Date: Mon, 30 Apr 2018 03:04:47 +0000 (UTC)
From: A becker <abecker60@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Jian 51

Jian

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 hundreds 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
early next year?

Lots of stuff from The Company and 21st Century Fox corporations 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 filing
away most 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 foundations
boards.

Hélène got me on the board of a United Kingdom animal charity, I
didn't really have to do anything but... "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.





51



Nell came up and we were sipping sherry on the terrace near the fireplace.

"Fay if you suggested I'd be having a sherry with one of the `well known
women' on the planet and my fabulously wealthy and beautiful boss... "

We were giggling, "Well, the `known' thing certainly has it limits. I can
still walk my dog and shop in Venice, California without being recognized."

She was looking up, "I don't know where I'd be if you hadn't hired me..."

A tear.

"No, don't. You got here because you had what I was looking for... Wait!"

I dashed in for a Cho-Fay handkerchief.

She hadn't cried much, "It's just that I had a dead-end job and was in a
dead-end relationship... you gave me a way out of both all at once!"

"At the risk of repetition... You were qualified... You made it on your
own... I had opportunities... That is so important. I've been trying to do
that in other ways... Provide the chance that people need to make positive
changes in their lives."

As we squeezed hands there was the `entrance' of the Cho with Pedro. I was
scooped up for a hug and kiss. Pedro's cheek got a kiss too. I Intro'd
Nell.



Dolores brought out Newcastles for the golfers! Cho was being cute... he
had a terrific round. Pedro shaking his head, "Fay, the Riviera got roughed
up some today! A 64! I've not seen the like ever!"

Cho holding me tight. We all sat. Pedro aiming his beer bottle at Cho,
"Right on the first hole he started. We went out with one of the club
Pro's. This guy whacks a huge drive, there's a road way down the fairway
out of play most of the time, his ball almost reached it. The course is dry
and bouncy but..."

He sipped, "So he lines up his second and knocks onto the green, the balls
rolls by the hole by only a few inches. My caddy behind me is quietly
swearing, `go in fucker' Cho couldn't hear. The caddy apologized to me but
I understood the emotion."

"All Cho had was a tap-in for eagle! The Pro was shaking his head. I knew
Cho was hot, he'd told me about his play at the other courses so I was
expecting something but..."

He sipped again, " He had a few pars then on Six a long par three. The
green has a sandtrap right in the middle, a unique hole. Cho hits the green
front fringe two bounces hits the pole and sits a foot away."

Dolores brought out some fresh Newcastles and sherry.

Cho was laughing, "I was three under at the turn. It was good. Number ten
is a short par four from the tee with a big bounce my ball was on the
green, it rolled up towards the cup which was at the back. This time I
heard Pedro's caddy whispering loudly
`drop... shit... damn...Fuck... drop.' It stopped two feet short. My caddy
had done a `Fore' shortly after I hit it, he saw it might make the
green. Then yelled it out several more times. The people finishing on the
green waved it was good."

Cho laughing, "I told Pedro's caddy that I'd heard... he apologized but I
waved him off saying it had been said by others so no big deal!"



A sip of beer, "So another eagle and I was five under. I had a run of pars,
some of which were near birdies. Seventeenth is a long par five. I had a
good drive leaving me the caddy said two hundred and fifty yards. There's a
bunker in front of the green but space afterwards before the green
itself. I pulled out my three wood. Your face came up in my mind..." Cho
kissed me, "... It made me peaceful to think of you."

Cho paused to kiss me again, "I stepped to the ball, my caddy had given me
a huge grin when I chose the club. He'd done a good job and recognized my
game's possibilities. He knew I was going for the green. I rolled my
shoulders and took my swing. It was dead-on, I got all the club on the ball
and it flew! The Pro and my caddy were calling "Fore' right away."

He leaned back against me, his arm wave, "I was detached from it just
watching the ball fly... It hit just past the fringe of the sandtrap which
helped and bounded onto the green to stop eight feet away to the right more
or less level with the hole. My caddy had a huge smile and extended his
hand."

Pedro laughed, "The Pro was astonished as I was but the foursome on the
green were flatly shocked. The Pro asked Cho to go up and mark the ball so
the others could finish. When he reached the green the foursome all shook
his hand as he marked and picked up his ball."

I had a hand in mine looking in those dark beautiful eyes, a smile, "My
putt rolled in for another eagle and I was seven under. Eighteen is a par
four it's all up hill with the green in a `bowl.' A good drive and a short
iron left me with a twelve footer that was half downhill, half shallow side
slope. I stood on the green fringe as Pedro had a very short pitch for his
third eyeing that putt. I gave the putt a chance knowing it could roll past
a good bit if I missed. But I `read it' right and the ball went right into
the heart of the cup with a nice plop sound!"

Pedro shaking his head, "Like I said he roughed up the course. The Pro had
been won over, he knew Cho wasn't a fluke. I don't think he believed what I
had said about Cho's game. Now he thinks Cho ought to play in tournaments."

Cho said the other Pro who'd he played with and who suggested a change in
Cho's swing had come out when they finished to say hello and congratulate
Cho. "I gave him full credit for my longer range and how it played into my
accurate short game."



Pedro stayed for dinner with us and Nell. We had a good time, Dolores fed
us well! Pedro made noises that he'd like to steal Dolores away for his
house. Only joking though!



In the dark under the bed clothes later snuggled up, "After the Pro-Am at
Winged Foot I got some offers for more but said I couldn't right now. I
think after the holidays I will go to a few of the better ones that support
charities we like. Maybe we could host one in for the Chanthira Foundation?
Make a few bucks and tie it to a golf tournament which would draw good
quality competitors. I don't know if it's best to do it in Bangkok because
it is somewhat distant from the main tour sites or maybe we do it to
support the building of clinics in America."

I thought it a great idea. Cho would go play, have fun, make new contacts
and meet some golf Pros. And the Foundation could raise its profile and get
some money. All good but we needed some quality planning. Maybe we could
take over an existing tournament, rename it and add the Pro-Am to it. I'd
look into that or rather Gil and Francis would.



I made calls to the recuperating ones in Bangkok. They were all good. It
made me feel so glad I'd sent them all to Dr. Sanporam. He was so skilled
and had a terrific staff!



Hot weather! We go east to Arcadia. Black G-Star skinny jeans, cutoff red
polo shirt, black ankle boots, red lensed round sunglasses and silver
jewelry! Cho grinning, he likes these G-star jeans!

We boarded the new Agusta AW139 at Santa Monica Airport enroute to
Arcadia. The management of Santa Anita Park had set up a landing area in
the maintenance area north of barns and west of the race track. We landed
with no trouble and walked into the barn area.

At our barn Monaco got hugged by us both. James was with IrishRainbow,
Jackson would be here soon. Mike and Tomas were there and Emanuel who had
his right arm in a sling. He was emotional, "Miss, I took a tumble in a
race yesterday afternoon. I'm lucky my helmet protected my head but I broke
my collar bone. I'm out six weeks or more."

I kissed his cheek, terrible for him. He was off all his mounts so he lost
income and his record at the track would suffer. He'd had many wins and
places. We paid him a salary and his medical insurance so he had monetary
protection.

We were intro'd to Marnie, she would ride SakChai tomorrow. They'd already
gone out together this morning.

"Miss Martin, Mr. Cho, I can do the job for you."

We shook hands. Monaco told us she was a solid jockey who had had a mount
for the Frontrunner Stakes until it was scratched for a high fever
yesterday morning. Okay! Marnie would ride SakChai for this race and in the
Breeders' Cup race.



I went in to see everyone. Glaa nickered, scoped out the mints and enjoyed
being made over by Cho and I. He was having one of the best years in
racing, better than any other in a long time. Unbeaten, in fact, he run
away from his competition, winning handily. Now one more race of the year
in the Breeder's Cup Classic. It was a mile and quarter and if his last at
Saratoga was any guide... we might be in for something special. I guessed
he'd easily be Horse of the Year again!



Next door his sister, Hansa was doing very very well. The two year old's
`Triple Crown' of Saratoga winner! If Glaa was King of Saratoga, Hansa was
the Princess.



SakChai, the White Streak, was affectionate like his siblings. They all
liked to be talked too and caressed. SakChai was a demon about mints! He
cleaned me out.



Poki and Rando were a loving pair also. Was it all from Asda... No, Hathai
liked being with us. IrishRainbow was playful... I'd have to ask Robbie or
Dom about him before he joined us. Maybe being with our team made them so
playful and content.



I was walking with Mike heading towards coffee, Gil and PJ along. "Miss,
Marnie is a good jock. She knows horses and has a strong hand and is
track-smart. She'll do well."

I thanked him for telling me. I told him about Rando and Poki's day at the
races. He did a bit of palm-rubbing, he'd like us to run them over
here. He'd heard about BlackStar from Tomas. Another one he'd like to ride
or watch. We got coffee, I met a few other jocks and staff from other
barns.

They all thought Glaa looked terrific on the track. One was funny, he'd
marry Hansa if he was magically turned into a colt!

I showed some snaps of Asda and Hathai. Those beautiful chestnuts in the
sun! As horse folk they really connected with the beauty of that
magnificent pair.



There were two young women at the coffee stall who were grooms, friends of
Carlita, SakChai's groom. They asked for my autograph... I was surprised
but I signed two Santa Anita Park programs for them. They thanked me, we
did fist bumps!



We flew back to Santa Monica and arrived back at the apartment in plenty of
time for a Jaidee walk before dinner. He made a limited attempt to reach
China... I discouraged him after a while. We had been sitting there
watching the sand fly trying to keep him from annoying other folk on the
beach. Cute boy!



Dolores's baked fish in spicy tomatoes was flavourful and flaky! Wonderful
savory rice alongside a vegetable casserole with cheese melted on top, the
sweet white corn cakes again since I liked them so much. Cho really enjoyed
them, he had missed them yesterday. A light flan, vanilla with a touch of
coffee! Whipped cream! A big pile on top!!



I was on my tummy across the bed watching Cho through the bathroom door
brushing his teeth. What a bod! All Mine!! A gorgeous `V' from shoulders to
waist, slender hips, strong legs that had muscular shape but not bulging.

A real athlete and dancer! Whoooo we needed to dance more!

I was sort of zoning out... staring. Cho made a noise... I caught his eyes
in the mirror... we both smiled. He
turned... AaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh the cock! He laughed now, "I'm
glad I still have an effect on you!"

I put out my hand... Cho walked up and rested the Cock on my palm. Damn I
loved this! Warm, a bit of weight... It was a handsome thing!

I looked up smiling, "Can I?"

"Well, since that request did not have much substance I would say ` not
yet'."

I was giggling, I closed my hand around my prize. Cho's fingers slid
through my hair, a slight massage before it went down to my neck and
shoulders. He moved his hips forward towards my now open
mouth...MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM Delicious! I worked to get it nice and
sloppy wet. I eased the foreskin back... the head slick and hot... I rubbed
my lips with it!

I worked my mouth all over the delightful thing! Licking slurping sucking!
Just terrific fun! Loads of suction on the head, tongue flicking around the
head and pausing to tease the peeslit!

Cho's hands on my back a deep massage sssssssooooooooooooooo nice, strong
fingers working my muscles!

I made a snug hole with my mouth so Cho could fuck my face! I stroked his
thighs as the hips moved his penis in and out. I liked this MMMMmmmm the
soft pubic hair on my nose... I slid my tongue out to lick his balls when
they came close!

He'd gone from soft to firm! It was so wonderful that a penis would do that
just so I could enjoy it!

He was rigid! The power of sex! He was as hard as could be! My sucking cock
was so pleasurable for us both. The heat of my mouth combined with the heat
from his cock! He was very excited! Pushing into me.

"Fay I won't last..." One of my hands made a come on gesture and Cho picked
up the pace!

Stroking hard now his testicles slapping on my chin... he was tensing
up... AAAAAAHHHHHHH cum! Cho's first on the back of my tongue he withdrew
more spurts as I sucked hard on the cock shaft... I'd been giving him a lot
of suction all the way through! I had my payoff... gobs of Cho cum sliding
down my throat!!!!

My hands on the back of his thighs pulling him close... I didn't want to
let go!!!!!!!

I knew his back was bent so I rolled over and reversed easing him down on
my belly his face on my shoulder. My hands on his back rubbing him! His
muscles so dense I let my fingers dig in softly, kneading him! I felt his
kisses on my skin, little thank yous!

Cuddling, and kissing! Such a reward for giving him pleasure! We were a
warm and happy bundle. Dozing some then we moved into the bed
properly. Cho's warm skin pressing against my back and legs! I was asleep
quickly.



Waking up Cho quiet behind me! Jaidee awake too. Kiss for him! Washed and
sipping coffee looking at the news I almost choked... Hillary got a huge
jump from the `concrete' story... an nineteen point lead in several
respectable polls. Our own Fox News poll showed a seventeen point gap!



Ansara and I out with Jaidee. The beach empty and Jaidee was empty pretty
quick! He was READY for breakfast!

Gil came in, I held up the iPad to show her the news. "You have Hillary's
email right? Send it to me."

I got it and emailed Hillary saying there were two more stories coming, one
about the bots tomorrow night and the other on bigots supporting Trump next
week. I got a smiley back pretty quick and a big `thanks for the info.'
There were many stars after that!

Cho kissed the top of my head after reading over my shoulder. "We are
having fun?"

I giggled and nodded.



We sat to eat omelettes courtesy of Dolores. White cheddar and onions for
me! Poppy seed bagel with a smear! Francis grinning over the table, he'd
seen my short exchange with Hillary.

"Fay, keep it up and there may be a place in her government for you."

Oh shit! An old quote popped into my head `if nominated I won't run, if
elected I won't serve' smiling as I said it. That had everyone laughing!!

Cho asked who, I burst out, "William Tecumseh Sherman."

Cho tilted his head, a look of query, "He was an American Civil War general
who didn't want to be President so..."

Dolores nudged me, "I know some... He was the general who led the `March to
the Sea' through Georgia which helped end the war."

Fist Bump!

"Yes, Sherman's March to the Sea, he sliced open an area which had seen no
war, separating it's food stocks from where they were needed. It was pretty
huge!"

Cho's arm around me squeezed, "I do forget how much you love history."



A Conference App `call' to my friends in Bangkok. All doing well! Karla and
Michael would leave in a few days on a Gulfstream.



Pale orange silk dress, short sleeves, snug to my torso and a full skirt to
mid-thigh, Jimmy Choo Romy 100 orange pumps with pale orange stockings. My
nails and lips in a slightly darker orange! Gold bits around! `Joy' My
Harcourt Racing and running horse pins!

I was paired with my man in navy blue! Lovely sculptured suit, white shirt
and an pale orange tie! YES!



Leslie took us all to Santa Monica where the Cho-Fay Air helicopter lifted
off quickly to Arcadia. We stepped out on the same place as yesterday. We
did use an electric cart today. Monaco a with big smile, SakChai was ready!

We visited him, he was quiet but enjoyed being petted. We did our usual
short stay and drove over to the grandstand. We went through to the box we
now had permanently reserved. Gil and Francis, our Security folks. We
relaxed.

Monaco had asked us to come a bit earlier, he wanted us to see a filly he
had his eye run in a stakes race. She was five and her owner was thinking
of retirement for her. She had raced nineteen times in four years. A superb
record, 11-6-2, never finishing out of the money. Monaco handed us her
pedigree.

No shit! Cho winked at me, "We need to buy her!"

On her dam's side, the great great granddame was Terlingua with Alydar as
great great grandsire. Her sire's great great granddame was Weekend
Surprise, Seattle Slew her great great grandsire through A.P. Indy! Some
family! She had Secretariat's blood on both sides as well as his sire Bold
Ruler through others besides Secretariat's daughters.

This is horse racing royalty! We need to ask how she ended up in
California. I nudged Cho, "Asda? Rebel? Maybe since she is young she could
mate with a colt from Rebel and Mahogany? Or Glaa? We would have many
avenues!!"

I got kissed, "My thoughts also!!"

We watched her with great interest. Secret Sea was a gorgeous chestnut with
white stockings on her forelegs and a graceful walk. She was in with six
other fillies. It was a good start with Secret Sea stepping out with two
others in the lead. It was a mile race with both turns. She stayed with one
black filly into the turn, neck and neck onto the back straight. They
galloped along matching up well onto the second turn.

Secret Sea edged ahead in the turn on the outside sliding a bit towards the
centre of the track. She looked strong coming down the stretch, the black
one not able to keep pace but trying hard. Secret Sea swept to victory past
the finish. A good time but no record.

We'd both had her in our glasses the whole way. I leaned over, "Let's talk
to her owner and make an offer."

I got a kiss.

After the Winner's Circle emptied I sent Francis down to ask her owner if
he would talk to us. Francis had my card for Harcourt Racing with him.

We had three races to go. A text... Yes & now? I replied ...Yes, here?  I
got ... we'll be up

Secret Sea's owner was John Glass Racing. We met John in our box. He sat
with us, he was interested. This team was much more about racing than
breeding. We made a handshake deal. He was pleased. We'd meet at our barn
after the Frontrunner Stakes. John had a horse in that with SakChai.



When the Frontrunner announced we were ready! The White Streak came out
with other nine for the post parade. The Frontrunner Stakes was a mile and
sixteenth so the field walked down to the chute off to the left. The
loading was easy and they were ready!

Clang sound was faint but the horses exploded from the gates. SakChai was
in the number two position, he quickly out ran the horses on either side. A
black and a chestnut kept pace down the straight for the first time. As
they passed us the three were abreast.

Into the turn SakChai on the rail edged ahead by half a length, out onto
the back straight he pushed out to a length and a half. He was running
smoothly switching leads easily. As they neared the second turn the other
two seemed ready to make their move!

In the turn tight to the rail SakChai upped his game just as the his rivals
appeared to surge. Coming out onto the home stretch SakChai's jockey Marnie
asked him. What a response, he soared. By the eighth pole he'd opened up to
five lengths but Marnie didn't let him go too fast. Going by the finish
line he'd come close to the stakes speed record and had six lengths in
hand. 1:42:05

We celebrated. Hugs and kisses all around! A race official came by to get
us. Arm in Arm with Monaco and Cho we worked our way down to the track with
our escort. In the winner's Circle with Cho holding SakChai's lead we got
nice applause as a greeting. Marnie had a big grin.

We got a very nice trophy and the Santa Anita Park people gave us
congratulations and thanks for racing there.

Marnie got a hug from me before going off for weighing.

Later at the barn we talked, Monaco made it clear she was SakChai's rider
for the rest of this year. We wanted her to ride for us and told her we'd
have work for her ongoing. She was pleased, "I've heard from the others
what good owners you are!"

Fist Bumps!



John came over to our barn. It was his boy Alybesha , the black, that had
won the `place' behind SakChai. We talked about Secret Sea... it was done!
Secret Sea would move to our barn. He was quite happy we'd made him a good
deal.

John got to meet Glaa and Hansa! He liked that a lot you could see. We
talked for a while, he only raced in Southern California, mostly here and
Del Mar also some at Los Alamitos. He'd often been at Hollywood Park before
it closed. He enjoyed the life, his kids were involved so it was family. We
liked him.

We walked with him to his barn so I could meet some of his crowd. My hand
on his arm as we entered as young woman with a fork leaving a stall.

"Ronnie... Let me introduce to you Fay Martin and Mr. Cho they just bought
Secret Sea!"

Ronnie, a slender brunette with a pixie cut and brown eyes, her head jerked
with the announcement.

"Dad... Did you really..."

I saw a tear and stepped forward reaching in my bag for Cho-Fay
handkerchief. She wiped her eye on a sleeve waving me away. A look and she
ran away.

John was going to say something but I forestalled him. I asked where she
might go... a trailer out back. I walked there and softly
knocked... "Ronnie, can we talk?"

She opened the door, there'd been more tears... I extended the cloth to
her... she accepted and dabbed her eyes.

"Please come in and sit."

It was cramped but I put my butt on an open space on the banquette seat at
the end, the table in front covered in tack. She stood by the tiny counter.

"Ronnie, we want Secret Sea in our stable. She's a beauty and her pedigree
matches up very well with several of our stallions... This might pain
you... we want her to go to Harcourt House to meet Glaa's sire and see if
they like each other."

Her eyes jerked open, "You're Glaa's owner? Oh shit, you're the Fox TV
woman!"

I did smile, "Is that bad?"

She shook her head, "NO! It's... well you are on a different level from
us. Why Secret Sea?"

Smiling, "We're horse people! She's a proven winner and she has the
blood... the blood of Secretariat in her and we highly value that."

I told her we were breeding race horses, great ones we hoped. Using the
best of several lines, countries and types.

"We want to mix those incredible genes of Glaa's family with Secretariat's
progeny. Do you think they might be runners?"

A smile, "They might be amazing!"

"So you work for your father full-time?"

She had finished high school and was doing some college while working.

"Is Secret Sea a favorite of yours?"

A bigger grin now, "Yes, she's just the sweetest mare!"

I stood up and extended my hand... she thought I wanted the handkerchief
but I took her hand, a bit of callous to it, "Would you like to try living
in England for a while working for us? Being there with Secret Sea and our
horses?"

It was good she hadn't given me back that little piece of cloth because she
needed it again.

"Miss Martin... I would but my dad... My mom..."

I laughed, "Oxfordshire isn't nearly as far as the moon."

She laughed at that, "Come talk to your dad now... This doesn't mean you
will leave tomorrow but soon. Secret Sea has to make the trip also."

Ronnie asked about the embroidery and was charmed by my story. Smiling we
walked back to the office.

John was looking worried until he got a good look at us. Ronnie hugged him,
"Dad, Miss Martin wants me to work for them in England."

John staring at me over his daughter's shoulder. I nodded, "She may be
mucking out stalls but we'll teach her about training horses too."

Ronnie ran off to call her mother. John gave me a look, I grinned, "She'll
have some good people to learn from, have a few adventures and we'll send
her home a good bit the wiser."

"Miss... "

"Fay, John, I'm just Fay."

"Fay it's quite the offer... what happened in the trailer?"

"It's not just a trailer but a chariot to the stars."

He laughed out loud at me. Cho came up then. I got a kiss!! He got my news.

"Good we need folks to do the mucking out!"

We all laughed, John shaking his head, "Well, it is up to her. She's a
woman and entitled to see more of the world but please let her see some
countryside outside of the stable."

I smiled, "John, slavery has been outlawed in England for two
centuries. She'll have a place to live with privacy, a salary, three meals
a day and all the horse manure she needs!"

That broke him up, "Please don't encourage her to save it up!"

`No worries' was my reply `our gardener needs it for the flowers!'

Ronnie came smiling, "Mom thinks it's a great way to get rid of me!"

John hugged her, "Where's Jack?"

Down at the end was her reply, "Go get him."

To us, "That's my son and partner. John Junior."

Jack certainly looked like his dad, sandy hair and blue eyes, apparently
Ronnie had her mother's colouring. Jack shook hands with us, pleased to
meet.

"I watched your Glaa race here. He's got an engine no doubt! SakChai has
run folks off their feet these last few months. You do have some fabulous
horses. Now my sister is to be in your stable... Watch out she's got a
temper."

Yeow! Ronnie gave him a good right to the bicep! "See... See!"

They hugged laughing. "I'll miss her but you are offering Ronnie a huge
chance. She NEEDS to go!"

I got Ronnie to intro me to Alybesha. He was a handsome boy and a multiple
graded stakes race winner.

"He does bite sometimes when he's cross and he doesn't like to lose."

In the stall I talked with the handsome fellow, he let me caress him and
run my hands along his powerful dark flank. Ronnie's eyes were bulging,
"Miss Martin, he doesn't let me do that!"

I gave him a kiss on his nose, he nickered which I took as a great
compliment!

Walking back Ronnie thought I was some sort of temptress or goddess. Cho
disabused her of that, "No but Fay has a way with horses and other souls."

I got a hug and kiss! They knew we would be leaving tomorrow in the late
afternoon for New York and a race at the Belmont. John agreed to my
suggestion to bring Ronnie and Jack with their mother to Venice for lunch
and talk. They lived the far east end of Sierra Madre northeast of the race
park.

"Then come into here and over to the maintenance area... we'll send a
helicopter to pick you all up. Okay?"

John, Jack and Ronnie looked at each other and agreed! Hands shaken and
hugs. Ronnie walked a bit back with us towards our barn, "Miss Martin, can
I ask... " I stopped and waved the others on.

PJ moved a short way but waited.

"My name is Fay."

She gulped, "Fay... I want to do a good job but I really don't have that
much experience... "

"That's part of it, to learn about horses, life and yourself."

She gave me a look like I was that goddess. I smiled, "No, I'm not up for
deification. Your love of a horse got my attention. I have that love too."

We hugged.

The carts took us to the helicopter and we flew home. Gil had let Kavat
know about tomorrow. It wasn't a problem, the pilot Ted knew he'd be flying
all sorts. We were lending the aircraft to Pedro and Lori and Monaco when
they needed it. Leslie used it when it was important for him to get around
the spread out city.



Out on the terrace after a romping walk with Jaidee we sat with drinks
before dinner. Francis smiling, he'd bet on SakChai's nose and at 4-1 made
a few bucks! Gil who wouldn't bet asked why we didn't.

I told her we had on Glaa last year especially in the early races when he
was an unknown quantity and the odds were good. Since then we hadn't
bothered because now we didn't know the other horses very well and the odds
weren't good for betting on Glaa. We mostly just stopped. A shrug.



Dolores called us in for dinner. Burritos! Veggie ones! Delicious black
beans from a Cuban recipe a friend from Havana gave her. Fluffy red rice
with tiny shrimp. The N'ice Cream run I made was used up afterwards!!



On the beach with Jaidee in the morning sun, warm day. Jaidee running the
shallow water with me having a blast! Tai and Ansara got splashed when
Jaidee shook himself! Hands covering their faces from the flying water and
sand!



Cho and I on the conference App with Bill and Kent. The facebook/twitter
Bot story would go on tonight! We'd seen a copy, it was hard hitting with
loads of info and sources. They took the money and failed to care where it
came from or what the messages said. They even helped them in payment
mechanisms and who to target!

Naked greed by both twitter and facebook put on display by Fox News!
Awesome stuff! Public shaming was one weapon to use and I'd put them on
notice months ago. We'd use our social media presence to publicize the
story and the reaction! I liked that, using their platforms against them!!

Bill knew we'd be in New York tonight.



We greeted John and his family in the entryway. They got the short
tour. The ocean view was admired but the vista of the city to the east was
really appreciated too.

Dolores did a buffet for our lunch. Shrimp in a salsa verde, several kinds
of beans, soft tacos and /or tortilla bowls, lots of toppings like shredded
lettuce, different cheeses, chopped tomatoes, sauces from mild to volcano
hot, sour cream, Dolores' home made guacamole which was fabulous!

Tortilla chips and several types of Pico de Gallo freshly made by
Dolores!!! A fabulous artichoke and jalapeno dip. The dining table groaned!
We had Newcastles and Corona's or soft drinks or waters.

I had an iPad set on the table running through our pics (Gil's pics) of the
racing season as a centre piece.

We grazed the food, sitting outside mostly. Julianne, John's wife, was the
brunette model for Ronnie. She was nice and we talked horses and
children. She got to see Chani and Charlie in a few videos.

Julianne was a bit amazed to be here with us, "Fay, you're a celebrity. You
and Cho on magazine covers and news programs."

I told her we didn't see most all of that as we usually were too busy AND
laughing we already know all that stuff. She laughed with me.

"The helicopter ride in was... well... I've never been treated to anything
like that!"

"You would have spent the whole day driving in and back otherwise."

I squeezed her hand!

She was a southern California girl raised near Santa Barbara on a family
ranch in the foothills. They had horses of course but all sorts. Growing up
she had the job of the goats and fowl's care.

"Rosie was a hen who was my buddy. She went everywhere with me. She would
sit on a rock near the house waiting for my school bus and then run down
the drive to greet me! She was special."

She paused, "Rosie taught me about love and how it sometimes really costs."

I squeezed her hand, "I had a mare, Gwen, she gave me the same lesson."

We looked knowingly at each other. Fortunately Cho came over and lightened
the mood.

Julianne told us both about their ranch in Sierra Madre. Comfy house and
stables, a good amount of space for riding and training. Chickens and
geese, one gander who is their early warning system, no one gets up the
drive without Hadrian's alerts.

A couple retired horses and a burro lived with them. They had a good life,
lots of sun and the air was clean.

We had a great lunch, our guests enjoyed themselves. Ronnie loved
Jaidee. Francis had talked with Jack and was half convinced to try a
western saddle.



So we left it with Ronnie and family as her possibly coming over with
Secret Sea in a week or ten days. She had a valid passport and would find
out about her one college course being done remotely. They knew where she
would be and how she would be taken care of during her stay.

Leslie's cars took them back to Santa Monica and the lift to Arcadia. Lots
of hugs and kisses. We promised to come to their place next time. Done.



