Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2018 18:22:32 +0000 (UTC)
From: A becker <abecker60@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Jian 50

Jian

The six of us had a quiet dinner. Then there was packing. We boarded the
helicopter on the dock after midnight.

At Don Mueang we walked up the stairs into the lounge, the engines already
warmed up. The door was closed and we were rolling immediately. Stephanie's
voice over the tannoy letting us know we'd be airborne right away. Strapped
in, Jaidee in a cushioned holder that was belted in a seat. The roar of the
engines as we rolled to the head of the runway in a big turn and no
stopping just the power rush down the asphalt. Up with a slight turn to
starboard. Over the pole for us.

We did a few things but everyone headed to bed fairly soon. Tara had run
Jaidee up and down a bit, Cho scooped him up to carry him into bed. The
little guy's chin on the edge of his bed watching us undress. I bent over
him to kiss that chocolate head.

I bed with a warm Cho! We kissed for a while... a hand snaked around my hip
to rest on my sex... a small squeeze as the lovely lips pressed onto my
neck. I covered his hand with mine... pressing down. A few more kisses then
lights out.



50

We had a nice relaxed breakfast before Stephanie who was back on the
controls told us Westchester Airport had cleared us to land. We were in the
seats already. We came in from the northwest onto runway 16. An easy
landing and quick taxi off. We rolled to a stop beyond the terminal in
front of a hangar.

Terrance's smiling face welcomed us as we descended to the tarmac. Fist
bumps! One car with baggage Ansara, Ro and Tai straight to Minetta
Street. Everyone else into cars to go to Winged Foot. The 767 would leave
shortly for Newburgh.

A Gulfstream 650er was waiting for Francis to go on to London and then
Paris for us. Some property deals for us! Hug for him!

We went out to I-684 from Airport Road and then south. The name changed to
the Hutchinson River Parkway before we got off on Mamaroneck Road that
became Old White Plains Road. Terrance turned right off onto the road to
Winged Foot. A security guard was at a gate, he checked us and we were
waved in.

A short drive brought us to a circle at the front of a handsome stone
clubhouse, Terrance stopped under the portico. A club official met us
there. He was pleased we were able to come.

The Pro-Am Tourney was a children's charity event which 21st Century Fox
was one of the sponsors. So we received a nice welcome from the event
people in the lobby of the clubhouse. They seemed to be nice, earnest
folks. A PR person from Fox was on hand, she arranged a few snaps before
Cho needed to go.

Cho got a kiss from me. He was smiling, he whispered, "Thinking of you!" A
quick hug.

Cho went to the locker room with an attendant, Rande went with him.

I got the small bag I'd prepared after Gil had talked with the club
folks. Gil and I with PJ and Tara walked down the road to the swimming
pool. We changed. Me a black bikini and sandals. They provided towels and
etcetera's.

They had a sunny spot put aside for us on the southeast side of the pool
between two large trees. We wouldn't see Cho as his pair would play the
West course.

Tara looking very sleek and sexy in her bikini, PJ `s well-toned but not
bulky muscular physique glowed in the sun. Gil's dark blue bikini with
white polka dots was tiny like mine. Behind my round red sunglasses I could
see we got quite a few stares! Why not? We were hot!

A woman attendant got refreshments for us and we chilled out. Since no one
was close I used my iPhone and iPad for some work calls. I stood up to give
Jian-Andrea-Ting a panoramic view of where we were with the Conference
App. All that green grass and leafy tree looking space.

The day was warming up a good deal with deeper humidity. We'd just come
from the tropical Bangkok so this was light stuff for us. At mid-day we got
a table at the pool restaurant for lunch. A big umbrella! Sandwiches for
us.



A woman from the event group came down to say that the play was winding
down, could I come up for the trophy presentation. In the changing room
after a quickie shower I was in a pale yellow short sleeved cotton frock
with a mild décolletage and mid-thigh length. Red lips and nails, red
slope heel sandals. Gold bits all around and `Joy' for my winner.

The event lady had an electric cart but I said we were fine walking. Down
the road with the clubhouse on our left. They were using the practice green
for the presentation.

I saw Cho! He looked smashing in silver gray slacks and a black Polo shirt!
I was escorted around to him. A hug and kiss. I was intro'd to his
Professional partner Tom Angleten. He looked to be in his late twenties
like me. Nice smile!

Cho and Tom were the winners! It was a match play scoring thing which I
knew nothing about but they combined to play a 55! Cho gave it to me
quickly. They rotated taking shots.

We gathered around the practice green, saying hello to folks nearby. Being
recognized which was still a mixed thing to me. I wasn't always comfortable
with the stares. Tough shit, Fay! Red sunglasses on so I could hide in
plain sight!

The event chairperson started things off with a thank you to everyone who
played and the sponsors supported the cause. He said the winning team had
set a new record for the event at 55! And they were pleased that a
Hole-in-one had been shot so the sponsors would pay a bonus for that. He
had a plaque for the person who did it and called out Cho's name.

I looked at him, the big smile, a quick kiss before going out to get his
trophy. There was nice applause for him. The event fellow said to Cho stay
because he would get another prize for being in the winning pair!

Cho and Tom side by side holding a two foot tall cup! Cho smiling as the
crowd and me again applauded. News folks were up close and also on the
parameter. I saw Elinor across the green with a camera crew.

Beside me Gil said she was getting snaps. But all I could look at was my
man! He was laughing with Tom and the event leaders. They did come over so
I could get in a good kiss! I got a hand to hold.

We moved to the clubhouse so Cho could shower and change. On the steps we
paused so Elinor could talk with Cho on camera, he kept Tom with
him. Making sure he was intro'd on camera before they went in.

After that I asked Elinor if she knew anything about Tom. She said he was a
rising star, he'd won a number of mid-level and a few top tier tournaments
and been in the top five finishers at the Masters Tournament and U.S. Open
this year.

In the car Cho said he wanted to play again with Tom, their games were
similar which why they done so well today. Both hit well off the tee, good
short game and hot with the putter. He'd given Tom an invite to Bangkok to
play and Seattle if Ken could get them on his course.

Cho took an envelope out with the Winged Foot logo and put it in my hand. I
opened it and read the letter. Cho was invited to join Winged Foot Club! It
was an honour he intended to accept. I hugged him and climbed into his
lap. I got very well kissed and then pushed back to my seat belt.

I knew he was jazzed about it, he was being low key for now. Later for
that! I asked about his game today. He had been hot right away. He banged
out perfect drive on the first hole which Tom had turned into an easy
birdie putt with a great approach shot.

Each hole switching on the shots was an intriguing way to play. Cho had
never done it before. On the tee at number ten they were already leading by
four, it was Cho's honour to tee off. It's a par three about one hundred
and ninety yards from the Championship tee.

Cho said he had not been comfortable with longer irons until his play had
changed a few months back. Here he used a three iron, "I stepped up to the
ball, no wind at all but the air was heavier as the day went on. I swung
feeling good and made great contact! The ball went straight at the pin
which was in the center right of the green, landed on the verge of the
green took several hops and rolled right at the flag. I was watching it
roll on thinking it was going to hit the flag pole and bounce away but it
slowed to dink against the pole and drop in!"

Cho slapped his thigh, "Tom was jumping up and down! The other pair with us
were too. We settled down, they nearly shook my hand off my arm. It seemed
to energize Tom and I even more than the front nine success had. We birdied
every hole after that!"

Cho had never had a hole-in-one before in his many years of golfing. A
singular event! It was a good time too with lots of people around including
Fox Sports. Elinor had been there as the colour person with their regular
golf coverage team.

I had a left hand tight in my right, Cho was still excited, it was terrific
to see him enjoy himself so much! He did ask what we'd done. I gave him our
banal day compared to his.

Terrance dropped us on Minetta Street where Nina who now the Security
officer in charge for the two buildings here met us. Going up in the cage
lift leaning back on Cho, he had one arm around my waist. In our suite I
tugged him against me.

"You made quite an impression on the folks in Mamaroneck!"

Cho grinning, holding the Winged Foot envelope, "Yes! The club President
delivered this to me in the locker room. He was very gracious and said he
loved my game."

Kissing my guy was so just the easiest thing ever!

Volare for dinner. We walked the few blocks. Rande up front, Ro at the rear
with Tara. Ansara next to Cho and PJ next to me. Gil between Cho and
me. We'd meet Sam and Sadie there. It was warm and humid evening so my
yellow outfit was fine, the sandals easy to walk in.

Giovanni had a huge smile as we came in. He bowed over my hand, I kissed
his cheek. He led us to our table. Several diners recognized us, a few
stares but one older man, looking Italian, gave me a big smile and raised
his wine glass to me. I thanked him.

As we sat I asked Giovanni to please offer that gentleman a glass of wine
from us. A toothy grin and a head nod.

I loved various menu items I ordered before so I chose several once
more. The Antipasto Caldo was large so I got Gil and Sam to share with me,
Insalata Tricolore, Sogliola Piccante Pesce. Their fish had been
spectacular in the past so it was easy to repeat!

Giovanni approved of my choices! Also the wine Cho wanted, several bottles
of Villa Gemma Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva! Such a wonderful bouquet of
earth and fruit.

Once everyone's glass was filled I offered a toast to Cho for his
magnificent round of golf today! Huzza!

Cho hugged me close! I was still waiting to ask him more about today.

Sam was thrilled to hear Cho had been invited to join Winged Foot. "I'll be
able to play there more!"

Cho laughing, "Well I don't see why not but you need to work on your game."

We all laughed at that Sam included, he pleaded work as why he couldn't
practice more. Cho grinning didn't let him off the hook.

We had a lovely dinner, the food tremendous! The wine excellent and
Giovanni just superb!

The older Italian man came over to our table to thank us for the wine and
said he was now watching Fox News. I stood to speak to him, he took my
hand, raised it to his lips. Very nice.

"I'm an old anarchist so the fall of fascist capitalists always pleases
me."

I hugged him! Cho leaned over to shake his hand, "You know we are
capitalists too?"

"Yes," he said, "But there different varieties in every group."

He was Antonio da Abruzzi, it was a nom de guerre he adopted to be his real
name. We said a hearty goodnight to him! Giovanni said Antonio was about
ninety years old and as a young man had fought against the Nazis in Italy
in the last years of World War II.

At the apartment we had espresso and afters on the terrace. I was at the
wrought iron grill in the old window openings with an Amaretto looking out
over the Greenwich Village bits in view lit by the street lights. Cho
joined me. An arm around my waist, kiss my neck. We knew tomorrow was an
important day.

We would go up to the 21 Century Fox offices and go on `record' about my
being transgendered. We had been quietly working with ideas on what to
say. We had the questions Dorothy wanted to ask, I suggested a few
more. One I especially wanted about the Twins so we'd have an easy segue.

I reached up to kiss him. Contact! MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm

I nudged him, "Winged Foot?"

In the half dark I could see his smile, "Well... It's a validation of
sorts. Did you know Trump has been a member for many years? It's like they
were acknowledging change which hard for institutions like Winged Foot."

I could see that but I felt it was really that Cho had money, power and a
helleva golf game. He laughed at my description but he nodded, "You are
right too!"

We walked out with Jaidee. PJ and Ansara came with us, Ro and Tara were
walking Sam and Sadie home. Down Bleecker we encountered Pip and Peter. Pip
and Jaidee did some nose bumping and butt sniffing and remembered each
other's smells. Peter was doing fine, a grin, "I saw you on Fox News
tonight. A hole-in-one is really something!"

We hadn't watched TV. "You should try to find it. It is great!"

Upstairs we called the Fox Sports office. They said it ran on the News
channel's main news this evening. They put us hold to see if it would run
again. Cho shaking his head... The Sports guy was back, it would run again
on the Eleven O'clock News. Cho thanked him. We had ten minutes.

I got another Amaretto. We snuggled into one side of the middle sofa. Gil
joined us. We watched the news, a real mix of crazy and stupid people
around the world with the odd disaster thrown in. Then Roberta Chesney came
on saying they had a piece from Megan Ames earlier.

Megan's face came on sitting at the newsroom desk looking very
sophisticated.

Megan: "Today at a charity golf tournament in Mamaroneck, New York, an
interesting event took place linked to Fox Broadcasting. Our Co-CEO Mr. Cho
was playing in the Pro-Am charity event paired with the professional golfer
Tom Angleten. They were four strokes in the lead starting the back nine at
Winged Foot Golf Club. On the tee at number ten Mr. Cho teed off, here is a
video of that."

The video showed Cho at the tee and a very smooth swing, the ball flew off!
A camera tracked it as it hit on the edge on the green bounded and then
rolled and rolled right at the flag pole... dink and in. The camera showed
the crowd at the green go crazy and then back at the tee the folks around
jumping up and down. Cho being congratulated, he had a big grin as he shook
hands with many people.

Megan: "Congratulations to Mr. Cho and the charity which received a bonus
donation for the hole-in-one."

I barely managed not spilling my Amaretto when the ball rolled even though
I knew I would it, still astounding! Gil had jumped up! She hugged Cho!
Even Jaidee got into the spirit jumping into Cho's lap!

Going to bed was anti-climactic.

The morning ride to the 21st Century Fox building was easy right up Sixth
Avenue. Terrance smiling!

I chose a pale blue short sleeve dress, round collar, navy belt, stockings
and shoes, a small navy leather bag. Gold jewelry all over and `Joy'
applied by the expert! Cho in a navy suit, white shirt and muted red tie.

We sat in with Dorothy to do a recorded `interview' for her evening
`National Newsmakers' show. We started by giving a bit of background on
us. Things we like to do like Cho playing golf which got her to comment on
his hole-in-one. Then me riding horses especially at Harcourt House and
that I think about work projects while riding.

We said we recently became parents then some of our snaps of Chanthira and
Chati were put up on screen. Chani in a sweet yellow dress, a yellow ribbon
around her head and Charlie in a blue onesie with a blue knit hat.

I explained I couldn't have children myself so we used a surrogate, a close
personal friend. Then I said I didn't have the requisite equipment for
bearing children because I am a transgendered woman.

I followed with the fact that I am fully transitioned in every way from the
physical changes of becoming a woman to the governments of the countries I
claim as my own.

Dorothy saying I was one of the most attractive women she knew. I did a bit
of a blush.

Cho smiling said when he met me he was instantly attracted to me and he
soon found himself in love with me, the PERSON I was. I know I was
squeezing Cho's hand through that, "Dorothy, I fell for Cho right away. He
has so much energy, a strong intellect and a strong sense of honor and he's
very upfront!"

I told of our first `date' going to the `Ballroom' in Bangkok. How we
stayed late enjoying flying around the room to polkas, foxtrots, tangos and
waltzes.

We showed pictures of both weddings, how our brief honeymoon was
interrupted by the birth of one of our best friend's baby.

That our Twins first trip would be to Harcourt House for Christmas which is
a special time for us! Family, friends and colleagues celebrating with us.

We talked about the horses we have entered in races around America and in
England and Thailand and how we try to see as many as possible run. The
pride we felt with Glaa's tremendous success!

Our traveling for business takes us around the world. We run multiple
enterprises and charitable foundations.

We wound down. Dorothy did ask about our starting the process to buy 21st
Century Fox. Cho said right off it was my idea which got her eyes open. I
said I thought we should try to make the news less disreputable, more
honest and worth watching. I gave Dorothy my parting bit, "It was Cho who
put in all together! He knew the people who might be interested."

Cho finished it with, "Fay sold it though."

We were out and Dorothy was laughing, "That was great! Are you happy with
it?"

I looked at Cho and nodded, "We told anyone watching what we needed to and
we'll wait for the fallout."

"Fay, I don't think there'll be any real negativity. You two are so
engaging and interesting AND you are so obviously feminine how could it
matter. Not that some `haters' won't make noise but I believe it will be
drowned out by the positives!"

Leaving the set we saw Bill. He had been watching from the wings. "You two
are great in front of a camera! You totally ignore the whole idea of being
on the air! It's great!"

Kent came over. He knew what we were up to of course. He seen it on a
monitor with a few others. He was laughing, "We started talking about
something but when you two came we all just shut up and watched. You had
our attention. Very nice stuff!"

A cameraman grinning gave me a thumbs up! I leaned over to do a fist bump!

We went up to Bill's office. It was looking fine and comfy. "Bill. Tilly
did a wonderful job, it looks like a study instead of some formal office."

He was grinning, "Yes, but I don't want to sit around here when I have a
home to go to."

Cho smiling, "Yes please go home! You have great support here."

Kent came up with a producer and Joseph. We parked in the `study' to
discuss the concrete story. It was advancing. The producer, Larry, had seen
the originals of the documents our source had in his possession. He thought
they were genuine but we'd continue to test them against other known
information. The source did not want to be identified but we hoped to get
him on camera at some point.

The analysis of the pricing data and invoices showed there was a huge over
payment for concrete suppliers who had already been identified by the FBI
as mafia owned or controlled. It was very solid backing for the story as
some folks had gone to prison over it.

The mafia guy Joseph and Larry had met was willing to go on camera if he
was disguised that would add more credibility as he had dealt with the
concrete suppliers and Trump representatives. He had given Joseph names and
dates and even times of the day to check on those person's whereabouts. He
also provided documentary evidence of the payments.

I asked if all this could be traced back to our mafia fellow and get him in
trouble. Joseph said the man was one of several involved and one of the
others had been recently killed by his mafia brethren for snitching. Larry
said we planned to cover him by saying we would not release the time frame
of the recording of the disguised man implying it wasn't new as this a part
of an ongoing investigation.

Bill was metaphorically rubbing his hands with a grin, "This is getting
very juicy!"

Kent let us know that the people who knew about this were in the room
except for our two staffers. Cho pointed a finger at Kent with a thumbs up
to follow!

Terrance was downstairs to whisk us off to the 21 Club for lunch. Getting
out there were a few paparazzi taking pictures. Interesting to be
photographed just walking on a sidewalk.

We both got a charge from seeing the Harcourt Racing green and yellow
blocks and stripes on a jockey out front! Smiling at each other.

Gil reserved tables 10 and 11. No problem! Our coming in was seen and we
received applause again. That was stranger than the paparazzi. I thought I
had a smile like a fool on my face but no matter.

We passed table 19 where Katie C********** was sitting. She smiled and
stuck out a hand to me. We shook, she said Fox News incredible now. I
thanked her. Cho shook her hand, a classic Cho smile!

PJ, Rande and Tara sat at number 11.

Our server had a twinkle in his eye as we ordered. When he returned with
our cocktails, martini for Cho, Campari and soda for me, he said he didn't
want to presume but he loved our Glaa! He made side bets and cleaned up.

Cho laughing told him to keep an eye on Hansa. The server grinned and
thanked Cho.

We sipped our drinks sitting tight together. I whispered my best unkept
secret... I loved him!

I got a kiss tasting of martini which was fine.

Before our food arrived a man got up to leave a few tables along the
wall. He came our way, I could see PJ tracking him.as he approached our
table. He stopped to say hello to us. Cho stood up to extend his hand.

The `I'm George C*********** ' probably would have been superfluous for
anyone other than us. I knew the name but I wasn't sure about the face. I
thought Cho hadn't a clue.

"I just want to thank you both for making such a huge change at Fox. Honest
and fair news is so valuable to the public understanding and
decision-making. As an American I'm grateful!"

Cho smiled and said we were glad it had turned out so well. And we
appreciated his words. Smiles, we wished him a good day. He returned it to
us.

Cho sat down shaking his head, "Well, this whole business has been quite an
eye opener for a country boy from Bangkok."

I gave him a soft elbow in his ribs, "Some country boy!"

"Well I would not have recognized his face right off but the name I knew. I
read about him marrying a `strong international lawyer' and understood how
he might feel."

My subsequent elbowing was bit harder though Cho laughed it off. "Please no
more you will give me a bruise and it will be bad for my golf game."

That set me off laughing. I was gathered up in those strong arms, "I wasn't
kidding you know. I do know what it is to have a wife who is powerful
personality in her own right."

A kiss. Then another which only ended when our lunch arrived. I realized
how hungry I was as the aromas reached my nose. Grilled fish and all the
attendants!

Terrance took us straight home. We packed and were off to the heliport soon
after. Our Security folks, Jaidee and Gil with us all into one of the new
larger Agusta helicopters. We lifted off for Saratoga. It was less than an
hour to the grassy space in front of Thayer's house.

We hugged and kissed the very same and Sondra. He was doing everything the
doctors wanted, Sondra being watchful without bugging him. Thayer was
committed to the whole thing!

We had a nice dinner with them and a few other horse folks from nearby like
the three Collingwood's. Jack and Ellice were great, Joanna said she was to
go to Sweetbriar College this autumn, in a week. The school had worked out
most of its money problems and was going on! I winked at Ellice as Joanna
told me all this.

Sondra and I got up to ride in the morning. We had a nice ride around and
two fast circuits of their track. I was on Best Boy again, a very nice
palomino. Nothing like a good riding horse, they enjoy the ride like you.

Terrance had cars for us in Saratoga for the next week of being here and
back and forth to the city. We headed to the barn to see Glaa. He was out
grazing on grass as we walked up. A nicker as Cho and I caressed him. A
carrot disappeared!

Monaco smiling, "Our boy looks good. American Pharoah lost here after
winning the Triple Crown. I don't know if he was one hundred percent but
Glaa is ready."

Mike had a few other rides this weekend and next. He stopped on his way,
"Miss, Glaa has been working beautifully. He loves his gallop in the
morning." Me too!

The Travers Stakes is a major race almost like another Triple Crown contest
which is why it's called the "Mid-Summer Derby." The purse was amped up to
$1,750,000 because Glaa was running so it had taken on more prestige. It is
the BIG event of the Saratoga season for three year olds. Glaa!

At Thayer's we chilled out sitting outside in a big tree's shade. Thayer
back from a treatment resting upstairs, Sondra out in the stables
working. Cho was on his phone a lot, Gil and I did multiple things before I
called London.

Jian-Andrea-Ting looking happy, Caroline waving her arms. All was well
there. Jian would go back to Bangkok next month when Anong got close to her
due day. Ting was asked to stay on at the hospital. He was popular and
graded at the top as a professor. Ting and Andrea would be together, Jian
going back and forth before the Christmas season.

Eric and Malee settling in at Cheyne Gardens. Malee had about a month to
go, still not wanting to know their pumpkin's gender. It was going to be a
beautiful baby no matter what.

Gil came out with her report on our LGBTQ shelter activity. We decided to
donate money to various shelters that support homeless LGBTQ teens and
adults in New York and elsewhere. We would not take any direct role but
were willing to help fund raise. We were considering setting up Chanthira
Foundation Clinics in New York, Seattle and Los Angeles to start. They
would be located in areas where LGBTQ teens congregated and be aimed at
them since they were unlikely to have any medical insurance and be
reluctant to seek care in a hospital.

We wanted safe places and support for those whose lives were vulnerable but
were so often overlooked.

Francis had arranged the first monies to be disbursed. We'd meet with some
of the people when we were back in the City to talk about their programs
and health care. Four groups as a beginning.

We went into Saratoga to Congress Park in the city centre. Jaidee was with
us. We walked around the park which was in very nice condition. Lovely
trees and open grassy areas. It was warming up but still pleasant. There
was a public venue called Canfield Casino which started as a gambling house
but had become the property of the city. Now it was used for public events
and a lot of weddings. It was quite handsome inside something the city
should be proud of having.

Jaidee stayed outside with Ansara and Tara. We couldn't let him off his
lead but he enjoyed some grass rolling in the sun. It was great to see his
lithe brown body wiggle as the bright sun made his coat shine!

After dinner Cho and I walked Jaidee around the grounds of Thayer's
home. He had been out with Ro and Tara in the late afternoon for lots of
ball chasing and chewing on same! So this was a nice pleasant stroll using
some time to work on his commands. The little man was smart and eager to do
good. He loved earning treats for the work! It had been a big day for
Jaidee, out and about!

Sondra and I rode again in the morning. I loved doing this! Being outside,
with an equine companion, seeing the day start was just so cool. It always
set me up for the day!

We prepared for the race. I was in a bright yellow sleeveless frock,
mid-thigh, black accessories, black ankle boots and Cho's black onyx
gifts. `Joy' with the Harcourt Racing pin and my horse brooch!

Cho looked a treat in a lightweight black suit, pale gray shirt and a muted
gold tie. Very sexy!

Gil looked terrific in a light blue sleeveless dress and navy stockings and
shoes!

We had PJ and Rande with us, also Tara and Ro for the short drive to the
racecourse. Straight to the barn. Glaa in his stall, quiet like always. He
did nicker and give me a nudge as Cho and I talked with him and did a few
caresses.

Then over to the stands. We entered from Frank Sullivan Place. The track
officials had been notified of our arrival. We got an escort to Thayer's
box above the Winner's Circle offset from the Finish Line.

It was warm and the humidity was rising. It was Glaa weather!

We sat in the sun sipping cool drinks as several races went off. Sam and
Beverly made it. Hugs and kisses. Asda and Hathai were ready to ship to
Harcourt House, they would go when Hansa came up to Saratoga before the
Hopeful Stakes.

This was interesting! The odds on Glaa were at 1 to 3? Maybe it was caused
by American Pharoah! He won the Triple Crown and came up here to race in
the `Mid-Summer Derby,' finished second to Keen Ice. The Travers had a mild
reputation for being the graveyard of Triple Crown winners. The last to win
here was Whirlaway 1941 but then Secretariat and Seattle Slew didn't run
here, Affirmed lost.

The bell for the race was rung. I was feeling the same as at the Haskell in
Monmouth. Concern that the horse and rider would be okay but confident of
Glaa's skills and Monaco's preparation!

They announced the attendance at 61,500. Not a record but Big!

The post-parade. The nine horses walking by going towards the east end of
the straight. There were two horses in the field who Glaa hadn't raced
against before. My guess they were entered because of the `Travers jinx'
which I thought to be silly but whatever!

They were loading. Glaa was in number five in the middle. He liked that but
he'd won from all starting positions. My glasses showed him being his usual
self, quiet, business-like.

All in! The pause... Clang! They burst cleanly from the chutes. Glaa, like
at the Haskell, came storming out. He was in full stride almost right
away. I was watching closely in my glasses as they rushed down the straight
for the first time. Glaa looked superb!

He was leading by two as they went by us. He looked awesome, beautiful long
strides. Mike riding like usual, hardly moving at all. Glaa moved gradually
to the rail as he went round the first turn, tight to the edge. When he
reached the back straight he was five nearly six lengths in the lead. He
was still sprinting, reaching out strongly with his forelegs!

I had Cho's hand in my left, my right with my glasses. We watched our boy
roaring down the straight coming to the turn looking every bit the true
champion. There would be no `Travers jinx' today.

I saw Glaa switch leads in the turn, Mike had looked back as they entered
the turn, no one close! Glaa was easily a dozen lengths ahead. He went
around the turn like he was on a string attached to the rail. As he emerged
at the head of the home stretch I put down my glasses and gripped Monaco's
sleeve. He put his hand over mine as Glaa accelerated!

Oh shit! Glaa had gone into over-drive! Mike not stirring aimed him right
along the rail to home! It didn't seem possible, the lead widening at each
stride. Nearly twenty now and Glaa wasn't letting up. Mike not urging him
at all. This was all Glaa!!!

He was destroying the clock. I squeezed both men as Glaa soared past the
finish line like a blur!

1:58:86!!! Glaa wiped the record away by more than a full second! A twenty
length victory!! I was on my feet cheering our man, jumping up and down,
discretely though. Ha!

Glaa had overrun the finish like he always does onto the back
straight. Mike got him to stop and turn before the outrider could reach
them.

This was Glaa's fastest mile and a quarter!! The announcer gave everyone
the time and the official margin of victory was twenty four lengths!! Glaa
erased Damascus' 1967 twenty two length win. Damn our boy was working on
breaking records everywhere.

In the Triple Crown races he was second only to the immortal
Secretariat. All his times would have beaten the previous records before
Secretariat! Here in Saratoga Glaa owned the track now!

Glaa winning this race was called a `superfecta' he'd won the top four
races for three year olds in America!

