Adam
Chapter 85
Maxieplus
How the hell did Evans get that one past me. It never entered my head that he was closeted. The summary I had read was about Jameel and Evans being looked into. It said it was suspected they had been in some sort of close relationship for months. Why don't I see these things? It went over and over in my head all afternoon, to the point Trish asked me what was distracting me. I lied and said I was looking forward to installing the barbershop. As I walked away I had a brilliant idea, turned and walked back.
"Trish, Lynnie can get her barber certificate anytime, it will only take her four weeks most of the work has been done. All she needs is the accreditation. She still has to do the troughs, cleaning and school work, then she's free to work the new chairs when she's available."
"Awesome, will I tell her?"
"You may my lady and tell her it comes with a small pay raise." I did a sweeping bow to her. About four minutes later I heard Lynnie squeal and she ran up and kissed my cheeks.
"Thank you."
"You are very welcome, but take note, we will still be keeping our eyes on you."
"I expect it." She then went to tell the others. Being a hairdresser and being a barber are two entirely different certificates, and there's nothing in the rules that says she can't do both.
I finished up my work and then picked up my husband to walk him home.
I wanted to talk more to him about Evans but he shut me down by saying.
"You promised Adam, no talking about it to anyone."
"I will read it all then."
"You do that then we destroy it, I will never forgive myself for getting Georgio to do this. It wasn't that I didn't trust Evans, it was that niggling feeling I had in the back of my neck when he mentioned Jameel was moving in with him."
"Have you met him yet?"
"No why would I?"
"My bad Kasey, the barber chairs arrive tomorrow. I will move over to them until I get some staff"
"Well you still make yourself available for me when I come in." He smiled.
I don't need to do that, he gets the works when I do his hair in our bathroom, more than what he could ever get in the salon, we do it naked.
I thought more about Evans, and what I had seen, and what was written didn't add up. My gaydar isn't alerted when I am around him, but I do feel a sort of closeness to him, but only because of the handbag. He was the first of Kasey's team to acknowledge and accept I was gay and in desperate need of a friend other than Kasey. He bought the handbag because he thought I would love it, and I did, and still do. It is the most precious item I own, bought for me out of friendship, not love, or him feeling sorry for me. He took the time to drive more than hundred miles down the coast to buy it. Someone who does that is a good friend, not someone with something to hide. He wore his heart on his sleeve that day and he still does when he's around me.
When Kasey jumped in the pool with the kids I took his briefcase upstairs and started reading the twelve other pages. I lay on the bed and immersed myself into it. It was an easy read and only took me the best part of an hour. I put it all away and shoved the case under the bed, Kasey will read it tonight.
The film crew had been there today and Nat had cooked them something for lunch. I pulled on my bathers and headed downstairs for the pool. It had been a very hot day so tonight we will all eat in the main room with the air con on. Mum had made Billy and Sam put their t-shirts on in the pool and I will talk to Kasey about having some sort of shade cloth draped over it. Kase doesn't listen, his shoulders were starting to go pink so I threw a shirt at him and told him to cover up, I then jumped in.
"You have Walsham coming tonight, we will be eating inside it will be cooler."
"Good, have you got something for sunburn?"
"Yes some Aloe Vera."
"Can you put some on my shoulders?"
"I can do that, it's not bad but we will do it anyway." He winked at me and smiled.
"I'm looking forward to it, did you read it?"
"Yes, I don't believe a word of it."
"You don't, why?"
"It's all gossip, suspected relationship, absolutely no confirmation, no evidence. I think Georgio was listening to the wrong people. All I got was Jameel and Evans were great friends, sure they shared a pub meal sometimes and sometimes they were out late at night together. But you also did that with you team mates. Skinny dipping isn't exclusively between two gay men Kase, straight guys do that too, probably more than us if they are in a crowd."
"I see."
"The final write up mentions suspected four times, not confirmed. If I wasn't there and I didn't see it then I won't believe anything everyone else says, as the old saying goes, or something like that."
"So you think we shouldn't be worried about Evans?"
"I think we should do some more investigating."
"What do you propose?"
"While the meetings on tonight I will get Trish to read it."
"She might say something."
"Trust me, she won't"
"I don't know Adam maybe we don't say anything and just burn it."