Not long after we mounted the stairs to the 767. Non-stop to Newburgh now!
Gil with me, we settled in to work! Cho and Francis at the table with
spreadsheets and piles of paper! Me with Jaidee on a sofa, reading with one
hand, rubbing brown fur with the other!

Terrance was at the heliport to get us! Hugs and Fist Bumps! He was good,
the service was hopping and Aylesha was doing very well. Ben with her every
day was splendid for them! Terrance said the young man had a way with water
colours sometimes too much on himself!



Roslyn welcomed us. It was late but she had a small snack of fruit, cheese
and warm bread with butter. Nice. I handed over some plastic containers
from Dolores. She'd put together some of her guacamole and Pico de Gallo as
a gift for Roslyn, a taste from Los Angeles. Roslyn sniffed the Pico de
Gallo with a smile.

Jaidee got a walk and treats before we turned in. Sleep came easy in Cho's
arms.



I took Tai and Tara with me on Jaidee's morning walk. We went over to the
dog park on the Hudson River shore. A good long walk and Jaidee had fun!
There was only one other dog there that early, a pit bull named
Claudia. She was a happy bouncy brown and white girl. Huge grin on her. She
and our boy ran around together while I sat and talked with Paula,
Claudia's human.

She worked for Bloomingdale's as buyer. My cuffed short shorts and crop top
and cut off Seattle hoodie were cool. I was all black even my Vans. She
bought women's casual clothing mostly for younger folks like herself and
me.

"Well you have the body for your clothes. You look athletic."

I told Paula I like to ride the most but swim was number two. She was trim
from running. She couldn't run with Claudia because dogs just don't get
around that way.

"They're all stop-start, snuffle and browse. My vet made it plain to me
when I brought Claudia home, he knew I'd done a few marathons and didn't
want me to get going with her. I was glad he spoke up."

She smiled, "You look familiar to me... We've not met before?"

I said no, laughing, extending my hand, "I'm Fay Martin."

Holding my hand she snapped her fingers, "Yes! That's it, you and your
husband bought Fox News."

I did give her the correct story about the ten of us and 21st Century Fox.

"You live down here?"

"Over near Sixth and Bleecker. We aren't around that much. We'll be here a
few days then on to England. We have a horse running at the Belmont on
Saturday."

"No Shit! The Triple Crown! Damn, you guys have been busy."

I showed her Chani and Charlie. Paula held my phone looking at the
pics. Wistfully I thought.

"You've been VERY BUSY!"

She was divorced from a jerk who had trouble keeping his pants up. Seeing a
few men, nothing serious. We said goodbye when she recognized the time!

"Yipes! I'm gonna be late."

We walked along a ways together. She turned off towards St. Lukes Place
with a hug. We kept going to Minetta Street.



No Cho at home. I'd kissed him goodbye before going out with Jaidee. He was
off with Sam to play at Winged Foot.

Roslyn had breakfast! Fluffy omelets, fruit and poppy seed bagels!! Munch
then a wash up.

Into the Alice & Oliva Coley crew neck A-line dress in lemon yellow! Above
mid-thigh, lots of leg showing. I added black ankle boots and black
jewelry!



A car took Gil with PJ, Tara and me to the Fox Building. Up on the Fox News
level I was in the doorway looking across the news room towards several of
the sets near the Sixth Avenue windows. There was a show on-air in a corner
set. I moved over to where Megan's desk was.

She was deep in conversation with a director then she saw me. Eyes bright!
We hugged, in my ear, "Did you bring my lover with you?"

Huge grin!

"Indeed! She has a few days off in fact and awaits you."

Another hug.



I met with Reginé! She came over from London for a few weeks as Fox News
was running these `hot' stories. Fox News and Sports were really popular on
all the social media with massive jumps since June!

Her team managed content with dedicated personnel inside every 21st Century
Fox unit. There were people on duty 24/7 to maintain the flow and watch for
special events that were occurring. We kept up a steady stream of tweets
and posts that weren't just space fillers.

Reginé truly believed in quality in communication, silence was better
than inanity or triviality. Reginé often sent samples of them to me in
emails, I thought our feeds were a terrific read.



I took Reginé with me to the 21 club for lunch. Gil got our usual
tables, number ten and eleven. The car dropped us out front where a half
dozen photographers snapped pictures. One tried to get closer but Tara's
hand stopped that. Inside the manager smiling walking us into the Bar Room.

In the Bar Room many folks turned to look, a few stared as if I was really
important! Reginé, Gil and I sat at table number ten and PJ with Tara at
eleven. Drinks and ordering took place.

We talked about social media and influencing the conversation when there a
bit of noise from the front. Someone was upset and doing some now LOUD
yelling. PJ was paying attention.

I saw the manager go that way and it did become quieter. A blonde head
popped out at the end of the bar but disappeared quickly. Then peace!

Food! I started with the Clayton's crab, a Caesar then the scallops! All
delicious! Espresso and the Crème Brûlée to finish.

PJ and Tara smiling over to me. They enjoyed themselves.

Our waiter which we'd seen each time brought our bill to Gil. He was smart,
figured it out. He bowed and said he'd made some very nice money betting on
our horse. I gave him SakChai's name and IrishRainbow. A huge smile and a
big thank you!

We walked out, the manager had a what I would call a sly grin on his face.

"Miss Martin, everything was good?"

I said wonderful as usual. He apologized for the noise earlier but a
frequent guest had a bit of temper tantrum when he couldn't have his usual
table and left in a huff.

I raised my eyebrows as a subtle encouragement. It was table number eleven
and the person was Trump. That was brought a smile to my face. The
manager's grin was explained now.

I thanked him for the information and appreciated not being disturbed. He
gave me a bow and "You won't be here."

Interesting!

The car was pulling up. A few more pictures taken.

I guess we're news and something of a Will-o'-the-wisp. We never announce
where we'll be and never fly on commercial flights.

My non-sequitur of the day:

"Gil, those French glossies... where do you think the cover snaps were
taken?"

"I think they were cleaned up captures from the Fox press conference since
you were wearing that cute black dress with short sleeves."

Fist Bump! We certainly didn't pose for pictures.



Upstairs In Bill's `study' he again laughed at my characterization. We
gathered the department heads for a short meeting including Reginé. They
all knew her and her team who got many plaudits from them. They got an
outline of where Reginé's folks were headed and what they might need.

Her forces were going to do several waves of pro-active social media
campaigns through to the next year. Reginé had mockups and a diagram for
their work for the News division. She pointed out it would be much the
same, other than content, for the others. The content would be a good deal
richer for Sports and Entertainment sides with a lot more video!



Afterwards I wandered around with Gil and Tara. I stopped in offices and at
desks through the Administrative floor. The folks were happy even
bubbly. Some had left but one woman in Personnel sotto voce said she felt
those who had gone weren't missed.



On the News floor Kent and two producers got me aside. The piece on bigots
supporting Trump would air Tuesday. It would end the three weeks of
slamming Trump overlapping a Presidential debate leaving a month before the
election. The three stories would be re-run several times a week until the
election day.

Fist Bumps all around!

Out on the floor I got to meet more of Kent's staff and some on-air
personalities. The on-air folks mostly had journalistic or academic
backgrounds, tended to be in their thirties and forties, a diverse group
otherwise.

Kent was still recruiting. "Fay, we need to do some filling-in people and
perhaps two more daily shows."



I saw Frank on the Sports floor. He and Elinor would out at the Belmont
Saturday.

"Do you want a small scoop?"

He was all ears! "We just bought a mare in California, she'll be going to
Harcourt House to have a few babies. Her name is Secret Sea. We got her
from John Glass Racing."

"I know about her. She's quite the winner but not very well recognized and
not hardly outside of California. You got a good one!"

Fist Bump! Boy was I doing that today!

"Yes, we're very pleased. Her pedigree is dense with quality on both
sides."

I showed Frank a pedigree on my iPad.

"Well two Triple Crown winners is terrific! AND two of Secretariat's best
daughters!"

He gave me a serious look, "You and Mr. Cho aren't going to syndicate Glaa
or the others are you?"

"Well... I can't say never but we want to build a stable of real quality
and we think it best for now to keep our resources on a tight leash."

Frank smiled, "You're on the record?"

I nodded, another Fist Bump! Donald came up at that point with a
questioning look and smile.

"Are there secrets over here?"

I pointed to Frank, "He wheedled a few out of me."

Frank laughing, "I don't think anyone will believe I did that but I have
recorded some comments!"

Douglas and I walked along, "I did give Frank a few bits that may be of
interest."

"Sounds like understatement to me, Fay"

Smiles!



I stopped on the Eighth floor to look at the proposed... rather THE site
for the new `computer centre.' Petra met me there.

"I'm keeping an eye on this for now until Eve gets here. The internet pipes
are in and hot. All the planned power needs are met. So a finalized layout
and build out is left."

We wandered around the space. Petra's HQ would be the other half of the
floor. She had folks finishing the offices and miscellaneous rooms now. She
said she was good! Fist Bump!



The car at the side door on 49th Street and we headed home. I leaned back
looking at Gil. She mouthed one word and burst out laughing. Her silent
`Trump' had me giggling too. Tara and PJ enjoyed it since they were the
ones at `his table.'

Gil still grinning, "Did you notice the 21 Club manager never came to the
table to speak to you. He never intended to ask you to give up the table."

I smiled, "Yes, I noticed and his attitude in the entryway. Looks like
we've got the edge on Trump in more than one way. He doesn't have any horse
racing connections either to give him further appeal."



Tai was off for a few days and Rande and Ansara with Cho. I got Ro to go on
a dog walk. He liked Jaidee and played with him often so he was happy to go
with us. I did a quick change to short shorts and a crop top and Vans.

We went south working our way west. We checked out Dogma on Seventh Avenue,
I got a brochure. They loved meeting Jaidee. I went into Pet Central with
the guys to get some of Jaidee's favorite treats, he got a sample. He was
cute looking at the offered treat giving me sidelong glances. I gave him
the Okay. Gobbled!

Last stop was Cones for ice cream. Several half gallons each of Almond
Cream, Coffee Chip and Hazelnut! I was loaded but Okay! We went right down
Bleecker and across Sixth to home.

The door to Roslyn and Yi's apartment was open, Alice was sitting
there. She was a sweet little thing. She and Jaidee did `noses' all good! I
called out to Yi to come up went she had a chance. She would.



Ice cream in the freezer, treats stored! I went out to sit in the sun for a
while. I'd barely settled when Cho's text hit my
phone. Fires... stars... explosions!!! Damn what could he have done?

I replied... girl... arrow... home and
got... golfer... arrow... home... back! Good!



Yi joined me in the sun. She said Alice likes to sit in the doorway or she
lays in the sun that comes through the front windows. Nina's Security
staffers kept an eye out for her.

Yi was doing quite well, working with her editor she had completed her
book. Changes done so it would be out in six weeks. The publisher expected
a tour of Manhattan bookstores and around the metropolitan area. Then gauge
the interest and go wider to certain cities. They were looking at
Washington, D.C, Chicago, Los Angeles and City Lights Bookstore in San
Francisco. They had definitely planned three stops in Seattle which was a
top book town.

I told Yi she could use our house on Queen Anne when she was in
Seattle. Good location, nice view and comfy! And stay in Venice if possible
when in Los Angeles. She was happy to hear that! Fist Bump!

Gil would send her the info and add in Le Champignon d'Or in D.C. as a
great place to eat if she was able.

I got us some Newcastles, we sipped and talked books. I was reading Luc
Sante's "The Other Paris,' and "And The Show Went On' by Alan Riding to
give me some deep Parisian background. `Vagabond' by Isabelle Eberhardt was
also in my book bag. The second volume of the Collected Orwell too! I was
in the book reviews.

Yi was reading several of Alice B. Toklas' books with a Trollope novel
thrown in. She wanted some `space' from Hemmingway. We laughed.

Cho came out to us. I got a monster hug and kiss! Sam hugged me too. Yi had
been intro'd before. I got our golfers Newcastles to wet their throats so I
could get the story of the day. Sam called Sadie to say they were back. She
was coming with the kids for dinner.

Cho smiling, "It started out oddly. I was on the green at number one in two
but the pin was set at the bottom of the slope leaving me a nasty side
angle putt. I two-putted for par but it should have been better.

On number three, a long par three, my iron shot hit above the pin and
rolled back down the big slope to hit the flag and stop for a five inch
tap-in. I did a run of pars until we turned to the back nine. At ten where
I got my hole-in-one the conditions were the same. I chose the same club
and tee spot. Again a smooth swing. I watched it fly with a slight draw
in..."

Cho laughed, "Sam was beside me watching it hit the front fringe, bounce
twice and roll forward. The hole was centered above the first swale and it
carried right to it... Sam grabbed my arm... and it dropped in! Twice on
the same hole, my only holes-in-one in over thirty years of play. This guy
went crazy..." a finger aimed at Sam!

"Well I've never seen a hole-in-one! It was like it was slow motion as the
ball rolled up the slope... then it was... gone!"

Sam shaking his head, "They say the back nine with the long par fours is so
tough but Cho ripped it today. Four birdies and an eagle! AND a
hole-in-one! It was awesome!"

Cho and Sam did Fist Bumps!

Fifteenth, Cho said is a tough hole, today he chose to drive it hard. "I
was over the creek with a chip shot to the green. I used a wedge lifted the
ball up to drop it above the pin and use the backspin. It came back sweetly
roll right in! Another eagle!! The Eighteenth, my drive long well past the
right side bunker. I had a bit over one hundred yards to the flag in the
front half of the green near the edge of the swale. I dropped my shot again
above the hole and let it wind itself back. It stopped a foot above the
hole on the swale. Another tap-in for a 64!"

He was grinning, "That course really challenges you. The front nine has
been more trouble to me than the back which is opposite for most
golfers. Those long par fours are my meat!"

Cho had Rollo, the caddy, same as when he played in the previous time. He
loved it.

"He knows the yardage of the course so well. So I have back to back 64's
and two holes-in-one! Why haven't I played this course more?"

Laughing out loud I said every day if he wanted!



We had a great dinner, Yi stayed up to join Sam and Sadie and kids with us.

Gil smiling at me as she spooned up some Almond Cream ice cream leaving a
clean bowl! "Fini!"

Yes to espresso on the terrace, a no to Amaretto for me.



We flew out to the Belmont in the early morning. IrishRainbow was back in
the barn from his dawn exercise. He was bouncy and playful after his
bath. A few mints went over well!

We stayed to talk to him and give him some love.

Monaco said he's ready! We'd be back tomorrow for the race.



Back on the terrace, I checked in with my post-op friends. They were doing
great! The swelling for Lawan and Kamol was down further, they were able to
walk without discomfort, hardly noticing it. Terrific! Nobody liked the
plastic dicks but they did enjoy the process using my method.



Gil and I worked, Cho and Francis doing something together.



We had a quiet night. We watched some Fox News just to see. I liked
it. They had serious discussions, the moderators and some guests held some
Republican feet to the flames. Mass squirming!! Two conservative guests
when pressed said they'd left the Republican Party rather than have any
association with Trump. Oh YES!



It was warmish in the morning so black short shorts and the Seattle cutoff
hoodie and Vans. I grabbed a plain black baseball from the closet for my
hair.

The morning walk with Jaidee was a tour of Washington Square Park. We did
the whole thing cover to cover! Ending on the south side near George's Dog
Run.

There was a pit bull named Twist, gray and white, handsome even though he
had some face scars and he was very polite. We met him near the dog run.

Twist was a rescue from a dog fighting gang. He been scooped up with other
dogs and the jackasses who made them fight. The three main fellows went to
prison, the dogs were evidence until the trials were over.

Twist was in a shelter and then a sanctuary, he was shown how to be a dog
again. His companion was a slender blonde named Raphaela. She adopted Twist
and they lived in her condo nearby. She worked in the garment industry
designing clothes.

"You have the body nearly anyone would love to dress."

I thanked Raphaela, laughing, "I was asked in the Tom Ford shop on Rodeo
Drive to model for them."

"Well, I can see why! You have the whole package, body and face."

I said I had so many things going on I wouldn't find the time. Stretching,
I lifted the cap to run fingers through my hair.

"No shit! You're Fay Martin!"

I smiled pulling the cap back on. Too late!

Raphaela stared, "You dress so well! Does anyone do it for you?"

No, I bought it all myself and dressed myself. She couldn't hardly believe
that. I shrugged.

"Fay, come visit us sometime. Mirabelle on Herald Square."

I made no promises. Heading back Tara smiling, "Why would it be so hard for
you to dress yourself? It's not like you are in that Downton Abbey TV
show."

I laughed, "Well I do like some of Mary's dresses."

We did Fist Bumps!



I was dressing for the Belmont thinking about Raphaela's comment, "Cho can
I get a Lady's Maid? You like one of those upper class Edwardian English
ladies had?"

He'd come in my dressing room to show me his clothes. He was standing there
dressed beautifully, black suit, pale gray shirt and Harcourt green and
yellow striped tie. Gorgeous!

I was in a black silk set of nickers and tiny bra. Hands on hips looking in
the big mirror.

He laughed cupping my right beast, a swipe of a thumb over the silky bra on
my nipple. Yeow!

"You my dear can have anything you want!"

We hugged laughing our heads off. I handed the `Joy' to Cho so he could
apply it where he wanted before I covered it up. I turned in place to offer
my bits!

I slipped into a white silk short sleeved dress, a loose skirt and a men's
shirt collar. Navy stockings and heels, navy leather bag. Gold jewelry. I
did have something new, round sunglasses with mirrored blue lenses, gold
frame.



I stepped out of the helicopter at the racetrack, careful with the skirt
part. They had electric carts for a trip to the stables. IrishRainbow was
quiet in his stall but he seemed to like us being there. I caressed his
lovely neck, a soft nicker. He got a mint!

Monaco was happy, IrishRainbow was prepared. We walked over to the
grandstand going around the saddling paddock to avoid bothering those
getting ready for a race.

We were box A20 again. I was missing Ringgold but he was with a brother in
the Canadian Rockies, fishing. It looked wonderful in the snaps he'd
sent. Neither Cho or I had been anywhere near there, some place north of
Banff.



Gil and Francis got up to wander a bit. PJ, Tara and Rande were close to
us, Ansara went with those two. No threat, being careful.

They were all back when the post parade for the Jockey Club Gold Cup
began. Dom on IrishRainbow was quiet, the stable pony moving slowly. The
temperature had risen so there wouldn't be much `warming up' needed. Just a
jog to loosen up.

Monaco joined us on my right as always!

The mile and a quarter was familiar to these horses. They loaded easily, no
drama. The pause...CLANG! IrishRainbow was in the number four slot, he came
out nicely going strongly right away. He was level with two others down the
straight to the first turn. They had several lengths on the rest and eased
over towards the rail. Our boy was in the middle of the three going around
the big turn. I was watching in my glasses, IrishRainbow was running
well. Once the trio moved into the back straight Dom's hands made a move
and IrishRainbow picked up the pace. He began to edge away.

As they approached the turn he had two lengths on his rivals. He was
cruising along. Into the turn I looked carefully as he changed leads very
easily, Monaco had really worked with him on this. It was a tremendous
advantage.

IrishRainbow came out of the turn four lengths clear and looking very
strong.  Dom was a statue on his back guiding the horse close to the rail
where the dirt was good.

Our colt was striding out, no falter! He powered his way down the home
stretch unchallenged as the other two faded. It was terrific to see Dom's
upraised whip as they surged across the finish line eighth lengths ahead!
1:59:00! IrishRainbow almost broke the Gold Cup record! He'd run well under
a sub-two minute mile and a quarter!

We celebrated! Hugs and kisses! I was bouncing between Cho and Monaco an
arm around each!!! We were thrilled at IrishRainbow's success! It validated
our decision to keep him away from Glaa after the Triple Crown races. He
was his own man now!

Dom's smile was massive as he rode our champ to the Winner's Circle. Darryl
was there with the lead and brilliant smile! Cho led our winner in for the
prize presentation. We collected a nice trophy and prize money.

The crowd was very nice to us and IrishRainbow with a loud applause and
cheers.

We walked down the track towards the barns, Francis and Gil went to cash
their betting slips. They'd both bet on our boy to win and did well at 3-1!



Dom came in from weighing a happy guy. A real nice win and a near record!
He was jazzed. He and May hadn't set a date but probably in Florida where
her family was after the new year turn. Maybe Valentine's Day? Fist Bump!



IrishRainbow walked in with Darryl, all Okay! He'd get more walking and a
bath. They'd all head out to Santa Anita the first of the week. So they
could relax a bit then train for the Breeder's Cup races, there was a month
to go. IrishRainbow would be in the Classic with Glaa but he was a
different horse now. We'll see!



Terrance was waiting at the heliport with a huge smile. He was rubbing
three fingers together meaning money! He'd made bets on IrishRainbow to Win
and Place and side bets on two other horses. The second place finisher came
up BIG for him at 12-1. Fist Bump! We hugged and were laughing all through
the ride to Minetta Street.



We had Daria, Bennett and Mike and Cindy coming for dinner. Ali and Francis
were going out with Tai and Megan, dinner and dancing for them!

Roslyn had baked halibut with a fantastic citrus sauce! Whipped potatoes
with braised leek, crispy green beans with almonds, a white bean
vinaigrette salad, cross buns and butter. A tasty white burgundy matched
well!

All served outside at the big table. Cindy liked the table and chairs very
much. Her family had a house near Bordeaux when she was growing up, they
ate outside all summer at a table similar to ours.

Mita had made us a cake all in Irish green, white and orange to celebrate
our boy's win with a cute brown horse on top with a rainbow flag! Soft
cake, the icing delicious! We had it with coffee.

Sitting beside Cindy talking clothes and such. I told her about Raphaela's
shock this morning at my doing my own wardrobe. She laughed, "Who hires a
lady's maid or dresser? Even if you wanted to have a person do that sort of
`close up' involvement the hassle of modern life would make it impossible."

We laughed, I told her Tara's `Downton Abbey' quip. Cindy's hand on my arm,
"Fay, imagine doing what those ladies did? Languid breakfast in bed, bathe,
dress, receive a visitor or two, luncheon, maybe go out to make a call on
someone, tea, change for dinner, dine with friends and family, sit in
drawing room to chat, go to bed? Maybe a charity `thing' every now and
then? I'd go stark raving mad!"

"Cindy, what must they have talked about? Family, friends, go up to London,
maybe riding, babies but not how to make them, maybe politics but they
surely would have been deeply conservative. So many subjects would have
been taboo!"

Daria had joined us, "Dears, I did have some experience of that. I have
English cousins and they lived up in Yorkshire on a big estate, neither of
the girls worked. They sewed, rode and were very boring."

She did add with a smile, "Things could have changed as that was over fifty
years ago!" Laughter from us all.



Hugs at the elevator for everyone. They loved what Fox News was doing and
how the share price had risen in both common and class B stocks. We all
have a good deal more money than we put in to start up the acquisition!
Very happy investors!!



Cho and I on the terrace curled up on a lounge, Nice. A bit of kissing took
place and it wasn't bad at all! Jaidee lying beside us. I leaned over the
edge to stroke his fur, warm and soft! I was carried in to bed!

It was a short but enjoyable flight!



My morning started with Jaidee's nose near mine. The little guy needed to
pee. I got up and dress in trackies and a sweatshirt, a chill so long
sleeves. PJ was here so we went out. Jaidee watered a lamppost, a car tire
and some grass! I had my plastic bag ready and made a deposit for him in
the trash. All done! Tail wagging!



Today Cho was going to the Fox Building and I was shopping! I checked the
weather, cool for now. So high waisted slacks in black from Dolce & Gabbana
adding a sleeveless collared white blouse. Black heels and Cho's onyx
jewelry pieces. Red nails and lips! `Joy' and a black cardigan with big
gold buttons that I let hang back off my shoulders with my arms in the
sleeves.

I wanted to get some shoes for each house, basics like black, red, navy,
beige heels, black and brown ankle boots without adornments. Some sandals
too. Gil was making an inventory of all our clothes and where the items
were.

Smaller amounts of packing was the goal! We would leave the items as we
visited each home.

Barney's, Bloomingdales, up Fifth Avenue and along 57th Street.

Before we left Bloomie's I asked to see Paula. She came down to Women's
shoes where I was. She was pleased to see me, we talked for a few
minutes. I said I'd come back when I had more time to see what she was
buying. Okay!

Terrance kept a car nearby, moving as we did to take the things we bought
off our hands. Gil and I had fun. She was spending some more of her hard
earned money!

Tara, Ansara and PJ along. They worked well together, each getting some
time to shop.



In Coach Cho got a new wallet for his Christmas and two pair of gloves. One
black, one chocolate brown, VERY soft with thin warm lining! I bought
myself two Charlie bags, black and beechwood! A pair of black leather
gloves with wool lining, thin!! I stopped to look at a coat... Wool trench
coat with big buttons. I choose it it in navy. Soft and it would be warm!

I was liking Coach more and more when I almost bumped into a mannequin in a
cute lightweight dress. They called Duck Geo Babydoll dress. I bought it in
black. Very cute with a bit of whimsy, three quarter sleeves and above
mid-thigh!

The sales woman was nice, she recognized me, quietly in an aside, "Miss
Martin, I think you're terrific for what you did at Fox."

I thanked her and asked about a few other things I saw. With her help I
added a `Collar' dress in black, lightweight, short sleeved, thinking of
Bangkok. Also a mid-calf length sleeveless black pleated dress.

Paola, the woman helping me really liked my D&G look! "Sleek and sexy too!"

In shoes I spent some time. First in my buying pile was the Western Mules,
block heel, strap on the back of the heel in black. Two pair. Now heels!
Three each of the Waverly Pumps in black and beechwood. The fit was
perfect!

Gil had gotten several things, she was very pleased. Both Tara and Ansara
did too! PJ called the car for a pickup out front. He bought a wallet for
his dad and a scarf for mom!

Coach was an unqualified success! I left my sizes and measurements with
Paola so I could order through her.



We went to Escada which I had briefly looked in at when I was in San
Francisco. A wool/cotton long sleeved dress in black, v-neckline, slender
to a few inches above the knee. A very handsome look on me.

I bought an assortment of casual jumpers for Christmas gifts. Bright
colours, simple patterns. I got six in my Crew's sizes! Gil was wonderful
having the info in her iPad! I added some cardigans too!

Another pickup!



Food!

Gil did a booking at the 21 club for lunch, both tables again! I did hope
we'd be able to tweak someone's nose once more! The usual collection of
paparazzi types out front were ignored but I still had to smile seeing the
Harcourt Racing colours on the jockey.

We settled in. There had been stares and a small group did applaud until I
waved. They were at table number fifty-five. I detoured to say hello. They
were quite nice and were enthusiastic Fox News watchers now.

I got a Campari, a shrimp cocktail, a big Caesar with lots of anchovies,
the Dover Sole. Our usual waiter smiling as I made my order without looking
at the menu.

The manager came by to thank us for coming in again. He wanted me to know
they had received our gift of two horse shoes worn by Glaa at the Belmont
Stakes. They were considering where to put them. He asked if we would like
to see them when we came in. I said yes but he should make the decision. He
bowed thanking us again!

It was a good meal.



Back to shopping! The car had gone to Minetta Street to unload while we
ate. Roslyn had lunch for the driver, Pell, waiting. He came back to scoop
us up at 21. Over to Madison Avenue.

First to Berluti for Cho! I got him two light but warm jackets for
golf. Silk and Cotton Zip-ups, one black, one in navy. Very soft with room
to move. I added Polo shirts in several colours in both silk and cotton! A
forest green, silvery gray, navy and white. I was pleased. I'd be back
here.

Interestingly I was recognized by the sales associate. He didn't make much
of it but he knew. I made my choices, he wrapped them and I gave him my
American Express card, the smile got big.

When I signed he said `it was an honor to have served me' which I thought
very nice of him to say. I shook hands with him, he bowed over my hand!



We went back south to Chloe. I wandered. I liked some of their things but
most did nothing for me. Their `ready-to-wear' just wasn't exciting for
me. We stayed a bit but I wasn't buying so out the door. A sales woman had
tried to help me find something and I thanked her.

She had a business card, I had Gil take it. The sales lady looked upset. I
turned to her and took the card slipping it into my pocket.

"No disrespect was intended. Gil is my PA and takes care of those things
for me. Thanks again for your help."

I extended my hand. She smiled taking my hand. "Sorry. I understand Miss
Martin."



Pell behind the wheel as we turned south, he done very well today. At
Minetta Street I enlisted Gil to help conceal the clothes and things I
bought Cho. We managed to get them into two soft-side carry-all bags and
hidden in a wardrobe. Fist Bumps!



I had a Campari in one hand, a scotch in the other as Cho came through the
entry. A huge grin! I received a big kiss, defenseless as I was. Only after
the kiss did Cho take his drink. Gil was laughing and hovering in case I
lost control of the liquids.



