Date: Sat, 21 May 2022 03:56:23 +0000 (UTC)
From: A becker <abecker60@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Jian 74

Jian


Back the Energy Ministry we took our leave. I told Taj I would like Cho to
see this superb view sometime. He said we would welcome anytime.

Handshakes and kiss for Taj's cheek. A big smiling face on him as we
entered the lift.

The helicopter flew us away to Mehrabad. Stephanie said we could taxi
immediately. Okay strap in! We were airborne right away.


We turned east by south. We had a six hour or so flight to Hanoi. We'd
sleep aboard and have the day for our visits before flying on to Bangkok
with a day in hand.


74

Reg and Stephan gave the tale of their meeting with the Interior Ministry
people.

"Fay, they want to have a good look at our scanning and sensor
technologies. It appears they want to secure multiple installations and
certain boundaries.

We do recognize they have issues with minority groups inside Iran... Our
systems are passive by design and our software is compiled in our
proprietary way it can't be undone to change it to do other functions.

So we gave them a good briefing and recommended they send some people to do
a hands on visit.

Where is a big question... Do you think the Americans would object to a
visit to either Lordsburg or Harcourt Ranch where the systems are fully
functioning in a way we could do demos. Maybe Kentucky?"

"I can talk with Hillary... Lordsburg or Harcourt Ranch would be
best... more isolated. We could fly them close then helio-lift them the
rest of the way.

Harcourt Farm in Kentucky's lush summer might be too much.

How did you leave it?"

Reg, "They would ask at their end and we'd do the same."

"Okay. I will ask Hillary on who to approach in the U.S. government. They
were that interested?"

"Oh yes! Very interested. What we are doing in Vietnam isn't a deep
secret... I think they heard enough about it to ask us in to talk. So we
have... they are chomping at the bit."

A big grin!

Fist bump!

I sent an email to Hillary. She'd see it the morning there. Iranians
visiting was an issue I thought she should know about from the `get-go' not
hearing about from an assistant.

Eating an a cheese omelette in the early light. Light rain that Louis, the
other pilot, said was to end in an hour or so with possibly more later in
the afternoon. The temperature would be around twenty two degrees. I
thanked him.

Email from Hillary... she had an aide working on the Iranian visit. The New
Mexico and California locations she thought would be the best. The State
Department and the FBI would be involved. The aide was given Gil's contact
information to keep in touch.

Gil smiling with a thumbs up!

A white cotton sleeve-less mid-calf circle skirt frock with black
accessories, gold jewellery and a black cardigan over my shoulders. `Joy'

We went down the stairs to the tarmac, our 767 was parked east of the main
domestic terminal. The sensor net surrounding it.

Several electric carts waited... they took us about five hundred metres to
a PAVN helicopter. We were lifted to the roof of the Ministry of National
Defence in downtown Hanoi.

Colonel Ba was waiting. We shook hands. Inside I introduced Reg and
Stephan. He was very welcoming.

We descended to an a large conference room. There was a group of officers
waiting there. And a civilian... Conrad! A big smile! We shook hands.

Ba did the introductions. The Defence Minister himself with us.

I was welcomed and thanked for coming. I said I was glad to return to
Vietnam and meet them all and speak about our work. I said it in Vietnamese
which shocked them all including Colonel Ba.

Smiling... I explained that my knowledge of their language wasn't good
enough yet but that I was working on it. I did add if we could use French I
was fluent.

They were all smiles. The Minister said he appreciated my interest and
willingness to learn their language. French was good with them.

First, Colonel Ba's immediate superior General Diep wanted to commend our
company for the excellent work. We were ahead schedule on every project in
Vietnam. I pointed to Conrad who smiling said the help they were getting
from the PAVN was making a huge difference.

The generals liked him saying that because it was true and showed we
appreciated their assistance.

Their microwave communications upgrade was more seventy percent
complete. The people from the Ministry of National Defence were on-site and
able to make things happen when needed cutting through any issues.

Diep motioning to Reg and Stephan, he had been briefed about them, he asked
if they had time to go into the field. They looked to me... Conrad
nodding. I could see Reg's head bobbing at the corner of my vision.

"If you want to stay a day it can work... " I turned to Gil... she was
already typing a text to Penn for an aircraft to come up and pick up the
guys. I smiled at her.

She nodded when I said to tell Lis and Yobi to pack their bags.

Reg and Stephan's coming suddenly enhanced. They'd get dirty!

"General, I will need them back the day after tomorrow in the morning in
Bangkok."

He smiled and promised. "You have all come a long way... It is a good
thing."

Reg grinning said they wanted to very much. Done!

We discussed the projects... the first part of the border `wall' was being
installed. We were using a satellite link they provided. I'd spoken to
Conrad before this meeting. The linkage was working fine.

"As I have informed the Ministry that system will need to be upgraded for
it accommodate the entire network but for the our purposes now it is
fine. It will prove the workability of the design."

It was a good discussion, the generals had a firm grasp of what was being
done in all projects. I could see Colonel Ba watching his bosses... it
looked like he had done a lot of work keeping them knowledgeable.

Ni had created a video with animation of the sequences of actions that
would come from a `hit' on the border wall. How a sensor acquired a
`target' and passed the information on right up to where an officer would
make a judgement on what action to take.

The Vietnamese were buying our wings to patrol the border and to
investigate any `hits' by the system. They had a selection process going
forward to choose soldiers to go for training. They would be trained at
Sari Buri then mentored in Vietnam by some of our pilots.

Stephan had connected his MacBook to a screen. The Vietnamese watched as
the system `performed' its tasks right up to the human decision-making
point. They were pleased. They didn't miss anything because Lawan had done
the narration in Vietnamese.

Stephan handed a USB memory stick to Colonel Ba saying the demo was on it
with the App needed to run it.

Ba had a big smile. And a thank you.

We broke for some tea. General Diep standing with me, "Miss Martin, that
video was excellent."

"It was made by a company in Bangkok that does terrific work. It is run by
Ni who is a personal friend of my husband and I. She does lots of work for
The Company doing demos and animations on our other products."

I smiled, "May I ask if you have any further contact with the Chinese about
the border sensor net?"

He shook his head, "The Foreign Ministry has stopped for now. The Chinese
have been a blank wall. The Foreign Minister himself spoke with us two
weeks ago.

We have offered to share data but not how it is acquired... they it seems
want to be `in' on everything. That is not going to happen."

I shook my head. The General did say the Chinese were the classic pain in
the backside.

I couldn't agree more but for my own reasons!  I put it on my internal list
to speak to Ping after he was settled in Washington!

The PAVN provided us a car to go across town to the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development. It was a short drive. Mr. Tran met us the front
entrance. Smiles and handshakes.

Inside we were guided to a conference room. I got to meet the Minister. He,
like the Generals, was very complimentary about our work. The water project
was in its last stages. More than eighty five percent of the dams and
remote controls were functioning. Several more to go online in a week then
two months for the final portion.

They were seeing benefits already in managed water flows and the local
people were happy. So this was a good project. Work in a some less than
hospitable locations, using new technologies for us. It was good growth
mission for The Company and our employees.

The Minister and Mr. Tran liked meeting Reg and Stephan who had so much to
do with the creation of our devices. Reg pointing to me saying `it is all
her fault... they are her ideas' which had us all laughing. Our Vietnamese
hosts smiling at the banter.

The Minister, "You are a good team... Yes?"

Reg said, "Fay is essential to The Company's success... brains and beauty
combined with common sense."

The Minister looking over to me... I shrugged... "I can't help it."

Much more laughter after the Minister said I shouldn't resist it... it was
destiny.

Mr. Tran wondered if we like to eat lunch?

"It is a bit late... not uncommon for us."

I said yes after getting nods from my folks.

"There is a very good place on the lake about five minutes from here. It is
called Nha Hang Bo Ho."

The Minister and Mr. Tran went in their car, we used the Army car... at the
restaurant I asked for the Army driver to have a table and I would pay for
his food. The Minister's driver came in also at my urging.

I said to them I would be glad to pay for both... it was arranged by the
restaurant maître d'. I said they could have whatever they wanted.

We had a table on the terrace overlooking a lovely lake. Mr. Tran told me
what I was seeing across Tay Lake from our table. A very nice view.

"On the north shore are quite a few hotels, many restaurants and night-life
locations. It is mostly residential. It has grown a good deal... adding
needed amenities to Hanoi."

Stephan asked how the city had changed since the end of the wars.

Mr. Tran, a more serious look, "Our people here in the north have always
been strivers... wanting to improve their lives for the benefit of their
children... we have thrown off the shackles of external pressure to build
our own society. In our mixed economy people can explore entrepreneurship
which has brought tourism, industry and commerce to Hanoi.

New businesses and a rise in population has created a boom period which we
are trying to manage so it does not runaway with itself. In contrast to Ho
Chi Minh City... we had a long way to go."

The Minister told us the restaurant owners here were a good example... they
are from the Haiphong area, they opened this restaurant to take advantage
of the new activity in the city. The restaurant was well-known for its
seafood because of the family's links to coastal regions. I grinned and
rubbed my hands at that!

Mr. Tran laughed, saying to the Minister he'd seen me eat before so my
attitude was genuine.

I was able to choose from the menu, my Vietnamese language skills were good
enough. The Minister said my picks were very good... `I would have many
fine tastes.'

My people got help from our hosts and me to choose. Anticipation!

We talked some about the project and more about travel and families. The
Minister had three sons and two daughters. I congratulated him on having a
large family.

He was smiling, "Yes... Thank you. You might want to congratulate me over
having none of them at home any longer."

He waved his hands up in a birds flying off motion. He laughed. He said he
and his wife were enjoying the quiet and doing things for themselves.

We were all laughing.

I showed them some snaps of Chani and Charlie, a few with Jaidee on the
Rêve. They liked that. I said they had delighted in the Peter Pan
story. Mr. Tran nodded his head.

"You know it?"

"Yes. One of my children had a copy of the story in French as part of a
school assignment. I thought it a charmingly simple story for young ones."

Mr. Tran had my iPhone looking at snaps... he paused and turn the phone
towards me...

"Who wrote this for them? The script is very well done."

"Ah... Charlie and Chani did that. They shared doing it... Charlie did the
upper half... Chani the lower."

Mr. Tran staring... "They are you said twenty two months?"

He handed the iPhone to the Minister to see the snap.

"Yes. They can read and write... in a limited way... in English, French and
Thai... the calligraphy is something relatively recent... the last four
weeks I think. They draw very well which is why the calligraphy is so
good."

I opened Chani's blackbird on the iPhone. Mr. Tran and the minister looked
and their eyes came up to mine.

The Minister had a shocked face. "Miss Martin... they are prodigies."

"Yes... they are very smart with exceptional motor skills. They are a joy
for us."

I showed them a picture of Delphine. I explained she was a child
psychologist educated at the Sorbonne who is a governess to the Twins. She
was helping to expand their skills.

They were both amazed.

Food! I started with Banh Da Cua, red rice noodles in a tomato and crab
broth!! Yes!! Also Cha Muc fish cakes!

My main was Cha ca La Vong, which is grilled marinated catfish, an
unusually large type of catfish, making good sized pieces! I chose Xoi Xeo
as a side dish, turmeric sticky rice with mung bean paste and crispy fried
shallots over the top.

Everything was delicious. Mr. Tran kept a discreet eye on me... he was
rewarded by my obvious pleasure! Everybody was enjoying the food.

Reg had a kind of Pho that looked very tasty. His smile said it was.

I managed in my imperfect Vietnamese to ask our server if I could speak to
the owner or chef. One of the owners was the head chef! He came out to our
table. Chef Thanh. I told him as best I could in Vietnamese his food was
very good... the presentation delicate... the tastes were exceptional.

He was very pleased. Mr. Tran told him we were from several countries. I
asked if he spoke French... `Bien sur.'

I asked if I could have a menu to take with me so I could get some of his
dishes done at our home in Bangkok. He was delighted but had a better
solution... He hurried away... Mr. Tran smiling shrugged his shoulders.

The Minister seemed to know might be happening... he said it was good.

In a minute the chef was back with a slim book of recipes he had written.

"Madame, s'il vous plait accepter ce livre comme un cadeau."

I said I would be honoured to have his book. Thanking him.

He said he would sign it for me... he hurried away again... Smiles all
around the table.

Chef Thanh returned with a fountain pen, holding the book open he laid it
on the table asking my name so he could do an inscription.

"My name is Fay Martin."

He wrote it in Vietnamese and signed. Then it hit him I may not be able to
read it or the book.

I reassured him I was learning Vietnamese and I preferred it this way. We
shook hands. He was happy to have his food praised by a foreign guest.

I said I live in Bangkok, London, New York, Los Angeles and Seattle... At
the last he was wide-eyed...

"I have family in Seattle... they have a restaurant there."

I got the name and motioned to Gil... "I got it."

I told Mr. Thanh that the next time I was in Seattle we would go to the
restaurant. More handshakes.

The Minister smiling, "Miss Martin you have made a friend in Hanoi."

I was glad.

"His food is terrific."

Back at the Ministry we parted. Everyone was happy. The water projects were
a success which was good for us and Vietnam. Mr. Tran said the success
hadn't hurt his reputation. We laughed and shook hands.

In the car I asked the driver if would be possible to stop to see the Ho
Chi Minh Mausoleum. He pulled to the side of the road... He said we were
very close... he made a call... I didn't catch all of the
conversation... he handed his phone to me... Colonel Ba.

"Miss Martin, your driver knows where to go. I will contact the security at
the mausoleum to get you passed inside. To make things easier for the
people there I suggest you leave all your personal electronic items in the
care of the driver."

I thanked him. I turned to my people and explained.

The driver made several turns to stop on a tree shaded street. He said to
walk straight to where that man in a white uniform was standing. We
approached the fellow.

He asked in French if `I was Mademoiselle Martin?'

"Oui."

"Please follow me."

As we walked he did tell us the rules for entry and behaviour. I told him
we had left all our electronics with the driver. He smiled thanking me.

We entered a door to the dim interior. There was small number of people
walking slowly by the bier. Our guide asked us to be a new column of
visitors. We walked around the glass coffin.

Ho Chi Minh... He had been so many different personas in his life but the
last was his greatest.

His biggest failure was to underestimate the depths of the French leaders
pig-headed egotism! Their refusal to grant independence to Vietnam in 1946
before the bloody awful decades of warfare doomed millions of ordinary
people to horrible suffering.

Ho did try to avoid the horror... millions of Vietnamese dead, tens of
thousands of French... over fifty thousand Americans... all for NOTHING!

Ho was a revolutionary and Vietnamese patriot, he not afraid to use
violence as a means to free his country... unlike mass aerial bombings the
Viet Minh terror had a defined point.

Much more spun through my head as I had my last look back at his bier.

Ahead of our group was an old woman... tears on her cheeks... bent over
with long life... her hand in a teenage girl's... they moved slowly so we
were able to look longer. Outside beyond the doorway the girl embraced her
grand-mere.

In my limited Vietnamese I asked... the old woman said it was a dream to
see Ho's face. Her family in a village north of Thai Nguyen had supported
him from the beginning... as a girl her great granddaughter's age she had
carried messages and parcels for the local Viet Minh commanders...

I gently squeezed her hand and thanked her for speaking with me. A smile
now.

I thanked the young soldier. We shook hands, smiles.

There were small souvenir booths in the plaza. I bought several photo books
of the shrine. Reg, Stephan and the others also purchased a few.

At the car I thanked our driver. Smiling he said he greatly appreciated his
lunch and it was an honour to drive for me.

Reg and the others thanked me for thinking of Ho's mausoleum.

At the Defence Ministry Colonel Ba was pleased he was able to help us enter
the shrine.

Smiling as I thanked him for arranging our visit. He heard about the old
woman... A look of happiness on his face... "Miss Martin, many old
`fighters' make the pilgrimage to the shrine to see Ho. They had only seen
pictures in their day. It is often quite emotional."

I was glad to have seen her fulfil a dream. We shook hands, smiles.

We said our goodbyes. Ba said he'd have Reg and Stephan at the airport for
their flight ready to go. We laughed. I said my goodbyes to Reg and Stephan
saying they `need to be good.'

That got laughs. Colonel Ba said he'd keep an eye on them... to more
laughter.

We were escorted up to the helipad and we lifted off for the airport.

Stephanie said she had contacted the tower... we can taxi. We rolled over
to runway 29R... the engines wound up and we cruised down the concrete to
rise up quickly. We went straight ahead for a bit then a big turn to port.

Louis' voice said it was an hour and five minutes to Don Mueang.

From Gil... Penn had an aircraft ready to go to Hanoi tomorrow. Good!

I worked with my three ladies. They fed me things from their individual
remit's for the whole flight. We were on final approach when I dropped into
a chair to strap-up.

Penn on the tarmac... a hug. She was wonderful. Kavat deep in a meeting
with several of Ni's programmers on new software.

"I'm going to join them. I wanted to see you and thank you for my parents
who are ever so excited about the marriage and being about to do it at
Harcourt House."

Another hug. I told her we would be there. A big smile.

The AW139 deposited us on the dock landing grid. Amporn and Niran smiling
on the terrace. Walking in my arm around Amporn's waist... we'd be here two
days.

I sat for a Conference App call with all the publishers and editors of our
newspapers and the heads our electronic news media. They knew about the
lawsuit against the website and the first victory.

"What I want is to get ahead on it... Please cease allowing comments on our
sites. No exceptions. While we do somewhat monitor what is posted it will
be better not to have it at all until all public comment on stories is
fully vetted.

We are having Ni's software company in Bangkok devise a special plug-in for
your websites that will check for content, language, etc... It will link to
a server farm in Seattle where a database will do the checks and
crosschecks necessary.

We hope it will be usable for all of your existing systems.

I can say there's an end to instant gratification for users... they'll just
have to adjust to waiting five... ten... or more minutes to see their
posts. I have no sympathy for any user who can't understand what is
currently happening is grossly unfair and damaging to democracy and
personal lives.

So you understand... our attorneys are fairly confident the ruling by Judge
White in New York is going to be upheld... right up through the Supreme
Court.

It will mean a sea change for social media. When they have to bear the
responsibility for what is posted it's a whole new world.

It make a big fuss to start but it will be fairer and more honest than
permitting lies to be seen as truth."

As a group they had no problem with the decision... as several
said... comments on their webpages aren't often useful. They sometimes
caused controversy where none had existed.

Abbey wondered if only allowing logged in users to comment was one way to
go. I thanked her and asked everyone to consider that as a
possibility... "Please get back to me with your thoughts.

`Will do' from them all.

I signed out thanking everyone around the world for being on with me.

A swim before dinner... legs dangling in the water... Gil's head on my
shoulder...

"Fay what were you thinking in the mausoleum today? I could see your
face..."

"Ho was dead before I was born... the war in Vietnam over... so there's a
disconnect... Ho had an interesting life, he met many people from the high
born to the peasant in the rice paddy... most liked him... some feared him!
He didn't live to see final victory which is sad. He had known he and his
close allies had created the path."

I laid my arm over Gil's shoulder... "Thinking about that war or any... is
like looking into insanity. All the great egos... they cause suffering for
untold millions with little cost to themselves. Even when empires are
overthrown usually the corrupt leaders escape...

There have been a few hard men and women who have stayed their course
towards change... not always getting what they anticipated. Ho wanted a
peaceful nation whose people would work to a common good. On the whole that
has happened... not too bad for a legacy."

I sighed, "Compare that to a power-crazed dirt-bag like Nixon... tossed out
in a contemptable sleazy scandal caused by his own deeply insecure ego and
stupid sycophants. He made his legacy more of a garbage dump by using a war
criminal and murderer like Kissinger to do his dirty work."

Chelle on Gil's other side leaned forward... "Fay, you love history... you
always have some books around."

Nodding, "I believe Santayana was right... remember and learn or repeat the
mistakes. It is as simple as it gets. I try to keep learning!"

Ali's hands on my shoulders, a soft rub. "Boss, you are amazing."

I leaned my head back to look up at her, the `tummy' in the way until she
leaned forward... a huge grin, "Let's not forget I've made my share of
errors. Rick in Chicago to name a recent example."

I got Gil's elbow gently in my ribs. "That was an honest attempt to see
someone change and grow... it was his failure."

"Yes... but I shouldn't have put him that position... there was too much
evidence to the contrary."

Ali's fingers squeezed, "True up to a point... he didn't have to
fail... Terrill was in the same culture... he isn't failing... quite the
opposite he has embraced change and your leadership."

Gil's face close... cute... "Rick had one of those flawed egos you
mentioned."

Fist bump!

Alone in our usually shared bed I called Cho. He'd just come back from
Oxford East, a good round with MFA's granddads. Also a checkup with the
Club Secretary on the business... excellent. The number of players was up
over last year and the restaurant just had its best month ever!

Charlie and Chani doing all their `things' with MFA. Cho called Chani and
Charlie to come together so I could hear their first trip to the Harcourt
House Day-care.

They had helped some others do painting... they liked that. Being
`teachers' of a sort!

They were happy babies... I was pleased they had stepped into the role of
`helping quite on their own' as Cho heard from Jocelyn. Tha and Delphine
had brought them over then left so Chani and Charlie would free to be
themselves. Which it turned out was pretty terrific!

Cho called me back afterwards... we made love over the ether...

"Fay, it is wonderful you got to visit Ho's shrine. He is a significant
hero to Asians by standing up for his people and country against the modern
war machines of industrial western powers. You are making many friends
across the world..." I interposed `a few enemies too...' Cho replied,
"Those are inevitable... success always breeds them."

Our love softly spoken... deeply felt.

No horses... swimming. Gil, Ali and Chelle all with me... we did laps then
sat in the morning sun with coffee and big piles of patongos with cream
sauce and salapaos!!

Dressed in skinny pale blue jeans and a white cotton lace-edged cut-off
sleeveless top, gold sandals, gold jewellery and `Joy' I stepped out of
Tu's car in front of Dr. Sanporam's clinic. Inside the waiting area had a
few people... at the desk... Polly was there. We held hands.

"It is wonderful to see you again. Sanporam is this way."

I walked the passageway remembering my time here... At a doorway the Doctor
was smiling.

"Fay, you look unbelievable!"

I thanked him as we shook hands. I walked in with Kara and Tara.

In the conference room were thirty or so folks in various stages of trying
to become themselves. Women seeking physical changes from many cultures and
countries. Several men which was amazingly good!

The Doctor introduced me to some considerable surprise!

"Hello... To start... I am me now!" My arms open wide... Smiles and lots
clapping.

"I am because of the skill and kindness of Dr. Sanporam and his staff plus
the support of friends and family."

I looked over their faces... "You can all have the first... Not all have
the advantage of the two latter groups... If you lack that please tell the
doctor... he will reach out to others like me to help you! When you go home
he can try to link you up with others."

I looked to Sanporam... a big smile and a nod.

"We have friends close by who are also like me `graduates' of the Doctor's
programme. They volunteer to assist and are available at most times.

I can say the process is not free of pain or discomfort... that is
physical... it pales in comparison to some of your life experiences getting
to this point."

Many in the group nodding.

I continued with how it went for me and what I knew about my sisters'
experiences. I tried to give them a boost to help them feel good about
their results from this important decision.

After twenty minutes I asked for questions... Several asked about things I
could answer... some I drew Dr. Sanporam in. When there were no further
questions I went into the group shaking hands and giving hugs. Lots of
smiles.

As they moved out of the room I took Sanporam's arm... We talked
money... Several of these prospective clients were marginal about the
financial side...

"Fay, you have placed no limits of your generosity so they will be helped
regardless. Each will be spoken to individually."

A hug, a cheek kiss. I said one other word `Polly?'

"She and I are to marry soon. She is my assistant and the public relations
person for the clinic."

He got another hug for that! She is gorgeous... a perfect face to the
public for the clinic.

Okay time for a checkup for me and new prescriptions. Sanporam pleased with
all of me! He got that Cho and I enjoyed an active, pleasurable sex life
with no issues for me.

Arm in arm we walked towards the front. Polly there waiting.

Her face said she knew Sanporam had told me, a kiss and hug!

I said congratulations. Polly took Sanporam's hand, "It is amazing and
joyous!"

A kiss for each.

Walking up the Railroad's front steps was full of memories too. The
security guards saluted me. Smiling towards them with a thank you.

In Udorn's outer office I got his receptionist not to let Kamol know I was
here... giggling she nodded... I got Kara to open the door... I jumped in
to the shock of Kamol!

"FAY!" She rushed to hug me. Kiss! She was so loud Udorn stuck his head out
of his office... Another loud `Fay!' We hugged.

"Kamol call Kavnu!" Udorn led me into his office. We talked family,
health... Little Mali Fay was running like a gazelle!!!

"She rushes around so it is hard to keep track of her. She runs Ubon crazy
some days... you should see Ubon... so happy!"

I had my iPhone out showing him snaps when Kavnu came... big hugs and
kisses.

They looked over my shoulders to see a video of the dread pirates on the
Rêve! The Twins and Jaidee bouncing around yelling or woofing and
gesturing. It was a Charles video, in editing he added titles and a low
background musical soundtrack!

