come next time."

"And Evans, is life pretty much the same with you?"

"Yes Adam, I like it out at the airport. I get to meet so many different people."

"No lady yet?"

"Or man, but I have had offers." He winked.

That was my cue to go see what my crew was up to, they were all sitting on the big sofas laughing, and Eva was happy to be in their company. Luckily there was no sign of that depression. I watched Jimmy answer the door and the second star in our family arrived with Joe and Trish. The crowd noise died down for a second then Kasey went into action, but before he did I pulled him aside and said.

"You can tell me now."

"Tell you what Adam?" He kissed me.

"Georgio?"

"Oh him, he's perfect isn't he?"

"I haven't spoken to him yet, but he certainly ticks all the boxes, where the hell did you find him?"

He pulled me further aside and said.

"He's just finished a job at the Cannes film festival and has done stints at the side of many celebrities throughout the world. His CV isn't huge but that's not what I'm interested in."

"You have sampled his Italian sausage I take it?"

"Behave Adam nothing of the sort, although?" He smiled.

"Tell me?"

"He was top of the class in military school and was earmarked for special forces because of his lateral thinking and quick responses. He dropped out of the military to nurse his father when he was ill. He speaks five languages and is here to think about his future which is bright. He can do almost anything, a regular Italian James Bond. Luca introduced me to him a few weeks ago and I have thoroughly checked him out."

"What was the deciding factor, Kasey?" I think I know the answer to that one.

"He nursed his father up until his death last year, that's got to say something about his inner workings."

"Good, well I hope Chloe likes him, he certainly has the wow factor but I would tone his hair down just a shade or two."

"You would Adam, and he would probably let you." He smiled.

"I can do his pubes to match." He rolled his eyes.

"Where is Sam?"

"Last I saw him he was with Billy in the pool."

"I told him no swimming, he has guests."

"He's a little kid, they love pools more than people."

"Point taken."

He pulled me over to where Georgio was standing talking to Luca and dad. I was introduced and his eyes glistened as he spoke perfect english to me. My god why are all the men in my life so handsome? Joe walked by and he was introduced along with Trish, then Chloe passed and Kasey grabbed her arm. I have no idea what happened but they stared at each other for some time before shaking hands.

"And just like that Joey, your sister falls in love," Kasey whispered.

"What do you mean?"

"Did you notice that pause, that was them both falling for each other. Would you like to have a small bet on the side that they go out together tonight?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about, but is it something good?"

"Oh yes, something amazing just happened and Joey, get to know Georgio a bit better, he's going to be in your life for a long time." He winked.

It took Joe all of five minutes to realise what Kasey was saying and when he did he stared at my man, no words were spoken but if Kasey was available, I was sure he would have been spread-eagled on the dining room table with Joe humping him.

Sam and Billy ran out and Chloe grabbed them for a hug she made a big fuss and Georgio spoke to Sam in Arabic, Sam's face lit up as he almost struggled to find the words to answer him. It has been a while since our boy has used his mother tongue but by all accounts, he is popular with the Arab kids at school. They talked for ages then they found a spot in the other salon to talk more. Billy didn't know what they were talking about but he watched Sam intensely.

"Have you been doing a bit of matchmaking Mr. Kasey?" Trish sidled up to him.

"Yes Trish, I think we have a winner here."

"Very well done, he's gorgeous." Joe put on a sad face.

"You are awesome Joey, he's just gorgeous." I think he accepted that.

"Did you see Evans?"

"Yes Adam, he's still the same. Still scared of his father, and still trying to sort himself out, nothing has changed." She smiled.

Jimmy wanted me to word him up on the spunk talking to Chloe, so I told him what I knew, but I know there is more to this guy than nursing his father.

Kasey wouldn't have done this if he was unsure, he would have checked him out ten ways and more.

