Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2023 00:36:39 +1000
From: Gavin Hurst <gavin_hurst@icloud.com>
Subject: A life less than ordinary - Chapter 19-23

      Thanks for some great feedback guys. I am really blown
      away by the support. The emails from around the world
      keep me wanting to write.


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Let's see what you can give back. Donate here at
- https://donate.nifty.org/  Sorry for the delay on this lot,
as I have been of colour and I have had a writing block!

Chapter 19

Days flew past as we were thrown back in to the swing of our daily lives.
I was too soon off to New York to get up to speed as to where our
expansion plan was. It was good to catch up with both Steven and Klaus
who was now semi-permanent in the USA. Our choice of office space was
vast as occupancy rates in the post pandemic world were high, and we
could pick and choose what we wanted. Our initial plan was to be down in
the financial district, but to me that was copying what everyone else
did, and my thought was, lets be different, lets think out side the
square. An agent showed us a massive ex-warehouse in the Soho district
that I instantly fell in love with. It had a sunny out look, tree lined
streets and a stones throw from the River. I just loved the aged brick,
and it reminded me of the area we lived in Sydney's inner city. Within
hours the deal was settled, and now to engage an architect to bring my
vision to life. I was excited.

I excused myself for the rest of the afternoon as I was meeting with a
prominent New York Realtor to show me some houses for us to have a base.
Whilst I was excited, I was daunted by the fact that I needed to make
this decision by myself with out Jacksons advice. The first three were
instant No's. No light, to small, to dark, to tight, to noisy. You name
it I had an excuse for not liking them. As were entering the
4th property, Jackson facetimed me and I felt so relieved to see his
smile. As I walked up the entry stairs, Jackson asked me to stay on the
line so he could see what I was up against. Whilst this place, at $40m,
was way more than I wanted to spend, the agent told me it was a steal and
had everything I was looking for.

Walking in I was dead silent. The breathtakingly beautiful flooring in
hardwood, was done using Australian Jarrah and had instant feel to home.
The light shining in from the rear windows, added a spectacular feel to
overall ambience that was bouncing off the walls. Downstairs there was a
caretakers apartment, the main level had massive reception rooms a
kitchen with eat in meals area overlooking a beautiful manicured garden.
It was picture postcard perfect.

The sweeping stair case that wound its way up seven floors, with an
elevator from the 19th Century going down the centre. It had managed to
incorporate modern, traditional and historical elements everywhere you
looked. There were 10 bedrooms, each with ensuite, sitting rooms, and the
master suite took up the whole floor, with two bathrooms, dressing rooms,
and office, and to finish it off it was complete with rooftop terrace
with spa, outdoor kitchen and cottage greenery to make it so enchanted.
To say our Relator had hit the brief was an understatement.

At the rear of the property there was an 1850's carriage house that had
been converted to staff quarters, with a multi car garage. A rarity in
NYC these days and it was that, knowing our security could be
accommodated, was the bit that sealed the deal. I offered $30m straight
up, knowing it had been on the market some months and the seller was
eager. I spent the next two days playing back and forth before we agreed
to $34.5m with a quick settlement. As it was empty possession I asked the
realtor if we could organise a decorator to go over the property to
furnish it as I wanted it ready ASAP.

The rest of the week was spent sitting down with advisors and going over
the Plan for the America's and also meeting with some Ambassadors in
central America where we wanted to open up our community banking arm to
help foster small businesses and grow local economies. Fully aware of
some of the less than savory political climates in some countries, it was
agreed that we would start in Puerto Rico, being a US territory with a
high poverty rate, and also the island nation of Belize, another country
on good terms with Europe and the US.

Before returning late on Sunday, I left instructions with the team to
have candidates sourced to lead these projects and I would be back in 3
weeks to commence the interviewing process. I knew I was pushing people
hard, but they were paid extremely well to deliver on these projects and
I wanted to keep the ball rolling.

Tired, exhausted, sweaty from the New York summer, I just wanted to get
on the jet and return home. It had been a long week, and I had so much to
do in Munich with Jackson and his project scheduled to open on Tuesday. I
am the type of person if I make a commitment, I keep it. Unless something
out of my control stops it. And this is what appeared to happen.

