Kasey with a K

Adam

Chapter 98

Maxieplus

The night was a complete success, and when we all moved to the lawn cocktail area the fireworks started from the punts tied to the jetty's. The opening went until one in the mourning. Some guests went home early, but Kasey and I stayed behind and watched the clean-up. He had found a bottle of wine and we sat on the grass to drink it. Nat was beaming when she came over and handed Kasey the night takings balance, and the online booking rundown, he looked twice and hugged her.

"We have a successful business Adam, and the bookings are pouring in."

"That quick?"

"Word is getting around baby, this is the hottest place in town."

Nat sat and had a wine with us then it was time to lock up and go home. We ordered the Uber and headed homeward ourselves. Kasey was on a high and I was excited for his success. No lovemaking, just making out because we both had, a little bit too much to drink.

I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower, when I heard the kids screaming, and gathered the pool was being used again. Mum had my coffee waiting and we talked about last night.

"He's happy with the figures mum, the night was a complete success. We stayed until Nat and security locked up, so he's now having a sleep-in."

"Well everyone had a wonderful meal and a great time, the reviews are excellent. I read some while I have been sitting here."

"I will read them later mum. I can't get my head straight at the moment. Kasey found some wine so we drank that before we left."

"The next thing is the drop in centre, it will be a bit more sober I think."

"It will mum, no celebs, no journalists just us."

"Do you think Mark's daughter will turn up?"

"I pray she does, but who knows, it's been a while."

"Good. Now for some breakfast, what do you feel like?"

"Just toast at the moment mum, I can get it."

I got up and went to make it and to get more coffee. She started on the boys, they were having coco pops today. Kasey walked out and he kissed me.

"I thought you were having a sleep-in?"

"No, I wanted to read the reviews."

"They are all excellent Kasey I perused them earlier on." Mum told him.

He sat and opened his phone, I made him coffee and then started on his eggs and bacon. And we have lift off. It's as if our neighbours can smell food, they walked around the corner of the house. Joey headed for the toaster and I was introduced to Eddy, our security private. Ethan winked at me and I was dying to find out if he had stayed the night, so I sat with Trish and nudged her.

"They had walked the three miles home along the beach and he stayed because he was exhausted. Everything is fine I was reassured there was no hanky panky," I lifted my eyebrows.

"Yes Adam, we found them on the pool lounges fast asleep, still in their suits."

I won't go on about it, so I called the kids in to have breakfast. Joey served Trish first and once again I rolled my eyes. I know she does this to get on my nerves so I will play her silly game, up to a point. Kasey was smiling as he read the reviews.

"There's a great photo of Mary, Mercedes and Chloe Adam. I guess our Aunty Mary is a celebrity now." I had a look and yes, they looked beautiful. The headline said.

'The stars are all out tonight.' I did read some of them and they all said much the same.

'The Salon is the place to be, not only for Brisbane but the whole country.'

'The decor is strictly vintage bordering on Art Deco, and the food is quality plus.'

'The amazing entrance hall is filled with museum and vintage pieces gathered from every nook of Brisbane's famous laneways. The fit out is hand chosen by the restaurants manager Natalie, and the owner Adam.' I got a mention and better still the laneway shops did also, maybe there will be a big surge of shoppers in the future. They all went on about the restaurant being part of stage one of the rebuilding of the docklands and blah blah blah. The kids were loving their coco pops and Ethan and Eddie cooked their own food after we had all finished.

"So you both walked home?"

"Yes Adam, it was a nice night we didn't feel like ending it, the city is so beautiful at night from the beach," Ethan said.

"Where do you stay Eddie?"

"With the other guys in some dingy apartment building about three streets over."

"Is that the one you stayed in Kasey?"

"Probably, small bedrooms, mouldy showers, a kitchen that's falling apart?"

"That's the ones." Eddie laughed.

"It should be demolished," I said. Kasey looked at me and smiled.

"Oh no you don't not high rises."

"It's for the future, and will be demolished in a few year's. In the meantime, the kitchens and bathrooms will be renovated."

"How do you know all that Kasey?" Joey asked, as if I didn't know.

"We own it." He dropped another bombshell.

"How did you get that?"

"It came with the builds parcel."

"So we own it?"

"No, we own it." He pointed to me and then himself.

"Fuck, you never cease to amaze me." Joey almost kissed him.

And Kasey does it again. Trish moaned then she ran for the toilet, she can't have morning sickness this early. But I was wrong again, mum said it comes and goes in the early stage.

"Papa what's fuck?" Sam was onto it.

