Queen Casey

Thanks to EW, who inspired this story.

Daddy was so unfair! Casey was angry and to calm herself down she fled into her own dream world.

She was Queen Casey of Bruman and the Sultan adored her!

Casey was lying comfortable on a golden upholstered day bed outside her pink palace, surrounded by her favorite toys. The sun was shining and the air humid like in Miami. Casey enjoyed the great weather and was even happier when the Sultan of Bruman approached her. He definitely knew how to please her - unlike her father. He wore an opulent uniform and looked exactly like the Aztec warrior in her picture book. The Sultan carried a chocolate cake. "Here you go, darling." The chocolate cake looked delicious. Since Queen Casey wore finery, she feared if she was eating herself she was going to ruin her beautiful azure dress. The Sultan seemed to read her mind. "Let me!" He said, picked up the fork and fed Casey. She sighed with pleasure. The cake was yummy and she wanted more. It was of course immediately forthcoming. Casey’s toys cheered her on. She shared with them. Queen Casey was beloved by her subjects due to her generosity and kindness.

Unfortunately it was time to return to reality. Father and daughter had arrived at home. Daddy helped Casey out of her car seat. She was still upset her Daddy hadn’t given her cake. A clementine was NOT satisfactory! Casey hoped Daddy had learned his lesson and treated her like the queen she was. Casey and her father Fin might didn’t look similar, but both could hold a long grudge. So when nothing sweet was served that evening, Casey ignored her elder. The next morning was another day, though, and the cold shoulder treatment was over.

©2016

The Cookie

The Noose family was checking in. All went smoothly until five year old Solomon asked: "Where is my cookie?" "Sol!" Frieda, his mother reprimanded him. Fin, his father fought hard not to smile. They had recently stayed in a lot of DoubleTree by Hilton properties and of course they had always received cookies at check in. Fin loved the cookies in fact. They were gooey, contained a generous amount of chocolate chips and were warm. Thinking about them made Fin's mouth water. His thoughts were interrupted by eight year old Casey, who said: "Dummy, it's not a Doubletree." Sol got flustered. He didn't like being called a dummy by his sister. Before a fight could break out the receptionist said with a smile: "I will see if I can find a cookie for you.” She left for a few moments and returned with one for Casey and one for Solomon. The siblings thanked the lady. “You are welcome. I hope you will enjoy your stay.” She handed a key card to Fin, explaining, where the family could find their suite. Taking a bite from his cookie, when they were out of earshot Sol complained: “It’s not warm and there are too few choc chips.” “Well, darling, they use a different recipe and the lady went above and beyond for you, because they normally don’t give you cookies.” Frieda explained patiently. “Wouldn’t it be nice every hotel would offer free cookies?” Sol asked. “Yes, it would be definitely nice.” “And all should taste like the ones at the DoubleTree.” Casey continued Sol’s dream. “Yeah!” Sol agreed wholeheartedly. He had already forgotten he was angry with his sister and couldn’t wait to see their room.

©2015

Meeting the board

In this story Casey Noose is twenty one month old. Casey was at her father's work place, because her mother got suddenly sick and couldn't take care of Casey. Mrs. Graziano was a member of the board of directors, who wanted to meet the person, who solved the fraud and burglary case bugging the company. They arrived unannounced and found not only Fin Noose in his office, but also his daughter. Mrs. Graziano is in her late thirties.

I missed my Mama and cried. Daddy was there, but I still wanted Mama. She didn’t come. It was a big disappointment. Daddy tried hard to calm me. I felt inconsolable. The strangers in the room didn’t make the situation easier for me. I don’t like people I’ve never seen in my whole life. Watching them interact with my Daddy, who explained things to them I didn’t understand, I liked an old lady and wanted to go to her.

Daddy and the lady understood, so I gave her a big smile as soon as I was in her arms. She was delighted. The woman reminded me of my Abuelita. She smelled even slightly like her, which reminded me that Grandma was coming to visit us for something called Christmas. Since I didn’t know when Christmas was I wanted to check and asked: “Abuelita?” The old lady frowned. “I am not your grandmother.” The woman said disgruntled. That was an odd answer to my question. “Mm, I don’t think Casey believes you’re her grandmother, Mrs. Graziano. She wants to know when her real one is coming.” My Daddy told Mrs. Graziano. To me he said: “You have to sleep two times and Granny is going to be with you.” I wondered if this included my naps or only the nights. It would have been nice, if it would be with the naps included. I doubted it, though. I was glad Mrs. Graziano wasn’t angry with me anymore and the focus changed to Daddy’s work and of course I was right that my Granny did arrive on the third day.