We got our shit together to go down to the Winner's Circle. Mike brought
Glaa down the track to us. Eddie put the lead on and Cho led Glaa into the
Winner's Circle. The crowd was jazzed and stood up to applaud him.

The red and white carnation blanket was draped over his withers. He looked
quite regal. He was the king of Saratoga now.

We received the `Man o' War Cup.' Gold, designed by Tiffany eighty years
ago from New York Governor Cuomo. It was a beautiful twenty inch high cup
with a large gold bowl with the names of past winners engraved around
it. Glaa would join them and we would get a replica bowl to keep!

It was all pretty amazing! Lots of cheers and clapping! Pictures being
snapped and news cameras all around. This was the big day for a three year
old at Saratoga, the height of the season. Glaa and Mike went to do their
post-race things.

We got to speak with the Governor for a few minutes. We'd met before at the
Belmont when Glaa won the Triple Crown winner. He was very complimentary
about the Fox makeover. He asked about our connections to New York. Cho
told him about some of the property we owned and I mentioned The Company's
involvement with the state canal system. It was a brief talk, he said we
should get together some time soon for a longer meeting. We told him we'd
be back next weekend for two more horses running. If he had a place for a
helicopter to set down we could stop on the way back to Saratoga.

The Governor said he'd we could meet at the Governor's mansion in
Albany. There was an open field at the western end of the complex within
the security fence, they used it for landings. We set it for one o'clock
Thursday.

After that we headed to the barn. Cho and Monaco did the press thing. I
stayed back. Maybe in the world of news Cho may not be on the radar of many
folks even now but the horse racing press and race followers had seen his
face. He was KNOWN!

Interestingly he was always intro'd as the owner of Glaa not Fox News. I
saw Frank in the group around Monaco, another Fox Sports fellow, Terry,
near Cho. I didn't see Elinor this time.

Monaco said Glaa was fine, no issues. Mike sitting there grinning, "He
wanted to run off today. It was a nice ride on a sunny afternoon for me."

I hugged him, laughing, "Quoting Lucien Lauren to Ron Turcotte on
Secretariat coming down the stretch at the Belmont `Ronnie just don't fall
off.'"

We both laughed. Cho came up to me, leaning over, "Maybe it was just as
well Turcotte didn't hear."

Glaa would get a rest. He was off to his favored stall in our barn at Santa
Anita Park and lightly train until the Breeder's Cup in November right
there.

In the pond in the centre of the racecourse, the Saratoga Canoe would be
painted our Harcourt Racing green and yellow colours remaining on the water
until next year.

We went to Thayer's and our ride to the city. Goodbyes for now with them,
we'd be back in a week.

Jaidee climbing the short steps into the helicopter was cute. Tail wagging!
We were up and away quickly. The pilot put his pedal down for Manhattan.

Cho did email and I chatted with Gil about the Thursday meeting. No
problem. She had emailed Jian and Anong for their thoughts about clinics in
America aimed at LGBTQ teens and adults. Their replies said we would need
someone there to co-ordinate it. I agreed and I thought of a person to make
that happen.

At the heliport Terrance was waiting. Straight to Minetta Street. Jaidee
signaled a need so I took PJ and Tara with me for a walk. Gil came out
after us.

I had a plan! We went south on Sixth Avenue to Bedford Street then west to
Carmine Street. A right turn going northeast back to Bleecker
Street. Molly's Cupcakes!! Two boxes, mixed!

Gil volunteered to carry them. Jaidee had done all his business so home.

Roslyn laughing seeing the cupcakes , "Miss that's one place you can't pass
without stopping."

I completely agreed!

Francis had arrived from London. He joined us on the terrace for drinks
before a late dinner. The new venture, a green company mutual fund product
our investment bank in the City was making available was doing very
well. Only companies in the mutual fund were ones who had a carbon neutral
or negative footprint so they were not contributing to further erosion of
the planet's livability.

The CPS had allowed our Windows Server scammers to plead out but at the
highest charge. They did not seek long prison terms only a few years and
full restitution! We thought it was a good deal. We didn't have to spend
money suing them for what they stole. Eric was very happy about it all.

Francis was glad to be in the city for a few days. Ali had several days off
so we sent Francis off too!

The morning was sunny and warm, short shorts and a cutoff sweatshirt to
walk Jaidee. Tai and Ansara went with us over to the river dog run for a
while then back. It was good long walk for us all!

Black G-Star skinny jeans, short sleeved black shirt cut off at my waist,
black ankle boots, silver jewelry with Gil who was in black also up Sixth
Avenue in a Terrance car.

Cho was going out to Winged Foot with Sam. He had completed the application
process and was a full member now. I kissed him before leaving, "You don't
need to be nice now. Go Tiger, rip it up!"

We burst out laughing! I got a lovely kiss and a gentle tush pat.

"I do love those jeans!" We laughed some more!

I walked through the front doors at 1211 Sixth Avenue, Tara in front, PJ
holding the door. Security knew we were coming. Several folks from the News
Corp. were passing through the lobby, they got all big-eyed. There I was
the demon herself!

I was laughing about their faces going into the lift.

Gil was giggling, "I saw them!"

PJ was shaking his head, Tara hadn't seen them. I tried to explain but it
was so funny I had to stop and start again. Tara looking like `can people
really be like that' before shrugging.

Bill was on the phone but waved me in. He talked for two or three minutes
before ending it.

"You should know right off we've signed two big car makers to multi-year
advertising contracts, one should be around forty million and the other
shorter but for more time at thirty million. We`re now at two hundred and
twenty percent of our projections!"

Bill said they'd have the conversation next week about new ad rates after
the holiday. The two car companies got good deals, there are rate increase
clauses in both contracts. Fist bumps!

I'd already seen the Nielsen ratings, they were way up also! The Fox brand
taking off! Damn if I could figure out where the redneck watchers had
gone. Fist bumps again!

We leaned back and watched Megan. The sound up, she was polished but
looking like an American sweetheart. Bill laughing saying she wears
excellent clothes, great hair, sophisticated but still comes off as an
ordinary woman. "It's an art."

I said I thought her voice was a big part of it, the soft Southern accent,
barely there made her sound right. Bill agreed.

I went down to the news floor. Kent's PA pointed me out to him, a smile and
a wave me over gesture.

Low voice, "You and Cho with Dorothy for Thursday evening."

Two Thumbs up!

I smiled. I said one word `Joseph.' Kent said in five, Okay? Done.

I walked over near Megan. She was finishing a show intro and was out. She
jumped up to hug me.

"Fay, I saw your interview with Dot. You and Cho are killers on camera. I'd
buy a bridge to Brooklyn from you guys."

We hugged again, "Well, it just so happens I have one to sell... cheap."

Laughing. "You did strike the right tone I thought. You are matter of fact
about your transition like it was something inevitable which it ought to be
for those who want or rather very much need to become whole."

I thanked her, "I'm that way because once I had made a change it was the
path my feet were on although there were bumps in the road."

Kent's PA came over and I excused myself. In his office there was a huge
grin before Joseph came in.

Big news! Another concrete supplier was on board. He had records of
deliveries and invoices for them! They all showed the inflated
pricing. This fellow had his own records of money paid to mafia
cut-outs. He made them sign for the cash. He said he told the mobsters his
partners were worried he was taking some off the top. They did sign! That
was amazing! They felt invulnerable so it was like a joke for them!

His concrete business was closed up. He lived out of the country now and
was well under the radar. Joseph was put on to him because our original
concrete supplier source knew Trump did business with him. This new
concrete man sent Joseph a key to a storage locker through ordinary
untraceable mail.

Joseph went over with the producer, Larry. There were eight boxes of
records marked for the years of his business with Trump. After a quick
review they took those from the locker as arranged. So we had the
originals.

They were still going through it all. A gold mine which could fully
corroborate the first fellow. Very important to us.

Joseph smiling, "Miss Martin, I'm loving this!"

Fist bumps!

Kent and I alone, "You know Fay that young man is doing quite well. He's
excited and a go-getter but he's also being careful. The are some evil
folks out there. Many are dead and given what a jackass Trump
is... probably some of the others wouldn't care about the information
coming out. Those that went to prison are all out now. It's over for them."

I gave Kent a look which he got, "Yes, I'm trying to protect him. Larry has
experience and is rock solid."

He leaned back in his chair, "You know you did good with your interview."

"We're happy with it. Dorothy did a good job!"

Kent smiled, "I think she's got the knack for interviewing. Her show does
very well in the timeslot."

"If she needs a few folks to talk to who are interesting we know a couple."

Kent laughed, "Yes I imagine you two do. Ask her."

He glanced at his watch, "She'll be here in an hour or so."

Reginé emailed her daily report on Fox. The main Twitter accounts
continued to gain followers in big numbers. Lots of re-tweets for Fox News
and Sports. The youtube channels were also growing at a fast pace.

The various posted videos of the news conference were collectively the most
watched in the last six months by far. The main one from Fox itself had
been watched over five million times!

Her team was great! They kept watch, were respectful in replying but didn't
give an inch on certain topics we had decided were core.

I was very happy with Reginé and her teams! The folks working on the Fox
accounts were back in London now but had enjoyed being in New York for a
few weeks!

Food! I was in with Donald our Sports head. He laughed and called in his
PA. The PA, Henry, handed me a menu from Ponti Rossi, a food truck out on
49th Street. Okay!

Gil and I split two appetizers, O'Cuoppo e Mare (crispy shrimp, zucchini,
calamari) and Truffle Fries. I got the pesto, she went for Frutti Di Mare
in a light red sauce.

Donald did the truffle fries and the pesto. I had Henry get something for
himself too! Gil gave him the money for it all. It smelled wonderful coming
through the door. We sat at Donald's conference table, chowing down and
talking sports.

Donald liked hearing about my riding. His wife Em had ridden growing up,
their daughter was doing some now at her school in Connecticut. He found it
somewhat strange I'd never played team sports.

I shrugged, "It was the way I was brought up. At school I didn't take part
even when the sports director tried to pressure me. I was the only hold
out. I wanted to go home and ride my horse not kick balls."

He laughed, "Being your own person is more important than kicking balls for
sure."

"I did do debate at school but it wasn't the same as sport."

I remembered to ask about Elinor. Donald said she was at an WNBA event,
"She played for three years as a point guard before an injury put her
out. You gave her a great quote about Hansa after the Saratoga Special
Stakes."

I grinned, "Hansa has handled the boys pretty well so far. Two more races
this year, Monday in Saratoga then in Santa Anita. Her dad and mom are
terrific! Her half-brother SakChai, he's also a two year old, is doing his
running in California so they haven't competed against each other."

We talked about English Football which I didn't know much compared to the
average teen English boy. I described Fulham's home ground, Craven Cottage,
as cozy with the best fans in England. I hadn't made a game in several
years, I was hoping for next month while we stayed for a few weeks as
Malee's time came. Gil had gotten us a box in the Riverside seating area.

After lunch I wandered around the Sports department with Tara. I chatted
with many folks. Frank was heading back to Saratoga for the long weekend of
racing, it was the end of the season there.

"Miss Martin, have you seen the training times for IrishRainbow... He's
hot!"

I said Monaco had sent them on to us and yes he was looking very good.

"Your girl is making a lot of boys jealous! Fast, smooth and gorgeous!
Quite the filly."

Laughing I agreed. We had high hopes for her.

Dorothy had arrived and Kent texted me. We sat in her office to chat. I had
Gil give her Mike's PA info, Lori and Pedro agreed to talk with her if it
could be arranged so she got their names and data. I didn't suggest them to
Dorothy just because they were board members but they all had interesting
stories to tell. Mike certainly wouldn't be new to many people and
definitely not to New Yorkers!

I had spoken to other friends who preferred to be less visible for now but
would consider it later.

I used the office Cho and I had taken for ourselves to meet with a half
dozen folks from several LGBTQ organizations who maintained shelters for
young people. They had all gotten large contributions from us.

I said we would continue to do that and we were exploring opening health
clinics. They could be stand-alone or in concert with their groups. I
explained the Chanthira Foundation and the health system in Thailand. One
clinic opened, I had some pictures in big sizes to show them.

I let them know we would have to make changes since there was no national
health scheme here. BUT we were committed to serving those in need
regardless of payment. They were wide awake hearing all this.

Questions and answers. They understood the Foundations goals and that I
spoke for it as Chairperson and our money was the bedrock of the endowment.

They were excited about it. New York city would be the pioneer location in
America. I asked them to forward to Gil the names of colleagues in Los
Angeles and Seattle so we could get in touch with them.

In the car going south to Minetta Street I got a text from Cho... It was
the erupting volcano! Okay it had to be good because Cho rarely gets
upset... I replied with a car...arrow...home...arrow a light haired
girl...a Union Jack... Stars and Stripes ...Thai Striped flag! I got back a
set of ... eyes...arrow... big heart... `U'

Roslyn and Yi were in the kitchen, we sat to talk. There was a brown tabby
girl living downstairs now named Alice. She was a rescue, three years old
and very sweet. I went down to meet her.

Alice was affectionate, loud purrs and liked to hug! She was beautiful!
Caramel colouring with dark chocolate brown fur between her toes! Gil got
Jaidee for a meeting. He liked Sebastian and Tess, so... Jaidee and Alice
did some sniffing and then she gave our boy a hug! We were good!

I was about to get in the lift when Cho got home. In the lobby I was
scooped up for a hug!!! A kiss!!! Cho grinning ear to ear, "I'm hot!"

A contraction! We crowded into the lift. Jaidee got rubs from Cho.

Cho had played the west course at Winged Foot again with Sam. He birdied
the first hole almost an eagle as his second rolled up to hit the flagpole
and bounce off two feet away. After that he had enjoyed himself immensely
swinging out going for shots because it really didn't matter so why not.

In our suite in Cho's arms, "Fay, the beauty for me is I can focus on each
shot but not lose myself. I think about you, how good we are together, I
relax. I look over the shot to be made, choose a club and concentrate on
it. Everything is channeled into the moment... Boom... I hit the shot!"

My lips on his... tight! This sharing was special!

He hadn't said what his score was... A 64!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was the lowest
round by a member in fifty years! Maybe ever! Cho said his caddy, Rollo,
asked to caddy for him whenever because he had a great time. Cho smiling,
"Rollo said it was the easiest round he had caddied for and a real honor to
watch me play that round."

We had a lively dinner. Roslyn did ahi tuna grilled into a Salade
Niçoise! The big plates looked like art! The boiled eggs vividly white
and yellow, firm oval red Roma tomato slices, blanched green beans just
barely crunchy, flavourful niçoise black olives, little round boiled red
potato slices and a light olive oil dressing! Crusty sliced baguettes with
butter. A white burgundy!

Delicious in a delicious setting on the terrace. A new table, old style
metal with slender legs like the French garden type set out by the old
windows. Wrought iron with curly-cue back matching chairs. Espresso and
Amaretto afterwards as the sun settled into the welcoming arms of New
Jersey!

I was in Cho's lap, together in one of the chairs in our suite. Some
kissing!! Some petting!!

I was very proud of my golfer! He was indeed red hot with a golf club!
Those fingers were making me red hot now. I suggested we move to the
bed... naked!

Okay! I got Cho on his back, me on top! He cupped my little butt in those
strong hands, a bit of bounce! Ha! Kissing and rubbing! I worked my way
down across the firm chest and belly. Some pause at the navel, following
his faint treasure trail through soft pubic hair to my goal. The cock!

It was doing the soft arc thing I loved! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I slurped it
into a warm and ready mouth. I got it wet in my most loving manner which
was rewarded by Cho's full throated approval!

I peeled back the foreskin slowly with my lips and tongue really driving
Cho crazy!! I gave him my wickedest smile! There was no let up for Cho as I
munched the cock and lightly caressed the rosebud around back. A wet finger
did its thing causing a gasp as it sought entrance.

I was sucking balls, stroking penis and wiggling a finger around and in his
backside. Damn this is fun! Cho was loving it all! He got his voice wanting
us to share! I was good with that!

As we flipped the first stroke of his tongue on my sex... incredible. I was
hot, Cho's wet tongue was only building the fire not soothing my heat! On
my side sucking him, caressing those smooth warm balls and the finger back
to work.

I had to concentrate with all the wonderful things Cho was doing
distracting me. We worked hard on each other for some minutes when I called
out to be fucked.

Cho laughing, "Yes, Madam... whatever Madam desires!"

On my back, a rampant Cho between my thighs salaciously grinning, "It's
time!"

Pulling Cho forward he glided inside me... Oh Shit that felt
good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Smiling Cho took his time easing out then back! A slow series of strokes
giving me shivers from my toes to scalp! I drew him close for a kiss... Ah
Nipples! His body jerked as I grasped them! But his cock didn't stop, one
deep stroke after another.

The strength of his body! Cho had stamina which only meant my body was
pleasured more. Many minutes of delightful motion was ended when I was
rotated to my side, Cho straddled my slender thigh entering me from a new
angle.

Ah yes! The burn was painfully nice! I reached around to grab some of his
tight ass! Pulling him forward into me! Damn! Cho lips surrounded a nipple,
teeth gently tugging the ring! Yeow! He moved me half over rubbing my back
passage as the penis powered in and out.

I felt the heat of orgasm starting Cho saw it too. Grinning, he nodded,
"Fay!" Oh, the express train of warmth rolled up my body slamming into my
chest and face. Oh Shit! Cho didn't let up, more deep stroking kept my
pleasure on a high! Several waves of the incredible heat swept up my torso.

My head was rolled back and forth, I slowly slid down from the pleasure
crest. Cho leaned down for a kiss, one arm around his neck capturing him!
The other on an expedition.

I worked my hand to his ass crack and slowly down to the rosebud! Aha!
Contact! Cho's eyes narrowed, his lips a slit but the cock never wavered. A
hiss of breath, "Fay, I'm close!

I worked my digits on his anal sphincter... His eyes closed, short
shoves... I whispered for his cum! He arched his back, in me to his
root... I could feel his prick spasm... two... three... four times!!

I wrapped arms and legs around him pulling hard against my body!! Cho's
face on my shoulder as his body went limp. Oh I loved his weight on me! It
was such a delicious feeling!

His lips on my neck, soft kisses, "Fay, you... you are so wonderful! This
is magic!"

I could only agree! I was worn! We stayed like that for a while... Cho
volunteered to get some water and treats for Jaidee. I washed myself and
hugged our boy. He gobbled his treats as we lay on the bed watching. The
chilled water felt so good going down my throat.

Snuggled with Cho! Warm skin on mine. Sleep.

We were ready for Terrance in the late morning. The heliport had a few
flights working as we arrived. Our aircraft prepped so were airborne right
away! A straight shot to Albany. The pilots had been briefed on the landing
spot near the mansion and were in contact with the State Police.

We flared for landing in forty minutes. Across the grass, the rotor wash
tried to lift my dress but I'm an old campaigner now! The navy blue short
sleeved frock had a wide skirt but I handled it. Accessories in navy and
gold jewelry! I looked a treat! Cho in a lovely tan suit with pale blue
shirt and navy tie. I loved the brown shoes, like a chestnut horse glowing
reddish gold.

An aide escorted us into the Governor's office. A nice greeting and
seats. He wanted to talk about politics and business. We covered a lot of
ground, coffee service hardly slowed us.

He got that we supported Hillary Clinton and would support the best
candidates in state and local office races. We covered the canal work and
how we intended to use the 1211 Sixth Avenue building. Adding staff and
business activity in Mid-Town Manhattan. Our property in Pleasant Valley
was a surprise to him and that we'd add to that when it was possible.

He got to see snaps of Chani and Charlie and that they'd be traveling with
us and living in the City part of the year.

I said we had begun to support many shelters in New York City for homeless
LGBTQ youth and adults. We would help existing organizations rather than
start something new except we were investigating locations for Chanthira
Health Clinics in the city.

I explained what the foundation was and how our system worked in
Thailand. It would be much different here without a centralized health
insurance plan. So we had a challenge. He was excited by that and asked we
keep his office in the loop so some state resources could be made available
wherever possible. Done.

As we wound down Gil texted the pilots. The rotors were spinning up as we
left the Governor on the terrace and re-crossed the lawn. Up and away. On
to Saratoga.

We swooped in on Thayer! He was on his terrace in the shade reading. I
hugged and gave him a kiss. Sondra came out of the house. We chatted a bit
before I changed to ride. Sondra smiling, "I'm glad you stay with us. It's
so nice to have you both and your people around."

I was up on Best Boy, he nickered when I caressed his face before getting a
leg up. We bounced around for an hour or so. Back at the stable we were met
by Cho and Jaidee out for a stroll. We all walked back to clean up for
dinner.

We sat to watch the interview with Dorothy. I was squeezing Cho's hand. At
the point where I said `I would rue the loss of private invisibility and
become something of a public personality by doing this but I needed to do
so to help those who didn't have my advantages' I choked up. Cho's arm
around me, warm lips on my cheek got me over.

'It was serious, funny, intelligent and moving!' So said Thayer! He turned
to me, "When you quoted Lana Wachowski about the loss of privacy, I thought
it particularly effective."

I was quietly pleased. I thought nothing about it would be good for the
rightwing nuts but my life didn't intersect with them. Anyone who knew
me... it wouldn't matter at all.

It was the best thing we could do so... it was done.

The morning sun on our faces as we walked through the racecourse
stables. Jackson there with Hansa, she was back from an exercise
gallop. Tomas slipped down, grinning, "The boys are going to be
disappointed again on Monday!"

Fist bumps! Rande and Jackson went in search of coffee! PJ caught up with
them after making sure Tara and Ro were good.

IrishRainbow had a notebook in his mouth and his groom Darryl wasn't having
much luck getting it back for the reporter. Domingo finally got our
rambunctious colt to surrender the notebook.

It was funny, the reporter was laughing too. He worked for DRF.com. He did
manage to get Dom aside for a few minutes to talk about IrishRainbow and
his chances tomorrow in the Woodward Stakes.

The coffee seekers returned loaded! Nice hot coffee in hand I was walking
with Frank, our Fox Sports horse racing man. Tara was beside me working. We
talked about racing in Bangkok but I made sure if he really needed in depth
info to ask Cho or Monaco.

"No I was interested in the racing scene. How you found it and what kind of
audience it had."

I gave him what I knew and experienced. I liked Frank ever since he
interviewed us before the Belmont Stakes and the Fox takeover. He knew a
lot and was quiet careful interviewer. We ended up back at IrishRainbow's
stall. Cho was there in the post carrot delivery period. Smiling I handed
Frank over to him.

I went into Hansa's stall, her hooves being worked on by Reggie. He was
smiling, "Miss your lady is ready to run!"

Fist bumps! She was gorgeous to look at. I stroked her neck, a quiet
nicker. I leaned on her, she gave me a little push back. I laid my arm over
her withers, "Go out and run them off their feet, Baby!"

Reggie laughed out loud, "She'll do it!"

I sat on a hay bale leaning back looking around behind my round red
sunglasses. Sipping my coffee. Black G-Star jeans, black short sleeved
cutoff polo shirt and black ankle boots, silver doodads on. Looking good,
some tanned tummy exposed to the sun.

In the corner of my eye I watched a groom go by looking at me ... he
walked... Bam! ...into the back end of a hay cart and fell back. He got up
slowly not looking my way now. I lowered my glasses down my nose looking
straight at him with a smile. He stole a glance my direction and was caught
by my eyes.

Behind me I could hear Tara laugh.

"Careful there." I waved him over, "Are you okay?"

He nodded, "I'm flattered but take care, please?"

He did smile saying he would. He went off slowly.

Tara waited until he was a ways off, "Sorry I laughed but..."

I shrugged.

"I can see you might have to keep bodyguards for the men walking around
you."

I laughed at that.

Dinner out. We took Thayer and Sondra to eat at a place they liked, The
Lively Stream Tavern. It was a few blocks from the downtown area of
Saratoga Springs a small bubbling stream beside the terrace
seating. Elevated pub grub like the White Horse in Fulham. Dark wood, horse
racing memorabilia, relaxed sort of preppy crowd.

I chose a tiny black dress with minimal silver jewelry. Between my ankle
boots and hem line was a lot of tanned skin! A deep scoop in the back
displayed more! Cho smiling. He had slender silver gray slacks and the
black shirt with tiny white polka dots I got him in Los Angeles, black
half-boots. Very sexy!

Gil in tight gray slacks and red top, Francis in pale gray trousers and a
white shirt, snug to his nice torso.

Tai and Ansara with us looking pretty damned good too. Sexy slacks on Tai
and a short skirt and crop top on Ansara. They had nice coordinating bags
for their weapons.

Sondra's red skirt was mid-thigh and a sleeveless white blouse, sexy but
not too! Thayer was the most conventional, gray slacks and blue blazer over
a white shirt. He did have a red scarf.

We had a big table in the back corner of the terrace after a brief wait in
the bar with drinks. Campari for me! The owner came over when we asked to
speak with him.

Cho said we were presuming but... I slipped out of a bag a framed black and
white photo of Glaa passing the finish line at the Hopeful Stakes last year
for their collection. Glaa looked superb as he won setting a new record
time for the event.

He was amazed and thanked us. He said it was a very nice thing and they'd
be glad to show it off.

Food!! The arugula salad for me to start. The Pan Seared Salmon was from
Seattle, wild caught not farmed! That too! I asked for some of the
vegetable risotto on the side. Done!

Cho looked at me and pointed to a spot on the wine list, Pinot Noir from
the Willamette Valley. I nodded! I was a heretic I suppose but I liked a
rich red wine with salmon! Gil, Francis and Sondra were more `correct' with
a chardonnay for their fish.

We had a nice dinner. I was between Cho and Thayer, lovely companions!
Horses, boats, Harcourt House and Bangkok for Thayer. Sondra was so up for
a return trip to Bangkok. I wondered?

At the Thayer house later I cornered Sondra. She smiled, "Kiet and I have
been writing. We like each other and we can both see our `event' as
something teenagers do and just let it go."

I was glad it had resolved to mutual friendliness. She loved our houses
there. I told her some about the Forest Palace which got her interest. So a
maybe for that.

In the morning Cho had a date to play the Saratoga National golf course
with a friend of Thayer's as his host. They went over for an early tee
time.

I rode with Sondra, on Best Boy once more. She was so happy to hear how
Artis was doing in Seattle. He certainly was popular because he was so well
behaved and happy to go out running.

Gil and I worked until early afternoon when the `Pro' returned! Thayer's
friend came in for lunch and was excited to tell us all about Cho's
round. I'd gotten the basics in my ear during a terrific hug and kiss!

Cho had shot a 66, six under par! Thayer's friend had never seen anyone
play like Cho. On a par five Cho had driven the green in two and almost a
double eagle when his ball rolled four feet past the pin missing it by a
few inches. The foursome just leaving the green had been shocked by the
ball rolling up the green.

My `Pro' was pretty happy! Upstairs to dress for the Woodward Stakes he
held me close, "Fay, I know this isn't a dream we're living but it has some
aspects which make it seem so."

My hands around his face, kiss... "Yes but I think of it being... dreamy."

We had a good laugh! More kisses!!

A pale rose red dress, mid-thigh with a full skirt and scooped bodice. A
few bits of gold jewelry, `Joy' and red heels. No hat, my hair was great
but I was thinking more and more about a change. Cho still waved away my
inquiries for his opinion, "Fay, it's your hair!"

I was counting the contractions but not mentioning them. Ha!

Cho's pale gray slacks, white shirt, dark gray tie with shiny green and
yellow lines running vertically and a gorgeous black blazer were awesome!

Ringgold called. He was doing us the honour and favor of representing us at
Del Mar today when SakChai ran in the Debutante Stakes. Ringgold was so
well known and respected across America, he was a terrific person to do
this.

He had seen SakChai train, the boy was ready. James doing a great job
getting him prepared! He'd call when the race was over. Our thanks to him!

We arrived at the barn to a warm greeting by Monaco. May, Domingo's girl,
was here, hugs! IrishRainbow was quiet in his stall but seemed pleased for
us to visit. He got a mint from Cho, slurp! He let me give him a good luck
kiss.

Today IrishRainbow was running against several horses from the Triple Crown
series. A few new competitors. Our boy was ready!