"Well I for one want to know, the handbag was given to me by a straight friend, not a gay one. It was done out of new friendships and I treasure that gesture very much." I treasured it so much I won't let it go to 'The Salon' it will still sit in my display case so I can see it when I walk by.
Mum had paperwork she was going through and Kasey dumped a few bits on the table after he changed.
I didn't mind if they used it for their business, and there's a lot less paperwork covering it now than there was. Mum passed two pages to Kase, he read them and signed them. He sat back and rubbed his eyes, he's tired and we will try to have an early night.
When Joe and Trish arrived he had more papers and got Kasey to read them, they were for the Banks trust meeting. I have an email somewhere I will read later on. Paper was pushed in front of me and I looked at him.
"What's this for?"
"Casey, Casey and Casey construction. It's to okay the commencement of restructuring the mega wharf. I have already signed it for me and Sam."
"Can I read it first?" Everyone started laughing, so I took the pen up and signed it.
"I thought we weren't going to do this until the drop in centre was operating."
"Sam, board meeting for Casey Casey and Casey."
"Do we have to?" I whined.
"Not really but if you have questions you have to address the board members."
"Forget it." I got up and went to tell Sam to ignore his papa and then I encouraged them to get dressed soon because we were expecting company.
I walked back and he grabbed me and sat me next to him.
"I need to extend it and replace some bracing, I have it on good authority that shipping companies are lining up to use it. The tackle shop is an added bonus, it can be done at any stage. The drop in centre is being worked on now and the other warehouses will be started after the main build is done."
"I agree in the affirmative." I put my hand up in the air, he played in my swimmers. He then stood me up and dragged me back into the pool.
It is a given when Kasey and I are in the pool that Joey will jump in too.
"What took you so long Joe?"
"I had to change." He almost pushed himself into Kaseys arms then he started asking what we had been talking about.
"Corporate business Joey, you wouldn't understand."
"Try me Kasey." He's like a puppy, and he loves the treats Kasey feeds him.
Dad pushed Sam over, he was sitting on a big Penguin, when he got closer he slipped off into my arms.
"What was papa talking about?"
"He's buying a really big shopping centre and wanted a vote from you."
"You what?" Joe nearly screamed.
I, with Sam in my arms, waded off to the other side of the pool, Kasey can deal with that one. Sam knew I had been kidding because we have a secret wink we use now.
I had to get organised and firstly I went upstairs to get the folder. Then I placed it on Trisha's kitchen table and went to talk to her. I pulled her aside and said I had left something in her kitchen for her to read, she can do that while the meetings on.
"What is it?" I breathed out.
"Kasey had Evans and Jameel investigated, he was only doing it for security reasons. He felt uneasy when Evans said Jameel was moving in with him. I want you to read it and give me your honest opinion."
"Investigated?"
"It's a harsh word Trish, maybe looked at, would have been better."
"Okay, I will read it, but if this has anything to do with Jameel and Evans being in a gay relationship I won't be happy." That shocked me.
"What?"
"Adam I never told you why we broke up because it's personal, and our business. Evans isn't gay, he couldn't keep his hands off me, he was wanting it morning noon and night that's why he left. Plus I didn't love him, have you any idea what it feels like to screw with someone that only loves you for you boobs?"
"I had no idea Trish, I am sorry."
"Well you can tell Mr Nosey Parker Kasey, I am in love with Joey and if he wants sex morning noon and night I am up for it, because I love him. And you know Evans bought you that handbag because he respected you for the way you treated his best friend, Kasey. Do you still want me to read it?"
"No, we will destroy it Trish, there is no confirmed sightings or proof. Just suspected and maybes, I thought it strange no one actually caught them together."
"Ask me in future, and please don't say anything to Evans he would be mortified."
"We won't, and I do know how it feels to be made love to without loving the person."
"Really?"
"Yes I did that to about twenty guys before I met Kasey, but please don't tell him."
She started laughing her head off, and it didn't stop until after I answered the door and let Walsham and his secretary in, and Trish had ordered the pizzas.
"We will dine in the big room tonight it's still too hot." I helped mum put the tablecloth on then we dumped knives and forks on it. I remembered the folder and returned it to the bedroom. The pizzas arrived and we ate while the meeting started, Kasey kept looking at Trish who has decided to break out laughing at intervals. He was also observing Joey and how he handled the meeting. Dad had Jimmys vote so he had to sit in, and Sam and I just listened, it all went over both our heads.
