Adam
Chapter 92
Maxieplus
Our quiet time come to an end when we heard the boys jump in the pool. I kissed Kasey again and he put his bathers on. I waited until he left and then I sorted the jewellery from the trinkets all the while that album stared at me wanting me to open it. There was also an envelope that contained a coroner's report in it, it was Fred's. Death by misadventure was the verdict. But as I firmly suspected it was suicide, how that man coped is beyond me, the grief must have been insurmountable. I sat on our bed and reflected on Kasey and how he would cope if anything happened to Sam but when my thoughts began to darken I shook it off, then went to find him. I made a phone call to Chloe and we agreed on a day to visit Mercedes, Georgio will accompany us. When there was no one around I rang Mercedes and set up the visit, we were invited for lunch.
"Before we go any further did you look at the album?"
"No, I got Kasey to look."
"I was in two minds Adam, and I am sorry but I couldn't throw it out."
"Kasey will burn it Mercedes, that's all we can do."
"Good, then that decision has been made for me."
"The coroner's report?"
"She couldn't destroy that or the album so she gave them to me to do what I wanted with them."
"He committed suicide," I told her.
"I know, and so did Adele. The coroner was a good friend of theirs so he fudged the outcome. It would have been soul destroying for Adele to have that announced to the world."
"I will hand it on to the Loft museum they may frame it and hang it somewhere."
"Thank you Adam, now you know what I meant by not giving it all to my kids they wouldn't care, or know what we know."
"I understand Mercedes, and I have your series ready to bring with me."
She laughed then answered.
"You know Adam, Adele taught me how to negotiate business, but I thought I may have been a little rusty and didn't expect even one gift."
"You did very well my lady, and in a way you are teaching me. Now the jewellery?"
"What have you got in mind?"
"Two things, put it in Adele's museum or give it to Chloe."
"You don't want it?"
"Where would I wear it." We both laughed.
"How apt Adam, I would be so happy if Chloe wore it sometimes, she's the perfect model, and you do what you want to do with it."
"The rest will go into the museum, and I think you should give Chloe the jewellery personally. I will keep two pieces back for mum and Trish they know the history and love their gems."
"You wonderful man, bring the pieces with you and I will hand them over to her, and yes share with your family, god only knows what will happen to it if my kids get a hold of it. I have plenty left over to give to them anyway."
"You have more?"
"Personal gifts from their dad, more modern stuff, as you know Adele loved the antique jewellery."
"Deal done then, we will see you around lunchtime."
"Bring your appetite."
"Chloe's bodyguard will be with her."
"Bodyguard?"
"Bodyguard, and lover baby."
"I suspected he was."
"They adore each other, but are keeping it under wraps for now."
"My lips are sealed." We said our goodbyes and I hung up.
By the time I finished organising my friends, the boys had heard we were going to Aunty Trisha's place for dinner, so they were standing in front of me with towels, in hand.
"Kasey, mum, dad are you all ready?"
"We are almost at the front door waiting Adam." They had snuck past me.
The two military security guys had been stood down after Joey's visit to the farm, we didn't expect any more trouble from that family and quite frankly they stood out, and somehow it annoyed me that we needed protection. We locked up the house and all walked across the road, some of us ran.
"What did you decide?"
"I can give Trish and mum a piece, the rest goes to Chloe and the museum."
"And the album?"
"Burn it, there's a coroners report there also, that goes to the Lofts."
"It said?"
"Death by misadventure, Adele was friends with the coroner."
"Good."
"We can close the door on all that then."
"Thank God."
They were out the back taking in some sun, the kids were on the diving board again and I flopped next to Trish. My man headed for the pool and Joey wasn't far behind him. I took mum and Trisha's hands and told them when they have time I wanted them to choose a piece of jewellery from Mercedes's collection, I wanted them to have first pick the other half dozen best pieces will go to Chloe.
"I have enough Trish said."
"You need more."
"I will look like a Christmas tree Adam, give it to mum."
"I have my ring, it's awesome," Mum said.
"Then you both don't want any of it?"
"Keep it as a collection, give it to Chloe to look after."
"I'm disappointed," My sad face was showing.
"No you're not, Joey has given me so much I can't wear it all, if you give me more then I will be totally confused."
