Kasey with a K

Adam

Chapter 97

Maxieplus.

When I came to I was lying on the couch downstairs, there were military, ambulances, and men everywhere. They were carrying Lloyd's body down the stairs and I saw Jameel slumped in a heap on the floor with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. He was being stabilised before transportation. Kasey was kneeling beside me, there was no way he would leave me alone. I looked into his eyes which were red and I knew he had been tearing up.

"How do you feel Adam?" He tried to smile.

"I don't know Kasey, you?"

"Apart from a shocker of a headache, I'm fine."

"Can we go home and see Sam?"

"As soon as this place is cleared, are you okay to walk?"

"Yes. I would love a coffee, and I need to talk to Dad."

He helped me up and I looked around the room, the guys were all watching the cleanup and some of them winked at me. I walked with Kase towards the kitchen and as I passed, I placed my hand on the guy's shoulders and said.

"Thank you."

I will thank them properly when I feel more normal, and Mark just earned himself full ownership of a bait shop.

Dad was sitting with another Lieutenant, and the commander in the kitchen, he looked at me and asked if I was all right. I once again answered.

"Fine dad." Then I hugged him.

"Thank god you are okay," I whispered.

"You too son. I love you."

I made Kasey and me a coffee, and sat with them.

"Keith, are you okay?"

"Yes Adam, just a headache."

"Dad I want to tell you something, Jameel. Do you think he has something to do with the terrorist cell?" And once again I got that blank stare.

"As Sam would say, we got this. Yes, son, the men are going through his things as we speak. Evans isn't happy, he wanted to come here, but we have discouraged it. They are finding all sorts of hidden gems in his room and arrests will be made. How perceptive you are son."

"It was just a thought dad," I sipped on my coffee.

"Kasey!"

"What is it, Adam?"

"Why are we drinking coffee, where's that wine bottle?" He started laughing and I broke the solemn mood.

I have escaped being murdered three times now, surly that is enough for one man to take. And a little celebratory drink is well deserved. Lloyd is dead and he isn't coming back.

We decided because it was nearly dawn, and when everything was cleared away, to cook the guys breakfast. I had Keith dad, and Kasey on the grill while I made a mountain of toast and chopped up mushrooms and onions. I talked to Kasey on the quiet and he was thinking the same thing as me. But he went one step further, we would buy Mark a fishing boat instead of the bait shop. All the guys will be on the news as heroes, especially Mark. Kasey thought if his daughter saw how he was now, she might want to know him again. But knowing the military it will all be hushed up. That is a long way off, but for now, I have my new friends to feed.

When Kasey asked me how I felt I didn't know how to answer him. I felt like I was living in a nightmare again and there was no way out. But deep down I knew I had to put a stop to all of this madness. Some where along the way I had found the courage to face my tormentor. I knew I couldn't beat him, but I could distract him. In my mind, I had decided to give my own life to save the others. How did I feel? Relieved, happy we all survived, and a lot stronger inside. I found my inner strength, that I had learnt from Kasey and my friend Adele. I also felt so guilty that a man's life was taken, and his last words haunted me and will haunt me forever. Unlike my homeless vet's I will do everything possible to shake off the what ifs. I will find some quiet time and put it all to bed along with Lloyds madness. I knew it wasn't Kasey he was in love with, it was me. I had my doubts that he would have shot me, but who knows what went on in his head. To see my Kasey's smiling face again was enough for me to draw on that strength once again, and thank God for my friend Adele who I can talk to quietly in my sleep.

The talk around the table was upbeat, they went through the whole thing again and laughed at their small contribution. The guys haven't had so much fun since they left the military. Mark was thanked by us many times and all he said was, he did what he had to do. He knew what shell shock looked like, and Lloyd was way out of control. He had done the tormented soldier a favour by taking him out.

"Why did Evans want to come here dad?" I remembered what he had told me.

He grinned and grabbed me again.

"He wanted to come and see for himself that you were all right, you know he loves you." My insides smiled.

I got the expected phone call around seven am, Trish was in full flight as she cursed and swore down the phone, not even a 'how are you?' only a barrage of expletives that would make anyones ears blush.