Upon readying the jet, Capt Hendrickson had several warning lights go
off. As the Jet was relatively new, the few mechanics at Newark were not
sure how best to fix it, and they had to request assistance from
Gulfstream to repair. My only option was commercial if I wanted to get
home in time. Ringing around, I had missed all last flights, but I could
jump on a KLM flight at 6am to Amsterdam, then jump to Munich and be home
early evening. So it was back to the hotel for another night. Whilst
Jackson was disappointed, I still promised I would not miss his big
night.

As I laid in bed having showered, the Air Conditioning bushed across my
naked body leaving a nice chill on my body. It was also making my cock
twitch and at the same time hardening it to its full length. I started to
slowly fantasise about Jacksons solid meat pounding in to my hole as I
stoked my hard cock. Cum was leaking out and all I could do was taste my
own seed as it landed on my hand. I could feel my balls tense up knowing
I was getting close to shooting, but the feeling was so intense I was
edging myself to savour the moment longer. I had moved my hand to my arse
and was starting to use my cum to make my hole wet and slowly I inserted
my fingers. I had my eyes rolled back, moaning, preparing to shoot when I
just about reached the moment Michael came barging in unannounced. It was
at this exact moment I shot like a canon all over my chest and face.

"What the fuck do you want." I yelled at him. I think I was more
embarrassed than him. But obviously there was an issue for him to barge
in.

"The Munich Project is on fire. The whole thing is up in flames. Jackson
has been trying to call you. He's pretty shook up."

I rolled over and looked at my phone, 9 missed calls. It was on silent,
and I hadn't noticed it during my wank session. Fuck. I felt terrible.

I motioned to Michael to throw me a towel so I could clean myself up. I
threw on some sweats and hit the phone. "Babe, whats happened. Slow down
and tell me everything you know. Who's with you, are you safe."

"It appears a homophobic hate group is behind it, based on the slogans
that are visable on the outside, but the police cant do anything until
the fire is under control. The Chief has told me it doesn't look at all
like being salvaged. I am so upset, and you're not here and I have no
one, and I cant cope."

It was appearing that the cracks from the past few weeks were starting to
show, and I was feeling like an arsehole not being there when he needed
me most. It was 8:30pm in NYC and 2:30am in Munich. I got Sam on the
phone, "Sam, get me a fucking private jet now. I need to be in Munich
ASAP. Fuck costs, just get me there, I need to leave NOW."

It took Sam 15 mins to get a jet ready to leave in 45 mins. I had grabbed
a quick shower, and we headed for Newark again, as I needed to be home. I
rang Jackson and let him know I would be there as soon as I could. He and
Jo were with our lawyer giving statements to police. The devastation I
could sense in his voice was breaking me in half.  I knew it would take a
good 8hrs before I'd be home, but I was doing what I could.

Settling back in the wide leather seats, Michael grabbed me a Vodka, and
himself a water. We are 40,000 ft mate, why not join me for a drink,
it's not as if I am getting shot at up here." I laughed. He poured
himself a wine and kicked back and took his tie off. "Cheers, it's our
little secret." He grinned.

"Well if you're talking about secrets, can I just say, watching you
shoot your load was so fucking hot." He threw back at me as he laughed
hard.

I didn't really know Michael that well, and I was playing my cards
close. Had it of been James or Chris, I would have thrown back a retort.
Instead I grinned and put it in the memory to use later.

Our flight seemed to drag on, but it was a good time to get to know
Michael, as he would be around until I had James back. He was Bi, liked
the occasional swim in both ponds were his words, kept fit, had a
military background with UK forces in Afghanistan, meditated a lot for
self reflection, and loved what he did. Whilst a very good looking guy,
he was a bit too clean cut for me and still had a baby face at 35. I
would say he had broken many hearts during the years, and would continue
to do so for a lot longer.

I liked his sense of humour and the prospective and outlook he had on
life. He seemed a genuine good fit to our team, and I was happy he was
here. But, still, I missed James and our banter and arguments we enjoyed
everyday. I made a note in my diary to make sure he was retained in some
role after James returned to active duty.

