As it was Saturday morning Paige and Walter decided to have a lie in . However it turned out not so much of a lie in as another round of the sex Olympics . By 9.30am. they both rolled onto their backs with broad smiles on their faces .
After ten minutes Paige eased her self out of the bed and made her way to the bathroom .
" I am going for a shower . " She said without looking back at Walter .
As she reached the bathroom door , she stopped , her back to Walter , who was admiring the view from his position in the bed . She turned her head to look over her right shoulder .
" Are you coming ? " She asked as she wiggled her butt at him .
Walter was out of the bed , quicker than an Exocet missle , he stopped behind her and slapped her naked butt . Paige let out a little squeal and opened the bathroom door into which both disappeared .
It was 10.30am. when they came out of the bathroom , both had smiles on their faces bigger than the Cheshire cat .
Once dressed they made their way to the kitchen , were Paige fixed a very late breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast , with several cups of coffee. .
After everything was cleared away , Walter went back to working on his donor program . Paige decided to check the internet for information on agents who sell products on commission basis only .
After a couple of hours , Paige realized that although there were thousands of these commission only sales person out around the States , it would appear most specialized in one group of products only .
After a couple of hours , Walter came back into the room in a very dark mood . Paige looked up from the pages of commission agents she had printed off .
" Walter , what is the matter , you have a face like thunder ?" Paige expressed with some shock .
As soon as he heard her voice the anger began to disappear , in a few seconds , his face had a smile on it . " I am sorry , that donor program is causing me some problems and i cannot see a way around them , i feel so stupid . "
Paige walked over to him and pulled him into a tight hug . " Walter you could never be stupid when it comes to computers . Let us get in the car and take a drive down the coast and find a nice place to eat . While i am on the subject , we should go down to the Department of motor vehicles and get your Irish driving license changed for a Californian one . "
Walter pulled his head back from Paige so he could look into her eyes . " You are so good for me , your voice and touch have such a calming effect on me . The answer to both your questions is almost definite yes . " The smile on his face getting even bigger .
After driving for about a hour , they spotted a cute roadside diner , they pulled onto the carpark .
After enjoying a quality meal , they got back in the car and decided to travel a little longer down the coast . Most of the conversation was still revolving around Toby . Even after a hour and a half drive and a forty five minute meal , they still could not come to any sort of conclusion on the Toby situation .
They pulled into a cut out on the cliffside of the road and just sat there admiring the view across the Pacific Ocean and to the cliffs that protruded from , both sides of were they where parked .into the ocean .
One hour later they decided to make their way home , stopping to pick up some take away food . Once home , after eating their food , they moved out onto the porch to sit and chat .
Sunday was spent at home , Ralph phoned around lunch time and both Walter and Paige filled him in on how things were proceeding . Walter told him about the problems he was encountering with the donor program . Ralph told them summer recess was due to start in two weeks time and he wanted to spend the complete break with them both . He advised Walter if he was still having problems with the program , then maybe he could go through it and double check Walter's work and maybe see the problem . Walter was more than happy with that idea .
They carried on speaking for almost a hour before saying goodbyes .
" Well that is an improvement on last year's summer break . " Said Paige .
Walter gave her a somewhat confused look . " How do you come to that conclusion ? "
Paige gave him a cute little smile
" Out of the twelve week break last year , i saw him for a total of two weeks , mainly made up by the odd day or two over the twelve weeks . He was still mad at me over leaving you two years ago . Do not forget until you spoke to him from the hospital when first you came back , i would only get a short phone call , every few weeks , and then mainly it was because he needed more cash . "
" I remember you telling me that after he returned that phone call . I am really sorry you had to go through all that . " Replied Walter .
" In a way i suppose i did deserve it . I was in the wrong that night i walked out on you and it was even more than a mistake to start Centipede with the other three . I should have talked things through with you and sorted it out , the next day . " A now sad Paige said .
" I have told you before and while you insist on talking like this , i will continue to tell you the same thing . The past is history , which we learn from , we now concentrate on the future . So i think we need to take a gentle stroll along the beach and not worry about what happened , it as happened and cannot be changed . "
They walked down the beach for about a hour . Paige had removed her shoes and from time to time would walk in the shallow water at the edge of the beach , it felt warm and completly relaxed her .
Paige moved closer to Walter and held his hand . " Thank you this walk is just what i needed, shall we find a coffee shop .? "
" Great idea , lets walk up the beach to the sidewalk , there is sure to be somewhere close that serves coffee . " Suggested Walter .