I get the point, and yes I will return it to Mercedes to give to Chloe.
Maybe I will keep a nice brooch to wear sometime. We put the food out and the boys were coaxed out of the pool to eat. They knew they couldn't go back in, so they resisted. Kasey sat next to me at the big table and he took my hand and squeezed it. I know it was just a reassuring gesture and I appreciated it, I was worried that the photos would screw with his head, but hopefully, Bill will talk it through with him.
"The new land, anyone?" Kase said out of the blue.
"Gated canal retirement resort, plenty of money in that," Dad said.
"And?"
"Your first idea is the best, housing estate with one canal and shops, the kilns and chimney can be made into an island and play park," Joey said. Kase looked at me and I laughed.
"What Joey said, and we call it Merchant waters, the island can be called Wilkinson's rest, it all has a certain seafarer's tone to it." I winked at him then Trish, who laughed.
"Well. I had better get onto subdividing it then."
"So soon?"
"It all takes time Adam,"
"I bag's a waterfront view." Joey put his hand up."
"I have a house."
"You need another one." It was about then the argument started and Trish wasn't letting Joey get the last word in. I helped mum clear the table and the boys were still staring at us.
"Okay you can go in but only with an adult present." They looked at Kasey.
"Come on let's test that diving board out."
Kasey dropped his shorts and started for the board, the kids beat him and screamed as they tandem jumped off it. That night I started reading the journals Kasey was well ahead of me, and every now and then he would say.
"Hurry up I want you to catch up."
"Or you can just tell me."
"I want to go for a walk tomorrow will you come with me?"
"Where to?"
"The buildings that are mentioned in these books. I want to see if they still exist."
"Things were built to last in those days."
"Not all Adam, a lot would have been demolished by greedy speculators."
"More fool them."
"What are you thinking?"
"Another museum, a walking tour of the buildings."
"Is our apartment on that list?"
"The whole building, you can thank Mercedes for your wrought iron security gates, and tiles."
"Thank god it survived."
"I did have one thought, the museum will pay for tours to look through those apartments. The kids will make good money to keep their apartment tidy."
"Awesome." Another bonus for Marko, James, Lynnie, and Anne.
I put aside the jewellery and will give it back to Mercedes on the quiet to give to Chloe. There was nothing much I wanted, and as I said, where would I wear it. I collected my wages and Kasey made sure I got a big bonus, he was a bit overly excited tonight. There was much to think about, and tomorrow I will send Jimmy an email thanking him for the gift, he would have been consulted long before we met them, and would know what they were going to do beforehand. Later in the morning Kasey was my tour guide of the city buildings mentioned in the journals, it turned up more than expected and some disappointments. We bought coffee in the alleyway and discussed the surviving buildings and facades that were still in tact. He had been making a list and will pass it all onto the museum at a later stage.
"How did you go with Bill?"
"Good Adam, another visit should clear my head. Can you reassure Sam that everything is okay with me?" That threw me a bit.
"Why, he doesn't even know you were sick?"
"He knew I was in hospital and asked me if everything was fixed."
"What did you say?"
"I told him I only had blood tests to see if I was still healthy."
"Then I will say the same, please don't worry about him nothing was said and he saw nothing."
"It was so real Adam, I worry dad and mum may have said something in front of Billy and he told Sam."
"They didn't and wouldn't. Everyone has your back Kase, he will never know the real story."
"Like Jimmy."
"Like Jimmy." He nodded then looked at me and smiled.
He dropped a twenty into a vets hat then crouched down and had a quiet word to him while I looked in Sylvia's window. There were the usual suspects, cup and saucers, plates and dishes, just the run of the mill stuff. Just before Kasey joined us she came out to say hello to me.
"Anything in particular you are looking for Adam?"
"Just the usual, something that jumps out at me."
"I may have something in the back you may like, it only came in on consignment yesterday." My stomach jumped.
"Hi Sylvia." Kasey said.
"Hi Kasey, I see you're still talking to the vets."
"Yes, he's new in town I gave him the run down on the drop-in centre."
"When does it start operating?"
"About three weeks to go but he has the number for emergency accommodation, if he needs it."
"Well done Kasey, the city is behind you one hundred per cent. Now would you like to see what I have on offer?"