By the time I had made my speech to them about my friend leaving the salon and a small gift for Eva and Wilson was handed over, I was feeling tired but I did go and check on Chloe. Her little gathering had grown and most of my staff were huddled around her asking all sorts of questions. No, she's not going overseas to work, no she's not looking at Hollywood and no she is still the same simple girl she ever was. I don't know whether the kids were impressed or disappointed,but they were all smiling for the group shot. Aunty Mary is a gem she arrived with her daughter on her arm, she said she couldn't stay long and when she saw the apartment she was treated with a grand tour by Jimmy, he even took her into the museum.

"I have to go Adam, but I have been entertained today by your friends and family. Thank you for this wonderful treat."

"As long as you enjoyed yourself Aunty Mary thats the most important thing."

"I did Adam, and now I have to be off, my husband doesn't cook and it will be dinner time soon."

"Did you talk to Chloe?" She blushed.

"Yes and she gave me her number, she wants to call in one day and have coffee with me. I am not sure about it, my home is clean and orderly but not as grand as she is used to."

"If you saw her bedroom back at the farm you wouldn't be saying that, it's a mess." I laughed. I showed them out and kissed her cheek then pressed the button for the lift. In all the chaos that is Adam Sutton's life, there is always a stable presence that keeps my life so very real, and that is Aunty Mary.

The party was breaking up and my salon crowd had decided to hit the club tonight, Eva was exhausted and Wilson took her home. Sam and Billy handed out the presents as people left and at one stage Georgio and Chloe were helping them. Joe Trish Jimmy mum and dad and Kasey, with me, were sitting at the big table, the boys had gone off with Chloe and Georgio. When I went to look they were all in the pool and boy was Chloe getting an eyeful.

I walked back a bit flushed and whispered to Trish.

"That would satisfy anyone, I wouldn't mind a piece of it myself."

"Adam," Kasey said in his deep slow voice.

"Sorry husband." I kissed his head just as Trish got up to go see what I was talking about, Joe followed.

"So do you think he can do the Job lieutenant?"

"Yes, dad he's perfect for what I want him to do."

"Good, I will get with Luca on Monday and get the ball rolling on the work visa, you do know he's still being hunted to rejoin the Italian special forces?"

"Yes Dad, but he wants to live here."

"Does he?"

"Yes, everything I know and feel points to that, even Luca mentioned he's had enough of the military and wants to simplify his life."

"Okay if you're sure, how do you feel about it, son?" He looked at me I gave him two thumbs up.

"You would," Kasey whispered.

"Well if you approve of him Kasey, then who am I to argue?"

"Just don't offer any shoulder massages Adam, that would really piss me off big time." I heard laughter coming from the pool balcony and people started to appear.

"Sammy, don't forget the wet bags," Jimmy said to my son.

"Come on Billy more work to do." They ran into one of the bedrooms and bought out some calico bags with fresh towels and an assortment of bathroom products, Jimmy had them made up just in case this same scenario happened, guests needing a shower.

"There's four to choose from kids, Sam are you and Bill going to have one?"

"Yes, Uncle Jimmy."

"Then I will run them for you." They used the same shower because they had lots to talk about apparently. The other two took separate ones.

"Yes, indeed a good fit for my sister Mr, Kasey well done." Joe smiled.

"He's perfect, his family has ties to the mafia, and he's a well-trained killing machine if he needs to be," Kasey answered him.

"What?" I gasped.

"Adam, it's dangerous for Chloe out there if she is not going to go to Hollywood which I strongly suggest she doesn't, then she will need security here and I don't mean a taxi driver."

"I get it Kasey, he has ties all over the world speaks different languages, and can handle himself in a fight, but is he as good a lover as you?"

"I wouldn't know Adam, we will have to discuss that back at the apartment." He winked at me.

"Can I come?" Joe was hopeful.

"No!" Trish said then she tried to explain gay talk to him.

We didn't have to do any cleaning, the caterers had tidied everything up and Jimmy had his cleaners coming tomorrow morning. Mum and dad are staying the night with us, and Trish and Joe followed us back to our apartment. She opened a wine and she and mum had one. Joe was playing with Billy and Sam on my grandad sofa.