©2015

Re-education

Frieda Noose sighed. Her one and a half year old daughter might looked like her, but she was own-minded. Since Casey had had chocolate cake for the first time ever at her father's birthday party, she demanded to eat cake and nothing else.

Frieda had called her mother, asking her for advice. Rachel had laughed and told her about Frieda's own picky eating phase. She recommended to be patient and to try to involve Casey.

Frieda followed her mother’s advice and created different types of dishes for Casey. Casey’s favorite “cakes” were pancakes filled with fruit compote and lathered with yogurt and slivered almonds or two slices of grilled tofu stuffed with kimchi or Asian carrot salad. Slowly Casey started to eat more balanced again. She also liked strudels in all variations. Sometimes it worked if the adults were having a different meal and told her Casey wouldn’t like it. She reacted very much like her father, who didn’t like it either when he was told he couldn’t do or wouldn’t like something.

Finally shortly before her second birthday Casey was having a balanced diet again.

©2015

Promotion

Philip Maxwell felt utterly relaxed. He had been away for two weeks. His peace of mind was shattered within seconds.

The new Chief Security Officer Coldham Fintan Noose III had been attacked while Philip had been on vacation. He had been knocked unconscious and beaten up while on duty, stopping a burglary in its tracks. Fin, as the CSO wanted to be called, had asked Philip to come and visit him at his home, when he was finally able to reach him. Philip wondered what Fin wanted from him.

