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[jayc]

Max drove from the meeting stunned by the tale and plan Mr Issac had told him.

The old adage “If it’s too good to be true then it usually is” kept interrupting his train of thought.

He made a mental list as he drove, of things he needed to check out first before meeting with Issac again. He glanced at his watch and pulled into a gas station, filled the tank and made some calls.
He called his wife Sally, who knew better to ask why, and told her he would not be home for dinner.
Then he called Henry and said he would be there in about an hour. Back on the road, he got on the highway and headed south.

Max had been keeping a low profile for the last few years much to his wife's relief. He was still fencing merchandise but using third parties to distance himself and avoid risk and it provided a decent income.
But bad legitimate investments and slow business at his store had drained his wealth at an alarming rate.
He was not getting any younger and Sally wanted to start a family and together they had purchased a large piece of land on the pacific coast in Oregon to build their dream home. She had been patient with Max and it pained him that he could not fulfill their dream yet.

Slowing down, he turned off the main highway. He took the gravel road for a few miles. He came to the large security gate, reached out of the window and pressed the button. He smiled at the closed circuit camera.
With a buzz, the gate rattled open and Max drove up the twisty road that lead to a big cabin overlooking the wooded property. The gate closed behind him.

He parked his car and let himself in and walked into the kitchen. Maria, Henry's wife was chopping vegetables at the counter.

He kissed her cheek in fond greeting, “Hello Maria, where is he?”

“Hi Max, he is out on the back porch. Staying for dinner?”

“Why else would I come all the way out here?” Max said and helped himself to a beer from the fridge.

Max walked outside and saw Henry at a table tinkering with an old carburetor from a vintage Triumph motorcycle. Henry had just turned seventy but looked like a man in his fifties. Max stood there for a moment and smiled watching him. Henry was the father he never had and his mentor, the smartest man he had ever met. Officially retired from the “trade” as Henry called it, he always had time for Max, be it advice or just a pleasant weekend getaway with Sally and Maria.   

Sensing his presence Henry spoke, 'Make yourself useful and hand me those needle nose pliers.”

Max found the tool and gave it to Henry and sat down.

“Your call sounded urgent. What are you up to now?” Henry said with a grin.

Max went on to tell Henry about his curious client Mr Isaac and his outrageous business proposal. Henry stopped working and asked a series of questions.

“Where?” 
“Spain,” Max answered.

“When?”
“Soon,” Max answered his quick fire questions.

“Inside job?”
“Yes”

“Security?” 
“We will have all the codes save for one”

“Explain,” Henry listened intently
“Once we’re in, they will know, but it will be some time before they can respond”

“Who is they?”
“He didn’t say,” Max replied.

“What’s your end?”
“A flat fee, 50 million, half before and half after, Issac has a buyer lined up.”

They were interrupted by Maria who came out with a platter of steaks for the grill.

“Who's doing the grilling?”  Maria teased

“Max has the honor, and don't burn them, I need to make a few calls before dinner” Henry got up and went inside.

After dinner Henry walked Max to his car.

“Max, this Isaac fellow is in the Order of the Black Sun.”

“Black Sun?  That is a myth, an urban legend.” Max laughed

“Yes a legend, and a lot of good thieves have died keeping it a legend, if you get what I am saying. Tell him you’re not interested. Walk away from this Max.” 

 

[jayc]

The Imp left the meeting with Max Kempf  in good spirits. Mr Kempf had showed interest in the plan, and had said he would give him an answer in a day or so.

“No going back now, the plan’s first phase was already in play and Mr Kempf  was going to participate one way or another,”  the Imp  mused to himself. He sat in the back of the Sedan car.

The Imp had to be careful now, he was committing high treason against the Black Sun and the penalty was death. Ivan was here in the states looking for him, but he was using new credentials so he was off the grid so to speak, still he must be careful. One of his disposable cell phones rang, it was Onyxx.

“It’s done, but we have a problem,”  Onyxx spoke

“What kind of problem?” the Imp raged

“The cash transfers are complete and I left no trace but the client list file is encrypted.” Onyxx replied.

“You must open it! My life depends on it, all our lives depend on it! You of all people surely know this!” The Imp was annoyed and verging on the edge of hysteria.

“It’s not that simple, I have to write a key cracking program and proceed with caution. The file could even be booby trapped. It’s going to take some time…” Onyxx explained.