Paige smiled and they turned to go to the sidewalk . As they reached the sidewalk , immediately to their right they saw a shack , with tables and chairs outside , that was selling refreshments .
Paige sat at one of the tables , Walter went to the counter and ordered two cups of coffee and two large cookies . Once they had finished their drinks and cookies they made their way back to the house .
They decided to walk back along the sidewalk . " You know we should look over the contract and work description that Katherine faxed over to us. " Said Paige .
" When we get home , lets order Chinese take away and then we can go over the paperwork together . " Replied Walter
" That will be a pleasant evening . " Paige said with a small laugh in her voice .
Once they had finished their food , Walter bought out the paperwork that Katherine had E-Mailed over to them .
Walter read through the contract , while Paige checked the work description . Once both had read through the paperwork they exchanged papers and began to read the other paperwork .
" The work description sounds good and i am surprised how much they are willing to pay per day when we are required to work . " Expressed Paige .
" I agree but i am not happy with clause 6 subsection 3 ." Replied Walter .
Paige looked at him with confusion . " What is wrong with that , " She asked .
" It states that we cannot work for anyone else while under contract to Homeland . " Explained Walter .
" Well who else do you want to work for ? "
" I thought i could help Richard out at the odd time . I still owe him for what he did for me in Ireland and getting me back to the States so quickly when Cabe had his heart attack . " Said Walter with some passion in his voice .
" We can speak to Katherine tomorrow and see if that can be amended to something like , Homeland have priority over your time . " Paige suggested .
" I can work with that , lets see how Katherine feels when we phone her tomorrow . "
Monday morning after breakfast , Paige and Walter sat down at the table and Paige phoned Katherine . Once Katherine answered , Paige put her phone onto speaker .
Paige : Good morning Katherine , we received all your papers but Walter does have concern about one of the clauses on the contract . "
Katherine : Good morning to you both . Walter tell me about your concerns . "
Walter: It is clause 6 subsection 3 , which states we cannot do work for anyone else while under contract to Homeland . "
Katherine : "That is standard for Homeland . "
Walter ; " We did not have that included on Scorpion's contract when we worked for Homeland . So why can't this contract be the same . "
Katherine : That was because Scorpion was an independent contractor to Homeland .
Walter : " But that is what i will be as well . I never asked to be an employee of Homeland . I need my freedom , even more now that it is only Paige and me . Paige as suggested if you want some form of protection , the clause could be amended to read something on the lines of Homeland has first call on your time . "
Katherine : Leave it with me , let me see my legal people and i will get back to you . Both of you have a good day and i will speak to you soon . "
Walter / Paige : Thank you Katherine , goodbye . "
"Well she did not dismiss the idea out of hand , let see what happens . " Said Walter , as he leaned into Paige and gave her a kiss .
" I think Homeland want you more than you need them . I am sure she will be back with a revised offer . " Said Paige as she returned the kiss .
An hour later her phone rang again . She checked the I.D. and saw Happy's name on the screen.
" Morning Happy , let me put my phone on speaker , so Walter can hear . "
" Morning Paige , Walter . I am on my own , Toby is doing some extra free hours at the clinic . In fact since Walter gave him that dressing down on Friday , he seems to be trying to change . His whole attitude seems to have changed , not sure if it will last , but at the moment it is good . Once you left on Friday he left the garage , saying he needed to be on his own to think .
He came back about two hours later and immediately phoned the clinic and offered to do some more free hours for them . He then spent nearly all of Saturday , writing up a plan on what he should be doing to try and impress Walter and hopefully to at least become friends again . "
" I will certainly look forward to seeing what he comes up with and if he will be able to stay with what he wants to do . " Replied Walter .
" Well he had better , or else he may find himself out on his ear . I have been considering all weekend what to do about the hoist . I don't think i want to be bothered in the manufacturing and selling of the hoist , my attitude towards people would not bode well with having to deal with people . So i have decided to try and sell the hoist to a manufacturer .
" If that is what you feel comfortable with we are both fine with that . We will sort out all the paperwork and get the name changed on the patent to yours . As soon as it is sorted we will bring the papers over to you . " Explained Paige .
" Ok , thank you , speak to you soon , goodbye . " At that Happy disconnected the call .
" I will get the necessary forms for both of the items . " Said Paige .
Once Paige had phoned the patent office and requested all the necessary forms she required , Walter borrowed the phone , in order to phone Richard . Walter possessed Richard's private number so he was immediatly connected .