"So is that it Walsham?" Joey said.
"Yes Joe, not much to relate but it is out of the way now. The trust is in a very good place." He picked up another slice of pizza.
"What a waste of time." I said.
"Not really Adam, the pizzas nice." He laughed.
When Kasey pulled me aside later on I told him what was up with Trish,
He did read the rest of it and agreed with me. Then he was very agreeable when I started rubbing the cream all over his body. Twenty guys, more like fifty give or take a few club bathroom breaks, but don't tell Trish she will never shut up about it.
The barber chairs were delivered and thanks to Kasey and dad we got a small team to bolt them to the floor, and to install the barber pole outside the window.
The stations were left there and the one next to mine was set up for Tim. Trish and I worked out a price and it was aimed at the everyday man, or privates from the fed building. We will all help when we aren't busy and I need to hire one barber. I gave Lynnie the pleasure of setting the stations up, and to switch the barber pole on. It twirled red and white like a candy cane and when I went outside to look at it, it had brightened the salon up a bit. She set the stations up perfectly then washed a matrons hair, then she grabbed a private and happily talked as she snipped and shaped his hair. News will get around fast, it will be in and out under ten minutes and because Marco had trained her I recon she could do it in five. Of course Trish and I watched her and something we didn't know about Lynnie when shes unleashed, she couldn't stop talking.
Anne was walking around on a high today her lunch with private Pete went very well. Gloria was telling me at tea time he wanted to take her to a fancy restaurant one night. She thought that Pete thought Anne deserved something better than fish and chips on a bench. I understand the military, although your pay grade is low when you start, as you move through the ranks it gets a little easier. Pete had told me he sends money home to his mum, and I had better investigate what the situation is like at home, I wanted this for Anne. I winked at Trish and walked up to my old building, I bought a wine at the restaurant and then talked to Geoff the manager. I thought this was the perfect place for them, a big fancy restaurant may overwhelm him. I paid the bill and walked back to work. I gave Trish the coupon and she will give it to Anne, a half price dinner for two. I could have made it free but little steps for now, and Pete would have some pride.
I watched Trish move over to Annes station and she handed the coupon to her. She hugged her and then she sent a text.
Gloria, the second most alert member of my staff sidled up to me and said.
"What was that all about?"
"A coupon for half price dinner for two at the restaurant up the road."
"She was worried he couldn't afford a dinner out and was about to suggest they go dutch."
"Does she like him?"
"Yes Adam very much, they are on the same level but I can't help feeling he thinks shes too worldly for him. They will sort it out, I'm sure she really is a great girl at heart."
"She is, now the movie?"
"I don't know if I want to put myself out there Adam." I looked her up and down and started laughing.
"Idiot." She said as she walked away then she yelled.
"And I want my own dressing room."
"Are you sure no one else wants these tokens?"
"No, they sometimes come in the mail Anne, if we get any more I have instructed Trish to hand them over to you."
"Pete is really happy, he can't wait for another night out."
"Well it's early days yet, has he been to the clubs?"
"I haven't asked him and I really don't like going there anymore. I find it's a little too crowded for me nowadays."
"You do you baby, what is the gossip on his mum, is she in dire straights?"
"I don't think so Adam, he did say he sends money home but I don't know why. I know his dad died a couple of years ago, but thats all he said."
"Try and find out some more honey, I would like to help if I can."
"Like the meal voucher?"
"Yes, like the meal voucher." Who am I kidding.
"I know we don't get them in the mail Adam, I have worked here for some time and I have never seen one." She winked and kissed my cheek.
"Thank you."
At least she accepted the gift graciously. I went back to work and there was no one waiting for me so I thought I would go and annoy Kasey. I grabbed our lunch and went to the build floor. Evans was siting at his desk going through some paperwork, I half expected him to be filing his nails but he looked busy.
"Is he in?"
"Yes Adam, go right in. Wait!" I stopped in my tracks, he pushed the intercom button.
"Mr Casey, Mrs Casey is here with one of his delicious home cooked meals."
I started laughing and pushed the door open, then I closed it because Kasey wanted to collect a few kisses. His desk was unusually empty and his smile huge.
"They are avoiding me, mum has banned them. Everything that they need me to see goes through her girls first, and all I get is to sign stuff."
