 
###  Copyright © 2020 EA Harwik

#   
Pages

##### (Book 3)

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  
With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or part by any means without the written permission of EA Harwik.

Published by EA Harwik

ISBN Number: 978-0-9806776-5-2

Smashwords Edition, June 2020.

All detail contained within this publication is fictional. Characters and happenings exist purely within the author's imagination. Any semblance of persons, living or deceased, is coincidental. All reference or likeness to factual matters, events or localities has been used in a fictional context.

#  Pages

##### (Book 3)

##### Peta and Jamie

##### By EA Harwik

## Chapter 01

"Class. We have finally completed the rating process for your creative writing assignment. Shortly your contribution will be returned and I intend to devote this lesson to an open discussion of the results, our assessment and any other concerns you may have about this subject's benefit to you next term."

Miss Goodchild paused, dipped her head down and to one side, appearing distracted. She clasped both hand together in front of her chest and inwardly smiled a moment before returning her focus to the room. "I will kick the discussion off by explaining why the assessment process has taken so long." She shook her head, seemed amused before adding. "Perhaps I should first explain; writing is a solitary pursuit. However success from professionally applied writing is to draw human interest across all levels of the public perspective."

Again she paused, surveyed the room, then focusing on one student. "Miss Page. We will commence our discussion with your work. Please come forward, stand beside me and face the class."

Peta Page felt her heart sink. At fourteen years of age and a six-year veteran of boarding school she knew a public flogging didn't necessarily involve sticks or the throwing of stones.

Experience told Peta there was no way to avoid the next few minutes. The die was cast the moment she put pen to paper, or more precisely, her fingers met the keyboard. She stood, clasped her hands together, bowed her head, practised a demure expression and slowly walked towards the axeman's block.

She knew her classmates. Some, her colleges in the war against authority, will smile encouragement to remind a comrade to remain true. Others, the stuck-up, plum mouthed, polo watching rich set, snots, will smile just to satisfy their heart felt desire to witness a pong being shoved headfirst into the swamp of life. A few, the simple-minded hangers-on, snorts, will smile because they always brainlessly smile. And one, Beverly Applebloom, will openly cry. No one, not even Beverly Applebloom knows why she always cries out of concern for others. At boarding school, even Beverly Applebloom knows to constantly smile is the only way to avoid unwanted scrutiny.

Peta knew one thing. She will not really cry, nor will she really smile. She will take what is to come on the chin, act out what is wanted, and wait. Her battle with authority will be fought when the enemy is dispersed and on their knees. A gorilla fighter does not surrender.

"Peta don't look so glum. You're not in trouble. We're standing together, in front of the class, because what I have to say will help other class members who are as serious about their writing as yourself." Miss Goodchild smiled kindly and rolled her eyes. "It may also help us both weather any nasty little rumours that will inevitably filter along the corridors after dark."

Miss Goodchild turning her attention to the class. "Peta earned a distinction for her essay and in doing so actually rated top of school, which is quite an achievement for a junior."

"Her essay was a wonderfully written, creatively contrived letter from a daughter to her mother. The daughter's angst and uncertainty is uncovered. She's being held in a nastily administered boarding school where all kind of troublesome behaviours put the girl's future at risk. According to the protagonist's mindset this situation has occurred purely so the mother might trip the world in a private jet, freed from parental responsibility. The girl pleads her case to be permitted to leave the school and reunite with her mother."

Miss Goodchild took a small break to smile kindly at a more relaxed Peta before pushing on with her oratory. "Peta's assay is a brilliant piece of believable fiction. It high-lights the protagonists powerless frustration and within another layer identifies life's metaphor; the problems facing our ambitious young folk who are forced to endure a world controlled by dissatisfied old people who no longer have anything constructive to say."

Miss Goodchild, while handing Peta a pile of essays, lowered her tone and spoke directly to the girl. "Peta if you would hand out everyone's assignment I'll explain part two of the saga your essay created. It's the reason for my impromptu lesson. I feel we need to get this done before fielding specific questions about anyone's actual assignment.

Miss Goodchild spoke louder to be heard over the ebb and flow of local conversations. Only Peta listened closely. "What I'm going to explain now is something you will need to address only if you intend to become a professional fiction writer and actually possess the skill to do so. Peta's essay was impressive enough to have several of the Essay Assessment Committee members believe her story was obviously autobiographical. In short each believed what they read and could relate to the story told. That is, they believed the child in the story must have been Peta Page expressing her own views of the world around her. They therefore concluded the school about which she wrote must have been this school. And the mother must have been her mother. As proof of their conclusion, or perhaps the other way round, they fielded newspaper articles from the entertainment columns of our national press. These articles identify several well-established benefactors of this school, overseas, living the high-life in company with Peta's mother. The conclusion they came to, for them, was obvious. Peta Page is writing what amounts to subversive trash and if allowed to continue will bring the school into disrepute, even impact on the schools ability to raise funds in the future."

"That's ridiculous. I only wanted to..." Peta spoke loudly from the back of the room and obviously checked her exposure in mid-sentence. The frustration of her tone caused a deafening silence.

Miss Goodchild raised her eyebrows and with a slight tilt of her head replied through a charmingly amused, smiling expression. "I couldn't agree with you more Miss Page. And as it turns out so does Headmistress. Headmistress personally intervened to overrule all objections."

Miss Goodchild took a breath. "However because Headmistresses are required to be moulded from wisely stock. And because the before mentioned newsworthy articles didn't actually reveal any well established benefactors but rather identified several known yet very private and as it turns out, somewhat Bohemian, well established school benefactors. And also because of a rather controversial incident, which occurred sometime ago that actually involved this department and as it turns out me personally, of which I intend to say nothing, other than I'm as surprised as everyone else to discover the disgraceful incident took place under the complete scrutiny of those very same recently discovered school benefactors." She rolled her head again and looked directly at Peta. "Headmistress has decided not to allow your deserving article to be printed in the school magazine until she has personally sent a copy to, and received approval from, your mother, Ms Wott..." She quickly checked herself before adding, "Sister Veronica, Mr Matthew Wotton and Billie Hope."

She lowered her tone; spoke personally to Peta. "Should be a formality. We'll have your creative flare fully recognised before prize giving." She smiled again and rolled her eyes. "Headmistress has penned a remark in red under our remarks on your essay, which I feel, you should heed before ours. It's a gem." She read from the paper in her hand before handing the same to Peta. "Excellent. ---- My advice for a young lady such as we have here; identify, in all haste, the tenth novel from 'A Series of Unfortunate Events', by Lemony Snicket.

*****

"Peta. I didn't ride all the way here to watch you sulk. What do you want?"

Jamie Page, Peta's sixteen year old brother had been summoned by yet another mini emergency. He'd got approval from his House Master, rode his bicycle from his boarding school to Peta's then escorted her to the local fast food outlet. She hadn't yet spoken a word. Though she looked ready to explode.

"You know what I want?"

"I have no idea what you want. I thought you must have broken a leg. But, I can see you haven't."

"Buy me a Chocolate Frappé."

"Buy your own Chocolate milk with a dollop a cream stuck on the top."

"I haven't got any money."

"Why don't you tell me what is so important to need me here? Then, when you're back at your dormitory, make a chocolate-milk in the kitchen. Costs nothing. And I'll be able to go back to what I was doing before you interrupted me."

"What were you doing?"

"None of your business."

"How much of last months allowance have you spent?"

"None."

"Where is it?"

"In the bank. I haven't touched any of Mum's allowance this term."

"So you're wasting it. Give it to me."

"I'm not giving you any money."

"What are you going to do with the money?"

"Give it all back to Mum."

"Waste it. You don't care about money because you've got a job."

"It's not our money. It belongs to Mum. I'm going to payback every cent Mum spent on my education. And with time I intend to do the same to everyone else who helped me, helped us."

"Who? Why? They're not getting any of my money. No one helps me."

Jamie shook his head. "God Peta you are so selfish. Who's been paying your scholarship to attend boarding school all these years? Who drove you back and forward to get here? A forty-six hour round trip, eight times every year. Each trip nearly kills her. She does it because she loves you, cares about you; wants only the best for you. It's much, much more than Mum was ever given. Who's paying for the plane we fly in now, the cost to run it; my flying lessons? The clothes we wear. Everything. We owe many people so much. And I'm going to repay them by becoming a success, earning my own money and more, enough to return what they gave me with interest. So those people can help someone else. I hope to join with them and give others the opportunity to achieve more."

"What a spiritually uplifting biography your life is going to make. Next you'll tell me you want to go to Africa and dig wells so poor little brown babies can clean their teeth three time a day."

Peta rolled her eyes while rotating her head. "Sad story, didn't work. I'm going to tell Mum what you do to save her pocket money."

"Mum knows I work in a shop. Said she's proud of me."

She thinks you work in a clothing shop. You omitted to explain you sell lingerie. Spend your Thursday evening touching up old women. You're a pervert."

"Peta. What's the point to all this bickering?"

"I want the credit card. I know you've got one. And I want your allowance. All of it, all the money you haven't spent; everything in your account. I want the phone too." Peta stared daggers at Jamie. "If you don't hand everything over, by the time we get home, I'm going to tell Mum you and Mitsuko sleep together. I'll tell Mum Mitsuko is in the family way and you're the father."

"God Peta. You know as well as I do Mitsuko wouldn't sleep around. And if she wanted to, she'd hardly be interested in a nobody like me." Jamie shook a hand in frustration. "Honestly Peta. If you start spreading rumours like that you'll get Mitsuko into trouble she doesn't deserve." He shook his head. "And if her parents hear anything the like of what you've just said. They'll ban their daughters from being near either of us. Meaning you won't see Kimi anymore. Grow some brains. Don't be so selfish."

"Got you scared haven't I? Why have you got a credit card anyway? Mum won't let me have one."

"Peta, I'm sure you must have maggots in your brain. Mum didn't give me a credit card. Billie gave me the card, and it's not a credit card, it's a debit card. To purchase fuel and supplies for the airplane, so we can safely get home. Mitsuko and Ethel both have one as well, for their aeroplane. Same reason."

"I still want it. And the phone."

"The phone is for emergencies. Mum won't let you have a phone because she knows you're a complete wing nut. Now that we've resolved all your pressing problems, can I take you back to school?"

"I'm not a baby. I don't need to be taken to school."

"Miss Goodchild said I'm to take you to the dormitory door and watch you lock it behind you. That was a condition of you meeting me. And that's what we're going to do."

"I want a Chocolate Frappé before I go back. Give me the money to pay for it."

"God Peta. Okay, I'll buy the bloody chocolate drink. Anything... but I'm not giving you any money. You'll pocket my change and waste it."

"You're a tight arse and a moron. I'm going to tell Mum you've started swearing. I want a small fries too. And I'm still going to get what I need. Don't for one-minute think I won't; you'll regret the day you tried to pull the wool over my eyes."

*****

"Hey. This is no time for tears. Is something the matter?"

Billie had asked the question. She was speaking to Margery Page, Marge, her mother. Marge was also Peta and Jamie's mother. Though because of the complication of their upbringing, to Peta and Jamie, Billie is a recently adopted or pretend sister. A deception created to avoid a gambit of question while the younger siblings grow old enough to understand the complexities of life and social morality. Marge and Billie were separated at birth. Marge was young and had no support so the church did what they knew to be best, which was rather cruel for all concerned. Marge and Billie had met recently, quite by accident, a common friend and another sibling, David and friends of friends. Billie and Marge hit it off even before each knew who the other really was and... well... lots of things had changed with both of them over recent months.

They were currently alone, together, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, flying a light aeroplane, Marge's new aircraft.

Delivering a light aircraft across the Pacific Ocean with the rear seats removed to accommodate additional fuel tanks was a first for Marge but not Billie. Billie is a professional Pilot. Marge, like her son Jamie was new to flying. This flight was good navigation experience and quite frankly a wonderful opportunity to make up for lost time, time alone with her eldest child of which Marge knew so little. Even though she had agonised over the detail multiple times very single day for the last thirty-four years.

"Sorry. I... I'm okay. I've been looking at my emails and there is one from Peta's Headmistress. Actually the email is addressed to you as well, and Sissy, and Matthew. We all need to approve the content of Peta's latest assignment before it can be published in the school magazine. I'm not sure I want to see that particular essay in the school magazine. I guess Headmistress must think the same."

Marge looked away from the windscreen, eyed Billie. "I spend a lot of time wondering what is going to become of Peta."

Billie smiled, "Peta is okay. She's just exploring the bounds of her own intellect. Girls like Peta are quite common in boarding school. They gravitate together forming social hubs. It's even encouraged by the school, and it's kind of stupid because the various hubs become quite competitive. In many cases girls within the same hubs even compete for status. It's outrageous and yet it's not. Expensive schools are all about training children to compete in the top end of town. Even though the private school girls are groomed to feel special, working class suburbs have the same thing, street gangs. Yet up market church schools, with a focus on social privilege, never accept Gang Bangers frequenting their establishment. Only because they invent much more subtle names to describe the situation."

Marge smiled and wiped her eyes, "Were you an upmarket Gang Banger at school?"

"I don't know. Probably. I was always competitive. Still am; and always something of a loner, which was frowned upon by the school, swings and roundabouts. Who cares? I survived and we're doing okay."

Billie thought a moment. "What we should take from Peta's assignment is how talented she is at writing. I suspect your reluctance to see that particular story printed is because it shadows what you experienced living in the Monastery at New Norcia. That could mean Peta is on to you... us. Though it's more likely she researched the topic professionally. Everyone in religious care was treated so back then. But as I said what we should take away from the experience is just how accomplished Peta is at presenting a believable argument. We should be proud of, and encourage her. Her peers should be permitted see the story in the magazine to recognise her talent. May even encourage Peta to work harder and improve further, which is actually what you want. Coincidentally it's also what she wants and what she needs."

Marge touched and lightly squeezed Billie's arm. "You win. You're right. Do we need to tell Sissy and Matthew?"

"No. Sissy knows what to do. So will Matthew, because Sissy will have already told him." Billie kept talking but changed topics. "Do you feel up to having only a short break on Tarawa, at Bonriki Airport? We've two more hours before we arrive. The weather is perfect so we could turn the plane around in say four hours then push onto Cairns today. No reason why we couldn't take turns to have a nap if we get tired. Will put us a day ahead of schedule and allow us time to fly via Toowoomba, see the kids before they set off for home."

"Sure. I feel fine. I'm itching to be home? Getting there a day early sounds great. Are you worried about the kids flying alone?"

"No they'll be fine. The flying is all factored in. Jamie sent me a note; he's concerned. Apparently Peta has been rather extreme this week. She's all wound up and fighting with him over everything and nothing. He's concerned she may be irrational enough to do something dangerous in the aeroplane. Plus Mitsuko has also been in touch and she expressed the same concern about Kimi. They might be nervous or on some silly campaign they've concocted between them. Who knows? If we turn up unannounced and the girls are acting up we can take them home with us."

"Plus if Kimi and Peta do come with us, Jamie and Mitsuko will be able to leave one plane in Toowoomba and fly via our place together. Then, depending what gives, Kimi will probably be fine travelling home with Mitsuko from our place. Peta and Kimi could fit in with Najwa and Maliha in the Fox Moth if we phone and ask Anahita to take it, still be home tomorrow tonight. I know she'll use the Leopard Moth if we say nothing. She loves that plane." Billie made quick eye contact to roll her eyes. "If Peta and Kimi are playing up I'd rather Anahita didn't have the distraction onboard."

"Anyway, after these holidays, one of you can deliver all the girls together in a larger aircraft. Mitsuko and Jamie, and Ethel and Daphne will be able to fly back to school together, which I'm sure Mitsuko and Jamie will prefer. Not sure about Ethel, she never complains but I suspect she's busting to turn seventeen so she can fly straight home." Billie rolled her eyes. "And it would be wonderful if Peta and Kimi could somehow become as easy going as Daphne."

Marge looked across the aeroplane again. "Sure. I'd like to be there to see them off." She grinned. "And show you off."

"Okay. Take the controls for a minute while I send a quick note to the Master Chief. He can still stay the night by the sea to satisfy Mrs Master Chief's grand plan and make Cairns in time to meet us there. He'll happily turn the plane around with typical military precision. Then, while we have a well-earned rest in a Cairns motel he'll have time to organise removing the transit tanks and fit the rear seat. Bet you when we front up at Cairns airport ready to go the plane will also be washed and polished." Billie waved a finger in front of her face. "Might prove rather sensible. The deep-pocketed aeroplane fliers picking up their children in Toowoomba will be somewhat envious of your new wheels. If the planets align we might actually initiate a few orders to help pay the bills. Should arrange a quick press conference if you feel up to it."

Marge thought a moment. "What's Mrs Master Chief real name?"

Billie looked up from her computer. "Mrs Master Chief."

## Chapter 02

Jamie was completely absorbed in preparing the aircraft for flight. He, like his fellow pilots, Mitsuko and Ethel, loved the independence of being permitted to travel home alone. All three took the responsibility for a safe trip seriously. Being raised in the Australian outback they knew only too well once they left the populated coastal strip they were on their own. There was nothing out there. Even if they survived a crash it was unlikely they would easily be found. Plus the chance of randomly finding water to survive on in the outback was next to non-existent. And there was the problem of navigation, if you missed the odd small town or occasional feature used to mark the route, there was no way to discover where you were.

Jamie checked the fluid levels, tanks for moisture, the engine, the tyres and control surfaces. Everything was fine. He loaded and secured the luggage.

With the cockpit instruments and internal power checked, Jamie exited his plane and walked to the one beside his, Mitsuko was sitting in the cockpit performing the same activities on an identical aeroplane. Further over, in the third of four parking bays, Ethel worked on pre-flight preparation of yet another identical plane. In Ethel's case, Daphne, her young sister, tagged along helping with every task.

Like Peta and Kimi, Jamie and Mitsuko's young sisters, Daphne was fourteen but she was nowhere near as hostile or troublesome as her two classmates.

On break-up day they always felt quite lucky. Their planes were owned and serviced by Hope Air and sat waiting, fully prepared and fuelled, in private bays outside the Airline Charter Business's main transit hanger. A perk of being friends with Billie, Jamie's newly found, older sister. Billie owned the Air Charter Business. She supplied the planes and pilot lessons to help overcome the difficulty on the families of retrieving the children and travelling home for the holidays.

Only fifty yards away, on the arrival and transit tarmac area, some thirty-five varying sized light aircraft crowded for space with owners begging to be next at securing fuel from pumps unable to cope with so many rapid turn-around visitors. The same happened every holiday. Arguments and the occasional fight were regularly heard and witnessed.

Ethel and Daphne's parents both worked on Mitsuko and Kimi's parent's property, Barkley Station, one thousand two hundred miles away. The four girls travel the whole trip together. They fly in separate planes because the older girls, the pilots, being younger than seventeen are only permitted to carry one passenger and can only travel during daylight hours.

Jamie and Peta live closer, on Pituri Downs, a mere eight hundred and ninety miles from school.

The plan is always the same. After school on break up day they fly the first three hundred and sixty miles to Charleville arriving just before dark sets in. They camp the night beside the planes and take off at first light the next day, travelling via Longreach and Mount Isa. At Mount Isa, Mitsuko and Ethel set off to the north with another three hundred and twenty mile to travel. They arrive home in the afternoon on the second day.

At Mount Isa, Jamie heads south, for the one hundred and sixty mile journey to Pituri Downs. The route via Mount Isa is further for Jamie but they all agree to stay together as long as possible, for company and to help each other out if it were ever necessary.

Jamie smiled at Mitsuko through the window. "Nearly ready?"

Mitsuko merely nodded, then added with a roll of her eyes. "Kimi and Peta should be here by now. Shall I text Kimi?"

Jamie smiled, "Lets wait a few minutes, we've got half an hour up our sleeve. Personally I'm glad they haven't turned up before all our pre-flight checks are safely complete. Besides I'd rather walk down there than give Peta the satisfaction of justifying the need for a phone."

Ethel and Daphne joined them, with Ethel saying, "We're..." Ethel was distracted looking toward the runway watching the Leopard Moth, piloted by Anahita, increase revs to commence takeoff. The same plane had stopped in front of them a few minutes earlier, loaded Najwa and Maliha, without even stopping the engine. Didn't require refuelling like everyone else, just a quick wave and all three set off. Pituri Downs next stop. In six hours twenty minutes they'd step from the plane and sleep in their own bed. Ethel shook her head and muttered more to herself than anyone else. "And they wanted to travel with us; sleep tonight on the ground. When I grow up..." She smiled at Mitsuko. "We're good to go. Do we know where your number two's are?"

Mitsuko expanded her eyes, "They really are number two's at the moment. They're full-filling social obligations." She pointed at the shops adjacent to the airfield.

Jamie was preparing to add to his previous comment while still staring at the Leopard Moth climbing away from the ground already turning toward home. Yet he was distracted by the unusually loud sound of a fast aircraft coming into land. All four turned their head toward the runway.

In silence they witnessed a sleek, expensive looking, rapidly approaching, steeply descending, canard winged, dual tail finned, pusher prop aircraft on final approach. The aircraft touched down smoothly and quickly consumed runway making no effort to slow down. Before reaching the end of the runway the plane revved, lifted skyward, climbing steeply and obviously commenced to go round for another approach.

Mitsuko spoke, "Wow. Someone's getting good cattle prices. Do you think they'll manage to pull up next try?"

Jamie smile had stretched from ear to ear. "Yes. They'll pull up no trouble. We know who that is? That pass was theatre, just to get everyone's attention." Jamie pointed at the tarmac where all activity had frozen. Every eye was fixed, following the aeroplane fly round to make another approach.

Jamie almost laughed out loud and said to Mitsuko. "Didn't you read the writing along the side of that plane?"

"Tried to. Couldn't make it out."

Jamie said, "I couldn't either but I know what it says. I've seen photos. It has Hope Air logos on both tails." Jamie parroted what he knew was written on the plane. "Shoshone Pride. Bluegrass Campus." He grinned and added the statement Mitsuko and Jamie used regularly to remind them of Billie. "Might have been, 'Follow the science.' Just for you."

Mitsuko bit her lip and stepped from her plane. "Billie. With her latest creation?" She added with a roll of her head, "Figures." And talking specifically to Ethel, "You remember Billie. The bedroom carpenter, who flew us home in her fancy bi-plane. Apparently this is her latest design. Seems she's now building rocket ships. She also happens to be Jamie's brainy big Sister."

Jamie said, "That's Mum's new plane. They're supposed to be flying it across the Pacific Ocean together. Think they're a day ahead of schedule. Probably calling in here to show it off." He pointed at the watchers on the tarmac. "I'd say Billie is looking to impress those guys. We know she's super smart. Bet she manages to sell a few."

The plane swept in on a very short approach, pulled up quickly amidst the roar of a reversing propeller. The unusual shaped plane taxied gracefully past the onlookers and came to a stop in the vacant space beside Ethel's plane.

The moment the engine stopped service personnel from Hope Air swarmed, obviously to re-fuel and prepare the plane for yet another skyward adventure.

Marge's smile exited the plane's butterfly door before her body. She almost ran to Jamie and took him in a large cuddle that could easily have suffocated her boy.

When she came up for air she offered, "Did I surprise you? Where's Peta?"

Jamie pointed at the Shops some two hundred yards away. "Stuffing her face with friends and clogging her mind with giggly gossip." He lowered his tone. "I thought you were timing your flight to arrive home just before us tomorrow."

"We sped up a day to come see you. Plus I wanted to show Billie off." She rolled her eyes, "Which was silly. These people know her better than we do. Billie thought this gathering was ripe for showing off the new plane. She's much too clever for me."

Marge remembered her manners. Spoke a greeting to Mitsuko, Ethel and Daphne and received the same nicety in reply.

By now Marge's aeroplane, a Velocity SP-BGC, was surrounded and being closely observed by a crowd of aeroplane owners, many with children in tow. All were keen to checkout the new fast moving, sleek, aircraft ownership fashion statement.

Though few knew her personally, several onlookers recognised Billie. The rest knew of her reputation such that when they heard her name spoken... well. Billie is wealthy enough to be considered friend material. The better-healed, aeroplane flying, broad-acre property owners knew Hope Air, her company, amongst other activities had the Government contract to deliver their mail. Knowing another high roller's face is always a good portfolio addition in the politically active top end of the rural sector.

Many spoke to, or introduced themself to Billie, though few knew what the plane actually was. This was the first American designed Velocity aircraft to grace wheels upon an Australian runway.

Though if Billie gets her way it won't be a mystery visitor for long. She made a point of giving the question asking people her card, with an attached flier describing the aeroplane details. Knowing she has a major pecuniary interest in and was the driving force behind Shoshone Pride Superior Carriage Company who assemble, modified and marketed these aircraft for private, commercial sale made Billie even more worthy.

For Billie, several invitations to take tea, meet the little woman and family, and provide a private demonstration of the plane, at a number of old money family properties was definitely worthy of follow up research. Though Billie knew well, invites such as these require careful vetting to generate or achieve exploitation free commercial success.

Jamie, watched in reverence as Billie controlled the hassle and din around her. He wanted to be successful, like Billie... for Billie. Yet he knew only too well how much he had to learn about people and life. He also reminded himself how lucky he felt having Billie close by to learn from. He turned to Mitsuko, who was also studying Billie's performance. Learning forward and offering a smile he quietly said. "Follow the science."

Mitsuko give him a gorgeous smile, which wasn't lost on Marge. "What are you two whispering about?"

Mitsuko was quickest to form words. "Billie. She represents every ambitious boy and girl's dream. I so much want to grow just like Billie."

Marge nodded. "I agree. She's this old girls dream too. Don't think it's possible to like her more, but I live in the hope of growing more like her." Marge stopped speaking a moment. "We shouldn't hold you up. I know you have a long way to go and need to be there before sunset. Which begs the question where is Peta?" Marge looked from Jamie to Mitsuko. "It was Billie's idea to come here. Apparently you both expressed reservation about passenger concerns during the trip. If you wish both those passengers can come home with us tonight. Billie thought you might like to leave one plane here and fly together. That way you could fly direct to Pituri Downs tomorrow morning or one of us could fly Kimi to Mount Isa and meet you there. Alternatively, if Kimi worries us as well, we'll take her all the way to Barkley Station. Either way we'll meet up give you Kimi and collect Jamie and we'll all be safely home." Marge rolled her eyes. "All these aeroplanes we now have. It's hard to get my mind around it."

Mitsuko again answered, "I think that sounds great, if Kimi proves difficult and you or Billie don't mind. Could I suggest you phone my Dad and ask if he would fly our plane to your place and pick Kimi up." She frowned. "That way Dad will be sure to have a well overdue air safety chat with Kimi."

Marge expanded her eyes and blew out a breath. "Could be a good idea. If need be I'll negotiate with your mother. She can talk to your father. I assure you, Peta's talk is already listed in my diary. I've even wondered if it might be wise to ban them from being together at school." She quickly lowered her head a moment. "Forget I said that. I'll have that talk with your mother." She paused again. "Now If I walk down there alone." She pointed at the shops. "I take it I can spring Peta and Kimi in the food court. The walk will do me good and I'll use my own eyes to discover what they're doing." Marge looked at Jamie. "Should I steal my kiss now or will you be here when I return with two inexperienced young ladies in tow?"

Jamie looked a Mitsuko then his mother. "We'll most likely still be here. We need to alter the flight plans in the office and move the luggage about. We still have half an hour of daylight in reserve. Plus I need to hug you and Billie before we set off."

"Fiona? What a surprise. Didn't factor you as a potential aeroplane purchase."

Fiona Goodchild gave Billie a warm smile and received a simulated kiss on both cheeks before saying. "Aeroplane junky no; viewer of goings on always. Billie you're a natural drawcard. We were walking, talking and aeroplane spotting for the want of something better to do. Than when I saw you... you know me. I can't resist a girl in or out of uniform." Fiona seemed to check herself. "Billie I'd like you to meet Beverly." Fiona turned her attention to the girl beside her. "Beverly this is Ms Hope. Though she prefers to be called Billie." Fiona smiled amusingly and pointed toward the hanger door. "Beverly you might put heaps of effort into making friends with Billie. She's lovely. It's also Billie's name on the door." Then turning back toward Billie and continued. "Beverly and I are spending the holidays together. I'm the chaperone."

Billie's face clouded tearfully. She squatted to align her eyes, matching Beverly's height and put out her hand to shake. "Hi Beverly. If you'd like you could spend the holidays with us." Billie shrugged. "We live in the middle of nowhere and don't have much excitement going on but we eat three meals each day." Billie delayed a moment and shrugged again. "Perhaps you'd like to visit for a day or two and see what you think. If you don't like it there I'll fly you back here straight away. And if you do like things in the middle of nowhere I'll have you flown back in time to start next term."

Beverly seemed teary as well. She looked at Ms Goodchild then Billie to say. "I have to stay with Ms Goodchild."

Billie smiled. "We could bring Ms Goodchild. She won't eat much. Plus we'll take photos of her falling off a horse. You can show the other kids at school next term." Billie's smile refected the girl's face. "Besides we're not total strangers. Jamie," Billie pointed. "Is my little brother?"

Beverly turned to face Ms Goodchild. "Could we go with Billie please Ms Goodchild?"

Fiona tilted her head and made an eye movement to make full contact with Billie. "Perhaps for the week-end then we'll see. Billie, we'll need time to go back to school and pack a few things? In fact." She turned to Beverly. "Beverly. Why don't you ask Jamie to show you his aeroplane? Ask him how long it takes to travel to their property and what kind of clothes we'll need."

Beverly nodded. Said, "Sure." And walked toward Jamie and the girls.

Fiona wasted no time, the moment Beverly was out of earshot she spoke. "Billie, you're quite correct. Beverly doesn't have anywhere to go and I'm going to explain why. Firstly I know it will be fine with you knowing. In fact I also know as soon as you get on a computer you'll work everything I'm going to say out anyway. But no one else is to know. That especially applies to students and staff at the local schools, as in Jamie and especially Peta. There are only a few of us at school on the staff who know how Beverly got to be here. Beverly's father is a judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. He's hearing the Kosovo cases and will be for some time. They're dangerous people. Last year, in Paris, a cell of terrorists attempted to kidnap a group comprised of families of people working with the Court of Justice. Beverly and her Mother were there. The Kidnap attempt was foiled. But Beverly's mother and two others were killed in the resulting shootout with French police. It was all over the media, reported as a middle-east suicide attack. The families have now been moved away from Europe. Beverly is using the family name Applebloom. It's not her real name. We'll leave it at that. I know Beverly would love to go somewhere safe. So would I. The poor kid is having a hard time. Even people trying to be kind ask where she is from. She can't say and in any case the truth is she doesn't really have a home anymore. Her father lives in a hotel room with twenty-four hours surveillance. He loves her and knows the best way to protect her is to keep her away from him. Billie you must assure me it's secure and very private at your place. Plus, make sure no one probes Beverly about where she's from, etc."

Billie nodded. "Mum's property is the perfect place to go. Beverly will be fine. US Air Force personnel are stationed on Pituri Downs. They're always on the lookout for terrorists. You'll both get to milk cows, feed chickens, ride a horse and amongst other things receive a quick course on flying military drones." She looked at Beverly sitting in the plane with Jamie obviously explaining how the controls work. "I'll try to keep my Mum from asking question but it might be better to drum Beverly up with a great story. Get in first and tell Mum she's an orphan and doesn't have a home. Mum will believe that, cry and want to adopt her. Or better still, if Beverly has a passport bring it along with your own because I'm due to fly home on Monday. You can stay on Pituri Downs for the holidays or avoid the questions by coming to the States and stay with us. We live in Missouri, an out of the way place called Knob Noster. I can assure you over there is very secure. Either way I'll make sure Beverly and you are treated to a great holiday break in complete safety and you'll be returned to school ready to start next term."

Fiona squeezed Billie's arm. "You're a rock. Have you thought anymore about being my subject for next years Archibald prize? I'm obsessed. I'm decided, if I can't have Elizabeth, you're it. My best chance of winning back-to-back my only chance."

Billie bit he lip and shook her head. "I have. If the worst comes to be, I'll do it. But I know you've chosen the wrong person. And I now know who's right. I'll introduce you to my choice tomorrow morning, so you can make up your own mind."

"Who?"

"Matthew. He lives on Pituri Downs and pretends to work for Mum. He's captivating and unique. I'll tell you now because he's a really private person and you'll never work him out. He chooses to live in a little hut like a derro. He's also Matthew Wotton, half of VerMatt Foundation. I've even worked out how to prompt him to say yes to your offer to paint his portrait. I'll spring that on you both when you're together." Billie pointed at the gaggle of planes on the tarmac. "A good number of those people walk the walk however in reality they're property managers. They know they work for Matthew Wotton but wouldn't recognise him in a month of Sundays." She grinned. "And if you want choices the other half of the VerMatt Foundation is his Sister, Vera Wotton. She hides as well, though for those in the know she's easy to find. You already know her as Sister Veronica. But I'll tell you now you're on your own persuading Sissy to pose for you."

"You're kidding me. When do we leave? Is there someone here who can call us a taxi? We'll walk if you can wait."

Marge stood a moment in the food court entrance to get her bearings. She saw the group of eight girls occupying two tables, which had been dragged together blocking the walkway. She was taken with disgust by the mess of discarded wrappers and even food those tables contained before realising Peta and Kimi were seated facing away from her.

Weaving her way toward the group she noticed seven of the girls had maintained a clean space in front of themself where a phone sat. Peta was the exception.

Marge pondered how much Peta had gone on about not having a phone over recent months and even felt something approaching empathy when four of the phones all chimed together. Each owner snatched their individual device and read the screen. Two nodded and said, "Dad's ready. We need to go." The other two followed with, "Same here."

Marge then heard Kimi speak, specifically to Peta. "We should go too. Mitty wanted us there fifteen minutes ago."

Peta's reply caused Marge's jaw to drop. "Stuff them they can wait until we're ready."

Kimi again spoke. "We need to go soon or it will be dark before we reach Charleville."

"Who cares they'll be in trouble not us."

Marge completed the last few steps to the table bursting with rage. She was sure smoke trailed from her ears.

She faced Peta, took a breath and couldn't speak. The pressure to remain civil caused unspoken words to fumbled.

Peta sounded surprised. "Mum. I didn't expect you to be here."

"Quite so young Lady. Now get off your backside and hop it out to that plane." She took another breath and lowered her pointing finger. Spoke a little softer. "But before you go clean this table and you may wish to say goodbye to your friends. The way I feel right now I doubt they'll ever see you again."

## Chapter 03

Peta and Kimi dressed as quickly as they could. Seven minutes earlier Peta's mother had walked into the room without even knocking. She'd roughed Peta awake and uttered six words. "You have ten minutes, including breakfast."

Two sets of work clothes; outdoor labouring gear with boots, gloves and a hat, were dropped on the floor, before she stormed out of the room. And left the door wide open.

"You'd think she'd be over it by now." Peta tossed a heavy work shirt on the bed in frustration. "These are rags. I can't be expected to wear this. It's five thirty in the morning. And Saturday. This is unreasonable. My mother is a Nazi."

Kimi sounded more subdued. "Peta please don't upset your mother anymore. If she phones my Father... if Father needs to fly down here to collect me, I'll be killed. Please let your mother cool down. You need to talk her into meeting up with Mitty at Mount Isa. If I'm not in that plane when it arrives home my life won't be worth living. When Father finishes carving my flesh off, Mother will pick my bones to pieces. Don't laugh Peta. This isn't funny. Dad's Japanese, his family own an abattoir chain. He worked in them, still has his knives. And Mum; she doesn't talk as loud but she's really mean."

"Well what are we going to do?"

"Work, beg, anything. Please Peta. We're in survival mode."

"Well I think we should protest. A sit down strike; ignore them. What can they do?"

"Peta. You haven't been listening. You should confess. Throw yourself at her feet. Tell your Mother how sorry you are. It was wrong to covet Jamie's un-spent allowance. Cry, all that; Tell her you want to die, kneel on the floor and pick up a knife. That used to work at my place. Didn't the last time. Think Mother is onto me. She laughed in my face, offered to sharpen the knife. Peta, don't put your boots on. Wear socks and carry the boots through the house. Pull them on, on the verandah. Should work. Always has a calming effect on my Mother. And whatever you do don't leave the boots on the table while we eat breakfast. We'll take them outside and come back in before sitting to the table."

"Well I think you're selling out. You're eroding our principles."

"Please Peta. Not a word. Come on lets go. Bow your head and take short shuffling steps, like a Maiko."

"What's a Maiko?"

"A Geisha in training. If today doesn't go the way we'd like I'll send you pictures. Last term, when we were caught out after hours, Mother threatened me with a year at a Japanese finishing school. She even arranged accommodation with my Aunties. That's when I last tried the knife stunt. I managed a once only reprieve. Please smooth things with your Mother or I'm toast."

"You needn't come back in here." Marge, Peta's mother, spoke through the screen door. Both girls surprised Marge. Showed the common decency of placing their boots on the verandah before attempting to return to the kitchen.

"You pair can eat in the camp kitchen with your fellow workers. Our guests will be dinning here shortly. You're too busy to join us and I certainly don't have a desire to clean any mess you leave."

Marge studied the shock on her daughters face, could feel the hurt. She steeled herself, waved both girls off like a pair of roaming chickens. "When you've done enough work to satisfy me you've gained an understanding of the cost versus value concept. We'll have a talk about some changes I've made to your allowance that will impact on your future lifestyle."

Peta's face imploded. She quickly and silently turned away, though not before both hands were raised to support a flow of tears.

Marge focused her attention back towards the stove. She made sure the girls' stepped off the verandah before wiping both eyes on a corner of her apron.

*****

"That is disgusting." Peta had overcome the tears, been persuaded to eat some breakfast and was now assisting Farida weigh the Droughtmaster calves in the home paddock yards. They'd been there almost two hours and it wasn't yet eight AM. According to Farida they couldn't stop for a break until nine, another hour.

Cattle, manual work or silent obedience didn't suit Peta's disposition. She could see Kimi, with Anahita, Maliha and Najwa, working with the goats. It was obvious they were having more fun than she. Since Beverly and Ms Goodchild joined the other group they'd saddled two horses to ride and now Basir has turned up with several camels in tow. Kimi was no longer making eye contact. Too busy laughing. Clearly she has sold out. Joined the enemy. Typical.

The homestead was in sight and proving a focus of building frustration, which probably caused the latest outburst. Least way Peta was staring at the homestead yet again.

Farida never stopped smiling, or seemed capable of raising her voice, "I might as well ask. What's disgusting this time?"

"What do you mean, this time?"

"Let me see; dirt on your gloves, the meadow cake you stood in, cattle in general and particularly twitching their tail in your face. The coffee we drank for breakfast... oh, and Kimi and you being split up. All disgusting. I think that's everything, until now. So, what's new and disgusting?"

"She's breastfeeding in public. No one has ever done that here before."

"Oh. I'll assume she is Femme." Farida turned, looked over the calf between them to make eye contact. "There haven't been any babies here for a long time. I'd assume the last breast feeder on the main verandah would have been your mother. Feeding you. I don't think breastfeeding is disgusting. Livestock do it all the time."

Turning back to her work, Farida opened the crush gate and pushed the calf forward saying. "Off you go. Find your Mum." She pulled the gate closed. At the same time Peter opened her gate allowing Farida to add, "Next. No. Not the two of you. Just one thankyou." Peta held the offending second calf until the first was on the scales, then closed her gate.

"Are you jealous of Femme and Billie, and your new niece and nephew." Farida spoke while scanning the calf's ear tag.

"No! It's just... no I'm not jealous. Anyway they're not really my Niece and Nephew. It's just... Mum can't think of anything else since she met Billie."

"Billie and her family make your Mother happy. Babies need lots of attention. So do Grandmothers. None of this means your mother loves you any less."

"She does. Everything is Billie. And it's because Billie has lots of money."

Farida looked over the calf, made eye contact again. "You're wrong Peta. Why don't you talk to your mother? Explain how you feel, but be adult about it; don't raise your voice, be hurtful or judgemental. Just ask your mother why she's so taken with Billie? Her answer may surprise you." Farida smiled at Peta's defiant face. "We only have five more calves to weigh. When they're finished we might take an early smoko on the verandah. See what everyone is up to."

*****

"You pair made short work out of that task. I've put the kettle on." As Marge stood she added. "Are the others on the way or is everyone taking smoko in shifts today?"

Farida spoke to Peta. "Peta, run over and ask Anahita if her mob can join us. Tell her we have fresh scones and Billie's caramel slice. If they're not quick they'll miss out because I'm starving."

As soon as Peta was out of ear range Farida smiled at Marge. "Tell me if I'm speaking out of turn. Peta thinks you're obsessed with Billie because she's got lots of money. Until this morning I thought the anger was because she'd joined up the dots. I'm sure Jamie has. However it appears Peta doesn't suspect a thing. Her only focus is you and Billie's money. She even told me Em and Jay aren't really her Niece and Nephew." Farida observed Marge's puzzled face and nodded. "Anyway I've decided I'm going to tell Najwa everything today. Even though she doesn't suspect a thing and probably never will unless Basir or I tell her. That aside she has a right to know. If you tell Peta about Billie at the same time as I explain all to Najwa they'll have someone to share the complication with. This is our home. You're our extended family." Farida blew out a breath. "Not sure if knowing where she comes from will help Najwa any time soon, but it will help me. Najwa will know the truth and there won't be any secrets to come between us later on.

Marge nodded. "You're right. We'll do it. I've already decided Peta has to know, was actually planning to tell her here on the verandah in front of everyone." Marge nodded. "For the same reason. We're a family. Pituri Downs might just as well be a private world. Secrets and part truths never helped anyone."

Through the clatter of girls talking nine to the dozen Marge approached Peta from behind and put a hand on her shoulder, "Peta Billie is a lot more than a family friend. She's your sister."

Peta spun round, a frown on her face. "She's not. She's not my real sister. All you can think of is Billie."

Marge ignored Peta's remark. "She's your sister, a real sister. I had you when I was thirty-five, Jamie when I was thirty-three. David when I was twenty-three and Billie when I was seventeen. I was young my mother threw me out for being pregnant. I finished up in a monastery. When I had Billie the nuns separated us. They wouldn't even let me see her. Billie was raised in an orphanage and I cried every night, for thirty-three years, wondering where she was.

Marge took Peta in her arms. It was a one sided embrace. Peta's arms remained by her side, her face fixed in stone.

When Marge released Peta the girl folded her arms and frowned. "What did Dad think when he found out you slept around?"

Marge held onto her tears. "Billie is your Father's daughter. Your sister, your full sister, your father never knew we had her. I didn't tell him. I..." Marge broke into tears and quickly disappeared through the kitchen door.

Billie walked after her mother. She looked but said nothing when Peta uttered, "Typical. Run in there and suck up to my Mother."

Femme spoke through the lingering verandah silence. "Peta why don't you sit in front of me, I'll massage your head and hair."

"Why."

"Because I need something to do with my hands. And if I pretend you're a client I won't strangle you."

"Why should I?"

"No reason at all. Just sit in front of me. A head treatment will help us both relax."

Peta approached and sat in front of Femme's chair.

Femme immediately placed both hands on the crown of Peta's head, adopting a classic relaxer position. Then worked the girls face and ears with a reflexology treatment. It took a long time for Peta to relax but eventually she melted into Femme's skilful touch. After fifteen minutes Femme released Peta's ponytail and flared the girls hair over her shoulders, carefully and gently she scratch Peta's scalp, working methodically front to back and up the sides toward the top.

Femme finished off the hair treatment by lightening the scratching and returning to massage Peta's forehead pressure points for a few minutes. Without saying a word Femme retrieved a plaiting comb from her handbag and commenced to plait Peta's hair into a triple-crown braid. The girl was unaware everyone on the verandah, which now also included Marge and Billie, sat quietly watching Femme work. Peta's eyes were closed, her shoulders learning back onto Femme lap.

When finished Femme kissed Peta's forehead and quietly spoke into her left ear. "You have beautiful hair. Go look in the mirror and tell me if you like what I've done."

Peta opened her eyes, said thank you, stood and walked inside.

The moment Peta left the verandah Femme focused on Billie. "Go in there and stand in front of the mirror beside her. See if she notices what we can all see. If she can't see the similarity of birth between you two, even with identical hair, she must be in complete denial."

Billie knocked on Peta's open bedroom door. "I've been sent in here to show you something. Are you going to bite my head off?"

"Who sent you?"

"Femme."

"I know what you're going to show me. We're sisters. I've known for ages. Jamie and I talked about it at your wedding. We decided to let Mum think we didn't know. That's what she wanted. We figured she didn't want us to tell anyone. So we didn't tell anyone. My hair is pretty. Would Femme show me how to do it like this myself? You don't mind us having the same hairstyle do you?"

Billie kissed Peta's shoulder. "Of course I don't. It's pretty. Femme will explain how to do it. Ask her to show you and Beverly. Femme will come up with something to suit Beverly. Then you can do each other's hair."

"I don't really know Beverly very well. She cries all the time."

"She's lonely and new at school. Everyone asks her where she comes from. They mean well but Beverly doesn't have a home and the question upsets her."

"Is that what it was like for you growing up? I guess that's why you invited Beverly home?"

"Yes. I always stayed at school in the holidays, like Beverly was supposed to."

"I checked for records on the Internet. Couldn't find you at first. Then I found the Billie Bunt Page birth certificate, created in Bourbon County, Kentucky. I looked up births on your date of birth at the New Norcia Orphanage. There was only one baby listed. I knew it had to be you. They gave you a horrible name. I also found the record of Mum working as a kitchen hand in the monastery."

"Is that why you wrote the assignment?"

"Yes. It must have been horrible. If I got pregnant would Mum throw me out?"

Billie shook her head, couldn't answer for a moment. She spoke with tears in her eyes, "I know she wouldn't. She'd be disappointed. Disappointed in you. Disappointed with her self. But she wouldn't make you leave... wouldn't let you leave. None of us would."

Billie wiped her face. "Are you going to stop giving Mum a hard time?"

"I don't know." Peta made eye contact with Billie's reflection in the mirror. "I don't plan to be nasty. Just happens. Don't know why I do it. Don't know what I want. No one is interested in me. I'm not smart enough. I buy the girls drinks so they'll sit with me. I like to listen and observe. See how they act, react and interact together. They, kind of, mesh. I don't, and they don't care. They scoff the free drink down then get together later to talk without me watching. Probably talk about how stupid I am. And I am. I'm useless."

"I think you're pretty smart. I loved the article you wrote. Clever too because you haven't lived through that, yet you created a believable story. That takes real talent. Your research was spot on, you nailed it and I do know the topic. So does Mum." Billie thought a moment before saying. "Why don't you write articles for the school magazine? Volunteer to be a journalist, editor, proof reader, or something."

"Because the magazine group are a bunch of snots. They're a click of suck-holes."

"Oh. Well you could infiltrate them, write subversive articles without them realising." Billie grinned. "And wear a Che Guevara tee shirt in any group photos."

"You're making fun of me."

"I'm not. I'm making fun of them. I know those people and I've been around long enough to know you can penetrate their defences if you press the correct buttons." Billie smiled. "I wouldn't describe anyone in those terms in front of Mum. She'll go ape. She hasn't been to boarding school." They both exchanged a grin before Billie added. "Would you do something for me?"

"What?"

"Write three articles, say five pages each. Create a story relating to the experience of being a passenger in the aeroplanes you've flown home in. Explain the trip, the impact. Make it emotional, inward feeling. Describe the joy, fear, isolation, sound, smell, stepping back on terra firma; all that."

"What for."

"To help my people come up with promotional material. We can't describe the thrill of flying. We're too close. We do it all the time. Plus when I fly I'm busy, reading gauges, navigating, etc. Have no idea what it's like for a passenger. Make sure you cover comfort, smoothness, time to destination and that feeling of self-importance. Even cover the fear of crashing. All of it, somehow."

"You going to pay me?"

Billie thought a moment. "Why not? Yes. I'll give you a hundred bucks for each article. Plus a bonus if you finish all three before the holidays end and I'll add to the bonus if you slam it."

"How much is the bonus?"

"Don't know. A surprise, you need to earn it first. May not be money as such. Just something pleasant and valuable, worth keeping."

"Which planes do I write about?"

"The jet you came home in last night. It's a Citation CJ4. The Jabiru Jamie and you usually fly home in. Plus Mum's Velocity, which you haven't experienced yet. Later today we'll take the Citation back to Toowoomba and return in Mum's plane. It's pretty spiffy, thought you and Beverly might like to come with me."

"Would you fly Kimi to Mount Isa in time to join Mitty for the last leg of their flight home. She'll be in real trouble if her parents need to pick her up here. Kimi didn't do anything wrong. It was me who carried on."

"Mitsuko and Ethel are on the way here. They'll arrive in a few hours. Mitsuko wants to pick Kimi up for that very same reason." Billie changed topics. "Why were you acting up? Pretty dangerous to interfere with Jamie's flight plan."

"I want his pocket money. He doesn't spend it, has his own money now. He's going to give his allowance back to Mum."

"Sounds sensible. It's Mum's money."

"I haven't got enough."

"You would have enough if you stop trying to impress the wrong people, buying drinks. That worries me. It's really shallow. You need to raise your own self esteem."

"How?"

"Look in the mirror. Describe what you see and keep making small changes until the girl in the mirror is someone you'd like to know better. Make her someone you'd be proud to introduce to friends and meet your family."

"It's alright for you. You've got everything. I've got nothing."

"Lets not go over all this again. We'll work at getting everything together, together." Billie took Peta's hand and lightly pulled. "Come on. We'll ask Mum to let you have a few hours off work. Then we'll ask Femme to help you do Beverly's hair and we'll mess your hair up and talk Femme into showing Beverly how to reset it."

Peta got up, smiled at Billie and followed, still holding her hand. "Mum won't agree. She's making me do penance. I'll spend the rest of my life being reminded I was late for the plane and the table was messy." She squeezed Billie's hand and grinned. "I like being home. I like working on the property too. It's a great place for thinking. I feel comfortable with all the people here. Don't tell Mum I said that."

## Chapter 04

When Peta and Billie emerged from the house everyone who'd been having smoko was gone. Femme still stood on the verandah. She was busy massaging Marge's temples. Beside them Fiona Goodchild sat in the swing chair fanning through a woman's magazine.

Billie spoke. "Where is everyone and what happened to our children?"

Femme didn't look up. "I was wondering if you noticed anything amiss. While you were kicking aeroplane tires Mama Dibe took Em and Jay in t'uck to see Uncle Matthew and 'nake. The whole tribe went. The Zooks, because they'd follow Em and Jay the end of the earth and the Chief family are following along in Mama Marge's t'uck because Mrs Master Chief wants to see Matthews place with her own eyes. Plus she seems to think she'll be needed, Mama Dibe looks ready for having baby. That's why she demanded separation of the Master Chief from you. He'll be able to boil water and have a calming influence on Matthew. Junior chief was allowed to follow on the quad bike, only because she may need to go for help when baby commands an appearance. It remains to be seen whether Matthew's stew bowl gets a thorough scrubbing today." Femme looked up and smiled. "Though I suspect not. We should hear a loud scream shortly. Mrs Master Chief wore a dress and thought we were joking when I told her who 'nake is, and what 'nake often does around people wearing dresses."

Femme returned her focus back toward Marge's head but kept talking. "The girls have taken Beverly to see the drones fly and Fiona was trying to explain why she's still worried about Beverly going to the states with us. Najwa and Maliha have all but persuaded Beverly to come. They're working on their mothers to let them go to Wyoming for the holidays and intend to take Beverly to school on the big yellow bus, wearing gloves, a cowboy coat, beanie, earmuffs and woolly nickers. Mama Marge thinks we should encourage Mama Dibe to go with the girls and be closer to medical services when baby does arrive. And Mama Marge can't decide whether sending Peta to holiday school in freezing Wyoming would be punishment enough. I've assured her Peta will be so outraged. She'll phone social services to report a case of child abuse and possible kidnapping. In fact I'm of the opinion Mama Marge may need to handcuff herself to Peta and we'll take them both. However Mama Marge seems to think she can't go because she's just come back. On top of all this I've decided Em, Jay and myself are staying close to Mama Dibe for the next few weeks to help out with baby. I won't be much help but if Em and Jay stay so will the Zooks and they'll be a lot of help." Femme rolled her head from side to side. "No one else seems to have any answers and you just got a phone call from Russell, who seems to be in quite a flap. Said he needs to speak with you urgently."

Billie rolled her eyes, "Very complicated. I'll phone Russell before we split the atom. Do you think Mama Marge would allow Peta to assist you massaging faces and platting hair or does she need to break rocks in the quarry."

Femme grinned, pulled Peta forward with an index finger, placed Peta's hands under her own allowing the girl to feel her mother's temples, before moving their combined fingers gently.

Billie picked up her satellite phone and walked off the verandah in search of a stronger signal.

Ten minutes elapsed before Billie returned to the verandah. "I've just been given a job. Summoned to Century Mine, flying the CJ4, where a light aircraft with high profile tourists onboard has blown a tire on landing. When I return in an hour and a half I'll have a Japanese family, parents and two teenage children with me. Mum, do you think we could entertain them? I'd suggest having Najwa and Maliha provide a tour of the animals, like Beverly received. Plus we could treat everyone to a barbecue lunch while we wait for a pilot to arrive from Toowoomba, who incidentally is flying your Velocity. Which will save us a trip later. She's already in the air and will be here in three hours. Upon arrival she will fly the family to Alice Springs in the CJ4 and probably return direct to Toowoomba from there."

Billie shrugged. "I could fly the family to Alice Springs but Russell thinks we should treat them to a few hours on a typical working property. One associated with the owner of Hope Air. Apparently that's what they've come to see and thus far it hasn't happened. Some sleaze arranged a flight for them with a friend, told them he's an agent for Hope Air. Attempted flying them to Alice Springs in a forty-year old privately owned Piper Cherokee, a ten-hour trip. Now they're stuck in the middle of nowhere. Russell has informed the air safety people and CASA will be taking action against the pilot and the travel agent. Apparently the aircraft refuel guy at Century Mine phoned Russell to explain the situation. Anyway I'm the closest pilot with a fancy plane. I think we should prove both Hope Air and my Mother know how to treat visitors to this country."

Billie looked at Fiona Goodchild. "Thought I'd take Kimi because she speaks Japanese. Would I be permitted to borrow Beverly, without you? I thought she might enjoy a ride in the vacant pilot seat." Billie rolled her head. "She'll be fine, won't even leave the plane. And while I'm away, convince Femme to set up her massage table by the lake. She'll give you a full body massage at my expense. Fiona, you'll be impressed as also will the tourists when they arrive."

Both Femme and Fiona eyed each other then nodded at Billie.

Peta spoke, "Can I go with you?"

Billie lowered her tone, spoke kindly, "Probably best if you don't. I'd like Kimi's attention totally focused upon the visitors." Billie grinned, "Might impress her parents. Plus if you help Mum organise everything... I assume she'll let them have a wash, break the steaks out and invite the attention staved American service personnel to do all the cooking work in the camp kitchen. Give you a chance to watch and learn, see how clever and popular your Mother is around here."

Femme added, "Go on. Go find these lost souls and bring them in from the wilderness. Peta can help me as well. We'll have everything ready to impress deep-pocketed blow-ins upon your return. I'm sure you already know who they are and what is really going on."

*****

Fiona let out a soft sigh, her forth in as many minutes. They were under a shady tree by the lake. The girls had placed an old rug on the ground upon which Femme positioned her portable massage table and a matching side bench for towels, oil and the essentials of her work. The bench, Billie's creation, even contained a supply of water and gas power for heating rocks and damp towels.

They were within view of the verandah but completely alone, surrounded by the essential elements of nature.

Fiona spoke softly into the massage table headrest. "Phillip told me Billie had been rendered completely defenceless, captured by a goddess in possession of secret heeling powers. Said she mixes innocent appearing potions, applies them to naked skin and renders her victim completely immobile. Her fingers penetrate the surface without drawing blood. Said she signs without leaving signs, makes specific patterns to programme the brain. He said you programmed Billie to be besotted with the notion of marriage, of family and long-term commitment. Said you removed her heart for safekeeping and have her dangling on a string. I thought he was joking, trying to be poetic." Fiona let out another sigh. Then another. "It's all true. Be gentle with my private thoughts and please don't divulge anything juicy at school or to my mother."

Femme worked down from Fiona's shoulders. "I think you make up stories; Peta is like her teacher." Femme was silent a long moment as her hands moved lower. She waited for Fiona to sigh. Knew she would, before saying, "I'm besotted too. Billie has me in her spell. When did you last see Phillip?"

"I see him every so often. He's a gipsy. Can't stay still. I saw him a few weeks ago. We danced together at Titters. Then off he went again. I'm not a gipsy. I'm a farmer. I plant ideas in young minds, nurture them, watch them grow. I'm going to marry Phillip then wait for him to turn up and watch him go off to where ever. He helps me feel good. It's crazy. We share the same loves, the same rejections. We comfort each other. That's all people like us can expect."

"What if I told you I know where Phillip is?"

"It would probably upset me. I like to think he comes home because he worries about me like I worry about him."

"Okay. We'll change the topic. Tell me about Peta at school."

"You won't quote me?"

"No. I think I already know what you're going to say."

"She's clever. She's almost too clever. We educate girls, explain the basics and guide them through the maze of exams. We rank them, work out who's smart, the leaders and followers. The loyal, the aloof, then we give them back to their parents who ignore everything we've done and use them to fulfil family dreams. Some girls can achieve those goals. Some reject them. Others, a few, even commit suicide on the strength of them."

"At school we make an effort to introduce them to each other. Help them make lasting friendships and contacts. If they were boys we'd talk about the old school tie network. As girls we just launch them into the upper echelon of society and try to warn of the existence of a glass ceiling."

"Basically, all we really achieve is introduce them to potential roommates for University. That's the best we can do to help them fulfil, or reject, their parent's dreams. Though sometimes, where necessary, we help them escape."

"Peta has a harsh edge. She's observant and, now days, seems to enjoy being a group spectator. When it comes to socialising she scares people, chases them off. She has developed an idiom, which seems ambivalent. I'm not sure if the bluntness comes from being shy or whether it grows from not wanting to be aligned to most groups. I suspect Peta doesn't know the answer to the conundrum either.

"What I've said was always there but it's developed dramatically this past year. Could be it's related to finding out about Billie. It's more likely to be a reaction to how popular, accepting and accepted Najwa and Maliha are at school. Might well just be her age. Teenage girls are strange creatures, very hard to predict and they move the goalposts when anyone gets close."

"Peta tends to hang with girls who are attracted to team sports yet she doesn't participate in sport so she isn't central to the group, nor does she have a group role. Traditionally sporty types are more aggressive and they tend to chase physical activities, including encounters with, and discussion of, boys."

"Peta is interested in the history of social change, even researches the topic at night. She invents characters and writes stories that usually relate to the upheaval preceding breakthrough events in history. She likes to debate topics that sporty girls hold no interest in. Yet she won't go anywhere near girls who are more focused on academic pursuits similar to her own. She refuses to join the debate club, the history club, the chess club and even the book club. She won't work on the school magazine. She openly expounds how all those activities are reserved for children from wealthy families, children who ride horses and fly to school in aeroplanes. She becomes quite hot under the collar if anyone dare point out she should include herself in that description."

"She seems to have a complex and her own ideas about who is wealthy and who isn't. Plus she's at an age where no one can explain anything emotional to her. She needs to discover everything herself."

Femme moved around Fiona, continued her massage from the other side. "Oh. Sounds bad, much worse than I thought. Where would you recommend we start?"

Fiona gave another sigh and thought a moment. "The other night I was thinking about this very topic and for some strange reason I looked up how many people associated with the students in Peta's house and study groups are listed in Who's Who. There are six entries relating to three students. Two are fathers of other students, plus there are four entries with Pituri Downs listed as a primary Australian residence." Fiona lifted her body and turned her head to make eye contact with Femme before positioning back on the table. "I'll give you a tip. Have Billie request Peta assist research whatever she is planning from her activity at the airport yesterday. Billie put three business cards in her top pocket. Two of those cards refer to the fathers of the two class mates listed in Who's Who." Fiona flexed her body. "Might help."

Femme smiled for her own benefit. "Thank you. May I give you a tip?" Femme made a continuous pattern on Fiona's back as if circling a button. Felt Fiona's body melt into another sigh. "Take Beverly to the states on Monday. Then encourage her to go to Wyoming and school like the girls are suggesting. They'll have fun, so will you."

"I'll need a few books to read while waiting for them to come home from school. I hate the cold?"

"Why not volunteer at the school; ride on the big yellow bus with them. Thermopolis is a poor region. Yet the teachers do an amazing job turning out happy children. You'll learn about life and education on a budget. Plus Wyoming is full of surprises. My sister Kelly lives there. You'll like Kelly. You and Phillip share a lot of common ground about choices and loving people. She only ever had dreams about two potential partners, yet she knew it could never be. For years, even though she wanted to, she couldn't show an interest in anyone except her father or her best friends husband. Thought she'd never fall in love. Yet now she's happily settled and done okay. Married a soldier called David who is also Billie's brother.

Femme made another button circle on Fiona's upper back. "I feel emotion in these shoulders. Emotion shared only with Phillip; secrets of forbidden love, common ground drawing you together and holding you apart. I also feel the insecurity you hide from Phillip. He pretends too. He's sure an artist such as you can only fall in love with a carefree Gypsy. You're both mistaken."

"You should stay with Kelly on Bison Pass, in Wyoming. It's gorgeous there. They have views along the Wind River Valley and the town of Dubois. Great place for an artist to think and paint. Kelly could arrange for you to travel down to Owl Creek at the other end of the property, where you can sit all day watching the Bighorn River exit Wind River Canyon. Lovely backdrop, it's visually stimulating and loaded with history. Bison Pass is one of Matthew's properties and the Owl Creek homestead is my Mama Dibe's home address. While there, you could make friends with the neighbours. The girls will introduce you they're already friends, which is really why they want to go. The neighbouring property is Shoshone pride, where Billie's little planes are assembled. Turn up unannounced, like Phillip always does. You'll meet people who can teach you to ride bareback like the Indians. They'll explain about Gipsy culture. They'll probably know how someone like Phillip actually manages to pay the bills and how he plans for the future. You could talk. Who knows? You may ease your mind about Gipsies, paint up a storm and create something truly grand, a keeper."

Marge stood by the fuel stove. She was watching and waiting, ready to change trays in the oven. Peta spooned the ingredient of a mixing bowl. The girl's face was occupied. She looked pretty and seemed happy. Marge couldn't resist speaking. "Do you cook at school?" Then rolled her eyes before adding. "Is there somewhere where you can cook?"

Peta kept spooning; didn't look up. "There's a small kitchen in the dormitory. Some girls, mostly the ones studying domestic science, make cakes and such." Her voice become harsher, "We need approval from Matron. She insists on inspecting everything afterwards. Makes sure the place is spotlessly clean. She's like a Nazi."

Marge grinned. "When it comes to cleanliness around the kitchen I'm something of a Nazi myself."

"I guess. Mum I'm sorry I said those horrible things about you earlier. I know Billie is my sister. Jamie and I have always known. I don't know why I say the things I do." Peta looked into her mother's eyes. "Mum, I think I'm controlled by demons. I'm mad. I don't know what to do. Can I leave school and stay at home?"

Marge looked at her daughter for a long moment not sure what to say. Eventually she decided Peta was serous. "The quick answer is you're fourteen. You can't leave school, you're too young." She took a long breath. "If you say what the matter is, at school, we could work something out. Last year Jamie wanted to leave school. What he really wanted was to change schools and he did. Now he's keen as mustard, looking forward to going to University. His emails are full of positive vibes, makes me feel proud. You must have noticed how motivated and keen he is."

Peta stopped stirring her bowl, spoke with a sharp edge in her voice. "I have noticed. He's half the problem. It's all right for him. Boys can do anything. No one cares what he does. He can go out at night without a chaperone. Besides, he's got plenty of money."

Marge noted the passion in her daughter's voice, decided to bring the topic back on focus. "Okay. Would you prefer go to day school and come home each night."

"How? We live in the middle of no where."

"I'm not sure how. We could move closer to town. If you were keen enough we could probably arrange for you to be home schooled." Marge studied her daughter's face, saw no response, "I'd like you to get a good education, go to University. Life can be hard on people, especially girls, without a strong education foundation."

Peta seemed calm again. "Is that what it was like for you?"

Marge nodded. Lowered her head. "I've been lucky, very lucky lately. But yes it was hard once." Marge nodded again for her own benefit. "Lots of really intelligent ladies scrub floors for the want of a decent education when they were young."

Marge returned her focus to the stove. Picked up a potholder and opened the oven. She removed two trays and placed them on the cooling rack, while saying. "Come on. Keep stirring. We're falling behind."

Peta was silent for a few minutes. When she was almost finished spooning the bowl's contents onto a cooking tray she said, "I don't know what I want to do. Everyone is good at something, except me. I've got no shape. I'm too tall."

"Be patient. You're only fourteen. You'll have plenty of curves in a few years. Is that what the problem is at school?"

"No it's not the problem. I suppose... it is a bit. Why couldn't I be short, curvy and pretty like Femme? She's gorgeous."

"I don't have an answer for you. But I do know you're not alone. I'd like to be as pretty as Femme. Or her mother; Dibe is pure elegance. Pregnancy becomes her. I love the way she dresses, how it complements her figure." Marge shook her head and grinned. "The bombín, bowler hat, pollera skirts and her colourful manta throws. She and Matthew flew to Belivia to purchase her current wardrobe. Said it was the trappings of wealth, not their wealth, her wealth. I thought they were crazy until I saw how unique and beautiful she looks dressed so."

Marge again smiled, looked kindly at her daughter. "You should witness the people round here watching when we go to town. As quiet as Dibe is she loves the attention. Says she does it for Matthew and to help herself feel happy. Plus it's her way of bringing some colour to the district."

Marge touched Peta on the arm. "I noticed you've outgrown your hemlines and you're now too old for mother chosen lacy bows. Probably time we gave you a wardrobe makeover. We could ask Dibe and Femme for help, if you agree. They're both super smart with an eye for practical fashion. Plus Femme has practice buying clothes for your sister. You may have noticed she's rather tall and seems to carry herself okay." Marge shrugged, "Then, when we have you looking smart we'll talk about options for school. How does that sound?"

Peta's eyes found colour, her face grew into a smile. "You'll let me choose my own clothes? Where will we go?"

"You're fourteen, older enough to choose clothes." Marge grinned. "Within reason. No idea where to go. We'll ask the experts. We've got lots of aeroplanes here now, might as well use them for something important."

## Chapter 05

"Look. Billie's in the air again and appears to be heading home though she'll get there long before we do. Don't think she was delivering Kimi because there is still no sign of your father's plane. I know Billie would never leave Kimi somewhere alone to wait for the other plane." Jamie pointed at the moving map then glanced at his travelling companion Mitsuko before adding. "Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt your reading. Is it a good book?"

Mitsuko closed the book without marking where she was up to. "No it's rubbish. It's a library book. Someone at school said they liked it. Supposed to be a quintessential modern romance. It's full of sex. I'm not reading anymore." Mitsuko studied the moving map and looked at the identifier for Billie's plane leaving Century Mine Airfield, which Jamie had alluded to. "So the plot thickens. What's this over here?" Mitsuko pointed to another fast plane identified on a course slightly to their north and listed with the same destination, Pituri Downs.

Jamie nodded, "Been keeping an eye that. My money is on someone flying Mum's fancy new plane home. Bit of a disappointment, was intending to beg to accompany Billie just to fly somewhere in that thing." Jamie shrugged mostly for his own benefit. "If we join the dots I'm guessing Billie flew to Century Mine to pick up a high roller, mining somebody while a pilot flies from Toowoomba tasked to deliver whoever to wherever; before returning to Toowoomba in the CJ4." He waved a hand in the air. All problems solved, except my ride in the new plane with Billie at the controls explaining everything about it to me."

Mitsuko smiled, "Well I've been sitting here trying to workout what you'll think if I ask to fly down to your place for a day over the holidays. I'll tell everyone it's so we can study together."

Jamie glanced away from the windscreen to make eye contact before speaking. "I'd be quick to think it a great idea. Was trying to find an excuse to go the other way; to study." He grinned. "Thought I'd talk to Mum first. Convince her to let me fly a Leopard Moth on my own. Or maybe I should also offer to take Peta to see Kimi." He stopped speaking a moment then added. "With a good synchronised story we could probably manage parental approval to do both. You come to our place for a day and I'll go to yours another day."

He turned his attention back to flying. "What subject should we get together for?"

"Can I tell you something first. It's about Ethel and Daphne. I want to ask for help. But before I ask I want to tell you something, which is related and I want you to promise not to involve any of us if... when the topic comes up at your place."

Jamie offered a quick glance and nodded.

Mitsuko continued, "Kimi is trying to pull away from being close to Peta. She thinks she'll get into trouble if she doesn't. The teachers are starting to view her assignments and such with a harsher assessment. Kimi's worried, has even talked about asking Mum to let her change schools. That does worry her because Mum wants her to go to school in Japan and Kimi doesn't want a Japanese education."

Mitsuko turned slightly in her seat to face Jamie. "What really worries Kimi is how rude Peta is becoming to shop assistants and such. Kimi doesn't want to be near Peta in public and neither do I. We don't want to be branded with the same feedback and gossip. We're both convinced Peta is really heading for a fall, one that will be hard for her to recover from socially."

"Enough said on that topic." Mitsuko rolled her eyes. "Ethel finishes school this year like us and as things are she can't afford to go to University. She has asked my Father if he would employ her as a Jillaroo, which I hope Dad does. She's brighter than I am. The trouble is, if she starts working on the property she'll never get the opportunity to finish her flying training. Means she'll never become a commercial pilot and that's what she'd love to do. It even means she won't ever be able to fly with several passengers. So she won't even be able to fly Kimi and Daphne to school, which is another complication in itself. Means Dad will be lumped with flying the kids to school again."