Philip felt a bit awkward, when he arrived with his beat up Honda CR-V at Fin's very posh neighborhood. He found the house easy and was welcomed by Frieda, Fin's wife. She was a surprise. Fin was light ash blonde and of European descent. He preferred to wear only black designer clothing. Philip thought it was an Italian brand. Frieda was Latina and wore a simple jeans and a colorful t-shirt. She looked very young. Philip liked Frieda immediately. She was warm, seemed down to earth and less stern than Fin. Frieda explained Fin was asleep. They heard screams. "Uhm, it seems Fin has a nightmare. I'll better wake him up." Before rushing off Frieda offered Philip to take a seat at the kitchen table. Philip hadn't been comfortable for long before he jumped up in fright. Something had touched him. Overcoming his shock Philip checked under the table and found a toddler, grinning broadly at him. The little girl looked very much like Frieda, so Philip assumed she was Frieda's daughter. Philip burst out laughing, amused he had been frightened by a small kid. Frieda returned at that moment and said smiling: "I see you have met Casey already." "How old is your daughter?" Philip asked. "17 months." "Casey is really cute." "Yes, and a lot of work too." Frieda replied with a smile. "By the way Fin is ready for you." Fin had come down to the living room, where Frieda brought Philip to. Fin was looking rough around the edges and not as well groomed as he usually did. Philip had a hard time not to stare at the cast on Fin's left leg or the fading bruise on Fin's cheek. He couldn't see any further injuries, but he noticed Fin was in pain. Fin didn't pause for small talk. He came straight to the point. "Where have you been on the night between 01.00 am and 02.00 am of the 19th of August?" Philip understood immediately what this was all about. He bristled and in his anger jumped up from the sofa. "Come on, you can't be serious!" Fin just looked calmly at Philip. Cooling down somewhat Philip replied: "I was in Portland. At first at a Dinosaur Jr. concert and then hanging out with some friends at a bar. I think we were there until two or so." "Alright." "That's it?!" "Yes, it was just pro forma. I know you're not the one, who broke into the company and attacked me." Philip was outraged. "Why are you asking then?" "Mr. Powell wanted an alibi." Philip blew through his nose. His uncle and CEO of the company he worked for, suspected naturally him being behind the break ins and fraud, since Philip's father was a criminal. Philip had enough and wanted to quit. He said as much to Fin. He also said resigned: "I guess you are going to investigate behind my back again if it's true what I'm saying." Fin had done some back ground checks when he heard from a "source" Philip’s father was a robber and serving a long prison sentence. Philip thought the source had been his uncle Stanford Powell. "No, but if you could provide me with the invoice of the hotel you have stayed at..." "Like hell I will!" "Look, if you do what I ask you for, I might can do you a favor too." "Really?" Philip asked sarcastic. "Really." Fin replied with a grin. "And what would that favor be?" "I'll have to get Mr. Powell first around to support my idea... If I'm successful it would definitely proof to everyone that you aren't guilty." Philip looked up startled. Someone had spread the rumour he was behind the crime and a few co-workers ostracized him. He suspected the situation was worse now thanks to the new burglary attempt. Philip wondered how Fin knew about it. The offer was tempting. "I'd like to see how you get my uncle around." Now it was Fin's turn to be surprised. "He's what?" "My uncle. My mother and he are siblings. He is seven years younger than Mom." "Okay." If Fin had come to his own conclusions why Stanford had been so adamant Philip was the thief and so totally unwilling to promote his nephew within the company he didn't show it. Philip promised to drop his evidence by.
Frieda knocked and told them dinner was ready. Philip didn't expect the invitation was extended to him and another reason he wanted to leave was his dislike for burritos and chili con carne. He believed Frieda was Mexican, where the majority of Hispanic immigrants to the US came from. Philip's experience with Latinos was limited, because they only made up around six per cent of Seattle's population. Since Frieda and Fin didn't take no for an answer, Philip agreed to have dinner with the couple. He offered to help Fin up, who told him it was okay. It seemed Fin had experience with crutches and didn't need support. The dinner was a pleasant surprise. The setting was simple, but elegant. Casey was already sitting in her high chair and couldn't wait for the meal to begin. She made urgent noises and stretched her arms out, when Frieda served Philip first. Fin told Casey soothing: "Guests come first, darling. Don't worry, it's your turn next." Casey quietened down as soon as she received her portion of the Khmer beef salad. It was delicious Philip admitted and not what he had expected. When he asked where the recipe came from, Frieda told him they had picked it up during their honey moon trip two years earlier. Turning to Fin Philip asked about the nightmare. Fin said short: "I don't want to talk about it." Frieda gave Fin a concerned look, but he ignored it. Philip cleared his throat and instead talked about the first part of his vacation he had spent at Salmon River, just a little over an hour outside Portland, with his grandfather. They both loved fishing. Fin admitted freely he was an urbanite and didn't care very much about fishing. He and Frieda liked water sports, especially scuba diving. After dinner Philip went home, wondering why he had agreed to hand over evidence he had been really in Oregon and how Fin was going to proof to the public Philip wasn't the bad guy and convince Uncle Stanford of it too.


Philip dropped off the invoice he had received for his stay in Portland the next day.

Three days later Stanford Powell's Personal Assistant arranged an appointment with Philip. Stanford was pretending to be busy, when Philip entered. "Take a seat." Stanford said, not looking up from his papers. He let his nephew stew for a few minutes before he paid any attention to him. "You are lucky you have such a staunch supporter in Mr. Noose. He's 100% sure you are innocent and since he is the authority in his field I trust him." Philip gave his uncle a baleful glare. Their relationship was difficult. Philip had found out by coincidence that Stanford had only given him a fulltime job in return of Philip's mother cleaning Stanford's house for free for years. It had made Philip resentful, because Stanford could have easily afforded a cleaning lady if he had wanted to. Philip’s mother Deana had a hard enough life in the first place and Philip thought they all were family, so Stanford should have supported him and Deana without making demands. Returning to the present he didn't reply. Stanford sighed. "Mr. Noose suggested the company should look for an additional security guard. For the moment it's only when one of the other team members is sick or on holiday. You will of course receive full training if you agree to take on the position and it includes night shifts. The position might turns into something more permanent, if it proves to make sense. Would you be interested in being our reserve security guard?" Philip wanted to refuse out of rebellion, but decided to take on the job. First it would rankle Stanford, Philip had finally managed to escape the warehouse - if only partly; second it was a challenge and third it definitely proved Philip had nothing to do with the break ins. The Chief Security Officer wouldn't invite the suspected perpetrator to join his team. So much was for sure.