Landing in Munich just before Lunch local time, I was fucking spent. I
had not slept in over 24hrs, I had a killer headache, and I knew the day
would just get longer. Jackson was at the airport with Jo waiting when I
arrived. Michael insisted that he drive, as he was primary detail, and my
driver wasn't there. Jackson handed over the key fob, and jumped in the
back with me as we made our way into the city. A few blocks away I could
see the smouldering ruins and it was a sad sight as we pulled up at the
police line. As usual, media presence was strong, and no one had spoken
to the Media as at this stage, whilst they were awaiting me. I looked at
Jackson and Jo, and said, "Well I better hit this one on the head. I
will just say a few words." As I walked up to the Media, Jackson grabbed
my hand and whispered in my ear. "I got this one bub."

I went to move to the side, but his grip on my hand was not letting go.
We were in this together. As the media started yelling questions directed
at me, I raised my hand to gather silence. "This is my husband's
project, and he will be making a statement."

"I grew up in orphanages around rural Australia. I was raped by clergy
who were supposed to protect me. My life prior to Germany was not what
you might expect it to have been. I was given the great opportunity to
build a place that would protect people like me from the evil's of
people that I have encountered. Last night those evil's returned. The
people responsible for this will be tracked down. If not by the Police,
but by me, my husband, and the power that we wield, both financially and
morally. I will not allow this to go unpunished. And I will not allow
this to be forgotten. Imagine if your son or daughter was asleep in this
building and it was torched by fire. Imagine if we were full and 200
LGBTIQA youth were murdered. Would you be reporting it the same way? No I
tell you. No you wouldn't. Because some people in this city only see a
good Fag as a dead Fag. As long as the people of Munich are happy to live
off the wealth of my family, as the largest employer in this city, I will
make sure that if things don't change, we will. We will leave and take
everything with us."

As the anger spewed out of Jackson, I could hardly feel my fingers. I had
never seen him so worked up over anything like this before. He had faced
his abusers in court over the years, but this was a whole new level of
anger for him and I was concerned. I needed to jump in before things got
more heated.

"As you can see my husband is extremely upset as to what has happened.
Our goodwill and work has been struck down by hate groups. Thankfully no
one has been hurt. I will be meeting with the Mayor and Police Chief this
afternoon and will be instructing them that we will have a full team of
independent investigators working along side them until we get to the
bottom of this. I will also pledge now, that we will rebuild, bigger and
better than the original. We will not let hate win."

With that the three of us turned and walked back towards the ruins.
Jackson was an emotional trainwreck and I just placed my hand on his back
and rubbed him to give him some comfort. As we approached the wreckage, a
group of fire fighters were milling around in a circle. It was strange,
but as we approached, one stopped us. In broken English he spoke. "You
can't go any further. We have found a body under the rubble. We are not
sure who it is, or why they were inside the building. The Police will
keep you informed."

We decided to head to Police HQ for an updated. The Chief of Police who I
had met a few times, personally came to update us. Whilst the body
retrieved was fairly charred, some identifying marks could be made and
the person found belonged to a Neo-Nazi hate group which was on the rise
in Europe at the moment. Preliminary indicators revealed that the fire
was lit with an accelerant and that it was deliberate. We were hardly
surprised. I thanked the Chief and we left. We drove back to the Villa in
pretty munch silence. Jo was coming back to hide out for a few days until
we had more information as to what had happened. Had it been an attack
against us, the charity, the building? We weren't sure, so we were
taking many precautions in the interim.

Chapter 20

With the opening now cancelled I had a few hours free and it was a relief
to actually breath for a change. I walked over to Sam's cottage to check
on James who I think by this stage had moved in. He was in pain I could
see. The screws in his leg were causing him discomfort and he couldn't
sit still. He was also really on edge and I had come to see James as the
stable influence around here and it made me slightly on edge to see him
like this. Talking with him and about his recovery plans, he was all over
the place. He wasn't making sense. I stopped him talking.