"It gets worse. From next year Daphne will be at school on her own." Mitsuko bit her lip. "Please don't tell anyone who might drop this to my Mother. I've been sharing my allowance with Ethel who then shares the same with Daphne. They only have a dollar a week each to live on. That's all their parents can afford. They have a scholarship to go to school and traditionally Dad pays the cost to get them back and forward but they can't even afford soap. Anyway when I leave and Daphne is on her own she will really struggle."

Mitsuko looked at her hand a moment before adding. "Now I'll link the two stories together. Some time ago Ethel applied for a job cleaning in the food court on weekends, etc and the lady doing the hiring rejected her on sight. Told her straight out they'd seen her in company with Peta, or more specifically, that Page girl. Apparently Peta is public enemy number one around the shopping precinct, which is why Kimi wants to break free and be seen to put distance between them. Anyway Ethel has tried for several jobs and doesn't even get past the first stare. This means next year Daphne will have the same problem unless someone takes steps to give her... them both a chance to prove their worth." Mitsuko took a long breath. "Could you help me work out how to ask Billie to provide the reference they both need and perhaps even come up with a way to help Ethel realise her dream to someday becoming a commercial pilot. I'd love to add, help her go to University; but..."

Silence caused Jamie to glance across the plane, discover Mitsuko's eyes were holding onto tears. He placed his free hand on hers. Gave it a squeeze. "Come on. No tears. Think I know how to help. We'll initiate something as soon as we land. Be cleverer than a straight scientific approach to Billie and amount to achieving the same result."

*****

"No. Easy mistake though. Santa is my second cousin, one of them. We used to round up reindeer together. When we got older I helped him pack parcels in the sleigh after work. That was when we all lived together in Rovaniemi, a one-room apartment on the second floor with a view over the Kemijoki River. My beard was longer than cousin Santa back then. We both used to dip one finger in our milk to taste before drinking." Matthew nodded a few times, seemed pleased with his story and happy to witness the sparkle of fascinated wonder in the child's eyes.

Matthew was finally responding to Em's probing questions. She'd thought, for some time, Matthew may be Santa Claus.

Matthew was seated on the floor, back against his favourite verandah post. Em squatted beside him snuggled in one arms and talking nine to the dozen while looking up at Matthew's face.

Seated on Matthew's left lower shin, with a foot planted on the ground each side, Jay rested his back against Matthew's foot to make a perfectly sized and improvised chair. In Jay's mind he was even the correct distance from Matthew for socialising. This had become the boy's favourite spot for studying Matthew. The boy silently waved one arm, a kind-of ye' whatever gesture, to complement Matthew's story.

Jay didn't talk as much as his vocal sister, though he communicated just as well with Uncle Matthew. Both selected words sparingly. Often gestures designed to convey an intended meaning accompanied or substituted single words. Neither found much need for sentence construction. Even periods of silent could convey meaning in Matthew's world. Jay had become his apprentice.

Katsu Kido, the Japanese patriarch of the family Billie recently delivered from Century Mine moved closer and sat on a chair watching. His wife was inside the house with the women taking in the layout of a western country kitchen. Their two daughters were discovering what girls on Pituri Downs do for entertainment. Girlish laughter could be heard coming from the direction of the goat paddock.

Katsu nodded and received the same from Matthew. "Nice place." He waited a moment before adding. "The lady who flew us here introduced herself as Billie Page; I recognise her. She's not just a Hope Air pilot but rather the owner of Hope Air, Billie Hope. Isn't she?" He smiled and nodded again, "And I assume she's a relative of yours."

Matthew nodded, "Correct. Billie... It's a little complicated actually. She currently resides in the USA and has dual citizenship. Over there her name is officially Billie Page. Here, technically her name is still Hope. Billie is my daughter-in-law." Matthew smiled. "These two..." He gestured toward Em and Jay. "Are my Grandchildren, Billie's and my step daughter's children."

Katsu again nodded. "I'm informed you're Matthew Wotton, owner of VerMatt Pastoral Holdings."

Matthew nodded more to himself this time. "I am, in name only. Technically I'm like Billie. My name is Matthew Page." Matthew grinned at Katsu. "And I might as well add; I've been informed you're Katsu Kido, the restaurateur and tourist promoter." Matthew nodded again. "Considering probably half the tourist passengers Hope Air conveys somewhere are organised through your company; what on earth were you doing out there in such an unsuitable aircraft?"

Katsu looked at the ground, seemed to shake several no's from his head. "Good question. I knew I'd been conned the moment I saw the aircraft but..." He stopped talking to look at the lake before adding. "And I understood why they tried it on the moment I set eyes on Billie's Hope Air plane. We'd like to buy a place somewhere remote like... like here. Put up a Western, Eastern home sign."

His expression drifted away looking at the lake. "I've grown to like the idea of running my affairs from a distance." He nodded. "My wife is a landscape artist; she's good. She likes the light, the yellows, the red and the uncaptured space on display out here. The stumbling block is isolation. With two teenage daughters keen to make their way in the world it seems selfish of my wife and I to withdraw and hide away. Yet Japan isn't a kind place for daughters. Everyone thinks a son should take charge of business." Katsu nodded. "I'll admit. Would have loved to be blessed with a son. But I have two daughters and I'm going to do everything I can to assist them realise their full potential. Neither my wife nor myself is prepared to stand around waiting for them to marry and allow their husband to assume charge of our child and the family business."

He nodded again, "Then I heard talk about personalised aircraft specifically set-up to travel in remote areas. Also heard the most impressive of these aircraft are owned by Billie and they look deceptively old. I've also discovered a growing number of teenage children actually fly their own planes to and from school." He threw his arms in front of himself and smiled. "What can I say? Should have approached Billie directly." Again he lifted a hand in thought. "Couldn't see anything remotely old about the plane she collected us in. Yet it did the job. Plus, when we arrived I was rather impressed to notice you have another plane just like it sitting here."

Matthew also nodded, "Think we need to take you on a tour of our aircraft stable, talk over a few technical details. Could even be beneficial to arrange a quick ride in a few. The plane Billie flew you here in is a rather expensive town commute. Very impressive, yet it's a commercial plane someone financially secure might hire to undertake similar trips to that flown today. Other than that, we can't even fly next-door in that plane. The similar looking plane parked beside it is quite a different machine. Takes forever to get airborne but when it does... could convey you and your family to Miyazaki Airport non-stop, in seven hours." Matthew nodded to himself. "Both those aircraft come with commercial pilots to do the flying." He looked at his watch. "No time like the present. Feel like looking at our aeroplanes?"

Matthew waited until Mr Kido nodded positively. "What should interest you most is we have a range of smaller aircraft capable of being owned and flown by private pilots. They're specifically designed to overcome any obstacles created by living out here."

Matthew lifted his hands. "We have three plane types worth looking over. Two are the ones everyone seems to identify as old looking. The newest and probably most suitable for your needs is due to arrive home shortly. Perfect plane for a family to independently undertake the flight you originally planned today." He grinned, "Would need a pilot or two in the family."

"If you'd like we could arrange a quick family outing in each. In fact there is still time to whip out and join up with the older kids flying home from school. They'll arrive here in about an hour." Matthew winked and grinned. "We could show your girls how independent teenagers can be around here. They're the last four still on the journey home. They set off yesterday afternoon and slept the night at an airport halfway here. Billie and her Mother conveyed three girls and a teacher here last night. So it was pure luck we had the right plane available to fetch you. One of our small planes, the Leopard Moth, was flown to Toowoomba yesterday and returned with the two youngest children. We will definitely show you that plane. It can fly anywhere in Australia from here without refuelling. The perfect Mum's taxi, uncomplicated, safe, reliable and simple to operate. Appears to dawdle along yet often it's the fastest way to travel out here. Able to accommodate the two thousand four hundred and fifty kilometre round trip to school and back without the need for any intermediate stops."

Matthew looked down toward Em. "Want to go for a ride in the Phil and Ted mobile?" The girl's face grew into a positive smile. Matthew looked to his feet, at Jay. "What about you champ. You coming to show Mr Kido our aeroplanes?"

The boy raised his left hand to head height, one finger intentionally pointed skyward. "Tit." After speaking he dropped the hand back to his knee.

"Oh." Matthew turned to Katsu. "The lad needs a toilet break. Without even altering his tone Matthew continued talking to Jay. "You sure," Got a nod. "Where's your swag?"

The boy lifted both hands, made a puzzle. Then raised all the fingers of his left hand to indicate a solution; said, "Mama Hat."

"Okay." Matthew nodded. "Up we get."

As the children pulled themself up he lifted each into an arm and spoke to Katsu "Small delay for me. While I catch up, I'll talk the women into taking you and your family for a flight. When you return I'd like to show you few of the commercial products we have and how they could be used to advantage hauling boutique tourists about. If these ideas take your fancy we could find time for a discussion about some value adding I've been mulling over for some time. Ideas that could well benefit both our family business interests."

Matthew entered the Kitchen. "Is there someone here called Mama Hat? Apparently she knows what happened to Jay's swag."

Dibe tilted her head and smiled, "Swag? You'd like his diaper bag?"

"No. He... we need access to his swag. Apparently there should be a potty dangling on the side. Then we'll probably need the diaper bag. Point us in the right direction we can manage the rest. While we're doing what needs doing why don't you and Anahita take the Kido family flying. Thought they might like to fly out, find and join up with Jamie and the three girls still on their way home from school. Probably best if you take the parents in a Leopard Moth and the girls, with Najwa and Maliha in a Fox Moth. Or they might prefer go together in the Caravan and take all the girls. Let them work it out." He grinned. "Katsu can explain why on the walk to the planes." Matthew thought a moment, raised a hand. "Make sure someone informs Mrs Kido the lady having a massage out there under the tree is the artist, Fiona Goodchild."

Billie sat across from Matthew, made eye contact and added a nod. She had Fiona Goodchild in tow. "Fiona wants to paint your portrait. Enter your likeness in the Archibald. Probably call the canvas 'Mr four percent' to keep everyone guessing. What do you say?"

"Struth." Matthew scratched his head. "I'm not standing on a fence post balancing on one leg in my birthday suit waiting for paint to dry."

Fiona answered, after emitting a quaint chuckle. "I would like to paint you. No nudity, no one legging on a fence post. Just you as you are now will do nicely." Fiona glanced at Billie. "I wanted Elizabeth and turned to Billie hoping she could convince her to pose because I couldn't. Billie chose you instead. She said you're the one with the winning look. She got it right. You're full of intrigue and mystery, Peter Pan. Billie always gets it right." She turned to Billie. "Why Mr four percent?"

Billie rolled her eyes and glanced at Matthew. "Are you going to do it?"

"What would be in it for me?"

Billie glanced at Fiona then answered. "Your Grandchildren will get to see you hanging on the art gallery wall." She pointed, "Down there in the big city where all the toffs live." She grinned. "Little old ladies will fantasise over your likeness. Probably have impure dreams on the strength of your unseen body."

"Struth. What do I have to do? How long do I have to sit stone-faced, or whatever?"

Fiona spoke. She'd been staring at Matthew. "Let me take some photos of you sitting here; just as you are. Need to witness how much you change when I start snapping photos. I'll do some sketches and see what jumps off the page. Probably take me a few days. Then I'll show you what's happened and we'll talk again. May need to set-up something to draw out and capture what we need. Whatever transpires it won't take long for you. Can only paint when I'm alone, mostly I take photos and make sketches, pin them to the wall. Get cranky and rude when something interrupts me, which is silly because then I can't paint until... Femme's massage returns." Fiona tilted her head to one side. "Mr four percent?"

Billie spoke. "Matthew's pastoral holding represent four-percent of Australian's land mass."

Fiona's eyes expanded. "You're kidding me?" She chuckled. "Great name. With your face..." She nodded her head.

Matthew threw a hand in the air. "Billie worked that out. I wouldn't have a clue. Better ask the wife what she thinks about this paint business. If we can agree, might commission you to do one of her too, for the place in Wyoming. Plus, I'd like to arrange a cast of Dibe's torso before she has the baby. Billie organised the same of Femme, looks good. That was in Kentucky. Are you up to managing the project? Probably need to be while Debe is asleep unless we get our persuasive Femme onside."

Fiona smiled. "I can do that?"

"Does anyone know where Peta is?"

Marge placed a tray of barbecued meats and another containing an assortment of salads on the table as she spoke.

Billie answered. "Before, when I was in the kitchen she asked me if I had two hundred bucks on me and walked toward her room. I suspect she's in there writing." Billie made eye contact with her mother. "Hope she is. Her ambition flows forward when she writes. Suppose someone should remind her it's lunchtime."

Billie commenced to climb out of the camp kitchen lunch bench but Marge placed a hand on her shoulder. Stay there; I'll go." She squeezed her hand. "Something is amiss with Peta. It's worrying her and it's worrying me. Eventually she'll say that it is. I sincerely hope it's not what I suspect." Marge squeezed her hand again, released Billie and walked toward the house.

## Chapter 06

"How are we doing?" Matthew finally cornered Katsu. They were still eating nibbles but most of the serious food was being cleared away. They had the table to themself.

Katsu nodded, thought a moment then nodded again. "My girls are happy, all three of them at the same time. Life is good." He smiled. "A pleasant surprise. Today didn't start out this way."

"Are you in a hurry to get to Alice Springs?"

"No. We've seen what we want to see, along the way and here. Don't even care whether we go to Alice Springs any more. We were only to be there a day and now we need to find our way back to Cairns within three days so we can return to Japan on schedule." He nodded. "I have more questions, if you don't mind."

"Fire away. I'll try to come up with suitable answers."

The two young girls, the ones my daughters seem to have bonded well with. They're not Australian are they? They said their names... Can't remember. Though I do recall thinking I'd struggle to pronounce them correctly. The reason I ask is I'd like to know what school they attend and, I suppose, their status in Australia. They seem good role models to help my girls settle into living here." He raised his hands. "Help my wife relax should her little girls go off to live at school, all alone."

Matthew grinned, gave a small chuckle, "Najwa and Maliha. They're from Afghanistan. I assure you the families are here forever. It's what they want and if necessary I'll use all the influence wealth affords me to keep them here." Matthew nodded to himself. "Technically both families live here as guests of the US military. I'm sure you noticed Najwa's artificial leg. Without going into too much detail, she lost the leg in an accident involving an out of control US aircraft. The US military did the right thing and actually asked Marge if the families could live and work here while they set things right. Maliha, her mother and another Afghan, Zahir, who you've yet to meet, were relocated here to avoid reprisal from afghan terrorist." He lifted his head and grinned. "The military personnel stationed here were originally to accommodate the needs of the families and protect them. But someone came up with the idea of flying drones for entertainment and..." Matthew scratched his head, "And I'm not sure they'll ever go home now. They seem to think of here as the cushiest overseas posting on the books." He grinned again. "They're good company. Nice kids."

Matthew stopped talking, seemed finished then raised a hand. "Schools. All the girls go to the same school in Toowoomba. Not a bad place. Doesn't seem to do them any harm. I won't bore you with the detail. Have your wife ask Fiona to fill you in. Could probably even arrange a look see outing for you all." Matthew nodded, "Doesn't just paint, she's a teacher at the school and as it happens she's also their Tutor Mother. Lives in the dormitory with them." Matthew nodded again and immediately went back to trolling though the mixed nuts, collecting cashews.

"Did you encourage your Grandchild to stuff a hand in her milk?"

Matthew sat up straighter, faked surprise and offered Dibe the two cashews he'd just retrieved. He'd watched her walk toward him, loved her elegance. The subtle sway of hips, unflappable focus and an inability to hide happy contentment within the purpose of mind expression she carried.

She'd sat across from him, removed her bombin, placed it on the table and with detailed care from just one finger troubled to align the hat into perfect orientation. She pulled and adjusted the lay of her manta via contact with both shoulders, nodded a courtesy for Mr Kido's benefit then aimed and released the Grandchild question at Matthew.

"Struth." Matthew scratched his head. "Her milk? We're discussing little Em. One mystery solved."

"We're discussing Jay too. There is a sequence to follow. Em wouldn't hear of using a sippy cup. Insisted on a mug like Poppa Maffy. She then proceeded to dunk her whole hand, caused a tidal wave everywhere, especially in her lap. The hand didn't retract so she also raised the mug above her head, caused a total top to bottom drenching. My daughter, with the Zook twins in tow are inside cleaning and calming little Em as we speak. The girl is mildly traumatised. We all are."

"Struth. Poor little tinker. Crying over spilt milk." He nodded twice. "Still we live and learn. Part of life's journey." He nodded again. "Because she wants an enamel mug like mine doesn't make me a villain, more a role model."

"Oh. I'm just starting. Little Em's trouble is the entree. Your Grandson, Jay, silently watched the mug, hand incident from start to finish before nodding just like you would and clearly emitted the 'F' word. Twice. Even gestured with his hand, just like you do."

"Struth." The utterance came out louder. He played with his chin and grinned. "Pretty serious. Still he is a chatty little fellow. Mostly he makes a lot of sense." Matthew put a hand over his heart. "I didn't teach him the 'F' word. Heard a rumour jogging is responsible. Apparently Pinkie drove the stroller over Billie's foot." He waved a hand, made a circle. "Things escalated." He paused a moment. "Clearly nothing to do with me."

Dibe blow out a breath, pointed a finger. "You sound like Billie." She nodded like he does. "Right at this moment my daughter and I both think we married the village idiot." She raised her eyebrows. "Now we'll talk about the 'T' word, which in Jay speak once clearly meant, 'I'm hungry'. Femme and I were confused about this potty business for which you have already taken full credit. We've just discovered Jay isn't reusing the vulgar 'T' word as a substitute for, 'I'd like to use the potty.' Apparently his vocabulary is much more advanced. Billie enlightened us, pointing out Jay has a problem getting his mouth around words containing 'R' or 'S'. He substitutes t'uck for truck and 'nake for snake. Which means what we hear as the 'T' word, with a different hand signal, as you pointed out, is actually a new word. The 'S' word, something you didn't point out. If I were you I'd avoid Femme for an hour or two. Perhaps even longer." Dibe waved the pointing finger. "However, you seem able to deliver concepts of expression within the complexity of a developing young male mind better than we can." She nodded like he would. "Two weeks. You have two weeks, fourteen days. If that boy doesn't stop using this new 'S' word, the 'T' or that..." She stopped to shake her head. "Disgusting 'F' word, we will be forced to act. We will probably contrive less subtly concepts. For example, we wouldn't rule out remedial violence."

Matthew shook his head, looked genuinely hurt. "You can't smack the little fellow. Not for that. He's trying to communicate." Matthew nodded, "Doing a pretty good job."

"No one said a thing about smacking children. We're talking about bashing some common sense into the child's Grandfather."

Dibe bowed a courtesy to an amused Mr Kido, replaced her hat, stood and retraced her steps toward the homestead.

Alone again with Matthew and out of Dibe's earshot, Katso chuckled openly. "A masochist would probably use the 'F' word to describe your current tenure." He chuckled further, "Not me, I've got a wife and two teenage daughters. I'm sympathetic, but I've also learnt to keep my head down at all times." He chuckled yet again. "You alluded to a mutual business plan earlier?" He grinned. "Talking it through might distract your mind from more pressing problems."

Matthew nodded and frowned. "Yahhh. We've been researching the viability of a few high-end tourist establishments on our properties." He nodded. "Very boutique eco tourism. We propose a door-to-door service. Ten people Max. Basically the clients would see the inside of those jets out there and accommodation to match." He nodded again and raised both arms a moment. "We own two properties with World Heritage listed National Parks totally contained within the property boundary, plus we have four other properties with World Wildlife endangered species listing. We work with the scientists and over time have gained their complete confidence." He nodded again. "Deep down, I'm a bit of a greenie. In a couple of cases I purchased the properties on purpose. The only real difference is how they're managed. Each needs to be run by a qualified naturalist who also possesses a working knowledge of running dry broad acre beef."

He thought a moment and found a few cashews. "The big problem is cost run and our tax system." He nodded. "This might be of interest to your wife if you move out here because it applies to primary producers and artists in this country. Income is averaged over five years. Mostly that's a good thing, but it means cost write-offs incur the same slow recovery. Costs like building a cat proof fence around a Night Parrot breading area take years to recover off our bottom line." He raised a hand waved and returned the hand to the table. "A tourist venture would recover that total cost in the same year. Now we get to the sticky part. We can't have grey nomads turning up at the gate stumping all over these areas. Nor can we have bus loads of old ladies but we could control high end plane travelling, boutique eco tourists who are educated enough to understand the unique experience of witnessing and protecting something so beautiful and rare. In return for their support we'd treat them to, I don't know, six star accommodation and transport, out here."

Katso nodded, "What would our roll be in this venture?"

"Staff and contacts. I've got a notion Japan is a good place to commence the search for a steady supply of people with deep pockets and a desire to take the time to witness several wonderful creatures that could very easily never be seen again. Japan is the one place we wouldn't need to vet people who want to shoot the last Night Parrot on earth, or skin themselves a bilby." He nodded. "Have this idea; to get off the ground we could use your trained staff for a week or two to look after our guests in a manner befitting their outlay and to which both client and staff are accustomed." Again he nodded. "I'm talking about borrowing your staff, perhaps even during their holidays. Fly them in, just like the guests and pay them another wage while they're here." Again he nodded. "Around here people aren't accustomed to high rollers, it's a problem. They're friendly, but being friendly involves spilling beer while telling smutty jokes. Nothing wrong with that in small doses, though at five thousand dollars an hour it can wear rather thin quite quickly."

Matthew nodded several times and found more cashews. "Probably like your input on accommodation design needs and I'd love the opportunity to visit your establishments in Japan with a behind the polished facade tour. Plus seeing as how you don't need to go to Alice Springs, could I interest you and your family in being treated to a working example of what I'm talking about." He nodded. "Take a few days to see what's available. Only thing missing from your trip would be the purpose built accommodation. I'm sure we can bunk you all down with a bit of style." Matthew raised one hand and dropped it. "I'll throw in flying you home as well and welcome your candid view of what's on offer and what's missing."

Katso nodded. "That's very generous. I'd need to consult with the girls before I commit to anything. Business wise I am interested. On the surface a trip here would create a wonderful bonus system within our staff reward package. With time at this end, it could work both ways." He nodded, "You're right to think Japan. People willingly pay good money to purchase unique memories. Some of our restaurants and hotels cater to the very clients you seek."

Matthew grinned, "Well we need to afford you the opportunity to capture a few good snaps, take them home for the wall." Matthew turned off his smile. "Not sure whether you know this or not. "Four of the girls over there," Matthew pointed, "Will leave shortly to fly the rest of the way home. They still have four hours of flying ahead of them. The Japanese speaking girl on the plane with you earlier, Kimi, and her pilot sister over there," Matthew again pointed "Mitsuko, are Isoroku Yamashitsu's daughters. The other two girls, Ethel and Daphne's parents work for Iso. They're all going to Barkley Station. I know your business is their biggest customer and I also know you've never seen the property. Would you like to change that?" Matthew kept talking. "If you do I could show you how I plan to use these planes and this country to treat people special. Plus Iso, who is keen to become involved in the tourist venture, can show you about, even arrange for you and your family to experience a, perfectly safe, close up encounter with man-eating crocodiles. Then feed you like never before. The man is a genius preparing steak." Mathew grinned. "What do you think?"

Katsu nodded. "I like the idea, like it a lot. Just what my daughters need. Suppose I'd best discuss the matter with my wife."

Matthew waved a hand in Katsu's direction. "I won't be around to take you on your adventure personally. I'm off to the states first light tomorrow. I'll ring my man Stewart, have him organise everything and even accompany you. He'll catch up to you later today at Iso's place and accompany you all the way to Japan. He's a good man. I'm sure you'll be impressed."

Katsu nodded and lifted himself from the table, headed for the homestead verandah where Mrs Kido was consumed in discussion with Fiona Goodchild.

Alone, Matthew returned to the nut bowl, before he'd even found a cashew Jamie slipped into the seat beside him.

Jamie looked at the gathering of girls some twenty feet away and nodded to Mitsuko. He smiled and pointed a waving finger in front of himself.

Before he had time to open his mouth Matthew said. "I'm about to be railroaded aren't I?"

Jamie found voice, "Not really. This is a good offer. A chance to get in on the ground floor of something big." Jamie grinned. "Read that in a book somewhere. You need a Girl Friday."

"A what? I've got a wife. She's a girl. Why would I want a second one every Friday."

"No you're not listening straight. You need someone to run errands. Do odd jobs. Take Monty for an afternoon walk when it's raining. I don't know, fly to town and bring you back an ice cream. Wash the truck." He thought a moment. "Now there's a good idea. If you had a Girl Friday, you could send her to town in your fancy truck and when she's about there, fly yourself to town, get in the truck and go for an ice cream. Then fly home while the Girl Friday drives the truck."

"Struth. Do they hand out drugs at that school you go to now?" Matthew thought a moment. "Why would I need someone to drive the truck to town?"

"Save time. You're a busy person. Time is money."

"They do give you drugs. How about we save time by not going to town."

"What about the ice cream?"

"We go without. It's like you said. I'm a businessperson. Waste not, want not."

Jamie grinned, "What about when you need clean boots?"

"Clean boots?" Matthew scratched his head. "Never needed them before."

"You're married now. A family man needs a Girl Friday to arrange getting his boots cleaned."

"Suppose you'd be the fellow who'd know just where to find a good Girl Friday if I needed one."

"Me no. You'd need one of those properly qualified recruitment administrators to fly out here, assess your needs. She'd then go away and develop a plan, consult, ponder, return to re-assess your needs. Make recommendations for changes needed to staff amenities. Eventually she'd bring four girls for you to choose from, help you interview them and recommend her own daughter get the job."

"Struth." Matthew scratched his head.

Jamie shrugged, "I guess if you were in a hurry to find someone capable for a specific job like contacting all the students on a VerMatt scholarship to check they receive their correct living allowance. I could probably recommend someone for something like that."

"Run that past me again, just the part about living allowance. What do you know that I don't?"

"You should check these things. I've heard rumours some kids don't get their allowance entitlements. This applies particularly to scholarship holders from the lower social economic families. They find it hard going at school. Need to find a job just to pay their expenses and frankly those very some people are the ones who struggle finding reasonable employment. You should have someone on the ground, could approach the students casually to check these things, thus allowing the VerMatt Foundation to formally help the families with professional budgeting. Plus this same Girl Friday would be available to arrange things. Deliver Ice cream, dry cleaning, shoe shine; fetch a new computer out here by plane. Act as caretaker for the duplex you and Billie will no doubt purchase in Toowoomba when you hear what's on offer."

"Fly? So this Girl Friday can fly. Would her name start with 'M'?"

"No. More likely to be an 'E'."

"Okay. Before any introduction fill me in with all the detail. Suppose I should also listen to the logic behind this duplex caper."

Jamie nodded before explaining what he knew.

"See you took Peta for a flight in the velocity. I guess that's going to cost me another hundred bucks in half an hour." Billie spoke to her mother. Peta was already on the way to her room, obviously in thought, planning another story.

"You don't mind?"

"No, not at all. I offered the money as a challenge to motivate her." She smiled, "It's working."

Marge looked distant, worried. "Billie, Peta and I should stay here tomorrow." Marge looked down shook her head. "We can't go to the states for a little while."

"Why would that be? Guess I should ask whether Peta agrees with you?"

"We haven't discussed travel plans. We've just talked about her problems. We need to visit a doctor and have her checked. From what she said we should do so as quickly as possible."

"Sounds serious?"

"She's getting regular headaches. Says she feels woozy while on her back with her head on a pillow. Apparently on her side she feels the same without a pillow. On top of that she's having dizzy spells if she tries to run, exercise or even move quickly. Occasionally her eyes lose focus and when that happens she can't understand what people are saying. Sometimes she can't remember what's happened. Silly little thing tells me this has been going on for almost a year. She thought it might go away but it's getting much worse."

"Sounds serious. Do you know who you're going to take her to see?"

"No I don't, which is another worry. Thought I'd contact the flying Doctor base in Mount Isa today and seek their advice."

"Why not come to America. I know exactly where to take her. We'll make the arrangements now so she'll be able to see them virtually as soon as we arrive."

"But the cost will be much greater over there."

"The cost is nothing compared to the waiting and guessing games you'll be forced to play here. We need to find out what's wrong as soon as we can so the problem can be rectified. We'll take her to Kelly's family clinic in Kentucky. They'll run test and involve whoever is necessary to find a solution. Things will happen quickly."

"I'd like that. Think I need that. Are you sure the cost won't matter. We're foreigners, we'll need to pay everything out of our own pocket. I'd like to say I'll pay you back but if what I've heard of medical charges in America is even half true I doubt I'll ever be able to afford to."

"Don't worry about the cost. Between us we have more than enough to cover everything. What we need is you both over there, find out what the matter is and rectify things as soon as humanly possible." Billie smiled, "We'll leave tomorrow as scheduled." Billie took her mother's hand and squeezed. "We have another problem. Now seems a good time to bring it up. There are too many people for the plane."

Billie rolled her head to one side. "Master Chief, Junior Chief and myself need to leave early tomorrow to make it back to work on time. I'm not game to offload Mrs Master Chief. Dibe is too pregnant to fly with anyone else without a medical certificate. That puts Matthew on the plane with us. Em, Jay and Femme are a matching set. I'd like them to stay together and with me." Billie gave Marge's hand another squeeze. "Beverly and Fiona need to be on our plane. I can't really tell you why but it's important. That's a plane load."

"I've checked for a larger plane or another the same, there are none available for at least a week. The next best option is to fly the remaining people on a commercial flight. The fastest, and most fancy experience is out of Sydney to Fort Worth. It's a good trip, fifteen hours non-stop and after you clear customs, only another forty minutes to our place in Knob Noster. I'd suggest Peta, Najwa, Maliha, you and the Zook twins might be the best choice for that flight. We'll have you dropped off at Sydney airport in a chartered Hope Air jet. You can all fly first class and be met at the customs gate in Fort Worth. You'll be delivery to our home in another private jet." Billie smiled at her confused mother. "The girls will love the experience and so will you. I figure you'll be at our place about eight hours behind us and get to sleep in. When you arrive and after you've all had a rest we'll wiz the girls to Wyoming and you and Peta to Kentucky. If you stay with Kelly's Mother, Peta won't get a chance to be uncooperative. Margery will take her by the ear and march her to the clinic. She'll also take Peta shopping for clothes between appointments." Billie took and squeezed her Mother's hand yet again. "Sound Okay?"

"Yes it sounds fine. Lets get Peta over there.

## Chapter 07

"Don't know why you wore your school uniform. Surely you'd be more comfortable in a tee shirt and jeans." Marge chuckled. "Or flannelette Jim-jams and goofy slippers like Najwa and Maliha." Marge chuckled again. "I watched the girls change before bedding down. Now they're just sitting there like professional slippered slobs. Be interesting to see whether they can manage the transition back into clothes as elegantly while standing in front of everyone in full daylight. Perhaps they intend wearing pj's through customs."

"They may." Peta laughed. "At school they spend all winter in flannelette. Would wear pyjamas to class if allowed." Peta smiled. "They're pretty clever, can climb into their uniform then take the pyjamas off over the top somehow. You'll see." Peta leaned closer and spoke softly. "Have you noticed that disgusting man over their staring at them."

"Yes I have. He's done nothing but check us all out, even me." Marge rolled her eyes, "But his stares last longer on the Zook twins and seem more intense while focused toward the girls. Don't suppose he can do much harm here. Though it would be a worry to live alone and next door to someone like him." Marge shrugged, "Growing up I thought only poor people behave like that. Yet here we are at the very front of an airliner." Marge shrugged, "Not in my wildest dream did I ever think I'd get to sit here." Guess the last forty years have taught me a few things." Marge pondered a moment then added, "It's silly; the man is probably quite harmless. I'd say he's lonely. A lifetime of treating females as a possession shows all over his face. It's also the most likely reason he's lonely and travelling alone."

"That's thoughtful and poetic. You're a clever mother. I wore my school uniform and convinced Naj and Mal to wear theirs so we can show off. I've taken photos and already sent some to the school website. Even taken snaps of Naj and Mal in their Jim-jams. That'll be a real hit. The girls are called P1 and P2 at school" Peta touched her Mother's arm, something she rarely did. "There are six girls from school on this plane, travelling in a group with their families. They're on a package skiing holiday in Colorado. They're real snobs. All horse riders, in the debating club and on the school magazine team. They've been rabbiting on for weeks, telling everyone and acting like the royal family. They made a point of taking turn asking Beverly what she plans to do at school on her own before laughing at her. It seemed to give them great pleasure watching Beverly's eyes water over and it happened every time."

Marge displayed a puzzle, "How did you know they'd be on this flight?"

"I didn't. Miss Goodchild told me. She recommended we wear our school uniform so we'd be seen, and we were. I saw one pointing and talking in whispers when we were ushered past the crowd to our seats." Peta eyed her mother and smiled. "I suspect yesterday's plane wasn't full. It's more likely Miss Goodchild got Billie to put us on this flight. Miss Goodchild never says a word out of place at school but under the surface it's rather obvious she's really kind hearted and a committed social justice rebel."

Marge smiled at her daughter and nodded, "Well if it's important to you, do Miss Goodchild and Beverly proud. Walk down the back and do a, 'well I never... fancy meeting you here' kiss, kiss. But don't be rude; be absolutely charming. Take photos; send them to the school whatever. They'll be displayed as crowded together in economy. You've already sent your own images from up the front." Marge grinned, "You could even drop you're only in this flight because you gave your seat on the family jet to Beverly and Miss Goodchild. Act it out, wave a hand to explain we'll all be holidaying on the family ranch in Wyoming. Tell them it's gorgeous in the Wind River Valley, like Yellowstone without the crowd." Marge smiled, "Make sure you wish them a pleasant trip and ask about their connecting flight. With luck they may even tell you they're catching a bus." Marge grinned mischievously, "They're sure to respond and ask you your forward plans, which is when you casually drop the family jet is collecting you. You could even add; what a shame we didn't know we'd all be on the same flight. We could have dropped you off. We'll be flying over Colorado half an hour after we step off this plane, Wyoming is only a few more minutes further on."

Peta's face lit up. "I can be charming." She hesitated, "If you're sure it's okay?" Marge nodded, so Peta continued, "I'll ask Naj and Mal to come in their Jim-Jams." Peta giggled. "They'll do it. Mum you're a closet radical. I'm only an apprentice, have heaps to learn from the likes of you and Miss Goodchild." She shrugged, "Guess I'd learn a lot faster by listening better."

Marge presented her hands, smiled and returned the hands to her lap. "Suppose I am a radical deep down. I've never been able to stand mean spirited, cruel behaviour, from pretentious snobs. They make my skin crawl."

As Peta got out of her seat to approach Naj and Mal, Marge added, "Don't take too long. We've only another two hours up here. Above all remember to be charming and don't allow them to come back here with you. Remember the best way to get under their skin is to sway their parents into believing you're all lovely young ladies." Marge grinned again. "Your ultimate objective should be to convince the parents their children should be more like you."

The customs officer was young, male and pleasant. He shuffled the documents and checked Marge first, then processed Peta. He looked at Najwa and Maliha's military travel warrants for some time before making a confusing gesture with his manner and asking Marge. "Where are the girls' parents?"

"At home, in Australia." Marge pointed at the next document, "We've been through this before. This document authorises my guardianship of both girls from both the Parents and US Military for the duration of their travels, which includes their stay here in the USA."

"You don't have return tickets. How long do you intend to stay and how do you intend to support yourself while here?

We have our own finances. We all possess permanent multi-entry visas to the US, which are sponsored financially by Hope Air, Shoshone Pride Superior Carriage Company, the VerMatt Foundation and the Page Foundation. I can promise you we won't be a financial burden to your country. Haven't even discussed return dates but the girls are on school holidays so we'll obviously leave in, or before, three weeks. We will in all probability return to Australia together onboard a private aircraft. Last time I was here, which was only a week ago, I flew home in my own light aircraft. The Zook's..." Marge pointed over her shoulder, "Were on the support aircraft." Marge rolled her head. "There will be another flight in a few weeks, which I would love to pilot but I fear the newsworthy flying Grandmother, Amelia Chase and her Grand-daughter Elizabeth Ho are intent on taking control of that flight. They're media tarts," Marge grinned, "You'll see them on the news."

"Okay. The three girls are wearing a uniform. What does it represent?"

"Their school uniform. They all attend the same school."

"Is it a private school?"

"Yes. A private boarding school."

"Who pay the cost for their schooling?"

"I'm not quite sure. All three girls are in possession of the same privately sponsored corporate scholarship. However in Najwa and Maliha case I suspect the US government may reimburse those costs. I'm not privy to such matters. Although, scholarships aside, we parents each make a considerable financial commitment to the process."

"You're all only carrying cabin luggage. Why is that?"

"Our personal luggage is already in the USA. It was delivered yesterday on a private corporate flight. We picked up a few extra passengers on that flight. There weren't enough seats to go round and a larger aircraft wasn't available on short notice. We decided to fly on a scheduled flight to break the backlog of passengers."

"Where do you intend to stay while in the USA?"

"Various places. From here we will travel together to Whitman Air Force Base, Knob Noster Missouri. To my daughter's house, which will be our primary address while in the states. We'll also be spending time with my oldest son who resides on a ranch in Wyoming."

"How will you be travelling to Missouri today?"

"In a private jet, which should be waiting outside for us as we speak."

The customs officer smiled, "I'm sorry about this. There is an anomaly flag raised against your group, which seems somewhat strange. The detail is not available on my computer screen. I'm required to refer you for interview. Would you all like to come this way please?"

The officer ushered everyone around his counter, along a small sterile looking corridor and into an interview room, marked 3B.

The room was quite small, narrow and long. It seemed to be furnished the wrong way. There was a plain desk with a chair on either side and six chairs along one wall, which was glass and overlooked the tarmac. To get to those chairs everyone needed to pass the table one at a time. The room lighting was bright and a little creepy. Beside the door were three light switches and another larger red press button marked emergency assistance.

"Please take a seat. Someone will be with you shortly. Should be just a formality. I'm sure you'll be on your way in a few minutes." The officer smiled, closed the door and retraced his steps along the corridor.

Marge stared at the tarmac in something a daze. She was jolted back to consciousness when the small jet her eyes mindlessly followed, turned. It sported a Hope Air logo on the tail and upon closer inspection, she was sure it was Billie sitting in the co-pilot seat.

Marge pointed and spoke to anyone, "Our ride has just arrived."

She heard several remarks but turned, searching for the missing response.

Peta was holding onto a chair standing, yet learning forward enough to cause alarm. Her face and expression were pale, quite uncomfortable to witness.

Marge closed the distance between them and took Peta's arm in a supporting hold. "Peta are you okay. I think we should sit you down. I'll call for someone to help."

Peta tried to smile, said, "I'm fine. I'd rather stand. Just feel a little queasy. I'll be alright in a few seconds."

Words from the door distracted everyone. "I want you all to sit."

The voice was harsh and female. She was a short dumpy woman in a customs uniform. Her nametag was large and hung around her neck. She sported the name, 'Josephine Creep'.

Marge spoke first. "My daughter is ill. She needs access to medical attention."

By this time both Zook girls had moved to Peta's side. Helga inspected Peta's face for less then two seconds. She took Peta's other arm, steadied her and commenced to straighten the girl upright. Marge did the same from Peta's other side.

Hilda, the quieter Zook twin, turned toward the Customs Officer and in a forceful voice said. "The girl needs a Para-medic team here now. She is showing all the symptoms of suffering an intracerebral haemorrhage. She's having a stroke."

"I'm in charge here. I've told you all to sit and you will sit."

Hilda shook her head and rushed toward the door, pressed the emergency assistance button and while doing so Hilda was shoved heavily from the side, by the Customs Officer. Unprepared and unbalanced Hilda fell. She grabbed for the table but slid along it and eventually collided with her sister from behind. Helga fell forward into the chairs along the wall and dragged Peta with her.

Peta was pulled from Marge's grip and fell unsupported backwards onto the next chair. All Peta's weight hit the top of the back support at neck height. Her head rolled alarming back and hit the glass wall before the effects of reverse momentum caused her whole body to project forward off the chair. She came to rest on the floor face first and didn't move.

Helga jumped to the ground, inspected Peta's face from the side and taking considerable care not to move the girl checked vital signs.

Peta was clearly unconscious with the etchings of eminent death displayed across her face.

At the same time three uniformed officers rushed through the door.

Helda spoke first. "Para-medic team, stat." She raised a hand to stop and started again. "The girl on the floor is suffered a major life-threatening brain incident, most likely a stroke, with trauma escalation from an unsupported fall. We are looking at the possibility of spinal injuries. She needs trained medical support. She needs them now."

"These people can't go anywhere. They all need to sit down and cooperate or I'll cancel their visa and hand them all over to Homeland Security for further investigation. There is an ongoing pattern of suspicious activity. They're dangerous, will try anything to avoid arrest." Spoken as the third security guard turned back toward the door.

The Customs Officer tried to block the guard's path but he grabbed her, lifted her off the ground, took her through the door with him and immediately yelled down the corridor, "We need medics here now. We have one female with serious brain haemorrhage and possible spinal injuries. Someone contact the paramedics. Arrange local transport and get the medivac chopper moving. When there's time warn the hospital they have an incoming emergency." The officer returned through the door moving straight to Helga's side, ready to assist his colleagues.

*****

Again Fiona spoke softly. She was on Femme's massage table, though this time on her back. Her feet were receiving a full reflexology treatment. They were in Femme's elevated studio, surrounded by glass in what was once the bell tower of a quaint country church. Moving, modifying and renovating the discarded dwelling had recycled its purpose into Femme and Billie's stylish modern family home.

Fiona didn't need to open her eyes, she could visualise every inch of uninterrupted calmness etched on a tapestry of cold, warm green, though currently white, Missouri countryside.

She sighed, "I was wrong. How can I marry Phillip? He's worthless, a wealth less vagabond who is two-timing me. He has someone somewhere. I know it. I'm going to marry you. We're perfect for each other. Your hands belong to my body. No one else could feel the comfort I'm feeling right now. You feel it too. I know you're flirting with me. You must be."

Femme smiled. She released her fingers from Fiona's left foot where they'd been working on the Thyroid Gland and made a small circle on the other foot over the sensation point of Fiona's heart. Fiona let out a sigh. Femme spoke, "I think, you need to expel all the built-up negative schoolmistress energy. Let it flow so these trained teasy, tarty hands can draw the insecurity out and away. When we're finished here, or when Em and Jay wake, I'll show you Elizabeth and Phillip's room. You can stay the night in there if you wish, feel the vibes." She made another circle upon Fiona's heart. "Elizabeth was to fly down here today, was going to stay a few nights. But like Pinkie, Paula, and Billie, she's returning to Afghanistan. Must be something very serious happening over there."

"I don't know what to do about Elizabeth. Probably best if I ignore her. She'll grow old, wrinkly and fat. No one will love her then, just me. I'm going to castrate Phillip. Use the old fashion Chinese method; it's for the best, will curb his wandering. He can be our servant. We'll let him wash us; cook, clean. Should be quite a turn on. We'll lock Billie in the basement until everyone forgets who she is. Then we'll throw her off a tall building, let her make one last flight. We'll be happy together... you'll see."

Femme returned to Fiona's left foot, to the Pancreas. "You're scary. I'll sleep with one eye open tonight."

Fiona sighed yet again. "I'm just a painter. I own a brush and a pencil, not an axe. I'm going to sketch this place, draw out what I see and feel below the surface. We'll see Billie, Phillip, Elizabeth, you; all exposed, revealed in raw naked truth." Fiona opened her eyes, found Femme. "When was Phillip here? I know he comes here. I'm feeling his presence."

"Phillip helped build this place before moving on. He dropped in a few weeks ago." Femme made another circle over Fiona's heart. "He turned up in a flash vehicle with a bright eyed lady and her young son. Stayed a few nights, then off he went."

"Could I sleep in the same bed?" She shrugged. "Might help with my sketch." She sighed, "Tell me about this woman. We need to punish her. She'll be disfigured, torn apart. You'll witness the agony. Feel what she feels. See her pallid face, the hopelessness. We'll leave her there, just a torso, alone, clutching at dwindling life. We'll throw her limbs down the well. It's her fault. She should have known who to avoid." Fiona sighed again. "When does Beverly get home? I can't believe anyone would willingly go to town on a motorised bicycle contraption with an old man and three dogs, to eat ice cream, in this weather."

Femme smiled, circled Fiona's heart yet again. "You should relax, let go. Release the schoolmistress. A carefree committed Artist and habitual Gipsy would eat ice cream outside in this weather, in their birthday suits. Share the warmth of being alive, of being together."

*****

"Officer Creep step back. Get out of the way and let these people do their job." The words were forcefully uttered and contained authority in their tone. A distinguished, well dressed, no nonsense looking man in tailored business trousers and impressive waistcoat did the speaking. Obviously a matching jacket was hanging in an office somewhere. He'd just arrived and was flanked by several people. Billie and Pinkie made up the rear of his entourage.

The Customs Officer again occupied the interview room doorway and this time had taken a firm hold of the doorjamb on either side. She's been quietly waiting for at least five minutes. However with the Para-medics now preparing to manoeuvre the gurney containing Peta into the corridor and she again took it upon herself to impede any attempt to exit the interview room.

In anticipation of a tight fit the security guards had moved and up-ended the table and chairs, an action that allowed the single focus Customs Officer to slip through their informal cordon.

Hearing the voice from behind quickly turned the Customs Officer. She seemed to swallow, then stemmer before saying, "Director Patterson... these people have yet to satisfy our entry controls."

"Step back." The local Director of Homeland Security made an aggressive arm movement, "Leave the doorway clear. Stand behind me. Wait over there." He pointed. "You'll have a chance to explain all this as soon as the emergency is under control."

By now Billie and Pinkie were standing to one side, in front, and watched silently as the gurney came through the door and rapidly moved toward an already open fire escape exit affording direct access to the tarmac.

Billie didn't speak she hugged her Mother the moment Marge came out of the room.

The Director spoke. His voice was soft, conciliatory. "Mrs Page. I'm Director Patterson. You can't go on the helicopter." He found Marge's eyes. "Nothing to do with any of this fiasco and everything to do with lack of space onboard the chopper. I'll have my men..." He pointed at the security guards. "Convey you to the hospital by vehicle. It's not far. When things have settled down I'll send our PR staff to check on you and assure me you have been treated correctly. I'm very sorry." He made a kind gesture with his face. "I'd suggest you go now and be with your daughter. I promise we will talk soon. Probably tomorrow."

Marge let go of Billie, made eye contact. "Could you fix the problem here and take care of the girls? I'll call Femme the moment I know anything."

Billie nodded to her mother and the security guard trying to usher Marge along the corridor.

Pinkie squeezed Hilda's hand as she walked by. She nodded when Hilda said. "We'll be with Marge... and try to race you home."

Without breaking her stride Hilda left a quick kiss on Pinkie's cheek. Said, "Be careful. Concentrate and stay safe."

## Chapter 08

"Officer Creep, come in here and sit down."

The moment the Customs Officer complied, Director Patterson added, "What the hell happened just now?"

Before she spoke the Customs Officer's attention was drawn to Pinkie who asked Najwa and Maliha. "Are you guys okay?"

Both girls nodded before Maliha said. "Is Peta going to be alright?"

Billie replied, "We hope so. It will take awhile before we know too much, probably hours. Thought we might take you home to Missouri with us. You can rest up while we wait for news. Pinkie and I need to leave soon. We'll be going to work the moment we arrive. Beverly and Ms Goodchild are at home. Femme will pick you up and look after you. When things settle you can come back and see Peta, probably take her home with you. It only takes an hour to fly down here."

As soon as both girls nodded the Customs Officer found her voice. "Director, those girls..." She pointed, "Are Afghans and someone is protecting them. They've been permitted to enter and leave our country like some kind of royalty. First Class travel, their luggage was onboard a private jet and the flight manifest for that plane has a suppression order against the identity of two passengers onboard. I think they're involved in something and everyone is turning a blind eye. Unless we act nothing is going to happen. These people are able to do as they please." She seemed finished then spoke further. "And what about this." She waved a pointing finger around the room. "All these people just happen to turn up on queue, dressed like Military Police and Air Force Pilots ready to... they could be anyone. There is something going on here." She forcefully waved the still pointing finger. "This is suspicious. Someone needs to stand up to these people or they'll take over our country."

Director Patterson blew out a breath. "I want facts Officer Creep. Why did you raise a caution flag against this group? And while we're about it, why didn't you document your concerns into the computer log? What were you planning for these people in this room?"

Officer Creep flushed. "Director could we talk about this somewhere else. These people could be anyone."

"Now Officer Creep. I know who these people are. So do you. They're wearing nametags and unit patches. I personally invited them to attend this interview." Director Patterson raised a hand and looked at it. "And be quick about it. These two..." He pointed at Billie and Pinkie. "Really are needed elsewhere. They're on the way to work; important work."

"We need to know who was on the plane that passed through Hawaii yesterday morning. And we need to know why these girls are being protected. They should be sent back to Afghanistan."

"Okay. I'll give you some rope and see what you do with it." He pointed toward Billie. "This is Major Page, a pilot with the five zero nine bomb wing of the eighth air force. That information is confidential. Though at this moment I'm merely reading what's written on her flight suit. She flew here in that aircraft..." He pointed through the window at the Bombardier 5000 parked on the tarmac, the same plane Marge had noticed earlier. "To collect these people and convey them to their destination, which is Major Page's property in Missouri. All of this detail, her mother, Mrs Page divulged to our officer on the entry desk and is documented in our computer records." He opened his hands, made a questioning gesture. "If you have any additional issues, you might like to ask Major Page about the flight from Australia. However I'm satisfied the transit was handled professionally through our Hawaii office yesterday morning. It was that plane," He pointed again. "Billie Hope of Hope Air Australia was the senior pilot for the flight. Major Page is Billie Hope. That detail was identified and listed in our records by the clearing Officer in Hawaii."

Officer Creep's eyes expanded. She looked at Billie. "Who were the people on that flight?"

Billie smiled, waved a hand. "I'm sure you have the same information I have. Their travel documents contained an identity suppression order, which was security-related and issued in conjunction with the US military. I'd need to look up my flight manifest to give you the actual folio number."

"That's not good enough. I need to know who those people were." She pointed at Najwa and Maliha. "These people won't be going anywhere until you tell me who was on that flight."

"Okay. That's enough." Director Patterson nodded at the two Military Police standing near the door. "Officer Creep you are suspended from duty with immediately effect. I'd like your Identity Badge, Warrant Card and locker key. You will be escorted from this building now. Any personal effect on these premises will be delivered to your home address at a later date. You will be informed of a hearing date to identify the charges and disciplinary decisions against you. At that hearing you will be offered the opportunity to defend your actions. The department will almost certainly be requesting your permanent dismissal. These gentlemen..." He pointed at the military police and raised his eyebrows while taking the paperwork off the desk that related to Marge, Peta, Maliha and Najwa, and the Zook twins. He scanned the documents and stamped each. "Officer Creep... Mrs Creep, it's my understanding you are a serving member of the Texas National Guard and these men will be interviewing you in relation to your attempt to the use the position you hold in this office to coerce a serving military officer to reveal the content of classified military matters."

Director Patterson smiled and nodded toward Billie. Handed over the paperwork, "You're clear to go. All of you." Then looking toward Maliha and Najwa said, "You guys have a great holiday. Say howdy to Wyoming and kiss the ground for me." He smiled. "Y'all come back now."

*****

"Mum you are being unreasonable." Mitsuko rarely argued with anyone. She'd made an exception recently. Been at her mother since yesterday evening and started again the moment both were awake. Now they were staring at each other across the breakfast table. "I don't even understand why you want to come with us. Why didn't you go on the whirlwind trip to Japan with the Kido Family? You could have picked on Kimi all the way there and back. You'd have been happy doing that."

"That's enough Mitsuko. You've had your say." Her mother shook her head before adding, "Twenty times over. The plane is on the way. You can't change a thing now."

"I can refuse to go."

"We both know why you won't do that." Her Mother twinkled her eyes for Mitsuko's benefit.

"Don't be disgusting. Jamie isn't coming. He's a gentleman, stayed at home to make room on the plane for me." Mitsuko jumped to her feet and stormed from the kitchen, made sure the screen door slammed in her wake.

"Oh the joy, every young man dreams of a wife, teenage daughters... a happy family."

Mitsuko's Mother looked at her husband. "Iso, don't you start. Mitsuko grows more like you every day. She even knows how to push my buttons. At this moment I could easily turn on you."

He raised his eyebrows. "Push your buttons?"

"Don't be disgusting." She thought a moment. "Yes I know; I sound like our daughter. I meant she knows how to hone in on my vulnerabilities, draw out the guilt. She told me I'm selfish. Apparently the plane Anahita is coming in uses ninety gallons of fuel an hour. The other, the plane I rejected, only uses twelve. That's not true is it?"

"Probably. A Caravan does use ninety. Twelve sounds about right for the Velocity." He smiled. "Aside from the obvious of being picked up here at the door why do you want to go in the larger plane? The velocity is faster and if you think about it the only reason Mitsuko became involved was to fly you across to the sealed runway at Borroloola. And that was because you decided to go with Ethel and Daphne." He pulled a frown. "Though I'm now thinking Mitsuko actually wants to go for a flight in the Velocity." He spoke softer, more to himself. "Don't really blame her I'd like to take it for a spin myself."

Mitsuko's mother looked at the table waved her hands. "So there will be room on the plane to bring home a few clothes, shopping I'm hoping to buy." She shrugged. "It's market day in Darwin."

Her Husband shook his head, didn't speak.

"I know. Might be just as well Mitsuko doesn't want to come. Anyway, I'm not rotten to the core. At first I thought Cook might like a day out with her daughters." She made eye contact with her Husband. "Been here all these years... can you believe she's never been in an aeroplane?"

"That surprised me as well. Thought I might chip away at changing that, coach Ethel into taking her Mother somewhere for a surprise. Best I can come up with so far is morning tea at Barkley Tablelands Roadhouse. Cook would enjoy that." He thought a moment. "Anyway I'll give you a tip. Find a change of clothes for Mitsuko, put them in a bag and take them with you."

"Why?" She rolled her eyes. "Anything I choose, right now, would have substantial problems."

"Because I've been on the blower and Jamie is on the flight. The larger plane has more seats. Means Mitsuko can be more like her Mother, impulsively step onboard wearing her dungarees and change into something more suitable during the flight." He smiled. "Having presentable town clothes could win you brownie points." He arched his eyebrows. "Invite Jamie to help you shop, Mitsuko will tag along. You might actually be impressed. Word is he's rather clever at that kind of thing. Apparently he pays his own way at school selling ladies apparel, which includes his own lingerie line."

Mrs Yamashita rolled her head to one side. "You men. He's not the type."

"Don't take my word for it. Walk out the back and check the clothesline. While you're there read the labels on your daughters' underwear." He grinned. "Be subtle. Now isn't the time to be caught checking on Mitsuko. And don't jump to any conclusions. I believe Mitsuko. They are just good friends; for now." He shrugged. "When they get to Uni... who knows." He shrugged again. "She's ambitious, sensible and almost grown up. Could do a lot worse than Jamie."

"Of course. 'Jamie – Tease.' Kimi showed me last holiday. Said they're a 'fab' new style; all the girls wear them. The name didn't even register." She rolled her head again. "Young, clever and a man. How rare. I'm impressed. Where did the money for that venture come from?"

"It's all quite professional. Jamie created a start-up company, called, Mr Peep Holdings. Two silent partners bankrolled it. Billie appears to have supplied mostly money and introductions. The other partner helped Jamie come up to speed with practical design work and business management. You met him at Billie's wedding, even danced with him. He's the guy who impressed you dancing the Tango with his Sister, who you've seen dance before with Billie on your favourite video, that pretty girl who carries a Teddy Bear everywhere. Suppose I should remind you the Teddy Bear's name is Mr Peep." He gestured with a hand, "I'm sure there's a story of intrigue involving company names hidden in there somewhere."

"How do you know all this?"

"Let's just say anyone who spends time with my daughter needs to measure up."

"Good. Shouldn't you look for your daughter and tell her who's on the plane. Give her time to cool down, coordinate with Ethel and Daphne, select her own clothes in time to dress, brush her hair and dab around her face a little." Mrs Yamashita nodded and smiled. "Apparently our daughter is all but fully grown."

*****

"Why don't they tell us something?" Marge thought a moment and felt remorse for speaking aloud. She'd been sitting in a sterile waiting room for four hours. There were currently ten other people around her, all looked as bewildered as she felt. There were children asleep on the floor. An old couple trying to be alone sat together, they looked too frail to suffer emotional pain. A man paced back and forward endlessly. Every few minutes he'd approach the desk along the corridor and loudly demand to be told more. Then he'd return, sit for a few minutes before resuming pacing.

Seven times now everyone had stared at an apparition like appearance in the doorway, always dressed in surgical scrubs and having a particular group of occupants identified by the clipboard clad administrator. Three of the groups identified had been reassured, relieved and given instruction where to find another waiting room. The four other groups had been taken from the room, but not far enough to hear the painful gasps of extinguished hope when told their loved one had died. They too had been moved elsewhere.

Marge felt Hilda's comforting squeeze, the answer to her senseless question.

Marge offered a quiet "Sorry." Before thinking, then added, "I keep forgetting you trained to do this for a living."

Hilda shook her head. "Helga is theatre and trauma. I don't know how she does it. I can't handle the uncertainty of triage, gives me nightmares. In training we'd be sent all over the place. Here was always the worst for me. Couldn't wait to qualify. Wanted maternity and birthing from the day I first walked through the hospital entrance."

Hilda laughed, put a hand over her mouth. "Only pleasant happening to come of ER for me was meeting Pinkie."

Marge made eye contact, followed the silence with. "You have to tell me more."

Hilda captured Marge's eyes. "It was a wet Sunday evening, woeful driving weather and Pinkie fell off her motorbike. Wasn't really hurt, just scratches, road burns and a few stitches." Hilda smiled for her own benefit then shook her head. "I came back from break to find another patient had turned up, Doctor was stitching a gash to the chin. She still has the scare. Helga was patching a scrape on the left arm. Doctor eyed me and pointed to the right hip. Before I even touched the burn Pinkie cried out. 'Christ, I'm on my way up. Where are the four horsemen? They've sent two Angels, one for each hand.'"

Marge smiled for the first time since Peta fell. "Was it love at first sight?"

Hilda shook her head. "No. Thought she was bold and gross. Plus I'll even admit to having never imagined a girl openly seeking companionship from other girls." She shrugged. "Helga seemed... I don't know... she's always quicker to catch on than I am, kind of flirted with Pinkie; to keep her still." Hilda let out a muffled chuckle. "Told Pinkie we were real, mortal and both desperately dateless. She even told her to bring a friend. Said we're easy pickings but won't do twosomes."

A few weeks later Pinkie turned up looking for the twins who patched her. They sent her to the Nurses' Dormitory. She didn't know our names but had brought a friend, a fellow trainee pilot, Paula. Helga and Paula hit it off immediately. I took a lot longer."

Hilda stopped talking.

Marge waited, her face a picture of interest. "What changed you?"

"After a few months of seeing each other most weekends Pinkie made plans to leave Paula with Helga behind and take me to Sunday lunch, just the two of us. Said she knew the best southern chicken establishment in America. I refused to go on the motorbike, didn't really want to go. But when Pinkie gets an idea... she turned up in someone's old car and off we went to Beauregard, Alabama. We pulled into the tree-lined driveway of one of those old estates with a huge mansion that had seen better days. We didn't enter the driveway, kind of circled round it using farm lanes and drove on for a bit. We parked next to a cornfield and walked into the nearby woods until a row of little tin huts materialised. Pinkie introduced me to her mother. She has worked as a maid at the big house all her life. Her little hut has no electricity or running water and an earth floor." Hilda's expression drifted. "The place was so humble yet spotlessly clean and homely." She shook herself. "Pinkie's Mother doesn't read or write and has no access to any outside communication." Hilda wiped her eyes. "Anyway, on her one free Sunday each month Pinkie's Mother cooks chicken and waits hoping her daughter is free to visit." She wiped her eyes again and shrugged. "That did it. That's where I saw through Pinkie's facade for the first time. Fell in love with a sweet little southern girl who's real name was once Daisy Louise Cottonfield."

Marge took a turn at squeezing Hilda's hand. Her face returned the solemn expression. She looked at her watch. "We're been here more than four hours. I need to contact everyone. They'll want to know... need to know what has happened."

"You're right. We will need to inform everyone soon. We should at least phone Femme. The girls would have arrived at Knob Noster some time ago. I suspect Femme may have already made a few calls." Hilda rolled her head. "We probably should wait for Helga to return even before we phone Femme. She went to the staff canteen looking for proper coffee. To be away this long she must be talking. It's a fair bet she'll discover something worth knowing to report back."

*****

"Found you. What on earth are you doing out here in the cold?" Matthew placed another rug over Dibe's shoulders and wrapt it around her. She was sitting on her favourite garden bench. Though Mathew knew to be outside in the dark with the temperature below freezing wasn't normal. He sat beside her.

Dibe looked up, "Where's your rug?"

"You're wearing it."

Dibe placed an arm and half a rug around Matthew. "I'm listening to the wind. Marge is in trouble. She needs us, especially you. We need to go. You should phone the airport have them get my plane ready. My plane will be the quickest this time of day."

"You sure. We'll need to round the ground staff up anyway. Everyone will have left for the day by now. Perhaps we should try to phone Marge first. Find out where we need to go, wait awhile for them to get it ready and take my plane."

Dibe nodded. "Can't contact Marge, her phone is off. She's in a city somewhere and waiting, probably at a hospital. It's large. That's why she needs you. I think something has happened, they're together but Peta isn't responding. The sands are saying Peta's future is okay, not fine just okay. But at the moments she's out of it and fine. It's Marge who needs your support for a few days. For now we'll take my plane. If we need more space we can arrange for your plane to follow us."

She continued to stare at the ground, talked further. "Femme knows but she's waiting too. If I phone her she'll try to gloss over the problem, talk about baby and me. We should just set off, go to Femme now. So we're all together and tomorrow we'll find Marge, see what we can do."

Matthew nodded, "If you're sure I'd better phone David and Kelly. We should all go."

Dibe shook her head, "No. We'll talk to David. Warn him what's up. For now he should stay here. Anyway I think he knows. I'm sensing Femme has already spoken to Kelly. It's only Marge who needs help... reassurance. You're the man for that. You pair understand each other. Have been there before, together. Doesn't need a crowd of back slappers or criers. She needs a nodder, that's you; just you."

Matthew nodded, thought a moment. Eventually he said. "Can we go inside and pack, make a few phone calls. Like it over here, but have no idea why it has to be so cold outside." He nodded again. "Might ask Phillip to come with us. Man like Phillip needs to go somewhere, collect something. He's just sitting over there making coffee four times a day. The big plane at Billie's is due to leave for Europe, pick up Sissy take her to Australia for a week. I'll hold it up a few hours until we arrive. Phillip will happily hitch a ride. Those kids, girl Friday and girl Saturday Afternoon are due to come over here in a few days. Make a start at learning the ropes. We had planned to put them on a plane and meet their flight at this end. But if we're looking at being busy might make more sense to have Phillip escort them all the way. Plus he may need to organise travel for Jamie as well."

"Man could make a good living selling firewood and doonas over here." Matthew nodded twice for his own benefit.

## Chapter 09

"Mrs Page." The Doctor who spoke was tall, quite handsome and had a polite tone to his voice. He was dressed in scrubs, which included a colourfully printed, rather silly, surgical cap. He wasn't wearing glasses though his face carried marks wear glasses had recently rested and he looked tired.

The moment Marge made eyed contact he continued, "Your daughter is out of surgery and in terms of this particular incident today she's doing fine. I've been waiting for some results before talking to you but Helga collared me in the canteen and has assured me you won't turn hysterical if I can't answer a few of your questions. So here I am." He looked at his hand, "I probably should explain, Helga and I worked together some time ago in Montgomery Alabama." He turned and nodded to Hilda. "I know Hilda as well. We all shared the same corridors and poor jokes." The Doctor scanned the waiting room, witnessed staring eyes and sharpened ears on idle faces. "Would you like to come with me please; all three of you?"

Seated away from everyone at a table in the staff canteen the Doctor again spoke to Marge. "Sorry about the delay. Right at this moment your Daughter is in a light coma, it's drug induced. Basically we're preventing her from fully waking after the surgery. There are several reasons for this. Firstly we'd prefer she didn't move her head about for a day or two and it makes sense not to firmly brace things in place. Secondly." He again looked at his hand and frowned. "Mrs Page this is a hard one. There's no easy way to explain. The pathologists have done preliminary tests on tumour tissue removed from the base of your daughter's brain and thus far it's proved benign. I've asked for more test and more thorough testing." Again he looked at his hand. "In a nut shell if that tumour proves cancerous your daughter will have weeks to live. The tumour literally exploded under her brain, spreading microbe size tissue everywhere. We've cleaned things up to a point. To do more is a complicated process, which will have rather dangerous side effects."

The doctor stopped speaking to let the shock on Marge's face relaxed a little. "Yet by disintegrating, the tumour released pressure on her brain and almost certainly saved her life. Things look okay. I'm being truthful and thorough with you. I want you to know exactly where we stand. The tumour must have been causing your daughter considerable discomfort for some time. It was rather large and resting against Pineal Gland, pushing upward, would have effectively blocked much of her physical development, probably caused irrational mood behaviour and threat-sensitive thought patterns. Add to that, the tumour was also applying pressure downward onto the cerebellum, which would result in a loss of coordination, an inability to judge distance, perform rapid alternating movements and even difficulty speaking."

He paused to raise his eyebrows. "It's safe to say your daughter has done a stellar job of keeping most of this from you." Again he looked at his hand. "The tumour seems to have expanded dramatically during the long flight. That rapid expansion appears to have been enough to be life threatening. She is one very lucky young lady. Lucky because of the easy proximity to us when the problems occurred, extraordinary lucky you weren't able to board another high altitude flying aircraft as you had planned and even more lucky the tumour actually burst to release the pressure on her brain. Though dramatically bursting as it did might well have caused some cognitive harm, hopefully short term."

He clasped his hands together. "Anyway enough of the past, let's move forward. The third and most important reason I'm keeping her from waking is that on our brain scans we are quite expectantly looking at teenage brain function but there are two areas of concern. Both locations would have been heavily impacted by tumour pressure and as such the shock generated when it burst. Those areas of her brain are functioning but appear to be as for an infant, which could mean they've been wiped somehow. Helga has already assured me Peta is not autistic. I'm informed she is a rather talented communicator, particularly on paper. We're not seeing that kind of evidence on her brain scans." Again he studied his hand. "What we did notice however is that she can hear us talking. She is listening and appears to comprehend. That's fairly unusual but it's a really good sign." He looked at Marge. "Will you promise not to touch anything but her hand, talk about her condition or fall apart sobbing and such if I let you in to see her?"

Marge wiped her eyes and nodded. "Give me a few moments to absorb all this and... yes I'd love to... need to see her and if I prepare myself I can be strong. Perhaps I could stay with her and read my novel aloud. I often did that when she was little, found it calmed us both, most of the time she was asleep."

"Now that is a clever suggestion and may be the reason her brain is so active while artificially comatosed. Might even explain the localised infant reaction we're detecting. We want to monitor her brain patterns. A story being read is perfect. Feeds on personal feeling based on preference and experience. To do something she knew well as a preadolescent is better than perfect. Triggers emotional responses and accesses old acquired memory experience. Excellent. Truly excellent." Again he looked at his hand, then Helga. "If you guys are up for it. I might have you work shifts, all three of you. We'll give her twelve, or so, hours straight. My team can monitor her responses to the reading and the change in reader across her own fatigue window." He seemed to drift, "Someone close, someone not so close. We'll get to the bottom of this. By tomorrow we'll be in a position to talk further." He nodded. "Plus we'll know for sure the tumour tissue is benign and won't have the worry about any further need to open her up." Again he studied his hand. "The tumour was under her brain, dangerous place for a tumour though not so bad to operate on. Peta will have a two-inch scar across the base of her skull and two smaller ones on each side on the neck, just behind the carotid artery. No one will need see them when her hair grows back." Again he looked at his hand but this time he smiled, looked young and carefree. "Her Frankenstein bolt scars should make for a pretty good party trick when she goes to University and it doesn't look as though we found anything that may prevent her getting there." He returned to his solemn face. "We didn't need to drill into her skull and all her stiches are dissolvable. Baring any bad news she'll be with us no more than a few days. At this stage the only post hospital restriction I'd learn toward is to keep her on the ground at low altitude for at least the next few months. If she needs to go home, travel by bus and boat though I'd like you to stay over here and see me every once in a while." Again he looked at his hand. "We don't know why the tumour grew in first place. It may even have always been there and developed with her brain. I'd like to monitor her for awhile, make sure it doesn't return."

The Doctor stood. "Stay here. I'll send an assistant to collect you as soon as we've set things in motion. Thank you." He looked at his watch and straight at Marge. "We'll chat again sometime tomorrow. It's my pleasure to have met you. I need to go."

Marge steeled herself, closed her eyes, took a long slow breath and nodded positively then opened her eyes, raised her head and walked with purpose through the door.

Peta looked asleep, beautiful, comfortable yet too clinical. Peta never slept on her back with the bed raised, half seated, both arms by her side and under the covers. Not a crease to be seen. It was obvious she'd been placed in that position and couldn't object. There was also something odd about the pillows. She suspected Peta's upper torso and head weren't resting on a pillow at all. She was being supported somehow between pillows to keep her from rolling.

