The Bridge Ch 25 - Thanksgiving '55

The Bridge - Chapter Twenty-Five - Thanksgiving 2055

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. This work is copy written by the author. All characters involved in sexual activity are eighteen years of age or older at the time of portrayal.

This work will, at times, contain instances of lesbian sex, pregnancy, interracial sex, chastity, group sex, Dominance and submission, tattoos and piercings, slavery, intrigue, action, romance and affection. There are also threats of violence and a fair amount of heroism and family love and fun.

I have put this into the Lesbian Sex category because it is where I seem to be getting the most hits. Also, that's where the sex is in this one. Your positive ratings and comments, positive or negative, are welcome and appreciated. If you have read this story from the beginning, I would like to thank you. I hope someone is enjoying reading this as much as I enjoy writing it.

Chapter 25 - Thanksgiving 2055

It's Wednesday, and tomorrow will be Thanksgiving. So today we would be knee deep in preparation. Bertha is hosting her own Thanksgiving at her house, but she would get us started today and getting the Turkeys started tomorrow. So today, I'll be peeling and mashing a lot of potatoes, gathering a ton of green beans and a few stalks of Brussels sprouts. And, of course, there's the garlic and onion. I've been encouraged to make a vat of mac and cheese, and Bertha just got a new Cheddar wheel, so I think I will.

We have a bunch of folks coming this year, but not the giant crowds we sometime entertain. The Chus are coming, and the Tuttlehill girls. Alvin and Gloria are staying home and spending some alone time. For some reason, the guy who calls them their master hasn't contacted them. They should only know. Well, they're gonna know some of it, eventually. I've also been advised that Rapper Malone will be with her to hold her hand. Two couples from the neighborhood, Domingo and his wife and Herman, would be sit down guests. One of Domingo's boys is coming as well. Our other long-time guards would eat with us, but in the kitchen, standing up. The McKelly's will be here, and it will be the first time for us meeting the family, and their first time up to the house. Ronnie and Caroline have been requested and will be here. All the squad has been invited to stop by for a plate, if they have no place else to go, and they are not working.

Once the kids were off to school for the last day before Thanksgiving break, I put on my oldest, grubbiest long sleeved tee shirt and my yoga pants. Put on my winter body suit, my trainers and before you could say, I gotta do this before I have my coffee; I was in the driveway stretching, and warming up with Caroline. The first time around the loop, we took it from slow to moderate speed. Six times around the loop was roughly five miles. That's usually where I cut it off.

When we'd had our five miles done, we walked up the driveway, into the kitchen, and, of course, there were two cups of coffee just sitting there steaming away. I told her to take her cup and bring it into the Sun Room. We chit chatted a little and then I hit her with something she was not expecting. "Caroline. Are you happy?"

"Happy? I don't know what you mean. Like with the company, with my job?"

"Yeah, all of it."

"I love my job. You and the company have been extremely generous to me. And I'm challenged every day. I'm hoping to remain around for a good long time. But there is something that Ronnie and I have to speak to you about and we were hoping to do that sometime today."

I raised my wrist to my mouth. "Call the Closet."

"Closet, Danny speaking."

"Danny, can you find Ronnie for me?"

"Ronnie is double teaming with Avi, on the road. Their present position is approximately three minutes and twenty-six seconds from the house."

"I love your gift for precision, Danny."

"Call Ronnie."

"Yes Miss Todd."

"Ronnie, get someone else to ride with Avi, or let him ride alone. I need you for at least the next half hour."

"Yes, ma'am. I'll see you in five minutes."

Caroline looked at me and went to open her mouth, but I put my hand up. "Don't say anything, Caroline. This is obviously important to you two, and that makes it important to me. I respect you two wanting to talk to me together, but I just can't wait to find out what the fuck is going on."

Ronnie came bolting up the stairs and into the office where Caroline and I were sitting. I waved him on to the chair next to Caroline. He looked at her and then sat down without saying a word. Then he looked at me and said, "If there's a problem, it's not Caroline's fault." And she looked up at him and smiled.

"There is no fault. There is no problem. Just me sitting here wondering what the fuck is going on."

They looked over at each other and then Caroline reached out her hand and Ronnie took it. They both looked right at me, but it was Caroline who spoke.

"Hannah, we both love working for you and the company and will never do anything to screw that up. But Ronnie and I have been seeing each other socially. It's been going on for a while now, and until now it's been pretty casual. The team pretty much knows."

"And I'm happy for you. What can I do for you guys?"

"We'd like your blessing."

"My blessing? I'm your boss, I'm your friend, but I'm not your priest. Why do you need my blessing?"

"We talked about it and we want to have a baby. We look at all the little brown babies around here and we so want one for ourselves, to raise as part of your extensive family, with our mates and their families. Watching you carry the twins was inspirational for all of us. We never go past the nursery without looking in. And I steal every moment I can to spend time in there. I don't know if you noticed."

"There's not much I don't notice around here. It's a wonderful thing to see your maternal instincts emerging. When do you kids plan on trying?"

"Well, first I'm gonna dump my pills, give it a month or two for my system to adjust, and then Ronnie and I will try like crazy."

"I never much liked the carrying part or the birthing part, but the trying. I always liked that part."

"Are you going to have any more?" Ronnie asked.

"Shop's closed, Ron. Five kids are enough to put through anyone's body. As much as I love Duane Royce, the thought of carrying another set of twins is unbearable. He'll just have to settle for two."

"Settle? They're beautiful. Magnificent." Caroline said.

"Tell me, Caroline, do you love him?"

"I do. I never thought I could feel this way about a man. But Ronnie is not like most men. He spent most of his life as a closeted gay black man, who grew up to be a warrior. As you know, we worked together for the Barrys for the old security company and as soon as Duane told us about RFS we committed to it, because of our great respect for him, and you, of course. We never let anyone at the old company or the Barrys know, but when we signed up with Duane, although we discussed it together, we told him separately. As we expected, he said he was committed to diversity, and he never mentioned it again."

"I don't get it. I have this hit squad, best in the business. My squad has two gay members, a man and a woman. And now they are falling in love with each other? If I weren't me, I would say how crazy this is. How's he in bed, Car?"

"Miss Todd," Ronnie said."

"Calm down, sport. That was totally rhetorical. If you weren't good, my girl here wouldn't have anything to do with you. Right Car?"

She didn't say a word but held her hands out, her palms parallel to each other about ten inches apart."

"Impressive," I said. We all laughed.

"Are we going to have a marriage around here in the near future?"

"We talked about the possibility, but I think we'll play it out for now."

"He hasn't asked?"

"Twice."

"Ronnie asked you to marry him twice, and you refused him."

"Maybe the third time will be the charm, but I told him not to ask me until he knows I'm ready."

"How's he going to know when that is?"

"He'll know."

"Girl to girl, I get it."

"Boy, I wish I could," Ronnie said.

"Don't worry, Ron, you'll know. Take a page out of Hanger's book."

"Yeah. Ain't that something." Caroline side. "Go know that a bad ass biker could have a soft side"

"There is one other thing I want you two to chew on. When you go into your fourth or fifth month, Caroline, I'm taking you out of the field and putting you in the office. And by your eighth month, you are done working for a while. I expect you to be spending a lot of time around here at that point.

Something you better also prepare for is one big baby. You're both giants and what's gonna come outta you, Car. is gonna be big, boy or girl. And what that can do to your equipment, down there, ain't pretty, sister. Prepare for a C-section. Think about all those things while you are contemplating parenthood. Believe me, I've been through it all. Those two adorable munchkins down the hall took a lot of work to bring into this world. They will be my work in progress for the next twenty something years."