They loved it!

They and their families were coming to dinner tonight with the Crew
members.

Kamol said Sarge was in town from Sari Buri so we'd be at full strength!
Gil called Amporn to let her know. A big `OKAY' from her!

With Reg and Stephan in Hanoi until tomorrow Gil had arranged an AW139 to
pick me up here. On the Railroad landing grid we boarded... next stop Ban
Wat Bang Fai. We lifted up turning to the river then downstream. At the big
river bend we cut across to flare for landing on the big `H' on the asphalt
paved space.

Tara leading we walked to the office wing of the SolarToGo plant. A
security lady came to attention as we approached... I squeezed her hand
with a smile.

Inside Chaloem was waiting... we shook hands. I was introduced to his
staff. We did a tour... I got to see the process from the `IN' loading ramp
right on through to the `OUT' loading dock. We walked to the river
quay... freighters could tie-up , load and unload. Two huge lifting cranes
towered over the quay.

Freighters with materials for the panel plant and the the solar cell plant
next door both used this quay.

We headed to the addition... Lamai the physical facilities manager was at
the works office.

She had a small dark smear on her cheek... Chaloem motioned to her as we
shook hands. Someone handed over a cloth to wipe her cheek...

Laughing, "I see you get right in there with your work."

Lamai laughed too. "I guess I leaned in pretty close... We are rolling
right along... ahead of schedule!"

High fives!!

I got a look from a discreet distance as bits and pieces were moved
about... in the works office Lamai showed us where they were at and how the
new structure would fit to the existing building.

The flow of the process would begin as usual then part of it would make a
turn into this new section... through this area then bending back into the
old where it would re-join the existing route to completion.

It allows for multiple new production lines... and higher speed... nearly
trebling the output.

All the manufacturing that could be automated would be, quality control was
partly computer and partly human, assembly was also half and half,
packaging too. Sensors would scan the pieces comparing what it saw with the
design schematic.  Truck trailer containers waiting at the `OUT' dock would
receive the pallet loaded panels... off they go.

At the "OUT' loading area I got to see a new device... it put boxed panels
on a pallet then shrink-wrapped the whole pallet and pushed it towards the
container area. A new pallet is automatically placed to start
anew. Forklift drivers scoop up a full pallet and straight in a parked
container trailer, when full a truck driver moves it away... another
container is placed. It will be quick. Nifty!

In Chaloem's office we sat for a bit talking... he was pleased with the new
process...

"We will lose at most five production days to make the switch over to the
new path... likely less. We will have everything we need staged so we
disconnect it... roll in the links... connect and move on to the other end
of the new building where the disconnect team will have been doing their
part again.

A third team will be upgrading the production lines in the old section
which they will connect to where the new section's lines come in while the
other teams do their part."

I kidded Lamai that she must have been a ballerina in a past life. She
laughed making arm motions like a dancer.

Chaloem, "Lamai has done an excellent job managing the addition plus
preparing the old side."

Smiling, I nudged Lamai's arm, "Chaloem, it looks like Lamai is going to
make you look good."

He laughed, "Yes! Then I lose her to El Segundo to do them... My question
is will Lamai come back?"

I shook my head, Lamai smiling doing a shrug, "Lamai has raised her value
to the company. It is too early for that decision. We will see what other
fun we can find for her."

Lamai grinning, "Fun? Okay I am always looking for fun times."

I walked out with Lamai. She liked the work and said Chaloem was a good
boss.

"He knows my skills so he lets me get on. That is very pleasing... he
trusts my judgement."

Fist bump! Grins!

The plant making parts for the panels was adjacent. It had many `clean'
rooms I could only see into through plexiglass walls. Workers in white with
hoods, masks and gloves on doing their jobs was fascinating to watch from a
close but removed distance.

Rochana the manager gave me a sightsee trip through the many sections. All
the working parts of the solar panels came from here.

Rochana said they were in position to ramp up production for the expanded
panel plant.

"We will match their output... whenever they require. We could double that
again with very little modification."

A fist bump which delighted her.

"My sons do that! You are first adult I have done it with."

"Cho and I do it with the Twins all the time... they love it. They are
`training' others."

I thanked Rochana for showing me around. Another fist bump!

We lifted off going home. At the end of the dock landing grid I turned left
to walk down the river's edge to our boats. I spoke to our boat captain. He
was happy taking our visiting employees out onto the river. It is a busy
colourful show for them. They were keeping him busy... also he was getting
lots of time to train his number two who was new to us but an experienced
boatman.

"He will be ready to command in a few months."

All good for us.

Black short shorts with a cuff, a red silk sleeveless top and black
sandals, gold jewellery and `Joy' my outfit for eating outside.

I was at the door greeting my friends! Hugs and kisses spread around
liberally!

Lawan and Thang looking so good together. Ni and Kavnu, the boys sorry
their buddy Jaidee was in England. They were getting to be young men! Kavnu
smiling when I said that.

Ubon with Udorn, Mali Fay... a cutie. She didn't know me very well... not
too shy. I kept her with me doing greetings. She was smiling.

Sarge and Kamol. Sarge said he was having a terrific time training our
Security Service recruits.

"Fay, your HR staff spend so much time picking them... they are committed
and proud, hard workers." A hug!

Sarge and Kamol were going on a vacation to Los Angeles. A family
visit. Sarge said he was already put down by his mother to do a BBQ at her
house.

Sarge was meeting Markus at Harcourt Ranch to get a tour and talk training
regimes and the different skills taught at their locations. He and Kamol
would fly up in one of the Security Service AW139's, it was all set.

I asked Lek and Siri to come. They hadn't chosen a date to marry. They were
busy, Dad had them doing lots of things.

I had asked my Protectors to dinner. I got Kara to come over to me... I
introduced Lek and Siri. Turned out she knew Siri... they hugged. Siri
congratulated her on joining my Protectors.

"Hey... it is a tough crowd."

PJ got a grip on Lek to lift him up as they laughed.

Achara did the kebabs beautifully... Amporn had all the rice, vegetables,
roti and more to go with the kebabs.

A delicious dinner with a good gathering.

After dinner we spread out over the terrace for drinks and chat. An email
binged in from Reg... they were on the way now... ETA one hour and a
quarter.  He said it had been a great day!

Our guests worked their way out to many thank yous for coming. Hugs and
kisses. Mali Fay... I was kneeling with her. I said when are back she
needed to meet Chani and Charlie and Jaidee now that she was older. A big
smile... she wanted to!

Us girls sipped drinks and talked. Ali was doing fine, a bit of
nausea... nothing too much. Feeling Okay.

There was a loud and fun Conference App call with Cho and the Twins and MFA
with all of us. Chani and Charlie were talking so much it was hard to keep
track of them. Seemed like everybody was speaking the same time... Cho to
end it he said would call me later. Okay and we did our goodnights.

The helicopter floated in from the river to drop Reg and Stephan. They
joined us on the terrace. We listened to their day as a few beers
disappeared.

Colonel Ba flew them out to a border install site... they watched as
devices were setup and then linked to the satellite. Conrad's folks were
Pros! The PAVN technicians were right alongside following every
step... they did some installs themselves.

Reg finished his second beer... Nat placed another... I said please finish
first so I if have to roll you into bed again... I got a Bronx cheer aimed
my way. A second when I said maybe I'd steal his nickers this time. I told
the assembled crowd what had happened... Reg with a cheesy grin to all the
laughter.

"Fay, the satellite works fine, they know about the capacity issue so I'm
sure it will be solved before Conrad's folks complete the Chinese border
portion. Colonel Ba is sharp and has the Defence Ministry leadership
on-board."

"Where were you?"

"Up in the far northwest corner near Cao Bang... pretty rugged country,
limestone crags, dense forest, cold and a lot of rain. Doing any work is
tough... I can't imagine waging war up there but the French did for
years. The Viet Minh out in the countryside controlling the roads and
passes choking the French communications."

I shook my head... `not me!'

I thanked them for going but they were jazzed so it was fun for them!

Later Cho and I talked about Reg's day and mine. He wanted to see the
Bangkok plants soon.

"What about Lamai... why wouldn't she go back to the plant?"

"I think Chaloem is worried she will get her eyes opened by the trip to Los
Angeles and not want to return. I don't know enough about Lamai to tell if
that could happen. She has gained enormous personal value for herself and
business significance for us."

"I can see his point... he'll have to roll with whatever happens."

That was my feeling too.

Cho signed the land transfer deal for the Abingdon Mosque on Barton
Lane. The city of Abingdon was happy with the idea, planning approval for
their design had been granted... so it was a `Go!' A community enhanced.

The Twins were having just the best time writing... they were bringing him
notes several times each day in print, cursive and calligraphy in English,
French and Thai. Delphine has lit a fire under them.

It was what we wanted so... full speed ahead!

Much love exchanged!

Wet from the pool, drying myself on the terrace as Achara delivered coffee
and a big pile of salapaos and patongos!!!

Work early this morning then a meeting at the Defence Ministry. The top
generals and the Prince were to be there with Dad. Reg and Stephan on point
again!

A pale blue sleeve-less frock A-line skirt at knee length, an oval
neckline. Gold Jewellery, navy stockings and heels. `Joy' I grabbed a navy
cardigan in case.

Reg and Stephan in black suits, white shirts and striped ties, looking
quite `presentable' which got a laugh. Gil with PJ and Tessa in the car. Tu
up front smiling as he drove us. We stepped out at the Ministry of Defence,
a young officer there as our escort.

Up inside to a conference room... generals... lots! Some colonels too!

Dad! A hug and kiss. He did the introductions... I was given a good look
over. General Somchair I had met before, he smiling as we shook hands.

"Miss Martin, I must say a congratulations for your work in the south. You
and Cho did a wondrous thing."

I thanked him... "General A-Wut was a huge part of the success."

Smiling Somchair nodded. He said the Prince had to be somewhere else on
short notice and wanted him to apologise to me for him. I thanked
him... saying I was sad not to see the Prince.

We sat around a table with a big screen on the wall. Stephan with a
soldier's help plugged into it.

I did a brief introduction then Reg took over. I was pleased with his
preparation and non-technical jargon. After he done a good warm-up period
Stephan ran the video... The generals watched intently.

This version tailored for this audience was very good. At the end Reg took
over again.

He went through several areas... a younger looking general asked a question
about the satellite link... Reg had the answer for him. I kept my eyes on
that general's face he seemed pleased.

At several points Reg used Stephan's MacBook to show diagrams and drawings
with a clicker. It was clear the military men thought our shit didn't
stink!

When Reg was done he asked for any questions... there were a few... one
about costs for the sensors. I took that one.

I told our audience since we were advancing the technology so rapidly and
adding clients that the numbers Reg had quoted would be falling for most
all of the items. That was something the Vietnamese were very pleased to
hear the other day.

"The installation costs will depend on locations... We are getting a lot of
experience in northern Vietnam right now..." I brought in Reg and Stephan
give their views on working in difficult terrain.

I gave a look to Dad... a smile.

At the end I said we would look forward to their consideration and they
could ask any further questions directly to Reg or Stephan via the email
addresses on the literature in front of them.

Stephan held up a USB memory stick telling the Army folks the video and
diagrams were on it. One colonel said would he please give to the soldier.

We took a break. Dad hugged me, in my ear, "Terrific. They'll want it."

Stephan was talking to the soldier... I saw them shake hands.

Tea was served. I got a cup... Somchair beside me.

"Miss Martin, this is a very sophisticated system. How long does it take to
train the operators?"

"Actually not very much time if they are regular computer users. The
software does a lot of prompting as you saw... serious decisions are left
to the human element which will mean having a qualified ranking officer
available to make those choices.

A decision on committing a drone or troops is an evaluation of the data and
possible outcomes... humans are best for that although the software helps.

There is no way around that on purpose... we like computers but they can't
ever have too much power."

Somchair was nodding.

"Your equipment... you make it yourselves?"

"Not all of it... the sensor devices we do, they are designed and
manufactured by a subsidiary company.  The computers and screens we buy and
customise, the software is all written in house. We have a team dedicated
to it now in London."

At Somchair's urging he and I walked out onto the balcony with our tea... I
was seeing an appraising expression on his face... Somchair made a
decision...

"You and Cho are working behind the scenes to make more change aren't you?
To move the Army out of the government?"

I looked him right in the eyes... "Yes! It is time to give democracy the
chance it deserves."

I moved slightly closer, "General, the people of Thailand are educated and
aware of the world around them. I know the Army sees the street
demonstrations as unruly, disruptive and dangerous... giving the people a
voice often is. Taking it away make things worse.

Democracy is a flawed system in most countries but even so it is also an
engine of progress in every field of human endeavour you can
name. Repression costs a lot more... especially in invisible ways... people
doubt the government's resolve... they see the military only wants to lead
by force... meaning they may no longer give it their support and possibly
work to make an end to it.

Every country that has a democratic system has ups and downs... it is part
of the dynamic that makes a democratic state so viable. Change comes... no
group of people is ever static... they change the government needs to
change with them."

Somchair's eyes on mine... "You are dangerous... you are eloquent... "

I smiled, "That is fair... I'm not alone... Cho and I plus many business
and professional people are with us."

Smiling... I said given the state of the world... armies are something we
will need... "I wouldn't want to live without them because total
disarmament is a fool's errand."

"So you are saying a democratic government would want us? We shouldn't fear
it?"

I was nodding.

"I am sure I can trust you but... " His arm motioning out over the city.

My hand out... "There is a leap of faith... Well... I would be an advocate
for the Army in a fully democratic country."

Somchair took my hand, "You would be a powerful ally... I can say there
will discussion... No promises made but several of the younger generals and
many officers below are wanting us to move... "

He smiled, "A-Wut gave me an earful about it. He was thrilled with the
voting in the south! He believes you are right."

Okay!

Inside the Army men were all pleased with what we told them... there would
be several high level groups to review and dig into the information we
provided. They would focus on areas in the north where smuggling was
rife. Common routes and much jungle could be covered. They would do a fresh
assessment of the border regions in light of knowing about our systems.

Reg said question were always welcome! Smiles!!!

Dad next to me, I had his hand. "Phailin said to say hello." We hugged! A
kiss!

Things were breaking up... Handshakes all around.

Our escort guided us down out of the building. Tu waiting... straight home.

I told everybody we'd be leaving... so change!

The AW139 fluttered to the dock... we loaded up. I watched the house
disappear... Amporn and Niran waving.

Stephanie at the controls said on the tannoy we'd move as soon as she got
the Okay from Lil. Done!

We rolled out and were gone! We would be on the ground at Chalgrove by ten
at night.

We sat around the lounge to discuss the trip. Reg and Stephan were pumped
up! They'd done a superb job presenting both times I was in. They also
thought the Iranian Interior Ministry folks were sold but had some
questions. Their mooted visit would probably close the deal.

I turned to Gil... the U.S. State Department was Okay with an Iranian
delegation to come to either of the locations. They wanted advance notice
and a list of the Iranians... they'd prefer the New Mexico ranch because
they could more easily have immigration officers to check passports at El
Paso Airport.

I asked Gil to contact the Iranian Interior Ministry fellow and let him
know. Thumbs up!

I also asked that either or both Reg and Stephan be available as the
friendly face and knowledgeable person. They gave their Okay to that.

"Fay, I would love to see Lordsburg... " He motioned to Stephan who was
nodding. Okay!

I said coordinate with Gil and Penn for a flight when we have the it
arranged. Thumbs up.

Gil said she'd already asked Jerome, the Dartford SolarToGo plant manager
to get two of the panels sent to General Soleimani's preferred address. He
was on it! They shipped today.

This had been an excellent trip! Everybody was pleased! Taittinger's broken
out... toasts to us!

Lots of miscellaneous chat. I went in for a nap. A quick call to Cho about
my talk with Somchair. Cho was elated.

"Damn you did good! Somchair didn't say where he heard it?"

"Not specifically but I think it was A-Wut. He may have judged the
moment... they have known each other for thirty years."

"Either way Somchair was willing enough to bring it up to you... You zinged
him that eye to eye `yes! He respected you!"

"I think he and I can talk openly... for now we should let him do what he
thinks is correct... He wants to make the move... getting the speed up to
break the inertia of other generals is a task only he can achieve."

"You are the right woman for me... no doubt!"

We laughed when I said that was past-tense. Love...

I slept for ninety minutes coming out feeling good.

Yobi and Lil served a great dinner. We relaxed over afters... MFA is
writing in two languages! She had done a note to her Mum for when Rona
showed up at Harcourt House! Terrific news!

Reg had spoken to Rona who was now at Harcourt House.

"Fay, it's like a thing I have a hard time getting my head
around... writing! A simple act for me... a huge step for MFA!"

Fist bump!

Eric's email was a WOW! Both the Madagascar and Indonesian jobs had
begun... in the planning and terrain assessment stages but moving!

Louis said we had thirty minutes. We all put things away and packed up. We
turned on final approach... the runway lights burning... we dropped down to
the old aerodrome... the G-force of breaking such a familiar feeling.

Prasert and Tom waiting. fist bumps!

Cho and Carter at the door... big hug!! Rona there to hug her guy. We
headed to the Great Room. The babies were all asleep. We collected on the
settees by the fireplace. Jaidee did a few woofs of greeting. Hug and kiss
for him!

I sat on the carpet to rub Jaidee as he toasted himself. Warm puppy!

I got Reg and Stephan to give Cho their impressions of their part of the
trip. Cho looked to me... he got they were excited. The Cao Bang trip was a
great thing. Serendipity!

A lot of new business for The Company and SolarToGo!! Cho laughing at my
sending panels to Soleimani. I thought it was a simple thing to gain his
attention to the new relationship with his country.

We welcomed Francis in from New York. Ali smiling... a very nice kiss! He
said all his projects were completed successfully. A big hug and handshake!

Later I told Cho I needed to speak with Cedric the new Foreign Minister
about Iran. I was sure he'd want to and it might short-circuit the SIS/MI6
business which we sure was behind Viscount Flintshire's approach at Prince
Charles' thing.

I got a kiss from Cho for that.

Jaidee trooping down the stairs with me. I opened the kitchen door... out
he went. Marigold was right there so I held the door open. Big smiles.

Coffee working, scones too. Marigold handed me the butter.

All my goodies in hand going down the lane.

Andy and Monty smiling holding horses. They got scones. I finished
mine. Tessa and Angie came out. A knee up and we were off.

After the Flats were picked up the pace on the slope... a real romp to the
Abingdon Lock after crossing the tracks. The lock man grinning as he
waved. Roy just about to do his first cast, greetings and he said all was
well.

Over the river we turned east to the underpass then towards the Wellans. We
reached their road as Scott was driving out... he stopped the car to walk
over his hand out...

"Your Ladyship... I just wanted to say congratulations for... all your
successes we keep reading about."

I laughed, "Can that cover a few messes too?"

Scott laughed, he was good with that. I gave him a `Have a good morning' to
go! His wife, Sandra waved from their back steps.

We turned north to pass by Archie and Margy's. They were elsewhere so we
rolled on. Roland happy to pick up the pace... we galloped up through the
trees to the Industrial Estate. A slow walk around the buildings... just a
look about. I knew Jeffery was a good manager so I was never bothered.

The Sandford lock man at the south wall... a handshake as we walked our
horses over. He was always a happy fellow... it was good we both got to
know each other a bit more.

Mr. Hardy was out so Roland was nickering knowing what was going to
come... He leapt forward... striding out quickly... we had a brilliant run
to the Flats!!! Tessa caught up first... huge grin! Fist bump Angie shaking
her head as Max slowed to a walk.

"Fay, I always get to see your backend."

We laughed.

"Cho likes the view... "

"The object to view is very cute... it's that I'm always in the same
position."

"Enjoy!"

More laughter.

Pat was there to take the horses with Monty. A big grin with a `counting
the days' which I was happy to hear.

The Breakfast Room full of babies and parents. Reg, Rona and MFA going up
to town shortly with Stephan. Reg and Stephan were working on their report
for Eric.

Rona sat with me as I ate. She had two locations in Berlin for a shelter,
one in Kreuzberg and another just off the Nollendorfplatz in
Schoneberg. They were roughly the same size... able to accommodate forty
guests thereabouts. There was were rooms for the manager, dining, meetings,
a quiet space and library, a computer room and a games room.

"What is your feeling about the city? It has a long history of being open
to LGBTQ community... what about both locations?"

"Fay, I'd like to get both... does the budget stretch to that?"

"I'm not sure but Jian would know."

I was grinning... "What?"

"Actually there is no budget... we just spend money since there is so much
of it. The endowment is growing at a fifteen percent rate even though we
have been spending a lot.

Get both... Put Francis on the money and do it. I haven't been in Berlin in
a long time... I'd like to go see these new shelters."

Rona laughed and saluted!!

Reg and Stephan had been typing notes about the Cao Bang installations,
etc... They would have something for Eric this afternoon.

We all walked them out to the car. Hugs. Waves. The Twins waving. Going in
they said it was fun to have MFA around. They went up to the Nursery.

We had some business folks coming this morning. Carter said the Library was
set and Kendal would bring in a coffee service whenever we asked.

First it was Francis with us. A big grin... "Several of the people involved
were stunned by my request... several others were screaming at me... one of
the weasel's sons included... which I kind of enjoyed knowing we had
out-foxed them. They were impotent!

World-Wide Golf Corporation now owns five new golf courses. Turnberry in
Scotland, Doonbeg in the Republic of Ireland, Bedminster, New Jersey, Palos
Verde in Los Angeles and in Lowes Island in Northern Virginia.

Buying the mortgages was easy... the banks were glad to see the back of
trump. The trump Organisation executives in New York were the
screamers. Sam's law firm really did great work... our demand letters were
a bomb going off in the new sort of shabby trump offices downtown. A total
shock!

Of course they couldn't raise the money... they went into default last
night... our people moved in the early hours in Scotland and
Ireland. Thomas called me laughing at the surprise on the faces of trump's
staff at Turnberry. The New York people never told them the property was at
risk!

In Doonbeg our people were welcomed with open arms. The manager said he
knew sane and reasonable leadership would come.

Bedminster's manager tried to dispute with Stella's people even after the
paperwork was shoved under his nose... they called me... They passed a
phone to him... I told him he was fired and to get off the property
immediately or we'd have him arrested for trespassing. He beat feet
quickly. I guessed he didn't want to go to jail for trump."

We all laughed.

Francis grinning... "Camilla said the manager at Palos Verde said he wasn't
surprised... he had his budget cut back... and back. His calls not returned
in a timely manner.

Gilbert called to say the fake Civil War `thing' at the Virginia club had
been bulldozed and removed! A groundskeeper was happy to use their
equipment to do the deed! He wanted to plough down the sign at the club
entry but Gilbert asked him to use a tarpaulin to cover it instead."

Francis' head shaking, "For most no love was lost on trump and some of his
management people. In Ireland, California and Virginia the staff want to
stay... they were told to go ahead working as normal and they would be paid
and taken care of.

The number two fellow in New Jersey is fine to run the club for now... I
told him we would give him a chance to show what he can do. I got a big
thank you and a promise he wouldn't let me down for that!

The deputy at Turnberry said he wanted the opportunity to run the place. I
had information on all these people... I gave him the same as the
Bedminster guy so we have management in place everywhere."

Fist bumps!!!

"All our people made the point at each location... trump's name was not to
be used in any way at any time.

The name will be erased in the coming days at all locations, contractors
have been hired. Temporary signs will go up... so you need to decide what
names to use for the signage and on the webpages, etc..."

I squeezed Cho's arm smiling, "Tough work?"

Laughter!

Cho said Ireland, Scotland were easy... their old names would be
used. Francis writing...

"Bedminster would be the name there, for Virginia use Potomac River Golf
Club, in Los Angeles let's use Peninsula Golf Club. See not too tough!"

A kiss from me sealed the deal!

Francis gave a thumbs up! He got up to use the Office to make calls to Sam,
other lawyers and the course managers.

Oxford East was part of World-Wide Golf Corporation too. So the corporation
went from one course to six overnight!

Francis' group of researchers had done a lot of work getting the
information together for the golf course deals. They were in a Fox Tower
suite, three of them, two women and one man... they took the name... `The
Sharks' for their trolling abilities! We had a good laugh. Francis was
quite pleased.

Cho said to look for more `Sharks!' A big `Yes' from Francis.

Andi, Donatella and Clare arrived together in a Prasert car. We greeted
them. Outerwear taken we headed to the Library. I drew Chelle along, I
wanted her to see more of our `things.'

We sat to go over each's particular remit. I thought everybody together
would be good so they would know about other parts of our business and how
they fit in.

Andi's report was full of happiness. Our employees were taking advantage of
the opportunities to use the houses and hotels. Cho-Fay Air was delivering
them around the globe. The Luton Airport base was great! Folks could get
there from London on a train then a short shuttle to our temporary flight
centre. Trains on the way up to London... then change trains to other
locations around the country.

There were had been few issues and the managers at the various locations
all reporting well-mannered folks and a willingness to help out. Some
`assistant' cooks had volunteered.