"Yes please." I eagerly said.
She took us to the back of her shop and pulled the calico cover off a tall object. She was beautiful, not deco, but nouveau.
"She's forty-two inches of metal and brass, early twentieth century, made in Paris and signed. It has four lights but needs rewiring, which I can get done for you. Originally a staircase newel lamp, but she would do well as a one off feature in any home.
"Sold," I said.
"Just like that. sold?" She looked at me.
"Sold, when can we have her?"
"I haven't told you the price yet, you may think it's too high."
"Sold." I took my card out and gave it to her.
"Wait a minute Adam, there's nowhere to put her on our staircase," Kasey said.
"Not us, Trish and Joeys house warming present."
"Brilliant, then we will have to get a plinth."
"I have a few of those around somewhere."
"Find one that matches, don't worry about the price my card won't destroy itself."
"I believe their home is very contemporary."
"It's just what they need Sylvia, it is modern but very cold, this lady will shine her lights in their living room." I was very excited.
"Okay, but don't blame me if they think it's too old for them."
"It's not the age Sylvia it's the warmth she will bring into their home she's bloody perfect."
I took my phone out and showed her the photos I had taken pointing her to the large living room.
"I see what you mean, she will stand out and for sure she will be the wow factor in that home."
"A piece of art and a stand alone feature, thank you."
"My pleasure boys, do you want her delivered?"
"Yes please if you can arrange it."
She scooted off to find a plinth and came up with a beauty, it was carved with vine leaves, and just what the doctor ordered.
"That was quick baby."
"As soon as I saw it I knew it was for Trish and Joe's new home."
"Well spotted Adam."
"Saves us looking online for something, she is perfect."
I was so happy, and I know Trish will love it.
We had lunch in his office, and now and then I would smile to myself, and when I did Kasey would kiss me.
"The vet, where is he from Kase?'
"He travelled from an outer country area, he has a daughter living in Brisbane he wanted to check up on."
"Is he going to see her?"
"Unfortunately the relationship has soured. He wants to see if she's doing okay. I told him if we can assist him he only has to ask."
"Will he?"
"Probably not Adam, too many drunken outbursts and nightmares sealed his departure from her mum and her lives."
"That's a shame."
"Well it's up to him, he's been sober for ten years now but still dreams a lot."
"Hopefully Bill will ease that for him."
"I am praying he will." He looked down.
"You will get there Kase, give it some time."
"I'm still worried about Sam."
"No you're not, you are worried about that photo album you looked at."
He took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead.
"Kasey I am sorry I made you look at them it mustn't have been easy for you. I wasn't thinking they may effect you."
"I thought they wouldn't either, but I can't get them out of my head."
"He won't be joining any army Kasey, believe me, he will not be involved in all of that."
"Can you hold me Adam?" I turned to face him and my arms went around his chest and I pulled him in.
"Nothing is going to happen to us Kasey. Sam will grow up to be a fine young man and I will always be me, one eye on you, and the other on our son."
"Thank you." He relaxed and we stayed there for ages.
No sex today just holding each other, he tries to be brave but sometimes when he's with me he falters a little. I never expected Kasey to be my bodyguard just my husband and best friend. Before I left I had a thought, maybe it would do him some good to be more involved with the drop-in centre, see the other side of war. I might talk to Bill and dad. He was very amorous the next morning, and collected his Adam fondling with grace, and one urgent orgasm. Neither of us wanted to get up and check on Sam but we were disturbed anyway, he was waiting by the doorway and watching us.
"Come on papas awake." He screamed then jumped into bed with Kasey as I headed for the bathroom. I showed mum the photo of the statue on it's plinth and she agreed it would be perfect for Trish's home.
"It's the new trend son, one stand out feature, rather than a hundred of them in the same room."
"I like the concept but I like to give many old things a home, and I love looking at them they are like family."
"I know son, and anyway the contents reflect the house, this place was built to be filled with trinkets Trish's was, but it has been changed."