As we headed downstairs, I asked Caroline if she would hang out and help with prep tomorrow. She loved the idea, and she asked Bertha what kind of help she needed. Bertha steered her in the right direction when she pointed her to the big bowl of green beans. "Get to washin' and cuttin' the tips off."

Holly and Lizzie were peeling potatoes, cubing them and soaking them. Bertha's recommendation was for five pounds of potatoes, so we peeled six pounds, just in case. Our goal was to have everything prepped and ready, or precooked to be heated up tomorrow. Lizzie and I were upstairs and down, coordinating with Les at Recovery and Duane at his office.

When I called RFS to talk to Duane, it wasn't Tilly who answered, so I asked for her.

"Tilly, how are doing?"

"Fine, Hannah. Thank you so much."

"Oh, for what?"

"Well, Mr. Royce has me doing only special assignments. I got a raise and I really love what I'm doing. He also connected me to a school where I will be taking credits to finish my associate's degree. I'm doing a lot of work supporting agents directly and occasionally special assignments for Mr. Krass, who is a doll."

"He is a doll, isn't he? I love him."

"Me too. If I was single..."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. He's truly a catch. Someday some girl's gonna get lucky."

"I'll say."

It was nice to see how she has warmed up to me. I got the feeling we were going to grow her in the firm. When she transferred me to Duane, I certainly knew I had a friend at RFS. Duane acknowledged she favored me and always asked about me.

Duane told me he'd be home early today and would either be taking off or working from home over the Thanksgiving holiday. It put a big smile on my face that lasted till he got home. He spoke to Les today, and she said they're looking forward to coming early tomorrow and the boys would love to swim. Something they don't get to do this time of year, just in the summer at the neighborhood city pool.

Poor Bertha was going from house to house. She brined the turkeys, prepared the ham, made a full zucchini casserole and made a two-gallon pot of turkey stock, something unheard of these days. By the time the kids got home from school, we had done everything we'd planned to. All we'll have to do tomorrow is throw the turkeys in early and the ham a little later and warm up the rest maybe half an hour before we sit down. I was a little tense, without Bertha and all, but Holly put her hand on my shoulder and said, "You take care of the company, Han, I'll take care of the rest." And she did. Except for the break where they went off swimming. We had breakfast for dinner that night. Holly whipped up some waffles and bacon and that's what we did.

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Thanksgiving morning brought us a sign of what the day would be. Not a cloud in the sky, fifty-five degrees out, with a light wind. My back was spooned against Duane's front and I couldn't move because his massive arm was holding me down, which I really didn't mind so much. But I still had to pee. I managed to roll myself over and stretch my neck out to give him a kiss on the lips. He stirred and looked at me."

"Gotta pee." I said.

He lifted his arm, and I ran to the loo, and did my business. Then I crawled up into bed and took his dick in my mouth and gave him the morning delight he so deserved. He promised to return the favor after the company leaves. I told him I'd hold him to it.

I cleaned up quickly, brushed my teeth and put my pony up. This girl I told Duane to relax and lay for a while longer, and ran downstairs in my pajamas. Holly and Lizzie were already getting breakfast ready for the kids. Bertha was nowhere to be found, but Mac stopped by to see if we needed anything and to tell us she would be around to make sure the turkeys go into the oven right.

I sent Anthony downtown at around eleven to pick up the McKellys. Their boys would go with my kids to the Tuttlehills' for swimming. He and Herman would take them for a few hours and then bring them home for dinner. But they'd be stopping here first just to get acclimated to us all. They're in for a bit of a culture shock and we have to be sensitive to that. I know my kids will ease them into things. It is their way.

The McKellys arrived at a little after twelve and we served them a light lunch after introductions. Les brought a large bowl of her 'Famous' coleslaw. Fortunately, we hadn't made that, and it was a delightful addition to dinner.

Herman and Anthony scooped all the kids up and off they went. An hour later, the kitchen was in total control, and I told Lizzie and Caroline that I was taking off for an hour. I grabbed Les and Shawn, Sr. and had Domingo drive us to Gloria's. The kids were swimming and splashing and having a grand time. You would think the McKelly boys have known them for years. The chemistry was there. And there was one more thing.

Young Shawn was following around Harriet like a puppy dog. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her, but she didn't notice, and she just didn't seem to be interested. Holly and Gloria were sitting on the side of the pool watching the kids, with Herman lifeguarding, when Cee-Cee called out, "Race! Who wants to race?" Everyone was in.

Starting with the little ones, Cee-Cee, Kimmie, Peach and Rory, they did a straight up fifty-meter, one length race. No contest. Cee-Cee beat everyone by several lengths. Herman smiled broadly. Then the big ones got up and Harry, Hilly and Shawn, Jr. moved to the starting gate at the end of the pool. "Fifty-meter freestyle." Herman called out. "Make it a hundred," Harry said. Shawn grumbled, but acquiesced. "That's one lap up and one back. Ready, set, go!"

And off they went. Again, no contest. Harriet was leaning back at the starting line as Shawn was just getting off his turn. He was devastated. He shouldn't have been. She has been training as an Olympic swimmer for half her life. She would explain that to him tonight. But first, she would give him one more chance.

"Shawn," Harry said, "Why don't we do the one hundred again, but you can do the crawl, while I do the backstroke. It gives you a big advantage." He took the dare, and, again, she whooped him. She beat him by at least eight lengths. In the pool, she is a force of nature.

She was getting ready to end her pool time for the day and get ready to go to our house, but she had one more race in her. "All the kids to the pool for one more race. One lap and everyone goes." It was the funniest thing I think I have ever seen in this pool. Nobody was really trying to win. They were all goofing with each other. And the McKelly boys were making friends outside the neighborhood. Les was thrilled and proud that their boys were being such gentlemen. We'll work on the swimming later.

The trip was Holly in the car with Harry and Hilly, Celeste and Shawn with Herman driving, and talking about nothing but swimming.

Anthony's car was the clown car; me and my two kids, Rory McKelly, his mom and dad, and Kimmie Tuttlehill. I don't think there was a minute we weren't laughing. It was quarter to four, and I had told Becky and Toothy we would make the link at four. I ran upstairs to The Closet and begged Danny to make the connection. "No problem, Miss T."

"Send the links to the video conference room and then I'm gonna want to transfer everything, including control, to the Family Room TV."

"Roger that, ma'am." And first Toothy came up, in the common room of the clubhouse, and then Becky, in her room on her tablet. "Hi guys. How's everyone doing?"

There were too many voices to answer. So, I told everyone to shut up and that I would direct traffic. I'm sure it came as a bit of a shock when all these black bikers showed up on the TV screen in my Family Room. I hurried downstairs to stem any panic that we were being hacked. But I didn't need to. When I got downstairs, Duane and Ronnie were standing in front of the TV talking to Toothy, like the brother he is. All the McKellys had their jaws hanging and their eyes wide open when they saw that. Shawn had been a White Militia member during the Urban Race Wars, a young one. It's been a difficult twenty years for him, adjusting to racial equality as the law of the land. Now he was witnessing it as a lifestyle. We were hopeful.