"James, what is it. What's eating at you." I asked in a direct tone.

"I'm finished. The company called and based on my injuries, I can't
resume normal duties. They are planning on pensioning me off."

"Well, that's a crock of shit if I ever heard it. I pay them a lot of
money to make sure we are kept safe. You are my security brains, and I
will not be letting that happen. As of now, you work for me. You are my
head of security. We will build our own team, and we will start by
poaching those currently placed with us." James just looked at me as if
I was crazy. I knew what I was paying his company per month to keep my
alive, I am sure I could pay the current detail double what they are on
now, and still be in front.

"but....but....but..." was all James could say.

"oh, shut up you old homo." I said with a grin on my face, "It's my
money and my decision. You've kept me alive so far, now you just have to
keep us all alive. I am sure Michael and Chris will stay if I double
their salary."

"You can work out of the Munich office, or I am happy to convert one of
the workers cottages here in to a full office for you and the team if you
would prefer. You tell me what you want, and I will make it happen.
You're stuck with me, mate, don't you forget it."

He stood up as best he could and hugged me. "Thanks Boss." Was all he
could muster, but for James, that was a lot.

I spent the next few weeks mainly in skype, zoom and teams talking with
people around the world, going about planning various strategies, and
also looking at the daily growth we were starting to experience as stage
one of our digital strategy was placed in the market. It was amazing the
feedback we were getting and the amount of new and returning customers we
were having opening accounts. We had targeted our launch around different
branding for different generation so they all felt apart of the change
for the future. It was an exciting achievement and something we were
being congratulated on in the media and the greater banking community.  I
used my full career in Marketing to lead the launch, and it was the first
time a Managing Director had personally shaped something like this.

The changes and achievements we had made, as well as the setbacks
encountered, was growing daily. The achievements were bigger than the
setbacks. Yet there was so much I wanted to do, but I wanted to do it
probably, not half arsed and rushed leading to failure.

I was due to head back to New York for interviews and whilst I could have
done them via video, I felt for such important roles, I needed to be in
person. Jackson was still down, so I got him to come with me on the
promise I would spend some time in galleries looking at the Town House
garden designs he had drawn up, and spending our evenings eating
fattening New York fast food. The last part worried me, as Jackson never
put on weight, were as I only looked at food to be putting it on.

Whilst the Jet was still out of Action, we choose to fly commercial and
just relax. We flew Singapore Airlines from Frankfurt as they had first
class suites on their A380 and we always had it on our bucket list to do.
The service was out of this world, and the trip started with Caviar and
Champagne before moving on to a 5-course dinner, which we sat at the same
table in my personal suite on board. It was just a wonderful way to fly
and as we landed in New York, we were saddened that it ended so quick,
although I promised Jackson we would do it again, soon.

Michael and Chris accompanied us, in business class, and as we hopped of
the plane a lImo was waiting to take us to our hotel. Hopefully the Town
House would be settled this week, but at this stage we were back at the
Plaza Hotel up in the same Suite where Michael had caught my solo act. We
started to map out our week, when reception buzzed to say that Steven was
in the lobby. He was joining us for Dinner and I was pleased that our
relationship was building stronger everyday.

We went downstairs to the Restaurant where Steven was already seated and
we caught up on where everything was at. From the building, to the
people, to the strategies, to the implementation. As dessert was
finishing up, Steven and I were deep in conversation and Jackson turned
to us and said, "Excuse me Moguls, this is boring me senseless. I am
going shopping for Art." He hopped up, turned on his heal, kissed my
forehead, and walked out with Chris. I could tell by his huge grin that
he was loving the idea of having a limitless Ebony American Express card
to shop for what ever he wanted. So far he had not gone overboard, but I
knew this trip was going to cost me money, especially as he was meeting
up with Dianne our decorator.

As Jackson departed, Steven looked at me in a way I knew something was
not right.

"Mother is sick. She is dying. She has cancer. She has asked to see
you." He said with a look that was both uncomfortable and unnerving to
me in the least. It took me as both a shock and surprise. Whilst I had
always respected her, and I guess looked up to her, as a child does his
parent, I was still angry from nearly 52 years of deceit, lies and being
taken advantage of.