I spoke to Joey and got the same treatment. I hope he gives me a big kiss when I see him. Sam was different, he was unaware of what was happening and he only wanted to know if we would be home before he went to school. Mum didn't say much, she did want to be reassured that dad, Kasey and I were all right. I told her we had cooked the guys some breakfast and would be home soon.

"Oh by the way Adam and Kasey."

"Yes dad, what now?"

"We found what you were looking for."

"And what was that dad?" Kasey smiled.

"Records of the safe house, stored in the roof space, there's plenty from what I'm hearing."

I looked at Kasey and he gave me a high five.

"Another treasure discovered."

"What's next?" I asked him.

"Friends of Adele's."

"We got this." I started laughing. It was all show but I have walked this path before.

When we arrived home everyone was at our house and there was military posted on the gate again. Trish was being sweet because the boys were still there. Kasey talked to everyone and Ethan sat and stared at me while I hugged Billy and Sam. It was after mum took them to school the shouting match began again. She was in full flight this morning and my ears were red from her not-so-very carefully chosen country girl vocabulary. I eventually got a word in when she sat to take a breath.

"When did you have your last period Trish?"

"You know fucking well when I did, and it is late again."

If looks could kill.

"Then I suggest Joey picks you up a pregnancy test on his way to work."

"We aren't going, we now have you and Kasey to look after. Thanks a lot."

"Joey pop up to the chemist and get one." I smiled at him.

Ethan started laughing, he had no idea what we had put up with the past year or so, but he found the banter very funny.

"Come on Kase let's get this out of the way." Joey grabbed Kasey's hand and they drove to the chemist in his Porsche. I thought it was clever of me to shift the focus over to Trish and Joey.

The wailing started about an hour later, she couldn't stop crying and Joey was beside himself. I think he rang everyone in his phone book, he was so eager to share their news.

"Now you can stop being a bitch and ask me how I am."

"I don't care, you find trouble everywhere you go, and you and Kasey are quite naive to think that if you break into houses there won't be any consequences. Joey we have to rethink the godfathers positions. We can't rely on these two criminals." She then broke and started laughing, as I got up to hug her she looked in my eyes and said.

"Thank god it's over."

"I agree." I hugged her for ages then said.

"Now to buy you some fat clothes." That one got me a thump on the shoulder.

They went home eventually because we were both exhausted. Kasey grabbed my hand and raced me up the stairs, he has something sexy in mind I suppose. The bath was filled and I was stripped.

We soaked in it for ages and then we made love.

"Are you all right Adam with an a?"

"Yes. Kasey with a k and you?"

"Relaxed, my mind is at peace."

"Mine too, the what ifs and why nots have left, and the threat of future drama has disappeared. I think we should count our blessings and get on with being good fathers and friends."

"I agree, and we should pick up that stash from the house at some stage."

"We will get dad to get his men to deliver it. I certainly don't want to go back there anytime soon."

"Sleep well my love." He smiled then he kissed me.

"For God's sake Kasey you just had a serving."

"But I want more."

"Go to sleep." I turned him on his side and held him.

He moaned a bit.

For all the heavy drama we went through we slept quite well, it was late afternoon when we decided to go downstairs, and it looks like there is another party going on. Every light in the place was on, and dad had two officers and our gate security guys sitting at the back table. Mum was feeding them all Lasagna, and I was all of a sudden, hungry. The boys jumped on us and we got hugged and kissed, then they went back to watch the soldiers with mum.

The highlight of the evening was when Chloe and Georgio turned up to talk to Trish and Joey, the guys couldn't stop staring at her. One young square-jawed private was staring at Ethan and me, and when he caught my eye he smiled, Bingo.

"If you guys don't stop staring at me, I will come over there and castrate you all myself." The real Chloe's back and she made us all laugh.

They had been talking about how they were going to hush it all up. The media haven't caught on yet, but there's always a neighbour or passer by that sees something and reports it.

I stepped in and tried to insist they release some sort of statement for the guys at the house, they are the real heroes.

"They will be acknowledged Adam, but I don't know how to help Mark. Kasey is insisting his daughter has to know what he has done for us, any thoughts?"

"We send her the medal with a small write up on her fathers involvement and a photo of him standing on his new boat or outside the bait shop."

