As they walked through the door , Mrs Kovelsky saw them and immediatly made her way over to them .
" It is so good to see my two favourite love birds , were have you been ? It as been so long . "
Walter gave her a weak smile . " I have moved to Malibu and Paige as been rather busy . " He said as he pointed to the bassenet . "
" Oh what a beautiful baby . What is her name ? " Mrs Kovelsky asked as she leaned over to get a better look .
Paige spoke . " This is Megan Louise our daughter . "
Mrs Kovelsky reached to Paige to give her a hug , she knew of Walter's feelings towards being touched as she just looked at him and said . " Congratulations . "
She then led them to a booth over in the corner , were it was a little quieter , in an attempt to allow Megan to keep on sleeping . While waiting for their food Ralph looked at Walter a very serious look on his face .
" Is something wrong ? " A somewhat concerned Walter asked .
" No dad , i was just thinking about the wall safe . Is it a key or code lock ? " He asked .
" It is a code lock ,why would you want to know that ? "
Ralph looked a little sheepish " Well if it is a key lock , the key could be one of those on the key ring Mr Elia gave you . If it ia a code lock , i would like to have a look at it . "
Walter a little curious . " It is a push button coded lock , but why would you like to look at it ?"
Before he answered he looked at his mom . " You are not going to be mad at me are you ? "
" Why would i be mad at you ? " Paige answered with a smile on her face .
" Because it was Happy who showed me how to break the code on those sort of locks , when i used to stay with them . I have never done it before but this is dad's safe and he would like to know what is on the inside . "
Paige was a little dumfounded . " Happy showed you how to break into a safe ? What was she thinking of ? "
" No mom , she showed me how to over- ride a push button lock . " Ralph explained .
" What's the difference ? " Paige asked , her anger growing .
" It was in case we needed to get into a property with that type of lock on the door . " Ralph tried to explain .
Walter cut into the conversation before it got out of hand . " Calm down Paige , Ralph was just shown something out of interest . It is like a lot of things we know , but never need to use . This time the knowledge could come in handy if we can get into the safe . "
Paige looked at Walter a smile began to appear on her face . " So typical of you O'Brian , that explanation makes sense . Sorry Ralph for getting mad . "
" That's alright mom , but can i look at the safe ? "
" Yes , but not until tomorrow . " Walter told him.
Once they had finished their food they left to go back to Walter's home . Paige pulled on the drive at 9.15pm.
" Are you coming in for a cup of coffee ? " Walter asked .
" Mr O'Brian i am not a girl like that . " Paige replied with a great big smile on her face .
" Does that mean no ? " Walter asked .
" No , i would like nothing better , but it is getting late and i need to get our little girl home and in her cot . " Paige explained .
" Of course you must look after the little princess . I will see you in the morning . " Walter said as he leaned over to kiss her on the lips .
" Good night dad . " Ralph said .
" Goodnight son , sleep well . " Walter replied .
He got out of the car and remained on the drive until Paige's car was out of sight . _
Sunday morning at 9.25am. Paige pulled onto the drive of Walter's home . He had been keeping a lookout for her as the door opened before she had even got out of the car .
" Good morning my love . " He said as he reached her and pulled her into a hug .
" And a very good morning to you , my handsome man . " Paige replied , just before planting a kiss on his cheek .
Ralph was out of the car and ran up to them both and attempted to hug both of them .
"Good morning dad . "
Paige removed herself from the hug and went to the rear door of the car , opened it and removed Megan in her bassenet . Walter with Ralph close to his side walked up to Paige to check on Megan . Megan had fallen asleep during the journey from Paige's condo , but just seeing Megan bought a smile to Walter's face .
Walter looked at Paige . " I have just made some fresh coffee , come and have a coffee before we start looking around . The pool men are already here and out the back . The cleaners are due at 10.00am. , so once you have finished your coffee i think it will be best to start upstairs ."
" Does that mean i can look at the safe then ? " An excited Ralph asked .
" Walter smiled at him . " As long as one of us are with you , would you like a glass of milk while your mom drinks her coffee , there are also some cookies in the tin on the side . "
Ralph's Face lit up . " Yes please . "
They all followed Walter into the kitchen , Paige walked through the kitchen door and stopped dead .
" O.M.G. Walter , i know you said this and your bedroom were the only two rooms you used . But this kitchen is bigger than my entire condo . "
Walter gave a little shrug of his shoulders . " I had not really noticed . "
Paige walked over to the central island , which she guessed to be at least 15ft long and 8ft wide . She placed Megan's bassenet on top then began wandering around the room .
" This kitchen is a cook's dream , it seems so well equiped . You have two eye level ovens and an eight plate cooker top . " All the while she was walking around the smile on her face seemed toget bigger .
" Come and sit down and drink your coffee while it is hot . " Walter told her .
She walked back to the island and sat down on one of the six high stools that were positioned around one end of the island . As she drank her coffee , her eyes continued to scan the room . The first thing she noticed was at the other end of the island was , a sink with two taps , plus what looked like a selection of cutting boards , obviously this was used as a food preperation area . Also close by an electric frying pan , good for a quick stir fry .
