Adam
Chapter 84
Maxieplus
Mum's big day arrived and she dressed for the part, she looked amazing in her designer suit as we all walked the boy's to school. I had done her hair earlier and Kasey had bought her a briefcase to keep all her important stuff in. I doubt she will ever use it, but the thought was nice. We walked her to the fed building and dad and Kasey escorted her the rest of the way. I heard that apparently her first port of call was to talk to the heads of the different departments to find out what they needed, then she reorganised the desks and the reception girl, then ordered up six temp ladies and two men to start tomorrow. There was a tea room but it was too small so she commandeered the bigger room next to it and organised someone from the build to knock an archway between the two. All this was done by lunchtime. She had lunch with dad and then she started doing Kasey's filing. He was laughing when he sat with me in my tea room, he said she had done more in the few hours she has been there, than the others had done in two weeks.
"She's going to be good for us all Adam."
"I hope the guys appreciate her hard work."
"Believe me they do, and so do I." He grinned.
With that out of the way he started talking about the build again. Just about everything has been signed off on and he has Walsham's legal team drawing up contracts for the guys that are heading up the media department. It was time those guys got some recognition. They had left the military to work for Kasey but he neglected to contract them permanantly. He had heard on the grapevine that they were spoken to at the awards after-party about moving over to the bigger studios, to their credit they didn't divulge their current work status.
"I have some ideas I want you to look at too, it's to do with the drop in centre. The committee have written down everything they will need to make it as comfortable as possible." He handed me yet another folder, so I got handed another shopping list.
Over the next couple of weeks, he was looking like his old self again, he even took time off to walk around the alleyways, and to take me out for coffee. With mum taking up the slack the others were smiling again and nothing was too much trouble for her and her staff. She was already held in high esteem and this has taken her to a whole different level. She and dad took time out to go to Canberra for his big retirement party, we didn't go because it would be full of 'old boys' and military talk all day. They flew back that night and Billy and Sam waited up for them, then they had their sleepover in mums bed.
"How was it dad?"
"It was good son, but I am glad to be out of that rat race. I have given up a lot of my life for that mob, and I achieved a lot, but now it's time to move on like Kasey did."
"The new build will keep you busy, but if you falter dad, don't be too shy in asking for help. Please don't end up like Kase did."
"That won't happen son, he took on too much, it had to happen to him at some stage."
"I for one am grateful he's surrounded himself with people he can trust."
"That's his main hurdle, he has to remember how his military mates were, they were all conditioned to trust each other, but I think Lloyd stuffed that up for him. He's nearly back son, give him credit for what he's achieving."
I had this conversation in dads nice new office, which was actually his old office renovated. I was waiting for Kasey to finish his meeting with Bill the psych. It was supposed to be a one-hour session but Kasey has turned them into a two-hour ones, he got along with Bill very much so.
"They will be talking about the drop-in centre, Bills going to work there once a week."
"God help him there's so many on the streets now."
"We aim to clean that up, did Kase tell you that if they volunteer to clean up the grassy areas at the build he's going to pay them."
"I didn't know that son, I will speak to him. Not all the guys are sober and more money might fuel the drinking habits of some of them."
"He has that covered, they have to speak to Bill once a month to keep the jobs. He will suss them out and work on them. The aim isn't to put them out of work it's to help them cope."
"It sounds simple, but I know it's not." My man's big smile was the first thing I saw as he sat with us.
"Did it go well?"
"Yes Bill's a great guy, he's given me so much to think about. Now what are you doing for lunch?" He looked at me.
"You're driving me to the north side, I want some of that chilli pasta." He rubbed his hands together.
"Do they have seating?"
"Yes, in the sun out the front."
"Okay, dad will you and mum come?"
"No son, she's got me on a diet, having her here isn't very good for my lunches of meat pies and chips." He laughed.
"Let's go I'm hungry."
We caught the lift down to the basement where our car was parked. We didn't need it at home and because there was a space here for Kase, he kept it there mostly. He drove us to the north side and we ordered our amazing pasta then sat out the front.
"Who have you got in mind for the pizza shop at the build?"