"I have a better idea, we send her an invitation to the medal ceremony, if she wants to repair the relationship she will turn up. I have decided on the bait shop Adam, then he stays in town and doesn't go off for weeks on end." Kasey suggested.

"Good, then it's agreed to?"

"The ceremony will be held at the drop in centre, opening day, which is very soon"

"Okay I agree, we bury it." Which is what I really wanted. I didn't want my name plastered all over the news again.

A few minutes later I sat and had a wine with Ethan.

"I had no idea Adam. I knew about the bomb but the other has thrown me for a six. How the hell did you cope with all that?"

"I met a Lieutenant one day at the salon, my courage comes from him." I smiled at Kasey.

"Are you two brothers?" My square-jawed private asked Ethan.

"No sir, we work at a salon together, but we are neighbours and friends."

"I could have sworn you were family." I took Ethan's hand and said.

"We are family, and there's a discount for all you military guys in the salon next door to the fed building." He smiled, then he went back to his seat I whispered to Ethan.

"I think you have just met your future husband Ethan. How are your shoulder massaging skills?" He burst out laughing and the private smiled.

Sam and Billy had to get to bed, they had reading to do, and school tomorrow. The men left and I looked at Georgio.

"Some investigator you turned out to be, why didn't you see what Jameel was up to?"

"I am not perfect Mr Adam. I was only asked to do a search on Evans."

"I will accept that then." I smiled once again.

It was late when Kasey and I went to bed, we weren't tired and had decided to have a midnight swim. All the lights were turned off and we spent our time in the water making out.

"Papa, we like spas also."

"No spa Sam, there's nowhere to put it." He looked around and said.

"We could put it in the tree house."

"No room."

"Just a small one."

"I will think about it, but for now, get ready for school." Sam winked at me then Billy, who had placed a big smile on his face.

"Do we go in to work or stay home?" I asked Kasey.

"A part of me says to stay home, but another part says I have too much to do at work."

"We go in then, nothing's going to harm us now, so we may as well try to get our lives back to normal."

"We can start again with a massage."

"Be in by eleven Lieutenant otherwise I won't be coming up for lunch."

"Yes sir." he saluted me. I went to change, and today I am going pure vintage, I will knock everyone out of the ballpark. Kasey's reaction was all the confirmation I needed to lift my chin and walk with confidence.

I don't want to dwell on past dramas. Especially the other night, and considered myself extremely lucky. But as I said deep down Lloyd wouldn't have murdered me, I know this fact for sure.

Trish was delicate today, she had Joey by the balls, and every whim she mentioned she got. He had made her breakfast with extra toast and poured her coffee. He then found her a soft cushion to sit on, which made her look like she was five inches higher than all of us. She presided over the meal like a queen. If this goes on any longer I will have to say something. By the time we left for work, Joey had the car ready to drop her at the front door. I rolled my eyes several times.

"Would you like a lift Adam?" She said.

"No thank you madam, I can do with the exercise."

"Suit yourself." She sniffed.

Kasey was watching my every move, he knows that at some stage I would have to deal with the fallout of what happened. Ten cartons of paperwork had been dropped at the house and our guards were still there.

"It's because they are rounding up the terrorist cell. Jameel isn't talking to anyone and will be placed in Canberra's military maximum security prison. Adam, do you really feel okay?"

"Yes Kasey, I am more relieved, but if you want me to talk to Bill I will. Let's just get on with life and the truth be known I was scared, but I knew you and dad had my back."

"I have to believe you baby. I don't want another worry on my mind."

"What worries have you got Kasey?"

"Just the build and the new estate."

"Is the restaurant opening soon?"

"Shit yes, you have to go and start unpacking. Nat rang before all that crap happened and said they were ready for your special touches"

"I will go tomorrow, has it all been moved there?"

"Yes Adam and heavily guarded."

"I will be happier when it's all locked away."

"Do you think we should ring Jimmy?"

"I sent him a message saying all is well, and he would have rung dad anyway."

"We had better find out which door the other three keys open." He laughed.

"No I think we had better concentrate on what we have now, it seems to be piling up."

"We will wait and see what lands in our laps in the future."

"The new offices have been set up and there is plenty more room on both levels."

"Mick has done a great job for us, Did he get a good deal off Joey?"

"Yes"

"How much did we put in?"

"Fifty."

"Thank you."