She said the software was to go through a major update giving her even more
control and a bigger view at each property! Ni's folks would do the upgrade
all she had to do was login to gain all the new features!

The hiring of a deputy idea was a work in progress between herself and
Clare.

Donatella's information was more focused on us but it gave the others a
glimpse at our holdings. Every home we owned in the Harcourt House Domesday
Book, each of the properties that Andi had spoken about included now in a
separate database from the Domesday edition called the CF Book.

She was smiling, motioning to Andi, "I've had an all-expenses paid tour of
the world!"

She did an exaggerated wipe of her brow to laughter.

"Well... it's done! We have a baseline for it all."

I clapped... everyone joined in. Donatella held her hands together over her
head. Laughter.

Clare said she didn't have anything as fun as all that. She did have full
staffs at every location! Cho and I cheered that news.

"It helps that your pay scales are above the normal and the benefits much
higher! Working with the Security Service has gotten easier with a
dedicated person in Fulham. Being able to make decisions faster is
terrific. We can tailor the background checks depending the work required."

She had a lot of statistics about hiring and retention.

"One thing about the hiring process is candidates are screened and
considered to `feel their fit' before we make an offer. The turnover rate
is less than one half of one percent which is a fancy way to say everybody
wants to stay!"

Cho and I did a fist bump! A big thank you to Clare.

Some hugs and kisses when we broke for lunch. The Twins were waiting with
Jaidee in the Great Room. They did fist bumps or hugs with everybody.

Carla did a wonderful lunch... empty plates all around. Sue did a four
layer cake that was chocolate inside and out. Vanilla ice cream too... if
you weren't watching your waist line.

We sat for general chat and coffee afterwards. Donatella beside me,
"Fay. All the housekeepers were somewhat leery of the database... thinking
it going to eat up a lot of their time... they found it was easy and made
to keep it simple. They're on-board."

Good news. Donatella added that with all the travel she found some places
she really wanted to spend some at. A good side benefit.

We did goodbyes as the London ladies drove off.

The Twins were going `sailing.' Me riding... Cho swimming... when the Twins
heard they changed their minds! Okay Cho was to have companions. He was up
for it.

I walked to the Stables with Gil and Chelle. Gil was going to do
visits... introducing Chelle and giving away treats.

Tara and Penny waiting for me. We went east out Baldon Lane then going
north through Marsh Baldon towards Toot Baldon. The return was west to the
Oxford road... a really good gallop in between fields. We walked the west
side of the Oxford Road south into Nuneham Courtenay saying hellos to our
neighbours.

Up the drive to turn left into Harcourt Close... a slow walk around. A few
folks came out to say hello. Carl's daughter Dorrie came out with her
mother this time... we said hello. Carl's wife held Dorrie up to touch
Rebel's nose. Dorrie liked that. A big smile.

Mervyn came out from his house to say the county folks were working hard on
the road... looking good. Fist bump.

At the Stables Andy got that we'd done a lot of walking after the running.

I went up to change. Drinks. Cho smiling over the edge of his scotch
glass. He and the Twins had a great time... lots of baby tossing... always
a big hit.

Chelle had news... the webpage we sued was appealing... they filed their
brief at the Second Circuit of the U.S. Appeals Court in New York. The
court put the case on its `expedited docket!'

Our lawyers had thirty five days to reply then a few possible exchanges
before getting to the end.

Chelle added our people expected dozens of amicus curiae briefs to be
filed. All those would slow down the judges review.

I told Cho... Somsak, Tona and Suki were in their house in Washington. He
was welcomed at the embassy as the new number two. He knows a lot of the
staff. He and the Ambassador got on well!

A new series of experiences for them!

He was to present his credentials tomorrow at the State Department.

Francis had one more piece of news... Just finalized. The sale closed on
the 21 Club!

Francis said he sat with the manager, Bryan, yesterday... "He was thrilled
to hear the news. He likes you two... he said... Wait for it... you two
were the `real' thing!"

We laughed.

"I know you like him... so the club goes on... no visible changes and no
public announcement as you asked.

The employees will be told at a meeting today. They will get what immediate
changes are coming for them... the pay rise, health care coverage, the
education benefits and the ability to use the R&R facilities around the
world.

Bryan will tell them now that they know... your owning the club isn't
considered a secret although they were asked not to talk to the news
people. Bryan wasn't to make a big deal out of that. He gets it."

Good! The corporation owning `21' had been waffling about keeping it
open. We had a plan to change how the club was perceived by the
public. We'd maintain the high quality of service and food... It wouldn't
ever be a cheap eats place but market it as a place to should have on your
bucket list... then you become a regular when you find out how really good
it is.

Francis smiling, "I would guess you will get some more media attention for
this one."

We said at this point we weren't planning any announcement so the knowledge
we owned it would seep out slowly.

Francis added Bryan was happy about not allowing any booking for trump or
his cronies.

Okay... we own two restaurants now... a trend? Cho squeezing my hand saying
a business opportunity is just that. `21' was well worth saving from
closure. I guess we can always have the same tables! Laughing.

This was another item `The Sharks' had picked up on... doing exactly what
were wanted when we asked Francis to setup the unit.

Tomorrow a day at the races in France. Two runners at Longchamp. The new
redone from the ground up Longchamp!

An early dinner so we could get in a Charlie Chaplin movie. Charlie and
Chani were hardcore fans! Rumours from the Nursery were we should expect
another `show' with a Chaplin theme. Okay!

I got in my ride at dawn with Roland and Tara.

A clean-up. A red frock, cotton and wool, long sleeves, oval neck, down to
mid-thigh close to my body. Gold bits, black heels, `Joy' A white leather
Bolero jacket cut above my waist, red leather gloves.

Chani in her red frock with white trim, white tights and black shoes.

The guys in black with Harcourt Racing ties.

Our folks similar, black suits on the Protectors.

Two AW139's on the landing grid... we rose going south. In an hour they
fluttered down to the Paris Heliport.

Cars waiting... it was a short drive to Longchamp. We drove past the
buildings to the north end. Our cars were motioned by their security into a
small car park surrounded by trees.

We all walked towards stairs up to the terrace... the Twins in our
arms. Two Protectors leading... the terrace had a fairly large crowd, a
security team from Longchamp waiting. They would be in front opening the
crowd. We let the Twins walk some holding their hands. At the northern rear
of the Tribune Building we entered a lift.

PJ and Rande in front stopped just outside the lift as a Longchamp race
course official was there. He greeted us and led our crowd to a private
suite. We were on the fifth level with spectacular view of the entire race
course. A nice terrace space too.

We skipped the barn visit... it was too hectic with the close quarters
here.

Several senior France-Galop folks came to visit. Up to this point we
personally hadn't seen much of them, they run horse racing in France. We
got to meet the group which had several of the top managers of
France-Galop. They were glad to have a meeting with us.

Some of their group had been to visit our horse farm at Montataire. Jonny
had invited them at our request so they could see what we were doing
towards supporting our racing in France. Jonny said they had been very
complimentary.

We told them about our new property at Moulin de Deauville. One fellow knew
it and asked if we would also train equestrians there. Cho said we would
indeed and we hoped to host a multi-day event next year. Smiles for
that. They got that we were committed to racing and eventing in France.

The track managers accompanying them knew we had taken this VIP space for
the season. Our interest in this race course made plain with the many
horses we had entered into races. Smiles!

The Longchamp people did ask if there was any connection between me and the
family the next race was named for... the Prix d'Harcourt.

I said no... "My title is a place rather than a family name... " Smiling I
did say my name `Martin' was an old name from Normandy. I said some of my
family had served Duke William of Normandy in the Eleventh Century.

A woman smiling nodding her head, I guess she seeing me look felt she
should say why... Her family members had also done the same... crossed the
Channel with William but had returned to Normandy after service in England.

Our visitors departed feeling good about us... our connections to France
strong.

Satirical was up in this race, the Prix d'Harcourt, a G2 race of 2000
metres, very nearly ten furlongs, six hundred thousand Euros as the
purse. We watched the horses walk out to the start on the other side of the
course. They all seemed calm moving over.

The loading was easy... Pause... they were off. Satirical moving with
others in a group of four. Down the straight I watched our guy in my
glasses... he was striding well, relaxed. Into the turn Satirical was
beside the leader only a neck away.

When they came out of the turn Rene made a move... Satirical surged ahead!
He kept upping the pace as they entered the home stretch... Satirical was
pulling away the fractions fast!

No challengers as our colt roared down the turf to past the finish! 1
:58.10 very fast eight hundreds of a second short of the record.

The crowd was giving him a loud ovation. He had been one of the favourites
so I'm sure some money was made on his victory.

Cho and I went down to the track to meet the horse and Jonny. On the turf
we were announced to a very warm welcome. Rene brought Satirical back up
the track. Handshakes with Jonny and Rene. Big smiles on them.

The Prix d'Harcourt people were pleased with my name association and
Satirical's very classy win.

We were announced... the `Comtesse Harcourt' coming over the tannoy caused
a big rise in the crowd noise.

Cho and I received the trophy... lots of pictures with us and Jonny and
Rene together with Satirical.

Going back into the Tribune we received applause and some cheers.

The Twins were sitting with Gil, Chelle, Tha and Delphine sipping fruit
drinks. We all relaxed for a bit. Amira was running soon.

Gil took a call from the State Department... She was smiling on returning.

"They have agreed completely to the Iranian team flying in on a Cho-Fay Air
aircraft to El Paso, they will have an immigration official at the Flight
Corporation building. All we need now is a date."

One side is fixed. We wait for the Iranians.

Amira is up. Francine is her jockey for the Prix Vicomtesse de La Tour,
this is a G1 race, 1800 metres for fillies. They walked out to the far side
of the track... no issues with loading... CLANG... they burst out! A clean
start!

The horses close together rushed down the straight... as the group neared
the turn separation started to happen... Amira and two others pulling
away. Our filly was on the rail... Francine sitting still on her back
keeping Amira close.

The turn is tight and shallow Amira running easily... as the turn began to
flatten out she moved ahead. On the home stretch Francine asked her... in
my glasses I saw the surge start... immediately she opened three lengths
before the others could respond.

Amira on the lead came running down the turf... Francine was doing a hand
ride the whole way. Amira had six lengths on her pursuers... no slack in
her. The power on full as she came towards us... Chani clapping in my
lap...

"Mama she is good!"

Indeed! Amira was very good. She blew past the finish in a blur! 1:44.65! A
new record for the distance at Longchamp for fillies and a new stakes
record time.

The crowd was noisily applauded her efforts. Cheering. As she had also been
among the favourites there was money to be made so the punters must be
feeling Okay.

Chani and I hugged. Cho leaned over for a kiss. Charlie and Chani
hugged. Our crowd celebrated.

We collected ourselves to go down. This time we took the Twins with us onto
the track. A bigger welcome from the crowd. Francine walked Amira back to
Jonny.

We all shook hands and cheeks kissed. We all went to receive the
trophy. Lots of press. Francine dropped down to hold the trophy with us and
Jonny. More snaps of them together.

We walked north down the turf towards the cars. A sunny day, green grass,
the Twins running ahead with Gaby... Tha and Delphine in pursuit.

Longchamp security people going along with the Twins... I saw smiles.

The cars waiting... We arrived quickly at the heliport. The manager came
out to say hello. We spoke for a few minutes before boarding.

Kellen's smile through the window as we loaded. I waved to Min who was in
command of the second helicopter. Up and away turning a bit west then
north. The Twins got a look at the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe off
to starboard. We told them we would be back so they could see them up
close.

The two AW139's were bullets to Oxfordshire. We landed at Harcourt
House. Charlie put on his feet was... OFF... running to Carter... Chani
right after him. Cho and I following in their wake towards greetings with
our staff.

Smiles.

One day of home things! We had fun with the Twins in the Stables, in the
Garden, watching movies, they wanted to play `Go Fish' which was cute, Cho
was willing as was Ali. Okay.

Gil smiling across the coffee tray holding up her iPad pointing to an
email. We had confirmation of the Iranian team coming over. Names and dates
which Gil would forward to her State Department contact.

Penn had the aircraft arranged for the Tehran leg as well as another from
Chalgrove for Reg, Stephan and some staffers.

We would visit Lordsburg before them.

We had a full trip of events coming in America then back for the last day
of Badminton to watch Sunny. She had a busy May coming up. Badminton then
she would soon see her first GCSE's results.

She'd go to Upperville in late June for the trials there then Seattle. The
Winterset Trials to follow for Sunny, she would stay at Harcourt Ranch to
train.

Kay, Greg and the boys would come to Upperville and they would all see some
of Washington, D.C. before the whole family went home.

Today a new race for us! The 2,000 Guinea's at Newmarket! A chilly May day
with some wind under a cloudy sky.

I wasn't going to be cute in clothes... a black wool cowl neck frock to
mid-thigh, a narrow black belt, it was snug to all my parts!  Black
stockings and red St. Laurent heels. Gold jewellery and `Joy'

The black Coach coat, Harcourt Racing Hermès scarf and black leather
gloves.

Chani in a black pinafore with a white turtleneck top. Black tights and
black shoes. A black coat and gloves for her with a Harcourt Racing
scarf. She was grinning.

The guys in black suits, white shirts and Harcourt Racing ties. Black coats
and gloves.

Our protectors dressed like Cho and Charlie.

Min picked us up on the Harcourt House landing grid for a twenty five
minute flight to West Suffolk.  Our pre-arranged landing spot on the grass
to the north across Rowley Mile Stand Road from the race course. It was a
short walk to the road carrying the Twins then down a walkway to the Owners
entrance.

The staff had an escort for us... she welcomed our crowd and helped us with
our `owners' badges. She also said should we win a race the Twins couldn't
go into the Winner's Circle... it was a `health and safety' rule. We
shrugged... no point in arguing over a foolish rule.

We all crossed a plaza to some stairs... we carried the babies up to the
`Owners and Trainers' bar. We went out to the balcony. We had a short wait
for the 2000 Guineas Stakes. It's a G1 race of one mile or eight furlongs
on the Rowley Mile which is a straight mile of grass track. A somewhat
unique race course.

Black Star on the odds board was nine to one. Cho shaking his head... our
colt was unbeaten and the winner of the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf
Race. No fainting-flower... a hard runner. We found it funny many of our
horses don't get much credit here until it is so obvious it hurts!

All the saddling and doing the post parade around the enclosure behind the
stands was the trainer's domain... today it was Freddie! We never went
there. Visiting our runners before the race was harder in Europe... the
preparatory stables were smaller and crowded.

We had a good view down the long grass track, we were above the finish. The
noises changed... the first horses coming out onto the grass... They turned
to the right to walk down the track to the start.

Black Star moving quietly... Renaldo on his back in our green and yellow
blocks and stripes. All the horses were walking easily down the long track.

In my glasses I could see the loading... Cho with his more powerful glasses
said they were in Okay. I watched with Chani on my lap.

They've off!! We could see them charging down the turf strung out across
the track. Black Star out of the fourth slot seemed to be be moving
ahead... Cho said he was leading.

The field was spreading out now Black Star clearly ahead... the announcer
said three lengths. It was hard to see much from the nearly head-on
angle... Black Star appeared to be striding well.

The lead was widening... he was pulling away as he came past the halfway
mark at sixty eight seconds... Fast!

Watching Renaldo at about two thirds the way asking the horse... Black Star
raised his game... now roaring across the grass at an increasing pace.

The crowd saw it... noises... his name being called out! Into The
Dip... down the slope then at the bottom he raced the last furlong...  a
blazing pace. There at least nine lengths in his lead.

Renaldo hand riding the whole way... his whip tucked away unneeded!!

Black Star blew past the finish like a rocket!!

1:33.75!! More than a second below the previous best time of 1:35.08 from
1994 by Mister Baileys!!

What a show!! We did hugs and kisses all around. PJ, Rande and Angie
smiling.

Okay now... I told the Twins they had to go with Angie because children
younger than twelve were not allowed in the Winner's Circle here. They were
Okay... a bit saddened but accepting. They would go to the helicopter
because we weren't staying for any ceremonies past the getting the trophy.

We walked down to the ground level in the Plaza with the Twins... a kiss
for each then they headed off with Angie. We headed for the Winner's
Enclosure out from the plaza.

We could see Black Star being led by Freddie with Renaldo aboard towards
the parade ring from the track. As we came to the edge of the parade ring a
guard stopped us... `you can't go in there' from him.

Cho tried to say we were owners but a big hand came up towards
him... inches from his chest... PJ moved... the guard was face down on the
pavement with PJ's knee on his lower back and the arm up behind his back.

Several people came up... fellow in a guard's uniform with stripes on his
arm.

Rande watching around us... Cho said the man made a threatening gesture
towards him trying to block our going into the Winner's Enclosure.

The sergeant asked PJ to release the man saying we could go ahead. PJ stood
up... he stepped back in front of us.

The sergeant told another fellow to take away the one who PJ pinned. The
sergeant then escorted us to the enclosure. He apologised for the man's
actions. Cho thanked him for helping end the incident.

We walked in. A Newmarket official asked what had happened... Cho told
him. Huge eyes on him... he said he'd be sure to take care of that
fellow... he'd be let go.

Cho said the man needed some awareness training not being let go from his
job. That stopped the Newmarket man like a wall.

We got on with the trophy ceremony... a bit stilted... events weren't
following their protocol. Cho received the prize I stayed back... he
thanked them for hosting this great race. Freddie and Renaldo received
their awards.

We stepped down and said our goodbyes to our people and to the Newmarket
folks. We headed for the plaza and the gate. The Newmarket folks were upset
with us.

A woman said there was a gathering in the Royal Box for the winners... We
knew there were no `Royals' here today... unusual but true nonetheless. Cho
said between someone trying to shove me and our children being refused
access to the Winner's Enclosure... we'd seen quite enough of this race
course for today.

She said she was sorry they had disappointed... "Lady Harcourt... Sir
Cho... we do hope you will give us another chance to show our hospitality
and good manners."

Cho, "This was today... another day will happen."

He thanked them again for hosting this race.

We walked back across the road, Minerva got Rande's text and was winding up
the engine. The Twins were inside with Angie. At the helicopter entry Cho
shook PJ's hand and thanked him. PJ got a hug from me.

We told Angie there'd been a small episode... leaving it at that while the
Twins where around.

Min made the AW139 a bullet to Harcourt House. Charlie and Chani ran to hug
Carter by the doors. We all went up to change. We had another flight!

We walked up the 767 stairs at Chalgrove. Everybody strapped in and Kor
said we were off. Our "WooHoo" and "Woof" boys did it again.

We sat to work, the Twins `schooling' and then dinner.

Our staff got the story off our `adventure' at Newmarket. Cho shaking his
head over the official's idea of taking care of the issue was to fire
someone.

Cho's little `owners' badge had come off which we supposed caused the
guard's attempt to bar us from the Enclosure... mine was on in plain
sight. No excuse for trying to touch. PJ made the point with the Team that
they were not to wait until we had actually been `touched' to act.

We landed at Dulles at seven o'clock and flew to Upperville. Flo had a
snack for the Twins then off to bed.

Us adults had drinks and nibbles before bed.

A glorious ride... A lovely spring morning... I walked Ash to the
groom... she was a happy horse, a good run! Tara handed over Mr. Sugar. We
were welcomed in the big kitchen... Flo saying our omelettes were on the
fire.

I looked at the news from the UK... zooming in on the sports
sections... there were some `huffy' comments by the Daily Mail and Telegram
about our leaving Newmarket abruptly. They thought we had `dissed' the
track, other owners and the officials.

Our newspapers, the BBC and Sky UK plus the Guardian and others reported
the guard's attempt to shove Cho and the archaic rule about the age of
children in the Winner's Enclosure. The BBC said we had been made unwelcome
by Newmarket... they needed to reassess their protocols and be more
hospitable.

The Guardian pointed out being unhospitable was never acceptable adding a
simple fact they should take into account... Harcourt Racing was in the top
rank of racing teams around the world.

That was true... racing in England is not nearly as easy, exciting or
rewarding as elsewhere on the globe. We ran fewer horses here than
anywhere... in France we would have three times as many runners!

Of course we were only interested in flat race events... which reduced the
number of choices... NO steeplechase ever! Much too dangerous for horses.

We had to do a show today. A warm spring day in Washington. I decided on a
rich yellow dress, short sleeves, oval neck, snug to my waist with a
matching narrow belt, the hem at mid-thigh. Bright blue accessories and
shoes to match the Lapus Lazuli jewellery and `Joy'

Cho in one of his terrific suits, navy with a yellow tie. Charlie like his
Popa.

Chani in a white frock, short sleeves, a black belt and white socks, Mary
Janes!

What a nice family scene we'd project!

The AW139 crossed the Potomac near the Kennedy Centre... a slow approach to
the South Lawn of the White House.

Several Secret Service folks and aides were there to help us. We entered
via the Diplomatic Reception Room to the Centre Hall out to the West
Colonnade by way of the Palm Room. We turned into the Rose Garden on a
narrow walkway to come out on the grass. An aide escorted us to seats on
the left of the podium.

Opposite us were the press behind a barrier. Their cameras up and going.

Hillary came out from the Oval Office behind the podium, smiling, looking
relaxed. In yellow!

Hillary said this was one of the `good jobs' she got to do as president.

"Rewarding great people doing wonderful things... we need to do this more
often."

Laughter and applause.

She got things started with a National Humanities Medal and a National
Medal of the Arts. A fireman from California received the Public Safety
Officer Medal of Valour for rescuing an entire family from a burning home
in Chatsworth, a San Fernando Valley neighbourhood. He was injured but
recovered.

Three Presidential Medal of Freedom awards to a world famous pianist, an
American landscape artist and an actor. All deserving, they were creative,
talented people giving us the gift of their skills. Another two to doctors
for lifesaving advances in breast and colon cancer research.

Then Hillary went on... She said the last two awards are the Presidential
Medal of Freedom with Distinction, an award which is not often given. In
this case the medals are for promoting world peace and leading business
toward the highest possible level of ethical conduct.

"Lady Harcourt, Fay Martin and Sir Cho started then encouraged the
negotiations which resulted in the Narathiwat Peace Protocols which ended
years of civil unrest and guerrilla warfare in the southern provinces of
Thailand. They helped both sides see their only way to end the fighting was
to talk, each side courageously made concessions to get the process
started.

Lady Harcourt and Sir Cho provided a safe place for negotiations and have
supported the process all the way through. Even today they are providing
logistical support for the Irish and Canadian teams who are on the ground
monitoring weapons dumps and helping to negotiate arms destruction
agreements.

It is more than fair to say without the work of our two award recipients
this would not have happened.

On the business side where they are involved in many companies with
world-wide interests, they are leaders of two huge corporations which were
at some point seen as devious, unethical and possibly criminal until they
took them over. Now they are models of the highest ethical standards and as
an interesting aside... they are also profitable.

The Cho Family Banks are near the top of the largest banks in the world
where to be an employee is to take and pass tests of ethics and
aptitude. Every employee has as a model their owners probity and
unparalleled ethical conduct.

It quite an honour for me to award these medals... earned and deserved."

Hillary smiling motioned us forward... "Lady Harcourt... Sir Cho..."

We stepped up on the platform to the podium... Hillary put the blue ribbon
over our heads to lay on our shoulders. The big star hung down on our
chests. We shook hands... a twinkle in her eyes!!

Hillary stepped to the side clapping. The crowd did also. I had Cho's hand
squeezing. Cho turned to kiss me... a few cheers and louder applause.

Chani and Charlie came running up to the front of the podium... an Army
officer aide moved forward to lift each one to us. We held their hands. The
press having a field day with their cameras.

The ceremony was over... we walked back to the seating... we shook hands
with other recipients, exchanging greetings. I reached out to the
California fireman. He, his wife and son... I said hello and I was very
glad he had recovered.

"Lady Harcourt... Thank you! I wasn't fun for me or my family."

His wife, Crystal, a big smile, said he was mostly back to `one hundred
percent.'

I could see her slender shape had a bit of a bulge... "And..." I
motioned... her smile went to megawatt, nodding, "Yes, a girl."

I congratulated them. The son was also looking happy, he was ten and ready
to have a little sister.

They lived in the San Fernando Valley, he was a Los Angeles County
fireman. I shook his hand saying I hoped he'd never had to come to our
place. He asked where... I said we had a ranch off old Topanga Road about a
half mile from where Route 27 turns off to the north.

"Is it called Old Topanga Ranch?"

"Yes.  A big ranch house plus horse stabling and staff housing."

"I know it... we did a fire check-up out that way. Your fire security setup
was unbelievable... lines of sensors to detect heat, cameras, cleared
areas... we all were so impressed! My team knew that must have cost a good
deal. Your neighbours ought to help you since they will all benefit."

I had his hand, "It's even better now...' His eyes widened, "... We have
drones patrolling when there is fire danger and foam dispensing trucks. We
think our place will be a barrier to a fire's advance to the east or
south."

I leaned closer, "Some of the local people have been there many
decades... not a lot of money. We have told them about what we have
done. They were given our Security office telephone numbers in case of
trouble and their calling us will improve our response time."

His head was shaking... I smiled, "We add protection for ourselves by
helping those around us."