"Jimmy's one Adam, they make the best, this one is great but like your salon it might be too close to home, and they don't have pizzas here," I agreed with that and we ate almost in silence. He has something to talk to me about, but not here and not yet, maybe in our bed tonight. I walked him down to the salon, it was busy and the guys were very happy to see us both. The men's hair shop had guys lined up and the ladies were being entertained by my sexy staff. I wanted to look in Cody's shop so I manoeuvred my husband over to it and started looking through the racks.
He was picking out some tops he thought he might like and I was looking at the Rory brand underwear, so many different styles and only one man could pull them off, Kasey. I didn't want to start a riot by having him try them on so I filled up a bag and then looked at some tops for myself. We dropped some cash and went about our day. He was going to drop me out the front of the salon but had second thoughts, he wanted to make out in the back seat.
When we cleaned up I grabbed my shopping and walked out of the car park into the salon. I needed to ring Eva and see how the business was going at the cabin, and I had some t-shirts to give to Trish for Joey.
"Kasey bought them baby, he thought Joe would look good in them."
"I see." She looked through the bag. I had throw in some very sexy string-sided underwear.
"He didn't buy all of this for him, I think you had a hand in it somewhere."
"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," I smirked. I will look forward to seeing them on the clothesline.
"The north side salon was really busy today."
"Yes, it's always busy Adam. their figures are through the roof."
"How is Evas?"
"Very good, for a salon that only opens two days a fortnight. But I suspect she's doing hair on the other days also. She did say she is now getting bored sitting around the house."
"We will leave it to her, if she thinks she can do five days then we let her. Little Casey can always play in the garage."
"But she has that B&B to run."
"Wilson will be stopping his contract early, he misses being at home with Casey and Eva, I think he's going to consult for the build and do the B&B."
"I see, that makes sense, I know she misses him when he's in the city."
"Come on coffee time, there doesn't seem to be much happening here."
"Maybe we should take a leaf out of North sides salon book and make space for a couple of good-looking barbers."
"Maybe you have something there. Let's discuss it over a sticky bun."
We still had plenty of room if we wanted to do it, my initial idea was to run an upscaled salon, for the matrons of Brisbane. But times have changed since those days. We talked about it and then I ordered the candy stripe light and two barber chairs. We can't pilfer staff from the other salon but maybe Gloria can help us out with someone special, like she did with Ethan. By the way, he is looking more like me every day. He's already nailed the vintage look, almost, and his hair is slowly turning dark blonde, the look suits him. It's when he dyes his hair dark brown I will have issues.
I looked around the salon and decided that if we move the two stations down to my area we can set up the chairs in the front, so the lights can be seen from the windows. It's something I should have done ages ago, and the guys from the fed building will feel more comfortable coming in. I needed two pretty ladies to do it, a draw card for the straight boys. I kept busy until I got a text from Kasey, him, mum and dad were ready to go home, and we will pick the kids up on the way. Trish talked to Tim and then she called Joey to meet us. I think she wanted him to try on that underwear.
"I would never have picked them out for him, thank you Adam," She said on the way.
"I knew that, and saw my opportunity to help you. Just say you picked them out,"
"I will." She giggled and when Joey tried them on he told her they had my name written all over them, and he thanked me later on. Foiled again Miss Trish, she had better come with us next time, I can teach her a thing or two.
Of course. I got a showing when her back was turned he dropped his shorts and I was face to face with the second most perfect bulge in my life.
The boys headed for the pool as soon as we got in and Nat had some steaks out marinating. It will be barbeque tonight all we have to do is throw a salad together.
"Adam, when can we order the mirrors?"
"Anytime Nat, have we got sizes?"
"Yes, on the list. I'm dying to see them."
"They have been worded up to expect a big order."
"The restaurant framing is already half up don't you think we should do that soon, the taps and basins are done and the kitchen and bar are are being worked on by the suppliers."
"I will order them tomorrow, you're very excited aren't you?'
"Wickedly excited Adam. I can't wait."
"Okay, tomorrow we go to the makers and you can see what they have on offer. I will pick you up."
"About time." She smiled.
Mum had collared Kasey, they sometimes talk about things away from work, she has found him a private secretary, one who can take his orders and follow them through. In the past, he's been going to the relevant department to tell them what he wants. This way he doesn't have to do any of that.
"You will like him Kasey, he comes highly recommended."
