The Law Firm of Stanton, Prescott and Brewer Comes Calling
There was a loud musical sound as the doorbell rang. It was precisely three days later.
"I'll get the door," Spencer offered. "That's bound to be someone from the lawyers, as who else knows we're here other than your family?"
"It could be Brooke and Jeremy," Aaron said.
"They would've called first," Harper disagreed. "They aren't supposed to be here for a few more days so while it's possible I just don't think it's likely."
Aaron had to acknowledge that Harper was correct.
Spencer opened the door and welcomed the man into his home.
"Well, it appears as if you were expecting me," one of the man said smiling a little.
"My grandfather never does anything by halves, Mister…" Harper said rising to meet the expected company.
"Brewer," the man supplied.
"Though he said nothing he knew we were intelligent enough to figure out that he being the responsible and intelligent man he was he would have contacted the lawyer firm he had on retainer, to keep an eye on the property," Harper continued.
"Dave does expect you to figure out somethings for yourself," Aaron said. "Its nice to meet you, I'm Aaron Hotchner, this is my wife Harper Rossi and our other partner Spencer Reid."
"Of course, if we had thought to ask he would've told us," Spencer said, shaking Brewer's hand.
"Well, as you guessed we're from Stanton, Prescott and Brewer. I'm Paul Brewer. Mr. Rossi asked us to make sure everything was ready for new occupants. His granddaughters and their families."
"That's just like granddad actually," Harper said smiling. "Granddad's good at looking after the little details, Mr. Brewer."
"Yes, he's a very intelligent man as I've known him, ever since I was a junior partner in my father's practice. He was in fact, my father's client at first but when he retired, it fell to me."
"Well, granddad is very pleased with the way your firm has looked after this property. It was my so many times great-grandfather's that bought it so many decades ago."
"Yes, I know it's been in the family for quite some time," Mr. Brewer agreed. "I've always wondered why your family hasn't just sold it. It would be worth quite a bit of money especially today."
"Money isn't everything Mr. Brewer," Aaron told him gently.
"Our family doesn't need the extra funds that come from selling such a valuable property or at least renting it out to someone outside the family," Spencer added. "Someone that wouldn't appreciate the history that has happened here, because it wasn't their own. So many people don't appreciate their own history, so I can understand why Dave never rents it to strangers. Strangers would likely mess it up, maybe steal things or at least change things around. We value our history, Mr. Brewer."
"This is the city where my many time great-grandfather met his wife," Harper explained. "It was our grandfather's wish that we not sell the property unless we absolutely had to and it was in his will. This is where he raised his family. They had six children and were happy here for many years. Call it a sentimental attachment. Since my family doesn't need the money we're going to hang onto it for as long as possible."
"Really, the Rossi family is quite large, with numerous, cousins, nieces and nephews," Spencer added. "They are spread out all over the world, but do gather for major events weddings and such."
"Well, that does make sense," Mr. Brewer admitted. The other partner Spencer Reid was also correct that a lot of people didn't appreciate their own history, much less anyone else's and it was also true that some stranger that lived here might steal something or at least change things around instead of just leaving well enough alone. There were many valuable objects spread around the living room that would be easy to sale for a lot of cash and Brewer was sure that was true for the rest of the place as well.
Besides, hanging on to something for sentimental reasons wasn't at all unusual. A lot of wealthy families did so for various reasons. Since this was the city where the original David Rossi had met his wife and raised his family it did make sense why he wanted his family to hang onto the property, even after he had shuffled off the mortal coil.
"According to our records this property has rarely been unoccupied for more than a few months at a time and usually it's only a week or less," Mr. Brewer said.
"Well, the only way to really keep an eye on such a valuable property is to actually live here," Harper pointed out. "Being the responsible man he is however, granddad, hired your firm to look after the place when there were no occupants."
"Since somebody is usually living here I'm sure you don't have much trouble with the place," Spencer said.
"From looking at the file there has been a few incidents," Mr. Brewer said.
"That's not really surprising considering the value of the property," Spencer said.
"Oh, I'm sorry we've been impolite would you like some tea or coffee. This is not our usual form of hospitality," Harper said suddenly. "We haven't had any visitors since we moved in three days ago. However, dad drilled manners into Brooke and me as children. He will be very disappointed that we didn't offer you anything to drink as soon as you arrived."