"A very naughty word and Uncle Joey should be spanked for saying it."

"Umm, naughty word Uncle Joey," Billy said. We found out Eddy was from the country and he shares his room with Anne's private Pete, I have no idea where this will end up, but I do know Anne is happy, and by the look of Pete so is he. It was like a recovery party at our place today, the boys were all in the pool and we found bathers for Ethan and Eddie, who I caught taking a sneaky peek at my staff member. Trish did nothing but talk about last night and her baby. I suspected Joey was over it because he and Kasey tried out some new dives in the pool. Around two Kasey wanted to take me for a drive to see the new apartment so I made sure Sam was entertained and we left in his new sports car. The restaurant car park was full so we were directed to the build site where a safe spot was found. Taking the lift upstairs was quick we couldn't even get a kiss in. The apartment was everything we imagined it to be, no grandpa sofa just two big plush couches which were as soft as clouds. The knick-knacks were limited and the colours were pale aqua and ivory. Each bedroom was set up with top of the line linen and curtains Cindy had spared no expense in doing this one, it was quality plus. There was everything that a resident would want when on holidays, and we had to watch what we touched because it had been perfectly placed.

"What do you think Adam?"

"My God, let's get her to do dads and Joey's. I will give Susan a key and she can come and look."

"I like it very much."

"It's everything I knew it would be Kasey. I think Cindy needs to get out of the nail business and into styling."

We sent her a text and a few photos of us on the balcony, and then the biggest of the plush sofas was used for the next hour or so.

"What are you going to do with that block of flats"

"I haven't a clue, but they offloaded it because it really does need demolishing."

"Maybe just do the renovations if the bones are good."

"I will do the kitchens and bathrooms but that will take some time."

"Let's not stress about it, everything takes time." The rest of the day was spent at Trisha's and Joey's. The boys had migrated over there to use the bigger diving board. A wonderful surprise greeted us and Joe's mum Linda and sister Chloe were there. She had brought dinner along and they will be discussing the wedding, and the birth, if Trish has her way. There was no sign of Eddie but Ethan was in the pool with dad. I watched them nut out the guest list and the baby shower then I put a stop to it by taking my Trish inside to have a quiet word with her. Although everybody was happy for them, this was about Chloe's day. I reminded her that Chloe didn't make a big fuss at her wedding, so she should do the same and take a step back.

"I can't help it Adam, I'm so excited."

"Then keep it to yourself, especially when they are discussing the wedding. Let Chloe and Georgio have this special time. There's going to be plenty of time to celebrate your little ones arrival."

"I hear you Adam, I had better go and apologise to them."

"Don't apologise, just tone it down. We all know this is a blessing for you both and we are as excited as you are, but it's Chloe's day today."

"Swim?"

"Swim."

She went to change and I dropped my shorts, Kasey saw me and dropped his, and we all jumped in the pool and let the ladies get on with it in peace. Dinner was delicious Linda had done a great job and there was plenty for all. She announced that the plans were nearly finished, then she wanted to talk to Kasey and me. I must say that lady is great at organising people, she only wanted to thank us and to make sure they could use our staff for the big day and our apartment at the house.

"So you want the same as Trish had?"

"Right, it was a beautiful day Adam, I couldn't come up with anything different for my girl, so we are going with Trish and Joey's plan."

"We need to get new suits Kasey, we don't want to be seen wearing the same ones in Chloe's photos."

"We can do that any time this week."

"Thank you boys I was going to mention it, but it looks like you are far ahead of me. Now, to talk to my son and daughter-in-law about their wonderful news." She smiled.

"She's just over excited that's all."

"I understand completely Adam, and I am just as excited for them. I can't wait to be a grandmother and to hold bubs." She smiled.

The pool was almost full and the boys had the best time, but all good things must come to an end.

"Where did Eddie go?" I asked Ethan.

"To have dinner with his girlfriend."

"What?"

"He's having dinner with his girlfriend, something he didn't mention last night." I could see the disappointment in his eyes.

"I'm sorry baby, I didn't know."

"Adam, I am disappointed but happy for him. Everybody has been so kind to me over the past week or so, inside I am at peace."

"Keep it that way, you know Ethan?"

"Yes."

"Kasey pulled that one on me when we first met, he said he was going to propose to his girlfriend."

"What did you do?"

"I cried myself to sleep many nights, then he came to his senses."

"So there's hope for me yet?"

"There sure is, so if it's not Eddie it will be someone better, someone that loves you."

"I can only wish."

"Don't get down on yourself, you're a good-looking guy and someone will love you I am very sure of that."