"We had this conversation when he came in for his massage, my crew were hard at work, and Ethan had the job of telling everyone what had happened. My first call was to Eva, and I told her everything. She was so happy Lloyd was gone and she had started crying, mainly from sheer relief.

"Our next job will be to get rid of the military from the fed building Adam."

"I kind of like it where it is, they have toned it down some lovely lady."

"Well just a thought, it's just that I worry sometimes."

"Put your mind at ease nothing else is going to happen."

I loved Eva, she truly is a wonderful friend and mother. What she said was right, my troubles started with the military but I am taking big steps to put it all behind me.

Evans was my next friend to calm down, when I finished Kasey's massage we walked over the road to get lunch and then up to his office.

"I didn't know, I am as thick as a brick sometimes. Adam. I am so sorry." That was the first thing he said.

"Only sometimes?" I laughed then I hugged him.

"I have just spent three hours of intensive questioning. I didn't know what he was up to, and he certainly didn't ask me any top-secret questions."

"I believe you my friend, dad will fix it. Come on get your lunch, pies today."

"Adam, can I give you something?"

"If it's stiff and thick I might okay it." He laughed then pulled a box out of his drawer.

"Welcome back, I was worried." He followed us into Kasey's office where we started our meal. I opened the box and found a beautiful deco miniature ivory and gold dancer. She was small, but so bloody awesome.

"This goes in my display cabinet next to your handbag. Thank you, she is magnificent." He sat back with a satisfied look on his face.

"Sylvia said you would love it."

"I do, she's very special in a lot of ways." I didn't tear up. I had placed her on top of the box and stared at her while we had lunch.

Two perfect gifts from someone I loved dearly, and she will take pride of place in that cabinet at home.

"I guess you will be looking for a new flat mate now?"

"No, I think I will go it alone Adam, I need a rest from all that chaos. I might take a leaf out of Jimmy's book and become a recluse,"

"One day she will find you Evans, and when she does she will rock your world." Kasey said.

"But Adam's taken." He laughed himself silly.

I packed my little dancing girl away and carefully took her back to work with me. I showed Trish and she also adored her, she knows how I felt about Evans.

Ethan looked good today but he could do with some sleep. Trish kept them up most of the night and he was a bit hungover. I prayed his private comes in for that haircut soon, he was very cute.

I was surprised when Bill dropped in to see me, he had just been to the drop in centre to talk to the guys.

"They have found a new purpose Adam. I spent some time listening to how they cornered Lloyd so Mark could step from behind the door to disable him. I think the next time you go there you will see some different new friends."

"I am sure they all had fun Bill, and we are so grateful to them."

"Now, how are you?"

"Kasey sent you didn't he?"

"Yes." he laughed.

"No need, I am over it all. It's been a cloud hanging over my head for some time but that is lifting. I feel great."

"Then if you want to talk I am available, please don't store it up."

I breathed out and told him what really happened. Lloyd couldn't acknowledge he was gay, and he was looking for that one person he could absolutely love. He had screwed Shannon over many times and eventually was trying to get to Kasey because he thought he loved him. He met me and that's when Lloyds brain flipped a switch, he was totally confused. I thought some sort of transference was going on in his head, and if left to his own devices he could have spent his life hating what he knew was deep inside of him.

"He wasn't going to kill me, he loved me in his crazy way, he kissed me when he cornered me with the guys."

"He did? now that's something they didn't tell me."

"They wouldn't, it would have confused the hell out of them."

"So you weren't frightened?"

"Yes, terrified but when he did that I knew he wouldn't hurt me. He would try to manipulate me like he did with Shannon and he would have gone on to destroy anyones life that got in the way. Kasey would have been his next victim as he concentrated on me." He sat back and stared at me, then he said.

"You are in the wrong job Adam, you should be sitting in my chair."

"No. I am in the right job. I don't only do hair I listen to my clients. Please don't tell Kasey any of this, it's over now?"

"I won't, Salon confidentiality and all that." We both laughed, then he hugged me and left.

I believed everything I said and thought, the only mistake Lloyd made was not hooking up with Kasey and being honest with him, he has so much strength and I am convinced he would have turned him around, like he has done with me.

"I will be at the build for the next couple of days, have you said anything to Nat?"