As we talked to Becky and the Riders, the McKellys looked on in awe as the rest of our company showed up. These folks have known us long enough to expect things like bikers on our television. The Chus and Domingo and his family arrived at about the same time. I asked Holly if she would attend to our guests so that I could talk to my biker friends on the link. Everyone was in awe of my relationship with my biker friends and the respect, no, reverence, in which they held me. Duane and Ronnie and Caroline and I spoke to them for about fifteen minutes. Les loved they called me Queen Bee, and Duane, Big D. Caroline got a kick out of them calling her man Ranger Ron. He had been an Army Ranger, after all.

Becky did a good job of letting everyone know how comfortable she is where she is, and that she is already starting to feel better. But you could see she was getting antsy. She wanted time with Hanger, so I got off.

I had to get back to my company anyway, so I bid my friends in Maryland and Pittsburgh farewell, and had Danny make the direct hookup between Becky and the Riders, so she and Hanger could have the last word with each other. Then I greeted the guests I had missed. Georgie immediately grabbed Domingo's boy, Little Dom, and asked Rory if he wanted to go out and throw the ball around. They were outta there in a heartbeat, with Anthony running behind them.

Holly and Lizzie had things under control. The extra stuffing, potatoes and other veggies were just about ready to go into the ovens and Bertha was coming through the door to check the birds, as they were about ready to come out. Turkeys out, veggies in. The McKellys couldn't get over the dynamics of our house. Les loved it. You could see she was taking mental notes.

Dinner was a grand affair. The kids, with Herman, Domingo and his family and our table with all the adults. Holly, Lizzie, Les, Domingo's wife, Florence, and I served, then left what remained on the tables for seconds. Everyone was tending to the babies and handing them around. Florence brought two beautiful pies; rhubarb, and pumpkin, all from her garden at home. Ronnie and Caroline had a seasonal fruit basket delivered.

Conversation was friendly and at times quite lively. I kept looking over at the other table, watching Shawn, Jr. making eyes at Harry. He'd seen her in her bathing suit, and I got the feeling he could not get that off his mind, even though now she was sitting across from him in jeans and an old 2048 Olympics Swimming sweatshirt. She had the body of an athlete, toned and firm, and a cute face. He never gave Hilly a second look, almost like she wasn't there. I know my men, and this one was all about Harriet Tuttlehill. Poor kid. He should only know that he doesn't have a chance. But not for the reason he would suspect, which is that she was almost three years older than him. But she's a great kid, and she was very cordial with Shawn, almost the way celebrities are with fans. That seemed to be enough for him, but I could smell the testosterone over here. I looked over at his mother, who was enjoying the engagement taking place at the adult table. She couldn't believe she was sitting at the same table as the famous Dr. Chu. But she was doing a fine job keeping up with him, and that ain't easy. Sometimes he's just too smart for me. But nicely.

Patty Chu always makes sure to bedazzle, so she brought enough French pastries for a small army. Her bodyguard had to carry them in. The box was so big. She gets them from my favorite French pastry shop in Philly, J'aime. It's virtually around the corner from the townhouse. Been around for years. Even made it through the Urban Wars. Same owner too. Even Bertha says she can't beat their pastries and especially their croissants, which Pat sent two dozen of as well.

Never to be outdone, doesn't my dear Glorious make a move of her own? All my boys, Duane, Herman, Ronnie, Anthony, Domingo, and Caroline, all have comm-links on. They are on vacation mode, so they are silent. But if someone is trying to reach or get them up on the link, they will get pinged and when you hear that ping, turn up your mic, put in your earpiece and you are in business. There was an unexpected vehicle coming up the driveway and Angelo, one of the regular guards, called it in to Duane, and apparently everyone on the link. Must be a new guy. I guess, better to err on the side of caution. But, on the other hand, who is coming up my driveway?

Duane asked Angelo if he stopped the car, and he said, "not yet."

"I don't want it going any further until they are identified."

"Roger that, sir."

When the car got to his position, Angelo stood in front of it with his hands out bringing it to a halt. It got quiet. You could cut the tension in the room with an extra fine scalpel.

"Let 'em up."

"Who is it?"

"It's a gift from your friend Glorious."

"Oh?"

"She sent over two people to clean up after dinner, pack up leftovers if you've got 'em, and serve dessert. And clean up after that too."

"That's so mom." Harriet said. Hilly was nodding her head in agreement.

"Note to self:" I said out loud. "Pack up leftovers for Glorious and Alvin first."

"You're the best, Aunt Hannah."

"She sure is." Caroline said. And for some reason, everyone broke out in applause. I was touched, and tears were shed.

One of the gals Gloria sent did an outstanding job of trimming the birds down to the barest of carcasses. Bertha left out her biggest stock pot, into which we put the carcasses of two eighteen-pound turkeys. The girls all cut up the veggies to go into Bertha's five- gallon stock pot. Holly called Bertha, and in five minutes Mac came running with another carcass. Into the pot it went, and the stock was started. It would take hours and hours to become the tastiest broth you've ever had. Of course, Bertha left a bag of herbs to throw in to make it that much yummier.

I got up from my seat, and in my loudest voice I said, "Alright, everyone in the Family Room. We'll figure it out from there."

As we walked into the Family Room Rory McKelly clutched my hand and looked up at me, "Why do you have bodyguards?" he asked. And it carried.

"Robert Roy McKelly, you mind your mouth!" Les said.

"No, no, no Les. That was an honest question, and a good one. I just have to figure out how to answer it for a five-year-old."

"I'll answer it, Aunt Hannah." Harry said.

"Oh?"

"Yeah, it's easy." By this time everyone was in the Family Room and it looked like they were all looking to Harry for an answer."

"I'm not finding it easy, Harriet. Waddaya got?"

"Rory. As the oldest of the kids out here, I have been paying attention. My folks, Aunt Hannah, and Dr. Chu, are all very wealthy. Richer than you can imagine. My parents are the richest. And when you are rich, it makes you a target. It should make you happy you are not rich. And I'm a double target, because I'm not just rich, but I'm getting famous. If I achieve my goals, I will be very famous. At least for a short period. At my house we have even more guards than Aunt Hannah, although she and Uncle Duane are where they come from."

"Rory," I said, "There is a lot of truth to what Harry said. One of our businesses is finding bad guys and putting them away. Bad guys don't like that. So, it's kind of a double whammy on me too."

"Is my mommy in danger?"

I think Les was getting ready to slap him, but I put my finger up to her and she backed off. "Rory. That's a very good question because I can see how important it is to you. No, your mommy is not in danger. But if she finds herself there, she will have the same resources that I have."

"Like she is a rich person?"

"Exactly. You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because she is that important to me. I wish I could explain to you at five how important your mother is to me. And I pledge to you, Rory, that nothing will ever harm your mommy. I've always got my eyes on her and nothing escapes me. Do you believe me?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Because when I say it, that's the way it is. Right?"

And all my troops in the room said, "Hoo Rah." It shook the room.

"Damned right." I said.

"That, Rory, is the power of Hannah Todd." His mother said.

And he looked around at all the guys, even Caroline, and as his eyes met theirs, they flexed their big muscles and let him know, overall, that if anyone messes with him, they are messing with us. He smiled and said, "Cool." Conversation over. Whew.

Again, I needed to address the crew, especially the kids. "Alright everyone. We are about to have a lot of people join us. Boys, go up to Georgie's room and girls to Celeste's room. Except you two, Harry and Hilly. You've given the little ones plenty of time. Do you want to spend time with the adults or just hang around with the teens."

"Wanna take a walk, Shawn? Come on Hilly."

"Sure. Can I do something first?"

"Sure." And he walked over to Anthony and asked him something. Then they both, together, walked toward the kitchen door and Shawn bade the girls to follow. Anthony opened the back door of the Navigator and Shawn reached in, opened some sort of case, and pulled something out. It was a banjo. Harry had her swimming, and Shawn had his banjo.