Chloe and Georgio also came with us because Jimmy was exhausted and wanted to rest up before getting ready for bed.

"I believe you made Aunty Mary's day today Chloe?"

"I like her Adam, she's a genuine mum like mine. I like to visit fans occasionally, it keeps me sane."

"Well lap it up baby, how is the jewellery season coming along?"

"I don't know Adam, they make me talk and wear that amazing stuff but I don't know what the finished product will be like."

"It will be good Chloe, the guys know what they are doing, and Kasey."

"All I can say Chloe is if you think you were breathtaking in the Adele Banks story, you are even more beautiful in this next one." Kasey smiled.

"That's because Marko and Gloria are doing the makeup." Trish offered.

"A wise decision on your part Adam, thank you for leasing them out." Kasey smiled.

"I still have to find another stylist but it's not urgent yet."

"When is Anne coming back?"

"Sometime this week I think."

"She's arriving tomorrow and will start work on Tuesday," Trish said.

"That soon?"

"Yes, and she might be bringing a new beau with her."

"Is she still going to stay with Marco and James?"

"For now, but it will get a bit cramped so she will be flat hunting."

I felt a little embarrassed with Georgio there he doesn't know who we are talking about and it's not nice to exclude him.

"Just talking about a workmate that's coming back to town." I looked at him.

"That's okay Adam, I figured you were talking shop." He smiled and my heart fluttered.

"Are you still going to the club tonight Chloe?" Kasey asked.

"Yes, I like it there, I don't get annoyed so much."

"And Georgio will be going with you?"

She looked at him and said.

"It's a gay club."

"That doesn't bother me, Miss Chloe, I have gay cousins in Melbourne all three of them are gay."

"Really?"

"They run a market there and a coffee shop, the Prahran market I think."

"Yes, a very famous market in that city."

"Okay, Georgio you start work tonight and go see Luca tomorrow he will get the ball rolling on your work visa." Georgio smiled. Chloe stared at Kasey.

"Meet your new bodyguard, Chloe expect him to be by your side from now on."

Chloe looked at Trish and they both laughed.

"What's so funny my lovely fiancee?"

"Nothing Joe just something I said earlier, girl talk."

"So Georgio how are you at farming?" Joe asked.

We all laughed, but to his credit he said.

"Excellent, if it's a vineyard. I am very good at that, my whole family is in the wine business."

"I'll have a case of samples thank you." Trish put her hand up.

"Done." He smiled.

Chloe left to go and get dressed and Georgio had nothing to wear so I gave him a lend of Kasey's jeans and a T-shirt, then I did his hair for him, yes I lingered.

Joe and Trish went home and I heard later he wanted to go to the club with them but Trish didn't allow it. She did tell me the next day, she and Chloe had a small talk about the handsome Georgio, and Chloe was very smitten with him right from the start.

I had spoken to Kasey about him and he told me that he hadn't mentioned that Chloe was single only that she needed a security guard. He was very happy that they got along so well. He also said he had spoken to him about moving to Australia permanently, and he is very keen.

Chloe isn't the girl she was almost year ago, she was more mature, and the bratty side of her had disappeared almost instantly. Joe was exceptionally proud of her and so was her mum, she was amazed that her daughter had become someone she always envisaged her to be.

Sam and Billy were put to bed, dad read the story tonight and I could hear he was doing the different animal voices.

"Now I have something for you to watch."

He produced a memory stick and put it into the TV. We waited for Dad to come out then he played some scenes from the jewellery documentary. It started by naming a lot of designers and showing their jewels, then Chloe appeared as Adele Banks and a short story on her life was shown. She was sitting at her dressing table in a black evening gown selecting her sparklers for the night.

"I think pearls tonight, they look the best with black."

"They do madam, may I suggest the Tiffany set, Audrey necklace, and earrings?"

"Perfect Gloria, can you help me?"