The dressings on each side of her neck were there, smaller than Marge imagined. The bathing cap with wires everywhere looked ridiculous. She knew Peta would object to the colour. Marge thought a moment remembering what the Doctor had said. Perhaps her daughter wouldn't object to the colour anymore. Perhaps she never was a difficult child. Maybe just maybe it was always the tumour causing the fire and rage, difficult for everyone including Peta herself. None of her other children would object to the cap. She was sure both her sons would draw horns and big ears on it. She smiled; wasn't sure what Billie would do. Something resourceful, probably wear a large hat suitable for the races over the top.

Full of happy thoughts Marge learned forward to kiss her daughter but quickly remembered her instructions. She squeezed Peta's right hand through the cover and sat in the chair provided.

"With all this travelling I can't sleep. Thought I might sit awhile and read to my little girl." She pulled the novel from her bag. "Haven't read to you in ages. Do you remember? Anyway, hope you like the story." Marge commenced to read.

Absorbed in her story Marge ploughed on oblivious to time. Peta didn't seem to mind one-way or the other. Though she couldn't help noticing the lines on the monitor seemed to spike and change as if in tune with her own emotional high and low responses within the unfolding story.

Every so often a nurse entered the room, checked Peta, then the equipment. Each would smile a courtesy and listen a short while before gliding away in silence. Twice Hilda appeared ready to take over. Marge didn't break from reading just indicated her willingness to continue and was left alone with Peta and a glass of water Hilda poured and placed on the moveable patient table positioned at the end of the bed next to Marge.

When Marge woke she was slumped in the chair and covered with a rug. Her neck ached and she felt clammy. It took awhile to realise where she was, a little longer to realise Helga sat on the opposite side of the bed reading aloud from the next book in the series Marge had bought in her hand luggage to read on yesterday's plane. Peta's seemed better, there was colour in her expression and the dimple was showing.

Helga didn't stop reading, she stood, walked round the bed, smiled and handed Marge a key with a scribbled note that said, 'Holiday Inn. Room 231. Turn left out the front door, one hundred yards. Knock so you don't scare Hilda.'

*****

Femme knocked at the entrance to her own studio. She didn't wait for an answer, just turned the doorhandle and walked in. She thought Fiona would be asleep on the couch but found her seated on the massage stool staring at an art easel that had obviously materialised since Fiona came up here alone before everyone else went to bed. Fiona didn't look round she continued to stare, trance-like.

"The girls have all assured me you don't like to be disturbed and you'll probably bite my head off for doing so. But before you do that I'll remind you it's my room you've borrowed and you haven't eaten anything for ages. I've come to take you down to breakfast." Femme tried to make eye contact, didn't work. "You should be exhausted. You've been in here all night."

Fiona continued to stare, didn't look around but spoke. "Why did you let Phillip fly away without seeing me first? I can't believe you would do that. He was just over there." She didn't look away from the easel though her pointing arm indicated the correct direction to Whiteman.

When her arm returned from pointing it found a crayon, moved to the easel and began to work. Fiona leaned forward her eyes intense, in tune with her hand.

"Am I permitted to look?"

"Sure."

First Femme saw the big picture, a sketch full of Angels, Cherubs and an assortment of heavenly expectations, all suspended above this property. The detail was rather amazing. Then she noticed the limbless body by the well, Helga's two shih tzu dogs were there pulling at each end of a severed limb. Hilda's Pomeranian had buried something. Billie's stark face was pushed against a basement window. An obvious eunuch with Phillip's likeness was holding a towel beside a bathtub where Fiona's image casually lounged in bubbled water. Bob and Beverly were off in the clouds on a tractor.

Femme noticed the children, Em and Jay with Hilda and Helga before being drawn to Fiona's current creation near the house. She watched her own likeness evolve, her body impaled on the chicken house weather vain where she'd obviously landed after being pushed from the studio window.

Femme smiled, "Thought we were getting married?"

"You sent Phillip away. He was here, so near and you allowed him to escape. You have to pay for that. Did you explain I'm here, a defenceless woman alone in a strange land? Surrounded by evil."

Femme shook her head, held onto a smile. "It slipped my mind. I only saw him for a second. The larger plane was waiting. The engines started the moment Phillip stepped from Mama's plane."

"So they knew him. There was a girl wasn't there? More than one?"

"Probably. I didn't look. I think the steward who greeted him on the stairs was a girl."

"Typical. Was she there... this woman with his love child? The one who came here, she'll be punished further. This steward did she kiss him. She wanted to didn't she? She stole my kiss. She'll be punished. Where was he? Where did he get on the little plane?"

"Fiona, I don't know. I don't know anything." Femme shook her head. Fiona didn't even seem cranky or crazy but her questions... "The plane came from Thermopolis in Wyoming. Where Matthew lives when he's over here. It's my Mama's home." Femme shrugged. "Mama said they stopped at North Platte in Nebraska for a few minutes to eat and freshen up. Phillip could have got on the plane there. He may have been at the airport hitch hiking. If it's important I suppose we could ask Matthew or Mama."

"Where did Phillip go?"

"To Geilenkirchen, Germany. You can't chase him. They'll be there an hour or so, just long enough to refuel and pick up a passenger then they'll go to Australia via China. He'll spend a day in Australia, probably looking for you, before returning to... somewhere close to here. On the way back he'll be flying commercial and supervising several underage travellers. If you stay here he'll be back in three days tops."

"Geilenkirchen. What kind a name is that? Sounds like a brothel full of plump girls with raunchy voices. He'll pay for this." She placed one hand on her head, frowned then continued speaking, "Somewhere. He'll be somewhere around here. Not here. How do I find him in three days?"

Fiona removed the hand from her head, placed the crayon down and finally looked at Femme.

"Is it finished? You're clever, weird and a bit sick for a school Ma'am but clever just the same. I'm glad I don't need to live with all your dark thoughts."

"Yes its finished for the moment but now I have new material to compute. Would your mother pose for me in the nude?" Fiona thought a moment. "Up here. Where it's warm. Matthew wanted a sculpture of her torso. I could paint her for him. Something to keep me occupied for three days."

"You can ask her. I know she'll say no. You'd have a better chance of painting her fully dressed in her finest costume. I think Matthew would prefer that." Femme waved a hand. "In a few days when Peta is back with us I'm going to take Mama to Kentucky to my other Mama's house where the pregnant torso likeness of me is on display. It's also where the lady who did the sculpture lives. I'm going to try to get Mama to cooperate. You and Beverly might like to come with us. Kentucky is gorgeous and I may be able to get you a commission there."

"I'm sacked. You have other plans for your mother. You'll have to pay for this too."

"Yes. I know I'll need to pay. Going to Kentucky is more winnable. Plus I'd kind of like Mama to have her baby in Kentucky. It's where Em and Jay were born." Femme smiled. "However later today some ladies will be visiting for tea and gossip. They're known as the wives. It's an Air Force term. They're the real movers and shakers. They know everything, fix everything and punish all wrongdoers. Mrs Master Chief will be here. I'd like to show you off, have you sketch them." Femme grinned, "Just portrait likenesses. They're not ready for the dark-side to make an appearance. Not yet." Femme smiled, "I'm sure they'll give you ideas. Billie thinks of them as knife wielding mobsters, though understandably she isn't game to speak her mind in front of them."

Fiona stood and yet again studied the surrounding view. "Love it here. As also does Beverly. I'll cry if I think too long about how wonderful, for Beverly, that is." She shrugged, "Anyway, the schoolteacher thanks you for allowing us to share your beautiful world. She wants you to know how warm it feels to see Billie... the four of you; settled and content."

She smiled, picked up Femme's hand, turned the palm upward and studied it. "Such gorgeous hands." Fiona shrugged again. "Suppose the schoolteacher ought apologise for letting the inner artist escape her cage. We'll stay awake all day and hope the artist sleeps tonight. Doubt she will... too beautiful, such inspiration." She pulled Femme's hand toward the door. "Could we have breakfast? She's starving."

"No easy mistake though." Matthew waited for Em to deal with the apple puree he'd spooned to her. He was sitting in front of both Em and Jay's high chairs and making a game of feeding them breakfast.

"Met Wonder Woman in Hollywood back a bit. We always took extra care making sure her dolls were holding on properly." He nodded. "The way she takes off; a doll could easily fall off. Yep, and now they always have a dolly grip on a film set just in case." Again he nodded then turned his attention to Jay. Raised a hand, all the finger pointing up. Said "Tucka." And used the same hand to present the spoon of apple puree to the boy's mouth.

Jay's eyes became alert he parroted Matthew's action and sound before opening his mouth.

Matthew took his time to reload Em's spoon. "Yes. When London Bridge fell down we immediately stopped filming." He nodded. "Terrible affair. People were stuck, couldn't get home to feed the chickens. But Wonder Woman saved the day; held the centre column up..."

"Every time I walk past here I notice your nose grows a little longer." Dibe spoke softly near Matthew's ear, even positioned a small kiss. She was approaching the table, placed a stack of fresh cooking in front of the three girls and Bob. All the girl's displayed eager enthusiasm and followed Bob's lead to place a large dollop of ice cream on top, then drown the creation with a flood of maple syrup.

Femme spoke from the door, "Look who I found?" In one forward movement she pulled a chair out and invited Fiona to sit. "Would like a Yankee treat like the girls or scrambled egg on toast with Mama and myself."

"Pancakes and..." Fiona screwed her face, spoke with conviction but was cut short.

"American Flapjacks, a northern staple. Tomorrow they'll probably invite you to eat grits." Femme grinned, "Before I offer something more modest and civilised."

Everyone heard Jay interrupt Matthew's story. "Tucka" His hand was went-up without prompting. Matthew quickly raised the spoon to Jay's mouth then smiled.

"Think you're clever don't you." Dibe walked past Matthew again. "You should finish up soon and get yourself clean, all three of you. We need to make tracks. I plan to take Najwa and Maliha to Wyoming after we drop you off in Fort Worth. Thought I'd stay the night at home and fly back here tomorrow."

Matthew turned his head to meet Dibe's eyes. "Thought you'd say that. For someone in a delicate condition it's too many hours flying without any company. Plus we agreed you're to far along to stay anywhere on your own."

Dibe stared, "We didn't agree. You invented all these rules. You should apply them to yourself, you're the one with delicate condition syndrome."

"Well you're too late. Prue is coming here in my plane, already on the way. She's got Cherry and Michelle with her. They're taking Najwa and Maliha home along the pony express route in Billie's Fox Moth. So there." He nodded. "Plus when you drop me off in Fort Worth you'll have Hilda for company on the flight back here. It's all been arranged. Hilda is coming home so when Pinkie returns they can drive Femme's vehicle to Texas and be ready to bring Peta here."

"Accept you left Beverly and Fiona here. How do they get to Wyoming? Smartypants."

"They like it here. They made their own plans."

"So you organised all this behind my back?"

"No. I'm told the wives organised most of this. I'm a bit like you, an obedient submissive, locked in a delicate situation."

## Chapter 10

"Peta can you hear me? Peta." The softly spoken female waited a moment, rubbed her thumb across the back of Peta's hand "Come on Peta. It's time to wake up."

Peta opened her eyes, seemed to stare and blink a few times before closing down. The rows of digital lines on the monitors danced though quietened and settled in tune with Peta's reaction.

"That's enough Jane. We'll let her wake in her own time. She's not going to jump up or need our immediate intervention. Keep a weather eye on the monitors while I talk with Mrs Page. We'll let Peta listen from now on. Might help her wake."

He was now seated beside Marge. She'd moved to make space near the bed when Doctor, three Interns and two nurses entered the room. Today's the day, time to wake Peta.

Marge could feel the excitement bubbling inside, and angst. The Doctor's reassurance, with an ever-present caution kept chewing at the impatience to have Peta back.

Doctor turned his chair, faced Marge. "You've been a rock these last few days. Was worried how you'd cope as time rolled on. You seemed to be wearing yourself out until your husband turned up. Now you look as though you can go on forever. You got lucky with him, supportive without smothering. Rather rare." He looked at his hand and grinned. "We have a growing list of staff wanting to know the detail of any unattached bothers."

Marge displayed confusion until she caught on, eventually she grinned "Matthew? Matthew and I are just friends. The best of friends, probably qualify as de facto relatives. We're not married, or even an item. Matthew and I have known each other forever and been through a lot." Marge raised her head, smiled reflectively, "He's married. His wife sent him to help me cope. We're all close. The family connection nowadays actually comes from our children being married to each other. Family and close friends are necessary during times like this."

The Doctor raised his eyebrows. "We'll leave you here awhile. You might like to read. Talk to Peta if you wish, but don't rush. She'll wake in her own time; probably wander in and out of consciousness a bit before she joins us fully. You won't need to call us when that happens we'll be here quite quickly. Be patient and don't be upset if she appears confused at first. She's been rewiring and rearranging her own brain these last three days. All will settle and soon pass." The Doctor touched Marge's arm, gave a light squeeze, got up and took his crowd of followers with him.

She watched the medical staff file from the room and moved closer to Peta. Just the two of them together again, she squeezed Peta's hand and thought a moment about what the Doctor had said. Matthew always seems able to make an impression. She wondered what he was up to, where he'd gone and why he wanted Helga to be with him.

Marge picked up the latest book, found her glasses and commenced to read aloud the same as she'd done almost constantly for the last three days. Again she lost track of time, which meant she couldn't remember how many regular nurse visits to check on Peta had been completed.

Several times the monitors stirred, indicating Peta was more conscious yet within a few minutes settled, though it seemed to Marge they remained a little more active than before. Gave her hope, a reason to continue reading.

As she turned a page she realised Peta's eyes were open and focused looking toward her. Peta seemed to be listening.

She looked gorgeously content, definitely awake. Her face was full of life with the dimples Marge loved showing on both cheeks.

Marge noticed the monitors were bouncing with activity but the signals were as calm as Peta's expression. Her little girl had come back from where ever she's been.

She tried to continue reading, waiting for Peta to say something, but couldn't. Within a few moments she reached forward and kissed Peta on the cheek. Said, "Welcome back." And immediately moved her face away to sit upright, though she took Peta's hand in her own and kissed it while watching her girl's face, trying to witness a response to being touched.

It was there. Peta didn't speak or smile but her eyes sparkled with acknowledgement. The show of affection was what Marge needed, as suddenly as Peta's return Marge burst into tears.

Before Marge even realised she was crying, Peta's hands were at her cheeks. It felt warm and caring to be touched so. Fingers delicately wiped the flow of tears and even curved hair behind ears before gently drawing forward into an embrace that lasted longer than Marge could remember. She cried openly, needed to cry, cradled within comforting arms, her head snuggled upon her girl's chest.

It was some time before the Doctor cleared his throat. He'd watched the embrace in silence, put a hand up to quieten his staff. Before speaking he already knew Peta's interneuron responses were consistent with normality. That she was exhibiting a keen awareness of her surroundings. That she could recognise loved ones and her reaction was normal with a focus on strong empathy toward the needs of others. All were positive signs, consistent with a quick natural and full recovery.

He placed a hand on Marge's arm. "You guys have a forever together, looks like we medical folk only have a few days. May we take centre stage for a few moments and check Peta over?"

"I'm sorry I..." Marge moved away from Peta wiping her eyes. She stood, wiped her eyes again then bent forward to quickly kiss Peta's cheek. The second time Marge straightened she uttered, "Sorry I... Happy tears. Tears I've been holding onto for some time." She kissed the Doctor's cheek. "Thank you. I don't know how... what too... so relieved." She gestured confusion with both hands before wiping at her face and stepping out of the way, dragging the chair she'd been using.

The Doctor nodded, smiled, followed Marge; said, "You just did all those things perfectly." The moment over he turned toward Peta.

"Peta, I'm Doctor Raymond Peeler. Wonder if I might ask you a few questions." He nodded.

"We'll start with the obvious. How do you feel?"

Peta seemed expressionless. Didn't really respond, though she did look at her mother then back at the doctor. Her mouth opened quite wide and closed several times. Looked a little like a fish out of water struggling to breathe in the air. Yet she didn't seem to be struggling to breathe, nor did she look particularly stressed, which was rather unexpected.

Doctor looked puzzled even put a finger to his mouth. He picked up Peta's hand, said. "Don't try to speak for now. Squeeze my hand if you feel fine." Peta squeezed.

"Good. Now I'd like you to look at all the people in this room and squeeze my hand once for each person you recognise." Peta squeezed his hand once.

"Good. Peta..." The Doctor lifted his hand, clicked his finger and pointed at the monitor beside him. One of his staff walked to the machine and pressed several buttons before stepping back.

He let go of her hand. "Peta, raise your right hand." Peta did as he asked. "Good."

"Now, could you touch your chin with the index finger on your right hand." Peta did. "Good. That's excellent."

The Doctor learned forward. "Touch my right arm with the thumb on your left hand." Peta did. "Good." He picked up her hands. "Do you feel tired?"

Peta didn't squeeze.

"Groggy?"

Peta didn't squeeze.

"Peta your mother has been reading to you. Now you're awake do you feel up to reading the book yourself?"

Peta squeezed.

The Doctor put his hand out for the book, took it from Marge and handed it to Peta.

Peta opened the book where the bookmark indicated. She scanned down, turned back a page and seemed to read the last paragraph before turning the page and placing her finger where her mother had stopped reading.

The Doctor smiled, "Peta I need to leave. Want to arrange some tests for you and have a discussion with my colleagues. I also want to borrow your mother. Will it upset you to be left here alone with about a hundred nurses outside who'll come at the press of a button?"

Peta picked up the book, turned it slightly so the Doctor could also see the page and ran her finger under the word, 'no'. She then scanned the page and did the same to four words that she found at random 'Bring Mum back soon.'

The Doctor squeezed her hand, leaned forward, kissed Peta on the cheek, then stood and wiped his eyes. He threw her a wave, "You're going to be fine. Won't be too long. I'll have someone bring you something to write with." He looked at his hand and grinned. "And a cherry cola milkshake."

Matthew walked into the room ready to surprise Marge but got the larger surprise himself. Marge wasn't there. Peta was awake, head down reading.

She didn't stir so he backed out of the room and used his finger to indicated quiet before encouraging the tribe to enter.

Matthew had met Jamie, Ethel, Daphne and Phillip at the airport when their plane arrived and took them shopping. Clothes for Ethel and Daphne with Helga's help, though they weren't as disparate as Matthew imagined. Phillip had already taken them shopping and kitted them out in Sydney before leaving Australia. Still worked out well because he wanted Jamie, Phillip and Helga to kit Peta out with some fancy nightclothes and things. So she'd have something to wear around the hospital, help her feel whatever women feel dressed in matching colours, while recovering. Thought she'd need a supply of headgear too. If for no other reason she'd be cold over here without hair.

Jamie needed to touch Peta before she looked up.

Her mouth opened and both arms went out to draw him into a cuddle. Jamie wasn't used to Peta being touchy but he went along with it while focusing his mind on the wallet in his back pocket. He was sure getting close was a sting. A ploy to slip his cash and take control of the debit card Billie gave him. But she didn't go hunting up or down his back. She seemed pleased to see him and looked so well, which made him wonder why Mum was so desperately keen to have him fly all the way over here.

When Jamie finally extracted himself from the tangle of arms he noticed Peta writing. She wrote, "Sorry. Can't talk." Peta scribbled a circle. "Feel really well. Really, really well, it's kind of funny. They cut my neck." She pointed with her free hand. "Think they might have removed my voice box. Don't know why. But..." She shrugged her shoulders.

Jamie wasn't sure what to say. He almost picked up the pen but realised Peta could hear fine before he did. "If you feel okay don't suppose it matters much. Think they make plastic ones now. Besides you're a good speller."

Peta nodded. Bit strange for Peta.

She noticed Ethel and Daphne and took turns to cuddle both. Now that was strange. Peta is touchy but isn't a toucher. Jamie watched Peta's hands to see if she made a play for the girls' pockets. She didn't.

Peta tried to cuddle Matthew. He gave her one hand, wouldn't allow her to draw him close enough to be smothered. Peta seemed to understand. She took his hand to her mouth, made like a kiss then put the hand on her heart, where she squeezed it before giving it back.

Then she cuddled Phillip. Strange. Phillip is a smotherer but she lapped it up. Very strange, still there have never been limits when dealing with Peta. Mum said she's taken a head knock. Maybe things were serious with the worst still to come.

Jamie noticed Matthew start to unload gifts. He started with the clothes. Gave them to Helga and Phillip to show Peta. She liked everything. No, 'I didn't want this,' 'That's not my colour.' She turned humble and wrote, 'thank you,' with each gift before starting to underline the words with her finger, again for each gift. Seemed to choke up and cry, wanted to hug someone. For Peta, that is super strange.

When a smart phone and tablet PC came out of the bag. She cried, wiped her eyes and put both hands out to thank Matthew with a cuddle.

Matthew said "Struth." Then seemed to have a brain wave.

He smiled, displayed a smug expression perfected over many years. Turned to Ethel and pointed. Said, "Friday, give her a mega touchy private school city folk cuddle. Make it good enough to feel like it comes from all of us."

Ethel rolled her eyes and obliged. Said, "This is from all of us. The idea comes from my boss, big tough countrified, don't touch me or block my sunshine, Uncle Matthew."

The comment caused everyone to laugh and Peta to expel more happy tears.

*****

"Go straight past the base gate and turn left onto State Highway DD." Femme was giving directions.

Fiona wanted to drive and was doing well, though they hadn't yet gone far. She replied, "The map thing is saying go straight ahead."

"The map thing doesn't make allowances for two sleeping children. Besides going straight ahead is full of country roads with enough turns and bumps to encourage Mama's baby to make an immediate appearance."

"Seems silly to travel west to go east when not on a sailing ship." Fiona turned right. "Stupid, suppose they named this road after Dick Dirkin."

Femme glanced at her grinning Mother. They were seated in the second row of Femme's eight-seat SUV, behind Fiona and Beverly. Hilda sat in the middle of the rear seat with Em and Jay in a travel capsule on either side of her. "Now that you've made the turn onto, Dick Durkin Boulevard, there will be no more left turn intersections. It's straight sailing with a following sea, much safer for the crew. In a few miles, six, at the round about, we'll turn right onto highway thirteen. By following highway thirteen, north, for nineteen miles we can join Interstate seventy at the Higginsville exit, which is exit number fifty-eight. Then all we need do is travel east until exit one twenty four." Femme again glanced at her mother. "Fiona I know being a teacher means you already know most things but for Beverly's benefit I'll explain something. Exits on US interstate highways are also mile markers from the state border. Hence by entering the interstate at exit fifty-eight and leaving at exit one twenty four we already know we'll be on the interstate for sixty-six miles." Femme watched Beverly turn in her seat listening, so continued. "Everything about the national highway grid in the US is numbered logically. Even numbers are used for highways travelling east west and odd numbers are used for north south journeys. It's very simple to find the way from A to B. You don't need to be born with a compass in your head."

Beverly smiled, "That's really clever. I didn't know that. Thank you Mrs Page."

Fiona said, "I knew. I was going to explain all that to Beverly when we got to the Interstate. Femme's ruined everything again. Now we'll have to play I-spy, sing dumb travel songs or talk about the chrome do-dads stuck all over this yank tank she owns."

Fiona, can we assume you're nervous about meeting these people?"

"I'm not nervous. We're just going to take a look. We'll look at them and they'll look at me. Though what good it will do without Peta is something of a mystery. The person who worked out I applied for a job at this school ages ago and told them I'm coming today will be punished. I can't believe they would still be interested in talking to me after hearing nothing for almost two years. Place must be a dive, desperate to attract superior staff."

Femme rolled her eyes. "The nice lady who rang had the best of intensions. She merely inquired of them about taking Peta. During the conversation she mentioned the name of Peta's school. The person at their end of the phone recognised the school name and asked after the artist, Miss Fiona Goodchild. The nice lady on our end of the phone, could hardly not mention, Miss Goodchild is here with us and will also be visiting the school today. Could she?"

"I don't need to run away now. I'm settled."

"Phillip is over here. You could settle closer to Phillip."

"Phillip is a worthless gypsy, a hopeless vagabond. He could be anywhere." Fiona was silent a moment. "Do you know where Phillip is?"

"Yes. I actually spoke to him on the phone last night."

"You spoke to him. You spoke to him! Where was he? How did you know his phone number? Why haven't you told me? He was with another woman, wasn't he? She'll be punished. They'll both be punished. You'll all be punished."

Femme smiled at her mother and shook her head. "He's where Peta is, Fort Worth, Texas. I didn't phone him. I phoned Mama Marge. He answered the phone."

"Well what did he say?"

"Hello. You've phoned Marge Page. Phillip speaking. I said; Hello Phillip can I speak to Mum please. He said: Sure thing Femme. I'll put her on. And he did. That was it."

Fiona was silent a moment, pressing buttons. She then spoke into the navigation audio reader. "Fort Worth Texas."

Femme voice sounded urgent. "Fiona, don't you dare turn this car around. We're on our way to Columbia for your interview and to look the school over. Then we'll make a quick visit to Hilda's friends at Clark. Where we'll also purchase some goodies at the Amish markets before rushing home. We need to be back in time to meet Billie, Paula and Pinkie." Femme took a long breath. "Tomorrow, Pinkie and Hilda plan to drive to Fort Worth in this vehicle. Will take them all day. I'm sure they'd welcome you along. Probably should warn you about Pinkie. All day is a long time to share your ears with extensive renditions of mournful cowboy songs." Femme glanced at her mother yet again. She was still grinning. "Later tomorrow the rest of us are flying to Fort Worth. We're taking two aeroplanes, the jet, which all of us will return in after visiting Peta. The other, a light aircraft, is for Pinkie and Hilda to share with Sakarma. They're going to leave the vehicle in Fort Worth for Peta to travel home in when she's released from hospital. Pinkie and Hilda will make their own way home in the small plane, visiting Pinkie's Mother along the way." I've assumed Beverly would like to travel to Fort Worth with us. Wasn't sure about you. Couldn't think of any reason for you to go to Texas, thought you might be busy punishing people, creating anger vibes and bad karma in my relaxation studio."

*****

Matthew walked quietly into Peta's room. He was carrying Jay and encouraging the boy to remain quiet. Behind him, a somewhat confused Femme also walked softly while carrying Em and attempting the more complex task of keeping the girl from talking and repeatedly asking why.

Peta wasn't really sleeping. She was resting her eyes, hospital speak for, I'm over being sick, I'm now bored witless. Please someone help me escape. By the time she became aware of having company Matthew had cleared the jug and sat Jay on the mobile table. The boy raised a hand and let out a motion noise as Matthew kept hold of him and rolled the table over the bed closer to Peta's head. Matthew hadn't planned for Jay putting his feet out using Peta's chest as a foot stop. Certainly got the girl's attention.

Peta's head went back on the pillow, her hands covered the impact spot and she made a noise. Sounded like a feeble attempt to laugh or cry. She also made a facial expression, bit her lower lip and raised her cheeks. There wasn't much expression in the gesture but it was the first since arriving at the hospital.

Femme spoke. Her voice was firm though Femme could never sound cross. "You little hobo. Be gentle." As she spoke Femme's free hand went out to take Jay further away.

Matthew was quick. He raised a hand to stop Femme touching Jay and offered a calming gesture. He clearly wanted Jay to stay where he was and Femme obeyed.

Femme remembered why Matthew wanted the children to see Peta. Thought he was crazy testing Peta so. Peta was becoming quite proficient at typing what she wanted to say. Matthew thought it time to test the girl. See how she copes communicating with two people who can't yet read; so did the Doctor. Which was why Matron got overruled, the children were allowed to visit.

Jay almost danced. He parroted Femme, raised an arm and said "Hobo" several times then he nodded like Matthew. The boy seemed pleased with his new word.

Peta's eyes looked bright. She put a hand out and cupped Jay's cheek, gave him an affectionate rub.

While she was doing so Jay grabbed at Peta's pink 'Don't mess with Texas' beanie and pulled it off. Made a feeble attempt at placing it on his own head but stopped.

Jay's hand went out, one finger pointing toward Peta's baldhead. The boy stared a moment then said, "Fuck."

## Chapter 11

Femme was first to move. She aimed a pointed finger toward Jay.

Though it was Peta who got to him first. She cupped both hand on Jay's checks and this time squeezed them. The girl was clearly emitting sounds, which had the making of laugher. She pulled Jay forward onto herself and gave him a cuddle. While doing this she also gestured for Femme to release Em and took the girl, offering the same treatment.

Em seemed content with cuddling but it didn't take long for Jay to sit back on his haunches. The boy studied Peta's head, lifted a hand and touched it. He was clearly thinking.

Femme spoke, "Young Man. Don't you dare use that word again."

Occupied elsewhere Jay ignored the advice, though he didn't speak. He studied Peta, even moved sideways to get a better view. Touched the top of her head and the side above her ear. He inspected the dressing on one side of her neck, didn't touch. Then his attention went to Peta's mouth. At an uncomfortably close distance, for Peta, the boy looked closely for some time. He nodded and touched her cheeks, thought then nodded again.

Intrigued with his interest Peta opened her mouth to allow an inside inspection, which the boy did, from the centre and both sides. He nodded again and leaned back, pulled a frown and looked at Matthew to nod and raise a hand, one finger pointing upward.

He moved forward took Peta's hand and placed it on the side of his mouth. Three times he slowly said, "Tucka."

The Boy pointed in his open mouth indicating what tucka is then repeated the whole process before placing Peta's hand on her own check and used his free hand to point toward Peta's mouth.

Peta had already caught on. Jay was teaching her how to get food. She tried to speak. Took five attempts before any noise came out. On the eighth try she did it, said "Tucka."

Peta's face lite up. She pulled Jay into cuddle and almost smothered him.

Eventually Jay squirmed his way free and immediately sat up ready to teach another word.

He took Peta's hand as before. Made his own hand signal, said "Poo."

Again he repeated the process and eventually pointed down between them indicating a use for the words.

Totally oblivious to the audience that had congregated inside the hospital room door Peta caught her lip and made a giggle sound, as Jay moved her own hand in place to feel the muscles move and try the word. She spoke, took several goes, not as many as the first time. But with repetition and effort out came a clear audible word.

When she spoke the word her face lite with achievement. Though it was short lived because Jay jumped to his feet and cried out, "Cuddle..." and with arms extended dropped, like a felled tree, on top of Peta and beside his sister.

The audience at the door spontaneously clapped, but stopped abruptly as Jay jumped. They were just in time to hear Peta clearly emit, "Oh Fuck."

Peta quickly stopped the crowd from moving, and the closer arms reaching for Jay. She indicated by pointing that the problem was merely Jay had kneed her in the tummy and caused no lasting damage.

Jay however jumped up, looked toward the door then quickly placed a hand over Peta's mouth, his eyes wide with alarm.

For the first time since Jay commenced the talking game Peta seemed genuinely confused.

Jay pointed toward the crowd at the door, said with alarm, "Mama Hat." And immediately placed two fingers each side of his head simulating buffalo horns.

He then sat back looking more relaxed, put a finger in front of his mouth then with a double hand wave said, "Holly Batman." And nodded proudly.

Within a few moments a smiling Peta, could also emit the same sanitised exclamation, suitable for use in front of Mama Hat.

"I'm impressed. Really impressed. Don't see the point in keeping Peta here any longer." The Doctor looked at his hand then returned his focus towards Marge. "Peta's recovery will take time but she'll be fine and quite frankly the physio support she'll get from your team is more suitable for her needs than what we have on offer here. I would like to see you both in three weeks. We'll book her in here at the hospital as a day patient. Observe her progress, talk and run a few tests. Probably need half a day. My secretary will contact you to make the arrangements before you leave here today."

*****

"Well you've really started something with this text messaging." Debe rolled her eyes, stopped talking specifically to Matthew and continued speaking to everyone at the breakfast table. "We, that's the royal we, are on the road again, just left Muskogee. The hotel was mega good and the town is interesting; lovely and green, and there is a castle. It's the kind of place where even squares can have a ball. Oh, and surprise, surprise; we're listening to Merle someone sing about the town." She shrugged. "Think that probably mean Pinkie forgot to take a CD out of the vehicle player." Again she shrugged, "Mum's never smoked dope but we think Miss Goodchild may have. She won't say anything for fear of us spreading stories at school. She has a smug, rather incriminating, grin on her face." Debe was silent a moment, reading. "Apparently we'll be receiving regular trip progress updates. The GPS thinks we should arrive here in four and a half hours." She expanded her eyes. "That's just one message. Would anyone like a Marge or Beverly update? I have both. Guess Fiona is busy exploring and driving." Debe looked at Femme. "What are we doing about this baby? My senses are saying we should have things in place by next week."

Femme stood up, started round the table. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Making plans, nothing more. You might as well sit down and eat the rest of your breakfast." Debe rolled her eyes. "Thinking ahead, if you're still keen on this Kentucky idea might make sense to be there by the close of this weekend. Thought we could wait a few days and drive there with a car full of girls. They seem to enjoy the open road. Though we should talk to them. The highway novelty may have worn thin by the time they arrive here."

Some time later Debe returned to the ping of her phone, read the screen and immediately commenced to chuckle. Eventually she said. "We're in Missouri and have been done for speeding. Can only do seventy here, seventy-five in Oklahoma. The cops wear boy-scout hats and check everything, even the passengers." Debe looked up, "You'll be pleased to know the vehicle isn't stolen, neither are the children. We were let off with a warning, only because Miss Goodchild twinkled her eye-lashes and said a whole lot of dumb girlie things with an exaggerated Australian accent." Debe read for a short while, "Now we're at the Joplin truck stop, which has more trucks than sunflowers in a field. Mum and Miss Goodchild are having coffee. Bev and I chose a spider; it's good. Mum is trying to stop Miss Goodchild from having a set of chrome bull testicles fitted to the car as a towbar cover. Miss Goodchild is convinced Femme wants them. Mum is sure Femme doesn't. She thinks Femme would prefer nothing, or perhaps a propeller; they're for sale here too."

Femme's eyes expanded, "Mother knows best. Do you happen to know whether Fiona has a phone number? I know she wants me punished, but this is ridiculous."

"No, I don't. Marge has a phone, she should be sitting with Fiona." Debe punched in the number and handed the phone to Femme.

The phone rang twice, "Hi Mum. Is Fiona there?"

Femme listened. "Okay, would you go over and stop her. You can buy the propeller for Billie; in fact buy four propellers for Billie. I'll reimburse the cost the moment you arrive here." Femme thought a moment. "On second thought, don't stop Fiona buying the other. When we get them off her we'll arrange for someone to place them on her car in Australia. We'll do it at school, in the car park. Make sure everyone sees them before she does. That should be very funny." Femme listened then smiled. "Guess I'll see you in a few hours. Take care."

Femme handed the phone back and continued folding clothes but immediately stopped and walked toward the rear window, when she heard the approaching aeroplane. She didn't need to look, the sound was a Billie designed Velocity, most likely her own. "Didn't expect we'd be receiving visitors for morning tea today. Better put the jug on and look for something to feed the starving."

Billie opened the back door and allowed Elizabeth, Phillip's Sister, to enter ahead of her. Elizabeth normally managed to appear gorgeous, today her face was drawn with exhaustion but she found the strength to hug Femme while offering a warning about leaving grime doing so.

Femme glanced at Billie, gave her a smile and said, "Finish making the coffee. I'll take Elizabeth to our en suite so she doesn't need to fuss with unpacking. She can shower while I find something for her to wrap up in, then we'll put her straight to bed."

When Femme returned Helga and Paula had turned up. They were sitting round the kitchen table holding coffee and looking pensive. Debe was there as well. She was off coffee but loved to sit in the smell.

Femme sat and immediately spoke, "Elizabeth is exhausted and filthy. What's she been doing?"

Paula answered, "She flew to Afghanistan twice, like us, but in her case they didn't even stop to resupply the plane. A hot pit refuel on the taxiway was the only home break she got before the second trip. Plus she was over there longer than us both times. Got back early this morning and jumped in her plane, found her last ounce of strength to come straight here." Paula smiled. "Suppose she desperately wants to be in her cubby, her only possession. It's a fair bet she'll sleep for several days."

Billie spoke, "She'll be okay. Before the shower finishes I'll go out and check the cubby, make sure everything is as she likes." Billie tapped the table. "Of more pressing concern where is Matthew? We will need his wisdom and input over the next few days. Pinkie has phoned, there is quite a problem down her way."

Femme's voice came out firm, "You are not taking Matthew anywhere. Nor are you going to suggest anything of the like. Matthew is being taken to Kentucky with his wife, Mama. He will be with her at the birth of their son."

"I'm not intending to take Matthew away. Not yet anyway. I want to have a further chat about cornfields and old houses with potential." Billie looked at Debe, "In fact Mama might be interested in this particular house as well but right now its Phillip we need. We need him and his briefcase on the ground in Alabama. He's been working on Pinkie's Mother and her friends' future security for some time. Last visit he filed a claim of Adverse Possession over the property they're lived and worked on all their life. Seems he got everyone's attention, because a Tax Lien Certificate has been issued against the property. This is exactly what Phillip said would happen if any backroom string pullers were hanging about. Apparently now we can identify who they are, what their interest is and manage the situation. Phillip thinks the cupboards down there are full of rather shy people playing the money game. According to Phillip if these people had any money they could and should have acted before now." Billie shrugged and waved a hand, "Matthew seems to be the only person who really knows where Phillip is and what he's doing."

Debe spoke, "Matthew is outside playing rrrrr games. He's teaching the twins to rrrrr at chickens. I'm sure the reason behind it will float to the surface eventually." She took a breath, "Phillip is supposed to be at our home, Owl Creek on Bison Pass. He's babysitting the girls, which probably means they're all actually bunking down at Jasmine's place so the whole tribe can catch the same school bus. I think Jamie and Ethel had ideas of staying with David and Kelly at Dubois and spend their day engaged in study, which I don't fully believe. But they're not immediately available to keep an eye on the younger children." Debe looked into Femme cup, smelt it, then continued talking, "It's a fair bet Phillip isn't doing much at all, just helping Jasmine cope with the invasion. Though I'm sure he's also plotting something involving money. If you do need him we could easily organise a few of the girls at the Bison Pass Refuge Hostel to undertake domestic work and after school, girl sitting. The girls, all the girls, would probably find that interesting."

Billie smiled, "Too easy. I'll go organise Elizabeth's sleeping quarters and find Matthew at the same time. I'll tell him to come in and see you to receive the latest instructions. Might have time for a quick rrrrr at a few chickens. Do you know whether Matthew's plane is out there?"

Debe waved an uncertain hand, "The plane should be at Thermopolis. So that would save you a few hours." She smiled, "But it would make more sense if I flew my plane out there to pick Phillip up. I could comply with all the pregnancy restrictions by taking Helga and the three dogs along for company. This would give Phillip time to prepare and pack. Plus the dogs will give him someone to take care of on the return flight." She waved a hand. "I hear you ask why? It's an outing, something to do rather than sit smelling coffee under the full supervision of a loving, well meaning but somewhat anxious daughter."

Femme looked her mother over several times before rolling her eyes and turning to Billie. "What's all this mean for Pinkie's mother?"

Billie looked at the door then smiled, "Phillip is a better talker than I am." She touched both her temples, "Not only is the property current owner no where to be found, it appears we've proved he hasn't been paying taxes. Now we need to wait on Phillip to establish how long this has been going on. If it's more than ten years the land belongs to Lowery and her friends; it's automatic; with one caveat." Billie expanded her eyes and continued, "According to Phillip the locals will try to prove Lowery and the others can't inherit because they didn't pay the taxes either. By initiating the Lien Auction, which is the mechanism to take ownership of the back taxes, it has been established. We have proof at law the current owner hasn't upheld his responsibility as a landowner. After the auction, if the property owner doesn't or can't pay the outstanding taxes the owner of the lien certificate can file for foreclosure of the property and take ownership. Whoever is behind this, is betting the amount is more than Lowery and her friends can afford, which wouldn't be much. Phillip... we intend to buy ownership of the Lien Certificate at the auction, which by law must be public and must occur on the courthouse steps during normal business hours. This will create breathing space. We can sit and wait as long as it takes for settlement of ownership to go through. The stumbling block is citizenship. Lowery and her friends don't exist. They have no social security number, no birth certificate, no driver's licence... nothing. And no one down there has, as yet, caught on to Phillips strategy. They seem to think being a non-person excludes them from landownership. What it really proves, when someone like Phillip becomes involved, is exactly the opposite. They've model citizens, better than model citizens. They've never been arrested, never been an employee. Never received a wage. Never claimed welfare and they've never lived anywhere but on the disputed property, which proves they've worked the property and supported themself while doing so. Plus, as a bonus to push things forward, they're sitting pretty to sue the county. Receive a bundle, for having had their civil rights violated. The local authorities have a responsibility to care for the vulnerable within the community they manage. Clearly that has not been done."

Femme was first to speak, "That's almost unbelievable. How does Phillip intend to prove they are who they claim to be?"

"Easy. Pinkie was taken away by the local sheriff and put in school. That's a mater of public record. It's claimed the girl was taken to protect her from the property owner, the father of the presumed current owner. They ignored that the owner murdered Pinkie's father, hang him from the tree on the property where he hung quite a few people." Billie took on a frustrated tone. "This occurred in the nineteen-eighties. The Sheriff removed Pinkie to protect himself and the community bigwigs as much as the owner." She made a puzzle with he hands. "Anyway Pinkie has a birth certificate listing her mother and father as living on the property, when she was born. Lowery still lives at that address. Pinkie has all the usual documents and is an Officer of good standing in the United States Air force. There are five other children who were treated so and between them they can link back to a relationship with every living person on that property. Phillip has already done DNA testing to prove the documents in his possession are authentic. He hasn't bothered to share the information with anyone down there. Not yet. But I'm prepared to bet he will offer them to the court as supporting evidence shortly." Billie walked over and kissed the top of Femme's head. "You should check on Elizabeth and I should get myself outside to check her home is shipshape, then Paula and I should hop it back to work. But before we go, what about this for an idea? Mama Debe could fly down to Auburn with Matthew and Helga in her own plane; will take two and a half hours, which is a few minutes quicker than Phillip will take flying there in Matthew's jet. You could stay a night in a fancy local southern establishment; experience the best they have to offer. Make a fuss, ignore Phillip, or not, depending how he wants to play it." Billie gently touched her smiling mother-in-law on the nose with one finger. "You could also hire a vehicle and take a short trip to Beauregard, meet Lowery and look this building over. See whether it affords of you the same sense of potential it strikes with Matthew."

Billie walked through the back door listening to the silence she'd created in her wake.

*****

Femme was alone and bored. She'd resorted to filling her time massaging Em and Jay. Em seemed to understand the principle, though she asked a lot of questions. Massaging Jay had a lot in common with handling worms.

She didn't hear the car arrive, strange because she wanted company. A succession of vehicle door slams alerted her in time to hear Fiona speak, "That's a different aeroplane. A slay logo with Ho Ho Enterprises, Bohemia. If it's not Santa Claus it has to be some visiting artist."

Marge answered, "We'll need to check inside with Femme but I seem to remember the logo. I think it may belong to Elizabeth or Phillip, perhaps both of them. Not so silly really, Ho is their family name." Marge looked at Fiona's expanding eyes before adding. "Elizabeth would almost certainly have a chook logo. I've no idea what Phillip would choose."

Fiona dropped the luggage she'd just taken in hand and ran inside to face Femme. She spoke from behind a pointing finger. "He's here isn't he?"

Femme smiled, "No Santa Claus is not here. He made a booking but he's not due to arrive for a few months."

"Don't be stupid. Who owns that plane?"

"Phillip. But he never uses it. Unfortunately Phillip is not here. The plane turned up without him." Femme looked at Fiona with her tongue between her teeth and an amused expression on her faces. "Phillip was in Wyoming until an hour ago. Now he's on the way to Alabama in Matthew's plane. If you face south and wave he may see you. Should be passing quite near to here some time soon." Femme waved both her hands. "He'll be meeting up with Matthew and Debe in Alabama. They, Matthew and Debe, flew from here in Debe's plane. It's identical to the one out there except hers has, 'Bison Pass, Thermopolis' written on the tail with a Bison image."

"Phillip doesn't own a plane. He's worthless, can't hold down a job because he can't stay still. Think I might cripple him. Get him a job in a sheltered workshop. Elizabeth is here. Isn't she? I need to see her." Fiona moved toward the stairs leading to the bedrooms but stopped and turned round. "Pinkie and Hilda went to Alabama. What's going on? If it involves that woman you'll all be punished."

Femme shook her head, "Fiona, Elizabeth is here. She's asleep. She was exhausted when she arrived. You'll need to wait until she wakes."

"Where is she?"

"Are you planning to wake her?"

"I need to talk to her."

"Femme turned toward the door. "Hi Mama. Hi Beverly. You made good time." She walked forward and took both Peta's hands. "You look great. Did you enjoy the trip?"

Peta stepped back and raised a finger. She opened her mouth awhile than with exaggerated head movement said, "Yes." And offered a proud smile to compliment her achievement.

Femme took Peta into a full hug and held her for sometime.

Marge touched Femme on the arm, "You probably should go after Fiona. She's hunting for Elizabeth." Marge rolled her eyes. "Fiona is a lovely person and a lot of fun. Though even so I'm sure she needs to take a calming tablet occasionally. Especially so, I would say, before she goes to class at school."

Femme glanced over her shoulder. "She won't find Elizabeth up there. Elizabeth is outside in her cubby. It's a fair bet Fiona will search my studio and become distracted. If we wait five minutes we'll find her sketching us pegged by the ears to a clothesline with lightning zaps threatening us, or something equally as silly. I've no idea what goes on in her brain but she is creative when motivated." Femme released Peta and moved behind her kitchen bench, "Would you like something to eat; a coffee? A cool drink and a sandwich, perhaps?"

## Chapter 12

"Do you know what he wants you to do?"

Jamie asked the question. He was sitting in one of the two rear seats of Kelly's leopard moth and dressed casually. Ethel was occupying the single front seat and piloting the plane. Her travel bag filled the other rear seat and she was decked out in one of several business outfits Matthew had purchased for her, black slacks, white silk blouse. Coat with matching bumps, a hint of heels and enough jewellery to feel expensively feminine. She looked better than good, even had a matching slimline briefcase with room for her new tablet PC, smart phone and a few books for study time.

When she took those big country steps with Wyoming wind blowing through her long hair she looked the business and glowed with a newly found confident professionalism.

"I haven't got a clue. Phillip said Matthew wants me to tag along. Said we're going to Alabama to meet up and be briefed. My head is still spinning." She glanced at Jamie before looking back at the windscreen. "Ethel Primrose, country hick, no body. Daughter of the cook and roustabout on Barkley Station is on a rush trip from Wyoming to Alabama to be briefed. Have experienced more life this last week than I imagined existed." She offered Jamie a quick grin. "Daphne feels sorry for me, thinks I'd love the school bus ride." She pointed to the left front. "God this country is beautiful. Look at that mountain. This is a perfect aeroplane for sightseeing and talking. I got a reply from Mitty before we took off. She said to say hello. She fancies you, you know. Big time. But she won't allow anything to distract her from making her way. She wants to be someone, make her family proud." Ethel blew out a breath. "I'm lucky. Just keeping my hair dry in the flood of life is all my family expect of me. Still this last week... maybe rainbows are real." She glanced at Jamie again. "If Ethel Primrose can pass this damn exam and not do something stupid in front of Matthew she'll be going to university. Can you believe that? No one in my family has even finished high school before. Listen to me. I talk too much."

Jamie grinned, had never heard Ethel talk so unguarded before. "Lap it up. Get used to it. You're going to Uni. You're smarter than all the rest of us. You deserve every drop that flows your way."

"Thank you for believing in me. It's a reason to push on, try harder. I know you and Mitty arranged all this. I'm going pay you both back. When I work out how. Paying Mitty the money she spent on Daf and me at school is easy. I keep the amount stored in my head. It's the first bill I'm going to pay. But what I owe you both for this last week and onwards is... it's above money. It's... I think you own my soul." She reached down and squeezed Jamie's knee. "Will you call me Friday all the time, like Matthew does? I love it. Encourage everyone to do the same. Never really liked Ethel. Don't even much like my father's sister, I'm named after. Ethel sounds like the cooks daughter. Everyone in my family thinks educating girls is a waste of money. Apparently girls take jobs away from the men. They should be at home keeping house." She looked into Jamie's eyes. "Can you believe that? My family are good honest loving gentle people with their head stuck in the sand." She raised her hand and flicked her fingers. "But Friday. Friday sounds like someone. Someone who can leap tall building, I love it. The new me." She thought a moment. "Even drop the Primrose. If you need to be formal call me Ms Friday." She waved a hand in front of Jamie. "If I knew how to change my name I'd do it, just Friday. No two names for me. God I'm going to fall hard when this bubble bursts. Ethel the Jillaroo. Waiting for some slob of man to take me away from one property so I can cook for him on another. Not too impressive is it? I'll have to work harder than hard. I like Friday's future better."

"Okay Friday. But you'd better get your head out of the dreamtime and concentrate on the here and now. That's Big Table Mountain and I can see your new boss's house straight ahead. Wouldn't make much sense to run into either." He grinned while pointing to the left front and then straight ahead. "God it looks pretty from up here. Anyway we both know it's time to start a steady decent into Thermopolis and your new reality. I'll take photos while you change aeroplanes. Send them to Mitty. She'll show your Mum and Dad. I'll caption it with, 'Friday leaving her private plane in Wyoming. Needs to use the Corporate Jet to make the Alabama meeting on time." He grinned, "You know it will turn Mitty envious. Especially so when I tell her I flew home alone after dropping you off. She'd do anything to fly this plane. Want's her father to buy one. In fact we hatched several plans to visit each other during the holidays. We were going to fly a leopard moth back and forward." He shrugged. "That plan didn't get far. We're over here and Mitty is over there on her own. Hope she is studying. I like her too you know. I can wait. We can wait. Makes sense to wait at our age. I'm ambitious too. Not quite the same focus as Mitty. I'm more like you. There are people to repay and the debt goes further than money. These days I burn with need to achieve my best. Want to live my life the way the motivators believe possible. The need to do so comes from within, but ownership of the desire, ambition; whatever, isn't mine. They came up with the idea long before I thought it possible. I owe them, with spades."

*****

"Don't want to rush you until you're ready. We found a school you may like to attend while we're stuck over here." Marge studied Peta face not sure what kind of reaction would be presented. Peta appeared calm so she continued. "We all visited the school for a look the other day. It's an hour and a half away so we might..."

The electronic tone of Peta's notepad interrupted. "Beverly told me. Said it's really nice. Told me about Ms Goodchild and the job. Beverly has offered to stay here with me. If she's allowed and if it can be arranged."

Marge was genuinely surprised. She didn't think anyone had raised the topic with Peta. "Would you like that?"

"Yes. I like Beverly. She's genuine. Something bad must have really upset her but she seems to enjoy happiness for the sake of being happy. I'm hoping to learn the same and wishing with my fingers crossed the way I feel now continues forever."

"Would you like to look at the school? It's a day school. The original idea was for me to fly you there every morning and return each night. Now we'll probably need to live somewhere closer, which means renting a house." Marge rolled her eyes. "No idea how we do that."

"Living together and being close enough to walk to school sounds lovely, and complicated because we're over here. Shouldn't we look at what's available here at the local school?" Peta lifted her head, gave her mother a smile then continued to type into the audio software. "I'm causing everyone a lot of trouble. Sorry. I didn't mean to."

Marge hugged her daughter. Gave out a sob, "I know you didn't. None of this is your fault."

Released from the extended hug Marge offered, "You've changed. I like the change. Can you remember how you used to think... talk?"

Peta nodded, "Yes. I remember everything. It's embarrassing to think about." She put a hand to her mouth a moment then continued typing. "I can't believe a marble sized growth in my head could be so mind altering. It's fascinating and scary. She looked up a moment then continued to type. "I feel so great now, content. It's really weird and wonderful. As if my eyes see everything different. I need to apologise to so many people." She looked up. "Mum you're on the top of the list. I'd like to buy a mirror, a little one, one with a handle for girls to look at themself. Want to practise talking and watch to make sure I look pleasant." She waved one hand. "I'm worried I might start screwing my face like some people do." She smiled. "I've been given a wonderful chance to reinvent my presentation skills, straighten out all the rough edges. Want to make the most of it. You realise I'm going to finish up with an American accent. At my age the accent will probably stick. Doesn't bother me. Will it bother you?"

Marge shook her head. Felt teary. Hugged her daughter. Spoke into the top of Peta's head. "Not one bit. I've only ever wanted to help you find happiness. Think you'll find it now without my interference. You're looking in the right place." Marge released Peta and wiped her eyes. "Maybe Billie is correct. She thinks I should step back, start working at being more of a friend to my children and do something for myself. She wants me to study, go to University. If I knew what that something was I'd do it."

Peta touched her mother's cheek. "You should." She bobbed her head. "I mean go to University or do something for yourself. You deserve it. You've spent years preparing us for the unknown."

Marge waved her hands in a puzzle. "I'll spend sometime thinking about it. You've always wanted to go to University. What is it you wish to study?"

"Don't really know. Not anymore. I'll concentrate on passing school first. Worry about University when I've got the marks in my pocket."

"Sounds sensible. Sensible, while we're on that topic. What do you think Fiona, Ms Goodchild is doing over there? She's been sketching non-stop for ages. Has even stopped staring up at Femme's studio. She didn't like being kicked out. Still I wouldn't let her sit there starring at poor Elizabeth having a relaxation massage either." She expanded her eyes. "We should head in and make a start on preparing something nice for dinner before everyone gets home."

*****

"Like this place." Debe was sitting on the large verandah of the main residence of what everyone local referred to as the Prescott Property.

She occupied a love chair with Matthew. They were alone, thinking, discussing options. "I like Lowery and her friends. Love this house. Can visualise it all spick and span, still old and grand, but functionally modern." She nodded. "I'm with you about this southern hospitality thing too. It's past its use by date. People of means want to be treated special not stuffed full of someone else's tastes and culture, which comes complete with ingrained bigotry. We should do whatever it takes to secure this land into Lowery and her friend's possession. They've earned that." She took Matthew's hand. "If you'll have me, I'll partner with you; to partner with them. Seems like a win for everyone. And, I like your horse ideas. It's rather clever of you. You've uncovered the missing romance of living in the south. Everyone is trying to recreate the exploitation of coloured folk, which comes across as offensive to anyone decent." Debe rubbed the back of Matthew's hand. "Early days yet. My suggestion for a property name is, Cottonfield, and the house begs to be called, Lowery."

Matthew stopped staring at the cornfield, looked at Debe and nodded. "You're pretty smart. No wonder I married you. Relax in comfort, the old ways at your door. Stay at Lowery on Cottonfield." He nodded again and squeezed her hand, said, "Partner it is than." He grinned, "You just cost yourself five million bucks. Still I figure the tax man will pick up most of the bill."

Debe made eye contact and raised a finger. "The moment the house is ours we'll invite the chief here, like we did at Owl Creek. Want all those dead things taken off the wall and disposed of correctly. Want the whole place lifted out from under the negative spirits." She shook her head in disgust. "We'd better warn him someone from here has killed a white bison and mounted the poor things head on the wall." She shook her head again. "I want all the spirits trapped in his place set free. I can feel them everywhere, inside, outside. I want them all released to the wind. Only after that task is complete can we change the atmosphere from what we have now to a place of enjoyment, nostalgia and relaxation."

Debe returned to silence. She watched Matthew study the cornfield. She suspected he was watching it grow. Who knows, perhaps he was silently rrrr'ing at it.

She wondered about what he said, Lowery on Cottonfield. Hadn't even realised how well the names ran together.

She felt a sharp pain and bit her bottom lip. Knew what it was. She squeezed the hand she still held and when he looked saw the worry in his eyes.

Her voice was deliberately calm, "Might be an idea to go find Lowery and Hilda. There's no hurry really, but don't get distracted rrrr'ing at anything. And don't be all panicky either. Just tell them my water has broken. I'll wait here. This house is in need of new life." She watched his eyes widen. Saw the look of concern capture his face. "Don't waste words. Everything is as it should be. Find Lowery and Hilda. Bring them here." She rolled her head and smiled. "Better bring Pinkie as well; to look after you."

*****

Marge picked up her phone to answer the ping. She put it to her ear. All she heard was laughter in the room around her.

Peta typed, "It's a text message. You need to read it."

Marge allowed Peta to retrieve the message for her. The girl expanded her eyes and bit her lip while looking at Femme. She returned the phone to her mother and included Marge's reading glasses.

"Hi Marge. This is Hilda on Debe's phone. I need you to give Femme a message. Tell her she has a little bother. Not so little, nine pound five ounces." Marge stopped reading silently and recommenced from the start, out loud, so Femme, everyone could hear.

She continued on, "Both mother and baby are in perfect health. Debe commenced an unexpected but normal labour, on the property here, around two thirty and gave birth at four. Lowery and I attended Debe while Pinkie and Helga undertook the more difficult task of caring for Matthew."

"Matthew has recovered quickly. He arranged for a local paediatrician to check Mother and Baby and both were considered better served remaining here under our care. He, Matthew, has also sent Friday on a mission to collect a variety of people and baby's belongings from you. His jet should arrive at Whiteman in an hour, around six. Could you meet the plane with all the baby gear they've accumulated? As I type this text Debe is pleading for me to ask you not to join the plane. I'm to tell you she and little Diné are fine. Probably be home day after tomorrow, when Diné has settled into a routine. Love Hilda. PS: Diné is gorgeous."

"Well I'm getting on that plane." Fiona spoke with conviction.

Femme looked at Fiona. It was impossible to be annoyed with her obsession. "Oh Fiona. You can't go. How will you get back here? And what on earth will Beverly do down there?"

"Beverly can stay here with you. I'll come back on the plane and bring Phillip with me."

"Phillip may not want to come here."

"He will. From now on Phillip will only go where I tell him... where I take him. Until he learns to heal and do as he's told he'll be kept on a short lead."

Billie spoke. She interrupted playing rrrrr's with Jay. It was the only game he enjoyed these days. "Why don't you and Mum fly down there with the intention of staying a few hours and coming back tonight? That way you'll be satisfied everything is okay. You could even stay longer if they have room. Come back tomorrow, it's the weekend. You could even try to bring your mother and little brother back with you. Peta and Beverly will be fine. They can help me look after Em and Jay." She grinned, "We'd better send Elizabeth to protect Phillip. Stop Fiona bashing him up." Billie grinned. "I think Phillip is in a lot of trouble. Be interesting to see how he manages the problem."

Fiona spoke further. She still sounded desperate. "I also have things to discuss with Matthew. All the sketches are ready."

Femme ignored Fiona, "Billie, do you think you could check where the plane is and find out how many vacant seats they have. If Friday is collecting people we may not have room. Find out who has been invited down there and where they come from. Might help us know what Matthew is up to, or up against. May also help explain why Mama doesn't want us to visit."

Billie had her laptop out before Femme finished speaking. Took less than a minute for her to look up with expanded eyes. "There are seven cabin passengers on the plane. Friday, four of Matthews Las Vegas friends." She rolled her eyes. "The same peace keepers he used to maintain focus while negotiate a fair and accelerated settlement of Debe's, thought to be, difficult dealings in Arizona." Billie shook her head. "They were very good at their job. They're not small. Hope poor Friday doesn't need to sit between two of them on the plane." Billie stopped talking. No one laughed at her Friday joke so continued, "They've also been to Wyoming, picked up the Chief and the Medicine Man." Billie shrugged, "They have five vacant seats on the plane. Currently in Nebraska airspace, ETA forty minutes and they'll be travelling direct to Auburn after leaving Whiteman." Billie looked up, "As for the passenger list; think I can put all this together. Sounds promising for Pinkie's Mum. Let me make a phone call before I try to explain."

Billie dialled, watched Fiona as she spoke. "Hi Phillip, it's Billie. Can you spare me a few minutes?"

Billie waited. She looked at Fiona who appeared calm, didn't seem to believe Billie. "Really. Lucky you. Thought the voice distortion was a bad line." She put her hand over the phone. Spoke to Femme. "He's in the hot tub. Said they provide a yellow rubber duck and beef jerky sticks to entertain guests in the tub down there."

Billie continue to converse on the phone. "Just been checking on Friday and the plane. I can guess why the chief is on the passenger list. Why the heavies?" Billie stopped to listen. "No. Femme wouldn't mind tripping down there to see her mum and new brother. Applies to my mum as well. Wanted to know if they'll be in the way. Plus Lissy is here and so is Fiona." Billie smiled looked at Fiona. "Fiona Goodchild." She winked at Fiona. "Long story. You'll have plenty of time to ask her that yourself." She waited again. "Well the plane is going that way. They were both thinking of seeing you." Again Billie waited. "Probably come back tonight? Tomorrow maybe, if you're up to finding them decent rooms." She laughed. "Fiona will probably bunk down with you. She's decided to marry you." Billie waited. The smile broadened. "You can ask her that too." Short delay, "Now if you want to. She's sitting here listening." Billie waited, "No, no, no. First answer my questions." Short delay. "Is it wise and safe for Femme and Mum to go down there tonight?" Billie listened for almost a minute. Finally she nodded, said, "Okay. We'll do it. Um, I'll phone you back if there are any changes to manage. I'll put Fiona on." Billie held up the phone. Spoke to Fiona, "Phillip needs to talk to you."

After handing the phone to Fiona and watching her leave the room, Billie spoke with Elizabeth. "Phillip wants to take you and Fiona to a good old fashion southern dance tonight. It's perfect timing. He's asked me to talk you and Fiona into arriving down there wearing the steampunk costumes you wore to Titters last year." She arched her eyebrows. "I've already told him both outfits are here. He wants you in the claret gothic number with the swallowtail trench coat. He thinks it suits you best. Fiona gets to show off in the Victorian corset vest outfit. The works for both of you, the hat, the footwear and all the jewellery even the cane. If you co-operate he'll take you there straight off the plane. And he'll be in that outfit with all the do-dads including the white ostrich feather hat." Billie nodded, "You'll be a perfect threesome and make a show, raise eyebrows. He's hopeful of introducing the Tango as it should be danced." Billie smiled. Spoke mostly to Femme. "Phillip is having the time of his life stirring things up. Apparently they can't handle change and don't respond well to brash people or new ideas. They tangle with rage, which helps them make mistakes. They've never got over physically lashing out and it doesn't go over very well in court." She turned solemn. "Phillip would like for you and Mum to go on the plane tonight and he'd love it if you could see fit to take the twins. He thinks Em and Jay will top the balance, convince Lowery to come up here for a few days at least. There will be no friction on the surface tonight but by tomorrow afternoon there could be a few ripples, hence the heavies." Billie waved a hand. "Phillip owns the Tax Lien Certificate. They tried to work a shonky deal by having the certificate situation reversed in court, return to the status quo. Their argument, the cost both physical and emotional being beyond reasonable, no one can afford either. So Phillip purchased the certificate, on the spot, in court, paid cash. Got it for a song then asked for a recess, which he used to walk across the road and pay all the back taxes. He returned to court with the news, attracted a lot of attention. Included being summoned to a private audience with the residing Judge. Which Phillip said was quite interesting. He thinks she favours our side. She has scheduled a hearing to determine property ownership tomorrow afternoon. She also warned him to expect a quick decision at that hearing. The only possible ground to override Phillip is if someone can make a genuine claim on the property and that would require proof, along with an explanation of having been unable to manage the property because of some kind of duress." Billie smiled, "They'd also need to settle all Phillip's out of pocket expenses on the spot. However the Judge also warned, no matter which way it goes there will almost certainly be an emotional response. The Judge feels the focus of any friction will be directed toward Lowery and got Phillip's assurance he can and will protect the people currently living on the property. The Judge also expressed disgust at the old fashion elitist thinking under the surface down there." Billie walked closer. Spoke softer to Femme and Elizabeth. "He wants Fiona and you down there to create a diversion. Plus Fiona is perfect to undertake a small but rather important job. He wants her to slip unnoticed under the, old eyes, radar. He needs to pass a few messages to someone who's hard to approach unnoticed, and at the dance all dressed up no one will see a thing. Said he'll explain later; though he did say it relates to teaching. He wants Matthew's plane crewed and ready to fly. He's also asked me to arrange for another jet to be on the ground ready and waiting." She waved a hand, "Worst case scenario; He may need to shift as many as thirty people out at short notice." Billie smiled at Femme's concerned face, picked up her hand and squeezed. "You know Phillip. He plans for everything. There will be no hiccup, no danger. But you should go down there if only to stop your mother stubbornly refusing to leave if Phillip thinks she should. With you there she'll act like a mother and grandmother should."

## Chapter 13

The room was plush in that conservative way upon which the south may flourish. Flower arrangements took advantage of every bench and column. Bouquets adorned crevices, joined with gathered strings of ribbon. White was the dominant colour.

There was no music yet, yet the dance floor was clear and remained so as people traffic used indirect unmarked corridors to traverse the hallowed sanctum for correct relationship forming.

Women, mostly young and conservatively overdressed for their age, sat in old fashion rows along two old fashion walls. They had a display look of produce at market. Some, the pretty ones, uncomfortable, most, the prettied ones, seemed delighted by the market concept. They were for sale and free to name their own future.

Men huddled in groups determined by age, their talk mostly soft, their expressions conspiring. Occasionally they were boisterously loud with their combined heads focused at someone in particular. The young would focus at girls, the older, new arrivals.

No one seemed keen to talk about what they were talking about. It was their way, always was, and to them, always would be.

Even before Phillip presented their ticket, to the second usher seated near the door, they were being judged from near and afar. For Phillip it was scorn from men with more of the same from most women. He'd felt as much all day in court from the public gallery. It was no surprise. He was no surprise.

Elizabeth the men undressed. It always happens. Yet she was lost to the women, to them she was the dress. To them she wore the dress. Elizabeth was everything they could ever hope to be. She was their dream come true. They stared.

Fiona eventually caught everyone's eye. She grew on people and found a response of reserved genderless representation, an example of aesthetic art. She was lost in the outfit. Onlookers were free to form their individual opinion. Her appearance scared most of the men. The appearance of the men she didn't scare scared her.

The formal Hostess smiled, held out her hand and received Phillip's suitably appropriate kiss and bow. Her preconceived reservation subsided a little. Felt, at least, he had breeding.

The formal Usher took the card and announced them. Visitors were rare, controversy more so. His loud voice filled the silent room, "Doctor Phillip Ho, from the North." Phillip nodded. "His betrothed, Miss Goodchild." Fiona bowed the formal courtesy of an actress acknowledging her audience. She was rewarded with many female smiles. "His sister, Miss Elizabeth." Elizabeth offered a shy bow of her head. Received many penetrating replies from eyes stuck within lustful male faces. Elizabeth found and squeezed Phillips hand, quietly said, "Oh Poo. Phillip you owe me."

Phillip was already busy speaking to the Hostess. He introduced Fiona first. "Mrs Coplin," He nodded, "I'd like you to meet Miss Fiona Goodchild. An artist at heart but by necessity, like yourself, a school teacher, English history and literature." The Hostess's eyes expanded. This was a surprise, something she would pursue further during the night.

Before the Hostess had time to respond Phillip continued, "You remember my sister, Elizabeth?" Her eyes expanded, as did Elizabeth's. Phillip put out a hand, spoke to Elizabeth. "You must remember, Norma Ainsworth. Lived on Tatworth Road near St Mary's." He looked back at the Hostess. "I'll confess, I had a crush on you in the forth grade. You always managed to look elegant. Still do." He turned back to Elizabeth. "Norma went to Manner Court." He shrugged, "And there we were at Chard Public." He shook his head, Elizabeth still looked vague. Phillip smiled and looked at the next arrival. "I'm sorry I... perhaps we should try to catch up later." He bowed his head a touch, "Small world."

With a woman on each arm Phillip took his leave. Didn't bother to follow the paths, he travelled straight and tall, a direct line across the dance floor. They all walked the walk of the privileged, found a quiet neutral location left of the stage. Watched the eyes watch them. Phillip listened as both Fiona and Elizabeth smiled and fired many questions.

*****

"One here. We have a target in sight, double barrel shotgun, currently broken. Looks like a twelve gauge. Coming straight up the driveway, ETA one minute. Watched him walk up the lane from next door. If he doesn't have Muscular Dystrophy I'm guessing he's pissed. Shouldn't cause too much of a problem. Probably a diversion, does he have company?" The speaker was sitting alone on the front top step of Lowery and quietly talking to his wristwatch.

The answer came via an earpiece. "Two here. Copy that. We have three candidates making a direct cross-country approach. They're sticking to the worn path and seem worried about their shoes. Identity and any weapons are undetermined at this stage. We are in position to intercept, detain or engage. Estimate four minutes before they come within our scope."

"Good we might get an early mark. Three, you copy."

"Three here. In place, South and East covered. All is quiet."

"Okay. All is go. Kill the lights behind us and prepare for night vision. Lets see what they do next."

"Two here. We have a stop work meeting going on. The lights behind them went out as well. Seems to have spooked them more than ours. Holding."

"Three here. All quiet."

"One here. My candidate has also stopped. He's had a good look at both houses. Now he's scanning toward location two and the other way. Seems jittery. Two. I'd say he's trying to ID your customers. Three. Take a good long scan to the North East he seems to be trying to locate support in that direction.

"Three here. Good call. We have six intruders coming in from the North East. They seem to be skirting around this location. Might be intending to approach from the rear. Can't see any point in that, they have better cover where they are."

One here. Oh. Wait a minute. This is a con. Two. You said your visitors are on a track. Does the track divide? Can it be followed towards the woods where the huts are?

Two here. Yes the path does divide. That's where they are now and probably why they're talking. Might be waiting. You're spot on. These guys are bad news. I can see them clearly under night vision. All are wearing vest packed full of molotov cocktails. One is even carrying a military issue flamethrower."

Three here. I can confirm that. All six to the East are on a path to the woods and also decked out in molotov cocktail vests. We have two flamethrowers. Don't need to be Harvard Law to work out what they're up to."

"One Here. Ten is two many for us to confront under these circumstances. We're spread too thin. How bunched up are they."

"Two here. They're too close, amateurs. One incendiary round to the juice and none will survive. Won't even be evidence of foul play on our part. Be put down to criminals having a bad day, death by misadventure."