All my friends in Bangkok were excellent! I spoke on Facetime with
Jian. She'd spent time with all our post-op girls who were doing just
fine. They'd all been back for checkups, all great. Karla and Michael were
flying to Chalgrove tonight. Dr. Sanporam had a colleague in London to take
over her post-op care.

Ku and Eve coming to New York soon after London and saying right here. They
had all the good telephone numbers!



Dinner with all our staff outside. A buffet from Roslyn's Mexican side! She
was awesome! Shrimp grilled with chiles, not too hot! Red rice and beans!
Soft taco shells stuffed with grilled veggies ground beef stuff, chopped
tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and sauces. I made two trips. PJ was so gallant
to escort me both times he went!

There was ice cream to cool tongues if need be. Mine was fine but I NEEDED
ice cream! Tai was with Megan for the last night, Ali joined us before
Francis `dragged' her out to dance.

In Cho's lap, snuggled in, "We should go out one night too."

He agreed, "We will in Bangkok. I need your ears tonight."

I raised my eyebrows, my tush was gently patted, "Just talk about a few
things."

I slinked my arms around Cho's neck, Kiss! MMMMMMMMM I was squeezed and
kissed several times!!



In bed lying under the covers stroking Jaidee's little bod. He was between
us, Cho's fingers on his head scratching him into a blissful state.



"The last big story on Trump is out tomorrow as we leave. Bill has the
numbers from several sources about the first two stories. After the
bombshell of the `concrete' piece we promoted the `bot' story and it was
the most watched show that night. When the two stories were re-run, we did
promos for them, they scored way up there too.'

Cho's other hand was giving me a scalp massage like Jaidee's! So nice.



"Bill is promoting the `bigot' piece as the third part of a trilogy of
exposés of Trump. Too many `T's." He laughed.

A more serious look, "We are in a position that could lead to having under
our hand enormous power. We have to use it well. Unlike M************* we
care about people and I don't want to hurt anyone in making use of that
power. But it seems inevitable some hurt will happen when misdeeds and
criminality are exposed."

I caressed that face, I leaned over Jaidee to kiss my man.

"Bill has assembled a terrific collection of real journalists, hardworking
and hard hitting! There is a lot of info flowing our way, some because of
our politics but disgust is fueling it from Republicans who want their
party back. In the last week of the election campaign Bill's forces have
three more stories to be released on successive nights. One on the source
of the money from the National Rifle Association going into republican
hands, another on the Republican election cheating and gerrymandering in
the states and the last is a wrap of republican attempts subvert the
Presidential election outcome."

My eyes were closed, I turned to open mine seeing Cho's eyes, "You are
thinking that by doing these stories we could alter the election? That we
might have that power?"

Cho nodded, "Yes, we could erase the advantage the Republican's cheating
gives them. We are running `get out the vote' messages for free thanks to
you."

We kissed again. "That and more gives us a moral position that we must
guard. Never can we go overboard except to correct great wrongs."

A hand went over his face, eyes closed. "Fay, I don't want to be
melodramatic... this is one outcome. Be prepared!"

At my prompting Cho moved an almost asleep Jaidee to his bed. In my arms, I
pressed firmly against his body!

"I think we have been careful in many things already." Cho agreed, a kiss
before I went on, "You are right power is seductive there's certainly
enough examples of people who have gone before us. I believe together..." a
hard kiss, "we can manage it!"

Cho's arms around me! Warm, solid, comforting!

"Turn around little dove."

His flesh touching mine!!! "Sleep." Okay.



In the morning there was the sun but also the chill. Autumn was here! It
had been warm and lovely thanks to global warming, seasonal change coming
now. Trackies and light gloves to walk Jaidee! PJ had a knit hat on!

Out on Bleecker Street Jaidee did his business, I cleaned up. We walked
along Sixth Avenue going south then reversed on the west side back up to
Father Demo Square to cross over.

Alice was in the window at the front door. I stroked her, purrs! She was so
soft, like an ermine!



We had the PR law firm folks coming for a meeting before lunch then we were
off. The sun cut through the early morning chill so we could use the
terrace. Ties were loosened but jackets stayed on.

They had reports about the rising requests for our images and names to be
used to `hawk' products, some so laughable they could hardly be real.

One of the partners mentioned that their staffers were getting new training
in stupidity, venality and avarice via the communications coming in for us.

"They're seeing the baseness of people like nowhere else."

At least it was at a distance! I asked if they were watching out for any
issues with the folks dealing with it all. I was told they were rotating
staff around.



They had received (as had Reginé's teams on social media) threats of
violence in mail and email. If they believed the item had credibility it
was passed on to the relevant police agency with a request that follow up
be provided.

All packages were isolated and checked carefully including using a dog to
sniff them before they went upstairs. We didn't think being too cautious
was bad given our raised profile and all the nuts out there.

Our Security got ALL the information, even the obviously silly, and in some
cases had done an investigation on our own. Thet had a separate team
assigned to it with staff in Bangkok and overseas working on each of
threats they believed had merit. Petra had several staffers working on
this.

Under Kora's direction at the HQ in Bangkok, they were building a database
of every threat by country and locality, person, media type, threat type,
etc... The staff at our Security offices around the world had access based
on their position. Kora and Ni were working to give our `principals' access
via a mobile app.



Our lawyers said we had been sued by a number of cranks and some former
staff at 21st Century Fox. The cranks were easy since they had no
resources. The former staffers were being dealt with by Fox lawyers who
kept the PR folks in the loop.

They said ex-Fox folks weren't going to get far because every contract had
clauses for the company to buy them out or dismiss them at will. Solid
contract law in each case backed up the Fox position. It was kind of sweet
that Fox was defeating these folks with the tools they provided us!



We served lunch for the lawyers and our folks. Petra had joined us midway
when the threats became the discussion. We kept going while eating. Lovely
warm sandwiches from Roslyn! A German Bavarian style potato Salad which was
warm, it had caraway seeds, soy bacon, vinegar and onions!



We were packed and off uptown. Terrance dropped us at the heliport where
Scott the manager welcomed us.

"Mr. Cho, Miss Martin. Good to see you however briefly. Your friends and
associates have boosted our operations quite significantly. I have hired
two part-time staff just for the office, more to come."

We were happy... As I've been saying `we like to make money.'

The pretty white Agusta dropped us fifty yards from the 767 in
Newburgh. Jaidee hustled up the stairs, he was ready! Stephanie's voice
told us we were ready too. She had us moving down the taxiway, big power
turn onto the runway and off! The rush always exciting. Jaidee taking it
all in his stride as he looked out his window.



We all sat to work for a while before going to bed. Tara and Ro had fun in
the front passageway with Jaidee and a tennis ball. We watched the `Bigot'
piece with our staff.

Fox News lambasted Trump and the Republicans for pandering to the worse in
the American subcultures of diseased people who hated everything and
anything that didn't prop up their views of white supremacy. From southern
confederacy whiners to outright murderers the list was long and our story
ripped them.

Jim Crow might be a household name after this! It should have been all
along. The risks that civil rights workers took were balanced by the
progress made but Fox made it plain there was a long way to go yet. There
were many constituencies that still didn't have any real voice at the
national level.

The LGBTQ community had voices but no truly national figure. They did have
many hard working groups right there at the spear point like HRC. We needed
to consider giving money to several, Lambda Legal especially.

People with disabilities had some law behind them like the others but a
standout voice was lacking.

President Obama had made a big breakthrough being elected but the
republicans in Congress had obstructed real gains.

Well, no one watching could doubt where Fox News stood after this. Great
reporting, terrific research and a solid narrative linking it all together!
I was impressed again and happy with what we were doing. Sitting on a sofa
with Cho, leaning back on him I had one hand in mine, I was holding tight.



In the dark before sleep, Cho warm against me I was kissed...quite
passionately. It wasn't sexual but romantic and loving! We were as tight as
any two people could be.

I had a deep sleep, my last conscious thoughts of Cho.



I was awake before the alarum. The sun rising as we crossed the coast above
Scotland. I slid out to hug Jaidee! He warm and comfy in his bed. Damn cute
too!!



I was washed and dressed munching on a Molly's cupcake or two or... Hot
coffee. Soka came in smiling.

My handsome companion came out to get a bite of my cupcake. He was smiling!

We had time for breakfast. Soka did lovely scrambled eggs! Veggie sausage
and toasted bagels!

We were working on ours as Gil and Francis joined us. They opted for toast
and coffee. We'd be on the ground shortly.



Belted in as the 767 made its approach to Chalgrove. Lined up on the runway
and down easy. A turn and we were off the runway. Our hangar shiny white
with a big yellow Hibiscus Brilliant with red center on the big doors, it
had a Gulfstream parked beside it.

Prasert smiling as we came down. He and Ellie were fresh back from
Thailand. A hug! In a few minutes I got to hear the crunch of the gravel
which was an English sound to me. A thrill every time.

Carter welcomed us. Fist Bump! Grins! Kendal and Stanton there for our
bags. Audra in the entryway. A hug for her. She smiled and cocked her head
towards the stairs. A kiss on her cheek.

I dashed up, Gil and Tara on my heels! Boxes in my dressing room! New hats
and clothes I ordered! Beige khaki and a nice dusky rose jodhpurs, light
and dark khaki shirts, dark green khaki riding jacket, ties in light khaki
and dark khaki! The new hats in several khaki colours.

I chose the dusky rose jodhpurs, and light khaki shirt, dark khaki tie and
jacket, a new campaign hat in dark green khaki on lanyard hanging down my
back out of sight.

I went out to the front where Cho was with Phillips. Cho's eyes widened, I
paused to seat the new hat. He opened his arms, hug and kiss! He had my
hand getting to twirl for him.

"Fay that is great! Good colours and the hat! What is that called?"

"The US Army calls it a campaign hat, they've used them for way over a
hundred forty years. Some call it a Royal Canadian Mounted Police hat or
others say it's the US Forest Service Smoky the Bear hat."

Gil and Tara came out. They yelled out `Fay!' and ran over. Hugs, Gil,
"Girl you just have it!"



I kissed Cho and did a fist bump with Phillips which made him laugh. We
walked down to the stables. Gregory had been alerted.

I did sneak up on Pamela... Whoo what a loud nicker when she saw me! I gave
her a hug and kiss! Diana came in to saddle her. Rascal for Tara who really
liked him and Gil on Con.

Gregory pulled me to the office before I mounted. In a big cuddly fluffy
basket Tess was lying with her kids! She given birth the day before
yesterday. Four healthy kittens, two brown gray tabby like Sebastian and
two ginger white like herself. One boy and one girl in each colour. Damn!
Tess had designer kids!

Tess didn't mind my picking them up for a few seconds. She was relaxed,
looking every bit the queen she is. Tiny little ones, eyes closed, warm
bodies. Sebastian sitting in the big chair watching me make over his
babies, he got a hug.

Carla's boy Charlie had helped in the birth and took some snaps. It had all
gone very well fortunately! Kids and mom were safe and well! Dr. Crawford
had been by, he gave them a going over. They were pronounced perfect little
babies.



Knee up and we headed south. Sunny at school so the dressage arenas were
empty. It was early so Freddie hadn't come down to the training tracks
yet. Up the slope to warm up the muscles, I asked Pamela for some speed
before the railroad and again after. A great gallop to the lock. The lock
man waved, I heard `nice hat' from him. I waved back.

Roy was setting up. "Miss Martin, that's a swell hat! Very smart looking."

I thanked him and wished him success with the fish. We walked over all the
water to the west bank then up once more we ran quickly along the shore. As
we detoured around the ugly houses we came to the southern end of the two
big fields we had just bought. I could see that Security had been over
here. Signs posted.

We followed the south boundary of the fields which aimed us over to Archie
and Margy's house. We rode past on the road to more fields I turned us
north. Asking for speed Pamela rewarded me right away. On the dirt road we
swept along a fast rate in a single file group. Pamela out running the boys
easily, I didn't pull her up until we neared the Industrial Estate.

We eased over to the river path to the lock. Once in Sandford's `downtown'
I steered us to Mr. Hardy's place. He heard us clip-clopping on the road
and popped out. We exchanged greetings, he was well.

My hat was admired. He has a great nephew who was indeed a RCMP officer and
he had a snap of him in his dress uniform somewhere. The same hat! Yes! He
would be up for dinner tomorrow!



Going south to home we rocked it covering the the distance very rapidly. We
waved to Dan Senior going by.

Freddie was on the track with a couple of horses and Diana as we trotted
beside the fence. He was doing well. Our BlackStar had won both his
races. Going away this last one. Freddie said he was very strong and he
thought would do some growing over the winter.



I made a visit to Asda and Hathai. They both were in Asda's stall hanging
out. Kisses and hugs for them. A couple of mints went away fast!

I stopped to caress Tess and her kids again before going up to the
house. Gregory had several local farmers lined up for the kittens, we were
working on an exchange system to keep our cats from inter-breeding. They
would take some of ours, we theirs and some would be neutered by
Dr. Crawford. Gregory had a spreadsheet!



Carla was happy to see me. "Did Mr. Carter mention Maxine to you yet?"

My `no' got me `some talk Is needed' Okay. "Miss, she's been helping or
working here since you left. She's quite a good baker for someone so
young. She works hard, has a good mind to manage jobs and she's lively and
funny."

Well Maxine made an impression!

I got a pile of toast in the Breakfast Room as a supplement to my earlier
feeding! I sat with Gil and Tara munching. Carter came through to say he'd
had a talk with Cho about Maxine and Mr. Cho would like to see me after I
ate. Another Okay!



Cho grinned as I deposited a fresh cup coffee on the desk. He opened his
arms, I parked on his lap.

"So what's all this Maxine business?"

Cho kissed my cheek and got started. The police interviewed the mother who
indeed had been in hospital. Their impression was that she knew her new
husband had beaten Maxine. She wanted Maxine to be home and back at
school. The step-father had been arrested, interviewed under caution and
bailed the next day.

Social Services had interviewed both of them and had come to Harcourt
House. They spoke to Maxine. Carter insisted on being present. He said she
had told them what she had given me and a bit more. Maxine said the
step-father, Ralph, had tried to have sex with her. There was no actual sex
of any kind because she resisted and struck him with a pointed object and
blood had been shed. That was the day she left.

Cho shaking his head, "The police called Ralph back in and did a physical
exam finding a puncture wound on his shoulder where Maxine said she hit
him. So they charged him with assault and several other things. He's still
in their holding cells because he can't make bail and his wife won't help
after the sexual assault came to light."

"What is Maxine's current status?"

"She's with us. Social Services are content with her staying for now. Her
home is too unsettled especially if the step-father makes bail. They do
want to speak with you and I as the owners. She needs to complete her
school term. We have an appointment this afternoon at Gately School with
the Headmaster. I think we need to do this or send her home which isn't
likely to be good. Otherwise she goes into `care' which nobody wants."

I had no problem with helping Maxine, I liked her.

"So we try to get her work sent here so she avoids the problems at school?"

Cho shrugged, "I think that is the right approach. Either she's here or
not. We could have her driven over each day if we can't get it our way."

"Fine but her issues have to be addressed. If they insist on her attending
then we have to demand they take action."

I caressed Cho's face and my fingers slipped through that marvelous
hair. Kissing!



I worked with Gil until lunch. We had a few trips set. The day after
tomorrow we were flying to Frankfurt, visit the new building and see some
bankers who were friends with Cho. As he said, I do need to be involved
with the banking side to some degree. Cho was sure this was an easy
painless way to start. Well, I wasn't sure about that!

From Frankfurt we'd stop in Paris overnight. Montaigan said it would be
nice to see us. No problems.



I danced up the stairs. Washed. Black miniskirt with black stockings and
ankle boots. A white short sleeved cotton shirt with the black cardigan
over. Silver bits and Cho came to change and applied the `Joy'

He was in black and white too. A thin tie, black with small silver streaks
running diagonally.



Prasert drove us over to the Gately School in Bagley Wood. The Head met us
at the door and immediately recognized us and was DEFINITELY put on his
back foot. Odd, it wasn't like he hadn't been told our names.

In his office Maxine was front and centre without being there. He was
resistant to having her work prepared and sent off. I said we could have it
picked up.

He said she would benefit more in a school environment. I brought their
failure to protect her even after she had spoken to a deputy head.

I asked what he would do to protect her. `He'd speak to the staff and the
students involved would be talked to.'

I said how about we send one of our Security people to escort her around
the school.

He wasn't happy with us. He had no answers but we had more questions.

I guess I wanted to needle him when I asked if her school fees could be
refunded to her mother and she would go elsewhere.

Giving money back didn't seem to be one of his life's pleasures.

Cho pointed out if he was unable to do anything for Maxine it would appear
that the contract was being voided by him and so he owned money to Maxine's
mother. That wasn't balm to the irritation I caused.

He was fluttering his hands. Uriah Heep came to mind.

"Why don't you just agree to her work being prepared for her each week. A
car will come to collect it and bring the completed work to be
graded. Everything will be away from the school and... " I looked at Cho, a
wink, " And you won't make enemies of us."

Boy did that set off those hands fluttering again! There was some muttering
and eyes bulging but in the end he chose to be sensible. Damn! It was only
until the end of the term.

Maxine could sit for her GCSE's any time after the term end. She'd be
sixteen.

Cho shook his hand, "I will send a car over in the morning. Thank you."

I smiled and nodded towards him. What a weasel!

In the car we hugged and kissed. "That was fun. I've never been able to
enjoy meeting a school master much less annoying the hell out of him."

Cho was laughing, "Boy did you send a gust of wind up his ass with
`enemies' line! Classic! Perfect! I knew you were going to say something
grand!"

I leaned against him. We are a great team!



We got out on the drive by Harcourt Close. Holding hands we walked around
the site. The houses were going up nicely. The job supervisor had a big
smile, "We are ahead of schedule doing the framing and exterior work. The
interiors will slow things down with the finishing work."

We thanked him. I asked if the trees remaining had caused any problems.

"Nothing we couldn't easily work around, Miss."

I thanked him again for that. Cho grinning as we walked up to the house,
"We were right about that!"

Fist Bumps! And a kiss. Insisting on keeping all those trees would make a
huge difference in the whole project! When our folks moved in it would be
green and leafy!



Quick change so I could ride. Cho too!

Francis and Gil came with us. My buddy Rebel was ready! Cho on Max, Gil on
Lu, Francis and his favorite Scout were paired. We passed Sunny and
Charlotte working.

Sunny had an event this weekend so they were hard at it. She still
preferred we didn't go to see her yet. Okay.

The four of us rode south around the Sci Centre. Cho got chance to look at
the Denham School property from the outside, we talked about it as we
rode. It could only be a school of some sort given its physical layout.

I mentioned an idea that had been percolating about it being a multiple
purpose school. A coding academy and a cooking institute and an equestrian
school and a language school ... It was big enough to accommodate several
disciplines under its roof.

Cho liked that. He leaned over for a kiss. I saw Francis looking over at
me... A smile.

We finished circumnavigating the Sci Ctr and I challenged all to ride like
the wind! I urged Rebel, he was more than willing. We took off flashing
across the grass! Leaning down near his powerful body was awesome. We flew!

I was looking ahead and saw a flash up by the stables. The bright sun
hitting something. Rebel kept going I didn't want to slow down I finally
eased him as we approached the flat. The others were far back but coming
hard!

I steered over to Charlotte sitting on DD watching Sunny. Charlotte turned
quickly to smile. My niece moving through the big arena very precisely,
Prince stepping beautifully. Sunny was in command making my heart
happy. She was a teenage girl but she had a dream!

Cho and the other two closed up beside us. I put out my hand to Cho. He
captured it and squeezed!

Sunny made a last turn, moved to the end, saluted and then exited. Once she
was out Prince was urged. She came over smiling, "Charlotte, well?"

Charlotte grinning, "You nailed it!"

Sunny threw out her arms and yelled! I laughed because it wasn't very loud,
she didn't want spook the horses. Cool and thinking!



I took Sunny for a short ride to talk. She was very happy with her riding,
school was great and living here wonderful. All of the staff treated her so
well. She talked or texted or emailed with her mom and dad every day. Even
Artie kept in touch almost every day. Same for friends in Seattle. She was
looking forward to going to Seattle next month.

I said after we're back from Paris we'd go up to London for some
shopping. She giggly happy about that! Since it was the weekend we could
stay overnight. Yea! Yea! Done.



At the stable office Gregory had a huge grin, "Fay, you were really
moving. It was a treat to see."

He held up the binoculars, ah... the sun glint! Fist Bump!



I was going to wash but I found the book from the Managing Director at
Chalgrove. Audra had left it on my table in the dressing room. I opened the
brown paper wrapper. I sat in a robe flipping pages. Pictures, charts and
diagrams. I was wrong about Chalgrove. There had been some American bombers
but most of the activity had been photo-reconnaissance.

U.S. pilots flying very dangerous missions over enemy territory without
weapons... just cameras. They had to rely on their skills and speed. P-51's
and P-38's were the aircraft. Agile and very fast. It made me feel quite
amazed that those young men would challenge the Luftwaffe with no guns!

I had been there for an hour when Cho stuck his head looking for me. I got
him to sit for a minute. I sat in his lap with the book. I gave him a
précis.

A wave swept over me, I shuddered. Cho held me tight. I wanted to say
something but I didn't trust my voice for moment.

"Can we find out if there is any memorial to them at Chalgrove?"

A kiss, "Yes. You wash and I'll find out."

He took the book and sent me on my way.

I rejoined Cho in the office with an offer of tea. He pulled me next to
him, arm around my waist. I looked at the big iMac screen, a big
cross. "This is the war memorial in the village of Chalgrove, apparently
there isn't anything at the airfield."

Cho pointed the names of the fallen on the stone, twelve from World War I
and three from the second war. That told the tale of the two wars very
clearly.

He squeezed me, "What are you thinking?"

"That possibly near the entrance to the airfield there could a simple
marker about the men who flew so many dangerous missions and how important
the work was. Not anything huge. Maybe it's the multi-national in me."

I was kissed, "Let's talk to the Chalgrove folks, both the airfield and the
village. Then... " Arms outstretched... palms up!

I was good with that. I nudged Cho, "The lady from the Jane Austen House
has been in contact with Gil about our going down to meet them for an
official `thank you' for the donation."

"When? At Christmas time? We'd have more time."

I said I would get Gil to propose that. Good. Tea!



I was watching from the banquette as Sunny ate a piece of cake. It was one
of Maxine's works. A yellow pound cake iced in autumn colours with little
fallen leaves. A work of art. Maxine did the cake herself and got Sue's
help with the decorating. It was delicious. We took snaps before the
cutting.

Sunny and I went down to the kitchen to congratulate Maxine. She working on
bread for dinner. She got hugged. Sunny stayed to talk for a bit while
Maxine worked the dough.



My phone buzzed. Bill with new poll numbers from the American
election. Hillary was showing a twenty two point lead in the latest which
was done before we ran the bigot piece. That was our poll, several of the
others had a wider margin. He said our new one would be out in two days.

I told Bill that Reginé's team was showing another big uptick in support
on all social media. The comments and retweets were running massively in
our favor! She was doing some localized assessments especially in
traditionally Republican states to see what the impact is.

Bill was really pumped, "This is a huge Democratic lead!"

I hoped so. We rang off.

Cho motioned me over, parked beside my man I gave him my news. He was
delighted!



We had a `family' dinner! Us with Sunny, Gil and Francis. Carla led off
with vichyssoise with small cheese incrusted toasted bread triangles,
grilled salmon under a dill sauce, roasted almond green beans and potato
rounds, grilled asparagus in lemon sauce, cute little curved bread loaves
courtesy of Maxine.

Carter added a white Bordeaux sauvignon blanc from Pessac-Leognan! Lightly
chilled and about twenty years old from a small winery he knew. He knew
alright! It special for us to have his knowledge!



Afters in the Great Room. Espresso via Kendal a la Grandfather which always
pleased him. Amaretto. I sat on a sofa waving Francis over. I inquired
about the afternoon smile.

"Well... I was admiring your brains to be honest. The school... you thought
of a way to use it that was both unorthodox but eminently sensible. Having
disparate disciplines together... I wouldn't have thought of that but I
could immediately see it."

Cho and Gil sitting opposite grinning, Gil with a `beware I think there's
more coming' comment.

I leaned back to laugh, "You're right! I want photographers to come down
from London to teach a course or fashion designers too. Or other artisans
and craftsperson's. We could structure it in modules of four weeks or
less. Provide housing, feed them and even have night classes. I'm thinking
of students who are sixteen and up, they've done their GCSE's, not looking
for college... I think there are lots of teenagers like Maxine."

I could see they all were with me. Nice. Even Jaidee standing next to me
wagging his tail! Kiss!



In Cho's arms, naked, kissed, hugged. "My princess!"

I was tucked into bed with a warm Cho. Jaidee's chin on the edge of his
bed. Sweet sleep.



Awake! Wow! I popped from sleep like a jack-in-the-box. Jaidee was
happy. He sat on the runner in the bathroom while I did my usual's. Then in
my new riding clothes again I met Tara coming down. She agreed to ride
early with me to some new places.

Nan was in making things for the staff breakfast. We both got coffee and
scones, Jaidee did his business with Tara as I made his food. Nan said
she'd walk him down to the stables.

We met Thames on the lane, woofs and petting. I looked in at Tess. She was
sleeping with her crowd in a pile, Sebastian on the chair keeping
watch. Proud papa!



Pamela ready to run! Rascal surprised us with a loud nicker and some hoof
scraping. Okay big girl!

We were off I told Anthony in general about our possible route, he waved
with a mouthful of scone.

Southward we rode side by side. Tara was a good companion, quiet, letting
me think. The lock man said we're too early for Roy which made me
laugh. Over the Thames we stayed close to the river bank until we neared
the railroad then north beside the tracks. There were dry dirt roads
running more or less parallel which we used. In front there were tilled
fields we went on their verges going west and north to Thrupp Lane.

At the west edge of Radley we went beside White's Lane in a grassy space
more to the north. We used the lane as a guide, on our left was a large
school, quite extensive grounds. A sign said Radley College. I'd heard the
name somewhere but nothing else came to mind.

We kept northward on the grass beside the Kennington Road. We hadn't seen
many people so far, too early for even school children. After we passed the
college grounds I turned us into large fields going northeast toward
Sandford Lane. On the lane we walked under the elevated railroad to the
entry to the Industrial Estate.

Jeffery was just arriving at the office, we waved. He called out good
morning. We walked down to the construction area. Samuel's back to us we
approached. He smiled, "It is going very well Miss Martin."

"I hope...," I smiled too, "it meets your approval?"

He laughed loudly, "Miss you have given me my say in it so I am pleased."

I let him know we were happy to have his company here.



Tara leading we crossed the bridge to the lock. Dismounted waiting for the
pedestrians to cross. A man tried to get us to go ahead but we
demurred. The Sandford lock man knew me but wasn't as outgoing as the
Abingdon fellow. I did wave to him which he returned.

The people were looking at us which made Tara smile, "Fay, are we that odd?
Riders?"

"No, it's my hat." That brought laughter from her.

I laughed slipping it down my back as we walked the horses over, past the
pub and through the car park. We remounted Tara asked where the walkers
were going. I told her my guess was they'd get the bus into Oxford. We went
the other direction out the south end of the village. Pamela could see the
fence opening the grass beyond...

My girl leaped forward digging into the grass happily. She was galloping I
loved it! Tara had Rascal close but as we neared the Radley's Pamela was
asked... she surged ahead. Her strides lengthened further as she ran like
the wind. Tara and Rascal had fallen back as we raced across the flat land
alongside the river.

We drew close to the Fraser's I didn't see anyone, no matter they were
coming up for dinner. I could see the training areas were empty so there
was no slowing until the flat. Then we eased up and turned to look at the
finished cross-country obstacles.

Solid construction and they looked good to the eye. Tara trotted up to
look. She asked how the course was laid out. I gave her a tour.

"Are you going to jump them?"

I shook my head no. It wasn't how I liked to ride. I'd never been
interested in `eventing' just being out running with a favored horse.

Anthony smiling. Diana and Ethan took our friends off for a cool down and
wash up.



We both got coffee in the Breakfast Room. Cho sitting his newspaper smiling
over it at me. Kiss. I sat next to tell him about our ride.  The newspaper
cast aside so he could hold me! Yes! More kissing.

Sunny came in, a big grin. I stuck out my hand she grabbed it. She looked
cute in her school uniform. She loaded a plate and went to work. I kissed
them both before running off to clean up.



I was back to see Sunny run out the door waving. My `have a good day'
echoed in the hall. I grabbed some cake and coffee and headed to the
library. Work!

Gil joined me. She had a roughed out schedule for the Christmas Season and
penciled in the Jane Austen House for a day and an overnight in Froyle.