Monaco said there was a new horse shipped in from Louisiana, a gray. He'd
won a few good races on southern tracks and was entered in the
Hopeful. Maybe try to beat our girl?

May came with us as Domingo was in the Jockey Rooms dressing. We all
wandered a bit before Cho decided to place a few wagers on other
races. Francis went along. Sondra, Gil and May stayed with me just walking,
looking at the sights. A few gaudy but fun outfits on some ladies. One pair
of shockingly ugly trousers on a man which the pink blazer did nothing to
mitigate!

We got sodas as the afternoon warmed up. We peeked in as some of the horses
for earlier races were saddled.

PJ and Tara were close as we strolled under trees at the back of the
grounds. Cho texted we should come back. Sam and Beverly had arrived. We
joined them all in Thayer's box.

We settled down as the Woodward Stakes post parade was going to start. A
line of handsome horses passed by, glossy and colourful. Domingo in our
green and yellow blocks and stripes astride IrishRainbow looking great!

The Woodward was a mile and an eighth, two turns, they would use the entire
length of the track.

I had my same feeling of concern for horse and rider but IrishRainbow was a
seasoned horse and strong. Domingo a very fine jockey so all the signs were
positive.

They loaded down below us, all the horses went in quietly. Our boy was on
the outside. Pause...

Clang and the gates opened. A clean start! IrishRainbow running well going
towards the front with three others. Two moved ahead and IrishRainbow
closed up on their outside shoulder. Into the turn the three moved to the
rail with our boy in the third path out still on the shoulder of the
two. They went around the turn like that. I had my glasses out watching as
they went down the back straight. IrishRainbow changed leads easily and
gained ground doing so. He took the front about two thirds the way down the
straight.

As they neared the second turn he was two and half lengths clear on the
rail now saving ground. The two were flagging as one other horse came up to
them. Around the turn IrishRainbow looking strong had opened to almost five
lengths. The comer passed the two and got set for a hard charging close
down the home stretch. IrishRainbow was holding his own without Domingo
asking him at all. The charging horse had closed the gap to three when
Domingo let out some rein and our boy responded with a surge towards the
finish. He powered across the finish line five lengths clear! Domingo's arm
raised the whip he hadn't needed.

I jumped up to hug Cho and Monaco! Beverly's arms around me, big hug. She
and Sam had gotten to know and like IrishRainbow during his stay with
them. Gil smiling, a kiss. Francis grinning, he had put his first ever bet
on IrishRainbow's nose! A nice win!

We went down to the Winner's Circle with some very nice applause. The
Racecourse folks and the Stakes people were pleased. Our boy had finished
in1:46:00, two hundredths of a second from the Stakes record!

IrishRainbow was sweating but prancing coming back up the track. Domingo's
smile was HUGE! May beside me, I'd brought her along for a purpose. Cho led
our winner in for the ceremony. We got a large cheer and loud clapping.

Domingo and May hugged and kissed. A cheer for them. Cho handed a small box
to Dom. He knelt on one knee, opened the box, "May, will you marry me?"

HUGE cheer when she teared up and said YES! Dom slid the ring on her finger
and got a big kiss!

Cho grinning with Monaco, he'd been in on it. Of course it played better in
the Winner's Circle!

May hugged me. "You knew? Secrets!"

Yes, they do rear their head every now and then.

We headed over to the barn. Dom and IrishRainbow did their post-race
things, all good.

IrishRainbow was walking with Darryl his groom, he looked good. His coat a
glossy rich brown. Everything was good, he was healthy.

We had a loud and happy dinner at Thayer's. It was made better when
Ringgold called from California. SakChai had won the Debutante Stakes at
Del Mar! He led wire to wire through the seven furlongs! A very nice first
G1 race win for him! He came out just fine!

Ring was excited, "SakChai really strides out beautifully! He looked
gorgeous, a white streak! He's got a great future."

Thayer and I walking later, he was pleased for our newly engaged couple and
our horses. "It was good to set IrishRainbow on his own path. He proved he
was worthy of being in big races. You were absolutely correct, it gives him
the chance to be a very good race horse in his own right!"

Sam and Beverly stayed over for the weekend to watch Hansa on Monday. After
my morning ride with Sondra and some time with Gil, Cho joined me for our
daily `conference' with Chani and Charlie.

Our friends came in to see the babies. They were doing all the proper baby
things. Charlie was now enjoying being on his tummy, learning how to
wiggle! Chani in a pale green dress looking smashing!

Tha was just the best woman for our Twins! Loving, caring and very good at
doing all the many things they needed doing at nine weeks. Her future was
still weighing on my mind. I needed to talk to Kanda.

Monaco came over. He was very happy with IrishRainbow, our boy came through
in great shape! Hansa was ready for tomorrow. Glaa was back at Santa
Anita. Asda and Hathai arrived safely at Harcourt House.

Freddie had taken several of our English horses to run over the last
month. A two year old had placed second and two three year olds had won in
their races. He had two out to run on the weekend.

A quiet night became a slightly foggy morning. Sondra and I riding came
upon two rabbits sitting on the grass beside a stream. We didn't speak or
approach. They nuzzled together then realized we were behind them. They
weren't scared but did move into the brush. Cute to see them being
affectionate.

I did some rubbing with Cho when I told him. We might have gone on except
Gil knocked with a message from Kent. Covering our nude selves, I called
her in. We spoke on speaker with Kent. Joseph had gotten another source, a
former bookkeeper for the second concrete company. She was retired to the
Mexican Pacific coast. She wouldn't come back but would go on camera if we
went to her. Joseph and Larry would go Tuesday with a camera team. So they
got an all-expenses paid trip to Cabo San Lucas!

We were laughing when Kent said if they come back with a suntan they would
be fired. The story was growing!

We finally got dressed for the track. I went in yellow today, sleeveless so
I added a white cardigan just in case. It was snug to my torso flaring out
some in the skirt. Navy blue for the belt and accessories with gold
jewelry. Of course "Joy' applied by the master applier.

We did as always go to the barn. Hansa was nickering as I petted her, Cho's
hand on her neck slowly rubbing her. We did it for a few minutes then we
left so the routine could be continued.

In Thayer's box Beverly leaned over my shoulder, "Where are you folks
putting all the hardware you're collecting?"

I smiled, "It's all going to Harcourt House. If we continue like this we'll
have to build a building to hold it all."

We laughed. Cho nudged me and spoke over my back for Beverly to hear, "We
will build a museum won't we?"

I smiled at the thought we might need to and the contraction. I did raise
my eyebrows... Cho got it and grinned. "You're a bad influence!"

More laughter as the bell for the Hopeful Stakes was rung.

The post parade started. Hansa walking alongside her stable pony glistening
in the sun! They worked their way out to the chute on the back straight. My
glasses showed her moving quietly into her number four position near the
center of the starting gates.

Clang! They were going! Hansa was beside the gray horse that had recently
shipped in. They stayed head to head down the straight several lengths
clear of the rest of the field. It was a fast pace!

As they neared the turn I saw Tomas make a move with his hands. They went
into the turn with Hansa a neck in front, she changed leads like liquid
which gained her a half-length. She came out of the turn a length and half
ahead. As she changed leads again the gray horse was no longer a
threat. Tomas asked her and that was that! Hansa went into over-drive, it
was the same as watching her brother. She was gaining at each stride, the
gray was working hard but there was no slack in Hansa's effort.

At the eighth pole it was a six length lead and widening. She over-ran the
finish like Glaa tearing around the turn before Tomas could ease her down,
the outrider caught up.

Our box was pandemonium! Hansa! She finished in 1:22:3! Blazing fast! Glaa
still owned this track though. We celebrated, hugs, kisses all around!

Sondra grinning was we squeezed, "Does this mean you'll be back next
season?"

I nodded giving her cheek a big kiss.

As usual I had Cho and Monaco as escorts down to the Winner's Circle. This
time the cheers were bigger. Outside the Circle Tomas brought our girl
up. Reggie put on her lead, huge smile on his face.

The Racecourse and Stakes dignitaries welcomed us. We had won all the top
races of the Saratoga Season! AND Hansa was the first filly to win the
Saratoga Triple Crown; Sanford, Saratoga Special and Hopeful Stakes! She
had set the boys on their ears!

More shiny hardware! Our second year in a row. We waved in response to the
crowd's cheering and applause. Tomas got a big hug when he climbed off
Hansa. She had her saddle removed and went off with Reggie to be
tested. Tomas to weighing.

We went to the barn with Monaco to wait for them. Domingo and May were
there. High fives and fist bumps. Quite the week! Glaa, IrishRainbow and
now Hansa again!

We had sort of a tailgate party! Drinks and snacks courtesy of Gil's
arrangements. Tomas and Hansa were fine. She would join her brother Glaa in
Santa Anita. They would meet their half-brother SakChai in our barn
there. He would race again in a month in the Frontrunner Stakes right
there. IrishRainbow would go back to Pleasant Valley for a few weeks then
to Belmont for the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

We would all be together in Santa Anita for the Breeder's Cup races in
November. A whopping big day of racing!

Back at Thayer's we said goodbye until they came over to Harcourt House at
Christmas. I had Sondra alone, "Please call if there is anything we can do
to help! Okay?"

We kissed, she thanked me.

The helicopter lifted off for Newburgh. It wasn't a long flight and we were
soon going up the stairs with Jaidee. Everyone onboard and seated for
takeoff. Captain Kor was in command! We watched as the airport bits and
pieces went by the cabin windows. Jaidee in his cushioned dog seat, tongue
out staring through his window.

We ate the dinner Soka and Ban prepared and relaxed after with espresso and
drinks before an early night to allow for the time change. Jaidee got Tara
to play `ball' for a while. Cute guy!

We three snuggled in bed. The brown tummy got rubbed, legs akimbo! Such a
funny little fellow! Cho's warmth behind felt wonderful, a soporific!
Sleepy...

Waking to the alarum was easy! Off and I was up. Washed, dressed and making
coffee when a text came in from Eric. Malee's water broke and she had gone
fully into labour!! They were at the hospital... The doctor said it
wouldn't be long she was so dilated! I texted back we were in the air
coming in soon to Chalgrove.

Eric said he'd be back to us... I replied... good, we can come straight to
town if you need us.

Coffee with strawberry and blueberry scones from a Saratoga bakery! I fed
my little man, he went to his box beforehand. We were good.

Soka came with a breakfast offer I couldn't refuse. She served me as Cho
emerged. Soka said soon for his food and I gave him Malee and Eric's
news. We ate, Gil and Francis joined us. Food was devoured.

I went up front... Great view of the green Irish countryside ahead. Captain
Kor said forty five minutes to wheels down. We got ready.

Eric was back on... Malee delivered a healthy, beautiful girl!! Anne Malee
had brown hair and brown eyes, pale skin AND was gorgeous!!!!

I suggested we meet at their place in Cheyne Gardens tomorrow when she came
home... Eric was happy with that... He had everything under
control... Nurse was already in residence and Malee's mom was coming the
day after tomorrow!

Okay! Malee didn't mess around! Pop like Eve! Gil sent flowers for
immediate delivery. The nurse was ready and Mrs. Blatchly had found someone
to `do for them' several days a week. I was going to be around to give Eric
time off.

Chalgrove! The old bomber base was green and good looking from the
air. Prasert waiting with cars. Hands shaken, fist bumps and grins! Carter
notified we were on our way.

Crunching over the gravel... wonderful! Carter at the door with a big
smile. Kendal right there to help me out with a smile. Audra inside the
door with a grin... Okay!

I waved to Cho... he knew! Gil and Tara with me. They raced up to the third
floor. I was changed in a flash heading down the stairs, I heard a
commotion above... some dropping sounds... laughter... boots hitting the
floor... bouncing down stairs... feet on the stairs hurrying down! Two
half-dressed ladies!

"Better stop there and finish! I'll walk slow."

Out front Cho was with Jaidee on the sunny forecourt. We hugged. "I like
this hat when it hangs down your back... It's sexy!"

I kissed him. A big grin, he looked in my eyes, laughing, "I did it again."

Another kiss then I was off. The girls caught up still giggling.

I crept up on Pamela's stall with a cut up apple. I held a piece in my hand
and waved it in the opening, "Pamela!"

Damn... she nickered loudly, almost a yell! She gobbled the apple piece and
pushed her face on mine. A softer nicker as we hugged. I gave her the rest
of the apple as Cormac laughing started in to saddle her.

Max and Lu were readied for Gil and Tara. In a few minutes we were heading
down the grassy lane to the flats. Sunny and Charlotte were working. Sunny
finished going around the jumps before riding Prince over to me. We leaned
over to hug.

She looked terrific. Lovely rosy cheeks, lithe, maybe taller and happy. She
excited by school which starts tomorrow! She liked Ms. Jones and already
met most all of her classmates.

"I have a proposal for you... If you're ready for a short break ..." Sunny
was hanging on my words... "You come with us to the Breeder's Cup races
then we go to Seattle, Okay?"

I laughed as she leaned to hug me and almost lost her seat!

"Yes Yes Yes!!!!"

"Okay then, you need to be good with school and Charlotte. We will have
work on wardrobe so a trip to London will be on."

Sunny hugged me some more.

"Now go back to work, we want to ride."

A last hug! I turned Pamela, Gil and Tara grinning. I waved to Charlotte,
she was smiling too.

Up the slope we went, warmed then I asked Pamela. She was ready... we
soared down the long gentle slope to the lock. The lock man gave us a wave
and a hello! I returned it!

On the eyot Roy fishing in his short sleeves. I kidded him about his eskimo
past. "Well Miss, I'm healthy now!"

He had three fish! Angie would be pleased... I think she likes Roy to be
out but that much fish must be wearing after a bit. I'd have to ask Angie.

Once over all the water we turned into the east end of Abbey Meadow so Gil
and Tara could see. Elaine came out from behind a bush where her Springer
spaniel Whisper had made a deposit she had cleaned up.

I did the intro's. I said we might be over. She'd like that. We waved
goodbye.

I steered us along the river through the meadow. The outdoor pool folks
were setting up for the day. We walked down around several buildings to a
footbridge and over to Thames Street. We walked across the Abingdon
Bridge. Not much traffic and it was only two hundred feet or so. We turned
off right after the bridge end onto a path beside the other bank of the
Thames.

We were back on the path we took down so a good gallop until the railroad
tracks. Past those I asked Pamela, she was warm and burst forward! We were
running freely across the grass of Harcourt House land. It was an
exhilarating ride. A mile of speed.

I love the wind rushing pass my face, Pamela's muscles as she ran... She
was a powerhouse! The others were a short ways behind as we slowed up down
the slope to the flats.

Freddie had come down with several of the younger ones. The black yearling
was filling out, handsome boy. Jet black with a small white star on his
forehead.

I stopped to watch him, he was running a bit awkwardly but he had a
beautiful body, terrific hindquarters with straight back legs. Once he had
all the parts working together he could be quite something. We hadn't named
him yet... Something with `Black' in it?

Gil and Tara beside me. We went over to the arenas. Sunny had just finished
a run through, she and Charlotte were critiquing it. They were happy enough
so they wanted to enter Sunny in a novice event on the weekend.

I said why not. Charlotte just needed to get with Gregory about horse
trailers and Prasert for a car.

A big hug from Sunny, "Thanks, Aunt Fay!"

Oh Aunt Fay? Mayhap she was feeling a bit the young girl?

Up the slope to the stables. Gregory smiling as we walked to a paddock,
Asda came running when I called. I was armed with mints! Hathai got the
idea, she trotted over. I shared out my stash. Two absolutely beautiful
animals! They looked like royalty, their children were proof they were!

They had this paddock to themselves and adjoining stalls close enough to
nuzzle and walk out the back into the paddock. Hathai had six months to go
with her pregnancy, she was showing but too not much.

Cho joined us for lunch. He and Carter had been going over house things. He
gave me a précis. All was well, the physical parts had some work done
readying us for the winter. It seemed a long way away with our current
glorious weather but...

Francis came up from his office smiling, "The CPS just sent me a notice
that the three defendants have all signed off on their deals.  They have
two years to serve but they could be given the full sentences if they don't
produce the money."

After lunch Gil and I took over the library. I spread out some papers and
two project timeline charts.

I was reading a report when Reginé called. "We've been following
reaction to your interview from Thursday night. We have seen negative
responses mostly in the you can't change sex slash gender or gay
stereotyping or pervert name-calling type but... the positives are huge!"

She took a breath, "It has remained a big talking and tweeting point. The
numbers of tweets is in the hundreds of thousands, comments on the various
facebook pages are enormously supportive.

You and Cho have been lauded by celebrities, politicians, ordinary folk
around the world."

I had to laugh inside myself! Cho and I don't have anything to do with
social media so we hadn't seen anything about it except when some news site
mentioned it. We weren't watching much TV right now not even Fox!

Reginé brought up an interesting point about America, this was the first
work day after their Labour Day holiday weekend so there was surge in
comments and tweets when people were back at work. Overwhelmingly positive!

She was laughing, "You want to run for political office? Now would be a
good time!"

I was laughing but shit, who would really want that? I can see public
service... but the cost to be a politician is so gigantic for someone
personally, their family... coming out in the open as me is way far enough.

I walked to the office to tell Cho about Reginé's call. He grinned as I
said the bit about being elected to something, "Damn, isn't life vtough
enough without that!"

He got a kiss, because I wanted to and the contraction! Cho pulled me into
his lap, more kissing!!!

"Remember we see Adam and Daphne in town tomorrow for dinner. Adam's taking
me out to his home course for a game the next morning."

A kiss for Cho's nose! I bounced away back to work or...!

I grabbed Gil, PJ and Tara to go to Abingdon. I got a Range Rover out, all
aboard. Through Clifton Hampden and Culham to the Abingdon Bridge then a
hard left onto East St. Helen Street to Lombard Street. Looking for
parking, a spot on West St. Helen Street. A block and half from Elaine's
Gaudy Paper shop.

She was pleased to see us. I said I was looking for a large amount of high
quality Christmas gift paper. Elaine had some but drew out several
catalogs. She said I could take those, make my choices, let her know and
she'd order and deliver. Okay!

These catalogs had good colour examples and usually described the weight of
the paper too. I was good.

I setup an account so Ellie could come over for anything she needed, not
just Christmas but all through the year. Elaine was good with that, she'd
do a monthly invoice. Done!

Dinner was delightful grilled trout with a shrimp paella and baked veggie
tarts! Sue's crust was so flaky! Afters on the terrace, Gil with me on the
Amaretto and the two guys nose deep in snifters!

We all went down into the gardens with Jaidee. He was stopped from rooting
around the plants by a brand new tennis ball bounding over the green
lawn. I tossed it and he was off! Cho took over sending Jaidee running
pursuing the `ball.'

We wore him out! Good! It was an early to bed night.

Snuggled with Cho I was looking at our boy asleep already. Me follow.

Prasert grinning as we loaded up in the morning darkness. Gil, Francis, PJ
and Rande in with us. The others and the luggage in a Range Rover. We
jogged over to the M40 through the countryside. Down to the M25 then the
M4. The A4 was getting a bit crowded but the traffic flowed.

The Range Rover turned south for Basuto Road. We went North on Warwick Road
then Holland Road, the roundabout to Holland Park Avenue. Straight on to
the front door of The Company.

Cho went up to our office where Angela had some things for him. I stopped
to talk to a few folks heading to Eric's office. Jodie grinning, "Hi Boss!"

We laughed! She had some bits for me. Sitting at Eric's desk was funny, I
got to look at Malee's face! Cutie. Eric's text this morning said his girls
were terrific! Going home late this afternoon!

There was a meeting with department heads which was started with me at the
head of the table laughing as they piled in. We knew each other quite well
so it was as if everything was normal.

Andrea's deputy, Tomasina, made us laugh with her joke about ladies taking
over. Reg did his horrible New York mafia accent `da goils wannabe be in
chuarge.' That hurt my ears!

We settled down to work and were done in forty five minutes. We had a
luncheon booking at Angelus Restaurant for this crowd and Cho. We did take
two cars because I had stop to make. Francis and Gil with us.

The restaurant was ready for us and we sat right away. Food! Steamed
asparagus with hollandaise minus the poached egg to start. The cod main
course. Tarte Tatin with vanilla ice cream and espresso after. We talked
some shop, the Malee and Eric newborn, our babies, MFA's progress at
standing and falling on her bum!

It was a great lunch. Gil, Francis and PJ stayed with me. We walked around
the corner to Hyde Park Stables. Gil wanted jodhpurs and gloves. Francis a
new helmet cover, gloves, jodhpurs and me... nothing particular maybe a
gift for someone. I did buy several shirts I liked and a pair of gloves for
Sunny.

Francis was riding a lot! He had the bug. Gil was going out with him as was
Tara keeping to my suggestion he have company for now.

On the way out to Westbourne Street Francis's ex came out from the salon to
say hello to him. I patted his shoulder as I passed him. PJ's eyes on mine,
I shook my head. The car was waiting, we loaded our new things.

Francis came along shortly. He had an odd grin... again, shaking his head.

We were off to Basuto Road. I leaned back. I didn't think my being around
to fill-in for Eric was going to be very much of a deal. They'd prepared
well and with The Company's level of communication skills...

We crossed to Favart Road to see the family! Jian-Andrea-Ting!! I took a
while to get all the hugs and kisses done! Caroline! What a beauty she was!
Four months! She was waving her arms at me, I took the bundle. Gurgles,
tongue sticking out, bright eyes! A happy baby! Her family were thrilled
with her.

We ended up on the roof garden. I put Caroline in her shaded carrier. So
cute.

Ting's parents had been here for a week. They adored Caroline!

I grabbed my buddy. She was sad to leave Caroline and Andrea but Anong was
getting close to her time so... Bangkok. Ting had classes to teach for
several months so they'd be apart. I told her to use a plane and come back
several times before Christmas. I was kissed with many thank yous!

Back across the road I gave Francis a look of inquiry. He grinned, we went
into the garden.

He started right in, "She's amazed by my new life AND jealous AND now sorry
she tossed me aside... There's nothing there. She showed her true colours
last year! AND before you ask... Ali and I are close, we enjoy each other's
company fully knowing the difficulties of meeting."

I put my hand on Francis' arm, "If you two want to get together ask for
some time and borrow a plane."

He smiled. "Also you can invite her along on trips I know Daria doesn't
travel much these days."

"Thank you. I'll talk with Ali and see. Do you know if Daria will come to
Harcourt House for Christmas?"

I said I didn't know if she was but he should ask Gil who was keeping
score.

It was a warm evening so a little black frock! Sleeveless, above mid-thigh,
deep plunging back, black thigh-highs, spike heel ankle boots, lots of
silver jewelry, no `Joy' because we were going to meet Anne. I didn't want
to introduce anything like that to her environment so soon. Black leather
cut-off motorcycle jacket for later.

We parked out front. Eric at the door. Big hug! Right up to the first floor
bedroom. Malee in bed with the bassinet beside her. Oh Yes! Anne Malee was
a beauty, sleeping quietly.

I sat beside Malee for a hug and kiss. She was good, very glad the labour
time wasn't long.

"My little dear wanted out!"

We chatted for a while but we kept it short so she could sleep before Anne
woke up hungry. We'd be back!

Downstairs Eric said everything was great. Their nurse was
terrific. Malee's mom was coming in tomorrow on one of our Gulfstream's and
Prasert had a car `on' for her. So all that was done which Eric was very
happy about. They had a nice ensuite room for her. A housekeeper slash cook
coming every day, many thanks to Mrs. Blatchly!!

They were good. In the garden I told Eric I would be around but it didn't
look I really needed to do much.

He laughed, "You just want to go off with Pamela don't you?"

"Yes!" We laughed!!

We got a quick tour of the house which I liked a lot. The garden was large
with several beautiful trees at the bottom. Very nice for the summer. A
spacious kitchen, large parlour and dining rooms. The bedrooms were good
sized. They had a quite nice room on the third floor for the nurse and a
study for Eric on the fourth with a balcony, large west facing windows
opening onto it. Lots of light!

Malee was asleep so Eric got all the hugs and kisses.

It was a short drive down Cheyne Walk to Adam and Daphne's barge. A tight
hug and kiss from Daphne. I hadn't seen her since Phuket! We walked across
the road to the Painted Heron.

Yes! Daphne and I giggling about what we were going to eat! Cho shaking his
head, Adam's smile, "Cho you think they'll have anything left for their
later diners?"

Cho had his doubts which only made Daphne and me laugh more.

So we started in! The poppadum cart didn't get away easily. I got some of
each chutney! A big pile of those crunchy things! Next soft shell crab
frites, and a Punjabi samosa! The green chillie prawns, their mango paneer
and Peshwari naan! A Strawberry Breeze cocktail!

Our men struggled to keep up! Daphne laughing with me. We did talk! Horses,
Glaa, Hansa and SakChai.  Adam smiling as we told them about IrishRainbow's
blowout in the Woodward Stakes.

"Fay, you did a good thing there. Keeping him in the Triple Crown races was
right and sending him out away from Glaa even better. He has raised his
profile which is good for when you send him to stud."

Adam was looking at me as I gave them the story of Sunny. A slow grin, "Is
this surrogate time for you?"

I had to smile at his thought although it was wrong.

"No I didn't have the kind of concentration to do dressage. The riding
certainly but she is on a different path."

Adam did a description of the Wentworth Club where he was taking Cho in the
morning. They were to play the West Course, the longest and most difficult
of the three courses. A real golfing test and one I could see Cho
relished. He wanted to test his game.

He said Adam and Daphne should come over to New York so he could take Adam
up to Winged Foot. Adam rubbing his hands with the thought, it was one of
those fabled courses a golfer wanted to play. I loved their passion and
wanting to share their golf courses with each other.

My priority... dessert! Laughter! Chocolate molten pudding with coconut
cream and macaroon crumbles!!!

When it was gone I did consider another but in the interest of decorum I
had espresso. Adam said afters at theirs!

PJ and Rande were very happy with their dinner as both liked Indian food!

It was still warm enough for no jacket walking to theirs but went we up on
the barge top deck and with the water close... Jacket.

Desmond and Sara came over for afters. They were staying on Lorena and
Pam's barge. No, not a couple, separate rooms, just friends. Sara was doing
work for Declare now alongside Desmond.

Lorena and Pam travelling in South America for a few months asked Desmond
to stay as he had become their designated cat sitter!

I leaned on the railing with Des. He looked good, some tan and healthy. He
was doing very well with Adam. Researching and writing, having fun doing
it.

"I saw some raw notes Adam had after talking with you. You're very
observant."

"I think it's more like I'm cute and disarming!"

Des laughed at that, "Cute is right!"

A slight bit of red in his cheeks when that came out. I looked away but he
was honest, "Well, a man would have to be dead and buried for a decade or
two not to think so!"

I thanked him for the compliment, "You know about my love life... And
yours?"

He had gone out a few times with a few different women, dinner, movie,
dancing, nothing big, friendly and nice. No one special.

"I'm thirty one and thinking about it."

"You should come out to Bangkok or Los Angeles or Seattle. See some of the
world, meet some folk. We can put you up one place or another whether we're
there or not, you know."

Des bowed over my hand, "Thank you, ma'am!"

We laughed at that until Adam came by with the Amaretto for a refill. Des
went to get more espresso.

"I've told Des he needs to go out in the world some. I offered our houses
as places to park same for you and Daphne."

"He should, WE should, " Adam nodding, "I've worked him pretty hard but he
does produce wonderfully written stuff! I'll talk with Daphne and see if we
can impose on you!'

Sara came up as Adam went back in. She was doing well, liking the research
aspects of the work.

"I'm just nosey I guess."

She looked good too. She and Des liked to talk, "I've never had a male
friend to just gab with about nearly anything. There's no sex in the way."

She looked awkward, "I don't mean anything about Des you know."

I laughed, "He appears to be healthy and capable." More laughing, "From my
viewpoint I think any sex you go into voluntarily is good!"

I nudged her. A smile, "Yes... Daphne and I still enjoy ourselves."

We both laughed! The very one joined us and came straight to the point, "Is
Phuket on?"

I said definitely. I told them about Lori and Shira getting married. No
date yet.