"A little Adam, she is worried the display will be rushed."

"Not in my world Kase, when is it opening anyway?"

"Next weekend and the drop-in centre the following one. I am eager to see how they both perform." He kissed me.

"Oh for God's sake Kasey, go to sleep." He had been nudging me again.

The next day we tried out our new cars. They had both been registered and the first hour was spent taking family for a ride in them, no one was allowed to drive except Kasey. I will get my drive when I take mine to the new build.

He sat next to me with the biggest grin on his face, there was no way he was letting me out of his sight. I do know there are eyes on me all the time at work so he gives me a bit of slack while I'm there. But at the build it is different there are a lot of trades there, and he is still protecting me.

Nat met us in the car park, she was all over my red convertible in an instant,

"No. You can't have it." I smiled.

"But?"

"But nothing, you cook. I drive."

We followed her up to the big building, she was sulking.

The display cases were magnificent and the parquetry floor had been unveiled to reveal its beauty. The whole place was perfect, we found the cartons in the conference room. I already had a plan in my head where to place everything so Kasey and her grabbed two trollies and wheeled them into the big foyer. I was surprised when Sylvia turned up to help, she said she had nothing better to do. I pulled Nat aside and handed her my keys.

"Don't go over twenty, and don't scratch it." Her face lit up then she ran towards the car park. We didn't need her help, and as Kase and Sylvia unwrapped the treasures, I placed them perfectly in their spots. When we got to the bigger ones we had a break. Nat had cooked us some lunch and we were the first to try out the restaurant.

"Has there been many bookings?"

"We are full up. The opening night will be packed and busy." She grinned.

"Invitation only?"

"Some Adam, but the rest are eager diners wanting to try us out." I knew my staff had been invited, and I was looking forward to seeing them all dressed up again. The food was excellent and Kasey had almost licked his plate.

"Excellent Nat, well done," Sylvia said. She is a very proud mum that one.

"Thank you for steering Evans towards my beautiful dancer too."

"It was my pleasure Adam. I knew it was yours when she came in. He was so upset and wanted to buy you something really nice"

"He was Sylvia, and thank you." The bigger statues stood in the main case it was wonderful to see them all together again, and we had a lighting ceremony. When they came on the staff gathered around and a lot of wows were heard. I stood there proudly and surveyed the cabinets, they certainly were the highlight of the restaurant.

"There will be security looking out for them Adam, so don't you worry," Kasey said.

"I have full confidence in them being safe Kase, they look like they are home again."

"They do." We hugged our helpers as the staff looked closer at the items, and then we left.

Kasey drove home he wanted to take me for a ride in his car but I had other ideas, we ended up back in bed and I took him for a ride.

The gang started coming home, beginning with the boys and mum. Kasey jumped in the pool with them and I talked to mum about dinner and setting the cabinets up. She said she couldn't wait to see the finished product.

"You will need a new dress mum."

"Darling my wardrobe is bursting with unworn gowns, you do know where you get your itch to fill your cupboards with clothes from?"

I started laughing again, and Kasey pulled himself out of the pool. His smile was beautiful as he came over to see what we were laughing about.

"Wardrobes and clothes baby."

"Oh, are you going to clean it out again?"

"No!." Both mum and I said.

It was a shame that all the drama happened earlier that week because my staff were so excited to get dressed up again. Lynnie was the most excited as Marko gave her a new hairdo, he had given her an elfin look and she looked so cute. My Eva was coming with her handsome man, she had Tim teasing up and curling her signature barrels, but this time she was wearing a hairpiece. She said she wouldn't have time to do her hair so this is the next best thing. She and Wilson will get dressed at Trisha's place, they have pregnancies to discuss. I did Trisha's hair, natural wavy falls, and plaits have not been seen for some time, and Joey prefers it all natural. Anne did the same and James had done a great job putting it all together. Zena was in with her biscuits and she was scrutinising the staff making sure her friends all looked their best. I nearly screamed when Ethan asked Marko to colour his hair, but relaxed when he chose much the same blonde as he had before. A beautiful lady walked in and sat at my station I was to give her a trim and Sophia will be back again tonight.

"How's Steph and the kids?"

"Great Adam, no dramas from the family at all, I think the military scared them off."