"Coffee if it's not too much trouble," Mr. Brewer said.
"Not at all. Spencer here loves his coffee," Aaron told the man. "So we always have some freshly brewed in case he wants a cup."
"I'm usually the hardest to wake up in the morning, I need my coffee," Spencer replied calmly.
Mr. Brewer nodded at this, because he was the same way. He needed his coffee in order to wake up for the day, but then, a lot of people did. It wasn't the least unusual.
"I'll get it," Harper offered rising to her feet, immediately heading for the kitchen.
She was back in less than five minutes with a tray with several coffee cups, a coffee pot and cream and sugar bowls. The cups were genuine, high quality pottery and the coffee pot real silver.
Mr. Brewer silently approved of the quality of the coffee server and the coffee cups. It must be several hundred years old at least, which meant it was incredibly valuable, since it looked like it was in perfect condition. This was obviously a family that respected their possessions and tried their best to keep them in good shape. Of course, you couldn't prevent some accidents like if you had children for example, but so long as you were careful to keep such valuable objects out of a child's reach then it was easier to keep them in perfect condition.
"Thank you," Mr. Brewer said politely, as he took a sip of his excellent coffee.
"You're quite welcome Mr. Brewer. I'm only sorry I didn't offer it to you first thing. Let's just hope dad never finds out about my lapse of manners or my granddad for that matter," Harper said.
"I think it's understandable under the circumstances, Mrs. Hotchner. I shan't say a word I promise," Mr. Brewer said with a slight smile.
"Thanks, I'd get a lecture at least," Harper said gratefully. "It wouldn't matter how old I am."
What Harper said was the absolute truth and it wouldn't be just her dad that lectured her either, as her Aunt JJ was also big on being polite. She was polite to people that often didn't deserve it and it took a lot to get her really annoyed much less angry.
So your sister and her spouse haven't arrived yet I take it?" Brewer said.
"No, they're due to arrive in just a couple of days," Aaron said. "They had more things to settle then we did and couldn't leave until they were. Personally, I believe they just wanted a few days to themselves, so I wouldn't be surprised if they just took a mini vacation."
"So any children?" Mr. Brewer asked.
"Not yet, as we've only been married a few years," Spencer answered.
They had made sure to change their records to reflect this, as they looked young enough to have just gotten married, but not have any children yet. Spencer, Harper and Aaron all knew perfectly well that they didn't look as old as they really were, so it had been decided that they had just gotten married in the last five years but didn't have any children as yet. They figured that people would believe them much easier then if they told people that they were centuries old, except for Spencer who was just over 100. That was the story they had come up with between them and told Dave what they had decided on. Dave had approved Aaron remembered, because really, it made sense just to be newly married so that they didn't have any children as yet. Nobody needed to know that they had left Las Vegas because they'd been there too long already and should look older then they did.
"Children will come in their own time Mr. Brewer and we'll welcome them when they appear. Hopefully, Aaron and I will have at least four between us, but you never know what life will bring," Spencer said. "I come from a very large family myself, so I don't mind having a lot of children running around."
"While I don't mind a lot of children running around unfortunately, I was an only child," Aaron said.
This was not completely true, but his siblings had been born so far apart that it was still basically the truth.
"So I came to make sure everything was to your satisfaction. We are very personal at Stanton, Prescott and Brewer," Mr. Brewer asked.
"Oh yes, everything's been splendid," Harper promised smiling. "Granddad's always been good about thinking about the details that need to be taken care of. He thought of everything, stocking the pantry and the fridge, making sure there were fresh sheets on the bed and we're pretty sure there is a new refrigeration unit in the kitchen."
"There is, as your grandfather insisted it needed to be replaced with something more efficient," Mr. Brewer agreed.
"All that needs to be done is the alarm system needs to be updated. After I get done nobody it's going to be able to get into our home without a specialized remote and the blueprints."
"You must really have a knack with security systems then," Mr. Brewer said.
"Yes, I am. It's a talent I inherited from my mother," Harper said. "She's always been good with electronics in general, especially computers."