"A true sign of a boss Kasey, but don't you worry about mistakes being made?"
"Constantly Adam, but to be fair most of it is fine tuning my original paperwork. If they improve on my ideas that's good, if they can't they have instructions to leave it alone."
"You got all this from Fred's book?"
"No Adam, this is all me. The part in Fred's book about family is what resonated with me, and I am trying to change to include my family, not shun them."
"Well it's working." I kissed him.
We ate our meals and had coffee with Evans, he was very happy with his digs and said he hardly ever runs into Jameel. The commander (Keith) has him working different shifts at the build. Nothing has gone missing so far, although they did catch a couple of kids trying to steal some copper wiring.
He also said he has spent some time in the museum, he thinks it's over done but he enjoyed himself, particularly the young lady who conducted the tour.
He has seen the Fred Banks one and deem it a winner. It hasn't opened yet they are fine tuning the ghosting film, but everything is where I had found it on that awful day. It reminded me that I have to get stuck into that attic again, when the train was found everything had stopped. Those household accounts have to be seen to first. The furniture, will be stored better and not so in your face. In those days the staff just dumped it anywhere there was space. I doubt whether I will be placing any more up there and probably will never go there again, but it has to be cleaned up and made orderly.
We finished our get together then I went to speak to mum then dad, and then I went back to the salon.
"You have a visitor in the tea room." Trish smiled.
"Nona?"
"Yes." I knew it was her because Ethan was chewing on a biscuit.
"Mr Adam, it's good to see you again, do have one of my biscuits."
"You too Zena, what brings you into the city today?"
"I have business to discuss with our accountant and I though I may as well come and catch up on some gossip."
"What gossip is that?" I made us a coffee and took a second biscuit.
"Kasey is he all right now?"
"He is nona, he's much more relaxed and sleeping very soundly. The breakdown had to happen for him to recover."
"I am very pleased to hear that, and Miss Anne she has a new man?"
"Peter, hes military and a very nice young man."
"Good, and your movie do you think there would be a part in it for a very handsome detective?"
"Luca won't do it Zena and you know that."
"I was just wondering if your young man is getting the leading role, then my Luca should be there to compliment him."
"What leading role madam?"
"Fred Banks of course, in his younger days, I could play his mother. I would look good on film."
"You would lovely lady, but no roles have been cast yet."
"When are the auditions?"
"I don't know the producer will update me when we have a meeting."
"Can you drop Lucas name?"
"I will drop it but he still isn't trained, he won't accept the job anyway."
"He is a great actor Adam, he plays his role as a great lover all the time with me."
"He doesn't Zena, he told me he loves you and thats why hes a good lover.'
"Did he really say that?"
"No, but I know how he thinks."
She was here to rile me up again and I'm not biting. I wonder if Kasey would take on the younger Fred Banks role.
She has planted the seed and now I can't get it out of my head.
We bantered too and fro for some time, then she had to go. She left with a big hug and was going in to see Luca. I always love seeing her, she does spice up my day, and she sometimes gives me a few good ideas.
I did some haircuts then it was time to go home, I picked Kasey and mum up on the way and then the boys. They ran on ahead and by the time we got there they were standing by the pool. They know better than to jump in unsupervised.
Nat was there and Joel her father had been working on the garden beds, the lawn had been freshly mowed and we thanked him. Nat had been cooking up a storm, and I think it was greek food tonight as she folded the cabbage rolls up.
She had other stuff for the kids they won't like this kind of food, but I didn't mind it. Kasey and mum had their heads stuck together outside so I thought I may as well go up to the attic and do something constructive. I pushed a big wardrobe up against the wall then stacked all the empty train boxes into it.
A trunk was opened and it was full of victorian gowns, maybe Freds grandmothers items. They were in unbelievable condition I unfolded them one by one. Black jet beaded tops and skirts and a hint of silver thread and gold embroidery. The museum would love to house these things. I will get Kasey and Joey to bring it down at some stage. I kicked the travelling trunk to
one side then opened the next one, it was full of night clothes and underwear. I checked the drawers and they were empty. There were six trunks and each one from a different time, mens and women's clothes.