When we were back in Bangkok there were two business day trips. Alex would
be with me and Conrad from the microwave company. Cho and I wanted to go to
Phuket, me the beach, Cho maybe buy a golf course.



I plowed through all the reports, papers, etc... for The Company, the
Foundation, The Railroad, MTR and Fox! Damn! I needed Gil more than ever!!
She was laughing, "Fay, some of this is so deadly dull."

Fist Bump!



We broke for lunch! Carla had grilled cheese sandwiches! Hot, gooey
delicious cheddar cheese awesomeness! A pile of chips with catsup or
mayonnaise. A tray of cake slices and cookies. I pretended to grab the
whole thing and run off. There where loud Noooooooo's. I put it back but
loaded a plate!



After lunch I went back to work. If I was going on a trip tomorrow it had
to be completed. I felt good with it in another two hours or so. I rounded
up Gil and Tara for a ride.



A call from Michael, he and Karla were back! She was doing great! I said
we'd get together in a few days when we were up in town. Okay!



Sunny had breezed through the library to say she was home from school and
heading down to work with Charlotte. I was dressing to ride this time in
all black!

We passed them working before going up the slope. I waved to Kate as she
rode north towards the flat.

We went around her house her father called out a hello. After I took us
east towards the Oxford Road, over that went on to the A4074. Once beyond
it we were on the land we had acquired many months earlier.

I saw Tom Radley working with a crew and some farming equipment. We stopped
briefly they were preparing to plant this part of the acreage in winter
wheat. Tom gave me a short bit about the how's and why's. It was nice. I
thanked him. He said he'd see me later. Right! We were hosting dinner!

We headed on north going west of Little Baldon aiming for Baldon Lane. Once
there we went west back toward the village crossing the A4074 again and
going up Harcourt House Drive. I called `come on' we galloped around the
house to the north down the hill to the lane that crossed between the
paddocks. Back to the stables lane passing by the covered training circle
and breeding room.



I walked down to see Asda and Hathai in their paddock. They were at the far
end but looked up as I opened the gate. Asda whinnied and rushed over with
his lady in his wake. Hugged them both. I was struck again how beautiful
they were, lustrous golden red. So shiny in the sun's rays.

Hathai leaning on me while Asda went through my pockets! I surrendered my
mints! Our golden lady was showing the foal inside now. A growing bulge.

The Dr. Crawford's came down, they sat on the fence. The younger had had a
look at Hathai, she was doing very well. His uncle smiling, "Your new mare
shipping in soon has quite the pedigree. Is it to be Asda she'll be sent
to?"

"That's the starting idea but we want them to meet and see how that goes."

We talked horses and kittens. The older Dr. Crawford was laughing about
Gregory's cat spreadsheet, "He likes barn cats. It is a sensible thing to
do and not hard. There's plenty of cats around to exchange."



We stood in the wide doorway of their satellite clinic we were building. It
was on the end of a stable row with good access by vehicle or horse. An
X-Ray space was included. They were pleased.



Cho and I were pleased with all the construction in the stables. Lots of
new stalls, much improved heating systems, the covered training circle, the
breeding house, more storage. All the new apartments for staff, the second
kitchen and staff lounge slash dining room were ready to open. Carla had
hired new cooks and other staff, they had trained at the main kitchen.

The staff would get the same menu as the Big House staff lounge in a
comfortable room and they wouldn't have to worry about their boots because
there was a mud room with boot and coat racks and slippers.



Our guests sipping drinks in the Great Room. The Radley's, all five, the
littlest was so sweet looking. The four Fraser's, Dr. Lone and his wife,
The two Drs. Crawford and Mrs. Crawford, The Thorn's, Kate with other three
of her family and Mr. Hardy. I had suggested a buffet to Carla and she set
Marandi loose!

Maxine learned how to make pakoras, samosas and naan! Carla with these
buffets in mind bought a tandoor oven and they did fish and shrimp in
it. We had lots of things to go with the seafood, biryani rice, samosas,
pakoras, a veggie curry casserole, a mango paneer dish, garlic naan, and a
fruity tapioca pudding!



Our village friends had big smiles when they saw what was laid out on the
sideboards! We all dug in big time. I loaded up a plate and went back for a
separate one for naan and samosas. A Newcastle was delivered by Cho! A kiss
in payment.

It was sit wherever at the table. I had Sunny on my right, Mrs. Lone on my
left, Mr. Thorn, the younger Dr. Crawford and Tom Radley opposite. There
was talk of horses, naturally but also school and cabbages, winter wheat
and flowers. I told them about the garden at the Forest Palace with help
from Sunny. The new mare coming and her pedigree.

I found out how winter wheat was good for the ground and what Mrs. Lone
expected from their vegetable garden over the winter. Sunny was ready for
her event on the weekend and really really ready for a shopping trip to
London.

I made a re-fill trip and one more for a bowl of the pudding. I was good
with one beer but espresso after! We all sat around the Great Room, I
shared a settee with Mr. Hardy. We decided on a SPI Quad Game so it would
be short, Cemetery Hill. It was part of the second day of the three day
battle of Gettysburg which was pivotal in the American Civil War.

He and Greg were still planning their game for the Christmas
visit. Mr. Hardy had copied the rules for that one so I could read them. I
was being sneaky... I also had a copy of `Bar Lev' and was preparing to do
a bit of kibitzing. Of course the last time I opened the game I was
probably fifteen.

I slipped on a mac to be at the door to say goodnight to everyone. The
evening was quite chilly. Cho gave Sunny a piggyback ride up the stairs
with three of us laughing watching him go! Jaidee chasing them.

It was an early rise morning tomorrow.



The weather might slightly warm to cool so I chose the soft gray tweed
pants, low waisted, a white silk long sleeved blouse, black ankle boots and
a black wool blazer. Silver bits of jewelry, `Joy' of course. Some black
leather gloves in case with a small black leather bag.

Cho in one of his totally cool black suits, white shirt and silver gray
tie! Simple, elegant and sexy!

Francis in black looking terrific and Gil in a black light wool jersey
dress, long sleeves and snug, black heels. We looked wonderful!

It was still dark as we rolled up to Chalgrove. Paulette at the door of the
Gulfstream, Derry at the controls. Paulette said we were ready so we all
sat and strapped in. We taxied and took off immediately. A big turn to
starboard heading southeast. In fifty minutes we were on approach to
Frankfurt.

On the ground we parked at the northwestern end. A big black Mercedes
waiting on the tarmac. Our driver said it would about twenty five minutes
to the address we wanted. Out on a dual carriageway we zoomed along
shifting motorways several times then on city streets to the
Untermainbrücke which gave us a view of downtown.

We turned onto Kaiserstrasse and stopped in front of our building. At the
door Herr Bucher met us. He was the building manager for the property
management company. We got a tour of the whole place. The office on the
first floor we would use had a nice reception area, a good sized work room
and a group of private offices. Maybe more than we would need but it was
fine.

We learned about the tenants while we sat to have a coffee in the little
café on the ground floor. Herr Bucher knew them all quite well. Some had
been here for fifteen years when the building opened.

Herr Bucher was surprised we all could speak German, he recognized us by
our names but wasn't overawed which we appreciated! He was glad there were
to be no big changes in the way he managed the building and the tenants
would go on as usual.

He understood our Security would be here shortly to go over the whole
building and some different but not onerous procedures would be put in
place. We hoped it would be mostly transparent to tenants.



We had a luncheon booking at the Restaurant Français down the
street. The two bankers would meet us there, Beck and Hoffmann. Cho had
done business with them at Commerzbank for several decades and he wanted me
to meet them.



Eve calling... I picked up. She and Ku would be at Chalgrove tomorrow
morning should they come to Harcourt Home or Basuto Road? I said Harcourt,
we'd be back there by noon. She said she was pumping right now for the
babies. I laughed at the thought. Eve giggled.



We walked the short bit to the restaurant. The day was warm, sun shining,
we had a table in the courtyard. I got to meet the two `solid burghers' as
Cho described them, Herr's Beck and Hoffmann. Both appeared to be in their
late forties, nicely dressed, and trim figures unlike the stereotypic
German banker from the past.

I found out both were athletic, one rowed, the other was a horseman. Herr
Beck, the rider and I started in right away on horses. He lived on an old
family place north of Oberdorfelden where he had room to ride. He'd done
equestrian events when much younger but preferred the pleasure of being
alone with his horses riding freely.

I mentioned I felt much the same. He certainly understood my rides around
Harcourt House. I said Francis had recently taken to riding was seeming to
be really liking it. Francis agreed. While he did have the obligatory sore
muscles for a bit that phase was gone, he was enjoying himself thoroughly.

Ludwig had met Cho over a deal which Commerzbank and one of Cho's banks
were underwriting probably twenty two years ago.

"We have stayed in touch, done other deals, exchanged information as
bankers are wont to do and a few bits of business gossip."

He laughed, "Years ago we unknowingly came into a deal on opposite sides,
we had a phone call about something else and we each asked about the ethics
of the deal from our own perspectives. Then found out from the conversation
we were both in and it could be dirty. We backed out."

Cho and Erich Hoffmann were listening now. Cho smiling, "Ludwig and I were
very unhappy with our respective clients over that and dropped them
subsequently. No amount of money is worth compromising your business or
personal ethics."

Erich smiling, "We like to make money and we want to keep on doing
so... Much harder if you are not wholly trusted."

I stuck out my fist... he wasn't sure what to do... Ludwig laughed, "Your
sons are too old."

He bumped my fist... we laughed. Eric extended his fist and we bumped!
Laughing all around.

They were pleased we bought a building nearby although the reason, Brexit,
still bewildered them. Us too!

Ludwig suggested we stay with his family at some point and we could
ride. Cho and I made the same offer to him and Eric.

It was a good lunch, I liked the two bankers and they seemed to
reciprocate. They said it was great to meet the woman who caught Cho! We
all had a chuckle over that. My first brush with the `banking' side a
success!



Off to the airport, we had a bunny hop to Le Bourget. In less than an hour
we were parked next to a hangar off the Rue de Prague at the north end of
the airfield.

Out onto the N2 heading south, we went on the Boulevard Périphérique
going southeast around Paris until the Cours de Vincennes where we
exited. Around the Place de La Nation to Rue Faubourg Saint-Antoine, we
spun through Place de La Bastille to Boulevard Henri IV leaving that onto
Rue Saint-Louis en L'Isle once over the bridge. Two left turns and we were
in front of the Quai de Bethune house.



In his sitting room Montaigan greeted us like very old friends. A hug and
kiss for us both. We wanted to see the new office and asked if he would
like a walk with us then dinner at Brasserie de l'Isle Paris?

A big `Qui' when we told him where, "It is a good stretch of the legs."

We crossed over Pont de Tournelle, Tara in front knowing where we were
going, PJ beside me and Rande over next to Cho. Montaigan in between us
with Ansara bringing up the rear behind Gil and Francis.

Montaigan set the pace but no worries he was strong and we moved right
along. We walked under the riverside trees down the Quai la Tournelle to
the Rue des Bernardins. Down the block to our building. At the door, Pierre
met us. He was a partner in the law firm upstairs and helped bring the
building to our notice.

Their firm assisted us in the purchase and he had taken in hand all the
keys and he had our limited real estate power of attorney. We got a tour,
meeting a few of the commercial tenants, not bothering the apartment
dwellers. The chocolatier gave us a few samples. I tried their white
chocolate which was excellent! Though I thought the young couple who
supplied Champignon D'Or made better, I didn't say so. I did buy a pound of
white chocolate squares for later!

We sauntered along going back towards the river, looking in shop windows. I
did step into da Zavola to see if it changed, it hadn't. We stopped to look
and snap the great view of the back and west side of Notre Dame! The huge
circular rose window and flying buttresses part of a world famous monument
that seemed from our viewing angle still in a Renaissance Paris.

For our Security folks it was really something amazing like the last walk
to the restaurant. We crossed the Pont Saint-Louis to the brasserie. The
owners knew we were coming as Montaigan had rung them. They were pleased to
see us again. They had booked several tables outside on the Quai de
Bourbons. We had a nice corner in the late day sun.

I went in to the bar for an espresso as last time. The same co-owner there,
Alain. I got the little white cup and saucer with a double shot. Sipping
talking food. He said the haddock was very good today.

He stopped our waiter, Thierry, so I could make my choices. The fresh
tomato salad, cheese omelette, the haddock, the Alsace Munster cheese and
the Vert Sorbet. He scribbled smiling.

Cho would chose the wine. Alain admired my French, "You have lived here?"

"Briefly about eight years ago but I have a facility with languages which I
was gifted by my parents."

We spoke about cooking, he liked to but here the chef wouldn't allow him in
the kitchen. We laughed over that. "But it is his domain... He is very good
and I do not want to annoy him."



This time no eager Americans bothered us. We had a marvellous
dinner. Montaigan told us a few stories about the house. His father like
himself was born in the same room where he now sleeps as we would soon. His
grandfather was born in one of the rooms one floor up.

They had died elsewhere as he expected to do. He had been the man of the
house since 1958 when his father was killed in Algeria fighting the
rebels. He had been the commander of Foreign Legion parachute regiment out
in the Bled chasing guerrillas. During World War II his family had been
separated for years. His father captured in the Debacle of 1940, escaped
back to France, then went underground into `Combat' one of the Resistance
groups.

He himself been in the army for many years, it was a family tradition
dating back into the Bourbon dynasty. He had seen combat in Africa and done
a lot of guard work in the remaining colonies. He is the end of the family,
his selling us the house was putting an end to it for him.

I had his hand, "While we aren't family we will take care of the house."

I repeated our welcome to Montaigan to come and stay whenever he wanted. I
kissed his cheek. We walked back to Quai de Bethune for after dinner
drinks. Cho had brought along a bottle of the Remy Martel Louis
XIII. Montaigan's eyes lit up and he brought out a tray of glasses with
Francis' help.

The bottle opened and snifters filled. I took a small amount. We were in
the big sitting room with the balcony doors open, a slightly chilled
evening breeze that felt good and muted sounds wafted in. I watched
everyone enjoy their drink and went around with small plates from the
kitchen with white chocolate squares for each.

Aaaahhhh they could enjoy both together like I had at Gerald's
prompting. Montaigan was enjoying it! Gil smiling remembering her taste at
Gerald's.



Cho and I used one of the bedrooms on the third floor opposite the master
suite, Gil the other. Francis and Security on the floor above. One was on
rotated duty through the night as the building hadn't been secured. Four
hours on then to sleep.

I was awake early and took Tara with me to the boulangerie around the
block. We bought a half dozen loaves and shopped for butter and fruit at a
small grocery. I cut the loves and Tara and Gil helped me butter them, into
the oven. Francis did the fruit. I made coffee.

Montaigan came down to the breakfast table with a huge smile.

"I could smell the coffee!"

All of us sitting or standing around the kitchen, toasted loaf quarters
slightly brown buttery delicious, coffee bowls and a choice of
fruit. Smiles all around.



When we were ready to leave Montaigan took Cho and I into the study.

"I want you to know that I am proud to have met you both and honoured you
will live here. I am old with no loved ones left... " he had a tear,
"...please enjoy the house as we have."

I pulled out a Cho-Fay handkerchief, offering it to him. He smiled and
accepted, wiping his eye. He smelled the `Joy'

"My wife so loved this scent... I can never forget."

I asked him to keep the handkerchief and explained the embroidery when he
asked. He smiled at me, taking my hand and Cho's. I kissed his cheeks. He
and Cho hugged.

Then he shooed us on, "Go, I am fine, just a few memories which is what I
have left."



We retraced our route to Le Bourget and Paulette had us airborne soon after
we buckled up. In forty five minutes Chalgrove was out the starboard side
windows as we made our approach from the north.

Prasert waiting. Eve and Ku were in-bound about three and half hours
out. He had a car for them. We rolled up the drive onto the forecourt to
see Carter waiting. Smiles and a Fist Bump!

Reg and Rona with Eric and Malee were here already. Ting and Andrea arrived
earlier than them. Babies upstairs! MFA, Caroline Jian and Anne Malee!
Ellie must be thrilled. We went up to visit them. MFA sticking out an arm
as the other clung to a chair. I scooped her up, she giggled, holding on to
me.

I kept her in my arms to greet Caroline and Anne. A nursey full of happy
babies. Our two would be here in two months.



Cho and the guys were going to play golf. He had an invite to play at the
Oxfordshire Golf Club over past Milton Common, the other side of the
M40. They all mounted up and us ladies wished them a good game waving at
the departing cars.



I went to change so I could ride before Eve and Ku arrived. Down the stairs
to the Breakfast Room where everyone had gone, I let them know I wouldn't
be gone long. Gil had work and Francis went to his office. Tara came with
me.



Pamela was ready as was Rascal. We went down the grassy lane to the
flat. Charlotte waved, she was waiting on her two older students. Tara and
I warmed up our horses then a good gallop. We worked our way around the Sci
Centre towards Denham School. I saw Mr. Richards on the parameter looking
at something with a workman. I waved to him. He called out a hello which I
responded to as loud as I could.

We kept going around the Sci Ctr. we walked over the railroad on the
Station Road bridge then back to grass. We passed between the Centre and
Clifton Hampden going north now all the way back to the flats at
speed. Rascal ran very strongly alongside Pamela. Big smiles on us..

Charlotte's pair had arrived and were working. She would be off with Sunny
tomorrow morning for another event. Charlotte was confident in Sunny's
abilities.

Freddie was there when I handed Pamela to Anthony.

He said he and Monaco had been talking about BlackStar and thought he
should run here on grass. He seemed more at home that surface. I was good
with that. We'd have at least three horses running in the varied three year
old highest level races across North America next year. With our
pregnancies and yearlings we'd average six to eight horses in top flight
races the next few years... after that even more.



I was at the door when Ku and Eve rolled in. Huge hugs! Eve in my arms,
"Fay delicious!" We all were laughing about it all.

I wanted to talk with them before we joined the others in the Breakfast
Room for tea. Sitting the Great Room an arm around Ku's slender waist I
brought up my idea what she could do in New York while Eve setup and ran
our new computer centre.

"We want you to be the Chanthira Foundation coordinator for our
participation LGBTQ activities across America."

Big eyes... Ku was going to say something but I forestalled her, "It means
you will have some travel... And deal with Jian about Chanthira Health
Clinics, report to the Foundation board and all the daily bits and pieces."

Those dark eyes on mine, they had a soft loving look, "Fay, I haven't been
a big mixer or a boss before now. Am I the right one?"

"Yes! We want a nice, likeable person who knows us and speaks from within
herself. You will be in contact with established groups, some politicians
and donors. We will support you all the way. We will get you some staff and
an office in the same building as Eve."

I turned to look at Eve... she had a smile, "You thought of this already?"

I said YES! Cho and I wanted Ku. I gave them a précis of the plan to
donate money to LGBTQ shelters and add health clinics in three cities. They
got that some money was in the hands of New York shelters and Ku would work
with them. She and Jian had to make a plan for clinics.

"Ku, we love you! This is an new venture for us and we want our love to be
shared with those who need it by someone who knows us."

A kiss on her cheek, "Now you two need to talk about it. No need to answer
today. You'd be busy, as I said some travel as we want to include Los
Angeles and Seattle. There would also be some media exposure. So you have
to be Okay with being seen as an out lesbian."

Those dark eyes smiling at me, "I am not fearful of being labelled... I
have Eve and all my friends behind me!"

YES! I hugged her, Eve climbed onto us. We lay on the small sofa in pile
laughing and kissing!

From under them I asked if that was a yes?

Ku's cheek against mine, "Yes!"

Okay! We got upright to talk some more. Going to London Saturday morning,
Fulham match, shopping, Sunny coming down after she did her `event,'
shopping Sunday! Monday, Eve would be at The Company to participate in new
computer centre planning, Ku to sit with Francis to go over our financial
support for the LGBTQ shelters, with me and Cho for our overall planning,
Ku would establish email connections to the shelter folks I had spoken to
already... Ku was grinning over all that.

We laughed as I added that Gil was getting names from the New York folk of
Los Angeles and Seattle shelter people to make a start connecting to
them. I told Ku she could use the top floor office at The Company and get
help from Angela.

I could see she was excited about it! Good! FOOD!

Eve squeezing me, "The Fay... always looking for food!"



In the Breakfast Room, Rona, Malee and Andrea got to meet the
`co-ordinator!' They all cheered her! We sat down to as Ku noted `a heavy
destruction of sweet treats Fay is widely known to do!'

After the marvellous feeding we all walked up to the third floor to be with
the babies for a while. It was terrific to see Malee holding little Anne. A
beauty. We had all girls here and I wondered how Charlie was going to do
surrounded by all of them.

Everybody laughing, most saying he would be made over so much! When Rak2
and Suchart were here at Christmas the odds would be better.



My phone buzzed with a text from Cho... Stars in a row! A big check next to
a golfer... Okay I think I get it. They were heading home!



I changed to a black skirt, white long sleeved shirt and red knit jumper
vest, black ankle boots and silver bits! All the ladies had changed into
like clothes, casual but cute!

At the door as the golfers drove in. Cho stepped out with a smile and open
arms... which I filled with me!

Reg, Eric and Ting each got a hug too. Their ladies sharing hugs all
around! The golfers went up to wash and change. In the Great Room we got
drinks organized, meaning scotch. Kendal had two bottles of Lagavulin 25
out at my suggestion.

He was ready to pour when the `golfers' trooped in. Cho looked over at me,
a blown kiss. He helped pass the whisky along so each had theirs. We ladies
had various drinks from Campari to fruit juice for our nursing mom's to
raise to toast the guy golfers. Cheers to everyone!

Mingling, talking. I sniffed Cho's glass... a heady brew! So dark like
dirt!

We were around the fireplace as the day grew quite chilly with sun nearly
gone. Ting grinning across from me, "Well if no one wants to tell I
will..."

I looked my question... He started with a motion towards Cho, "Do you sense
the supressed excitement? The caged lion there..." His hand motioning again
to a very relaxed looking Cho, "... Well he did his roaring on the golf
course today. A 63! On a tough course!"

Cho was smiling, "it was a nice course."

Eric laughed, "Sure you would think so after what you did to it!"

Cho was laughing quite hard, "Well for the ladies sake let's not."

"Damn," popped out of Reg, "Cho give'm the highlights."

I put out my hand and drew Cho down by me, keeping the hand.

Cho kissed my cheek, "Okay. The first hole robbed me so I took my revenge
on the rest."

Ting laughed, "Go on tell it right."

Cho's putt for birdie on the first rimmed out of the hole because the edge
had been mashed down by someone stepping on the edge. They'd try to fix it
but it was too damaged. They reported it to the clubhouse and So...

He nearly had a hole-in-one on the second, a par three, his tee shot
sliding by VERY close. On the fourth he played short of huge bunker that
was across the fairway, "I was about one foot from the rough. I shocked the
caddy by pulling out my two wood. It was a good lie and I gave it a good
swing. I got all of the ball very smoothly. The poor man was off to the
side watching as it flew straight on, it must have hit some firm ground for
the bounce was terrific. Then he was yelling `fore' frantically. My ball
rolled to a stop on the green edge about fifteen feet short of the hole."

He was grinning, "All these guys were slack jawed," his hand pointing to
the guys who all laughed.

Ting laughed, "Well you were the only one who wasn't gob smacked! All the
caddies were amazed, stunned more like it!"

Cho started again, "We walked around that monster sand trap, I kept going
to mark my ball. The players on the green all shook my hand, they'd never
seen or heard of anyone reaching the green in two."

Eric put in, "The woman in the group gave Cho some looking over I must
say!"

I dug an elbow into his ribcage with a laugh.

Cho grinned, "She wasn't my type!"

Cho got his eagle! Then several pars and a birdie. On the back nine, "I
began with several pars then the fourteenth I almost eagled it when my
approach stopped three feet short. Fifteen was a birdie on an easy par
three. Seventeenth was interesting, it's a bit weird. A long par five with
a lake that creates two fairways. I had a big drive near the water and
played my second over the water to a space between two bunkers, it bounced
onto the green. The flag was on the left down the slope I had a eleven
footer uphill which rolled in for eagle."

"Okay put everyone out of their misery, finish," from Reg.

Ting waving his hands, "The last hole had my caddy behind me saying some
unrepeatable things but all basically wishing Cho's second shot to go in!"

"I had a good spot with my drive, only one hundred yards or so to the
green's front edge. I used a wedge lifting the ball up as the pin was on
the edge of the middle level of a three level green. It dropped beyond the
the flag and drew back...and back... And Back... it stopped about nine
inches from the cup. A tap in for a 63."

Eric shaking his head, "We all played fairly well, Reg was the best of us
at ten over par."

Reg said the club folks who had given Cho the invite had heard about his
round with Adam Declare at the Drayton Park course. They were shocked at
Cho's round on their course which they think is tough.

"Well Cho disabused them of that feeling today," Reg shaking his head like
he had the first day I walked back into his life as `Fay' in his office.

I hugged all the golfers before we went in for dinner. Unbeknownst to me
Ellie had made place cards with autumn scenes, lovely things! The
centrepiece was an autumn display of leaves and greenery. Simple and
tasteful! Charming!

A lovely dinner with good friends. Our dessert was a large cake shaped like
a maple leaf, beautiful colours like it had just fallen still gorgeous gold
reddish that was going brown. The edges were brown. It was a combination of
Sue and Maxine! We had them in for praise! Maxine with a slightly lopsided
grin.

A delightful time after in the Great Room talking. Jaidee laying by the
fire looking so gorgeous, lustrous brown fur shining!



Cho leaning against the door of my Dressing Room, we were talking about
business. Funny how we had these conversations all over the house. Who did
we like and trust to be `sponsors' of Harcourt Racing? We needed to decide
before the end of the year so next season's racing materials could be
readied.

In bed on my back with a `Cho' on top... kissing!! Very nice... before
sleep.



Dressing in the morning an idea popped into my head... Fox Sports as a
sponsor? Or 21st Century Fox?  I emailed it to Cho so he'd see when he woke
up.

Jaidee with me, food for us then a walk down to the stables. Cormac was the
early person today, he got the hot scone. A big thank you!

Pamela and I were off!. South up the slope was the warm up then I asked
Pamela for speed we turned toward Denham School and around the Sci Ctr and
back to Harcourt land. Then Pamela gave me her speed all the way home!!

The chilly morning became HOT with her power carrying us across the
grass. Terrific! I slowed to a walk to do a cool down, we toured all the
new bits we'd built for Sunny. Equestrian Ventures had done their work very
well!

I visited with Asda and Hathai for a while. They had been running along the
fence of their paddock when I stuck my head above the fence. A loud whinny
from Asda when he saw me. They came over to me at the gate. I had mints and
they got them from me!



Cho and I wished Sunny good luck out front as she and Charlotte drove off
for her event over past Chipping Norton. A horse trailer with Prince and
Zephyr followed them down the drive, Anthony as driver and groom. He
pointed to his riding companion, Yvonne, going along for some experience.



Inside for us. Cho sat with me in the office, I grabbed one of the big
leather chairs. "So what about the ethics of some part of Fox sponsoring
us?"

"Let's get the lawyers looking and send an email to the Board to get their
thoughts. We do need to go beyond one sponsor so... keep the thinking cap
on."

I sat upright then walked over to the desk next to Cho I rested my hand on
an item on the desktop, "What about asking them?"

Cho grinned, "Well it isn't like we don't use their things every day! Call
the New York attorney's office Monday. Wait... call Sam in a few hours,
they'll be up soon over there. It's not his speciality but he'll know
someone."

Fist bumps!



We got in the cars for Basuto Road. It was short of noon when we rolled to
a stop in front of the house. Standing there Cho's hand in mine. How many
times had I gone in through that door in my BF days? All my feelings were
post BF... They were all Fay... nothing left of the past life. A very
strange thing almost like having the weirdest amnesia.

Cho kissed my cheek sensing my thoughts, "It's a home again... for us!"

We were all casually dressed, jeans and jackets or jumpers. The sun was
doing a peekaboo thing, I added a jacket.

We walked over to Craven Cottage for a Fulham home tie against Norwich
City. Always a good game. A visit to a football ground was first for Eve
and Ku. Sitting in the box looking east across the pitch seeing all the
Fulham faithful as the sun came to bathe the stands in yellow light.

Warm-ups began, we could re-connect players with numbers. Cho and I shared
a fish and chips lunch as the match started. Fulham pressing from the
beginning, deep in the Norwich end. Excellent ball movement by the
Cottagers. They kept possession for some time before a superb pass sent the
left wing in on goal the right back tried to intervene but was too
late. The winger got his shot off by a fraction of a second... low and
hard, the keeper dove but it slid passed his outstretched glove.

One nil to Fulham! A fine goal with a lot of build-up in the first twenty
minutes. Norwich with the ball came forward but they lost control . Back
went Fulham to the Norwich end. Again ball control working it
around... pressing... pressing Then three quick passes had a defender
overplay the ball's movement and the right middle fielder struck a huge
shot that beat the keeper high and away.