I turned to Gil asking for one of her cards... I handed it to Russ...

"When we are in Los Angeles we should have you up to the house... a bit of
visit and you can bring some colleagues to see the new equipment. We saw a
demo... it's amazing what the foam trucks can do."

We shook hands, his son too and a hug for Crystal.

Chani appeared Delphine behind her, she was introduced. Our little `lady'
said hello. To Russ... Chani said his medal was very nice looking. "You
saved people?"

Russ said he saved a family from a burning house.

She put out her fist... Russ' face... he bumped with a monster smile.

We said our goodbyes... Chani waving.

Cho grinning... he'd seen Chani's fist go out... Chani said he deserved one
for saving a family.

We joined Hillary in the Oval Office. Smiling... her aide gave us two shiny
dark wooden boxes for our awards. A lapel pin, a smaller version of the
star in a vertical blue ribbon with a pin and a big ribbon like the Order
of the Crown of Thailand for special occasions to use with the big medal.

`A nice haul' from me got a lot of laughs.

This certainly is our year for shiny gifts!

We walked upstairs into the Residence. In the Centre Hall we met Chelsea
Clinton and her children. Charlotte was four, Aidan two. The Twins
grinning, hugs.

Lunch in the second floor dining room.  It was a big hit for the Twins!!
Veggie burgers and `fries.' Bill laughing at their loving the
menu. Charlotte was into `burgers' she said. Aidan like Charlie was a
`fries' kind of guy.

It was a fun lunch with the children. They went to the Yellow Oval Room
afterwards to be with Popa, Chelsea and Bill. Tha and Delphine right
there. I went down to the West Wing with Hillary. I walked into the
Roosevelt Room. Eduardo and Rosa waiting. We shook hands.

Rosa said the others were here, she would have them escorted in. The
Pentagon and Nasa folks were also waiting.

There was a lot of hand shaking by the TAG members. Candace smiling,
leaning close, "I still haven't told MIT."

I was glad she said. I wouldn't want to `out' her by an accident of my
mouth.

Edgar had a huge smile, "Well... there's been a lot of change since this
little group was created. You a Countess... it is extraordinary."

I laughed, "It has been a busy time. Many people think we need giving
presents when we already have a lot."

"They want to encourage you..."

"What is funny is we are exactly the type that doesn't need that sort of
encouragement. We're self-starters."

Edgar smiled, "It doesn't work like that."

"Yes... so we've found out."

He grinned.

I worked my way around to them all. Then called us to order. Some TAG
business bits, Rosa and Eduardo had some of their own items for the
members.

The NASA folks were brought in... They did a presentation on communication
satellites, new protocols and encryption of data to and from...

Edgar asked several penetrating questions... he was sharp. The NASA folks
had answers for the most part. On one issue they said they would get back
to us.

I asked about weather satellites and airliners dealing with Fifth
Generation wireless networks. The NASA people said plainly... it will be a
problem. The department's position was the weather data is more important
than incrementally expanding wireless communications.

One of the other TAG members inquired about co-existence? We were told
specifically about one group of frequencies the FCC wanted to auction were
too close to a low-power band used for data on water vapour reports which
could render the information unreliable and so near useless. It was a major
source of weather data!

They were adamant those frequency auctions were dangerous to ALL nations
weather data collection not just America.

It was at least unequivocal.

They also added that airlines had issues with their communications being
disrupted by the same frequencies... note to Rosa to inquire on that with
airlines.

They were thanked for coming to speak to us.

The Pentagon group had several `secret or sensitive' items.

A ray-projection device to be used in combat to destabilized an opponent's
military people on the ground. They would disturb them physically and
emotionally for a period of time but not permanently injure them.

A combination of microwave devices aimed in both narrow and wide band modes
which would alter the body's temperature which would weaken the mental
processes rendering them unfit for duty.

When the devices are switched off there would be a period of time needed to
recover... a few hours.

One of the scientist TAG members immediately asked about testing. The
answer was it had been tested on volunteering subjects with considerable
success.

Another TAG member who I knew was biologist and noted for being outspoken
on personal freedom... asked if these devices had been used on the public
without their knowledge. The Pentagon folks said no.

That seemed to me as our two TAG members had just `setup' the military
folks.

We moved on... to a kind of chemical light for use by troops that merged
certain elements to create a glow effect that could be controlled in
intensity so as to extend its life to days or even weeks. The light beam
could channelled from soft to light a room to narrow like a searchlight
with considerable intensity.

The `lights' had some dangerous chemicals so the case would have to sealed
tightly and at this point the users would have to be warned about the
danger of releasing those chemicals.

Someone asked if the `lights' would get some shielding. The main pentagon
fellow on this said there was a secondary clear case involved but in combat
or other dangerous situations you couldn't rule out it being crushed.

If crushed in an enclosed space it could be deadly...

I asked what was the effect in the open... The answer was that that would
reduce the effects of the chemicals considerably but they would still be
dangerous. To someone else's question... death wasn't an immediate issue
but rather a type of chemical burn that if water was applied it would have
a deleterious effect. So troops would have be thoroughly warned about
treatments.

Another TAG member asked was the light worth the danger? The Pentagon folks
said they were studying the trade-offs.

A few more gadgets but nothing like the first two. They were thanked for
coming.

I suggested coffee or tea... everybody was in favour of that! I had mine
leaning on the table at my seat... Edgar close.

"Fay, will the FCC go ahead?"

"I don't know but if we recommend a `no' to Hillary probably not... at
least not in those nearby frequencies. They shouldn't go ahead until the
airlines have been heard from."

We sat again... there was unanimous feeling about the Fifth Generation
cellular auction of the most detrimental frequencies should not go
forward. Okay!

The NASA communication items should be encouraged. The Pentagon
ones... well we weren't in agreement. One member Richardson, the biologist,
said he had heard rumours a `disruption' device had been used on
participants in some very boisterous demonstrations in California against
university boards of governors meetings that were making certain
contentious academic decisions.

"The effects at the time we were given sound like what was told to us
today. I have no way of corroborating the information at this point... I do
think we need to recommend to the President we get more information about
these `weapons' from the military and the contractors doing the work."

That was also something we all did agree on.

I thanked the members for their contributions and there would be another
meeting in the autumn. We broke at that point.

I got more coffee...an aide came up to me... would I meet Hillary in her
study. I said yes once a few goodbyes were done... a smile. I did them with
a big hug for Candace.

I was going to take my coffee... the aide said there was coffee. Okay.

I followed her. Hillary smiling. "Seems like the kids are having fun
upstairs."

We sat... I did get more coffee... I briefly told what we had been given
and what we thought. She called out to her secretary to get the chairman of
the FCC on the line.

She was upset with the possibly someone had used an untried much less
unauthorized device on ordinary unknowing citizens.

"Even a rumour of such action is horrible."

She told the FCC person not to include the disputed frequencies in the
auction. He wasn't happy but her point that they could auctioned at any
time was clear. And yes the money would be nice but until the weather data
issue was solved and the airlines were heard from it would have to be a
`no!'

Okay one more item.

"The biologist fellow... do you think he would speak to the FBI... we need
to assess the rumour."

I said ask him to come in here. Hillary sent her folks out to find if he
was gone or not.

He was outside the North Portico chatting with another TAG member.

Richardson, the biologist, said he only had rumours but telling the FBI
was... his hand motioning back and forth.

Hillary said she understood... but if the devices had been used once then
it would happen again. Richardson nodding... he paused... "I will speak to
them but can someone be in with me who I trust?"

Hillary said absolutely. Her secretary was asked to call the FBI director.

I said to Richardson I got that it was a tough choice... "Corporate
responsibility had to be assigned if true. No company should ever think
this was a good course of action! Such a company needs to pay some sort of
penalty and anyone who `authorised' such a test be dealt with severely even
if there are no long term issues for the affected."

Hillary in the background asking the director to come over soon. I looked
to her... a smile... "Yes, thank you."

"He is coming over within the hour. Professor, would you wait to meet him
or I should... "

Richardson put up his hand, "Please Mrs. Clinton, I want to wait if it
isn't a problem. If I'm going to do this I want to make it clear some of
people the FBI might meet are to say the least... sceptical of government
authority figures. I think that is a starting point I must state."

A smile on her face, "We will find a place for this preliminary
meeting... why not go back to the Roosevelt Room. You can use it to meet
him."

I stood up to shake Richardson's hand as did Hillary. He would make
arrangements with the FBI and with his chosen accompanying person.

"I will send you both a minute about what was said afterwards."

We thanked him for doing this.

I turned to her after he was escorted across the hall... "It may go nowhere
but it unfortunately sounds plausible."

Her head nodding, "This speaks to why I gave you and Cho the
medals... ethics needs to be emphasized... corporations must be held to
account for all their dealings. Anyone in a campus police force also. No
exceptions."

We shook hands. A hug.

I was escorted back into the Residence, upstairs the kids were playing hide
and seek up on third floor with Chelsea, Tha and Delphine. Bill and Cho
were in the Living Room talking.

I went up... apparently Delphine was `It' as she was counting... with her
hands over her eyes. There was some scurrying sounds. I descended to join
the men. Bill smiling at my description with `sometimes hide and seek can
be a dangerous game... It's best to stay clear.' We laughed.

We did talk about the Chinese. Bill got the news about the Vietnamese
efforts to bring them in that failed. I asked what he thought... "What if I
personally talked with Ping?"

"The British liked him... you met him... I'd ask your contacts in the
Vietnamese government... they may say don't try... seems to me Ping may now
be in a good spot to ask the government at home. The Chinese spend a lot of
time hurting themselves. Ping being here is a good move."

Cho looked to me, "Why not contact Colonel Ba or General Diep?"

I moved into the Yellow Oval Room... I emailed Ba. It was early... he
responded... He would ask the general immediately and be back as soon as
possible.

Back with Bill and Cho.

"Ba seemed to like the idea but has to bump it up."

Shrugs from them. They were having a beer... I was asked... I said coffee.

We talked a lot about various things... an email pinged in... Ba.

He said the Defence Minister had said yes to my meeting but only to ask the
Chinese to re-consider what had been offered. He was sending a file for me
to read. It arrived in my inbox.

Bill took me to a small office off the dining room where there was a
printer. I printed the file then unplugged the printer to power-cycle it
with Bill grinning.

He said you can never be too careful. Fist bump.

I sat in the Yellow Oval Room again to read. It was in French, it laid out
what the Vietnamese would provide and how. It was a `no bullshit' document.

I was escorted down to Hillary. She had her secretary call the Chinese
Embassy. I was beside her when she said it was a call from the White
House. She got someone... "Her Ladyship, the Countess Harcourt would like
to speak with Mr. Ping in person."

A pause... "Yes, she is here."

She handed me the phone receiver...

"Ambassador Ping... Hello... Yes I suppose you didn't expect to hear from
me so soon... Can we meet for a short bit of time today? I am acting as an
intermediary... Yes if possible. I can drive to you... Thank you."

Hillary at the her study doorway... a big smile. She asked her secretary to
get a car for me and a Secret Service car to go along.

The secretary said it would be at the North Portico in five minutes.

I went up to the Residence to tell Cho and Bill.

Cho's cute grin, "Okay but don't be late for dinner."

We all laughed.

Driving to meet Ping... Gil and PJ with me. The Secret Service was leading
as we went north on Connecticut Avenue until Van Ness. The driver said this
was an embassy row, nine or ten close by.

At the gate to the Chinese Embassy the Secret Service spoke to the guards
who opened up. We eased into the compound slowly. The embassy complex
looked like a prison. Unfortunate!

In the courtyard under the portico a fellow greeted me, smiling he said the
Ambassador was expecting me. Inside the high ceiling and geometric design
was interesting but cold. We climbed a handsome stairway with a large
multi-paned window. No view though.

At the entrance to the ambassador's suite we were handed off to a sleek
woman of middle years, lovely face.

I gave PJ a hand signal, he would wait here.

Mr. Ping came around his desk... this time his hand was extended. We shook.

"Welcome your Ladyship."

I introduced Gil as my PA.

Ping shook her hand saying he remembered her from London.

I was offered a chair in a seating group, Ping sat opposite.

"I have to make a request... you shall be the judge of it and decide how
far to go since you know what Beijing might feel."

I paused... he was looking slightly bemused but intrigued.

"The Company, a London based firm that Cho and I control, is constructing
an electronic border wall on the boundaries of Vietnam... " Ping's face
seemed a bit tighter.

"The wall is quite sophisticated with a mixture of cameras, sensors and
drones to patrol it. Vietnam has agreements with Laos and Cambodia to share
the information gathered to their mutual benefit. The Vietnamese government
has offered to share the information collected with your
government... there has been some back and forth but no agreement.

As an officer of The Company I wanted you to know some information about
the `wall' so you might advise the members of your government on it."

Ping's face had relaxed a bit... he got I wasn't going to make demands.

I gave him a briefing of what the wall would do emphasizing its passive
nature. I went as far as I might without getting too technical.

"The Vietnamese have the wherewithal to build the wall where Laos and
Myanmar do not. I can say that The Company has spoken to the Thai
government about the same sort of installation... I cannot speak to
anything further about that.

The possibility of the Thai and Vietnamese governments aiding those two
less able adjoining nations is real as they all suffer from the effects of
the various smugglers operating in the area. My understanding is the
military rulers in Myanmar are quite upset at the flow of Illicit products
across their northern border."

Ping was looking a bit less happy.

"Your Ladyship, I am not the holder of intimate knowledge of the border
issues but I can understand the inviolability of a nation's sovereignty. I
can ask questions of the individuals in Beijing who are concerned with the
matter.

Is there a specific request you want to make?"

I smiled, "Only that the possible co-operation between your government and
that of Vietnam might be re-considered. My understanding is the Vietnamese
would like an agreement in place so the information is shared and could be
acted on by both countries to their mutual advantage. They have made a
proposal... it has not been accepted.

I can have a more complete briefing on the the `wall' prepared for you or
another representative but there are proprietary information limits which
would not be crossed."

Ping had tented his fingers... a slight smile.

"Your Ladyship... you may have missed your calling... you are a careful but
direct speaker. I will speak to the Foreign Minister... I relay your words
to him and the offer of a briefing. Could that take place in Beijing?"

"The Company could send a team to Beijing. They will not be Chinese fluent
but capable of several languages."

"I am sure English will be fine."

He had a considering face now... "You have chosen to do this... It cannot
be just for your business... the border wall is already being
built... yes?"

"Yes the construction is underway. I want your country and its neighbours
to have good relations... There's long history... I know not always
amicable but it's there nonetheless... I do not like drug smugglers ruining
people's lives... in anyone's country."

Ping motioned to his aide, "Ask Liang to join us."  He turned back to me,
"He is my number two."

In a few minutes Mr. Liang came in... We were introduced.

"It is an honour to meet you Lady Harcourt."

Smiling... I said it was nice to meet Mr. Ping's number two... I looked at
Ping... it was his play.

"Liang knows something of the background issue that you have politely
referred to... southern border drug smuggling."

Liang turned to me, "Your Ladyship, I was raised in southern Yunnan
province... poppies were commonly grown in back country areas... it was
`known' by the authorities.

The unwritten rule was If the poppy crossed the border to the south it was
fine.

If any of the crop was found harvested... it was taken and people arrested
but no one properly looked. Probably because there was so much cross-border
trading in other goods giving considerable income to the area.

My family members weren't involved, my parents were teachers originally
from further north in Kunming.

Today is no different. The police are bribed... when there are
crackdowns... the police say when they are to come... they do their `work'
and then go. Things go back to where they had been."

He shrugged.

A neutral face on Liang, "So the government won't be serious... they have
reason to fear a border that is tighter. My limited experience tells me
once people have had `riches' they do not willingly change."

I leaned back... I looked to Ping, "So you think it is pointless to ask
Beijing to co-operate with the Vietnamese?"

A slight nod.

 I stood up... they did too. I shook hands with them. I thanked Liang for
his information.

"Mr. Ping... thank you for seeing me. I know you will write a minute for
the record about this... if your assessment..." I motioned to Liang,
"... is correct do not go further... no point in starting your tenure here
with this. If you think the technology briefing I offered would help please
let me know so I can arrange it."

There sadness on Ping's face... he bowed... "Lady Harcourt I will do some
back channel messaging..."

I thanked them again. Outside his suite Ping stayed at the door as we
walked down the passage to the stairs... a last wave.

We re-traced our drive back to the White House.

Cho gave me a hug and kiss. Bill had my hand, "You tried which is more than
many."

Hillary came up. She shook her head hearing my news. "It is a common ploy
of autocratic governments at whatever level, they tolerate corrupt
practises if it assuages the hardships they visit on their people.

Damn... it would have been nice to see them make an effort."

"Ping did say he'd try back channels..."

Hillary gave me a hug, "That will only work if the ones at the other end
are of like mind. If you hear from Ping please keep me in the loop."

I said I would.

We had a dinner date in Georgetown with Somsak, Tona and Suki. No going to
Upperville first to change now.

"You can have cars to go the restaurant... come back here to leave."
Hillary smiling holding her husband's hand.

We thanked her.

With some time to spare now we sat for a while... it might have been quiet
except for THE TWINS and Chelsea's TWO coming roaring in full of energy!

Ah... they had a rest time in the Solarium with a snack! Little batteries
do re-charge quickly!

I heard about all the rooms they got to look in! Some fun people and things
to see.

Chelsea said some staff had helped them wander about.

When it was time we walked down to the North Portico to the cars. It wasn't
a long ride...

Our Protectors out first... we were behind two couples... Gerald had seen
us... He was tanned!

Some people came up behind us... Ken and Penny were the behind us.

Gerald standing there smiling his arms open... hugs and handshakes. A kiss
for Chani's hand... giggles.

A loud voice behind saying `What's the hold-up?'

Ken's quiet voice, "Please be patient."

"Patient?"

"They are friends... greeting each other."

There was something else from the loud voice... then Ken's voice in a
different pitch, "Be calm... you will not move forward."

PJ moved us in... shortening the greetings... we went right back to the
booth.

Gil, "Somsak texted they were on the way."

PJ said he'd stay... he told Rande to go to the door to help. Rande came
back right away... "The man tried to shove past Ken... it did not go the
way he wanted. Gerald told the man Ken had crushed against the door case he
no longer had a booking and not to call again.

He and his wife walked away. He was yelling about he was a congressman from
Indiana."

Rande looked to me, "Fay, where is Indiana?"

I motioned westward adding in the `sticks.' I had to explain that term
which brought a smile from Rande.

A big grin on his handsome face, "His dinner jacket was rumpled in the
front..." A very cupid like look. We had to laugh.

Antonio came up... he had gone up front to check then told questioning
diners an unpleasant fellow was rejected. That was very politely said. He
started with our food and drink.

Ken at the booth end, he said what happened and the result. Cho with a grin
asked if there any injuries...

Deadpan delivery, "Sir, there is a wounded ego in need of care."

We all laughed LOUDLY!

Somsak's face... I slipped out to hug my brother, Tona and Suki. The Twins
waving. Antonio had the third child seat and we all got to sit.

They were great! Settling in the new house, a good pre-school for Suki and
the ambassador was a good man. A friend. It all sounded very promising!

AH... Taittinger's and caviar! Charlie told Suki `it pops in your mouth'
which got her interest. We had a tasty start to dinner. Everyone enjoyed
this. The babies had Shirley Temples which they all loved. Tona drinking
fizzy water.

Gerald did a breaded grilled sole with white asparagus under a Béchamel
Sauce, little potatoes roasted with caramelised fennel, Charlie approved
the little buns and butter.

A classic white Bordeaux, lovely hints of pears, apples and
berries. Excellent!

We talked all sorts. My recent trip, the Songkran party in London. Somsak
knew the ambassador there, `He is very smart and subtle... perhaps too much
for the tories' was an interesting thought.

Cho said he knew Tanawat, a good golfer and intelligent.

Somsak said he'd do well with Cedric at the Foreign Office. Somsak said
he'd met Cedric in Singapore.

Cho and Somsak did some golf bits. Tona's little baby boy was doing well in
her large tummy. Suki was thrilled there'd be a boy around the house. They
had a well-regarded local doctor who Tona liked. All good.

I asked about names but Tona waved saying `Do not go there.' Somsak
grinning. They said the name was undecided... which we all interpreted as
contentious.

Gerald with some help from Antonio told us about their trip to
Thailand. Fun in the sun at Phuket and tourist doings in Bangkok.

They all heard we were off on a trip west to New Mexico and Texas then to
Kentucky for the Derby. We gave them the outlook for our racing team and
who'd done what so far. Two excellent horses in the Derby had Somsak
smiling, "So you guys want to win every year?"

"Cho laughed, "We send horses to Monaco, he trains them, they race... if
they win all the better but we will race regardless of wins."

Afters... a white chocolate `tear!' Chani and Charlie had theirs telling
with Suki how good it was. I watched Suki's face as the piece melted on her
tongue... such a sweetie... she loved it. At the end the three small pieces
left were given to the babies. A treat!

We did goodnights at the front door. Hugs and kisses. Tona smiling with a
quiet word in my ear... her feet were warm! We laughed!  The car for
Somsak, Tona and Suki... we waved goodbye.

A big hug from Gerald thanking us for the use of our homes in Thailand. It
had been wonderful. Gil had the envelope for the staff to give to
Antonio... a smile.

As we stepped out at the North Portico Gil said the helicopters were
in-bound... We were escorted through the the White House and out to the
South Lawn. We had agreed not to meet again with Hillary so the `First
Family' could have a quiet dinner.

The AW139's lifted up, turning to go west gaining altitude. We were on our
lawn in fifteen minutes. Charles and Agatha waiting with Jaidee. They were
all well. We'd be here overnight then El Paso.

Ash did a whinny as we slowed on the edge of the jumping arena... Daniel
had already begun getting things spruced up for the summer. The eventing
group doing the Upperville Trials informed us there was a significant
increase in entrants so they were likely to create a tier structure the
specifics of which were not prepared yet... a work in progress.

The cross country course was being changed... several jumps being moved,
one deleted and a new one in the woods.

Daniel with a big smile told me by the stables his folks were ready. He
hoped the event managing group would give him some numbers soon so the
trailers could be leased.

"Otherwise... we could almost go ahead right now! The booths are repainted,
the information signs done, the porta-potties ordered, the portable
kitchens too. Flo has hired folks from the community ready to come up to
cook and bake."

I loved hearing how prepared he was, "Have Ni's folks done the software
upgrades?"

"Yes. We had all the iPads out... checked and upgraded last week. She said
there may be updates but nothing significant before the end of June."

Fist bump! And a big thank you.

Breakfast happening! We needed to get on... Packed and in helicopters to
Dulles. Gilbert was there with the Rossen brothers. We had taken over the
hangar and buildings from the troublesome neighbouring company that Dulles
had thrown out. Those fellows were looking at fence changes and other
adjustments. We said hellos and went up into the 767.

Mira on the controls said we had a taxi slot so... we things put away and
strapped in. It was a fairly quick taxi then off. If I ever dozed off on a
take-off Charlie and Jaidee's noises would get me awake.

Work in flight... got a good deal done before Mira gave us a thirty minute
warning. On the ground we taxied to the Flight Corporation hangars on the
east side of the airport. Bob and Rocky there to meet us.

Everything rolling along here. With the addition maintenance folks they had
increased the business which was further raised by the helicopter and
turbine mechanics on-site.

Three AW139's on the flight line...

We had changed to desert clothes on the way and were off immediately. The
helicopters lifting all of us. West around the U.S. Army base then
northwest away from the immediate border area. Thirty minutes had us
descending over the ranch.

The Twins in jeans, me khaki shorts, Cho in khaki trousers. It should be in
the middle twenties warm not hot.

We landed on the grid, Simon and Yoani waiting outside behind the net
fence.

They got to meet the Twins! A bit of a surprise!

We rode carts to the administration building. The main area was much
different... now it looked like a small town! Offices, work rooms, class
rooms... a laboratory building, dormitories, canteen, recreation hall and
exercise areas.

More housing for permanent staff. Stables with horses for back country
travel, guest quarters and more. The day-care was a cute red building with
a white fence all around the playground.

It looked quite settled. Proper roads, fencing, drought tolerant
shrubbery...

It was great to see the solar panels on every roof!

Simon's family in one of the brick ranch style houses, Yoani, Mateo and
kids in another. The third was Preston, Simon's number three, and his
family. Paula, his wife, was a certified pre-school teacher we happily
hired to work at our Day-care.

There is a pool for everybody with a big deck surrounding it. Umbrellas to
shield the tender skin of babies around the wading pool.

We used the Recreation Hall for a big gathering. We got meet everybody!
Everyone was astonished seeing Chani and Charlie. Our babies wandered about
with Tha and Delphine saying hello and doing handshakes and fist
bumps. They did hugs with other little ones.

Cho holding my hand... squeezing and we were both grinning at the babies
doing their thing! They didn't lower the astonishment level of the staff
being so gregarious and voluble.

All the greetings took a bit but we got to the meeting. They got we were
proud of their work getting the ranch `build-up' so far along. More to
come!