So they walked, and as they walked, Shawn strummed. He started out with, 'Four Leaf Clover,' in a slow tempo and the girls thought that was cute. Then he went right into 'When You're Smiling.' He started slowly, then took it a bit up tempo and then, instead of walking and playing, he strutted, to do this year's walk off routine, and the tune was 'Golden Slippers.' The girls were very impressed by his skills. When he finished, they clapped and said he has to go in and do that for everyone. And they went back inside to do just that.

When they walked inside, Shawn's dad saw that he had his banjo under his arm, so he went looking for Anthony, who had his eyes out for him. He went out and got his sax and Rory's little banjo. I was in the kitchen supervising dessert set up and coffee, tea and milk When I caught Shawn, Sr. out of the corner of my eye, so I excused myself.

As I was approaching Mr. McKelly, so were Harry and Shawn, Jr., carrying his banjo. It was Harry who spoke first. "Aunt Hannah, Shawn just played for us. You've got to hear. It's like having our own personal Mummer."

"Mummers," said Shawn, Sr., and he held up his saxophone.

"Fine," I said. "I'll call everyone down."

"Oh, you won't have to. Watch. Four-Leaf Clover, boys."

And the Shawns let fly. Rory, a one note wonder at five, just strummed away as he has been taught to. This coming parade would be his first on the street with a banjo in his hands. And it was loud, and it was boisterous, and everyone came running, and the babies just burst out crying. Sobbing. Holly had Dina and Les had Duanee, and neither woman could get the child they were holding to gain their composure. Not until I got the McKelly boys to cool it. Then a hush fell on the room. I looked out the kitchen window that faced Bertha's house, and they were headed here for dessert. Idea.

"Shawn. Follow me. Bertha and her family are coming from this way. Let's go outside and give them a real Mummers greeting, and I'll get the kids upstairs. Holly?"

So, Holly led them to the perfect place to set up to greet our dessert guests. The lights were on, they set up right under them and started with, 'When You're Smiling.' As Bertha and her people got closer, they went into 'Oh Dem Golden Slippers.' Bertha's guests were very impressed that they were coming to this great big house being greeted by a string band. Some of them even strutted their way into the house. Georgie was there, showing them how.

This entire part is hearsay, because I was upstairs with Lizzie and Becca trying to calm down two apoplectic babies. They are not used to that kind of shake up. I guess they're not going on Broad Street this year. It took a bit; I almost gave the little man my tit again. And before we could get out of the nursery, Bertha was coming in with a screaming baby. Looks like Mummers fever to me. But Ellie was some kind of catalyst when she hit the nursery, because when she did, they all quieted down, and in a minute, they were looking for bottles and bed. Once the three of them were down, Bertha, Lizzie and I left them with Becca and Aggie, who had followed Bertha up to see if she could help. Hell yeah.

When we got downstairs, the kitchen was mostly cleaned up and dessert was all laid out, and guests were serving themselves. Patty Chu's selections were very popular at first, but once the pies and cakes started getting cut, they disappeared pretty quickly. Everything was delicious, and everyone contributed.

Once they started cleaning up the dessert dishes, everyone was milling around or sitting around. Duane, Shawn, Ronnie, Mac and Dr. Chu went out to the sun room to have brandies and beers. Peach came up to me and asked me if the 'Littles' can go up to her room."

"The Littles?" I asked. "Tell me more."

"It's me, Rory, Georgie, Lily, and Kimmie. The Littles."

"No Celeste?"

"No. She's a big now. She's with Harry and Hilly."

"Ah, I think I understand now, Peach. Is that a problem?"

"Nah. She's a swimmer and she should be with the swimmers."

"So wise for one so young."

"Thank you, mommy. Mommy Holly says I get it from you."

"Really. Thanks for that little tidbit, my love." I gave her a big hug. "Go ahead, take the Littles upstairs. The moms and dads will be down here."

"Thanks, mommy." And out she ran.

Celeste did, indeed, have Harry's hand, and she was dragging her upstairs with Hilly in tow. Shawn and Domingo's boy hung out in the kitchen, picking at dessert and talking about soccer and the string bands. Everyone else was either sitting around the dining room or the Family Room. It was just nice to visit with folks and to be introduced to some of Bertha's family and Mac's family. Les McKelly was engrossed in conversation with Patty Chu, and I think they were swapping cell numbers. Domingo and his wife snuck upstairs to visit the babies. Herman checked in with LaMar, who was riding The Closet, then he went out to check how the outside guards were doing. With all the guests we had, we had over a dozen operators on site. Four were guests. All RFS agents, of course.

The girls and the visitors from Bertha's were pretty much hanging out in the Family Room, with some of Bertha's family spending time together hanging out in the dining room catching up. I wanted to float around, but I saw Holly sitting on the couch and there was an empty seat next to her and I just had to plop down. And I did. I put my arm around her and when she looked over at me, I gave her a big sloppy kiss on the lips. She backed up and gave me a look.

"What was that all about?"

"Can't I give my wife a kiss?"

"I only kiss Celeste."

"I'm sorry, Holly. It was insensitive of me."

She just gave me a look and turned away to talk to someone sitting on the lounge chair. Mac's sister, I think, from the color of her hair. So, I just pulled my arm away, sat back and closed my eyes, and tried to pull myself together. I've got a house full of people, and I need to pull it together.

What's next? What's next? Leftovers. Lots of leftovers. Got to get them dispersed. So, I got up and headed into the kitchen where the two staffers from Gloria were getting ready for, of all things, leftovers. We have this wonderful variety of containers for this kind of occasion. Bertha orders them by the hundreds when we are entertaining. Completely recyclable, they are sectioned off so the meat, dressing, potatoes and gravy can be kept separate from the veggies. So, we'd send people home with a meal for each of them. With Harriet, we'd send a meal for each of her parents as well. We had tons of turkey, almost half a roast and, surprisingly, most of the ham. Lots of potatoes, and a few veggies. We had about half of Les's coleslaw left, but it was heavily requested for leftovers. Bertha and I looked at each other and had a 'Lord have mercy' moment.

Before we started doling out leftovers, Bertha, Mac and their people headed back to her house. As soon as that happened, the people in my house started getting restless until I announced that nobody leaves without leftovers. Nobody argued. In fact, Bertha left Ellie with us, and Becca, in the nursery for the night so she and Mac can have some time to relax, or however they wish to fill that time. She'll be here in the morning to feed little Miss Elspeth, and pretty much the rest of us. Ellie is just a tad older than the twins, so they look to her to see what they should do next. And they were learning fast.

Holly and I started packing up leftovers for the Tuttlehills, all four, so they got a bit of everything. Then Patty and Wen came over and we packed up for them. That's when the grandparents showed up. They had dinner tonight together at the Bernstein seniors' house and came for dessert and to tuck the kids in.

When the grandparents arrived, Celeste ran to hers, and Herman was kind of left on his own, as Hilly, Harry, and Kimmie were in the wind. He came up to us girls, wrapping up goodies for our guests to take home, and said, "Boy, I missed all this. You gals have it so lucky, with your families and your men."

"C'mon, Herman, you're a good man and a good-looking one at that. The way things are today, the girls should be lining up at your door, if they only knew."

"Well, between my lifestyle and my work schedule, it just hasn't happened."

"I have a solution to that problem, Mr. Krass."

"Of course you do, you're Leslie McKelly."