Two nil to Fulham. Norwich tried to get one back in a flurry of activity. A
great effort by a defender broke up a pass and terrific ball forward sent
Norwich wildly falling back as Fulham controlled until the half.

Cho was loving this. Gil and Francis did a food run! We got another big
pile of chips! Yes! Munching as the second half began.

Norwich had a good spell but Fulham didn't a yield goal and went on the
attack. A long period of control again was the build-up a third goal from
four corners in a row. Norwich had sent the ball repeated out behind but
this time a mid-fielder was unmarked and headed it home.

Three nil to Fulham. There was twenty minutes left. Fulham made two subs
and Norwich two. Then was some end to end play with a few shots on goal but
no real threats from either side. With timing running down Norwich sent in
its last substitution. He picked up the tempo for Norwich but the Fulham
defense wasn't having any today. Every attack was blunted and a breakaway
was nearly the fourth goal. The Norwich man in the net made a terrific
save.

Time was up on a good Fulham win in what I thought was a well-played
match. Very few fouls and only one Yellow Card. Excellent play all
around. A pleasure to watch. Go Cottagers!

We had a nice stroll back home. Sunny texted in the middle of the second
half she was on the way so we didn't have long to wait for her. Hugs at the
front door. She dropped her things in the bedroom and we wandered out to
eat.

A half dozen blocks over to King's Road to Vicino. A fine Italian
restaurant. Gil had asked earlier for the banquette corner and the next few
tables. We were in and ready!

Cho went straight to wine. Several bottles of Vino Nobile di Montepulicano
dotted the table. Very nice, a slight peppery and wood cask taste. Rich!

Several orders of Bruschetta Pomodoro were quickly eaten, for me a salad
then Rigatoni Quattro Formaggi e Tartufo, four cheeses and rigatoni with
truffle bits. Cho went for a House Special Spaghetti all'Aragosta, a whole
lobster in garlic, chile red sauce. We shared a Gamberoni in Padella, big
prawns in butter, lemon and garlic with the table.

Sunny was hungry! She had some bruschetta and some prawns to start, a salad
and the grilled seabass! A glass of one quarter wine and the rest
water. She felt very grown up with us.

We had a toast to Sunny for getting another Second Place in a much more
advanced group. At thirteen she had been three years younger than the other
riders. They all had been competing for years rather than a few months like
her. Charlotte was over the moon!

Her call to me was filled with fulsome praise of Sunny. She said my niece
was working very hard and there was one more competition near the end of
November. Sunny would come with us to California, a few days in Seattle
then back to Harcourt house to work on everything before the meet. A nice
reward for her efforts.

Good food, nice pleasant atmosphere, excellent service, a good dinner. Low
key. We walked home happy.



I tucked Sunny in for the night with a kiss. She was having a `smashing
time' her last words.



Rolls in oven and I scrambled eggs for us all. Sunny poured juice and her
milk. Ku cut up the fruit. Smells making me more hungry! Coffee!

We figured out the day for us all.

Cho was going back to Harcourt House shortly to round up the guys for
golf. Sunny and I were going shopping. Gil too! Brompton Road then Oxford
Street with a possible stop in Carnaby Street just for fun.

The plan: get Sunny a few dresses, shoes and doodads. Get me a few basics
for the various wardrobes. Gil wanted some shoes.

I chose a black miniskirt, cut-off white T-shirt, black and red checked
flannel shirt over with black ankle boots. Silver bits and `Joy' in Cho's
choice of locations!



Kisses for Ku who said she was going back to bed. Big eyes from Sunny. We
laughed. Francis was staying with her at Basuto Road to go over the
financials and other bits for her new role in the Chanthira Foundation.

Ku had spoken with Kavnu, who was PO'd at me for poaching her, she
recommended he grab Li after Kamol was back full time. Kavnu thought it a
splendid idea although Udorn might not. A lot of laughter over all that
manoeuvring.



First stop was to see Karla at home in Cottesmore Gardens in Kensington. It
had been Michael's aunt's place which he recently got in her will. Nice
little place that got a lot of afternoon sun and had shady piece at the
bottom of the garden.

We got to meet Melody the tuxedo cat.  What a sweetie! She had the cutest
face and loved attention. Big purrs!

Karla was doing great. She would see Dr. Sanporam's consulting doctor
tomorrow. No problems. While everyone was making over Melody I was pulled
outside.

"Fay, I can't thank you enough for everything you and Cho have done for
me. For us!"

I hugged her, "You doing well and being you is all we need to pay us back!
You are a sister now."

A big squeeze at the door, a bit of my red lipstick on her cheek.



Then Harrods for a few things at the Christmas Shop and clothing. A cute
dress for Sunny as a start, a light olive green, long sleeves, cut like a
shirt to mid-thigh. A narrow belt of darker olive. She looked great in it,
it was awesome for her colouring.

She got a pair of light brown ankle boots to go with the dress. A small
light brown leather bag with a slender strap. Big smile!

Over at Harvey Nichols I saw several things I liked. A warm toned red dress
long to mid-calf, slender close to the body shape widening a bit below the
knees, sleeveless. Looking in the mirror I really loved this shape on me.

A skirt that hung on my narrow hips to mid-calf, soft beige wool, loops for
a small belt. I added a trim little brown belt. I bought two white silk
blouses, long sleeves, small cuffs and collars. A cashmere vest jumper long
to my hips, lightweight, several shades of blues and browns mixed. A really
good look showing off my slender body.

YES! A terrific coat, lightweight wool, ivory, slender shape down to just
above my ankles. With four long narrow pleats from below the hips to make
walking easy!! A small pleat in the middle of the back to give room to move
in the slender shape. Longer seemed to be my theme for today!

Sunny sitting there with a hot chocolate watching me. PJ off to the side
with one of his enigmatic grins sipping his latte. Tara had permission to
do a bit of shopping and was off somewhere.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! An aquamarine halter top sheath dress snug to all
of me down to upper-calf at the front and arcing down in the back to my
ankle tops. It was silk with an elegant bronze knit mesh over it all that
formed the round collar. Lots of bare arms, shoulders and back!

Sunny loved it! She was bouncing in her chair! "Fay you have to buy it! You
look fantastic!"

In the mirror I wondered about all the skin, I turned to the woman helping
me, "What about long gloves? Anything like this bronze?"

Her eyes lit up and she dashed off!

Gil beside me, "You are going to need a bodyguard for sure when you wear
this!"

The store lady stuck her head back in, "Miss Martin, what size is your
foot?"

Armed with my reply she was gone again. I was laughing.





Tara came back with a few bags and a big smile. She had a few things for
herself but also gifts for Christmas as the sales woman returned. Her eyes
were BIG, "Fay, that's it!"

I gave her a thumbs up. Then stuck my hand into a long bronze coloured
glove. All the way up to my bicep, snug. I liked these gloves. I stuck my
hands out turning them, the gloves were a great fit!

I sat down as the shoes came out. Bronze heels with a slender strap, open
toes. The fit was right! I walked around the show room, the whole thing
worked! I stared out of the mirror at myself... I knew the change of hair I
was considering would be exactly right for this look.



All purchases down to the car. Some minor alterations. They would be sent
on to Harcourt House.



On Oxford Street Sunny scored several dresses and skirts with assorted
tops. I bought a few pairs of heels for the wardrobes.

Sunny in a cotton navy blue dress, small collar short sleeves with cuffs,
mid-thigh length full skirt, lightweight. Matching belt. We got her some
low heels in navy, a cardigan in white with navy edging. Very cute!

We did go Carnaby Street. I wanted to go to the Vans store. All of us got
something!

I got slip-on tennis shoes in several primary colours with some checks in
red thrown in. Sunny got red checks and pure white. Gil did two pairs of
slip –ons in black and red. Tara got several in primary colours like
me. Even PJ bought a pair of black checkerboards!



In the car Prasert grinning broadly. I leaned over the barrier to kiss his
cheek! Our overnight bags already in the boot so off to Harcourt House!
Eve, Ku and Francis would come along later.



The crunching gravel making me happy as we rolled in. The guys had finished
their game and were having drinks with some of the other golfers before
coming home.

Carter smiling, "Miss, Mr. Cho said they would be here for dinner `for
sure'!" Fist Bumps!



All of our baby's nurses loved being here. Plenty of places to walk with a
pram or sit to get some sun. The food was praised. We met them on the
terrace coming in from the west gardens.



The guys made it in time and we all sat around the dining room gabbing
about our day. The babies had been `aired' in the garden for a while. Rona
had ridden with Diana along as guide. They had a good ride out around the
Sci Ctr!

Malee kissed my cheek, she'd had a wonderful long nap. "I feel I've caught
up on sleep."



In the Great Room after we got the golfer's stories. Espresso and Amaretto
as accompaniments for me!



They played the close-in Oxford course. No long hole by hole except one
long par five which Cho came ever so close to a double eagle and a short
par four where he drove the green and was SO CLOSE to a hole-in-one. The
ball hit the flag and bounced away two feet.

He shot a 65. Reg kidding him with a big yawn, "Only a 65."

Cho was laughing, "Well you all know how I've (Yes, I caught that with a
grin to him) been playing..."

Eric patted his shoulder, "Don't worry a mere 65 won't put us off you."

There was a lot of laughter, Cho was the loudest. My man certainly wasn't
vain!



Well everybody would leave in the morning. Our friends to London, Eve and
Ku to New York and us to Bangkok.



Lots of kisses and hugs on the forecourt. We all drove out. I got big hugs
and kisses from Sunny.

"Fay thanks for the weekend and new clothes. I will be ready to go to LA."

HUGE hug!



Going up the stairs to the 767. Jaidee passed me in a rush. He had been
impatient while talked with the Chalgrove DM. I thanked him for the book
and asked about any memorial. There was none. He did think that a marker
would be a fine gesture in memory of the men who served.

He got Gil's email so he could forward what contacts he had from the
veteran's visit from a few years ago. More thanks and that we'd be in
touch.



Stephanie had us airborne soon after we boarded. Work time with Gil then
lunch then some time with Jaidee before sleep. Cross-legged, Cho's head in
my lap, my fingers grazing through that lovely hair. Jaidee tired leaning
against Cho's side.

Francis smiling at our family tableau.

Sleep came easy with the warmth Cho applied to my
skin. Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh



Tom from the cockpit on the tannoy interrupted breakfast, "We are one hour
out from Don Mueang."



I finished two reports before packing up my piles. Soka was collecting the
various bits smiling. She and Ban had told us she was pregnant with their
first child.

We told her to follow her doctor's instructions but she could work as long
as it permissible. No chances to be taken! They were very happy and
agreed!! She would work for Kavat on the ground as long as she can.



The Cho-Fay helicopter was making the turn to the dock landing grid. I was
looking at the house... It felt like home to me. Jian's arms open for
me. Hugs and kisses. Amporn and Niran were in Pattaya, a favoured aunt was
ill. Kiet and Achara smiling.

Straight to the nursery! Chani in my arms! Cho with his son! Side by side
holding the Twins. Chani reaching for my hair, she pulled, not too hard and
squealed out. Shining green eyes!

A loud coo of `dadadada' from Charlie! Cho laughing, "Us guys have the
advantage with some easy to say letters."

We moved outside under the umbrellas. Charlie came over to me after a
while. Tha helped with our transfer. Chani reaching out with both arms for
her dad! Cute.

Charlie's dark eyes on mine. A tummy rub was terrific fun! He waved his
arms and gurgled. Big smile!



In the late afternoon we had the Twins with us in the Play Room. Nap time
over. Cho reading to them on the terrace as I joined Gil and Francis
building house and businesses for the train layout. We were taking an idea
from Rona and Reg. Two highchairs were ready for the kids to watch the
trains rolling. It would be a few weeks or so but we were ready.



Fox news on the TV in the background! With only a few weeks to go on the
election campaign in America Hillary Clinton now had a twenty five point
lead in our own Fox poll! More in some others. Our three big stories had
rocked the campaign, gutting support for Trump.

Questions being asked about twitter and facebook were quite embarrassing
for them. Oh so sorry! They wanted the money more than running a clean and
ethical platform. Fox News was already working on two new pieces on them so
we wouldn't let up!



Gil finished another big building for the downtown, she anchored it with
fibre optic cable up inside. A switch and the new office building was lit!
Francis had given up on his `soviet' apartment paradise idea to work on
Public Safety buildings, the fire station and police precinct.

My factory would make widgets and nice brown spurts of smoke! Whatever a
widget was we would make the best!



Cho had the Twins in their double pram so out to the garden, hood up. We
tooled around, talking to the senior gardener, Knor, who I liked. He was
taciturn but had a great smile when you got him going. He really liked the
Twins being out.

We lifted them out and sat on the lawn. Chani on her tummy grabbing at the
grass trying to pull it. My question to Knor had an easy answer, no
chemicals of any kind on the lawn or flowers and shrubs. None anywhere out
here!

Chani did try to eat some of what she pulled out. It was easy to stop
that. Charlie was being more relaxed, his dad's hand rubbing his back. We
didn't let them get much sun, back on the terrace under cover. Me in the
sun!



A relaxed `family' dinner! The three of us with Gil and Francis. I had Kiet
call his family's restaurant and deliver. He and Achara joined us. After
that we had an early night.



Swimming in the morning was terrific! Coffee and an omelette by Cho! He
went off to the Railroad and I went visiting my friends. Ni, Kamol and
Lawan. Jian to the Foundation office.



Email from Eve and Ku. They were in New York, Roslyn was terrific, the
apartment was terrific... Terrific!

Okay I got it! I wished them a good stay. Ku would go the Fox Tower with
Eve in the morning. Each meeting with their `clients.' Ku had her iPad if
she wanted to bring me into any discussion using the conference App.



I was in the garden at Anong and Rak's with Rak2 in my arms. He was sweet,
looking cute in a blue onesie. Anong was doing fine, no complications. They
had a nurse and Rak had been going in to the main store office for half a
day but now he was back to full-time. I missed him today.



Kamol's Sarge was leaving as we drove up to their place. A nice comfy
little house in a quiet neighbourhood. Sarge was on duty in the afternoon
until later in the night. A hug for the big guy.

Kamol smiling. A hug and whisper, they had just completed a dilation
session a la Fay and Cho! Giggles!

She would start back to work part-time next week. I gave her an ears-only
info on the possible switches in office staff when Ku moved to New York.

Kamol laughed, "I think Udorn is anticipating changes."



Lawan answered the doorbell looking awesome. A delightful pale blue short
sleeved dress. Hugs and kisses. I got to meet Koka, a sable brown mostly
Burmese cat, petite and gorgeous! I sat on a bench on their balcony, Koka
parked on my lap! She was sweet and had a loud purr for such a tiny
lady. She was the daughter of Burmese cat belonging to an American Family
who had travelled a great deal and stopped for a while in Bangkok. Cute!

Lawan declared herself to be Fantastic! She and Thang were doing very
well. He had to go to work on a project so she was on her own today and the
next few days.

"Come over to ours! I'll send a car in the morning. I will be in and out
but there's a sunny terrace, food, drink and two babies to play with."

Lawan was `IN.' I said I'd ask Ni when saw her shortly. Fist Bumps!



Ni was up for that too. All the guys could come over too. We'd have fun! Ni
was fine. Swelling wasn't an issue and she and Kavnu were `enjoying' the
dilation times!! His sons would be here in about two months for several
weeks. She was looking forward to that!



Gil called for a car to pick them up. Shorts and bikini tops were the dress
of the day. They had appointments at the clinic for check-ups in the next
few days.



We went on to the Chanthira Foundation offices. Jian and I were going over
to the warehouse to do an inspection. It wasn't a long drive.

The manager gave us a tour showing off the new areas for order completion
and shipping. There were two vans for now. When the clinic in Korat opens
they would have a van there to do pickups from the railroad shipping office
where their supplies would arrive.

The Railroad was going to do a charitable donation for any shipping costs
so we'd able to send whatever we needed very easily.



Back at home Ni and Lawan were out on the terrace relaxing, their men knew
where to come for dinner. Bikini time!

Cho would bring Kamol to the house with him. Sarge would pick her up
here. It wasn't a hugely out of the way home for him. Their house in Wat
Thep Sirin district wasn't a bad drive especially later at night.



We had dinner delivered by Cho's favourite French-Polynesian
restaurant. Grilled fish, coconut prawns, rice, noodles, veggies. Kiet
`sacrificed' himself to make an ice cream run.



We had fun. I was stuffed by its end and we managed to save some for
Sarge. Kavnu and Ni were gone, Lawan and Thang too. Kamol and I sitting
together on a lounge as Cho and Sarge talked about football (soccer!) and
how Cho had enjoyed going to Craven Cottage.

Sarge enjoyed his late dinner, hugs and kisses at their car. Standing on
the grass with Jaidee leaning his warn bod against my leg.

Everyone enjoyed dinner and seeing the Twins. The girls had done some
feeding and diaper changing. Tha held a `class' which was very funny! We'd
done a tour of the train layout. Sarge had had small set of trains as a boy
in Los Angeles, his `who knows what happen to it all' did make us laugh.

He did cast his eye toward the billiard table. He suggested a game. Cho
winked at me and said watch out. Sarge's head pivoted to me, I was doing
the fake `looking the other way' which made Francis burst out laughing.

"I do feel it only fair to warn you...," still laughing Francis helped
remove the cover.

Sarge watched me put my cue together shaking his head. He broke and dropped
a low ball. He was good, smooth, looking like there had been some misspent
youthful hours. He rolled in four more before being stumped.

I ran the table including a nifty bank shot around the eight which nudged
it in front of a side pocket which gobbled it up with my next shot. Sarge
grinning, "Remember I'm just a poorly paid soldier."

We hugged. We let the others have the table. Sitting on the banquette he
confirmed my `misspent youth' idea. We laughed.

"Fay, I was in trouble a lot until a friend was killed in a gang fight. I
walked away then. Strange I joined the Marines knowing I might be shot at
or have to kill someone but it seemed a more structured life. Not the chaos
of the street. Now I have built a solid career, tested myself in combat and
found a love."

A very nice smile, "I'm not complete but it feels very right..." a pause,
"Thank you and Cho for helping Kamol. She would do anything for you two."

`Sarge, if she AND you are happy... we will be paid back in full."

He squeezed my hand. It was a good night. The girls would come over again
tomorrow to hang out.



I kissed Cho by the terrace in the morning sun trying not to drip on
him. Gil and I had swum for quite a while, the laps felt good. Cho and
Francis off to the Railroad, Jian to the Foundation.

I had a new task for Kwang that Jian was going to get her started on,
research how to setup or takeover or ??? a golf tournament. We'd need a
venue, sponsors...



That reminded me of our sponsors so a call to New York. Sam had passed on
the idea of using 21st Century Fox sponsoring Harcourt Racing to a
disinterested colleague. He said it would be legal but unwise from an
ethical standpoint. Okay! That was out.

"What about my other idea?"

I could hear Sam smiling, "That was bounced off a lawyer friend in Los
Angeles. His feeling was you'd get a positive response to talks and a
possible deal. He did say they would want any other sponsors to have the
same `values' as their corporation."

I knew we would be good with that condition since it was our value set.

"Can your friend represent us and make direct contact?"

Sam said yes and he would be thrilled to do so, "He's a fan of yours! He
was excited to think you might join with companies that promote good causes
and still make money."

I laughed inside at that my often repeated phrase. I said to `Go!' And we
would be in Los Angeles in two weeks.



I went to see the Twins again. They were having a short nap. Tha had done
well to get them to a day/night schedule. The result was they were good all
night sleepers with a couple of naps during the day.

Lots of exercise, fresh air and a small amount of sun. It was fun to sit
playing bicycle with their legs. Charlie really got a charge out of
that. He was gurgles and smiles. Chani not quite as enthusiastic but some
tummy rubs got her giggling.

Cho came home after lunch when I had the Twins on the Playroom terrace
reading aloud a report from Francis about the Ballard Nautical
financials. One hand holding the report the other tickling bare toes. The
dull business words didn't bother them, their eyes on me the whole time. I
kidded with Cho about how adored I was. We had a laugh!



The crew had spent most of the day beside the pool, sunning, eating and
laughing! It was great to see them all so happy! Their guys came by for
dinner.



A sad faced Amporn came out with bad news... King Bhumibol Adulyadej had
died. A revered man, most Thais like Cho had known no other figure so
central to nationhood other than him. Seventy years on the throne.

A year long period of mourning was declared and all joyful events and
celebrations were disallowed for thirty days. The wearing black or white
colours was asked to show respect.



Cho called The Prince to offer our condolences. We were thanked
gratefully. He and his older brother and sister would be deeply in mourning
but he would like to see us at a few of the remembrance events. Cho said we
would and for him to please tell us the ones he'd most appreciate us
attending.

The Prince was sad but his father had had a long eventful life.



We did have our friends over to dinner but it was low key. I enjoyed it
though as I always did, I loved them all so much. A kiss for each and a hug
as they left.



Cho's hand in mine with Jaidee walking the lawn. He suggested an overnight
to Phuket. There was a golf course he was considering buying. It was a
private club with a corporate owner. He would go there with Francis, I
could use the beach.

I was up for that. We flew down the next evening. Pha and Anodo welcomed
us, little Ty had his arms open to hug me. Sweetie.

I had an Amaretto in hand as I sat in shallow water splashed by the light
of the lanterns. Cho beside me. He was going to the golf course in the
morning. Francis would look at the books as he walked the course and looked
at the other physical aspects.

I was planning on working for a while then SWIM!



A kiss for my man before he closed the Range Rover door. Ro and Rande,
Ansara driving. She was quite good at it.

Gil with me, coffee, sun, paperwork! Pha and Anodo drove into town for some
shopping for dinner.



Tai called loudly from the kitchen to PJ and Tara that someone was ramming
the fence near the gate at the road. An alarum alerted her, she'd seen it
on the iPad on the kitchen counter.

I turned to Gil, "Gil take Ty and go into the closet of our bedroom, lie
down! Call Dad! I've pushed the Panic App." Gil scooped Ty up and ran.

PJ had dashed inside... returning with the weapons bag. He handed out
weapons, two Heckler & Koch submachine guns and Glocks for him and
Tara. Tai got her Glock and clips.

A big four-wheel drive pickup truck came lumbering down the slope impeded
by the underbrush, turned sharply left to get to the drive. A huge crash
and horrible metal grating sounds. It was hung up on the stones that
buttressed the north side of the drive incline.

It was stuck. Men jumped out of the back with hand guns...

PJ's voice ordered them to stop and stand still or be fired on. I heard the
crash as Tara flipped the big wooden table on its side. The robbers kept
coming, running and firing wildly... I ducked back... Tai was hit in her
left arm... spun around falling into the door way.

I jumped out from the kitchen to pull her in... with the automatic rifle
firing of PJ and Tara as the back drop. Their HK33KA3 carbines spraying
rounds which over-powered the handguns of our attackers.

I had Tai's arm wrapped in several kitchen towels. I had her Glock in hand,
I put my iPhone in her good hand. She'd slid two full clips towards me.

I'd pushed the Panic App before the truck had showed now it was blinking
Tai held it up to show me.

Tara called out in French there was one headed around the house. There was
sporadic firing from the now pinned down attackers, PJ and Tara waiting for
targets. I went to the master suite telling Gil to stay in the closet. I
locked the doors to the small terrace. From behind the curtains I saw a man
go by looking around gun in hand.

I ducked behind the kitchen island counter so I could see through a door to
the deck. I guessed the man was trying to get behind PJ and Tara to stop
their fire. He jumped onto the wooden decking... I fired three shots... his
body flew backwards out of sight... I'd seen his weapon go flying too.



I yelled in French to PJ and Tara the fellow was down. Once they heard me
they opened fire. Tara sprayed rounds all over the slope keeping the
attackers' heads down. PJ risked rising up to fire directed shots at the
exposed men. I could hear their cries of pain and calls for help as his
shots hit them.

Our folks stopped firing and PJ shouted out instructions to... drop
weapons... stand up... walk out to the drive and lay down on their faces. I
watched two men do that right away, two others called they were wounded and
needed help. PJ went up the slope with Tara covering him. No resistance so
those two wounded men were shifted to the drive. Sounds of sirens and
helicopters broke the silence.

There some moans from the wounded ... after the move. PJ did some basic
bandaging to stop the bleeding and he decided to wait on the medics for
anything more.

I stepped out towards the deck where my attacker had gone down. He was on
his back... three bloody spots on his upper right torso, hands empty... his
handgun in the sand ten or twelve feet away. I stepped down... he was
unconscious and breathing in a laboured fashion...I retrieved his gun.

Back inside I gave it to Tai and walked out to where PJ and Tara had
collected the four wounded men. Some rope from the shed tightly around
their ankles as they lay on the drive... arms out if possible.

Tai called out she'd opened the gate with the kitchen iPad. Security Police
cars and ambulances came down the drive.

I let Gil and Ty out of the closet but had them stay in Gil's room so Ty
wouldn't see the mess. Tai was bleeding but it was mostly stopped by the
towels. She brushed off the first medics toward the more seriously wounded
attacker out back.

I knew a helicopter had come in on the side beach, I saw an officer emerge
from the trees with several heavily armed commandos behind him. The captain
came over to me, "Miss Martin?" I nodded. He seemed relieved I was Okay.

PJ came over, as the Security Policemen took over the prisoners, to tell
the officer that according to one of the attackers there had been ten of
them. He had counted five dead and five wounded.

A second group of Security Police commandos had landed on the road, they
closed it and had local police going north and south detouring traffic.

Tai was being bandaged by a medic on the deck. PJ and Tara now realized I'd
taken over from Tai and I shot the fellow on the deck behind them. PJ with
a wry grin and fist bump. Tara gave me a hug.

I saw a reflection of myself in the glass of the door... my hair was a bit
blown about, a Glock in my hand and the spare ammo clips were sticking out
of my bikini bottom. I looked like a pirate... a modern one... a dystopian
one!!

I said it to Tara, she laughed outright! PJ looking over, Tara motioned him
closer and told him... I watched the smile take over his face.

`Fay, you want to keep that?" PJ pointing to the Glock.

"For under my pillow!"

That broke them both up.

Tai was going to the hospital but she got a big hug from me, a kiss on her
cheek.

"Fay, you did good!" High praise.

Gil brought out a sleeveless shirt and shorts for her to take with her to
cover up the bikini. Her Glock would be locked up in the Security
building. Okay.



Now why? PJ had the Security Police separate the two lightly wounded. We
interrogated them briefly. The leader was the fellow I put three rounds
into on the back deck.

It was to be a smash and grab raid. They'd heard a very rich man bought the
house and was staying there. Our black Range Rovers had been seen going
in. They had seen the one going out. Hoping for fewer people.

They would smash in the fence, drive down, jump out waving their guns
expecting to shock the people and grab everything of value and drive away.

The fence didn't go down easy! The truck getting stuck screwed up the next
part but our shooting at them... that shocked them and they were pinned
down, several shot right away. Their gang leader tried to go around to stop
the machine guns... then our firing wounded everyone... they gave up.

A helicopter airlifted Tai and the wounded with Security Police officers
riding inside. The Captain asked that we please stay so his commander could
talk with us.

He said there had been several raids like this on large wealthy homes
recently. The only lead they had was a description of the truck, his hand
waved toward the immobilized vehicle. It had Security Police men
photographing it and the bodies on the slope.

One came by to ask about the location of the fellow shot out back. I walked
over to show him. I still had Tai's Glock... I handed it to PJ to lock up
with her ammo clips. He was putting away their weapons for now.

I put on a black crop t-shirt, shorts and black checkerboard Vans. The
Range Rover with Cho came down the drive to park. He climbed into my
arms. So right! So needed!

Cho gave a description of the SUV and of Anodo and Pha to the Security
Police captain so they would be allowed in.

I was glad he hadn't seen the `pirate' look. He didn't know about my part
yet.

We checked on Gil and Ty. Gil got Ty some juice and they were sitting in
the chairs on the shared deck off from her room. I knelt next to him to
tell him some bad men had come to rob us, his parents were gone before it
started and they would be back soon. He was good. Fist bump!



Back outside we spoke with a Colonel of the Security Police who had
arrived. We impressed upon him that we wanted the news of this restricted
as much as possible, Cho said we understood he couldn't lock it up
indefinitely. Cho wanted it to be folded into a story about the robberies
as a whole.

The Colonel said General Keren had spoken to him and he was in the picture
about who we were and that I was the General's daughter. He would instruct
his men but he could make no promises. But it was unlikely to come from his
men who revered General Keren who had been their commander in the past. Cho
signaled our thanks.

Inside the Security hut we gathered to watch the video from the front
gate. The attackers had trouble with the fence, it didn't yield easily
which gave Tai time to raise the alarum. The first mistake not to have
scouted the fence better.

The Captain said they must have done some reconnaissance but because they
couldn't get inside the fence beforehand they didn't know about the height
of the retaining wall along the north side of the drive. That had been
their second crucial mistake.