"Him?" I lifted my eyebrow.
"Yes, him he's the best man for the job Adam. He has a history of office management and knows about giving orders, and is just out of the Military. He is trustworthy and his allegiance will be to Kasey and the businesses."
"Do you know him?"
"Yes, he's very well-spoken and knows all about trusting his fellow workers, he's very good at taking and giving orders and he also knows his vintage handbags." She grinned.
"Evans?" I nearly choked on my steak.
"Yes. I think that's his name." Kasey started laughing and then said.
"Now that guy I can trust."
"What the faaark?"
"He is ready to move on Adam, and asked me for a job. As you know, most of the company's workers are ex-military. If I put a pretty girl outside Kasey's office the guys will be hitting on her all day, no work gets done. At the moment I have six ladies and two guys in my pool, all married, and I have confidence that when they go to take dictation or to board meetings they are well respected by the guys. I can't distract the men from doing their jobs, and I wouldn't even think about distracting Kasey's work either." He couldn't stop laughing at my face.
"So he's decided to move on then?" Trish asked.
"Yes my darling girl, he's the perfect mate for Kasey, he can do office work, he's been doing that since he took over the airport, no shorthand, but Kasey can use one of my ladies. He wants to be back with his friends again, and he thinks it's time to move on."
"Well I for one will love having him around again, and I am pleased as punch he's finally made a decision," Trish said.
"Do we have to vote?"
"No Adam he starts tomorrow," Kasey said.
"So you already knew?"
"Yes Adam, I wanted to surprise you, but it looks like mum has let the cat out of the bag early."
"Kasey you don't want him jumping all over Evans on his first day. Better he's well prepared." Mum smiled.
"Well I am shocked, I thought he would stay in the military all his life."
"Me too. Trish agreed.
"This is great news, where is he living now, he wouldn't still be in the barracks?"
"No, I will move him into Eva and Wilson's place if you agree Adam, or he can come and live here."
"He can have the apartment it's still got some furniture in it."
"You work out the rent, and I will ring him," Mum said, she has to keep it all professional.
Nat had to leave and once again she took something for her and Cindy's dinner, and we certainly didn't mind at all. She helps us, we help her.
After dinner dad handed a folder over to Kasey.
"The final plans for Keith's business he thought you may like to look it over."
"Did you?"
"Yes son, it's perfect, the commander has done a great job."
He handed it back and told dad he will ring him.
"Just file that away dad. I don't need to check everything and I trust Keith."
He's doing a lot of trusting lately, but all for the right reasons. The commander would have gone over that plan with a fine tooth comb.
The boys wanted a bath tonight so mum took them into her place. The bath upstairs is too big for them and they like to pretend they are still in the swimming pool, mums bath makes less mess to clean up. Later on, after Sam was in his bed asleep Kasey and I talked, I knew he wanted to tell me something.
"Adam, I understand now. the courage I found to rescue Sam came from you. I never saw myself as a hero but I saw that in you when we had Lloyd charged and put away. That was your doing. I just cleaned up the mess and then I couldn't stop. The braver you got the more I stepped up and yes, I fully expected to be blown up before I met you."
"I know Kasey, I was being brave because of you. I thought you and your men were the bravest people I had ever met. But I also knew it was all mostly faked. Let's not go there again let's just be happy. I can see you are making an effort to fix things and I am so very proud of you."
We drifted off to sleep and I prayed he would find the strength to get through these building projects.
'Let me take you into the world of rare gems, to a world that took millions of years to form and the artists that changed them into legends.'
We watched the first episode of Chloe's jewellery documentary, the shiny sparkling diamond ring that was Adele's engagement ring twisted on the screen. An elegant hand moved closer and it slid onto a perfectly manicured finger. I see they have added more special effects to this one. The opening scene was a cocktail party the night when Fred had proposed to Adele.
We were only allowed to watch the first episode, then the tapes will be placed in the safe until it is screened. I moaned a lot because I wanted to watch it all the way through. Kasey and Mick didn't want that to happen, they thought some of it might be leaked to the media before its release time. It was good, very good and the boys had done a fantastic job. Chloe was young enough to pull off the debutante Adele, and the guy that played young Fred was amazing, they had hired him from an acting school. Because it was only a documentary his scenes weren't large, just walk in walk off. Kasey immediately got on the phone to Mick and they talked for ages, there were no changes, and I overheard him tell him it was perfect.