"Cute. Call Peggy Olszewski."

"Yeah."

"Peg, it's McKelly. What's up?"

"Mom and I finished dinner ages ago and I'm just sitting back watching an old romancer. Why, what's up?"

"What are you doing this weekend?"

"Oh, you know, up in Port Richmond at Polish American to sew costumes and harass the banjo players."

"Having any luck with any of the guys?"

"This bunch of Pollocks? Not that I'm trying."

"Peg, there's someone I want you to meet. He's going to be bringing Shawn and the boys and I home soon, and he's going to stop by to introduce himself. I expect he will ask you to dinner tomorrow night, and then let's see where it goes from there."

"I don't know, Les, fix-ups rarely work."

"Trust me. It's worth a shot. You will never meet another guy like Herman."

"Alright. My movie ends at about eleven. When can I expect to see him?"

"I expect around ten, ten-thirty."

"Alright. I'll see him then."

"Shit!" Herman said. "I need flowers. How can I go to greet a gal without flowers? And where can I get them on Thanksgiving night?"

"Herman," I said. "Marigolds. The Marigolds are bright and colorful at the hydro end of the Greenhouse. Take a bunch. I guarantee they will win her heart."

"You think? Can I?"

"Absolutely. Go for it."

He begged the McKellys' pardon for a minute and he ran down to the Greenhouse. And he ran. He returned with a handful of flowers which I quickly turned into a little bouquet. When he handed it to her, it would look like he was handing her fire. It was so alive with reds and oranges and yellows.

As Herman drove the McKellys home, Les really worked to get him pumped up about Peggy, emphasizing all her good points and trying to prepare him for some of her less perfect traits. When he dropped them off, he thanked Les profusely, even though he didn't know what he was thanking her for. The only picture she had shown him was one of the two of them from high school. She looked cute, but she was much taller and a little chunkier than Les.

When he arrived at Peggy's door, he knocked and a minute later a tall, pale, long-haired brunette with a full figure and a big chest answered the door. The first thing she looked at were the flowers. Then her gaze moved up to his eyes, and she smiled when they met hers. "Come in. I'm boiling some water for tea. Would you like a cup?"

He would and did. She took his jacket and sat him in her small kitchen, where she put the flowers into a vase and placed it square in the center of the table. She set down two cups of a tea of her choice and sat down. "So, tell me, Mr. Herman Krass, what brings you to my neck of the woods?"

"You do, Miss Olszewski."

"Oh. And what do you think so far, Mr. Krass?"

"I'm glad I did."

Well, according to Herman, who reported it all to me on Saturday when we finally spoke after he had been radio silent since Thursday night, they talked and they talked. Other than the many secrets he kept, Herman told her all about his life and she just sat there, silently, and listened.

When it was time for her, she just poured her heart out to him. She felt she had to after he'd been so open with her. And when she came to parts where she cried, he teared up too. By the time they finished their second cup of tea, they were holding hands. And then Peggy excused herself.

"I'll be right down, five minutes." Then five minutes became ten and Herman worried that she was digging out the gun she had told him about and loading it up. But soon thereafter, he could hear not the clicking of a chamber, but the clicking of heels on the uncarpeted stairs.

He was looking out the kitchen window, into the backyard which contained about a dozen half barrels waiting for spring planting. When he turned around Peggy was entering the kitchen. As well as the four inch heels, she was wearing skimpy lingerie and a sheer negligee that went down to her ankles, but covered nothing. Herman was very excited to see Peggy in this state and showed the usual physical signs of it, which Peggy didn't miss.

She approached him and wrapped her arms around him, pressed those big titties of her into him, put him in a major lip lock, and that was their first kiss. It lasted longer than most first kisses do. When you really think about it, that kiss lasted for like three days. You go Herman.

Without even thinking about it, he picked her up and asked her where her bedroom was, and carried her up and threw her onto the bed. When she got up, he pointed at her and said, "Don't move." She didn't. Herman removed his clothing as quickly as he could and sidled up beside her and took her in his arms.

"Make love to me, Herman Krass. Make love to me like I am the most beautiful woman on earth."

And then Herman sealed the bid. "You are, Peggy Olszewski. So that will be easy."

Herman did not go into much detail, but they wound up having dinner on Friday night and Saturday night, too. And they made love. They made a lot of love, according to my friend. And he seemed very happy. In the past, Herman would relieve his sexual urges at one of the Houses. Always top tier, where the most beautiful and sexy woman could be found. But he obviously never really got much satisfaction out of it. Certainly not what he was looking for.

In Peggy Olszewski, he found something special. Something I don't think he knew to look for. He was a warrior, and, I think, in her he found a warrior spirit. And somehow, they just clicked. Or so it seemed. We would have them for dinner on Sunday and she would find herself under the watchfulness of the all-seeing eye. That would be me.

Herman and Peggy arrived at the house around three on Sunday. He'd taken her to Kennett Square, just to walk around and have breakfast. And to pick up an order for Bertha at the House of 'Shroom. The kids were all gone with Holly, as they were swimming at the Tuttlehills. So, the house was really quiet when they arrived. Bertha gave Peggy the once over, but welcomed her to our home. Peggy couldn't get over the grandeur that is our house in Romansville. The construction outside doesn't help, but it's still impressive.

"Is that construction the Pool House Herman told me so much about?"

"Yep. Wait till Cee-Cee gets home. She will show you the plans. She is his protégé. Has he told you about her?"

"What hasn't he told me about her? It seems she is a pretty special gal."

"That's true enough. She is an all-County Junior swimmer at eight, and she is working with a future Olympian to train for the 2064 Olympics. More often than not, Cee-Cee wins best in class in her breast stroke."

"I'm so envious. I don't even know how to swim. But Herman said he would teach me."

"My, My. Are we getting ahead of ourselves now?"

"Miss Todd, I want to get ahead of everything I can. I'm not gonna lie to you. I want this man. I need this man. He's like a dream I never even imagined. He is a man like you only see in the movies. Strong, handsome and romantic. Make no mistake. I will fight for this man."

"Good. As long as you don't fight against him. For that you would pay dearly,"

She took my hand and looked at me with sad eyes. "Hannah, help me."

"Whatsamatter, Peg? Talk to momma."

"Hannah, we have had a grand time together, and I have been on my very best behavior. I'm worried that I'll fall down, Hannah. Fuck up. And he'll dump me. I can tell you, the way I feel now, I will crawl all the way from Sixth and Porter up here to Romansville and beg him to take me back."

"Peggy, I appreciate your position, but again, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Just take it a step at a time."

"If you see me getting off track, can you let me know? If he comes to you, just once, and says there is trouble in paradise, please let me know immediately and I will fix it."

"Trust me, Peg. I have a vested interest in this relationship. My finger will be on the pulse. Have you two talked about Christmas?"

"We did, and Herman said that he would ask you about working the townhouse so we can get together and I can see it. He says it's amazing."

"It is quite the place, and we love to spend our holidays there. I don't think I'll be able to get you into one of our rooms overnight, but I can book you into the Bellevue for the night when Herman's shift is over. He always works the holidays so he can give the max number of family guys off for the holiday."

"You people are so amazing. I never imagined that a little Polish girl from South Philly would ever visit a place like this."

"Well, if you and Herman wind up making it in the long haul, expect to be spending plenty of time here. He and Duane are best friends"

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. I told you he was very special to us and if you are special to him, you and I will get to know each other very well. But if you like the house. Let me show you its crown jewels."