"Of course madam." And just like that Gloria is a star.

I looked at Kasey, who was smiling from ear to ear.

"What just happened here?"

"We have decided to expand Adele's family in this doco."

"Gloria?"

"Perfect isn't she?"

"My God yes, bloody perfect."

"She will play Adele's assistant, we need a personal friend at some stage but Marko is too young."

"Jimmy?"

"No Adam, we need someone with the same flair as Adele, a confidant more like a friend."

"He won't do it."

"He won't, or can't?" Kasey stared at me.

"You do it."

"I don't have that pizazz and we want to be true to Adele's memory, she was surrounded by gay waiters, butlers, and maids throughout her life."

"He still won't do it."

"Who Adam?" Mum asked.

"He wants me."

"But your too young butlers are old."

"He's perfect mum, but not for the butler role he's perfect to be Adele's hairdresser."

"He still won't do it, it's too close to home."

"Which is what the producer wants."

"What you want, you mean."

"Adam and one stage he comes to the house a lot to do her hair, then they sit and talk. Adele shows him her catalogs, photos, and some of her jewellery no one else knows what that was like except you."

"Kasey I could brain you sometimes, you take my staff and now you want me. I will sleep on it, but for now, the answer is no."

"Adam it will be towards the end of the series, but they need you to try a few scenes first."

"How much is Gloria getting paid?"

"The proper rate Adam, she does well."

"Then I want double."

"Done."

"That was quick?"

"I was prepared to pay you triple, but double is better."

"There's something else we have to talk about." He added.

"Yes what is it, get it all out?" I slumped back into the chair.

"We will be filming in Adele's home Adam, nothing has changed there apparently."

"Has Jimmy okayed that?"

"Yes, he's sending the tenants on an extended holiday."

"Well Gloria looked divine Adam, the director has a good eye." Dad put his two cents worth in.

"She always looks divine,"

"So do you Adam." Kasey smiled.

"If you think for one minute you can tempt me with your nice words, think again. Now it's time for bed." I couldn't get my clothes off soon enough as Kasey almost ripped his off and dragged me down onto the bed.

"I have been hanging out for this all day." He said as he slipped it to me.

It was quiet in the morning, Mum was sitting at the table sipping on her coffee and I kissed her good morning.

"Is Kasey still sleeping?"

"Yes mum, he had a big night."

"So did your father." She grinned.

"Mum!"

"Well, sometimes he likes me, Adam."

"He loves you, mum."

"Did you give Kase an answer?" I sat with my coffee in hand.

"Mum, I haven't been in that house since before Adele passed, I don't know whether I can step into it again."

"It's still the same, so Kasey said."

"Probably, it was beautiful mum, the staircase alone was a piece of art, it swept in a semi-circle from the entrance hall. I don't know whether it was a family home or something her husband built, but I do know it was big."

"Then you will have to go there and put your fears to rest, do a private tour with Kasey or Jimmy. When you feel more comfortable then you can show me."

"I will, it's not about the hairdressing stuff I went there for, that I have already lived. It's the unknown lurking in the background I am afraid of, like the fed building. I'm scared of what I might find. I was there for companionship mostly, but I never once moved from the living room she occupied in the servant's quarters, so I didn't see much of the rest of the home"

"Then you face it head-on, and Adam I doubt whether there are any ghosts in the closet, just a beautiful home that was loved by her."

"Maybe you are right, I will go there one day with them both, I don't think I can do this on my own."

Our small party was disturbed by the boys, they were once again ready to get on with their day.

"Where is Daddy?" Billy asked.

"Good morning son, did you sleep well?'

"Yes mummy, but where is daddy?"

"Still in bed."

They screamed and rushed off to mum's bedroom, hopefully, dad will be awake and if not, he is now. Kasey arrived, he looked very well rested. His shorts were hanging on his hips and as far as I could see the only thing stopping them from falling further was his bulging appendage.

He kissed me then mum, he took our cups to make more coffee.