Fin had been right. People, who had eyed Philip before with suspicion, were suddenly back to treating Philip as usual.

For Philip it meant spending a lot of time with Fin, Aurelio and Adrain from the security team.
Philip found out soon why Fin had been selected to replace Michael Kuraite, the former CSO. He was younger than all team members, but seemed to have quite a lot of experience in security matters. He was better than the others and saw things they overlooked. Philip realized Fin could get easily into the mind-set of a criminal and wasn't surprised when Fin solved who was really responsible for the theft and fraud. It was a bigger shock that nearly all the management had to be replaced and Fin's announcement he was going to leave the company. He chose his successor, which caused a few tongue wagging. It had always been assumed the new CSO would be Ty Hansen, Michael Kuraite's and later Fin's deputy. Instead Fin selected Sammy Metz, another security guard. It meant Philip was offered a permanent position on the security team, which he accepted. Sammy proved to be a worthy successor - it was no wonder having been handpicked and intensely trained by Fin before he left. Philip liked his new job. It was sometimes boring, but could be also demanding and exciting. Philip had never thought he had a talent for it and surprised himself and his uncle. They never were very close, but they started to trust and respect each other. When Sammy retired he suggested to Stanford to promote Philip. He had groomed the CEO's nephew any way and was glad when the CEO agreed to make Philip Chief Security Officer. At first Philip was worried if he would be able to fulfil the demands of the job. Slowly he grew into the position and if he needed help he knew he could always contact Sammy or Fin, with whom he had stayed in contact over all those years.




©2014 

Dinner

"Did your boss say what we should wear?" Ines Hansen asked her husband Ty. "He said nothing about that. Just that the dinner was going to be a casual affair and nothing too fancy." Ty worked as a security guard at an import company and had a new boss, who had invited all his employees to dinner at his home.
Ty and Ines were in their mid-forties. Ty over towered most people with his 6 ft. 5 in. heavy frame. He loved to eat, especially steak and potatoes. Ines didn't mind Ty's stomach was bulging.
Ines took more care what she looked like and spent a lot of time at the fitness center and used Botox to smooth out her wrinkles. She was reaching up to her husband's chin, had colored red hair and blue eyes.
She was also slightly more ambitious than Ty and had been upset when she heard Michael Kuraite, the head of security had been fired for being unable to solve the thieving happening under his watch at the company, but Ty, who was second in command, had been overlooked for the promotion and instead some unknown young guy had been given the position.
"I wish we could refuse. Did you tell Mr. Noose David is coeleriac?" "Yes, I did. He knew about it and promised to make sure there weren't any gluten in the meal." Having no choice Ines started getting ready to go out.


"Do I really have to go?" Deante McDonnell asked his mother Emily in a whiney tone. She nodded. "It's very important for your father to be in the good books of the new boss." "But what has it to do with me? Can't I simply stay at home? I promise I behave." "No, Deante, Mr. Noose wants to meet the whole family." "But there is nobody my age..." "You heard your mother. Get dressed appropriately and be ready in ten minutes. We don't want to be too late." Deante's father Adrain Bennis ordered, his tone allowing no further protests. Adrain was muscly and strong. He was African American like his wife and son. Emily and Deante were fine boned and light skinned, but not very tall. Deante was thirteen and drove his parents mad, when he proved to be stubborn and wanted to do things his way. Deante believed he was mature and could take care of himself. He wasn't a baby!
Deante knew his parents well enough they weren't going to budge on this one, so before they were shouting at him and threatening to take away privileges, he decided to fight another time.


"But, Dad, I promised Kendall to meet with her at the mall tonight!" Tamika Metz protested. She had been looking forward to the outing. "I know, honey, and I'm really sorry. If you go tonight with us to the dinner, you can go to that party of yours." Tamika thought about it. The high school senior was long legged, blond and had a honey colored teint. Normally her parents didn't allow her to go out during the week, so this was a real sweetener. "Alright." She considered the two or three hours the party was going to last wouldn't kill her. Tamika was also pleased to hear David and Samantha Hansen were invited as well. She wouldn't be too bored then.