"Thank you." He kissed my cheek and then we all had to leave. Linda was staying the night and I believe the conversation was all about babies.

"Anne can you do something special for me sometime today?"

"Yes Adam, anything."

"Can you ring your private Pete and ask him if Eddie has a girlfriend?"

"Already done Adam, first thing this morning."

"And?"

"All he said was Eddie was confused." She smiled.

"So he hasn't?"

"He didn't say, only he was confused."

"Did you tell Ethan?"

"No, only you and Gloria. I thought it best to keep it close for now."

We had all turned up for work, and of course, the talk was all about the restaurant opening and what a fabulous night they all had. I read some more reviews and sent some on to Kasey and Nat. Then I went about making my matrons beautiful again. At lunchtime, Kasey poked his head in and said we were eating in the alleyways today. He wanted to see if business had picked up after the write-ups. I didn't mind, in the least. So we walked into the back streets and instantly saw the place was a lot busier. We couldn't find a seat so we went and got our usual salad rolls, then back to the salon to eat them. Gloria came in to sit with us, she was alone for the next two months the Admiral was playing war games in the Pacific somewhere. She was upbeat and understood it's his work, but they will talk every night, and he will fly home a few times. We talked about Ethan's problem but she reassured us he had deliberately held back on his feelings with Eddie, just in case it all went haywire.

"He's been there before Adam, he knows what to expect so he doesn't want to get hurt again. He will be fine and he's so happy he is living with Trish and Joey." I accepted her reasoning then asked her when she was starting filming.

"I think about a months time Adam. So I will need time off."

"You got it." I smiled. We finished up and I kissed Kasey and said I would see him in an hour, because I had a meeting with Mick and the production boys. He wanted to know what about, but I fobbed him off by saying.

"Boring producing stuff, and probably Aunty Mary and Mercedes will be there."

"Do you want me there?"

"No need Kase I will pop in after the meeting."

"Make sure you do." He grinned then waved his fine ass at me then he left. I watched Ethan for the next hour and deemed him fine, then Trish who had settled down a bit. So I decided it was okay to leave them in charge for an hour or so. I walked into the fed building, it was full of workers doing Luca's jobs, and progress was being made as departments were separated. The production company's floor was a buzz and people were everywhere, so after some greetings I headed for their board room. Sandwiches and coffee had been provided and I sat next to Mick who had a stack of paperwork in front of him. His men wandered in and grabbed seats and sandwiches. After the pleasantries were over Mick handed out paperwork to everyone.

"This is the filming schedule for the next four months, I want you to read and understand it guys we can't stuff this one up." I looked at it and then he went through it all.

"We also have two more projects coming up, the Wilkinson series and the Aunty Mary one. In the meantime Mary, Mercedes and Adam will be sitting in on the rushes so as we finish one scene they will be called in."

"Have we organised transport for the ladies?"

"Yes Adam, they will be treated with utmost respect, you can walk here." He laughed. We talked about Gloria and a few others and they assured me that no personal details would be released to the press. There will be a background of the actor's lives to date but they can fudge Glorias. I wasn't happy with that but it is what it is. If Gloria didn't mind and the Admiral was in tune. I thought she should tell her own life story. I doubt Gloria had to struggle to get where she is, and it would make interesting reading. I held Mick back after the others left and had a good talk to him about his new flat, and Ethan. Then I talked to him about Kasey, just something I had in mind for the future.

"A love story?"

"Sort of, more about rebuilding a newer Brisbane."

"I don't think so Adam,"

"Why?"

"It's the nostalgia that is attracting the punters at the moment. Being Adele Banks is the talk of the town. She and Fred lived a very different lifestyle to Kasey. Adam if I can be blunt, he's not the only builder in town. Many have come before him."

"But he's brilliant Mick, look at what he's done with this production house. The build is pure genius."

"Not enough Adam. Look Kasey has had a lot of luck in the past, he got his break by meeting you, and the general. He's made a ton of money out of your stories and the military. If we do a season on Kasey we will lose the nostalgia and end up with another boring modern-day entrepreneur, and there's plenty of Kasey's around these days."

"Well, I think it would make a good story." I almost sulked.

"It would, but in the far future. If you read Fred's history properly you would have seen he was just a construction company owner. He and his dad got lucky, they did build a lot of important properties like this building in an era when style and grace were paramount. Perhaps we should shelve the request for now. I know Kasey wouldn't want it, and I know you are looking at him through rose-coloured glasses. I genuinely think he would be embarrassed and would do everything in his power to put a stop to it."