Evans grabbed me and he even kissed me on the cheek when I took Kasey's lunch up to him the next day.
"Sorry Adam but I have been placed outside Kasey's office to ward off any unwanted questions and visitors. You can't just arrive anymore with lunch in hand, because we all know what it leads to in a locked office. Keep the door open please and everything will be tickety-boo." I smiled at Kasey and he looked at Evans.
"Don't push it Evans,"
He pulled me into the office, slammed the huge door shut, then locked it. I started laughing because I also had Evans lunch with me, so he had to open it again, and our friend joined us.
"So I see you have taken to the job with gusto Evans. It's so good to see you again. I didn't have much time at the wedding to talk to you. How have you been?"
"Excellent Adam, I finally got my shit together and told dad to bugger off and I told mum if she wanted to see me she can make the effort and travel here. I won't go back to the business or the town, and I know I am going to love it here." He winked at me.
"Do you two want me to leave you alone for a moment?" Kasey smirked.
"No thanks boss, we are good. I'll catch Adam in the car park later."
"When are you moving into the building?" I changed the subject.
"On the weekend, and thank you for making it available to me. I miss the old place and the restaurant, if you don't mind I have asked one of the guys to move in with me. Share the load and all that."
"That's fine as long as there are no parties or destroying the features we won't have a problem. Who is the guy?"
"Jameel, he's ex-military, he left five months ago and is now working for Keith."
"Jameel?"
"Arabic descent knows everything about everything. He wants to talk to Kasey about the universe and its origins, and he wants to talk to you Adam about finger curls." He laughed.
"I can do that, let me read up on it some more." Kasey smiled as he opened his second meat pie.
"He's house-trained and very clean Adam, there won't be any parties or any trouble."
"There's still furniture in it, but if you want to get your own, just store the old stuff in the garage."
"No, I need it, I haven't had any need for furniture up until now, and a real bed, I have to leave my old one behind for the next poor sap," He grinned.
"That's okay, just enjoy the apartment." Mum came in with a big green leather-bound book. She handed it to Evans and said.
"This is Kasey's appointment book, don't lose it, and keep it in your top drawer, then I can add to it if I need to. I suggest you look through it and make notes on who is calling in, you need to know these people inside and out." I cut my cake in half and passed one piece to mum, she smiled and thanked me.
"So Kasey's day-to-day appointments are in this book?"
"Yes, and lock the drawer this is all confidential business." She tapped the book with her finger.
"Okay, no problems do I get a gun?"
"NO!" She yelled.
"Keep your shirt on lady, just joking. I am a little lost without my gun by my side."
"There are no guns in this office Evans, we don't operate that way. If you want to play with one go downstairs and visit the militaries firing range." Kasey smiled at him, I think there's going to be a lot of laughing coming from this office in the future. Lunch was great but I had to get back to work, so I kissed Kasey and mum, shook Evan's hand and left with a big smile on my face.
"How was he?"
"Funny as ever Trish, he will do well and he's looking forward to moving back to the apartment building."
"Is he going to be alone?"
"No, his friend Jameel is moving in with him."
"Good, he will have some company at least. I am sure the salon kids will be knocking on his door, they like Evans"
A half hour later a huge bunch of flowers arrived with a card.
"Because I love you." They were from Kase and they placed a smile on my face for the rest of the day. I didn't carry them home and I didn't meet Evans in the car park either, they looked good sitting on the reception desk at work.
Natalie was waiting for me when we arrived home, so we all jumped into her car and she drove us to the mirror warehouse. She went ape shit over his designs and between me, her, Kasey, Trish and Joey we agreed that the V fan-shaped ones were perfect, and a made to order set of six square ones to go across the back of the bar. I ordered what was needed while Natalie looked around at the others.
"Are you unsure?"
"No they are perfect, I was just choosing one for Cindy's birthday present. I can bring her back on the day."
"Or we can order an extra one of the Salon style."
"I love that style but thought you would want to keep them exclusive."
"Ian, add another one for my friend here." Cindy will be very happy.