Jeana Stansfield was looking forward to the dinner. She liked Adrain Bennis and his family. Ines Hansen was a bit too superficial in her opinion.
Jeana was curious about her husband Aurelio's new boss. She had heard he was her age and seemed to be interested in healthy cooking, which she was too. Jeana's mother had diabetes and her father high blood pressure. Jeana wasn't interested in going the same way, so the dark haired and brown eyed petite beauty, wanted to change her lifestyle. Aurelio, who was bulky and a former college football player, had other ideas. For him salad was rabbit food and refused to eat even a tiny leaf. Jeana thought Mr. Noose was a fresh change of wind and maybe he could influence Aurelio to consider picking up healthier eating habits. Jeana was stupid enough to bring up her concerns and Aurelio should take an example on his new boss. Aurelio reacted hurt and counterattacked. They soon were having a blazing row, causing them to be late and they forgot the chocolates, a gift for their hosts. Both were disappointed, because they had wanted to make a good impression.

When they finally arrived all the others were already there. Jeana was surprised about their hosts. She thought Fin, as Mr. Noose wanted to be called, was good looking, but his wife was plain. Fin was tall and blond with blue grey eyes. She had expected Frieda would have also model looks. She was roughly Jeana's height, black haired and had dark brown eyes.

Ines was wondering how Fin and Frieda could afford a three bed room house with views over Mount Rainier near Washington Park, here in Seattle. The rent and house prices in the area were sky high. Ines assumed the rent was either as high or more as Fin was earning in a year. Maybe Frieda had a high earning job as well. Ines was going to find out.

Deante thought he was going to be bored. As always the older teenagers wanted nothing to do with him. Somehow Deante managed to get seated near Fin. "What would you like to drink?" Frieda asked. The teenagers wanted all Cola. Fin brought in the casserole he had made. Deante was impressed. His father could make fried eggs, but that was it as far as his repertoire went. His mother Emily claimed she could cook, but her meals were always dreadful, either too salty, burned or raw. The family had agreed to have take aways or go out eating. Deante was wondering how Fin managed to cook by himself. Deante felt a bit awestruck and shy in Fin's presence, so he didn't dare asking yet.
Fin gave everyone a generous portion of the lemon chicken bake. There was also a side salad. The guests seemed satisfied. It was moreish and Deante liked that there were a lot of vegetables in it. Deante noticed an immediate difference. Normally his meals made him full and lethargic. Now he wasn't hungry and felt energized. They talked about Deante's favorite subject at school. Fin told him about his own. The guests found out Fin had been a rebellious teenager and had been sent to a military boarding school. He regaled them with a few of his adventures there. Deante liked the idea of sneaking out during the night, going to a party and never getting caught.
The theme changed to fitness and what regimes the adults followed. Fin, for example was running five times a week and trained every day in Tai Chi, while Frieda went to yoga classes and swam regularly. Deante's father and Aurelio were into weight lifting. Sammy had a black belt in Judo. The other women went to the gym regularly.
When Fin's team heard he was practising Tai Chi they thought he was a sissy. Being influenced by their father David and Samantha believed the same. Fin rose in Jeana's and Deante's esteem. Ines had never spent any thought men would be interested in Tai Chi. The rest didn't care.

Ines asked about Frieda's job. Frieda explained she was a house maker. She also said she still breast fed Casey and it was more convenient to stay at home. Most of the guests came to the conclusion Fin was from a well off family, based on what Fin had told them about his upbringing, and that he was supported by his parents. Otherwise his lifestyle wasn't possible. Some of them were a bit jealous and thought about how hard they had to work to achieve where they were.

In the end the guests also met Casey. She was wailing loudly for a few minutes before Fin went to check on her.
Parenting wasn't easy and the Bennis' and Hansens believed to let the baby cry until it stopped by her/himself. The Metzs had a different approach. They had always reacted to Tamika's crying. In each parents' opinion the Nooses were treating the issue wrongly. They reacted too slow or too fast.

Fin and his daughter were back in time for dessert. At first Casey was a bit shy. Casey took a bite from Ty's passion fruit and orange jelly and smiled broadly. After playing peek a boo with Tamika for a while she got cranky and Frieda brought her back to bed.