" Good morning Richard . "
" Good morning Walter , it is good to hear from you . Are you back in the States ? "
" Yes Paige and myself arrived back last week , but we have had a few things to sort out . I just rang you to thank you again for what you did for me ,while i was in Ireland and then getting me back to the States so quickly when Cabe had his heart attack . "
" It was a pleasure Walter , but i wonder if you could spare me a hour or so to help out on a problem we have encountered on a job ? "
" Of course , just how urgent is it ? " Asked Walter .
" Well the job cannot continue until the problem is solved . So i think i would class it as very urgent . " Replied Richard with a hint of panic in his voice .
" We are tied up this afternoon , how about 10.00am . tomorrow . One thing , you will get the two of us , our motto now is , both or neither . " Walter explained .
" I can live with that it is always a pleasure to see Paige . " Richard answered a little more hope in his voice . "
Both said goodbye .
Walter turned to Paige who had been sitting next to him . " Richard seemed a lot happier , when i told we would see him tomorrow , to look at his problem . " Said Walter .
" I like our new motto , both or neither , thank you Walter . " Paige said as she leaned across and put a gentle kiss on his cheek .
" It is my pleasure , lets go down into L.A. and sort my license out and i can buy a new phone ."
Within thirty minutes they had parked the car in L.A. and were walking towards the Department of Motor Vehicles . There was a bit of a queue which they joined and waited their turn . After about a hour they left with Walter's Californian license . Next a new phone , finding the phone shop , it took Walter over a hour to choose the one that satisfied everything he needed , with $1000 receipt in his pocket he walked out the shop with a smile on his face .
" Lets go to Kovelsky 's for something to eat . " Suggested Walter .
" No fermented fish though please , " Said a smiling Paige .
" No i think today it will be one of their famous burgers . "
Once they had finished their meals they returned home and spent a quiet relaxing evening .
Next day 10. . Richards office .
Walter and Paige had arrived on time . Richard's receptionist asked them to take a seat as Mr. Elia was just completing a phone call and would be with them shortly .A few moments later Richard appeared at his office door .
" Good morning Walter , Paige please come in . " They followed Richard into the office and Richard indicated to a section of the office , which contained a sofa and two wing back chairs .
Paige and Walter sat on the sofa and held hands . Richard took one of the wing chairs . Richard noticed the large diamond ring on Paige's left hand .
" Do i understand congratulations are in order ? " Asked Richard .
Paige with a big smile on her face . " Yes Walter proposed during our trip to Ireland . "
" Then congratulations on your engagement , do you have a date for the wedding yet ? "
It was Paige who answered again . " At the moment we are trying to sort out a problem , due to the fact that Walter is a divorced man . "
Richard looked amazed as he turned to Walter . " You have been married before ! " Walter just nodded .
Paige went on to explain the whole situation to Richard . Also about the notarized statements that had been sent to Ireland to see what Father O' Connor can do , with regard to allowing the church to let Walter get married in one .
Richard had sat through the whole story , without interrupting her , but his face kept going from amazed to confused .
" I thought i had problems ." He said with a small laugh .
Walter looked away from Paige . " We will overcome our problems , one way or another . But you did say your problem is urgent , so maybe we should concentrate on that for the moment . "
Richard looked at the pair and began . " You are right Walter . First i need to give you a little history of what we are doing . We are working in conjunction with the Tesla car company , but if we are successful the idea will be made available to all the other car manufactures who are building electric vehicles including commercial ones .
The idea is to improve the amount of miles you can get from one full charge . At the moment Tesla do a range of models , the smallest car can go approximately 265 miles , the biggest car just over 400 miles . We have been attempting to increase the mileage by up to 25% . It is rather complicated to explain , but basically we attach a dynamo to inside of one wheel . Which once the car is traveling it creates a D. C. current , which is then connected to a D. C. charger , which in turn is attached to the batteries . Maybe if we go down into the testing station , it may be easier to see what i mean .
" But what is the problem , you seem to have it covered . " Asked Walter .
" The dynamo seems to create the D.C. but somewhere along the line the current dissipates so by the time it reaches the battery , there is no power in it . " Richard explained .
Walter sat there for a few minutes , his face full of concentration . Richard went to speak , but Paige put her finger up to her lips in an action to tell Richard to remain silent .
Five minutes later Walter looked at Richard . " This seems more of a mechanical or manufacturing problem , neither of which is really my area . Would you mind if i ring Happy , you know she is a top engineer and mechanic . "
" To be honest i did not think you were still in touch with her , but i would welcome her help."