"One here. You copy that three."

Three here. Two is on the money. They're bunched up the same here. Could throw one rug over the lot of them. Must be scared of the dark. My recommendation would be wait a couple of minutes until I have both target groups under surveillance from this location. One tracer round to each target is all it will take. One point five seconds max. Neither will have time to react. I'll make sure we don't leave bullet grazes for the coroner to find. As a precaution we should get this rifle off the property and go back to house walking and riding the perimeter on the quad bikes, like we're being paid. Call it in as something strange, two explosions together that smell like beef cooking, probably take us a few minutes to get to the phone from down the back of the property.

"One here. Good thinking. That's what we'll do. Three. Fire in your own time. Make it good. Wear your gloves, leave them with the rifle and don't change the magazine. The moment things go bang I'll grab this guy out the front. He's sure to leg it. He can vanish. Be stupid on our part to leave a potential witness. I'll get him away from here before anyone turns up. Should have at least five minutes to get clear. He can come for a ride in his own vehicle then leave it near the bus depot. I'll stay the night in town and come back in the morning, unless anything happens that needs me. Tell anyone who asks it's my night off and I'm sure to be drinking. Good thing we got some bus timetables in advance. Guilt makes people do funny things. Guys a looser, shouldn't draw too much attention. As soon as you take the shots throw the rifle and gloves down to Ape then get yourself off the roof. Ape can give me a hand to speed things up with the baggage. I'll take the rifle for a drive as well. That way we can cooperate with the sheriff or whoever. Let them check all our weapons and us. Be squeaky clean. We can make this a good clean clinical job all round."

*****

"Dr Phillip Ho I presume. Would you care to ask me to dance?"

Phillip smiled at the Hostess. She was an intelligent looking woman, quite pretty and tougher than he first thought. She'd sought him out.

"Please. Call me Phillip. Mrs Coplin, would you care to offer me your company on the dance floor?"

She put her arm out, took Phillip's hand and led him to the centre of the room. It wasn't crowded. They could speak freely. "I don't have long. Say what you have to say. I remember very clearly, in infinite detail, every boy who had a crush on me in the forth grade. You weren't one. Yet your trickery worked. Everyone within earshot believes you. I've told them I'm having trouble placing you, but can clearly remember your sister's face. I doubt anyone has ever misplaced her appearance. I'm betting she isn't your sister at all? Though even I can see a resemblance."

"Scout's honour. She is my sister." Phillip smiled, "Where I come from quality genes are passed through the female line, and brains." He took a breath. "I lied for the greater good. Let me assure you, had I been raised in Chard I would have had a crush on you." He blinked, dropped the flower in his voice. "Time is short. Lets get down to why we need to talk. No matter what transpires, by tomorrow afternoon, your family will be marked for eviction. Your daughters don't deserve to be treated so, nor do you. I've done my homework. I'm prepared to bet your charming husband, who appears to have caused all this, will take his anger out on you, and this time probably also your children." Phillip raised a hand to stop her speaking. "I know you've tried to leave before and I know he's dragged you back. I'm prepared to bet you stay with him because he's threatening to harm your children if you try to leave again." Phillip nodded at the hard watery truth present in her eyes. "Try not to cry. We're being observed. I know this is hard but you need to be strong. We both do. I have the resources to get you and your children away from here. I promise you; I'll set you up in a similar teaching job with comfortable and affordable accommodation. Somewhere far enough away to keep him from visiting you." Again he nodded. "I know you'd go back to England tomorrow if you could afford to live there. I also know your passport is current and both your children are listed on it. If you can tell me where that passport is and loan me your trust. The three of you can leave tonight. We'll even get you out of the country if the passport is easily located. Be rid of him. Be safe. Be free of the local scorn, which will no doubt hang on the air for sometime. You won't need a thing. I'll see that everything is taken care of. When things settle you could even come back. But why would you want to?"

She kept dancing, wiped her eye with a sleave, "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I think it's right. My Boss thinks it's right. And it's what Lowery wants. She thinks it's right. She believes in you." Phillip wiped her cheek, just a light touch. "You'll be safe. You'll be secure. You'll be free. That's enough. The rest, the three of you can workout as a family."

"What will this cost me? No one spends money without expecting something in return."

"That's true. My Boss will expect you to be happy. Lowery will be happy." He made eye contact and smiled. "I'll expect at least two smiles every time I see you for the rest of your life." He nodded at her wide eyes. "And I'll do nothing more than admire your success. Scouts honour. The rest will be up to you." Phillip delayed a moment. "Would you allow Fiona and Elizabeth to ask your daughters to dance? Getting up on the floor will allow us to swap partners. You can ask for there advice if you think it's appropriate. But remember we need stealth. I want you to leave here tonight. Get away from this place before anyone can try to stop you. I'll arrange to transfer the money you've saved. I'll get hold of your passport, any documents and keepsakes you'd like with you."

She shook her head. "I must be mad. Please, have them ask my children to dance but don't tell them anything of moving away tonight. They're too young to carry such detail without saying something to someone." She watched him nod at Lissy and Fiona, saw them walk toward the seated girls then made eye contact with Phillip. "What becomes of my career here my reputation as a teacher? Children rely on me. I'm not like my mistake of a husband. I can't just run and hide. I need all these things intact. They live within me. Late at night, when my children are sleeping, they're all I have left to comfort me."

Phillip looked away, blinked his eyes. "I'm sorry I... I wasn't expecting that. You've got a lot of class Mrs Coplin. Your daughters chose their parents well. Madame luck has just arrived to help you finish the job. I'll try to square things with the school board. Lets say this transfer out of here is initially for three months to ensure you and your family remain safe. I'll work on my Boss to hire a temporary teacher to replace you here. He'll get you your references. He usually hires a teacher or two wherever he sets up business." Phillip nodded. "That's what he's doing here. Setting up a viable and sustainable business. Watch this space. Everyone will be surprised. All but the hard nuts of the hardcore will love the result. I can assure you, very shortly, your current students will have a much better chance of finding local employment." Again he nodded. "All we're doing here is moving you to somewhere where he already has a business up and running. You get choices. He'll pay your wages. You'll be at a similar school helping him help local children get a better start in life. That's how he works."

Without speaking Phillip stepped back, taped one daughter on the shoulder and swapped her mother for Fiona. He plugged ear buds in and did the same to Fiona. Wired into there own sound they commenced an Argentine Tango together. Within seconds everyone stopped to watch the performance.

For almost fifteen minutes Phillip and Fiona entertained themselves and the room. Meanwhile to left of stage mother and daughters quietly talked, with Elizabeth occasionally answering questions.

None of them noticed three deputy sheriffs enter the hall. How they stood a moment scanning faces. Their bearings found they split up seeking people. They found the Sheriff, the Medical Examiner, the District Attorney and two County Detectives, the Mayor who in turn spoke to several other people before quickly leaving.

The first anyone knew of the goings on was when a tall bony sickly looking man in an outdated loose fitting Havana styled outfit, complete with white sloping hat, grabbed Mrs Coplin tightly by the arm and pulled her.

Mrs Coplin jumped and went white to witness the man's face. His talk was as firm as his grip and at her ear, kind of chilly. "You'd best move away from these troublesome scum. They're not our people don't understand our values. They'll be gone soon and you'll still be here."

Elizabeth took a short moment to take in the scene. She didn't expect it. First she saw the strain on Mrs Coplin's arm then the same on her face. What concerned her most was fear in the eyes of both daughters.

She spoke intuitively. Tried to defuse the situation with confusion and humour, probably to gain a little extra thinking time. For reasons not really clear she used her best attempt at southern drawl. "It's not gentlemanly to hold another man's lady so tight. Why her delicate skin might bruise. What would the neighbours think?" She nodded at his confusion. "You Sir must have learnt your manners up North while working in one of those Chicago abattoirs where all the common folk go to earn a little extra cash. Pay the bills."

The confusion didn't last. His face turned rather red. Elizabeth had already decided he wasn't the smartest duck on the pond. She was sure he thought of himself as the biggest and that would be the same as smart in his mind. He carried the expression of someone who wasn't accustomed to being challenged. Wasn't aggressive in a physical sense. It was clear other people did that kind of thing on his behalf. The danger wasn't here and now it was after he decided what to do and sent someone to do it. A kind of godfather figure but that sounded like Chicago and she'd already exhausted that joke.

She knew he was upset. The staring faces at the wall behind him carried concern for her situation. Obviously his treat value was lowest while he remained in her face. He was that kind of guy. She raised her tone, spoke louder, "I said let go of the lady's arm." She heard the hush, which strangely sounded quite loud and came from everywhere within the hall.

She heard footsteps, didn't dare look round kept her focus squarely upon the silky grey eyes in the shade of a wide brimmed hat.

He made no attempt to unhand Mrs Coplin, probably didn't even realise he was still holding on. His mind was fully occupied assessing the burning chill that emanated from within the pretty girl about whom everyone was talking. He didn't know what to do. This was new ground. No one ever stood up to him, locals know who he is. Normally someone even coming close with a loud mouth and something to say would be arrested. But this bundle of attractive defiance wasn't from the poor side of town. She flew here in a private jet with a smooth talking legal pencil in her pocket. Someone who can manipulate the local judge with lawyer talk and cost the community a fortune if anyone steps across boundaries that shouldn't apply around here.

"Now you listen to me little lady and you listen good. We don't like your kind coming down here making trouble." He pointed his finger, kind of stabbed it toward Elizabeth's face. "You better jump on that fancy plane and get yourself out of here before you find yourself burnt to a crisp. There's talk going round of an accident out on the Prescott Property. Some people lost their lives. It's a real shame but those tin sheds the lesser folk occupy are a real fire hazard. Can't be helped, its the balance you see. The way things are."

Elizabeth sucked in a breath, tried to hold onto her calm. Didn't work, her inner core wasn't build to take words on the chin like her brother could. She raised both hands clenched them into fists, then grabbed the finger, and took it through a full loop. Without letting go she swung a good right hook, got the man as intended, square in the throat.

He kind of screamed but before anything came out his windpipe became distorted. There was a blast of air coming or going, hard to tell which. He grabbed at his throat but the hand he selected didn't come.

Elizabeth took the finger through another loop. It off balanced him. By necessity he let go of Mrs Coplin's arm put his hand down to cushion contact with the rapidly approaching floor.

Elizabeth immediately let his hand go. Leaned forward. Spoke into the kneeling man's ear, used the same silly accent, "Now there you go. That wasn't so hard. You should have listened to your Mummy when she told you not to grab ladies by the arm."

His head remand down, his voice still struggling to find vocals. "You've broken my hand."

She answered in the same accent. "Well. It's like you said. All the lesser folk living in the tin shed learn when your finger goes up it gets broken. Can't be helped, its the balance you see. The way things were before them dog like savages were rounded up. Put on a lead."

She dropped the accent. Turned to Mrs Coplin and her girls. Was relieved to witness concern, but not immediate fear. "Come ladies we should take our leave. This place feels stuffy."

"Just a moment little... arrh Miss." The Deputy Sheriff who spoke was a big man but wasn't blocking the way. Nor did he sound particularly urgent. "Before you leave I'd like your name and address." He raised his pen arm a little and returned to the notepad. "I witnessed the altercation personally. Your aggression seemed justified to a point but we like to be thorough in case any charges need pressing."

She nodded. "Sure. Captain Ho, US 8th Air Force."

"May I see some ID?"

"Sure." She retrieved the same from her purse, held it for the Officer to inspect."

He put his hand out. Elizabeth pulled hers back. "You can look. You can't touch."

"What do you do specifically? Where are you based? And what brought here tonight? How do you afford to travel by private jet?"

Elizabeth smiled. "That would be classified, all of it. You'll need to check any further detail with Air Force records. Probably require a few answers to our questions before allowing access to any strategically sensitive information." She edged a finger gently forward, like touching a button. "I'll give you a tip." While maintaining eye contact with the Officer she pointed at the still kneeling man. "Don't assume yourself fireproof. To do so could prove quite costly. The world has become a smaller place. Change is in the air. Eyes and ears are everywhere, even around here." She nodded a courtesy. "Now Officer if you don't mind, these people are upset. I've promised to see them safely home."

## Chapter 14

The court recorder fiddled, seemed to be itching to work on her nails. The Clerk had come and gone several times. She was obviously relaying the court occupancy situation to whoever was in the wing, probably the Judge.

The defendant council in the case to challenge vacant possession ownership transfer of the Prescott Property was present in court. The Plaintiff was nowhere to be seen. Strange situation. One that if not explained quickly would almost certainly end in the Judge throwing the case out and hence, by default, ruling on behalf for the defendant.

The current residents of the Prescott property were seated in the public gallery and hopeful of securing ownership of the property they have maintained and worked their entire life. All were dressed in new clothes, had even had their hair groomed. They'd come from the airport after spending the night in Birmingham as Femme, Debe and Matthew's guests. The trip was a rushed affair and occurred after having been refused service at a local store the previous day.

That same store was closed this morning. Both employees had failed to report for work, along with three deputy sheriffs, a car salesman, a county clerk and two employees of a local sand quarry. The town was buzzing with speculation as to where they all might be.

Also seated in the public gallery, Pinkie and Hilda were both present to support their mother and her friends. There was no one present from the opposing side or anyone neutral, not even the press. The only other person present was Fiona, who was there to witness proceedings. If Phillip really does hold a Doctorate in Philosophy, and is a practising Lawyer he is in a lot of punishable trouble. As will all persons who knew of this but chose not to divulge anything in her presence.

Phillip sat quietly at the defendant council table. He'd finished arranging documents sometime ago. He was now reading the front and back half of the newspaper. Friday sat beside him, acting as his legal clerk, another new experience. She too had finished looking round and was now trying to find something worth reading in the middle section of the same newspaper. Next time, if there is a next time, bring a school textbook and study.

Last night's explosions and loss of life at the Prescott property totally occupied the first three pages of Phillip's newspaper. There wasn't much information to report, just the usual scaremonger speculation. Distant images of two rather large tents were displayed along with various people standing around rubbing chins. There was one image of several people in overalls holding a tape measure.

On page four there was an article about a pending court case to determine ownership of the Prescott property. That article did everything it could to link gangster style business tactics, even an out of state terrorist invasion, to the former articles without saying anything directly.

The Judge's Clerk and the Court Clerk both entered the courtroom. They did the usual bow thing together and approached Phillip. It was the Judge's Clerk who spoke. "Judge has asked if she might see you in her chambers."

Phillip nodded and stood. "I'd like my clerk present in a witness capacity."

"Not a problem. Judge wants us both present, as well as the court recorder."

"Council. This is somewhat irregular but I've called you here to explain the delay. Under normal circumstance I would have cleared my books already. Over an hour ago I gave the Plaintiff Council one hour to be in court." She took a breath. "Half an hour ago I took a conference call from the County Sheriff and Mayor who kindly informed me this case can't sit as the property under dispute is currently a crime scene." She raised her hands, made a puzzle. "I've spoken to the Alabama State Attorney General's Office. We are in agreement in relation to legal assessment to the situation we have here and the separation of powers. I further conveyed the personal information I overheard last night about the Prescott property fire. She waved her hands again, "You, your energetic dance partner, your feisty sister and numerous other people would have also heard Colonel Northcote express a confident belief that the reported fire and loss of life had occurred at the living quarters of your clients. It seemed to me he was expecting news of a fire at that location, which would involve loss of life. This was a rather disturbing admittance on his part. State Troopers will be taking over all investigation of what occurred at the Prescott property last night. They will have assistance from an FBI terrorist investigation team. I'm assured the State investigators will be in total control of the scene within an hour." She expanded her eyes and spoke louder. "I have just sent a Senior Court Officer across the road to confront the Plaintiff Council. He has fifteen minutes to be in court or I will rule in his absence. And I stress, I will rule." She was silent a moment before adding. "Thank you for your time. If you'd like to return to court I promise I will be joining you," She looked a the clock on the wall, "In twenty two minutes."

*****

"So that's it. That's what you do. You wear a suit, read the newspaper. You sit, you stand, nod occasionally and don't utter a word." Fiona shrugged, "Doesn't seem like a real job to me. Does it pay our bills?"

Phillip smiled, "I think so. Hard to tell at this stage."

"Well I need to be sure. A girl doesn't want to spend her whole life grooming privileged children to become as disagreeable as their parents. I can feel my ticking clock. There are unborn paintings to be produced. I need a reliable partner, someone who can work all day then rush home in time to prepare the evening meal. Someone who'll look out for me." She offered a confused look. "Phillip I like you. I like you very much. I'm just not sure you're ready to commit."

"Fiona, drink your coffee. Femme has persuaded Debe to return to Missouri. If you want to travel with them we'll need to leave for the airport very soon."

"Let's not be in such a hurry. Things need discussing." She nodded. "I'm smarter than you, more worldly. You must have noticed. I'm going to help you straighten your life out. Turn you into a better person. Give you a chance to obtain the security we'll need for later life. Firstly, you can't run around saying you're a Doctor and pretending to be a lawyer it isn't ethical. For those kind of jobs you need to go to University and study, stay in one place, make a commitment, apply yourself for weeks and weeks on end."

Phillip took a sip of coffee returned his cup to the table, kind of nodded agreeably as he did so.

"Now for example, to motivate you. How much money has changed hands from this trip?"

Phillip waved his hands. "No idea. Thus far we've spent twelve thousand on a Tax Lien Certificate, one hundred and three thousand in back taxes and twenty thousand on security arrangements. Money well spent. On the revenue side, the Judge awarded cost against the county, twenty eight thousand, which is good. It will line my pocket." He took another sip of coffee "Money to pay for this coffee. Though of more real value to me is a locally disputed property is now officially, Cottonfield. Yet of even still greater value, the Judge was kind enough to impose a standing contempt of court charge of one thousand dollars per day in perpetuity against the county for failure to produce appropriate documents to allow the listed owners of Cottonfield to register their share holding in the Cottonfield Corporation." Again he sipped his coffee. "But that money goes into court revenue. Probably pay the Judge's coffee bill."

"See you're making a big loss. You need to get a steady job and learn to live within your means."

"I'm not so sure about that. I'm doing okay. The property here is already worth a few million. Just not many people know it yet. By the time Matthew is finished here we'll be looking at... who knows, probably six or seven million, plus any tourist revenue, which knowing Matthew as I do will probably roll forward at four or five million for a few years then grow exponentially. Time will tell."

"Phillip you are a dreamer. A Gypsy. Where are you planning to go next?"

"I'm estimating another few days work here then I'll probably... not sure, a whistle-stop visit to Wyoming then... I don't know. Pennsylvania and Japan are becoming a priority. Australia also gets a guernsey. But that depends on you in the first instance and Matthew in the second, probably Beverly as well."

"Phillip you are a worthless vagabond. You can't stay still. The way you live is unsustainable; eventually you won't have a crumpet to bless yourself with. If I marry you, you'll squander my meagre savings on bus tickets and airfares to nowhere and back. I'll finish up with nothing. Probably end up living under a bridge with my mother. What are you talking about? What has any of this got to do with me?"

"Peta and Beverly have been talking with the Coplin twins. Apparently they've convinced each other to swap schools. The twins can use the boarding school scholarship for three months in Australia and go to school over there. Now they're working on Mrs Coplin to swap jobs with you so they'll all be together and have somewhere affordable and safe to stay. Mrs Coplin can be a teacher and housemother for three months and you can stay over here watching out for me."

"I'm not a piece of meat to be passed around by ditsy teenage girls. The school would need to approve such an exchange. Mrs Coplin will need vast experience before being considered as my equal."

"Apparently not. Silvia Southerland has all but approved the exchange. Though she did say she'd like to interview Mrs Coplin and the girls as soon as practical." Phillip grinned, "And she'll need you to return your keys before signing off on the arrangement."

"You've spoken to Head Mistress. Behind my back." She raised a hand and clenched her fist.

"Don't hit me. I'm just the messenger. Didn't talk to anyone. Matthew thinks Friday should take the Coplins to Toowoomba, let them have a look round and be interviewed. Thinks they should leave today. Femme would prefer wait a few days and have me go with them. She also thought you might wish to take them or tag along."

Fiona lifted her coffee. "Well we'd better drink up. How are you going to get me to the airport? There will be no requirement for you to go anywhere. However from now on you will send me a daily email stating where you are, how much money you've spent and how much money you've earned. Every day. If you miss a day you'll be called to account." She took a long pull of coffee. "People who think they can go behind my back and sell me down the garden path will be surprised. I'm in the mood. They'll be punished."

*****

"Mum I think the girls are in for a shock going to our school, yet they seem really keen to give it a try. We should encourage them to go to Wyoming for a few days just to have a look, plus they could talk to Daphne. She's gorgeous, she knows what it's like to go to our school and be poor. Lot of the girls give her a hard time. She just shrugs, couldn't care what they think. Friday is the same but she's older."

Peta was sitting with her mother in the swing chair looking across the Missouri property but seeing nothing. She dropped her head on her mother's shoulder. "I feel embarrassed not having stood up for Daphne. I'd just sit there and watch the snots make their caustic remarks about Daphne's daggy clothes and such. Wouldn't lift a finger in her defence. Did the same about Beverly always being upset. And look at her, she's such a happy person and really genuine." Peta looked at her hand and shrugged. "I wasted a lot of time and energy being the wrong person, a nobody."

"You shouldn't feel bad. People like that get off on the hurt they cause. They're insecure, usually pretty dumb and desperate to hide behind being seen as important. They like to create gangs and hurt others to gain status. And they're everywhere. It's rather sick and as we grow older these thing fall into place. Committees are gangs. The same people try to get on the committee of everything, even though they have nothing to contribute except chaos and hurtful remarks. Best to ignore the wars, treat your friends well and be there for them." Marge made eye contact with her daughter. "If you watch closely it's possible to see these things. Those people only make caustic remarks when they have an audience to impress. If you confront them straight on it makes things worse for the victim. The better approach is to avoid any direct confrontation. People of that ilk need backup and they always arrange an audience. Work on the foundations. Lobby the audience and win them over. Make sure you smile. It works. With practice you can isolate nasty people and cut them to threads without appearance of having done a thing."

Peta felt her mother's squeeze and learned closer. She absorbed what her mother had said a moment then added, "We should go to Beauregard and look at the school. Sounds nice. I like the school in Columbia but it's the same as where I've been going. From the way the girls talk about Beauregard it sounds more down to earth. Academically the girls are doing fine. They get grades similar to mine and are on track to attend University. Doesn't seem worth spending extra money going somewhere grand. I'm sure I'll learn more about life mixing with a greater cross section of likeminded students emanating from much wider ranges in socio-economic backgrounds. Plus there is a house down there ready for us to stay in and we know Lowery. I like Lowery but I wish you'd take her to the markets to buy some chicken pieces. She wants to show me how to make proper southern chicken and keeps discussing cooking one of Jay's pets."

Marge smiled. She was learning to accept her new roll, being closer to a wiser and much more mature daughter. "Guess I'd better workout how far it is to drive to Beauregard and see if I can borrow femme's vehicle this afternoon. We could talk Hilda into taking us to the Amish markets today and sometime soon we'll arrange going to Alabama. I've always wanted to go to Alabama. I like the name. Will you help me navigate? I'm scared witless about driving over here." She shrugged with her hands. "Stupid. All the miles I did driving you back and forward to school I dreamed constantly about using a four-lane highway. Now all I can think of is home, driving up the middle of the road with no one else about and not a care in the world. What does Beverly think? Be better if you could both attend the same school."

"Beverly and I discussed all this earlier. She'd like to look at the school too. Said she wants to stay with us. Though she's worried she'll be sent back to Toowoomba. She won't say what the problem is. Seems kind of political. Like she's being hidden from someone. I don't like to talk about it because she gets upset and has obviously been told not to tell anyone. I can respect that. I like her and she seems to like being here with us." Peta lifted her head and turned in the chair to face her Mother. "I've looked up some maps on-line. It'll take us about thirteen hours to drive down there. Seems fairly straightforward but than going anywhere is over here. We could ask Pinkie to take us and talk Billie into flying down to bring her back." Peta pointed her finger and waved it a little. "I've been thinking. The Doctor said I should stay below two thousand feet, so I can't go to Wyoming and there will be no flying for a while. I've looked at the map. You could fly us to Alabama staying below two thousand feet all the way. I talked to Billie, showed her my map, my research and she agrees. Though she thought you'd feel more comfortable making the flight in the fox moth. Said flying a fast plane like the Velocity at low altitude over here can be really scary, apparently it will bounce around because of updrafts off the hills we go over. She said the fox moth moves around too but everything happens slower, which feels more normal. It would take us five and a half hours to get there in the fox moth. We could stay the night, test out the house, see the school and come back the next day."

Marge touched both Peta's cheeks and rolled her eyes. "Well I'll check with Billie. Should discuss this over dinner. See what everyone thinks. Might even phone the Doctor just to check he agrees with you. I think you're too valuable to take risks with." She reclaimed her hands. "I'll talk to Matthew at dinner about the Coplins going to Wyoming for a look and let the girls meet Daphne. Mrs Coplin may even prefer working out there when she's seen the area and the school. Though she does seem quite worried about her husband turning up if they stay anywhere in this country. He sounds like a terrible man. I'm glad Matthew is providing security in Alabama to protect Lowery and the others. We'll probably need it to cover ourselves as well. We'll have a good long look at security issues while we're down there."

"Mum if the Coplins go to Wyoming make sure someone takes the girls out to the main homestead on Bison Pass. They noticed on-line the School in Toowoomba has a riding club and mentioned they'd like a pony if they can ever afford one. Let them see the Indian kids ride. They won't believe their eyes. May even help them make up their mind where they'd like to stay. And if they do go to Australia we should have someone take them to visit Pituri Downs." Peta shrugged. "They could handle our ponies. We should also take Lowery to Wyoming. She's never been anywhere. Hadn't seen Indians before. Perhaps the Coplins and Lowery should travel in one of the slow planes. Mum, you should fly them out there. Show them the prairies and Wyoming's snow-capped mountains. Plus taking them out there will give you a break from me. You can spend some time with David, Kelly and Clancy. Plus check on Jamie and the girls, and introduce everyone. If we talk with Billie she'll help programme the plane to follow the pony express route. The girls will like that." Peta lifted both hands into a question. "Besides if the Coplin's fly to Australia for a day or two and come back all the girls might like to go for the ride and even take Cherry and Michelle. They'll go. They're all as silly as each other.

Marge made eye contact with Peta and nodded agreement about the girls. "I'd like to duck out to Wyoming to see everyone. What would you do while I'm away?"

"Stay here. Jay might teach me the correct way to rrrrr at chickens. There will be lots to do. Help Femme. Perhaps I could spend a few hours at work with Billie. I'm curious what they all do when not flying. You should take Beverly to see Wyoming. It's where she was going before I ended up in hospital. But taking Beverly will involve another aeroplane. Perhaps Elizabeth would fly Beverly and Fiona in her fast plane. Elizabeth could go via her base in South Dakota, show Beverly the plane she flies at work. Beverly loves Billie's plane. I think she may be interested in becoming a pilot. They could even fly across the Black Hills see Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse memorial. There's a new impressive statue in South Dakota, near Chamberlain, called Dignity; they might like to see. Approach Wyoming from the north. They could fly over, Wounded Knee, the little bighorn battlefield and even across Yellowstone. I'd love to see those from the air. They can tell me about it. Plus when they land everyone will have something different to talk about. They can compare notes and plan where to go on the return journey. When you return we'll find time to visit Alabama. Plus if we put the Alabama visit off a few days we could probably arrange a time to visit the Doctor in Dallas as part of the same trip."

"Okay. You win. You've got everything worked out. Let's go inside and talk to everyone. See if they agree. If we all put our heads together someone will be sure to suggest an improvement or hatch a better plan."

*****

"No. Easy mistake though. I was fast enough but the head honcho thought me a few inches too tall to be an express mail rider. The rest were all weedy little guys and the honcho didn't like to see my inside foot scrapping the ground going round sharp corners. He gave me two choices, stable cleaner or wagon master. Thought about it for a while and choose wagon master. Used to drive the Red Butte to Sweet Water segment carrying oats for the horses and lollypops for the riders. Yep, the horses got a nosebag of oats after each run and the rider got a lollypop. Still got a few leftover purpose made pony express rider lollypops inside if you want to try one."

Matthew was perched on the bench by the chicken run. Little Em sat on his lap with widened eyes listening to every detail of the story. Em had overheard the adults in the kitchen discussing Matthew's revelation of having applied to fill a last minute unplanned rider vacancy in the next pony express re-enactment ride. Consensus from the kitchen was that he'd break his neck but little Em had merely logged, Matthew and pony express riders. Couldn't wait to hear the full story. She nodded enthusiastically at the notion of sampling a genuine pony express rider lollypop.

Jay ignored them both. He sat nearer the chicken run fence leaning forward, rrrr'ing. The chickens seemed to enjoy being rrrr'ed at, just as much as the boy enjoyed doing it.

Matthew distracted Jay and carried them both to the kitchen. Em got a red lollypop after a little negotiating with her mother, which included strict supervision requirements and numerous guidance instructions for Matthew.

Jay didn't want one he was much too keen to be outside rrrr'ing. He wiggled, and pointed accordingly.

Upon returning outside all were distracted by the truck containing Billie, Pinkie and Paula returning from work coming up the driveway.

They waited. As soon as the truck stopped Matthew encouraged Jay to rrrr at it.

Billie, Pinkie and Paula spontaneously rrrr'ed back in unison, which resulted in Jay exchanging two further rrrr's before he and Em each received a cuddle from their outdoor mother and two outdoor aunties. With the greeting over Matthew encouraged Jay to trrrr at the truck, then trrrruck.

After several attempts Jay sat up straight, something seemed to click. He looked at Matthew then pointed and clearly said 'truck'. He nodded to himself, like Matthew would before repeating the new, and first, correct 'r' word several times.

## Chapter 15

Three month into the future – Barkley Station Airfield.

"I can see Daf and my parents. Don't see Kimi. I got a message last night saying Mitty and her mother would be travelling with us. Then another one wanting to know if it was really necessary to pick up Daphne's friends from the Tablelands roadhouse. I guess they thought it would hold them up." Friday looked across the plane and saw Jamie shaking his head.

When Jamie spoke he was almost laughing. "Not really funny is it? We seem to have forgotten what it was like to spend two days on a bus travelling home from school to the same location. Won't even mention Matthew's free plane service is to get kids safely to school, not take ex-students and parents to town. Must have forgotten about the plane in their own hanger." He spoke louder. "I'm curious, did anyone bother to ask if there was room for two extras on the plane?"

"Nope. Just talked about our results having arrived and wanted to open my letter for me. Told me she made it, a score of 96.5. She can go anywhere she wants. I'd say mother is off to Sydney where she'll catch up and introduce her daughter, then personally arrange Mitty's career in medicine; where Mummy used to go." She glanced at Jamie. "It's a dynasty thing reserved for the ruling classes. Hope I don't sound bitchy. To be truthful I'm rather worried. My senses tell me Mitty maybe heading for a fall. She isn't like that and it's her father's family who walk the walk, in Japan where her father is the maverick. Her Mother comes from comfort but mostly she married well to live a life she really never experienced outside of dreams. Truly hope I'm wrong, for Mitty's sake. She'll come down from the clouds on her own soon enough. Or she'll fall." Friday glanced at Jamie and smiled. "You know it's your job to catch her don't you. She'll run to you if the bubble bursts. And she'll be okay, you're a decent guy." Friday quickly let go of the controls and made a puzzle gesture. "I'd say the stop at Tablelands might have them worried about timing connections to catch another plane to Sydney. Though it would make better sense to explain what they need." She shook her head. "Maybe Anahita can meet us somewhere and fly them to Toowoomba along a faster route, or even direct to Sydney."

Jamie glanced at Friday. "Did you tell Mitty you know your result already?"

"No I didn't and don't you dare say anything. Don't mention your own result either. Say you haven't opened the letter like I will. And especially don't say anything about having been accepted into our courses at least until she's found her spot." Friday shrugged. "Let them have her moment. It's her mother's dream. Mitty puts herself under a lot of pressure trying to measure up and it's kind of sad. I love her to bits she's my best friend yet right now I feel so lucky being the cook's daughter." Friday laughed a moment. "You know my mother is worried to distraction I'm going to ruin my chance at being happy. She thinks I'm trying to be someone we're not permitted to be. That I should take a proper job, like Mitty's father offered, do something realistic and wait for the right man to turn up." Friday waved a hand. "Love my Mum but she doesn't realise the right man has turned up; my boss, Matthew. He's the right man at this stage of my life. He's everything, the answer to all my dreams. He's also the answer to every dream my mother has ever had for both her children." She looked at Jamie and shrugged. "My Mum could never understand that. I've given up trying to explain. My sincere hope now is that some day I'll be able to show Mum. And I've no idea how I can do that. My Mum doesn't think any further than the front gate post."

Jamie grinned. "Buy your mother one of those touristy picture teaspoons and a colourful local tea towel everywhere you go. My brother did that. It worked. Least way it did until Billie turned up. Now Mum buys them for herself. Next time you're at our place I'll show you Mum's private plate room but it would be much more fun if she takes you on the tour. Every item on display comes with a story."

Friday parked the plane positioned ready for take off and shut both engines down. "Better invite my Mum and Dad in to sit and talk until Kimi, Mitty and their Mother are ready to make an appearance. Would you do the honours with the bags for Daf and the others when they get here and do a walk-around." She grinned. "I'll make them a pot of tea with an aeroplane snack and tell my Mum you're the pilot. She'd much prefer I occupy a galley than a cockpit. And we'll hear her call me Ethel until the day one of us dies."

"Kimi, Mitty, Mrs Yamashitsu, Mr Yamashitsu." Jamie nodded a greeting to each as he spoke. He pointed a guiding arm toward the aircraft's open door. "We're good to go?" And immediately leaned forward to take the first of there four bags from Mr Yamashitsu. Mr Yamashitsu moved toward the open cargo bay so Jamie took a bag each from Mitty and Kimi and did the same.

As they loaded the bags Mr Yamashitsu spoke softly "My wife has a bee in her bonnet at the moment, not sure why." He waved one hand dismissively. "I know Mitsuko. The next few days will be hard on her. I also know Ethel and I'm beginning to know you. That's why I know each of you will say nothing about yourself on this morning's flight. And I thank you for that. My wife will never know how much she appreciates it." He rolled his eyes. "I usually read the newspapers on-line each morning before daybreak, today was no exception. Ethel has made quite a splash. She's a natural with the press, has done your, mine and her family proud. No wonder Matthew snatched her up so quickly. Her photo is on the front page in Queensland and several other national newspapers. And why not, feel good rags to riches beat ups are rare these days. Anyway give her my congratulations after Mount Isa. Tell her I'm over the moon proud of her and I'll explain all to her parents the moment you're airborne. For what it's worth I think she's doing the right thing." He smiled and waited to shake hands after Jamie locked the cargo bay. "Don't be a stranger young man. You're okay. I've ticked off on all your boxes." He released Jamie's hand. "Ethel's result surprised me enough to go Internet hunting for your results. Congratulations. You're doing the right thing too. If either of you ever need to search for investor capital don't forget to knock on my door." He turned and walked back to stand beside Mr and Mrs Primrose, watched the door close behind Jamie at the same time as the left engine commenced to whine.

Jamie sat in the buffet seats facing Kimi and fastened his belt. Mitty was beside him and across from her mother. Obviously Daphne was occupying the co-pilot seat beside her sister. He spoke to Kimi, "Looking forward to school?"

Kimi rolled her eyes. "I suppose. It's going to feel strange for a while being on my own. How's Peta? Daphne said she almost died."

Jamie blow out a breath. "She was pretty crook for a while. And rather lucky with it." He nodded. "She's doing fine now. In fact she got the all clear a few weeks ago. Can travel again. She's not stuck over there anymore."

"Will she be back at school this term?"

"No. She wants to stay in the states for a while. She's going to a day school and seems quite happy with the arrangement." He nodded to himself. "You'll get a surprise when you next see her. She's charming, hard to believe she's the same person. Apparently the abrupt aggression was a symptom of her illness; it's gone. Mum's over there as well. She too seems happy with the arrangement. Not at all sure they won't stay there."

Mrs Yamashitsu spoke, she sounded rather harsh. "So where will you be staying."

"Not completely sure, Toowoomba for a few weeks at least. I've applied for a course at the University there. If that comes good probably be my home base for a while." He waved an arm. "There are worse places to squat. If that plan fails... not sure, probably hitch a ride to the property in Wyoming and work on my flying." He grinned. "Until they throw me out, tell me to look for a job and pay my own jet fuel bill."

"Don't you have any ambition?" The uncharacteristic harshness was still in Mrs Yamashitsu's voice.

Jamie shrugged. He'd caught on to the undertone of this discussion. Thought he'd play along further. "Not really. I'm planning to launch a few new clothing designs shortly. That's enough to keep me content for now."

"You mean feminine underwear. Hardly an appropriate career for a young man."

"Not so sure about that. My designs give the purchaser pleasure, which means something to me. Plus I make a small profit from each sale. Enough to pay my way, also rates a plus." He lifted both hands, kind of frowned. "Guess these things are dependant upon who we are, where we came from and where we plan to watch our shadow fall."

There was a short cold silence before Mitty spoke. She rushed the words, sounded as though her purpose was to change the topic. "You can do better than Toowoomba. I know you can. Only need a score of fifty to get in there. You'll earn a much better score than what they require. I don't believe you didn't apply anywhere else, such a waste. What course have you applied for?"

"Business and Commerce, maybe a mixer to include Corporate Law." He turned in the seat to look directly into Mitty's beautiful eyes. Spoke softly. "Mitty. You said better, if we substitute more desirable it sounds like I want what will most likely achieve the goals I've set for myself. Business Studies is what I want. Toowoomba is where I want to be. I'm comfortable there. I'm also planning my own career path using my own ladder, which means I'm not expecting any need to be introduced and mix in the correct circles. Circles where beautiful people find dream jobs they've convinced themself everybody wants. Basically I'm not prepared to risk mortgaging my soul to people I don't truly know in return for the security everyone who doesn't matter believes I should have."

Mitty looked down. Seemed close to tears. She glanced at her mother then back toward Jamie. "Sorry. I should have realised. Sometimes I forget where... will you promise to stay in touch? You and Friday will always be my best friends no matter how far apart this journey takes us."

Jamie squeezed her hand. Didn't speak.

She smiled and for a moment Jamie witness the carefree young lady who flew planes with ambition in her heart.

*****

"Mum. A group of kids at school have no money for lunch. I feel sorry for them. They must be really poor. Their clothes are always the same, look rather ragged but well presented and they're always clean. They seem to stick together and that means other groups regularly make fun of them. It's not funny. I'd like to get closer to them, try to be more helpful and even become a friend. They're respectful with each other. I like them." Peta waved a hand. "We've got so much. But it isn't easy to approach people under these circumstances. They're as proud as we are and so they should be. Three of them, all girls, are in the same class for English. Doing assignments they sit together at one desk because they share one textbook. Our teacher keeps making loud comments about them encroaching into the aisle. As if that matters. Anyway a few weeks ago Beverly and I decided to sit across the aisle occupying one separate seat each. I invited one of the girls to sit with me and share my textbook, which she did. Her name is Niki she's nice and really bright. Sharing ideas with Niki actually improves my assignments and obviously having better access to the textbook improves Niki's assignments. Anyway we've been sitting together and as it happens Beverly is siting with another girl who seems to be on her own and doesn't have a textbook at all, so they share as well. A few days ago the teacher asked Beverly and myself to stay back after class. The old bag actually told us we should only sit amongst our own people. That really fired me up. Though before I could speak Beverly told her, our people live in another country we're visiting foreigners. The teacher replied, I mean you should stay within your own class, in class. By then I found words. Told the teacher to, grow up. Also mentioned how I thought she was an anachronistic old witch. Probably stupid but it gave me pleasure witnessing her sanctimonious expression evaporate, left nothing but a gapping dropped jaw. On Pituri Downs she'd have caught a fly for sure. We both thought it smart to walk off before she recovered. We, including the teacher, haven't said anymore at school and we're still sitting with the girls. Though the teacher does offer our side of the room the very best of her naturally sour face, which she was doing before anyway."

Marge tried to look calm though her eyes must have expanded. "Who is this teach?"

"Apparently she's new. Though from her looks she could be three hundred years old." Peta screwed her face. "Her name's Miss Crapolli. The kids all call her, Old Miss Crap. No one likes her. The story is she's a retired teacher who happens to live locally. Apparently the school board got her in as a temp until a replacement for Mrs Coplin is found. They seem to have trouble hiring new teachers during the school year over here. Anyway we seem stuck with her. Though it's not so bad, in terms of actual teaching, if we stay awake, she does cover the lessons." Peta looked at her Mother. "Mum, please don't waltz up to the school blowing your concerned parent trumpet. I don't want the other girls to become involved, feel embarrassed or get hurt. I'd prefer they didn't know. We don't expect to hear any more of it. I promise to keep you informed and if Bev or I do need help we'll let you know." Peta waved her hand again. "Besides, I'm sure the school board would agree with us so that means the teacher won't dare do anything more and if she does the whole class may well finish up sitting there without a teacher at all. It's much more important for me to focus on some subtle way to help Niki and her friends cope at school without them feeling we're doing a charity thing to help feather our own ego. Does that sound silly?"

Marge looked at her daughter. Loved her gentle caring ways. Loved the way she spoke now, slower and with a mix of several accents. She rarely needed momentary breaks while speaking anymore. Marge thought about what she'd been told, even agreed to a point with Peta's logic of the teacher situation. Other student wise, she also knew of whom her daughter was referring. They always walked along the road together, seemed disciplined, gentle and rather shy. She knew Peta suspected they live quite close, on one of the roads behind Cottonfield, somewhere through the woods. A few times she'd stopped their truck to let Peta offer them a ride. They always politely refused using some quaint excuse for doing so. Peta had said they never use the school bus either and that too brought Peta's current desire into focus.

"Why don't we speak to Lowery? Find out what her ideas are. She'll certainly know the families and is sure to give us something juicy about someone involving what occurred back when the war of northern aggression was in full play. Sure to give us newcomers some additional information to work with."

Peta grinned to match her Mother's and nodded. "I could go talk to Lowery now." Peta bit her lip a moment. "Mum please don't say anything or even make inquiries about the teacher. I kind of feel sorry for her. The schoolyard gossip is fairly cruel. She lives alone in a tiny cottage near Crawford and has no one close, no friends or relatives. Not even the neighbours. They say she moved from some place in Illinois to help her teacher pension stretch further and she's obsessed with the romance of old southern books like, 'Gone with the Wind'. Apparently she's joined every thespian and art related group for a hundred miles and quickly told them how disappointing their lack of focus and leadership is. Plus she's been round all the school, libraries and whatever else, looking for part time work. On top of all this, kids tell me she's asked a number of them in the schoolyard to point out the girls who live on the old Prescott property that is being restored. Some have even told me she asks questions, lots of questions about us, including whether it's true we fly our own aeroplane?" Peta made a neutral gesture with her hands. "Like I said Mum, I feel sorry for her but I'm not sympathetic. She's an adult, old enough to make better choices. I suspect she could be dumb enough to believe we need her help learning the finer points of traditional southern property management, which would include techniques to handle slaves." Peta rolled her eyes. "I feel guilt thinking that it was us coming here that resulted in the Coplin family moving away. Everyone misses Mrs Coplin. She must be a wonderful teacher. And I wish Miss Goodchild hadn't gone back to Australia. They've got two good teachers now. The kids here would love Miss Goodchild and her clever lesson approach. She describes English meaning, literature and even grammar verbally while drawing little caricatures on the whiteboard that symbolically means the same. It's really clever and entertaining. Even kids who aren't particularly literate catch on to the presented visual symbolism. Anyway I'm going to ask Matthew to help replace Mrs Coplin and maybe assist the school here financially like he does in Wyoming. He'll help." She shrugged. "He does it everywhere, in Australia too."

"I agree with you one hundred percent about handling the current teacher, the children you'd like to befriend and involving Matthew. I'm sure he will come up with someone to help. May I accompany you for the walk to see Lowery? I won't interfere but I'd like to help if I can. No one can have too many quality friends. Plus I need to exercise and get outside in the sun more often or I'll end up as large as a house and white as a ghost. We could ask Beverly to come but I suspect she'd prefer stay upstairs practicing her violin. We'll leave a note so she knows where to find us if she finishes before we return home."

"We'll if it's not the Page ladies from over yonder dropping by for a chat. Pretty busy here, might need to juggle a few things but I'll try to fit you in. Hope you haven't been sitting around wasting time achieving nothing all day." Lowery was sitting on the porch with needlework on her lap. She always spoke her mind.

Marge grinned. She knew Lowery was at ends. For years she'd spent her day looking after the unoccupied big house and now it was being renovated with builders crawling all over it. Plus her new mini house didn't require anywhere near as much maintenance as her previous lifestyle required and most of her friends were busy preparing the fields for a new crop. When Marge spoke she tried to sound like Lowery. "No it's all go up our way. I've been so busy I missed one scheduled cup of coffee." Marge nodded. "Wondered whether we might be able to join forces and catch up, drink together, only waste half the time. Besides Peta needs help. Keeps asking me questions about things and I have no idea what goes on down here." Marge changed topics without a breath like Lowery often does. "Wondered whether you could find time to whip up to Missouri Friday afternoon in the plane, see whether those kids of ours are washing behind their ears. You could sit in the front with me. Be good company, Peta and Beverly usually climb in the back together and ignore everybody else, know what young people are like. We could be back by Monday in time to start work again."

Lowery's eyes brightened. "Suppose I could fit that in, because you need company mind. Could take that daughter-in-law of mine to the markets, make sure she buys proper food." Lowery got to her feet. "Better make a start on this coffee. Press the button. Back in the old days I'd have had to chop some wood but that's all wind in the corn now. You could stay for dinner if you've time. Made a nice big camp stew earlier, just in case someone hungry passes by. I'm starting to worry about folks round here since that fellow delivered those oversize horses. No body talks English anymore. Walking backwards and forward in a paddock making horse noises is going to their head. Had Sammy here earlier, drank a coffee like there was no tomorrow, without so much as a peep. Didn't speak a word, sits there nodding and sipping then up he gets; says, 'better giddy-up; walks off.' Now I ask you, should I be worried? So what can I help you with young lady? Where's that skinny friend of yours? The one who doesn't know how to eat properly? We've plenty enough food to feed her too. Then I'll give the left overs to the folks next door."

Peta smiled, "There's a girl in my class at school lives somewhere near here, name's Niki. She and her friends walk up the road," Peta pointed. "Going to school. Wanted to know where they live and ask your advice how to make friends with them."

"Is this girl big and ugly?"

"No she's small and pretty. They're all rather short and pretty. Quiet too, seem shy." Peta shrugged. "One of the boys is tall, he's older. He and one girl are in the year ahead of me. Think there might be a girl and a boy in a year behind and three of them; girls are in my class for English.

Lowery handed a coffee to Marge and commenced to make her own. She looked at Peta. "You want a coffee or one of those cold drink with fizz and squiggly writing on the can like all you young folk drink these days?"

"I'm not thirsty. I'll watch you drink, if you don't mind."

"Sensible. I'm sure those drinks give people wind. Sounds like you're been searching for the Hayman family. There's a girl about your age called Nicole. She's got an older brother who is tall and there's a young sister as well. The other four are cousins. Know the Grandparents well. Know the parents too. Technically two of the cousins are named Monette. Still from the same family, the daughter's children." Lowery pointed. "All live together through the wood, about a quarter of a mile. If you can work out how to carry this pot of stew without spilling any." Lowery pointed again. "We'll go visit them, introduce you. Show the parents you two aren't all nasty with two heads like they think."

Marge spoke, "Why would think we're nasty?"

"They're being cautious. We keep telling them you're nice folk. But they hear stories. They think you stole this property and sent the Coplin's packing. There's people in town say you cut their throat, buried them in ditch and your going to do the same to all of us next full moon."

Marge waved her hands. "We can solve that problem. Why don't we walk over there, you can introduce us. We'll invite them back to our place and let them talk to the Coplin's on our computer phone. They'll see them. Could ask the Coplin's where they're living and how come they left. We can probably feed everyone. Sounds like there might be about fifteen of them, four family couples and seven children, if I counted correctly. Add our three and you, makes nineteen. We'll order a Chinese banquette for about thirty and let them take any leftovers home. Might help make ends meet. Keep your stew for tomorrow, invite them to your place on your own and talk about us. Have a good gossip, air all our dirty laundry and see what they think."

Lowery smiled, "You're a pretty smart woman for a northern blow in. There'll be seventeen of them. Another couple live over there, the property owners. They're all doing it tough. We'll let them meet you, talk to the Coplin's and find out what they think. Tomorrow, after they talk to me. I'll come tell you what's what. We'd better drink our coffee, go see if the neighbours can find the time to come to supper."

## Chapter 16

Friday sat in the restaurant trying to feel comfortable. It was the first time she'd ever been seated at a table where waiters took orders and served meals. Earlier today she'd taken a call from Phillip who was in the plane and due to arrive some time ago. He'd asked her to make a booking for seven people, invite Miss Goodchild, Mrs Coplin with her two daughters, hire a maxi taxi, pick them up and entertain them until he and his guest arrive.

The task wasn't as difficult as she'd imagined. Miss Goodchild did the job for her. She, Miss Goodchild, was a different person, less formal, more a friend now they were no longer teacher and student. She'd hugged her, corrected the Miss Goodchild greeting with an invitation to call her Fiona, then brokered a renewed introduction to the Coplin family and called her Friday while doing so. All of which helped her feel a little more in control and grown up.

Before needing to explain she had no idea why they were here, other than waiting for Phillip and a friend, Fiona took control telling the Coplins with a level of what sounded like personal pride how Friday, an ex-student of their dormitory was the current dux of Australia and had chosen to continue her education here in Toowoomba. Fiona seemed to have forgotten the Coplins had already met Friday in Alabama. They would have also recognised her photo and the detail being discussed in recent newspaper articles. High profile students were rare outside the major cities.

Friday blushed, like always, made light of the achievement explaining she got lucky and changed the topic asking Mrs Coplin and her daughters how they feel about their new town, school and townhouse, which is located across the driveway from the townhouse she occupies. They were in the habit of exchanging a quiet nod virtually every morning.

Friday noticed Fiona's face glow then turn white with what looked like shock, before realising Phillip's reflection was displaying in the window behind their table. He looked casual wearing jeans, tee shirt, loafers and his long hair wasn't groomed into a neat ponytail. She'd assumed this gathering was business and expected to see Phillip's persona, Mr Perfection in an expensive suit.

She stood, turned, beckoned and prepared herself to make introductions before remembering everyone at the table knew Phillip. The guest was an older lady. She had a pleasing contentment about her. Looked intelligent and aware. White short hair, light loose tasteful clothes and no makeup. Lots of jewellery, nothing expensive, beads and colour coordination was her style. Looked casual and smart, like Phillip. Take me as I am was written all over her face. They looked good together. No wonder Fiona went from surprise to concern in a heartbeat. Her Phillip might be acting up. Friday braced herself for the unknown.

"Mother. What are you doing here?" Fiona spoke with alarm.

The lady's smile seemed to grow. "Fiona I've asked you many times not to use that horrible title in public. As you well know my name is Chelsea, if the age difference prevents you from calling me so, Ms Grammar will suffice just fine. One small drunken excursion on the dark side of sanity to reward our victorious Oxford boat team, all nine of them, has saddled me with the social sigma of that label for life, the trappings of fertility, a female gender and casual abandonment. You seem to enjoy embarrassing me in front of your friends. Placed in some static location, a little box, behind a white picket fence with a cat, a dog, a broom and a lawn mower. Oh and a child who grew inward, dreams of owning her own bigger box and paints endless images of everything static and wheelless." She looked round the table at the amused, puzzled smiles. "Now were you planning to introduce me to your friends and invite me to sit or are you still too settled, priggish or puritanical to be in the same room as someone so closely befitting your mind's eye of a carefree Gipsy such as I."

Mother... Chelsea, please don't speak loudly. This is my town. I'm respected here. These are my people. I teach their children. Where have you come from and why are you here?" She turned to confront Phillip. "Where did you find her? Why here in public. In front of all these people." She raised a finger. "You will be punished for this. I can't see you surviving..."

Phillip interrupted. He was smiling, calm and polite. "Chelsea this is Mrs Coplin, her twins daughters and Friday." He pointed with each introduction. "Fiona you already know." He waited for the smiles and nods to flow then pulled out a chair and gestured gentlemanly, with a grin on his face; said, "I'll sit you beside Friday and I'll take this next seat near Fiona. Fiona and I may wish to discuss things without disrupting the whole table." He continued talking specifically to Mrs Coplin. "Chelsea and you have covered a lot of common ground in more than a geography sense. Chelsea is a Rhode Scholar with a Masters degree in Teaching and Learning from Oxford. And I suspect you've just discovered Fiona too is from Oxford having been born there while her mother was a student."

"Phillip. Enough." Fiona placed a hand on his arm and squeezed. "I'll do whatever you want. Please no more."

Phillip nodded and took Fiona's hand in his own. "Fiona I'm here to talk with you about, amongst other things, our future. I'm also here to talk with Friday about her future. Chelsea has come to talk specifics with Mrs Coplin about teaching in Alabama. I'm hoping the exchange will sway Chelsea. Matthew has asked her to be Mrs Coplin's Alabama replacement, something that is proving quite a task." He nodded and placed a finger over Fiona's lips, a request to hold whatever was about to be spoken. She remained silent. "Plus you and Chelsea can catch up without the need to invent personas and each play your distant warrior role."

Phillip turned to make contact, "Friday will you be offended if I talk about your remuneration package in front of everyone?" He watched Friday bite her lip and cautiously shake her head. "Won't be painful or personal. Just business and I'd like... no, Matthew would like Fiona, Chelsea and Mrs Coplin to each hear how we works these things."

"At this moment you're in receipt of an allowance of fifty bucks a week plus costs, compensation for doing odd jobs after school. That has to stop, you're on the payroll now." Phillip waved a hand, "Even though you're still a student and in receipt of a full VerMatt scholarship, you've set things up such that you can work your University studies on-line and travel. Means you're available to do more complex odd jobs and ultimately your university qualifications will enhance that situation. It would also be hoped active business involvement will enhance your study performance; a win-win situation."

"Matthew would prefer not have you working set hours for a set wage. He wants you to be self-employed, see you prosper by your own endeavours." Again Phillip waved both hands. "He did the same for me. Well actually Billie did the same for me. Same family. Their methods work. They make money and do good deeds. You too should be afforded the opportunity to also make money and also do good deeds. Matthew believes you should work because you like what you do not because you'll starve if you don't." Again he raised both hands and asked the question. "Am I making sense?"

Friday nodded and said nervously. "You're making sense but you're also scaring me. I've never had anything. Don't expect anything. Don't even think I'd know how to look after anything if it turned up on my doorstep."

Phillip smiled, "We're all sure you'll do fine. Okay. Some detail. You've been provided with one hundred thousand dollars to live off. How long will it be before you need more?

"What." Friday shook her head.

"It's a question Friday. "You have a cash investment account with a one hundred thousand dollar balance. How long can you live off your savings?"

Friday put both hands on her cheeks. "Probably for ever... and a little longer. I've never... Was given a twenty-dollar note once, for my fifteenth birthday. I..."

Phillip grinned and pointed at Friday, talked over her. "The hundred thousand dollars is for you to live off until your investment stream kicks in. At which time it will also become a buffer to streamline your cash flow. You already own it. Tomorrow we'll sit down and review your bank accounts. I'll offer some advice on how best to manage things. We'll do that together, just the two of us. After tomorrow it's all yours. Your private business, though I'd like you to feel comfortable asking advice any time."

We have also created a one million dollar investment stream specifically to benefit you in our private equity trust. It's a loan, kind of. When your portfolio has grown enough to provide you with permanent security we'll expect you to give the money back.

"I... I don't believe this." Friday raised both hands and shook her head. "I... a million dollars? Where did it come from? What if I lose it?" She put her head in her hands. "I can't do this. Its... I'm just me, the cook's daughter. I..."

"Be quiet and listen. No. Answer a few questions for me?" Phillip smiled and pointed a finger toward Friday. "How much is Matthew's net worth?"

"Zillions. I don't know." Friday looked up, quietened and spoke without urgency. "Two hundred and ninety three million dollars." She shrugged. "It was in business weekly."

"Good. Did you notice Sissy, Debe, Billie and Elizabeth? Iso Yamashitsu? Me? The article put us all under the same microscope."

Friday nodded.

"Good. Then you know the kind of totals you'll be working with. You'll learn. If you're going to be of value to help your colleagues you'll need to be comfortable with transactions involving large amounts of money. You do it for Matthew, you can do the same for yourself and pretty soon your name will be in those articles too. And you'll need to be aware journalists like to print stories about what wealthy folk do. They think it helps little old ladies and bitter young men dream. You'll quickly learn how to watch what you say around journalists and identify charlatans who plan to rip you off. You're already in their sights. The newspapers printed, Ethel Primrose dux of Australia, Business and Law student at Toowoomba. If you read the whole article they also said you're working for the VerMatt Foundation where you're known as Friday. Might be clever if you watch who you talk to and what they want to talk about on campus." Phillip smiled. "Don't look so down. All this will come together soon enough. One more thing, you asked where the million dollars came from. The answer is, I provided it. It's the million-dollar stake Billie provided to get me started. When you've grown your portfolio you'll probably get the chance to help the next person. And you might as well know the hundred thousand dollars for you to live off didn't come from Matthew. Elizabeth decided it's time to help someone. She's my junior partner in Ho Ho Enterprises, made the forty-four million you read about, with me, on the back of Billie's million. Tomorrow you'll notice I've set your affairs up such that Daphne is your junior partner in the Friday Corporation. All that needs doing is sign a few documents and you can help each other become wealthy, which will also provide a level of security for your parents."

*****

Marge sat in the Kitchen with an amused expression on her face. She was watching Femme stand guard in her domain, trying to keep Lowery from taking over. Lowery wanted to prepare a surprise banquette for everyone on the property and Femme was sure that meant making a huge mess of her kitchen. Eventually Marge spoke. "Lowery why do you want to prepare dinner here, now? Wouldn't it make more sense to find out what Hilda and Pinkie feel like before cooking anything?"

"That pair don't know what's best for them. I don't think they eat properly. Probably want to eat a carrot each and share a lettuce leaf with some smelly herbal tea concoction that causes constipation."

"Why don't you convince Hilda to come over here to see us. Collect Helga too. We could have a good strong cup of coffee together. The girls will be home from work soon, so we'll be able to talk to Helga and Hilda on our own for a bit." Marge smiled. "If you walk over there you'll be able to check the fridge contents and see if the floor is clean. Make sure everything is shipshape. I'd go with you but I feel stiff from all that flying and want to rest up a bit."

Lowery nodded, "Good idea. I'll walk over there now, do a spot check before Hilda has time to hide things."

"Thank you." Femme spoke as soon as the door closed behind Lowery. "She's bored and we caused it. What on earth are we going to do with her?" She thought a moment. "Now I feel terrible. "Shouldn't have said any of that."

Marge pulled a face. "Lowery loves children and keeping house. I'm hoping Debe might like help managing with Diné. But until I talk to her I'm not game to say a word."

Femme smiled, "I'll be surprised if Mum wants help. I know she doesn't need any and she's never been comfortable with people underfoot. Her house is her castle and she doesn't respond well to being mothered or smothered. I inherited the same gene, and there's a lot of the same going around round here. Hilda will look long and hard at you when they arrive for coffee and Helga may actually leave finger marks around your throat. But you'll be fine, Pinkie, Paula and Billie will find the situation funny."

Marge shrugged, "Well I'm a villain aren't I? Where have Peta and Beverly gone?"

Femme pointed through the window. "They're with Em and Jay being taught how to sssss at chickens" She bit her lip in amusement. "Matthew's doing. We're all pretending not to know where sssss'ing will lead. Mathew can have his moment." She shrugged, "I've got to give him credit he's clever with children. He tries quite hard to hide it but he does a lot of research and is pretty smart with everything, great companion for Mum."

Marge's smile was little short of a laugh. "Has Jay spoken a sentence yet?"

No. But he is building up to it. He can string three swear words together if he thinks I'm not listening, which is pretty close to a sentence." Femme shook her head pointed a finger at no one. "I'm quite sure that little man is going to walk in here one day and say, 'If you give me a dollar I'll use the potty'."

Marge did laugh. "Well he's clever."

"Like Mother like daughter. That is exactly what Billie thinks." She rolled her eyes. "Matthew believes he's even cleverer. Thinks he'll want two dollars." Femme made a gesture with her hands. "Little Em is so uncomplicated. She chatters on about anything. Tries so hard to be grown up, wants to help make morning tea. Follows me around doing housework. Jay lives totally within his own world. Scratches around, I'm sure he's part chicken."

Marge changed the topic. "Your Mother is great company for me too. I miss her and I miss Matthew dropping in to see us. The last year we spent together on Pituri Downs was the best I've felt about being there in a long, long time." She pulled a face. "I'm toying with rising early tomorrow and flying to Wyoming to visit them. Plus I may be able see David, Kelly and little Clancy while I'm out there. I'm assuming you won't mind keeping an eye on the Peta and Beverly because I'm sure they'd rather stay here than travel all that way for a few hours then come back. Was hoping Lowery might keep me company, but she'll probably want to stay with Pinkie."

"You won't need to fly anywhere. Not to see Matthew and Mum anyway. They're coming here. Should be on the way." Femme shrugged, "Got a feeling they're planning to return to Pituri Downs some time soon."

"Wish I could go with them. I'm a bit like Lowery, need more to do down there. You should have told us the house is fully booked. We'll find a room in town to sleep."

"Won't be necessary. We have plenty of beds. I'll talk Peta and Beverly into bunking down in Elizabeth's cubbyhouse." Femme shrugged. "In fact it's good you're here for a number of reasons. Later this evening Phillip is also due to arrive and would you believe he has Fiona's mother with him and from what I've heard I'm looking forward to being introduced. She's Matthew's sponsored teacher replacement for Mrs Coplin. It will be good for you and the girls to meet her here. She may even wish to fly down there with you, even though it could be an indirect route." Femme waved a hand. "I'll warn you before Billie gets home. We're looking for someone to fly the fox moth to Pennsylvania tonight, take-off after midnight for an eight-hour trip. Everyone here is involved, including Matthew. I'll let them, explain why. Mum has offered to fly the plane but Matthew would prefer she has company, someone who can share the flying. As a last resort I was planning to go with her and at least be the company but now you're here, wanting to catch up with Mum and you can also fly the plane. Am I making sense? You and little Diné would be perfect company for Mum. Plus you'd be able to land somewhere for a snack and pilot change, which will make everyone happy."

"I'll go. Great chance to catch up. Be like old times. Your mother used to come with me when I started visiting the kids at boarding school. Same deal we used to take off at midnight." Marge thought a moment, "You can't leave me up in the air, what's going on. Pennsylvania; something to do with Matthew's draft horses."

"Correct. You'll see for yourself in less than a minute. Lowery is on her way with Hilda and Helga in tow. Hilda has been beside herself with worry and Helga is rather cranky, mostly with Pinkie. Though that may change when Phillip and Matthew arrive. As you know Matthew has been acquiring draft horses and as usual he got help. Phillip arranged for a broker named Miller, who lives in Lancaster County Pennsylvania, to find good horses. He's Amish. He's also Hilda and Helga's father. Phillip and Matthew started using Pinkie to pilot them down there in the fox moth and between them convinced the Miller family, along with the church elders, riding in the fox moth is identical to sitting in a train carriage, doesn't even go any faster it's just more direct. They've even taken the elders on a test flight and cleared the way for the twins to visit their family. It's happening tomorrow." Femme waved a hand. "Matthew told the Millers Pinkie is his pilot and just happens to be a neighbour to one of their daughters, which is how they knew to contact them about draft horses in the first place."

Marge bit her lip. "Wow. No wonder the girls are nervous. What are they going to tell them?" Marge thought a moment. "Why are we flying the plane?"

"Because Matthew is such an accomplished liar. Everyone else will arrive relaxed and fresh. You'll be flying the fox moth to Lancaster airport, seven mile away. The others will travel by jet tomorrow morning and take an hour and a half. The twins will change planes and have the treacherous scheming Pinkie fly for five minutes to Smoketown Airport from where they will be driven home in the family horse drawn buggy." Femme smiled, "In a few minutes you can help me persuade Hilda to borrow Diné and Helga, Em and Jay. We think having the children will help them appear perfectly normal. They'll be able to say their husbands are working and whatever they like about the children. Safest would probably be they belong to a neighbour." Femme waved a hand. "We've been dressing Em and Jay in Amish clothes and encouraging them to go to the markets with their aunties for months. Shortly I'm expecting the girls to twig everyone here has been involved in this long running plot."

"So what do the rest of us do for the day?"

Femme opened her hands, made a puzzle gesture. "Matthew and Phillip will be visiting the Millers and taking their pilot, Pinkie. They'll probably also take a new secretary, Paula. As for the rest us, Billie will be available to fly the jet." Femme paused, waved her hands. "We haven't worked anything else out. You and Mum might want to catch a few hours sleep. But with the jet being less than half an hour from Niagara Falls and you, Peta and Beverly onboard the long overdue sight seeing trip seems a possibility. If that doesn't appeal we might fly to Kentucky and visit my other Mum. Whatever we do I'm looking forward to a sit down lunch somewhere. Be a once only treat to eat without the need to supervise the children."

*****

"Tired?" Marge asked Debe the question. They were having their scheduled break after which Marge would fly the plane to Lancaster. Debe had been at the controls over four hours. It was now five in the morning and as Billie predicted Dayton airport was awake preparing welcome breakfasts for early travellers.

"No. Bit surprising. I love that plane. Can I smell your coffee please?" Marge grinned and slid the cup closer to Debe. "I'd love a coffee but I suspect Diné wouldn't sleep all night when I share it with him. Look at him. Thought he'd wake when we stopped."

"He is a gorgeous baby. I changed him an hour ago. He didn't wake up or even stir. What time does he normally rise?"

"Six, sometimes seven. He seems to wake fifteen minutes after it becomes light in his room. We thought we might head back to Australia soon. Matthew has a commitment over there next week."

"I know, Femme told me last night. What commitment?"

"Don't say anything until it's announced. Fiona has won the Packer prize. She's stoked, thinks it better than her Archibold win. When it's officially announced Fiona wants Matthew to face the media scrum with her and his portrait. Matthew has agreed."

"Wow, Matthew in front of the media. This I need to see. Make me copy. I'm a little jealous about you going home even though I like the idea of being here with Peta. She's happy going to a day school. I'm probably selfish but I'm a little bored. Don't think I was meant to be an urban housewife; only just discovered that."

"Well that's something you have in common with Lowery. Why don't you kill two birds with one stone?"

Marge looked up from her plate. "Lowery wants to run a house. I want to escape, do something outside."

"Exactly. Let Lowery run your house and you make yourself busy outside. Just like you do at home except it's not Lowery keeping home on Pituri Downs; it's me." Debe thought a moment. "And Anahita."

"Pituri Downs is a cattle station what can I do on Cottonfield?"

"Lots of things. As you well know Chief's latest solution to cleanse Cottonfield's front paddocks of the left behind spirits is to graze a small herd of pregnant bison cows until they drop their calves. Get the Indian kids to help you safely manage bison, handle them, calm them and treat them like your Droughtmasters on Pituri Downs. Keep a studbook, document the calves weight gain. Give them the works. Matthew has applied for approval to import a few Bison to Australia. He thinks there could be a small but lucrative game meat market over there, if they can handle the pastures and environment. He needs the information you'll provide. Plus you've just informed us the neighbours produce all the ingredients to make cottage beer. And they're good at it. They have the skills but need help with finance, business contracts and marketing. You've asked us to look into share farming with them. Talked about producing a boutique Cottonfield beer line. I agree it's a great idea. Do it. I trust you completely. I'll partner up with you on both projects. Better throw the marketing problems on Phillip's plate." Debe grinned. "And each night when you come back to the house Lowery will have your dinner ready. The same as I do on Pituri Downs." She picked up her napkin and wiped her lips. "You ready to fly?"

Marge nodded and used her napkin. "You're correct. You're also the smartest house lady I know. I'll talk to Matthew. We'll need livestock handling yards, scales, a livestock computer; heaps of stuff. Probably need to email Farida every day for a while." Marge looked at her hand. "Which I do anyway."

"Don't bother with Matthew. Talk to me. I'll be your partner in this venture. We both know I've got plenty of spare money and the pair of us can flip a reasonable return on the dollar. We'll sneak this one up on Matthew. Girl power. He won't see us coming. We'll surprise him."

"Its a deal. You'll regret coming in on this one. We need a big golf buggy thing that can accommodate a dozen people. Lowery wants to manage a house. Well she can. She can deliver the kids to and from school in style, all of them. The neighbours too, just like you and Anahita do on Pituri Downs. When they get home she can supervise their homework at our place where they have textbooks, Internet access and Lowery to keep an eye on them while she cooks an oversized snack for everyone. With luck we'll have Chelsea there to tutor." Marge looked at Diné and smiled at the sleeping child. "I've been trying to workout how to help those children better themself, break the poverty cycle. We can help the families too. We'll shortly receive a few bills then in no time I'll send you a sample carton of Cottonfield's finest beer. Then we'll bank a few cheques. Oh and we'll need a few cartons of impressive Cottonfield Do-rags."

Debe offered a puzzled expression. "Do-rags?"

"Yep. Bikie head wear."

"I know what they are. Though I'm surprised you do. You don't fit my home-girl image. What do you want do-rags for?"

"Let's not deny anything, we both left school early and pregnant. I produced Billie and you Femme." Marge nodded. "We've had our moments but all things considered life hasn't been too bad." She grinned. "I want to impress Peta and her friends, all the local kids. Peta wants a do-rag for no reason other than they're banned at school. I can think of no better way to gain local support for Cottonfield than via teenagers wearing contraband. I'll get Jamie to create something spiffy. We'll probably all end up wearing a matching Cottonfield bra under a see-through blouse."