The Imp hung up and began kicking the seat in front of him. He screamed “ Fuck, Fuck Fuck.”
The driver kept his eyes forward and said nothing. Trembling, the imp reached into his coat and pulled out a vial of cocaine, tapped out some of the drug onto a small mirror. His hands shaking he rolled a dollar bill into a tube and snorted the powder deeply and laid back, his eyes closed.

The numbing sensation of the cocaine taking effect calmed the Imp and he began to have semi lucid thoughts again. He picked up another cell phone and called his Man in England.

The man answered and the Imp spoke.

“It’s done, set Mr Branson free,”  the Imp hung up and began to laugh, the drug haddling his unsettled mind.

Incubus arrived back at his safe house one of the men handed him a manila envelope. Inside were copies of photos his men had taken earlier that morning. Incubus began to tremble as his rage built into a full blown temper tantrum. Evil thoughts began to take seed.

The men in the house went outdoors and waited for the storm to pass inside.  They looked at each other fearfully as they heard him screaming vengeance and breaking glass as the Imp trashed the living room. “I’ll kill the little fucker” repeated over and over.

THE ENGLISH COUNTRY SIDE

Eric Branson stood by his car waiting. A dark colored van pulled up next to his car.  Branson could see it was Mr Abaddon. The big man killed the engine and stepped out.

“I have done all you have asked. You have had all the passwords I know and could get hold of. Now where is my wife?”  Branson pleaded. “I hope you haven’t hurt her.”

“There there,  Mr Branson, you have done all that was required of you. My Master has instructed me to set you both free. Your wife is in the van.”  Abaddon said with a smile.

Branson rushed to the van and slid the door open. At the same time Abaddon came from behind and slipped a length of nylon rope around Branson's neck and pulled back tightly.
Branson fought back, bringing his hands to rope, trying to pull free.  His eyes bulged as the air was restricted from his body, but his efforts were futile.

The last thing Branson saw as his life slipped away, was the body of his dead battered wife, lying in the van.

Abaddon pushed the lifeless body of Branson into the van, piling him on top of his dead wife and drove to the meeting point. Parking in a lot, he got out and exchanged keys with the man waiting for him. He nodded to him. The man knew his instructions. He was a cleaner, a professional who would ensure that the two bodies would never be found.  All lose ends were tied neat and tidy. Neither man spoke and both only stayed in each other’s company to exchange keys before driving off.

Abaddon got in the other car. By arrangement, his luggage was already in the trunk. He had a plane to catch now he had finished his business here.

He was looking forward to a trip to the states. He was a faithful servant and his Master had summoned him. Incubus needed his services and specialist skills.

         

[jayc]

Ivan allowed himself the rare pleasure of sleeping in till 9.00 AM, he was tired and the few extra hours would help. He rose and made coffee in the smaller brewer all American hotel rooms had. Carrying a cup of strong black coffee, and his phone in his hand, he went out on his balcony.  The view was of the pleasant gardens surrounding a tall tree. Hotel staff were brushing the pathways for guests.

He opened his phone. He had several new texts new. First he called Thomas back in France. The phone rang twice and Thomas picked up.

Ivan spoke, “Tom, its Ivan, what you got?”

“Ivan, I have good and bad news,” Thomas said sounding more calm than the night before.

“Okay the bad first.” Ivan replied.

“We were hacked, I am certain of it and the scans back me up. I think we have a Rat in the house.” Thomas said.

“Explain” Ivan said curtly

“A Black Sun password was used to gain entry into the main frame, then our hacker used some kind of program to access bank transfers. A substantial amount of money has moved to a bank somewhere in the USA or South America, I can’t be certain at this point. This has been going on for some time. Our Rat is very good at covering his footprints. When I try and follow the money it leads to a dead end every time. Quite frankly I am impressed at our Rats ability.”

“How much and what are you doing about it,”  Ivan asked

“The system is in complete lock down for the moment, the amount of money…..unknown, I may never be able to find out. As part of your emergency plan, your department was put on alert.”

“So I can assume the old man has been briefed?”  Ivan asked for confirmation.

“Yes,”  Thomas said

“Okay, give me the good news,” Ivan said with sarcasm.

Thomas perked up as he spoke, “Our thief made a mistake that alerted the system last night, he or she copied a file………the Order client list”.

