Friday, March 30, 2012

Good Bye for the moment

Hi dear readers,

I'm going on vacation for two weeks.

I'll try to publish a new story, but it could be that it won't be until after my return.

Hope you all enjoy Gran Melia Fenix Madrid, Spain review.

Happy Travels!

Trara

Your Writer1976



 
©2012

Gran Melia Fenix Madrid, Spain

Since the Gran Melia Fenix re-opened many years ago, we wanted to stay there. For some reason we never made it until now. We booked a special rate via Melia's website.

We arrived at Madrid Barajas Terminal 1 with Aer Lingus in the morning and took a taxi to the Gran Melia. Be careful, when you use a taxi from the airport. They try all tricks in the books to cheat you, i.e. take a longer route to the destination, charge a higher tarif  or claim you gave them a smaller denomination.
This taxi driver took the longer route and used a higher tarif. I was sceptical, when the meter was at 59 Euro, when we were very near the hotel. Having been to Madrid numerous times - it's one of our favorite cities - we know by now a taxi ride to most hotels should be around 25 to to 35 Euros (ca. 34 USD to 47 USD), depending which route the driver takes and including any surcharges.  I was even more puzzled, when he didn't stop at the front of the Gran Melia Fenix, but choose to park on the main road. I knew he was going to try to cheat us. As expected he demanded 59 Euro / ca. 79 USD. We said: "No, that's to much. It should be around 30 (40 USD)." He repeated the number, but soon realized we were aware of how much a fare should be, so he pretended he didn't know the English numbers and scribbled 39 (52 USD)on a sheet. That was agreeable, still slightly higher than usual, but okay.
If you can afford it, contact the hotel and arrange limousine pick up or use public transportation, if you are a repeat visitor and don't have too much luggage. It's cheap and convenient.

We like the Gran Melia Fenix for different reasons.
One is the location. The hotel (Hermosilla 2) is around the corner of Plaza de Colon, the Hard Rock Cafe and Calle Serano, where every luxury brand imaginable is available. The museums triangle is ca. 15 to 20 minutes walk away. Retiro Park is on the way to the museums.
Another reason is the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
We were warmly greeted by the bell boy and brought to the check in desk on the left of the entrance. Since we had booked a Grand Premium Room with Whirl Pool and club lounge access, we were brought to the club lounge on the 7th floor by the bell boy for check in. We had to wait a little bit, because other guests wanted recommendations what to do in Madrid. We were offered coffee, while we waited. Afterwards the check in was quick. To our pleasant surprise the room was ready. We were brought to it on the 6th floor and advised that we had an outdoor Whirl Pool and if the water was too cold, an engineer could try and get the temperature up. Because it was fresh outside, very windy, and I was not feeling especially well (hay fever) we decided to forgo a dip in the Whirl Pool, which is of course sad, but it wasn't too bad, because there was also a Whirl Pool bath tub.
The room itself was large with its own hall way and a big wardrobe. It was classic with a lot of brown tones.
We had our own sofa, a large king sized bed, a writing desk, flat screen TV with regional and international channels including Fox News, DVD player (DVD library is free), mini bar and more storage space as well as a balcony with Whirl Pool.
Our neighbor was a NH hotel, and some guests could look onto the balcony, but not to the Whirl Pool area. It was luxurious with a lot of wood, and in summer sitting outside and also enjoying the Whirl Pool must be romantic.
In our room was also a large pillow and room spray menu available.
The bathroom was large with a separate room for the bidet and toilet, an overhead shower and bathtub combination and double sink. The amenities came from Clarins and included a candle. The tops of the little bottles were red, fitting for the Red Level we were staying on.

The hotel has a restaurant, called Epocque and Dry Cosmopolitan Bar. The public spaces are on the smaller side, but they are all lavishly decorated and very luxurious. There is also a beautiful cupola.
The spa had closed during our stay.