Back at the house, I watched Sam swimming, he is getting very good at it, but we still have to keep a close eye on him. Mum had finished off the dinner then she sat and looked through some paperwork, when I looked at dad he was smiling. This whole exercise has been good for her, and him.
Dinner was wonderful and it was cleaned up by the men, so no leftovers. I helped mum make some sandwiches for the kid's school lunches and for her and dads lunch. I guess she's doing it the old way, there's nothing wrong with that.
"I did it for you, and because I think he's the best man for the job Adam." We were talking before going to sleep.
"Why me?"
"To put that smile back on your face, I missed it."
"Well you certainly succeeded in doing that Kase, I haven't stopped smiling all day."
"I heard." He kissed me then moved me on my side and spooned me.
The following day we did the same old routine, except Trish went with Joe to his work, he had something for her to sign. I walked with everyone else and dropped them off at the fed building. I leaned back on the big doors and breathed it all in. It's been a while since I have done this alone and the scent of the flowers was mixing with the salon's perfumes. I put the buns in the keeper and turned the urn on, I checked Lynnie had done all her chores and smiled. Trish came through the door and almost did the same, she leaned back on it.
"Get it done my lovely?"
"Yes Adam, I have no idea where it all comes from, but I think he just saved me from paying loads of tax or something like that, plus I am now a shareholder in the build."
"He has hidden talents I think."
"He sure has." She sighed.
"Did you get a seat on the board?"
"Yes but I signed it over to joey, he knows more than I do."
Joey was very clever, in my head him and Kasey are the cleverest people around apart from dad. But that could be because I place them all on pedestals. Kasey's pedestal is much higher though.
"Did he do well with Walsham?"
"Yes, he's organised the meeting for next week at the house."
The staff started coming in and Tim was eager to talk to me about Keith's plans.
"Didn't Kasey ring him?"
"I don't think so, he asked me to ask you if Kasey has looked at them yet."
"No, they were passed over but he trusts Keith, and dad had looked at them and said they were perfect. But I will get Kasey to call him sometime today."
"I will tell him he's not to worry then."
"Also tell him it's his business and he doesn't need to run everything past Kasey. We have a lot of confidence in Keith, otherwise, he wouldn't be doing that job."
"He likes a bit of a boost every now and then."
"Then you need to build up his self-confidence, hes doing great things, things that Kasey can't do. Do you want me to ring him?"
"No, I can do that, he's sitting at home working on it for the fifth time."
"He should be looking for office space, he can't sit at home all the time."
"I will talk to him."
"Tell him when Kasey rings him to ask if he has a big office free, somewhere he can run his operations from."
He saluted me and I shivered, his muscles are always on show when he does that.
"Tim, has he picked up any more clients yet?"
"Not yet he's just working on the build,"
"Okay tell him to ring Evan's and make an appointment to talk about security for the office level, I am sure Kasey will need someone."
"Evans is working there?"
"Yes he is Kasey's new personal secretary, he started yesterday."
"Awesome."
The others heard me and wanted to know if he was set for a place to stay. I told them about Eva's apartment and they told me they always have so much fun with him around. Yes, they will be knocking on his door.
"Yes Keith?" Tim answered his phone.
"Lunch, okay just ring me when you are on your way." He hung up.
"He's just got a call from Kasey and has an appointment, then he's meeting me for lunch."
"See problem fixed, now how can I help you?"
"In many ways Adam, but not at the moment, that awesome man of mine got to me before I left for work."
"Maybe later then." I laughed.
I looked at Anne, she was a little overdressed today, lifting my eyebrow I was about to ask her why, but she got in first.
"Pete is taking me to lunch. He wants me to show him around the
area."
"Sure he does." I was happy for her.
"The jewellery documentary is finished, Gloria."
"Can I watch it?"
"No." I giggled and walked up to take the first client.
"Good morning sir, what are we doing for you today?"
"Can I see the red-headed sheila?"
"Depends, she may not be available she's a big star now and very particular about which clients she plays with."
"Good to see you again Adam." He smiled.
"You too admiral, Gloria your man is here," I yelled.
I'm being very silly today and must calm down a bit otherwise it will get out of hand. I spoke to Lynnie and she is coping well. I try to build her up because being an apprentice is a boring job to have in a salon. She did get excited when I said that she would be doing cuts only from now on. She knows how to cut and style hair she's had the best teacher, her cousin Marco.