"I didn't want to raise it in front of Jackson as I knew what his
reaction would be, but I needed to tell you, and let you do what you
wanted or needed to do."

I wasn't sure what or how I should be feeling. One part of me wanted to
rush back and see her, the other was to banish her from my memory.
Confusion was settling in and I would need some time to think it
through.

"Thanks for telling me." I responded in a monotone. "I need time to
process this, and I am not sure what I want to do."

"I need to head there ASAP, so if you want to travel with me, I will
support you through it."

"Thanks Steven, as I said, let me think it through."

We got back to our business at hand, but my mind had drifted off thinking
about my upbringing, and me trying to pinpoint a time of happiness in my
childhood. I was struggling to find the good. What was over clouding me
was the argument we had had as I left Australia. My life had moved on,
mostly for the better, but I guess I needed closure on the past as well.

That evening as we lay in bed hating, I bought up Steven's comments and
the issue surrounding my adoptive mother. Jackson laid there for a few
minutes after I had spelt out my Pro's/Con's and turned to be and said,
"I'll never stop you doing what you think is right, I may disagree with
you, but stop you I won't. Pack your bags Babycakes, you need to head
downunder."

I laid there in his arms for a good half hour, each of us alone in our
thoughts as I pondered what I was walking in to, and him alone in his
thoughts. The irony was we were probably thinking about the same thing,
only from different angles.

Chapter 21

Three days later Steven & I along with two of my security detail boarded
the plane at JFK for the long trek south. We had a fairly long wait in
LAX before boarding the A380 to take us directly to Sydney where we would
then hop to Canberra, before a shorter drive to the coast. The whole trip
would take us over 30 hrs and I was glad to be seconded in first class
for the trip along with my laptop to keep my mind occupied on everything
and anything besides what I was heading to. We arrived early morning in
to Sydney, and the short transit and flight to Canberra had us on the
ground finally at 8.30am local time

Whilst it was 8:30am Thursday in Australia. It was 6.30pm in New York
Wednesday and 12.30am Thursday in Munich, my body was not coping with the
unset body clock and Jet Lag which was certainly playing havoc on me.
Michael grabbed the hire car from the rental desk, and we set off on the
last 150KM to my parents' property, not knowing what to expect.

Arriving before lunch, I was surprised to see the cars of my other
siblings parked out the front. In fact, they were all there and I can't
remember a time all 5 of us were together in the same location in the
past 20 years, as I had purposefully avoided the house around holidays,
as it always ended up with me losing my cool, and being blamed for
ruining Christmas, Easter, Birthdays.....Just add an event and it was my
fault there was an argument.

A few of my nieces were sitting out the front the front as I was let out
of the rear of the large SUV we were travelling in. They were what I
called my "friendly nieces" who had ignored their parents and were
always polite and genuine, and I was always greeted with a hug and kiss
of them. Right on queue they jumped up and welcomed me, and were pretty
over joyed to see I had come with Steven, the favourite child returning
from afar. I kinda hung back from the gathering, as more siblings started
to come out front to see what the commotion was. As usually happened I
was largely ignored except for one sister in law who had always been
friendly towards me, and was also the mother of the nieces I was so
warmly met by.

I had pretty much shut down emotionally by this stage and was just
wanting to leave. I was deep in conversation with Michael when my Adopted
father came to the porch.

"Grant, your mother wants to see you, now." He bellowed in his gravelly
and always angry tone he used when he spoke to me.

"I'm not 15, I've not done anything wrong, I have nothing to be guilty
of" Was the mantra circulated around in my head as I walked inside,
leaving Michael at the door. I walked through to my Mothers bedroom,
which I had not been in for some 30yrs, and just observed the frailty of
her laying there with the covers pulled up tight, slightly drugged, but
certainly sharp enough to take in the surrounds and who and what was
being said. It was just her and I. I had no feelings, I was void of any
emotion as I watched her lying there.

"What do you want. What was so important that you needed me here?
Humiliation? Anger? Jealousy? Why now? What do you want?"