“That is good news?” Ivan questioned, seething with anger.  Jeeze, they guaranteed confidentiality and discretion to their clients. It’s why they had operated successfully over the centuries. Such a breach could be devastating for the Order, not to mention, leaving their clients open to blackmail, family and business ruin, even suicide if the seedy details of their sexual antics were made public. The Black Sun Order would be smashed to smithereens.

“Yes, that narrows it down to just five people and the file is still encrypted, a fail safe I wrote into the program. It will be next to impossible to open it, a thousand to one odds, I am not worried.” Thomas said with confidence.

“Well my job is to worry, there’s too much at stake” Ivan shot back.

“James is here” Thomas handed over the phone.

Ivan listened to James, his second in command.  Four of the names on the list had been accounted for, the fifth, Eric Branson who worked in the Swedish financial office in London,  for the Order,  was missing.

A search of his home in London revealed he had left in a hurry, his passport and credentials were found in his home office. His servants were interviewed. Branson had been acting nervous recently and his wife had not been seen in a few weeks.
No luggage was missing or any belongings, so the team assumed he must still be in London. All airports in the UK were being watched and contacts within the police were helping to locate his car.

Satisfied James was doing everything possible Ivan hung up and called his team leader looking for the Imp.
More bad news, Issac was nowhere to be found and had to be traveling under a false identity. He was not using Black Sun credit cards or vehicles.

Ivan next called the Imp’s father and gave the old man an update. The elder listened in silence.

“Do you think these matters are linked?” the elder asked Ivan

“Yes Sir, but I hope I am wrong.”  Ivan sighed and ended the phone call. 

Although early in the day, he felt like drinking a vodka.  He poured himself a generous shot and returned to the balcony listening to a lawnmower gently humming in the background. He could smell freshly cut grass wafting in the air.

There’s only one reason, anyone would steal large amounts and go after the Client List, that’s to finish the Order, bring it down, and either make it ripe for a hostile take over or set up a similar venture, obliterating the competition. If that was the case, then The Order of the Tudor Rose would also be in danger, if it hadn’t been hit already. These were only the two orders who operated such a unique business.

Ivan was almost certain that Incubus was behind it all. He was an evil, spiteful little man. He didn’t always see eye to eye with his father or the other elders. He had wanted to diversify into prostitution and supply girls to the Middle East. His business idea was denied by the elders, they did not want to attract any attention from the authorities and they suspected he was already involved in human trafficking and illicit drugs. That was not what the Orders were about. The Orders were proud of the special services they offered to their clients and everything was consentual. It was why they were such a success.

Incubus had to be stopped and his accomplices caught.

Ivan decided to set up another meeting with Kade.  They needed to work together. It wasn’t an option to seek the help of any kind of formal law enforcement. It would have to be investigated internally and the threat eliminated.

 
     

 

[jayc]

We walk inside the bar, my laughing has ceased for the moment we see JCM and Zoerink have already arrived and helped clean up the aftermath of the concert. Stone greets them both and I keep my distance from my spouse trying to regain my composure.
.
I put some money in the jukebox and I play more AC/DC, the “jack begins to play again and the laughing returns.

Again puzzled looks from Stone. I avert my gaze and try to concentrate on picking up empty beer bottles. I sense she is walking towards me and I look down and see her boots. With Two of Stones fingers under my chin, she raises my head and I am looking looking into those lovely green eyes.

“Whats so funny? Are you going to tell me or do I have to beat it out of you?” Stone teases

I can take no more and explode with laughter and stagger to the office with Stone right behind me. Collapsing on the couch I cant breath I am laughing so hard. After a minute I pull myself together, sit up and explain.

“its the song, the words you changed.” I say sighing

“AC/DC are from Australia, right?”  Stone nods yes

“Well……. the “Jack” is Aussie slang for”………..i lean in and whisper in her ear.

Stone gasps then begins to laugh which gets me going again.

“are you sure?” stone gets out

“Yes the lyrics are all innuendos, but one thing is certain…….the jack is slang for V.D.!”

I stand up and grab  a mailing tube on my desk. Leaving Stone laughing on the couch I go out to the bar and put up the Halloween poster.

THE ACHAT BAR & GRILL
HALLOWEEN PARTY  2013
OCT. 20 TO OCT. 31
WEAR A COSTUME! POST A PIC!
COCK N ROSES!
OPEN MIC!
THE RETURN OF THE DENTIST CHAIR!