We let them know a delegation from the Iranian Interior Ministry was coming
shortly to see the sensor net at work and they would get a look-see at the
winged drones.

We were selling the drones to Vietnam from Bangkok for the border sensor
net project. We did not yet have an export license from the U.S. for the
wings.

Yoani had Selena and Enrique stand up. They were the two senior resident
drone pilots and trainers, they would do any demos for the Iranians.

They got that they could show how things worked in detail without going
into details.

Reg and Stephan would be here to escort the Iranians and give them a
briefing on the equipment with the staff here but the ranch personnel would
operate the systems.

They were to expect several battery companies to be here in the next two
months with test equipment to be hooked to solar panels in the laboratory
test array.

Cho did make the point those and others who came here were guests but under
the authority of our ranch command staff. We wanted them to make it clear
even though it was in all the contract language negotiated with each
company and guest.

Cho made it plain no one coming here had more authority than the command
staff of the Security Service.

I leaned over to say with a grin... "Except us!" Laughter!

The canteen had a lunch prepared... the canteen staff found some flat boxes
that were a good size for the Twins to sit on in a chair. They were great!

They got rice and beans, a taco and split a burrito, green salad and fruit
juice! The food was good! My rice and beans was just visible under the
shredded Queso Fresco!

I said to Yoani I liked the tent... outdoor eating.

"We do that sometimes still... here everyone can be inside together... the
tent fly was too small. We could buy more? Or a bigger one?" A thumbs up
from me.

Standing back... I was watching a team open one set of the geo-thermal
turbine devices... an interesting mechanism. They gave me a tour of the
bits pointing the salient features and the history of its use here.

To this point there had been no downtime and the power generated
consistent. The geo-thermal fellow from Las Cruces had replaced a half
dozen printed circuit boards on several units last year after the
takeover... no issues since.

I was pleased with this setup. Our costs were only in maintaining the
hardware. Between the geo-thermal and the solar panels we were carbon
negative in a massive way which was great!

The Twins went to the day-care for a visit.

Cho and I holding hands as we stood beside the drone landing grid. Eight
drones parked in a neat row... the only markings on their grey skin were
their aircraft ID numbers.

These all had the new `skin' which was much more radar wave absorbent and
all the `pods' were coated with a new radar wave absorptive paint. Their
radar signature went from a tiny bird to a bumble bee size.

Even up close they were nearly invisible. Underneath they were a pale
grey-blue making them harder for the human eye to see from below.

Inside the drone command centre there was the master plot desk which had a
huge screen so the shift commander could see all the drone feeds at once,
twelve drone pilot stations. They could fly the small propeller models or
the wings at each station.

We talked with Selena and Enrique and the rest of the pilots about their
work. Since they were all licensed pilots we had a twin engined Beechcraft
at Lordsburg Airport for them to use to maintain their licenses and
training. They really appreciated that perk. We were doing that at all the
locations where we had permanently stationed drone pilots.

A few of the trainees here now were from other places. Two from Kentucky
knew about the incident there... we had lifted the ban on speaking about
that event so all our pilots world-wide knew of it.

All of these folks had flown the wings and used the various `pods' that
were available. The extra fuel tank had been extensively tested here and
worked perfectly.

Our pilots had recently helped the Hidalgo County sheriffs in searching for
some horses and mules who had gotten loose from a corral south of
Animas. Our wings found the animals... they were mostly together in a
arroyo, they directed recovery people to them. Two wings were flown low
making noise and dust to keep the horses from escaping from the narrow
defile before they could recaptured.

The extra fuel tanks made a big difference on that mission.

We rode carts with our Protectors to the `Labyrinth' combat testing
site. Some of the existing buildings had been modified for interiors, homes
and offices, etc... The new course was under construction, streets,
buildings of many sorts, multi-level and dense. It was about a square city
block in size.

PJ gave Rande an elbow as they stood looking at the new thing. It was going
to be a while before it was ready... putting up the buildings was just a
start. All the wiring, traps, surprises, targets, etc... to come!

I was beside Simon... he was smiling, "It will be quite the `test' when it
opens. The design is such that we will be able to re-arrange some of the
walls to change it around to keep the layout fresh. And... " a bit louder
so our Protectors could hear, "... not let anyone be able to count on the
way it looked the last time they went through."

I could see our folks relished the challenge... grins, laughter amongst
them. They knew we were planning a competition like they had gone through
at Hendon in London. Anticipation was high!

We got to see all the people and everything else we needed so we rounded up
the Twins to fly back to El Paso. Cho said as we flew east he'd gotten to
look in at Mateo's space... the big barn like vehicle maintenance building
had a motor grader inside. It had been used to level some dirt roadways in
the eastern portion of the ranch. Mateo was doing a check-up on it.

Mateo was a wizard at mechanical repairs, he'd also done most of the
grading behind the wheel of the big grader. Multi-talented.

We left El Paso soon after landing heading to Love Field in Dallas. It was
just an hour when we parked at an aviation support company east of the main
terminal. We'd stay overnight to go to GWNW Railroad in the morning, in the
late morning to San Antonio to meet Rafe's family.

I'd go to London for the first Mirabelle opening on New Bond Street then to
Kentucky. Cho and the Twins to Frankfort and Harcourt Farm where we'd meet.

After a rousing breakfast... Chani and Charlie having fun... Cho and I with
Gil and four Protectors drove into downtown Dallas to the Elm Street
address of the GWNW. Up in the lift to the main corporate floor. The
corporate chairman of the board and the CEO met us at the lift door.

We were greeted very grandly and escorted to the big conference room I'd
been in before. Their entire Board of Directors and an array of
vice-presidents were waiting. They all stood up as we entered... Cho and I
shook hands around the big conference table.

We had a small cluster of our folks. Alex, our north American DMD, Duncan
who was in charge of the project, Anthony here to oversee the training for
the railroad staff, Janine and Nell who were on Duncan's staff for this
work.

Hugs and kisses for our folks! My arms around Janine and Nell, smiling
faces I hadn't seen for a while. Alex's grin... He and Duncan shaking hands
with Cho. They all looked very good. They were enjoying the challenge of
this huge project!

We all sat to a status briefing from our people... on schedule for complete
switch-over in thirty days. All their operations would be on a super array
of Mac OS X servers here in Dallas and duplicated in Seattle. Eve's Fox
Tower office in New York had a third working copy of their entire
database. It was also in a cloud holding server.

Over ninety seven percent of the trackside work installing new sensors was
finished... that was where most of the work was being done now. The
installers were ahead of their schedule by a week! So GWNW was close!

The briefing ended with the Chairman of their board standing to applaud our
people. They all stood!

Duncan smiling said they appreciated it and that their GWNW staffs had been
extremely helpful in all stages of the work. He clapped with our people
thanking the GWNW folks.

After the love-fest there a discussion about ongoing work and updates. Alex
explained the sensors we had installed throughout their system... they were
different than what we had proposed... better models with more built-in
capabilities than would be used immediately. Coming upgrades to the
software would make use of the extended features. All at the same price we
quoted.

The GWNW folks were pleased to hear that especially as it didn't raise
their costs.

Cho and I did our goodbyes... we were `showing the flag' today. The GWNW
management thanked us for being here. We shook a lot of hands again.

We re-traced our route back to Love Field and once on-board the 767 we got
going. It was a thirty minute flight to San Antonio. It was six miles to
Rafe's mother's home in the northern San Antonio Monte Vista neighbourhood.

Rafe shaking his head in the car as we neared the house. He was out
first... his mom and dad came out with his two sisters and their
families. Quite a crowd on the front lawn. Rafe was kissed and hugged,
fussed over!

We shook hands around, the Twins introduced. Inside and through to the
terrace. A nice spot lots of sun and shade.

Drinks for us all. The barbeque was running with a big load. They had
veggie choices in burgers and hotdogs for us.

The Twins got juice, a hot dog and a half a burger! Chips/fries came out in
a big metal tray. There were seats for all the babies... five! I was inside
asking if I could help. One of Rafe's sisters said... "No... please we
couldn't ask you to do anything."

"I've two hands..."

She laughed giving me a pile of red paper napkins. I distributed them
around the tables.

It was a pleasant spring day so eating outdoors was terrific! Charlie and
Chani chattering away with the other kids. I was between the sister who
thought I shouldn't do anything and `Lindy,' Rafe's mom. We talked
families, Rafe's growing up, the divorce which had been good for
them... they did it before any real animosity built up in their
relationship.

"We are the best of friends because of it. The whole family has
benefitted."

They got some of our things. The sister beside me asked if she could be a
groupie for a moment...

I said yes.

"What is like meeting the Queen?"

I smiled, "We first met Her Majesty at Ascot when one of our horses had won
a race... she gave us the trophy. She was very nice. We had met Prince
William and Kate and their children before... they'd been out to our
Oxfordshire home.

We met the Queen again at Ascot for another trophy ceremony... she decided
to come to Oxfordshire at the beginning of December with Prince Charles to
see our horses especially Asda the sire of many of our winning horses.

Prince William and his wife Kate and their two children came. Prince Harry
was along too. Harry and his soon to be wife, Meghan, visited us a few
weeks later.

Okay... they are very nice folks, different because they do live in a more
controlled, contracted world... away from most people unless it is at some
ceremony or event or other. Then it is usually scripted.

Getting a chance to `know' the Queen is near zero. Her grandsons from Diana
and Charles on the other hand... we've drawn closer, they have both stayed
at some of our houses to `get away from it all' a few times.

We're pretty big on privacy ourselves so they appreciated the isolation of
the houses."

Lindy leaned closer, "So what do you call the Queen?"

"After the initial greeting of `Your Majesty' she is Ma'am and Prince
Charles is "His Royal Highness' then Sir but the grandsons are `Will' and
`Harry.' They're our age."

I laughed, "Both Harry and Will have played golf with Cho... Cho is
completely egalitarian on the golf course... he beats everybody!"

Cho heard because I raised my voice a bit... He laughed when I gave him the
whole thing.

"Cho loves to play... He and Tom Angleten are golf buddies."

Lindy it turned liked to play golf... there we many courses around,
municipal and private... she was a club member in two.

"Ah so Tom Angleten's name means something?"

"Yes! He did an amazing thing last year... never before done... many have
tried... not even Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods have done it. Now this year
he set a new lowest score at the Masters... he's just running away from the
others."

"Cho went to part of three of the tournaments last year to see and support
Tom. He and his wife Roxanne have been to Oxfordshire... we were together
at the end of February in Thailand. Tom and Cho like to play together. They
played at Augusta six weeks before the Masters... Tom tied the course
record 63 that day... Cho set a new record score for eighteen holes at 52."

Lindy's eyes bulged out... "Seriously?"

I was nodding pointing to Cho... he looked over... I said Augusta National
lowest score... Cho grinned and held up his hands together waving them a
bit.

Lindy was laughing, "So what is it like to have a round like that?"

Cho, "I go out to play thinking about what I need to do hole by hole,
focusing on each shot... I never think about par or the whole round... each
shot! What other folks do doesn't matter to me... my game is different."

"A 52 at Augusta is different... for sure," Lindy shaking her head.

Lindy asked about the Concord Tournament... "You two did back to back
hole-in-ones?"

I laughed, "I was there... number ten is right outside the clubhouse... I
was inside at a window above them... they didn't know... it was amazing to
watch Cho's ball land above the hole and roll back to drop in! The crowd
went CRAZY! Then after the crowd got quiet Tom did the exact same shot. The
crowd really lost it!"

Lindy loved that.

Rafe's sister beside me told me some about their growing up... Rafe was the
youngest but was the `man' of the house after the divorce.

"He has always been level-headed... steady."

I told them about the Riverfront Club incident... Lindy looked at her son
across the terrace...

"That's Rafe... he absorbs training and uses it."

I told them about the training area in Lordsburg... it was making our
Protector's mouths water.

"We hope it will be a terrific location for them... It will be a training
ground where other members of the Security Service will go every year for
teaching and to test themselves."

In the kitchen after I carried in some plates which seemed to scandalize
the one sister... I stopped helping and chatted with Lindy.

She was using the App Ni made for Jane Austen's books. Amazed at our paying
for all her novels to be translated into Thai.

"So you really came here just to meet us... it seems like a lot of
trouble."

Smiling, I said we've done this several times... "We think it is good to go
beyond the dossier when possible. We were close... it was easy to do and
you all have made it very pleasant."

A big smile, "Well you are certainly beyond my daily round of people. Would
you mind if I... we... spoke about this visit to friends now that it is
done?"

"No. We won't mind. We do appreciate your not saying anything beforehand."

Lindy, "We decided to just say Rafe was coming home for a visit... that
made it easy."

"Part of what makes us more secure besides our protection staff is that we
don't often let people know where we will be... most only find out after
we've been and gone."

It was a fun time meeting the family and very tasty lunch. We thanked them
for their hospitality and delicious food. Handshakes and hugs.

Out on the front lawn... I did say to Lindy... who was holding her
son... we have to take Rafe with us which made her laugh. Rafe's eyes
rolling!

At the airport... my ride was here. Derry and Joy finishing the pre-flight
check on the Gulfstream. Gil, PJ, Tara, and Angie with me. Kisses for the
Twins and Cho.

We took off immediately. Joy said we'd be on the ground at Chalgrove close
to six o'clock. Okay... a ride, breakfast and off to London.

Lis was on board with us. She had coffee!! Gil and I did some work as we
flew towards darkness.

A light supper was warming as she setup us up to eat.

Email from Cho... IrishRainbow won the Man o' War Stakes at the Belmont. He
wired the field to win by six... never challenged. That boy loves him some
grass!! A Seven Hundred Thousand dollar purse for a G1 race. IrishRainbow
was a marvellous colt. He is running wild this year!

Email from Coral and Raphaela saying good luck with the opening! Also the
black frock and coat from my sketches were ready for a try on whenever I
was in town. Okay!

I was up moving through the Gulfstream cabin towards the DeLonghi machine
the sun up at thirty five thousand feet. There were stirrings behind the
curtained sleeping spots. Lis was up, she had some big cookies and fruit to
snack on. We were all awake...Lis put away the sleeping things.

I sat to look at the news on my iPad. All the usual... death, destruction,
crime and jackasses acting like jackasses.

Joy's voice... "Thirty minutes to Chalgrove."

It was dark on the ground as we landed. The sun beginning to peek out as
Prasert dropped us at Harcourt House. Carter at the door with a smile.

I changed to riding clothes and went down to the Stables. Tara with
me. Roland ready... we headed off. Across the Flats to the slope... warming
up. The Abingdon Lock man waving a good morning, Roy was just arriving on
the islet. A handshake. He and Angie were good.

We rode up through a mostly sleeping Lower Radley to the Industrial
Estate... Tab at the Recording Studio door waving. She'd been the night
person ready to go home to bed as soon as one of her assistants arrived to
relieve her. Fist bump.

The relief lock man in Stanford waved with a smile. We called out hellos to
him. Mr. Hardy was going out... fist bumps!

Roland whinnying... Okay I asked for speed... I got it! Roland was pumping
as we rapidly crossed the Radley's and Fraser's farms by the river path.

Walking on the Flats... it was quiet down here but the Stables were wide
awake. Pat took Roland, smiling.

In the Breakfast Room Gil had some post... the magazine from Soleimani! In
my bag for the flight to Kentucky.

Okay time to go. We all walked out to the AW139, Kellen lifted us up and
around... aimed at Wandsworth.

I stepped out of the car on New Bond Street... there were paparazzi people
outside the Mirabelle shop. I was photographed as I walked in. One fellow
got pretty close... he got his lens smudged by Tara's thumb pushing him
away.

Hailey at the door smiling. A hug. They were READY! I met the
staff... smiles, nicely dressed in Mirabelle clothes. I did a spin to
show-off my red suit!

We had an hour... real reporters would be here soon... they'd get a tour.

I used the office to make a few calls...

Hailey said the news people were here.

I met them in the main room... Print and TV... I gave them the Mirabelle
story... The questions were good... no BS... which was a change. They were
fashion writers... so focused! I answered them all with help from
Hailey. Hailey gave them a tour of the shop and let them see the clothes up
close.

I could see outside... ladies were queueing up. I motioned towards them for
the news folks.

Reginé and Margeaux's work right out there; social media, Tube stations,
our newspapers, etc... I looked to Hailey... she nodded... Okay... doors
open early. I stood by the door welcoming ladies pointing towards the shop
assistants.

The shop filled up pretty quick with more women waiting outside... we had
to keep track of the occupancy numbers... I went to speak to the queue... I
shook hands telling them about our limit.

A paparazzi tried to get between me and the door, very close to me with the
camera... He was lifted by the back of his belt... out of my way by
PJ... he was deposited twenty feet away with a warning in his ear.

He made an attempt to get attention for his `rough' handling... the ladies
in line laughed at him... Ooooohhhh that hurt!

Two Bobbies walked up... they talked with the paparazzo... one came to the
door, the other moved to the queue. I spoke to the one at the door...

"Your Ladyship, I'm making sure you are Okay and the photographer hasn't
done anything too far."

"He tried to get very close... my bodyguard did move him away... that was
it."

He smiled, "We can't take that seriously... paparazzi reap what they sow."

I smiled at that. I shook his hand.

"Good luck with your new store. I spoke with Hailey the other day... so we
know all about it... she was excited."

I thanked him for his consideration.

One of the ladies outside was able to come in... she was smiling, "We all
told the constable the paparazzo was too close to you and he got mad when
we laughed at him."

I shook her hand and welcomed her to Mirabelle.

I saw Marina on the sidewalk... the Ralph Lauren General Manager was with
her. I went to speak to them. We shook hands... I said it was a bit full
right now.

Smiles, Marina said they'd come back on another day so they could get a
look.

I gave them the store number, "Call Hailey to get a tour before opening."

That was good with them. I got `Good Luck' from them.

Marina asked if my suit was Mirabelle? I said it was, in this fire engine
red, pale grey and jet black. I did a turn... Marina smiling, "Your
Ladyship, it's a killer look!"

I thanked them for coming over. We shook hands again.

Back inside I could see the sales desk had a big line. I motioned to
Hailey... in her office...

"We need to get you an iPad and a credit card scanner... your people could
checkout someone anywhere in the store. I should have thought of this
before..."

I called Ni... she said they could have their module ready for tomorrow
morning on our corporate Apple Enterprise Network. It would link by WiFi to
the sales system. She had credit card scanners they had been testing... she
would overnight three with instructions.

I turned to Gil, "Go the Apple store in Regent Street near Oxford Circus,
get three eleven inch iPads without cellular."

She was off... PJ told Angie to go with her.

"Simple cases too!"

Gil waved her hand.

In the middle of all this... a thought that had been percolating went to
boil... I called Thet. He and Reyna were doing just fine with little
Krai. His surrogate was nursing him very well.

"Thet, would you two want one of Jaidee's puppies for Krai?"

Quiet... "Fay, that is a wonderful thought... thank you."

"We'd love to see your boy and a brown dog romping on the grass at your
house."

"Can you wait so I can get Reyna?"

I said yes. He wasn't gone long...

"Fay... it is a big YES from us! Thank you again."

I told them it would be about three to four months. I asked about a boy or
a girl... Thet speaking with Reyna... He came back with "Can we have a
boy?"

I said yes! I could hear Reyna clapping in the background.

"We will be in touch."

More thank yous as we rang off.

Kora called... "Fay, we have an item you might be interested in... the
complete autopsy of Ti from the Guoanbu files."

"No shit! Have you read it?"

"I have, pictures included. He had a stroke no doubt. It says he'd been
having mini-stokes which can impair normal functions without any obvious
symptoms. The Chinese conclude his actions towards you and Cho were the
result of those tiny strokes altering his brain functions.

But they would try to mitigate his actions in any way they could don't you
think?"

"I do believe the Chinese want to get the monkey off their back! I have
heard of the mini-stroke thing... it is real."

Kora said the autopsy says... "Since there are no overt symptoms... such
body activity usually goes undetected until a major event."

"So where was this?"

Kora said it is a file area reserved to the very highest echelons of the
Guoanbu where her folks have been harvesting files for several days. I
asked her to put a copy in a file area where Cho and I could get to it but
it was safely away from others.

"Anything else?"

Kora said she'd email it...

"Fay, you will get it in a minute... I've been composing it already before
I called."

I thanked her.

The encrypted email binged in quickly. I opened it... Kora had the warplans
for the Chinese military, old ones and the newest dated only two months
ago. They covered a global nuclear exchange as well as attacks on Taiwan or
Japan or Vietnam. Plans to expand their presence in the South China Sea for
undersea mining and oil drilling... building more military bases from the
scattered atolls to support and defend the initiative.

I emailed her back to query about it being a plant?

Kora replied she felt them to be genuine... they were in a folder that very
limited access and was deliberately hidden.

I asked how many of our people knew this information?

Three was her reply... Her, Duane and Mee. I went back with `keep it that
way!'

I called Hillary to tell her I was sending an encrypted email. I told her
it was of the very highest sensitivity.

I sent it off. Hillary's reply was back very soon...

`Fay are your people sure about the provenance?'

I replied `Yes but is for your folks to evaluate the data.'

I dialled her number... Hillary picked up immediately...

"Hillary, I want to get these documents in your hands."

"Fay, this means your people are inside where?"

"Inside Ti's old stomping ground. They tried to break into our systems and
failed but we traced them back to their own systems. We have been inside
for several weeks.

Our plan was to hand it over to the NSA but Ti's stunt had us delay in the
hope of finding documentation on who, what and how he used his old agency
against us.

I can say we have ironclad proof of the complicity of members of the
Chinese security apparatus. Names and faces. All their actions. Most knew
what Ti was doing and said nothing. Emails they exchanged talking about it.

We have very quietly informed several major players in the anti-hacker
community like CISA in America, Microsoft security and others because we
have also penetrated APT 40 and through them some Chinese cyber-criminal
gangs. Those groups are going to take down hundreds of ransomware and
spyware servers all at once.

We have exfiltrated the unlock codes for the ransomware for victims to use
and passed them on to the appropriate people to share. They are
co-ordinating their actions for a big hit!

BellingCat is being given some information to support their investigations
of Chinese and North Korean cyber-criminals.

All the sharing is being done through cut-outs so we do not appear
anywhere.

We have penetrated the North Koreans who also tried to get in at our
Bangkok computer centre. And a huge number of other cyber-criminals allied
to China and North Korea whose links we found in the servers controlled by
the two countries.

There is much more... I'm in London but flying to Kentucky in a few
hours. Can someone meet me in Kentucky? I will put them in the picture and
they can talk to our people in Bangkok."

Hillary was silent... "Fay, what about Theodore? You two know each
other... he certainly knows what it means and how to get the most from it
all."

I was fine with that. I said I might have gone to him but I thought this
new stuff was above his level for decision-making.

"Tell him they'll be an aircraft at Rossen's Dulles location..." I texted
Penn... She said a Gulfstream was there, ready to go in three hours... "...
They'll fly him to Frankfort Airport where we will have a car to bring him
Harcourt Farm. I'll be there this evening.

We'll have a room for him... we'll feed him too." I laughed at Hillary's
chuckling.

"It's a horse farm so casual clothes are best to fit in better."

We laughed some more when Hillary said I was sounding like a tour director.

We rang off after a few family things.

I went back out front... it was still very crowded. Gil came through the
door with an Apple bag and a smile. Angie alongside. We stepped behind the
sales desk...

"All done. I talked with Ni on the way over... she said the scanners were
easy and to get them online with the Cho Bank in the City. I called the
bank on the way back... they told me how to program the software on the
iPads. The Cho Bank lady is sending me a link for that and her contact
details.

I'm going to brief Hailey and get the iPads ready for the download from
Ni's shop."

A hug and kiss for my `Miss Fix-it!'

I went back to PR mode... speaking to shoppers, showing off my suit and
going out to say hellos to the ladies in the queue. The paparazzi had left
since I wasn't giving them anything to snap.

I walked over the road to the Ralph Lauren street coffee and tea vendor...

"Would you run a tab for Mirabelle's customers?"

I handed him fifty £'s as a down payment.

He said he'd mark on his pad... he pointed to it... "When you want me to
stop I'll tote it up."

I was good with that.

I went back to the queue... "Ladies, the Ralph Lauren coffee fellow is open
for you to go over and get a free coffee or tea of your choice. To make it
easy about the queue maybe every other person could go to get a drink for
themselves and the lady in front of them."

They all looked at each other... smiles! They started to talk, several went
over right away.  PJ with me grinning.

Hailey was wide-eyed.

"Fay, that is awesome. Thank you for thinking of it."

"I'm sorry I didn't think of it earlier. Gil will leave you some cash to
take care of the tab. And leave a tip for the man. Anything left over use
for you and your staff to get drinks. Please get a receipt and send it to
Gil. Okay?"

Big smile, a hug.

I checked on Gil... she had the three iPads talking over the WiFi to Apple
getting setup data.

I told her about the coffee and tea thing... a grin. She handed me her bag
to get more cash.

"These iPads will ready to go in a few minutes. Could you ask Hailey to
come in so I can brief her on what the next steps are."