"Can I suggest approaching Billie about a golf cart and get hold of several? Let Matthew steal one. I saw the look in his eye and overheard him talking to the Master Chief about the Rolls Royce replica golf cart he drives at work. Apparently Billie acquired it, turned up on the Master Chief's birthday."

Marge shook her head. "Thankyou. I'm all fired up now. We'd better fly this aeroplane or we'll be here all day plotting and planning."

## Chapter 17

Eighteen month later, Toowoomba.

*****

"Can I borrow your car?"

Friday looked at Jamie. He seemed distracted. She'd not yet spoken to him. He'd knocked on her door and walked past the come-in hand greeting.

"Jamie, you are such a tight-arse. Why don't you buy yourself a vehicle?" Friday shook her head, looked amused. "And use your own fuel." They'd had this conversation before. "We both know you can afford it."

"I don't need a car. Prefer my pushbike most of the time. Besides you've got two cars."

She handed him the keys and raised a hand in frustration. "Well don't forget how much you like your pushbike. I need two vehicles. Between you and Daphne... I don't remember the last time I saw both my vehicles parked together. I hope you're not planning to keep it long. I need something to drive after lunch today."

Jamie grinned. "Last week. I saw you park beside Daphne's loaner at the shopping centre." He looked at the keys. "This is the daggy compact. I had my mind set on your fancy truck, wanted to make an impression." He watched Friday raise her hands to hit both side of her head before changing topics. "Thought I'd go see Mum during the holidays. Know of any aeroplanes heading that way or if anyone has commercial fares going cheap?"

"Fly commercial. Oh heavens; don't open your wallet. Moths will fly everywhere." She looked at him, head to one side. "Jamie you are so tight. I'll bet the first dollar you earned is still in your underwear draw. You know perfectly well I'm heading off to the states tomorrow." She shook her head. "You can come. For free. But don't get too excited until after the Philippines. You've just taken the last seat. You can look forward to six and quarter hours on the toilet. Take something to read."

Jamie rolled his eyes. "The toilet; I know people who salivate at the thought of going by private jet." He made eye contact. "Why are we flying via the Philippines? Wait a minute. What plane? How long is this flight going to take? And I didn't know any of this was in the mill. No body talks to me."

"You're welcome to find your own way, fly commercial at your own expense." She grinned. "But you're not going to. Are you? Matthew wants the CJ4 taken back to the states. Twenty-one hours flight time, five refuel stops, Darwin, Philippines, Japan, Russia Alaska then on to Wyoming. Where you'll need to phone Mummy or catch a bus." She placed a hand on his cheek. "Poor love, poor little Jamie. You don't listen. Last week I almost begged you to ride in the Pony Express re-enactment." She pointed a finger. "You turned me down. I should leave you here to find your own way to Mummy. Shouldn't I?"

"I didn't know it's this week. I thought... nine other people. Who's on this plane? And how come there will be vacant seating after the Philippines?"

"Oh you can act so sweet when it suits. I needed to find two more riders, you and Basir turned me down. Basir had a good excuse. You didn't. For plan B I talked to my Dad. He and Mr Yamashita are going to ride." She waved her hands. "Dad because he's always liked cowboy movies. Have no idea what got Mr Yamashita to leave his piece of dirt. Staying a night in Japan might have tipped the balance. Anyway a Ninja on horseback has Matthew excited. Won me some brownie points." Again her hands made a puzzle. "Now the cost. My Mum is coming too. And Daf. Kimi is with Mr Yamashita and a few days ago Phillip and Fiona spent the night together. Apparently they spend a lot of time talking. Next day Fiona arranged seats for her four overseas students to spend the holidays at home. Two to the Philippines and two to Japan."

"Wow. You've finally organised the big trip for your Mum. She'll love it as long as you're patient. Daphne will look after her."

"I'm betting on that. I'll get you to help distract Mum on the flight. Keep her occupied and away from the cockpit. Someone has to sit beside me but not Mum. She'll fiddle; pull handles, push buttons and hang God knows what on the controls. I want whoever sits in the cockpit to stay there, pretend we can't get out of the seat in flight. It's the safest option I can think of short of putting Mum on a commercial flight."

Jamie turned serous. "If you are that worried, tell your Mum there is no room because of the girls from school and I'll take her commercial." He grinned. "We'll fly business class at my expense. We could see you off, take a direct flight and greet you at the other end. In fact I think your mother would cope better going through airports with everyone else. Like in movies."

Friday put her hand on his cheek again and seemed almost teary. "You're kind underneath, for a rough nut. I might hold you to that because there's more. Will you do something for me this afternoon; tonight?"

"You know I will. What's upsetting cool, calm Friday?"

She looked at the floor and nodded, then made eye contact. "Phone Mitty. Tell her you'll be in town later today and you'd like to have dinner with her, just the two of you. Say you've got tickets to a show. Anything."

"In town, Sydney. A show." Jamie sounded pensive. "What are we up to? I won't do anything that might hurt Mitty. I won't stand her up or do anything remotely cruel. You have to know that."

"We both know that Jamie. This is something I've been plotting and the timing is right. Was going to do it myself but something has come up. Plus my instincts tell me we'll have a better chance of pulling this off with you making to call." Friday found her organising voice. "I want you to talk Mitty into agreeing to see you tonight. You can fly down there in the velocity this afternoon and take Kimi and her Father with you. The four of you can sit down to dinner somewhere without her mother being involved. With luck you'll win brownie points all round." Friday waved one hand. "If you're smooth enough and can talk Mitty into spending the holidays with us she can travel on the plane with her sister and father, which means we're overloaded. Daphne and my parents can fly commercial with you; and I'll pay."

Jamie put his head in his hands. After a moment he looked up. "Promise me her Father won't do the man thing and get all possessive." He shook his head. "Forget I said that. We both know him well enough; he won't. He's worried about Mitty's future. Mitty's future is his future, it's the only thing that matters." He looked at his hands in silence for a long moment. "The real problem being we both know Mitty. As close as she is to her father she'll martyr herself to offer hope of peace for her mother. Deep down we both know Mitty is not getting the money her father sends. Mother is controlling both their accounts." He looked up. "Life can be cruel. Mother likes the social city life. Mother knows father won't leave the property and loves his daughters. Mother feels a settlement of several hundred million dollars would set her up for life. Father knows this, he's generous but not stupid and mother knows only too well the key to her future is that her husband will give his daughters anything. And we know how hard mother tried to force poor Kimi to stay down there with her. Perhaps that's how she loves, who knows. I think their mother loves money and the social life above all else." He looked at Friday and shrugged. "I guess being bred from genuine peasant stock makes us lucky and I suspect Mitty may well never speak to me again. But... have you got a phone? Mine is at home charging."

*****

Beaurgard, Alabama.

"Mum. What do lesbians do in bed?"

Marge looked at her daughter. The question came out of the blue. They were washing up together and alone.

Marge laughed, "Sleep. They're like the rest of us."

Peta gave her Mother a stare. "I'm being serious Mum. It's a genuine question. You said you'd prefer I come to you with relationship curiosities."

Marge pulled her hands out of the water and dried them, held her daughter at arms length. "I know you're being serious and I'll try to answer but first I'll tell you what's funny." She grinned. "When I first met Billie, before I knew she was your sister, I asked her that very same question and that's what she told me." Marge squeezed Peta. "Like mother, like daughter."

"Really. You actually asked Billie?"

"Yep. I'd never met an openly gay person before. She fascinated me and I felt really comfortable talking to her. After telling me they sleep she arranged an outing and showed me a whole lot of sex toys on display in a sex shop." Marge shook her head. "It was quite an education. That was in Germany. I doubt we'll find anything of the like here in Alabama. If you really are curious and I'm assuming this is to do with writing research, we could probably arrange an outing together to the same shop." Marge pointed a finger. "To look, like I did. You'd be forbidden from buying anything." She retracted the finger and smiled. "Might make sense if we take Billie or Aunty Anke. They took me and I assure you they know more about the topic than I ever will."

Peta smiled. "Really. You've been in a sex shop. Wow." She arched her eyebrows. "My mother is way cool."

Marge gave a small chuckle. "Not really. They needed to explain everything. I had no idea. I'll tell you something for nothing; Billie worked in a sex shop selling sex toys while putting herself through Uni. Told me she earned three times more than waiting tables and most of her customers were really respectable looking little old ladies who live alone."

Peta's eyes brightened, "Wow. Now that is something. Isn't life weird? You did such a good job raising me to be responsible that I can't imagine anyone like you, anyone mature, having sex." Peta looked at her hands for a moment. "It's even more complex than that. I've been thinking about relationships and like... just looking at anatomy diagrams is enough to work out what happens to anyone when a man is involved, but two woman... plus cross reference these things with what religious people say and something doesn't add up." Again she waved her hands. "Billie is Billie. She'll strip anywhere and walks around naked from the waist up all the time, but Femme is so modest. I can't even imagine Femme getting naked in the shower. Yet they live together and they're totally respectable. I love them. I'm so lucky to have two beautiful sisters." She smiled. "I'm going to ask them about this the next time we visit."

Marge drew her daughter forward into a hug. "You do that and before we visit I'll warn Femme to be ready for your questions." Marge lifted her head. "Is there a change you might be gay?"

"No." Peta frowned, "I don't think so. I think most of the boys at school are disgusting and all but a few of the girls are much easier to get alone with." She shrugged. "I'm also smart enough to know that has very little to do with intimate relationships. There must be someone somewhere for whom the idea of sharing a cake of soap doesn't turn my stomach. Though I haven't met anyone like that yet."

Marge hugged her daughter again. "You're smart." She squeezed Peta. "Too smart for me." And spoke softer. "I'd already had Billie when I was your age."

Peta nodded. "I know. Must have been hard, hard to be pregnant and alone, and much harder to have Billie taken away. I think you're stronger than I am." Peta looked up. "But you're not off the hook. Help me talk Billie and Femme into us having a weekend together in Europe. Billie can show me this shop and talk me though the finer points of caring for little old ladies who live alone." She smiled. "Someone will need to care for you eventually. Plus I should at least know what I'm in for if someone with long legs, big breasts and a curiously alluring smile ever draws me into a web of intimate lust." Peta grinned mischievously and changed the topic. "Mum as soon as we finish the final exams here can I go back to my old school in Australia? I'd like to attend the last three months of term and sit the final exam over there as well."

"I suppose so. We'd better do some checking and make arrangements. We don't have long to organize everything."

"I could board like before, or attend as a day student and stay with Jamie. I keep in contact with some of the girls and a boy I haven't actually met who goes to Jamie's old school." Peta made eye contact. "He seems rather nice, likes poetry and writing. We share ideas and help each other. He sent me an email wishing me well back when I collapsed. The only person from Australia to do so." She shrugged. "Anyway, school wise we seem to be covering the same work, except I'm a little ahead because of the term structure over here. The curricular over there is more advanced with creative writing and such but that's due to the conservative nature of society here and Ms Grammar compensates for that. She's a great teacher, every bit as smart as her daughter. I'm really lucky. They've both given me their best and put me way ahead with writing and expression logic here and there." She smiled. "Ms Grammar has an amazing understanding of what she calls the limits of protest. She uses her subject, English, to construct really clever sentence examples that are so thoughtful in terms of literature and yet such political statements covering all manner of topic. She provokes us into having the discipline to tolerate wrongful ideals, allow the proponents to believe in their own influence while we climb the education ladder, qualify, take control and use the certainty of our social position to erode harmful influence with a qualified timely stealth attack on rotten values." Peta looked into her Mother's wide eyes, nodded and calmly changed the topic. "I thought if I qualify here and there I'd have more options for University. At the moment I like the idea of going to Toowoomba, same as Jamie. It seems perfect; really flexible and he and Friday are doing so well."

Marge rolled her head. "Better have a chat with Matthew about this house."

That's easy. "Talk with Beverly first. She wants to stay over here and so does her father. He's finishing his term in Europe soon and thinks it better if they avoid Australia until Beverly finishes her schooling. He's been offered a visiting professorship in International Law at Auburn University and really likes what we're doing here with the kids next door and tutoring. He loves Lowery's roll here and the traditional farm management practices. Apparently he told Beverly how lovely it would be to continue on the same as now but knows he can't take all this away from us. Yet he's particularly interested in having Lowery find someone like herself who might help them cope when they find a place to live." Peta nodded. "Ask Matthew if Beverly and her father could live here like we do, with Lowery helping. I guess we'd better find someone capable to manage the farming you do. I'm assuming you'd like to come home too. I know you've only stayed here to be with me. Love you heaps for lots of reasons."

Marge silently nodded. She was proud to witness and discover how mature her baby has become.

*****

Sydney, Australia

"Thank you Jamie. Don't think I've ever received such a wonderful surprise or enjoyed myself so much as tonight."

Jamie was driving Mitty home from their dinner. As soon as Mitty was safely home he intended to meet the others at the airport and take-off for Brisbane before curfew.

Mitty shed tears when she saw her father, held him close for several minutes.

Jamie didn't take his eyes off the road. "No. I should thank you. I felt like a cad walking you into this without warning. Half expected you to punch me and walk out, after vowing to never speak with me again."

"Never. Not you. I know why you did it." Mitty looked at her lap spoke softer. "I wish things could be different." She looked up. "Did you arrange tonight or was it Daddy?"

"Neither. All the planning and plotting is on Friday. She worries about you as much as I do. Your Father thought it was risky and pretty sneaky as well." Jamie glanced at Mitty. "What are you going to tell your Mother about tonight?"

Mitty blew out a breath. "Not sure. Should tell her the truth but I know she'll go off the edge for a week and focus her rage at you for a lot longer. If I don't tell her and she finds out, things will be even worse. She'll focus on the both of us, for much longer."

Jamie smiled. "I don't know how you can live like this. Probably best to tell her tonight even say how embarrassing it was; you left as quickly as you could. She doesn't like me anyway."

"She did like you once. It's impossible to predict how Mum will react nowadays. How she spoke to you when you arrived tonight was so ungenerous. I'm really sorry she did that. If I'd have interjected or defended you she would have been much worse. I'm sure jealousy is going to consume her. She's obsessed with self-importance and... oh I don't know. I'm sure she's going to ruin her health. I suspect, mentally, she already has. You have no idea what she's like when Friday is mentioned in the media. She rants for days; calls her the cook's little trollop." Mitty gave Jamie a quick stare. "She reacts similar towards you but is yet to concoct a gross title. She refuses to enter any store carrying your Jamie apparel brand and as much as I'd love to, I don't dare wear your designs.

"Mitty you shouldn't live like this. You'll ruin your own health." He spoke softer. "And break my heart." Then lifted his voice. "She's living off you. What are you going to do when you finish Uni? Things won't get better they'll become infinitely worse."

"What does that mean?"

Jamie pulled off the road and parked the car. Faced Mitty. "It means I know quite well you are not getting the money your father sends you. I know your mother is controlling your account, taking everything and giving you a few dollars to survive on like you're still a child. She was doing the same to Kimi. It's mostly why she chose to escape and won't come down here anymore. Do you know your mother phoned the school last week demanding Kimi be escorted to Sydney for the holidays." He touched Mitty's cheek wiped away a tear. "Your father is generous. He provides for you and he provides for your mother. He'd like her to come home but he can't force her to do so and because of that he has a responsibility to provide for her. Apparently it's a lot more than you... don't get. He purchased the unit for her, pays all the overheads. But your mother wants everything. You need to stand up to her, live your life. She's trying to live it for you and I'm not at all sure it's you she wants to look after."

"Jamie I know you mean well but it's not that simple. I... Someone has to... I... can we change the topic please." She looked into his eyes and wiped her own. "Make me happy. You've done it once tonight. Give me something more to dream about. Anything."

"Okay. But, may I say something first. After tonight I won't be able to take you out again." He watched her expression intensify. "Mitty she won't let me through the front door, ever again and we know you'll keep the peace and go along with her." He put his hand up to stop her speaking then pulled a debit card from his shirt pocket and placed the card in her hand. "I want to be sure you are coping, and never find yourself trapped. The moment you can't cope I'll be there at your side. "Keep this card away from your mother. Like at University or somewhere. I ordered the card some time ago. It's in your name. The pin is your old room number from boarding school. Every week I want you to withdraw an amount from the account. You can take what you want but I'd prefer it was not more than one hundred dollars. Withdraw the same amount on the same day every week. I'll see the withdrawal and know everything is fine. That will be my signal to stay away. If you need me for anything don't withdraw the amount and I'll be on your doorstep within a few days."

"That'll cost you a lot of money and what will I do with the money."

"Spend it, save it. Mitty I can afford the money and you're worth every cent. As far as I'm concerned it's our money. Treat the withdrawal as your way of sending me an email. We know I can't leave messages. You don't get my letters or emails and she won't let you email me. I'd give you a phone but we know she'd hear it, find it... control it." He shrugged. "When you withdraw the set amount I'll take that as you explaining we need to wait a little longer."

"Mitty nodded several times and placed her hands upon both his cheeks. "You're correct. You always think of everything. I'll do it. But I'll never understand why you bother with my problems. Why you keep doing these things."

"You should understand." He watched her nod. "Good. There will always be at least one thousand dollars in that account. If something happens and you need to hide in a motel until I arrive or even purchase a fare home the money will always be there to cover the cost. You can withdraw five hundred dollars a day. However if you do withdraw a large amount, like, lets say anything more than three hundred dollars I'll take that as a sign you're in trouble, which would include someone other than you is using the card. If that happens I'll be there straight away and if need be I'll break the door down." He smiled. "Deal."

She nodded, "Deal. I'll keep the card secure and all to myself. I'll call it Jamie, hold it close, share all my inner thoughts and live with the comfort of knowing I'll be okay no matter what this situation presents next."

Jamie grinned and nodded "Good. Your Dad didn't say why he's come to town. So I'll fill you in. He and Kimi are on their way to America. They leave Brisbane tomorrow. Your Dad has agreed to ride a leg of the Pony Express re-enactment. Friday has recruited your Dad and her own father." Jamie watched Mitty's grin expand. "In a few weeks you'll receive a postcard written in handwriting your mother won't recognise. It will be stamped, Carried by Pony Express. Your Dad arranged the letter as a keepsake for you and he'll actually help deliver it. He'll carry the mail bag containing your card."

"You're joking?"

"No I'm speaking the truth. Keep an eye on the news, in about a week. You'll definitely see Friday. She's always top billing because the local Indians kids love to chase her, even though they're under strict instructions not to catch up. Media outlets here in Australia have already talked to Friday. Hopefully your Dad will also make it into your lounge room. In fact it's almost a certainty because Matthew has arranged quite a surprise, he does a lot to draw tourists to the area where they live over there. It creates local employment. Your father doesn't know it yet but Kimi will be riding with him as a support rider. She's still too young to ride a leg alone. Matthew intends to have Kimi wear the Pony Express uniform and deck your father out as a mounted Samurai protector. We all know how clever your father is at horse-mounted archery. Americans don't know much outside their own country so your father should be quite a drawcard. I suspect even the Indians will be astonished at how accurately he can launch arrows from a galloping horse." Jamie stopped speaking a moment to absorb the treasure of Mitty's smile. "They'll each be riding a segment in Wyoming, somewhere between Sweetwater Station and Fort Bridger, which is always a big hit with tourists because they go past Independence Rock, Hell's Gate and over South Pass. Plus it's where the east and westbound riders actually pass each other.

"You told me that to cheer me up. Didn't you?" She touched his arm. "Thank you." And rolled her eyes. "As much as I hate to say this you'd better take me home or Mum will be worked up with worry and over the top." She kissed his arm. "I don't deserve you. I... Thank you for tonight. Thank you for everything. You give my tomorrow's hope."

## Chapter 18

Two years later, Toowoomba.

*****

Jamie thought about not answering the phone. Who the hell phones after midnight? His brain ticked slowly. Someone overseas. Something urgent. Perhaps both. He closed his design pad, placed it on the coffee table and picked up on the seventh ring. "Hello Jamie speaking. It's the middle of the night. Where's the fire?"

"I'm sorry I thought you were still awake. Can I see you please?"

"Who is this?" He thought a moment. "Mitty is that you?" Didn't need an answer. How could he ever mistake Mitty's voice? She sounds sad or in trouble, same thing with Mitty. "Mitty I'm on my way. I'll take off within an hour. Better make that a few hours, can't land in Sydney until six so the best I can manage is on your doorstep by eight o'clock this morning. What do I need to prepare for?" He looked at his phone, at the caller ID, a mobile, didn't recognise the number. But than why would he. He hadn't had direct contact with Mitty in almost two years. Knew she was doing okay. She'd have let him know otherwise. And now she is in contact. He spoke through the silence "Mitty. What's the problem? Are you at home? Can you talk?"

"Jamie. Please slow down. I'm so tired I can barely think. I've left Mum. I'm going away, was planning to disappear without a word. It's for the best. But I can't. I need to hear you raise your voice and tell me you don't ever want to see me again."

"Mitty. What the hell..." Jamie realised he'd raised his voice. He stopped, swallowed and found the best of his normally polite soft tone. "Mitty love. Please tell me what the problem is?"

"Jamie I'm pregnant. So there; now tell me I'm a slut and send me on my way."

"Oh Mitty. Mitty. Where are you? I need to see you. We can get through this."

"Jamie did you hear me? I'm stuffed, up the duff. A child that belongs to someone else is growing inside of me. Now tell what I need to hear."

"Mitty. Slow down. I heard you. I heard you perfectly well. We're having a baby. Maybe it's a little quicker than I planned but that's not really a problem. These things happen, might need to tidy up a little and refurnish the spare room. God, We'll need to negotiate a deal with Peta for more shelf space in the fridge. Might be easier to find our own place. Guess I'm assuming we have plenty of time. Mitty, where are you?"

Jamie. For God sake, do you always have to be so perfect? I can't cope with all this. I..."

"Mitty. Where are you?"

"Sitting at your front lawn. If I wasn't such a coward I'd have rung the bell."

Jamie jumped to his feet ran to the window. There she was, sitting on the front lawn back leaning against the brick fence post containing the mailbox. He almost jumped through the window but stopped himself. Took a long breath. He needed to think. Needed to be calm. Mitty is here. She needs help and obviously until she finds her feet he will be doing a lot of thinking for them both, all three of us.

He took the stairs four at a time burst through the door and had her in his arms before she moved. She let him hug her. Her responses were slow, cold and limp. She wasn't fully there, had dropped her head to his chest. The more he hugged, more he tried to comfort her the louder her sobs.

He scooped her into his arms. She seemed lighter but than he'd never picked her up before. The Mitty he knew wouldn't allow someone to carry her. Nor had she ever smelt of sweat or walked the streets in grubby shorts, thongs and just a tee shirt. The night air was cold. She liked warm, clean, independence. The person in his arms was a stranger. He wondered what must have happened to make this so. Where was the person he loved? Was she still alive? Would she ever return?

What the hell is happening? He checked that statement, reworded his thoughts. What in hell has happened? He knew whatever it was things were now different. Mitty was home, here with him. He too commenced to cry but couldn't wipe away the tears until he got her up the stairs, had her safely on the lounge.

She was freezing. Without speaking he walked to his bedroom, pulled the doona off the bed and wrapped her up.

"Mitty. When did you last sleep?" He looked at her vague expression witnessed the strength she used to keep her eyes open. "When did you last eat? Wash? Where have you been? How did you get here?"

He thought a moment, looked for his phone then the clock on the wall. It's too late to order in. He grinned. Slow down Jamie. You're moving too fast. "I'll make you something hot, a coffee. Sorry, forgot. We'll have hot chocolate and... shit I don't know. I've got some left over Chinese takeaway. I'll nuke that. It will be hot and good enough to keep you going. Then we'll have a wash and put you to bed. Plenty of time tomorrow for anything else." He looked at her, felt the warmth of his heart. "Better shut the front door and get my phone off the lawn. Be back soon."

Jamie woke with a start. Didn't think he'd do much sleeping when he went to bed, but it was daylight now. Couldn't remember anything, must have fallen asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

He removed the doona carefully not wanting to wake Mitty. Wasn't really sure she'd appreciate having slept in the same bed or that he bathed and dressed her last night. She was really out of it. God knows how long it was since she had a decent sleep or ate properly. She certainly hadn't changed her clothes or washed for several days. No luggage not even a purse. All she had was a plastic bag containing a phone, a bus ticket one way from Sydney to Barkley Road House, plus three dollars and change in her pocket.

The debit card he'd given her ages ago was tucked in her bra. All this is rather strange. Mitty doesn't do anything impulsively. Still he'd need to wait until she's fully rested to discover what was really going down. She'll sleep for ages and hopefully wake up clearheaded.

Before sitting up he spared a glance expecting to see her gorgeous face sound asleep. He was correct about her. She looks gorgeous, so content but her eyes were open, watching.

"You should be asleep." He lay back down and looked at her on the same level. "Hope you don't mind the sleeping arrangements."

She shook her head several times and continued to stare.

"Are you feeling better?"

She nodded then kind of glanced down and just as quickly looked up into his eyes. "Do you remember everything I told you last night?"

He nodded. "I think so. I also did some exploring, saw a lot. Some was puzzling the rest absolutely gorgeous. You don't have a lot of secrets anymore." He looked down. "I'm sorry but you needed help and there was just me here." Again he made eye contact. "Washed your clothes. Which leaves us with a small a problem. I meant to put the washing in the dryer when the wash cycle finished." He waved a hand. "Fell asleep. Everything you had on is clean but still wet. You can borrow some of my clothes if you want to get up. Or stay in bed until your own clothes are dry. I'll go put them in the dryer now."

She put her hand out. Held his arm. "Don't go. Stay with me awhile. I want to go over what I said last night. Make absolutely certain we heard each other correctly."

"I heard. You were upset. Didn't seem to have anywhere to go or stay. Told me you're pregnant. Doesn't seem to be a man with, or following after you. So I'm still in with a chance. Kind of hoping you may grow to love me as much as I've always loved you. If you care to stay here you'll make me very happy. I'll work on being worthy of your trust."

She closed her eyes. Seemed to be holding tears. Eventually the eyes came back into view. She took a breath. "Why haven't you ever tried to kiss me?"

He shrugged, "I've thought about it often enough. You never seem ready for that level of commitment."

She rolled onto her back. "I am now."

He moved forward, hovered over her and kissed her lips. He was gentle, wasn't adventurous. Didn't take a particularly long time before pulling away.

He did the same again.

She didn't open her eyes even when he moved away. Spoke softly. "That was nice."

Jamie touched her cheek, "We'll work on it. Should get better with practice."

She nodded and opened her eyes. "Thank you. After we've talked we might practice a lot more. Do you have some clothes I could borrow to wear?"

"As you'd probably expect I can provide you with correct underwear. Already put a selection of your size in the wardrobe." He pointed. "They're all brand new so you might like to choose one pair for today and I'll wash the rest. Tee shirt and shorts is about all I have suitable to cover you. Maybe jeans with the legs rolled up. I'm told that's fashionable these days. Probably passable for us to go shopping and buy you some proper clothes. Your feet are much smaller than mine. Not sure what we'll do there. It's cold outside. So we should put you in shoes even to go buy shoes. Maybe we could wake the neighbour and try to borrow something more ladylike. I'd say her clothes and shoes should be a reasonably good fit on you."

"A friendly female neighbour. Do you own this house?"

He grinned. "It's complicated. I own the unit across the road and the neighbour next door actually owns the adjoining unit to mine. Peta and I live here but this unit is actually owned by our sister Billie and the adjoining unit next door belongs to Matthew. Plus Phillip and Matthew own the two units in the end of the cul-de-sac. Makes the whole street a family compound. Najwa and Maliha usually occupy my unit but they've flown home for the holidays. The neighbours place has a teacher at your old school and her two daughters living there. When Billie, Mum or anyone else comes to town they use the end units or, if need be, we shuffle people round. Same deal for Matthew. There's usually someone away." He raised his hands to help explain the confusion. "We prefer to live on this side of the road. These units are the two originals we purchased off the plans. They have an internal door between them. Works out convenient."

"Sounds very cosy. You and this neighbour must have a rather comfortable relationship."

"We do. Mitty are you jealous?"

She frowned spoke louder than normal. "No. You're an adult. But I'll skip on borrowing her clothes if you don't mind. People could easily think I'm your stand up tart dressed in the favourite hand-me-down outfit."

Jamie smiled. It was lovely to discover the positive voice full of fire and passion still burned within the strong willed woman he'd watch grow, and always loved.

He leaned forward, tried to kiss her cheek. When she pulled away he hovered above her and grinned. "Mitty, I'm sorry. I'm trying to tease you." He changed his cheeky tone into a question. "You've had no contact with anyone. Have you?" Didn't wait for an answer. Spoke softly. "Must have been hard. Friday lives next door, with Daphne and Kimi. I think Kimi has gone somewhere for a few days, with Peta, playing lets outdo each other with a bunch of barefooted, braless, rent-a-crowd ferals. They'll be saving something and we'll probably receive a phone call later to come bail them out because in all probability they'll get arrested for chaining themself to a bulldozer. It's happened before." He shrugged. "Friday should be awake soon. The moment she stirs, if you feel up to it, I'll take you in to see her. She flew a family of tourists in from Japan yesterday and actually delivered them to the Ryokan on your Dad's property, which is also where Daphne will spend a few nights. She and Friday shuffle aeroplanes together to move the guests efficiently. Anyway Friday got home last night just before you phoned."

"I watched a vehicle go into the garage and thought the worst. Didn't even recognise my best friend. All I saw was a sophisticated, well-dressed businesswoman driving a fancy sports car. Though I didn't get much of a look hiding behind your fence. I shed tears and watched the lights go on and off before realised your light hadn't changed. That's when I working out this place must be a duplex. Didn't take too long after that to find the strength to call you."

"How long were you out there in the cold without a coat?"

"Don't know. A few hours." She shrugged. "I've been without a coat for... I don't know, probably four... five days."

"Mitty you're crazy. I'll get dressed in there," He pointed at the walk in wardrobe. "Then try to make you something to eat. Usually I walk down the road and buy breakfast at a café. Wish we had some shoes. In fact I should dial a friend for help, you need to eat better than I can provide. Plus I'd like to show you off. Everyone around here thinks I'm some kind of lonely loser."

He sat on the bed, picked up the phone, dialled, waited and made a small chuckling noise before saying, "Good morning to you too Princess. Couldn't wait any longer, I need to borrow your car." He quickly pulled the phone away from his ear and hit loudspeaker so Mitty could listen to the conversation.

"Jamie. Buy yourself a car." There was frustration in the words.

Mitty's giggle helped Jamie smile. "Seems such an environmental waste, don't really need one. Anyway you've got three. Not even a high-roller like you can drive three at once"

Christ Jamie. I live with four car leaches. I've only got my eighty-six here and it's not a loaner. A girl has to set standards. Coming home last night I drive past my truck. It's at the airport where Daf left it yesterday. If you walk down there you can steal it. God only knows where Kimi left the compact. She probably doesn't know either."

"Walk? Can I borrow a pair of shoes?"

"Jesus Jamie. It's too early to try winding me up. What do you want? And before you ask. No. I'm not cooking you breakfast. Learn to cook or get a housemaid."

Jamie looked at Mitty. She was laughing. He handed her the phone. "Say something."

Mitty bit her lip, then said. "Hello Friday. It's Mitty. I'm here next door. Jamie is teasing you for my benefit."

Mitty? You're here? When did you arrive? No don't answer. I'm on my way." And speaking louder said. "Open your side of the door Dim-whit then hide. Could easily bash you up."

Jamie left the room.

Mitty stepped out of the bed intending to follow until she realising all she had on was Jamie's immodestly short tee shirt. She looked down and ran a hand over her tummy checking the small bump only her trained hands could currently find. She took a breath, pulled the doona off the bed and wrapt it around herself before walking toward the lounge room.

Mitty entered the room in time to hear Jamie say, "I've no idea. She turned up late last night, completely exhausted. Pretty obvious she's been struggling for some time and I suspect even sleeping rough." He raised his voice a little and spoke faster. "No luggage, nothing. Everything she was wearing I washed and fell asleep before transferring them in the dryer." He rolled his eyes and mindlessly made a gesture with his hands. "Mitty's here, that's all that matters. And needs your help with something to wear so we can go fit her out with something to wear, a new wardrobe."

"Well look at you." Friday closed the gap and took Mitty in a crushing hug. "Welcome home stranger." After some time she held Mitty at arms length and added, "Took you long enough to find us. Hope you're planning to stay." She smiled. "In fact, why don't you come through to my bordello? We'll make you presentably then compare gossip over a long breakfast. We'll drive my car. I suppose I could meet you there if you'd prefer sit on the bar of a pushbike. While you're here I want you to twinkle and drop hints so he buys you a spiffy vehicle that I can borrow. And I want you to eat up big. Don't worry about the cost, Rollo here just told me you're worth every penny."

Friday waited for Jamie to bite, he didn't. He was smiling and staring.

"If you're up to it we'll go shopping together later. I need a few things and I suspect you do too. I'm in the mood, we'll buy enough to fill half a wardrobe."

Friday played her fingers through the ends of Mitty's hair. "Think we might book you in for some pampering." She nodded acknowledgement at Mitty's embarrassed expression. "Hope you haven't forgotten how regularly you did the same for me not so long ago. I certainly haven't." She smiled and pointed. "Besides he's paying. We're helping him celebrate his good fortune."

Friday looked into the depth of Mitty's eyes. "Come on. Girl up. Don't cry, not yet. When we're got you presentable and fully rested, I'm going to fly you home. You've no idea how relieved your father will be to see you safe and well. Save the tears and cry all over him."

Mitty wiped her eyes, lightly donged her head on Friday's shoulder and tried to smile.

*****

Mitty raised her fork and spoke, "I don't belong here. People are looking at me."

They were having breakfast, brunch at the golf club.

Friday smiled. "You do. Mitty you belong with us. If you want, this can be your town. It was once. We were all in uniform. You've been lost in the big city too long and have no idea what's going on so I'll fill you in. You're witnessing small town politics at work. These people all believe they're the movers and shakers. They're looking at you because they don't know whose daughter you are and you're sitting with us. They know Jamie and I look good together. They also know we're work colleagues and best mates, who both happen to be single, secure and comfortably wealthy." She rolled her eyes, "I'm the scary, hip swinging, crazy media tart who flies everywhere, only has one name and comes from a poor family out west. Makes me quite unsuitable to grace their private table. None of them want me to produce and look after their grandchildren. All of which I find rather comforting." She grinned to acknowledge Mitty's confused expression. "Jamie however is hot property, perfect breading material. Everyone in this room wants Jamie to fertilize their daughter, plus they'd like to pocket a share of his wealth and family connections. They're looking because Jamie can't take his eyes off you. Lap it up. By the end of today someone will remember you from school and work through your pedigree. They'll tell everyone you're number three in a matched set of old school friends. It will become common knowledge you're single, come from wealthy family stock and now carry an even extra benefit, a title, Doctor. All of which means they'll stop staring and commence introducing grown children, boys. They'll talk to you about the local football team, what pills they consume and how well their son is doing driving a concrete truck, or something."

Mitty face displayed amusement. "Friday. You are so cynical. You're too smart. Have you ever met anyone you could fall in love with?"

Friday nodded. "I have. But these things are always complicated. There was this guy once but before he noticed me my best friend blinded him and stole his heart. I still see him but obviously he's now become a bicycle riding nerd." She grinned at them both. "There was another guy, but we never actually met. Shame because the shared dreams were perfect." She shrugged, "Stopped dreaming the day I discovered a real guy. I've known him ages. Absolutely perfect; wouldn't you know it, by the time I noticed him he'd fallen in love with not one but two women. He seems content with two. Probably just as well. I'm not ready for a threesome. I keep an eye on him. Even work my mind around the concept. Purchased three cars, look how that turned out. But deep down we all know people don't change." She shrugged again and waved a hand. "I've got more to achieve before we follow that path. Anyway we're not here to talk about my problems. It time you told us what's happening in your life. Start at the beginning and bring us up to the here and now. Then we'll be able to put our heads together, workout a plan and produce a fix. We used to be a good team. Lets do it again for old time sake."

Mitty nodded several times, rolled her head sideways and nodded again. "Friday you're still completely crazy. About a year ago Mum found a boyfriend. Actually the boyfriend found her. He's an absolute con artist, sleazebag and is living off her, which really means he's living off Daddy. He moved in pretty quick and within a few weeks was giving me less than healthy attention. Even started visiting my bedroom during the night. When I told Mum she wouldn't hear of it. Didn't take too long for me to be thrown out. Truth is by then I was happy to go, though the trigger was pretty intense and fairly brutal. Had to sneak back while they were out to get my cloths, laptop and the books I need for Uni. Anyway I finished up living in what is little more than a student squat, big old house that has seen much better days. Not too bad, close enough to walk to Uni. I shared a room with another medical student who is also struggling to survive financially. She waited tables three nights a week. Best I could do was wash dishes. We covered costs, just. There were thirteen of us in the place, six girls who shared in three rooms, two guys who shared a room, a couple and three guys who each had their own room. We all minded our own business and seemed to get along okay until one night when everyone was somewhere else a guy from one of the single rooms made me a coffee. I took one swig and have no idea what happened after that. Woke up the next morning in my bed feeling drugged and it was obvious I'd been interfered with rather forcefully."

"Reported it to the police. What a fun experience that was. Anyway they extracted two lot of DNA, neither of which are on the police database. The coffee provider had already moved out of his room. He's from Pakistan I think. I assumed that was where he'd gone. His accomplice is, or was, a complete mystery." She looked at Jamie with a kind of neutral expression and shrugged. "I had the sense to have myself checked for the usual diseases and that come back totally clear, which is good but I don't feel like thanking them."

Again she shrugged and waved Jamie away when he looked like cuddling her. "Two days before my final exam I got the good news; I'm pregnant. Passed my exams. Did okay. Just missed out on the honours result I wanted. Three weeks ago I was told they wont take me as an intern while pregnant. If I abort the pregnancy they might, though they wouldn't answer me for sure." She offered a puzzled face. "After all you must understand we are a religious hospital. The Uni will let me do more study, surgery or something while I get the baby out of my system the regular way. But the hospital is not at all sure I'll cope with the pressures of an internship while also undertaking the demands of a young single mother. They might see fit to employ me as a cleaner or something on compassionate grounds."

Mitty gave them both a neutral stare. "And here I am. I've made quite a mess of everything while you guys have climbed right to the top of the tree."

Friday squeezed Mitty's hand without realising Jamie was doing the same to Mitty's other hand. Jamie spoke first. "What haven't you told us?"

Friday squeezed the hand again to draw Mitty's attention away from Jamie. "My question as well. Give us the works Mitty. Everything, while you're being so strong. Thus far it's a bit of a mess but not impossible to rectify. We can only fix what we know about and we both know there's more. Your face doesn't hide secrets. Spill." She grinned. "Or you don't get the house special, a cup of the finest herbal tea with tasty little handmade treats."

"Oh Friday, Jamie. I've missed you guys." She rolled her eyes. "A week ago my roommate started talking about how we'll manage from now on and when we should give notice on our room and the restaurant we work at. She knew we both passed our exams and assumed once we made it through the holidays we'd both be set, living the highlife in the hospital dormitory and being paid a regular wage. Her dream. Mine too. I thought we were alone and told her what was happening to me." Mitty looked at her hand. "Big mistake. Next time I went to the kitchen a guy from one of the single rooms was there. The smug look on his face was enough. He's the other rapist."

Mitty stopped a moment to take several deep breaths. "The guy sat across from me, pulled out his phone and made a call. Didn't even care I was listening. From the number I heard being dialled it was overseas. The guy calls himself Lyle and most of us avoid him. He's a real creep. Supposed to be a student but I don't think he's ever attended a lecture. Always has money and goes out every night until all hours. Tells everyone he's from New Zealand. There is an English major living with us who insists the guy is American, has a classic and distinct New England accent with the Irish influence of somewhere near Boston. Anyway when he makes this call he told whoever answered, Eithan wanting to speak to Mr Stehlen. When he continued he called the person Uncle Isaac. Then went on to explain he's discovered a possible genetic match, yet to be born. Also explains the mother is a no body so as soon as she's done what women do best we can easily pay her off or dump her. Then he starts making arrangements for the jet to come and get her. Says she won't have a passport and no one will miss her so everything is working in our favour."

Mitty sat stone faced silent for at least a minute. Both Jamie and Friday waited. Eventually she said, "I'd heard enough. While he was distracted on the phone I threw his coffee in his face, grabbed the phone he dropped and high tailed it out the front door. Haven't been back."

"I hid in a lane close by and actually saw him and three others looking for me. I also noticed the Pakistan guy was with them. Got out of the area as soon as I could. Slept one night under a bridge, another in Mum's garage and two nights on the subway waiting for Tuesday," She looked at Jamie. "To access your account. Withdrew enough for a ticket home and set off that morning." She looked up and waved her hands. "Here I am."

Jamie pointed a finger. "Why didn't you withdraw a large amount right away? That was our agreement."

"Because those men are some kind of gangsters and I don't want you getting hurt. It was safer if I stayed out of their way and came to you."

Friday put out a hand. "Can I borrow this guys phone please? I'll have it checked out."

"I've looked at it several times. It works. I used it to phone you last night but I can't find an address book or call list."

"If you've been using the phone or even leave it turned on they can trace you. Now hand it over this is a job for an expert. I'll have someone go through the phone to establish if anyone is tracing you. Than we'll turn that around, start tracing them. Their aeroplane, if it's still coming, is an easy locate. Can do that myself." Friday took the phone Mitty retrieved from the handbag she'd borrowed. "Good. Is there anything in this house you'd like to collect?"

Mitty looked straight at Friday. "You're not seriously thinking of visiting the place?"

"Yes I am. In fact we both are. I want you to identify these guys. We'll be safe. A couple of tough guys will tag along. Specialists, the best in the business."

Mitty took a breath. I'd love to make sure my roommate is okay. I wish I could have warned her, got her away from there." She shrugged, "I wouldn't mind collecting my stuff. It's not much but it's everything I own. Can carry my whole life in a pillowcase."

"Okay the pair of you should put your heads together and have a private chat about further study, internships, pregnancy, babies, what you both want from life and you need to discuss purchasing your own motor vehicle." She grinned, "I'll be outside making a few calls. Shopping and grooming has slipped a day or two." Friday looked at Jamie. "Are you coming to Sydney with us. Take me about an hour to prepare a plane and we need Hammer onboard."

Jamie nodded and watched Friday walk onto the deserted outside deck, already dialling on her phone.

## Chapter 19

The place was exactly as Mitty described, shabby picket fence and gate off its hinges. A double front Federation house set on a corner block, heavy front verandah with dark bricks and cracked mortar. The front room, to the right of the verandah, had a view of the street via an original, led light, four-panel window. Looked pretty. One panel was slightly agar. Hammer's brain registered a mental note. In all likelihood someone is currently occupying that room. He knew from the map Mitty had drawn it was her bedroom. The roommate may be okay, or not.

Hammer stopped at the gate and casually looked left then right, old habit that had served him well numerous times. The street was quiet, no kids playing no pedestrians. Two vacant cars on the other side of the short street seemed to match the house each stood before. A third on his side of the street, two houses back, stood out like a sore thumb. The vehicle was occupied, two men who both emitted pig signals. Hammer knew they were from the vice quad keeping an eye on things.

Hammer followed rules, he informed the local blue what and where he was about. Gave them enough information to help next month's crime statistics look good. All agreed Hammer had first entry and they would clean up. Good example of private and public section crime-fighting cooperation.

He'd exited the vehicle at the corner and walked the short block to the house. Looked the part, wearing tradesman boots, work-wear pants, Harley Davidson tee shirt under a lumber jacket coat, which was open down the front. He carried a drawstring army duffle bag and topped everything with a peake blinder cap.

He nodded for his own benefit the moment his two colleagues, who'd come over the side fence, were in position against the wall beside the open front door. The colleagues were now completely out of sight from anyone inside the house and all was still quiet.

Hammer walked forward. He knocked lightly, not on the doorframe but rather on the wall of the room to the right, Mitty's bedroom. He didn't wait walked quietly in saying, "Hello," As he did so.

A young woman appeared in the doorway of the bedroom. She looked fine if not a little confused. Hammer knew from Mitty's description this was the roommate. Going good thus far. Before she spoke he raised and displayed a stop hand, put a finger to his lips to re-enforce his desire. She stood silent and even nodded. Must be smart. He could hear boisterous men talking. The sound was coming from what he knew was the kitchen.

Hammer pointed and raised four fingers, army talk. The woman nodded. He raised the same hand again and flicked his fingers, pointed at the woman and indicated outside. Hammer didn't look round he even knew which colleague from the door was onto it. They were a team.

He gave the woman a thumb's up and walked past. At the kitchen door he stopped, leaned on the doorjamb.

There were four men sitting at the table all were drinking something. The Paki, Mitty described was on the far side of the table, two not much more than kids sat on the other and a guy who was throwing orders sat at the end facing away from him. God almighty, no one with a brain in this business, leaves his or her back to guard a door.

The three who could see him looked.

Hammer waved a hand, found a country boy look and naive tone, "Hi. I'm the new boarder, which bed is mine."

The guy at the end half turned. Mitty is a good describer of facial expression. This is the guy we want. Jackpot, everyone of interest is present.

The guy who'd turned raised a hand, "There's no vacant beds here. Get on your bike." He turned back to the table and obviously grinned at the others.

Big mistake. Hammer also grinned for the roomies and privately parroted, 'Never take your eyes off the enemy.' He grabbed the guy's collar, up ended the chair backward, positioned his boot across the guy's larynx and applied enough downward pressure to witness shock etched on a decidedly red face.

No one at the table moved though all were paying attention. Obviously they only ever took orders and this guy on the floor couldn't speak. Easy bust, so far.

The guy grabbed at Hammer's leg until Hammer dropped the sweet persona, looked him in the eye, pointed a finger and said. "Touch my leg and I'll break all your fingers." The guy pulled away and seemed to panic, tried to say, 'Can't... can't breath.'

Hammer smiled. "I'm sick of being pushed around. All I want is a little respect." He studied all four men. Spoke to the guy under his foot. "Now. A woman on Central Station approached me and asked for help. Nice looking kid had no money and wanted a ticket home, one way to Lithgow. I bought her the ticket. She was nice. We spoke a bit, bought her a coffee and bagel. She was respectful. She gave me the key to this house said her rent is paid to the end of the month and I can stay here in her stead. Seems simple enough to me. I'm here. Where's the bed?"

The Paki stood and walked toward the door as he got close a hand went in his pocket. What an amateur, too close. Hammer punched him square in the neck. Didn't even need to move his feet. There was a loud hiss as air rushed out. The Paki hit the ground before the heave of air trying to enter his lungs through a distorted windpipe was heard. Then silence.

A voice from the door said. "Couldn't help overhearing. A woman told me I can stay here until the end of the month and you've taken the bed. I'll have to dump one of these fuzzy heads or I'm out of pocket." There was a laugh and steps. Hammer's colleague spoke to one of the kids, that hadn't moved or spoke. "Which is your bed?"

The kid who nervously replied had a rather polite voice, "We don't live here."

"Well you're no value at all. Hands behind your back, both of you."

The colleague cable tied the kid's wrists and secured a tie around his neck, which was pulled tight enough to make breathing hard but not impossible. Old trick of the trade can't run far or fast with restricted breathing and they always feel vulnerability. Loosens them up. He did the same to the other kid.

Hammer reached down to the guy under him, pushed his legs off the chair gathered his hands from behind and tightly secured both thumbs together with a cable tie.

He looked down toward the guy's eyes. "Listen carefully to what I'm about to say. It's something you should understand because it's about hurting people." Hammer waited until the guy looked at him. "I'm going to release you. If you open your mouth or do anything to upset me I'm going to hurt you. You understand?"

The guys eyes widened, his head nodded.

Hammer removed his foot.

As soon as hammer's victim found his feet he said. "What are you going to do to us?"

Hammer grabbed him by the hair and smashed his head face first onto the table. Held him down, put a cable tie round his neck like the others and let him go.

"Thought I explained the problem I have with your mouth. We're going to inspect your room, have a quiet chat about your past and we're even going to invite you to share any future plans you may have. When I'm satisfied we know enough about each other we're going to say goodbye to this place and take a drive. That's when we'll each find out what's going to happen.

Mitty was all nerves and jumpy, her head spinning. Jamie held her hand and obviously knew she was struggling to take in how Friday worked. A student budgeting to make ends meet who'd just spent every cent she owned to endure the bus from Sydney only to return next day in a corporate jet flown by her once poor friend.

They'd stepped from the plane into the back of a waiting chauffeured eight-passenger limousine as if they do this kind of thing all the time. Deep down Mitty knew Friday and Jamie did.

She watched in wonder as Hammer and his colleagues silently stepped from the vehicle at the corner leaving nothing more than a nod for Friday to read. Hammer walked along the street toward where, until a week ago, her home stood. She didn't see where the colleagues went. They set off the other way then disappeared somehow.

When the vehicle stopped outside her residence Mitty looked into her lap embarrassed. What must Jamie think? And Friday? She felt Jamie squeeze her hand. Neither laughed. But why would they? They've never been cruel. Probably think I'm pathetic.

She watched Hammer at the gate and wondered why he was standing there, until his colleagues came over the fence and finished up on the verandah. She knew nothing about what they were doing but it was obvious they did. There was something military about them. They were moving in pairs, sending silent messages and providing cover for each other.

When Hammer walked the path she realised just how scared she was being back here and would have brought a fingernail to her mouth were it not for Jamie's squeeze.

When Sophie was escorted thought the door Mitty let out a primeval gasp, jumped up and grabbed the doorhandle.

The door was locked.

Friday pulled at the first thing she caught hold of, a rear jeans pocket and spoke firmly, "Mitty. Stay in the car."

"But. Sophie is..."

"She's okay. Let her come to us."

Friday pressed the button in time for Hammer's guy to open the door. He pushed Sophie in, closed the door and immediately jogged back toward the house.

Friday hit the central locking button and gestured for Mitty's confused friend to sit beside her, across from Mitty. Said, "You okay." Friday watched for the nod and pointed to make sure the friend knew Mitty was in front of her.

Mitty reached over and hugged the girl, spent the embrace pondering how familiar this situation seemed to Friday. "Been so worried about you Sophie. There was no time. I had to leave without warning."

"Knew they were looking for you. Thought they must have found and killed you." The girl wiped tears from her face. "Oh Mitty. I'm so glad you're safe. And I'm equally glad to be out of there."

Sophie looked at Jamie then Friday. "What's going on?" She kind of shook her head. "Sorry. I'm Sophie. I..."

Friday spoke over her. "Sophie we know who you are, we're also Mitty's friends. Went to school together. Seems a long time ago now. I'm Friday and this is Jamie. As soon as our guy has purified the place we're going to collect Mitty's belonging and get her out of here for good. Might be a wise move on your part to do the same. Do you have somewhere to go?"

Sophie shook her head. "I'd love to leave but... the earliest they'll let me move into the hospital dormitory is five weeks from now and I can't afford anywhere else. Can't even afford the first three weeks dormitory cost until it comes out of my first pay." She looked at Mitty. "I'll make next months rent here if I skip a few meals. Those mongrels in there stormed into the restaurant, confronted me demanding to know where you were. I lost my job."

Friday nodded at Jamie, put a hand on Sophie's arm to distract her away from Mitty. "Sounds like you're free to come with us. I know of a job needs doing that's right up your alley, comes with a good hourly rate and free board. In five or eight weeks; your choice, I'll personally deliver you to the hospital free of charge." Friday smiled, "Do you want to know more about the job?"

"Don't care what or where it is. I'll take it and work hard. Can I get my stuff? Don't have much."

"Yes, as soon as the mongrels who cost you your job have been evicted we'll collect everything. Shouldn't take too long."

Silence saturated the vehicle, eyes focused on the house. Nothing seemed to be happening.

Eventually Mitty and Sophie exchanged quiet words, each curious about the other's last week.

A beeping of phones pushed everyone back into silence.

Jamie reached into his pocket looked at the number, shrugged and spoke, "Hello. What can I do for you?"

While he listened he watched Friday answer her phone. She looked at the number and smiled, "Hi Daf. What's up?"

Jamie put a finger in his free ear and concentrated on his call, "What?" He listened again then said. "Okay. Well, Sergeant Beatty, I suspect I may know who owns the phone. First guess would be my sister. Have you tried asking them their name? I find that works with most people.

Jamie chuckled, "Really?" He chuckled some more. "Please don't beat them up. I'll make it easy. I'll claim all of them and pay the cost. It's going to take me a few hours getting there. Suppose I should ask what they've done, whether they need representation and how much the fine is likely to be? Plus when they'll be processed and ready for picking up?"

Jamie smiled amusingly at Friday and shook his head. As he listened to the phone he also made similar eye contact with Mitty. "Really? That's very generous of you. Umm. I might as well return the favour and help feed your gumshoe ego by playing the same game back at them. Take their photo with that phone while we're talking and share the image with me. I'll tell you whose-who and I'll also throw in a few extra tit-bits to have you seem clever. Might help you control their youthful energy and university acquired arrogance."

This time while Jamie waited he noticed Friday hang up her phone and immediately initiate another call. He muted the phone and shifted his attention to Mitty. "Our sisters have just surfaced. Seems we'll be taking a detour on the way home. We need to bail them out and provide a supervised escort out of town."

Jamie put his hand up to stop Mitty's question and listened to the phone? Then spoke, "Okay. Umm, wait a sec please and I'll let you hear this." He held the phone in place. "Friday, are you calling Kimi?" Friday nodded. "Hold on a sec." Jamie spoke back into the phone. "Sergeant, the call on the other phone is coming from the person sitting beside me. I'll get her to quit the call and put everyone to loudspeaker on this phone. Sound okay?"

Jamie listened to the phone a moment then said to Friday. "Kimi can't answer the phone. Best you can do is talk to the Desk Sergeant in charge and I'm talking with her now. I'll put her on conference so we can negotiate a multiple jail release deal together. Might get us a discount."

Jamie placed his phone between himself and Friday who had disengaged her phone. "Sergeant. I've got you on loudspeaker. There are four of us here listening. We're all related to the mystery captives who have each told you their name is Ted Bundy. I'm looking at the photo you shared, working away from the camera; their names are Kimi Yamashita, her sister is here, the phone call before was from her boss who is also here and presumably wants her to return to work. The second person, the smaller Japanese girl is, Etsu Kido. Etsu is an accomplished artist and you live in a tourist town. If I were you I'd locate her crayons and put her to work doing street art. She is spectacular at creating 3d illusions on the sidewalk. The third person, the male, is Craig Johnson. Find his guitar and put him out busking with Etsu. They work the sidewalk together all the time can entertain a crowd of shoppers like no one can. They'll earn you enough in tips to pay the station coffee bill for a month. The forth girl is my kid sister who always uses an alias in public. She's the author, P. P. Peat."

The Sergeant's voice sounded sharp. "You're kidding me. I'm reading 'Wind in the Corn' at the moment. She's amazing, all that wisdom... yet so young. Wow. No wonder she used an alias, but Ted Bundy is a bit of push. Still I was young once." Her voice toned down, sounded official. "As much as I'd like them to pay their way doing penance we can't put them out on the street. They'd run off and probably get up to more mischief or make a complaint, bring a lawsuit down on us; both probably."

Jamie's reply was calm. "You've told me the Magistrate doesn't want them charged. Just wants someone responsible to take charge and whisk each away before they actually get over to the Island, join the others and do something truly silly. Which means you're detaining them under questionable circumstances anyway. Etsu and Craig are up there to entertain the protestors. My advice is to give them what they went up there looking for, find them an audience to entertain. They won't complain nor will they run off. As long as Peta and Kimi stay close to you Craig and Etsu will cooperate completely. They're involved, they look out for each other."

Sergeant Beatty replied, "I take your point. I'll talk with Magistrate before anyone fronts the public. Would your sister be offended if I try to arrange an interview with a young Journalist? A media student, who does the odd article for local media outlets; leisure activities, book reviews things like that. She needs experience and thus far doesn't get paid. Interviewing your sister would help her a lot. Suppose I should disclose she's my daughter and it was she who put me onto your sister's writing. How the hell does someone so young and obviously Caucasian get the insight to write about growing up in the backwaters of Alabama."

Jamie shrugged for his own benefit. He was distracted for an instant when a rather loud thump followed by short sharp scream was heard coming from the house. Then nothing. "Sergeant, that sounds like a good question for an interviewer to ask. I would think she'd agree to an interview, as long as you're subtle about explaining how you know who she is. My suggestion would be to say nothing at all, just front up with your book and ask her to sign it. Then allocate busking duties so she knows what's what before mentioning interviews. Might work."

Before anyone could say anything further Friday spoke. "Umm Sergeant Beatty is it? I'm Friday and it was I who phoned looking for Kimi. I think I've worked out we're talking about Hervey Bay police station, which is something of a bummer if the local Magistrate wants your visitors removed from town. I'm trying to contact Kimi to arrange for her to escort a group of international visitors to Hervey Bay and Fraser Island tomorrow. Is that going to cause a problem?"

Finger tapping came down the phone followed by, "Oh. Looks like we have another question for the Magistrate. Who are the visitors? Why Kimi? What does she do?" The Sergeant gave a chuckle. That's three questions for starters."

Friday rolled her eyes and grinned at Mitty. "They're fair enough questions Sergeant. Kimi and Etsu's fathers along with my employer are partners in a rather up market eco tourism venture. I'm sure you're aware of who we are. Kimi is without question our top hostess and that is particularly so for Japanese guests. And the guests tomorrow are from the upper branches of the Japanese social tree. It's most important we make a good impression. Kimi is a postgraduate student currently undertaking a master's degree at Southern Queensland University. Her field of study is cultural diversity. She knows everything worth knowing about the complexities of traditional Japanese etiquette. In addition to, and as part of her studies she is undertaking the formality of Maiko training. Means she is quite literally an apprentice Geisha. From our point of view she is absolutely charming at supporting the needs of our guests."

Friday thought a moment, "It's a shame you can't have her join Etsu and Craig busking on the street. They often work together and Kimi is quite a drawcard. However it takes hours for her dress and I doubt she'd have an outfit with her anyway. She'd also need her shamisen and koto to demonstrate the full package and I moved them both to find a place to sit in my lounge room this morning." Again Friday took a moment before continuing. "In fact. Why don't you fetch your daughter and have her arrange for someone to photograph Kimi as she is. In jeans and tee shirt, cuffed by the wrist to the corridor hand railing. Then advise your daughter to meet our plane at the airport tomorrow morning to snap another image of Kimi exiting our jet. You'll see a different person but I assure you it's the same little fire pot. She'll be easy to photograph because tradition dictates the first person off the jet will be Kimi. She'll be decked out in her Maiko outfit under her umbrella to formally greet our guests off the plane and guide them to the turboprop we use over and on the Fraser Island's beaches. There will be a newsworthy story for your daughter to weave from the encounter." Friday chuckled, "At Kimi's expense, though it could just as well be a perfect opportunity for your daughter to prove herself, inform and entertain the public while demonstrating newsworthiness without offending anyone or being cruel. If our company were to benefit from good local publicity we would be very keen to throw specific assignments your daughters way. Though everything will depend on how your daughter focuses on and handles the transformation of Ted Bundy into a disciplined Japanese Maiko. Could easily be a similar story for P. P. Peat. However tell your daughter she can photograph Kimi, the planes, the limousine and the yacht we also use but do not focus on our guests."

"Ms Friday, you make a lot of sense. I'll talk to the Magistrate and contact my daughter. Thank you."

Friday looked at the house and watched Hammer and his team come through the door. "Sergeant. Something has come up here that can't wait. We need to finish this call now. We'll drop into your station in four or five hours, finish our dealings and take the Bundy gang off your hands." She reached forward and without a further word disconnected Jamie's phone.

Hammer's kit bag slung hands free across his back. He held the two kids by the belt and marched them tiptoe style out of the house. His colleagues each carried someone unconscious over a shoulder. At the sidewalk Hammer moved behind the limousine and signalled, with a head movement, while emitting a loud whistle of the kind used in New York to hail a cab or the southern highlands of Australia to call a dog.

The unmarked police car drove forward. Before either officer exited Hammer said, "I'll save you some lifting. Pop the trunk."

His colleagues each dropped their burden into the open trunk and stepped back while Hammer lifted both kids off the ground one handed and throw them in.

The passenger Vice Squad Officer closed the trunk. He seemed confused why neither kid complained. He waved a hand and spoke to Hammer. "Know who the kids are?"

Hammer shook his head. "No idea. If you feel like holding them on suspicion, or whatever, while you do some digging. I gave them both ten big ones to vanish. In there back pocket." He pointed at the house. "Start looking in the third bedroom on the left, try the wardrobe draws, two have a stash of ice and another one contains cocaine. Suitcase up top, I recon there could be a hundred thousand bucks just sitting there waiting to be claimed."

"You claim any?"

"Gave the kids their earning and we took a enough to cover costs. Should help tie us over for a week or two if the economy takes a dive." Hammer posed a question with both hands. "Until someone calls it in this place doesn't exist. Be silly to rush in without thinking things through. You could hang what's left here on the two kids. That American is a real piece of work. I've already told you his names. Here he's a suspect rapist, thief, drug dealer and Christ knows what else. In the states he's a convicted rapist, murderer and wanted fugitive evading a multiple life stretch. Trouble for you is he's an illegal. The moment you book him the Feds will take control. They'll want to send him back to where he's already used family money to escape by walking through the front door while the guards were busy looking the other way. And when the Feds do take him your statistics will be up the creek. My advice would be to talk with Sledge. Apparently he's keen to have a chat with the model citizen resting in your trunk. Sledge wants his Paki friend too. The word is these guys have stolen favours from a few of Sledge's girls, roughed them up. We're talking Sledge, that's serious stuff. Set up a meeting and leave the keys in the car. Mention to Sledge where your car is, tell him what's in the trunk and finish your coffee. He'll clean things up and owe you a favour; two favours. You get the kids, a no hassles conviction; they'll probably plead for an easy stretch. Plus you guys can pocket a handful of big ones for your future fund." Hammer thought a moment. "You know if your smarts were fully awake you'd go in there collect a good swag of those drugs and relocate them onto the Uncle's airplane. It's sitting out there on the commercial tarmac unattended while the Uncle and three heavies live it up down town waiting for news of the where about of the person he intends to kidnap. Relocate the drugs, get one of those kids to tell you about the Uncle and share your suspicions with the feds. Bob's your Uncle. Everyone's happy, singing your praises. Nice and clean, a rare honest day's work because it's a fair bet the Uncle owns the drugs. Where's the crime in returning misplaced possessions?"

Hammer didn't interrupt the two officers. They were deep in thought. He tipped his hat, pulled at his colleagues with a finger gesture and escorted Mitty and Sophie inside to collect their belongings.

## Chapter 20

"What's going to happen to those men?" Mitty ask the question she was seated in the cockpit beside Friday on their return flight from Sydney via Hervey Bay. The plane was on autopilot, yet Mitty was all eyes and wonder watching the sleek Citation's instrumentation control everything. Friday had certainly moved on from when they'd flown home from school.

Friday was catching up on some paperwork, though her experienced pilot brain kept scanning the instruments and surrounding airspace every few seconds. She looked up from the letter she was reading. "I have no idea. Not my problem. Do you care?"

Mitty shook her head. "Suppose I'm curious and a little scared. If they're arrested and charged with rape I'll need to go through the indignity of appearing in court, being pulled apart in public. Who were the men arguing with Hammer?" She waved a hand. "Anyway where does Hammer come from? To me he seems like a wild-west gunfighter. He looks familiar."

Friday seemed both amused and pensive. She removed her headset from over one ear. "Hammer is a wild-west gunfighter. You're lucky he's in your corner."

"How come you know him?"

"We're partners, we're partners in a bail bond and private investigator business, plus he provides us with client security as needed. Hammer is hands on, manages the day-to-day detail. A lot of which is devoted to recovering bonds from people who forget to re-appear in court. So he keeps himself informed about what crimes are being planned, where people choose to hide and what the police are occupied with." Friday shrugged. I'm his silent partner. I put up the money and set the business in play." She stopped talking a moment. "You've been away a long time. Might as well explain everything. Hammer is ex-army, found adjusting to civilian life difficult. Jamie's big brother knows him personally, asked us to help him focus. I came up with the business idea and provided the discipline and purpose he needed to feel worthy about making good. He has; the business is rather successful. Employs eight people full time and turns a good profit. Hammer is as tough as old boots but don't let that detail cloud your judgement. He's a lot smarter than he lets show."

Friday released the automatic pilot and spoke briefly via radio to Brisbane flight traffic transit. She adjusted the plane's avionics and again set the autopilot. Then continued speaking to Mitty. "I doubt you'll need to appear in court. Those people have bigger problems to answer for." She pointed at her ear. "Hammer updated me a few minutes ago. Apparently the Uncle is here looking for you. Seems to have been planning to take you away without your consent. Anyway he's been arrested and their aeroplane has been confiscated. No word of the others. Apparently they supplement their income dealing and trafficking drugs, and have a lot of enemies keen to settle old scores. Now the police are involved they're vulnerable and word will filter out where to find them." Friday gestured with a hand, "Mitty, If I could offer a bit of advice. Don't ask too many questions about these things. We work for wealthy people one being your own father. Wealth attracts some rather opportunistic, aggressive, strange turnips. To remove the threat they pose we need to match their morality. Yet plausible deniability is imperative for moving forward. Basically, in this instance there was a problem it's now solved. The jobs finished so we move on. And it's time to land. Hope you're ready to meet your sister. She's grown a lot, quite a lot more than you have."

*****

Mum, are you planning a trip to the states any time soon? Jamie asked the question. He and Mitty were having lunch with his Mum. They'd set off early, flown from Toowoomba in Jamie's velocity. Were on the way to Barkley Station, Mitty's family home, via Pituri Downs because Jamie intended to borrow a more suitable plane to complete the journey.

Things hadn't gone strictly to plan. Mother caused a delay having decided Mitty wasn't looking after herself. She was gaunt, needed fresh vegetables and fattening up. The observation was truthful, though the last thing Mitty needed was to hear how silly she is or that she'd be carrying some extra weight in no time.

The travel question was Jamie's attempt to change the topic even though the answer was of interest.

"Haven't planned anything. Wouldn't take much to talk me into a quick trip to see everyone, if anyone else was planning on going that way. Little Clancy can count to ten backwards, Diné has a missing front tooth and the twins have started school." Marge shrugged. "Plus I'm worried. Beverly and her Father are returning to Australia next month. Means Lowery might need something to do. Thought I should try talking her into coming here. We could keep each other company." She waved both hands, "Not quite sure I've reason enough to convince her it's worth leaving Beauregard but I'm short on a better idea."

Jamie nodded, "When's Sissy due to fly in next?"

"Are you searching for a free trip?" Marge expanded her eyes. "Sissy is off to Missouri this break. Think she's expected to arrive tomorrow and should stay a week. Apparently seeing Em and Jay off to school is more fun than hearing me whine." Marge smiled. "Last visit Jay told everyone he got an early mark. He was sent home from school for swearing. Sissy picked him up to give Femme time to relax a little. Jay's language is driving poor Femme to distraction. Rather than come home and go back within the hour for Em, Sissy took Jay for an ice cream. Apparently Jay enjoyed the outing. Said we should do this again."

Jamie grinned, "I'm scouting about looking at options. Want Mitty to take a quick trip to the states. A stopover in Europe would have been particularly good. Guess I'll have to take her myself, fork out a few dollars and fly commercial."

Mitty looked sideways at Jamie. "Jamie..."

Jamie quickly eyed Mitty and spoke in her stead. "Mitty has decisions to make about her internship and I don't think she's looking at the big picture. She has a number of overseas options. One is to undertake her residency at the University Hospital in Columbia Missouri. I think she should have a look at the place, even talk to them before disregarding something that would in all probability be mega beneficial to her career. I've even talked to Kelly. Did you know she did her medical degree in Columbia?"

"Jamie. I don't know anyone over there. I'm sorry I mentioned any of this."

Marge looked at them both. "We'll I've been to Columbia and even know a few people who live rather close." Marge looked straight at Mitty. "So do you. Billie and her family live just down the road, twenty minutes by plane. It's beautiful there. If you need company I'll happily tag along and be your flat mate. I could keep house, cook all our meals and make sure you eat properly." Marge grinned, "When Peta became ill she was set to attend school in Columbia. Though fate stepped in and we finished up in Alabama." She shrugged, "Peta certainly made the most of that experience." Marge thought a moment, "If you do go over there, I'll get you to fly down to Alabama with a personalised copy of Peta's book, Wind in the Corn, for Lowery. I don't want you to just leave it with Lowery, read it to her. I'd like you to read it to all the workers on Cottonfield, particularly Sammy and Josh. Talk Pinkie into being there with Lowery when you read it and that would prove quite a bonus. You should convince Peta to be with you too. She could arrange a visit to her old school. Use the experience to help motivate the students. After all that seems to be why she wrote the book."

Jamie pulled a frown. "I think you're rather proud of being an Author's Mum."

"I'm proud for all of my children." Marge looked at her hand. "Not in my wildest dream did I ever imagine how successful you four would become. Though how settled and content you all are makes me a very happy Mummy. When do you think you'll go to America?"

Jamie rolled his head. "If I get my way, we'll leave in a day or two and we'll probably only be gone a couple of days. Mitty would need to come back here to finalise everything. Then go back when they give her a start date, which could be very soon because they're not in summer recess over there. "

Mitty spoke with conviction. "If they give me a start date and that will only occur if I choose to go over there. Jamie I'll punch you if you keep banging your drum. I haven't finalised anything and you should try to remember my internship has nothing to do with you."