I thought about it for a moment and conceded he was right. But I still wanted to do something for Kasey. I loved Mick's straightforward approach and I left with a big thank you hug.

"Sometimes Adam you love too much. Kasey's got everything he wants. One is standing in front of me, and the other is at school. Believe me. He wouldn't appreciate it. " He winked.

"Get onto that Ethan problem will you."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes." I went up to Kasey's floor and he was talking to Bill again, so I sat and chatted to Evans who was feeling a whole lot better today.

"They have gone over the apartment with a fine tooth comb. It's a mess." He smiled.

"Well don't expect me to clean it."

"It will give me something to do Adam, I will be glad of the peace and quiet. Jameel did go on a bit."

"Probably nerves Evans, it was a dark world he lived in." Bill came out and said.

"He will see you now." I cracked up laughing.

"Thank you." I went in and was grabbed for a big hug.

"Did you sort everything out with Mick?"

"Yes Kase, all's good."

"Good." He winked.

"You knew."

"I suspected. Did you get the right message?"

"Yes, but I still think you're a brilliant man, and should be rewarded." He pushed the intercom and said to Evans.

"Hold all my calls for twenty minutes. I'm about to be rewarded." I could hear him laughing as Kase dropped his jeans.

I had asked Mick to scout around for someone in the military for Ethan to date. He protested because he is still looking for a man himself. When I left the fed building I didn't go back to work, I walked down to the foreshore and sat quietly. I needed to collect my thoughts and have some Adam time for ten minutes. It's not what had happened that bothered me, it was what could have happened. I had managed up until now, to pretend it didn't scare me, and it is time to tear it apart and let it go. While I sat quietly I felt like I wasn't alone, a silent voice thanked me and I knew it was my friend coming for a visit. I woke up with a start and looked around, there was a beautiful gentleman sitting with me. My tears arrived and he held me, it was so good to see him again.

"When did you fly in?"

"Last night. Dieter had to get back, so I decided it was time to come on home."

"Kasey had nothing to do with it?"

"No Adam. But you are my first port of call, I followed you here. Did you fall asleep?"

"Yes and I had a wonderful dream, our friend featured."

"Then she is still around, how are you feeling?"

"Great Jimmy, not so different inside but mentally free again."

"That's good to hear, so you're down here to regroup and recharge?"

"Yes." I smiled because he knew me so well.

"We had no idea it would turn out this way my friend. Of course, we knew there would be some horrible people staying in the houses but were never told when, or who."

"I believe you Jimmy, there are loads of things happening around us, which are beyond our control. The house is where they placed me when I was being attacked."

"I didn't know that, but I did know I had stayed there. When it was Hope House, I had some problems, back when I was a teenager.

"Really. So there will be records of your stay there?"

"Yes, I am here to tell you that you may see my name in them. I was seventeen when Johnny confessed he truly loved me. I had waited so long to hear those words, and when I did I got so mad with him I walked out. My parents picked up on my mood so I told them, but they weren't as loving as Johnnie's were, so they booted me out."

"That's so sad Jimmy, why didn't you just go to live with Fred and Adele?"

"Adele didn't know. I went to Hope Street confused and so unhappy, and was planning to get a job and disappear. I decided I would take any job to help me survive. I went for interviews with photographers and camera stores and I did get offered work but my heart was broken. So I continued to live in that place for almost two months."

"What happened?"

"He found me. Johnny was going insane looking for me. He turned up on the doorstep one day and the first thing he asked me was, am I all right?"

"I was furious with him, of course, I wasn't all right. He was rich and brilliant I was just a friend from school with no future."

"So what happened?"

"He got mad then he walked out on me. Adele arrived the next day and we talked. I didn't want to tell her any of my secrets so I tried to keep quiet. She said that we were both the same, stubborn to the end, but fiercely loyal. I finally broke and told her how I really felt. I had loved Johnny since I could remember but we lived in different worlds. I had dreams I wanted to achieve and one of them was to be beside Johnny. I waited for her to disown me or get up and go but she didn't. She told me it was about time I changed my stubborn attitude, but not too much. She and her family loved me for what I was, not what I wanted to be. I moved in with them that day and have never looked back, they even let me stay in Johnnie's room with him."

"So your point is?"

"No point Adam, just a nice story. But there is one thing. We are both very much alike in the stubbornness area, so if Kasey asks you again, are you all right? tell him truthfully how you feel. Please don't be stubborn."

"He did send you then."

"No. I knew how you would feel after what happened, because we are very much the same. Why do you really think she left you something in her will?"