Then our automatic weapons fire was too much for them, the failure of the
out-flanking move doomed them. It was at the point of the flanking move
when Cho found out my part in the drama. My hand was TIGHTLY squeezed.

Since the facts were clear... no need to do a big crime scene preservation
thing. A cleanup proceeded inside and out. The robbers who had been killed
were removed to the morgue to be ID'd. A crane truck lifted the damaged
truck onto a flatbed and rolled it away. The plants on the slope would
fixed up another day. The retaining wall had some scratches on the rock but
otherwise it was fine. A toughie! The fence was mostly down in one section
but it proved very tough too!



Pha and Anodo managed to get through the clamour. Ty was happy to see
them. They thanked Gil and me for shielding him. I hugged Pha, she
whispered her eternal gratitude! I whispered back she'd have done the same
for my kids.



Tai's blood was cleaned up, we all pitched in. Pha began to work on food
for us all. The Security Police would withdraw later in the evening after
the road was clear and the fence given an emergency repair.

.

I talked with Dad. He was sorry we were targeted and he had called the
provincial police commander find out what had been done to catch the
robbers after the other attacks. The Security Police Colonel had been
advised by him to keep `the lid on' so we wouldn't be identified. Just a
house owned by a rich couple. The ownership was via a corporation we
controlled so our names weren't immediately obvious.



Gil sent encrypted messages in several methods to everyone we wanted to
know about it. The New York PR law firm's principal who was dealing with
our account got instructions to be ready for a conference call with us and
the principal at the 21st Century Fox law firm. They could only have a
close advisor in the room to take notes as it was a `need to know' only
call. We would call from here at 2200 which was 1000 their time.



Cho sent Ro and Ansara out to buy two `pay-as-you-go' cell phones. We would
use them and then discard them.



Tai returned in a few hours. Stitched up, bandaged with some pain meds and
an ugly gray sling which I kidded her about. Smiles. It was a through and
through wound in the muscle with a nick in the bone. She'd have a double
scar, get some physical therapy, likely a one hundred percent recovery.

She leaned against me in the kitchen, "Fay, I hope you know you really did
good. That fellow might have done a lot of damage."

I kissed her cheek with a smile. "Returning the favor."

We smiled over that.



Pha fed us some excellent fish, savory grilled veggies and roti. There was
ice cream and sprinkles at the end. The Colonel and his aide stayed to eat
so we were fifteen.



At ten we made the conference call using the clean phones. Cho had me give
them the whole story and what was happening after. Right now it was a local
Phuket police story. We weren't convinced it would stay that way. A gun
battle at a private residence with five dead and six wounded was unlikely
to remain on Phuket Island.

"Should we get out front. Like our `interview' with Dorothy we set the tone
so anyone being negative had little traction."

We tasked them to prepare a statement that a local robbery gang had tried
to force their way into our compound but our Security Service had stopped
them. We had one staff wounded in the arm, five robbers had been killed and
five wounded, they were captured and turned over to the Thai police. All
the captured robbers would survive their wounds and be charged.

I asked them come up with some way to say I had been part of the defense
without releasing the fact I had shot one of the robbers or consider not
saying anything about it.

Also that the gang targeted us because of the value of the houses in the
area and people were seen going in and the gang had robbed other nearby
houses in Phuket. The robbers didn't know us at all.



Most of the Security Police commandos left after dark. One squad stayed up
on the road at the fence until dawn. We had one of our Personal Protection
force on duty through the night in shifts.



In the morning sun only the landscape scars on the hill showed anything had
happened from the deck. Coffee in hand walking on the beach with my other
hand in Cho's. Cho held me tight in the dark as we talked last night. He
was very proud of me being cool and taking down one of robbers. I had no
choice but to contribute to the defense it wasn't like I had `pushed in'
without cause.

We sat on some rocks on the western arm of the cove looking back towards
the house. I said I was good with what I had done just as I had been last
February. My life and the lives of others were at risk... I'd do anything
in that circumstance. Cho's `quite right' and a kiss followed!

The inevitable `event magnet' comment came but we both laughed.

He knew I couldn't have acted differently. I shifted the conversation to
how we respond. Should anything different from a security point of view. I
thought our folks had done well.

I asked about his golf course purchase. He had decided not to buy
it. Francis was uneasy about some of the accounting methods and there were
some records which were incomplete. No biggie!

A kiss! "You know how valuable Francis is? It isn't like we don't have
other very qualified people but he is so mobile, willing and smart. What I
really appreciate is he has a `sixth sense' about things. He sussed out
some of the issues yesterday by following a few transactions which looked
dodgy to him. A true skill!"

Cho got a big hug, "So there are good puppies?"

We both laughed walking back.



We were away to Bangkok in a few hours. Local folks would do the
repairs. Cho asked Francis to get in touch with the fence people to inquire
about what could be done to better resist such an attack. The fence had
been great but more might be needed. A point to consider was we didn't want
it to look like a fortress.



Dad and Phailin came to dinner. A big hug from Dad! I gave them my take,
PJ, Tai and Tara walked up from the Security house to join us to tell their
stories. Tai was doing fine. Sore but not much pain. I dug out several of
my scarves I'd used as slings. Some colour! A big smile from Tai, hugs!



Turned out ours was the last of eleven robberies. Some in Phuket city where
the truck wasn't used and then it was used against big houses outside the
city like ours. The five we captured would all live, my fellow lost part of
a lung but otherwise not too bad. They had all `talked.' The local
prosecutors expected to pressure them to plead guilty to the attack on us
with the weapons charges, they'd all see much more than ten years. Okay.



Walking with Dad across the lawn in Jaidee's wake. He was romping making me
smile.

"Fay, we will clamp down on the news but expect something. The details we
can keep quiet."

"Well, since I am somewhat in the news business I can understand the drive
to get info. We have the lawyers in New York working on statement we will
release via them today their time. It will be `light' on the details."



For Dad there was plenty going on. He was spending so much time on issues
dealing with the restive South and not happy that the underlying problems
still weren't being addressed in Bangkok.

"Without some changes the moderate elements can not hold back expansion of
the radicals even as more people are hurt by the terror tactics."

It looked like they were caught up in the cycle of events and then
reaction. The government needed to do something to break the logjam.

We had talked about it before after the assassination attempt. Nothing had
changed. He was unhappy!

I hugged my Dad!



Later at 2200 hours we talked again with the New York lawyers to review the
`statement' they prepared and sent along to us. A few minor changes then
the Okay to release it at a news conference at the Fox Tower. It had been
announced and all media were invited. It was billed as a personal statement
from us with the PR law firm doing the presentation. Some questions would
be accepted after everyone was told we would not be available for now.



So I spent my time with my friends and especially with the Twins. I love to
tickle toes outside. Smiling gurgling faces!! Tummy rubs were very popular,
hugs too. Cho and I did some feeding.

Ba was here every day now that Eve was away. She was so calm all the time
and her little girl Pinky was sweet and fun to have in the house. Ba had
agreed to come to travel to Harcourt House for Christmas. Her daughter
too. We would begin the weaning process at six months.

Chani sitting in my lap on the Playroom terrace, the big umbrella covering
us. One of her hands holding my thumb tightly as she swung her arm. Huge
grin! I played with her feet which got me loud laughing!! Cho brought
Charlie out and a book. I read in English to them about a boy and his
dog. Then in Thai about farm birds, chickens, ducks , geese and a swan.

Cho read a story about a train! Very apropos!

Gil came out with some emails from friends and colleagues about the Phuket
adventure! Because she had done a great job sending the info so most folks
weren't worried but definitely glad we were Okay! A few questions, nothing
big.



I had made a special call to Bill and Kent in New York. They got the whole
thing so there would be no `gaps' for others to fill-in. Bill was going to
the news conference to observe and call us later. It would after midnight
here but ...

We waited for the call outside with Jian. She was shocked by the event but
glad I'd been `cool' again. We snuggled on a lounge.



Bill's call came a bit after one AM.

We sat in the office with the Conference App connected to the TV and an
iPad propped to aim at us. Bill and Kent together. The lawyers we would
talk with in the morning.

Bill was pleased. As a news event it went over well Kent said, "It was nice
and clean. Tight to the facts only. Speculative questions were rejected."

"The lawyer did very well. After the reading, the press all got copies in
advance, the questions were general, some more specific were passed off to
the Security Police PR department in Bangkok."

Since Dad had them prepared with the info he was confident they could
handle it.

Fox News would run a piece that followed our `statement' emphasizing the
random nature of the Phuket attacks.

Some other reporters would undoubtedly go to Phuket to look for more
info. The Security Police there were set to refer any requests back to
Bangkok. The local police were asked to do the same which was easy for them
since they didn't know much.

The more enterprising reporters would find people to talk but they would
lack any `authority.' The surviving robbers were all in Security Police
custody so incommunicado.

Thet had added staff to the house to have a physical presence near the gate
to discourage snooping. They were uniformed and armed.



So we went on with our life. It was all low key out of respect for the old
King. Sober coloured clothing and activities. My friends came over every
day to relax and recover from their operations. Amporn and Niran back from
Pattaya fed us well. Their sick aunt was recovering fine.

The Twins had so many aunts and uncles around! A wealth of fun for
them. Gil and I worked, Cho did his things at the Railroad and banks. He
chose not to play golf in respect for the King.

I wanted to go dancing but we closed the Ballroom and Ice Rink. The staffs
did do a lot of cleaning and the Ballroom orchestra did practice but no
dancing. Everyone was paid their regular wage and we did do a subsidy for
the wait staffs who would be missing tip income.

Quiet for now but we'd be going to California for the Breeders' Cup races
in Santa Anita. Soon. A month after that it was CHRISTMAS at Harcourt
House!!!



Email from Gregory about deliveries, one horse named Secret Sea. She was in
excellent shape and in the paddock beside Asda and Hathai. Two, one groom
and trainee named Ronnie. She was also in excellent condition and knows
horses!! She was in one of the apartments, settled in with all her Harcourt
Racing paperwork done, on the payroll.



Dolores was ready for us. Ted emailed to Gil that the nice folks at Santa
Anita Park had made an effort to fix up the spot we had used for helicopter
operations. It was expanded, cleaned up and marked.

I guess our buying into a big permanent box in the Grandstand and extending
our barn space got their attention. Two youngsters from Bangkok had shipped
in to get ready for the two year season to come, Rando arrived there from
Bangkok to prep for his three year old campaign and Aneka to try her luck
on the two year old distaff side. Aneka was unraced, a half-sister to Glaa
and Hansa like SakChai. Asda her sire.

Monaco had nearly two dozen there counting stable ponies. Glaa, Hansa,
IrishRainbow, SakChai all proven winners! They would run in Breeders' Cup
races in a week.



An email via Gil from the New York PR law firm. There a hundred and ten
requests for answers to various reporters' questions. Nearly as many
interview requests. Yeah right! She printed it out. I sat on the terrace
with the Twins to write down answers to the ones I chose. Some basic, a few
more intrusive. I didn't spend too much time on it, my children's toes were
more interesting!

Gil would put them in an email back. She said the Security Police PR had
gotten a lot of queries from the U.S. which they answered from the info
provided which was limited.



Okay time for the train layout to get some attention. When I walked in the
Playroom Francis was knocking around some billiard balls. He looked the
question, I stepped and looked at the end of the table... then him... and
back to the table...back to him

"Fay, you're not serious? I couldn't beat you if you had both hands behind
your back. You would bankrupt me!"

"Well, I do credit with modest interest rates but I compound hourly
though."

We laughed, Francis broke and nothing fell.

"Okay, I'm done for."

"Shush, you don't have any money riding on it."

Francis laughed. I rolled three low balls in right away. The next dropped
with a nice drawing back of the cue so I was lined up on another. It went
away. The number six I bounced off the end cushion to roll down the table
to a corner pocket. Number two I popped into the side leaving the cue ten
inches from the eight ball. Dink it dropped!

I was smiling at Francis' shaking his head.

"Rack'em." He laughed aloud.

I broke with two falling and then we had a class. He broke and broke and
broke and... At the end he was consistently getting at least one to
drop. Fist Bumps!



Then to the trains. I set a freight train running around the parameter, a
diesel engine, a dozen mixed cars and a cute little red caboose. It went
round and round while we worked on buildings. Francis finished the public
safety structures and went onto City Hall. I was putting together a large
freight warehouse and loading platform. It was big.

Gil found us and joined in to work on several more downtown buildings.



A conference app call from Eric, "Fay... Reg, Arthur, Douglas and Jared are
here with me..." he went quiet, "We got the GWNW contract! They notified me
today."

I could see Eric cheering with the others. It was great! The single largest
contract in The Company's history! A huge multi-year deal.

"You made the difference I'm sure. The CEO calling referred to you several
times. He was obviously impressed!"

Well whether it was me or what we could do... it was a great moment for The
Company.  I was waving to Cho through this as he appeared in the
doorway. He came over to me.

I told Eric we should look into leasing or buying a property in Dallas to
house our staffers. We had some time before the contract started up so a
local Dallas real estate firm should be hired.

We all chattered about the deal and how to support it. I was glad I
insisted on going ahead with the New York computer centre. Now Eve really
did have a lot of work!!  She and Ku would be in the U.S. for years behind
this.

Good news for The Company which would translate to a lot of work, more
people needed and manufacturing for our tools. Reg had already done deals
with suppliers in the United Kingdom, France and the U.S. for the hardware
we would need for the assembly. Apple had responded they were ready and
offered a new discount level for our purchases. Terrific!

We were considering our buying several of the suppliers to close the loop
in our favor. Eric and Cho with Francis' help had accumulated a lot of info
on them and were working the numbers.



Wattna called. He said the government had no problem with my use of my
diplomatic passport to go to Iran since the ownership of The Company was
held by Thai nationals and we'd be promoting Thai business. A bit
indirectly but if he was good with it...

Gil acting for me made a visit to the Iranian Embassy in Bangkok in the
Vadhana district. The Consul was nice and had received the information we
had forwarded. He also understood who I was and my relation to the
government. Gil didn't say anything about that just let it ride.

The Consul said the Islamic Republic would welcome me and my group. He
agreed to my Security team being with me. Visas for all would be provided
this week. He wished us a pleasant and productive visit. She thanked him.

Gil let Eric know right away and emailed our contact at the Tehran water
board. I wanted to go very soon so we would able to go into the mountains
before winter got a grip. The Consul said we were welcome as soon as the
visas arrived.

Gil was on to Kavat to alert him for a quick trip. He would be ready with
just a few hours' notice.



Cho leaned over my shoulder, "I just talked with Carter. The Gately School
has been doing what we asked, no issues. Maxine is completing her school
work and getting good marks. Social Services have been by to see her
several times. They appear to be quite pleased with us."

On another part of Maxine, "Her stepfather has been bailed, there is a `no
contact' order in place and he has strict monitoring. What is bothering
Carter is although the mother has been invited to see Maxine she has
refused."

I looked up at him, "Was she more in the `know?' Is this guilt?"

A very fine set of shoulders shrugged. I got a kiss which was very nice!



In the morning things began to hum. The Iranians at the Tehran Water Board
got the Consul going because the visas arrived before noon. No shit!

Kavat said we could leave in two hours, arrive around midnight... Done!

The Water Board chairman, Mr. Vajadi said that was good for them, we'd see
him in the morning. He would have aircraft and cars ready. And an itinerary
would be emailed shortly. I liked the speed which meant their eagerness
hadn't slackened.

Gil's emailed bonged with an incoming thirty minutes later. She walked in
to me with Chani. I read it and we were a go!

Cho smiling, "As always you decide quickly."

Kisses! Me to pack. Cold weather in the mountains. The white Agusta lifted
off an hour later. Gil, PJ, Tara and Tessa. Tessa would be with us during
Tai's recuperation. She was new to us.

She was an American-Barbadian from New York City. My height, slender and
taut looking. I liked her hair, lots of short, chubby dreadlocks that
bounced as she walked. Lithe and athletic were my first impressions. She
had joined the NYPD, gone as a sergeant into the NYPD SWAT force then
joined us. She was a marksman with handguns and many types of rifles,
excellent hand-to-hand skills.



Up the 767 steps. Mira in the lounge smiling, they were ready so buckle
up. The big jet was on the move down the taxiway a `we're off' from
Stephanie during a power turn onto the runway. She `gave it the gas' and
zoom.

Mira on the tannoy, "It will be a bit over seven hours with some strong
heads winds part of the way that will add time.."

Gil and I worked some then I asked Tessa to join me. I wanted some
background and for her to know some about us. PJ on a sofa beside me.

Her dad was born and raised in Harlem, his family from North Carolina via
the `Underground Railway.' They chose to stay in New York rather than go on
to Canada. Their home had seen four generations grow up and old. Her
mother's parents came from Barbados settling in Harlem two blocks from her
dad's.

Large raucous families. Her older brother was a sergeant in the NYPD, two
sisters were in the music business in Los Angeles and the younger brother
was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. She was proud of them all.

The Sergeant didn't want her to leave the NYPD, he was certain she would
have been able to reach `command rank' in a few years.

"Miss Martin..." My hand stopping her, "Fay." A smile.

"Fay, I just saw too many things I didn't like and wasn't going to allow
myself to get into a situation where I might have to defend those things."

I leaned over to fist bump.

"Here we strive to be ethical and good. We are business people who want to
make money but it is not to be made at the expense of our good name or
self-respect."

I leaned back, "Just so you know when we are out I expect you are working
all the time unless expressly told there was down time. You shouldn't ever
try to carry anything or take charge of our dog or anything like that."

"Apparently you have made that point with our trainers because they were
very specific about it.," Tessa smiled.

Okay, I guess Thet got my message. I had a smile inside for that. I could
see PJ's grin in the corner of my eye...

"OW!"

He put on a good act after I gave him a punch!

"See Tessa what a wimp PJ is... one good punch and he's toast."

We were laughing. Tessa gave PJ a look which I saw and his reaction. "Go
ahead if you have a question."

"Last week at Phuket... you really took out one after Tai was hit?"

"Yes, I used Tai's Glock. The guy was trying to get around behind Tara and
wimpy here... so when he jumped up on a deck walkway outside the kitchen
door I shot him three times."

PJ turned to me making a gesture with his hand which I interpreted as
backward... Ah, our fun in February.

I made a go ahead motion but with a finger on my lips. He got it.

"Now this isn't to be repeated, not even to other Security folks. Yes?"

Tessa said `mum's the word.'

"In February Fay went to have lunch with her Dad, General Keren, at a
restaurant across the road from the Security Police HQ. On the way back two
men tried to kill the General. His bodyguard got shot and the General too
by the lead fellow. I grabbed the gun arm of the other one. Fay got the
bodyguard's dropped weapon and shot the second attacker. As I struggled to
keep the other from firing Fay shot him in the thigh ending it all."

Tessa was looking me eyes wide!

I shrugged, "My biological dad showed me about guns when I was young, they
haven't been part of my life but I knew what to do."

"How long ago was that?"

"Fifteen years or so. I was thirteen maybe fourteen."

I leaned back again with my Amaretto. Tessa was doing some consideration.

"You've come a long way if you're only twenty nine."

Smiling, "True especially in the last two years." Fist bump with PJ.

History lessons out of the way. We prepared for sleep and the next day
which might be very busy. I had Gil lay out the head scarves I got Mongkut
to order. Pants were fine as we were going into the mountains.



In the big bed I was lonely but it was so late in Bangkok I wouldn't call.



The alarum broke into my sleep. Soka was up and starting breakfast. Nice
warm stuff to start off. The day. Everyone trooped out to feed!

Washed and dressed. Hiking boots, jeans and a warm jumper over two layers
of silk and cotton shirts. All black. A black pea coat and gloves. A black
head scarf.



We had parked in the night west of the main terminal. Down the stairs to a
large dark car. We drove around the airport in the half-light to the
military side. Mr. Vajadi, the deputy minister of Water Affairs met us at a
pair of army helicopters. He introduced Mr. Montasser who was the under
deputy for Planning of the Department of Energy.

We loaded up in the helicopters. Mr. Vajadi said they were equipped for
flight in the thinner mountain air. We rose up swung around the airport
then northward gaining altitude. The first stop was above the Amir Kabir
Dam in Alborz Province. It was only about thirty miles from the airport.

The lake was artificial behind the dam fed by the Karaj River. We sat on a
low wall to roll out some topo maps with Mr. Montasser showing me the
valleys that fed the river then lake. Their plan was to dam the smaller
valleys to increase water retention capacity away from the lake because the
highway to Chalus, Route 59, was built so close to the reservoir there was
a definite limit to the water holding area. The highway was critical to the
connection to the Caspian Sea raising the lake level even a few foot could
cut the road.

Remote controlling these smaller dams was why they contacted us. I was
spinning the equipment needs in my head already.

We flew on to the Latyan Dam area on the Jajrood River northeast of
Tehran. We landed on a hillside to the west and above the dam. More topo
maps and a discussion of the terrain. It was a beautiful setting with the
small city of Lavason to the left at the end of the lake.

Mr. Vajadi had a smile as we climbed back on the helicopters. The last stop
was further northeast and we headed towards Mount Damavand. It was a
gorgeous extinct volcano something over 18,000 feet. It dominated the
Alborz Mountain range on the eastern end.

We landed about a half mile from the dam top. The reservoir had never been
filled to capacity because of a persistent leakage at the base and a
transfer tunnel had been bored to Latyan. The area was uninhabited so
filling some of the valleys wouldn't displace any people. As for the wild
life it was sparse and could live further up the valley.

Standing on the dam top the lake was beautiful and with the mountain it was
quite the picturesque place. More time with topo maps. Big thermoses of tea
and boxes of cake and some incredible cookies appeared. Persian Walnut
cookies! Saffron cookies! Chickpea and pistachio cookies! They were all
terrific. Gil was grinning at me. Mr. Montasser who organized this asked
her why.

Gil smiling, "My boss is famous for loving to have tea and sweet
treats. She has quite the appetite for cookies."

He was looking at me and passed a cookie tin to me, "Please go ahead, Miss
Martin. We have plenty!"

I did snag a few more but didn't go over the top. A lovely setting to be
outside, slightly chilly with a soft breeze. I like tea in the open. I knew
I had a smiling face.

Mr. Vajadi sat beside me, "Miss Martin, it is interesting such a famous
person would make a trip like this. Can you tell why you have come?"

"Mr. Vajadi, I'm not sure about famous but I'm the senior Deputy Director
of The Company who also has a good deal of field experience."

I was about to go on when Mr. Montasser joined us, "Do you mind?"

"No not at all. I was saying I'm The Company's number two but I had been a
field person. I enjoy going to new locations, getting a feel for the
terrain and meeting the people. I made a trip to Vietnam earlier in the
year to look at a project in the mountains west of Dalat. No roads or
power."

I shifted my butt to better face them both.

"You have much of the same needs with limited power availability."

I stood up now to think on my feet.

I went through my thoughts about the controls at each of the small dams,
using microwave communications, photo-sensitive arrays and more. They were
paying close attention. Mr. Montasser asked a few questions and I asked
about their ability to manufacture some of the components. We were
definitely on the same wave length.

Mr. Vajadi was with us mostly in the technical parts but he was more the
manager and planner than a doer or a tech. Both men were enthused and
pleased. They could participate in our process, have their staffs trained
and get the remote management they needed. Lots of handshaking all around.

I loved doing this right out in the open on a spectacular day with terrific
scenery. I wanted to call Cho right there to tell him how I felt...



I nabbed some more tea and cookies!! Mr. Montasser smiling at Gil, "I see!"



Laughter. I walked along the dam top with Mr. Vajadi, "Miss Martin, you are
quite the advocate for your company. I want you to know there is some
resistance to using The Company because of past disturbances between our
government and that of the United Kingdom."

"If you don't know I'm American as well as British and now Thai. My husband
is Thai and so you know we own seventy eight percent of The Company and
control the Board of Directors. It is technically a Thai corporation now if
that helps. I carry a Thai passport as well as a diplomatic passport. We
can use personnel from countries that have good relations with your
government but we'd rather be able to send our very best and most
experienced people."

We linked arms, "Miss Martin, could you make a return trip when we get to
the decision point?"

My `I would come gladly' brought out smiles. All was packed up and we
headed back to Tehran. At the military side of the airport we said our
goodbyes. Both men would send on to me all their info about the dams, the
geography and what they had as a preliminary schedule. I promised a report
back to them outlining our scheme and we'd talk more as time came
closer. They would have more definite info so we could finalize our
proposal.

They were happy and I was still on a high. I went straight to my cabin to
call Cho. He picked up and the day poured out of me. At the end I felt his
love and... "Fay, in my business life I have met few people who I can say I
admired... you are on the top of those few."

Oh Shit I was crying! Cho's gentle chuckle dug deep into my heart... Love
and He really likes me... it was difficult to stop tearing up... the warm
voice of my lover husband partner eased me down.



I was flat on the bed as Cho told me how he'd spent his day...he had done
everything with the Twins. Bathing, feeding, changing, hugging, reading,
playing... all day! I could feel the smile, "Tha said she could have had
the day off."

I was wrung out after the call. Gil knocked with a dinner call after we
were airborne.

Soka and Ban fed us wonderfully. Shrimp, vegetables, rice, roti and
fruit. Espresso and Amaretto. Since they had downtime all the girls joined
me with Amaretto.

Tessa sipping. It was a first for her, `not much alcohol' usually but she
liked this.



In bed alone I spent a few minutes touching all my naked body parts. Some
soft masturbation, my eyes closed but a vivid picture of Cho in my
mind. Sleep came easily.



It was pre-dawn darkness for our approach to Don Mueang. On the ground to a
greeting from Kavat. I thanked him for all his good work. He said he had
two more people in training and would add Soka when flying wasn't good for
her. So there'd be twenty four hour service and assistance from our Cho-Fay
Air base!

I hugged this unsung hero! He said he wasn't sure how to thank us for his
bonus it had been unexpected and wonderful. All I said was keep going!

The white Agusta dropped us all on the dock to a Cho greeting! Kissed,
hugged !!



I emailed Eric from Tehran about my visit and would follow up with a call
when they were awake. We would be off to Los Angeles in two days then
Seattle. Sunny would join us in Los Angeles for the Breeders' Cup races
direct from Chalgrove.

I sat with Gil on the terrace after a swim to give her some notes on the
Iran trip. I couldn't go too far without more data from them but I got a
good outline done.

The Crew was coming over soon. They'd all be back at work fulltime next
week. My three girls were all in terrific shape. No swelling now, walking
and doing things. Dr. Sanporam was happy with them.

We hung out gabbing, eating and some of us got to swim.

Cho came by to give a quiet update from Phuket. Everything was back to
normal at the house. The fence would receive some bracing at the uprights
so it wouldn't be as noticeable. The fence company said with that and some
new type carbon fiber cross bars and joints the truck mightn't have gotten
in. Okay!



After lunch Chani and Charlie went for a spin in the dual pram with Cho and
I around the whole complex. At the Security house they all came out to see
the Twins. Tai was doing good. A hug for her. Down by the river the Captain
came onto the dock see them. A big smile!

We had them out for hours, lots of stimulation. Jaidee leaning into the
pram wet nose on a bit of Chani's bare tummy made her laugh! She pulled on
one of his ears, not too hard. Jaidee bouncing around us.



I called Eric to follow up my email about Iran. He was excited by the
prospect of the work in Iran. Blending a lot of our technologies in some
rough back country terrain. Reg joined our Conference App session then we
talked about distances, communication latency and power requirements.

On the personal side they and the families were excellent. Anne sleeping
pretty well which was good for them. MFA crawling everywhere, pulling
herself up to stand for a bit then the inevitable pratfall. Rona enjoying
the child tremendously so she might not go back to work. Reg was good with
that although he'd miss their lunches.



The next morning found me sitting in the Chanthira Foundation office with
my buddy. Jian had spoken to Anong who was doing well, Rak2 a good boy. In
a week or so She would be back, bringing Rak2 with her. She could easily
nurse him and work! Kwang said she'd be happy to do a diaper or two! So we
went on to the new clinics.

The next two for Bangkok were well advanced. The land and bases were fully
prepared and the modules ready to go in, about three days from today. The
staffs were in training at the first clinic and in the offices and
conference rooms where the Foundation staff was housed on lower floors in
this building. Tala, our HR person, had a whole program laid out for the
training. She was very good at this! Her hiring skills were bringing in an
excellent group of folks!

The warehouse had everything from computers to x-ray to scales to lockers
to pens ready to go into the clinics as soon as they were released from
construction.

The Korat clinic was a few weeks behind the others but well on its way.

My buddy was so organized! Big progress charts, site diagrams, staff lists
all over the wall. She was proving my choice to be MUCH more than an
emotional loving pick. Jian can do this work! I knew it! Organized!!