"So about these it incidents you mentioned earlier," Spencer asked.
"One happened just last year. Some of your family were still living here, though they were out at the time. They didn't manage to get past the alarm, since it was one of the best on the market."
"Yes, my cousin Rich and his family. Unfortunately, my cousin doesn't have my knack with security systems, so he couldn't add any bells and whistles," Harper agreed. "We are very pleased with the service that your firm provides and I think my so many times great-grandfather chose well."
Mr. Brewer looked very pleased at this. It was always satisfying in to have a client be pleased with the firm. It often meant a large bonus for whoever the lawyer on the case was. In this case, that would be him and hopefully, there'd be a bonus in it from Mrs. Hotchners grandfather David Rossi.
"My sister will also be very pleased, once she arrives. Really, all that's left to do is replace the beds in the master bedroom and whichever bedroom Brooke and Jeremy choose. Granddad left that for us to do, but probably on his wives recommendation, as we all have different taste after all. Brooke and I will take care of bed shopping once my sister arrives, as the men don't really care what they sleep on so long as it is comfortable."
Brewer was nodding at this, because personally, he didn't care about the design of the bed so long as it didn't make his back hurt. That kind of thing was more of a woman's prerogative, though some men did care about such things.
"Well, I'm glad you're satisfied with our services. Please contact us if you need anything. We are always at your service."
"Thank you very much Mr. Brewer. If we need your services we'll be sure to contact you right away. I'm sure that my granddad will be happy to hear that everything is more than satisfactory. The place was sparkling when we arrived and it was obvious that a professional company had cleaned it from top to bottom, as I can't see my cousin or his wife going to that kind of trouble. They did an excellent job and I would recommend them to any of my friends or associates, if you would care to give me their name and number. You can send our compliments to whoever did such a good job," Aaron said being very sincere.
"I'll make sure I let them know," Mr. Brewer said pleased. "I'll leave you with their number in case any of your associates needs a professional cleaning company, bonded of course. There won't be so much as a napkin missing, as that would be trouble for the company."
"Granddad would never hire anybody less, since I'm sure some of this stuff is pretty valuable," Harper said.
"I have to agree that Harper's grandfather, David Rossi, is a cautious man. He knows how dishonest people can be," Spencer said.
"I've always been very impressed with your grandfather the few times I've met him," Mr. Brewer said. "He struck me as very intelligent and wise."
"Oh, he is, but not arrogant about it like so many intelligent people," Aaron said.
"Harper here, is just as intelligent as her grandfather and father," Spencer added.
Spencer wasn't even lying or stretching the truth, as he really had met Harper's grandfather, several times. He just let Mr. Brewer assume that David Rossi was Harper and Brooke's grandfather instead of their dad. It was just a small fib to make their lives easier, as he'd never believe that Harper was the daughter of David Rossi, even if it was a different David Rossi to the original, as she didn't look old enough to be his daughter instead of his granddaughter.
"It's no wonder really, as her grandmother and mother are really intelligent to," Aaron said.
"Both of us have met her parents and grandparents," Spencer told Brewer. "She's close to all of them, so it isn't really a surprise that she introduced us."
"They readily approved of both Aaron and Spencer and of Brooke's husband Jeremy," Harper said. "They're good at assessing people to see if they're trying to string someone along. It helped that all of them had money of their own though not in Rossis league of course, well except for Aaron here who had a much larger fortune then Spencer or Jeremy."
"Well, I hope you have a very happy marriage with many children. Children are such a blessing," Mr. Brewer said.
"Yes, they are," Aaron agreed finishing his coffee. "Hopefully, we'll be having children within the next year or two, but we'll see. You never know what life's going to bring after all."
This was true, Brewer knew so he nodded.
All of them chatted for a few more minutes before Mr. Brewer finally took his leave after finishing 2 cups of coffee. He left behind him his business card as well as number for the professional company that had cleaned the place.
~~~Immortal Soulmates~~~
"Well, that went rather well," Harper said after Mr. Brewer's car had disappeared.
"I felt so too," Spencer agreed, as he came to put an arm around his wife's shoulder.
"It did," Aaron said calmly. "I doubt we'll ever need their services but you also never know."