Deante had been struggling with his own shyness, but overcame it and asked Fin to teach him to cook. Fin agreed. He was only surprised Deante wanted to start the next day. It wasn't an issue for him. Emily gave her permission.

The evening came to an end and everyone left, but before there was some added drama. Sammy had a bit too much to drink and thought he should test if Tai Chi was really good to defend oneself from an attack. Fin blocked a Te-waza - a hand technique in Judo to force an opponent to the ground - from Sammy. For a moment everyone thought there was going to be a fight between Sammy and his boss. Instead Fin threatened to make sure Sammy was fired and that he would drag him before court if Sammy ever tried to attack him again. It brought an abrupt end to a pleasant meal. Tamika was mortified. Josefina did the right thing and apologized immediately.  Fin accepted and seemed calm about the whole affair. Josefina and Tamika bundled Sammy into their car and left.
The
 others didn't know exactly what to do or to say. Ty, being Sammy's best friend, looked for an excuse. "I think Sammy had simply too much to drink. He didn't mean it..." Seeing Fin's eyes flickering dangerously, Ty trailed off. "Can we change the subject?" Fin's voice was surprisingly gentle. Ines thanked Fin and Frieda for the dinner and complimented the flavors of the casserole. Emily and Jeana agreed and shuffled with their feet. The atmosphere was tense. Deante suddenly didn't want to have cooking classes from Fin. He feared him a bit and wouldn't dare messing around. Finally after the silence was too awkward the guests said good bye and left.

©2014

Middle Man

Juan Migallon had heard his future brother in law Coldham Fintan Noose III needed a new middle man. Juan knew just the person. His cousin Adam Granato had opened his own business and was looking for clients.

Fin's reputation - as Coldham Fintan was nick named - had already spread and Adam was sceptical. "You want to get me killed?!" Juan replied: "No. You don't have anything to fear as long as you don't stab him in the back or threaten his family. Damien did both, so he got what he deserved." Juan didn't have any pity for Fin's former middle man. "Fin is also one of the best in his job and on the way to be THE best. It would be good advertising for yourself, if you would be associated with him." Adam was still not convinced. "You have a lot in common. Family goes above everything for Fin. He is married to my girlfriend’s sister and has a little daughter. She is slightly older than your own." Adam paused for a moment. "Set up a meeting, but I won't promise anything!" "Perfect. That's all what I'm asking for." Juan was pleased and sure once Adam had met Fin he would forget his doubts.

Juan arranged for a meeting of the two families in Ottawa. It was neutral ground.

Judy asked her husband Adam: "Are you really sure you want to meet with this Fintan guy?" "Well, yes, I'd like to make myself a picture and if Juan says the guy is good, who am I to doubt my own cousin?" "Alright. You don't think he's going to kill us..." "Honey, we're meeting at the lobby of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier! He brings his wife and daughter, so it's unlikely he would do anything stupid." Adam replied exacerbated. Judy sighed and acquiesced.

Fin and Frieda, Fin's wife, were also discussing Adam. Fin was a bit nervous, while Frieda took it cool. "Adam is related to Juan and you know what an important role Juan plays in our family. He's very supportive of Bobby and an outstanding left hand man." Bobby was Frieda's sister. She and Juan were groomed to take over the family business with Bobby at the helm.
"Yeah, but think about my own family. Nearly all are screwed up..." "Not all families are like yours and if you think Adam is crazy or unsuitable, just don't take him as your middle man." "You're always so wise, my dear." Fin kissed Frieda on the tip of her nose.