At Basuto Road I stood naked arms open wide!! Cho grinning fully dressed
encircled my body! Kissing!!! He laid me out on the bed then did a s l o w
striptease! I was giggling as his bits and pieces came off.

Then leapt onto the bed catching himself on his hands and feet above me as
I pretended to cringe for the crash! We laughed out! I was thoroughly and
lovingly kissed! We settled in to sleep as he had an early rise to go out
to Surrey with Adam.

I fed Cho an omelet and HOT crunchy rolls in the garden's early
light. Coffee steaming, a handsome face grinning over the edge. I could see
he was stoked to play today.

Big kiss at the front door when Prasert pulled up with Adam. A wave.

Warm day. Me in skinny gray jeans, cutoff red silk top and black ankle
boots.  I was showing some tanned tummy. Silver bits and a smile going out
the door to walk to the Tube. Gil, PJ and Tara all smiling in the sun! A
nice walk, up the stairs to the platform. A train coming in, we were in a
small crowd. One open seat which I urged Gil into since her bag was
heavier.

PJ's back to me as I held onto a pole, Tara close to my back. Behind my
sunglasses I saw a fellow over PJ's shoulder giving us a look. He moved our
way... I reached back to touch Tara's arm, a quiet voice behind me, "I see
him."

Over my shoulder to PJ, "No one else moving..."

PJ nodded as he rolled his shoulders to loosen his muscles. The man was
close now... He tried to move against me...

"OW! Why..."  His noise was cut off...

PJ's voice, loud and clear, "Trying to molest a woman passenger... Not
while I am around!"

The man shrunk back wide-eyed! Tara still behind me, I was in front of Gil,
PJ's arm extended towards the man but not touching him.

"I didn't touch her... I... I..."

PJ's smile like a rictus, "No molesting women!"

A woman had stood up across from us, she identified herself as a police
officer. She showed the man her credentials and asked him to get off at the
next stop with her. He didn't argue.

It was Notting Hill Gate our stop so we all exited. On the platform the
fellow said he didn't do anything. She looked at us, I said no damage
done. She asked where he was going, he said "Queensway."

She looked his ID over, "Get on the next one!" he scuttled down the
platform away from us.

She turned back, "Did he touch you?"

I smiled, taking off my sunglasses, "No. PJ is my bodyguard. He moved
within inches his approach was quite deliberate though."

She looked at my face, "You're Fay Martin?"

I was surprised a police constable in the London Tube would recognize
me. Weird days!

I agreed I was. She asked PJ why he spoke out so loudly.

He smiled, "It was crowded I did not want to use force because others might
get hurt but my training says such people are easily shamed in a public
place when they are called out for their actions. I couldn't let him get
any closer. I did elbow him to call his attention."

She looked impressed, "I'll bring that up to our trainers. I like it. Where
did you get your training?"

"Our Security force has all our training in-house. Before we go out to work
we have a long period of classes, practical exercises, physical
conditioning and psychological education. With frequent refresher courses."

He looked proud, "Miss Martin is our boss so we are very protective of her
and Mr. Cho. It is an honor to be on her personal protection team!"

You could see it and hear it! I was proud to have them; smart, skilled and
tough. The police constable was visibly impressed.

I thanked her, she laughed, "I don't think I did much except to save that
pervert from some damage. Miss Martin, it was very nice to meet you."

I did do intro's so she knew Tara was also part of my security. She had two
stops to go, laughing, "I'm going to be late."

At my suggestion Gil gave her iPhone number to the PC. "If your boss wants
he could call, we'd be glad to tell him what went on."

I was thanked amidst the noise of a train coming in. We waved and then went
up and out. We were all smiles again. Swiping in at The Company I tugged PJ
aside with Tara, "You handled that perfectly. That fellow will be worried
from now on."

Hug and kiss on his cheek! "Thank you for everything you do!"

We stopped for lattes in the cafeteria, on my account. The lady who was the
boss there came out with a grin, "The Fortnum and Mason delivery arrived."
We did fist bumps! Free cookies for everyone's tea!

Upstairs I sat at the Big Desk to do some work. Jodie grinning from the
door, "You look natural."

We giggled and I got to work. A pile of reports! I plowed ahead. Lunch with
Dr. Terry, she was coming over here. We got food in the cafeteria and sat
in Eric's office.

She had been talking with Dr. Vanatonu about Will. They were professionally
sharing and preparing for when Will and his family would return to
England. No specifics but we did speak about getting him work within his
current limits also work for Eliza. She was very upbeat about
Will. Dr. Vanatonu's testing showed he had above average intelligence but
his family background had reduced his life choices.

Joining the Army had been easy but never happy. I asked if they felt he
could do detailed work such as managing security monitoring, learning to
fly a drone but not (for now) serving as a line security officer. Dr. Terry
believed it was possible and she would bring it up to Dr. Vanatonu to
discuss with Will. If so we could offer him work at several locations in
England and elsewhere. Dr. Terry thought it positive!

Several meetings. Reg with news about the microwave repeaters based on the
"Fay" scanner pole. They were a go! We were going out to theirs for dinner
so I'd get to see my `niece' MFA!

I got a text from Cho... all stars of one form or other, nothing but
stars!!!! I sent him back... a girl... a heart... a golfer!

I'd have to wait for the story.

In the mid-afternoon Cho arrived. Another car took Gil back to Basuto Road
and Adam to the Cheyne Walk barge. Prasert took Cho and I with Reg out to
his in Ealing.

Cho smiling, squeezing me, "It was good!"

I squeezed back, "Tell me!"

More smiles, "I shot a 66! Damn it's a tough course but my game is up to
it!"

He pulled me close, "Reg your game would work there. It's a long course. I
was even par on the front which is 35. Going to the back nine Adam was six
over, he's about a twelve handicap. Number ten is a par three and where I
felt I was `getting' the course. I hit the flag pole with my tee shot, the
ball bounced about fifteen feet away. A tough side hill putt almost went
in. The next was also close to a birdie but on the twelfth it clicked.

It's a par five with a slight dogleg left. A big drive very near some
fairway bunkers gave me a clear shot to the green. My caddy, Angus, yes I
know but he was excellent, said I had very near two hundred yards to
go. The green doesn't have a bunker in front so I used a three iron. The
ball bounced on some firm ground rolled up onto the green to the right of
the hole. Angus yelled out `FORE' as the ball was away, he saw I had a
chance to reach the green.

The golfers ahead had finished but were still on the green and a bit
shocked to see my ball rolling up. They moved off but did not go to the
next tee.

I had a nasty curving path to the hole, I gave it a go and it dropped in!!!
An eagle. Suddenly I was two under.

The other golfers gave me a cheer. They were a foursome and suggested we
play through which was very polite. I inspired Adam, he birdied that
hole. We were rolling!

Several pars then on sixteen, a short par four, my second hit above the
hole and the backspin drew it down to hit the flag pole leaving me with a
tap-in for birdie. The seventeenth the longest hole and a par five I had a
huge drive, Angus said two hundred and thirty to the front of the green. No
bunkers and a flat green. I had a good lie so I chose a four wood. A nice
swing, good contact, I stood there watching that ball arc beautifully down
to hit and bound up several times to roll up the green towards the
pin. Adam was near me swearing, `go in fucker Go In!' It stopped two feet
short slightly to the left.

Angus' face was a great. He slapped his thigh, `Damn Damn, that is a great
shot! Well played, sir!'

Walking to the green was wonderful! I had a great chance for another eagle!
The putt was a gentle uphill one. It went right in! I was five under!"

Cho was squeezing tight, I got him to ease up.

"Tell us the last!"

He grinned, "The eighteenth is another par five with a right dogleg. The
green is protected by a stream in front. I had a great drive past the
fairway bunkers and a good lie but the water was in the way. The flag was
in the front third of the green. So I used a three iron aiming for the
green. It was a good shot that hit the fringe and stopping about forty feet
from the hole. My putt was good but lacked the last eight inches. I got a
birdie, the last bit an easy roll in. A 66!"

He laughed, "When Adam and I got to my second, he had played a good shot up
short of the stream, the foursome in front we still on the green. Angus did
his `FORE' again so there wasn't a problem as I got ready, they moved
off. We crossed the stream after Adam chipped onto the green.

There were about twenty folks beyond the green watching us. Adam finished
first and when I rolled those last eight inches it felt terrific! The
fellows asked my score as we looked like we knew what we were doing. Adam
had an eighty, well below his usual and was quite happy. My 66 was
cheered. Someone called the club pro to come out as we wrote out our final
scores."

"So I was congratulated and offered lots of drinks. I did take a few inches
of a very nice single malt whiskey. Mine is the lowest score of the year to
date."

He had kept us wound up listening so we didn't realize the car was in front
of Reg's place. I held Cho's face for a kiss! My golf pro!

Rona hugged me tight. MFA was standing beside a table in the hallway
holding on. A huge grin. I scooped her up, giggles and smiles. Such a
sweetie!

I sat in the kitchen and was enlisted to do a little with dinner. MFA and
the guys had gone down to the train room.

Rona laughing, "She loves the trains! Reg sits her in a high chair real
close and runs them around making noises and smoke! MFA cheers and claps!"

Dinner was some lovely grilled flounder, baked veggie pies, a dark bread
she baked, butter from her Northhamptonshire friend! Yes! Dessert was
strawberries and cream! Espresso and afters on their terrace after MFA was
put down by the nurse.

MFA had dinner with us but it was quite a different menu! I was surprised
how good she was eating. Rona said MFA had been like that all along.

Reg and Rona doing very well. MFA's nurse was terrific and our endless
nappies gift was out of this world! So easy to do. Soiled in bin, bin
picked up, new supply of nappies with a clean bin, the bins have a good
seal not smelly and easy to clean up! A great system.

We had just gifted it to Eric and Malee also!

At home we sat for a while in the quiet garden with Jaidee. The Security
folks had looked after him, lots of walks and ball tossing!

A text from Amarha! She said new Agusta AW119KXe's arrived. Pilots
salivating over them.

That got us laughing via texts! I called her. She was laughing as she
answered. "Fay, it's true. They were wandering around them, touching
them. They've all been up in the Aw119 training model but the operational
ones are much better equipped."

"Tell them they have to clean up if they get them messy!"

More laughing, "The restrictions about flight paths haven't been a
problem. They appreciate why we are making the changes. They see it's safer
for them and their passengers! We are also working on their skills in
making water landings with the emergency floats we are including on each
aircraft. Lots of work for them, busy as beavers!"

We talked a bit more. She was having no issues next door. Cassidy's
position wasn't undermined by her being head of a joint company. Amarha
said `your doing it that way made it easier for him'. All good.

We rang off. Cho holding me, "See I married a woman of power!"

"No, my marrying you made me a woman with power. And I like using it."

Cho pulled me very close, a kiss! "Please go ahead. You are doing a tip-top
job so far."

Jodie knew I wouldn't be in today. We were all up early for a trip to the
new coast house. Prasert dropped us at the London Heliport in Battersea. A
white helicopter with a yellow hibiscus `Brilliant' on its tail sitting
there.

It was an Agusta/Westland AW139. Handsome! Cho said it was one of two.
Brand new! We boarded.

Cho and I, Gil and Francis and all six of our Security team. We had plenty
of room inside. We lifted off, turning to go down river gaining altitude
quickly.

After clearing the downtown area we were up to about six thousand feet
turning northeast to cross East Anglia at speed. A direct course to go out
over the North Sea above Aldeburgh and swing out to come into the new house
from the east.

We were getting a bird's eye view of the flat countryside. There was LCD
screen in the wall behind the pilot seats. We could see the track of our
flight over a satellite map that showed the main roads and towns.

As we crossed a river between Ipswich and Felixstowe I nudged Cho and
pointed down. In his ear, "The River Orwell."

He looked at me, I knew. "He chose the name from the river. His father
retired from the Indian Civil Service to live in Southwold."

Cho kissed my cheek and squeezed a hand.

We were out over the North Sea in a big sweeping turn. To our left as we
approached the coast there was a town with a pier and promenade,
Southwold. We were descending now rapidly. A large house was ahead, we
flared for landing in a field to the south of it. A nice landing.

PJ lowered the steps and we poured out onto the sunny grass.  The large old
gray stone house against the green trees and blue sky looked older than I
thought. It seemed Eighteenth Century.

We walked to its sea side and up onto the terrace. It was a wide stone
flagged space arcing around the house, narrow on the sides then opening at
the front as the front steps passed through it to the drive under the
Porte-cochère. A single car was parked there.

The Porte-cochère had domed roof and walkway to the door. We opened the
outer doors and were greeted by a man and a woman who were the estate
agents.

They welcomed us into our new home. To the right was a huge salon going
from front to back, big windows, floor to ceiling windows opening onto the
terrace at both ends. The central hall went front to back bisecting the
main floor with doors to the terrace at the rear. The stairway was in the
center of the hallway about halfway to the rear of the house once on the
first floor you walked around the bottom of the stairs to the next floor to
be able to walk up. On the floor above you did it again and so on.

A study and library to the left then a dining room which had large floor to
ceiling windows facing north to the terrace. Double doors to the kitchen. I
was surprised as it was quite modern, many newish, quality
appliances. There were more of the big windows so you could walk onto the
terrace.

And a big fireplace! There was a booth around a sturdy table in front of
it. It radiated warm homeliness even without a fire lit!

The terrace encircled and sort of defined the house. Open access to the air
and sea!

On the terrace looking east out over the restless water there was a slight
chill even in the full sun. It is September after all. The woman estate
agent came out to me. I asked about the temperature, she said it would warm
up to be comfortable later. Okay.

I took off my shoes and bare footed down the chilly stone steps to the
lawn. The grass warmed by the sun. I paused to enjoy that. On through a
gate to a wooden walkway which passed over the dune to slope down to a few
steps and the sand. Straight ahead to the water.

The tide was high, I let it wash over my feet. COLD!! Not sure bracing
would fit, bit past that towards COLD!

I hopped up the steps back to the house. Gil found a towel. Shoes on I went
upstairs with the woman estate agent. The first floor had three suites. The
master one had two dressing rooms and a large sitting area and a
fireplace. Big windows facing west with wide window seats. The bathroom had
some modern fixtures and the tub on claw feet was setup with a ring shower
attachment. The suite was half the the floor.

The other two suites were very nice with modern bathrooms. The next floor
had three more bedrooms with baths and a nursery. A full bathroom and space
for the washing basin for baby. A nice sized ensuite room for a nurse or
nanny off the nursery. The third floor had rooms for servants, eight. They
were paired with shared bathrooms. An unusual arrangement.

The floors throughout were a dark stained oak, highly polished. Glowing
reddish black where the sun's rays landed.

The house was surrounded fifteen acres of open grass land and trees, a
drive leading west where it joined a public road going south to Reydon and
Southwold. A dirt road went south near the coast off the fenced drive.

Looking out from the master suite I saw a two cars coming up the drive. I
went down.

Francis with Ro and Tai were going to Southwold. One of the cars had been a
rental being delivered, they would use it to get food and drink.

In the salon beside a LARGE fireplace of dark stone, it was capable of
handling huge logs, Cho and I met a woman from Ipswich, a decorator,
Jane. A slender red-head, nice face.

Cho bowed and said it was my territory and headed to the beach. Jane and I
walked around. I told her I wanted the furnishings to reflect the age and
character of the house. I didn't want to `modernize' it.

We talked budgets and communications, Gil gave Jane her contact info. At
the door I told her this was the first action so she would hear back from
us after we saw her proposals.

Gil seemed to like her, I was Okay but not rushing anywhere. This is the
first house we shared where it was a blank canvas inside.

I followed Cho to the beach. His hand in mine I told him about my ideas and
Jane. There was another decorator coming this afternoon. We'll see.

Our food gathers returned. A small coffee maker and supplies for
same. Bread, cheeses, fruit and nuts. A bottle of Calvados to warm the toes
as Cho had requested, Val d'Auge!

Cho smiling, "Where did you find this?"

Francis said in an off-license near the Parade. He didn't know the name but
the owner said it was from Normandy and very good.

Cho held the bottle, "Francis, you have stumbled upon the very best
Calvados. Strange in this small town."

Francis bought a set of cordial glasses to go with it and a corkscrew. Cho
poured. Fiery and smooth! It wasn't my thing like the Remy Martel Louis
XIII cognac but it went down well! My toes were warmed up good!

We munched standing around the kitchen. I tried out the seating by the
fireplace. It needed a cushion for my tiny backside.

A bottle of water and an apple, I wandered around the property's land
side. There were some old oaks near the house further out it was just
grass. A kitchen garden with raised boxes full of rich, dark soil brought
in to replace the mixed loam and sand. There were wind breaks on the
windward side protecting Rosemary, Thyme, Fennel, Dill, two types of
Oregano and other spices and herbs I didn't know. Onions and carrots!
Amazing! I crushed a few oregano leaves in my fingers... nice scent!

There was a garage like the house, gray stone, two stalls. It had an
apartment above probably a carriage house modernized at some point. Access
was up an outside stone staircase covered by the roof. A small mud room at
the top. The apartment had a nice size sitting room, medium sized bedroom,
the kitchen had an eat-in counter separating it from the sitting room. Good
apartment type appliances. It was quite nice. It was furnished with good
modern furniture, comfortable, not flashy. Sofa, chairs, tables all of the
same style, a set?

The bed was solid with, I tested it, a firm but not excessively so,
mattress. PJ laughing as I bounced.

The bathroom had a claw-foot tub with shower ring. The floor and two thirds
up the walls it was small hexagonal white tiles in very good shape. The
toilet looked new and the basin was wide and shallow with separate hot and
cold taps. Storage built-in.

Plain but in good nick and comfortable.

Ah, right! We have a car! I got my bag and Cho, car keys from Francis,
tugged PJ and Rande. I got behind the wheel with Cho grinning ear to ear
making a BIG show of buckling his seatbelt! The guys in the back, PJ
grinning. I turned us south on Lowestoft Road from our drive, went through
the southeast corner of Reydon on southward. When it became Station Road in
Southwold I was watching house numbers.

Yes! Number 26 High Street on our left. I made a hard right into York
Road. Bingo! A parking space just opened as small van moved off. I urged
everyone out. Taking Cho's hand I led us back the few steps to the High
Street. Opposite was an old brick two storey with a blue door and white
window frames.

I pulled out my iPhone for some snaps. Cho's eyes were good, he leaned over
to kiss me. Arms around me from behind, chin on my shoulder.

"Funny girl!"

PJ and Rande weren't sure what was up until I pointed to the small plaque
on the wall to the right of the door and up a bit. PJ smiled and nodded!

Rande read it out loud "The author... George Orwell... Eric
Blair... 1903-1950... Lived in this house"

We went across the road I touched the door frame! Cho's hand squeezing
mine.

I drove us back circling through town to the water. Up the parade into the
car park and out on the dirt road that ran parallel to the beach. It
intersected with our drive at a gate. Fortunately it wasn't locked or I'd
have been a booby!

Cho looking me, like how did I know the where and how of this trip,
"Well... I used my iPad for a scope of the neighborhood."

I got a big hug and soft kiss. Cho's seal of approval.

The decorator from Norwich had arrived, he turned out to be two. He and his
partner did the business as a team. Cho met them and then headed for the
beach... again! Me laughing.

I explained as I had with Jane earlier this house was our first unfurnished
one as a couple. Ken and Madeline understood right away about my feeling
for making the inside somewhat match the building itself.

I asked for the same `plan' to furnish the entire house I requested from
Jane. A written description of the rooms as they saw them, pics even if
they were just stock photos of the pieces they were considering, the
carpets, drapes, lighting, etc.

I said `think Edwardian' they laughed saying they could do that.

I went room by room for the second time today giving them my ideas. They
scribbled it down. Up in the master suite Madeline asked a question, her
accent came out a bit more. I responded in French, her head jerked up. A
smile, she replied in French. Then like a lightbulb had been turned on...

"Miss Martin... you are the one from the Fox News?"

I said I was. It seemed to floor them both. I got us to sit on the big sill
in one of the front windows.

"You won't be put off? I mean maybe working for us?"

They looked at each other, Madeline took the initiative, "No...NO...Are you
going to live here?" Incredulity!

"Not full-time, this is one of several houses we plan to use throughout the
year."

"We would VERY much like to work on this house. We will submit our plan to
... Gil... as you requested."

Downstairs I thanked them for coming. They were nice, I liked Jane
too. We'll see.

Interesting to be recognized in an English tube station and an coastal
backwater! I didn't get a vibe from Jane she knew us. North Sea coast
Suffolk? Well the internet... which reminded me to get Gil onto finding out
about it for here.

Gil called the car hire place, they'd pick it up shorty but we didn't need
to be there.

We loaded up the helicopter. The pilots thanked us for the grub. They had
what we had minus the Calvados of course. We lifted off and re-traced our
route back to the London Heliport. The flight was about forty minutes all
together. Prasert had a car for us all.

At Basuto Road I asked our Security team to come in with us. Sitting
outside in the garden I asked what they thought about the house in
Southwold. They all liked the beach and the rooms they would use were
pleasant although unfurnished right now.

What about protecting it?

Several started to talk but they deferred to PJ. "Fay, Cho, it is very open
on every side which can be good from the spotting something sooner
standpoint but it gives fewer points to defend from. All of the perimeter
could be watched but the beach is the closest and most vulnerable. I think
sensors and electronics installed obviously but it will require more humans
on site."

"Then we will have to take more when we go there. I think we are unlikely
to spend any time there beyond visits like today until it is furnished. I
imagine that won't be finished until late spring. So..." turning to PJ,
"... you and Thomas should think it over together soonish."

PJ nodded, he would call Thomas when we finished. A hug and kiss for each
of the six! Cho smiling shaking hands!

Jaidee had been taken care of by Graham's staff. He had a good deal of ball
toss in the garden. He was on his lead as we walked across the street to
see Jian-Andrea-Ting and Caroline. They would come with us to Eric's to see
Anne and mother Malee.

We descended on Cheyne Gardens! Eric welcoming us. Upstairs Malee had
nursed Anne. The nurse was getting ready to put Anne down. We got to hold
her briefly.

Malee's mom who we knew gave me a big hug. She was very happy! Anne was
beautiful and healthy, the same for Malee. All good! I showed her some
snaps of Chani and Charlie from this morning. She smiled, "Fay, you and Cho
are so lucky, such beauties!"

Caroline got to meet her new friend! Fun to see them together. We didn't
stay long not wanting to interfere with sleep!

Eric was doing very well too. Between Malee's mom, the nurse and Mrs. Bene,
the housekeeper/cook Mrs. Blatchly sent them, they were well taken care of.

Eric was grinning, "Jodie said you weren't coming in for a few days."

I told him about the house at Southwold, `a summer place' in the Edwardian
mode. "Maybe you three could sit in the sun on the sand? Wiggle toes in the
water?"

Eric said they'd like that and Anne would be plenty old enough to enjoy it
by summer.

At Basuto Road we shooed everyone to bed early as we had another trip
planned for tomorrow with an sunrise departure.

I lightly rubbed my nakedness on Cho. His face! We laughed lying on the bed
nude. Jaidee came to edge, brown eyes so cute. Cho called him up... Woof
and he was against me. Cho got on the other side and we worked that body!
Jaidee loved it! We settled down for sleep.

Prasert in the early light smiling. He took us to the heliport once
more. The same Agusta was ready. Lift off! Down river gaining altitude
until clear of the city and a big turn to starboard. We were going FAST to
the south. This was another `day' trip.

Paris! In little more than an hour we were descending to another heliport
this in southwest Paris. It was just south of the Boulevard
Périphérique which our cars got on right away. We went east until the
Avenué de la Porte d'Orléans. We headed north easing right on
Avenué Général Leclerc then it was Denfert-Rochereau across the
square to Boulevard Saint-Michel. A long stretch of the heart of Paris to
Boulevard Saint-Germain as we turned onto Rue du Cardinal Lemoine there was
in front of us Pont de la Tournelle connecting to Ile Saint Louis. Over the
Seine to the first right. Quai de Bethune.

A few doors down, a typical Parisian building of pale stone with a double
wooden door on the right. Built in the first half of the Seventeenth
Century it had been rehabilitated many times without destroying its
original form.

The concierge and his wife met us at the double door. Augusta and Lucien
had been here for more than twenty years, Cho and I did our best to
reassure them we had no plans for changing their situation. They were
calmed by our good French and that we understood their role.

Monsieur Montaigan was upstairs. The lift was like Minetta Street! It
reached up to the fourth floor but this trip was to the second.

Montaigan greeted us. A small man in his late seventies, he had lived his
entire life in this house. A family home for a dozen generations back to
when it was built.

We sat in the salon to talk first. He was pleased with us buying the
building when he learned who we were.

"Miss Martin, I hope I do not go too far to say I am an admirer! I have
seen you on TV and my computer. You at the Fox! Formidablé!!"

I was being defined by that! Well, I did it, so...

We had already told him we weren't planning any big changes and we had just
let Lucien and Augusta in on that. He was happy his old retainers would be
here for us.

He was moving permanently to a house on Martinique where he spent part of
each year. He wanted the warmth! All the furniture he would leave for us.

Cho said we would pay him for it but Montaigan said no.

"If you do sell any of it please give the monies to charity. Yes?"

That was fine with us. He would take nick-knack's, some favoured art and
family portraits only. All the other art would stay. Cho again offered to
pay but he waved it away.

"I have no need for it!"

We toured the building. We were on the second floor. The salon, dining
room, a study and large kitchen were on this floor with a small cook's
apartment at the back. The salon faced west with three tall double windows
leading to a balcony overlooking the river. A large fireplace of black
marble! Opposite across the hall in the dining room, the dining table could
seat twenty as is and eight more with the additions.

The study walls were all glass-fronted bookcases, filled! A large table
desk, Louis XV style. Big armchairs and a quite comfortable sofa and
another marble fireplace.

On the third floor was the master suite.

It had a big bedroom with a white marble fireplace and two nice sofas in
front of it. The bed was the size of an American `queen' which was fine
with us. Four beautiful armoires, inlaid doors that glowed reddish brown,
two in each of the two dressing rooms with large matched bureaus.

And the BATH!

A big claw-foot tub and a separate shower, two sinks and built-in linen
closets. A bidet which looked very new that had hand rails on each
side. Montaigan said it was from last year to replace an older one. All in
white with light blue accents around the windows, mirrors, cabinets and
door interior.

There were two other bedrooms on this floor, all ensuite and
large. Upstairs on the fourth floor six rooms with two shared
bathrooms. They were large. Each room we had looked in had at least one
beautiful armoire, some with two.

The fifth floor under the mansard roof had two apartments of one bedroom
each. A sitting room, bath and small kitchen in each, large windows. They
were currently rented to students. Their access was via a metal staircase
at the back which doubled as a fire escape for the rest of the house.

On the first floor were two women who had rented from him the entire floor
for... he thought for a moment... probably... at least twenty five
years. They were already here when Lucien and Augusta came.

In an aside he said they were lesbians but very `gentle' and educated. Both
at one point had been professors at the Sorbonne across the river. Retired
now.

The concierge and his wife lived on the ground floor, there was a small
office for their job, their private space had a large sitting room,
kitchen, bath and two small bedrooms.

The front double doors led to the lift and stairs in the tunnel which
opened to the parking in the courtyard at the rear. There was a converted
carriage house at the far back. Two rented apartments above, each having a
circular wrought-iron staircase up to a small balcony and their door. One
occupied by an older couple, the woman an occasional cook for
Montaigan. The other a young pair, one was a student, the other, the man,
worked as a handyman for the house and in the neighbourhood.

Below parking for three cars with big wooden double folding doors and a
small workshop.

Montaigan introduced us to Luce and Marie, the first floor ladies. They
were in their late sixties, Luce, slender, medium height, beautiful blue
eyes. Marie had full but shapely figure, a few inches shorter, brown hair
and hazel eyes behind glasses.

They were wearing summery dresses and sandals. They showed us their home,
many nice bits of furniture and some excellent paintings. The old study was
now mostly a sewing room. They both enjoyed sewing, embroidery and
knitting. An iMac stood on the desk, big screen looking somewhat like an
alien.