"Kasey, who has the keys to Adele's home?"

"I do Adam."

"Okay, do you want to go there today?"

"If you're up to it baby, it would be nice." I could see him grinning.

"Do you want to come mum?"

"Not today son, Billy has something to attend to."

"Maybe next weekend then."

"Do you know if the tenants have left yet Kasey?"

"Yes, Adam last week."

"Good, we can go later on, have you anything on today?"

"Not really I was planning to look over some contract submissions for the new venture."

"Can they wait?"

"Yes they can, mum can you take Sam?"

"Of course I can. Billy has a small recital this afternoon, Sam would love to see it I think. He can stay overnight and dad can drop him off in the morning."

"He is good to go, no school tomorrow, teachers correction day."

"Same at Billy's school, he can drop him off anytime then."

I had better pack his overnight bag, just a few things and a heap of toys.

Kasey's phone beeped and he answered the message.

"Trish and Joe are coming for breakfast." he smiled.

"I had better get on with it then." Mum got up just as the front door opened.

Trish has a key to our place, she insisted I give it to her after the first big incident when I was shot.

Trish headed for the kitchen and made more coffee and Joe sat with Kasey. I would say he sat with all of us but he almost ran to grab the spare seat next to my husband.

"What you doing?"

"Work on the new venture Joe."

"Can I help?" Kasey smiled and then handed over some paperwork.

"Yes read these."

"Did Chloe make it home Trish?" I asked her.

"Yes Adam, around four, she said they went for coffee."

"You waited up?"

"I didn't but..." She nodded towards Joe, he looked up and said.

"What kind of a brother would I be if I didn't worry about my sister?"

"You did well baby." Trish smiled.

"Kasey this is all gibberish to me."

"You said you wanted to help."

"But I don't understand it."

Kase lifted his eyebrow and said.

"Really?"

"Okay, but when you have something simple to read let me in on it."

"Read this."

"What is it?"

"Georgio's contract, if it's okay with you then I will sign it."

Joe read it four times then breakfast arrived and I got the boy's plates ready.

"Yes, it sounds okay I had better word Mum up to get a guest room ready."

"Will he be with her all the time Kasey?" Trish asked.

"Sort of, whenever she is working or out and about, he will be there."

"I didn't want to do this, but maybe it would be best if I gave them Eva's apartment." I offered.

"Hold off on that thought Adam, let's just see what eventuates with their relationship."

"Okay, Kasey, and there's Anne too I have to find something for her to rent."

"She will find something Adam, stop worrying about others. I think she is going to enquire if there is anything at the block Marko lives in or one nearby."

I kept my mouth shut and after breakfast, I packed Sam's backpack. He was happy to go spend the night with Billy, they started planning their day and their TV programs to watch, Billy gave us a taste of what he had to recite at his school play and he was very good.

When everyone left we showered and then made love, Kasey was squeaky clean by the time I finished him off.

I wasn't upset for some reason when we pulled into the curved driveway at Adele's home. It still looked the same and for some reason, I was excited, although that may be because of the nervous butterfly in my stomach.

"Before we go in I have something to tell you, Jimmy has left that job to me unfortunately, because he thinks I'm his best person to calm you down."

"Nothing you could tell me will upset me Kasey, I can read."

"Read what?"

"I pretend I don't know at the Banks meetings, but I do read things."

"And what you read was?" He started kissing my face as his hand snaked once again into my crotch.

"It hasn't been rented out, it's been left empty all this time,"

"And you know this how?"

"The statements show no rent for this property, utility outlays and a cleaners bill once a month, I take it there is a gardener around somewhere, but still no rent."

"Are you upset he lied to you?"

"Of course not. I think all this secrecy adds to my very keen detective skills." I grinned.

"He is praying we will move here, he wants you to fall in love with it again."