I looked around me and sighed, the mountain of boxes were next and I decided I would tackle them another day. I kicked the last trunk into the corner when I noticed something had popped out from the bottom, it was a hidden drawer. I pulled it out and came face to face with a stack of photos and some old magazines. Nude women and some very and old used porn books. They weren't anything like we see today, the ladies were scantily clothed but not fully naked, unless they were laying on a sofa, boobs but not naughty bits. I decided they were hidden there by someone before Freds time, they certainly weren't Johns there were no photos of men. The museum will benefit again.
I found an empty carton and checked there were no more hidden drawers in the other trunks. I filled the carton up and closed the attic to go back downstairs. Everyone was home by then so I placed the box on the back table and waited.
"Did you have fun Adam?"
"Yes Kase, this is just some things I found in a secret drawer."
"We should check all the furniture, secret drawers were big back then, wow." He yelled. He had opened the box and found the stash.
"What did you find son?" Dad was interested.
"Victorian porn dad."
"Really, let's have a look Kasey."
Joey heard us and immediately was sitting next to Kase as I giggled along with mum and Trish. I know dad and Joey will like it but Kasey will be non plussed.
"What do we do with it Adam?"
"It goes to the museum along with all the clothes, they will have a field day with all this stuff. I have sorted out the trunks and some cartons I need a hand to bring it all downstairs, then I will ring them to pick it up."
"Good idea, there is quite a collection in here, they are rare images. Most of that stuff was destroyed before the owners died or after, not a lot survived."
"And how do you know that husband?"
"I'm not dead Adam, I do surf the net." I laughed then went to organised the kids dinner, mini spring rolls and chips tonight.
Mum and Trish got the trays of greek food out of the oven and Joey kept looking at the photos.
The work mum and Kasey had been looking at had been signed off on and the table was void of any paperwork. I did think Kase would be bored not having anything to read but he was different today, he spent more time with Sam asking abut his school work and playtimes.
"By the way do you have any homework?"
"Yes papa all done, grandma helps us."
Mum bristled once again, I don't think she likes that title.
Joe and Trish cleaned up and dad twiddled his thumbs then said.
"Canasta anyone?"
So we spent the next hour or two playing cards.
The carton was stored in the cupboard under the staircase and Kase turned the lights out and we went to bed.
There was no talking tonight just love making with the particular focus on me.
He doesn't have to focus on me. I am always more than ready to adore his body whenever I can.
I decided that the trunks belonged to Fred or Adeles parents with some grandparent stuff throw in. The museum will know how to date them and to my surprise there were a few House of Worth labels mixed in, designs from an old age that couldn't be thrown away or given to the staff. I felt they were important to the owner so were kept and stored.
After breakfast I was sort of making a ist of what I had seen, but I need to check the clothes out for any hidden gems like brooches or pins, that had been caught up in the fabrics.
Mum and Trish volunteered to do that with me on the weekend. We walked to work and Kasey kissed me full on in the street before he headed upstairs, some wolf whistles were heard, and again I remembered a low spot in my life.
It was at Kaseys insistence I didn't lose my unique style because of some negative whistles, but today I felt the guys were teasing Kasey because he gave them the finger as he walked through the big doorway.
I was slow today and Trish was already setting the tea room up, she had contacted the hairdressing school and they agreed that Lynnie was over qualified to do mens hair. They were going to send out a certificate so she can start work. She also has to do her full certificate as planned.
Marco had taught her well, and she really is only marking time.
I spoke to both Ethan and Gloria and wanted them to keep their eyes out for another staff member, and I got Trish to ring the other salon to put the feelers out there.
Yes I know there are a lot of hairdressers in the back streets doing ten dollar cuts but I wanted someone unique, someone with flair, someone like Marco.
I sat with Trish and we nutted out some sort of roster that will help us all to share the load. It means I will have to be back on board most of the time.
It was a week later when my world came crashing down, we had just left work when Nat rang to warn us Trishas two sisters had arrived at the house. Trish went white as she almost ran home with Kasey, Joey, and I.
"I wont have this Adam, they can't just turn up unannounced."
"Calm down they probably heard about the wedding."
I opened the front door and knew immediately something was wrong, Natalie had a blank look on her face so I walked with Kasey Joe and Trish out the back. The two of them were in the pool, the kids were screaming and mum was trying to pull them out. They had been ducking the boys and that scared them.
"They have been in there for an hour Adam."