The club lounge has open until 23.00 hours. It is modern, spacious and divided between a restaurant setting and a relaxed corner with a huge sofa and an outdoor terrace. There are also some coffee table books, newspapers and magazines mostly in Spanish available.
Champagne is served all day along soft drinks, tea and coffee.
There is afternoon tea and a cocktail hour, serving all kinds of spirits and appetizers. To our surprise we found caviar at the buffet.
Breakfast was very elegant with cold cuts, bread, smoked salmon, cheese, bread, yogurt and much more. He ordered from the a la carte menu pancakes, which didn't cost additionally.
The lounge is staffed with a Red Level Concierge and waiters. They wear different uniforms, so they can be easily identified.

Of course we had also in room dining with Spanish Tortilla, Omelet, Leche Frita and Creme Caramel. All was delicious. It cost ca. 60 Euro / ca. 80 USD.

After a good nights rest, breakfast and late check out, it was unfortunately time to leave the hotel and the beautiful city of Madrid.





©2012

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Crisis

It was dark, and only the night light was on. Coldham Fintan "Fin" Noose III stared at the little bundle sleeping peaceful in the crib. His son. When Solomon Fintan was born, his father had been disappointed. He had hoped for another daughter. Fin had hidden his feeling well. His wife Frieda had been too preoccupied with the labor and was afterwards elated, but very, very tired, so she didn't pay too much attention to Fin. Otherwise she would have guessed immediately something was wrong.
When Casey had been a baby, Fin had enjoyed bathing and bottle feeding her during the night or changing nappies. Fin had taken over the same chores, when Solomon, who was nicknamed Sol, was born. It was only half hearted and he didn't smile at Sol or talk to him as much as he had done with Casey.
Fin's resentment made him feel guilty. After all it was hardly Sol's fault he was a boy. Fin was soul searching. Had the resentment, disappointment, hatred and mistrust started between Fin's parents and him that way? Fin didn't want to repeat the mistakes of his parents. He was on a good way, though. Fin realized he was cold towards Sol and spent more time with Casey, who was three. Fin wanted a happy family. In order to do that he couldn't prefer one child over the other, so he decided, while watching his one and a half months old, his attitude had to change.
From the next day Fin paid more attention to Sol. Slowly they bonded. Fin "fell in love" with his son, when Sol wanted only to be comforted by him during a rough night.





©2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

Cuisse

Finally Fin and Frieda have tied the knot. This story plays on Honeymoon in Asia.
Cuisse means thigh in French and the sex position Fin and Frieda use is called Cuissade, because of the technique used. Hope you enjoy this kinky story. :-) 

Frieda thought it was both decadent and romantic to spend the whole day in bed, listening to the patter of the rain. She knew her husband Fin wasn't dozing. She was still startled, when he suddenly was on top of her and tickling her under the arm pits. Her weak spot. Frieda squealed. They struggled a bit, before Frieda said she was peckish. The fruit bowl, they had received as a welcome gift, was lying on the night stand. Fin conveniently snatched grapes and fed them to Frieda, while his free hand groped her breasts. Frieda's eyes grew round and if her mouth wouldn't have been so full, she would have moaned with pleasure. Her nipples reacted immediately, standing erect. The fruits were soon forgotten and the attention turned to their bodies. They took their time. When Frieda thought she couldn't take it any longer, Fin snuggled close. Frieda lay on her back and raised her leg, resting it on Fin's. He entered her from underneath her leg, his own pressing against her vulva. Frieda gasped. They kissed, and Frieda stroked Fin's msucular back. Fin's movements were slow; his hand was wandering down from the hollow between her breasts to her stomach and further south between her legs. Both the penetration and the soft strokes did the trick. Frieda was convulsing under Fin, before he groaned and spilled his seeds.





©2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Amalfi - London, United Kingdom

My better half and I love Italian cuisine, so it was no wonder we ended up in this restaurant. Do you have a favourite Italian in London? I'm curious. What is it?Or maybe you have also dined at the Amalfi? Please leave a comment to share your experience and opinion.

We read an article about Tragus, a restaurant holding company that includes the Cafe Rouge chain, and a new concession they gained. Checking out what they owned on their webpage we found Amalfi, an Italian restaurant in 29 - 31 Old Compton Road, London. Amalfi has also an online presence (amalfi-restaurant.co.uk), and we had a look at the menu. It was mouthwatering, so we decided to go there on our next trip to London - see also the Hilton Metropole London review.