They followed the news online as they had no TV, they searched for dress
patterns and designs mostly, buying cloth and yarn online. They made
clothing and other fabric items for themselves and family.

Luce had been looking at my face, I could see she was trying to place me...

I was in a black cotton short sleeved dress, all my accessories black from
ears to wrists. Heels and a small black cloth clutch.

I smiled directly at Luce, she got that I knew she was struggling with my
face.

Ah! There was a small ceramic Reynard on a shelf with a large bushy tail!
I picked it up and stroked it near my face.

Bingo! Luce's face exploded in a massive smile!

"Miss, you are the lady from Fox TV in America!"

I gave her a shallow courtesy, smiling.

"Marie, it is the lady we have seen in the video."

Marie came close to take my hand, "Is it really you?"

I said I'm her. They said it was a proud moment for all women when you were
on that stage.

Neither had seen the recent interview Cho and I did. More on that later I
said to myself.

Montaigan suggested we have lunch at his favourite place, he could
introduce us to the proprietors, they will take care of us. It was a four
block walk to the west end of the island with a spectacular view of Notre
Dame!

Brasserie de l'Isle Paris was your classic Parisian bistro! Family owned
and operated with care. Montaigan had eaten there regularly for fifty
years!! We were welcomed by the owners as new Parisiens! Monsieur
Montaigan's blessing was top form for them.

Our French surprised and pleased them. We were seated on the banquette at
the rear.

Menu in hand I smiled and rattled off what I wanted. The waiter knowing how
we stood with his patron and Mon. Montaigan was attentive smiling at my
quick decisions.

Mackerel marinated in white wine, omelette avec herbes, sole meunière,
camembert to follow.

He winked at me. I showed him how to fist bump which got a laugh! I bounced
up to go to the bar. One of the owners there smiling as I approached, I
asked for a double espresso because I was flagging. He went to it and soon
I had a lovely little white cup and saucer in hand.

He asked if we would be living here or visiting. I said we had business
around the world and in France. One company based in London others in New
York and Bangkok. I retrieved my iPhone to show him Chani and Charlie. He
thought them quite beautiful. He had two daughters, a snap of two lovely
dark haired girls. He was obviously proud.

I told him we'd be around at irregular times but as we didn't intend to
have a permanent cook... He smiled saying in that case they would be
pleased to cook for us.

I sipped my coffee through this, feeling perked up. I was going back to my
family when a man and woman sitting near the bar looked at me and in
American accents said `it is her' out loud. Not wanting to get involved I
said a merci to our host and turned for the table.

The man had risen and started following me... ahead I could see Tara stand
and come towards me.

"Fay, quickly!" In Thai so I knew she was disguising it. She went by me, PJ
was moving past me by then. I reached Cho, he was standing, then I turned
to look. Tara had intercepted the man, his wife had trailed behind him.

PJ and Tara were a wall. An owner was behind the couple. They were
persuaded to return to their table and be calm.

I parked my butt on the banquette. Well I was awake now!

After that little bit of excitement Montaigan asked why those people should
want to bother me. We explained that our corporate takeover of the Fox
network was viewed as hostile by some and our changes caused a stir in the
United States and that couple were Americans who recognized me.

I looked at Cho, he nodded. I started to explain about me when the first
course of food arrived. I restarted. Montaigan was amazed at my story. He
raised his wine glass, "Mademoiselle, you are beautiful and accomplished,
my congratulations!"

I kissed the old dear's cheek leaving a small red spot. I wiped his cheek
with a Cho-Fay handkerchief. He saw the needle work and I explained. He got
a bit wet in the eyes.

His wife died ten years ago, he had been marking time since. Their son was
a soldier, killed in combat more twenty years ago in a peace-keeping
mission in Africa leading his parachute battalion. I was holding his hand,
he covered mine with his other.

"I am ordinarily not maudlin about these things. Life can be harsh in many
ways."

Smiling I asked if he would think of coming back to Paris and staying at
Quai de Bethune whenever he wanted to. He raised my hand to his lips and
thanked us, "I would do that."

We all attended our food so the mood lightened, fresh wine. The owner I had
been talking with came down to pour from a new bottle he offered as a gift
to us. He had a glass with us, "To old friends and new!"

Huzza!

I was eating my food with gusto. It was delicious, perfectly prepared and
served. The sole was great, I shared a mouthful with Cho who loved it. It
was a favourite of his.

Everyone had smiles as the food relaxed us all. Montaigan smiling, sipping
espresso, "You two are a most interesting pair! Meeting you is good."

On the walk back we took a different route. Montaigan wanted to show us the
shopping on Rue Saint Louis en Isle. Went past a news agents where
Montaigan pointed to a rack on magazines. My face on two!

No wonder I'd received a few stares on our walk! They were both French
glossies.

Cho laughing. We had smiled over the coverage of the Fox takeover, pictures
and some incredibly silly reporting. The New York Times piece was lame. The
New York Daily News did a terrific job. The Post barely mentioned the whole
thing. So much other coverage but we weren't reading much of it.

Gil bought two of each. The lady behind the counter looked down to check
the prices then up I could see her eyes widen. Sunglasses on, a 180 turn!

Montaigan was laughing with Cho, "It is always the women... " He laughed,
making a preening motion, "...never the handsome man!"

We were laughing at that. I hugged him, "I'd be pleased to see Cho's face
on one but I'd be jealous thinking about what all the women would be
thinking!"

We all laughed more at my `thinking!'

The street had many shops, we were introduced by Montaigan to some
shopkeepers. He said we bought his house, they were pleased to meet us as
he was so obviously happy.

A boulangerie which was hard to go past it smelled so GOOD! Restaurants,
upscale clothing and accessories, little bistros and an ICE CREAM shop!

Montaigan introduced us. He loved ice cream too! It is family owned and
operated. I was offered a sample, Caramel au beurre sale, salted caramel
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I let everyone know I'd be staying right here. Monsieur Calvert said I was
welcome to stay. Francis said he had an idea and would everyone please
wait. He dashed off back up the street.

I was on his wave length and asked for several different flavours in litre
containers. Francis returned with a cooler with ice. He saw the line-up of
the containers on the counter. Smiling he bowed and presented me with the
cooler open for loading.

Done! He was hugged and kissed. Gil was grinning as she paid. The owner had
a big smile. Cho carried the cooler with a huge grin!

At the house we had to go. Montaigan would be packed and ready to go in
three months. He didn't want to drag it out despite our offer to have him
stay as long as he needed.

We clicked! He was a very nice fellow!

He said his home on Martinique was large enough for visitors and we would
have a standing invitation to spend time there! Cho thanked him and let him
know we had a few places around the world where he would be welcome. Cho
asked Gil to prepare a list for Mon. Montaigan. She did a thumbs up!

I said we would be back before he left so this was just au revoir. Hugs and
kissed cheeks!

The cars whisked us away to the heliport. Our `bird' was ready and we were
away quickly.

I was holding Cho's hand as we crossed the English Channel, looking at his
face. He nodded, a soft `later.'

We fluttered down beside the Thames. Prasert waiting. Our cars on the move
right away.

Enroute I took a call from Alex. When he gave me his info I leaned close to
Cho and went to speaker. GWNW Railroad said we were a finalist and would we
please return for a Board meeting and presentation. Alex wanted me there!
It was huge, Okay. When? Three days! I looked at Cho. He mouthed one word
`Go!'

I passed that on. Alex would fly in on Southwest and meet our Cho-Fay
aircraft at DAL. Its regular name was Love Field of John Kennedy memory. Of
course I hadn't been born yet but anyone who reads would know a bit.

We'd all be on the 767 to go over things the night before.

Alex and Duncan would stay aboard with me, we'd go to the GWNW Building on
Elm Street in the morning. The railroad wouldn't know I was coming, they
would assume it was to be the same presenters.

Just `gaming' them a bit!

In bed later Cho squeezed me, "I wanted a big house in Paris so we could
stay and entertain friends with the delights of the city. I love Paris for
its culture, food and streets. I like to wander so we will."

Kisses, lots!

"I have good memories of the city and a few nice places to go. We can
compare and share!"

Deal! More kissing! Sleep...

The next day we took a walk around noon. Going west towards the river we
crossed under the Tube tracks to Fulham Palace Road, up to Bishop's Park
Road and over to Stevenage Road. We made an interesting group. Gil,
Francis, Cho and I with PJ, Rande, Ro and Tara.

All dressed casual. We got to the Reception entrance to Craven Cottage
where Gil said they asked us to make our first visit. Gil had alerted them
we would attend today's Fulham tie against Queens Park Rangers. The club
Secretary greeted us and was pleased to hear I'd been a Cottager supporter
for many years even if I hadn't been to a match recently.

They provided us an escort around the ground to our seats in the Riverside
stands. Gil bought season tickets there so we could get a good sized
box. We were parked near the mid-field line. Francis and Gil organized
snacks and drinks.

We watched the teams warmup and got familiar with the names and
numbers. The stadium filled up as start time came. A rousing cheer for the
teams as they came on.

QPR had the ball first. There was some feeling each out time then a long
period of end to end play. Both sides having opportunities on goal although
not very dangerous. The goalies were not severely tested. As it neared half
time Fulham was building the pressure on QPR's goal. Steady control and
lots of ball movement.

Then there was an excellent through pass from the mid-fielder to the right
wing... he was clear... a beautiful centering pass AND a decisive header
into the corner. The goalie was just short with his hand.

Fulham went into the locker room at 1-0. There had been good play on both
sides but Fulham done the work, it wasn't an easy goal.

There was a run for more refreshments and some stretching of legs. We
smiled and nodded to those around us. The crowd was very good, behind
Fulham but generous with their praise as a good play was a good play.

When they resumed play Fulham was pressing the QPR goal a lot. They were
maintaining ball control, looking for an opening. There was a `break' by
QPR but the defense was back and it fizzled out to a goal kick.

Then with fifteen minutes left Fulham swapped in two fresh players. They
made an immediate impact driving Fulham forward. Several rapid passes then
the right winger with quick feet beat the defender to the inside as the
defense collapsed in the ball popped out to a mid-fielder on the right.

He struck a thunderous shot taking everyone by surprise on the QPR
side. The goalie was partially blocked off, he was too late... the ball
drove into the net high in the corner! What a strike!

That seemed to deflate the visitors while they didn't give up the verve was
gone. It ended two nil to Fulham. An exciting tie and an excellent home
win! Great for my return to the Cottage!

Cho had been engrossed from the start. I could see him move his body in
response to action on the grass. He was smiling, A big hug!

I was kissed and thanked for thinking of this! Since the season had barely
begun we should be able to come back for more.

The walk home was nice, still warm. Everybody had enjoyed themselves! We
would keep an eye on the schedule for other London Derby's and the various
Cup ties! Gil would make the seats available for our friends in our
absence.

Prasert was ready so we rode out to Harcourt House. I would leave from
Chalgrove for Texas tomorrow night.

We finished the day sitting on the terrace facing west watching the sun
disappear in a golden-red extravaganza! We toasted its departure.

The sun barely awake in the morning as I walked down to the stables coffee
and scones in hand. I gave the last crumb to Thames and the empty coffee
cup would await my return.

Pamela nickering as she came out. She was ready too. Anthony gave me a leg
up and we were off. Down the lane out to the south, all very quiet. A
chilly September morning.

I let Pamela get warmed going up the slope at an easy pace, we crossed the
railroad before I asked her for speed. She reached out. We were galloping
wonderfully right down to the lock. Our favorite lock man waving and
calling out a greeting.  Walking over I could see Roy just arriving, "Miss
you're early today."

I said I had to do a lot before a short trip. He and Angie were good!

Pamela her usual calm self in crossing the noisy water under the weir. Once
over the short bridge she was asked again for speed. We rushed across the
waste ground between the office park and the river, no slowing until the
second railroad crossing. A slow trot through the fruit trees to open
ground, our usual detour around the houses brought us back to Harcourt
House land.

Pamela was ready to run once more. She was in full stride as the plowed
fields passed by to our right. Her hooves threw up grass from the verge,
the earth flying behind us. I leaned down close to her neck enjoying the
thrill of being out with her. My girl gave me so much pleasure.

We passed through several treelines staying on the edge of the fields with
the river on our right. We moved to the river's edge path picking up
speed. No one in sight anywhere. None of the Fraser's or Radley's were out
towards the river this morning.

We stayed on the path until the bridge to the lock then turned west to go
to the Industrial Estate. We came in opposite from my usual way walking
towards the construction areas. The recording studio had most of its
framing done, looking like time for the roof.

The auto repair building was well advanced. I stopped outside it. The odd
staring fellow was there again. He definitely didn't like me being there? I
didn't want a fuss so I turned Pamela...

"What do you want snotty girl?"

Oh shit! What was his problem. I decided to keep going. He yelled out
something else when a head stuck out of the office hut. The fellow dashed
out, "What's up?"

The workman said he didn't like being looked at by a rich bitch like he
wasn't anything that mattered.

The supervisor turned to me, "Miss Martin, I am deeply sorry! He simply
doesn't know what he's saying."

I had turned Pamela around, "I think he is well aware! Is he like this all
the time?"

The worker didn't like me ignoring him either and stepped forward. The
supervisor moved between us, "You fool that's Miss Martin! You are being
paid by her!"

The obstreperous worker was quiet now. He wasn't looking at me. I didn't
move closer but raised my voice, "I get you don't like rich people but why
pick on a woman, one who is alone?"

He waved his hand like he wanted me to go away.

Samuel from the Auto Repair company had come out I think because one his
fellows had seen what was going on. I could see in the corner of my vision
he had a spanner in hand. He stopped beside Pamela and I.

"Webster, take this fool into the shed. I will be in there in a
minute. Miss Martin, Please let me deal with him."

"Samuel, you can't, he works for a company we contracted to do the work."

I slipped down and walked to the hut. Samuel wouldn't let me go
alone. Okay.

I asked the young man his name, James. "Why pick on me? I hadn't been
looking your way at all."

"Did once before with the other woman. You are posh like you were special."

It had been Tara who had challenged him with her returning his look.

"James, you do not want to pick fights with people you don't know anything
about, it isn't good."

His head was down. "James, please look over here..."

He did, "Do you think I wish anything evil for you? Do you want this job?"

He was looking now, his eyes weren't hard or mean. A choked, `No!' came out
then a `Yes!'

"How about you go back to work and we forget today? Okay?"

He nodded, "Thanks."

He was moving as I slipped off my glove and offered my hand. His eyes were
a red now as he looked at me but he took my hand. I could feel the
callouses.

He went to the door, Webster, the site supervisor, was going to say
something but I shook my head. Samuel had stepped outside, James went past
him to the building site.

Samuel gave me a smile, I said I'd see him at his.

"Webster, my question to you is... does he do his work?"

"Yes, Miss. He's a good joiner, he's works hard. Knows how to build
properly. But ..."

I had him pause, "He hasn't given you any trouble?"

"No, not at all."

"Okay. As I said today didn't happen. He's has issues with people he thinks
are looking down on him. Such inferiority problems we aren't equipped to
heal. Please keep an eye out for other visitors while James is here. I
guess he'll be finished his part soon?"

"Yes, he's got less than a week's work left to finish. I will watch
out. Thanks for spending your time on this."

I shook Webster's hand. I gathered Pamela's reins, she had been standing
quietly. At Samuel's I thanked him for coming over but I asked him to leave
them to themselves.

"I don't want you to get hurt."

He smiled, "Well Miss, seems like you really didn't need me anyway."

I thanked him again and he was nice enough to give me a knee up. I waved
and turned Pamela towards the lock. Once over we walked slowly through
Sanford.

Seems like I'd been finding all sorts of men who had needs... emotional or
psychological. Lots of pressures on people and men had to deal with their
residual feelings of being the `strong one,' the `hunter, ' the
`breadwinner' and I guess I pose problems for them.

Not for Cho! Always amazing to get the warm feeling inside thinking about
him. I am a lucky girl!

What I did get was `event magnet' from Cho AND a big hug.

I did a wash up and got breakfast and Gil in the library to work. Francis
came in with Cho.

OFCOM had contacted him, our proposal to take over the remainder of Sky UK
was granted. They would stay in touch but were happy to agree. Okay.

The guys also had news from several brokers we used, the M*************'s
had dropped a big block of their 21st Century Fox class `b' stock on the
market and common shares too. We had standing orders to buy so they did
ended up getting a lot before the price rose much. Our offer to the one
family member who helped us would be honored at a lower price but we had
bought so much at a depressed price before the takeover it left us way up
on the plus side.

The share price was rising with the movement as folks wanted in to a good
thing. We were making a huge amount just sitting still. Yea!

I talked with Sumate who was in New York after Seattle. He said Nicolas'
team was nearly full strength with his short-term additions. Those folks
would be moved as Nicolas' own new staffers completed training.

The Boeing Field businesses were now surrounded by our Security devices and
had twenty-four hour protection. They were using two spare offices in the
Aviation Supply building.

He was spending time with Petra on security issues and reviewing our plans
for The Company data centre in the 1211 Sixth Avenue Building.

Dr. Vanatonu called about Will. He was progressing very well. He was
dealing with his issues not hiding them. She had spoken with Dr. Terry,
they felt that a job without heavy physical demands would be suitable
provided he is given good supervision.

I explained the position at Harcourt House in the Security offices. She
believed it would be appropriate even with possibility of some stress if
there were to be an intruder, he would more of an observer rather having
direct contact.

"He may be able to do more later but this is a good start."

I thanked her and let her know Will and Family would return to England in a
week. Was that suitable?

She said Dr. Terry was prepared and they would continue to
consult. Excellent!

In with Cho I gave him the gist of it and he said to call Penny. She could
sit down with Eliza and Will to let them know. Done!

More in that vein I called the Colonel. He sounded pleased to hear from
`such a famous person.' I had to give him a laugh for that. He said I was
doing a lot of good with the Fox `thing.'

I gave him a précis of Will's situation and that they'd be coming back
but under the radar. He let me know the Scotland Yard contact appreciated
our giving them the weapon and video. They knew who the man was now and had
him in their sights. The East End gangsters had profile already, it was
different for them now though. They qualified as `terrorists' and were
under closer surveillance.

The MOD fellow had helped to identify Will's recruiter and with the serial
number on the scope they pinpointed where it had been stolen from which
brought them back to the same man. A theft from the Army before that man
left the service.

On a lighter subject the Colonel was `IN' for some time at Harcourt House
during the Christmas season! Good news! He would very much like to ride
with me when I broached the idea! Good!

Thomas and I sat with Cho to go over a few things. He and PJ had had a
conversation about Southwold and Paris. He and small team would go to both
in the next week. Monsieur Montaigan was fine with them going over the
building.

Regards Will, Thomas believed he could be integrated into their staff
without much trouble.

"We work in teams so there is support and that job is almost all monitoring
sensors and cameras with some paperwork. It's repetitive and exacting but
we do frequent breaks so there is downtime in every shift."

He asked about their living accommodations. I said I'd asked Carter about
the basement apartment in his house. It had some storage items in it but it
would be easy to get it ready. Two bedrooms, sitting room with a small
kitchen and a good sized bathroom. It was only a few feet below ground with
the slope of the land so it had many windows, most facing south giving
plenty of light.

I had discussed Eliza's employment with Carter, Carla and Audra. They would
wait to see where she might fit in and if she wanted to work for us. Beth
could be enrolled at St. Thomas School, we'd pay the fees.

If we did these things Will and family would be completely out of sight
behind our veil. It was good, so the investigations would probably never be
known by the subjects or the people who started it all! That was what we
wanted!

Upstairs to change. Francis and Gil were coming riding. Cho was going to
the Oxford golf course to hit some practice balls, not too long.

Tara joined us walking down the grassy lane. Anthony and staff had gotten
our horses ready so we were off right away. We stopped on the flat to watch
Charlotte work with her pupils. Sunny was in school for a bit longer. She'd
be rushing to get home I bet!

We turned north around the track. Freddie had five winners now with two
seconds in seven races. An excellent record! He was working yearlings this
afternoon with Diana. We waved and warmed up of horses with a soft trot.

The pace was raised as we crossed the Fraser's. Dan Senior called out to
stop on our way back. I waved. Francis was doing fine, he'd a good seat. He
was grinning looking over at me.

We eased to the right at the end of the Radley's to go up the berm towards
Church Road. It was very pleasant to ride in the sun on green grass. Rebel
was moving like the magnificent machine he was. Under control and striding
comfortably.

At the Vicarage we stopped to say hello to Mrs. Lone. The vicar was out at
a hospital doing some visits. A short chat and we turned to re-trace our
steps. I did say I was going to run Rebel, he loved it and I did too!

Francis smiled and said he'd be glad to keep to a slower pace. Down the
lane to the berm we trotted but Rebel knew where he was. I asked for speed
when we reached the berm and he was gone! We sprinted along the dirt
surface then exploded onto the grass at the Radley's!

Yes! We were rocking! Gil and Tara were behind us at least thirty yards
back. As I turned more south near the river I asked for more from my man!
He delivered with gusto! We might have gotten airborne except we were
stopping at the Fraser's.

I curved around to trot between the fruit trees up to the garden gate. The
others were following.

Dan asked if we could send someone over to care for Rosie and Boxer. They
needed to go to Devon for a favored uncle's funeral. I said we would but,
"Could we move them so they wouldn't be alone during the day?"

He was fine with that and it was nice of me to think about it. Done!

They hoped to be gone only two days but... I said no problem, just call
when you are back.

At our stables I let Gregory know about the Fraser's horses. He sent
several folks over right away so they didn't spend the night alone. Fist
bumps!

I was back in the library with Gil to go over travel items. All my plans to
visit the sites across my old territory were in disarray. Now to reassess
and make new plans. I definitely wanted to go to Vietnam. The microwave
communication part was new to us and I wanted to reassure Mr. Tran with our
purchase of the Houston company we were at the forefront of the technology.

Papua New Guinea's south shore project was nearing completion the first
phase so if a `Grand Opening' took place and we would fit, we'd try for
that.

The mining operations in Western Australia were out. I already knew what
Miki and Shelia would say in their latest Basuto Group essay. No point to a
trip there.

The trip to Indonesia and going back to the Philippines also didn't make
much sense now. They were Alex's meat. The various water and railroad jobs
in Japan and Korea we well advanced in planning and parts acquisition, they
didn't need me. I'll miss seeing many of the people I met in all those
stops but for the rest of this year I needed to go to several spots in
Europe, Africa and a possible one in Iran.

The last, a water project to deliver more water to Tehran through careful
control in the mountains to the north. It was fast becoming extremely
important for the city. The United Kingdom has a mixed diplomatic record
with the Iranian government making the whole thing dubious but quite
interesting. We've applied to the Iranian Embassy in London for travel
VISAs with the local water board for Tehran as our sponsor. I had Gil
contact Wattna about my using the diplomatic cover. We wait.

In America, I should go back to Atlanta to see the folks of STS Rail and
assess our work. Did we need to learn anything more about that large
project to make us more capable if we get the GWNW job.

I'd like to see the Kanawha Canal work and not just because Sidney was
there. Or spoon bread!

I wanted to spend time in Seattle on the Metro-MAN video device test and
the traffic control system. If Metro decided to fully adopt the video
device we were in deep! Lots more sales to follow!

The traffic system was very important because of the sensors and the test
types we were using. Same for the stables. Lots of real world testing.

Gil and I printed some over-sized monthly calendars and laid them out. We
used colour coding by Post-It notes to block out possible trips. I was
smiling as Gil added some pink ones. She looked over at me, "What?"

"It's funny to do it this way... so old-fashioned but I can't visualize the
whole thing on a laptop screen."

Gil laughing, "Good thing we have Post-Its and marker pens. Also
old-fashioned."

We giggled but kept at it. Cho came, a smile, "So computers don't solve all
our problems."

Laughter all around. I got a big hug.

Dinner was an oriental buffet. Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and
Japanese. Everything from egg rolls to inari, pad Thai to Pho noodle
soup. It was for all our Security people. They all came in, our personal
Security and the uniformed ones. Only two left to do the monitoring, they
got a tray of goodies.

We stood and sat munching, talking. Thomas beside me. "You know your
`Europe' got bigger this afternoon?"

He gave me a questioning look.

"We bought a small building in Frankfurt for The Company. It will be our
Central and East European offices. You know since the fools at Westminster
are pursing Brexit."

Thomas nodding as I went on, "It's in the downtown core on Kaiserstrasse
not far from the big Commerzbank Tower. The current tenants will
remain. Six floors, we will use one half of the first floor at this
point. the rest are various types offices. On the ground floor there is an
entry with a security office and a coffee shop. There's no urgency as we
won't open it until the new year. We may buy something in Paris for Western
Europe soon."

Thomas grinning, "I love French cuisine."

I laughed, "Then we've given you an excuse to go Paris every now and then."

We both laughed!

At bedtime I was cozy with Cho, Jaidee in his bed. A roving hand made a few
stops on my skin. Each stop was delicious! Eventually there were arms
around me and we drifted off.

Pamela was ready, Tara was on Rascal. We were going out as the sun came
up. Running up the slope it was very quiet just us. A good hard ride down
to the lock and over Roy wasn't fishing. Maybe Angie's diet would get a
fish break!

We reached Harcourt House land after the river crossing and started a good
run. It was empty of humans over here too. There was car at the boat dock
but no one visible. We went on through the long stretch of trees on the
dirt road then eased over towards the railroad. We stayed parallel to that
until we reached the Industrial Estate.

I had us walk down to the auto repair construction. There was James, he
looked over to us. I walked us right up to him. His demeanor different,
more relaxed. He said hello and I did too. I intro'd Tara and said she was
a bodyguard which was why she had looked him over the other day.

James' head nodding, "I get it."

Tara said hello and opened her jacket at my prompting to show her shoulder
holster. James' eyes widened a bit.

I smiled, "We are Okay, right? Tara was just doing her job."

He agreed and thanked me for the explanation it was appreciated. Tara
smiled and did a little salute as we turned for the lock. Webster by the
office did a thumbs up with a smile. I waved to him.

Over the lock I stopped by Mr. Hardy's. I let him know I would be back for
a few days after a quick trip to Texas. He rubbed his hands, "Okay! I'm
ready!"

I was still grinning about that as we reached the grass opening at the end
of Church Road and Pamela took off. Rascal was good but Pamela had too
much. He and Tara were a dozen yards astern as we crossed through the
Fraser's then finally slowing at the track.

Freddie was coming down with a few horses to work on the track. Diana
leading two also. They were doing great!

In the Breakfast Room Sunny was finishing her milk before going down the
hill to St. Thomas' School. Huge grin, "Fay, I like the school so
far. Ms. Jones is terrific!"

A hug and kiss!

Cho was in the office. He gratefully accepted a fresh coffee. I let him in
on the James thing. He was happy the fellow was Okay with us. A kiss, "It
is good you want people to understand not just accept but there are
times..."

I got it!

I did a wash up and changed to a black cotton mini-skirt and white crop
top, sandals as the day was warming a good deal. I walked out to see
Phillips. His team was getting ready for the weekend. Prasert and Ellie
would marry in the garden.

Anika was her sister's Best. Sunny and Maeve were flower girls!

Interesting that Gerry was Prasert's Best Man. They really get on, mutual
like of mechanicals things and sharing their skills. They were nice men.

I sat with Carter to discuss Christmas! Last year was so spectacular I
wanted to do it all over again. He was laughing, "Well we don't have a
Wayback Machine but we will try to surpass it."

I pointed out that The Twins being here would change it some. Carter said
we've gone from no children that young to five under one year. The nursery
upstairs would be loaded!

We went on to trees and decorations, much the same there which was terrific
for me. He had a tree chosen which looked the same, the company would wait
until the last moment to cut it down. The same team from last year to put
it up.

I said the plan was for my `Crew' to be here for the first lighting party
again.

Open house this year would also repeat last year's success, two times. He
was planning for New Year's outside all things being equal. Fist bumps!!

Carla made grilled cheese sandwiches and big piles of chips!! Lunch with
Cho!

In the evening, Gil and I with PJ and Tara motored over to Chalgrove to fly
to Dallas. It would be a quickie trip, one meeting and out.