[jayc]

Stone and I hop into our truck and follow the line of vehicles leaving the lake. Its time to give the newlyweds some alone time. We need to go to the bar before going home. I want to check out the lights after the flickering we saw earlier and Stone wanted her “Big bag” the contents inside this bag never fail to amaze me. You could survive a week in the wilderness with all the chocolate she has in that thing. 
.

I ask her for the AC/DC CD from the console and pop it in the player. I find the tune “she's got the jack” our heads nod in time to the slow bluesy beat and i crank up the volume when they get to the chorus. I can control myself no more and bust out laughing as Stone sings along changing the words

“Stone's got the jack”

“she got me back”

“Stone's got the jack”

“she got me back”

I am about to run off the road I am laughing so hard. Stone looks puzzled and turns down the music.

“what is so funny?” Stone inquires he head tilted at a angle.

I pull into the bar parking lot and avoid the question.

[jayc]

card one……8  30  41  61 

card two…….2  7  12  43  63

[jayc]

Max Kempf walked into his store. The sign above said “KEMPF ANTIQUES.”

Punching in the code, the tinted glass door opened and he went inside. It was a “By appointment only” store. This kept out the bargain hunting tourists and the competition.

Max only dealt with elite collectors and interior designers for the rich and famous. The store was modest in size but the back warehouse was massive and was a treasure trove of “hard to find” items from around the globe.

Max was proud of the store. The problem was business had been slow for the last year. Max in his late 30s, looked the part, tall with long blond hair he kept tied in a small pony tail, striking blue eyes, and always dressed well.

Right on time the door buzzed again and he let in Ted, an associate of his, and led him to his office. 
                                                                                                                                     
Max opened his safe and reached for the small leather satchel the mysterious Mr Issac had given him at the party. Unzipping the case he placed a coin, one of ten in front of the numerologist sitting in front of his desk. The man picked up the coin and let out a gasp of surprise. He examined the coin closely using a jeweler’s loup.

“Max where did you get this?” He asked, his monocled eye devouring all the exquisite detail of the coins.

“That is my concern, is it real?” Max replied

“Yes its real, eleventh century, French, in pristine condition,” the expert stated, still examining the coins, one by one.

“Value?” Max asked

“Hard to say, I have seen them go at auction for ten to fifteen thousand, depending on the condition,” the man could not stop looking at the coin.

“So there is a market for these?”

The man looked up, “Yes of course but coins like this will bring a lot of attention”

Max frowned, “What about selling them privately?”

“You could I suppose, but that would take a lot of effort. What’s the time frame?” the man asked.

Max didn’t answer but looked deep in thought. Finally he spoke, “Okay Ted thanks, keep the coin for your time. Put it in your own collection and Ted, not a word”

Ted carefully wrapped the coin in his handkerchief and put it in his pocket.

“Thank you Max and yes not a word,” Ted said his voice bubbling with excitement.

He saw Ted out and Max sat at his desk and brooded. This Mr Issac was an odd bird and he made Max uncomfortable. His credentials had checked out okay and he was friendly with some very wealthy people. In their recent meetings Max could tell the man was an addict, he’d seen him sniffing coke at the party, and that was a red flag in the type of business that Max did.

Max picked up his phone and using the number Issac had given him, he left a message and hung up. A few minutes later Issac called him back, they set up a meeting for later that afternoon.

They met at an outdoor cafe, Max had taken a long route to make sure he wasn’t followed and arrived fifteen minute early to make sure Issac came alone. Max was always careful when meeting clients. Right on time a black sedan pulled up to the curb and out got Issac.

They shook hands, Issac's palm was moist and cool. “Like touching a frog,” Max mused.

When a waitress appeared at the table Issac slowly looked her up and down licking his lips and finally said, “Just a cup of tea Darling.”
The waitress hurried off and Isaac took off the sunglasses he was wearing. It revealed the bruises under his eyes, now beginning to yellow.

“Wow, how are you feeling?” Max said trying to sound concerned.

“The streets of this city are not safe. The coins?” Issac changed the subject.

“Yes they are genuine. How many are we talking about?” Max asked.

“More than you can imagine,” Issac smiled.

Max lit a cigarette, “Mr Isaac, I don't think I can help you”

“But why? I was told you’re the man to see in matters like this,” Issac whined, sounding like a petulant eight year old child.

Max went on to explain the rare coin market, the time it would take and all the attention it would cause.

“Couldn’t you just melt them down for the gold value?” Issac was starting to sound desperate.