Shortly before we traveled to London, we booked a table online.

We were a little bit delayed thanks to a long queue at the check out. We took the Tube to Piccadilly Circus, but you can also get off at Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road.

We followed Shaftsbury Avenue, turned left into Wardour Street and then right into Old Compton Road.
The Chinese New Year Festival was in full swing. The short story with the same title (Chinese New Year) is inspired by all the hustle and bustle, food stalls and entertainment.

We arrived around ten minutes late at the restaurant. It's quaint, incorporates two houses and has a small entrance door.

Amalfi welcomes patrons since 1963. If we hadn't known it's owned by a large holding, we would have believed it's a charming family run property. The restaurant manager is Italian and in his forties, I guess. We had a print out of our reservation with us, but the manager was not especially interested. The restaurant is divided into two rooms on the ground floor and a large one downstairs (It's called the wine cave and looks like it. The ladies rest room is located there, while the gentlemen's is after passing the bar to the right). When entering, the first thing we noticed was the bar. There are also photographs, paintings and other memorabilia of the Amalfi Coast and Italy.

The restaurant wasn't very full. There was a group of ladies and a few couples. We were seated at a large table, normally for four people, and soon received the menu. We decided to have Aranciata (Orange Lemonade by San Pellegrino), Strozzapreti Pugliese, pasta with Luganica sausage, cured pancetta, broccoli, red chili butter and Grano Padano for me and Pizza Rossa with spicy Southern Italian Salami, roasted red peppers, chili, caramelized onion, garlic, oregano and mozzarella for him. We both like spicy food, so we were looking forward to our meal. We weren't disappointed. The pasta was al dente and the pizza thin and crispy. The flavors worked well together. Both the pizza and the pasta had the right level of spiciness. It gave a nice kick, but wasn't overbearing or burning your tongue. We were happy and sad at the same time, because we didn't have space for dessert - the figs sounded so delicious :-( - and we don't have a really good Italian in Dublin. Our favorite was Pasta di Milano, also known as Condotti, but it closed years ago. Of course we tried others, but nothing can compare to it.

Back to Amalfi, though. All servers were male, attentive and efficient. The bill came at slightly over 30 GBP or ca. 36 Euro / 48 USD. Credit cards are accepted. The value was good for the quality paid.

By the way, when we left, the custom had picked up considerable and barely a table was available, so reservations come highly recommended.

Amalfi is definitely on our list of restaurants to return to.





©2012

Monday, March 19, 2012

Big Thank YOU!





We are celebrating over 1000 views!!!!


Thank you for your continued support and reading! Here is to the next 1000 views!




Your Writer1976 (is very happy and proud). :-)




©2012




 

Friday, March 16, 2012

The most embarrassing spanking ever

First of all sorry for only publishing now, but this story took me longer than planned to write. Besides I continued writing on the novel, for which I had a creative spurt.
WARNING!!! This spanking story could be quite tough, so if you're a bit faint hearted or against corporal punishment of children, please don't read it. Again in real live I wouldn't consider to spank kids.
If you haven't read Sam's spanking stories, you can read them in The Reward of Helping (July 2011) and Quest for the truth  (August 2011). Thanks for your continued support!
Hope you enjoy this one. :-)

Coldham Fintan Noose III and Samuel "Sam" Richards were best friends, since Coldham, who didn't care for his first name and preferred to be called Fin, broke into the wrong apartment. Sam caught him, but decided to help Fin instead and didn't go to the police.
Now they were together with their families on vacation in Guatemala.