With a voice just above a whisper she said to me, "I just wanted to let
you know, that I can still make you jump when I say jump, right up until
the end."

"You pathetic, evil, horrible woman. You disgust me. Just go. The world
would be a better place with out you in it."

I turned on my heal and walked directly in to Steven, who neither my
Adopted mother or I realised was standing there listening in.

"Grant, stay." He motioned to me, "this won't take a minute."  As he
said that I watched him walk close to my mother, and loud enough for all
to hear he said, " You are disgusting. If you weren't dying, I would
disown you as well. The way you have treated Grant his whole life is the
reason I left. I could not watch you abuse him. He has become so much
more than you could ever hope to be, and it's not because of Money,
it's because of you. You showed him what hate was, he has done the
complete opposite his whole life. Die you selfish horrible woman, just
die."

Almost like a wish being granted, her eyes closed as she drew her last
breath. It was over. Steven and I walked out the door, told the others
she had passed and simply hopped in the car and drove off. The last time
I would step foot in that house. Regardless the circumstance.

As tired as we all were, I told Michael I was driving. Driving was
something I did when I needed to relax. It was a way of me shutting down,
plus I knew these roads better than most. I decided to head back to
Canberra rather than Sydney so I could enjoy a bit of peace and quiet to
gather my thoughts. Steven and I had both attended Uni there back in the
day, and had a close network of friends we could catch up, and hide out a
few days. As my I connected my phone to the car, I dialled Jackson who
would be waiting my call regardless of the time. As he answered, I could
here that I had woken him. It was 11pm in New York and I knew he would
have had an early night with me away.

"Hey sleepy" I said in a soft tone. " Heading back to Canberra for a
few days, she's dead."

The silence down the phone indicated he was lost for words. There was
nothing to say.

"let me know if you want to stay in New York or head back to Germany,
and I will plan accordingly. Get some sleep and I will call you later.
Love you, bub."  I said as I ended the call.

Steven sitting in the back piped up after a period of quiet. "I am so
sorry you had to go through that your whole life. I felt guilty that I
left you there all those years knowing what she did, and how you were
treated. No one should have to live like that. I am sorry I made you come
out here."

I didn't respond as I had no words. He then went further....

"hearing what she said to you when she thought you were alone with her
made me realise how hard your life has been. No family, no support, no
big brother to protect you. I will never let that happen to you again. We
may not be blood, but you are and always will be my brother."

I dare not speak as the tears started to flow down my face as I
concentrated on keeping the car on the road. We were driving towards the
mountain range we needed to cross and the road was getting winding, I
want to get to Canberra in one piece and I need a mood change, so I
popped on some music to break the ice.

Pulling up at the Hyatt Hotel, Michael got out first, checked the
surrounds then he and the other detail, Corey, walked in front and behind
me as we entered the hotel. As I approached the reception, I pulled out
my Black AmEx and business card and said to the young guy behind the
counter, Can I please have your best suite, a room on either side for my
friends here, and another suite close by for my brother. This last
comment bought a smile to Stevens face.

"Certainly Mr Von Garbner, just give me a moment and I will have our
porters take you through to your rooms. Can I please get your car keys so
we can collect your luggage. And how many days will you be joining us
for? "

"That I cannot answer at this stage, but once I know I will let you
know."

The door from behind the reception quickly opened where an older
gentleman immaculately dressed in a suit appeared next to the young man
attending us.

"Ah Mr Von Garbner, lovely to meet you. I am Garrick, the Hotel Manager,
please, allow me to take you to your suites."

"Thank you." Was all I could muster as by this stage, through both
emotionally and physical exhaustion I had nothing left to say, as polite
as he was.

Chapter 22

Canberra, The Nation's Capital, The Bush Capital. The seat of Govt is
actually a beautiful city, and during my frequent visits here dating back
almost 40 years I had fallen in love with aspects of it. Whilst I did
know a few people who were close to the epicentre of power here, it was
something that really didn't phase me that much. I preferred the dining,
the galleries, the institutions, the museum's, cycling around the lake.
Being free. To me it was the city that gave me my independence during my
University days, and allowed me to discover my true identity, an explore
my sexuality for the first time. A lot of memories, all good, come back
to this city, so to be back was a refresh I needed.