Marge pulled a frown. "Well I don't want to be punched. I'll wait here and see what happens before I try to go with you."

Mitty bit her lip. "I'm sorry Mrs Page. I... this is very stressful for me and your son doesn't ever seem to feel stressed about anything. I envy him that." She touched Jamie's arm and squeezed it. "I'm sorry. But you are an elephant."

Marge smiled, "I hope I'm not pushing but perhaps you should take the trip if only to talk to Kelly. I had no idea she went to medical school in Columbia." Marge nodded, "Kelly is super smart. Has a lot more brains and tact than any of the Australian born Pages. The other option I'll dare to mention, Kelly's family live less than two hours from Columbia by private plane and they actually own another property at Higginsville Missouri, which would be even closer to Columbia than where Billie lives. I assume you know Billie's Femme is also Kelly's sister. I'm sure you remember their parents from Billie's wedding. My name sake, she's also Margery Page and their Father's name is John, which was my husband's name."

Mitty's face lost the stress that was building. She shook her head and smiled, "So both your married children have the same parents, who also have the same name. I didn't know that. I knew Femme's name was Page before they got married. I though Debe was Femme's mother?"

"She is. This is where the family tree becomes complicated. Femme ran away from home when she was fourteen, couldn't get along with her stepfather who really was a nasty man. By the time she married Billie sixteen years later Kelly's parents had adopted her." Marge waved her hand. "In fact it was Kelly's mother who worked out Billie is David's sister, my daughter, who'd been taken away from me at birth and raised in an orphanage. To be honest I thought Kelly could be my daughter and did everything possible to keep her away from David." She shrugged. "Sounds crazy now."

Mitty displayed interest, looked serious. "That's incredible. How did Kelly's mother discover the truth?"

"They run a clinic in Kentucky which offers rather fancy medical insurance. They... I don't know it's too complex for me. They check for illnesses that are yet to occur. Apparently this can reduce the cost of medical treatment and keep people healthier. Anyway David and Billie were offered medical cover and a DNA test was undertaken on both." Marge giggled. "Margery told me the only reason she checked the two profiles against each other was because Kelly told her Billie kissed her and it felt just like David had kissed her. But I guess we should keep that detail to ourself."

Mitty face glowed. "Wow. I had no idea of any of this." She looked at Jamie. "Why haven't told me?"

Jamie waved his hands in confusion, "Doesn't sound very interesting to me."

"God you're thick. Why don't you book the tickets to America? I'll check out the hospital in Columbia as long as we make time to meet up with Kelly and arrange a tour of this medical clinic. Sounds so progressive, want to see this with my own eyes." Mitty looked at her watch. "We should be going you know. Even though we haven't told him we're coming I'm sure Daddy is waiting for us to arrive. Thank you for lunch Mrs Page. I'll keep you in mind as a flat mate. Though I'm quite sure interns will be required to live in a dormitory so they're available to be used like slave labour." She rolled her eyes. "The joys of becoming a doctor. If I'd have known all this before I started medical training I'd have definitely leaned towards making bras and lacy see through gowns with my name embroidered on the left chest."

Ninety minutes into the two-hour flight, which had thus far been undertaken in complete silence Mitty spoke. "I like your mother. Almost cried when she hugged me. No one hugs each other in my family. Jamie I'm not going to lie to my Father. No matter what you think I'm going to tell Daddy everything."

Even though Mitty was actually flying the Cessna Caravan, under Jamie's supervision, he put his hand on hers and gave it a light squeeze. "I agree with you. You did great with Mum, better than great. If you think about it you didn't really say anything dishonest. I twisted things a little with my options speech, which set everything up, including you. But honestly it was all for the best. She'll have already sent an email to everyone explaining how we'll be there in a few days. Knowing Mum she'll have told them you'll be working over there for a year starting in a few weeks. She'll have us married off and God only knows what else. I can promise you she'll have told everyone they'll need to conduct regular check to make sure you don't skip meals. She means well. But your father isn't like that. What you tell him will remain under your control. You could start a new family tradition when you get home. Give your father the traditional nod then hug him. Cry if you want. Bet he doesn't push you away. He's waited too long to be standoffish." Jamie grinned, "We have something in common. I like your father. He's wise and he knows how to make good daughters."

Mitty also grinned, "Daughters?"

Jamie shrugged, "Yes daughters. I'm sure there are others but one certainly takes my fancy." He changed topics. "I could probably work from over there you know but I shouldn't jump ahead yet. I know you'll need time to think everything through."

"Thank you Jamie. Don't think I'll ever be able to make quick decisions like you can." She spoke louder. "I still can't believe Kimi is gay. Does Dad know?"

"Yes he does. So does Mr Kido. In fact I'm quiet sure the Kido's moved to Australia because they knew Etsu was gay even before Etsu knew. Both families are very supportive. They've set rules, which Kimi and Etsu have agreed to adhere to. It's a kind of mutual respect thing and rather clever. Deep down I think both families love the idea of them being compatible and Japanese. You should learn to accept their choice, be supportive as well. You should remember the culture they highlight is your culture as well. Plus it's your link to be close to your family."

"I am supportive, least way I will be. It's just a shock. Not what I expected. Suppose I'm in for quite a few shocks. What are the rules?"

"Not to move in together until they both have their Doctorate." Discrete sleepovers are okay, two days a week and holidays together are fine as long as they don't go as a couple within a larger gay group and when in Japan they're not to do anything as a couple. Not yet." Jamie grinned. "Sounds crazy but it's not. When they're both fully qualified no one can challenge them professionally, yet if they are open about their commitment quite a number of people could and would use their position to disrupt them qualifying."

"Couldn't help watching Etsu dress Kimi this morning. So disciplined. They work well together."

"You got that right. I admire them. They're the A team, Etsu is the artist, Kimi is the canvas." He looked across the plane. "Kimi makes sure the movements, display, the etiquette is perfect. Etsu designs all the patterns, colours, etc. They share the research to keep the traditional balance correct. The outfits cost a fortune. Your Dad and Mr Kido share the cost because seeing their two girls so dedicated and happy makes them happy. Plus indirectly they do pay their way. Some costumes are made in Japan for traditional reasons but most come from Singapore. Same people I deal with, which is originally where Billie used to purchase clothes."

Mitty rolled her head, "Its all kind of surreal Kimi was always such a tart at school."

"Mitty, Kimi isn't and never has been a tart. She was young when you last saw her, fifteen and bold. Always pushing the boundaries. She still pushes boundaries except she's better at it now. She's smart. No one sees her coming, which sounds incorrect because everybody stops to watch her. They even clap, but the people watching have no idea what she's really thinking. You saw her going off to work this morning, the perfect Japanese traditionalist. She was always outspoken about Japanese traditions at school. Now look at her. Being so accomplished at the culture is her way of mocking those who think it tenacious. She's a free thinker making her own way in the world, a world that appears upside down from her perspective. And she's doing okay." Jamie was silent a moment. "If it's any consolation I'm not at all sure Kimi is truly gay. She's like Femme. Femme is only gay because she's in love with Billie. Etsu and Billie are wired gay. No way either could fall for a guy. They're settled now but both have always been absolutely obsessed with female form and in particular breasts." He looked at Mitty and waited for her to glance. "I often wonder about Billie. Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm trying to be honest. My mind is also wired to be curious about female anatomy. I look at you and there is a corner in the back of my mind wanting to undress you." He looked at his hand. "Hope I'm not embarrassing you." He spoke to the hand. "If every time I looked at myself in a mirror I saw your body I'd go crazy and I can't understand how the same doesn't happen to Billie and probably Etsu. It's... I don't know. Don't suppose I know much at all."

Mitty looked at Jamie her face a puzzle. "I've never thought about that. I have gender thoughts too you know. They're mostly about you." She shrugged. "Suppose the real mystery is in the chemistry. What is it about Etsu that draws such trust from Kimi and... me for you." She glanced at him, "Maybe we should think and talk less or change the topic, at least until we've talked to Daddy."

Jamie smiled, "Well that's easy. Look'" He pointed toward the horizon, at the homestead roof shining in the sun. "You're home. Want to land the plane?"

"No Jamie. I'd get us killed."

Okay. I'll take over, relax your grip but don't let go the controls. Want you to feel what's happening while I talk us through everything. You'll remember how it's done. Be like old times. We'll have you spreading those wings and dreaming bigger in no time."

*****

"You're done well young man."

Jamie heard but it was hard to answer, he nodded.

Mitty's father stopped banging to speak but returned his focus to the drum the moment he'd done so. He was pounding into his giant taiko and picked up an even larger backi while speaking.

Obviously he was annoyed, which is why the walk invitation led straight to the aircraft hanger annex where the wall opened out to reveal an arsenal of Japanese drums. Jamie knew from experience the size of the drum selection always matched the level of frustration being felt. And why not, Mr Yamashita had listened to Mitty's story for almost an hour. Jamie actually thought they'd go straight to firing arrows. They hadn't, though experience indicated drums wouldn't be enough, bows and arrows were to come.

Mr Yamashita stopped banging, even put a hand on the drum skin to silence the reverberation. He didn't look up. "Mitty tells me she doesn't know their names. This I need to know. I want you to find out." He turned to face Jamie. "I'm not without influence in these matters. I left Japan for a number of reasons, one was because the Yakuza use our abattoir industry to dispose of bodies." He waved his hands. "That's how it is. I couldn't fight it so I left. That's as good as turning a blind eye, which is all they require." He waved a finger. "Now I understand and I will call in favours. These people will get what they deserve."

Jamie nodded. "Not necessary. They've been dealt with. They're gone. Won't be seen again."

"I need to know."

"I think they double up on bookings at the crematorium here. Same result."

"Well I owe you a favour, which extends further than taking care of my Mitsuko and bringing her home."

Jamie nodded, "You don't owe me anything. Not today. I was heading this way with an empty seat beside me. The seat has been vacant a long time. Besides in a few days I'll be taking her away for a stretch. But she'll never leave, not you, not now. Not ever. Friday organised the reprisal." He smiled. "Go with her to Sweden. No. Employ Friday to take you to Ängelholm, Sweden. Go to the Koenigsegg Automotive factory. Let her test drive a few vehicles. Say it's for you. When she finds what she likes order one and have her arrange delivery. I'll go you halves." He waved his hands. "We both owe her. And we both each just spent a million bucks. She's worth it. Though why she wants something so uselessly expensive is quite a mystery." Jamie thought a moment, picked up a backi and hit the largest taiko once. "Leave my name out of this. Let her believe the expensive bucket of bolts is all yours. Leave it in Toowoomba and whenever you're not in town let Friday use it. Tell her it's a loner, just her no one else. She'll enjoy that arrangement." He hit the drum again, nodded and looked into Mitty's father's eyes. "I'm told those cars are a good investment so we may even get our money back and make a dollar if ever Friday gets bored with the thing." He didn't stop, changed the topic and barrelled on. "Has Mitty shared our plans with you?"

"She did. What a mess." He picked up a Backi and clouted the nearest drum three times. "She's come so far. Now this." He shook his head. "Think she's doing the right thing. Think you both are. She doesn't want my involvement. Won't share the detail. Probably sensible, I'd probably interfere. If you do need help with anything you know where I am. And I sincerely hope some good does come out of this mess." He nodded. "I'll share something else with you and I've yet to explain this to Mitsuko or Kimi, so... I know you know what to do. I've all but decided when the time comes to step down Kimi is the one who can best run this business. Mitsuko has got more brains, but Kimi's practical. She's smart too, but above all else she's a people person. Can think on her feet. And it's not just me. Katso thinks the same. Etsu and Kimi build off each other. They're a good team. We've discussed this and we both agree Etsu and Kimi together are right. They share so much discipline." He hit the drum again. "Anyway. Keep what I just said in mind while you're helping Mitsuko find her way through all this." He looked at the drum and put the Backi down. "This is crap. Come on. Mitsuko cuddled me when she got out of your aeroplane." He nodded. "I like that. You Australians have some clever customs. Let's go find my affectionate daughter and make the most of the time we have together before she grows too worldly. Think I'd like another cuddle. It's quite a change from Kimi swearing and threatening to punch me."

## Chapter 21

"Why are we going to Denver?" Mitty stopped staring out the window and squeezed Jamie's hand to draw his attention away from the newspaper. "I assumed we'd head straight to Kansas City. Isn't that the closest airport to where Billie lives?"

Jamie smiled, raised and kissed Mitty's hand. "You've been studying maps. Billie does live close to Kansas City and I'm sure you know it's also near Columbia. However today I've arranged a ride from Denver to Wyoming. We'll spend what's left of the weekend relaxing at Matthew's place. Thought you might like to meet up with Kelly before we make any firm commitments. Plus I plan to borrow an aeroplane so we can travel wherever, whenever we want." He raised both hands. "Acquiring a loner is always complex in my family. We can use a Leopard Moth in Wyoming if we deliver the plane to Kentucky and swap it for a Velocity, which will eventually need returning to Wyoming. It's almost the best of both worlds and as it happens works in pretty well with our plan. Billy's place and Columbia are all located along the route. Plus we have Mum's parcel of Peta's books to deliver." Again he kissed Mitty's hand. "I'm prepared to bet the visit to Alabama will be the standout of your trip. You'll want to stay a few days."

"The place described in Peta's book, not so sure I'll want to stay there long?"

"You'll think it gorgeous and fall in love. Peta writes fiction based on historical happenings. The property where she lived is called Cottonfield. It's a working farm, though it's like stepping into history, everything is done the old fashion way using manual labour and I promise you the people who work the fields are not slaves, they actually own the place. It's amazing, makes the perfect backdrop for an old mansion, which is another Matthew inspired international tourist stop, like on your property though on the surface this one has all the trappings of a southern estate. The house is called Lowery." He turned to face Mitty bit is bottom lip and kissed her hand. "You'll like Wyoming, it's a postcard, good for looking at. But Wyoming is out there, too rugged for you. Wyoming belongs to Friday. Cottonfield will warm to you, embrace and even adopt you. You'll discover your people and what a home really is.

"Jamie I don't understand you. I have a home I've lived there all my life and stupidly I've only just discovered it's where everything I value belongs."

He grinned, kissed her hand again. "You will. You'll understand soon enough. Be patient, only for a few more days."

"Jamie you're an ass. You should know by now I don't like mysteries or surprises. Have you already spoken to Kelly, told her about my problems?"

He shook his head. "You look beautiful when you're charged up. I did speak to Kelly. She phoned me, because of curiosity about the content of Mum's note, which went to everyone and identified you as needing to be taken care of while over here. Understandably Kelly seems to think you might have problems. I assured Kelly the problem is Mum needs someone to look after, which was what Kelly suspected. I also mentioned you'd like to talk about doing your residency in the USA and in particular at Columbia. And I didn't explain why because that's your job."

"Well I suppose I should thank you. No wonder you're an Ass sometimes. Your mother trained you that way. What did Kelly say?"

"That she'll take you to work so you're away from everyone with big ears and stupid comments. Said you can tag along at the hospital to get a feel for medicine over here and during the breaks you can chat about anything you want, including how to handle her Mother-in-law and her husband's brother."

"Thank you. Now I feel bad about being upset with you. May I ask something that's been bothering me?"

"Yep. Anything. We're partners."

"Okay. That's what I'm going to ask about. Before we left I talked with Sophie. She's never been this happy in all her life. Thinks making and serving coffee while offering role model advice in your drop in centre is heavenly. She thinks you're some kind of saint. Her worry is that you've paid out her student loan. She thinks that's wonderful. She also thinks it beyond kind and is worried you may expect something of her that she can't deliver."

"Sophie is mistaken. I didn't pay out her loan, though I'm sure Matthew would describe the situation as an easy mistake." He picked up her hand, held it. "I'd prefer Sophie thought we, you and I, did pay her student loan as a thankyou for looking out for you. Perhaps you could also explain she shouldn't worry about being beholden to us. We're even, all debts are paid." He waved his own hand, "Now I'll explain what really happened. I'd like you to be my partner in everything and I want you to feel you can trust me as much as I trust you. Firstly, when your father heard about the goings on in your life this last year he wanted to pay out Sophie's student debt. Your Dad thinks Sophie has earned a reasonable start in life and is hoping you will both remain friends. I checked on Sophie's debt for your father and found it was already being paid. Sophie thinks I paid the debt because Friday told her, her partner put up the money. Friday and I own the drop in centre so Sophie thinks it was me. The partner was Hammer and the money will eventually came from one of your other flat mates, which is strictly confidential. Hammer told the police he found a hundred thousand dollars in a suitcase in the house and that's true. He told them he took some, and that's true. He invited the police to take some, and they did. I know this sounds silly but that explains everything and makes what really happened complication free because we have yet again established a circle of plausible deniability. It would appear all the players in that house are some kind of thief. The fact that the Uncle was found dead in his cell this morning probably also explains why it's best not to leave any ownerless money for the authorities to document and claim." Again he kissed Mitty's hand. Spoke through the kiss. "There was more than two million dollars in that house. Hammer had most of it stuffed in his kit bag when he walked out of the place. Everyone saw him and no one saw him. Hammer allocated two hundred thousand to each of, his two colleagues, Sophie and also you. Plus he put just over a million dollars back into the business he shares with Friday." Jamie waved his hands. "All the money is currently being invested; I'd prefer not use the term laundered. Anyway as soon as Friday manages to cycle the money through the tax system, Sophie and you will commence receiving a healthy return on your initial capital investment. On Friday's recommendation Hammer opened his heart, did an up front charity thing out of his own pocket with Sophie's student loan debt, to kick off her involvement in our investment circle."

Mitty shook her head, blew out a breath. "I'm going to freshen up. Be back soon. From now on I intend to focus on keeping up with you. I'll also endeavour to be more patient. I told Daddy whenever we visit I'd like him to treat us as a couple who share the same bed." She waved her hand. "Daddy was pleased. Said he thought there might be something the matter with both of us." She looked into Jamie's eyes. "I'd like for you to make the same arrangement with your family. I want everyone to know we belong together and I'm hoping the attraction we share lasts the rest of my life." She touched his arm. "There is something wrong with me. I'm hoping close contact with the person who understands me best will tame the rampant negativity inside my head."

*****

The knock on the door was soft, too soft for Jay. Femme looked at Billie and read her knowing expression. "Come in Em. What's the matter now."

The door opened. Em paused a moment then held up her soft doll, Julie. "There are things down there looking at us." She pointed along the hall. "Can we sleep with you tonight."

Billie smiled. Femme rolled her head and opened the covers beside her. "For a little while. As soon as all the things go to sleep you'll be able to safely return to your own room and sleep with the night light on."

Em climbed onto the bed, stood on her knees. "Julie wants to be in the middle."

Femme muffled amusement, spoke a little louder. "That would probably mean a much shorter stay in here with us."

"Julie is cold and it's warmer in middle. Besides she likes you both the same."

Femme rolled her eyes and moved away from Billie, finished up on her back where the sheets were cold. She took Julie and placed her in the bed and braced knowing from experience Em would find somewhere painful to knee while crawling across to reach the middle.

Em snuggled in, rolled on her side and quietly cuddled Julie.

Femme reached above her head and took Billie's outstretched hand in her own.

Within a minute the door flung open, Jay ran in and firmly shut the door. He leaned back, a classic just made it stance.

Femme let go of Billie's hand and propped on an elbow. "I thought you were supposed to knock. Young Man."

Jay panted a response. "No time. It was after us. Nearly got taken. Ted couldn't keep up got torn to bits. Need to sleep in here until I find a new roommate, might get a dog." He began to recite the second verse of Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky poem.

When Billie joined the recital Femme looked and took a breath, yet was distracted by Em's plea. "Mum he's got dirty feet don't let him sleep in our bed."

Femme placed both hands on the top off her head, "Our bed?"

Jay moved closer to Femme finished his recital than said. "I don't want to be on the edge."

"Mum he spills wee pee on the floor and doesn't wear slippers. Julie and I don't want him in this bed and he's not getting in the middle."

Jay looked at his twin sister. "Can't get in the middle of a bed with three people already in it. It's mathematically impossible unless the bed is a triangle. Than there'd be no room for feet."

He looked at his indoor Mother, Femme. "If we got a dog he could climb in first then I could get in the middle."

Em spoke from the other side of Femme. "Mum if we get a dog I want a cute little white one to play dress-ups with. It would be fun to sleep with a dog."

Jay spoke louder at Femme's other ear, "I want a big brown dog that barks at the Post Man and chases cats."

Femme mouthed, "Mathematically impossible." More for her own benefit, then looked and spoke with conviction, "Billie take our son to his room and if need be stay the night with him. The pair of you can calculate how to calm down, relax and sleep. Or keep guard, bandersnatch all night and whatever else while our daughter and I sleep."

Jay looked disappointed, "Can't. We'll need a dog, a brother or a vorpal sword."

Femme again spoke to Billie who had silently stepped out of bed and located her nightgown and slippers. "What a great idea. Take Jay downstairs and leave him with your mathematically inclined brother. We'll let Mitty appreciate where life's journey can take people who don't bother with contraception. You'd better knock loudly and wait for them to answer. Make sure Jamie knows we've been living in the Wabe these last few weeks."

*****

"Morning." Mitty lazily half yawned, half spoke from under the covers.

Jamie was sitting on the bed and turned to face her, his expression electric with pleasure.

She spoke clearer. "You're dressed. What time is it?" Then sat up. "Where's the little monster gone?"

Jamie held his watch up for Mitty to see it was nine-thirty. "The monster slayer and his long suffering sister have been taken to school. Everyone is somewhere. We have the place to ourselves."

"I'd best get up. Not sure what will become of me. I've been sleeping better with one man in my bed and now I've discovered I sleep even better with two." Mitty smiled. "I thought he was going to talk and squirm all night. He fell asleep in mid sentence and didn't move again. Wish I could do that. Why did they send him in here?"

Jamie raised his eyebrows. "You don't have a brother. Jay's little boy behaviour is scaring and teasing Em. He's got her believing there are monsters in the house and she can't sleep. When she goes into her Mothers' room he follows and stirs her further. No one can sleep unless Billie and Femme separate the pair of them and that means separating themselves. Femme stays with Em so she can sleep and Billie stays with Jay to keep him away, which allows him to sleep." He chuckled and grinned, "They're tired and we turned up. I suspect Femme has discovered how I treated poor Peta. And it's a fair bet she thought you'd be interested in discovering the reality of children in advance."

"Does she know I'm pregnant?"

"I don't think so." He waved a hand. "You're grown up and sharing a room with a hot blooded fellow. She's helping you see past the bedpost."

Mitty looked down. "They don't know much about me do they?"

Jamie picked up her hand and kissed it. "They can imagine all they need to know. Don't upset yourself. Time is in our corner."

Mitty nodded. "They helped. Much, much more than they could realise." Mitty looked Jamie in the eyes. "I've been worried sick and now I know why. And for the first time since this nightmare commenced I also know what I want to do." Mitty pulled her hand away from Jamie to stop him kissing it. "You asked me to forget this. We're talking because we're alone and as soon as I say my piece we will forget everything you told me. I know you guys worked some deal so Billie is the children's legal father. I also know the biological father of that gorgeous little bundle of energy in here with us last night is dead and he was a rapist." Mitty nodded, spoke firmly. "I didn't want to have a child at this stage of my life. I will not be responsible for permitting a child to grow up as an unwanted orphan. I'm worried to distraction if I try to raise the child it will remind me of its father." She banged her hand on the bed. "If I terminate I might be stopping someone beautiful, like Billie, or Billie's children from having a life. It's easy for men. Most never know for sure which child they really fathered. If only it were possible for mothers to do the same. I need to find a way to have the child and leave it with someone who wants, thinks and feels... knows with certainty the child is truly her own. If we can achieve that I'll do it in a flash." She waved both hands. "It's impossible."

Jamie hugged her, gave her a kiss. When they'd completed their exchange of affection he held her by the shoulders. "It's very possible and it's quite easy to achieve. We'll make the arrangements today."

"How?"

"The solution is staring us in the face." He nodded. "When they first met, quite understandably, Billie didn't know Mum was her mother. But you overlooked something important; Mum didn't know Billie was her child. It needed someone clever to join the dots and prove who was who. The same person also organised everything so Billie, my Sister, a female, is the legal father of Femme's children.

Mitty nodded. "You think we should get Kelly's mother to help us."

"Yes I do. But not to arrange Mothers and Fathers now that I know how it's done we can do everything without help. Second time round, do it better." He grinned. "We need Kelly's mother to take you shopping. You don't have any work clothes and she's the best shopper for tasteful clothes I know. You'll need a few work outfits very soon. Plus maternity clothes for home and work in the not too distant future. We won't need Kelly's mother for maternity wear. We'll get Hilda's help. She's got perfect taste, is baby trained and baby mad. Plus she can keep secrets better than most. In fact we should take her with us today to see Kelly's Mother. With Hilda's input the pair of them will do a better job of kitting you out in new clothes." He winked. "Deal?"

Mitty shook her head, mouthed. "I'm trying to keep up." Then speaking louder said, "Deal. Are you planning to explain how all this is going to happen?"

Yes I am. Later today, on the plane." He kissed her hand. "Tomorrow is your interview. That's when we release the brakes and all the wheels will commence to turn."

*****

"Well, well, well. A girl completes a long hard pull at the reins. She cleans the stage, uses her last ounce of energy to tend the horses then steps in the tavern looking for somewhere quiet to rest only to discover the entire Bundy Gang holed up in the last vacant room in town. What am I to do? If I'm not mistaken they're also drinking my coffee. Hope you had the decency to leave a few fresh drops in the pot and a clean cup for me." Friday had entered her lounge room and spoke the moment her travel bag hit the floor.

Wearing only shorts and tee shirt Kimi was on the floor in front of the lounge allowing Etsu to diligently brush her hair out. She opened her eyes and gave Friday a short stare. "What's eating you? We were on the same stage. Change out of the work clothes and take a load off. You'll feel better. Where's Daf?"

Friday spoke over her shoulder walked toward the kitchen in search of coffee. "Gone to order Chinese. I thought there'd only be four of us." She looked at Peta, "Better phone her quickly if you want some."

"Peta pulled out a phone and dialled. Spoke to Friday while waiting for Daf to answer. "Jamie's brain went to mush when Mitty turned up. Usually he leaves a spare wallet lying around, means I can lift his money. We're going through a temporary lean stretch."

Friday returned with a coffee and sat on a footstool. "So in Jamie's absence you're intending to sponge off me. What's a temporary lean stretch mean?"

Peta raised a hand and spoke to Daf, asked her to order enough for six extra people. She finished the call and continued talking to Friday. "We spent all our allowance preparing to camp on Fraser Island, didn't even get there and you gave our stuff to a bunch of backpackers." Peta waved a hand. "Jamie's not here, we either live off you or you fly us home to live off Mum."

Friday shook her head. "Six extras? Suppose that's to live off tomorrow. What happened in Hervey Bay?"

"Kind of. Sophie is in our place I let her move into my room and we've taken over Jamie's room. She must be hungry and we're extra hungry. Can't afford to eat and you guys cleared out for three days. We've been singing for crumbs at the drop in centre. The crew on the ferry were being sexist clowns. Telling everyone to back onto the boat. I refused. Can't back a big thing like that with a camp trailer following behind. Tried to drive straight on and when they stopped me I parked across the ramp thing and wouldn't give them the keys. They called the cops. Maybe I said a few things I shouldn't have but they shouldn't be so stupid. Who cares if all the vehicles aren't lined up? It's not the army."

Friday rolled her eyes. "Peta, it's not a drive through ferry it's a barge. Vehicles need to exit the same way they went on and it's a lot harder to drive off at the other end so they put all the vehicles in backwards to help the passengers. Not surprised you got locked up."

"Well they should put up a sign explaining all that. No wonder they have unhappy customers."

"Would you like me to put up a sign saying, we don't feed freeloaders from next door."

"You can't leave us to starve."

"You're supposed to be a successful writer. Success means they pay you enough to purchase your own food."

"I'm an up and coming writer. Means I may see some money if the publisher runs out of excuses and chooses to pay me. They've offered an advance if I sign a contract for another book. Think I'm being conned. The advance they're offering is money I've already earned. So payment wise I'll always be a book behind. Bit like being kept on a string. Wanted to talk to Jamie about these things but his brain went soft then he cleared out."

"Phillip is in town. Talk to him. In fact talk Phillip into being your agent." Friday took a swig of coffee and continued, "The four of you should meet Phillip together, talk him into taking you all on. When it's all sorted and streamlined Daf could handle the day-to-day goings on. She's already paying for your food and flying you most places you want to go. You'd be able to stick to being creative, safe in the knowledge your career is being managed professionally by someone you trust."

"That's a good idea. Thank you. We'll track Phillip down and talk to him first thing in the morning."

"No talk to him tonight. He'll be with Fiona. Invite them both around here, unless you're game to meet them in her room."

"What's the hurry? We're free tomorrow. Got nothing to do all week except beg for food. Should be okay now you're back. I assume you're hanging around until I get my next allowance."

Friday shook her head. "I'll be here relaxing for a few days but you won't. The four of you are off to Hervey Bay as guests of the local tourism committee. Daf plans to fly you up there first thing tomorrow."

"Who arranged this? Do we get paid?" Peta thought awhile. "What do we have to do?"

"They approached me and I arranged everything. You owe me for picking you up. They were rather impressed with Craig and Etsu busking. When they discovered you and Kimi making yourself popular in the local newspaper and that you make up the rest of the group they jumped, wanted you all. Even rang back and upped the deal when the photo of Kimi sticking her umbrella finger up at the camera got sold to the nationals here and in Japan. You're all top billing."

"How much are we being paid and what do we have to do for it?"

"They'll pay me. I'm paying you enough to live on. Want you all hungry. You'll get a place to sleep with clean sheets and do whatever they want of you. Be prepared to busk but I know you and Kimi have been earmarked to talk at a few gatherings so you may need to convince those people the four of you work best together, even just talking. Daf will be with you to manage things." Friday took another pull of coffee. "What I really want you to do is come up with a few songs and a routine suitable for the states around Wyoming. Matthew wants you over there doing much of the same as is wanted in Hervey Bay. I convinced him you guys are the right people. He wants you to build up to being the entertainment at a Native American fashion night he and Debe are sponsoring. They want the show to be a rather classy affair, it's being held in a few weeks. Anyway we're all going to the states in four days where you can work everything out with Debe. In the meantime I'll pay you enough to keep you alive, but only just."

## Chapter 22

"Miss Yamashita. Sorry to keep you waiting. This way please."

The lady who spoke had a firm polite tone with all the educated polish needed to hide the acquired twang of her youth. Mitty had found American accents fascinating. Jamie was correct in believing she'd enjoy the experience of seeing the USA. The red neck she'd expected to discover around every corner hadn't materialized yet.

Mitty followed the tall silent lady toward a door labelled, Interview Room. She watched her open the door and step back to allow Mitty first entry.

Mitty noticed one chair obviously prepared for her was facing six people and one vacant space. The lady introduced herself, Doctor Penrose. She proceeded to offer names along the table. One, with the look of an Administrator, was a mere Mrs, the rest were Doctors. The last person introduced was obviously Japanese, Dr Akira Sato.

The moment Mitty sat Dr Sato surprised her with a greeting in Japanese. Mitty wasn't sure what to do but replied the same because it seemed the politest way to handle the situation. Dr Sato was obviously pleased. He bowed his head and went on to explain he was going to ask questions in Japanese. Said he wanted her to answer the same then explain to the others in English of what they had spoken.

The peculiar interview wasn't so difficult. What Dr Sato asked was reasonable and to the point for medically trained personnel. When Mitty explained the doctors immediately understood. The Administrator's face appeared glazed. She seemed to itch with a desire to ask human-interest questions of a non-technical nature.

The questions and answers flowed for half an hour, until Dr Sato nodded to his colleagues and commenced to speak in English. Said he was satisfied they had finally located the correct person and went on to explain he'd like Mitty to start work in the Emergency Department first shift tomorrow morning."

Mitty agreed. A few personal questions were asked and explained before she walked from the room excited and overwhelmed. There were a hundred things she needed to do, not the least of which was to find somewhere to stay and locate the emergency department where she now worked. She'd also learned something about working in America. All the administrative paperwork needed doing in her own time before she started work, which meant she had something else that needed attention today."

"I have no idea why I'm kissing you." Mitty parked a kiss on Jamie's face before speaking. "I should punch you for getting me into this."

"I take it all went well?"

"Too well. My first shift is tomorrow morning at eight and you need to help me find the Admin office to fill out paperwork before we find somewhere to stay. Then maybe we should buy something to eat and... Oh God. What have I done?"

Jamie smiled, took both her hands. "You've done what you set out to achieve. Next year you'll be a Doctor."

Mitty bowed her head accepting Jamie praise. "Well according to my employer I'm already a Doctor, though not yet worth paying much. However in as little as six months I'll be qualified to practice medicine in Australia and my current employer wants me to re-sit the final exam." She looked up and smiled. "So I can earn more money. So... all this is your fault." She picked up his hand, smelt it and smiled. "You're good for me. Might hang on to you. Help me find this admin office. Supposed to be easy. We need to find the front door again and follow the signs." She gave him back his hand. "Then help me locate where I work... something to eat. Somewhere to sleep... God I hate you." She smiled took his hand and pulled him toward the information kiosk.

"What now?" Jamie had waited patiently several times while forms rolled into the mill. He'd been permitted to accompany Mitty and the Administrator lady on a tour of the staff facilities. Watched Mitty roll her eyes at being allocated a vacant locker nearest the showers in the unisex change room. They were now free of pre-employment obligations.

"Do you mind if we eat in the staff canteen? Might as well fully discover what I'm in for?" She looked at him. "I'm still excited. Can you believe I'm required to purchase my own scrubs? They said there's a shop somewhere over that way. It's a little early to eat. Could we go for a walk?" She shrugged, "Take a good look at my new hometown. Would it be asking too much if we stay with Femme and Billy a few more nights as planned, and you fly me to and fro like today until we know what's what? Accommodation is going to be a problem. I realise now you tried to tell me I'd be renting. Might need your subsidy offer for a little while." She smiled, "I'm on a steep learning curve, aren't I?"

"Yep." He nodded, "To everything. Let's go for the walk first. Might find the scrubs shop. We can walk look, talk and plan on the way." He pulled at her hand, moved toward the main entrance. "Would you allow me be your flatmate, help pay the rent. I'll fly you here for as long as it takes." He squeezed her hand. "There's no parking for miles around here. I'll arrange a chauffeur service to and from the airport until we find somewhere to stay. Might also keep the hire car a few days. I'll leave it at the airport. Could come in handy to look at real estate if we see something worth buying that we could stay in and is worth turning over when you're ready to leave."

They weaved around the car park saturated hospital perimeter, through the University campus and into an adjoining prosperous looking medical focused business district. Found the clothing and equipment establishment and purchased the basic, new Doctor needs kit. Spent big bucks, costs a lot for Doctors to look the part. Arranged to collect their parcel in an hour and a half, which is as long as it takes to embroid her name on the chest. She took Jamie's advice. Dr Mitty would work better on the ward than Dr Yamashita. She knew from school and life in Australia the word contained within her family name captures everyone's focus.

They decided to head back to the hospital canteen via a different direction. The forward route had introduced them to a University and Hospital precinct that was expanding rapidly. They'd circled numerous no-go areas of inconvenient construction chaos. Anything old seemed earmarked for recycling to make more space on an island with nowhere to grow. The place was completely surrounded by a ring road network that endlessly fed vehicles to and from the here and there.

On the other side of those ring roads were numerous apartments, obviously providing student and worker accommodation. All looked different and exactly the same. It stood out how older places were cheaper and fresh paint on anything cost more. The sea of desperate humanity looked depressing yet had the advantage of access. The people living here could walk to work or class. There were signs everywhere warning employees not to park in the free patient and visitor car parks. And signs everywhere else displaying just how expensive an idle motor vehicle costs to stay in this happening part of town.

Along the western perimeter they passed a number of recycled old mansions that were now a hive of single entry residential flats. Mitty shook her head. "They must have been beautiful once. Look at them now." She smiled, "Somewhere to live is a problem. Think I need a lot of your help. I know everybody thinks you're rich can you really afford this."

Jamie gave her a smug smile, expanded his eyebrows and thought a moment. "They're on the right side of the street, probably cost more to rent." He pointed at the nearest building. "And they come with a parking spot. "A clever person could rent a room and sublease it to a struggling student then live in the suburbs and use the parking space basically for free."

Mitty shrugged, "Well this struggling student doesn't own a car or have the money to rent on this side of the street." She walked on.

He caught up, took her hand and kissed it. "I'm told you're a Doctor now. Doctors are good investments. And you've got connections. We could make inquiries." He kissed her hand again. "Would you let me nose around tomorrow while you're at work? See what's available."

"Nose around? I suppose so. But don't do anything silly. Lets first make sure they don't sack me for being too dumb."

"I doubt that. We're a team. If I see anything with potential I'll share my ideas and show you before we commit to anything." He kissed her hand again. "Accommodation here is a problem. Even though it was a long time ago maybe we should ask Kelly what she did."

"I already know. She was on an Air force scholarship. They organise everything." She smiled. "I'm not joining the military. Don't need to. We're partners, I've joined up with you. Just need to workout how to pay my share."

He kissed her hand. Went to speak but saw her eyes expand. They'd just crossed the entrance of a small tree lined single-lane street, which vanished into the rear of the University campus.

Before them was the most gorgeous white southern, plantation style, sprawling building, which was totally unexpected and as such looked out of character. The building sat angled in the centre of what must have been two acres that sloped up away from the street. Three stories of tastefully furnished timber stained verandahs glistened an invitation to sit, take refreshment and watch in amusement as the outside world darted every which way.

Mitty shook her head. "Goodness. Doesn't look like flats. Perhaps it's a guest house." She looked a Jamie. "It's gorgeous. My kind of house," She grinned and bit her bottom lip. "Probably too expensive for us. Maybe we could stay a night or two." She looked at him. "Just... because." Then shrugged.

Jamie took in Mitty's smile, then the house and grounds. "There's no car park, just the standard circular driveway and garages to the side. I'd say we're looking at the original homestead property for all the land around here. Boy they've looked after it. Strange? Must still belong to the same family. Old money" He looked at Mitty. "During the civil war Missouri was completely divided, pitched in with both the north and south. A household such as this must have backed the south. Long way north though."

As they studied the house a pickup drove into the driveway and stopped. Three men exited the vehicle. They manhandled a large two post sign off the truck, positioned the sign near the front picket fence and collected tools to mount the same. Jamie boldly walked forward and read the sign on the ground. The place was described in detail and for sale. He spoke briefly with one of the men, handed him his own phone and pulled Mitty forward with a finger while the man dialled.

Jamie pointed at the sign, as Mitty read he took back his phone and talked to whoever was on the other end briefly.

Mitty looked up and listened as Jamie arranged to view the property. A real estate agent was currently inside talking with the owner. "Jamie, it must be worth millions you're a complete dreamer."

Jamie smiled, "Look at it. Look around. It is worth millions. Lets take a look inside. Who knows?" Jamie made eye contact with Mitty and twirled a finger. "I've got a feeling I know why this place is for sale. Looks nice, central location. Got a lot of potential. Convenient pad for you, great office precinct for the headquarters of Mr Peep Holding, USA." He kissed her hand. "Can't hurt to look."

Mitty shook her head, nodded and whispered, "I'm trying very hard to keep up."

With Mitty in hand Jamie turned to survey the garden. It was truly eye catching. They'd walked along the driveway discussing what was on display but from the verandah every detail pulled into focus.

He turned to knock and as he did noticed a man seated in a cane chair beside a table with a book. He watched the man lower the book and noted it was Peta's, 'Wind in the Corn'. The man was dressed in a loose white suit with a Panama hat. He could have been an actor paid to sit and give the place a living southern look.

Jamie knew he wasn't an actor had seen his likeness on the benefactors' wall while waiting for Mitty in the Admin building. His name is Professor Robin Kelley, retired reader of literature and married to Professor Cherry-Ann Chancellor, retired Dean of the Medical School.

Small world, Jamie had been bored enough to look them up, most impressive, very generous. The photo displayed was actually taken on this verandah and the house was known all over campus as the Chancellor building. Not because it's on the campus, the other way round. The University is built on what was once the Chancellor property. All that remains of the Chancellor property is this beautiful preserved southern icon.

The man smiled, gave a half nod. "You'd be the man who just phoned. The real estate hyena is inside ear bashing my long suffering marital partner." He smiled, "If you'd be so good as to ring the bell you'll give her a brief break."

Jamie smiled, thought why not, "Professor Kelley. Are you enjoying your book?"

"Very much so. You have me at a disadvantage young man. Have you read the book?"

Jamie handed over his Business card, "Yes I have read the book. Some intrigue for you. First I should explain, out of sheer boredom I read about you and your good lady earlier while waiting for my partner to be processed. She commences work at the University Hospital tomorrow morning. We were walking, talking and getting a feel for what's available accommodation wise locally and here we are." He changed the topic and kept talking. "The book; I know you lectured at Auburn some time ago and I'm guessing you've twigged by now the story is located in Lee County. Have you any idea which property yet?" Jamie grinned at the thoughtful look the man gave him.

He waved a hand, "We must read and fill in the back story similarly. I'm down to less than a dozen." He waved the same arm. "Couldn't guess at this stage. But I'd welcome your input. Do you know the area?"

"I do. In fact I know the property location with absolute certainty." Jamie tried to copy the way the man waved his hand. "Though reader wise I'm not too sharp. Is the Prescott property on your short list?"

The man dropped his head to one side in thought. "I know that property and I'll confess it isn't on my radar." He thought further. "Probably should have been." He looked at Jamie's card. "Mr Page and I'll guess at Mrs Page. Don't answer me just now. I want to think about this and you. You're not the only one who solves mystery on a computer. Why don't you take the real estate fellow for a stroll and by the time you've finished my wife and I will be here ready to take afternoon tea. You'd both be very welcome to join us. Then you can tell me what you know about 'Wind in the Corn'." He smiled, "Ring that bell young fellow."

Jamie nodded, turned and rang the bell, waited. Felt Mitty squeeze his hand.

The man who appeared at the open door was without doubt the real estate agent. He had the gold tooth smile, the suit, the hair the works. Jamie expected his handshake to reach the door first, it didn't. His eyes focused, scanned Jamie from top to bottom and returned to his face, his expression already registering disappointment.

He spoke with forceful confidence. "Son, don't waste my time. We both know you can't afford a house like this. Be on your way. Go find a tourist day trip and see the highlights of our city with the rest."

Jamie felt Mitty's hand tense. He squeezed hers, made eye contact and gave away a smile. He turned back and registered the look of absolute disgust on the elegant ladies face, now almost beside the real estate agent.

She pushed past and spoke firmly to Mitty. "I'll apologise on behalf of my tactless guest. Please don't be upset."

Jamie nodded a pleasing curtesy; added, "Thank you Mrs Chancellor. You're very kind." He also noticed the Lady was very sharp. She was actually taking a long look at the labels on Mitty's clothes. That scored highly in Jamie's world.

Jamie turned back to the Real Estate Agent who was actually smiling and seemed about to correct Mrs Chancellor. Time to speak up, wasn't sure there was any point. The guy seems inflated on self-importance, but money usually talks. "Let me make one point." Jamie stuck his finger forward, didn't quite touch. "I have not yet registered any interest or intension to purchase this property and you have told me to leave. It goes without saying you are therefore not in a position to receive a commission if it turns out a commission could be paid at some future occasion in relation to this property. Now if you don't mind I'd like you to go back inside. We'll sit out here and take tea with our friends, Robin and Sherry-Ann. That's why we came to the door. Good day to you sir."

Jamie pulled Mitty to the verandah table and sat.

"Full marks young man." Professor Kelley seemed amused. He glanced up from his computer screen. "What were we talking about? Yes, you were set to explain about the Prescott property."

Mrs Chancellor joined them, without the real estate agent.

Jamie nodded at her. "Hope you don't mind us sitting on your verandah uninvited."

He turned back to the Professor. "I'm cheating a little. When you finish checking me and mine on that computer. Lookup, Lowery on Cottonfield, in Lee County. You'll be impressed. In a previous life Cottonfield was the Prescott property. Did I mention my sister lived and went to school down there and uses the penname P. P. Peat?"

The Professor looked up. "No you didn't. I like the way you think young man. I see you have a PH D, Business and Law and fortune favoures your journey. What business does your lady have here that needs attending to from tomorrow?"

Jamie used a hand to defer to Mitty. She spoke, "I'm almost a resident Doctor. First shift is tomorrow morning in Emergency.

Sherry-Ann put a hand on Mitty's arm. "You're the young doctor who speaks Japanese?"

Mitty broadened her eyes, "I am though no one has told me why it's wanted or needed. Or why emergency is where they want me to work."

Sherry-Ann smiled, "You don't want emergency. Don't blame you."

Mitty shrugged, "Don't mind emergency. It's my preference, think I'll like it." She smiled. "Don't mind speaking Japanese either. Just I haven't figured the connection and can't understand why someone hasn't said something."

"You didn't think to ask?"

"Don't want to look silly. Must be something obvious."

"It's not so obvious. The hospital has three very experienced Japanese military doctors undergoing training in emergency. They can speak English but all three mumble in Japanese while working in triage. We're hoping you can translate. I should also explain they're supposed to be getting gunshot victim experience in Washington DC. But in DC they're too busy with gunshot victims so the three musketeers, as everyone knows them, have been sent here where we get very few gunshot victims. I should warn you if you can work with them you might well end up in Washington DC until they complete their training." She nodded. "Which, if you're made of the right stuff won't do your career any harm at all."

Jamie had been listening with interest. "Could you both fit in a quick outing for morning tea tomorrow? I could take you both to visit my sisters' place in Nob Noster, which is where we'll be staying until we find somewhere suitable here. Suppose I should make sure neither of you have a phobia of flying or gay people. The trip will involve both." Jamie read Professor Kelley's expression. "P. P. Peat is my younger sister. She's currently in Australia but I believe she'll be over here in a few days so we might be able to work something out. My older Sister lives at Nob Noster, has two young children, is gay and so are both her neighbours. Plus we're currently commuting back-and-forwards in an aeroplane." He waved a hand, "Um, while we're at my sisters we could chat about arranging two things; a faster plane to take you to see Cottonfield and I could find two or three relatives who'd also like to look through your house. They'd be sightseers who enjoy the spectacle of viewing quality housing. We won't talk anything about purchase of this place until you work out what's-what with that horrible real estate man. Though over coffee or tea I'd love to hear what you desire into the future. It's quite possible we can become friends and find a way to help each other.

*****

Dressed in casual black and trying to look like a roadie, Daphne stood guard over Kimi's Koto. Kimi chose her large, twenty-five string instrument for this gig. The smoother sound would blend with conservative western music better than her distinctly Japanese metallic sounding smaller Kotos. All had figured the Sunday afternoon club atmosphere attracted a conservative three generational audience, who were more interested in social conversation, alcohol and catching the afternoon breeze than listening to a bunch of neither, advertised or expected, out of town foreign looking blow-ins. They were quite sure this audience would have no idea what a koto was.

Daphne and Etsu had attracted attention positioning Kimi's rug and the two metre long instrument next to the stage. One end of the lounge, bar had a small uncarpeted dance area surrounding an even smaller raised platform, which while used almost every afternoon couldn't accommodate four musicians who liked their own space. Plus this four had surrounded the stage with a dozen instruments a few of which, like Shamisens and the Koto appeared exotic and worth a close inspection.

Bit of a worry; every transit from the bar altered course to bend over and pluck a string, didn't seem to care if their full beer glass also tilted above the expensive instrument.

Daphne had taken to using the instrument's name when asking people to please not touch. This meant eliminating the follow up, what is it, question. She breathed a sigh of relief when the commotion through the wall behind the stage changed to sounds of unified mass wonder. They were obviously now watching and discussing Kimi's arrival. Entering through the restaurant kitchen and dinning area had been planned. Sunday lunch at the Hervey Bay Boat Club is a local institution. There is no better way to announce the arrival of something unusual. Besides Daphne could now hear many people saying, "That's the girl from the newspaper."

Etsu had chosen to make guessing easier by dressing Kimi in the same outfit and the clapping Daphne now heard obviously resulted from Kimi's raised, now famous, umbrella finger.

Kimi leads the four into view and followed the usual exaggerated ritual. Position, a bow, step from her getas, always holding her long sleeves off the ground. Move behind her instrument, a bow, lower into a sieza. Neatly folded legs, feet tucked correctly under her body. Umbrella folded, positioned and aligned beside her, Sleeves and hands perfectly placed and modest head bow.

A ghost white face, offers a story of the viewer's own making, rich red lip-gloss to the bottom lip, a smudge of red on darkened eyebrows and lashes. Hair adorned in floral design with a show of red lace.

Straight back, fixed expression, only her exaggerated eyes constantly move back and forward, mostly slowly, sometimes with haste. She isn't looking at anything, knows from experience everyone watches with puzzled admiration. Her eyes entertain and answer unasked questions. Kimi is at work, on display. She is Etsu's canvas.

Meanwhile Craig, Peta and Etsu, dressed casually in tee shirt and jeans, slip onto the stage unobserved and take up an instrument. Only when the music commences does the audience notice them. The first song they sing is always the same, Craig's favourite introduction, 'Step inside this house'.

They sing several songs without a break and watch the audience grow more interested. Craig and Peta play guitars and Etsu a violin. All three provide vocals while Kimi sits, making no attempt to join in. It's obvious the audience are wondering why she's there.

Eventually they take a break to change instruments. Etsu a Shamisen, Peta stays with her guitar and Craig takes to a banjo. Together they play, 'The Entertainer', with Kimi and Etsu taking the lead. Obviously no one sings and the Japanese instruments capture audience attention.

Etsu addresses the room using a fragmented Japanese attempt to speak English, "Thank you. We play Ozzie song. Don't know English word, you sing, if want."

They play the Australian iconic song, 'Once a Jolly Swagman'. Kimi and Etsu lead and sing in Japanese. For this they receive a clap.

They follow with a few well-known catchy songs before all change to the original western instruments. Etsu again speaks. "Japanese businessmen dumb. Do crazy thing. Make sense send plane, people, Hervey Bay, eat meat pie; look at whale play. Whale much better come see swim Hervey Bay than serve on dinner plate." She shakes her head then bows with clasp hands. Craig immediately takes the lead. They sing a heartfelt ballad he and Peta have created titled, 'The Waters of Hervey Bay'.

They work the audience, switching back and forward between eastern and western instruments playing songs without explanation for several hours. To finish the session Etsu again speaks though this time in perfect English even allowing her Australian accent to present itself. "Thankyou. You've been very kind. We'll be here tonight and again tomorrow, and obviously we'd welcome you back with all your friends. This evening we'll be presenting different songs. After we finish our obligation here we have a rather important one off gig in the USA. We plan to try our concert out tonight. With your feedback we'll have a chance to improve the routine. May also have time to play some rock and roll to encourage dancing. If any of you wish to Photograph Maiko," She points at Kimi. "I'd suggest you do so now. Tonight, from now on she'll be decked out as we are." Etsu smiles. "The Japanese voice thing is part of our act. We grew up here we're both as Australian as you are." She returns to the broken English. "We here do policemen punishment," She points at the table where the Magistrate, Sergeant Beatty and her daughter are seated. "Finish up today, sing new song, title, 'Long Arm of Law'. First we play American song. Then we have punishment break, no alcohol, drink coffee."

Kimi and Etsu play the American National Anthem on their Shamisen before Craig takes the lead to sing his, Long Arm of the Law Ballad, which is mostly about a kind-hearted female Desk Sergeant who runs a meticulously clean police station.

Intent on changing Kimi and Etsu retrace their entrance route, Maiko style back though the kitchen. Meanwhile Craig and Peta ask to join Sergeant Betty, her daughter and the Magistrate. When seated Craig and Peta exchange question for answer about their singing, particularly the music and lyrics they work on together. It was pleasing to hear the trio at the table enjoyed their afternoon.

During a conversation break Peta takes the opportunity to ask the daughter about her dealings negotiating publication of the story already produced about Kimi. Basically she's interested in whether the daughter received a bonus for having made the national and International press with her photography. She didn't. The girl was happy with her first ever payment, a whole one hundred dollars but a little disappointed the editor had on-sold the images and article while playing down the actual journalist information in favour of pushing the newspaper and Editor where the article first appeared.

This led Peta to ask when the interview of P. P. Peat was expected to front the public.

The girl looked down, seemed embarrassed and went on to explain the Editor is planning to rewrite the article under his own name. "Claims I've only done some voluntary research work and I didn't come close to finding the real story. He intends to be at tomorrow mornings, Friends of the Bay Group gathering. Plans to use your presence as the basis of a human-interest exposé. Didn't say anymore but I could see his computer screen was layered with archive newspaper articles and a heading, Gangster Style Business Tactics. Plus Suspicious Deaths, Prescott Property." The girl looked at her mother, kind of blinked. "That's all I could read. I'm sorry." She lifted her voice after a short moment. "He claims your content agreement isn't valid because you'll be speaking publicly and he has a right to report news, however he choses, with impunity."

Peta's eyes expanded. "All thing being equal he's probably correct except he's yet to take on my manager who has already insisting the Friends of the Bay Group must not have or include any media representation during my talk. Nor may anyone report to the media about the content of my presentation. All parties have agreed to those terms." Peta looked at all three locals before adding. "I'm guessing P. P. Peat just become otherwise indisposed tomorrow morning. Doubt she'll make the Friends of the Bay Group gathering. I'll have my manager let them know for sure as soon as possible." She looked at the girl. "However firstly we'll make inquiries about publication dates for your article with this editor guy and encourage him to reveal any new plans. We'll keep you out of this and find you a better publishing outlet." She nodded toward the firm expression on the Magistrates face. "The plot thickens. Seems in all likelihood we'll be swinging some work your way."

## Chapter 23

"Mum! Quick. Need you to help me hide the chickens."

Femme looked up from the table. She was occupied with a last minute check to satisfy her mind everything was suitable for making the correct impression. This was the first time Jamie had ever invited guests home anywhere or asked her for help. He seemed very keen to leave a satisfying impact, worth an effort on her part.

Femme looked at her excitable son. He seemed rather flustered so she decided not to remind him about running up the stairs and yelling before thinking, even though today would be a good day to remind him. "Jay. What's the matter now?"

"No time to explain we need to hide the chickens."

"Hiding chickens is hard work. I have to know why."

"Jamie's arrived. He's got Colonel Sanders with him." Jay pointed, "Quick they're already walking this way."

Femme looked. Would have been easy to laugh were it not for Jay's seriousness. The man Jay pointed towards had a happy face, white hair, a moustache and goatee beard. He wore a white suit, shoes and hat with a black western bowtie. Even carried a cane, which didn't appear needed. What to do? Femme pondered. She couldn't really remember whether Colonel Sanders wore a hat, thought not. "I don't think that's Colonel Sanders. Colonel Sanders is shorter and carries more weight. Plus this man is wearing a Professor's hat. Jamie said his name is Professor Kelley and the lady is Professor Chancellor. In my experience Professors are always friendly with chickens." Femme smiled, parenting had turned her into an accomplished liar. "Besides he looks slow on his feet. If he is after the chickens we'll open the gate first and give the chickens time to run across to Uncle Bob's so they can hide under his bed. Your chickens can run really fast. He won't keep up."

Jay nodded. "I'll keep watch, make sure he doesn't sneak up behind the chickens with a net."

Femme had a brain wave. Better to keep Jay's focus here and tidy than have him obsess over the unimaginable. "Why don't you go up to your room and fetch your vorpal sword. Store it near the chicken house. If the chickens call for help you'll be able to cut the net, effect their escape so they can rush over to Uncle Bob's bedroom.

Jay seemed brightened by this new idea. He nodded and ran inside, let the screen door slam in his haste.

"Then there will be time to meet Jamie's guests here on the verandah and discover whether they're retired University Professors or disguised chicken nappers." Femme's final words were waisted. She knew Jay couldn't pursue something and listen."

Within twenty minutes the introductions were complete and all were seated on the deck with discussion flowing every which way. Profession Kelley was discussing vorpal swords, Jabberwocks and the detail of Jay being sent home from school again for swearing. Jay thought Grandma Sissy would take him for an ice cream but she refused to reward bad behaviour.

Sissy discovered a lot of common ground worth discussing with Professor Chancellor. Both having been accomplished surgeons back when it was a rare calling for females. The Professor was equally captured to discover Sissy had given up her medical career to become a Nun and couldn't let go of the notion that Sissy had done so for reasons that didn't involve a religious calling. Sissy merely smiled off the attempts to elicit detail, choosing to quote Peta, "That's all wind in the corn now."

She changed the topic to the Chancellor Building thus allowed Jamie, who had been listening patiently, to enter the conversation. The couple had arranged to leave the building to the University after their deaths. However time was playing against them. Both are in receipt of a generous pension but it isn't enough to maintain the building and grounds into the future. Plus with old age setting in they now long for a smaller more manageable place located with pleasant surroundings and warmer winters. Which is a problem because they both hate the idea of being processed through a pre-planned old age lifestyle development makeover in Florida.

They had all but decided to gift the property to the University building fund, a charity, and initiated discussing to do so. To sell the building for its current value has tax implications that would result in them having less money to live off into the future.

A new recent development came as quite a shock. They discovered quite by accident the University, who have promised to preserve the property, lobbied local government and succeeded in having the historic building status removed in order to speed things through planning when they take ownership. They intend to knock the building down and turn the property into a staff car park. The plans have already been drawn up and with the historical caveat removed approval is a given, all is in waiting. The only remaining obstacle is getting their hands on the deeds. Understandably the couple were a little disappointed and put the property on the market for thirty days to see what may eventuate. Though they made it clear they're under no obligation to sell if a buyer can be found.

Professor Chancellor waved her hands, "After witnessing what went on yesterday with you at the door I'm now wondering whether the real estate agent is set to receive a commission from someone for not finding a suitable new owner."

Jamie nodded, "Well you've found a suitable candidate. Without the need to involve the real estate agent or the University and from what I've just heard maybe we should show you around as quickly as possible. I'm sure we can find an attractive alternatives to the University option while preserving your financial security." Jamie turned to Sissy, "Assuming your plane is gathering dust at Whiteman how long does it take to have your pilots back on deck?"

"Ages. Probably three or four days." Sissy smiled, "I'm guessing you want to borrow the plane to take these folk to see Cottonfield. If that is the case the problem has already been solved. Billie and Pinkie are undertaking a military training flight in my plane today. Basically, within an hour we're setting off for Cottonfield to lunch with Lowery." She looked at Jamie and nodded. "Hilda and Pinkie want to explain your offer of the other day and are hoping Lowery will want to be involved. Helga has chosen to stay here and clean up after us, entertain the naughty Jay and collect Em from school if we're late.

Debe has asked Femme and myself to look over the dower house, see what needs doing and try to come up with ideas for someone suitable to live there; basically to keep Lowery busy." Sissy looked at Professor Chancellor. "I suspect we've found a dower house candidate. Won't say any more, we'll show you. You're also in luck because and main house is currently vacant. You'll see the full package inside and out. I'm assuming you don't need to be home before Jamie is set to fetch Mitty from work."

The Professor nodded agreement. "Last night we hunted through cyberspace for all there is to be found about Cottonfield. Very impressed, we would love the opportunity to see the place with our own eyes and like most retirees have nothing better to do all day. Last night we also tried to learn more about you people. Thought we could solve the mystery and recreate the Page family tree. Didn't really get far but learnt enough to know we're mixing with the right people in relation to securing a future for the gorgeous house we have chosen to care for. Probably should also explain Robin is like a dog with a bone when he gets an idea. He made more progress creating an interlinked corporate flow chart of business ventures you seem to be involved in. His results were quite interesting, gave us our snapshot of the people we're actually dealing with. We even uncovered a few business focus articles disclosing personal wealth. As I said we're very impressed. Robin is just..." She waved her hands and shook her head. Looked straight at Sissy. "He can't believe how generous you and your brother are when it comes to helping disadvantaged children receive a quality education and more. And how much effort you put into remaining away from the limelight. Hope you don't think us too nosey." She put a hand up and as an afterthought added. "We noticed your tourism ventures involve a three sided partnership, one being Isoroku Yamashitsu. Would I be correct in assuming we located Dr Mitty's family as well?"

Sissy nodded, "You would. Jamie and Mitty have been sole mates a long time. It's to your credit you have been able to dig so deep in such a short time. Wealth for it's own sake doesn't mean much to any of us. I trust we can rely on your discretion. The responsibility we carry for what effectively amounts to looking after money that in reality should belong to other people is how we see our role." Sissy took her last sip of coffee. "Perhaps we should make tracks. I'm sure someone here has worked out how to keep us together and locate my aeroplane."

*****

"You look tired." Femme opened the kitchen door for Mitty. She'd heard the plane land and watched Mitty walk the short distance from the hanger alone.

It was already dark. Mitty had pulled a twelve-hour shift and looked as though she hadn't bothered to stop for a break. Femme smiled. "You're also glowing with purpose. Can we assume you achieved something worthwhile today."

Mitty nodded, "I saved a life, revived a child in the waiting room on my own. First day at work can you believe that? A number of patient arrivals were caught in the flow circling the drain, helped them too. I'm tired but feel rather purposeful."

Femme nodded, "That's what emergency Doctors do. You look starved. Sit, we'll start you on something light, warm and filling. You can polish it off before Jamie turns up. He's been eating all day." Femme pulled a chair out and pointed, Mitty sat. While filling a bowl at the stove Femme added. "I'm betting you haven't eaten since leaving here this morning. Though I wouldn't tell anyone about that. You're in enough trouble as it is."

"What have I done?"

"Nothing. You don't need to do anything to be in trouble around here." Femme smiled, placed cutlery and a serving of minestrone soup in front of Mitty. "Eat, I'll update you with what has gone on while you were at work." Femme watched Mitty try the soup and saw approval on her face. "We've been to Cottonfield."

"Jamie told me."

"We took the Kelley's with us."

"Jamie told me. Said they love the dower house, seem willing to swap living arrangements. Said I... we can stay with them in Columbia even as the financial detail is being worked through."

Femme smiled, "Well than he would have also told you Lowery has decided you need looking after."

Mitty spooned more soup then looked up. She seemed comfortable. "I don't need help. This soup is delish. I don't even know who Lowery is. Well I do know, but I don't know her. Jamie didn't mention any of this."

Femme shook her head. "Jamie avoids conflict, he's scared of you. He's even scared of me and obviously he's very scared of Lowery. He's hiding in the aeroplane hanger because he knows Lowery came back with us to look after you. What he doesn't know, Lowery is currently occupied checking on Hilda and Pinkie and no doubt issuing instructions." Femme smiled, "It goes without saying, Hilda and Pinkie are scared of Lowery. I'm scared of Lowery. As soon as Lowery appears here you'll be scared of Lowery. Lowery is Lowery, if you need looking after that's what will happen. I hope you like southern cooked chicken and being told what to do."

"I've already told quite a few people, I don't need help. In the past I've let people look after me and it hasn't turned out so well."

"I wouldn't waist breath telling me. You'll need all your strength explaining this to Lowery." Femme grinned, "If you're seriously planning to oppose Lowery I'd advise a strategy discussing with Peta rather quickly. Peta is the only person on Earth, as far as I know, who can successfully negotiate a compromise with Lowery."

"You make this Lowery sound like a monster."

"Some would think so but the truth is she's very gentle. You will be better off in Lowery's care. You'll be free to focus on work and everything else will just happen. With time everyone who knows you will be jealous even though the transition period could prove rather tense for you."

"I don't understand."

"I know you don't." Femme looked decidedly amused. "You'll never understand. It's not possible to understand unless you watch people and make up stories like Peta does. You're confused so I'll explain. I suspect you don't care what you eat tonight, just about anything will do. I suspect you don't care about the underwear you wear to work tomorrow, anything clean, within reason, will do. And so on. Lowery will care like heck about all this and everything else because she's looking after you. The solution to remaining sane is to remember Lowery cares but you don't. This way you'll both get what you want, you'll both be happy and as it turns out you'll both be satisfied. Am I making sense?"

"I think so." Mitty screwed her face. "Not really. Why do I need looking after?"

"I don't know. Not sure whether Lowery would actually know. It's one of those things. Peta would probably know but that doesn't help because no one understands Peta. From my point of view, Lowery looking after you keeps my kitchen free of chaos. That's all I need to know."

Mitty made eye contact with Femme. "I think everyone in this family could be insane. If I finish my soup, which is exactly what I needed tonight," Mitty smiled, "Even though I didn't know. I could rush up stairs have a shower, go to bed and avoid Lowery, which would be easy because I'm just about exhausted. Plus in the morning I'd be at work before everyone stirs. Jamie has already told me you have a big day tomorrow. Your mothers are turning up. You'll all be lunching together at the Chancellor building, which is close to where I work but not close enough for Lowery to find me. By tomorrow night Lowery will be too busy doing something else and I'll get on with muddling along however I choose."

Femme bowed her head, "You do that. We'll see. This could prove very interesting to observe."

*****

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Take a seat. I'm Clayton Fixture how may I help?"

Phillip moved further into the room, allowed Hammer to take the chair offered and sat to one side, further from the door. The man who spoke seemed confused. Didn't know who to speak to.

Phillip noticed and took his time. Eventually he opened his briefcase pulled out a folder and browsed the content. He spoke while looking into the folder. "I'm sure you've read your appointment diary so you'll know who I am and what I'm about. Otherwise we wouldn't be sitting here nor would you have kept us waiting." Phillip looked up, made eye contact. "I'll refresh your memory; I'm Phillip Ho here representing the interests of my client, P. P. Peat. My business here today is to introduce myself, arrange collection of her yet to be paid royalties and listen to any words you may have that could impact my client's career."

Phillip held out a copy of his management agreement with Peta, expecting the man to take it. He didn't so Phillip reached forward, spun it and dropped it on the desk in front of his eyes the correct way up.

Clayton Fixture tried to play cool resisted the urge to look down. Started to speak, sounded defensive, "We have our own contract so we'll see you in court. Your trumped up little drug taking, story stealing pen pusher won't see one cent of earning until we decide she's ready. Whatever percentage you expect to receive will apply to net earning of nothing. This is our town. We use our own rules. We'll wear you down like all the rest."

Phillip rolled his eyes, "We've already been to court several times. You didn't show. Seems everyone in this town knows all about you and yours. The judge ruled against you."

"What?" Clayton seemed flustered his face went red. "This is the first I've heard of this."

Phillip's smile must have appeared irritating, it showed on Fixture's face, "Well as you've already pointed out I'm new in town and you're not. Means I need to feel my way and you don't. I've just now discovered you neglected to change your corporate address from along the hall where all my documents were served. They were all accepted and signed for yet your team didn't show in court. Mine did. Understandably the Judge ruled against you." Phillip raised his voice spoke firmer, "Everything this company owns is in your name except for the Massachusetts estate." Phillip watched the man swallow. "A lien was issued on that estate six days ago. I enacted that lien this morning as manager of P. P. Peat's affairs. We now own that property in lieu. However should you care to transfer P. P. Peat's earning, in full, right now I'll allow you to stay in the property until you manage to transfer ownership back under your control at your expense? We're finished here we'll wait in reception while you do what you should have done ages ago?" Phillip raised his eyebrows and pointed a finger. My people... Hammer's people are in place to serve, initiate ownership and force the vacating of that property. In ten minutes he will make the call."

Clayton Fixture lost his cool, almost yelled, "You have no idea. Pulling a stunt like this on us, you'll both end up in a ditch.

Phillip nodded looked at Hammer "What do you think? Wonder who he means by us? You scared?

Hammer shook his head. "Who knows? Could be delusional. Seen it before. Financial troubles moves into a high-rise office with opening windows. Keeps the key sitting over there on the window ledge." Hammer pointed. "Probably been planing to jump for ages. Hears bad news the day before his son's garden wedding. Feels like a failure. Can't face the wife so he opens the windows and tries to fly. Only achievement left in this life is to make a dent in a limousine out of spite." Hammer nodded. "All wind in the corn, isn't it?"

Clayton Fixture's eyes grew as wide as Hammer's smile. He pressed the security button on the end of his desk.

"Won't work. You're all alone. Hammer and your security man served in the gulf together. Basically my man found your man a better job. He's outside my new place in Massachusetts, with a few colleagues, waiting for Hammer to call." Phillip frowned, "Because of your failure to appear in court the amount you need to transfer was calculated and ratified from gross figures. Six hundred and ninety one thousand, seven hundred and twenty nine dollars plus thirty-five cents is payable to P. P. Peat. Additionally there will be one hundred thousand each in costs for the two of us. If you're short of cash, no bother. Personally I'd prefer take the house. We'll also acquire all those nice furnishings because legally you were given plenty of warning. The Judge agrees you failed to act in a timely manner."

*****

"Well I never. My beautiful grandchild has returned from a litany of lost causes." Lowery pulled Peta in a hug as the girl opened the rear door of Femme's kitchen. Peta didn't have time to drop her overnight bag, adjust the Shimasen on her back or move into the room. Hugging took place while Peta was still on the stairs, meant being closer to same height.

Lowery pulled back and checked Peta from head to toe. "You young people are all the same. Sneaking in here to steal food and rush back out again. Now you've been caught I'll cook you something filling. Look like you need it."

Lowery turned intending to walk behind the kitchen centre bench where Femme was already at work.

Femme put out a finger and spoke harshly, "No you will not. Lowery, take your guests inside or outside and don't come back in here until I've managed to clear the property of workers and school children. Only then will we make time to tend to anyone else."

Lowery screwed her face, looked at Peta and laughingly said, "Another Nazi. Bring your friends through to the parlour. Shouldn't be long before Miss Femme has a break down. Then we'll take over."

Lowery watched Daphne and Etso parade through the door. When Kimi stepped inside she pounced. Put a finger out. "Caught you. Knew you couldn't hide for long. Suppose they sacked you at work for looking sickly and now you're back here, tail between your legs ready to cry. No bother. I'll have colour back in those cheeks, no time."