Hailey got the money and sat beside Gil. Me back out front.

A constable was out front... he was the one from earlier. We spoke... I
offered him a free coffee or tea if he was allowed. He said he'd just had a
break but thanked me.

"You seem to have some very interested customers..."

I gave him my Mirabelle spiel... Including the other locations. He laughed,
"I'll pass it on to my wife. We live in East Acton... Notting Hill is easy
to get to."

I shook his hand.

Inside Petra called. I parked beside Gil in the office.

"Fay, the Tribune offices, the newspaper and the printing plant have been
surveyed. There is a lot to do... their existing security is
lamentable. The printing plant is more straightforward. We can have it
fully protected very quickly.

The folks at the downtown Chicago building will have to get used to some
serious changes to their act."

"Have you spoken to Terrill?"

"Yes, he knows there are considerable changes coming. He also got from you
that he'll have to live with it so his attitude is `tell me what it is so I
can inform everybody' rather than seeking to mitigate or delay
anything. You must have really told them!"

I was laughing, "I told them your people would be around and changes would
come... I did add when your people took control they'd have to take a back
seat in any security action."

"Well it was emphatic enough! Their hired security couldn't do much if some
event happened. We have someone you met I think to take over
Chicago... Oleanna from Los Angeles."

"Yes, we did meet with others in Venice."

"She has very good instincts, strong skills and is a sharp cookie. She'll
need those in the new job. She is excited. She will be in Chicago in
tomorrow with a team of people made up from Los Angeles, Seattle, Bangkok
and Lordsburg. We will have her staff built as soon as possible.

Sumate is sending his top HR folks to get local candidates developed and
screened. Several folks from Camilla's HR crew are going too. There are
three people set aside to do background work on any candidates.

A specialist team from Bangkok is heading there in two days to do the
hardware installations. The hardware for them will be there today."

"I will call Terrill today. Did you speak to Burton?"

Petra laughed, "Did I! He's something... a hardnosed fellow who thinks you
are awesome!"

"Damn... that brainwashing program has really kicked in!"

We laughed out loud.

"He's on the Board of Directors... we kept him because he has excellent
instincts. He's sharp plus a good sense of humour. I'm going slow looking
for a publisher for Chicago because he likes the position."

"My guess is he'll want to stay... his enthusiasm high is giving everyone
around him a lift."

"Thanks... that is good to hear. I thought I'd done something good
there... it's nice to know I have."

"Fay, you do good all around. The Security Service is a whole company of
enthusiastic hard workers because of you and Cho. It is amazing to see what
they do.

Something just happened you might not know since it is really isn't a risk
for us... a little boy, Julio, wandered away from his home in the northern
part of Los Olivos last night. His home is near a winery where his dad
works... there was an amber alert issued.

Claude at Harcourt Ranch got the three operational wings ready and
contacted the Santa Barbara County sheriffs who gave her the general
co-ordinates they believed the boy might have been able to go on foot.

Claude setup a grid search pattern and sent in the wings. FLIR and infrared
searches were done... they found the boy about one AM this morning sitting
on the side of dirt road almost five miles from his home.

I got to see the video as the wing moved close to the boy... it turned on
its spotlight and asked him to stay where he was because the sheriffs were
coming to take him home. The sheriffs got there in fifteen minutes... the
little fellow was cold, barely moving and tending to fall asleep.

The drone pilot, Donde, kept him talking... got him to move his arms
around... and stretch. When the sheriffs arrived Donde's wing was
there... he was talking to the boy. He was taken to the hospital for a
check-up... his family met him there. My last word from Claude was he was
Okay."

"Terrific! You know about the awards... " I got a YES! "... so dish out a
few!"

Petra laughed, "Glad to! Claude had it organized in fifteen minutes once
she knew where to look."

"I will give Claude a call. I liked her... I told her about the wings
before anyone in America knew on a visit to the ranch. I told her because
the ranch would get the wings soon plus she and our people her age are the
future of the Security Service."

We rang off with happy laughter.

I leaned back in the chair... Gil was looking at me... she'd heard my
side. I gave her the Harcourt Ranch story.

"Fay, I really liked Claude... very smart!"

"She proved that! How are you doing?"

"Hailey took notes and we downloaded the bank lady's instructions... I
showed Hailey how to do it. The scanners are coming DHL so they will be
here on time."

The door opened... Pia and Garnett. Hugs for them.

"Fay, it is a controlled mob scene out there.," Pia doing an exaggerated
wipe of her forehead.

"Well to help both of you when the mob descends upon your store... we
hope... " I gestured towards the iPads. I got Gil to give them the story as
I went out front.

Hailey grinning as she talked with a very handsome young woman. The
customer had picked out two suits, a navy one and a black suit like my red.

Hailey, "Here's what it will look like..." Her hand motioning towards
me... I opened my arms with a bit of hip twisting. They laughed.

"I hope you like those. I wear them as you can see."

"Your Ladyship, I can only hope I will look as good."

"You have the right figure for the black one... my only advice is not to do
much with accessories. I'm wearing this onyx set only."

"I see the idea... let the clothes have their say!"

I squeezed her arm, "Exactly! You've got it!"

I asked her name, Sylvie, "I just started at the BBC. I'm looking for good
clothes that won't bust my budget."

Sylvie had dark hair, gorgeous pale skin, vivid blue eyes, her face had a
terrific shape. I could see why TV would like her.

I drew Sylvie aside asking about her work. She was doing presenting and
news reading right now on BBC One South and BBC News and BBC one on the
weekends.

I told her I hadn't seen her but since we don't watch much TV so that
doesn't surprise.

"You own one of our competitors so..."

I laughed, "We don't watch them either."

She was looking at me... "I'd rather read or ride a horse or play with my
children... just sitting watching the `box' has never been a habit with
me. I didn't grow up with TV... too rural."

Gil was beside me, I introduced her to Sylvie. I had Gil give one of her
cards to Sylvie. Giving her my usual... Gil is a way to contact me.

I enquired about Sylvie's background. Her father had been a serving
soldier, a lieutenant colonel, until his retirement a few years ago, her
mother is a teacher of French at a girl's school. They live in Richmond
near the Thames. She had gone to the school where her mother teaches then
University College London aiming for a teaching certification in languages.

"My photograph at a school gathering caught the eye of a fashion writer at
British Vogue. She got me some modelling assignments for British
Vogue... others asked for me via my agent who Vogue helped me to get.

A BBC person saw me do a presenting thing at a college show and got me
talking to the BBC... then I was hired. I still have a few modelling gigs.

So I haven't finished my degree... making money for now."

I asked a few more questions... she is twenty one, unattached, sharing a
flat in Shepard's Bush with a friend. It was not far from the BBC studios.

I pointed to Gil's card, "Stay in touch."

Sylvie's eyes on mine... I nodded. I reached out to Hailey...

"Please give Sylvie the shop assistant's discount on her choices."

Hailey grinning said "You bet!"

She told Sylvie about the discount amount...

Sylvie thanked me... she could get another suit with that. I squeezed her
hand.

Gil said Pia and Garnett each had one of the new iPads but would come back
here tomorrow when the scanners arrived. The three of them would do the
download of the app and setup the credit card scanners together. Gil wrote
down Ni's telephone number and added the Cho Bank lady's for any help.

"They'll be fine. They know how to get on the WiFi at their locations so
it'll be easy. There's lots of folks to help."

A hug for her work.

Gil and I did some snaps of the store and customers for Cho and
Coral. Outside taking pictures... the ladies in the queue all thanking me
for their coffees. Hailey or another Mirabelle staff member had been out to
speak to them every ten minutes repeating the offer.

I collected my folks, did my goodbyes. Sylvie going out... I waved to her
as I stepped into the car. Straight to Wandsworth then to Chalgrove. Joy
said they were ready. We were airborne in two minutes.

Lis had dinner for us whenever... I wanted to nap. I curled up in one of
the big chairs with a nice warm blanket. I managed a bit over sixty minutes
which was perfect! Most everybody dozed off when I suggested it.

Email when I awoke... Kora said the spyware and ransomware servers were
down... all at once. The buzz on the dark net was it was the FBI... In part
it was but not all by any means! The FBI was improving its computer skills,
making big contributions but this was Kora's people feeding the NSA and the
others!

We had shared the methods used by the ransomware and spyware scum with
several law enforcement groups... they were talking to network device
makers trying to get them to fix their issues with their equipment security
and harden them from further attack.

Since we and the NSA had an inside tunnel to those scumbags... we'd watch
to see them rebuild their criminal networks... then take them down again.

Dinner! Afterward I pulled out the Iranian business magazine General
Soleimani sent to me. It was a three month old edition. The writer liked us
because we prepare thoroughly, we were the types to rapidly get on with
things and used the combined skills of our employees to do superb work. He
had spoken to Taj, Vajadi and Montasser, he had interviewed Achmed on-site
in December.

Achmed hadn't said anything to anyone about the interview or I hadn't
heard. Not that it mattered, he was quoted once saying `The Company was the
best employer... he was treated like a valued person all the time. We were
the best he'd ever had for pay and benefits.' He also said `it was a
challenging job with many different types of assignments. Always new things
to learn.' That didn't do us any harm!

I needed to get this translated and circulate it through The Company.

I made some calls.

Benny was the Georgia-Pacific vice president working with us on the
compostable newspaper sleeves. He was at their corporate headquarters in
Atlanta. We spoke for twenty minutes about the location and what would be
the steps forward now that we had a signed deal.

He was very up-beat and happy we were moving ahead. The land chosen would
be cleared, it was mostly loblolly pine which was at the proper age to be
cut. They had everything we needed in materials on-site in Lumberton.

Benny had a soft southern drawl... he knew his stuff!!

Terrill sounded very happy! "Fay, Burton is having a blast! He's doing the
job just like you wanted him to do... being a leader with good ideas and
drive. I'm not going to have to spend any time on the Tribune!"

I was glad... the other newspapers would need Terrill's attention. We
discussed them from the Baltimore Sun down to weekly newspapers and the
various printing plants.

He understood Jeff in Baltimore would need support to take on the role as
publisher.

"Fay, I've spoken to him... he gets that there is help here."

It was good to hear Terrill had a firm grasp on what was needed and
where. He was authorising publishers request for more personnel and
equipment.

"You haven't made the budget hard and fast... I get we have to invest to
save these various parts.

I have a report from the Security Service about the Annapolis Capital
Gazette... They recommend new safekeeping systems and more people on
duty. There have been threats in the past to that location... Petra is
going ahead. She said they will start immediately with new guards on duty."

I remembered the offices... isolated... Good to upgrade them.

I asked about finding a new location in Annapolis... closer to the Maryland
state offices. Terrill said he would get onto the real estate people later
today. Okay!

We covered a good deal then Terrill said there had come to him in a
back-handed way that Rick was thinking of suing about his being fired.

I laughed... "Any reputable lawyer reading his contract will tell him to
forget it. If he goes ahead I will ask our attorneys to seek all legal fees
from him."

Terrill laughed in turn, "Fay, likely he won't... but a bruised ego
sometimes seeks redress in all the wrong places."

We laughed more as we ended the call.

Claude... I thanked her for the rapid response to the Amber Alert and
inquired about the boy.

"Fay, he is fine. He was cold, tired, hungry and frightened... those were
taken care of immediately. His parents drove out here to thank us. The
father said his son told him about the flying thing that lit up the night
and talked to him.

We gave them a look at the wings... the technology is more than a bit
outside their knowledge. They got to meet Donde and he explained how the
wings work. He pointed to me saying `she was the one to got it all going.'
I got a big hug from the boy's mother.

I said they had a curious son, he wanted to see some of his
neighbourhood... they could bring him out to meet Donde and see the wing in
the daylight. They said they would.

So we have fans in Los Olivos and around the region. The Santa Barbara
County Sheriff's Department thanked us. We have them coming out here in a
few days to see the wings. Donde and Leti will give them a demo."

I let her know my niece, Sunny, would be at the ranch this summer to
prepare for the Winterset Trials. She said they would love to have her
around.

"Fay, I used to be a rider so I have a lot of fondness for horses."

"Good... they'll be a few riding horses coming there. You can ride whenever
you want."

That sent her into thank yous.

I complimented Claude again for her response and success.

We got a thirty minute warning from Derry.

We taxied to our hangar at Frankfort's Capital City Airport... Two 767's on
the tarmac, one was a horse carrier. Another Gulfstream had arrived just
before us. I stepped down to see Theodore climbing out. A car waiting for
him.

I motioned him our way. He had a bag... I called to him... "Fly over with
us."

We shook hands on the tarmac then boarded the AW139. It was a short flight
to the farm, ten minutes.

We had a cart to carry us to the house we reserved for ourselves and guests
use. Cho and the babies. Hugs and kisses. Introductions for Theodore.

Tha was there because it was past the Twins bedtime... they'd been given a
special dispensation to wait for me since I was on my way. Looking cute in
robes and slippers. Cho and I helped put them down. Kisses and `Nites!

A cognac for Theodore and Cho, Amaretto for me... we walked out to the
grassy space behind the house. Hillary had sent him without telling him
anything so I gave him a précis of the known facts.

The light was dim but I could see Theodore's head shaking. Cho knew
everything from our calls... His cute grin at Theodore's amazement was
visible.

We sat on some garden chairs.

"Fay, your people don't like being probed do they?"

"No... it seems they take particular umbrage at attempts from certain types
of people. They identified the Chinese pretty quickly... they were helped
by the Chinese persistent trying to get through the `honey pot's thick
sludge system defences.

The Chinese were literally hung up... waiting for things to open while
seeing progress bars on their screens."

We laughed.

There was a move to sleep, in the morning we'd have a meeting and get
Theodore linked with Kora.

The sun was barely up when I turned Roscommon out of the stables. I was
alone... I wasn't going to leave the farm property. I toured around the
stables then worked my way outward to see the farming areas. Hay,
vegetables, fruit trees, some oats and a few fields of specialised grasses
we were testing.

I got to meet farm people as they went out to work. Shaking hands all
around.

Roscommon was spirited but easy to control. We had some galloping and
trotting, walking in between. I went by the Security office... Tilly came
out. I slid down... we shook hands and kissed cheeks. My black riding
clothes were admired.

She and her family were all fine. The kids going to Farm School... a look
at her watch... `soon' she said. Clayton got them off then went to his job
site of the day. They were in one of the houses we had purchased in
building the farm from pieces.

"Fay, it's an older home but well taken care of. Clayton and some others
have spruced up some parts and done some additions. We are comfortable. I
do want to say the air-conditioning was welcome in the summer so thanks for
that."

Fist bump!

I told her about the wings finding the boy in Los Olivos. We were outside
by the drone base.

A smile on her face, "These are awesome birds. The FLIR and infrared means
we have remarkable twenty four hour capabilities and longer range now
too. Even big city police don't have our operational ability."

I got to meet Kathryn one of the drone pilots who captured the bank
robbers. Joli was off-duty. She was thanked for the excellent work. A huge
smile!

I said she was the second person to fire the micro-gun in an action... She
was surprised. They all thought they were the first.  I told the two of
them about the event at Lordsburg and how spectacularly Benjamin had done.

She knew Benjamin and wasn't surprised at all... she laughed, "He never
mentioned the event... all through our training! He knows how to keep a
secret."

I smiled and raised my eyebrows. Tilly had a knowing look... it dawned on
Kathryn...

A huge grin, "Me too!"

We laughed!

I pointed out the wings had made it possible for a resolution both times
before our people on the ground had to use their weapons... an outcome
which pleased us and validated the wings!

They could see it also.

Kathryn looking... "Can I ask a question?"

"Sure."

"You designed the wing? I mean the idea is yours and you worked with Soam
to make them?"

Smiling, "Yes. I had the idea... I didn't tell Cho until we had a working
model to test. We all went to Sari Buri... Soam and Samorn had everything
set... the prototype worked perfectly... amazing even me. Cho and the
others were blown away... "

Smiling I said, "I gave it to Cho as a belated birthday gift which caused
laughter and his comment that not every man gets a jet powered drone as a
birthday gift."

They laughed with me.

"Of course nothing would have happened with my ideas if it weren't for
Soam. He's a marvellously creative engineer. He took each idea... like the
turbine on a piece of paper I handed to him... then the wing drawings and
the modules... it became what you have here..." I motioned to the drones on
the landing grid.

"Ni added her part with some very slick coding! The satellite link makes
them more than a toy... they are now a true tool... the long arm of our
Security Service."

I put my arm over Kathryn's shoulders... "We have the approval of the
British CAA for flights across the United Kingdom... if you ever want to
see the world... "

Tilly grabbed Kathryn's arm... "You can't have her!" We were
laughing... then I said the same to Tilly... Kathryn's turn to tug and
laugh.

Hugs for both! Then the kicker... "You can sit at your console here and
operate a wing flying over England soon! The software will be upgraded so
our pilots can take command of a wing at any location when it has been
released to them by the local controller. The satellite links are in
place... we are waiting on a final test regime."

I got open-mouthed looks...

"Fay... you're serious?"

Nodding, "Yes! It was a natural outgrowth of having satellite control in a
local area... we just needed to have the software and contract for the
satellite links."

I laughed, "Of course there has to be a purpose for such flights... no
joyriding around."

They loved that. I drew them close to show a snap on my iPhone... a new
wing... bigger with a much longer flight time and lifting power. So more
fuel inside and it had the same hard-points to connect `pods' of different
types.

Heads shaking. I told them to keep it under their hats. The bigger wing was
being tested at Sari Buri right now.

Hugs for them. They were amazed as I remounted Roscommon.  I waved.

I resumed my ride. I went down to the school. I walked inside after tying
up Roscommon. Brianna was teaching but I stuck my head in. She recognized
me once I shoved my hat onto my back.

She introduced me to her students. They knew who I was although none had
seen me before since this was our first visit since the farm opened. Bright
eyed kids.

In the youngest ones classroom, Kelly their teacher was setting up for
painting, smocks, hats, gloves for protection laid out.

A cart pulled up with the Twins, Tha and Delphine for a visit. Hugs and
kisses. They were out early to do this.

I took Chani and Charlie to meet Roscommon. He was quiet and happy to be
stroked.

The farm's littlest youngsters were arriving... The Twins and I greeted
them... Kelly rounded everybody up... time to paint.

I made a stop at Dickie and Victoria's home. It was also Dickie's office
right now until the administration building was finished. He was doing
fine.

"We've had a lot of visitors from around us at our invitation including
folks like police and fire departments to see what we do.

A county school person... she is nominally overseeing the school. Boy was
she impressed.

Brianna and her team are great! The state school people were here two weeks
ago... they really liked our setup and staff. Our little school is quite
the showcase."

Fist bump!

"Some folks from the state government in downtown Frankfort, merchants we
buy from... Others who want to sell to us, local families... also state
racing folks have come by... Costello gave them the tour. They liked
meeting Glaa!

It has been busy."

I thanked Dickie for his hard work. They as a couple were enjoying life on
the Farm. Good people and their house was marvellous. They were thinking
about children... I said we love kids!

A huge grin from Dickie.

I headed back to the stables. Victoria joined me in a walk around to
another stables building to visit Glaa. The Stud Barn!

Willie, his groom, was there... Glaa nickered LOUDLY and came right to
me... Willie was very surprised at Glaa's greeting...

I hugged and stroked our Champion! He looked terrific! Glowing with good
health, his chestnut colour bright and glossy!!

Willie smiling, "Well Miss he knows you for sure! I've not seen him act
like that."

"We've been seeing each other for three years... on race days and
others. My husband and I never missed a race of Glaa's. I got to ride Glaa
at Santa Anita. We've watched his half-brothers and sisters run in pursuit
of his records... never getting there. Only one horse is
better... Secretariat. Not by much."

I gave our Big Fast Man some love... Victoria and I walked out into his
paddock with him... a nice grassy space that rose up some at the back. He
went running along the north fence... I could hear a whinny over that
way. At the fence... Rodrigo! He and Glaa were buddies... running along the
fence together, talking.

They were whinnying... Rodrigo's groom came to see what was up to find me
with an arm over Glaa's back as the two stallions nickered across the
fence.

"Your Ladyship... I'm amazed to see you."

I detected a Yorkshire accent, he was Tobias from Thirsk by way of New York
where he'd originally been working after being hired by Monaco.

I asked... Tobias loved animals from a young lad... being around
them... caring for them... enjoying their company. He liked the less
pressure atmosphere here rather than work in an actively training race
barn.

"I get close to the horses, find out their quirks and what makes them
happy."

He sounded like Pat.

Back in the stud barn I got to meet four other stallions. We didn't own
them... they were standing stud here with Rodrigo and Glaa. The cache of
Glaa's name brought a lot of attention to the farm.

IrishRainbow would come here with SakChai at the end of this racing year. A
barn full of talented and we hoped in demand studs!

Victoria was working with all the horses. The group from Rabam would be
here in a few days. She'd have fun with them... schooling!

Our two ladies, Grace of My Heart and Twilight Maiden, were in a paddock
with their foals. Victoria was already doing training with the
babies... never too early... she had a lovely way with the young ones.

I walked into the kitchen as most folks had finished their food. I got an
omelette, fried potatoes and toast. A jar of locally made gooseberry
preserves!! Tasty on toast!

Cho and I with Theodore talking outside on the lawn.

Theodore got more detail and why we held off handing these juicy fruits to
the NSA.

"I'm glad you got what you wanted from the Chinese but what are you going
to do with it?"

"We can give it to one of our media companies to expose them... We've
already discussed the possible impact on the Chinese computer
penetrations... We think it could be `framed' as a disgruntled person
leaking it. Now we know they'd tear apart several government ministries
trying to find that person but it is unlikely they would find the actual
source... their own security failures."

Theodore wasn't looking too pleased...

Cho and I held hands...  smiles, "Actually... We decided to hold the
information for now... at some point we will meet with Ambassador Ping and
let him know what we know without telling him how. He'll know we haven't
done anything with the information... since there'd been nothing in our
press or other media...

Him knowing that we won't do anything with our knowledge will help build
our relationship.

He certainly wasn't a fan of Ti or the Guoanbu's methods."

Theodore's face was a smile now, "You two are dangerous... I like it!"

We all laughed.

We put Theodore in the `study' with an iPad linked to Kora on the
Conference App. Theodore was told it was completely encrypted both ways by
us. He and Kora would go over everything and make arrangements to transfer
control to the NSA.

He got from us it was a large number of penetrations that had expanded as
we dug in deeper... I suggested he could do it in stages... Kora's people
keeping their hands on the links until the NSA was ready.

Theodore knew we would provide an aircraft for a team of his to go to
Bangkok.

Cho smiling at my morning visits. We had others this afternoon... at the
Franklin County Sheriff's office. Three of our Security team were being
given awards for their work in capturing the bank robbers. The Sheriff had
pushed for some formal recognition for our people.

They didn't know Cho and I were going to attend... sneaky!! Ha!!

First a visit to Claiborne Farm.

Colonel Kraisee called... We did a speakerphone while we sat in the lawn
chairs. He started with 'Lady Harcourt' Cho said we are `Cho and Fay' to
you. We were thanked.

"Fay, Cho... the fellows who attacked your home are in court
tomorrow... they will plead guilty and make statements for the record of
all their activities including the people who helped them get it
going... those are the staff members of the Guoanbu.

We have some names from your Security Service and cross-checked with the
sworn statements already made... the names we have match up with your
list."

Yes! More proof the stuff were are getting from the Guoanbu's systems is as
good as the what we hoped. The attackers confessions being validated.

"They will name them tomorrow and of course Ti. The cellphone data will be
entered into the record along with all the bits from the safe house we have
chosen to disclose.

So that is a tight package... sentencing will be at a later date. The
government is discussing what to ask for in the way of prison terms. We
know you want leniency and reuniting the families... the local fellow has
earned such a consideration...

On the other matters about him... Fay, your old friend Saul
reappeared... Our local communist fellow did indeed help Saul as part of
the Chinese industrial spying. We said if he helped us we will tell the
Prosecution Service to downgrade their sentence request to probation.

His assistance included telling us about a safe house we never
found. Because the fellow thought it too dangerous to go back there after
the big round-up it hasn't been touched since. Three years of it sitting as
our local man paid the rent for fear it might be discovered and whatever
was there might point to him... not that it is much rent for that rat hole.

It's a flat in an old part of the city... in a beat-up elderly
building... we entered a week ago... a gold mine of interesting things. We
have contact lists from Saul linking him to people we never suspected were
involved with in crimes with him. So they all will be investigated for
wrong doings they might have thought they got away with."

Cho and I were laughing.

Kraisee went on... "There are piles of documents the Chinese would have
loved to have received... Saul's capture stopped that happening. Several
boxes of cash that totalled over thirty million Bahts and a pile of laptops
we think are stolen, we are working through them now. The entire place is a
time capsule of Saul."

Kraisee laughed, "Your father is quite pleased we got the fellow to give up
everything for a deal. So his whole life is open to us... it isn't good for
his family as his colleagues will cut them off from support since he did
these acts behind their backs. We have promised to arrange things for them.