"And now we know that several would-be thieves have tried to break into this place," Harper said.
"We suspected that had occurred though," Aaron said. "This is a very valuable property, and that's probably worth 5 to 10 billon and that's at a minimum. Now if the building is worth that much, most intelligent would be thieves would wonder what was inside that was easily portable, that was also worth a lot of money. Not just the TV or the other electronics, but small objects that would be worth a great deal in the right market. Any thief could easily get at least $500,000 dollars if they knew what was valuable and what was not."
"And some of the stuff isn't obviously valuable, so you would really have to know what people would go for or even if there was a market for some of this stuff," Spencer said looking around at the living room, which contained the large screened TV and several antique pieces. There was plenty of things, just in this room, that were portable that would bring a lot of money in the right market. There was an antique cuckoo clock on the mantle for instance that was at least 100 years old. It was quite a valuable piece and would be worth several thousand dollars at a minimum.
"Well, it's just as well that my mother is such an expert on security systems then," said Harper, remembering what Brewer had said about the several attempts made on the property.
"And that most of the ones that Penny gave birth to are also the same or at least the ones that have lived here are," Aaron said.
"All except for Rich that is, but then, my Aunt Emily is the one that gave birth to him not mom," said Harper, "Though at least he was smart enough to buy the best security system on the market, which prevented the thieves from and succeeding long enough for the police to get here."
"Considering the police arrived in less than five minutes that's not surprising. It would take considerably more time then that to get past a topnotch security system, much less rob the place. Even if a thief has a specialized remote they still wouldn't have time to get hardly anything, even if you got past the security system in place. The police showed up in minutes, since there is a station within a couple of blocks of here and probably the only thing that delayed them was traffic."
"Still, the police got here in plenty of time to prevent your parents place from being robbed and that's what matters," Spencer said.
"My parents would've been more worried about Rich and his family then if the place was robbed, not that they wouldn't be upset about that too, but lives are what matters."
"And also about revealing immortals," Spencer said somberly. "That's likely what your parents were more worried about then whether or not Rich and his family were going to be okay. I mean if the thief killed them with a modified stunner for example, they might wake up before they're gone, which would likely stun the thief who would know that they should be dead."
"If they were smart though, they would play dead," Aaron said, "and get out of there as soon as they were sure the thief was gone, but yes, I can see a scenario like that happening really easily. Even if the thief somehow got his hands on a disruptor, an immortal will heal from being shot with that within half an hour.
"Or sooner," Harper agreed, soberly.
"Most thieves don't want to cause harm, which is why they rob a place while the occupants are gone. That doesn't mean that they can't kill someone if they come home unexpectedly, just that it's not their usual MO," Spencer said.
Both Harper and Aaron were nodding at this, because Spencer was absolutely correct. Most thieves didn't want to kill, but it did happens sometimes, usually if the occupants came home rather unexpectedly or early.
"Well, since my sister and Jeremy won't be here for a couple of days we might as well keep ourselves occupied," Harper suggested with a smirk.
"We might as well practice making babies," Spencer said not even blushing.
"Who knows that practicing may very well become reality," Aaron said. "It is around that time after all."
In other words, it had been around 70 years, since the last time Harper had had a child.
"We might as well, because we don't want to start seeing the sights without asking my sister and Jeremy whether they want to come along. They might not, but it's only polite to ask," Harper said.
"Yes it is," Aaron agreed. "Sightseeing can wait until Brooke and Jeremy can join us if they want. We have plenty of time to see whatever we want to, since we'll probably be here for at least the next 30 years."
"Well, let's head upstairs then," Harper said grinning ear from ear. "Though I suppose I had better contact dad first to tell him about Paul Brewer's visit."
"That won't take but a few minutes though," Spencer said.
"True," Harper agreed kissing Spencer's cheek. "I'll meet you in the master bedroom in 10 minutes, unless you want to stay around and listening in on my call."
"There is no need for that," Aaron said and Spencer nodded in agreement.
"No, there's not, as we can talk to Dave or your mother or aunts another time," Spencer agreed heading for the stairs without further comment, Aaron following.
Harper watched them go smiling before she went to the communication center to contact her father David Rossi.
~~~Immortal Soulmates~~~