Kimi shook her head. "What?" She'd never met Lowery but knew of her from Peta's descriptions. "I don't know who you think I am. My name is Kimi and I like my cheeks this colour."

"You can't fool me young Lady. I've been round the block quite a few times. You're Miss Mit-funny name. I've seen photos. Knew you'd tell lies. All young people do, especially girls with narrow eyes. Told me you were stubborn too. Won't help. I'll straighten you out quick smart."

Peta stopped laughing. "Grandma it's true. Her name is Kimi she looks like Mitty because Kimi is Mitty's younger sister." Peta made eye contact with Femme, who looked just about ready to explode. "Let's go through to the parlour and work this out in there. We'll even help you devise a plan to corner Mitty. Should be easy, she'll want to see her sister so we'll use Kimi as bait, set a trap."

Lowery nodded and followed the girls. As she disappeared from view said, "Well at least you two must have the same father. Most siblings these days don't."

Femme closed the lounge room door behind them, went straight to the walk in pantry. "You can come out now. That was very close." She handed Mitty a lunch box and travel mug, "Jamie should be back soon with the second round of freeloaders and from what I've heard things will get worse next load. If I were you I'd say nothing to anyone just get in the plane. Go with him to pick up the last load. There will only be two passengers, which will probably be Matthew and Mumma. Then Jamie will be free to fly you straight to work and you've got something to eat on the way."

Peta cleared her throat. She whispered, "Well. Hello Mitty. You look great." She walked closer and focused on Femme. "What's going on? No don't answer. We were sent on the first wave to warn you Fiona came on the plane with us. But it sounds like you already know." Peta grinned. "She's in a delicate way and can't cope. Got it in her mind the only survivable place on earth is your studio. Intends to stay in there, painting and being massaged until everything and everyone is feeling better or hell freezes over."

Femme put both hands on her head. "God. Give me strength. What's actually the matter with her?"

"Hormone imbalance, she's pregnant?" Peta turned to Mitty. "I can hear your plane ride approaching. I'll take you out there myself. Don't hold Jamie up but I want you to ask him to buy the four of us a pregnancy outfit so we can all look pregnant too."

Mitty shook her head, looked puzzled.

"Jamie will know what I'm talking about. He recently asked for my help and I didn't know but I did start a search on the Internet and helped until he found enough to discover what he wanted. Tell him Etsu, Kimi, Daf and I need one set each really quickly. Come, we need to be there when the plane stops. I'll distract everyone while you jump in and tell Jamie to go." Peta smiled, "Lowery will still catch you but this way you'll manage to avoid her at least until you get home tonight." Peta pulled at Mitty's hand. "Don't try to explain. I'll ask Lowery why she has you in her sights and try to steer her attention towards looking after Fiona. Save both you and Femme, unless you want to be looked after." Peta shrugged, "Come on. Time to go."

Jamie pushed the throttle forward and rolled. The moment he stopped looking at instruments and runway he said, "You're early. I've got to come back with two more passengers. Can I have a sip of coffee please?"

"It's herbal tea and it tastes awful. Jamie I've just been standing in a kitchen cupboard to hide from a member of your crazy family, or circle of friends... a fellow lunatic. I couldn't even smile at my sister, let alone ask why on earth she's turned up at this particular asylum. All I know is Peta wants you to acquire four pregnancy outfits so she, my sister, her girl friend Etsu and Daphne can all pretend they're pregnant to tease our old school mistress, Miss Goodchild." Mitty lightly punched him on the arm. "Take me to work so I can relax. The sick and needy make more sense than anyone round here."

"I guess that means you'd prefer I not try to have morning tea with you."

"God Jamie. No." She shook her head, "On your own maybe, or perhaps bring Kimi. Only Kimi. If Lowery manages to follow I will harm all of you." Mitty smiled, calmed and spoke softly. "Seems silly; you'll need to wait in the canteen, probably from nine to ten thirty and if we're busy I may not have time to see you at all."

"You're beautiful when fired up. We'll see. If they'll let me I'll sit in your canteen, drink coffee and get some work done." He smiled and bit his lip. "Make more sense than trying to work here. And I'm going to purchase a pregnancy outfit for every local female we know, including you.

"Christ Jamie. A pregnancy outfit is the last thing I need. You're as mad as the rest of your stupid family."

"Don't be too fast jumping to conclusions. We've known all along the answer is forty-two. Now we haven't got a problem at all because we've just discovered what the question was. My sister is pure genius."

"Jamie. Take me to work and while you're in the canteen purchasing pregnancy outfits buy me a vorpal sword please."

## Chapter 24

Charlene Lainey sat in a restaurant lounge, within Pentagon City's Fashion Centre, waiting for Eleanor Satler to arrive. At school the two were inseparable but that was twenty years ago and a lot had happened to change both of them since college. Charlene studied law at Harvard. Eleanor could have done the same but she only ever wanted one career, the Marine Corp.

Two days ago out of frustration Charlene had a brainwave and organised this trip. A face to face, with her old friend and it wasn't just social. Could even open painful memories. She hoped above hope her friend would understand.

Charlene stood and walked toward the door where Eleanor had just appeared and was obviously adjusting her eyes to the lack of light. "Look at you." Charlene held her friend in greeting and couldn't help noticing how fit she looked and felt, "My girl in Uniform. What rank are you now."

"You Lawyers are all the same. You know quiet well I'm a Lieutenant Colonel, even used the title on my secretary while making this appointment."

"Appointment? It's a casual get together for old time sake."

"Sure it is. In that case you can buy me a drink, shout me dinner and tell me how much money you earn nowadays." She smiled, used a cautionary finger, "I know you Charlene. You've already researched how much a Marine Lieutenant Colonel is paid."

"Lets forget all the boys you dreamed about and I dated. Be civil." Charlene ordered drinks at the bar. While walking to their table she said. "How old is your son?"

"Twelve, but he thinks he's much older than I am. Wants me to wear longer shorts to ball practise so the other boy and their fathers won't talk about my legs. Plus he'd like me to pitch slower and flop more in my wind-up, like other mothers who try to pitch ball always seem to manage." Eleanor smiled. "He's the love on my life. How about you? Ever think of re-marrying?"

Charlene shook her head and answered slowly. "No. Never. I have a male cat. Least ways he used to be a male cat. Don't think he likes me much but we share the same apartment. Give each other space." She looked at her fingernails a moment. "Bit like my marriage was. If he hadn't run away with his secretary I'd have killed him by now."

Charlene looked up saw the hurt her statement had caused. She put out a hand touched her friend's arm. "Sorry I... still as tactless as ever. Aren't I?"

"It's okay. I should be used to being alone by now but the truth is I'll never get over not having my John." She smiled, "Lets change the topic."

Charlene looked down then raised her head. "I'll tell you why I'm here. It's a bit cruel. We'll get it out of the way and if you're still talking to me I'll spend some lawyer money getting us both drunk." Again she touched her friend's arm. "Ellie I'm working on a high profile deceased estate, trying to locate a descendant. Basically I need to find them or establish what happened and I don't even know for sure they ever existed."

Eleanor grinned. "That's easy. If it involves a lot of money it's me."

"Ellie I wish it were that simple. I've got names, same photographic evidence and DNA from both parents. I'm looking for a child who would now be a young adult and obviously when... if I find this person I can easily prove who they are." Charlene looked up. "Ellie the mother vanished. It's thought the child was probably born in the USA but I can't find anything to prove this. Best guess as to where they went is Tani, Afghanistan." She waved her hands, "And I'm here to see if you'll help me."

Eleanor blew out a breath, didn't look as upset as Charlene would have thought. She looked professional and spoke the same. "Is that all you know?"

Charlene dug in her briefcase and pulled out a book titled, 'Simple Pleasures' by Zahir Sahar. She opened the book to where old photos were on display, most of which related to Tani where Zahir had been the schoolmaster. Though he'd also been wrongly identified as a terrorist named Majeed Azizi and shipped off to Guantanamo Bay.

Charlene pointed at the clearest photo. There were two men, two women and two girl children. All seemed happy and healthy. The label under the photo simply said, 'the gang'. "I'm sure that woman is the mother. How do I contact this Zahir Sahar, or whatever his real name is?"

Eleanor studied the photo and looked at each of the other images as well. "Have you talked to the publisher?"

"Eleanor. Don't be such a... Don't make me say it. She retrieved the book, flicked the pages to another mark and commenced reading. "The killing spree continued for days. On the 15th of March Majeed Azizi raised his gun yet again, his intended victim this time, Farida's daughter. Farida was to witness the cruel death before she too would suffer the same fate. Yet as the gun approached it's victim Majeed's head silently exploded to render him yet another, much more deserving, Tani victim. --- Within seconds two US military vehicles arrived and the soldiers took control. I didn't know it at the time but the man in charge that day was First Lieutenant John Satler. He saved us all. Farida's small family were taken away. No one in Tani would discover what happened to them."

Charlene looked deeply into her friend's eyes. "Do you want me to go on?" She nodded and waited, watched Eleanor sit in silence before continuing to speak. "I now realise I saw you and the author Zahir Sahar at the trial, he's in the photo. You introduced me to him at lunch and I'm sure you also introduced me to the woman I'm trying to locate." She found and pointed at the image in the book. "That woman. She was witness X and he was witness Y. It was their evidence that got those two..." she shook her head. "Scum convicted and executed." Charlene pushed on. "You know quite well who Zahir Sahar really is. When that book first came out I thought you wrote it under the pen name Zahir Sahar. I now know better. We both know his identity and location are military secrets." She banged the table lightly. "And I'll bet Farida Chan is also still being protected and probably living at the same location. That's what 'the gang' is. Isn't it?" She lowered her tone. "Eleanor. I only want to talk. Find out if there is still a child and check they are who they say they are. I need to do this in person so we have a chain of evidence. By holding out you're depriving the child of millions of dollars. Money I'm sure they can put to good use. We're talking about the Stehlen estate and all we need do is prove that child's father really is Heinrich Stehlen. Please don't quote me." She looked at her calm, silent, stone-faced friend and changed the topic. "You took your training seriously. You really are a hardnosed marine. Lets change the topic before I take a swing at you and get bashed to a pulp. Want another drink?"

"Yes. Make it a large double but before you fetch it listen carefully. I need to take advice about a few things you said. And I may come back to you with an offer to see something of the world for a week, a holiday, you and myself with my son? I'm assuming you can get a cat sit at short notice. And don't even think about billing me or the military for your time." Eleanor reached over and squizzed Charlene's arm. "I'll give you a tip, might help cut some red tape, straighten out a few corners and circumvent the military machine without even trying to upset anyone."

Eleanor looked at the table between them and spoke rather softly without making eye contact. "There's a rather focused out of town lawyer in New York at the moment. He just negotiated a settlement between the author P. P. Peat and her publishing agent Clayton Fixture. Got P. P. Peat her money with spades and as it happens it was very good timing because Clayton Fixture also made the newspapers by jumping from his office window rather than face chapter eleven proceedings. The Lawyer's name is Phillip Ho. I have it on good authority that Sahar and Peat know each other very well. They even use the same lawyer. Mr Ho is currently travelling with a business partner who goes by the name of Hammer. You want to talk with them both together. Between them I'm sure they can help you piece your puzzle together. Just layout the facts; you're wanting to locate the author Zahir Sahar to ask if he knows the whereabouts of Farida Chan who may have a child. Show them the photo in the book."

Eleanor looked up made eye contact and raised her eyebrows, "I shouldn't but I'm going to give you another tip. The daughter's name is Najwa. I've actually met her. She's a gorgeous, intelligent, ambitious young lady. She's currently attending a low key regional University. If you take a very close look at the photo in that book you'll notice something to make Najwa very easy to identify. She lost a leg years ago in Afghanistan and received treatment here in Washington. The US military have her DNA on file. I'll take advice on that. See whether you can be provided with access to her file. When you meet with Mr Ho and Hammer it may make sense to forget everything I'm telling you if only because the other man in the photo, Basir, is the person everyone believes to be Najwa's father. So you might want to listen carefully to what Mr Ho and Hammer ask of you and see where the approach leads."

"Make sure you explain you need Najwa to establish DNA proof she is a lineal Stehlen descendant, specifically the daughter of Heinrich Stehlen, and with that proof provided Najwa will automatically become the beneficiary and only natural legitimate heir of the whole Stehlen estate. You should probably identify who the Stehlen's were and explain what happened to them. I'm sure Mr Ho will want dates to construct a time-line of possibilities. Could also make sense if you mention how the recently departed Isaac Stehlen and the elusive Eithan, who pretends to be Isaacs nephew, are not financially connected to the Stehlen Trust, the Stehlen family who established the trust or the Stehlen estate." Eleanor smiled. "If you quote me or try to approach these people without prior arrangement I'll have Hammer deal with you. And I'll throw in something even Zahir doesn't know just to give you an idea of the kind of company you're keeping. Zahir states in the book his release from Guantanamo Bay came about because Kaiser remembered Farida's face being in the lens when Majeed Azizi was shot and thus Farida became a proven independent witness to verify Zahir couldn't be Majeed." Eleanor opened both hands. "That's not strictly correct. Kaiser was on the snipper team when Azizi came to grief. He was spotting, which means he was studying the bigger picture. The shooter was Hammer. It was Hammer who recognised both Farida and Najwa when they crossed paths a second time, again by accident and in a completely different location. At the second location Hammer was again helping a lady and child solve problems with their living arrangements. Those people were, Anahita and Maliha. Look again at the picture and count how many people I've just now mentioned. That's what 'the gang' is and they do all still live together, in peace and complete safety. We'd like the arrangement to stay that way."

"On the second Hammer excursion they provided transport for that Saunders terrorist, who also stood trial and was executed. So you see Hammer gets around; some say he was the last person to talk to Uncle Isaac's Eithan before Eithan disappeared yet again and this time is believed to have entered the twilight zone. Plus its known he met with Clayton Fixture just before Clayton stepped from his office window." Eleanor rolled her tongue, pointed a finger and smugly smiled. "Don't mess with Hammer or any of his friends. Though on the other hand if you need help locating anyone he's one hell of a private investigator." She paused then rather forcefully nodded, paused again and spoke normally. "It's time to see your money. I've earned my drinks. Now we should relax while you tell me all about your cat?"

*****

"Have you been to the canteen?" The speaker was a Trauma Nurse. She'd just returned from break. Had been away quite awhile. She followed the doctor's finger and immediately took to cleaning and preparing a laceration high on the patients left arm that wasn't particularly serious but would require sutures. As she settled into her task she'd spoken to Mitty who was on the other side of the examination table closing a rather deep gash in the patient's upper leg.

Mitty didn't get a chance to answer. The Doctor, who was applying staples to the patient's head spoke for her. His English was understandable though the distinctive Japanese accent interfered with the clarity of what he said. He focused his words toward the silent, somewhat subdued, patient who would look much tougher in a different surrounding. "We've been busy removing surplus tree from this temporary American," He made a distinctly Japanese cackle before adding. "And he should have had the sense to wear a helmet or ride a Japanese motorbike. In Japan Motorcycles are designed to go around people's hedges not through them." He applied another staple. "What's in the canteen aside from lukewarm, artery clogging, carnivore food?"

The nurse rolled her eyes. "There's a group of Japanese banjo musicians up there entertaining everyone. They're rather clever. Every now and then one stops playing to draw holes... obstacles on the floor that look so real she's got everyone walking around them." The nurse looked up and smiled. "They're playing both mahjong and American music. Everything they play is distinctive and catchy; the national anthem, happy birthday, tunes like that." She shrugged, "Someone said your boyfriend arranged everything. He's up there sitting at a table with some people. Well they said he's your boyfriend. He looks perfectly normal and rather handsome. Someone said he's rich too. Three out of three, lucky you."

Mitty looked up. "If I go up there and find him with a group of people he'll be in here shortly, you'll be in with a chance to patch him up. I warned him I'd chuck a wobbly if he brought those people here."

The Doctor spoke, "Got an idea what mahjong music could be. Do I want to know how to tell if a banjo comes from Japan or are we talking about banjo players from Japan? I'm guessing Japanese players would be easier to identify."

Mitty continued stitching the wound, yet answered the questions that were probably meant for the nurse, "Both. She means shamisens, and two of the musicians are Japanese. That would be my sister and her artist, muso friend. The third mistral will be a tall European, the sister of my soon to be injured boyfriend." She smiled, "They usually come with a fourth rather handsome, token male, band member but he's out west somewhere making preparations for their next gig and he's as poor as the rest of them. They turned up this morning looking for food and shelter as I was leaving for work." Mitty thought a moment and spoke to the nurse. "Are they dressed in Japanese clothes?"

The nurse didn't look up. "Jeans and tee-shirts."

Mitty glanced at the Doctor, "If we can clear these patients before anymore arrive and you allow us to have break together I'll introduce you to my sister and some of the craziest people you'll ever meet; my boy friend's relatives. Though my sister is pretty crazy too. Their music may make you homesick. Shame they haven't dressed formally, that would make you very homesick. My sister is a lot more Japanese than I am. Looks absolutely gorgeous in costume. She's a Maiko."

"Jamie. This is Doctor Sato."

Jamie looked up from his sketchpad and computer screen, smiled at Mitty and nodded across the table at the Doctor. He tidied his notes and saved a few computer files before getting to his feet. "You guys sit down and relax. I'll stretch my legs and get your poison. What would you like?"

Mitty spoke first. "Orange juice and a chocolate bar for me please." She looked at the Doctor "And Dr Sato wants two single shot plastic American espresso imitations and nothing to eat." Mitty waited for Dr Sato to nod before adding "Please. Where did you hide your guests? I know they're here, word filtered down stairs about the canteen being full of mahjong music and you holding court at this table."

"Professor Chancellor and Sissy have taken the trio on a tour of the wards. I'll get the snacks then tell you about the complications surrounding your new house."

Re-seated Jamie distributed the drinks and continued, "The house. Debe loves the house but knows it's not suitable to become one of their guesthouses. She wishes the house was located somewhere else. Doesn't like the sirens, helicopters, road traffic, streetlights and pedestrians swarming past every side of the place. Nor does she like that Columbia isn't a must do destination, like New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong or Paris. Plus it isn't close to an international airport for transiting people. Debe also feels the house and more particularly the grounds need cleansing of spirits. Said she'll talk to the chief, arrange a visit to get his input." Jamie shrugged, "Margery, Feme's Mum from Kentucky, loves it and wants to buy it. But she's not sure her John will want to live here. Sissy thinks she should buy the property so she has her own address. But she doesn't think she'll actually live here much either. Sissy thinks my Mum and everyone else, us included, might like to stay here as her guests. All this talk worries Mrs Chancellor because it sounds like we're not going to stay around much or for very long. Meaning we'll probably change our mind and flip the place in the not too distant future. That same argument applies to us when you qualify." Jamie expanded his eyes. "Which brings us to Fiona. She has to have the place. She needs the place today, mostly because it has a perfect studio, which is much better than at Femme's place. I should add Femme told Fiona she was thinking to sell the church house to buy a better place with a larger studio just to get Fiona out of her studio and come with them today." Jamie smiled. "Fiona needs the Chancellor Building to help her rest. She also needs Femme, Lowery and Margery to be here twenty-four seven to care for her needs. Those same people are over at the Chancellor building right now trying to do just that and Professor Chancellor encouraged Sissy, Kimi, Etso and Peta to come down here to tour the wards because the hospital patients will appreciate the distraction and she can't stand any more of Fiona. Professor Chancellor thinks Fiona could be the craziest person she's ever laid eyes on; can't believe Chelsea could possibly be responsible for producing Fiona. Plus the Professor is now also worried about living at Cottonfield in the Dower House with Chelsea as a neighbour, if only because Fiona may visit from time to time." Jamie shook his head and laughed. "To all this I should add Fiona is resting on Professor Chancellor's bed, which will be perfect the moment she, Fiona, has the strength to brighten the room up with the correct colour scheme and the furniture definitely needs re-arranging. Fiona is only in the Professors bed because no one has yet had the sense to place a Paresser Chaise, with a left bias, to rest on in her studio. But that oversight will be corrected the moment Phillip arrives."

Jamie looked at Dr Sato. "Sorry about our dramas. How's your coffee?"

The Dr nodded and smiled. "All's good." He grinned. "Go on. Your drama is much more original than one finds on American TV."

Jamie did continue. "Phillip is on his way here from New York. Seems in something of a huff and needs to meet with just about everyone. He has Hammer with him so the mind boggles trying to workout what he's been doing. We spoke briefly about the problems here and I raised the idea of the two of us sharing ownership of the Chancellor building while I rack my brain for ideas to help the Professor feel more comfortable in the long term, leaving her gorgeous house in our custodianship. Anyway Phillip has a few ideas, which he wants to talk about face to face. Probably just as well because all I can think of is finding the perfect studio for Fiona on some remote island off the coast of Iceland." He grinned, "And I did find time to order the pregnancy outfits. I've even talked Friday and Daf into flying across to England and back tonight to pick them up. That's why they didn't come over here. They're both using the time alone at Femme's to get some rest."

Mitty shook her head. "You're flying to England to buy pregnancy outfits?" She looked at Dr Sato. "Told you his family are all crazy." Then focused at Jamie. "Did you find me a vorpal sword?"

Jamie raised one hand, "Kind of, but it looked too real. It's very sharp and made of steel so I didn't buy it. Thought you might be tempted use it on someone. I ordered a rubber hammer instead."

"I don't want a useless hammer. I want a vorpal sword like Jay's."

"We'd best talk with Billie. She and Jay built his vorpal sword, in the workshop, together."

"I've been wondering about Billie. Why don't Em and Jay have a fancy bedroom like Billie built for me? Where's the workshop? They might let me built my own vorpal sword. I'm not useless you know."

"I know and you're pretty with it. With your looks and brains I'm predicting you'll go far. The workshop is in the basement and it's well equipped. The basement even has tunnels linking to all the buildings on the property through which Jay's teleport blaster train travels, great fun and practical in the snow and rain. The basement would prove very entertaining for visiting Doctors who aren't useless and want to construct a vorpal sword. Femme thinks the kids should wait until they can plan their own rooms and help with the building of same."

"I'm glad Billie hasn't grown up. We'll talk with her tonight."

Jamie smiled, blow her a kiss, "Anyway we did have one big success. Peta convinced Lowery you only require the basics. The full service will need to be focused upon Fiona. Which probably means you and Fiona will be living together, but it's a large house. Lowery has welcomed the challenge of squaring Fiona and will fit you in for basic routine care as long you measure up and be sensible about it."

"Exactly what does basic routine care entail?"

"Peta made some suggestions, which Lowery thought were sensible. Each day's clothes would be put out but it wouldn't be necessary to ensure you actually put them on. Room tidied daily. Sensible meals made available for you to choose from. You'd be driven to and from work in Lowery's golf cart. And she'd deliver a proper morning tea and lunch for you on work days."

"Jamie. I'll be living two hundred yards from work. I'll look after myself."

Jamie waved his hands. "You've missed the point. I think Peta is a lot smarter than most at people management. Lowery loves driving her golf cart. She loves driving the kids to school. She'll miss that up here. Peta suggested we get her a four seater and find an excuse to keep taking things down to you. Seems an easy trade off to me."

Mitty banged her hands on both sides of her head and pointed a finger. She looked ready to speak but didn't. Eventually she said, "I think Peta is correct and we need to go back to work." She stood, kissed his cheek and smiled. "I'll phone Lowery when it's time for you to collect me. Be good practise for everyone."

*****

"Mum it's surreal. We don't deserve any of this. I'm beginning to believe it's true but nothing makes sense. How on earth can we go through life pretending to be what we're not meant to be?"

Farida looked at her daughter for some time absorbing the strained expression Najwa displayed with her statement. She knew what the words meant and even agreed. Najwa didn't have a pretentious bone in her body. "Can you think of anyone who does deserve it?"

Najwa pulled her lips tights, thought a moment and said, "I can give you a list of people who think they deserve it. Peta has always called them snots and it's good description. At school I couldn't see what she saw but now, at University, I can spot a snot a mile off. Can't stand them. Much better for the rest of us that they don't really have a lot of money because they'd rub misfortune in everyone's face."

"You just answered your own question. You were given this opportunity to make sure someone less deserving doesn't get hold of the hurtful influences money often generates. With you in charge no one is going to be cruel. Which is also exactly what Debe told you yesterday morning."

"Mum you watched the ladies in Paris call me Miss Chan and chuck a curtsy whenever I opened my mouth. Doing everything, making our coffee, serving, placing a napkin... Mum I can't scratch myself, they'd try to do it for me." Najwa grinned, "But didn't they have gorgeous accents, so romantic, so polite. Think I'd love to be able to speak French. Where did you learn?"

"At school and I'd forgotten until this morning. You did well, better than I did. You got them to smile and relax. We both noticed the lady's expression when you told her she makes perfect coffee. That was kind, she'll remember and tell everyone who matters." Farida spoke faster. "Anyway you're always telling me you love having a café coffee. Even tell me you're happy keeping someone in a job."

"True, I pay them to make me a coffee. That's what it's about. Plus the small addition that they make much better coffee than I can."

"You're paying the wages of those people in Paris. So it's the same thing. Except perhaps, you went to an exclusive, very fancy, coffee shop where the proprietor has reserved a permanent balcony corner table for you. Now that you've visited and they've had a chance to measure you, they're no longer worried about this new employer or their immediate employment. I suspect they're looking forward to working for you. Which means their job is now more than just a wage because they like their new boss. You did all that on your own. Proved you're not another snot just by smiling and dropping timely compliments. I was proud of you thanking them for their efforts keeping the place so beautiful and clean. And taking the trouble to ask them about their own families." Farida grinned, "As good as it was I'll bet that Paris coffee actually cost you heaps."

Najwa smiled, but the conversation wasn't over. She still felt overwhelmed. "Mum can I ask you something else?" She lowered her head. "Something I probably shouldn't ask."

Farida nodded, then nodded again. She knew what was coming but it needed saying.

"Did you love him?" Najwa put up a hand, made a stop sign. "No don't answer yet, first I need to tell you something." She dropped her hand and blow out a breath. "My father lives at our home on Pituri Downs. He's the best father in the world and the only father I'll ever acknowledge. If someone else was involved mixing the chemicals that bought me to life that doesn't mean a thing. They'll never replace my father. The best label anyone else can hope to achieve is my sperm donor." Najwa made a fist and placed her hand on the table, seemed pleased with what she'd said. Then wondered whether the rant had upset her mother and quickly adding, "And you're the best mother too. You're my only mother and I don't care what you tell me I'll never think of you as some kind of tart. I already know you're not like that." She looked up. Witnessed her Mother holding back tears that were surrounded with an expression of heartfelt, lovingly preserved pride.

Najwa received a hug with a teary thank you.

Took Farida a minute and two tissues to recover. "I did love him. We were friends. I grow to love him. It's weird. Now days I could describe him as being like Matthew but back then I was young. Don't think young men and women can truly be just friends, couldn't when I was your age anyway. We were both at boarding schools and kind of came to know each other by accident. We met occasionally on weekends and such for quite awhile, just a shared drink and talk. At University we saw more of each other. He was a nice boy, kind of shy and sentimental. He wasn't a good reader and I helped him with assignments, mostly by discussing the lessons. That was enough for him to catch on. He was very thoughtful, had a good sense of understanding problems and establishing correct priorities. So we helped each other and without realising it or trying grew rather close, especially so when we commenced postgraduate studies. He started inviting me to their Massachusetts estate on weekends. We'd be there on our own, no family just a few servants. Anyway that's all it takes. And here you are." Farida smiled at her daughter. "I don't regret a thing. Not now."

"What happened?"

"The usual, for families like that, I suppose. We told his parents about you. The mother seemed okay but the father was... wow. I'd met him on occasions but I hadn't really met him at all. Anyway I wasn't good enough for a hundred reasons and his worthless son didn't know his own mind. The father demanded I abort you and I walked out before he finished the next sentence. He was scary. I can still hear him bellowing at me for daring to turn my back on him. Told me I'd be sorry. My Tutor Master realised I was being followed and guessed who was behind it. He arranged for me to complete my masters at another University. After University I got a job, had you and we lived a quiet life for two years until the being followed started again. Then one afternoon when I came to pick you up Mrs Stehlen was there, wanted to talk and seemed rather desperate. I listened, even let her nurse you. She was... gentle and kind of nervous; I always liked her. She wanted to stay in touch and promised not to tell anyone in the family where I was. I asked about Heinrich. She told me he trying very hard to be just like his father. That did it. I felt sorry for her and equally desperate to protect you. A week later we flew home to face my Daddy. All the rest you know."

Najwa cuddled her mother, held her a long time. Eventually she said, "I'm super smart. I choose quality parents. You're the best."

## Chapter 25

"Mum the lady recognised you, didn't she?" Najwa had moved close to her mother and spoke softly. They were playing a game of cat and mouse avoiding the lawyer Charlene Lainey who had taken it upon herself to dominate their needs without bothering to ask what those needs might be. Najwa was all but whispering. "And the lady doesn't like Mrs Lainey at all. Yet she's so discreet and absolutely charming. Mum this is horrible." Najwa shrugged and kind of smiled, "I need to talk with Peta about Mrs Lainey. She's both a snot and a bush pig. Shouldn't be possible."

Thus far Mrs Lainey was threatening to mentor Najwa in all manner of etiquette needs. Seemed to think Najwa needed help learning the correct approach at being worthy of the respect her newly acquired financial status will demand. All was on the block. Mrs Lainey was set to take Najwa in hand and teach her everything. A new wardrobe was urgently needed, one to match the status of her role. People need to identify who she is. The shorts and tee shirt being worn were not a good look. Hiding Najwa's artificial leg hadn't been mentioned specifically, but the lawyer's eyes had lingered long enough to paint her thoughts, imperfections should be hidden from public gaze.

Farida didn't bother to lower her voice even though Mrs Lainey was making yet another approach. She looked at the Lawyer as she spoke. "Yes the lady's name is Adel. She was here when I visited back when... and I think she might well be one of the most genuinely kind souls I've ever met. She must have a reason for being so guarded. I've never seen her like this before. We did manage to exchange a quick eye greeting, which spoke of her feelings." Farida stopped speaking and turned her face to make eye contact with Najwa then said. "Lets go find the kitchen I'd like to meet all the staff. They may like to show us the house to witness first hand the fruit of their labour. They must be very proud of their achievement. We'll probably hear a little down to earth detail of life here and learn some local history as icing. I suspect we'll all enjoy the respite."

Charlene Lainey heard the comment and spoke, "Best if you don't. It's not appropriate to interrupt the staff anymore than it's appropriate for the staff to interrupt you. They'll be busy with chores and quite frankly it isn't wise to allow direct access to your person. Workers need to adhere to the natural chain of command. You'll soon find, with experience, breaches of discipline invite all manner of unpleasant liberty."

Najwa's spoke much louder and assertively than she normal would, "Thank you for your advice Mrs Lainey." She took her mother's arm. "Come Mother shall we go find the staff and establish whether we have the natural finesse to win their confidence and trust on merit alone?"

"Charlene. While the ladies are occupied touring the house perhaps we should have a little face-to-face concerning the interaction of our combined responsibilities over coming months. Some legal stuff." Strangers never seemed to notice how extreme politeness in Phillips voice, along with a timely entrance, should be cause for alarm and raise a flag.

"What on earth are you talking about little man? We don't have a role. I manage the Stehlen estate. I don't need any parasitic hangers on. You've served your purpose; now go quietly back to picking strawberries or whatever in wherever. I can't for the life of me understand what possessed you to tag along today."

Phillip raised his eyebrows, something Charlene didn't notice. She had already returned the focus of her attention to where Farida and Najwa had disappeared from view arm in arm.

Charlene moved to follow their path but after just one step bumped into Hammer who seemed to be standing right where he shouldn't be. Hammer had seen Phillips signal and was in place to intercept anyway.

Hammer spoke, "Sorry Ma'am. May I get you something? The servant classes seem distracted. But I can fill in. Back in the day I did a course, the correct way to serve tables in a prison kitchen. Lots to be learnt about prison life. Word is you may well discover this for yourself very shortly."

"Get out of my way."

"No can do. Mr Ho has a few ideas you need to hear. Perhaps we should all wander out on the deck like civilised folk. Your assistant may also like to join us. This way please."

"Get your hand off me or I'll have you charged with assault."

"I doubt that. This way please, Missus." Hammer walked the lawyer toward the open doors, found time to turn his head and nod to the wide-eyed assistant before saying. "This way please, Ma'am; save yourself a trip, bring the briefcases. I'd help but as you can see my hands are busy at the moment."

Phillip took his time. There was no reason to hurry he'd watched Hammer sit Charlene Lainey in a chair and hold her in place by the shoulder. She didn't look particularly comfortable but hadn't tried to struggle. Hammer's finger had pointed at a chair for the assistant. She got the idea and sat, didn't look especially concerned, more like she expected something of the like. Phillip registered this as a message, said nothing.

He sat across from Charlene, pulled several documents from his briefcase, perused the header on the first page then looked up and spoke politely. "This is the contract you have actively encouraged my client to sign. Didn't seem ethical or legal to me so I took advice. I was correct, basically you can't ask someone to sign a documents that states the signatory is unfit to run the estate, leaving you with compete authority to look after their affairs. That person wouldn't be fit to sign such a documents. But I'm willing to bet you know the document is snake oil. I've furnished a copy, along with my complaint, to the New York Bar Association. Be my guess they're looking into whether you're a fit person to practise law."

Charlene Lainey didn't speak, actually looked calm, which seemed unusual.

Phillip continued, "I've drawn up alternative documents, which Najwa and her mother, as guardian, have already signed. Those documents have been registered with the Probate Office. So now I'm talking to you as the Legal representative of the beneficiary of the Stehlen family estate." Phillip cupped his hands and placed them on the table. "There's money missing, a lot of money. Firstly, you failed to disclose my client owns several properties in New York State, the Manhattan Apartment, where you live rent-free. Plus there is the main Tarrytown Stehlen estate where you permitted Isaac Stehlen, also your client, to live rent-free. Do I need to mention you've charged the Stehlen estate management fees for collecting rent and property maintenance? The matter is no bother to me but the details are also before the Bar Association and the Probate office. I believe both have informed Internal Revenue. Now we're up to the owner's cash flow, which you've continued to collect, even since the death of Mrs Stehlen almost two years ago. You've moved one hundred and four million dollars, plus change, off shore to the Cayman Island where the money is in an account in your name."

Phillip noted Charlene's demeanour now displayed concern. He continued, "You're quite right, that's a theft and trafficking offence, as we sit here your office is being raided by the FBI but not because you stole money from the Stehlen estate. We've not complained about this because we intend to quietly recover the money using our own resources. However, we've convinced the FBI drug money is sitting in Cayman Island accounts; proceeds of Isaac Stehlen's endeavours. We have yet to field amounts, but thus far we're privately looking at fifty three million dollars stashed in two accounts." Phillip nodded, "Client lawyer privilege doesn't apply. The FBI honchos are convinced Isaac Stehlen didn't work alone. They're got the finger on you as partner or employer. All offshore banking activity and money laundering was undertaken by you. So understandably the FBI want to talk to you and are currently in your office taking possession of records about Isaac Stehlen and, I suppose, anyone else on your client list they take a fancy to. They're not interested in the Stehlen estate or the Stehlen trust. Hammer's people, have convinced the FBI those records have passed audit and changed ownership as of yesterday. The FBI are so impressed with Hammer they've allowed his people to remove all those records from your office. I won't go into detail relating to how you've been managing the Stehlen Trust. Should be enough to say we've been to court and had the whole board removed plus funds frozen. I've also informed internal revenue and received court approval to recover funds issued to board member and linked organizations. My client is currently canvassing ideas to have a new board instated and return the spirit of the trust to what Mrs Stehlen intended."

Phillip put the documents away and stood. "At this point I'll hand over to Hammer, he'll bring you up to speed with stratagem to recover our clients missing resources."

As Phillip turned to go he faced the silent assistant. "If you'd like to come inside we can talk privately. Basically, you've just lost your job. However, fortuitously, we're looking to secure the services of an assistant who can help us come up to speed with the day-to-day running of the Stehlen estate. I'm already satisfied you weren't a willing party to the goings on of your current employer and thought you might like to test whether we mesh with your future expectations."

Charlene Lainey watched the back of Phillip and her former assistant walk into the house. She noted how Phillip politely ushered Nikki forward and followed. Something she would never think to do, the guy possesses rather clever office and people skills, people focus. She'd underestimated him, thought his casual politeness was an indicator of weakness. She witnessed him quietly close the doors and felt a chill seeing the discrete nod directed at Hammer. As if in sync Hammer lightly squeezed then release the grip to her shoulder that she'd felt since being guided onto the deck and lowered into a cane chair.

"What happens now?" She tried to talk tough, yet her voice faded. She had an idea and wasn't sure she wanted to know in advance.

Hammer changed sides to sit beside Mrs Lainey. She seemed subdued but common sense dictates the weapon stays on the far side of the person in focus. "I can think of several options but quite frankly the ball is in your court. I've been employed to recover the missing Stehlen money. With your cooperation we can achieve this quietly and quickly. With all the transfers behind us you'd be free to walk away. Play along and you won't be penniless."

Charlene turned to make eye contact, seemed puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Hammer smiled, "The Stehlen money is a given. It will be returned, that's why we're talking. The drug money is tangible. Government employees have no idea. They don't know how much money there is. They can't access it and wouldn't be able to furnish any cleverness about how to put it to beneficial use. Leaves you and me in the driver's seat. I intend to take a healthy commission off the top before involving the government in what I've found. Normal practice. If you cooperate fully I'll share the commission and as an extra I'll go into bat to help square things with the authorities, even help you with the other matter so you can wipe the slat clean practising law."

Charlene stared then shrugged, "Why? Why help me? Not even sure I'd trust you to help. You're not a lawyer you're a thug. What can you do?"

Hammer chuckled, "You answered your own question. I'm not a lawyer, means I can do heaps. I'm free to work both sides of the ledger." Hammer wiped his face. "Lets see? Isaac Stehlen threatened you, forced you to give over the house, take the money for him and even forced you to move a lot of his money off shore so he could stay under the radar. He was a nasty piece of work. He even insisted you move into the Stehlen apartment to provide him open-ended access with the privacy of finding you alone. I'm the man to help. I met these people, fingered that Ethan cove, and assisted with logistics to have Isaac arrested for narcotic importation. Did some good clean up work there." Hammer looked at Charlene then his hand. "As for the contract you prepared for Najwa; I'm your man there too. I can provide the reasoning, having personally saved Najwa's life twice on behalf of the government. The girl and her family have lived through more psychological trauma than most people could cope with, something the government would even recognise, but they'd need reminding. During your search for the missing Stehlen descendant you read 'Simple Pleasures', which led you to believe the girl was raised in Afghanistan in a village where female children were not permitted to attend school. It would therefore be reasonable to conclude the girl would require support coping with and keeping a fortune. The contract you prepared was a draft open to negotiation if the girl proved more capable than you expected." Hammer winked, "How we doing here?"

Charlene looked at Hammer for some time, glanced away then looked again. "You haven't said why you're doing this?"

Hammer re-offered the smile. "Haven't committed to anything. We're negotiating. I've submitted a proposal, trying to gain your support and cooperate to help recover misplaced Stehlen assets for the government." He made a thinking gesture with his hand. "Eleanor spoke to me. Said she likes you. Also said she's going to punch you in the left eye but wants me to step back and guide you through this. Eleanor is a good marine and so was her husband. If Eleanor is in your corner, your corner is the right place to be."

She shrugged and waved both hands, "What choice do I have. We need to fly to George Town and I don't have my passport with me."

"Good. We don't need to go anywhere. I've been waiting to see whether we help or dump you. All the money has already been moved using methods specifically designed to prevent others from picking up the trail." Hammer reached in his pocket, retrieved a piece of paper and handed it over. The document contained details of a Cayman Island bank account. "There's seven million bucks in that account, it's yours. Now we're free to clear things with the authorities. I'll make a call, have a talk. At some stage you'll be interviewed, a formality. I'd suggest you leave lawyers outside the room. Ask for me to be with you. They'll agree to that, drop their guard and change what they talk about." He smiled. "Don't take that piece of paper to the interview, just in case. Before you talk to anyone we'll meet for coffee, discuss a few details you need to know relating of how much money Isaac Stehlen forced you to stash away. It's not quite as much as you might think, but still enough to make them believe we're a couple of snowy headed, true-blue patriots. Shall we join the others inside? Play along as before. There's no reason to change anything today, though you might like to go soft on Najwa. When you get home start house hunting and packing. We'll give you a few weeks to find somewhere. I'll turn up sooner then that. Shout you a coffee, have a chat, check on your black eye and see how you're holding up."

*****

"This outfit is the worst, feels as clumsy as those stupid inflatable fight costumes we've worn in pubs to act out dickhead fantasies. Can't think why any intelligent person would become pregnant." Peta was wearing her first trimester pregnancy outfit. All the girls were. Obviously the new appearance would be today's theme for afternoon snack.

Peta, Etsu and Kimi were on Femme's verandah making music, working on a few numbers for their repeat hospital visit tomorrow. They'd all noticed the local reaction to music with a distinctive foot-taping beat. Something Etsu believed caused the area to be branded the Bible belt. A shamisen is a magic instrument for creating a good mix of beat and complex rhythm. They'd already mastered 'The Entertainer' and were now working on 'Tulsa Time'.

Peta was reading the music sheet, singing the lyrics and playing rhythm on guitar while Etsu listened, joining in playing the same on a shamisen from sound alone. The plan, Etsu will eventually guide Peta and Kimi playing the tunes on a shamisen. Normally Craig and Etsu create music while Peta worked on lyrics and even though Criag was due to arrive later today the three girls were keen to make a start.

Kimi was also singing and working in playing the beat using her small thirteen-string koto, a much easier instrument to emulate western music, and compact enough to lug about tomorrow without too much drama.

They were satisfied with their effort this morning, had created a minor distracted for a good number of patients and staff who needed and deserved cheering up. Not a bad effort considering the hospital visit was impromptu. They'd intended to test the air busking on the University Campus until informed they'd get themselves arrested for not possessing a permit. So much for the land of the free, Peta had already penned several songs on the topic and was eager for time with Criag to finish the job.

The happiest person to come away from the hospital was Professor Chancellor who sang their praises and begged them to return tomorrow when the hospital board meets. Their unusual entertainment style created a storm, which was little wonder because the two buskers they'd seen thus far, received a permit to push radical religious and authoritarian conservatism on passing University students, none of whom wore beads, sandals or daggy clothes. Something not lost on Peta. The place was ripe for intellectual remodelling.

Being filmed and reported on by a local media crew, who happened to be ambulance chasing for content on tonight's news, was rather fortunate. They earned a slot on local news plus received an interview invite with time for a few songs. Caused phone calls finding Craig and a few twinkles directed toward Jamie asking about transport, which was promised for today, though the actual pilot was still a work in progress.

Kimi replied to Peta, could have been talking to anyone. "I can't kneel in this stupid outfit. The stomach is resting on my legs and cutting off circulation. If I stay here more than ten minutes I'll be crippled," She threw a hand skyward. "Anyway I've got no clothes to wear." She thought a moment then added. "Stupid. Who talked us into this? Where is Miss Goodchild anyway? I thought high waisted jeans would solve the problem; complete crap. Etso's hipsters are the go." She turned to face Etso, spoke softer with meaning on her face. "You look hot."

Etso smiled, "I am hot." She rolled her eyes. ""I've got my fly undone and a hair tie looped through the top button so I can breathe." She glanced at Peta before looking back to Kimi. "This is a smokescreen. I'm sure Miss Goodchild is acting crazy because she's part of Jamie's subterfuge. Bet she's no more pregnant than I am."

Kimi replied, "Seems over the top. Jamie is spending heaps helping everyone look pregnant; wasting money is new to him."

"Exactly. Mitty appears out of the blue and all of a sudden Jamie starts spending money. They look for somewhere new to finish her training and live, and everyone who visits has to look pregnant. Don't need to be Einstein to work out why."

Kimi spoke, "Well I'm not Einstein."

"We're all pretending to be pregnant so no one notices someone is pregnant. Can't see the point in hiding a bun in the oven when there's sure to be a squawker in the basinet soon." Etsu grinned at Kimi's pained expression always visible when babies were described. Etsu kept talking. "And what about the lady in the drop in centre, Sophie, Mitty's old flatmate. She was asking Friday about money and some guy who attacked... and shut up mid sentence when I strolled in to collect a morning freebie.

Peta bit her lip and studied both Etso and Kimi for some time.

Etsu became impatient first, "What?"

Peta pointed a finger then put it to her lips. "Think we know what's going on. We shouldn't think about the logic, stop asking questions and go with the flow." She smiled, "Help baby escape whatever and locate correct parents, end of story." She grinned. "Means we'll be free to concentrate on milking Jamie dry while he has a hand in his pocket and thinks it's us on a string."

"We need more information, Einstein."

Peta thought a moment then said. "You said it yourself; if someone is pregnant there'll be a baby in need of care. Ideally there'll be a family run by loving, welcoming, comfortable parents. Our job is the help all this happen." She grinned, "Problem solved. We'll wear these outfits as needed by Jamie and always in Mitty's company while she's wearing hers. We'll make an effort to be nice, keep our eyes open, mouths shut and focus on being constructively helpful. However having nothing to wear is clearly much more important. We need guarantees; free underwear of our choosing for life at Jamie's expense. Plus he'll need to take us shopping for fat clothes and that includes our mate Mitty, honorary member of the gang. A budget of ten thousand bucks each seems reasonable. We'll buy a few expensive maternity tents, our own smokescreen, which we'll flog on ebay and without him even knowing we'll stock up on sloppy Joes sweaters, leggings, boots and a few good duster coats. Buy enough to last years, great in the cold and look good on stage. Always wanted to be a classy slob and thanks to Jamie we're positioned to afford the best."

*****

Femme sat on the window seat in her studio looking out over the property, surveying her little world. Small, beautiful, purpose built and still able to accommodate all the dreams of one lifetime. She wondered for a moment, if the opposing bureaucrats ever get their acts together, whether they could be as happy in Australia. Billie thinks they will, but Billie is Billie, uncomplicated, engrossed in a mysterious, challenging, techno-savvy sub-world. Beauty to Billie can be defined, formulated and reproduced. Contentment achieved through an understanding of the formula defining calmness within; to Billie it's all too easy.

Femme grinned and shook her head; their daughter, Em, is content to follow in Femme's footsteps and be normal. Jay on the other hand takes after Billie, which often proves quite complicated. There aren't a lot of adults employed in education who are correctly prepared to tolerate a very smart little problem solver. He's polite and charming, which is just as well, means he can work well with teachers who bend without breaking, after the initial shock.

Jay's future is a worry for Femme, particularly so with the ever present possibility of settling in Australia where she, Femme, knows no one and nothing, other than family, who all know Jay. Her concerns aren't really shared by Billie, or especially Sissy. Sissy was around in Australia and shielded Billie while she grew into what she now is. And as it happens Sissy is still best equipped to broker solutions for, and interact with Jay. So maybe all will be okay; maybe, which is the problem.

Femme smiled, she was lucky, lucky to meet Billie, lucky to meet Sissy and many others who chanced upon her world as a result.

Femme's focus was drawn onto Hilda, who could be seen across the property, standing outside the house she shares with Pinkie. Hilda was encouraging Bob to take a stroll using his new outdoor wheelie-walker. Femme could almost hear Bob carrying on about yet another restriction, even though it would afford him the independence to escape outside more.

Bob was having trouble completely shaking the influenza he'd caught last winter and rather weak with it. Still at ninety-three slowing down should be expected. Bob now lives with Hilda and Pinkie, and hates being looked after correctly, which to Bob means constantly. Something he titles being clucked over every time he moves a muscle.

Femme would have loved to walk over and invite Bob in for a massage. Knew he'd benefit from the stimulation of tired muscles. But she also knew Bob would reject the offer as trendy snake-oil treatment, used on idle city folk who are marshmallow soft because they've never done a days proper work in their life. Bob is a hard case and lovely with it. This is his home, the only place he wants to be and all who live here with him are determined to keep it so for the rest of his life.

Again Femme grinned and this time collected into her brain the real reason for idling alone in her studio. She'd worked most of the day on household chores and got everything together. This was the first opportunity in weeks for self-time. Even Billie had flown out on a mission, which would keep her away for several days. Femme's mother, Debe, had sensed Femme's need and rounded up all the visitors, flown them to Columbia to stay in Jamie and Mitty's soon to be new house. Took two trips in Debe's fancy ten seat citation aircraft, but at ten-minutes flight time each way the journey and the clearing of people clutter didn't take too long.

Femme looked at the ornate chaise settee Fiona had plunked in her studio. It didn't belong, she thought about moving it out but didn't. As taxing as Fiona's presence is, now she has vanished everything seems rather funny.

She thought about having a nap on the settee, had time before the school run but didn't. Didn't want to settle where Fiona spent so many hours. Didn't feel right or sensible.

Took her a while to realise the phone was buzzing.

The buzzing stopped before she found the source. The caller number wasn't expected though it was the most likely. The school was phoning and it was the correct time for Jay to do something that would get him sent home an hour early, obviously he thought he was in with a chance to have an ice cream at the parlour before the after school crowd; well that wasn't going to happen, not this time or any time soon.

"Hullo Miss Pugney, it's Femme returning your call. What has he done this time?"

There was a small chuckle on the other end of the phone. "Nothing bad to speak of though we I do need to talk. Would you be able to spare me a moment?"

"Sure. Should I come in or is the telephone okay?"

Actually both. Maybe both. I'll explain so we can work out where to go next. We've had an incident here and to my shame it relates to my having poorly selected the fill-in teacher for while Miss Bantry takes her week of bereavement leave. It has been brought to my attention by Jay that the temp is questioning each student and segregating the room along, race, family status and religious lines. The catalyst for Jay to report this came when Miss Solemn, the temp, actually made young Prisha Day stand by the door crying, while she, Miss Solemn, took advice from her religious friends about who to report Prisha's family status to. I'm sure you're aware Prisha has two daddies. Apparently that's immoral." There was a small delay through which Femme remained speechless. "Yes. Three children were lectured about having no father. One of those three was my own child. Anyway Jay jumped up before his turn and spoke rather boldly in defence of Prisha, which brought the teachers proceedings to a halt. When the teacher wouldn't send Jay to my office he walked out, taking Prisha with him. Something I'm most grateful for. Had he not acted so I wouldn't have known until tomorrow morning when I suspect every parent from the class would have turned up at the school, some with the media in tow? Okay, I have dismissed the temp teacher and rather than cause disruption calling all the parents in early have got one of my office staff and the gardener to take the class for an ice cream. This was also Jay's suggestion. However I've kept Jay and Prisha separate from the rest for now. They're here helping my secretary process the mail. Both are happy and doing a good job, to compound my slipping judgement when I returned from the classroom I was silly enough to speak my mind to the secretary about the problem of getting another temp quickly. Jay and Prisha both heard my rant and astonishingly Jay immediately offered a number of options, which sound just about perfect. But obviously I need to talk with you first."

Femme nodded to herself. "I'll come straight in."

"That's a very good idea but hear me out first because this is much more complex than you think. Firstly Jay has suggested we use his Grandma Sissy to look after the class and he thought Miss Goodchild might like to come in as well. Said Miss Goodchild needs the distraction and she'll teach the class how to draw funny pictures. Jay is sure Sissy and Miss Goodchild will agree if he asks and they'll both work for nothing." Miss Pugney took a breath. "Secondly he told us Sissy needs to go back to her real work in Europe on Friday but that's okay because Miss Bantry doesn't need to be away all week. Miss Bantry and her parents can travel to Grants Pass, attend the funeral and return here on Wednesday. This is possible because his Grandma Debe will fly them in an aeroplane. Jay is confident his Grandma will take Miss Bantry's parents to Chicago on the return flight and they'll be driven home from the airport in a limousine. He wants me to phone Miss Bantry and have her drive back here from Chicago with her parents. I won't go into any more detail but I will say I watched him use my computer to search the detail for Grants Pass airport. Apparently the runway length is too short for Sissy's aeroplane to land, which is a disappointment because Sissy's plane is the fastest. Yet He's quite sure Miss Bantry and her parents will find Grandma Debe's plane quite okay. He wants to phone his Grandmas to make the arrangements and I won't allow this without talking to you first. Femme is all this doable and reasonable? And I should warn you I'll probably want to kiss all of you if it is."

Femme laughed a moment. "Oh it's all doable and sounds very sensible. I'll make a call to warn everyone Jay is going to phone and drive over to see you. Should be there in fifteen minutes. You have actually met Sissy. She's Vera Page, the tall slim lady who has been known to pick Jay up early when he engineers an ice cream. Why don't I arrange for you to meet Sissy and Fiona in person just to satisfy your mind all will be okay? You could also meet Debe, who is my Mother. They're in Columbia, only a few minutes away in my mother's plane. We could whip you over to see them and have you back behind your desk in an hour. Plus you'll get a feel for Miss Bantry's travel plans." Femme didn't wait for answer, said. "While you think about this. I'll drive over; be there in a few minutes. Wait two minutes then allow Jay to talk with his Grandmas."

## Chapter 26

Deep in thought, Femme made her way along the property driveway. She couldn't believe what she'd heard. How people can possess the mindset to hurt and harm children was a mystery. Approaching the road brought Femme's mind back to consciousness. She pressed the button to open the gate and watched a taxi pulled up in front of her. Another mystery. She stopped.

Billie's mother, Marge, who should be in Australia paid the driver and stepped from the taxi. She was dressed casually in clean work clothes and was even wearing elastic sided boots, like used on the farm.

Marge carried a small old fashion brown suitcase and a plastic shopping bag in one hand. She approached Femme's vehicle with a cheeky smile on her face, opened the front passenger door and sat, said, "I was hoping to be in time to collect Jay and Em. Guess I timed things perfectly."

Femme stopped staring and shook her head, "Where have you come from?" She shook again, "Think I know the answer to that question. Why have you come?"

Marge smiled, "Not sure I know the answer to that question either. I just thought... I've always wanted to be brave enough to turn up at an airport and catch a flight without even planning or pre-booking, go somewhere with no real reason in mind. And here I am. Did everything without help, really proud of myself. Travelled economy, never done that before and I'm not even tired."

Femme leaned across the vehicle and gave Marge a big greeting hug. "I'm proud of you too." She smiled, "We'll drive and talk. There's a mini drama in play at school, plus we need to meet an aeroplane at the airbase. Oh and you missed Billie, the girls flew out on a three day flight this morning. So you'll need to stick around a few days if you want to see everyone."

Marge nodded, "Hoping to catch up with Farida and the girls while over here. Thought we might go home together. Peta and Jamie too, oh and I'd better throw in David. When I set out travelling I was only going as far as Toowoomba but no one was there. I spoke to a friend of Mitty's, Sophie at Friday's café. She told me everyone is somewhere but didn't know where. Seemed rather puzzled by how much travelling they do. I knew there would be someone here so I set off on a real adventure. Don't suppose you happen to know where everyone is? Plus I'd like to see your mother."

Femme grinned, "They were all here five hours ago. Mum flew everyone to Antebellum and we'll probably be doing the same in a few minutes. As I said there is a mini drama in play. That's why the plane is coming."

"I've never been to Antebellum. Where is it? What's there?"

"Antebellum is an historic house, which will probably impress you. Jamie and Mitty are negotiating ownership of the place and intend to live there. The house is several hundred years old and until a few days ago was known as the Chancellor Building. Peta, your smart young, word crafting daughter got involved and came up with the new name. Means 'like before the war' and that really does describe the house. It's gorgeous.

Femme continued, "Phillip has been working for some time to gain world heritage listing to protect Cottonfield and two more of Matthew's properties in Australia. The other day they added Antebellum to the same list. Phillip explained, to the UN people, that the original Chancellor Property is now lost to development but for now the house is still intact. Needs protection quickly as a few local government and business people are planning to knock it down and turn the site into a car park. Anyway now everyone who matters wants to list all the properties as soon as possible. Friday, Phillip and a few experts are currently en route to Europe to chaperone a few United Nation historians on a fact finding assessment tour of all the properties." Femme made eye contact. "You'll see for yourself shortly. Antebellum is prime real estate, set on two acres of gorgeous gardens right the middle of Columbia. The house is magnificent enough to draw Lowery away from Cottonfield. She's been over at Antebellum for some time organising everyone. I suspect Cottonfield could be lost to Lowery."

Marge expanded her eyes, "But Jamie isn't interested in real estate. Doesn't much care about anything accept his morning coffee and the newspaper, he's so uncomplicated I envy him that."

Femme chuckled, "It's possible there are two Jamie's because the one I know is trying to impress a girl who is swamped with all manner of complication. Jamie has just spent several days researching where to find the perfect vorpal sword. We've all discovered when Mitty turned three her heart was set on a popgun and they gave her a tea set. She's finally over that, likes her vorpal sword much better than a silly popgun."

Marge looked amused, "Sweet little Mitty. Who would have thought? I've always wanted a vorpal sword myself." Marge laughed. "When I was in the monastery having Billie, I spent hours alone in a stark little room under the stairs with nothing but a bible. Sissy sensed this and smuggled books in, which was really kind because I wasn't much of a reader until then and there was no other way to escape the place. I'm quite sure the books kept me sane. Sissy also taught me how to hide the books from Mother Superior. I read 'Alice in wonderland' and 'Through the Looking Glass'. Kind of fell in love, even fantasized I was living in the Wabe. All the normal nuns were little Jabberwockys and upstairs there were a few big ones." Marge shrugged, "Probably just as well I didn't have a weapon I'd have run Sister Frieda through for sure."

Femme laughed, took some time to recover. "Billie and Sissy were talking about life at the monastery the other night. Sissy visited there recently and said it hasn't changed other than a few worthy people have died. She told Billie, Sister Frieda is still there. Apparently she's not nearly as old as everyone assumes but is still as obnoxious as ever. Billie said she was always puzzled why everyone told her Sister Frieda was calling her 'child slut' in Russian, but Billie had done her own research and knew she was being called Slut's Child." Femme stopped to laugh again. "Obviously Billie now knows why that was and Sissy was clearly amused but wouldn't say what you did to upset Sister Frieda to cause her to take it out on Billie."

Marge touched Femme's arm and squeezed. "That's interesting. She called me Slut in Russian, I assumed, because I came there pregnant. Who knows, she's such a giving person. I was the upstairs maid and that woman would sit there throwing insults like she owned the world. One evening I snapped and threw the contents of the commode in her face. Just seeing her expression was worth it. And it proved clever. Mother Superior knew it was a waste of time making me pray for penance. She locked me in my room for a week while all the downstairs witches prayed for my soul. After that I was sent to the kitchen to slave with the cook who was much nicer than Sister Frieda." Marge shrugged. "The worst was over. Didn't know it at the time but I'd proved myself strong enough to leave."

Femme took her hand off the steering wheel and patted Marge's arm. "I'll tell you something else they talked about. Billie lived in the room under the stairs and found the books hidden below the bottom draw in the dresser. She also found a note you wrote addressed to 'The Next Victim'. Billie still has them. She recently read the Lewis Carroll stories to Jay and Em. Told them the story came from Grandma's books."

Marge's eyes watered. Eventually she wiped them and stared at her lap. "I've been thinking lately. If I hadn't been in the monastery I wouldn't have coped with being alone and penniless on the property when John died. Mostly I think about Peta. She was so little and we were completely isolated, had nothing. There wasn't much we could do so I read to her all the time for the sanity of us both. And just maybe, without knowing, I helped programme her brain to become a writer." Marge looked up and made eye contact with Femme. "Hope I did. And here I am going on to you when I know quite well you and your Mother went through a lot more than we did."

Femme smiled, "Looking back it's a little surreal for all of us but I'm sure Peta would remind us it's all wind in the corn. So what really caused you to come over here?"

Marge shrugged, "Peta sent some images and in one I can clearly see Billie is pregnant. Thought I'd drop in unannounced and help you share the news."

Femme opened her eyes and bit her lip. "You should have sent an email because you've come a long way to discover there is no news. Everyone here has been wearing a maternity outfit to look pregnant. It's a game we're playing with Fiona, who is carrying on a treat saying she's pregnant. Mind you it hasn't worked, Fiona is so caught up in her own world she hasn't noticed us. And I should be wearing my pregnancy suit as there is a good chance we'll end up seeing Fiona who is also over at Antebellum, which is great because she's been monopolising my studio for days and it's just as well I don't have a vorpal sword either."

Femme thought a moment, "You'd better calm down and not jump to conclusions because if we do fly to Antebellum everyone will appear to be pregnant, including Peta and my Mother. I can assure it's just a look. They're all wearing a costume. Be very careful what you say, they could easily dress you in one."

*****

"Jamie did you know what Daddy was going talk about at dinner tonight?"

Mitty and Jamie were alone on the top floor of Antebellum. When they moved in, a week ago, they went straight to the penthouse suite and claimed it as their own. The top floor had been renovated and modernised then remained unused because the Chancellor children didn't want to return. Saying the building wasn't modern enough was just an excuse to avoid facing the truth.

Indirectly it worked into Jamie's hand. Professor Chancellor found out the expensive way, her children didn't want to live anywhere near the conservative middle of nowhere.

Mitty loved her top floor as much as she did Jamie. They complimented each other; casual living open floor plan, generous use of glass and rollback doors took advantage of the view in every direction. In addition to an expanse of openness were just two private rooms, a modern and functional office, claimed by Jamie on first sight. And one huge, over the top gorgeous, bedroom with duel walk-in dressing and ensuites. Until she saw the room Mitty had been a committed minimalistic socialist but not anymore. The third floor was their private space, paid for with the fruits of privilege.

They were alone yet could ring and Lowery would have someone up the stairs in a jiffy or they could descend three levels of luxury and join the others in or near the oversized dinning room... the Antebellum engine room from where Lowery and her six indoor staff managed everyone and everything to perfection.

Antebellum oozed happiness, purpose and fostered a sense of belonging, which was felt by all.

Jamie looked up from his sketching pad. "Not sure. What did your Father talk about?"

Mitty gave Jamie a small stare. "I'll try again. Why did Daddy take the trouble to invite Etsu with Kimi and not you with me?"

"Did you ask him?" Jamie closed and put the pad down. "I don't know what he talked about. Your father asked me if it was okay to talk to you on your own. Said he and I would talk later if need be." Jamie lifted both arms, palms flat. "I assumed it was private. Didn't know Etsu was invited. If it's about running the family business I kind of knew and obviously that involves Etsu but not me.

"Dad did talk about that and he told me you, Phillip and Friday would have already worked it out. But I wanted to ask you about my Mother."

"Only thing I know about your Mother is from my own observation years ago and what you told me recently." He shrugged. "She doesn't like me much and I can live with that. I actually thought your Mother may have been at the restaurant and was expecting to see fireworks out the window when Peta told me where Etsu was. That and I'll admit to hoping you didn't bring her back here." He shook his head. "Christ. Can you imagine what she'd think about us living here?" He chuckled. "Still it would be interesting to discover if Fiona and your mother liked or hated each other. My money would be on hate."

"Jamie, nothing seems to upset you. My mother has contracted AIDS. Daddy said she appears to be going down hill rather quickly and not very gracefully."

Jamie reached out and pulled Mitty into a cuddle. "Sorry Mitty I... I didn't know. Guess you need to see her."

Mitty shook her head. "No. I don't think so. Apparently she's demanding I look after her and I'm staying right here, so going to see her won't help either of us. The guy, her guy, the one who infected her and I walked away from, throw her out of Daddies apartment some time ago. She was found unconscious by someone, after living on the street without access to medical help for some time."

"Oh Mitty. What a mess."

Mitty talked though Jamie's words. "In fact Daddy has effectively forbidden me from walking away from my own life again. Said he's providing the best care available and there is nothing more anyone can do to help. Apparently Mother left it too late to even try for recovery. Probably best we all stay away for now."

Jamie spoke more forcefully. "So the sleazy lowlife who gave your mother a death sentence and actually planned the same for you, is effectively living off your Father. I might call in a favour on that one."

"No need. Kimi spoke loudly for us all. Forced Daddy to explain he's already taken care of it. Called in a favour from someone he knows. The unit is vacant and all cleaned up. I'd say the guy will never be seem or heard from again." Mitty looked up, found Jamie's eyes, and actually smiled. "Think that means Friday spoke to Hammer but I didn't say anything. Not sure Kimi knows everything I know." Mitty waved a hand. "Anyway I'm glad. Hope he was decapitated with a toothpick and dragged to his fate using a vice like grip around his genitals."

Jamie shook his head. "This Doctoring job is toughening you up rather quickly. Maybe I should take extra precaution not to upset you." He smiled then waved a hand. "Don't be too sure Friday was involved. Hammer has been rather busy of late, doing a little this and that over this side of the world. Besides your dad has been around the block has his own contacts." Jamie shook his head again and used one hand to make a stop sign. "Forget I said that. Doesn't matter. Either, either, I'm sure the job was done properly, end of story. Anyway asking at work for a few days off to see your Mother isn't such a silly idea. We should make time for a quick trip home just to submit those name change papers in person." Again he opened his hands. "I have no idea why we need to front up in person but public servants are much too entrenched in procedure to do anything efficiently from afar."

Mitty smiled, "I was thinking today at morning tea. It's possible I may have discovered the perfect solution." Mitty stopped to drink some water. "Firstly, I should explain we are not too busy to take morning tea in the morning. Dr Sako is pretending, so we take morning tea just before our end of shift thus allowing his two colleagues, on the evening roster, time to come in early and enjoy a little quality Japan time drinking tea together and correctly."

Mitty took a breath. "Secondly, I talked to Daddy at dinner. Apparently this tea ceremony, performance and parade, with my Father dressing as a samurai, Kimi as a Maiko and Etso doing her Oiran imitation and all leading Lowery through the University in her T-model buggy is a set-up requested by Phillip to draw the local opposition out of the shadows. Phillip believes they'll make an error of judgement and open the door for us to approach a higher court and clip their wings. All sounds sensible except the part about me surrounded by onlookers, sitting on a cushion at a midget's table waiting for my sister to pour tea that I don't even like." Mitty waved a hand. "Almost distracted myself. I'm pleased for the Doctors. They like their tea and they're all natural Japanese show offs." Mitty looked up. "Why don't you take Kimi to Australia and have her go with you kind-of pretending to be me. If she fronts up in her Maiko gab wearing the full compliment of white make-up she'll look like no one, anyone and me."

Jamie frowned, "True. And she'll see our new names and tell everyone."

"Ask Peta to arrange everything. I know she knows what's going on. She hasn't asked anything or said a word and yet she's got the others co-operating and I'm not sure they actually know why. Today Peta hitched a ride on Lowery's buggy and started telling everyone I'll soon need to wear the maternity outfit all day. Said Fiona is just about ready to start following Lowery to morning tea."

"So?"

"Jamie, she's helping; helping us. The Fiona thing is rubbish. We both know shortly I'll appear as though I'm wearing a maternity outfit all the time and obviously Peta knows this as well. Haven't you noticed whenever they're near me she dresses pregnant and when Kimi and Etsu are in normal clothes they do the same? I'm betting Peta will bring Fiona to morning tea though I'm not sure how she'll arrange it." Mitty touched Jamie's hand, "Talk to Peta. Explain what we need Kimi to do, which would probably be sit in a chair, or even squat on the floor, while you submit our papers. Peta will help. She'll manage the others and insist on discretion. I know she will. Probably come up with some shopping trip that will cost you a few bucks, like she already has. I suspect that's how she brings Kimi and Etsu onboard." Mitty smiled and pulled at Jamie's hand. "I need a clear head tomorrow. It's almost my bedtime and I think you should help with the prep work. I'm sure it's time you became more active and amorous, else we'll never quash the silly hang up that plagues me." Mitty squeezed Jamie's hands "Jamie I trust you with all my heart. I know you'll look out for me and only do what's right." Again she pulled at his hand. As they walked she said, "When my training is finished and that means when I have the qualifications in my pocket, if we still have time, we'll find a way to visit Mother."

*****

"Well if it's not Miss Margery, flew all the way from Australia to feast on southern chicken made as it should be." Lowery had spoken. It was her way of introducing Marge to the others at the table. The southern chicken joke was something Marge and Lowery shared many times living on Cottonfield.

Marge had snuck off for a quick nap only to discover she was fully awake. Thirty minutes with her eyes closed was enough, she'd given up and following the sound of happy people. She journeyed down two flights of stairs, found a rear verandah, which extended seamlessly out from the dinning room and was even more impressive than the stunning front verandah. "I can't sleep. My clock must be running backwards and if I snack anymore I'll never sleep again. Hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Lowery smiled. She was seated at the end of a large eighteen-seat table set for casual dinning. Peta, Craig and four maids sat along one side, Najwa and her Mother, Farida, occupied the other. "We're planning and plotting, just about fixed everything. Pull up a pew and help yourself. No rubbish on this table. Healthy food for hard workers is all we can share. If you have any problems now's the time to speak up. We can set you straight at the moment. Be too busy to bother later."

Marge sat beside Farida and looked the table over, decided to have a small plate of Pasta and vegetable salad. One of the maids walked round the table and poured Marge a coffee then returned to her seat. Marge tried the food, was impressed. Sipped her coffee. It too was much better than that provided for people with an airline ticket. "So where is everyone?"

Peta spoke, "We're all here." She smiled. "Femme and her Mum took their mob home while you were sleeping. Needed to return the teacher and Sissy went with them. Decided to leave you here with your mob."

Marge turned in her chair spoke to Farida, "Well if everyone is here what happened to Maliha?"

Najwa answered, "Kimi's Dad borrowed Jamie's plane and has gone to Wyoming buying things. Wants a plane and truck like Matthew's. Etsu wants to meet the artist who paints the trucks, Kimi will follow Etso anywhere and Mal went because she's obsessed with us acquiring a showy vehicle."

Marge nodded, "What about Jamie and Mitty? Mitty's not still at work is she?"