Everything he ever sent to China either via an embassy person or by way of
Saul and others... he archived copies in another safe house... he's got
eleven flats around the city. He was doing some serious covering of his
ass! So we have been busy."

It was a fascinating phone call... Kraisee sounding very pleased as well he
should be. The Security Police have quite the coup.

For China there's a huge downside... Our government knows even more about
the industrial spying than ever. It isn't going to help bi-lateral
relations.

We said goodbye... Kraisee said he would let General Keren know we talked.

A pack of news! Saul... the first person who wanted to kill me... so much
has changed... new life roles, Cho as my husband, The Twins...

Thirty million Bahts... almost six hundred and seventy thousand £'s!! I
smiled towards Cho... "Saul's working capital?"

We laughed. I was wondering what else did Saul have squirreled away in that
flat???

Cho nudged me breaking my reverie... A kiss! We leaned against each
other... a quiet moment...

"Mama!! Popa!!" The Twins came running across the grass... big
grins... open arms... we scooped them up. Hugs and kisses!

They had a great time... "We were teachers again!"

Tha and Delphine coming close. Chani and Charlie helped other children do
painting... Kelly a new amazed person watching the Twins helping children
older than themselves.

"Fay, they went right to it... the farm children were great... they all had
fun," Delphine smiling holding Chani's hand.

Lunch then two trips. Cho and I made some calls!

A bunch of yellow roses cut from several bushes in the side yard. The farm
gardeners were keeping up all the flowers and shrubs around the farm houses
from the previous owners!! In a nice bouquet for us.

Chani and I in white frocks and black accessories, the guys in matching
grey slacks and black sport shirts. We were grinning at our little fun with
clothes.

We loaded up in an AW139, us four, PJ, Rande and Gaby. It was a ten minute
flight to Claiborne Farm southeast of Paris, Kentucky. The pilot, Winston,
said we were descending to a field west of the farm headquarters.

Cho and I carried the Twins to the nearby road. A tall slender man came out
to meet us. Seth Hancock! A horse racing legend!

Handshakes, he bent way down to greet Chani and Charlie.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all! It is nice to put your faces to
voices. Cho said why you wanted to come, we are happy to have you."

Cho smiling, "We don't want to take any of your time."

Seth smiling, "No problem! We are almost on top of it."

Seventy five feet away the farm cemetery... We all walked over...

I stood holding Chani's hand looking at Secretariat's grave. I couldn't
move... a flood of heat rising inside me... a horse I heard about as a
boy... we were living in Washington, D.C. when he died.

The news spotlighted him as he'd been foaled an hour's drive south of
Washington.

A horse who's stellar career is the basis of every new born racing foal
owner's dreams... now I was standing over him... I had been to the foaling
shed where he was born... today his end... It was hard to hold back...

Chani's hand squeezed mine... she broke the spell. We went forward to lay
the roses on the grass by Secretariat's tombstone. Stepping back... Cho's
hand on my shoulder... it tightened. Chani smiling up at me.

"Mama, you are remembering?"

"Sort of... I was young when Secretariat died."

I saw Seth Hancock watching me. We smiled.

We moved around looking at the names on the stones... some of the greatest
horses of the Twentieth Century. I pointed out a few... Bold Ruler,
Secretariat's sire; Nasrullah as well as Princequillo, they were
Secretariat's grandsires, Blenheim, Secretariat's great great grandsire

Riva Ridge, the Meadow Stables first top flight winner who won two of the
three Triple Crown races the year before Secretariat; Gallant Fox, another
Triple Crown winner like Secretariat. Buckpasser, a terrific horse, a great
competitor; Swale, War Cloud, Mr. Prospector, Nijinsky II and more.

I said they were all great Champions. Seth Hancock still watching. He moved
close.

"Fay, you are an historian of horse racing?"

"I'm an enthusiastic rider and watcher of races who knows a bit but not
deeply schooled in the history. Your farm is a huge part of the history of
the sport."

Seth escorted us to the barn where so many of the Champions
lived. Nameplates on the stalls... the first one... the Number ONE
stall... Bold Ruler... right above his name was his son
Secretariat... three more above their's.

Holding Chani's hand... I was still emotional but Okay. Cho's hand in mine
with Charlie next to him. We all walked back to the farm office building.

Cho thanked Seth for giving us his time. A big smile, "You all are welcome
whenever you like."

Cho gave him an invitation to Harcourt Farm, "Come meet Glaa... he's living
the life of an honoured patriarch."

We all laughed. Seth said thank you he would come over. Handshakes and Cho
thanked Seth for the loan of the landing spot.

We waved from the step of the AW139. We lifted up and away turning west for
the next visit.

We flew over Harcourt Farm en route to the Franklin County Sherriff's
office. A good look at the farm from five thousand feet. It looked more
filled in than before but still had a countryside appearance.

Winston landed the helicopter on a grassy spot east of the office next to
another one of our AW139's. Tilly, Kathryn and I guessed Joli in our black,
silver-grey and white uniforms waiting.

We got to meet Joli... she, Kathryn and Tilly were to get awards from the
county for catching the bank robbers. They loved meeting Cho and the Twins!

We all walked across the road to a grassy spot where there was some news
folks and the Sheriff's people. We did surprise them... the media went a
bit bat shit crazy to get snaps and video!

We said the Sheriff needed to get on... They backed off.

We did greetings...

The Sheriff remembered us...  a big smile and handshakes for us and the
Twins. Tilly introduced her two... the Sheriff was pleased to meet them. He
introduced two county commissioners and the mayor of Frankfort, several
Kentucky state officials and the commander of the State Police.

The Sheriff got the little ceremony going... nice wooden plaques with brass
plates thanking our three for capturing the criminals.

Smiling the Sheriff said the county and his force was grateful for the
assistance of such professionals! He praised them for stopping the event
without any further bloodshed.

They all posed for the press... ours with their awards. Smiles and
handshakes for our Security Service trio!

We stayed back with the Twins... it was our people's day to shine.

A TV person approached us... they were from the Fox TV station in
Louisville. Cho said we were just watchers today and had nothing to say.

Cho said we hoped they were doing well. He told them we'd be Louisville
tomorrow.

The Sheriff came over to thank us for setting up such amazing capabilities
at the farm... "You help stretch our reach in an usually under-served
area... We do appreciate it!"

Cho expressed our willingness to help but the primary aim was to protect
millions of dollars' worth of the finest horses.

"They are the reason the farm exists and its core... Call Tilly to come
over to see the wings and meet Glaa... he's amazing too."

The Sheriff said he would... more handshakes.

An `Oh by the way... the three bank robbers have pled guilty to intentional
manslaughter, felony bank robbery and multiple other charges... they've
accepted `life... no parole' as the sentence.'

So it is over from that side. The family of their victim have to live with
their loss for life too!

We mounted up in Win's AW139 to return to the farm.

Theodore was sitting in sun behind the house. He was worn down from a
marathon talk with Kora and her people then making arrangements for his
folks to go to Bangkok. We'd left him with Penn's phone number... she setup
the flights. All done!

"What Kora's people have done is quite remarkable! Penetrating a tough
adversary so completely! The North Koreans aren't nearly as formidable as
the Chinese. If we can maintain these connections we will have details that
even the top leaders in both countries won't likely know."

He was flying back shortly... meeting his boss at NSA Counter Intelligence
with Hillary and the NSC team at the White House. He would brief them all.

"Kora showed the screen of one of her operators digging into files at the
Chinses security ministry... she walked right in with administrator
privileges... some show!"

Theodore was jazzed. He was packed... we said goodbyes on the front
porch. A cart took him to the helicopter landing pad for a lift to the
airport and a Gulfstream. We waved him away.

We were smiling about Theodore and his new shiny toys.

We had our workers in for a cookout which much to our stomach's
satisfaction included strawberry ice cream by Clayton! He had multiple
churns working with a series of volunteers using their arm muscles.

More making bubbles on the grass for the kids... Chani and Charlie enjoyed
themselves with the staff children, games and lots of fun. Jaidee enjoyed
the bubbles!

Roscommon and I had another wonderful morning ride. He was an excellent
saddle horse, happy to be out running... willing to walk, trot and GALLOP!
I stroked his face after handing his reins to a groom.

Costello smiling. He got that Roscommon needed a good rider for
exercise... someone who had the skills to give Roscommon the run he
loved. Fist bump!

Our crowd loaded into AW139's for the trip to Louisville. It was twenty
minutes to landing at the South First Street house pad. We walked through
the gate opened by our Security.

Although The Twins had been here last year... it was another place where
they would build all new memories. They saw the pool... cheers. We told
them they could go in for a bit but there was a gathering this
afternoon. The caterers were already at work setting up the tents and
barbeques.

There was a friends all together with Harcourt Racing staff cookout
tomorrow.

Some staff and guests already here! Monaco, James, Jackson, MacKenzie and
Demetria staying here... now at the track with their horses.

Robbie and Sal! Hugs for them. They had two horses in undercard races this
year.

I was in a skimpy white bikini beside the pool with my iPhone and
iPad. Business doings made lighter by watching Chani and Charlie enjoy the
pool with Jaidee, Tha and Delphine. Chelle and Gil with me and Ali. I said
they could swim if they wanted.

Sal joined me, she was looking very sleek in a silver bikini. A huge smile
to my compliment!

"Fay, thanks... I'm working at it... Robbie approves."

Fist bump to my `You're making it easy for him' remark!

The Twins went in for a clean-up and lunch. They'd likely be inside for the
rest of the day.

Cho and I welcomed Roundell and Sasha plus Riley!!

Cho holding the little man... The Roundell's looking like they'd won the
prize! Indeed they have! Riley was a cutie.

This afternoon was our `press gathering' which was now in its third
edition. Our guests would be inside the house while we and our trainers
talked to the news folk for a few hours in the back with food and drink.

Robbie and Roundell knew they could join us if they wanted. I suggested
they do... a bit of PR for their farms would be good. Fist bumps!

Me in a sleeveless mid-thigh cotton frock, vertical green and yellow
Harcourt Racing colours. Bare legs and new green sandals. A new pair of
sunglasses... yellow lens with a shiny gold reflective coating.

Cho in golf clothes, sea-blue Polo shirt, white trousers... looking quite
yummy!

Chani in a yellow dress from Ralph Lauren, white socks and green
trainers. Charlie like his Popa... sea-blue Polo shirt and white shorts.

Cho grinning in our suite with the Twins... we laughed and did fist bumps!

Tha and Delphine would be with the babies along with Angie and Penny. When
the Twins wanted to play they'd go inside.

Monaco and his trainers were here... all cleaned up looking nice. They
laughed at that.

The doors were open... little name badges for everybody's chests.

I stayed close to the Twins to start...

New faces as well as regulars. Frank! He was doing well this year. He was
delighted to meet Chani and Charlie... he had grandkids their age.

Elinor. A hug. She said Tom was coming soon. Good!

I saw Robbie and Roundell both speaking the press folks. I moved around
some after Chani and Charlie asked to go in to play. A big OKAY from
me. Kisses for them.

A Louisville Courier-Journal reporter asked me about two horses in the
Derby... `Every year?'

I said maybe, "It will depend on the horses... we might do three one year
and really mess with some folks minds."

He laughed, "Kaao and Samir both have enough points to get in now..."

"True but we think the best two have been chosen."

He inquired about Black Star's success... saying he'd seen video...'He
looks terrific.'

Smiling I agreed, "He is awesome. He's also underrated in England so the
other day at Newmarket he made a statement. No question about his
ability. He's healthy so he will run all summer over there."

I thanked him and moved on. I got a club soda and lime... I turned towards
the front... Megan and Tai came out the house back door into the
crowd. Hugs and kisses.

They attracted attention from the news people... Megan said to the newsies
around her... "I'm here as a guest of Lady Harcourt and Sir Cho to watch
the races... this is vacation time for me."

I left them to it. They were going to her parent's house for dinner.

Tom! A big hug for this tall fellow. He was looking good! `Everytime' had
qualified for the Derby so I welcomed his competition.

"Fay, I'm sure he isn't as good as your pair but he'll run hard."

"That's what matters... he'll be a competitor. You never know..."

Tom smiling, "Well I can dream."

We laughed.

We walked to the bar to get drinks. Mine I had put down... Lost it... Tom
got a couple of inches of Old Forester from a bottle we had put in a
special guest section under the bar.

Tom sipped, "So is SakChai going to earn you guys some of this on
Saturday?"

"You bet! He's ready to go."

"First thing I saw coming in was ten or so news people around Monaco and
Cho... " Tom shaking his head, "Your stables are so hot... three years of
it. Glaa really woke up the media and the public. Horse racing is a rising
thing now!"

"I visited him the other day... He's looking so healthy and is having a
good season with the ladies who come for a go! Lots of babies on the way!!"

"Ah... the life of a stud stallion! Many a human male has wished for
that... it would bore me... I'd surely enjoy the get togethers but they
never last."

We laughed out loud. I told him about Glaa being buddies with Rodrigo next
door... so maybe he wasn't too bored. More laughing.

An ESPN person came up... Tom and I spoke to him on camera for a few
minutes about the `Derby' then I slipped away.

Cho had several people with him so I detoured inside. The Twins were in the
front room playing with Jaidee.  I went up to change shoes... these sandals
were new and pinching. I put on some green trainers.

In the kitchen some of the caterers were loading trays... shrimp and
chicken satays for the grill. They stopped working when I came
in... Laughing, "Please don't stop for me. Go on."

Smiles and laughs... off they all went.

A Daily Racing Forum fellow asked me for a few minutes. He had a plate of
satays and a beer... we sat at a table towards the back. Tara parked beside
me. He looked at her... me... I smiled... he decided to get on.

He asked about Black Star... I told him we'd been thrilled with his win in
the 2000 Guineas, he looked strong... even though he set new records for
the race he wasn't lathered and his breathing returned to normal quite
quickly.

"In a month he'll run at Epsom in the Derby... then maybe not until St
Leger Stakes in September. Given that gap we were looking for a race for
him to fill the space."

He inquired about what horses we were shipping from Thailand.

I gave him six names... "Decha, Prichit and Sakda, they are two year old
colts. Karnchana, Phawta and Phueng two year old fillies all from Asda's
work in Rabam. Decha will start in England then ship to Saratoga.

Six talented youngsters with splendid pedigrees. We'll keep them busy
racing. There are four more yearlings in Rabam who will ship to either
Harcourt House or Harcourt Farm to begin training."

The Daily Racing Form fellow was looking like... WOW! He should! It was
quite the line-up of young ponies.

"So is Asda staying at Harcourt House?"

"The plan is for him to do more a few more English ladies then go to Rabam
for some time there and on to Harcourt Farm to stand there with his sons."

"The centre of breeding will shift to the west some in Kentucky when that
happens."

"We are looking at Asda, Glaa, SakChai, Rodrigo and IrishRainbow all there
for a period of time. Then several will move to Oxfordshire... with an
occasional trip to Rabam... we want to keep them touring every few
years. At some point... not yet determined Rando will retire to Harcourt
Farm."

He thanked me for my time and all the information. We shook hands.

Tara was with me. She whispered PJ sent her... several reporter fellows had
plenty of the free liquor. Okay!

I saw Nipsey of our New York Daily News. A big grin on his face. I put out
my hand... a big shake!

"Fay, your stables are changing how folks wager. A whole lot more play in
`Show' and `Place' betting. The bettors know they can't make any serious
money directly on your horses. For those who relish the challenge it's a
good thing."

We laughed together.

I told him our `inside joke' about the `Catch-22' conundrum between Monaco
and the horses we give him. Nipsey loved that.

He got the same rundown on our up and coming crowd I'd given to the Daily
Racing Forum fellow. He was impressed.

We got fresh drinks... sitting at the far back table... Tara with me.

"We have a new-born at Harcourt House... his sire is Asda, his dam is
Secret Sea..."

Eyebrows raised hearing that. Nipsey knew how good Secret Sea was as a
racer and her pedigree.

The name `Secret Royal' made him smile... "Fay, it's perfect! A pedigree
like his... Wow!"

I showed him a snap on my iPhone... he looked then his head rose up... eye
contact...

"Has he come back to life?"

"We hope so... you know you can't tell until they're on a track."

"Well for looks he's there already! A beauty!"

"We have our fingers crossed."

"Can you send me a snap I can use?"

I did right away. A grin... Nipsey mouthed a `scoop!'

We hadn't told anyone before on purpose. Nipsey was a terrific reporter and
a nice fellow so doing this was a WIN for us both. A little something
special for Derby Week. A little something for the Daily News! We did a big
handshake!

I moved around a bit not settling in any one place. I went in to see the
Twins... they were doing a word game with Tha, Delphine and Megan. Megan
was earning Thai so the Twins were being `cute' testing Delphine and Megan.

Tai watching, she came over to me.

"Fay, it doesn't seem possible they could be so advanced..."

I squeezed her waist, "We only hope it carries on throughout their lives."

Okay... back to it. The Louisville Fox TV station had two people... Marion
we knew and Dove who was new.

"Miss ... should I call you Your Ladyship or...?"

"Lady Harcourt or Ma'am is correct or Miss Martin... I'm not picky." A big
grin on my face.

Smiles from them. Then we all laughed.

We did a stand-up thing with the house and folks moving around as a
background. Their questions were a mix of horses and social... I answered
the easy horse ones referring them to Cho and Monaco for the rest. The
social questions weren't intrusive which was appreciated.

The new woman stayed after we were done... She was `Dove' a cute grin
saying that... Her parents were big bird watchers. All her sister's had
bird names too.

"Ma'am... you are branching out into other businesses... Could we do an
interview sometime about your clothing line and stores?"

Cute! Pushy but not too much... a bit hungry which was perfect!!

I agreed to do it NOW as long as it was short. We went into the house to
the small sitting room in our suite. A big window facing the street, lace
curtains and drapes surrounding it. Comfortable chairs and a settee, a
sideboard and a small writing desk. Pleasant shades of yellow with
periwinkle trim.

Her cameraman made a few suggestions about light and angles, he shifted a
chair and setup a camera aimed at the chair where Dove would sit. He set
himself facing me.

We started... I suggested general questions which would enable me to give
background and where I came in on Mirabelle's timeline. What my
contributions had been... where it was going.

Dove got the all about the London stores... then where we were doing
openings on the west coast soon, a shop on Rodeo Drive and another in
downtown Seattle. A big manufacturing site in East Los Angeles. Two woman
were hired to run the new facility, Antonella as the boss and her deputy,
Luisa.

Coral and I decided to offer them some ownership points to encourage their
efforts. So both had a stake in the products turned out being well-made and
timely.

Glam had done great work finding these ladies. She was helping them hire
staff as the build-up of the facility was moving along. Chips, our
construction supervisor in Los Angeles, said all the equipment was in the
building and was being installed.

Modern programmable cutting machines, top quality sewing machines, devices
to route materials quickly through the facility, packaging equipment and
everything else we could think of to make the workers more efficient.

This west coast centre was to be called Mirabelle West. It was in a good
sized building we bought south of East Olympic Boulevard in the south end
of East Los Angeles. It was near the junction of the `710' and the `5'
freeways with easy access to both. A major rail yard to the south quite
close!

There is a large loading area and a sizable car park included.

Adonna, our Los Angeles real estate attorney, got the Okay for a helicopter
landing grid to be in a corner of the car park marked with a gigantic `H,'
it was fenced off from the cars. It will have a directional beacon,
windsock and lights.

Office space, locker rooms for men and women with showers, a canteen was
coming, a health clinic and day-care. We wanted our workers to have things
they needed to make their work place safe, healthy and accommodating.

It had room for us to grow into! It was to be the main western U.S. source
of our clothes as we developed more activity in the west. Other stores in
Los Angeles area, up the coast to San Francisco, Portland and Seattle where
we had a store being worked on right now in the downtown at Fifth Avenue
and Pine Street across from Nordstrom's. Maybe Hawaii.

Now I didn't tell Dove all of this but it was all fresh in my mind. Coral
was thrilled with our expansion. The stores in Paris were booming, sales
were way ahead of our projections and NOT cooling off at all. The New Bond
Street sales were at the same level as the Champs Elysees shop which is
larger. They were in similar retail areas catering to generally higher
spending customers.

So for Mirabelle all the news was brilliant.

Dove thanked me profusely for my time... it could be a nice piece for our
New York Fox News so I called Kent while Dove was still with me. They
talked... he told her to call Chloë so they could coordinate when the
story was ready.

Afterwards Dove was shaking her head... "Ma'am you've just raised my
profile a lot doing that."

More thanks. I said you work for us... "It's natural to use your talents
for Fox News benefit. If you gain it is only proper for you to do so."

I shook her hand, "You were quite good to be able to do this
off-the-cuff. Be pleased with yourself!"

Dove left a very happy lady!

Tara had been in the room... a huge smile... fist bump!

Back outside things were slowly winding down. The caterers were working on
our dinner now as another crew were doing clean-up.

Tom had some good talk with several news people, serious questions which
pleased him while I was inside. A hug for him. He, Elinor and Frank were
staying for dinner.

It was a nice swimsuit and food from the grill party. Sal and Robbie,
Sasha, Roundell and Riley. All our Protectors. Ali and Francis, Gil and
Chelle. Jaidee was good to go with a bowl of his favourite crunchies.

Monaco, Demetria, MacKenzie, James and Jackson joined us.

What a mob!

The caterers were busy, the smells good. I got a Manhattan... quite good. I
thanked the bartender. A big smile from him!

Sal, Sasha and I in bikinis doing some foot-dangling in the pool. The Twins
in with Popa and Delphine swimming about.

My companions were both doing quite well. Sal had a new riding horse... she
was a palomino and a very happy filly.

"We have fun going around the farm and visiting down the road."

Fist bump.

Sasha wanted to start riding... her doctors said he would tell her when it
was Okay.

I told Sal about Roscommon... I liked that boy!

Sasha, "Roundell bought him to possibly breed but he has a very low sperm
motility."

I smiled, "He's a riding horse for me! Roscommon really goes...  Because of
your advice we intend to periodically test his sperm... if it
improves... we'll try for some good riding horse babies from him. He's only
four... our Oxfordshire vet said he's young things can change. If it comes
to pass... we'll send you guys one."

Sasha did a thumbs up.

Oh boy... baby tossing was happening... Charlie splashing down... coming up
with a big grin! Chani went flying... They loved Popa tossing them! Jaidee
joined in but no tossing for him.

On a lounge beside Roundell smiling at his sales news... Kentucky Heat was
up nineteen percent over last year. The year before had been their best
ever so the new rise was awesome!

Sales were very strong in the United Kingdom via `Go Outdoors!' It was a
good partnership. A thumbs up aimed at me. He was thinking of France and
the Low Countries as a next European move. He was looking at partners.

"Our sponsorship deal with Harcourt Racing raised our profile here in the
U.S. and Europe. We have name recognition beyond horse racing
now... equestrian customers, a lot of winter sports types like snowboarders
and cross-country skiers who like lightweight clothes. We got a great
write-up in several winter sport magazines... one saying our clothes were
`indispensable' for winter activity."

I leaned over for a fist bump!

"Our farm manager is an excellent fellow so giving him more of my work was
easy... I gave him a big pay raise to compensate... it's coming in handy as
his son is off to collage..."

We laughed.

I asked if he was saving for Riley's education yet? A grin... and `We have
redone our financial arrangements and wills.'

Viscount Munro climbed on me... wet... giggling! He shook hands with
Roundell. I could see in the new father's face he was ready for that sort
of interaction with Riley!

Robbie and I strolling a bit. He was having a terrific year! Six G2 and G3
wins! Finishing in the money in many races.

"Fay, it is fun to watch our ponies go out and run. I don't miss the
pressure of the Triple Crown. Or the expenses... running in the occasional
G1 and the rest G2 and G3 races is right for us."

I told him what our plans were for IrishRainbow's future. All turf this
year since he really seemed to prefer that surface.

"He'll ship to Harcourt House in late May for a race at Ascot then to New
York and on to the Breeder's Cup Turf Classic here in November. All his
races are G1's this season.

He will retire to Harcourt Farm to join Glaa. He and SakChai will take a
road trip east to the farm after the Breeder's Cup races."

"He's living the life! You've raised his name recognition so his stud fee
should be good."

"We hope so. IrishRainbow has an excellent racing history to match a
quality pedigree with lots of positives to attract owners for stud. He and
Rodrigo are excellent for those owners who can't go for the higher fees for
our other boys. It keeps a good balance at the farm."

Sal joined us, a big smile.

"I've just learned all about how to sail a pirate ship from your daughter."

We all laughed.

I squeezed Sal's hand, "By summer they will probably be the most
experienced pirates you know... if you know any that is."

More laughter.

Robbie said he didn't think they knew any decent pirates...

"Our two are `dread pirates' so beware coming to Harcourt House in the
future."

Nodding smiles.

Our party wound down... we went in to help put down the Twins then back by
the pool for a bit. Hugs and kisses all around to close out the night.

No horse to ride so Jaidee and I went for an early morning walk. Kara and
Gaby... a surprise... Tai joined us. We laughed at my asking if she wanted
to see the scene of her `action' again.