The 767 zoomed up and we did a wing waggle over Harcourt House. Captain
Mira came into the lounge for espresso. She sat with me for a while, Tom on
the controls up front.

Mira and Kor and the other 767 crews were getting time in the Gulfstream's
and vice versa. Paulette liked the big birds and welcomed the chance to
learn to fly them. We had a contract with British Air and Thai Airways to
use their simulators. It was all good.

One of the Gulfstreams was flying to Chalgrove with a few members of
Prasert's family from Bangkok for the wedding. Will and family aboard.

Gil and I worked. Email from Amarha that all was well at Boeing Field. The
staff at Aviation Supply were all good with our management
arrangements. Amarha setup an office in their building for both
companies. Matthew was doing just fine in his more limited role like
Cassidy. They were good as middle managers.

Amarha and one of the pilots had done some of the sightseeing tours in the
new Agusta's. Smooth flights, the new routes were a hit with the passengers
especially rounding Magnolia over the Puget Sound and coming into Elliott
Bay with Seattle's downtown and hills spread out in full view. The higher
altitude wasn't an issue since they could see even more of the city.

Petra's email covered lots of territory. The 1211 Sixth Avenue building now
known as The Fox Tower was now complete with our sensors and cameras. Since
there was a steady stream of `important folk' passing through to do bits
and interviews on Fox News, Entertainment and Sports she had setup an
office for the NYPD to use for traffic control officers. They had bathrooms
and coffee and comfortable seating.

The Eighth Floor was to be the new computer centre. All access was rigidly
controlled. Dual and separate fiber optic connections were being put in and
power upgraded. The Company was building it whether or not we got the GWNW
contract. It would reduce the load on London.

Eve and Ku agreed to move to New York. Eve would open the centre and we'd
find something for Ku to do. We had an apartment in our Minetta Street
building for them. A tenant was leaving soon to retire to Miami Beach.

Ni and Lawan were having their SRS done in a week at Dr. Sanporam's
clinic. Days later it would be Karla and Kamol. We would be there. I wanted
to support my friends as they had me. Reyna was now one hundred percent so
she and I were walking examples for them.

Kamol was going to Los Angeles for Christmas again this year. The Prince
and our King's generosity made it possible for her to wed her Marine
sergeant in his hometown in December. She and Li were close, Li was to be
her Best. I had Kavat prepare the schedule so a Gulfstream was available
for them all to fly to Los Angeles. Li and Tarek could stay in Venice at
our building, have some time off before flying back.

Dennis' email was funny and he could report the rentals during the summer
had been up thirty five percent from last year! They had maintained every
boat on the water all summer! He was proud of that.

Mr. Thorn's message was about Sunny. She was fitting in very well. She had
a wonderful open personality, engaging in activities and clearly having
fun! She was off like a shot to ride after school!

The call I had made to Kay and Greg about Sunny staying on at Harcourt
House had been fun and a few tears. Kay was up to date with Sunny's
progress as Charlotte was very good at communicating.

Kay was missing her girl but she knew Seattle wasn't the place for Sunny to
learn to ride like this. I said when you folks can arrange the time come
over. I gave her Kavat's contact info, "Call him get a plane fixed up."

There were a few tears then, many thanks. "Come over stay a while
yourself. You are always welcome here whether we're here or not, Sunny is."

Kay and Greg were happy Sunny would stay at Harcourt House. We paid her
school fees at St. Thomas School. I did impress upon them that Sunny may
turn out to be a bit more advanced than the Third Form she'd be placed
in. If so the school in Abingdon that Anne Fraser went to would be where
we'd place her. They were good with that.

Done! Sunny was happy, bouncing around like a yearling colt. Lots of hugs
for me and Cho!!

At her first competition Sunny placed second overall.

Boy! Sunny had been jazzed about it! She sat with Charlotte and me to talk
over her performance. She had been strong on the jumps, in the arena a bit
loose in one part that got her marked down. It had been close though. In
her maiden attempt in competition she'd come up trumps over some more
experienced riders.

She was the only real newbie in the beginner's group. Charlotte had gotten
some good feedback from folks and Sunny `s name was spoken around!

I'd called when they were back telling Kay we hadn't gone to watch because
Sunny asked us not to. "Remember the first time she got up on a horse she
didn't want you to see..."

Kay laughing, "Well I hope she's over that now!"

I went in to the cabin for a nap. A short snooze because I would be up
`late' by Harcourt House time.

I was up and strapped in as we made our approach to Love Field. We floated
in softly on 13R and were off and stopped very quickly in front of a
hangar. The local support company's folks were out to service the 767 right
away.

We would sit here overnight. Alex and Duncan were flying in from two
separate places on Southwest. Love Field was a hub for Southwest so they
wouldn't need to go far to get to me.

The door was open stepping out I felt the heat! September? It was over
ninety degrees Fahrenheit. I got Ban to close the door. I'll pass on fresh
air that hot for now.

Alex texted he had met up with Duncan and they were on the way. Good.

Soka was prepared to feed the lot of us. They both accepted a scotch to
even out the day after flying around. We sat in the lounge talking on
several things. The election in America for President for one. Hillary had
a double digit lead which the first debate hadn't changed. Trump just isn't
a smart fellow, unable to think on his feet.

Fox News had hammered him on his lies. Lying about nearly everything and
Fox exposed each one. Kent sending email asking me to call.

I went into the bedroom before dinner.

"Fay, we've got the mafia man on video, disguised, telling about picking up
the money from the second concrete contractor. Talking on how they enjoyed
having Trump over a barrel! The bookkeeper we don't identify her location,
her face disguised but she flatly says her old boss in the second concrete
company was charging a high rate per cubic yard of product and passing the
overage to mafia guys. She watched them sign and laugh about it.

All on video. That plus the documents show the up charge and that it was
passed on in cash. We had the bank records that showed the differences.

All this is in a piece we are finalizing now. We want you and Cho to see
it."

I told him I would stop in Newburgh to let Alex and Duncan off... So if he
could get it on a flash drive or such it could be delivered there. No
problem.

"Let me know when and I'll have Larry go up with it."

"Kent, a helicopter is picking up the guys to go to the city so have Larry
ride up and they'll ride back to the city together."

Yes! I told him to call the helicopter service to get Larry on board. Done!

I emailed Cho. He'd see it in the morning.

I went back out to eat feeling a bit happier. Soka fed us very well! Ginger
prawns, fried rice with tofu and veggies, spring rolls! I had a whole
package of strawberry Pocky's after with espresso. Naughty!

Off to sleep. No Cho or Jaidee!!! Poo!

The alarm had me moving right off. Washed and in jeans and crop top for
breakfast. Then a black silk long sleeved dress, oval neck, narrow belt,
mid-thigh. It flowed nicely from the waist. Black stockings and heels. Gold
jewelry and `Joy' for me this time!

The car was here and we all climbed in. Tara up front, Gil and PJ in the
jump seats. Alex and Duncan beside me. We headed towards downtown. I did
ask when we got on what was called `Riverfront Boulevard' where the river
was I hadn't seen one. Our crowd didn't know either.

We turned onto Commerce Street going north, we passed through a plaza then
into streets of tall buildings stopping near Browder and Elm. We walked
across a small open area then a big lobby. Lift to the fortieth Floor.

Alex and Duncan were leading as they were known to the GWNW Chief
Technologist who was to greet us. Gil was in front of me, PJ on my right
and Tara behind. As we planned Alex didn't intro the rest of us and we all
entered a large conference room.

The Board were standing around with coffees talking, all men. Our coming
did get some motion going. They eased towards seats. The CEO came over to
meet us.

Alex turned to me "Mr. Roberts this is Fay Martin, a Managing Director of
The Company."

The fellow had his hand out but came to a halt... He did manage to keep his
smile and shake my hand but I was a shock to him. He VERY clearly knew my
face and name.

"Miss Martin, it is an honour to have you here. We didn't know..."

I thanked him and said not many people know of my connection to The
Company.

There were now loud murmurings around the room. Several men came over to be
introduced. Funny! I shook a number of hands before the Chairman, who had
been one, called on everyone to sit and get started.

The CEO seemed at a lost who to ask of us to begin. Alex did what we
decided and got up. He did some preliminary ground laying, the Duncan rose
to add his part which covered some of the nuts and bolts of switching a
huge enterprise to a new platform.

Gil plugged in my laptop with Ni's latest creation loaded up.

I stood up as Alex introduced me to the group as a Managing Director of The
Company. I launched into an overview of how we would proceed. I had a
clicker in my hand linked to the laptop so I could run the slides and gifs.

I opened with the creation of a new data centre here in Dallas, a nice map
with Dallas lit up. Went on how the secondary centre in Seattle, one of
GWNW's major hubs, would connect to Dallas and everything happening in
Dallas would be duplicated there. A new slide with Seattle lit up and
another with New York City lit.

Everything occurring in Dallas and also in Seattle would be on the
computers in our data centre in Manhattan. If Dallas went down all traffic
would be automatically routed to Seattle and if Seattle also went down our
servers in New York would take over. They had double redundancy and each
location would also have continuous backups taking place. At this point I
had a gif up which pulsed bright lines crisscrossing America's western half
linking all their locations.

Then I covered how their personnel would be trained to manage it all from
mobile devices right down to individual box cars on the tracks.

I did about twenty five minutes of this before ending. Alex stood up as the
Board members gave me a short period of applause. Smiling I thanked them.

Alex wrapped it up for us then asking if there were questions. Several were
asked, Alex and Duncan did the responses as we planned last night. The
questions stopped. The the CEO seemed to feel it was time to break so we
were thanked for coming and our presentation.

We did stay for a short time talking informally with the CEO and their
Chief Technologist. Several Board members did come up to be intro'd which I
did find somewhat funny... I still don't have a `celebrity mode.'

The CEO did say the other finalist had had their turn already so they would
be down to decision making right away. He leaned closer, "You folks did put
on a much better show."

I refrained from asking if I passed the test as a dancing girl.

Their Board Chairman came up, "Miss Martin, you were a bit of a surprise
for us."

I smiled, "So you know and let the others know, my husband and I are the
majority stockholders of The Company. We are board members, he is the
Chair. I'm also a Managing Director fully involved in the operations of The
Company."

He was definitely surprised by that, I wasn't just someone brought `in' but
deeply involved. I turned but extended my arm, he looped it with his. I led
us away from the others.

"You know that STS has our complete system from server to trackside?"

He nodded, "I was the one who brought them into our software/hardware
scheme. The Railroad in Thailand, have you heard of them?"

Once again he nodded, "They run run our full system and were the beta site
for the new Apple OSX server software. Also so there are no
misunderstandings my husband and I are the majority shareholders in The
Railroad. He is the Chairman of the board on which I serve. So we know
railroads."

He was visibly impressed.

"If you do have further questions please contact Alex, he will be happy to
get you all the information you need."

He thanked me once more for the terrific presentation.

We headed out. In the lift I could see PJ's face, a grin. I raised my
eyebrows, "Fay, it was an ambush! You ambushed the cowboys!"

We all laughed at that. Tara did fist bumps with PJ! Gil smiling, she
leaned against me, "Good work Boss!"

In the car heading south I asked if we could make a stop. The barrier
between us and the driver down, "Could you find a place to park for a few
minutes so I can walk in Dealey Plaza?"

I got a yes. Luckily there was space near North Houston Street. We got out
into the heat. Everyone walked with me across the street next to a red
brick building.

Alex suddenly got it. "The book depository!"

I nodded and turned to walk along Elm Street under the trees then into the
sun. My round red sunglasses allowed me to look back at the sunlit red
brick building and up to the sixth floor. We were looking back up the path
of the bullets.

We were all too young to know anything about John Kennedy's murder first
hand but I knew about this place. I was holding Gil's hand feeling quite
emotional. No tears just deep sadness that a young vital man was killed for
no good reason. Not even the murderer could explain.

I wanted to be here but not to dwell. I asked if everyone was ready, I got
a chorus of nods.

The driver was thanked. I asked Gil to give him a big tip also.

At Love Field we were ready to depart quickly. After takeoff I went in to
change to jeans and a jumper, woolen socks.

Gil smiling, "Fay, the driver didn't want the money. He was glad that
people wanted to see and remember especially in such a respectful way. But
I did say you especially wanted him to have it and he said he would give it
to his neighborhood's foodbank."

That made me happy!

We settled to relax as the 767 soared across the sky. In a few hours we
were on approach to Newburgh.

We dropped Alex and Duncan off. Larry came aboard with a sealed envelope.

"Fay, please let me know what you think. We want to run it next week before
the next debate."

We shook hands, he was gleeful so it must be dynamite.

A short stay and we were airborne again. Mira said gas pedal would be down
for Chalgrove!!!

We floated down in the early morning, airfield lights had been turned on
for us. Strange to know someone was there in the dark to do this.

Prasert was waiting, grinning, "Fay, it is close for me!"

I hugged him, "Yes, you both will be happy I'm sure."

I was happy to hear the gravel crunch and see Cho and Carter at the door in
the lights waiting. Jaidee sitting so sweetly beside Cho.

Huge hug and kiss for Cho! Jaidee too! Fist bump for our wonderful Carter!

I went up to change, Cho kidding me that I wanted to spend more time with
Pamela than him and Jaidee. My kisses and squeezes in between garment
rearranging convinced him it wasn't so. Jaidee in between us got his share!

In the kitchen, Nan was smiling. Coffee and scones! Jaidee had been fed so
he marched down the grassy lane with me. That tail going a mile-a-minute!

He and Thames woof their greetings. Nose rubbing and they took off to play.

I went to Asda and Hathai's paddock. They were both out wandering the
grassy space. They came over to me! I got to caress them. So lovely a pair!
The mints in my pocket did not go undiscovered!

Pamela READY! My usual exchange with Anthony of a scone for her reins! A
leg up, gone!

We walked down the lane, no one else around at this hour. A warm up trot in
the open grass of the slope. Off to the left I could see the cross-county
jumps and obstacles that are near to completion. I'd look later.

We passed through the narrow tree lines, over the tracks and down VERY fast
to the lock. The substitute lock man smiling, he said his compatriot was
just off for a few days with the missus. Roy was just coming over the short
bridge as we crossed the weir.

I wished him good fishing! He was happy to see me, hoped I'd have a good
ride.

Pamela and I were like the wind alongside Barton Lane before turning closer
to the river through some scrub land to a dirt road. We crossed the tracks
turning more north than usual to ride adjacent to the railroad for a mile
or so to the south end of Radley. We could see the train station with some
folks waiting.

There were two large fields beside the tracks going towards the east. We
were making an offer on them today. We skirted their northern edge to reach
Lower Radley Road. We stayed on it seeing only two cars, their drivers
looking at us, staring actually, until we got to Hall Street.

I waved to Jerrold as he drove out to school, he was smiling and gave us a
shouted `Good Morning' which I returned. We headed north on the dirt
track. This was all Harcourt House land now all the way to the Sanford
Lock.

We came upon a Range Rover parked beside the road in the trees. It had the
Harcourt House decal on the bumper. I slowed Pamela to a walk and checked
my iPhone Security App. One incident right where I was!

Someone had come onto the property from the railroad tracks in the west,
crossed a narrow bit of cultivated land into the woods. They had been seen
on camera and tracked. They had a backpack and didn't appear to be a very
large person.

I got all that sitting on Pamela. I heard someone walking my way, I turned
us so we were facing to the side if we needed to move quickly.

A fellow came out in our Security uniform with a small person. They were
walking side by side. The Security man saw us, "Miss Martin. This is our
intruder, Maxim."

Maxim looked to be in his early teens, a bit disheveled with a sad
smile. Caught!

"Miss, Maxim's decided to go off on his own, start a new life."

Franco, our man, spoke into his radio, giving a brief report. I motioned to
Maxim. He was looking glum. I leaned down to say hello. In a voice which
couldn't have been long from a soprano he returned my hello.

"Maxim, are you hungry?"

He nodded. Franco said he was going to take Maxim down to the Boat
Yard. They'd row him over to the pier at the boat house and hand Maxim to
someone on the House side of the Thames.

I put out my hand to Maxim, "Go along, they'll give you some breakfast and
then you can talk."

Another nod. He got into the Range Rover. We went in opposite directions.

I asked Pamela after some trotting, whoosh... we covered the ground to the
Industrial Estate quickly. We walked in from the road by the office going
south. Down to the construction area. They were getting started. Webster
came over to say hello. He said James had finished his work here and was at
another job site near Abingdon town centre.

I asked if he had been Okay. Webster told me James had apologized to him
for the trouble. He was a good worker, always on time, giving a full day
for his pay.

I thanked him for the info. We rode on to cross into Sanford. I stopped by
Mr. Hardy's to let him know I was back and we'd give the game a go Saturday
afternoon. Thumbs up!

At the grass Pamela wanted to run so we did! We were really moving as I
leaned down closer to her neck. I so enjoyed this, her body working letting
me feel her muscles and strength. I eased her near the training track as
Freddie had a few younger ones out to get some education.

"Miss, the black two year, BlackStar, will run Saturday."

I was pleased. He was a looker with a fine pedigree.

I walked Pamela over to the cross-country area. The Equestrian Ventures
folks were working. I rode around the new things perfectly happy not to try
jumping over them.

Charlotte was coming down to do a checkup. We discussed them and the
completion date and how she would start Sunny using them. She was going to
be cautious. It was a big step up for our youngster.

I handed Pamela to Ethan, a smile, "Yes, Miss, the very best."

I laughed and thanked him.

In Carla's domain I got coffee and was told Mr. Cho was still in the
Breakfast Room. I started for FOOD on the sideboard saying... Hi... over my
shoulder but the octopus grabbed me. Kisses! Hugs! I pleaded for food and
was released after a few more kisses.

Sunny stuck her head to say good morning before running down the hill to
school. A hug!

I got plate of eggs and tomatoes, a pile of muffins well buttered. I sat
with Cho, he said the boy Maxim was a girl Maxine. Oh!  She was fifteen and
lived in Kennington to the north of our Industrial Estate.

Maxine asked to speak to the lady on the horse so I was nominated. Eat,
wash, dress!

Black miniskirt, white cutoff polo shirt, Seattle black cutoff hoodie,
ankle boots and silver bits. I wandered down to the Security offices.

They put Maxine in Francis' office with a plate of eggs and toast. She was
curled up in the big chair.

"So you wanted to speak with me?"

"Miss, I'm sorry for being on your property but I do want to go on. Those
others think I should be taken home... I can't... I won't go back there..."

She was crying and gasping. I got her to sit more upright, "GO
slow... breathe... breathe slowly"

I stayed there holding her until her body quieted.

"You aren't going to be `taken' anywhere, Okay?"

She nodded. I asked her to remain here, did she need anything... she shook
her head... No.

I walked to Thomas' office, he looked up, "Thomas, did anyone say they
wanted to take her home?"

"Miss, I did say we should take her to the police but nothing about home."

"Okay thank you. Leave her alone for now. Do you have her full name and
maybe an address?"

He did and they were doing a look up on it. Good.

"I'll be in the Breakfast Room or Office for a short while."

Cho shrugged when I told him, "We don't have to be in a hurry to do
anything. Let us see what Thomas finds."

More coffee!! I leaned back on the banquette beside my guy! I got a kiss
and smile.

"Francis is on his way back."

Cho looked at his watch... It was the Piaget I got him in Seattle. It was a
beautiful thing on a beautiful wrist!

"He'll be here for dinner. Adam is coming over shortly. He's been in
Faringdon at his stables. We're playing a round at Drayton Park Golf
Course. A new place for us."

Carter joined us. Carla sent up a cup of tea for him.

The basement apartment in his house was ready to be occupied. Will and his
family could come and go as they pleased since it had its own
entryway. Linens were there and the kitchen had the basic equipment. Eliza
could ask for anything else she needed. They would be welcome to eat in the
staff lounge.

They would be arriving with Prasert's family on a Gulfstream in the
morning.

Dr. Terry had a colleague with experience treating PTSD patients in
Oxford. The fellow had an office near the Churchill Hospital so Will would
be close.

He'd be able to use his own car to go over. Prasert and Gerry had gone over
it, tune-up, a few other bits and it was washed.

It was fair to say Carter was a happy fellow! He had the resources to
maintain the house, a fine staff and our full support. He was excited about
Christmas. He had enjoyed himself last year and he knew this one would more
so with our children here.

With other babies joining ours, he had asked a Mr. Cowley who lived in the
village to be our Father Christmas. A white beard and a small plump
stomach. Carter had the suitable clothing in storage unused last year.

I was grinning, so was Cho. Carter laughed, "Well, he will look the part
and he's a jolly fellow usually."

We were all laughing with that.

Cho went to change as Adam said he was ten minutes away.

I greeted Adam with a big hug. Daphne was good and so was he. Jaidee was
rubbed by a smiling Adam, "This is a lovely boy. He's just a year?"

"Yes, in a few weeks or so."

Cho was down and they were off. Cho's last words after a kiss were `she's
not a puppy.' Which got him a punch on his arm and I got a `don't you'll
ruin my game!'

Two contractions in one phrase! A new high! He was grinning broadly
stepping into the Range Rover.

Kendal gave me a message from Thomas so I went down. I parked myself.

"Miss, Maxine does live in Kennington at the address she gave. What is
odd... she said she left two days ago but there's no report of her being
gone at Thames Valley Police. Her stepfather is at home, her mother is in
hospital."

Thomas gave me a few more bits before I walked down to see her.

"Maxine, how did you leave it at home?"

She was looking down, "I had a yelling thing with Ralph my stepdad."

"Over?"

No eyes yet, "Mum's in hospital these last two weeks. She had gotten
pregnant but in her tubes and nearly died. She and I haven't been close
since my dad died three years ago. Ralph coming on only made that worse. He
bullies her, he tries it on me but I'm not having it. So we yell!"

"Maxine... `

She did look up I made a come-on motion with my hands.

"If I don't do what he wants I get the belt and its not on anymore!!!!"

Maxine stood up and pulled her shirt up... there were welts on her torso
some brown, a few red, none fresh. She hadn't been home for two days could
account for that.

I did take some snaps with my iPhone showing the marks and her face to link
it. They were mostly on her back, one or two on her upper arms.

"You've been in school? Anyone there to help?"

"I've been at Bagley Wood School, it's a council one but most of the people
there are slags! They don't give a damn!"

"You did ask or not?"

"I did, they wanted to get Social Services in... it wasn't what I wanted. I
decided to go... easier all around. Ralph will be happier I'm gone!"

I choose not to point out the obviousness of her age. I leaned back resting
my chin in a hand and looking at Maxine's face.

"Maxim was a charade so everyone would think you're a boy and maybe leave
you alone?"

"Yeah, a girl might get attacked going rough."

"Maxine..." I paused, she looked up, "I don't believe you can keep up the
tough girl act so please stop."

"Miss, ..."

A hand up, my palm facing her, "How is Gately School? It appears nice on
the outside."

She tried a hard stare but it had no effect on me. A smile, "Miss,... "

She stopped on her own this time.

"Tell me what is going on at home AND school."

`It is true about Ralph I didn't hit myself."

I nodded.

"School is... is... two boys who want to date me hate each other and I
don't give a damn about either! They won't let me alone no matter what I
say!! There's another girl who worships one of the boys, she gives me
shit... she doesn't believe me when I try to tell her I don't give a shit
about him... She tried to get me to fight but I'm not... Aargh!!!"

"And the school doesn't know or chose to do anything?"

"I tried with the Deputy head but she's clueless! One of the teachers broke
up a shoving match between the two boys but didn't want to listen to me."

Maxine threw up her hands, "It just seemed easier to split."

"So where you going?"

"I was going to a friend's place this side of Chalgrove. She's out of
school."

"Even walking on the roads it's only twelve miles or so. You didn't go far
in two days. Why not stick to the roads?"

She shrugged, "I was going slow... Hiding out mostly...I guess a bit afraid
of being in the open and not knowing for sure which road... I ate all my
food, so I was moving..."

"Well crossing our land is impossible as you found out."

"That fellow found me quickly...Why?"

"We have sensors and cameras all around. This is Harcourt House."

"Really? Nobody said. No one here told where I was."

"They weren't interested in why you were here... Just that you were!"

"So am I arrested?"

I smiled, "No you are a guest for now. What happens next is up in the
air. But if you want to leave we will drive you to the door of your
friend's house."

I said I wanted a coffee did she want anything more... she was still
hungry. Okay!

I led her through the basement to the kitchen. Carla in her office
waved. Sue was working some dough. I went to the coffee machine, Maxine
watched Sue. I could see Maxine was interested.

"Do you bake?"

Her mother ran a small café and bakery. That's where Ralph came in, he
was the baker. Her dad was a bookkeeper who helped her mum start the
businesses. Her mum did the café all day with Ralph making all the baked
goods for it and for sale in the bakery side.

Maxine smiling, "I like to cook and bake. It feels good to make something
that others enjoy."

"So you do it at home?"

She had been doing much of the meals at home for a year as her mother's
business kept her there long hours. Part of her problem with Ralph came
from that, he didn't like anything foreign, just chops, roasts and stews
sort of meals. Her mulligatawny or anything interesting wasn't welcome.

Sue looking over Maxine's shoulder at me, I nodded.

"Why don't you wash up and take over here so I can get on making a sponge
cake."

Maxine whirled around to me, "May I?"

The brown eyes were bright. I said yes. She rushed to the handwashing sink.

Sue grinning, "I'll keep her busy for a while."

Thumbs up from me.

I talked with Thomas.

"Miss, I have a car outside the café and bakery now."

"Ask them to go in low key, look it over and Ralph. Then call you, you get
me."

Okay.

I went upstairs. Carter was in the Great Room with Audra.

"Good! I wanted to talk with you both. Will and Eliza are returning..." I
turned to Audra, "They'll live for now in the apartment under Carter's
house... " To both, "I want to find something for Eliza to do here if
possible. So wondered if you two might speak with her."

Carter smiling, "Of course. I believe Audra could find work for a dozen
people if she was offered them."

Audra laughed, "I could but I would ask her if cleaning or such interests
her. Not everyone fancies it."

It was time for Carter and I to laugh. He did say he thought Audra a good
boss.

I gave her a hug.

"So have a talk with Eliza."

Audra said maybe she should go first. Carter bowed and swept his arm
out. Audra lifted her dress a bit and curtsied. Both laughing!

At the stable I spent time with Asda and Hathai. They were so in love and
easy going! It was relaxing just walking and talking with them. Gregory
came by and waved, pointing over to the left. We went to a paddock and
looked in. Alfred, his son, was riding Iris. She was doing a nice trot
nothing crazy. Diana was with them talking to Alfred, giving him
instruction and kudos for doing it right.

"Fay, he likes it. After school he gets Diana to help him for an hour or
so."

I was glad for them both. Iris needed to be occupied and Alfred should
learn the basics even if it doesn't become his life like his dad. Fist
bumps. Diana came over watching the two as she did.

"Fay, they are having fun!"

It was fabulous!

Thomas texted me and I went down again passing the kitchen door. Maxine in
a bib apron had her hands all over a mound of dough.

"Miss, the Ralph person is there. He's described as florid and a bit
loud. The business appears to be doing fine, customers in both sides."

"Thomas, who of ours are there?"

"Carl is in charge."

"Ask him to inquire with the Ralph fellow about his step-daughter's
whereabouts. Not to lie but imply they're from the Gately School."

Thomas grinned and passed it on. I sat down. Yone came in. I asked about
his drones.

"Miss, we are modifying them a good deal. They have new better batteries
for longer flight and much better cameras. The basic core drone
construction works well with our changes."

I was about to ask more when Thomas' hand came up, "Yes, fine... go on
out."

He was shaking his head, "Ralph said his step-daughter had run away, he
didn't know where she was. Carl's question about a police report brought
out a few expletives. A woman in the bakery told Ralph to shut his mouth as
her child was there. Funny he seemed abashed by her comment."

I laughed out loud at that. "Thomas, thanks for sending them. I guess we
know what we need."

Back at the kitchen door, Sue was leaning over Maxine's shoulder saying
something with the girl's head nodding. Carla winked at me! A thumbs up!