"Because I reminded her of Johnny, I had his eye colour."

"Yes, that is true. But she also knew you were the same as me, pigheaded and stubborn. She knew you and I would get on well together, and I am sorry I took my time to get to know you. She left you money out of love for me, that's how kind-hearted she was. There are two things I want you to know, firstly Walsham stayed there also, he was one of the shop boys that were blackmailed, she found out, and he was moved into Hope House. She got him his first job in the bank, if you find his name amongst the records please destroy them."

"I will, of course I will."

"The second thing is harder for me to speak about, but I am strong enough to share the load now. I knew Johnny had lived on." My tears started and I apologised several times.

"I knew you knew because I did the same when Fred died. I went to his office and sat for three full days and nights after I found his letters. I went to the cabin and grieved for a year before I could even move back into the apartment. I never told Adele, but I knew she suspected he was still alive. Please Adam if you have anything, can you fill in the blanks for me?"

"She found some letters along with a photo album. Photos of Johnny in hospital when she went to stay in their holiday home in Europe. I found the letters you spoke of in Fred's loft, it caused me to have a mini breakdown after I read them. Kasey read them, then he destroyed them. Mercedes had the album and letters Adele had found. She couldn't destroy them, so she gave them to her friend to do it. Mercedes gave them to me, and Kasey has now burnt them."

"So Adele knew?"

"She did, and what you both must have gone through would have been agonising, I know the feeling because it took me months to rid myself of the pain. According to Mercedes Adele pretended it never happened. You were at the cabin when she found out, and you were her number one priority. That's about all I know Jimmy, I am so sorry to open old wounds."

"I am less stubborn and more open nowadays Adam, and I am glad it all was all burnt. Let me fix you and Kasey first, then I will go and sit with Mercedes."

"She will know more, but that's all she told me."

"That's why Adele loved her so much, she never repeated anything she was told, in confidence. I am glad she had someone to lean on, I feel guilty I wasn't around to help her. But like Kasey protecting you, Adele was doing the same for me."

"Then we put it all to rest. We can talk about it again, but in a different way. A much more happier way." He took his phone out and rang someone.

"He's near the jetty fish and chip shop, and yes I would love some for dinner." Then he hung up.

"Just a nudge Adam. Talk to him and let him know what you know, and what you're feeling. There is more to this than what you have told me and him, isn't there?"

"Yes." I dropped my head.

Ten minutes of silence then Kasey's arms went around me and then Jimmy's.

"How long are you here for this time?"

"Forever Kasey. Now I have two grandsons to pick up from school and I mustn't be late." He kissed us both and walked off.

Kasey sat with me and before he asked me how I was, I started telling him what I had told Bill. I went on for ages and told him how I really felt. On the one hand, I was furious with Lloyd, but on the other, I was deeply saddened he had to die, and for that, I felt so guilty and responsible. I told him that right from his first gay-bashing victim, he had been searching for his someone special. I said he thought he had been in love with him, but he was really in love with me. Bill had said he maybe had transferred his love from one victim to another along the way with his search. I told him about the kiss and how Lloyd held me before he was stabbed.

"He whispered that he adored me in my ear and at that very moment, I knew I could probably have saved him. But he died, and how I feel is empty, very saddened, and robbed of any chance of helping him. Please don't take this the wrong way Kasey. I still hated him for what he had put us all through. But I saw redemption in his eyes before his lights were turned off."

"I worry about you sometimes Adam, keeping all this to yourself isn't healthy. I knew there was a connection Lloyd had created with you. He didn't do it out of hate. I knew that for sure, because no one could ever hate you as much as he made out. I am happy you told me because I almost felt the same. No one likes to see someone die because of a mental issue. In reality Lloyd has probably lived with it all his life. He wasn't shell-shocked from any war, he was shell-shocked from what he had become. I am pleased he loved you and you kissed him because he would have died peacefully and grateful it was all over."

"Do you really think that?"

"Yes my Adam with an a, in my heart I know. Just like your heart knows the true story."

"Kasey, I love you so much."

"Where's my K?"

"My Kasey with a k." I kissed him deeply.

We sat for another twenty minutes then headed on home. He carried the four parcels of fish and chips, I walked proudly beside him. The boys will be so excited Uncle Jimmy was back with them again. I didn't tell Kasey about the conversation we had, but tonight I will on our balcony far away from the madness that is Adam Sutton and Lieutenant Lance Casey's lives.

This chapter ends book 3

Thank you everyone for sticking with it and I will be back with more.

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