And I took her by the hand and led her to the nursery. She heard Danny in The Closet, chattering away with the comm-link to the various guards posted around the property and those taking their charges home. Anything happening in the Chester County vicinity with our clientele could be monitored from The Closet, if necessary, making the Tuttlehills and Chus the second and third best protected families in the county. The Untermyers were a close fourth.

When we entered the nursery, Becca was sleeping, and the twins were just being as precious as they could. Lord knows they'd be screaming their heads off in a few hours. Or maybe less if we are not lucky. Peggy stepped up to the cribs and put her hand on each one and leaned over and smelled their heads. It's just what women do. She looked over at me.

"They're beautiful. And this guy looks so big and strong for a baby."

"Yeah, he takes after his father. Six months old and my poor tits are still trying to recover."

"And such small ones, too."

"Yeah, I know. Not all of us are blessed, Peg."

"Blessed? More like cursed. You try to carry these big old things around. God forbid I get pregnant, they'll be even bigger. God forbid."

"Oh, trust me, they will. I carried five, Peg. I don't know what's worse, what they do to your pussy, or what they do to your tits. Havin' kids is no joke."

"I'd love to have kids, Hannah, but I'm getting to the end of my road. Herman and I talked about it. He said that he thought he'd like kids down the road, but I'm afraid that road ain't that long for me."

"Peggy, are you still getting your period?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Then there is still hope. As you two develop into a couple, talk to each other and you will figure out what's right for you. To me, the most important thing is the 'why.' I love all my kids, but I love the reason I had my twins the best."

"Oh, what's that?"

"I was crazy mad in love with their father. We never intended to have kids. We were prepared to raise the three big ones and be happy with that. You'll meet my big ones soon. There's plenty there to be happy about. If it happens, Peg, it happens. If not, it was not meant to be. Have you ever thought of adopting one as a single mom? There are plenty of European orphans looking for homes."

"I don't think I can handle parenthood as a single mom. The decks stacked against you these days, no matter how much it's needed. No, if I had a kid, I would want it with a very specific man, a man like Herman Krass."

"Well, you certainly get points for good taste in a potential mate. But be aware, the quality control department around here is pretty damned strict. Walk with me to my office."

"Bring it on, I can take it," she said. "He's the kind of man worth fighting for.

"I'm counting on it. I think we have the potential to be very good friends."

"Oh, Thank God."

"Thank God?"

"Yeah. Herman said that he could never spend his life with a woman who couldn't pass the sniff test with you. I was shakin' the whole ride up here."

I motioned her to sit on a chair in front of my desk and I sat down on mine.

"Oh, my dear. What an awful thing to have to deal with. Not that I'm so bad, which I hope I'm not, but that the men in my life have everyone scared of me; man, woman and child. I'm startin' to get damned sick of it."

"Oh Hannah, there I go again, Dumb Pollock. Go ahead Margaret, fuck it all up."

"No, no, no, Peggy, it's not you. It's happenstance. It seems no matter where you wind up on the scale, I am either a bad ass or a dragon lady. Tell me Peg, which am I?"

"Is that a trick question?"

"No dear. It's an unfair question, and you didn't deserve to have it thrown at you that way. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to..."

"Oh, yes, I do. Peggy, you're not the only one who has issues on occasion, and I hope you will keep an eye on me and make sure I don't fuck up. If I do, I expect you to call me on it."

"Really."

"Totally. Peg, off subject. What do you do to pay the bills?"

"I do secretarial and computer work down at the Food Distribution Center."

"How do you like it?"

"It pays the bills. I get weekends off, benefits and vacation. And my company holds my retirement account."

"You happy with what you're making?"

"Who's happy with what they're making?"

"Good point. Peg, the reason I ask these things is that we are looking for people."

"Yes."

"What do you mean, "yes?"

"I'll take the job."

"I haven't even told you about it."

"Will I be working with Herman?"

"Absolutely not!"

"Oh. Then I don't even know if I want to hear any more."

"I'll tell you what I'm asking you. Will you undergo a deep security vetting for a potential job with my company, Todd Recovery?"

"Where Les works?"

"Yep."

"Sure. I ain't been perfect, so you'll have to take me as I am, warts and all. Did Herman tell you the story about the way I kicked out my last boyfriend, the son of a bitch."

"Tell me."

"After years of abuse and neglect, I heard about all the women he was cheating on me with. And he had my mother scared to death. Then one day I caught him walking down the street with one hand in hand. Then the phone calls started. Not just that bitch, but two others. And Hannah, one was carrying his child. All day that day I was apoplectic. I got home first and proceeded to throw all his shit out the window, went outside and lit it on fire. Torched the whole works. Got arrested for that. For hittin' the bitch who called me. No, not the pregnant one. She's got her own road to hoe. If you know what I mean."

"Oh, I know what you mean. Serve any time?"

"Three months house arrest for the arson. Almost lost my job."

"I like your style."

"And four years ago, a drunk came out of the crowd at the Parade, around Tasker Street headed right for the saxophones that were just coming up, and I grabbed him, dragged him away, and beat the shit out of him. I got written up for that one, but I just got fined. And I beat him up pretty good. Got a lot of laughs from the guys in the band."

"So, you've got a rap sheet? I've managed to elude one of those. You say okay, and I'm gonna get that rap sheet and everything else I can find out about you. If you will be a weakness I cannot have you on board. I believe if your vetting comes out satisfactory you can be a great strength to us. When I'm done, I will know you better than you know yourself."

"You know, somehow that wouldn't surprise me. So, I have a chance to work with McKelly?"

"Is that a good thing or bad?"

"That's an amazing thing. We've known each other forever. Although we're in different brigades, we are both representatives of our bands in any administration of Mummery in Philadelphia."

"I had no idea. Sounds pretty important."

"Ya know, I'm not a particularly talented gal, but I've found that I'm pretty good at getting stuff done."

"And that's just what I am looking for, Peg. There is no particular niche that we need someone to bring, just a willingness to get with the program and do the hard work. In a sense, in this position, you will build your own job."

"Wow. Hannah Todd, the bringer of dreams."

"Please. That's a tad dramatic. It's a job, and I haven't even offered it to you yet. But I'll tell you one thing. I'm rootin' for you. This boss would love you on the team. I have developed good instincts about people in the past few years, and I have a good feeling about you. All the way around."

She ran over to where I sat, behind my desk, threw herself down on the floor, on her knees, put her hands on my thighs and said, "Oh, Miss Todd, thank you so much for your support. I know I'll make it and you'll love working with me. If there is anything on my report that needs explaining..."

"Get up and sit down. Don't grovel. People who work for me do not grovel." And she perked up. Like she thought she heard a job offer.

"Call Rhee Spanner."

"Hannah. What's up, girlfriend?"

"Rhee, I want to talk to you about Peggy Olszewski. She's here and I am putting you on speaker."

"Margaret Ann Olszewski, aged thirty-five, Born May twenty-third, 2019, and baptized into the Catholic Church that year at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. She is the daughter of Stanislas 'Stosh' Olszewski and Mindy Fine. She is an only child, born the second year of a six-year marriage. Raised by a single mother, who she still lives with. Her mother has a sister who lives in the area, and from her Peggy, as she is called by all, has two cousins. One male, one female. She was an average student in high school but graduated in 2037 from Sts. John Neumann/Maria Goretti High School. She wasn't really a truant, or a big drug user, but she was a tough kid, and it is reflected in her school record."

Peggy was sitting there listening to her life unfold before her. Her mouth just couldn't seem to close.