I looked through the kitchen to the big dining room and couldn't imagine destroying the features that made this home, Adele's. I then took the bag with the jewellery out the back to look at it in the sunshine, believe me, there were some excellent pieces in those little boxes but nothing that was worth loads of money. These were small presents given to a friend with love, not big stones that scream investment or security. I found the one I had seen the other day, a rose cut diamond star brooch, not huge but so pretty. It will look good on the black jacket I will keep it for a special occasion. I intended to wear it to Mercede's place on Wednesday for lunch, the brooch was perfect for my look. There were twelve items left and mum looked through them, then smiled at me.
"Give them to Chloe."
"Now she will have her very own jewels, and when she's filming she can still wear Adele's from the museum."
"She will treasure them as much as Mercedes did son, and if she refuses the gift she can donate them to the museum."
I dropped my head and said a small prayer then I packed it all up and nodded, this is the right thing to do.
"Where is dad?"
"Entertaining your brother with a few tickles."
"Same with Sam."
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing mum, why?"
"You seem a little distracted."
"It's nothing, I just have something to sort out that's all."
"Tell mum."
I looked at her then I took her hand. I told her that I was still worried about Kasey and how he always takes on my problems, and Sam's, and he does have a hard time dealing with some things.
"Your father is the same son, he worries that he did the wrong thing with Billy and the military, he knew you wouldn't be interested, but Bill was really into the playing army dress-ups. I think he has changed him back into a different adorable little boy again. Adam sometimes it's always a good thing to see them as what they are, just kids playing army or playing diving. Sam has almost forgotten his time in the camp, he was so young back then and children do lose a lot of old memories when they are replaced with new ones. What does Kasey like to do apart from business and worrying himself sick?"
"I don't know mum, he likes hanging around with me in the alleyways, or having lunch with me, sitting on the balcony with me. The boat is something he thinks he would like, but I doubt it will survive to the end of its lease. He likes a challenge."
"Then you find something he likes, it's not that hard. Get him back to being himself, not someone who protects his family all the time, it must be driving him crazy. Your father has me for backup, he's always relied on me to do the right thing. Maybe you are coming across as a little needy sometimes and Kasey falls back into his military persona."
"He thinks it's the man's job to protect his family."
"He maybe thinks you are incapable of doing it." Very subtle mum.
"I will talk to Bill, maybe he will have some suggestions."
"You do that, and discourage him from doing a psyche course, that doesn't solve anything. Sometimes well-meaning people do those courses to try and heal themselves, but it has consequences. They are there to solve other's problems, and then you have a conflict."
"When did you get so wise?"
"Whenever you want me to darling, I am here for you all."
Dad and Billy arrived and Bill raced into the house shouting Sam's name.
"Good morning son did you sleep well?" He asked.
"Yes dad. Always."
"Now I need some eggs and bacon and plenty of toast, where's Joe when you need him?"
"Probably dining by the pool, we should invade their house." I laughed, and mum patted my hand.
"I will get it." She said.
"I can do it, relax." Dad said.
Dad looked lost at the bench, he didn't know what to do first so he popped bread in the toaster and mum started cooking, which gave me a good idea, cooking classes. The madness of Adam Casey's life doesn't seem to end, in just a few short minutes Joey and Trish arrived with a roaster filled with breakfast fare for all.
"We got bored so we thought we would make some breakfast for you."
Dad pounced on it and I sat back and laughed.
"I see you made the toast Trish."
"How would you know?"
"It's burnt." I cracked up.
It was a little dark, the boys won't eat that, so I picked up dads okay toast and put it aside. Joey was full of beans this morning and was raving on about how well he sleeps and Trish just rolled her eyes.
"I don't think we have had a good night's sleep since we have been there." She whispered.
"You will settle in when the neighbourhood noises disappear."
"That dog up the road barks all through the night still."
"I never hear him now," I smirked, and I don't, new house new noises as I said before.
"So what has everyone got on for today?" Joe asked as the boys ran out to have breakfast.
"Nothing much, Kasey has to go to work, I want to talk to the commander at the build," Dad said.
"Anything important?" Joe looked at him.
"No Joe, just an update on security measures. I need to be kept in the loop, things are at full steam there and there's a lot of expensive machinery just laying about the place."
"I am going to see Bill again, then I am in talks with Mick and his team. Then I will have the rest of the day off." Kasey smiled as he sat and filled his plate.
"I will be doing good hair with my friend Trish and our gang, then I may take the afternoon off too."