Peta spoke. "Both upstairs in the hutch. They think they're rabbits."

Lowery spoke before Marge could breathe. "Well they won't be there for long. That girl hasn't had any dinner and I'm not sending someone upstairs. I think he's eating her food. She's about to come down here so I can watch."

Lowery picked up a phone, dialled, waited and spoke. "Hello Jane, it's Lowery. "Would you page Dr Mitty please? When she phones in tell her to report downstairs to the dining table. Stat is the term you medical people use; isn't it?" Lowery waited. "Thank you Jane you're a gem. I'll have one of the girls deliver a plate of treats the moment Mitty has finished the assignment."

Lowery hung up and waited, looking smug.

Everyone sat in silence for three minutes until Mitty and Jamie walked onto the verandah. Jamie held the chair beside his mother for Mitty then sat in the next chair. He looked amused. Mitty did not.

Eventually Mitty looked at Lowery and spoke. "I can't believe what you just did."

Lowery nodded, "Well Miss Mitty, if you want to avoid total supervision, which includes help from the dispatcher at your work, you will eat sensible meals at appropriate times." Lowery nodded again. "And might I remind you this is not some Hollywood created glitzy hostel for people of poor breeding who managed to climb through the social cracks. We live at Antebellum, a quality southern establishment? The northerners with their saucer less, paper cup, teabag mentality, at that hospital down yonder where you work and pick up bad habits, may think it acceptable to wander round all day dressed as one rolls out of bed on an intergalactic freighter. Here we set standards. I'll let you off this time but after today we do not attend the dining table in pyjamas and bare feet. And I'll add, if you wish to avoid future trouble I'd strongly suggest you acquire your own pyjamas and not live in Mr Jamie's hand-me-downs; it's a dastardly northern habit and a particularly bad look."

Peta rolled her eyes and spoke before Mitty could find words, "Mum, when we're finished here Craig and I are heading over to the University. We've been invited to take an informal lecture of a combined writing and music tutorial group. Thought you might like to come with us, see what we do? Najwa and Farida are coming." Peta grinned and raised her tone, "But I'll tell you now this is a bread and butter thing for us, if you think you can turn up wearing some hillbilly yowie suit you'll be sent packing."

Marge bit her lip and spared Mitty a grin before saying, "I'd like that. To come with you I mean. I'd like it very much. In fact when I set out yesterday I'd only intended travelling as far as Toowoomba. I assumed you'd have come home with Matthew and I wanted your help. I've decided to enrol at University." She shrugged. "Thought I'd learn something clever and impress my children. We have so much help on the property now and Farida is much better suited at managing everything without my daily involvement."

Peta presented a surprised and pleased expression, "Well we'd best take you over yonder in the morning see what the Northerners can show us. Looking over here may trigger ideas before committing to something clever at home."

Marge nodded, smiled at Farida and also touched Mitty's hand before speaking to Mitty. "I wasn't hungry either. Try the pasta and that salad," She pointed. "It's delicious. How long are your shifts at work?"

Mitty shrugged, "We're rostered ten hours, six to four, which only works about a quarter of the time. Twelve to fourteen hours are more likely." She smiled. "People find more reason to murder each other at the dining table around here and we often need to wait around to repair any survivors."

Marge ignored the murder joke. "No wonder you look tired. You'd best eat up and head off to bed."

Mitty glanced at Lowery. "That's where I was and I didn't go without. Ate a chocolate bar on the way home."

Lowery spoke. "That's inappropriate and not enough. Chocolate bars give you wind and cause softening of grey stuff in your brain. I'll send someone responsible to pick you up tomorrow. Mr Jamie is a bad influence, clearly not up to scratch."

Mitty shook her head, "Jamie's pyjamas are large enough to accommodate this stupid fat suit I'm supposed to wear around Fiona. Nothing I own suitable for slobbing around the house in is anywhere near large enough. And where is Fiona anyway? If I need to sit at the table to partake of appropriate southern delicacies under complete supervision why doesn't she?"

Lowery rolled her eyes, "Fiona is resting. She's too delicate to use the stairs today."

"No she's not. She's working in her studio like she does most nights."

"You couldn't know that. We'd have heard the commotion down here if anyone disturbed her."

"We can see into her studio from upstairs. She's always in there. She lives in pyjamas and bare feet. We also know she can see you guys in the kitchen because the moment one of you leaves with a tray, she rushes into bed and makes like she's dieing."

Lowery spoke through a stern expression. "Well this will need investigating. If I were you I'd keep wearing the maternity outfit to make her happy. It's quite possible Miss Fiona may be joining us at the table tomorrow." She nodded firmly, "In fact while we're shopping for produce at the Amish markets tomorrow I'll purchase a few modestly appropriate housedresses for the both of you. Lift the tone of the dining table without the food going cold while you dress."

"Don't dare make her curious about upstairs. Peta's plan is best. Let her continue to think she has the only decent suite of rooms in the house. Keep her believing the floor above is much worse and top floor where we live is a complete rabbit warren. And please don't mention there is another studio upstairs. If she gets wind of that she'll insist on inspecting it. Then she'll discover everything is bigger and better upstairs and we even have an elevator." Mitty lifted both hands, made a frustration gesture. "Understandably all hell will break loose. I don't want her sleeping in my bed with us. I don't want her spreading paint everywhere in my reading rooms. And I don't want her looking at me like she does when planning a punishment. She'll drive me crazy. And I don't care what stunt she pulls we are not moving. I like my upstairs hutch."

Marge grinned, "Someone should afford me a full tour of this house. It's absolutely gorgeous. I'll confess I went for a wander around both floors while coming downstairs, thought I walked past all the bedrooms. Love the way each has a southern name. Yet as nice as everything is I didn't see anywhere as beautiful as Femme's studio. Yet apparently Fiona has found something." Marge looked at Jamie. "Not in my wildest dream did I imagine you living in a house like this."

Jamie smiled, "It's homely. Bit large but it growing on us. Fiona is on the first floor. She's commandeered the dowager suite, which takes up this whole end of the first floor. I'm sure Lowery would agree that technically it should be where you stay but I'm not helping you move Fiona. You're on your own with that." He nodded and smiled at Mitty before continuing. "It's actually quite convenient that she has her own area and doesn't come out too often." He frowned. "We like Fiona but when she's nervous or painting she takes complete control of the narrative. You know what I'm talking about you've lived with her enough. She seems very nervous about being pregnant at the moment." He waved a hand. "Maybe, while you're here you could try helping her; we can't get through. Even Femme and Lowery have tried and failed." Jamie's hand waved again, "I'm flying home for a couple of days next week. Peta and the guys are coming too so you might like to tag along as well. Try talking Fiona into coming with us. Be a good distraction for her."

Jamie turned to Mitty. "Would you mind if I sneak Mum up for a quick tour of the hutch while you satisfy Lowery's dining expectations? Then later when you're asleep I'll show Mum the other floors, including meeting up with Fiona. We know she'll be in her studio all night. So we could have Marge take her a few chocolate bars to keep up her strength."

Mitty nodded, served herself a selection of Pasta and Salad as Marge had recommended and spoke to Marge while doing so. "Good idea. Go take a look. A warning, to see is to love but what you'll see is mine. No matter how you feel the hutch is full. You're not moving in. While you're there have Mr Jamie point out where Miss Fiona is so you can explain all to Miss Lowery. She'll believe you." Mitty grinned. "May even help. When Miss Fiona comes down to dinner you could move in her room and lock the doors. Possession is everything in this world." Mitty grinned again. "Don't take too long. Remember you only have a few minutes before travelling over yonder with Miss Peta to visit the Northerners, pick up and bring back a few bad habits that will need to be weeded out before being allocated your own room here."

## Chapter 27

Five months later. --- Antebellum, Columbia.

*****

"First class honours. I'm proud of you. You're achieved everything you set out to do." Jamie spoke. He was reading the examination result Mitty had handed him after opening the envelope and reading the same.

They were alone. He was seated. Mitty was lying along the lounge with her head on his lap. The pleasing result was from Mitty having resat her final medical examination in the US. Last week she'd qualified as a Doctor in Australia, having successfully been approved as satisfactorily completing her internship. That result even put her ahead of her original university colleagues by almost six months. Now she had the same result from the University of Columbia and in a few days would be in possession of a licence to practise medicine largely unsupervised in both countries.

Mitty raised a finger. "One more hurdle. When we pull this off we'll be back on track. Just the two of us." She smiled, looked up at his face. "We're always talking about my plans. What do you want to do next?"

He stroked her forehead, "Sit here and look at you."

"I'm being serious."

"So am I. To be worthy of you is the only goal I've ever set for myself. I'll follow you anywhere." He smiled, "Please don't go to Antarctica. I'll follow you but it's cold enough here."

Mitty made eye contact, "It is cold isn't it. But living here in our warm home and only being two hundred yards from work, where it's also warm, makes it rather hard to complain." She waved a hand and spoke more pensively, "We get homeless people brought into surgery quite regularly. I've no idea how they survive sleeping rough over here. Does that mean you'd like to go back to Australia?"

"No; only if you need to. In the back of my heart I'm hoping you'll be offered a job over here and will consider taking it." He stroked her arm. "The 'Jamie – Flapper' range is proving huge and is already raking in the dollars. The money side of things requires a lot more managing over here."

She nodded, found his hand and kissed it. "They have offered me a job and I'd really like to take it. Been trying to find a way to broach the topic with you." She kissed his hand again. "I'm happy here, happier than I've ever been. I've decided this is my home and was hoping you feel the same. I know we can find all the things that normal families need here."

"Well we've settled that. Love this house. Love the area and I love you. So... does this mean you're not particularly keen to take the leave coming to you in Australia?"

"No, not at all. I want to go back for a number of reasons. Obviously I plan to see my mother and I'd like to see Mum's parents too. All this must be hard for them." She waved a hand. "Want to catch up with Sophie. Make sure she's okay. Deep down I'd like to talk her into coming over here. Plus I wouldn't mind running into a few of the Neanderthals who wanted to prevent me from becoming a Doctor." She smiled, "Just to gloat." She changed the topic and pushed on. "Want to spend some time with Daddy." She gritted her teeth. "Might even let him take me to Japan and show me off." She looked up again. "When this current problem is out of the way and we correct the identity thing would you allow Daddy to arrange a traditional Shinto wedding for us in Japan?"

Jamie screwed his face, "Yes; I guess. Anything to make my girl happy."

Mitty smiled, "Daddy never asks for anything. It's more than us. If we have the big formal, extended family wedding, Kimi and Etsu would be involved in the cleansing and they could have a civil ceremony straight afterwards. That would mean so much to Daddy and Etsu's families." She smiled, "Kimi and Etsu may well hate us both for a decade but they're like the rest of us, actors in a long running family play."

"Okay. You're the boss. Make the arrangements. Kimi and Etso aren't very accomplished at hating anyone." He screwed his face again. "This doesn't involve some filthy relative sitting in the corner watching us make out. Does it?"

She laughed and lightly smacked his hand. "No it does not." She shrugged. "Anyway you'd do okay, probably pass with honours."

He nodded and kissed her hand, looked smug. "We would. We're a team. Do we have an estimate on this other thing? So we know when you're free to take the leave?"

She rolled her eyes. "Soon. Starting to feel... I can't seem to eat, stretch, breathe and the cramping' I'm okay at work to a point, just tired." She waved her hand, "I'm sure you noticed even Lowery has relaxed her standards at dinner. The inspection I got tonight while leaving was actually a smokescreen to slip a chocolate bar in my pocket; just in case." She smiled, "Think I like celery sticks more than chocolate now. Love Lowery, she's the mother I never knew I needed. Anyway I'm sure there's a message in all this." She looked up. "Dr Sato examined me again today. Told me to keep my bag packed and near the door. Bet me I won't make it through tonight. I don't think he's correct, but it's close. Anyway when it is time Dr Sato wants you to call him. Said he's ready twenty four seven. He doesn't like the idea of you flying a plane alone with me onboard in labour. I'm inclined to agree. He also wants to be close by just in case the midwife has problems." She grinned, "Besides, he thinks you may need company and wants to make sure you stay off the turps so flying home is safe." She nodded. "I like Dr Sato. I'll miss him when he goes."

Jamie also nodded, "We should get you ready for bed. Sounds like tomorrow might be a big day."

*****

"Jamie." Mitty spoke rather loudly but tried not to sound urgent. She knew what the pain was, had been uncomfortably lying in bed timing the contractions for some time. She tried to be her own Doctor and divorce her mind from personal sensations within her own body. It worked to a point however with the passage of time she realised this wasn't a rehearsal.

She was thankful Jamie wasn't in bed worrying about her and yet was also relieved he was close by. A glow of light surrounding the closed bedroom door signposted he was probably in his office.

Getting ready before alerting him seemed the sensible approach.

She made it to the bathroom before the next problem materialised. Knew what it was too. Realised she had no idea of the time... late, more likely early. She also knew Dr Sato had won his bet and deep down she was relieved. It had been a source of worry she may go into labour at work and if that happened there was a good chance the nearest nursing sister would take charge and most of their planning would fall apart.

"Are you okay?"

"No." She thought a moment. "Sorry. Yes. Everything is fine, kind of. Everything is normal." She shook her head. "Hand me the washer please, and the toiletry bag. I'll stay here a moment. You go phone Billie and Femme. Tell them it's time and we have time. Say we're on the way. They know what needs doing. Billie will follow the science;" She attempted to grin, "With help from a few experts. Then phone Dr Sato tell him he won the bet, forty-five seconds every four minutes and broken water. Ask him to meet us at the airport and you might like to explain exactly where the plane is." She nodded, "Do what needs doing about the aeroplane and getting us to the airport then come back in here to help me get myself ready and presentable." She frowned. "Don't waist time with small talk and don't make any fuss, particularly downstairs. No one here needs to know. Not even Lowery for now. The smoother our journey unfolds tonight the safer for everyone involved."

*****

Femme shook her head while her eyes followed Jamie's plane rush forward taking off. She'd hugged Mitty and silently squeezed her hand before watching them retrace their steps to the aeroplane. Her eyes watered but before she could wipe them Billie's plane too made it's dash alone the runway and that brought a smile to her face. Billie was seeing the midwife safely home and would be back here within an hour. Which helped remind her, Lowery would probably be over here just as quickly because morning's light wasn't too far away and Mitty would almost certainly be caught sneaking home. Femme smiled, returned to Hilda's kitchen and the boiling kettle. She made coffee for everyone.

When she and her tray entered the living room no one noticed. Helga, Paula and especially Pinkie were all googly-eyeing Hilda sitting in the rocking chair Billie had recently constructed. Hilda was a picture of contentment providing the newly born infant with her first sustenance from a bottle.

Femme took in the scene, put down the tray and eventually spoke. "I don't care about you five. I'm having my coffee." She continued speaking to the infant, "Well, little Daisy Louise. It's long past my bedtime and it's your fault, but it would be silly of me to try to sleep because your Grandmother will be here shortly. And that means my children can stay here sleeping because your mummies won't get a chance to use any beds. And by the time your Grandma has finished sorting everyone out the wives will start turning up." Femme learned forward, "Yes. Your Mummys' life will never be the same again and the best we can hope for is probably a quick sleep this afternoon; if you let us."

Hilda looked up and smiled. She studied Pinkie before speaking to Femme. "Did you guys know about Mitty's plan before tonight?" Hilda quickly focused on Daisy Louise and smiled before again capturing Femme's attention. "We're so grateful but tonight has been... it's quite surreal."

Femme shook her head. "I have no idea what they did. But I'll confess to having heard the mid-wife talking to you on the verandah. Saw her shrug say she is completely satisfied and clearly heard her remind you everything is legal and done with; be thankful."

Again Hilda looked a Pinkie, who nodded. Hilda also nodded and spoke. "I want to tell you but no one else must ever know." She looked specifically at Femme, "Except Billie. And after tonight we'll never speak of this again." Again she looked at Daisy Louise and lifted the child to her shoulder before smiling then speaking. "Some time ago, in Australia, Jamie changed his name to Pinkie Zook and Mitty changed her name to Hilda Miller. Jamie listed his address as living here. Neither have used the names or told a sole. On the anniversary of our wedding at Windsor in Canada they went up there and got married, same day, same place and same address. Only difference between their marriage certificate and ours is they have a one in the third year date column where we have a zero." She shook her head. "Everything about the birth and parents was verified by the midwife using those documents tonight. They didn't need to say a word. The midwife handed me our baby and wrote in her dairy a visiting family friend, Dr Mitty, helped with the birth. Said the birth certificate detail will be a formality because in the morning the registrar will check the midwife's notes and verify the matching parent, grandparent and marriage data stored on file for this address. Which will be a perfect match to the midwife's data." She gently rubbed Daisy's back and again shook her head. "I was sure we would be signing adoption forms and such for the next three years. Yet all I've done is taken a pregnancy vest off and helped with my own birth." She took a breath and smiled. "Meet Daisy Louise, our very own, beautiful, fully legal, naturally created, baby."

*****

"You okay." Jamie squeezed Mitty's hand as he spoke. They were back on the lounge exactly as they'd been ten hours before. Though now they both had more answers.

Mitty nodded. Eventually she said, "I've got a few aches and pains that weren't there before but I can offset that being able to breathe properly." She smiled, "Bit squirmy in here." Touched her tummy. She looked up into his eyes. "Speaking medically tonight has been quite interesting."

Jamie rolled his eyes. "How about personally. Do you have any regrets?"

Mitty shook her head, "No. None." Her voice became distant. "I couldn't have looked after that child. Would have been cruel of me to try." Again she captured Jamie's eyes. "Child didn't do anything other than be born. And yet to me... anyway she's now got perfect parents and every available chance at being happy. After work today I want you to take me over to see Pinkie, Hilda and their little Daisy Louise. Want to get this done quickly for everyone. I'm Aunty Mitty, hope Daisy likes me because I make good cup cakes... or... because I own a beaut Vorpal Sword."

"Shouldn't you be in bed?"

"No I don't think so. Have to start getting ready for work soon."

"Surely you're not being serious. Mitty you need to rest."

"I can do that tomorrow." She smiled. "Bet I sleep well tonight." She changed topics without missing a beat. "Anyway you should go downstairs and face Lowery. You know she's going to abuse you. When she's dressed fly her straight across to meet her Grandchild. Try not to tell her the name they chose. Let them surprise her." She grinned, "Wish I could be there to see big tough southern Lowery crying all over everyone."

Jamie squeezed her hand. "You're as tough as old boots. Will you be okay to get ready for work on your own?"

Mitty nodded. "I'll be fine dressing. Might get one of the maids to drive me to work in Lowery's buggy." She waved a hand. "And I'll expect you to pick me up at four; in the buggy please. I don't feel much like walking far or fast at the moment."

"How are you going to get on at work? Perhaps you should stay home?"

"No. I have to do this. No gaps. We've done a perfect job so far. I'll get their attention. Tell everyone I got drunk last night and feel terrible. That way they'll leave me alone." Mitty smiled, "Probably talk about me. But they'll leave me alone."

"Okay. This is all against my better judgement. I'll leave Lowery with Hilda and come back here so I'm available to collect you if you can't keep up. Is there anything you want me to do?"

She nodded. "Yep. Something important. Find somewhere... someone in this heathen outpost that knows how to make a proper cappuccino. And in a few days, when I've completed providing Daisy Louise with milk supplements, take me to where ever for a proper coffee made to perfection." She nodded, "Don't care where. And don't discuss anything. Just surprise me."

He laughed, "Tall order. I'll do my best." He took her hand and grinned, "You've got class girl. I miss real coffee too. I've actually been thinking of opening a proper coffee shop somewhere close enough to walk to. On the front lawn would be perfect."

He kissed her on the forehead. "Well. Better go face Lowery. And speaking medically; you take good care of my girl at work today."

*****

Marge Page had logged her take off time at four, seventeen AM, Pituri Downs to Toowoomba.

She made her approach, put the plane down and turned off the runway as planned, at exactly seven fifty AM. After a congratulatory nod for her ego, she logging the time and looked further than the taxiway deciding where to park on the all but vacant airfield. To her surprise she saw her daughter, Peta, waiting on the tarmac in front of the hanger where her plane would be housed were she intending to visit for more than a few hours.

Marge parked, flipped the door up and spoke while registering the surprise on her daughters face. "Hello Peta. I expected to surprise you at home. Someone must have phoned to warn you to wash the dishes and clean up." Marge smiled with her comment and noted Peta do the same. So added, "I came to see you to talk through the content of my latest assignment. Thought your clever brain might contribute some wow to my ho-hum writing approach."

"I wasn't warned." Peta laughed, "Didn't even notice it was your plane until the door opened. I'm waiting for Daf. We're on our way to Sydney collecting birthday presents. Are you coming with us tonight?" Peta waved a hand and grinned, "I guess that assumes Friday doesn't finish up in jail today."

Marge looked puzzled, "Birthday presents collected by plane? Sounds like you're popular. This is all a mystery to me. Where are you going tonight and what on earth is mega cool Friday protesting about? Thought you and Kimi were the local jail birds."

Peta rolled her eyes, "Not my birthday. Best I ever score is chocolates or frilly handkerchiefs." She shrugged, "Or underwear from Jamie, by Jamie. The presents are for Mitty. You must have forgotten we share the same birth date on the calendar. These presents are a request from Jamie. When it comes to Mitty he's the last of the big spenders. We're leaving for Jamie's place in the states pretty much as soon we return. Assuming Friday has turned up in a fit state to take charge of the Bombardier."

"Why worry about Friday? She's always on time and under budget."

"That was before the new vehicle arrived. Daf flew Friday and Mitty's father to Brisbane. They intend to take delivery of the vehicle and drive same back here while we're in Sydney."

"This is all too confusing for me. I thought Friday had a garage full of cars."

"She does. Technically this one isn't hers. It's been purchased for Friday to borrow as a loaner, which is a good thing; could mean Friday's eighty six will be available for us to borrow and show off in."

Marge shrugged, "I think you're all silly. You'd be better served buying your own car."

Peta shook her head, "If you think we're silly wait till you see this new thing and hear where it came from. We're not supposed to know but your son Jamie is a silent partner with Mitty's father. They've purchased the car so Friday can borrow it and it's worth two million dollars, plus expenses."

"You're joking. Sensible Jamie's wouldn't spend a million dollars to purchase half a car? He's always so level headed. Anyway what kind a car costs two million dollars? Must come in very nice colours. For that price a limousine should come complete with someone to polish it, drive it and the open the door for passengers."

"It's a Koenigsegg. Mitty's father went to the factory last year to test drive one and place an order. Friday took him and did the test-driving. Believe they've ordered a white one. From what I've heard two million buys you enough room inside for two smallish people and a banana. But Friday is over the moon with the arrangement. Jamie even paid extra for the number plate FRIDAY, which she doesn't know about yet. So that should make her extra happy. According to Jamie a Koenigsegg automobile is a good investment if the driver avoids trees."

Marge shook her head and didn't speak. Eventually she said, "My children! Assuming there's room onboard the jet tonight I'd love to come just to see my Grandchildren and Hilda's new baby. I'll need to go shopping as soon as I get over there. Only have one change of clothes with me. In fact it's pure luck I have my passport here." She twisted her head. "Suppose you'd best enlighten me and say what Jamie has purchased for Mitty in case seeing this present without warning brings on a heart attack. Gave me quite a jolt seeing the house they purchased."

Peta smiled and pointed at the runway. "Daf has arrived. If you're serious about coming, you'd best unload your bag and drop the aeroplane's keys in at the office. We're delivering a commercial coffee machine, identical to the one in the Drop-in centre. Apparently Jamie and Mitty's lifestyle will dramatically improve after partaking of a better class of morning coffee. And the real birthday surprise for Mitty comes with it; we're also delivering an experienced Barrista. Apparently she's so clever she'll have no trouble swaying Lowery and her staff into happily producing better coffee. I'm told this Barrista will be able impart the merit and the health benefits gained from this new exciting and improve southern style coffee, which comes straight from the underside of the new machine." Peta giggled. "Being a fly on the wall at Antebellum tomorrow morning should prove rather interesting."

"Well I'd best unload my bag. Sounds like a worthy challenge. Everything about America is passable, except for coffee and guns. And I'll watch the learning process with interest too because I couldn't even explain to Lowery I prefer the toilet roll the other way round. Needed to do that myself every time I went in the room because every time I left the room she'd change it back to what she perceives as the correct southern way."

*****

"You're awake? Was beginning to think I'd need to wake you when we land. You must have been worn out." Peta spoke to her Mother.

Marge too was surprised with how well she'd slept. She'd stirred briefly for the customs procedures in Hawaii and went straight back to sleep. A few minutes earlier she'd come back to life and been impressed to identify the unmistakable lights of a predawn Las Vegas to the south of their track. Meaning they were on the home stretch and she was as fresh as a daisy. Had even woken at the correct time to adjust her body clock. Satisfied where they were she'd then watched Peta come out of the cockpit to convince the wide awake Barrista, an intelligent looking, bright eyed pretty girl named Sophie, it was fun and okay, on this flight, to sit in the cockpit chatting to the pilot, who she already knew.

Marge watched Peta help an excited Sophie into the vacant pilot space before returning to her seat, when she spoke. Then added, "I've read your assignment. It's good. I like it. But you left a few good point scorers out. You covered the formal side of gender bias in language very well. Then completely skipped the street or gutter talk argument, which is more dramatic because it drives home the imperative of the problem; it's often dangerous to be a woman in a traditional male environment." Peta waved a hand, "And that statement in itself re-explains the problem. It's traditional for men to dominate women. Many men, particularly the uneducated ones and especially the sick ones believe it their right. They are passionate enough to fight to maintain that position." Peta again waved the same hand. "There are even many women who for whatever reason still believe themself inferior and support the dominant male argument, including, sexual humiliation and being themself a victim of physical abuse."

Marge shook her head, "Surely not."

"If you think long enough I'll bet you can name quite a few woman who think like I've described and I'm sure, you know dozens of like minded men."

Marge nodded, "Okay. I agree but for the purposes of the argument I still don't see where this approach leads."

Peta widened her eyes and smiled, "You've never taken the time to look at pornography have you?"

"I certainly haven't. It's illegal. And I hope you haven't either."

Again Peta grinned. "Mother. You may well have old lady syndrome. As a researcher, to be fully informed..." She changed her tone, spoke quieter. "Child pornography is illegal. Pornography isn't, which in my opinion is a problem; I think pornography probably should be illegal. It certainly should be restricted." She waved the hand again. "Not because of what it is, but rather what it represents within society. For example, search the Internet for pornographic images without using a personal profile. The result displayed will have assumed you are looking for woman, which says something about audience focus. You'll find it boring and degrading. For research purposes focus on language and start reading the descriptions attached to the images. This is where your assignment will present a new sleazy focus, which as an education tool is quite dangerous."

Peta smiled at the confusion on her mother's face. "Some questions to think about and research. Why are women described as sluts for not wearing clothes? How many alternative words are there you can find that might be used to describe a female suspected of poor sexual character. What equivalent words can you come up with to describe similar behaviour of men, who aren't gay, and do these words actually down grade the person's character or are they used to hold the person in some kind of reverence."

Marge nodded. "I think I've caught on. You're saying even bad language favours and condones male dominance over women and this situation drags a sleazy sub-culture along in its wake." She nodded again. "You're correct. I've only written half the assignment."

"You're a clever mother. Not many woman your age would put in the effort to gain so much from their own intellect."

Marge blew out a breath. "When you first recommended I focus on gender studies I thought you were crazy. Only went along with you because I wasn't committed enough to disagree." She touched Peta on the arm. "I love it. It's like my third eye has had a blinding cataract removed.

"Good." Peta nodded. "While your third eye focuses on the current issues may I play and sing you a song... two songs. I'd like your input." Peta reached for her guitar. "This is my current issue." She rolled her eyes. "I've just been in the cockpit trying to negotiate a reprieve from Daf, who doesn't bend. No one does, just me. Anyway we're launching my new book in a few weeks at the Riverton Campus of Central Wyoming College. Craig and I are going put on a mini concert, which will turn into the book launch, via a surprise." Peta frowned, "At my expense, I suspect." Again she waved the hand as she always does then commenced to strum her guitar and continued speaking. "Two songs, tell me which one suits me and the occasion best. They're different though both set the same mood. I'm to play one of these songs then change straight into the book launch. A surprise, no one knows what I look like. Daf... everyone thinks this should change. Anyway the first song, Green Eyes, which they prefer was written and sung by Kate Wolf. The second is written by Nanci Griffith, Love at the Five and Dime, which you may have heard. It was a hit for Kathy Mattea, back when you were thinking about making me."

Peta commenced to play, filled the plane with her guitar and voice, even brought Friday and Mitty's father forward from the rear of the plane.

When Peta finished her songs Marge spoke softly while wiping her eyes. Only Peta heard her over the clapping in the cockpit. "You made me cry." She delayed a moment. Sing the second one, for me. I was a shop girl at my counter when I re-met your Dad." She touched Peta's arm. "That was beautiful; you're beautiful. I've never heard that song before," She looked up, appeared thoughtful, "Or the other one. It's pretty too. Why don't you create your own song? You guys produce songs all the time, for everyone else to sing."

Peta lowered her face and lightly donged her forehead on her Mother's arm. You sound like Daf. And Craig." She hit her head again then looked into her Mother's eyes. "We have. We have several. Mum, I choke up, can't finish those songs." Peta banged her closed fists on the armrest. I'm not even half as tough as everyone seems to think." She looked away, thought a moment. Then focused back toward her mother. "I'll tell you this but I don't know why because..." She spoke louder and turned her head toward the cockpit, "Big ears will be listening and she'll give me a hard time." Peta lowered her voice spoke to her mother while looking at the armrest. "Craig is a little older then I am. He worked at McDonalds and... the first song he ever wrote was titled, 'Cappuccino with Chicken Salad to go'. There was this woman who regularly placed that order. He thought she was the most elegant, gorgeous, sophisticated person in existence. Suppose it was a young man's fantasy and obviously he would have failed the creative writing exam. Anyway when we got together we formed, P & C Productions, and I polished the lyrics to that song. Sold it; our first sale, a number one hit, here and America. Everyone sings it. I know you've heard it. It's now called, 'Never Me'." Peta looked up. "I used to be able to sing it until Craig told me the girl in the song is Billie. I can still back him up but if I try to sing alone I choke up." She waved her arm. "Another song he wrote before we met is titled, 'Chocolate Frappé and Fries'. You're right it's about me. I don't remember seeing him at all but he sure took an interest in me. When I think about what I was like then I've no idea what he saw. Anyway I'm so dumb I worked the song with him having no idea who it was about and we sold it too, exclusive, number one in America, titled, 'She Wears the Same Smile'. I choke up on that one too. Not because it's about me but rather what he told me that caused him to write it. Do you remember when you came in an Air Force plane to pick us up and ran into me with my class mates at the food court?" She watched her Mother nod. "Craig took that day off from school and was working. He saw us meet and heard what we said. He already knew Jamie and the moment he saw David he knew Billie was my sister. That was months before we knew" Peta wiped her eyes. "Mum I can't sing those songs. I have to sing about someone else."

## Chapter 28

Marge squeezed Peta's hand and changed the topic as best she could. "When do I get to read this new book? Don't even know the title?"

Peta smiled. "Come to the launch and cry as I sing. That will be good for me and in return I'll present you with the first commercial copy at the book launch." She winked. "Even sign it for you. The new book is titled, 'Ghosts of the Greasy Grass'. When you've read it you'll know why it's being launched in Wyoming on Indian Territory."

Marge arched her eyebrows, "Knew you were writing about Indians; all those trips you've taken out west."

Peta again smiled, "I should make you wait but just for you. The Greasy Grass is where the Indians were camped when the seventh Cavalry attacked them. Resulted in what the historians call the battle of the Little Big Horn. Everyone knows the story, or at least they know the outcome for Custer and the five companies of soldiers under his direct command. The Indians had the advantage could have secured an overwhelming victory. No one would have ever known what happened to any of those soldiers, the whole Seventh Cavalry Regiment. But the Indians were decent people, they were then and they still are. They only went after Custer because he violated the Black Hills Treaty and, for the Indians, by trying to be civilized, compassionate to the white folk, which means let them go back and say what happened. All the Indian nations lost out big time. They were starved, poisoned, frozen, anything. The whites tried to strip them of their dignity. Indians are still being persecuted. Yet it didn't work. If my story achieves anything we'll all see through the fog where the ghosts riders can still stand tall."

Marge shook her head. "You're good at keeping secrets. I'll read the book and be amazed, again. Do you have any idea what comes next?"

Peta nodded. "I do. Have a lot of notes, a basic outline and a title. Be seeing a lot of you this year. My next book will be set on a pretend Pituri Downs and titled, 'Legacy of the last Cameleer'." Peta touched her Mother's arm. "Just for you; in a years time you'll discover who Bejah's Kimeri really was and where she is now."

"You know who Kimeri was?"

"Think so; as also, do you and David." She grinned. "But you guys don't stop to think or look under the correct bushes." She waved the hand. "In the unlikely event I'm wrong, what I have to say on the topic will still come across as a believable story."

"You're cruel. You have to tell me."

"I will, I promise; one year from today when the book is on the shelf." Peta smiled. "You'll receive the first copy and I'll insert a post-it so you can find the page that tells all. Waiting is good for the soul." Again she waved her hand. "Can you believe the first thing Najwa did with her inheritance money was arrange for a private enclosure around Bejay's grave with a regal gold domed shelter area and facial recognition access that allows only Goliath to enter, an aging camel who will shortly need protection from younger bulls and is loved by her father. Knowing what we know that really is the pivot, a true legacy of the last cameleer. Najwa got my brain working, which is all it takes. Everything else thus far has simply fallen into place."

Marge was silent a few minutes then said, "If Craig has to be here with you in a few weeks why isn't he on the plane? Does he have a few gig's to knock over alone?"

Peta nodded for her own benefit. "He'll be here. He's gone home to face an angry Father, who still believes playing music in drinking houses is not respectable. A real job means riding the boundary fence of the family property, all day and when required all night. There would be no need of a salary, no need for a brain. Without emotion, just listen to the family voice of he who knows best. Be guided by the family tree to the land of promise as it was written in stone a thousand years ago." Peta bit her lip and shook her head. "I don't even know why he went. We've been on this track before. It goes round in diminishing circles such that one runs a genuine risk of coming out of ones own mouth."

Marge expanded her eyes, "I take it they don't approve of you."

Peta pulled a frown and nodded "No. Craig thought it best for me to stay away this trip. Apparently I'm a bad influence, the reason Craig doesn't grow up and settle down. They know of at least half a dozen good strong local girl-next-door types who'd make a much more stable relationship for their little Craig."

"Oh. Well obviously you and Craig are close enough to weather their interference." Marge opened her hands. "Have you ever sat down with his parents and explained what you both want from life?"

Peta grinned and rolled her eyes. "No. That would be like talking to the wall. Though I will confess, largely because of his Father, Craig and I have talked and we agree on everything." She shrugged, "If Craig can get a word in he's going to try and explain to his whole family what our plans are. He thinks that would be better than walking away from his Mother and Sister without an explanation."

Marge looked pensive. "Am I permitted to know your plans?" She grinned, "If only to know when to start, or whether to practise Grandma knitting."

Peta touched her Mother's arm and gave a light squeeze. "You'd like more Grandchildren, wouldn't you?" She kept talking. "When I dreamed of being writer the plan was to produce six books before assessing whether I was wasting my time. That plan really took a huge nosedive. Not in my wildest dream did I expect 'Wind in the Corn' would be published and I certainly didn't think I'd earn three and half million dollars and counting." Peta waved her hand. "Now Daf has decided to put my face around and start being paid properly so she'll make more commission. She has already negotiated a two and half million dollar advance for, 'Ghosts of the Greasy Grass', with a retainer for first refusal options on what ever my next book is." Peta looked at her mother. "I still intend to write six books before assessing what comes next. At one book a year that's four years and Craig wants us to keep writing songs and performing for another four years as well. All this suits me fine." Peta waved the hand again and nodded. "Craig and I would both like a small family and hopefully, with sensible modern management, not for four years. By then we should be proper grown ups and do these things responsibly. We've also agreed our family name will be Page." Peta expanded her eyes. "That was Craig's idea, which is amazing because it's what I've always wanted." Peta squeezed her Mother's arm again. "When the planets align you'll be Grandma to a few more little Pages." Peta shook her head. "And we've agreed to spare Craig's angry Father that last small detail in advance."

Marge looked serious, "Is Craig's Father in financial trouble?"

Peta nodded, "Craig thinks that's the most likely reason for the current rant. The drought is bitting hard up their way. They have good bores to water stock, don't have enough volume or pressure to irrigate pastures. Means they're at the mercy of the weather to feed the livestock and buying in is expensive. Plus there is a rumour floating round they're unable to attract back packers anymore. Apparently the word filtered out, as a boss Craig's Father is not particularly kind. Craig hasn't been in touch so I don't yet know what's going on. Suppose I should warn you we've cleared things with Jamie and Mitty for Craig to bring his family over here with him." Peta waved her hand. "Craig worries about his Sister and Mum. Thinks they need a break. And if his father decides to share his brand of premium misery we've made plans for a few of Matthew's people to keep things running while he's away." Peta waved the hand. "Truthfully, we're hoping he lets his girls go off on their own." She emphasised, his girls. "Though we know quite well it will be all or none; his way or no way." Again the hand waved. "When he's out of his comfort zone, which is just about everywhere, he makes the most inappropriate confronting remarks..." Again she waved the hand. "Antebellum will step into his mind as an historical romance, two hundred years of plantation life in the deep south." Peta shook her head. "Showing him Cottonfield and hearing him mouth off down there could prove dangerous. Anyway if he does turn up we thought we might go stay somewhere modest in Thermopolis for a few weeks. And just maybe we could find an excuse to sneak Craig's sister and Mother out for a quick look around Missouri, Alabama and wherever else."

Marge looked in silence a moment. Then decided to speak. "There are a lot of men like Craig's Father. Women cope with change, aging and unrealised dreams better than men. I'd say he needs his family more than they need him and doesn't know the correct way to live with this realization. Probably shouldn't leave him at home alone." Marge looked at her lap and flexed her fingers; spoke reflectively. "Lately I've been thinking a lot. I've decided your father would have struggled with our lifestyle now. It was his desire to make us all secure and comfortable but it was just a dream. I'm sure he didn't know what secure actually involves. I know he wouldn't understand me wanting to go to University. I've also decided Billie, you and especially Jamie would threaten all his understanding of normal." Marge looked at Peta, "I tell myself he'd have changed with the times but deep down I don't think he would have without creating conflict first. He couldn't have coped with the careers you each chose, which would have deepened watching you succeed and the wealth you've each skilfully generated. It's not a coincidence that Matthew never explained how rich and influential he actually is until quite recently." Marge nodded. "When I'm next at home, would you mind if I approach Craig's parents, probably his Mother, than the both of them and... I don't know; invite them and Craig's sister over to Pituri Downs for lunch and show them round. Which will mean collecting and returning them by plane. I'd like to at least try to make it easier for you and Craig to take your relationship wherever without any family pressure. If we achieve a positive result from lunching together it's not such a large step inviting them over here as your extended family."

Peta nodded, "That might just work. Craig has been trying to convince his father to value add, he'd like to partner up and even pay for it himself but his Father won't listen, not to us. Make sure you show him the detail of your Droughtmaster stud operation and go on about your University studies in front of Craig's Sister."

"Oh I'll do more than that. I'll also give him my rundown on what you guys do and how successful you are. I'll even throw in that it's largely because you've each secured a PH-D from University." Marge nodded, "Do you know Craig's Father was quite a competitive rodeo rider before he married? I suspect giving that away might be where some of the angst comes from. We could arrange for David and the Chief to show him the length and breadth of Bison Pass, camping out on horseback like they regularly do anyway, while we take the woman somewhere civilized. If we were clever we could even time a visit to co-inside with Matthews contribution to the Pony Express re-enactment ride." Marge smiled, "Anyway we've almost arrived. You should help Sophie out of the cockpit so the cook's children, who both have a PH-D, can guide us safely back to earth." Marge smiled at Friday who'd been listening. "I'm a little intrigued. I recognise Sophie as the girl who ran the Drop-in centre last year but Missouri is a long way to come to make a few cups of coffee. And I know Jamie; something more is going on here."

Peta smiled, "I've just thought of something, which should prove an intrigue for Sophie. We need to suit up in maternity wear before we land. Think Sophie is in for several surprises. Have an idea how she'll react to Antebellum. Not quite sure what Sophie will make of Lowery. But I do know Lowery will scare the living daylight out of Craig's father."

*****

"Well we'll see." Lowery's fisted hands were on her hips, always a bad sign. "Now cover that contraption up so we don't need to look at it. Then sit yourself down with these weary travellers. Came all the way from three miles further than the lost world. Which is obviously where Mr Jamie discovered that thing lying by the side of the road." She closed her eyes before pointing. "The girl's will treat you to light refreshment while I find Mr Jamie and put this debacle to rights." Lowery nodded and pointed so the man and his assistant knew where to sit. "And don't be getting upset. Not having the advantage of being born in the south you couldn't be expected to know there are procedures to be followed." Lowery blew out a breath. "If Mr Jamie were ever permitted to dump recently discovered Russian space junk in my entertainment area it would almost certainly lead to the end of genteel civilization. Here at Antebellum Mr Jamie is seldom seen because we hide him on the third floor. He's quite clever but suffers from the side effects of careless breeding."

Lowery saw the men to there seat then rapidly moved toward the stairs, knowing Jamie had taken an overwhelmingly speechless Sophie on a personalized tour of the upper floors, which may well have been an excuse to bring Sophie up to date with events.

Peta looked at her mother, both women were holding onto tears of laughter. When Lowery was out of earshot Peta spoke to the Installers. "Plug it in and get it working while Miss Lowery is upstairs."

The man's eyes expanded. "She'll kill me."

"No she won't. Miss Lowery is the product of southern correctness, as soft as marshmallow under a superficially thin coating of harsher material."

Peta pulled out her phone, dialled and said. "Hi, small emergency. If you want a coffee anytime soon, or into the future, keep Lowery upstairs for twenty minutes." She listened, smiled and bit her bottom lip. "I don't know. Hide; make her find you. Tell her there's a lose floorboard somewhere. You saw some dust go by. Anything." Again she listened. "To get the coffee machine working. Got to go." Peta hung up.

She turned to the Installers. "Time is short you've got no more than twenty minutes. Then, if you have time, you can help us test the machine. If you're impressed you may rest assured Miss Lowery will also be impressed. She'll thank you for single-handedly restoring a small piece of the civilised world, the long lost authentic Alabama Barrista coffee as consumed everywhere in the south before the war of northern aggression. For this you'll almost certainly receive a supply of Miss Lowery's unforgettable, authentic southern cracker jack cookies, from a recipe given to the family by none other than Robert E Lee's Grandmother."

Thirty-five minutes elapsed before Lowery returned with Jamie and an amused Sophie in company. Lowery ushered Jamie and Sophie to sit on her left, beside Marge, then sat at the head of the table. She seemed preoccupied, didn't appear to notice the machine behind her was hissing and everyone seated was drinking coffee.

The moment Sophie and Jamie were settled Lowery looked at Marge and shook her head. "Miss Mitty is a troubled young lady. Don't understand what the matter is but I know she's heading for a fall. Works too many hours, won't eat correctly; keeps smuggling chocolate bars past me and I've just now discovered she's discarded the wrappers by poking them down the drain. Obviously trying to hide the full extent of just how many of those pimple makers she eats. Think I'll need to stich her pockets closed and if she's not careful I'll lock the bathroom, make her ring downstairs and have one of the girls accompany her."

Marge tried to look serious. "May not be as it seems. Mr Jamie could be the culprit. As a child he was always naughty and every time I collared him he'd tell stories to point the blame at Miss Peta. In the end I sent him off the boarding school. That's when I discovered Miss Peta was a nice honest, sweet as southern candy, child."

"Well I'll have to look into this more deeply. What's that you're drinking?"

Marge rolled her eyes. "Some special drink out of that there machine." She pointed past Lowery, where Peta was making espressos for Friday and Mitty's father.

"Probably give you constipation." Lowery scanned the table discovering the four maids, who always sat on her right, each had something different from the machine. The girls were swapping cups obviously aroma and taste testing. "Where do those tiny cups and saucers come from?" She pointed at the small, rather quaint, cups.

The closest maid spoke while placing an espresso in front of Lowery. "They were in the cabinet under the machine. Miss Peta needed to use them for the little drinks. We washed all the crockery first. That one smells beautiful, but it's too strong to drink. I prefer this one. It's frothy with chocolate sprinkles." She placed the cappuccino in front of Lowery. "When Miss Peta served them, there was a pretty pattern on top." She pointed along the table at the flat white. "That one too."

Lowery smelt both drinks several times. Sipped the espresso, seemed pleased, then the cappuccino. Shook her head, "Those bubbles will probably give everyone wind. Tastes nice, what's in it?"

Peta spoke, "Granny it's pure southern coffee served properly, like everyone drank before the uncivilized heathens invaded and set about destroying what they couldn't understand. Thought everyone should drink northern fizzy pop and wear a John Deer tracker hat. This is an authentic Coffee County espresso machine. We're using the original recipe and coffee beans grown from plants grafted off twigs saved from the original coffee tree in Brewton Alabama."

P. P. you're not trying to sell one of your stories are you? Coffee County is named after General Coffee."

"Honest Granny I wouldn't lie; not to you. The Northerners said it's named after General Coffee to confuse people because they wanted to sell their tasteless instant coffee. Did the same in Lee County, told everyone the county was named after a foreign guitar player, Albert Lee, but the locals wouldn't fall for any of that rubbish. Everyone knows it's named after Robert E Lee. Same in Coffee County they know it's where coffee was invented; exported coffee all over the world. Even written about in the bible. Was originally called Alabama moonshine because it keeps everyone alert at night but they settled on coffee because foreigners wouldn't drink moonshine for breakfast." Peta nodded. "Sophie is an expert Barrista came all the way here to show you and the girls how to drive the machine, make perfect coffee. Her father was the top brewer in all of Coffee County. Northerners had to get rid of him. Sold him to the British navy as a deck scrubber, worked for years, sailed all round the world in chains. Finally jumped ship in Australia, got so thin he pulled the shackles off. Anyway he settled down, had a family and taught Sophie everything there is to know about making proper coffee. She's a GMB, Grand Master Barrista. Best way to show you what that means is have Sophie make you a coffee. She need only look at you to make you a perfect coffee. What do you think?"

"I think we'll put Sophie to the test just to see whether you're blowing hot northern air over everyone."

Lowery's flat white was crafted with a milk silhouette of Robert E Lee. Sophie allowed two of the girls to watch her work. The surface pattern was Peta's doing, Etso had created a sketch for Sophie to practise with before they arrived.

Lowery was impressed. The coffee machine was obviously southern and worthy of staying put. The aroma and taste were southern and as one would expect superior. Represents the perfect addition to enhance the Antebellum experience.

Eventually the girls were sent to prepare bedrooms for the new arrivals and cook the extra treats necessary to compliment the new coffee standard.

In the middle of organising Friday and Daphne's flight to collect everyone from Knob Noster for a lunch, with special southern coffee Fiona wandered from the kitchen onto the verandah.

"I can smell coffee." Fiona sat at the end of the table facing Lowery and scanned the faces along both sides, nodding at each person. Sophie, who was standing by the coffee machine, received an extended look before Fiona pointed. "You're the coffee lady from the Drop-in centre and you have your machine with you." She shrugged. ". I'll have a cappuccino please. How come you're pregnant too" Fiona spared Peta, Friday and Daphne a second glance. "Must be something in the water. Hard to believe you'd all fall pregnant together, statistically at least one of you should be gay, baron or frigid."

Peta shook her head. "I'm not pregnant. None of us is. My stupid brother," She looked at Jamie before continuing. "Told us you were pregnant and having trouble coping; said we should all pretend to be pregnant to help you feel better. You used to look pregnant. If you're hiding a baby upstairs you should have said something so we don't need to struggle around dressed in tents."

"Don't know about you but I know Mitty isn't pregnant. I went down to the hospital canteen looking for better coffee the other day and saw her running up the corridor helping carry some guy off a helicopter as fast as they could because he was bleeding and leaving a mess on the floor. She goes off to work and comes home looking pregnant, probably so Lowery will allow her to ride in the golf buggy. She obviously wears a maternity outfit and doesn't bother with it at work. Jamie's a conspirator, that's why he delivers her afternoon tea now."

Lowery interrupted. "Well this requires further investigation. Miss Mitty is a worry and Mr Jamie isn't helping."

Fiona continued, "I'm not pregnant either. Never was, never will be. Phillip told me you and Mitty were pregnant and asked me to wear a fat suit, to look disgusting, help you both feel better. The outfit was horrible so I stayed upstairs as much as possible. Which was great, everyone left me alone and there is so much inspiration in this house. I'm finished painting for now and Phillip has arranged to exhibit my babies before we go home." Fiona nodded. "Made a special one to go above the fireplace here. "It will be a feature at the exhibition, my best creation ever. I've called it Lady Antebellum; love it."

Peta spoke, "Lady Antebellum, wow. They can sing. When do we see this painting?"

"It's private at the moment. They're all private. You can see them at the exhibition or for anyone unsophisticated, Lady Antebellum will be above the fireplace, in the formal lounge room after the exhibition closes."

Peta shook her head. "What if Jamie doesn't want it above the fireplace?"

"Its not negotiable. Lady Antebellum belongs above the fireplace."

Lowery nodded and added, "We won't stand for one of those half naked fluzzy theatre girls with unnaturally swollen mammary glands; all stretched out above the fireplace. Could easily fall on someone. Rather dangerous and not a good look for a quality southern establishment."

Fiona stared everyone down, "You'll like her but you'll just have to wait and see." After a small delay she thanked Sophie for her coffee and smelt it. With closed eyes her expression melted. "Now we have coffee at Antebellum... everything; and Phillip wants me to leave."

Peta said, "Where are you going?"

Fiona took her time sipping coffee. Again she smelt it, shook her head. "Friday and Daphne are taking me to Phillip as soon as my babies are crated and loaded. Three men are coming in a truck to do that today. Phillip said they're experts."

"Where is Phillip?"

Again Fiona sipped her coffee. "I don't know. He's a wanderer. Last time we talked he was in New York."

Daphne spoke, "We're taking you to Paris, day after tomorrow. You and Phillip are staying in Najwa's Unit." She looked at Friday. "I'm jealous. I'll go round the world twice sleeping in the back of a noisy aeroplane only to finish up in Wyoming standing ankle deep in cattle poo listening to Peta sing the wrong song."

Peta shrugged. "Poor you. Poor little Daphne." She looked at her mother. Mum why don't we cadge an aeroplane so you can fly us down to Cottonfield early tomorrow for the day? I want to see Professor Kelley. I'd also like to catch up with Chelsea and a few old school mates." Peta nodded, looked at Lowery. "In fact Granny could come with us to made sure everything is shipshape down there? We'd even have room to take Fiona to see her Mum."

Marge spoke. "I'd like that." She looked at Jamie. "Any chance of borrowing your plane?"

Jamie nodded. "Sure. I've no plans to go anywhere the next few days. I plan to sit here drinking Sophie's coffee. If something comes up I'll put the bite on Billie for a loaner." He thought a moment before continuing. "Mitty has a few days off from the end of this week. We were planning to go to Japan with her Dad, probably meet up with Kimi and Etsu. Plus we were hoping to return to Australia for a quick visit. Mitty would like to see her Mum before it's too late." He looked at Sophie. "We could probably travel together, assuming a stopover in Japan suits your plans."

Sophie shook her head. "I'm on cloud nine. I'll go anywhere with you. I know you'll get me back to work on-time."

Jamie nodded. "Good. How would you like an informal tour of the hospital? The walk would do us both good. If you like what you see and have the energy we could even take a trip round the town later today to give you an idea of what's here. If we leave for the hospital now we'd be back before Friday and Daf go off to pick up our lunch guests. They might like to take you to see more of the country; some rather fancy aeroplanes and my clever sister's house. In fact there are a lot of nice places to be seem over here. If you twinkle, Lowery may even find time to show you Cottonfield. Might as well see as much as you can while you're over here." He smiled and nodded to himself. "Should get going, shouldn't we? Give you something to discuss with Mitty, over coffee, when her shift finishes."

## Chapter 29

"Sophie? How on earth..." Mitty hugged her friend and held on. Oh Sophie I'm so pleased to see you. And you're looking well. Don't you ever put on weight?"

At the end of her shift Mitty had wandered out of the main hospital entrance on autopilot. She was almost seated before realising a grinning Sophie was at the controls of Lowery's prized replica T-model buggy.

She released her hold on Sophie and stared shaking her head, eventually saying. "I knew something was up this morning. Everyone was preoccupied with vagueness and couldn't see the back of me fast enough. Did Jamie fly somewhere to collect you?"

Sophie shook her head. "Nope. We flew direct in Friday's fancy jet. Brisbane to here, via Hawaii, didn't even need to stand or wait at customs. Landed at seven this morning and I'm not even tired. Gee I could get used to travelling the way you guys do." She spoke firmer. "Mitty I've been worried sick about you. Only to discover you're living like the Princess Royal. I should have put more effort into worrying about myself." She tapped a light punch on Mitty's shoulder and shook her head.

Mitty replied, "I wrote. Said I'm fine, happy, have everything I need."

"I know you did. You also said you're living in a big old mansion close to work with lots of energetic, cooperative people who work together and make everything easy. I assumed you were back in a squat trying to make ends meet and painting a bright picture so I wouldn't worry. Which made me worry." Sophie looked up and shrugged. "Energetic, cooperative people is a rather interesting way to say staff employed to look after your every need. I counted seven people working there. Four maids, a cook, some guy outside who seems to be employed to drive a wheelbarrow full of children between flower gardens and... Lowery. Who is Lowery? Aren't you scared of her? How can you afford all this?"

Mitty smiled, "I can't but Jamie can. We have three permanent staff running everything and sixteen local University students on Antebellum Scholarships. Free board, fees and an allowance, in return for ten hours a week working at Antebellum. Jamie and Phillip came up with the arrangement to give back to our community, which also shifted public opinion to neutralize a rather toxic attitude, focused on getting rid of our house that had filtered into the University administration. Now the whole community takes pride in having a world heritage listed home in their midst." Mitty shrugged, "Everyone at the University wants to be an Antebellum girl. Even men. It's not particularly expensive all things considered. I love the house. Are we going home or do you wish to sit here talking all night? Anyway how come Lowery let you drive her buggy? She won't let me drive the buggy."

Sophie laughed while backing out of the small odd shaped parking space labelled, 'Reserved for Lowery'. "I was specifically told not to let you drive the buggy. Jamie requested special permission to allow me to drive down here alone and take you home. Lowery gave me a test. I drove round the garden while she nursed her sleeping Grandchild beside me. Daisy Louise didn't wake up so here I am."

Mitty nodded. "How did you know where to come?"

"Mitty you're still full of questions. Jamie brought me down here on a quick orientation tour this morning. I'm impressed with your hospital, so modern, such an efficient lay out. Even the canteen is great. We saw you from the corridor. You looked... professional, in control. Had your hands and mind on a Maxillofacial Trauma so we backed away." Sophie nodded. "Do you like emergency or was it imposed on you?" She shook her head, "I find triage very stressful gives me nightmares. I... Oh lets not go there. I'm on holidays." She lifted her tone. "As also are you, in a few days, I've discovered."

"Lets step back and cover some important detail. Did Jamie drive you down here in the buggy this morning?"

"He wanted to drive the buggy but Lowery made us walk. Said he can't be trusted."

"Good. Just checking. It's best to go up that way comes in behind the house." Mitty pointed to the right.

"I was told to take you this way. You're to go straight upstairs without being seen. You're to dress sensibly for dinner and put some effort in on your appearance. If you don't measure up Lowery intends to personally take you upstairs and supervise the second coming." Sophie waved a hand. "That's exactly what she said. Who's actually in charge here? Oh and you don't need to wear a maternity vest anymore. Lowery is onto you. She wants it off, knows you aren't pregnant because you've been seen at work." Sophie stopped the cart. "Mitty what's going on? What happened to the baby?"

Mitty put up a stop finger. "What's going on down stairs?"

"Mitty!" Sophie shook her head. "Mitty; oh... there are heaps of people. I went... somewhere not too far away with Friday and Daphne and came back with... your sister-in-laws family, plus another double family, who must be related to Lowery. And another group turned up from Wyoming. Your Brother-in-law's family and Debe's family who I knew already." Sophie looked at Mitty and pointed. Mitty, please tell me how things truly are."

"Okay. I guess you should know. But I want you to think none of this actually happened."

Sophie interrupted, "Mitty I have to say something. There are a few people at work mouthing off about you. Word got back you've been accepted in Australia as qualified, ahead of us and that's ruffled a few people's feather. Matron Maloney being the worst. God she's an old bitch. They're searching for an excuse to discredit you."

"Okay, I'll talk to Jamie about that." Mitty nodded, "For you only and only you. I carried the baby full turn. Gave birth a few weeks ago. I've kept wearing a maternity outfit so people don't know I've had a baby. Everyone else helped by dressing up pregnant as well. Basically around here people think of us as strange foreigners, which is a good cover." Mitty looked at her lap and grinned. "You'll like this. Bit over a week ago I took a quick nap on a gurney at work and really crashed. While I was out to it a rather maternal sister put a stethoscope on me tummy and panicked because there was no pulse. I woke up with a team preparing to do an emergency c-section on me." Mitty shook her head. "When I revealed the padding boy did I get a few strange looks? Anyway at work all but a few trusting friends think I was never really pregnant so that was great. Apparently now we've done the same at home, which means we've pulled it off."

"And the baby?"

"Forget this the moment you hear it. Daisy Louise." Mitty shook her head. "I won't go into the detail other than to say Jamie worked out how to legally switch parents at the birth. Sophie I'm so proud of what we did. Honestly I didn't think I could ever say this but now I'm glad everything happened as it did. Seeing that beautiful baby with her parents, and lets not forget Grandma, has made everything worthwhile." Mitty touched Sophie on the arm. "Maternally I feel nothing; I'm an onlooker, a family friend, who even helped at the birth of the Zook child." She pointed. "Lets go home."

Sophie looked but turned away to say. "Do you know which rapist fathered the child?" She raised her hands. "I mean medically, if there is ever a problem to research."

Mitty nodded, "We didn't determine which one is the father and we don't want to know." Mitty blow out a breath, spoke more matter of fact. "We have both DNA samples on file for whatever reason. And I know you've noticed what I noticed. I'm sure we're correct but don't go there. There is a huge problem and we don't want to know the answer unless it's medically necessary. Those guys were doing something to manipulate DNA testing, which would have resulted in the baby and I being buried in the cellar of a New York rural property. The FBI is still there. Thus far they've located ten bodies, all pregnant mothers of Asian decent, who remain unidentified. Each unborn child has a similar male Caucasian DNA component." Mitty shook her head and waved both hands. "Sophie it looks like they were trying to create someone who could become the missing heir of the Stehlen estate or something of the like. The problem now is the missing heir has been located. It's a very small world, she's Asian and we know her. It's Najwa and the last thing any of us wants to know is whether Daisy Louise and Najwa are some kind of cousins." Mitty looked at Sophie. Please forget all of this. Even financially Daisy Louise is fine. You want to know about Lowery, I'll tell you. Her name is Lowery Cottonfield." Mitty looked and nodded. "That's right, our families don't own Cottonfield they manage the estate house for high-end tourists. The house is called, Lowery. It's on Cottonfield." Mitty nodded again. "I might as well tell you everything. Pinkie is Pinkie Zook. She's Lowery's only child, her birth name was, Daisy Louise Cottonfield, want to guess where she was born?" Mitty smiled and eyed Sophie, "Soph don't fall into a trap of assuming everyone around here knows all this; they don't. We don't even know who knows. We haven't discussed these things. I'm sure none of the staff know. That's Lowery's department. Don't be fooled by Lowery. Lowery even spreads gossip about me eating too many chocolate bars so no one will wonder why I'm carrying a few extra pounds." She blew out a breath. "Jamie's Mother has no idea and she mustn't get ideas. Marge loves her family and she loves babies. If she knew what's gone on here she'd be incapable of looking at Daisy Louise without making Grandma remarks." Mitty raised a hand and flicked her fingers before again pointing ahead. "Let's not sit and think all night. Take me home." But then immediately turned the pointing hand into a stop sign. "Woo. We can forget about seeing Jamie. When you go back to work why not say I'm doing fine now; was under a lot of pressure, lost the baby and threw myself into work. That's how I qualified so quickly. Everything turned out right eventually. Say I'm settled and not in a hurry to come back to Australia."

Sophie nodded. "That's good. That's the truth anyway. You did lose the baby. It's the whole truth. Done. But why don't you come visit on your holiday, throw your face around? Tell them; show them yourself. Jamie said you might." She shrugged. "All the interns are in your corner. Most cheered when news of your first class honours result from over here landed on a table in the dormitory canteen."

"Maybe I should. Gee there are a few people in that hospital I want to smile at and say absolutely nothing except, you look exactly the same as the last time I saw you."

"Mitty, I want to hug you." Sophie placed the buggy in park and did hug Mitty. "I'm so relieved and happy. I nursed Daisy Louise on the plane and couldn't help watching her parents. No one could dispute she's their child." Sophie grinned, "And lets not forget Grandma. Lowery looks soft near Daisy Louise." She released Mitty. "Come on, I'll take you home. I'm positive Lowery is timing me."

*****

"When will we hear the patter of little feet along the corridors of this house?"

Marge asked the question. The comment caused a silence as most listening breathed in expectantly. She didn't nominate anyone in particular though her focus was definitely Jamie. Marge had been entertaining herself nursing Daisy Louise for over an hour. The child was sound asleep and clearly very comfortable, skilfully supported within Marge's arms.

Jamie skirted the question with faked surprise, "You obviously haven't been paying attention. Your Grandchildren have been pattering about all day. At the moment we're going through a rare lull because Lowery apprehended two villains preparing to slide down the banister. They were able to escaped outside before being skinned and cooked like southern potato. Though I suspect the whole gang is about to be marched inside or someone may need to call an ambulance." Jamie pointed and smiled, "The team work and cooperation is amazing. I've been watching their endeavours for some time. I'm guessing the objective is the cubby house. First they tried a wheelbarrow with a chair in it, which wasn't high enough. A box was added on top, which proved unstable; one took a fall, caused a big laugh. Now the mountaineers have found and carried a huge ladder from the garden shed, positioned it perfectly, played scissors, paper, rock, to establish a climb order and disrobed down to basic underwear, presumably so they can look clean enough to pass inspection for dinner. All four are currently doing a Tenzing Norgay re-enactment without ropes or perhaps they're trainee fire fighters; who knows."

Everyone followed Jamie's pointing finger. Some smiled, Kelly didn't. She quickly joined the discussion. "Goodness. My sweet little girl has the lead. With further to fall." She pointed at Billie but decided not to speak. Instead she shook her head and changed focus. "David go out there and convince our daughter that climbing that tree with or without a ladder is a silly idea." Again she shook her head. "Maybe you should take your Sister with you if only to show the children what happens to someone who has clearly fallen headfirst from a similar height. She may also be able to persuade Clancy's untamed Cousins and Uncle not to climb the tree.

Jamie continued, "Jay is probably trying to show the others the swing'alator. I know Mitty told him about it."

Billie stood at the same time as David and grinned at her sister-in-law. "I know you need me in attendance because we both know Oink is too sissy to climb after them. However I should remind you this situation calls for tact because Peta might cry. You seem to have forgotten she did fall and needed to have her head bolted back on, still has the scars." Billie eyed a grinning Peta, nodded toward Kelly and spoke to David. "Come on Oink we'll show them the proper way to climb trees and teach them how to swing upside down on a branch like monkeys do." She turned to Jamie, "Mitty showed me her swing'alator diagrams and plans. Looked great. Thought it was supposed to have a remote."

"Yep. She has to hide the remote from Lowery. Apparently chocolate bars could be stored in that tree. I'll call Mitty and encourage her to sneak round the back without being detected from the kitchen. She'll demonstrate her creation and let the kids take a shot. She's rather proud of the swing'alator, designed and built without outside help. If Mitty introduces the four intrepid climbers to the remote they'll be launched and retrieved like junior astronauts." Jamie picked up his phone and spoke while dialling. "Next on her list is a flying fox from the top floor to the cubby via a barn loft through tunnel. Should be a buzz. However negotiating suitable anchor points on the house, with you know who, is proving rather complicated and protracted."

The moment Jamie finished talking to Mitty; Marge struck again. "You and Mitty live in a perfect environment, such a beautiful family house. People everywhere can only dream of living like this. Do either of you have any plans to grow up, get married and raise a family like normal people?" Marge pulled a face, thought a moment and blow out a breath. "Anyway shouldn't we be helping in the kitchen? Lowery must be run off her feet we have an absolute tribe for dinner."

Jamie smiled. "Mum. People everywhere can live our dream. Or even live their dream. All that's needed is to pay the bills using their own money." He shrugged, "The people you mentioned have no idea what it's like to live their own life. The dream they want is spoon fed via daytime television and comes with no idea what is really required of them. Couldn't possibly understand we're sitting here waiting for dinner because we'd get decked if we went anywhere near the kitchen or dining room. Tonight's meal has been designated a mini-formal, meaning Lowery has all available hands on deck. Plus six waiters from the local catering school are preparing to be assessed serving us. If all goes well and their two supervisors are satisfied they'll be closer to graduation." He shrugged. "We do this every month or so to help the college. It allows the students to gain practical experience in a traditional stately home setting. Either way we'll sit down to a good healthy meal. Plus Mitty and Peta are sure to share a spiffy slice of birthday surprise something with the rest of us for dessert." Jamie produced a large grin, "And lets not forget Mitty's coffee machine will make an appearance."

Jamie nodded at his Mother's disbelieving expression and kept talking. "Mum. Mitty studied for almost a decade to become a Doctor. It's been a long slog and what she has achieved isn't the destination. It's the starting point. She's now qualified to learn how to give back and help people who need help. Which is what she's always wanted and what I've always wanted. Little girls don't dream about owning a big house with a nice garden. All those dreams come later. What little girls really dream about is having Mummy and Daddy come home safely every day. Sometimes, when things go wrong, the like of Mitty or Kelly need to intervene and throw everything they know into helping a little girl's dream come true."

Jamie pointed at the tree so everyone could watch the first climber seated on the swing, being shown by Mitty how to hold on correctly. They saw the clench in readiness while waiting for the button to be pressed, which was followed by a laughing scream to match Clancy's ride. They watched the swing return ready for Em to take a shot.

"Mum Mitty makes these things because she likes to wind down by being creative and for some strange reason climbing has always helped her relax. Out there and in the workshop is actually the only time she has for herself. Ironically she caught the carpentry, building and design bug from her hero, your daughter, Billie. There's nothing strange or immature about her playing in the yard making gargets to entertain children. It's freedom, a release from the pressures of her work." Jamie pointed at Kelly. "Kelly relaxes from the pressure of the same work by flying aeroplanes, riding horses and worrying about Clancy climbing trees." He shrugged, "We'll almost certainly have our own children one day but we're still young and not in any hurry. At the moment it's more important for Mitty to patch people up and help them go home to their own family. Besides the both of us come from a healthy loving family and we also belong to another large dynamic family everyone knows as the people of Antebellum, which attract a lot of local guests. There's enough people in our families for now."

Marge smiled at Jamie and frowned. She looked at Daisy Louise sleeping in her arms and said to the child. "Well Daisy Louise it's just you and I for now. Whenever your Granny is busy keeping house I'll step in and be your pretend Grandma; like today." Marge glanced a Jamie and looked back at the child. "When you're a little older your Mummies and Granny can come visit my place and we'll get 'nake to teach you how to climb trees properly. Yep, 'nake will teach you how to go right up the top in the little branches where no one dares go and you be able to see forever." Marge nodded and brushed the child's hair. "I'll push you on the swing too and when you're about to start school I'll probably have a second wave of Grandchildren and you'll be able to help me look after them."

Marge looked up at Jamie. "Do we need to dress up for this special dinner?"

Jamie shook his head to indicate a no. "It's a mini-formal; neat casual. You'll pass. We only play dress ups complete with tiaras for maxi-formals; this is all documented in the manual. Though Mitty and probably Sophie will be sent upstairs if they come straight in here with the kids. Dungarees over one of my singlets and bare feet have already been identified as not suitable for the lady of Antebellum while in the lounge room, on the front porch or at the dining table."

Marge rolled her eyes. "It's very complicated living here." Marge was silent a moment then giggled and continued. "We're not so different. When we were first married your father and I lived in a small flat that got really hot. No one had air conditioning in those days and I wouldn't let your father eat dinner in his singlet. Always made him put a shirt on. Told him civilised folk need to set standards." Marge looked at Jamie. "Not sure what your father would make of his child owning Antebellum or paying for it by selling ladies undergarments."

Jamie smiled. "Had things worked out differently I suspect Dad would have happily done whatever he could to help me create a successful underwear business. He'd have supported all of us, like you have." Jamie waved a hand, "Dad would have mellowed by now, put his shirt on without prompting. He'd have rushed out there to help Billie and David retrieve his Grandchildren from the tree. Just to be closer to his family. Plus he'd have liked the idea of you staying in here to pretend you're looking after Daisy Louise for Lowery."

Marge looked up; seemed shocked, close to tears, then smiled. She nodded and cast her eyed at everyone on the verandah before giving Jamie a rather large loving smile. "You're right, and you're clever too; definitely you're your father's son. We're Pages, distance can't keep us apart."

*****

The End  
*****

## About EA Harwik

EA Harwik - A Dreamer who found an old pen.

Thank you for reading Pages. I'm beholden to you.

More of the author and stories can be found on-line.  
EA Harwik  
eaharwik@eaharwik.com  
www.facebook.com/eaharwik

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