"She got tough, because, as a tall, awkward kid, she got picked on. Then one day she came home with a black eye. And what did old Stosh do, Peggy?"

"I hope I get this right. I was only there for some of it. Stop me, please, if I get off track. When this happened, my parents were no longer married and my father lived away from us down in Packer Park with his new whore. We were living where I live now. Like I said, dad didn't live with us but he would visit us often. One day I got jumped by four girls. Beat the shit out of me and gave me a black eye. When I got home, my mother went ballistic and called dad. He was an atom bomb to her firecracker and went down to the school and raised bloody hell."

"What did he do, Peg?"

"Well, he let them know, in no uncertain terms, that he wanted to know who did this to his little girl. He told them that nobody was getting out of the school until he knew. Stosh could be a very scary guy. Longshoreman with a sobriety problem and all. Well, they told him. They were two afraid not to. So, he took that information, went to each of the girl's house's, told each of the girls he was going to have her kidnapped and sold into prostitution if they ever messed with his little girl, and then he proceeded to beat up four of the fathers. He did four years of a nine-year sentence for all that."

"Sounds about right to me." Rhee said. "Back to it. Works for Pebbles Pork Product, at the Food Distribution Center in South Philly. Past employment shows growth, but is unremarkable. Still lives with her mother and is active in Mummery, Boxing, and charitable activities, such as Salvation Army, and Church charity functions at the parish. She sounds like a sweetheart."

"Boxing?"

"Yeah. I have her for the past eight years she has been training at a gym on Oregon Avenue, in South Philly, on and off. She's done some club fighting and has won a prize or two in her class. And it's a tough class, Light Heavyweight. What do you go, Peggy, about 175?"

"That's what I shoot for. But I ain't tellin' what I weigh today."

"No girl would ever ask. So don't you mind."

"I love all your people, Hannah. They are all amazing."

"What else ya got, Rhee?"

"Nothin' I'd be concerned with."

"And the rap sheet?"

"Almost comical. Not about you, Peggy, but about the Keystone Kops system we have to live under that would do such stupid things. Of course, Stosh should have been arrested, but that can't be a reflection on our girl. You and I have done far, far worse."

"I should hope so. So, Rhee, in my position, what would you do?"

"Easy call, Hannah Todd. Hire her."

I looked over at her and the big 'O' that was her mouth turned into a great big smile. And she was nodding her head and had her hands clasped like she was ready to beg me.

"You're hired. Quit your job as soon as possible, giving any appropriate notice. If you want to take a little time off between jobs, I have no problem. Just let me know when you are ready and I will give you a time and date to meet with your new boss, Leslie McKelly."

"Can you excuse me and tell me where the closest bathroom is? I'm gonna pee myself."

"Take a left out the door and it's the first door on the left." And she was outta there, and Rhee was laughing, and so was I.

"I think she's gonna take the job."

"Oh, she's definitely taking the job."

"Oh? What don't I know? She who knows all. We can't let that happen."

"She's sweet on Herman."

"Ooooh. Trouble. Isn't that gonna cause a conflict?"

"Not really. They will both work for me, but for different companies. He is VP over at Royce, and she will be working at Recovery."

"Oh. That ought to work. Keep your lover close, but not too close."

"Uh. You should see these two, Rhee. You can feel the heat and smell the desire. I think they'll know where all the storage closets are before long." Rhee let out a laugh from the gut.

"A soap opera every day at your place."

"Amen to that. Alright, Rhee, let me go. I gotta call McKelly and tell her she fished her wish."

"Be well, Hannah. We doing the CockMate job anytime soon?"

"Yes. I want it done well before Christmas; you know how I love to entertain that time of year."

"Alright, give me lots of notice, as always."

"I think we're gonna do this one ourselves. Fewer people, less risk. We've been practicing and we are certainly ready to do it at any time. It's really our bailiwick. I'll let you know if I change my mind."

"You always do, my friend. Be well, talk soon." Click.

She walked back into the office and looked at me, wide eyed, and asked, "Who is Rhee Spanner?"

I let out a laugh. "Well, I can tell you everything about Rhee, and I can tell you nothing. She lives on a plane that none of us even know exists. Aurelia Spanner is a Private Investigator, although I hate to use that term regarding Rhee. It demeans her. She's so much more. She is a finder of things, doer of deeds, maker of miracles with the wisdom of the ages. Both Recovery and Acquisitions were virtually created based on her work. In time, you will find yourself working with Rhee. But you must be patient, and in that regard, we have to have another conversation. And we have to do it right now."

Just as I said that, Duane and Herman were at the office door. But I turned them away.

"What's up?" Herman said.

"Girl talk. You boys turn it around and go smoke cigars or something. We'll be down in fifteen minutes."

"Can I give my girl a kiss before I go?"

"I don't know, Herman, can you?"

So, as she stood up, he made a move and wrapped her up and smooched her good. I know a good one when I see one. Then the boys did a turn-tail and run maneuver.

"How do you do that?"

"What's that?"

"Make everyone do what you want them to do, whenever you want them to do it."

"It's my super power."

"One of 'em. You are a total bad ass, aren't you?"

"I want to show you something, Peggy. Stay right there." I got up and went into the video conference room where, on the shelf, I had several framed photographs, mostly Lizzie's work, either on the shelf or on the wall. One was recent and on the shelf. I put it in Peggy's hands and her eyes opened wide. She looked at me and said, "You're a biker, too?"

"Yep. Soul Riders out of Monroeville, PA. Duane, Ronnie, Caroline and I are all honoraries, but I get the feeling that come summer we'll be fully patched. That's a picture of me and Duane, Ronnie, Toothy, Big Cass, Hanger and Becky, who the club calls Tiny."

"I can see why. A patched outlaw motorcycle babe?"

"Yeah. And do you know what my biker name is?"

"I can't imagine, Ruler of the Universe?"

"Not quite that high and mighty. But my name is 'Queen Bee.'

"Not just a queen, but The Queen Bee."

"If the crown fits."

"You're funny. A sense of humor and everything. What's the catch?"

"Smart girl. There is always a catch, and never think differently. Do you know what 'Need to Know' is?"

"No clue."

"It means that in circumstances, such as your employment, if you don't have the Need to Know, or NTK, you better not ask. And if anyone asks you, unless they are working with us, your mouth stays closed. A big part of our business is secrets. It's the security business, and privacy and secrecy are our trade. If you can't keep a secret, Peggy, tell me now. In Todd Recovery, this is rule one. It is paramount."

"It will be done. I'm mostly a keep to myself person, except at charities, the club and the gym and even there I'm so busy doing what I'm doing that I don't chit chat much. And I'm not one to brag, except maybe after I just beat the shit out of some cocky chick that outweighed me by ten pounds, but other than that, nah."

"Good. And excellent illustration. Have you met Lizzie? Elisabeth Britain?"

"No. I really haven't met anybody but the bosses. I hope the other employees don't resent me because I'm sleepin' with the boss."

"First of all, you are not sleeping with the boss. That would be Lizzie and she would eat you up. She loves em tall and dark. She'd turn you inside out, given the chance. But don't worry, I won't let her. And she loves Herman like a brother. Second the other employees, all three of them will fall to the floor and kiss your feet when you walk in the door. Honest to God, we need the help."

"Thanks. I'm not sure what all that means."

"Believe me, it will all come in time. Just be patient. Your direct superior will be Les. Her title is Ops Manager, which means she does everything. She'll get you rolling without delay."

"Les wanted me for the job?"

"She gave me no other choices. When I told her I couldn't guarantee it, she told me to get off my ass, and that I'm Hannah Todd and that I better not say that again."