Unfortunately for trainees, it is a slow process to achieve their certificate.
With all that done I looked over and Trish was smiling at me.
"What's up?"
"She should be here with us doing some proper work Adam."
"Can't do, as you know. But I have started her on cutting, one of the crew will have to supervise though."
"About time."
I worked on some matrons until lunchtime then I got a message from Kasey to come to his office for lunch, and he will have two ham salad rolls. I walked across the road and got them, then I caught the lift up to his level. I said hi to everyone and then smiled at Evans, he didn't get lunch today so I closed the door behind me.
"Is Keith happy?"
"Yes, I set him straight and he is going to rent some space here, he's doing a Kasey and working from home mostly, and we both know that's not good."
"Fine." The intercom beeped and Evan's voice was heard.
"Mr Casey, there's a Mr, Georgio here to see you, sir."
"Send him in Evans." Kasey smiled and then said.
"It feels weird talking to him like that."
"You will get used to it." Georgio was shown in and Evans grinned.
"Any dictation Mr Casey?'
"No thank you Evan's, that will do for now." Georgio shook my hand then Kaseys
"Good to see you again."
"You too Adam, do you want to do this now boss?"
"Adam, what you hear is strictly confidential, please if you feel you can't comply can you go and talk to mum for a few minutes?"
"It's okay Kase. I am on board, no talking." I zipped my lips.
Georgio passed over a folder and Kasey asked him if he wanted coffee.
"Evans, three coffee's please."
"Coming up sir."
"Okay so this summery, is this all true?"
"Yes Kasey, I have been talking to many people in the past few days and they all say much the same."
"Thank you Georgio, I had no idea this was going on."
"Well, I doubt anyone knew but I suspect Miss Trish maybe had her doubts."
"I can't talk to her about it. I won't be talking to anyone until he decides to let people know."
"That is a wise move Kasey, some people are like that and what does it matter anyway, it is no one's business."
"I agree," He placed the folder into his briefcase and Evans bought the coffees in. He had a tray of biscuits also.
"Now, Chloe what has she been up to?"
"The same Kasey, she goes to the set, does her thing then she may visit a fan randomly or make calls, she is very aware of my presence and sometimes we make love or pose for photos. Her life is very much grounded, it comes from her brother and mama. If it all gets on top of her we head for the farm and go riding."
"What is she working on now?'
"The Fred Banks project she is doing small cameos for the museum."
"Okay, thank you for all that Georgio,"
He picked up his salad roll and started eating. Georgio finished his coffee and biscuit then bid us farewell.
Kase looked at me and shrugged.
"What was that all about, me keeping my mouth shut I mean. I already know Chloe does all those things."
"It's the work Georgio gave me that would interest you Adam. If I allow you to read the summery, can you please not go off your tree and please keep it to yourself? I don't want the person to know he's been looked at."
"I can keep a secret Kasey, as you well know. But if you don't trust me, then don't tell me." He opened the briefcase and took out the folder then handed me one page to read. I had to read it three times, the shock made me lose my concentration. I felt his hand on mine then I looked into his eyes and said.
"You had him investigated?"
"Yes Adam, it concerns security and safety."
"I don't believe any of this, how would this ever happen in this day and age?"
"Some people are terrified Adam, to the point they never acknowledge their inner feelings. This has been going on for over four months now. My only regret is that they couldn't come to us, at the very least go to you to talk about it."
"I am shocked Kasey, I want to help them."
"You won't because you promised I could trust you with the news. Please don't say anything to anyone it's their private business anyway. You will make enemies out of them if you tell the wrong person."
"Trish?"
"I suspect she already knows. There's a reason she never told you Adam. I don't know what it is, but there would be a good reason. Maybe their Military mates, maybe you, or maybe me they are scared of, but I think it's his father he is scared of the most." I sat back and took another biscuit.
"My lips are sealed Kasey, what are you going to do with this file?"
"It will be stored in our bedroom safe at home Adam, I want to read it all first."
"Please destroy it after you read it."
"I will, and please wait until something is said, and not before."
"I promise." I kissed him for a long time and then I left to go do some more work.
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