"That is another conversation we will have Kasey, it's perfect for Sam to grow up in, not that far away from my work a little closer to his school. I am not opposed to the idea, the apartment is just that, rooms in a big building. No grass to lay on, no trees to climb, yes this place is perfect for our boy."

"Will you miss the apartment?" He licked my ear.

"If you and Sam are with me I won't miss anything, but I will miss Joe and Trish very much."

"There is always the apartment at the house."

"What the servant's quarters?" Trish is going to love this.

"let's go inside and I will show you."

"So you have been here before?"

"Yes Adam, sorry."

"It's okay." I kissed him.

There was a rapping on the window, Kasey put it down.

"What the hell are you two doing on this property, bloody hoodlums get out before I call the law?"

"Jude good to see you again."

"Uh? Mr, Casey sorry I didn't recognise you, my sincerest apologies."

"That's okay mate, this is my husband Adam."

"Pleased to meet you, Adam, sorry to disturb your... groping."

I laughed and Kasey's hand removed itself.

"Jude is the caretaker, Adam, he keeps his eye on the house."

"Pleased to meet you, Jude."

We alighted the car and I came face to face with a man I estimated to be about sixty years old, he was in good shape and when he shook my hand, his was rough. That tells me he also looks after the gardens, maybe.

"I want to show Adam around Jude,"

"Go for it Mr Casey everything is good to go."

Kase unlocked the big heavy front door and it noiselessly swung in. I took his hand and squeezed it then I stepped inside.

There was a visitors sofa to my left and I moved to sit on it, I wanted to take everything in. The staircase was still sweeping upstairs it welcomed me to try running up it but I declined and looked at the handrail instead.

"Don't get any ideas about riding that banister Adam."

"You know me so well."

It stared down to the left of the hall and I had a good view towards the back of the home I could see the big family room and plenty of sunlight.

The entrance hall was all tiled, I remembered the beautiful pattern, it was so familiar, and if I was right, there was a big salon to the left. A large chandelier lit the hall like a flash of sunshine, she once told me it had been made in France just for this home. I stood up and opened the double doors to the salon, a soft waft of Adele's perfume still lingered as I walked into the room, but maybe I was imagining it. A large salon, then a long dining room was through the flowing archway, then a big conservatory looking out to the back yard, it was filled with urns and giant indoor plants, and the room was lit up by the coloured stained glass windows that let the sun stream through. I had a sudden urge to run across the entrance hall to the servant's apartment where Adele spent her remaining days. The stairs had become too hard for her to manage. The first room was a large library office space still stacked with books and shelving, a carved desk the size of Freds in the Federal building, The next door opened to the apartment. A hallway with two large bedrooms, a bathroom and walk-in closet, and another large sitting room at the end with it's small kitchen.

I looked into the bathroom where I had washed her hair, nothing had changed, the hairdryer was still in the top drawer as I ran my hand over it. the urge to turn it on was too great, only for a moment then the room fell silent again. The same, everything was the same, the sofa I had once sat on, the chair she rested in, a small table still sat in between them.

The more I looked the more I remembered of those days and the good memories flooded back to me. Kasey and I did the grand tour and there was a two-and-a-half-bedroom summer house at the back of the gardens, along with a good-sized swimming pool. Across the back of the house, there was a large kitchen overlooking the pool and a very large family room that went across and down the side of the home, all windows, so much light. Five guest bedrooms upstairs, all with their very own bathrooms, and a large main bedroom room across the back with a balcony that was almost the same size as my apartment. A huge his and hers walk-in wardrobe with a Jack and Jill bathroom in between it and a small kitchen where morning coffee was made. The bedroom just across the hall was the best for Sam, although big it would be easier to hear him in the night if he becomes unsettled. The garage would accommodate six cars and again a workshop with a kitchen and bathroom was included with it.

So many things I hadn't seen on my visits and so much more to be discovered. Yes, Adam Sutton, this place is perfect for you, your husband, and your wonderful son.

We went back to the kitchen and surprisingly there was coffee and a carton of long-life milk on the marble counter.