"I will be catching up on my sleep in the tea room." Trish looked at Joey.
"Shush we said we wouldn't say anything."
"Well I'm tired and cranky and I missed my period."
"What?"
"None of your business Mr Merchant."
"Trish, do you think?"
"No." She abruptly said.
It was a great way to start our morning and I was hoping Trish might be pregnant just for Joey's sake. We walked the kids to school, they have art class first thing so they were discussing what they would be doing. Kasey dropped us off then he left to go to work then we opened the salon. Tim was already there and Jessie was helping set some wigs, he wasn't in any need of help, he was brilliant, and Tim smiled his way through yet another old maids hair do. Trish made coffee and smiled.
"You're not going to tell me are you?"
"I don't know myself but my sleep pattern is off and my nipples are sore."
"Congratulations my lady, you are with child. No more wine for you." She groaned.
Inside I was very happy for them but I do know Trish wouldn't be, this will throw her into a spin.
Around mid morning I didn't have any clients so I took myself up to Kasey's work to see if I could catch ten minutes with Bill. He wasn't there so I sat with Mick for a few minutes, he had been reading Mercedes family journals.
"Are they any good?"
"Oh yes, very good. The thing about this family is they are pretty much unknown, but they were there all the way even before Fred's family started their business. Kasey suggested we can combine them with Fred's story, but I don't want to. This is a whole other story to be told and it will add another season to the people that built Brisbane. Any more friends you would like to add Adam?"
"Not at the moment but I am sure they are out there."
"Adam tell me if I am crossing the line, but is Kasey okay now?"
"You're family Mick, and no he's not quite there yet."
"The only reason I am asking is because he's been talking to Bill a lot lately, I don't think that's normal."
"It's not, he still has some issues with Sam's rescue." I lied.
"But does Sam remember it all?"
"I don't know, but now and then I catch him deep in thought maybe he's trying to remember, or forget."
"Don't you think a good talk to him would help?"
I relaxed and said.
"I don't like to bring the past up with him, or Kasey."
"Okay, it's just a thought but if it were me I would be talking to Sam just to see how much he remembers."
I thought about it for a minute and that's something I can't do, what if Sam gets nightmares again and Kasey would never forgive me. Jameel triggered something in Sam that day, maybe it was a memory, maybe a feeling, I will never know. I said my farewells but before I did I passed Mercedes phone number to him.
"Get it done my friend, ignore Kasey just place it on your to do list."
"I will boss."
It was three days later when Kasey and I were on our private balcony, Sam had joined us for some ice cream and once again it was smiles and tickles.
"Poppa, Poppa don't do that."
"But you're a delicious little boy, and I want to eat you all up, grrr."
"I'm not a little kid poppa, I'm your son. I like being your son, please don't eat me." Sam laughed. I looked at Kasey and that's all he needed to settle down, reassurance that Sam is his son.
"Do you like being my son baby?"
"I love being your son poppa, I have been your son for, daddy how long?"
"Forever son," I answered.
"Forever poppa since I was borned."
"Since you were borned? that's a very long time son."
"It is a long time poppa, did I poop in my nappy?"
"You sure did, big squishy ones."
"Tickle me again Poppa." Kasey being a big kid himself granted his wishes.
If I had any doubts about Sam's memory they were unfounded tonight, in his mind he is our son, and that's that.
"Did you hear what he said Kasey"
"Loud and clear, you may be right Adam he doesn't remember a lot of his past."
"That's a good thing, right?"
"It sure is. I was worried he might be suffering inside still, but I didn't see any suffering tonight."
"There isn't any Kase, he's just a happy little boy and that's the end of it."
He turned into me and looked me in the eyes then said.
"And how long have you been with me?"
"A few years but it feels like forever."
He opened his mouth to say something but I shut him up.
"No. I didn't poo myself either." He smiled.
"I think I will burn his past Adam,"
"Have you done Johnny's yet?"
"No, tomorrow. Will you come with me?"