Upon entering my suite, The Ambassador's Suite, no less, I hit the
shower and bed. Steven told me he would make plans and if I needed him,
just buzz his cell. I also reminded him that as he was travelling with
me, just to let Michael and Corey know his plans in case of an emergency.
"Yes Dad" he scolded as he walked away laughing.

Laying in bed I ruminated on my past. My upbringing, my adopted parents,
everything I could think of to see if I had missed a hint of who I really
was, and there was nothing I could pin down, and my over active brain and
fizzled and I slept for about 5 hours until the phone rang.

"Hi Dad" my daughter Maggie said down the phone. "Dada just told us
about Granny dying. Are you OK?" So sweet my big girl was. I was blessed
to have such wonderful girls who always knew what to say.

"I am fine sweetheart, and I can actually say that and be 100% truthful
with you. For me it was closure, and it's what I needed. Can I call you
back shortly, I need to call Dada back" I asked politely. "Fine Dad,
don't say I didn't call hahahaha" she said in her sassy tone.

"Love you to the moon and back, Monkeybum." As I liked to call her when
teasing.

"Ugh you're such a Dad."

"Bye Sweetheart."

We both ended the call feeling good.

Phoning Jackson back I had the time to explain everything that happened,
how it played out, the frosty reception and Stevens words. He just let me
talk for a good 20 mins dropping in the occasional "mmm" or "aha" as
he let me ramble on. When I had finally finished, he just said, "Fuck
I'm so in love with you. You make me wanna be a better person
everyday."

"Babycakes, you are the reason I am a good person, I got it from you,
you don't need to change a bit."

"Ditto, Daddy" which was our running joke, considering our daughters
called me that.

Wide awake and hungry I started to pick at the fruit basket the manager
had had delived whilst I was asleep. I picked the phone and dialled a
number I hadn't rung in some time.

"Got time for a drink with your old roommate, ya cheap drunk" I said
down the line.

"Well fuck me, it's the global superstar, who has orgies in Oslo!"
Came the quick retort down the line.

Simon and I had roomed together for 4 years in college and he was the
first person I came out to. Well, I really didn't have a choice
considering the rugby captain was balls deep in me Simon returned back
early one weekend. We laughed about it for hours. He always new, or had
suspicions but never said anything out of respect.

I had been best man at two of his three weddings, and again I knew he was
single. We agreed to meet at a bar and catch up, which I was really
looking forward to.

Upon arrival, I entered with Michael and Corey. Telling them to give me
space, I found Simon tucked away in the corner with his usual bottle of
Cabernet and a couple of glasses.

"Who are the goons with you" he asked, knowing he was trying to get a
rise out of me.

"Oh them? Well the one on the right holds my cock whilst I piss, and the
other wipes my arse after I have finished." I replied, knowing I could
give it back just as well.

After I explained that I can't go anywhere without them, something to do
with my life insurance policy etc, we relaxed, drank and caught up on
each other lives. Whilst mine had changed dramatically, I was just as
interested in his life, and happenings and going's on.

He was working up at the Parliament, and I was explaining to him what we
were doing in Central America and how we were trying to empower people
from impoverished backgrounds and he was genuinely interested in how we
were going about it.  We talked and ate and drunk until the bar closed at
1am, with me allowing Michael to drive considering I could hardly see the
car let alone drive it.

Chapter 23

I awoke at 6am feeling life death. Weather it was the wine or the jet lag
I was feeling like crap. I stod in the shower for a good 20 mins and
prayed like hell someone knew I was up as I needed coffee. Leaving the
bathroom naked and dried. I was surprised to see Michael standing in the
main sitting room looking fresh and rested.

"Shut up, I feel like shit, one word from you and you're fired" I shot
off with a cheeky grin.

"Looking good there boss man! I've had coffee delivered and if you're
ready I will pour you a mug. Sam has been on the phone, you need to call
him as he needs your approval ASAP on some things."