Max shook his head, “That is insane Mr Issac!”

Max was a thief but a lover of antiquity’s and his conscience would never let him do such a thing.

Max was about to stand up when Issac spoke again, “What about gemstones?”

Now, he had Max’s interest again.

     

[jayc]

i prefer the new version also…………love the posts 

[jayc]

The wedding guests  mingle and chat around the fire sipping drinks. I toss on a few more logs and get a real good blaze going. Its a beautiful autumn evening, a warm breeze blows through the trees and the turning leaves rattle in response. The campfire smoke begins to move towards me and I say loudly……”I hate rabbits!” and the smoke begins to move away.

A few guests look at me puzzled and I explain.

“When I was a kid camping with my Dad, we would sit around the fire and if the smoke got in your eyes you said I hate rabbits and more often then not the smoke moved to somebody else, try it if you don’t believe me.”

I walk away from the fire and hear Pafe say “I hate rabbits” then laugh as the smoke goes towards Brandy. I grab a few beers and spot Stone by the food table and give her a wink and motion towards the lake shore.

My arm around my spouse we find a large boulder on the shore and sit at the waters edge. We sit close in a comfortable silence looking at the stars and moon enjoying the moment. My mind goes back to the many wonderful  nights we came out here when I was courting Stone.

Stone points to all the moon diamonds for the taking tonight and we giggle like teenagers. I turn her head and kiss her deeply. Stone breaks our kiss and points across the lake. From our vantage point we can see the edge of town up on the ridge and we can see flickering lights.

“Is that the Bar?” I whisper

“I think so,”   Stone Whispers back

“Maybe the dwarfs are playing games,”  I reply

“No, they are all out here with us,”  Stone answers.

“Maybe it's just the trees blowing in the breeze,”  I offer an explanation.

“Speaking of the bar, did you put up the poster announcing the Halloween party?” Stone asks.

“It's on my desk, I will put it up tomorrow, enough about work,”  I kiss her deeply again.

As we snog, a strong blast of wind roars down the ridge and across the lake, I catch a whiff of jasmine, or is it my imagination? Followed by a distinct chill. The blast of wind makes ripples in the moon lit lake, then I see it………… a V of ripples going the opposite direction.

Stone whispers,  “Hi Ellie”

We watch in silence and awe and  then hear somebody yell,  “I hate rabbits!” followed by laughter.

Old Joe sits near the fire enjoying a beer and cigar smiling at the “I hate rabbits war going on.
A strong gust of wind blows through and he smells Jasmine and a cool hand touches his neck.

Showing no surprise,  he silently mouths the words, ”Hello Doris, Hello Stanley” …    

   

[jayc]

Congrats  Marilyn  on another fashion release 

[jayc]

card 1      61

card 2      7  32      65

[jayc]

Tango we all are very proud of your achievement (posh word LOL) and we are a PM away if you need any help.

keep up the good work my Friend 

[jayc]

Stone and I have lived on the other side of the lake for the last 2 years. take the lake road all the way around and you will see a sign made from a oak stump “HYPERION HOMESTEAD” but be warned the gate is  guarded by a Gnome. in fact there so many gnomes on the property i have lost count 

ask Stone for a complete name list 

[jayc]

Paladin followed Kade into the kitchen and stood looking around as Kade spoke to the Head Chef.

Signaling Paladin to come over he spoke, “Antonio, this is Paladin and his sorry ass belongs to you today.” And with that he left the kitchen.

Antonio sized up Kade's recruit with an evil eye.

“I don’t know anything about cooking, I’m a banker!” Paladin protested.

“You no cook! You clean pots and pans for me!” Antonio yelled tossing Paladin an apron, and pointed to the heap of pots and pans soaking in steamy soapy water.

Paladin resigned to his fate, rolled up his sleeves  and put on the apron. The water was scalding hot and Paladin carefully began to scrub, already angry at this Italian tyrant.

“Hey Banker Man put on net for hair! The Chef barked in broken English.

Paladin could not help but notice all the lovely pets busy working all around him.

“Hey Banker Man, eyes on work, not pretty girls!!!!!”

Paladin tried to make conversation with a stunning blonde who was bringing him more dirty pots.

“Hey Banker, less chin music and more elbow grease!!!”  The Chef screamed now red faced.

“Yeah yeah yeah EL Duce,” Paladin muttered to himself.