Kasey jumped in and grabbed Billy, mum had Sam and I saw red.
"What the fuck do you think your doing?"
"Hello Adam, Trisha good to see you again, just cooling off there's no harm in that."
"And dunking kids scaring the life out of them. Get out of my pool."
"Keep your shirt on." Lucie said.
The sisters, Lucie and Emma dragged themselves fully clothed out of the pool. Trish squealed as they grabbed her and tried to throw her in, in the meantime dad had arrived and was consoling a crying Billy.
"He's a sook you should kick his ass to teach him a lesson, we were only having some fun."
"Well have fun elsewhere." Joe said.
"We only called in to congratulate our sister on her wedding, our invitation must have got lost in the mail."
"I never sent you one." Trish was furious.
Nat bought coffee out and I didn't want to welcome them by offering any, but they took some anyway.
"Don't you have anything stronger sis?" Lucie said.
"No!" She answered then she added.
"Have your coffee and go."
"No, we are taking you out tonight, got to show our sis what's shes missing out on now shes an old married lady." I got the meaning and it will never happen.
I didn't offer towels and let them sit in their wet clothes, I looked at Kasey and he was ropeable, but kept it together for Trisha's sake.
Natalie came out again and wanted to talk to him and Emma sang out.
"Hey hired help girlie, get us a drink."
"Shut your big mouth lady or I will shut it for you, and there's no drinks on offer."
Nat looked at me and mouthed.
'Sorry'
"Not very hospitable are they Lucie, I thought homos were fun?"
"Right," Kasey grabbed Emma by the scruff of the neck, hauled her to her feet and started marching her around the side of the house and Joe and dad took the other screaming sister.
"Sorry Trish but they cant stay here." I looked at her she was about to burst a brain cell.
Mum had taken Billy and Sam inside her home and I could still hear the girls screaming. I walked down the side of the house and Kasey had them siting on the verge out the front. Natalie had found their overnight bags and hand bags and dumped them beside them.
"She's our sister were are just visiting, theres no need to be inhospitable."
The truck arrived and six Military guys jumped out, they saluted Kasey and the general then looked at the trouble makers.
"Where do we take them general?'
"To the nearest country bound bus station." They were wet, and as mad as hell when the guys loaded them up. I pitied them in a way, because the girls had no morals and will relish the fresh man meat that were guarding them.
"What a couple of hicks, how the hell did Trisha survive that lot?" Nat said.
"I think she spent a lot of time at her friends places." I had to go and see if she was okay, so I walked back down the side and she wasn't there.
Mum said she had gone to her flat.
When Joey arrived he looked around and I told him where she was.
"She will be feeling it's all her fault, let her be for a minute."
"No, she's my love and she needs me."
He walked off and Kasey went inside with Nat.
"I'm sorry mum, how are the boys?"
"Watching TV son, they will be fine. I have had a talk with them and they understand that some people are like that."
"Will they go swimming again?"
"Not today, let them be on their own for a while."
Nat came out and almost punched the hanging basket.
"If you hadn't come home I would have strangled them, what a bunch of hillbillies."
"Thank god you didn't, I couldn't cope with their bodies on my nice lawns." I smiled as Nat tried to smile.
Kasey came out he was still furious, he cleaned everything up then went to make a fresh pot of coffee. I also saw he was on the phone and talking to someone.
I went to give the boys a hug and to reassure them the girls won't be back.
When Kasey came out I poured a coffee and he told me that two security guys will be on the front gate for as long as we need them. It must have been Keith he rang, he's head of security.
Everyone was being very quiet, and when Trish and Joe finally came back, she apologised to everyone, we tried to tell her it wasn't her fault but I knew she felt guilty anyway.
"That was fun." I said trying to make light of the event.
"Adam I need to speak to you." Kasey said. I followed him inside and he took me in his arms.
"We all feel it Adam with an a, and now we have to hurt you again, and we don't like doing that." He handed me a whisky. I looked at him then took a sip.
"What do you mean, hurt me?"
"Nat said when they arrived they were arguing, she tried to settle them down
but they started pushing each other. Unfortunately the fat one pushed too hard and one of your statues was knocked off its stand."
I stared at him and started saying.
"No, no, no, no, no, no," I started walking towards the entrance hall and there it was an empty plinth. then I screamed the house down.
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