While Walter was trying to get in touch with Happy , Paige began to explain to Richard about the first meeting , when Walter first came back to the States . Then she explained how Happy had helped Walter and Ralph solve a problem on board the plane Ralph was on and get it safely landed at LAX .
Walter got Happy on the phone . " Hello Happy , are you very busy at the moment . "
" No , just cleaning up part of the garage . Do you need something ? "
" We are with Richard , he as asked me down to see if i could help him with a problem . Now he has explained it to me , i am almost certain it is either mechanical or an engineering problem . Which i am sure it comes more in your field . " Walter explained .
" I can be there in about a hour . Toby is at the clinic , i will phone him to let him know i will not be here when he gets back . Can you arrange for someone to to meet me in the reception ? " Replied Happy .
" Richard will sort that out , see you in about a hour . "
Walter turned to Richard and told him what was needed .
Walter then suggested that the three of them should go down to the testing station . It took them almost ten minutes to reach the test area .
The equipment was already set up for a test and once the chief engineer had explained everything he began the test . He let it run for ten minutes , then checked the result , again it showed an increase of only 2% .
" That is all we get on every test , our engineers have been trying for almost a month to get an improvement , but what ever they do , the results still remain the same . " Explained Richard .
Walter asked to look at the plans , the engineer went into an office and came back with a roll of papers . He laid them out on a large table at the side of the room and rolled them out flat .
Walter spent a good ten minutes examining all of the plans . " I am sorry Richard , but i cannot see a problem , but if there is one i am sure Happy will spot it . "
As he finished speaking a young man , followed by Happy entered the room .
" Morning everybody . " Happy said . Every one returned the greeting .
" I am very pleased you could come Happy , Walter as great confidence in you to be able to solve our problem . " Said Richard .
" Let me first have a word with your chief engineer , i am sure he can explain to me more about the problem than anyone else . "
Happy explained as she made her way to the table to have a good look at the plans . Richard spoke to the engineer who had carried out the tests to follow Happy and explain the problem they had been having . The engineer walked over to Happy .
" Do you want to stay here or come back to the office and let them get on with it ? " Asked Richard looking at Walter and Paige .
" I would prefer to stay , i may be of help , although i doubt it . " Said Walter .
Paige looked at Richard . " No doubt you remember what Walter said yesterday , it's both of us or neither , so i will be stopping as well . "
" I guessed as much , i have some phone calls to make , so if you will excuse me i will leave you here . Please come back to my office , the three of you . no matter what the result . " Replied Richard .
" Of course we will ." Answered Paige .
Walter and Paige watched fascinated as Happy and the engineer went over all the plans . Happy was in her element , even having a laugh at times with the engineer . After about thirty minutes , Happy and the engineer walked over to the test area . Happy borrowed some tools off the engineer and began making adjustments and amendments to various pieces of the equipment .
" Walt . the engineer is going to run the test again . You want to watch ? "
Walter and Paige walked over to the area the actual test was set up . The engineer started the test and let it run for ten minutes . After stopping the test he checked the reading which showed a 25% increase . The engineers face dropped his jaw seeming to hit the floor .
" How did you manage to achieve that result , we have been trying for over a month to get that sort of result . " Remarked the engineer .
" Just a few tweaks , let me show you . " Said a very pleased Happy .
" I knew you were the best person for the job . " Said a smiling Walter , with Paige standing by him with a big smile on her face and giving Happy a thumbs up .
Happy spent another thirty minutes going over the alterations with the engineer . Once the engineer was certain he knew the amendments that needed to be made , Happy went over to Walter and Paige .
The three of them made their way to Richard's office .
The receptionist asked them to take a seat , as Mr. Elia was on the phone , once he had finished his call the receptionist told him they were waiting for him . She then instructed them to go into the office .
" The engineer as phoned me , he cannot believe how easily you solved the problem and got a reading of 25% . Please the three of you take a seat . " Said a very happy Richard .
Once they were all seated Richard began speaking again ." Can i get you coffee or something else to drink ? "
" Coffee would be good . " Answered Paige with the other two nodding their heads in agreement .
Richard picked his phone up and asked the receptionist to order Coffee for four and some cookies .