Once we got Anong back in the office, Jian would make trips with me and
Ku. New York for sure, Los Angeles and Seattle likely. I hoped Ku herself
would have made contact with folks we could link up with in each city.



We hosted an extended family dinner at ours. Still being low key but
bringing people we loved together. Dad and Phailin, Thoi and Kanda, Udorn
and Ubon, little Mali came too! My Crew!

We got the Kiet family restaurant to bring the food giving Amporn a
break. We had our usual caterers to the serving and clean up.

We had a few toasts and a general good time without being boisterous.



Thet took me aside to say Tessa would be on the team for now. Tai was on
her way to New York taking a month's leave to recuperate. She would be
fine. I smiled thinking about how Megan would give her `physical therapy!'



The Prince called Cho. The Seventh Day rites were to be held in the
morning, he invited us. We weren't family... The Prince and Cho were close
even if we didn't get to see him often.



It was a sunny morning looking like it was ready to warm up after a cool
sunrise. I put on a black long sleeved dress, black stockings and heels. A
black pillbox with netting. No jewelry.



It was a short drive to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. An aide to the
Prince met us, we were escorted to hall where the King lay in state. It was
symbolic as all you could see was the urn that would hold his ashes when he
was cremated next year.

The Prince was there. He explained what would happen in the short Buddhist
rites.

We were with a few others as the King was honored. Afterwards the Prince
introduced us to his brother the new King outside under a large shady tree.

King Vajiralongkorn was subdued but polite. He remembered Cho and his
parents being around a good deal years ago. He seemed pleased to meet us.

Cho said the loss of his own father followed soon after by his mother had
been a huge shock and the King Bhumibol Adulyadej had been quick and very
nice to offer his condolences and support.

"I have always remembered his kind gestures."

Our new King smiled, saying his father had been the kindest of men. We
shook hands and moved aside so he could greet others.

The Prince thanked us for coming. He would remain in touch. We hugged, he
and Cho shook hands and hugged.



At home we spent time with the Twins! I had Charlie in my lap on the
terrace. He had on a cute pair of shorts and t-shirt, his head covered with
a darling porkpie hat Lori sent him. So sweet, smiling, gurgling and
giggling as my fingers found some tummy to play with! The occasional loud
`Ta' or "Da' or `Ga' the last came in pairs so I figured he would be a Lady
GaGa fan as he grew up.

His sister was being carried around the garden by Cho. She had a wide
brimmed straw hat also from Aunt Lori, a paisley ribbon around the crown
and hanging down at the back. A light blue dress!

It was all great fun! Nurse Tha got us to wind it down some so they'd be
ready to nap soon. Charlie and I under an umbrella, he was sitting on my
legs. He reached up for me but missed, grabbing my bikini top and pulling!

Cho laughing, "It looks like my little guy is learning geography."

My boobs were exposed for a few seconds, it was only us. I'd have to keep
my eye on this one!



We carried them in for their nap. The sun and fun had them asleep pretty
soon after being put down. Tha smiling! She was having some easy days with
us around.  Fist Bumps!



Alex and Conrad arrived in the late afternoon. Gil picked them up at
Suvarnabhumi Airport. We had a talk about tomorrows trip, dinner on the
terrace and we went down to the Playroom after the Twins were put down.

Conrad saw the billiard table, "I was raised by a father loved to play. He
had me on a stool so I could learn."

Cho winked at me and suggested us against our guests. Jian gave Francis a
look... and me a grin.

"No betting though Okay?"

A fun game. We let them break. Conrad didn't have anything drop. Cho bowed
when I sent him in. He dropped three low balls before being stuck. Alex
wasn't a rookie but not a pool shark. He put in one. That left a lot of
balls on the table.

I lined up a side pocket shot and let rip! The ball slammed down with the
cue ball kissing gently off the cushion... setup for the next... I ran our
remaining balls off the table as the cue rolled to a stop five inches from
the eight two feet from the corner... I tapped it home.

I stood up smiling, "Conrad you in this game?"

We were all laughing. He grinning, "Now I get those earlier looks!"

Francis took my cue. He broke for the next game dropping two. Fist Bumps!!
He and Cho won that game easily. I sat on the banquette with Conrad as the
next game got going.

I told him some about what I had seen in the Iranian mountains. We talked
hardware, high-gain antennas and WokFi techniques, power levels, our stake
mounted signal boosters, going up the mountain valleys. Conrad knew his
stuff. I think I surprised him... when his turn to play came he asked Alex
to go ahead.

We walked to get fresh drinks talking as we did, we ended up by the train
layout. I fired it up. He loved it.

I gave him the history as my train of Pullman cars came by us... a big
diesel pair, a baggage car, a mail car, a half dozen day to sleep Pullman
cars, a restaurant car and observation end car with metal grill fencing
around the back platform.

He was smiling, when I said `we run on time too!'

We sat at the controls, he played around a bit getting the feel of the
train moving. I mucked about with some fencing around the train yard. He
helped since his arms were longer.

When we all said goodnight I felt we'd gotten him `inside' a bit which what
I wanted.



Okay I needed to looked sophisticated but not over done. Navy blue dress,
short sleeves, narrow matching belt, stockings and heels also navy. Navy
leather bag. Gold jewelry, the triple braided bracelet on my right and the
dozen slender loops on my left, simple ring earrings. The blue tinted
sunglasses. Cho gladly did my `Joy' at his choice sites! Red nails and
lips. Not too red.



The helicopter dropped us at Don Mueang at 0700. Derry had the Gulfstream
going right away. We were off and with the pedal down and tailwinds we had
less than an hour flight.

The three of us were on the same page and prepared.

I could see a helicopter in the parking area as we taxied in to the Dalat
terminal area. Col. Ba smiling as I stepped out. A firm handshake, "Miss
Martin, it is very nice to see you again."

I said the same. He escorted to his Mil M-26T and we lifted off. The
Colonel said Mr. Tran asked to be pardoned for not being at the airport but
he had a bad knee from an car accident.

No problem from me it was a nice gesture but he, the Colonel, was taking
care of us very well. Ba gave me a big smile! We landed on the Dalat Palace
Heritage Hotel grounds as before and walked into the same conference room.

Mr. Tran extended his hands, shaking with a huge smile. He did have a cane
beside his chair. I did the introductions around, Mr. Tran knew Alex and
Gil.

I started with the news we owned the Houston Microwave company now as part
of The Company. Mr. Tran looked up with a grin. I let Alex take over to go
through the project review and he brought in Conrad to explain the
microwave setup.

Conrad had slides and topo maps showing the geography of the target area
and how we would bring in the signal. He showed slides of the equipment and
how it fit into the scheme. He was detailed but not over the heads of our
audience.

At a break Mr. Tran smiling waggled his finger at me about Nu the network
guy I poached from another government agency. He laughed when I said he was
doing very well for us and we would bring him back for this project.

"Miss Martin, I do hope he is happy, it is what I wish for everyone... And
you? You have become famous since last you were here."

"Mr. Tran, I'm very happy! I have the best of husbands, two beautiful
children and many friends."

I showed him the Twins. He thought them adorable.

"They are!"

We laughed. His were grown and off. I asked about his knee, it was annoying
but it would be better soon nothing too damaging or permanent.



The other government departments that were subordinated to Mr. Tran for
this project spoke and we wrapped up by one in the afternoon. We stayed for
lunch.

The food as last time was very good, some excellent spicy prawns!! Col. Ba
asked me to sit with him. Mr. Tran joined us with Alex. The Colonel wanted
to know if our company would be interested in several communications
projects for the PAVN. The military forces wanted to do some upgrading of
the equipment and methods.

I said we would need to know particulars but we would be open to looking at
the plans to see if we had the necessary skills. The Colonel was pleased.

After our flight back to the airport the Colonel and I walked across the
tarmac for a few minutes talking. PJ stayed behind a discreet distance.

Col. Ba looking into the distance, "Miss Martin, you are very impressive as
an advocate for your company and are very knowledgeable. It is you who has
made me want you involved in the PAVN projects. Your professionalism... it
is superior."

I got that the Colonel wasn't just a liaison or a pilot. I had surmised on
my previous trip he was far more important, much more a real `mover!'
Mr. Tran didn't defer to him but clearly respected the Colonel or his role.

I thanked him for his kind words... I was going to go on when he turned to
me, "Miss Martin, you are a powerful person in America now... you control a
strong news outlet... you make news..."

He stopped on the asphalt, "It is an honor for us you come for our
project."

I was smiling... I extended my arm, he let me rest my hand on his arm as we
turned back, "Colonel you are very kind but I wanted your government to
know that we value this project. We too are honored to be asked to use our
skills here. Please forward to me what you can about your other plans and I
will be back in touch."

I waved from the steps of the Gulfstream. Inside Alex grinned, "Fay, the
Colonel looked besotted."

I smiled, "He really wants us to be involved with the other things even
though we haven't done anything yet for him to see. I believe he's been
looking at other jobs of ours... Don't you think? He's got some kind of
hush-hush plans."

Derry had us in the air quickly, we'd be back at home before five o'clock.



The house looked like a special place as we turned to the dock landing
pad. The gardens lush, a light breeze moving the trees and the warm wood of
the house. A very welcoming sight.



After Cho's hug and kiss we went straight to the nursery. The Twins were
awake from a nap... such lovely grins! Charlie holding my thumb his tongue
pushing a bubble or two breaking into a huge grin.

I did some Bronx cheers on his soft tummy which made him laugh! I held him
close cheek to cheek. His small hands gripping me those beautiful brown
gold eyes on mine. He was a sweetie!!

Cho was having fun with some toes! Chani laughing and waving her arms as
his dark fingers went between her tiny toes then they walked up a bare leg
to her knees... Great fun!!

We all had a terrific time!



I had Cho with me, Gil and Francis too as I gave him my ideas about Colonel
Ba. Francis pointed out that we do show some of our most recent projects on
our webpage. The water projects in New Zealand had gotten some local press,
the same for our work west of Sydney. There was plenty of info out there.

Looking at Cho, "Well if he wants us to bid on some communications work for
the PAVN I don't see any objection. Do you?"

He shook his head, "Every client has secrets we guard..." turning to
Francis, "Would you look to see if we have on record any press meetings or
news releases which spoke directly on any client job with specifics. And
what was said and if there was any context included."

Francis gave us a thumbs up! He nudged Gil, she smiled, "Sure, I'll help."



We'd be gone soon so I made a luncheon date with Dad and Phailin. Cho
calmly sitting there watching me dress until I slipped the dress up my legs
and asked to be zipped in. It was the dress I wore in February! He knew
right off. Giving me a look...

"I'm saying I don't believe in jinxes."

Okay from Cho. Black onyx jewelry and shiny black heels were a treat with
the canary yellow. His fingers roamed through the horizontal diamond
opening on my stomach. A kiss!

We walked to the car PJ's face showed he recognized the dress. A smile! I
guess I wasn't being subtle.

We picked up Phailin at theirs and went on to the Security Police HQ. Dad
remembered the dress too. He gave me a huge smile and a kiss! I also got a
kiss and hug from Siri! Two tight fingers!

The owner of the restaurant was at the door to welcome us all. We were
escorted to the same table under the big tree.

Dad started off with some news. First, Atat was fully back on duty, he was
a sergeant supervisor in the bodyguard detail. He was recovered and things
were good for him and his family.

Second from Phuket. The gang had been around for years doing minor crime
then escalating to fund larger scale drug buys. The local police hadn't
done a very good job dealing with the `crime wave.'

It turned out they had just officially asked for Security Police assistance
the day before the attack. A wry grin from Dad, "Our commander... the
colonel you met, had the request put on his desk when he flew out to your
house. He called me later with it in his hand."

He smiled, "You ..." pointing to PJ, "...and your team will be rewarded!
There was a reward for information and there would have been one for
information leading to capture. Your team will get both."

He leaned over to fist bump with PJ!

Our team! They were Tops with us!

We had a great lunch! Phailin and I arm in arm walking ahead of the men
towards the Security Police building. She would be over to our house every
day while we were gone before our big Christmas trip. She wanted the Twins
to see lots of Grandma and she'd get Keren over as much as possible. They
WERE the grandparents! Thoi and Kanda were the unofficial ones.



That night at ten we heard Mira's voice on the tannoy, "We are cleared for
takeoff."

Our route was over the North Pacific Ocean, a bit of China, Russia and
Alaska where we'd cross the International Dateline. We should arrive in Los
Angeles in the morning of today missing eight hours of life.

Cho had a tee time set with Pedro before we left Bangkok!?!?!?!! Time
travel!

I was working with Gil for a few hours. Some catchup since I'd given so
much time to the Twins!

Both of them had learned how to roll over! More watching for us when they
were on the changing table or chair or sofa. Good little grabbers! Jaidee
had an ear in Chani's grip... he wasn't hurt but seemed to give them more
space than before.

Good sleeping times were the norm, all through the night. Tha had done
beautifully!!

Charlie found out his squishy green block could fly but not come back
automatically! He put up quite a racket wanting it returned. Chani was
different, she tossed a yellow squeezable banana and laughed when it landed
and bounced!

They had their first exposure to the train layout from their high chairs
which we moved UP CLOSE. Charlie clapping as the train woo-whoo'd by
him. Chani wasn't as thrilled by the train but she loved the factories
making smoke puffs! Great stuff!

Tha had Niran there to run the trains a bit each day. He was laughing about
us preparing them to take over the Railroad. So we did a short video of
them as the trains went by and the smoke puffed. Little arms waving,
giggling and making single word sounds!! I thanked Niran for the idea!



It was after midnight when we wound down. Jaidee had quite the workout and
was laying half-asleep next to Cho on a sofa. I leaned over the back to pet
my guys. This time Jaidee got the short flight in Cho's arms to his bed. I
got Cho in my arms!! Kissing and caressing! Very nice! Sleep!



Darkness and silence! My dream was gone, no memory of it but I was
awake... Maybe it was a naughty dream because I felt aroused. Slipping
deeper into darkness finding my prize... I kissed the cockhead... so warm,
my wet tongue easing into the foreskin touching the hidden head. I worked
the wetness around so I could have the hot slick reward!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Mine! I suckled the heated flesh,
tiny pissslit caressed... there was plumpness occurring!! I slid up taking
the whole thing in... soft, warm, tender cockhead against my throat
opening... Cho was waking... I giggled with my mouth full.

My prize was stiffening nicely! Cho's laugh making me happy! My tongue
slipped out to caress those lovely balls! The penis growing further with
that touching. I began to suck up and down the shaft... pressing into the
dark soft public hair... I wiggled my nose in the hair slurping cock
licking balls!!

Cho still laughing saying I was ambidextrous. I giggled around his erection
continuing to work it. A single finger found the little ribbed opening... a
gasp from Cho. I didn't try to go in just caressing which got Cho to urge
my coming up. I released my prize to lick and kiss my way up his torso
stopping at interesting points along the path to his lips.

I passionate kiss as his fingers found my wetness... on my back Cho went
under to add to the moisture before entering me. OH SHIT YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved his prick was it opened my vagina... the slow stroke teasing
me. Cho's body so under control as each thrust came faster but in an ever
so s l o w way! The first gentle bounce of his balls against my skin sent a
shiver up my spine.

I brought my legs around... arms gripping his shoulders... a tremendous
kiss. His hips working... Damn it was delightful. On my side Cho pulled a
leg up over his hip pressing us tightly. His pelvis moving like a
piston... stroke after stroke seemingly tireless. I reached for a taut
asscheeks tugging him harder against me. My verbal encouragements cut off
by a tongue which was sucked!

Damn Damn DAMN Cho was kissing my face as the heat of orgasm swept up my
body. An intense word of pleasure from me... my cheek mashed on his. He
hadn't slowed his fucking... all through my climax Cho's body continued to
penetrate me deeply... strong hands gripping... lips kissing my face and
neck!

My hand worked to his ass crack and the rosebud therein. I knew he would
cum hard but Cho forestalled me rolling us back to flat on my back he rose
over me to plunge inside! Such power so controlled even now. He was FUCKING
me but in an ever so wonderful way!

We rolled again! I was the rider and Cho my horse! I smacked my ass and
rode hard. Cho's eyes glittery as those strong fingers worked their way up
my body. Oh Shit... my nipple rings gently tugged and twisted! I didn't
slacken my riding but the spams of pleasure were marvelous!

Over once more Cho leaning over me as his pelvis did the grind! Very nice
too!

I had both his asscheeks in my hands ..."Fay I'm close!"

He kept up the work of those terrific hips! His shoves shortened!!

YES! I could feel it was time for him. I gripped him as his first spasm
came... the last slap of those balls on my hot skin... the buried cock... I
could feel his spurts... arm and legs holding him hard! I reached up with
my mouth for his... contact... our lips mingled... Cho's rigidity slowly
relaxed. I kept him tight on me... no letting go! His heaving chest on my
bosom... he was cradled... my hands slowly roaming...

"Fay it was amazing."

Music to my ears!

The darkness all around, the bedcovers over us. We were hot and warm,
satiated and eager, peaceful and excited! So many emotions and physical
feelings. I was tingling, my sex holding the cock with the delightful
burning of being well fucked.

It was splendid lying still with Cho on top, his weight both pleasurable
and comforting!

We very slowly came down from our high stretched out on our sides facing
each other. Kissing... caressing lightly!

I was thanked for my initiative! He was thanked for the finish!

My `No' for needing to get up had us back to spooning.. sleep returned
after a short while.



I sat up to the alarum. Cho's face so gorgeous on the pillow. Our night's
fun had been in the dark... no clock to provide data... like my interrupted
dream had come to life!

Soft thumping brought my head around to Jaidee. His bright eyes! I slid out
to kneel beside him. I got a kiss and gave one. I opened the cabin door for
him to go to his box. I left it ajar as I did my toilette!

Jaidee was ready for food! The DeLonghi machine made it's noises of
wakening as I made a breakfast for our little man. He waited for the word
then woof and a dive in!

I had coffee and an apple looking at the overnight news. The polls in
America were all showing Hillary with a big lead. Trump's response to the
Fox News stories had been disastrous. He lied and we exposed each one!

facebook and twitter stumbled over themselves trying explain how their
systems worked which Fox News had laid bare as greedy manipulations of the
users. Both platforms were heavily criticized and other news organizations
pounced with their own stories about how the ad programs promoted one side
more than the other.

Various Congress persons were demanding an investigation of both
platforms. Hearings... called for... A lot of noise but little substance as
usual for the Republican controlled Congress.



Fox News was relentless! Going after senators and congressional candidates
who even came close to Trump's views. Our affiliated stations in several
big markets local news had done stories on the gun lobby's money flowing
into the home-grown campaigns. One station in Dallas had found a lot of nra
money supporting a fellow who failed to pay child support for kids of an
earlier marriage and had an order of protection against him from another
failed relationship after waving a gun around. Two ugly's together.

A satisfying read! Cho came out as Soka's smiling face came down the
passageway. I showed Cho the news! A big squeeze and he parked half over
me. We laughed and kissed. A whispered, "Did we do something last night
or..."

I swatted his arm, he drew back with a comment about his golf game! We
laughed and laughed!!!!



Sunrise over California! We turned on final approach to Santa Monica the
light glinting on the white wings. A soft landing and lots of braking then
on the taxiway back to our hanger. Leslie was waiting. Damn he had a
fabulous tan!

We walked up the steps to the entrance, one of Leslie's folks held the door
for us all. Dolores was our welcoming committee again. Hugs! She said the
magic words for breakfast! French toast!! After the last time everybody was
ready.

HHHHHHHHMMMMMMM Good maple syrup! Tasty! Dolores smiling as we devoured her
handiwork! She was ready for seconds we called `go!' Yea!



Cho got a hug and kiss as his send off to play golf with Pedro. Jaidee and
I went for a walk. We did have company, Ro and Tessa came along.

Down the beach, warm sand. The sun felt nice, low humidity and mostly empty
sand. Short shorts and crop top were fine! Jaidee and I barefoot in the
surf, splashing and running up and down. We had a blast. Wet and sandy! My
hair the same where it stuck out from the baseball cap.

Toweling my feet and legs then Jaidee! Such a happy puppy! Lead back on we
were more dignified walking home. We wandered into Boardwalk Vintage as it
opened. BINGO! I found a cute jean jacket, Lee basic blue with a small
patch on one shoulder of a dog with a big tongue hanging out. Fab fit on me
so I knew it would be good for Gil! Done!

Fished out my little wallet and put down the old plastic! I wore it home!

Ro found a jean jacket too. His was black with a brown leather collar! Very
Cool looking! Tessa bought some shades like my round red ones. She was
grinning, "Fay, this was nice!"

Fist Bumps for both. In the lobby Leslie gave me a high sign, he had the
car ready to pick up Sunny tomorrow morning! Yes!



Gil said she liked the new jean jacket as I took it off and held it in
reverse. She slipped in. She liked it, "I bought it for you so you have one
like mine!"

WOW's! Hugs! She spun around laughing! Then more hugs!



Now some work time! Gil and Francis had been looking at my schedule and
Cho's so maybe he could come on a few of my trips. Looked like Africa would
be the best. They'd talk with Sanjara tomorrow.



Dolores was making fish tacos tonight with lots of side dishes!!

I moved outside to the terrace with a light blanket. More reports and
spending time with Gil. Nell called, she was just back from the New York
State canal job. Come on up.

Nell joined Gil and I. I wanted to hear about the work.

The canal folks were very prepared and professional! That was terrific! The
job was completed now ahead of schedule and on budget! Words I liked to
hear!

Nell was jazzed. She got to work with Janine who had been there from the
beginning and got Nell stuck in right away. The hardware was wasn't `easy'
but the installs were. It all fit together like on the plans.

I laughed at that.

Nell grinned, "Okay, it was a plan."

I was laughing hard at that!



After a schedule change for Kenneth, he had gone with Michael to a look see
on a project in the Congo! Inhospitable climate, terrain and politics.

Jones took the project as the install person for the mechanical bits. He
had done the one for one of our companies in northeast Thailand near the
forest preserve and the Palace.

I'd gotten an email from him saying it had been a great job to work, the
New York State folks and ours knew their stuff making the project go very
smoothly.

I had him forward it on to Eric, Alex had gotten it when I did.



Leslie's folks escorted up six leaders of four LGBTQ groups in the Greater
Los Angeles area. We got them seated outside near the fireplace, assorted
drinks. They got info about the Chanthira Foundation from Gil and Jian when
we had asked them to meet.

They knew who I was but I needed to say why I was interested in this. I
laid out our plan to put money into their groups with no strings except
financial accountability. We would take no direct role in their activities
but do some fund-raising when possible with them and outside for their
groups.

Our focus was the health clinics. The Chanthira Foundation would ask for
suggestions about locations and providers who have history with their
groups. We were flexible about the size, maybe several smaller ones or
... The idea was we would work our way in carefully.

They understood Cho and I would be involved because this is a heart-felt
project! I brought up that Ku would heading our health clinic operations in
the United States. She was just coming on board and would be in contact
very soon. They heard from me that she was someone we knew very well and
trusted completely. She was part of our extended family.

I could see on their faces they `got it.' They were upbeat about our
participation but I made it clear we were doing this in New York and
Seattle and we wouldn't be around that much. They also `got' that.

A good meeting. They left happy and ready to help us make decisions.



Cho's text said he was stopping at Pedro's briefly then coming home. No
problem about dinner. One small explosion at the end. Low key again but the
explosion... I sent back my love of the golfer!



We had a conference setup with the Twins for after dinner here, morning
over there.



I could smell the cooking as I walked to the entryway to greet my man. Hug!
Still low key... Cho was holding it in... that meant he had a fabulous
round! I just knew it!

He waited until dinner then during the tacos... He had shot a 61, ten under
par!! Tied the course record!

What?!?!?! A cute grin! Yes he was going into the record books and into the
club books too! Pedro and an old Los Angeles banker friend and colleague of
Cho's had nominated him for membership. The club Pros supported it. He paid
the fees today.

"So I can play whenever we're here, see tournaments and have friends over
to play... AND they love my game!"

I kissed my golfer! A 61! Cho's lowest score on a big time course!! He was
proud of it but it was a fleeting thing.

"The next time you go out it starts all over... a new day to battle the
course from ZERO!"

I was kneeling in the big booth hugging my guy!!

Cho laughing, "Well if my playing well gets you this excited..."

We laughed. A big kiss!

In between bites he gave us the tale of his round. An eagle and eight
birdies! It started on the first hole.

"The course is a bit dry except the greens. My drive got two good bounces
to cross over the path leaving me a pitch shot to the green. I dropped it
above the hole and it rolled back to stop a foot or so away. So that was my
eagle."

I encouraged him to eat and we would wait for the story between bites. A
grin!

"On Four my tee shot hit the flag after one hop and sat still six feet
away. Five was a near miss eagle. My drive went into a bit of rough which
slowed it to dribble out back onto the fairway. Another chip shot that hit
near the flag and dropped to four feet away."

Some munching!

"Seven was also a near miss eagle. My drive rolled to stop just past the
huge sandtrap on the left. It was a great lie and the green wide open. My
chip was above and drawing back stopping three feet short."

A long drink of Newcastle, "So I turned at five under. Pedro and the first
Club Pro I played with who gave me the swing advice were shaking their
heads."

A grin, "I was feeling really in the groove. Number Ten which is an odd
hole. A short par four. I used a two wood, I aimed to let the ball land in
front of the green because it's too difficult to hold the green with a big
club. My ball was in a good spot ten feet off the green with the pin on the
left down the slope. A little chip hit the flag so another birdie."

A smile as he finished a second taco... How he did all the eating while
talking???

"Eleven, I loved this. I hit a LONG straight drive probably three hundred
and thirty with the bounce. A three wood from a good lie had my caddie
yelling... Fore... FORE. The ball landed out front of the green, two big
hops and it was rolling toward the pin to stop sixteen feet away. The folks
on the green waved all was well and I went up to mark my ball. My eagle
putt hung on the lip of the cup. We waited a minute or so, it didn't
drop... so a birdie."

I planted a kiss on Cho's cheek.

"Sixteen, Seventeen and Eighteen were all birdies! A monster finish. Close
for an eagle on Seventeen and Eighteen I hit the pole with my second. The
ball dropped to hit right next to the hole but rolled away several
feet. After it stopped the Pro said if it had gone in I'd have set a new
course record."

That gorgeous head shaking, "I knew my score but not the record. It felt
very nice to roll in the last putt! A 61 is very sweet. My very best!"



On the terrace with afters, Francis said he'd done the research Cho
wanted. I nudged Cho, a huge grin on his face. He motioned to Francis to
tell us.

"Cho asked about maybe buying a golf course near Harcourt House. The East
Oxford Golf Club out beyond the A4142 near Horspath where Cho has played
several times has agreed to the purchase of a controlling interest. So... I
guess we all get to learn to play?"

I demurred, "Please I'll stay with horses!"

Cho laughing, a kiss, "That is fine with me. You have to suit yourself."

Another kiss, "It's an investment like any other but one with a different
twist."

I leaned against him slipping an arm around to squeeze!

"You guys tell me about the course."

I got the basics for the green and growing bits and that the clubhouse was
decently old, 19th Century, with some additions. There was a nice sized
dining room that has been available for hire, a good kitchen, a quiet dark
old style barroom, and a good staff. It was profitable in all areas, golf,
bar and dining.

Francis had screencaps on his iPad so we could get a look. The course
looked lush, the clubhouse... Well... it looked distinguished! A handsome
building, the dining room and enlarged kitchen addition at the rear was
done with the same style and stone so it fit amazingly well.

We'd go over when we start our Christmas period at Harcourt House. Okay! We
like to make money!

Cho added that he could play for free! Well... sort of! Fist Bump for that!



We had a late call from Kent. The last polling numbers from today, Hillary
Clinton now had a twenty six point lead in our own Fox News poll. It was an
astounding figure. In the some of the states Democratic candidates were
polling with big leads nearly matching the Presidential numbers. Many
Republican senators were in deep trouble who had looked for an easy
re-election!

Kent laughing, "There's less than a week to go!"

I asked him to hold on. I turned to Cho, "Can we do an editorial piece to
say we support Hillary?"

Cho thought I should do it because I was a voter.

"Kent, tell me about a thought of mine, would it fly... I want to do a
personal statement that I am voting for Hillary and why. I'm a registered
New York voter."

He said he understood my desire but while legal and ethical if it is framed
as personal, he didn't think I'd want to go there.

"So much whining from the Republicans maybe even requests for equal time
and all the fuss that would bring. I can ask the lawyers to scan it for
you."

No, don't bother was my reply. "I just sort of wanted to do a last shove."

Kent laughing, "Well given the way this network was in the past I
understand!"

Cho squeezed my hand, a kiss afterwards.

Sunny was already flying our way, Dolores had her room ready and I had a
shopping trip planned! Rodeo Drive!



I was watching sand flying out from under Jaidee's butt! Cho's body against
me vibrating with laughter at the sight. Fortunately no one was being
bothered by the digging or the airborne sand. We did get him to stop. Boy
he gets revved up! At least in the sand we can fill in the hole no damage
done!