"Thanks Michael, give me 2mins and I will be out, and stop looking at my
cock you pervert."

This deserved a reply and Michael just shot back, "Don't flatter
yourself old man or I'll pull mine out and embarrass you." The
cheekiness in his tone made me laugh. I loved the banter I had with my
team, and it helped when moments were tough.

I spent the next two hours on the phone to Sam who had now set up shop in
his cottage so he could be there for James who still was too light on his
feet to do anything. We had a heap to go through, and I was amazed at how
organised he was for someone who'd only just graduated University at 23
and was doing his MBA whilst working with me 24/7. I'd be lost without
him I reminded myself daily.

As I hung up, my phone rang straight away with an "unknown Number"
displayed on the screen. "Ugh" not again. I Thought. I answered it with
caution to be surprised by a female caller on the end. "Good morning, Mr
Von Garbner, This is Felicity from the Parliament House Switchboard
office, I have a Mr Simon Logan on the phone for you."

"Oh, yeah, thanks, please, put him through."

"Hey bonehead" he yelled down the phone. "So this morning when I got
in, I spoke to the boss about what you are doing in Central America, and
he liked the idea. He was hoping to grab 10 mins of your time today,
before he leaves to go overseas, to discuss something with you."

In all our catch-up last night, and Simon telling me he worked in
Government, boring, blah blah, in policy, blah blah blah, I neglected to
ask with which department he worked in.

"I was trying to avoid meetings whilst I was here. Who's your boss,
meathead"

"The Prime Minister" was all he responded.

"What he fuck, are you serious? You neglected that little bit of
information last night."

"Oh, my bad" He laughed. "No seriously he would like to talk with you
if you can swing by in about an hour." He gave directions on how to
enter Parliament House etc and to have him paged and he would allow us
access to the PM.

Whilst I hadn't really followed Politics at home, I was impressed by the
current PM, after many years of conservative governments ripping out
welfare programs, marginalising the poor and needy, we had a government
that was making a lot of progressive decisions and advancing the country
and rebuilding the nation after years of miss management.

Feeling a little starstruck, we arrived and were met by Federal Police
officers. Theyd noticed Michael's gun in his jacket, and whilst licensed
to carry as a protective agent, he'd have to leave them out. As he and
Corey unclipped, I smirked at their predicament of 6 burly Feds with
semi-automatic rifles asking them questions.

We got through security and I asked for Simon and in minutes he was at
reception.

"Hey buddy, glad you could make it, Hey Bevis and Butthead" he joked to
Michael and Corey who just smiled. Everyone loved Simon, myself
included.

Walking towards the executive suite and the PM's office, the plush blue
carpet was like walking on sponge. The Art work was world class and the
buzz electric. We approached a large set of Jarrah doors and what I
thought was to be an outer office, was actually the PM's office.

Simon faced me, "Grant Morgan, please meet Prime Minister Clare"

"Sir, Honoured to meet you, but it's actually Von Garbner these days.
But Grant is fine."

"Please Call me Jason. I'm not a huge fan of formalities in my office,
can I get you a coffee"

"Please, just black is fine,"

We discussed the many achievements of his first 18 months in office and
some of the work we were doing in Central America, Germany and other
parts of the world working with marginalised people, or charities and our
support of the LGBTQIA+ communities in Germany. He seemed impressed that
when we made the decision to commit, we dived in and delivered what we
promised.

"I'd like you to considering opening your banking division here in
Australia to bring in more competition to the sector. And, whilst you are
doing that, I would like you to consider a joint venture with our
government to open up your "banking better lives" program in to our
indigenous communities to help them achieve greater outcomes in life. The
Govt would fund a multi-faceted education and training program and you
would facilitate the banking needs etc as you do in Central America.

Wow, whilst flattered an honoured, I was not prepared for this, and for
once I fairly speechless.

I gave the PM a solid commitment that we would consider it, and I would
like to catch up with him again, hopefully next month whilst he is in
Europe on a State Visit to the UK for a wedding of some royal.

We shook hands and I departed. I was excited.