I got more coffee and headed to Gil in the library. We worked on a few
things, did email.

I talked with `Daddy' Eric. Malee and Anne were great both sleeping a
lot. Her mom would go back to Bangkok with us in a few days.

Company business was all good. The first money from our thieves had reached
the bank, the ex-board member. As we expected. So far so good.

Eve was holding the iPad so I could see Tha feeding Chani and Charlie. They
were sort of helping to hold their bottles!

Eve was going back to the Railroad tomorrow for half days. Tono had done a
wonderful job. Something which did please her and Kavnu was when Tono had a
problem he didn't hesitate to ask for help!

To me also that was a big thing! It meant Tono knew his limits. Critical!

We all thought he'd do fine running the computer centre so we planned a
trip for him to London when Eve was back. He'd get some extra training and
something of a break after his hard work before taking over.

Eve and Ku would go to New York for The Company. We had an apartment
opening coming up in our building so they would move in with us until that
occurred! We liked having them at the house in Bangkok. They'd stay with us
there until the Twins came to Harcourt House in December. During their
Christmas visit Eve would go up to London to spend time with The Company
folks.

Monaco had lots of good news. Our crowd all happy and training well. We had
SakChai in two weeks then IrishRainbow at the Belmont six days later. Then
they would be all in Santa Anita!

I called the Thames Valley Police inspector who had dealt with Diana's
case. I gave him what we had on the Maxine business. I said she could stay
here for now but I wanted her location on record. So short of her running
off again they knew.

He said they'd contact the step-father and see about the mother being home
or not.

"Once we have done that Social Services will be involved, we don't have a
lot of discretion in cases with children..

He understood we weren't going to lock her up but she seems Okay for
now. He should contact Carter as we were going to Bangkok. Carter had all
the info I'd passed on to the police. All good.

Cho and Adam rolled in to a big greeting from me. Cho texted a highway of
stars and fireworks when they left the golf club!!

Hugs for the golfers! I got the story in the Breakfast Room over tea or
coffee and cakes!

Adam shaking his head, "I felt good, swinging well and finished one under!"

He grinned, "This fellow..." a finger aimed at Cho, "he was on another
rampage!"

Cho smiled, squeezing my hand, "Well, it all started with... " tilting his
head, "Are you sure you want to hear golf stories?"

I gave him a punch on the arm!

"Yeow! Adam, you see!"

Adam looked at the ceiling whistling without a sound which made me laugh! I
rubbed the spot to make it better. Cho laughed out loud.

I got a nice kiss. "The first hole is a par four, three hundred and seventy
yards. I hit a good drive leaving myself a chip to the green. So I do, it
lands above the hole and draws back down a swale to hit the flagpole and
drop in. BOOM! I am two under!"

Adam laughed, "The foursome in front of us had barely cleared the
green. They went a bit nuts! I did par close to being a birdie. They said
we should play through. Cho on the tee with an audience now slaps an eight
iron on the green six feet from the hole and birdies it. The men behind us
weren't duffers but Cho was on fire."

Cho laughing, "They stayed behind us. At the turn I was six under. The
tenth is a very short par three. I hit the flagpole and the dropped to
fifteen inches away. The twelfth is a short par five with a dogleg to the
left. Ideal for me. A big drive left me with a short iron which dropped
onto the green ten feet from the hole. I rolled that in for another
eagle. I was nine under."

Cho leaned back, "Adam was indeed having a great day though. Hitting great
shots! The course is short and wide open, the doglegs are shallow so my
drives gobble up a lot of real estate. The sixteenth is a short par four,
my drive hit in front of the green, bounced and rolled up to stop ... "
Turning to Adam, "about ten inches short?"

Adam nodding, "Shocked the people in front of us no end. Cho's caddy yelled
out Fore several times."

"Another eagle and Cho was fourteen under! The group behind cheering!"

I leaned against Cho, "Seventeenth a par three and I birdied that. So I was
fifteen under on the tee at eighteenth a par four three hundred and eighty
yards. A big drive and a wedge to the green. There was a small crowd, word
got out I guess one of the foursome behind us. I stepped to the ball and
stopped."

Cho kissed me, "I thought of you for a second. My Fay!" A kiss for him!!

"I addressed the ball fully focused, a good swing. It turned out to be my
last. The ball landed where I wanted above the hole. The backspin drew it
on a line to the hole and it slipped right in. One more eagle! I finished
seventeen under! No one more astonished than me!"

Adam laughed, "It was a pleasure to shake Cho's hand after that last
shot. I did a nice approach shot to ten feet. I dropped the putt for birdie
for one under for the round! A fabulous day!"

They told me the club secretary had come out to meet them. They did a photo
copy of Cho's scorecard.

Laughing Adam said, "When they figured out who he is... they almost fell
over. It was a day Drayton Park Golf Course isn't going to forget anytime
soon!"

Adam wanted to get back to town so we sent him on his way in a car with a
coffee in hand!

I had Cho's hand in mine as we waved goodbye to Adam.

Walking in I got him to go down to the kitchen with me. On the way I gave
him a synopsis of Maxine.

Cho laughed when I told him, "Well, if she's really fifteen we better watch
out. I don't want the Labour Board bothering us."

In the door way we could see a loaf of bread had been cut and butter
applied. Everyone was taste testing a loaf Maxine made. She saw me and came
over with a piece on a plate. I sub-divided it to share with Cho. I intro'd
Maxine. She had a cute shy smile.

The bread had slightly crunchy crust and tasted good. The kind of firm
softness you want.

Maxine was proud of it. I took her hand. Upstairs in the Breakfast Room we
talked. I told her that her Ralph hadn't told the police about her running
away but she was too young to be wandering about.

"I'll be sixteen in a month!"

"Well, the police know you're here. They are going to talk to your mother
and Ralph. Tomorrow they'll contact us. We have a room for you upstairs for
tonight."

She was smiling, "Thank you! I'll get to help some more in the kitchen?"

My `Yes' got squeals of happiness!

I went down for a ride. Rebel and I ran north. We got to see many
neighbors. On our return Freddie and Diana working away waved. Sunny was in
the large arena with Prince. Charlotte discussing something with her. Sunny
went to the entrance and out then turned to re-enter.

I stayed back. She worked her routine, very sharp! The turns were precise,
Prince stepping properly. They looked terrific. When Sunny completed the
routine and was out Charlotte called a `Brava!"

I was clapping. Sunny came over to me, a hug!

"Fay, I'm getting it!"

I reminded her that the trip to Seattle after the Santa Anita stop was
on... So she needed to keep it up.

There was another competition looming so she'd be able to test herself
again.

After dinner I talked with Carter. He said Maxine was polite and a bit
talkative while eating with them. She appeared to be smart and certainly
lively. Fist bump!

Francis and Gil with Cho and I sat to watch the `concrete' piece. Joseph
looked good on camera, cool and collected doing the framing of the
story. The interviews were well done, clear and damning for Trump. The
snaps of contracts and the pricing revealed as vastly over stated.

Then the disguised interview with the mafia guy... that was tremendous. He
even now laughed about `signing' for the money. If the police and
prosecutors could identify him or any of the others it wouldn't matter
because any statute of limitations had been reached long ago. His mafia
`friends' wouldn't like a snitch but this was different. Who knows.

The story did make it plain Trump participated in a crime, had relations
with the underworld of thugs and killers and lied about it. He was in fact
not credible or honest.

It was a good tight story, lots of documentation and witness statements on
camera. Boy there'd squeals from the republicans about this! Too bad! Maybe
they should have nominated someone else? Someone who was honest and
law-abiding?

We called Kent right away. He was jazzed about the piece and our
enthusiastic review pleased him. Bill was there also with Larry and
Joseph. This was a great conference app call. We got to see their faces and
they got the full measure of our support for the story.

It would run two days before the next debate! Yes!

I did ask Kent while everyone was on if Larry and Joseph came back from
Cabo San Lucas with sun tans? Everybody laughing! Kent said they did but it
was because the old bookkeeper spoke to them on the patio of her house in
the sun. That was a story itself.

She had been worried about being `secretly' recorded, catching her saying
something she didn't want to be heard or might identify her location. So
she asked they come prepared to be in swimsuits. So Larry and Joseph did
the interview outside, in the sun, in swimsuits with their notebooks! They
did get to put on shirts after she saw their bare chest with no wires so it
would look professional on camera. The camerawoman in a tank swimsuit and
her sound man in shorts laughing about it later.

We would disguise her face but not voice.

They'd have a helleva story to tell about getting the story!! It was good
stuff though. Our cheers for them!

Everyone was ready for tomorrow. Ellie and Prasert's wedding. Late morning,
sun predicted, everything all laid on by Phillips' crew.

I lent Ellie a piece of the same lace I wore. She did a very nice edging on
it.

I checked with Carter on Maxine. "Audra has her all set upstairs. Night
gown and toiletries. Carla said she would be with them all day." Fist bump!

Snuggled with Cho and Jaidee. Our little man spent most of day with Thames
and Gregory. He had lots of fun in the stables. Gregory said he sat with
Pamela for quite a while. Cute!

The sun wasn't up as Jaidee and I walked down the lane to the barns. I
munched a scone, he snuffled! I finished my coffee and passed over a hot
scone to Anthony. Pamela bright eyed!

When she was warm I asked, she responded. We soared over the grass slowed
for the railroad walkover then off again. We headed east by south passing
close to Denham School over the Abingdon Road towards the river. We cut off
the big bend of the Thames crossing on the old Culham Bridge following
Tolgate Road. We reached the Appleford Road as it entered Sutton Courtenay.

There was a good grassy verge we used for several hundred yards then
turning onto Church Street. We stopped in front of the George and
Dragon. No one about, too early.

I tied Pamela near the All Saints' Church yard gate. I walked down the path
to the church past the door to the south side. I went slowly reaching the
row of yew trees... I stopped in the half darkness of the trees. Light
enough for my errand.

I touched the cold stone... just resting my fingers there. I didn't stay
long. Thoughts of the past and future.

Pamela and I went south on Church Street to Churchmere Road as it went
east. Going towards Appleford we detoured between the town and the river
aiming for the weir to cross a stream that fed the Thames. Over that we
re-crossed the river northward to Clifton Hampden. A lorry driver waved us
across the Abingdon Road.

A short ride brought us to Harcourt House grass. We started running! The
Sci Centre went by quickly as did Kate's house. We galloped hard for the
barn. Pamela!! My girl gave me such pleasure. The wind passing chilly but
fantastic. The house on the hill was looking majestic in the early sun.

We ran right up to the bottom of the lane. I turned Pamela aside to walk
her a bit. We toured the cross-country area, looking very good. Around the
arenas and jumps. Sunny was doing herself proud here.

Anthony took my friend. I said she should walked some more after her saddle
came off. Thumbs up from him.

Coffee for me. I saw Maxine in the apron again with Sue. She was watching
intently something I couldn't see, focused though.

In the Breakfast Room I got eggs and a pile of toast. Cho had his Guardian
open. I got my cheek `pecked' which was funny. Sort of Downton Abbey Robert
and Cora like.

I gave my man the tale of my ride. That brought the newspaper down so he
could give me a look.

His inquiry about the length got me to say it wasn't really any longer than
my usual ride just different. I said his arched eyebrows didn't do anything
to discourage my repeating it.

My telling him that got a laugh and... "I wouldn't have expected it to."

Which got my butt in his lap for a great laugh for us both!! We'd never
make proper English gentry!

I didn't mention the contractions coming fast and furious!

Wash up and into a nice long sleeved sailor collar navy blue frock with
matching stockings and heels, some gold jewelry and my Patou master applied
the `Joy'

The very same in a navy suit, WHITE shirt and very nice navy, black and
pale orange flowered tie. Kissable!

I did then put on some red lipstick after that paired with my nails.

We waited in the Great Room for Ellie. Her mother and father came in. I
hugged them both. Her mother was fussing with a bandage on her hand. She'd
gotten a cut dealing with some roses in her garden. I offered some
gloves. She didn't want to bother me.

Audra was there, I whispered to her. She was off like a flash! Before Ellie
came down she was back. I handed the soft gray linen gloves to Ellie's
mother. She was wearing a very nice dress in silver gray, black and
white. The dove gray gloves looked right.

Her smile was all I needed.

We'd setup Ellie to dress upstairs. She came down the stairs with Kendal as
her attendant. I had her bouquet, white and yellow roses bunched with
ferns. She looked very lovely! A white dress with straight simple lines, a
low comb holding her veil in place. I handed her the flowers, squeezed her
hand and followed Cho out into the sun to sit on the groom's side.

It was their day!

There was a good crowd of local friends of Ellie and her family. Prasert's
brother and his wife sitting on the groom's side. They looked very happy.

She was escorted by her dad, he looked very nice in his suit, good-looking
silver gray colours. They walked down the elevated path to the altar where
Prasert waited, Gerry looking so serious beside him. The music escorting
them down the walkway.

Anika, her sister's Best, gave us a dazzling smile as she went by. The
ladies looked splendid in dark peach pink toned dresses. Ellie had made
them herself!

Dr. Lone was smiling as he did the ceremony. He and his wife were a
wonderful couple, devout with an easy way and a commitment to be inclusive
for all believers. They were the best advertisement the Church of England
could ever have.

When the ceremony reached the end Prasert lifted Ellie's veil back over her
head. Her face was beautiful... A lovely kiss!

On the terrace afterwards I got a kiss from Prasert and Cho did the
bride. Cho did a toast, after the Best Man's, saying how glad and proud we
were to have them as part of our family.

Ellie's mum was beside me her eyes shining, a hug. "Miss, it is so lovely
here, thank you so much for allowing them to be married in your garden."

Smiling, "My husband said it all."

She thanked me again for the gloves.

Their reception in the late summer garden was very fine. Prasert looking
like he won the lottery. They were good people and would be good for each
other.

They were going to Thailand for their honeymoon. Ellie would meet Prasert's
mother and other family. His brother and wife would fly back to Bangkok
with the newlyweds on a Cho-Fay Gulfstream. Ellie and Prasert would have a
few days in Phuket at our house there. Pha and Anodo would take care of
them.

I changed to jeans and went down to Carter's house where Will, Eliza and
Beth were settling in.

Will's arm in a small plastic cast now, he was doing fine. He said
Dr. Vanatonu had been so helpful just getting him to think about things, to
deal with them.

Eliza's eyes were wet as we hugged. I was thanked for everything.

"Look over the place and if you need something ask."

Eliza said she was going up to the house to talk with Audra. We walked up
together. She said Prasert's brother and wife were nice and very happy to
be able to come to see the wedding.

"You and Mr. Cho are so nice to everyone."

I squeezed her hand, "We won't be to those who put Will up to his
adventure."

She squeezed back, "Good!"

I handed her off to Audra and they sat in Audra's workroom to chat about
work.

After lunch I setup the game in the library. Mr. Hardy and I would try a
World War II North Africa game. `Crusader' by SPI. I was to be the Germans
under Rommel and he the British 8th Army with General Auchinleck. He was
the attacker this time.

Kendal brought in a tea tray with cookies! Smiling he gave me a `Good
Luck!' I grinned.

Stanton delivered Mr. Hardy. He had walked up, looking great. We hugged and
sat to review the rules and my suggested changes which I had written down
more than a dozen years ago. We agreed on those so...

He began his attack. I chose to hold firm at the Egyptian border and the
escarpment pass. I moved to create a wall between the force advancing from
Egypt and Tobruk interspersing my anti-tank battalions which reduced the
power of the English armour.

Mr. Hardy's attacks bent my line but I used my armoured units to
counterattack frequently blunting his gains. He was doing better at getting
die rolls but I was hot when I created an opportunity for a big attack.

The 15th armoured division hit the flank of one of his attacking groups and
rolled it up. I was able to open a wide gap and push tanks through. All my
die rolls were terrific!

Mr. Hardy had to retreat to save a large part of his most important units,
suffering some losses. When he tried to do a simultaneous `breakout' from
Tobruk to pressure my rear he had shockingly bad luck with the dice and got
nowhere.

At that point the game clock made it impossible for him to win in the
allotted time so we ended it. He leaned back looking at me.

"Miss, you're rather good at this!" A huge grin!

I laughed saying he had been letdown by the dice again. The head shaking
said no.

"No, you used your units very well and those counterattacks were
sharp. General Rommel would have been proud of you. Auchinleck would have
been confounded like there were two Rommel's."

We sipped our tea and I finished my pile of cookies.

"Miss Martin, I rather enjoyed being whipped again. Would you try another
when we can?"

I agreed to another and reminded him that Greg would be here at Christmas.

"Oh we have been emailing. We want to play a more modern game called
Bar-Lev. It's about the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He has a copy as do I. We have
agreed on rules and I'm to be the Israeli's. We want to ask you to use this
table for several days."

With the traffic the house was going to have at Christmas I suggested we
set them up in a basement store room. It would be warm down there, we could
put in any size table they wanted and chairs. There are plenty of lamps AND
you would be close to the kitchen.

He was laughing at that, "You might note I didn't do much damage to the
cookie plate."

"Well, I don't have that control. An unclaimed cookie is like a challenge!"

He laughed. It was good to hear. Mr. Hardy was researching, writing and
appreciating life. I couldn't think of a better outcome!

Kendal came in to say that Malee's mother had arrived. Mr. Hardy said he
would clean up. A kiss and hug! Funny me as Rommel kissing Auchinleck's
cheek.

Malee's mom was eating dinner with us and flying to Bangkok tonight on our
Cho-Fay 767. We were all going home.

The September night was chilly as we boarded the big jet. Jaidee going up
the stairs so easily now. Big boy! We all strapped in for takeoff. Once we
had leveled out I buried myself in bed with my men. Sleep!

We flared for landing on the dock. Jian, Eve and Ku waiting with Amporn and
Niran. Hugs! I had Cho's hand at the nursery doorway. The Twins were
asleep. Tha said they'd be up shortly.

We munched on some treats from Amporn before lunch. Crispy fish!!! I shared
with Jian!

Tha rolled the Twins out in their pram. So sweet! We kissed and hugged them
both. Chani holding my hand, looking right at me. Those green eyes!

They sat out under an umbrella. Sun and a bit of breeze off the water. They
got bottles for their lunch, we got prawns and rice!

Jian came with me to Dr. Sanporam's clinic. Ni and Lawan were sharing a
room. Kavnu and Thang with their girls. They would go into the adjoining
operating rooms, Dr. Sanporam would do one and supervise the other. His
chief assistant had been with him for many years, so his colleague was same
as himself.

They'd be together all the way. Reyna arrived. Lots of hugs. Everyone was
glad to see Jian!

She and I held hands as our friends were wheeled away. We sat and talked a
bit then I took everyone over the road to the nice little restaurant. The
owner and waiter remembered me. Outside under the tree again, we ate and
talked about all sorts.

Good food, nice location and the waiter was great as he had been
before. After a while we were sitting in the room waiting. The doctor's PA
let us know everything was winding down. All good!

Thang looked very relived. I sat beside him with a look.

Quietly, "Fay, when you introduced us I was glad of her companionship you
know why but we soon both found we liked many things the same. She makes me
laugh which I hadn't done much of before... when she said she wanted to do
this I told her that she was to think entirely of herself. I cared about
her as she was. She cried. I was holding her, very quietly she said she
needed to do it. I kept her close, I kissed her cheek and said I was there
for her.'

I had his hand, squeezing, "She is a lucky girl!"

Across the room I could see Kavnu's face, he wasn't as worried. I was
standing holding Reyna around her waist, "Guys, look at us! All will be
well."

Dr. Sanporam came through the door at that, "True! Both of your ladies are
fine. They are awake and you can go see them!"

Smiles, kisses and they were gone with the doctor's PA. He was smiling too,
"Everything went as planned. They both should be as yourselves."

A hug for him from us. We'd be back in to see them and be here for other
friends.

My phone rang. Cho, "We have a few things to discuss do you have a time for
your return?"

I said I would see the girls and leave now.

Jian, Reyna and I went along to recovery. I kissed cheeks, "I need to go
but I'll be back."

PJ and Tai with me and Jian in the car. I texted to Charlotte for video of
Sunny at her event. A big check came back!

We dropped Jian at the foundation office. Kiss!

Cho and I in the office. "I wasn't trying to be melodramatic. First, Will
is fine. He will begin his training in the morning. Eliza has decided to
work for Audra. Beth will go to St. Thomas' so we are good there. From
Thomas' contacts and the Colonel's the man who met with Will, we helped
find, has been arrested by Scotland Yard for weapons offenses."

Cho laughed, "When they examined the weapon from Will they found a clear
finger-mark of that fellow on the bottom of the sniper scope. He had been
involved with the device going missing as part of a group while still on
active service. He must have added it to the rifle at some point. There's
no bail because they are charging as if he was arming terrorists. Which he
might have for all we know."

I was glad about that part. It would make more difficult for anyone to use
influence to get him out or get the charges reduced. Cho and I looked at
each other, we reached the same point. He leaned over... fist bump!

Another smile, "The Sun is trying to get the no contact order lifted saying
we were to give press conference they couldn't attend. Our solicitors had a
laugh over that saying it was weak stuff to put in front of a judge with
little hope."

I gave him the news about Ni and Lawan. He was pleased for them. I related
what Thang had said.

"Ah the young man is in love with Lawan! Who wouldn't she's a beauty!"

I dropped into his lap batting my eyelashes. I was giggling, Cho laughing
at me, "Don't worry she would have to be taller for me to be interested."

He got an swat on the arm and a kiss!

Francis came in. He had news. The building for a Western Europe office for
The Company was purchased, the final papers filed. It was in the Rue des
Bernardins just off the Boulevard Saint-Germain. It was about six blocks
walk from the Quai de Bethune.

The ground floor was a chocolatier on one side and an optician on the
other. Three quarters of the first floor was a law firm, Laurent &
Morin. They did a good deal of business with our London City solicitors and
we were put on to the building being available through them.

The last quarter of the floor would be our office.

The second floor was a family dentist in one half, the other was an
architectural firm.

On three and four there were two apartments on each level. The top floor
was attic storage.

A few doors down was an Italian delicatessen called da Zavola. I had gotten
a few meals there once several years before my taking the assignment in
Bangkok. The food was wonderful.

Francis said the Parisian law firm was pleased we bought the building. He
had spoken with a few of the other tenants, he informed them all we
contemplated no significant changes other than more security
arrangements. They were not worried about that.

An email from Freddie gave us good news. BlackStar, the two year black colt
with the white star on his forehead, had won his maiden race! He had
stalked the leaders in opening straight but in the turn he had switched
gears and ran away from the field. A five length victory. He overran the
finish going very strong! Excellent news!

He had a cut from another horse's hoof in a tangle at the start, nothing
serious. Freddie was praised and thanked in our reply.

Gil sent an order for Christmas paper to Elaine. We'd gone over it with
Ellie before the wedding, she'd made some suggestions for `extras' she
could use when wrapping gifts. It would probably be delivered after Ellie's
honeymoon.

They were here in Bangkok with Prasert's family. We were hosting a cookout
tomorrow night for them all. Kiet's family was doing most of the
food. Amporn and Niran had done some but they had the day off.

The estate agent in Abingdon who was doing some things for us emailed that
our offer for the farm land south and east of Radley train station had been
accepted. Oh poor Lower Radley they were surrounded by us now.

Francis emailed Carter and Archie confirming the completed purchase. I had
him add to Archie about hiring more staff??

Later when we both spoke to Carter. He said the manager at the company who
occupied Chalgrove sent over a book for me, his history of the
airfield. Strange! We'd talked about at Christmas time. It would be
upstairs in my dressing room.

Reginé and I exchanged emails and texts. The various social media had
been very supportive from the beginning to our interview about my being
transgendered. Some nasty things but they had been shouted down by enormous
numbers of others!

There were a few venomous facebook accounts saying things which were untrue
and nasty but her team's protests to facebook got them suspended or deleted
for violating the Terms Of Service. The quick reaction I presumed came from
their actually having met me. Too bad others victimized by jackass
commenters weren't treated the same.

Reginé had a team going to New York to spend time at Fox. They would sit
with their counterparts to discuss strategy and methodology.

In the evening Cho, Jian and I went to Dr. Sanporam's clinic to see our
friends. They were a bit groggy but happy. Their guys were good. Both had a
few days off to spend with their loves. There was talk of a joint wedding
early next year!! Good news!!! Count me in!!

On the terrace, Eve and Ku cuddled, me snuggled in Cho's lap holding Jian's
hand. We talked about New York, their maybe marrying in America, our
apartment building and lots more. It would be ALL new for Ku.

After a nice swim in the morning sun with Cho, I headed to the clinic. The
girls were both feeling better. They had a good night's sleep. Smiling for
me. Hugs and kisses. The guys had gone for coffee so we had some time to
talk. I'd given them my account of after surgery doing's but some I
repeated now.

I was so happy for them. When this was over they would be full Women of
Thailand in every way... Indisputable!

I was going up the stairs at the Railroad with PJ and Tara after letting
Jian off at her office. Ku at her desk doing things for the absent Kavnu,
She gave me the best smile.

One floor up Kamol was the same! The day after tomorrow she would join
Karla at Dr. Sanporam's! Udorn gave me a hug before we sat to talk. His
little one, Mali Fay was terrific. Ubon enjoying being a mother to a
youngster again! This time their circumstances were so much
different. Udorn wasn't an up and coming young man now but the CEO. They
had an excellent nurse and other staff to help them through it. My `It was
good since neither was twenty years old now!' went over with a laugh.

Li in the outer office was ready to take on Kamol's role for the time
being. There was a new young woman there to help her. Nice!

I wandered down to Jasmin's office. She was on the phone her assistant
said. Okay. Jasmin saw me though the doorway and waved me in. She got off.

"Fay, it is so nice to see you."

"Jasmin, your Thai sounded quite good."

"I'm doing well with some rough patches." A big smile.

"Oh, my parents came over. They enjoyed their visit. I was able to take
some time to go out around the city. They were worried a bit about my being
so far and away from home so much more. My apartment is so comfortable and
my settling in I think eased their minds."

"Good! We are glad you are here! Udorn and Kavnu are quite pleased with the
switch over to Apple devices."

We rattled on about some tech stuff before I took myself off home. A stop
for a Newcastle pick up on the way!

We got to meet Prasert's Bangkok family! He said Ellie had wowed the
family. She was a sweetie! He had been teaching her Thai. His family were
English speakers from work but not as fluent as Prasert.

His mother and I sat on the terrace with some appetizers chatting. She
marveled at my Thai. I told her I had good help learning.

She thought us very nice to lend our house in Phuket to Ellie and Prasert
AND the airplane to go there.

"We appreciate the work Prasert has put in to build the car service and
because he performed his job so well. He's earned rewards."

That made her very happy and proud.

I walked Jian down to her suite, "You want to sleep with us?"

No, she missed her pals but she was good. Hug! I pushed some hair back
holding her face... KISS!

In bed with my men I told Cho about my talking with Prasert's mother.

"I've already purchased his Christmas present. Six of what I consider are
H.G. Wells' best novels. I thought I'd edge him into the Twentieth
Century. He has all the Jane Austen novels in that nice leather and I don't
know where he's got with Dickens, so..."

Cho squeezed me, "Well I rather like Wells. Are there many in the Harcourt
library?"

I said I'd look it up in the morning! Gotta use that database! Cho laughing
half rolled me over for some kissing which turned out to be `terrible' like
it always was!!! I asked for more!!!

Gil and I swimming in the morning. We waved to Cho and Francis as they took
off for meetings at two different banks. I think it funny that Cho kept me
away from the banks.

He laughed at me this morning, "Come if you want but if you yawn halfway
through you're out!"

I didn't turn a hair on my pretty little head about the contraction merely
adding to my totals!

 I waved to Jian as the car took her away to work. I'd gotten a hug first!

I pulled out my laptop and dug into the Harcourt library. There were seven
H. G. Wells novels, none checked out. Hmmm I guess that shouldn't surprise
me. Wells is out fashion despite being the bedrock of modern science
fiction. I can tell Cho.

Gil came with me this morning to the clinic. Tai was going out to Don
Mueang to pick up Karla and Michael. A Cho-Fay Gulfstream was bringing them
from Chalgrove.