Fin, Frieda and Casey found Adam, Judy and Jerri already waiting at the lobby. Adam was around three inches smaller than Fin, had carrot red hair and green eyes. He looked very much different than his cousin Juan. Judy was eleven inches smaller than her husband and had hazelnut brown hair, her eyes were also green. Judy was a bit fuller around the hips, having not shed all the pounds she had gained during pregnancy. Frieda on the other side had been well proportioned to begin with. She had regained her figure ca. six months after giving birth. Fin was 6 ft 2 in tall, light ash blond and had blue grey eyes. His wife was reaching up to his chin, dark haired and had brown eyes and olive skin.
Jerri was also dark haired and had astoundingly blue eyes, while Casey was a miniature copy of Frieda.
Casey was nine months old and very good at crawling. She managed sometimes a few steps by holding on to furniture or someone's hand. In character she was similar to Fin. She was introvert, but a keen observer. Casey went through a phase, having fear of strangers.
She recoiled and tried to hide from the Granato's when the families introduced each other, burying her face in Frieda's neck. Casey hadn't noticed Jerri, who was fast asleep in her buggy. She felt the securest on her parents' lap. Judy liked children overall and would have loved to play a bit with Casey. Fin and Adam checked each other out. The women had their daughters in common, so the meeting wasn't awkward for them. Jerri was four months younger than Casey.
Fin and Adam found out they shared a passion for music. Both liked jazz and Madeleine Peyroux. Adam blushed a bit when he admitted he listened sometimes to Rosanne Cash. Fin didn't like county music, so he hadn't thought about the singer. "She doesn't only do Country. Some of her repertoire is pop and blues." Adam explained. "Hm, maybe I'll check it out." Fin said. "What are your favourites?" ""Take Me, Take Me", "So Fine", "Thoughts from the Train", Anybody's Darlin'", "Big River", "Down on Love" and much, much more... Rosanne Cash has so far recorded ten albums." "Wow, impressive." They enjoyed the tea and smiled about Casey's interest in Jerri. When the baby was awake, she had squawked to get attention. After being fed and the nappy had been changed Jerri was taking in her surroundings with big eyes. Casey was intrigued and urged her father to be let down. Fin complied and Casey was high speed crawling towards Judy and Jerri. She sat down in front of Judy and looked up to Jerri. Both stared at each other. "Jerri is a baby, darling, so be careful with her." Frieda explained. "Want to sit beside us?" Judi asked. Casey didn't like the strange voice and her face scrunched up. Curiosity won out, though, and she let Judy lift her up. Casey touched Jerri soft on the cheek. Jerri thought it was funny and gave a gummy grin, which delighted Casey in turn. They seemed to communicate silently.
The tea went well, so Adam and Fin agreed to meet the next day at Fin's room to discuss business.

Fin tried to make the meeting a pleasant one and organized a few things he deemed necessary to do just that. He took his daughter with him. Casey was fascinated by the Christmas decoration at the Rideau Center and scared by Santa. She cried while sitting on his lap and stopped only when she was safely back in her father's arm, still sniffling, but clutching the present Santa had given her. "Want to see what's in there?" Fin asked. Casey hadn't grabbed the concept of a gift yet. She protested vehemently when Fin tried to take the box from her. "Okay, then keep it." Fin shrugged. Maybe Casey's mother had more success later on. Finally having everything gathered, they returned to the hotel. On their room Frieda was already waiting. Casey gave Frieda the package. "Oh, is that for me?" Frieda took it and shook. "Hm, what's in there?" Frieda opened it and revealed a teddy bear. Casey grabbed it from her mother's hand and hugged the bear. "Oh, was the bear for you after all?" Casey nodded. "Okay. We should give it a name." They agreed to call it Polly.

Frieda and Casey were meeting with Judy and Jerri, while the men had their meeting.

Fin wasn't exactly looking forward to it. He had liked Adam and thought they would be able to build a meaningful partnership in the future. The problem was Fin had to convince Adam and most likely some explaining to do.

