Life seemed good. There was no more threat from Adrian and little threat from another inside man. As long as Joe had the diamond there was nothing to fear. Life seemed like it was going back to normal. Joe himself was more peaceful and everyone could tell. Especially Adrian who got most of the wrath since he came.
Joe smiled to himself and turned the page of his newspaper. Mia walked in and took a book of the desk near by then stopped for a moment. "Joe?"
"Hm?" He replied not looking up.
"You remember that the Genovia Independence Day ball is coming up right."
"I do recall your grandmother talking about it."
"Then you know that everyone will be coming and distracted?"
Joe folded his newspaper and looked at Mia. "Are you trying to hint at something?"
Mia sighed. "It has been a week since Adrian had to confront the man he was working for. It almost seems to perfect for someone that desperate to give up."
"He did seem desperate, but I think he or even she is being a lot more careful now. Besides I already talked to Shades and he reassured me that there will be heavier security."
"You're not worried?"
"Why should I be? I don't think what they are looking for is here."
Mia laughed, "I feel compelled to ask why."
"Well, I think Adrian was trained by the best. I know his mother would have seen to that, but also he is very thorough in his work. You should see some of the report he does for school."
"This is the first time I think I have heard to say something about Adrian that has made you proud."
Joe smiled and went back to his paper and Mia left the room. Joe sighed and shook his head. "You know eaves dropping doesn't see to be your style." Joe said.
"I wasn't eaves dropping, I just happened to come in at the right time." He felt two arms wrap around him in and hug. He smiled and kissed his wife's hand. She came around and sat on the couch beside his chair. She smiled at him and opened her mouth to say something before someone burst through the door screaming happily.
Joe jumped as Josh came flying around his chair and hid giggling as an Adrian came flying after him. Josh ran to the other side of the room shortly followed by Adrian. Joe stood up to say something as Josh came flying behind his legs. Adrian stopping short about a foot in front of Joe, "You win this time." He said playfully at Josh. Josh giggled and buried his face into Joe's leg.
"What have I told you about running around the palace?" Joe asked Adrian.
"Only do it when you're not looking?" Adrian tried. Joe had to laugh. "No worries, we were careful."
"I see." Joes replied "There is a ball coming up, you know. A lot of diplomats will be there, I don't want you two to be running around like this."
"Once again, don't worry. My mom always had to go see diplomats and royalty. We know how to act."
"Good." Joe smiled and whipped a hand around and tickled Josh. Josh screamed with laughter and ran to hide behind Clarisse who was laughing.
"Uh… Joe?" Joe looked at Adrian.
"Yes?"
"Josh and I don't have anything to wear to this thing."
"Ah, yes, well come on then we'll have to take you into town and get something."
"Alright" Adrian said smiling. "Josh, come on let's go get ready."
The two left the room. Clarisse got up and hugged him, "That is nice of you."
"Nice of me? I think it's nice of you, after all you're paying." He said jokingly. Clarisse swatted at him and he dodged laughing as he ran out of the room. Clarisse smiled and followed him laughing.