Sam knew about Fin's upbringing, and generally Fin didn't mind talking about it. It was anyway rarely that Sam mentioned it and had been open about his own. This time around they were sitting on the balcony of Fin's suite and sipping tropical juices. "Fin, tell me what was your most embarrassing spanking." Fin didn't have to think long. His spankings had been generally degrading, but there were only two he found very embarrassing. Weighing up which one was the most humiliating, he made up his mind.
"I was maybe thirteen or fourteen, I guess, and it was one of the few occasions one parent spanked me alone without the other being present. In this case it was my mother. My father was on a business trip. I don't even remember why I was spanked. I think it was for talking back. She thought my behavior warranted six strokes with the cane." Sam grimaced in sympathy. He had felt the belt twice, so he didn't know how painful the cane was. Having gone through a similar experience, though, he could imagine it was hell. Sam's grandfather had given Sam fifteen blistering strokes on the bare behind once and the other time six. Fin continued his story. “Anyhow, Mom asked me to pull down my pants and underwear. I wasn't too keen on it, because I had reached puberty by then, and well, I found it embarrassing she was going to see everything. Not that she hadn't before - mostly, when I was punished. As always I tried to stall. Of course it wasn't successful. I bet Mom had chosen to spank me on my room on purpose. My brother Mike's room was just beside mine. I hated he could hear my reaction to the sound walloping I was going to receive and that he knew I was going to get it. It was so embarrassing. That wasn't the worst. Mom told me to bend over the back of my chair until I was standing on tiptoes. My bared behind stuck out and offered an ideal target. Mom let me wait what seemed like ages. Then the first stroke came, hitting my bottom in the middle. Mom was laying it on harder than usual. I can imagine why. For some reason she had an obsession to make me cry, while I was still spanked - either by her or my Dad - I rarely did her the favor. Harder strokes meant also a faster and louder reaction from me, insuring Mike heard guaranteed what was going on. I was unable to take the first stroke quiet. The second was about the same strength. Being better prepared, I managed to take that one silent. The third took my breath away and reignited the burning fire in my behind. I couldn't make a sound, even if I had wanted to. The fourth cut was mega hard. I nearly lost control and wanted to reach back or get up. I didn't either. I definitely screamed. My eyes filled with tears, but I held them back, not wanting to give Mom the satisfaction. Then I waited and waited and hoped for a moment I had miscounted and we had already reached six. Unfortunately I had counted right. Mom kept me in suspense for a minute or two. My behind was already throbbing, especially where the last stroke had hit me. Mom had managed to line up four straight stripes, covering my behind from the top to my sit spots. There would have been space for the other two without question. Instead she ordered me to get up and turn around. I hesitated, because she hadn't allowed me to pull up my clothing and if I turned it meant she would be able to see my genitals. I didn't understand why she wanted me to get out of position. There were still two to go. "Do you want to get over with your punishment?" Mom asked sternly. Of course I wanted to. It was a struggle to keep up my composure, and the sooner it was over, the sooner she would leave, the sooner I could let go..." Fin's blue grey eyes had changed to blue by the memory. He was still upset. Sam, who sensed it might be too much for his friend, said: "You don't have to go further." "I've started, so I'll finish." Fin took his time, though, and sipped from his juice. "Well, as I didn't have a choice, I got up and turned round, trying to cover my bared midsection with my hands. My mother told me that it was unacceptable and I should drop them to the side. Slowly I dropped my hands. I felt so ashamed, humiliated and angry. Still not getting my mother's intention, I was trying to figure out, what she wanted to do. Mom seemed to enjoy her power and let me stew for another few minutes. I didn't know where to look and was ashamed, She asked me to stretch out my right hand. Suddenly I got the idea. Shaking I complied. She raised the cane, and it swished down, cutting across my sensitive palm. I shouted and shook my hand like mad and jumped from one foot to the other, trying to get rid of the incredible pain. My penis dangled wildly as well, clearly visible to her. It made me blush furiously, and I felt very exposed and even more ashamed. Since we had still one cut left, she asked me to hold out the other hand. For the second stroke I closed my eyes, I didn't want to see it, but it didn't help. As soon as I heard the whistling, I knew the impact was near. It took me all my will power not to pull away. Again the pain was excruciating, and for a moment I thought I had a few broken bones. I couldn't move my fingers and burst into tears. I didn't know how to deal with the fire in my behind and hands, or the anger and shame I felt. To my dismay and further humiliation, I couldn't dress myself, because of the stiffness of my hands and fingers - my mother did it for me, not asking what I wanted, and she was quiet rough about it.  I had stopped crying before, but when Mom pushed up my briefs, I started again. You won't believe how much I hated her. My ill feelings towards her only lessened after months. After Mom had dressed me, she gave me a short lecture and left." "How about your hands and backside?" "I hid my hands under my armpits and later cooled them under cold water. The red streaks disappeared after a day.  My bottom was another matter. I had bruises and of course tramlines for around two weeks." "Did your parents ever again whip you across the palms?" "No, and I'm glad it was a once off." Fin then asked Sam in return about which of his two spankings was more embarrassing. Sam thought it was the last one, because first of all he was spanked in the hall way and second he had to count the strokes. Being proud and similar to Fin he didn't want his younger sisters to find out he was at the receiving end of justice. Unfortunately for him one of his sisters woke up and witnessed at least the part he got dressed with his grandfather hovering in the background, still holding the folded belt in hand.