"Yes," He only had that old photo of Sam's mum we were hanging onto it for him, but now it's the right time to burn any bad memories. It would be a year before he would ask us where he came from, and Kasey's answer was wonderful. He told him we found him at the baby shop and fell in love with him, so we took him home with us. Funny enough Sam accepted that and that smile on his face didn't leave for days. After the night on the balcony Kasey settled down, he grabbed me the next afternoon and we headed for the build. Walking me down to the sandy shore he then lit a small fire and placed the items in it. We watched it all burn to ashes, then he held me and said.
"Finished, their story ends here Adam."
"It does Kasey, Adele is happy we did this. I can feel her smiling." I took a photo of the ashes and sent it to Mercedes.
We then spent the rest of the day at the build, and Nat was our tour guide. The restaurant would open long before even one apartment was occupied, it was nearing time for my treasures to be displayed. Nat said that Cindy has taken over their kitchen table, she is getting onto styling the apartment.
"I looked when she was at work, you are both going to be blown away." She grinned.
"You can go home now Trish," I said to her the next day.
"It's only one."
"You're expecting a delivery."
"Am I? Well unfortunately I won't be home."
"You had better be, it's our housewarming present and you need to be there."
"What is it"
"Something your house needs."
"Umm, what time is it coming?"
"Three. Better pick Joey up on the way."
"Is it heavy?"
"Yes, but the guys will install it."
"Adam Sutton if it's something to do with cleaning or cooking I will neck you."
"No madam, it's something your home needs."
She suspiciously stared at me and then she went to wash her hands. I rang Kasey and he said he was sitting in Joe's office, I told him I have just sent Trish home and we will see him in ten minutes.
"Oh, you're coming with me?"
"Yes, you might damage it."
"What is it again?"
"Something you desperately need in your home."
"Do I have to ring Joey?"
"No Kasey's with him we will all walk home together."
"Adam!"
"Hush Trish, you are going to love it."
We walked up to Joe's building and Kasey and him were standing out the front waiting.
"We will have just enough time for coffee and biscuits on the terrace before it arrives," I smirked then kissed my man. I have lunch with Mercedes tomorrow and had to add Kasey to the guest list, he wanted to tell her the good news. Joe made coffee and Trish found an opened pack of biscuits I looked down my nose.
"That's all I have, greedy guts here eats them as soon as I buy them." She looked at Joey.
"Well at least he's being fed."
"Yes, there's a stack of pizza boxes out the garage, a testament to our cooking skills," Joe said.
"Lessons Trish, I have suggested it more than once, we can all go."
"Good, I'm sick of being targeted." The doorbell rang.
"That will be your delivery." I smiled.
The men brought in the plinth first so I directed them to the perfect corner spot, next to a powerpoint and it will be seen from the kitchen and the back potico. The lamp was next, it was covered in calico. I told them to turn their backs while I set it up, the restorer had done a magnificent job, and as Kasey plugged it in, I turned it on. I could feel the warmth she was radiating and she was superb.
"Turn around," Kasey said.
Joe was in raptures, he wanted to look at it from all angles and he hugged and thanked us. Trish was struck dumb, she didn't know what to say, but when she came down to earth she hugged us tightly and said.
"Thank you, I was sick of looking at a blank space. She is magnificent."
A big hit in the Merchant household, I left them to fuss over it and then went home to grab some more biscuits.
Joe couldn't stop looking at her, he kept saying.
"She's bloody perfect."
"She sure is," Kasey replied.
"I wonder if Sylvia has another one."
"Don't overdo it Joey, at the moment anyone who visits will be drawn to her, don't confuse the room with more," I said.
"Okay I will leave it up to you Adam, if you don't think we need more then we won't."
"Good boy." Now kiss me.
"Oh no." Trish moaned.
"What's the matter my sweet wife?" Joey grabbed her.
"Sorry, I just got my period."
I could see the disappointment in her eyes. I think she wants a child, but she's never going to tell us that.
The big day finally arrived and Georgio and Chloe came to our place, he will drive us to the Wilkinson property for lunch. I had the small box of jewellery in my hands and Chloe as usual had dressed casual, but chic. Georgio of course stared at her while I stared at him. Joe tried to wrangle an invitation but Kasey put him off. When they get introduced to them, then it all may change, but for now, it's just us. We were carefully driven to their estate and both Mercedes and Ken met us at the door. Chloe was introduced and she hugged them both. Mercedes looked Georgio up and down then winked at me, another fan I think.
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