We did turn into the alleyway at the beginning. Tai gave an account of what
happened. She was pleased that the fellow Brock was doing well. The local
medical people sent us reports periodically.

We went south for five blocks on South Second Street then did a U-turn over
to South First Street for the return. Peaceful. It was warming up with
rising humidity...

News from Badminton... The First Horse Inspection over... Sunny was pleased
with the impression she and Prince made... Dressage today... we were
hoping! Fingers crossed! Sunny a bit nervous... she said that would fade.

We gathered ourselves for the first day of racing.  I chose a Harcourt
Racing green sleeveless dress, cotton, soft and close to me to
mid-thigh. Matching green heels, gold jewellery and `Joy' applied by Cho.

Chani got a dab. Grin!

She was in yellow and white. The guys in navy suits and Harcourt Racing
green ties.

First stop was the barn. Monaco greeted us smiling, "We're ready to go
racing!"

Our first visit was with Hansa. She was looking gorgeous! Soft nickers as
Chani stroked her neck. Her race was the La Trioenne Stakes. A G1 race for
older fillies.

Then to Saisithorn... she would go off in a few hours in the first of the
Triple Tiara races...

Today we visited all five horses, we wouldn't be here tomorrow. They were
happy to have us around, their grooms smiling... all saying their charges
were ready to roll.

We drove around to the front entrance at Churchill Downs. Several track
officials greeted us. They were happy we were racing here. We've won the
Derby two times running so... they liked our flashy runners... bold and
powerful.

In the owners seating we said hellos and hugs to many. We were gradually
meeting quite a few owners. Tom here! He had a three year old filly in an
early race... she'd won! He was pleased.

"She's a young three year old up against mostly more mature runners. A real
test for her... she came on at the end to take the lead in the last
furlong."

A big hug for him. Cho said the finish boded well. Tom was pleased.

Elinor had been here but was working now.

We settled in. The La Trioenne was up in thirty minutes. I had a look
around with my glasses... Chani in my lap took over. She wasn't able to
adjust them but got a thrill from seeing better through them this time.

Cho with Charlie doing the same. Charlie `got' you could change the spacing
of the eye lenses... he showed Chani... brilliant! They kept the glasses
for a bit!

Monaco on his way with Jackson as the post parade for Hansa's race
began. Tomas on board as they walked to the left. This is a G1 race of
eight and half furlongs for four year old and up fillies.

The horses walked to the gate and loaded without issue. A longish pause
then CLANG... they had a good start! Hansa running with three others to the
front. They came past the grandstand four across the track with the rest of
field behind.

Into the turn they stayed level... Hansa edged ahead with her smoother lead
changes... coming out onto the back straight a length and a half
ahead. Tomas was holding her close. Down the open track they galloped along
at a good pace.

As the second turn came up Hansa had a two length lead. Tomas had a quick
look as Hansa moved into the turn... he was waiting. Our girl was running
comfortably... well within herself.

At the top of the stretch Tomas asked her... the two and half length lead
opened wider immediately. Hansa's burst of power had her roaring down the
dirt widening with each stride. By the eighth pole she had seven and a half
lengths... she wasn't letting up!

Over the finish line it was nearly ten lengths of space. She set a new
speed record for the stakes at 1:41.68 winning by an official ten
lengths. She wiped away Authenticity's 2013 run of 1:42.09 and the widest
previous margin of seven and three quarters by You in 2003.

Hansa's golden body darkened in her effort was deep reddish gold now. We
joined her at the Winner's Circle. Tomas with a huge grin. Reggie handing
Hansa's lead to Jackson to bring her in.

Chani and I doing the honours. The La Trioenne Stakes folks were pleased
our champion had run in their race. Us girls held the trophy for snaps. We
brought Jackson and Tomas in to have their chance with the trophy. Reggie
too.

Fun! Chani enjoyed doing this. Charlie and Cho clapping from the side.

We made our way back to the boxes section to wait for the main race of the
day... Sasithorn was up!

We got some lunch from the track caterers... salads, fruit, cheese and
bread. The hot food was meat so we skipped that. We did fine... we had
another cookout at the house tonight so they'd be plenty to eat. Our guests
this evening were our racing staff... trainers, grooms, exercise riders,
hot walkers, etc... They'd have a few hours away from the barns then back
to work.

Federica and Lucie's Security Service folks were watching over our barn
twenty fours a day so there were no worries about that. So far there had
been no incidents at any of our races this year... fingers crossed it
stayed that way.

A call from Kay... Sunny had done very well in Dressage! She had 26
penalties and finished fourth!!! An excellent place for her up against the
finest riders and horses in the world. Prince continued to show improvement
in the strict discipline of Dressage. Cross country tomorrow.

Sunny texted me... She was elated with her position. Her start time for the
cross country was about ten o'clock in the morning.

I called her... The Badminton people had been surprised with Sunny's
clothes but decided they were appropriate. Her helmet hat was acceptable
since it passed all international standards including the very rigorous EU
ones.

I'd been worried about the clothing... she rode daily in more traditional
dress so she could if she had to do it. Sunny was pleased with the
Badminton decision.

The Kentucky Oaks was up. The first of the Triple Tiara races in the
southern section if you wanted to make a distinction between the early
fillies G1 races and the ones in New York State. Aneka won them all last
year... the first time it had been done.

Earlier today Porto, Sasithorn's groom, had been smiling... `Miss, she's
going to run them under... she's so wired.'

James her trainer laughed and pointed to Porto. Her team thought our girl
prepared... so she must be!

The Kentucky Oaks is a G1 race of nine furlongs on dirt. There are eighteen
entrants this year... Sasithorn was in the number six slot... towards the
middle.

They all loaded fine... pause... CLANG. They came out... Sasithorn
hesitated... she came out late with a swerve to her right. She didn't touch
the next horse who had a step on her.

Radha held her tight and got Sasithorn moving... she was several lengths
behind. The field moved down the straight... Sasithorn running Okay but
with ground to make up.

The field going along... no issues... our girl running behind the them as
they entered the turn. Sasithorn was striding well about three paths out
from the rail. In the turn her lead changes gained her ground on the last
horse.

They came out onto the back straight rolling along in a good
gallop. Sasithorn in my glasses was asked for a bit by Radha. I could see
her surge... she gobbled up the last two in the group ahead and kept
moving.

I focused on her stride... it as long and even... no strain. By the start
of the second turn there eight horses to her front... she was close off the
shoulder of the back of the group. Her skilled lead changes in the curve
gave her a further advantage... Radha took her past the last of that group
to be on the shoulder of the two leaders.

At the top of the home stretch I zoomed in on Radha... she chirped to
Sasithorn... our glossy black girl exploded... her rush of power obvious to
everyone! She roared past the leaders like they were idling to take a four
length lead by the eighth pole.

Radha hand riding the whole way guided our girl down the dirt to the finish
line... Sasithorn crossing it in full flight... no let up at all.

We had a noisy celebration! We hugged and kissed around the box.

Our neighbouring owners calling out congratulations to us. We waved and
thanked them. Tom grinning, "You guys are just too good!"

We walked across to the Winner's Circle. We had a big welcome from the
Kentucky Oaks people... two years running for us winning this important
race. Up on the old wood stand Chani and I got the trophy! She was giggling
at all the attention from the news folks and the fans in the stands were
quite loud.

Radha beside James holding the trophy! A big win for her. Her biggest! A
share of a million dollar purse and a Triple Tiara race win!

I was watching Radha enjoying the moment. She was young, good-looking,
athletic and a damn good jockey. A fine combination for her future! She and
Marnie were brilliant advertisements for women in horse racing!

Cho walking beside me as I gave him my thoughts. A smile.

"She has a great future with us! We'll keep giving her good horses to
ride. Monaco likes her aplomb."

Not getting ruffled by things certainly was in evidence today. Cho and
Monaco got the story on Sasithorn's poor start from a track official. Her
starter in the slot made some noise as the gate opened which startled
Sasithorn and made her pause slightly and jerk right. Radha was strong
holding Sasithorn to her task and getting her running ahead.

The official apologised to us.

He told Cho he was very relieved Sasithorn won... because it would have
been `his ass' metaphorically.

Cho squeezing my arm, "The starter is an old hand who coughed. The fellow
was broken up by it. He knew Sasithorn was one of the favourites. I said to
the track fellow to let the starter know we understood and he shouldn't
feel bad about it."

I squeezed him back saying it was nice of him.

"You did a good thing... one cough... shit happens. Sasithorn showed she
can run off the pace and have the power to carry on through. Radha made the
difference with her cool and strength."

"Indeed! A huge win completely different from her other victories. It
should give pause to the other owners."

Fist bump which the Twins beside us got in on. We motored back to the house
for our evening of guests.

We told Monaco that the staff could swim if they wanted. We had a volley
ball net up and some space for miscellaneous `ball' sports for
entertainment.

Kegs of beer the caterers would serve from along with a lot of food.

We greeted everybody at the gate. There were lots of smiles. Hugs for Radha
and Tomas... our winners today. Dom, Leonie and Marnie up tomorrow.

The Twins in the pool with Cho, Delphine and Tha. Splashing happening.

I was on a lounge with food and drink. Jaidee beside me. Megan on the next
lounge.

She and Tai were doing quite nicely. They'd had a great evening with her
parents.

"Mom and Dad really like Tai... my being gay doesn't seem to bother them
now."

Fist bump!

"And in New York?"

"We have a good group of friends in the city we can go out with... a bit of
partying... some weekend trips around the area... my schedule makes for
short evenings. Tai is going in with me every morning so our days are
aligned."

"So how's your social media life? Still a hottie?"

A laugh, "A few million folks following my twitter and instagram... I put
up things each day... not a lot... pics around the Fox Newsroom... the
city... from trips. Nothing private or very revealing of me or where I go
regularly.

You really don't care about social media do you?"

"We do but not the way you use it... we use it to promote things like
Mirabelle or our news media and entertainment through Reginé."

Tai joined us lying beside Megan. Megan hooked her thumb to Tai...

"At my security advisor's suggestion... " we laughed. "I have been careful
about what I post... I don't need groupies hanging around."

They laughed at PJ's lifting up the intrusive paparazzi in London and the
constable's reaction.

Tai asked about the incident at Newmarket... rumours within our Security
Service...

"A track security guard was putting his hand on Cho... PJ took him down. It
was so unnecessary. Cho's `owners' badge had fallen off is all. One of the
Newmarket people wanted to discharge the offending guard... Cho told him it
was a training issue which pushed it back on the track.

We got the trophy and left."

Megan's eyes wide, "Did that bend them out of shape?"

"Well... they had some sort of get-together for the winners... Cho told
them after the incident and their not allowing the Twins into the winner's
circle... as he said we `seen enough' of them for a day."

Megan doing a face hand wave to `cool off.'

"Cho speaks his mind. We haven't said anything to anybody about it... The
news media in England reported it but without any comment from us. We want
to race there again... no burned bridges." My pointing to lips... they got
it.

I walked around... the volleyball players asked if they could could swim
afterwards... I said they just needed to stop at the pool rising shower
before jumping in. They were good with that. Seems most had worn their swim
costumes under their clothes.

I pointed them to changing tents setup towards the east side.

I asked one of the local staff to get out more towels. Thumbs up.

Cho and I spoke with Lamarr, the head of the Louisville security company
who supplemented our Security Service during our stays and monitored the
site the rest of the year. He was invited for a purpose.

He knew the Breeder's Cup was at Churchill Downs this year so we'd be back
in November.

We liked him and his people were very professional... Cho asked if he'd
like to bring his company into ours... He looked interested. Cho said we
would buy it outright and keep him on as the manager for as long as he
wanted. The continuity of management would be good for us.

Lamarr could get tax advice from our attorney's and have a nice sized
pay-out.

Cho got Francis to join us... we talked about getting a valuation,
etc... although Lamarr's pay rates were near the top of the scale for
Kentucky companies in the field... we could pay more and give much better
benefits to him and all the employees.

We left it as a work in progress... a very strong conditional `Yes' from
Lamarr... details to follow. We shook hands on it. Lamarr seemed very
pleased. He laughed when I said he'd still have the same headaches... he
liked the thought of a lot of help behind him to deal with them.

A bit business mixed in the fun. Cho grinning. He was happy about a deal
with Lamarr.

Our Harcourt Racing folks were well fed and had some relaxation. We said
goodnights and waved them onto the shuttle bus back to Churchill Downs.

Cho and I sitting outside after things settled down... sharing a lounge. I
was missing Ring... he was standing in for us at three races in France
tomorrow. All at Longchamp. Thaksin opening his third year season and two
unraced others... a colt named Chaiya and a filly... Normandie Fille.

It should be a great day!

We had a good gathering here. The Twins had fun until they needed to go
in. Jaidee was well petted with some ball chasing too!

We got to talk informally with our workers learning some things about
them. Several had had huge pay-outs this last year... even the hot walkers
had a good bundle of money handed to them. Much more than if they worked
for another stable.

We arranged for them to have financial advice at no charge so they'd not
get burned when it came time to pay income tax.

My morning walk was lovely... quiet on the streets. We did a big loop
around the neighbourhood. Eggs over easy, veggie sausages, toast went down
well.

I was in the little sitting room off our suite working. Gil, Ali and Chelle
all in with me. We went at it for hours. I was mostly caught up. I planned
to do some work tonight on the flight to Chalgrove.

Lunch outside with everybody. The Twins enjoyed their bacon (veggie),
lettuce and tomato sandwiches. Tortilla crisps and guacamole, colas and a
molasses cookie.

Tha said she had shortbread in her bag for a snack. Big smiles for that
from Charlie and Chani!

Sunny called... "Fay... " She was so excited that was all I got...

"Slow down and breathe."

"Fay, I finished first in cross country only four tenths of a point in
penalties. Right on time!!! Prince is awesome... he's so solid and
trusting. I walked the course again early this morning... it looked
tough... We were a bit nervous... we got into a groove right away... it was
smashing!!!"

I congratulated her... thinking fourth in Dressage now this... Sunny had an
outside chance to win!

Kay came on... "Fay, I amazed at my child being so poised and strong. She
is getting a lot of praise and making new friends. Sunny was awesome in the
press conference, funny, cute and serious almost all at the same time."

They were all being treated wonderfully at the Dalrymple's. Lynnette and
the other Security people were around but unobtrusive. They knew we'd be
there tomorrow.

Kay congratulated us on our wins so far and `Good Luck' for the Derby.

We dressed for a long day at the track, three races today!

A yellow silk frock, short sleeves, the hem above mid-thigh... lots of leg!
Pale stockings and green heels. Gold bits and `Joy' A green Hermès Kelly
bag and the yellow reflective round sunglasses.

I really wasn't into the whole `hat' thing at races. I did it a few
times... it wasn't me. I had enjoyed throwing my hat at the Belmont and
signing for the nice man who brought back. That was enough for me.

Chani in a short sleeved yellow frock from Ralph Lauren, white lace-topped
socks in black Mary Janes. Charlie in a black suit, white shirt and
Harcourt Racing tie... he was grinning...

"I'm Popa today!"

Cho laughed and picked up our son. They looked exactly alike!

We motored to the track... getting out at the main door... Churchill Downs
folks there to greet us again... we did hellos and a few
introductions... they seemed a bit starstruck to be introduced to
Megan... She handled it well.

On through to the owners boxes.

Greetings for other owners. Lots of hand shaking. Tom was there to watch
today until the Derby where he had `Everytime' entered.

Our first race was the Humana Distaff. When Aneka was announced there was
VERY Loud applause and a few cheers for our `Super' Triple Tiara
winner. Leonie's name brought more loud crowd noise.

Aneka with Leonie aboard walked regally out to the chute for the
start. This is a G1 race of seven furlongs.

Aneka in the number three slot... all loaded... They're off! Aneka blasting
out of her gate straight down the track leaving the others behind
immediately. What a start!

She was used to longer races so these seven furlong ones were a full on
sprint for the whole distance for her. Aneka was rolling halfway down the
straight she had a four length lead. The turn came up Leonie did a quick
look back as she moved Aneka to the rail.

Aneka changed leads twice and came to the top of the stretch seven lengths
clear of all opponents. Leonie was hand riding the whole way... she did
some mild urging now... Aneka lifted her game... pouring on the power in
the final eighth to win by eleven which was a record winning margin.

Her time of 1:19.40 was a new record for the race erasing the old record of
1:20:44.

Lots of cheers, hugs, kisses and fist bumps for us! We settled down to walk
to the Winner's Circle across the track. Up the onto the deck...

Chani and I did the honours.

The Humana folks happy to hand over a nice trophy to us. They shook hands
with Chani who was grinning. MacKenzie beside me, Leonie climbed down to
get with us as Corky held Aneka's lead.

Lots of snaps. Aneka was the dominate filly in American horse racing! I
gave a kiss to Aneka calling her the `Queen.'

The sports writers picked up on that... it was used in their reporting. It
was true!

There were some snacks in the owners area... we nibbled waiting for our
next race. The current race was of interest because Marnie was riding for
another trainer. She had three races in a row. Monaco wasn't happy but the
other trainer lost his jockey for this race in an accident an hour ago.

We watched as the horses loaded... easy... no problems. They were
released. The field down the straight and around the turn... four crowded
together... Marnie on one of those. The group stayed tight down the back
stretch... the turn had one drop back... at the top of the stretch the
three were abreast coming down the straight on the dirt... Marnie asking
her mount... he began to ease ahead in the last eighth. At the wire he won
by a half-length.

A good hard ride, Marnie showing her skills!

Okay the Old Forester Turf Classic was up! SakChai on grass. The post
parade had our colt getting a big welcome and Marnie some very deserved
LOUD cheers and applause. They moved to the inner grass track and to the
left for the start of this nine furlong G1 race.

The silvery white of SakChai shimmered in the sunlight. Marnie up in our
green and yellow silks. These horses were old pros moving easily to the
gate and into their slots.

Quiet... CLANG! They rushed from the gate, a clean start! SakChai on the
lead immediately. He was following Glaa's playbook... see my tail the whole
way.

The field came down the grass straight to pass us... SakChai had three
lengths on everyone. In the turn SakChai lengthen his lead coming out on
the back straight ahead by six. Marnie had him running easy, relaxed with
big strides. He ate up the turf to the second turn quickly.

Marnie had him on the rail at the top of the stretch... SakChai was surging
now... you could see him pick up the pace. Marnie stone still on his back
as the White Streak flowed down the green grass to finish twelve lengths
clear in a time three hundredths of a second short of Glaa's record from
last year.

Celebrations in our box. We'd won this race two years in a row with Triple
Crown winners! The Old Forester people were all smiles in the Winner's
Circle. Cho and Charlie taking the honours. Lots of handshakes and posing
for snaps.

SakChai was calm, takin it all the praise in his polite manner. I hugged
Marnie! Two wins back to back and now another race for us coming up.

In her ear... "Go for it!"

She knew... a megawatt smile.

Ring called from Paris. Racing had finished there... we had an excellent
day. Thaksin opened his season with a breath-taking victory in the Poule
d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp. He ran away with the win by fifteen
lengths setting a new race speed record.

The French were blown away by his power and stamina... a wire to wire win!
He simply ran away from them all.

This race is the start of the Triple Crown of France series. Thaksin being
touted to win all three after this show-stopping performance!

Chaiya, an unraced three year colt, broke his maiden in the Prix de Soleil,
a G1 sixteen hundred metre race. He won by three. On the lead throughout.

Normandie Fille, another unraced three year old, a filly, won the Poule
d'Essai des Pouliches. It was a G1 sixteen hundred metre race for
fillies. She came from off the pace to rundown two others in the last one
hundred metres for her maiden win. It was the first race in the French
Triple Crown for fillies.

Ring said all three came out of their races just fine. He passed on that
Jonny was very pleased with the newbies!

We thanked him for being there for us. He got that we were doing very well
here and the Derby was on next. Ring was staying in France for more
racing... He was loving getting all the trophies for us!! The staff at Quai
de Bethune was taking very good care of him!

We had a bit longer wait for the next race... preparation for the Fastest
Two Minutes in sports or as Secretariat pronounced it in 1973... the
fastest one minute fifty nine and two fifths seconds.

Gil got a text from Owen... saddling done... Monaco and Demetria on their
way. Okay! The post parade was to begin... we still didn't know the words
to `My Old Kentucky Home.'

Cho's grin... as the people sang out. It was a tradition that was lost on
me.

Twenty horses walking down the track to the big gate at the top of the
stretch. Dom on Stellar Black heading into slot one and Marnie on Toes
Tapping into number eight. Toes Tapping was the only filly like Hansa had
been last year.

All quiet... pause... CLANG! They launched themselves into history.

Stellar Black roaring down the rail trying not to be trapped as the field
closed towards him. Marnie had Toes Tapping going straight down the
dirt... they were among seven horses on the lead as the field came abreast
of us.

Stellar Black taking the lead into the turn as the field thinned out at the
front. Toes Tapping in a group two lengths off the lead. Around the turn
Stellar Black was held close to the rail by Dom saving running room and
gaining another length in his lead.

Down the back straight Toes Tapping moved up slowly but steadily... she was
third into the turn. Stellar Black running easily had opened a five length
space. They came to the top of the lane in the same order... Dom asked
Stellar Black for more to put away his pursuers.

Marnie asked Toes Tapping... our grey girl opened her jets! It was
immediately obvious... she went by the number two horse like he was
standing still roaring off in pursuit of her stablemate.

Down the stretch Toes Tapping was gaining... Stellar Black running
hard... at the eighth pole Toes Tapping was at his shoulder... her rush
carried Toes Tapping into the lead as they crossed the finish!!

Toes Tapping won! WOW! Stellar Black and Dom ran a great race, controlled
with a lot of pace. Toes Tapping had too much drive at the end.

It was fast with both horses driving hard in the stretch. 1:59.85! A
sub-two minute race! The third fastest after Secretariat and Glaa!!!

Dom leaned over from Stellar Black to hug Marnie down the track after they
had slowed their horses. Coming up the track the crowd gave our pair a huge
ovation! Cheers cascading down to them.

We did a big celebration in our box. Owners around us calling out
congratulations. Tom got a hug and handshake. His `Everytime' had finished
fourth... he missed the `place' by a head, an excellent showing for his
stable. Everytime had run a long road to get here.

We walked across the track again... carrying the babies this time. Cho had
us all on old stand receiving of the trophy. Monaco smiling... he'd trained
three consecutive Derby winners... an amazing performance! He was now in
uncharted territory as a trainer.

The rose blanket for Toes Tapping! She looked terrific! Red and grey!!

Marnie joining a very select group of two-time Kentucky Derby winners and a
much smaller group of back to back winners. Isaac Murphy in the Nineteenth
Century, Jimmy Winkfield at the start of the Twentieth Century,
Secretariat's jockey Ron Turcotte would won the year before on Riva
Ridge. Eddie Delahoussaye, Calvin Borel and Victor Espinoza.

Loads of pictures and video done. Cho and I with the Twins holding the
trophy. Monaco had his go as did Marnie. They brought in Gus.

We moved back across the track after Cho did some live TV... He was smiling
and gracious... also no microphones were pushed in his face.

Our crowd entered the garden area beside the Churchill Downs Museum. A
section was reserved for us to wait for the gathering inside. Tha had water
and Aunt Dee's shortbread for the Twins. It was quite funny to see Charlie
sitting in a chair munching his snack looking so much like his Popa.

I nudged the very one who gave me a smile at my head nod towards our little
man. The Twins had been very good during the long stay at the track... I
was ready to go now but...

Gil leaned close to my ear, "Fay, everything is ready to depart
immediately. The cars are outside and the Louisville Police are out there
ready to get us on our way, all the baggage at South First Street is on the
767 at Frankfort. Jaidee's aboard with Ro and tennis balls."

We laughed... I hugged her with a thank you.

Beside Cho... I leaned on his shoulder... I pointed out that Toes Tapping
had gotten our attention at Aqueduct finishing just like today.. lots of
drive and guts. Cho kissed me.

We went inside... The Twins with Tha and Delphine would find a quiet
space. Gaby and Ansara were to be along.

Cho and I mingled with the other owners who had placed in their races in
the last few days, the track people, all the race sponsors and Kentucky
dignitaries.

Monaco getting many congratulations for being the first trainer to win
three consecutive Derby's. Some owners wanted him to take their horses
on... he was saying he had an exclusive deal with us. He knew we left it up
to him but he was too busy with our crowd.

He was responsible for twenty six horses racing in top flight races and
another twenty four in training.

We did the ceremony bits... doing many thank yous to Churchill Downs for
their wonderful event. Cho said nice things about the track, facilities and
their people in thanking them further.

Cho took one of the Derby people aside saying we needed to leave to make an
event in England tomorrow. They shook hands and we made our way out saying
goodbyes.

The Louisville Police got the heavy traffic parted so our cars could exit
the track grounds. North on South Second Street to the house and our
helicopters. We lifted off quickly... a fast trip to Frankfort. Jaidee
waiting for us all waggy tail happy to see us. We were airborne right away
with the usual auditory comments by the boys!


Comment welcome to:

ABecker60@yahoo.co.uk