©2012

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Hilton Metropole London, United Kingdom

Last year we made ourselves thoughts how we could requalify as HHonors Diamond, so we decided to go to London a couple of times this year to test out different Hiltons. We whistled the list down until we were left with only three. In the end we decided to take the largest Hilton first, which is the Metropole. For a long time it was also the largest hotel in London and the UK.

We arrived with BMI at Heathrow Terminal 1 and took the Tube to Edgeware Road Station. It was difficult to figure out what tube we had to take once we were on the District and Circle Lines, but we managed. The hotel is maybe 50 m from the entrance to the tube station. We had to cross a smaller road and a larger junction. There is also the option of taking the Heathrow Express, getting off at Paddington Station. It's around 10 minutes walk from there, but because we didn't know the area well, we decided to take the Tube, our favorite mode of transport in London. The Metropole has three buildings; all are by the architect Richard Seiffert, who is also responsible for the Sheraton Park Tower - A Luxury Collection Hotel and the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, all in London.
The Metropole's three towers look different from each other. The lowest is where the club lounge and all executive rooms and suites are located. It is triangle shaped and connects the other two, one round and one squared. We liked that the hotel's logo is visible from afar and when going to the entrance, there is also a big sign spelling out the complete name of the hotel.
The entrance is covered, and I think was originally conceived for guests, who arrived by car. The pedestrian way is on the smaller side and seemed like an after thought. Don't forget to check, if a car is approaching, when crossing the drive way.
Check in was at the Executive Wing. There are different desks to the left of the entrance and one is dedicated for HHonors members. To our surprise there wasn't a big queue. The check in was quick and friendly. We were immediately upgraded as Diamonds to a club room with lounge access. As requested our room was on the higher floor, and we had to walk a bit to get to it. The views were over Edgeware Road, the church at Kensington High Street and the London Eye. The medium sized room was triangle shaped and the furniture Art Deco. There was a king sized bed, two chairs, a coffee table, writing desk, a flat screen TV with international and regional channels, a safe, mini bar, a wardrobe, luggage rack and a cupboard. The bathroom was medium sized with our beloved Peter Thomas Roth amenities. There was also ample space at the sink to put up our own beauty products. The bath tub and shower were separated and had good water pressure. The toilet didn't have its own room, but it didn't matter. The room, bed and bath tub were comfortable and relaxing. We really loved staying here. As Diamonds we also got free internet access, which was fast and easy to use. The provider is BT Open Zone, like at the Hilton Dublin Airport.
Our next stop was the executive lounge. It has open from 07.00 hours to 23.00 hours Monday to Friday and 07.00 hours to 21.00 hours on weekends. We arrived for Afternoon Tea, served between 15.00 and 18.00 hours daily. There was a wide range of classic finger sandwiches (egg, cream cheese, smoked salmon and ham) available, as well as delicious cakes, scones (the best I've ever had), nuts, dates and fresh fruit, tea, coffee, soft drinks and to our surprise two types of smoothies. I tried from everything a little bit and can report back it is worth to stay at this hotel for the Club Lounge alone.
In the evening a selection of liqueurs, white and red wine is available. Unfortunately I can't remember if there was a hot dish. There were crudities, more finger sandwiches and a cheese plate. The evening cocktails are available from 18.00 hours to 20.30 hours during the week and on weekends until 20.00 hours. If you want to bring your children under sixteen, they can use the lounge until 17.00 hours.
Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 07.00 until 10.30 hours and during weekends until 11.00 hours. Overall the breakfast is very good. I only had one minor gripe. I love either scrambled or fried eggs in the morning. There are only boiled eggs served. I don't like them, so I didn't have a hot item. There was a good selection of tea, coffee, juice, fruit, yogurt, cheese and cold cuts. I liked the bread selection especially. When staying longer at the Metropole, the club lounge breakfast could get too one sided.
Our fellow guests were truly international. We encountered Americans, Europeans, Asians and Middle Easterners.