When Adam arrived Fin had everything set up. Adam's favorite cookies and apples were laid out on the coffee table. There was a bottle of Acqua Panna waiting as well. Soft music was playing in the back ground. Adam recognized the album immediately. It was "Rules of Travel" by Rosanne Cash. He was impressed to what great length Fin had gone to please and make him comfortable. Adam thought Fin behaved Hispanic and wasn't sure if Fin had always been that way or influenced by Frieda and her family. "Please take a seat. Would you like coffee? I can make it with the machine or order it from room service..." "I'd like to have privacy and go down to business, so the coffee machine will do." Adam was direct. Fin chose the capsule with the strongest coffee. He made himself a cup of green tea. While Fin prepared the beverages Adam asked Fin what he thought about Juan. Fin wasn't sure if the question was a trap or simply small talk, because Juan was the one person they both knew. Fin decided it was the latter and in any case to go with honesty. "I like Juan. He's growing on me and he has proven to be a good friend, but when we first met he decided to get drunk and make love with lamp posts..., so that didn't leave a too good impression. Now I can laugh about it." "Yeah, that sounds like Juan." Adam giggled. Balancing two cups and saucers Fin returned to the table. "Sugar or milk?" "Two sugar, please." Fin returned with two packets. They were quiet for a while, munching on the cookies and enjoying their hot drinks. The silence was companionable. Adam broke it. "If I'm going to be your middle man, what would you expect from me?" "Honesty, integrity, flexibility and that you give me jobs fitting my skills." "What can I expect from you?" Adam's face was unreadable. "Besides monetary compensation I promise I do whatever job you give me to the client’s 100% satisfaction. If I'm unhappy or my circumstances change I'll let you know." "What do you mean by changing circumstances?" "Frieda and I might want a second child, so I wouldn't be willing to take on jobs involving being away for long periods from Frieda during her pregnancy and around half a year after the baby is born." "I understand that. Familia comes first." Fin was glad. Damien hadn't. "Now, rumours have it you killed Damien, beating him to death. Why would you kill him and how did he die?" "He tried to black mail me. Threatening to kidnap my highly pregnant wife, in the hope I would take on a burglary in Australia. I took him serious and I won't accept black mail." Fin's eyes had turned blue. Adam was fascinated. "So you beat him to death?" "No, that's way too barbaric. I told him he had signed his death warrant, called Frieda and told her to go into hiding." "Was that all?" "No, I contacted a friend of mine, who's a contract killer." Adam was a bit impatient that Fin wasn't forthcoming. "And?" "My friend ambushed Damien and shot him." "Why didn't you kill him yourself?" "I'm sorry to say, but I'm a coward in that regards. I wouldn't have been able to do it." Adam was quite. He had to think. Did Adam believe Fin? Was he able to trust Fin and work with him? "I have to sleep over my decision. I'll let you know tomorrow." Adam got up, straightened his clothing and left.

Adam was waiting for the police report of Damien's murder. He had his contacts too. His acquaintance confirmed Damien had been killed by a gun wound to his head. Fin hadn't lied about it.
Adam spoke with former clients and people Fin had worked together with. The clients were very happy. Fin had always delivered; either quicker than expected or in a timely manner and was discreet.
Fin's contemporaries were of split opinion. He heard Fin was arrogant, stubborn and own minded, a loner, a narcisist and difficult to work with. Others said Fin was shy, focused, self-assured, creative, a perfectionist, straight forward and strategic thinking. No matter what fellow criminals thought about Fin they respected him.
Adam had still a few doubts if he wanted to work together with Fin. He had liked Fin, though. There was also the siren call of money and prestige. Adam weighed up what he had learned about Fin, considered his own feelings and asked for Judy's input.
Fin's demands were sensible. As long as he and Adam communicated and found a compromise or an agreement, Adam had nothing to fear, so Juan had been right.
Fin wasn't sure his pitch had worked. He hoped for the best. Since he had arranged for the murder of his middle man Fin had had difficulties finding new jobs.
 He didn't need the income, having earned a lot in the past and a friend had laundered and invested it cleverly, so it had grown. Fin missed the work, though. He believed he was born to be a burglar.

The next morning Fin and Adam met for breakfast. Fin was tense, but hid his nerves well. It was hard for him not to play with his food. "Have you come to a decision, Adam?" Fin asked. "Yes, I'd like to be your middle man." Fin was visibly relieved. They agreed to forge out the details on Adam's room.
They both gained from their partnership. Fin received more interesting and challenging jobs than before, rising to the occasions and being considered the best in his field.
In the beginning Adam got some flak for taking on Fin. He was warned Fin would destroy Adam's reputation or he would get killed if Fin didn't get what he wanted. Nothing came true.
Adam built a client base and thanks to Fin's ability gained also a reputation as the middle man to go to get the job done. Since Adam managed to angle interesting work other burglars and hackers wanted to come on board too.
Adam and Fin never regretted their decision to team up and if there were issues they spoke about them open and found solutions.


©2014