I raised my wrist up. "Call McKelly."

"McKelly."

"Les. Guess who."

"The woman who lives in my head."

"More like your nightmares. Well, Les, you fished your wish."

"I got the Pollock?"

"Hey, watch it, I'm right here."

"Just testin' the waters, big girl. Excellent. Big girl, I am gonna run your ass ragged. You are gonna hate me till you love me. But in a month, you will pity anyone that doesn't have your job. It is the best job you will ever have. And I know, Peg, it will fit you like a glove. And the best thing is, in five years, when you are in a supervisory or field position, you'll be making boo koo bucks and will feel like you are saving the entire planet. I feel that way already and it's only been a short time. I'm so glad you're on the team."

"Thanks. A lot is happening in my life right now, Les McKelly, and it's all because of you."

"I don't know if you're blaming me or thanking me, but think nothing of it. Don't credit me, credit our friendship, and my need to have someone I have that level of trust in by my side. Just think about what we'll do together. And you get to work at the Navy Yard. Who wouldn't want to do that?"

"Les, hang on a minute." And she went to the top of the stair and like the loud mouth Pollock she is, she called out "Herman. Come on up. I need you."

Stomp. Stomp. Stomp.

"Herman. Can I tell Les?"

"That you're my girl?"

"Yeah."

"You better."

She grabbed him and gave him a big, fat kiss.

"I guess the date went well," Les said.

"Are you kidding me? I get a job. And a man. And they're both good ones. Really, really good ones. I will eat your pussy for the next ten years to thank you for what you've done for me, and I don't do girls."

"You're funny, Peg. Just get to us quick. We really, really need you."

"Les."

"Yes, Peggy."

"I love you."

"I love you too. But more than that, I trust you. You have my seal of approval."

"I'm truly touched by everyone's kindness. I'm gonna love this job, I'm gonna love this man and I'm gonna love my life."

"Great. Now take him home and give him what he needs."

"No. I'm gonna give him what I need. And when I do that, he'll be more than satisfied."

"Yeah?"

"Take it to the bank."

"Goodbye Les," Herman called out.

"Bye, Herm. See you at work."

They gave us their good nights, stopped in to see the twins, and spent twenty minutes with the kids downstairs. When Herman introduced Peggy to the kids, Celeste gave her the evil eye. For the first time, I saw a jealous streak in our little Cee-Cee. I don't know if Holly picked up on it, but it appeared as plain as day to me. The little thing was jealous of this big hulking woman who is trying to steal her Herman away from her. Poor baby. It didn't seem to matter to her that most of the time they all spent together was him talking about how great Celeste is. But it wasn't enough for her. I would talk to her later.

It was time for them to go, and on the way out, Herman took Peggy's hand. And as they walked out the door, Celeste's little shoulders slumped. When she turned to come into the house, she had a sad and sullen look on her face. "Holly, can you get my two ready for bed? Celeste and I have some things to talk about."

"Don't you think I should be the one talking to her?"

"No, Holly. This is a conversation she needs to have with me."

"Okay. If you say so, Hannah."

I took Celeste's hand, and we walked to the sunroom. Don't you love it on a cool night, when there are no clouds and the moon is out, and there are a billion stars in the sky? I sat down on the lounger and held my arms out to Celeste. She climbed up on my lap and put her head on my chest. I immediately threw my arms around her.

"Baby, you seem upset. Do you want to talk about it?"

"I don't know."

"Okay. Are there any things you know you want to talk about?"

"I don't know... Is Herman going away?"

"Herman? Going away? Not on your life. What do you know that I don't know.?"

"That woman. She's his girlfriend now and he won't need us anymore."

Now the tears are flowing from my eyes.

"Ceece, nothing could be further from the truth. She's not taking him away. She's joining us."

"Joining us?"

"Yep. Remember Rory and Shawn's mom?"

"Yeah. She's nice."

"She is the best, Ceece. Well, that lady, Peggy Olszewski, is gonna go work for her in one of my companies. Rory's mommy introduced Herman to Peggy because she thought they might like each other."

"But why does he need her when he has me?"

Be still my heart. I'm dying for this little eight-year-old whose heart is breaking because a man she has so much affection for has found another woman. Heartbreaking.

"Celeste, my little darling, you're caught somewhere between the bigs and the littles, and I think we need to have a little talk."

"Okay. About what?"

"Some of the things that make grownups different from kids. Like, did you know Herman is in his fifties and has never been married?"

"Fifties. That's old. Not my Hermey."

"Not sure, but I think he's fifty-four."

"Wow. That's a long time."

"Over twenty years older than me."

"Wow. Even that's old."

I had to chuckle. "Celeste, do you love Herman?"

"Yes. How can you even ask?"

"Well in all my years with Herman, I have never seen him more in love with anyone than he is with you. Everyone asks if he's your father when we are at matches."

"Really?"

"I get it all the time."

"I really do love him and I don't want to give him up." Ah. Puppy love.

"You'll never have to give him up. He'll always be your uncle Herman, and he'll always be a part of our family, just like he is now and has been. Ceece, when we were having adult time after Thanksgiving dinner, Herman was telling us how lonely he was and that he wished he had a lady in his life. Someone to make a life with. Maybe even have children. Like Mac has Bertha, and Duane has me. So, Rory's mom introduced Herman to Peggy, and I think they really like each other. What do you think?"

"Oh, she really likes him. She's really trying to get on his good side. She does stuff and stuff."

"What's that, Ceece?"

"C'mon, Mommy Hannah, a woman knows."

I nearly rolled off the lounger, and it took every bit of my inner strength not to bust out laughing. A woman knows. C'mon.

"Let's give Peggy a chance. In fact, do you want to do something that will put a big smile on your Uncle Herman's face? Something that says, I love you."

"Sure."

"Next time you see them together call her 'Aunt Peggy.' Watch what happens to Herman. You'll see, you'll be glad you did. Oh, and one more thing. Peggy told me she can't swim and that Herman is going to teach her. I'll bet you could be a big help with that, and by the time the addition is built you and her could be swimming laps while you are practicing to get into the nationals. Nobody is in a better position to welcome her into the family than you, Ceece. Do you want to know why?"

"I really want to."

"They both have the love of family, but they have longed for that intimate love that only adults who love each other feel. Does that make sense to you?"

"Do they want to get married?"

"Maybe. I don't know. They will probably want to take more time to get to know each other before deciding if they want to get married or not."

"And kids?"

"Again, Ceece, only they will be able to figure out if that is what they want. Kids ain't easy."

"So, I've heard."

"Really, now. And from whom?"

"From you, Mommy Hannah."

"You little son of a gun. What am I gonna do with you? You good with Peggy for now?"

"For now."

"I guess that will have to do. But I foresee you two getting very close. Come on, Ceece. Bedtime." And we went up, and I got her into her pajamas and called for Holly, who was minding the twins after tucking my two big ones in. We both kissed Celeste goodnight, and I went to send my two big ones off to dreamland and then to check on the twins. I never made it back downstairs.

Duane was dragging himself up the stairs, and he looked at me and said, "How are you holding up, Han?"

"I'm dyin'."

"Yeah, me too. Shame."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, it would be nice to, ya know."

"I certainly do, and I didn't say I had nothing left." So, I grabbed his hand and dragged him into the bedroom and let him have his way with me. And what a way it is. But it was one quick bout, and we were out like shout. Morning did not come gently, but it came quickly. That's okay. I was tuned up and ready to roll.