Later in the evening we had in room dining. He had a Chicken Satay, which was delicious, and I had an Asian Prawn Noodle Soup, which I liked, too.
A positive comment about the male member of staff, who took the order. We had stocked ourselves with fresh juices from Whole Foods Market, so we didn't require any drinks with our meal. He repeated my order, was very friendly and told me how long it was going to take approximately.
When ordering in room dining without drinks, I was mostly asked at other properties, if I needed any beverage. It's annoying, because if I wanted/needed it, I would say so.

The hotel has other facilities, including a fitness center with swimming pool, meeting rooms, gift shop, a business center, two restaurants (Minako at the Met for Asian Fusion Cuisine and Fiamma for international) and two bars, the Sports Bar and the Lobby Lounge, as well as a Cafe Cino.

When we checked out the next morning, because we had booked a table at Amalfi for lunch, there was a big queue. What did we learn out of this? Calculate in time in case of queues, check out in the Club Lounge or use the Express Check Out option.
When it was our turn, the check out was quick and friendly. We had a small suitcase with us and asked where the luggage storage was located. We were advised, when we looked right, we saw a long corridor. We had to follow it for a bit, and we knew immediately we were at the right place, because there was another queue. When we were later back to retrieve our luggage, the hotel had quietened down. There was only one person waiting in front of us, so it worked out fast.


The hotel is a city in itself. If you don't like large hotels, this is not the right choice for you. Even though the Metropole has a lot of rooms, I never felt service was a let down or understaffed. All employees encountered were courteous, knowledgeable and efficient.
Our experience was very good, so we are going to return at some stage in the future.











©2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Reggie between all chairs

Find out why Reggie is so angry. I hope you like it.

"Do you have a brain? How could you do that?! You should stand above punching Charles!" Reginald Smith, called Reggie, was pacing the suite impatiently and shouting at his second in command. Coldham Fintan Noose III, nick named Fin, sat on the sofa and had his arms crossed. He thought Reggie didn't need a reply. He wasn't wrong. Reggie continued his rant: "Thanks to you the heist is delayed and maybe even jeopardized. We can't go ahead as long as Charles hasn't recovered from the broken nose. Do you think it is fun waiting? We have all worked so hard and were looking forward to go home. I expect you to apologize to Charles." "No." Fin refused. "How do you plan to work together with him, if you don't try to make up?" "It wouldn't be a sincere apology, so I won't apologize. He got what he deserved, and I've put up long enough with him. I'll pay the medical bill, though." Reggie chided Fin further. Fin listened with half an ear and was glad, when Reggie left after shouting at him for around half an hour.

Reggie was still fuming at Fin's stubbornness. Was apologizing really so difficult?
Charles was going to get an ear bashing as well, but that had to wait until the next day. Reggie thought Charles was feeling better then.

Charles woke up late. His painful nose had kept him awake. Breathing was also extremely difficult. It still hurt, but not as much as the previous night. It came as a surprise, when he received a visit from a furious Reggie. "We need to talk about your behavior! What were you thinking, needling Fin constantly? It was only a question of time until he would have enough and show you! I'm not happy about this! In future leave Fin alone and never ever mention his childhood. It was screwed up, and he is sensitive about it. I'm also not happy about the delay of our job!" Reggie continued to lecture Charles, who felt he was something like eleven and not thirty one. "I'll expect you tomorrow in my room after breakfast. Is that understood?" "Yes, sir." Charles didn't know, why he should come, but thought better not to protest.