"Did you bring this over?"

"Yes, when Jimmy showed me through it."

"He should turn it into a museum." I smiled.

"He wants us to have it, there are enough museums."

"I understand why Kasey, there is no one else, and he knows we would never sell it. What do you think Kasey with a k, do we move here or stay in our flat?"

"There are plusses Adam, it's nearer to Sams school, it's a half mile further to the salon, and when you go to the upper balcony you can see your old apartment and the fed building, the view is awesome."

"I didn't notice."

"Because you were looking at me I think."

"I was, coffee?"

"Yes please Adam with an A." I took his hand off my crotch and moved to put the kettle on.

"I suppose I had better do another deal with Cody, about Trish's flat."

"He won't mind Adam, he did say he was keeping it empty."

"Maybe Anne will move into it with Marko and James, Cody gets free rent in my salons don't forget. I will ask him first, or they can have ours."

"I would like Chloe to take that one, the security is better."

"Ideal for her and her new man, that apartment has bought me so much good luck."

"Me also."

"What do we do about Sam?" He asked.

"He will take the bedroom next to ours and we leave the doors open until he settles. I am not so worried about him baby, he will be exploring for the first few months." I sat down again and handed him his coffee.

"My things will go beautifully in here."

"They will, but leave the grandpa sofa there, in fact, leave all the furniture there."

"I love that sofa."

"We will get a newer bigger one, Sam needs the extra space."

"He's growing so fast."

"I wish he could stay a little kid forever."

"So do I." I smiled

"So it's settled we move here."

"We do, and we tell Trish and Joe they are coming with us."

"They will love it here, and so will your parents." He placed his hand on my leg.

"So that's what the summer house is for. I was wondering why you didn't want Joe and Trish to have it."

"Let me tell you what I know. Your father will be retiring from the Governor General job soon. He will be offered a Job as an ambassador at the Indonesian consulate, but he will refuse the job. He will also leave the military he wants to watch Billy grow up, and I want him to be more involved in his and our lives."

"How do you know all this?"

"We talk, he's not happy with the military anymore and living in a foreign country? I guessed he wouldn't like that either, and your mum won't go with him."

"So what has my brilliant husband in mind?"

"I need him, I need his contacts and his negotiation skills, you need your brother and mum around you. It was Jimmy's suggestion we sign Dad up to the Banks trust board with us, he gets to do exactly what we do and as you know it's not a hard job, but he gets more money. The summer house is perfect for them, Billy can go to Sam's school, mum can host all the dinner parties we will be having, she's been to plenty, and she also has skills we need."

"So Jimmy is giving Dad a seat on the board so he has something to fall back on when he leaves the army."

"Correct, Jimmy thinks the world of Dad, and when this building venture takes off the Banks trust will invest in a big chunk of it, and that will give us money to burn."

I looked at him and once again I was amazed at his planning skills.

"Before you ask, I like, maybe love Joe and Trish and they don't need more room, what they will be getting is this whole house to move around in. The apartment is huge and I think perfect for them, there is a door through to the garage so they get their very ownprivate entrance. My mum and sister have money, they aren't interested in corporations, all Marie wants to do is have kids and live in the burbs. Mum has a special life away from Dad now. I don't want them to be involved in our business because I think it would overwhelm them. Seeing them once a month is all they want from us, they understand we have a lot of friends and businesses to run, if we are happy so are they."

"Do they need anything, Kasey?"

"Absolutely nothing, and I do keep my eye on them, they are really happy Adam."

"So we now have to work on my parents."

"Yes, I will leave your mum to you. I have already planted seeds into Dad's ears, and he does listen.

I had no idea why I was being so compliant, but I did think that Adele was pushing me to live in her home and bring some life back into it. Sam running around the hallways would have given her so much pleasure. Leaving the apartment wouldn't be as bad as I thought, we did have some awful, and good times there, and for some unexplained reason, my inner self was telling me this was all for Sam and Kasey, my family.

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