Ni and Lawan looked so much more lively today. They had another good night
and there men were there! The doctors were coming in soon for checkups so I
wouldn't stay too long. Reyna was coming at lunch time.

They knew Kamol and Karla would be in early tomorrow.

I went over to see Phailin. She had had a head cold and feeling generally
`crabby' as she put it. She felt better this morning so I sat with her for
a while. Somsak had just sent a new batch of snaps of his daughter,
Suki. She was growing up to be very cute! Four months already!

Dad and Phailin were very happy to have so many new grandchildren. They'd
be over for dinner and a visit in two days so I didn't wear out Phailin. I
did leave a bag of throat lozenges for her cough. Honey and lemon.

Sitting on the terrace with Charlie and Chani. They were in shade, me in
sun! I read to them, played with toes and generally had a great time. I did
like reading aloud to them. Some of it was their children's books and some
of my various reports just so they could hear my voice.

Karla and Michael landed on the dock. They got hugged and were intro'd to
the Twins. Much making over the babies.

They were taken to the apartment building where we had them setup. Karla
would go over to the clinic first thing in the morning. We had everything
they might need waiting. Michael had an invitation to eat with us every day
until Karla was released.

I was back at the clinic to see the girls. Lawan's swelling was bothering
her some but the staff were taking good care of her. Ni was doing
great. Like me her swelling wasn't too bad. They both were up walking with
their men when I arrived.

I put my arm through Lawan's, we walked for a few minutes. She was happy,
"Fay, it is annoying now for a better day later."

I couldn't improve on that!

Bill called, "We have three big stories rolling out. One a week in the next
few weeks. The `concrete' is aimed directly at Trump, the `bot' piece will
be on him as well as the Russians. The `bigot' story will go after Trump's
supporters like they haven't seen until now."

He laughed, "We aren't going to be popular with a chunk of Americans."

"Who cares! We are doing journalism, that's what counts!"

Bill liked that. "It isn't like we had to make up any of it. They are
criminals, cheaters and ignorant fools all on their own!!!"

I could tell Bill might get worked up over this. It was easy to do so!

My `Go For It!' at the end really made him laugh!

"Pedal to the metal," was Bill's final words on it.

I had a conference app talk with Antoine in Seattle. "Fay, since we took
over the road signals the traffic has cleared out after a bridge open and
close thirty percent faster. There have been no issues on the side roads
that are included. The vehicles roll. We have tweaked it many times, it's
good."

Antoine added that the rainy season is beginning so we'll gather more
data. "The bridge doesn't open as much with lower sailboat traffic in the
autumn and winter. We have that data from the the bridge history."

I let him know we were talking to the city about going on with the other
two drawbridges. Just discussing right now.

The TV ad for the horse sanctuary was forwarded to us with the locations it
would run, We liked it. It had Glaa and Hansa with Asda and Hathai in the
paddock at Pleasant Valley. They loped around together, nuzzling and
nickering. A beautiful golden red family.

The ad looked very good! Cho and I watched it with Francis and Gil. We had
made our horses available for free and did a donation to the sanctuary. We
allowed them to put a statement from us on the screen we had donated so
older horses could live a full life when they stopped working.

 It really looked good.

We had food in the apartment for Karla and Michael. Just heat and eat from
Amporn! Karla had to watch her food timing! A car would be downstairs ready
in the morning.

We had a nice dinner outside as the rain decided to go away to the east and
north! Lovely stuff from our lady chef!! I sipped an Amaretto next to Cho,
an arm around Jian's slender waist. I got cognac kissed which I'll have to
say was very nice!

The morning lap swim with Gil was abbreviated so I could get to the
clinic. Black miniskirt and white sleeveless cutoff top, black sandals and
silver bits! Cho said I looked very nice. He was hugged and kissed then the
RED lipstick went on!

Dr. Sanporam was at the door. Smiling I was greeted, "Miss Martin, you do
look nice!"

Alright I got it!

Karla was in and as we spoke Kamol came through the door with her Sergeant!
Hugs. She was escorted to her room. Since she didn't know Karla the doctor
chose private rooms for them.

I hugged Karla and Michael then crossed to see Ni and Lawan. HUGS! They
came out for a walk and met Karla and Michael. Reyna arrived before
work. We were quite a crowd as Thang and Kavnu gave us a full house.

The doctors' nursing staff organized Kamol and Karla into gowns and to
pre-op. They got their preliminary drugs and lots of hugs and kisses. I sat
with their men as the operations began we talked a bit then I invited them
to lunch across the road. I hosted them with Gil. PJ and Tara with us too.

The restaurant lady smiling, our waiter the same fellow. Michael hadn't
ever had an operation so he had no real frame of reference except TV and
movies. The Sergeant had been wounded on a tour in Afghanistan. Shrapnel in
his leg, a full recovery but a scar.

The Sergeant and Tara had some shared U.S. Marine service things they could
talk about. Michael and I talked shop. PJ smiling at me, I leaned over to
him with an inquiring look.

"Fay, you just make me marvel how you know so much."

I laughed, all this Thai, "My mother said I had fly-paper
brains. Somethings fly by and stick."

PJ got a chuckle over that!

We had a delicious lunch and a nice chat all around. I succeeded in
occupying their thoughts for several hours. We strolled back, they were
relaxed. We didn't sit long before Dr. Sanporam's PA let them know it was
nearly over and all was well.

They did have some suspense but it didn't last as the doctors came with the
good news that both were fine, more or less awake and could be seen. Off
they went.

I went across the hallway to see Ni and Lawan. They had napped. Ni was
doing very well probably to go home tomorrow. Lawan would too though she
did have more swelling but the doctors said it was well within the
norms. She just needed to pay attention to it and not overdo anything.

Thang was on medical leave arranged by my Dad, his boss! Kavnu too, Udorn
had chased him out, "Go be with your girl!"

The Sergeant's commander knew his girl was having some sort of operation,
he said `go spend time with her, take a few half days, no big deal.'

Michael's boss said `go be with her damn it!' Oops, I guess I was the one
who said that!

I waited in the corridor for them to be wheeled back. Kisses and best
wishes! I told them I'd be back later. We headed home.

Gil and I sat to watch some of the Fox channels programming, news and
entertainment while we worked on building a few more buildings for the
train layout.

I put together several little log cabins for the forested mountain slopes,
cute little Faller kits. They were nestled in the trees with a few
outdoorsy type folks and dogs around. Gil finished a project, a five floor
department store in downtown. A big space nicely filled in! Stone façade
with awnings for the ground floor front windows! It looked great! It made
downtown more real.

I put Gil on more large buildings to go around it. She did arm pumps and
making her muscles bulge! I just said `get on!' As we laughed!

Francis found some Soviet style East German apartment buildings in a
catalog, he made a plea for a sort of `city project' area where we could
put up ugly apartment blocks?

Me as a Senior city planner said he would not get `planning approval' for
that!

We saw him sit with his MacBook pounding away over on the billiard
banquette. He was grinning like a Cheshire Cat as he rushed down the
hall. Francis came back with several sheets of paper.

He came over to me and bowed in handing me the papers. (The grin still on!)

>>> Proposal for Low Income Housing:

       Provide housing for the less fortunate in Faysville

This document went through a raft of silly bureaucrat speak to justify the
need for the above named construction. Lots of it were just paragraphs from
government docs with nothing to with the subject, cut and pasted in, their
role was to occupy space, bulk it up.

I was laughing handing the pages one at a time to Gil. Francis sat beside
me laughing, batting his eyelashes like I do to Cho.

The very same entered. Gil waved him over and began to pass on the pages. A
grin filled that handsome face. Francis fit in with our playful ways.

I pretended to consider his application then... Gil got a red magic marker
for me. She handed it to me like it was a ceremonial sword, I did a big
REJECT on the first page. I turned and held it up like it was a great
proclamation! Francis' hands went to his face and heart like a silent movie
actor, exaggerated and dramatic!

Cho put pen to paper to draw a dagger and folded it to match the shape and
laid it on his palm, extended the hilt towards Francis. Francis took the
paper knife and crushed to his heart.

We were almost rolling on the floor with laughter.

Kiet was at the door. I whispered in his ear, big smile. He dashed off. He
returned carrying a tray with six bowls of vanilla ice cream covered in
caramel sauce and candy sprinkles. I got a big spoonful up with which I
proposed a toast for Francis as `Prince of the Projects.'

We devoured our treat in honor of the `Prince.' Kiet and Achara joined in
with a bowl each just to be nice... Yeah Sure!

Cho and I holding the Twins on the Playroom terrace. Tummies and toes got
tickled, little arms waved, bright eyes and gurgles! We had fun until Chani
put something into her diaper. I carried her to the nursery, changed
her. Tha had been cleaning and putting away clean clothes.

I offered Chani to her with a laugh before I changed her. Tha smiling
saying she didn't need any further education along those lines.

We were a happy house!

Jian, Cho and I welcomed Michael and Kamol's `Sarge' for dinner along with
Thang and Kavnu. Karla and Kamol were fine. Groggy, sleepy. Ni and Lawan
were great and would go home tomorrow.

Their guys had everything ready at their homes. We arranged for a few days
of nurses to be around so the men wouldn't have to do all their care and
have break time. Reyna, Jian and I would be visiting each and they could be
collected to sit on our terrace or by the pool whenever they wanted.

Cho and I would be around for a few more days then Los Angeles, a big race
for SakChai at Santa Anita. Monaco let us know the `White Streak' was
ready, Glaa was relaxing and Hansa loved the track. She was romping around
having fun!

Some shopping in downtown, nothing much an odd item or two for Christmas
gifts. A gift of a vase for Nara and Aaron's wedding. Dark royal blue with
silver etched long-tailed parakeets in flight. It was about three feet tall
and heavy! I thought it quite beautiful. Cho gave me a kiss to signal his
appreciation of my choice.

We weren't involved in Nara and Aaron's wedding. Her family had arranged
everything beautifully. We just had to show up. They asked the guests to
wear something yellow.  My yellow gold long sleeved silk dress was comfy,
scoop neckline and mid-thigh. Very light. Black accessories and jewelry.

Cho in a black suit, white shirt and yellow tie! He looked great in that
suit! Well, in any of his suits but even better out of them!

We tried to stay out of the way. It was a day for their happiness. It was
like ours a rather nice Buddhist ceremony.

I had my arm around Aaron's waist and planted a kiss on his cheek. They
were one more of my matchmaking efforts. Yenta on steroids!

They loved the vase! Nara's mother thanked me for the gift. "Miss Martin,
it is a lovely colour! And thank you for introducing them. Nara's father
and I wondered when she would marry."

I had to laugh at that one. It would seem to me Nara was quite able to
decide for herself. Families are such odd conglomerations of people!

We didn't stay long. An early night as Cho wanted to play golf tomorrow.

Jaidee sitting on Cho's foot on the terrace didn't appear interested in
moving. I got a tennis ball... he romped around for a while Cho giving the
ball a few long trips across the grass.

Cho went to play golf with Rak, Thoi and Dad. They were going to a club out
beyond Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai Country Club was a long course where Thoi
had a membership. They lifted off from the dock, me on the terrace waving
in the early morning sun.

Freddie emailed that BlackStar's cut was healing fine and he was entered in
an important end of season race. Then we had to decide to race him in
England or America next year.

I went to the clinic to visit before Ni and Lawan went home. I had Ni in my
arms, Kavnu holding us both. She was doing spectacularly. I'd be over to
see her tomorrow.

Lawan's swelling had reduced some so she was a lot more comfortable. Her
smile! I walked to the car with her being wheeled out by Thang. Hugs and
kisses.

Karla and Kamol were in second day sleepy mode but doing fine. They had
their men around. Reyna would visit in the middle of the day and I'd return
after their dinner.

I went to the Foundation offices. Hug for Jian outside in the sun. We sat
with coffee and Kwang's delicious cookies!! Going over clinic business,
openings and some nitty-gritty bits. Jian was on top of everything. Anong
staying home the last few weeks and now she was VERY close!



Lunch with Kanda. We ate lots of spring rolls in a delicious sweet peanut
sauce. Noodles and shrimp! We talked about all sorts until Cho texted a
string of stars ... Big arrow...a golfer! I showed Kanda, a grin! My reply
was many hearts in a different colours.

We headed to the house to greet the `sports men.' In the car I brought my
concerns about Tha's future. Kanda said not to worry right now but she had
many friends who might have the need for Tha's wonderful talents in a year
or so!

In our nursery as my phone rang. Anong was in labour!! I told Rak's mother
he and the others were enroute to our house. She would take Anong to the
hospital, I said we'd put Rak in a car as soon as he arrived.

I was on the terrace as the white Agusta fluttered in. Rak was thrilled and
was shoved into a car straightaway! We'd be waiting for news! I was kissed
as he jumped in.

We sat together. Kanda leaning on Thoi with a big smile, "I do not envy
Anong's current state but after..." She made a rocking motion with her
arms.

As if on cue Tha wheeled out the Twins! Kanda gobbled up Chani, Charlie in
my arms. Those dark eyes looking at me just like his dad!

With Anong's news and the babies coming out the golf results had been
pushed back. I turned to my husband, "So how did it go?"

He grinned, "See she's such a good wife... stroking my ego..."

We all laughed at that!

Cho had beaten Tiger Woods score! A 65! "I nearly had three holes-in-one!
On the sixth which is long I hit the flagpole with my tee shot it bounced
up a swale and then rolled back to five inches away. I was two under on the
front nine. Number ten sort of set the tone... It's a short par four, a
good drive left me with a chip shot to a small rolling green. It hit above
the hole and slid backwards right in!"

Smiling, "That felt nice! It's a wide open course, today it was a bit
sloppy with the heavy overnight rain. On Eleven, a par three my ball landed
on the front fringe and rolled to the hole stopping a foot short. Easy
putt. The next few all pars. Sixteen was another near miss on a
hole-in-one, my ball hit the pole and bounced off two feet. Seventeen I
missed an eagle by an inch, the ball near the edge. So seven under."

Thoi laughed, "You make it sound almost normal for a man to shoot a 65!"

Cho smiled, "No not `normal' but I've been on a tear for several months
now. I'm in a groove and nothing is pushing me out of that."

Dad laughed as he lifted Charlie up, "Well are glad you won't wager with
us! I'd be bankrupt!"

Thoi grinned, "Fay, you should have seen the caddies. They were really
excited. One must have called ahead for when we got to the eighteenth there
was a crowd watching. When Cho's birdie putt just slipped past the hole
there was a groan in the crowd. It was quite the show."

I stood beside Dad as he laughed at Thoi's last comment, I was looking the
two of them, he and Charlie shared some features at this point. Handsome
being one! My comment to that effect was well received! I got a kiss!

I was kissed by Cho when I said he was partially responsible.

They'd had a good day! It had been easy getting to the club as it had a
heliport. Thoi said he was putting Cho's name in for membership, they'd
want him. So another place to enjoy playing.

At dinner time we got the call... Anong had their little boy after six
hours of labour! Rak2 had all the correct equipment in working order! Anong
was tired but fine! I liked that he carried his father's name! If all is
well we would see them at theirs in a day or so. They had plenty of
support!!

The next few days were much the same. My round of visits at my friend's
houses and the discharge of Karla and Kamol to their homes. Karla and
Michael liked the apartment, it was near a cinema which showed a mixture of
old movies and was famous for its often repeated `Rocky Horror Picture
Show' Friday night screenings! They both loved that movie! But she'd have
to be less involved in the on-screen action for a while.

I was sitting with Karla on the lanai of their apartment. The sun on my
face felt great after a night's heavy rain. She was recovering very
well. Her `packing' came out this morning. I gave her my sage advice about
plastic penises "get your man involved' at all times.

We laughed about it. Michael was out with Francis and Reyna riding at the
north Bangkok stables. They were doing quite well as a couple. She liked
his family and they her. Their apartment wasn't huge but comfy. Michael was
away a good deal so she had taken in a rescue kitten, Melody.

Laughing, "I was walking listening to music when I saw an animal rescue
place. I looked in a window and there was this tuxedo cat sitting
peacefully. I leaned close and she came over to put a paw on the glass. I
called Michael right away, he was happy about a kitten, so... She came home
with me the next day after we were vetted."

Her snaps showed an adorable little baby with white whiskers and a cute
white mustache in her black face. Four white boots! A girlfriend from The
Company was cat-sitting.

Karla said she was sweet, purrs a lot and was mostly a quiet sleeper,
occasionally she snores. "You have to meet her."

I said I wanted to, we'd make a `date.'

On the morning of Anong's second day we went over. She looked good,
blooming. She'd gotten a good night's sleep! Rak and Rak2 were in the
nursery. Nice room done in shades of blue, he's a boy!

They had a good nurse who said the diaper service was terrific! She'd not
seen them before but the whole system was going to be great for them!

Rak winked at us and thanked us for the gift. Hugs!

The afternoon was racing at the Royal Turf Club. We had two horses running,
a colt named Rando, black and quite fast. A brown filly, Poki, who wasn't
poky at all but very fleet of foot. They were both two year olds. They were
from Asda's blood line. This was their third race each, they had won both
of their previous starts.

A white cotton sleeveless dress with navy blue accessories and gold
jewelry. Navy heels! Up in our box after our traditional pre-race visit. I
had met these two but not seen them race. Poki up first in a distaff race,
G2 rated. She loaded nice an easy with the six others.

OFF! Clean start for a seven furlong race. Poki was in the third path down
the back straight alongside two others. Three together into the turn, in my
glasses I watched Poki begin to pull away. She entered the stretch with a
one length lead. Her jockey used his whip to wave next to her left eye to
keep her from closing too much to the rail. She powered past the eighth
pole three lengths clear and swept over the finish four lengths ahead. She
looked very good doing it, smooth and poised for a two year old.

We went down to the Winner's Circle, a nice prize and a cool million Bahts.

There two more races before Rando went off. His was a G1 race with a
handsome silver ewer prize and a grand title. Eight horses in the starting
chutes, all quiet... CLANG! One mile to run! Rando came out
striding. Running to the front he was three lengths clear at the first
turn, sliding in to the rail. He kept that pace until half down the back
straight, the jockey eased him. The others had to make their move
soon. Through the curve Rando was in charge. As he came out to the straight
a chestnut did make a run at him. Our jockey had looked over his shoulder
seeing the charge. He let out some but keeping Rando well within himself!
He slowly opened up space. He roared past the finish line three lengths
free. He'd run the race on the lead wire to wire and won. There'd been only
the one challenge.

Once more we went down to receive a prize! The 1,500,000.00 Bahts and the
nice trophy were sweet!

A great day at the track. Saw some good races, picked up some bling and
cash!! Cho got a laugh from that in the car!

We had to go to Los Angeles. SakChai was racing, an important G1 race. His
biggest challenge.

Dinner on the terrace with Jian, Eve and Ku. Amporn smiling when I asked
her to fatten up Jian while we were gone. Hug, kiss and I did a naughty
pretend grope for Jian's thing. We held each other laughing!

It was dark as we climbed the stairs to the 767. Jaidee went galumphing
across the lounge in search of one of his balls. Once we were level after
takeoff we did after dinner drinks and espresso.

Gil sharing the Amaretto. Lloyd's `kits' had been installed by Kavat's men
onto all the Cho-Fay Air DeLonghi machines. They worked perfectly.

Cho squeezed me into the corner of a sofa. I made a move to tickle him
which gained me some space and a kiss. It does sometimes pay to be bad!

Tara and Ro were playing catch with Jaidee. He loved it. He was ready for
bed when we were. He was so cute in his bed.

Snuggled with Cho I was asleep so quickly.

`Alice sitting quietly on her lovely gray Tremont beside me in the morning
sun. We had ridden out from the house so she could see some more of my
southern property. Murat was ready to run, I kept him restrained.

We moved southward to the last ridge then the vista of the English Channel
from the top. A clear summer's day we could see the vagueness that was
France and the shipping's white sails on the blue water. It was warm and
the country was alive with birds and bees.

We trotted along the ridge crest for some distance before turning for the
house. A very pleasant ride. At the stables we went into Gwen's stall. She
hadn't as much excitement as in the past but we still went out for long
hard rides. Alice's hand was small on Gwen's powerful neck, a soft nicker.

Gwen liked Alice right away. She sensed that I loved Alice as I loved
her. My arm over Gwen's withers stroking her, Alice gently caressing her
nose smiling a me, "You know I am very glad we get along as we both love
you so."

I smiled, "I was thinking about that. Gwen knows how I feel about her is
the same for you."

An apple for Gwen, nice crunching sound. A swishing tail.

We walked arm in arm to the house. Upstairs Alice turned to me, "I wanted
to ride with you one more time..."

I looked the question... "I can't ride anymore it might disturb the child."

She was in my arms, bright eyes, "Yes... Now please a kiss."

Alice's wish my command.'

Oh yes! Short but sweet! I yawned and there was a the low thumping of a
boy's tail. He knew I was awake. I stopped the alarum before it went off. I
knelt beside our little man, hugs and kisses.

Washed and dressed, making Jaidee's breakfast. He was ready! He waited
quite correctly then my Okay. He dove in!

Coffee and an apple for now. It was dark outside the windows the light in
the distant east coming strongly though. I sat with my iPad to look at the
news.

BOOM! The Fox News concrete story landed last night and America was
reacting this morning. The was a tidal wave of disgust and loathing! Just
as there should be.

Someone who pays mafia villains shouldn't be in public office anywhere!
Trump did and lied about it. Our story was tight, accurate and documented
including witnesses.

I checked the other networks, they were following our story. CBS had a man
(they said was a convicted mafia man) on hidden camera footage talking to a
fellow they identified as a Trump construction official.

Yeow!

More confirmation for our piece!! I called Joseph's cellphone. He was
pleased and proud. He worked hard on this!

"Miss Martin, again thanks so much for rescuing me from the Post."

"Joseph, you made yourself valuable on your own. I was able to make things
happen that's all."

"True but you recognized... You recognized something in me I wasn't sure of
and let it out."

I said I couldn't take too much credit but what we did worked. I told him
to dig more on the story and Trump. He was glad to do it.

I also told him if he gets requests for interviews and the like... to talk
to Kent and get some advice. He said he would.

This was something I did feel very good about! We got a terrific story and
Joseph found his voice!!

I worked my way through all the news sites... Our work was praised, its
completeness and depth! The first BIG story of the new Fox News Network!!!

I talked with Bill. He was a very happy fellow, "Damn Fay I love this. A
big stinking putrid jackass damaged by a good clean piece of journalism!
Just marvelous... Yes, a bonus for Joseph. We will watch over him and I do
want him to get whatever plaudits he deserves!"

Kent was revved up still. "All my colleagues here and in other news
organizations have been calling and emailing. They know how big this
is. The reaction has been positive to us but massively negative for Trump."

After we hung up I called Reginé. She was laughing, "I thought you might
call. YES! It's been huge... well put it this way we are
believed... No... the old Fox wouldn't have run it... No...  even if it was
as well done... the other networks are working the story... A newspaper
friend said the New York Times might have had some of it a year
ago... No... the Times didn't go ahead."

She said there was a tweet from an older newspaper writer saying that this
story proves the importance of the take-over of 21st Century Fox. Seemed
true to me.

Our numbers on Twitter were big and positive for the story and Fox. "You my
dear are enormous popular, lots of folks want to know more and your being
transgendered has only increased the interest."

Good we had gone out front on that! There was info out on the old me... The
Company had scrubbed everything it had, all my other public activities were
for the new me. Well if there are any really persistent snoopers they'll
find bits and pieces. Too bad. Nothing to be done about that!

I slipped under the bed clothes to kiss the Cho cock! He slid his fingers
onto my cheek. I licked my way north with stops in the soft hair, an inny
belly button, two nice and now hard nipples leaving a hand around the Cho
cock! I was kissed and cuddled.

I did give him a bounce, "Come on I have news!"

He shooed me out, "Make coffee!"

I had coffee when he emerged and Soka was making FOOD! We sipped and I gave
him the news. At one point Cho was rubbing his hands together, "Terrific!
It's down to you..." A finger aimed at me! "Well if you hadn't been the
decent sort you are Joseph would still be laboring at a newspaper
completely wasted."

Hugs and kisses as breakfast arrived! We ate smiling at each other. Gil and
Francis showed up when the food smells wafted their way. I told them about
how the `concrete' story was being received. Cheers from most people,
wailing from the Trump camp.

The republicans could whine all they wanted but it was a well-researched
and supported piece, plenty of documents and witnesses. Now other news
outlets were finding bits to back us and expand the story. It was UGLY time
for republicans!

We were on approach to Santa Monica, Mira let us drift down so smoothly. We
parked in front of a hanger, all white with a yellow Hibiscus Brilliant on
the side. A white Agusta139 with the same flower was sitting there. Cho
smiling as we descended.

On the stairs Jaidee on his lead still slow going down. Cute kid learning
going down the stairs is harder.

Leslie ready with cars and we did the short drive to Venice. Dolores in the
entryway, big hug! She said there was lunch whenever we wanted.

Jaidee gets a walk first. Tara and Tai with us. I changed to black short
shorts and a white crop top with the warm day. Vans on my feet, black
wayfarers on my nose.

A big kiss for Cho. He was going to play golf with Pedro at the Riviera
Country Club. Thumbs up!

Jaidee on his lead we headed to the sand across the boardwalk. I turned us
north along water. We had deposited Jaidee's little plastic wrapped package
in the trash and were striding along. We kept going a ways until I saw the
California Love Shop, we headed over.

I bought all the girls long sleeved baseball shirts with the red collar. A
second batch in yellow for friends! We were all close in size. Gil
volunteered to do the carrying.

We stayed on the boardwalk for the return trip. A short way got us to N'ice
Cream! Coffee, salted caramel and their vanilla all in half gallons. Given
the heat we didn't dawdle after that. Zoom!

Ice cream made it safely into Dolores' freezer. I distributed the red
shirts. Dolores gave me a squeeze for hers.

Lunch was chilled shrimp with two sauces, hot or not! A cold rice salad and
a Caesar with anchovies!! Some very nice warm white corn cakes, sweet, I
buttered them up! Newcastles! Cho missed out!

I sat in the kitchen booth so I could prop up my iPad to do Facetime with
the `girls' who were all post-op. I put together a Conference App call
bringing us all on. They were doing very well. Lawan's swelling was down so
walking was much easier and comfortable. Kamol had some swelling also but
it was easing up. Ni and Karla hadn't much of that like me. Everyone's
packing was out and the other halves were participating in the `plastic
penis ritual' happily. Cheers!!

Out on the terrace with Gil going through a batch of reports and
miscellaneous do-dads that come my way these days!

The first was the Chanthira Foundation report on the first clinic. We'd
served several hundred of patients from that first little boy's infected
toe to rashes to pre-natal to broken bones. Also a number of gender
questioning folks had been advised, given appropriate medication and given
referrals to psychologists Dr. Vanatonu helped line-up.

Everyone taken care of successfully! Glitches were minor and we were
getting the warehouse ready for more clinic openings!

Three more before the end of the year. Two in Bangkok and one in Korat.

Jian and I had talked about opening clinics in America for LGBTQ youth and
adults. I was using my contacts to get started. New York to begin with in
the spring of next year?

Lots of stuff from The Company and 21st Century Fox corporation and plenty
of `chat' about stories from Fox News and Sports.

The New York PR law firm had a huge amount of requests for all
sorts. People wanted us to sell this or that or donate or invest or
whatever. They were doing a great job managing it, screening it and
deleting almost all of it.

All the serious bits were sent to Gil and then she filtered it some more
and finally I got them. Gil also received requests directly from our
friends and close business colleagues. Cho had joined several corporate
boards, I chose not to do that but joined a few charitable foundation
boards.

Hélène got me on the board of a United Kingdom animal charity, I
didn't really have to do anything... "Fay, there's nothing to it but we
shamelessly desire your name to promote the cause."

I couldn't refuse such an honest request. We laughed about it.

Text from Cho, he was on the way home... Nothing about his game?? I sent
back a smiley being low key like himself. Maybe his streak was over?? All
streaks end.



Comments are welcome: abecker60@yahoo.co.uk