Dolores fed us dessert outside since the temperature stayed warm. Ice cream
sundaes!! I made espresso for everyone who wanted one. Calling out `the
first round was on me.'

We watched some Fox News. Two excellent discussions on shows about politics
and economics. Serious talk in an atmosphere of mutual respect for the
others' views. So different!





My first thing after Jaidee's walk and my feeding was to host a meeting
with the attorneys who Sam recommended to work on the sponsorship
deals. Jillian and Carlos joined me outside in the sun. They the principal
partners in the firm, they brought Kaela as the attorney to be our direct
contact.

Gil had sent a list of companies we had agreed on to be a start. The good
news was the one we most wanted had agreed to do various parts of the
sponsoring.

Apple was the big one. The lovely notched apple would be on some our of
equipment, blankets and clothing, we would share any designs so we were
both happy. Taittinger's and Starbucks were in too for miscellaneous things
like signing, banners, drinks and more. Roundell's company `Kentucky Heat'
would provide clothing, warm under garments and vests, lined jackets and
turtlenecks.

The attorneys were elated with the responses. Jillian smiling, "We have to
say your profile... everything about you and Cho made the deals. The big
three jumped at the chance. A colleague at Apple said they hadn't ever done
anything like this but were thrilled to be doing it with Harcourt Racing!"

I had called Roundell myself, he was quiet on the phone for a few seconds
then said `it would be an honour' to provide clothing for us. I told him we
were approaching large companies but he would get the same treatment as
they did.

We had standard clauses in the contracts with a lot about what we would do
in the way of public appearances and advertising participation. Limited! No
pictures could be used without our explicit permission, nothing about our
children, our horses' names would be used sparingly but pictures and video
was Okay. There were geographic limits for each and we would be informed in
advance about any advertising, via the Los Angeles sponsor attorneys.

All the sponsors understood we would retain all rights and control to all
pictures, names, words, etc... We weren't asking for enormous sums which
confused them (and our attorneys at first) but when it was made clear we
wanted quality over quantity they `got it!'

Jillian and Carlos had some big businesses and Hollywood types as clients
but no one like us. We liked them and had confidence in their
judgement. Our Gil and Francis were their connections to us.

We asked them to stay for an early lunch. It was vegetarian chili from
Dolores with her fab white corn cakes , fluffy red rice and several salsa
choices with chips.

They tried Newcastle beer and loved it. Damn!! Maybe we should them to a
sponsor too? Laughter over that!



I put my Absentee Ballot in the mail! Voting for Hillary!!



Leslie called Sunny was on the ground boarding a car right now!

I changed for the trip to Fox. The Guess Gibson dress, horizontal blue and
white stripes, zipper from upper thigh to neck, long sleeved. It would be
easy to get in and out of for trying on clothes. Matching blue heels and
bag. Gold jewelry all around! My `Joy' man to hand to do his stuff!

We were at the entryway as she stepped out of the elevator. HUGS! Kisses! A
smiling happy teenager!

Her bags moved to the room. I got her to change from jeans to one of the
dresses we bought in London. The navy blue cotton dress with short sleeves,
mid-thigh length full skirt. Matching belt. The low heels in navy and I
lent her a navy bag. I slipped a gold bracelet on her left wrist, her eyes
BIG as I did. Heavy chain with a running horse bangle! She loved it. A
kiss.

"Fay, it's gorgeous!"

I told her we had a mission. We were all going to 21st Century Fox
Entertainment HQ in Century City. She would get a tour. Yea! Cho and I
would do our meeting. Then Cho would play golf and we would shop! Yea!!



The car turned into the basketball shaped circle that was the entrance to
Fox Entertainment. At the door there were three people there to escort
us. In the Executive Suite Abbey had a huge smile! We hugged and shook
hands, I intro'd Sunny.

Abbey said that Arabella, her PA, had a tour ready for Sunny. She'd get to
see the production stages and maybe some shooting in progress and meet some
folks. Behind the scenes stuff! I kissed her cheek, I could see she was
interested!! Ansara went with Sunny.

We sat with Abbey and her senior staff. We talked personnel, shows, Nielsen
ratings, budgets and cultural issues. We wanted more diverse casts, we
needed to reflect America as it is. Several producers came in for that
discussion.

There were movie plots and series project ideas they'd commissioned coming
in. They gave us a feeling for the process of evaluating the submissions
and the timeline for any chosen project. The difficulty of managing
projects and bringing them to the screen was stressed.

I leaned close to Cho whispering , "They're worried we want to
micro-manage."

His whispered reply was for me to clear it up. I grinned.

"Abbey..." she smiled and waved me on, I squeezed Cho's hand, "...Cho and I
aren't TV folks, we haven't a clue on how to do production or what will go
over with the audiences... you do. We won't be around very often. We want
you on board with us for racially diverse scripts, also a lot more on
gender issues and many more women behind the camera as well as in front."

My hand sweeping the table, "We will give the resources you need to find
the way to make it work."

We could see the production people were glad to hear that and not put off
when I finished with... "We wait to see your efforts."

After the room cleared, Abbey grinned, "Well they know what you won't do
and what you want!"

Hugs! She called Arabella to see where they were. Sunny's tour was at a
good stopping point. She joined us in Abbey's office. Smiles, she had seen
a bunch of things and met some cast of `Brooklyn 99' after they finished a
scene.

One of the actors asked Arabella why she was doing a tour, Sunny heard
it. Arabella said Sunny was a valued guest. Sunny smiling, "I leaned over
to tell him you and Cho were my aunt and uncle. Teasing!"

More smiling, "His eyes widened a lot." She was giggling over that.

We laughed. "Did you enjoy?"

I got a `definitely!'

Time to split. Cho was meeting Pedro and a banking colleague at the Bel-Air
Country Club. A new golf course for Cho.

Francis was going back to Venice and Gil with me and Sunny. PJ and Tessa
with us. Rande with Cho.



Rodeo Drive trip number two! Sunny was stoked! She'd never been to Beverly
Hills.

First stop was St. Laurent! Shoes! Classic Tribute black pumps, Anja in
Beige and Black suede pumps, Espadrilles with wedge heel in black and amber
leather. Era cage heeled sandals in red and black.

I was buying for here and the other houses. Gil keeping the database up to
date. We would separate them into carry bags to be dropped at the locations
or shipped.

Sunny sitting next to me trying a LouLou Chelsea ankle boot! It looked
great on her! Done! I got a Theo Chelsea ankle boot in caramel suede.

I bought two copies of the same Lavaliere black mini-dress, long sleeves,
low waist above mid-thigh with a bit of flounce in the short skirt part!
Sort of a `flapper' look. It showed my `gams' off very well!! I added a
cropped long-sleeved mohair sweater in pale blue for me and Sunny.

PJ let Tara and Tessa do some looking and I stayed in one place in leather
goods for a while. Then we headed south towards G-Start and Guess!

G-Star Super Skinny jeans! I got some more Low Waist in black, blue and
grey. I added several of the Mid Waist in the same colours. I bought Cho a
pair of blue Skinny jeans! Sunny got some jeans too.

I bought several tops for Dolly Warburton. Soft and cropped, one with a
horse on the front. I added a skirt which was snug down to the knee with
slits on the sides. She had a full figure but toned from riding. She'd be
sexy in these!

Guess was more for Sunny. A sales lady ID'd my dress as theirs and said I
looked terrific in it! Good start! Sunny got t-shirts and a nice sailor
collar long sleeve striped jumper. I wasn't excited this time by anything
in particular.

Before we crossed the road Leslie's man did a pickup again. We had done a
lot of filling of the van at St. Laurent. Hugo Boss was for Cho! Shirts and
several very nice ties! But for me I got a little black dress! A square
bodice and back, slightly off the shoulder and tight to a few inches below
the knee. Wide, soft ribbing fabric. It moulded to me looking terrific!

Boss had a Flounce dress in a spectacular red! Long soft sleeves , hemline
at the knee. It flowed beautifully!! I bought it as Jian's Christmas
gift. They had her size!

I grabbed a dark red sheepskin moto jacket. Crew neck, cut to the waist and
slim fitted. Nice lining. I was trying it on... a sales woman helping me,
looking at me in the mirror... then stopping what she was going to
say... staring...

"You're Fay Martin?"

I grinned... she was the first. All my credit cards had been changed to
`F. O. Martin.'

I acknowledged her, she didn't change her demeanour which was good.

"You have a terrific figure, easy to fit because you're so trim. Is it all
from riding?"

I laughed, she seemed a bit abashed by her own question. "Sorry, I read
piece about you in a magazine. Sorry!"

I reassured her it was Okay. "Yes a lot of riding and swimming."

Out to the van again! Then to the north end of the shopping street to
Brooks Brothers to get Cho several sleeveless jumpers for golf. Navy, red
and a fantastic sea green!!



Around the corner in North Beverly Drive a stop at Starbucks then
Alice+Oliva!

I scooped up a sleeveless dress with a flared bouncy skirt to the top of
the calf. V-neck, a wide belt of the same fabric, red poppies on a blue
background. The skirt moved easily round my legs when I walked.

Sunny dove into dresses with Tara and Tessa. PJ standing back with me
sipping lattes after grabbing my first item. He'd had shop time in Hugo
Boss and Brooks Brothers.  He kept watch bit we could talk.

He was using his clothing allowance carefully by buying quality goods that
were well made and had a certain timelessness. Men had had a small
advantage there but I thought it had narrowed a good deal. PJ had skinny
jeans, tight jumpers and great looking shoes... We grinned at each other.

Sunny found a Sweatshirt dress, black and white with stripes on the
three-quarter length sleeves and at the hem. At a few inches above the knee
it was good for her. I said it was `right' and add it it in!

In Tops I went on a spree for Christmas gifts. Satiny tank tops, a fab blue
lacy crop top with three-quarter sleeves and a sailor collar, I was
thinking Ni. A very cute black and white striped bustier I thought a killer
look for Lawan! A silver sequin tank top for Reyna! An off the shoulder
blouson in shimmery blue and white for Malee, show off those nice
shoulders! A white cut-off cable knit jumper with a big sailor collar and
long sleeves for Rona! An off the shoulder crop top in black pinstripe with
white, little drop straps to go down the arms for Andrea.

I bought several what they called `sweater coats' rather than `jumper
coats' for a few English friends. Keep them warm.

Sunny found a few other bits. The sales lady was thrilled. We made her
month in an hour or so! Tessa and Tara did their thing. I put down my
plastic for Sunny and me. The woman looked at it then me... odd these
various responses... She smiled at me.

"I thought so but I didn't want to bother you."

I smiled back saying it was appreciated.

"If I'm not intruding..." I said go on... "My dad is voting for Hillary
because of you. He watched Fox before now he's found out about all the lies
and is very PO'd."

"I'm pleased. I think we need her in the White House to maintain the
progress women and all minorities have made under Obama."

We did a fist pump! "I think so!! Thank you for coming in today!"

PJ had called for the van. It was loaded up. Next door to Theory.



I was looking for anything that struck my fancy at this point. Bang! A
white wool dress cut like a man's blazer!! Double breasted to mid-thigh,
fitted close to the body. It was terrific looking in the mirror. Tessa was
there holding both thumbs up! They had it in several colours but white was
the best!

Another wool dress, a warm medium green with a split bodice and sleeveless
to a few inches above the knee. I got Sunny into it. She looked great! I
got one in charcoal.

I added a black silk fitted long sleeved shirt. Comfy and sleek.

Leather leggings for us both in `Artic Teal,' high waist, very snug from
waist to ankle.

When we came out of the changing room PJ was talking with a woman I hadn't
seen, she wasn't the sales person helping us. Tara said several sales folk,
men and women had gathered.

 Our sales person came up, she quietly said she hadn't let on I was here.

"So they work here?"

She nodded as PJ stepped close. The sales people were acting like groupies
he asked a manager to move them along. The woman manager apologized. I was
smiling by then. Gawd things can be a bit weird.

"It's Okay!" With a laugh, "I would have thought that they might have seen
a few well known people before."

The manager said yes..."But Miss Martin, you are above the average for even
Beverly Hills and Hollywood."

I looked at Gil who had been doing her database thing. She looked a
question back. The manager came back from her office with a copy of today's
Los Angeles Times. I could see we would have to do something about our
insulation from the news.

My face was on the lower half of the front page with an amazing headline
`Is This The Most influential Woman On Earth?'

No shit! Gil and I stared at each other, PJ leaned over my shoulder. He got
it when I voiced that we needed someone to monitor the news about us full
time. I said call Thet now... and Tai.

I handed the newspaper back to the store manager thanking her.

So I know what it means when we just do whatever without paying attention
to the media. I couldn't ask Gil, it would be too much. She had her hands
full!! Tai could be a quick but maybe temporary fix. Her English was
superb, the same for her computer skills.

I asked Gil to email Reginé to call when it was around eight tomorrow
morning our time.

The manager helped our sales lady to finish up. I thanked them both. The
van out front once more!



One more stop. We walked across Beverly Drive on Brighton Way which I
thought funny. Brighton in California! Back to Rodeo Drive and a half block
south to Coach. We walked past Ferragamo, Balenciaga, Gucci and Prada. They
weren't on my list today, just not me right now and not for Sunny.

Coach had a nice store! I sent Sunny on to look at clothes and I went to
shoes.

I wanted sandals and found their `Flatform' wedge cute and comfy! Then
several pairs of Waverly pumps in grey and black, four inch heels. Gil gave
the sales person Sunny's shoe size to get out some Waverly's in black with
a shorter heel.

I got another of their collared black dresses with lace at the mid-thigh
hem to keep here in Los Angeles. And found Sunny in a black print pleated
dress looking very cute. Done!

In bags I aimed her toward the Charlie bag since it was a good size but not
too big. Sunny fell in love with the dark Ivy green colour!! Naturally.

The shorter Waverly pumps were a good fit and she was up walking with no
trouble. In black with a pair of the `Coleen' boots in black also.

I slipped into Men's for a Dopp Kit in their gorgeous brown. Most of Cho's
leather luggage was nearly the same warm colour.

Each of my Protection Team got a chance to shop. Shoes mostly. PJ in a pair
of black lace-up Derby shoes. Big soles.

This time I wasn't recognized or they were `too cool' to say. Coach was
very high on my list!!!!!!

The van loaded and sent on its way. Us too into another car.



Leslie's folks helped with the goodies. I did the work of separating things
into bags to go to different houses with Gil keeping score! Sunny did a
fashion show, delighted with her new things.

We had a nice walk with Jaidee on the beach. Short shorts and crop tops for
us as the heat had stayed throughout the day. Same for the next few days.

Sunny got to see Jaidee's digging skills in a shortened form.

We did an ice cream stop at N'ice Cream again then down the Boardwalk to
home.

Dolores had out some Pico de Gallo and assorted chips as a starter. Cho was
on the way!! A solo volcano text? It was great last time.



Gil said she'd sent the email to Ellie about a run up to the FCUK store in
Oxford to buy a selection of hats and tops in various colours for me. Good.



News from the Southwold decorators! They had both agreed to my idea for
sharing the job. Jane's plan for the bedrooms I thought much better,
romantic in fact and Madeline and Ken's for the main floor superior. So
they would each get work and we'd get the best! The plans were detailed
with snaps of the possible furniture and draperies, Edwardian as I asked!
Terrific! They would start as we had sent them our consent.

They would have to coordinate with our Security which was easier now that
we had someone there full-time.



Email from Stanislaus, to Gil, who Carter had hired as librarian and art
curator. An excellent reference from Hélène. We would share him with
her, a good arrangement for us and him. His email to Gil said that the
inventory team had mislabeled some of the older books. In the group were
Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century novels and scientific works were in fact
not re-prints but original copies. The value of which was several thousand
times that shown in the Harcourt Domesday Book!

He was going to spend more time in his follow up than Carter had
allotted. Carter endorsed this!

We did too since his yearly salary was paid many times over by what he
found out! A big welcome to Stanislaus!!



Sunny and I on the terrace looking out over the city. I was giving her a
visual tour of what I knew. Dolores came out to help.

WHOA! I jumped as Cho's arms encircled me! Kiss and hug!! He was more
revved up this time.

I got Sunny to get him a Newcastle. Cho grinning said he'd shot a 59! But
the par was 70 on the Bel-Air course. Okay, I got it!

He'd had a blast playing the course which has many oddities. It wound its
way into canyons with tunnels and bridges and elevators? Pedro's friend,
George, was a Bel-Air member knew Cho through banking circles. They had
been part of several deals without ever meeting.

Cho smiling he got a fast start on number one after a good drive he had a
seven iron to the green on a par five, it landed and sat nine feet from the
flag.

"So I started with an eagle. Pedro nudged George saying `I told you so'
which got me laughing."

"There are a lot of short par fours which are great for me. A long drive
leaving me a short iron which I play very well. Once you are close you
control the ball much better as I dropped quite a few approach shots close
to the flag."

"I had a run of birdies from the sixth through the ninth! I made the turn
six under. On ten I nearly had a hole-in-one when by tee shot rolled past
the about a foot away to stop three feet away. Ten is an odd hole, you have
to walk over this suspension bridge after hitting your tee shot over a tree
and brush filled ravine."

Cho had finished his beer and I went to get another. I brought him some
chips and a small bowl of the Pico del Gallo. A sip and a munch.

"Almost another hole-in-one at thirteen as it hit the flag pole on the
second bounce, it caromed off eight feet or so. Another birdie. Then
another hard finish with three straight birdies. On the tee at eighteenth
George and Pedro made another side bet, one of a series. I hadn't been
involved but it appeared Pedro was ahead."

Cho kissed me, "I was thinking of doing that when I teed off. I'd had your
face in my mind... Yes, a contraction and I've noticed how often they are
coming!! ...I put my ball on the tee, rolled my shoulders, took my stance
and swung... Boy did I get all of the ball in the sweetspot! It really
flew!"

A chuckle, "We walked the fairway after they teed off, my caddy said it was
one of the longest drives he'd ever seen on this hole. Pedro and George hit
their seconds both on the green in good shape. I get to my ball the caddy
says there's only forty five yards. I've my wedge out and a nice swing the
ball lands above the pin and the backspin brings it to 1 foot from the
hole. My caddy was hitting his thigh with his fist... `go in!' but it
stopped. I marked and George rolled in a very handsome twenty one footer
for a birdie! Pedro birdied too!"

Cho stretched, "We all played very well. Pedro was eight over and George is
a scratch golfer and finished at one under! Me at 59! What a round."

I slipped into Cho's lap for a hug and kiss.

"We sat for a short drink in the bar. George said his good round was
inspired by me. A club Pro came over to say hello because George pulls a
lot of weight there. He's a quiet fellow but important in Los Angeles and
U.S. banking circles and in many local civic events mostly behind the
scenes. George told him my score which floored the Pro."

Francis laughed, "Because George `carries weight' and is a model golfer?"

Cho's smile was cute, "Yes, a strict rules player. The Pro of course knows
this so my score has to be entirely legitimate. I turned in the score card
and they asked if I would let them take a few pictures especially after a
club officer came out and recognized me. He runs a few ponies and knew me
from Glaa's successes."

He really laughed, "The club fellow said I was just the sort of person they
should have as a member. George had hinted at it earlier once he'd seen my
game. It's funny my banking connections link me to golf by my knowing
ranking members who are colleagues. If they ask me to join I will. I liked
the course and it fits my game quite well."



Cho hugged me, "And your day?"

Sunny started in on all the nice things she got shopping with me. I went in
to get one of the copies of the Los Angeles Times Leslie sent up after my
request. I handed it to Cho. He looked, I made a flip over motion
then... "No Shit!"

I told him about the manager at Theory showing me that after her staff had
gone a bit cray-cray! He heard what I did afterwards he gave me a fist
bump.

"I talked with Tai. She can stay in New York with Megan for now and do the
work on the internet. I sent her out to the Apple Store to buy a MacBook to
use for this. She's going to connect with the PR Law Firm in the morning
and Reginé who'll then call me. Gil and I are working on a list
newspapers she'll check every day and she'll scan the newspapers and TV
channels of all the places we go to or plan to travel to soon. We'll have
her buy online subscriptions wherever necessary to get complete access."

Another fist bump and a kiss! He thought I had it going!

I said I'd show him a few of my purchases later.

Dolores called dinner and we trooped into the dining room. A tasty cold
tomato bisque with little cheese toasts! Grilled scallops, big, tender and
flavourful, a wasabi sauce on the side, a baked veggie casserole, a Caesar
salad with anchovies and those delicious white corn cakes!! The ice cream
run booty was the finale!



I tucked Sunny in, "Tomorrow is a visiting day in barns with horses so
jeans will do but Saturday we're on show all day."

A big grin, she was ready to show off her new finery!



I gave Cho a brief look at my clothes and gave him the Dopp Kit! He loved
it! I got a huge hug and kiss! It was the right shade to match his other
bags!

I was lying on the bed my head over the edge talking with Jaidee in his
bed. Thump... Thump... Thump! He was such a sweet boy. He'd had a fun walk
after our dinner. Sunny, Cho and I with Ro and Ansara and a few of Leslie's
people. Jaidee did his business then got entirely messy in the surf and
sand.

The big beach towel did most of the cleanup. That tongue hanging out as I
rubbed his body. Great stuff!



Sleep was fast coming on! I had to pee in the middle of the
night... Thump... Thump... My little man got a kiss! I slid back under the
bed clothes Cho's arm came around, a soft kiss on my neck...

I was up and in the kitchen watching Jaidee destroy his breakfast. I gone
out with him early taking one of Leslie's crew. Jaidee got to do his thing
without a big long tour this time. He was Okay.

I sipped my coffee and put away an apple. A good one too, crunch!

Dolores made me an offer I couldn't refuse... French Toast! Sunny's radar
must have been on high... she came out in her sleep duds, tank top and
pajama bottoms... yawning! I shooed her back to get some more things on, it
wasn't that warm yet. Francis was ready! He heard the magic words too.

We three munching on Dolores terrific food! Gil and Cho emerged to find
they were behind and strove to catch up. Dolores churning out the delicious
toasts pieces like an assembly line.

Bread – batter- frying pan – plate – hungry person!



Reginé called at eight, she got what I wanted right away and would put a
small team on it today. She would link with Tai and find out about the PR
lawyers.

She'd gone to the LA Times webpage after reading Gil's email. "They spent
some time on you. Funny they didn't contact you while doing it. But they
certainly appear to like you and how Fox is doing!"

I agreed. We'd be ahead of it from now on. "Do you think they tried to
reach me?"

It was a question for the PR lawyers. I emailed Tai to ask.



Dusit came up. He was just back from a Bangkok family visit. He was happy
to be in Los Angeles! We chatted a bit, he was keeping things going for
Alex.



We cleaned up for Santa Anita. I was in black G-Star jeans, cutoff black
t-shirt under a red and black checked flannel shirt, big checks! Black
ankle boots and silver jewelry with my usual `Joy' additive! Red round
shades!

Cho in black and red too! Sexy legs!!

Sunny was in gray and green, gray skinny jeans with gray t-shirt under a
forest green corduroy shirt. Her new Coach `Coleen' boots! I double checked
that they were fitting good because she'd be in them all day. She was good!



Cho and I had a conference call with the Los Angeles lawyers handling the
sponsor deals. Apple was completely IN, signed and delivered!! They were
fine with Levis, Taittinger's and Starbucks. They had the report on
Roundell's company we sent on and had no problem with them as a sponsor
too. We were GREAT! Excellent companies to have our name associated with
their quality and they with us!

I could see a terrific partner relationship going forward. We changed our
schedule to make a stop in the Bay Area to see both Levis' and Apple's
management. We'd see Starbucks in Seattle and Taittinger's on our next trip
to France. Some personal connections at the start!



Leslie drove us over to Santa Monica Airport for our lift to Santa Anita
Park. The nifty Agusta AW139 took us up and away quickly. I gave Sunny a
brief tour of what we were going over. She could see a long way in the
clear air, from Long Beach to deep into the San Fernando Valley. We were
above the Foothill Freeway for some distance then a turn south to land on
the spot Santa Anita Park made for us.

We walked into the barn area, Leslie was with us. Just checking.



Monaco grinning as arrived at our big barn. Filled with our horses! Hugs
for him, Jackson and James. All the jockeys were there, hugs and
kisses. Donna, Mike's wife stuck her head of the office to wave.

Emanuel was doing Okay, still in the sling but healing properly. Marnie his
replacement on SakChai really enthused by her mount's willingness.

"Miss he wants to run! He trains like his brother and sister... hard! We're
all READY!"

We had Glaa on a lead outside just walking. He bumped me with his head,
nickering. He stuck his nose inside my shirt in search of mints. I gave him
a couple. He was happy, rested but roaring to go according to Mike.

"He's been on fire in training."

Hansa was bouncing her head when asked if she wanted to go
racing. Jackson's smile said it all.

IrishRainbow did a body search of Cho, when he sussed out mints he wanted
some. I put some in Sunny's pockets... IrishRainbow gave her the once over
and pushed her for the mints! She loved meeting them all.

SakChai was bouncing around between barns in the sun, shiny like a bright
white light!

All our runners for Saturday were wired! Monaco, Jackson and James had
brought them along to their peak!

Hansa would go off first in the Juvenile Fillies at noon then SakChai in
the Juvenile at 1445 and IrishRainbow would try again against Glaa in the
Classic at 1735.



John Glass came by, `Were we on?' A big yes. We loaded into cars to drive
to John's ranch. We crossed under the freeway to Foothill Boulevard then to
the east side of Sierra Madre and up into a canyon.

Their ranch looked comfy from the approach road, nice fencing, big shade
trees all around the house and barns with open areas behind. Julianne on
the screened porch smiling, "Welcome!"

We got the tour, a nice wood framed home with two wings, one a big kitchen
with huge booth table, the other the bedrooms, a big living room with a
nice big rock fireplace in between. The garden in the centre flanked by the
house wings was a profusion of flowers, wild flower varieties but tended by
Julianne. A covered walkway connected the rear of the wings with a fork
that lead out towards the barns.

We met Alybesha again. He was very nice to me which did surprise John and
Jack. I stroked his handsome black face, a low nicker. Jack passed me a
couple of mints! Bingo!

They had a very fine setup, good training areas and really good barns. John
and Jack missed Ronnie but she seemed happy with her new experiences.



In Julianne's kitchen, John made it plain she was the queen in there, I got
an iced tea and parked my butt on a stool. She MISSED Ronnie! There was
plenty of communication though. A flow of texts, emails and calls. No doubt
Ronnie was enjoying her time at Harcourt House. Yes, still mucking out
stalls but she really liked Freddie and he was showing her new things about
training horses.

A grin from Julianne, "Ronnie likes the food! She sent snaps of her room
and everything. Your fellow Gregory got her a tour of the big
house... WOW!"

I said they needed to come over at Christmas to visit Ronnie and see for
themselves. She was thrilled with the offer.

"All you need to do is get on a helicopter at Santa Anita Park and we'd do
the rest."

A huge hug! The guys came in, Julianne squeezed John and told him my
offer. His eyes lit up, I got a kiss on my cheek and Cho a big hand shake!
Jack grinning, he'd never been further than a horse buying trip to Mexico.

Sunny and I helped Julianne with lunch. I'd told her about my eating habits
when we planned this. She had thick potato leek soup, grilled tuna melt
sandwiches and cut fruit! She was good with me.

I had a coffee in hand walking with Julianne, "Fay, you and Cho are just
like us, sort of easy to talk to people. But you're both so important. I'm
not sure why you'd spend time with folks like us."

Smiling, "Well first you're horse folks as we are! Cho's been racing horses
in Thailand for twenty years. Glaa was just such a terrific prospect moving
him to the U.S. race season made sense. Now it's a year and half on with
lots of wins behind our team... but we've not changed, I loved to ride
since childhood and being part of the racing is awesome. We do have a lot
of interests all over, racing isn't close to being the biggest financial
part but we put it high on our priorities because we love it so much."

I squeezed her hand, "I'm speaking for us both... We have a high profile,
it isn't going to make any fundamental difference in us. In fact I found
out yesterday how little it affects us when some young sales people at a
store were watching Sunny and I shop. The store manager brought out the LA
Times piece on me. I hadn't a clue."

"That was funny. We read that and they like you. They even think you are
good for America!"

I laughed , "Well, Fox News is watchable by all Americans now anyway! We
were over at Fox Entertainment yesterday. We told the production folk what
we wanted to see more of... like women and people of colour as directors
and producers, more roles that reflect how America looks and more. So that
will help but more subtly than the changes at Fox news."

We said our goodbyes although we would see them Saturday. I told them Kavat
would be in touch to schedule their trip to Harcourt House if they wanted
to come. They knew that Ronnie would be home for Christmas.



Comments are welcome: abecker60@yahoo.co.uk