Soaked in sweat, his dress shirt ruined with bacon and sausage grease stains, Paladin began to make headway in the stacks of pans. Keeping his eyes low he noticed the Chef was super nice to all kitchen staff except himself. The Chef came over after a few minutes to inspect the pans Paladin had rinsed off.

“No good, Banker!! Filthy filthy!! tossing a few back in the water. The splash, soaking his already ruined shirt even more.

Paladin gritted his teeth determined not to let this frustrating man rile him and to complete Kade’s punishment with honors.

The pans finally passing muster of the evil Chef , the man brought Paladin over to a table of Potatoes and handed him a paring knife sharp as the devil himself.

“You peel,” The chef watched over his shoulder as Paladin attempted the task at hand.

“No. No. No. Not like dat, like dis !!!” Antonio took the knife and peeled with speed and expertise. Handing back the knife, Paladin tried again.

“Better Mr Banker better,”  Antonio said with a hint of praise and went back to sipping his espresso and flirting with the pets.

An hour later, the potatoes were peeled, each new one looking better than the last as Paladin got the hang of it.

The breakfast rush over,  the kitchen calmed down as the chef and kitchen hands started prepping for lunch. The pets left the work area for classes and other duties.

“Anything else?” Paladin dared to ask

Take out the Garbage and mop the floor Paladin”, Antonio said with a smile, “then I will make you something to eat”

Paladin smiled back feeling a small sense of victory. Maybe, he had won over the Italian Chef after all.
 

Kade finished his breakfast before Pet65 and sipped his fresh orange. Her eyes were averted respectfully to her plate. He wanted her to be aware of the sexual tension between them but he  also wanted her to be relaxed and enjoy his company too.  He remembered from her file that she enjoyed playing tennis as a hobby.

“I have the morning free and know you like the odd game of tennis. We have some nice tennis courts here. Have you seen them? “

“Yes Sir, I have played since being here with a couple of other subs, it keeps us fit,” Pet 65 smiled.

“I like a game myself.  I can give you some pointers if you wish, I used to play for my school in my younger days at quite a high level,”  Kade  offered.

Pet65 bit her lower lip. She was good, really good at tennis having been a junior champion at County level but she decided to keep that little gold nugget to herself.
Maybe, she could teach Master Kade  a lesson in humility and tease his arrogance a little.  It was too tempting not to.

“I’d like that Sir, I have finished my lessons now. I’m just waiting for my assessments to be reviewed and allocated a Chapter.”

“Shall we meet at the tennis courts in say … “  Kade checked his wrist watch, “ an hour for a game then?”

Pet agreed and Kade excused himself to make a few phone calls.  She finished her breakfast and sat back to enjoy her coffee. 
She saw a couple of women spreading towels on sun loungers by the pool. They both had skimpy bikinis on, big hats and sunglasses. They settled with books to read.
She finished her coffee and returned to her room to find her tennis gear and racket.  Secretly, she was looking forward to whipping Kade’s ass on the court.

[jayc]

Paladin opened his eyes. It was early, Astrid was sound asleep curled up next to him. He pulled the covers back and moving slowly, he brought his feet to the floor and sat on the edge of the bed. He jumped when Astrid  poked his sides with her nails.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Astrid said with a laugh.

Paladin spun around and pushed Astrid down pinning her lithe shoulders to the bed and kissed her deeply.

“I have to get back,” Paladin said between kisses.

Astrid scowled in displeasure, “So you’re a love them and leave them type of guy?” she teased.

He shook his head, “No, I have classes this morning and need to get my ass in gear.”

“And what a nice ass to get in gear,” She said with a sly smile.

Paladin got dressed and patted his pockets doing an inventory, his phone was missing.  He walked into the kitchen and saw it on the counter flashing with a message. Astrid slipped on a robe and started making a pot of coffee. He read Kade's text and let out a sigh.

“Oh, that’s just great,” he muttered

“What’s wrong?” Astrid asked with a yawn

“I think I pissed off one of my associates,” Paladin answered.

“Got time for a cup of coffee?” She offered. 

“No time” Paladin turned Astrid around and kissed her goodbye.
“I will call you when I get a chance”

“Well you better Mr Paladin,” Astrid said with a smile and held her hand to the side of his face.  Paladin turned it palm up and kissed her palm.

He let himself out and started a fast walk back to the estate.
In a hurry and his thoughts on Astrid & the night before, he failed to notice the car with two men taking pictures of him and slowly driving by.

[Author]

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