The next day Charles arrived early. To his dismay Fin was already there. Fin ignored him. Reggie didn't let them wait long. He behaved like a principal, letting his delinquents stand, while he scolded them together. "I'm very disappointed in both of you. If I would have enough time, I would replace you, but there isn't, so I must make sure you can work together without having a go at each others throats. From now on you treat each other with respect. If not, I'll cut your shares. Is that understood?" "Yes, Reggie." Fin replied cool. Charles, who didn't know Reggie as long as Fin did, said respectful: "Yes, sir." "Talk and solve your issues, now!" Neither Charles nor Fin wanted to make the first step. Reggie got impatient. "I'm waiting." He was tapping with his foot. "Reg, leave us alone for a moment. I promise I won't beat up Charles." "Okay, when I come back I want to see results." "Sure." Fin said. He was nine years younger than Charles. "Let's get it over with. We are both professionals and have one common goal: We want the break in to go ahead, and we both want it to be successful. Let's work together, so we can go our separate ways." "You aren't going to apologize?" "No. I won't lie." "Fine with me. You won't get an apology from me either." "I don't want one. I simply want you to stop teasing me and accusing me of incorrect facts. As Reggie said, if you treat me with respect, I'll do the same. Agreed?" "Agreed." They shook hands on it.

Fin and Charles never became friends. They were civil to each other. Charles stopped undermining Fin and followed his orders without questioning them. When the heist was over, they went their own ways. Fin overtook Charles position as one of the best burglars in the United States a few years later.













©2012

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Chinese New Year

I say only: Like father like daughter.

Casey Noose, her parents and little brother Sol were at the Chinese New Year Festival in London. While her parents enjoyed the music, Casey practiced what her father had taught her. Soon her pockets were bulging.
When her parents were ready to move on, her mother Frieda realized what Casey had done. Frieda bit on her lip. She was angry with her husband, proud of Casey and amused. "Coldham Fintan Noose III, I suggest you get rid of Casey's bounty. Discreet, of course, but I'm sure you'll manage. When we're back at the hotel we are going to have a little chat. Casey, please give Daddy what you have "found"." Frieda's tone was stern. Casey didn't know what she had done wrong. Fin was surprised, when Casey gave him two purses, a ring and a bracelet. He disposed of the jewelry immediately, checked what was in the purses, removed the cash, but didn't touch the credit cards, and discarded the purses unnoticed.
Casey was relieved, because they didn't return to the hotel just yet. The tensions were gone for the moment.
The family spent the rest of the day watching other performances and stuffing themselves with a wide variety of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine.
When they were back at the hotel, Casey, who was four, and Sol, who was one, were sound asleep. The day had been long and adventurous for them.
Fin and Frieda settled in the living room of the suite. "Fin," Frieda sighed, "I don't mind you taught Casey pick pocketing. It's just very important she doesn't use her skills. It's dangerous. What if she would have been caught? She looks up to you and doesn't understand yet what your job is and what it entails. Talk to Casey tomorrow and explain, why she shouldn't steal." Fin smiled. He was proud of Casey, who looked very much like her mother in miniature. Both were black haired, had a heart shaped face and brown eyes. Casey's character was like Fin's, while Sol started to look like Fin with blond hair and blue grey eyes. He was a happy and contended baby, so Fin guessed he was going to be more like Frieda, but only time would tell.

Fin and Casey were eating Cheerios. "Darling, I need to talk to you about yesterday." Casey nodded. Her mouth was full with cereals. "I'm proud of you. You have shown great skill, but remember what I told you, when I taught you." Casey replied: "Yes, it's our secret." "That's right. It can stay our secret. The best way is, if you only practice at home. I promise, you can pick pocket Mommy and me to your hearts contend, if you don't do it when we're out. Other people don't like it, when you take away their stuff, and it could get us both into a difficult situation, when you're caught." "Okay, Daddy, I promise, I won't nab other people's things." "Great. Thanks a lot, Casey." Fin gave the cash, Casey had stolen, to her.

Casey kept to her promise - most of the time. The temptation was there, and sometimes she gave in, but she was much more careful not drawing the attention of her parents or the people she pick pocketed and was never caught.














©2012