"Good. Hopefully, you both can get on with your lives in peace."

"One thing happened last week that confused me, his grandmother rang me."

"Oh yes and what did the mafia boss want?" I laughed.

"She was asking my permission to come and see the kids, apparently the talk around the family is I am someone to be wary of." She cracks me up, and we had a great time playing mafia roles. She called me and Kasey both her new security team, and when I asked her what her answer was she said she had told her she would think about it. I told her she should turn up in a military car for the meeting, that will put the wind up her some more.

I sat back and Trish styled my hair into next week, Kasey is going to love this style, it's the same as it always is just Adam.

It was like a Hollywood opening night when we arrived, Aunty Mary and her family had their own table, and we couldn't get near the display cabinets because guests wanted to look at the treasures. The cameras were going off everywhere and the place looked superb. We had worn our wedding suits, this will probably be their last airing. We need to buy new ones if another occasion turns up. For Chloe's wedding, we will have new. Trish insisted we don't wear the same outfits that are in her wedding photos.

My family looked beautiful and Ethan sometimes amazes me when he gets it so right. I found Nat who was greeting everyone with Cindy by her side, they were beautiful ladies and dressed to the nines, she isn't cooking tonight just managing.

"It's finished Adam if you want to go for a look," Cindy said.

"What theme did you use?" She blushed under all her perfect makeup.

"Look first, I think you will be amazed, but I warn you, it's not vintage."

"Hamptons?" I looked sideways at her, she giggled.

"Yes."

"Exactly the look we wanted." I think she had a small orgasm.

Nat showed us to our table. It was the largest in the restaurant and over to the side so we could observe the diners. Some were already eating and some were still looking at the menus. Drinks were ordered and the party had begun.

"He's here." Kasey leaned in and said.

"Who's here?"

"Ethan's private, he just turned up with Pete."

"Did you ask him"

"Yes. Pete knows him and likes him. I asked him to bring him along."

"Ethan will be pleased."

"It's early days Adam we still don't know whether he's gay or not, but his seat is next to Ethan's." He grinned.

"Let's hope so, it would change Ethan's world if he was."

"Like I did with yours?"

"Like you did to mine." I kissed him.

I saw happy faces and sparkling frocks. Aunty Mary looked beautiful as she laughed away with Mercedes and their families, Mercedes winked at me several times and we will catch up after dinner.

Eva and Wilson were sitting next to Evans and Anne, and of course Kasey had Joey and Trish next to him and I had mum and dad who I couldn't take my eyes off they looked wonderful.

Susan and Steff were next and she caused quite a stir when she arrived, people thought a movie star had graced their presence. Many photos were taken as she slid into the role perfectly. The stars of the evening were Chloe and her man, she was dressed in an Adele creation, but it was a copy. It took them some time to finally sit down with us but before she did Mary and Mercedes got the star treatment as Chloe insisted photos were to be taken with them all in them. Aunty Mary blushed her way gracefully through it all.

It will be Chloe and Kasey that will welcome everybody and she will officially open the restaurant. A small dais had been set up with a mike for a small welcoming speech I helped him write. I watched Ethan's face as his private sat next to him, they shook hands and I doubt they didn't stop talking all night. The kids won't be going to the club, we have a special surprise for them outside in the garden dining area. I think Kase has organised fireworks and I was disappointed Sam and Billy couldn't come. The press were here and Mick and his men, along with mums ladies and a whole bunch of people I have yet to meet.

North side had their own table next to ours and the place looked sparkling and ever so Adam Sutton. We ordered meals and I told Nat they weren't urgent, she was to serve the paying public first. There was no way that was going to happen, we were served normally and the food was divine, and delicious. As Ethan passed by to go to the mens room his hand rested on my shoulder and he leaned in to say.

"Thank you."

"Take it slow, enjoy the build-up."

"Thank you I will, and I am." It was two minutes later his private followed him.

Kasey and Chloe stood at the podium and welcomed everyone to 'The Salon"

He had special words to say about Nat and her staff then he turned to me.

"It would never have happened if it wasn't for my husband Adam. I could go on all night about him but I won't. Thank you Adam you are so special to me and our family." He raised his glass and saluted me. Chloe cut a ribbon and the restaurant erupted in cheers and clapping, mainly from our mob.

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