" The coffee will be here soon . Happy i cannot thank you enough for your help today . The problem as put us back so much , it could have cost us millions if it had carried on much longer . "
" I enjoyed it , that was the first time in nearly two years i have had to use my brain to solve a mechanical problem . I should thank you for letting me be involved . " Said Happy with one of her not often seen smiles on her face .
At that moment the receptionist came in the office with a tray on which was the coffee and cookies . She placed it on Richard's desk and left . Paige got of her seat and poured coffee for the four of them .
Richard sat behind his desk , steepled his fingers and remained silent for a minute , no one spoke . Richard put his hands back on the desk , cleared his throat and began speaking again .
" Happy i am certain you are probably not a person who wants or can not work with a lot of people . But i would like to offer you a job to be a consultant , for mechanical and engineering jobs for when we have problems like you solved today . I would pay a $5000 retention fee every year , and pay $500 for every day or part of a day you are called out . Walter i would also like to offer you and Paige something similar . "
Walter was first to answer . " I cannot accept your offer , but anytime you need my help you only have to ring me and if i can i will do my best to help you . At the moment i am still in debt to you for everything you have done for me , i think i still owe you 2 or 3 jobs to pay my debt . Once i feel i have cleared my debt to you , we may then discuss how much to pay Paige and myself for what work we do . "
" You do not owe me anything Walter , it is me that is in debt to you and the old Scorpion team .You saved my daughter , my building and my life . That is a debt i can never repay , so never think you are in debt to me . "
Paige interrupted before Walter could speak . " Walter did all those things because he thinks of you as a friend , but the Scorpion's motto was Save everyone and that is what they always tried to do . Maybe you should both agree , to accept all debts are cleared on both sides . "
Walter looked at Paige and smiled . " I told you , your brilliance is seeing a simple solution to confusing situations , that i never can . " Turning to Richard . " What Paige says seems to make sense to me . We should shake hands and call it quits . "
Richard smiled and reached over his desk and shook Walter's hand .
" Agreed !"
" What i said about your offer still stands , the difference i will accept payment for jobs we do for you , but no retention fee . " Walter explained .
" Ok , i can accept that , but why no retention fee ? " Asked Richard .
" Homeland want us to do consultancies for them , but at the moment i am having a problem accepting a clause on the contract . Which we hope to have an answer to soon . " Was all Walter would say .
Richard looked at Paige .
" We have promised they can have Walter's time on first call . I think Walter is afraid you may want him at the same time as Homeland . If he received a retention fee he would feel guilty of that were it to happen . " She explained .
" I can accept that, i will have my legal team draw up a contract for you Happy and Walter i will just shake your hand . "
After shaking Walter's hand Richard led them out the office . After telling Happy he would contact her about the contract , he gave her a cheque , which his receptionist had handed to him .
" That is for the work you have done today . " Richard told her .
Happy thanked Richard before looking at the cheque . She then turned the cheque over and saw the amount , it was made out for $5000 . Happy was silent for a moment then turned to Richard .
" This is to much , I've only been here just over a hour . "
Richard smiled before answering . " In that hour you have done something that as baffled a team of ten engineers for over a month . In fact you have also saved me more than that in the wages i would have been paying out to them while they still were trying to solve the problem . So please accept it with my thanks and i look forward to working with you in the future . "
The three left the office . " How about we go and get something to eat ? " Suggested Paige .
" I would very much like that . " Replied Happy .
Once they had eaten , they went their separate ways , Happy with a big smile on her face , she had never earned such a large amount of money in such a short time .
Walter and Paige went back home , both feeling good for Happy that Richard had offered her extra work .
" I was going to talk to Richard about the patents on the hoist and water purifier to see if he knew anyone who might be interested in taking them up , but with what was going on i let lt slip . " Walter told Paige as she drove home .
"We can always approach him again , you never know he might be interested for one of his other companies . " Suggested Paige .
" You are right , we can give it a few days maybe by then , we will have Homeland sorted out as well . "
" You know what lets get home , change into some more casual clothes and go for a walk on the beach . You know that helps us both to relax . " Paige said with a smile on her face as she reached for his hand and squezed it .
" I think i like that . " Said Walter his face breaking out in a big smile .
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Grykon : Thank you . Paige and Walter say at the moment they feel more practice is required before they go for gold .
Pealiegirl : Thank you ,i hope you will keep on enjoying the story .
Skunkeefunk : You are a certainly a Scorpion fan , i am so pleased listening to an audio version of the story helped you enjoy painting your house . I am interested how did you get an audio version .
JerBr23 : Certainly agree about Toby , but his jealousy at times is also big .
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