Her eyes next went to a work surface that ran along the wall to the kitchen door . It seemed to to be covered in various kitchen gadgets . She saw an air fryer , deep fat fryer , breadmaker and many other's which she would need to take a better look at.
" Walter i am going to be in heaven ,cooking in this kitchen . I think i will need a full day just going through all the equipment that is in here . " Paige told him , the smile never leaving her face .
" My darling Paige , i am so pleased you like this part of the house . As far as i am concerned once you move in you can treat it as your domain . " Walter replied his smile matching hers .
" Well i hope if you are home , you will at least sit in here with me while i cook ,there is plenty of room for you and your computer . " Paige said as she pulled Walter towards her and placed a kiss on his lips .
As she pulled away from the kiss , she had a quizzical look on her face . " Why didn't you show me this room yesterday on the walk through with Jackie ? "
" Remember i had originally said i did not want to show you the house until it was cleaned up . Well due to my bit of a meltdown yesterday , you saw i the house before today . I just wanted to keep this room as a surprise for today . Walter explained .
Paige smiled at Walter . " That's why i love you so much . "
As they seperated they heard a knock on the front door . Walter made his way to the door and opened it .
" Mr O'Brian , good morning we are the cleaners for today . My name is Charles . "
" Good morning please come in and i will show you what as been done . "
Charles and the other three team members followed him . Once Walter had shown them the conservatory and living room , he left them after telling them if he was needed he would be in one of the bedrooms upstairs .
After collecting Paige , Ralph and Megan from the kitchen , they made their way upstairs .
" Can we start in the room with the safe ? " An excited Ralph asked .
Walter looked at Paige who smiled and nodded her head .
" Ok, but you need to take care with what you do . " Walter told Ralph .
" Which room is it in ? " Ralph asked .
" Follow me . " Walter told him as he led them to the bedroom . Paige had bought an A4 notebook , and a supply of pens and pencils . Her intention was to catalogue all items of interest , so she could research them during the following week .
Once they entered the bedroom , Paige went to the first chest of drawers and began checking items on the top of it . Walter walked over to the picture on the wall and removed it to reveal a safe . Ralph studied it for a few minutes , before he removed his ever present backpack . He took out a small, 9v battery and a length of eletric wire .
Paige had Megan's bassenet close to her so she could keep her eye on Megan . She began to make a note in her notebook of the items on the chest of drawers . She noticed the day before during the walk through with Jackie , each of the bedrooms had a feature wall that was painted a different colour , the other three walls were painted white . So she would know which item belonged to which room , this room would be the pink room .
She decided to draw a quick picture of each item and note if they were glass or metal or a combination of both , she also noted any markings on each individual piece , Some of the more complicated pieces and all the artwork she would record on her phone . She knew this would take some time , but her attitude was , if a job is worth doing it is worth doing well . As there was not a lot of items on the top of the drawers , she finished with those items quickly . As she was entering the last piece she heard Ralph shout .
" That's it open . "
She looked over and saw Walter pulling the safe door open . Making her way across to them quickly , she was surprised to see Walter pulling out a large amount of paperwork and putting it on the top of another chesy of drawers .
" What have you found ? " Paige asked .
" All this paperwork at the moment . " Ralph told her .
Walter put his hand back into the safe and pulled out a blue velvet covered box , he handed it to Paige , who carefully opened the box .
" That is stunning , i think it is called an Egyption Cleopatra fringe collar necklace . I have seen something similar and if it is 9ct. gold , they retail at over $2000 . She carefully removed it from the box and checked for a hallmark . She studied it for a time then looked up a big smile on her face .
" It is actually stamped as 18ct. gold so the value is more likely to be $4000 to $5000 . The hallmark is from London , England , but i will need to check on the date stamp as that is something i do not know . "
She put it back in the box , then put the box on top of the paperwork . Walter reached back into the safe , this time he came out with a bundle of money . He also passed this to Paige .
" They appear to be $50 notes , but lets put that to one side for a moment . "
Walter reached in the safe again , this time he came out with what appeared to be a ring box . Again he passed it to Paige , who again with care opened the box .
" What a beautiful ring , it looks like it has one large diamond with a ruby either side of it "
Paige slowly removed the ring from the box and again checked for a hallmark , she found markings , but not one she knew .
" Lets put this with the necklace and i will catalogue them both and do my research later . Would you two like to go through the paperwork and count the money , while i carry on catalogueing the rest of the items . "
As Paige finished speaking , Megan decided to make herself known , by begining to cry . Before Paige had a chance to move , Walter was off the bed and making his way over to Megan .
" Hello my little princess , are you feeling neglected ? " As he spoke he reached in and gently ran his finger down her cheek .
Megan began to stop crying as she felt Walter's touch .
" How about i take you over to the bed and i will read you the paperwork , i have to check , i know you will not understand what i am saying , but you really seem to like the sound of my voice . All this we are doing is to make this house ready so we can all begin living together . "
The more Walter spoke the bigger the smile became on Megan's face .
Paige had been watching and listening to Walter . Her thoughts went back to when she first realized she was pregnant . Would Walter be able to cope with being a father of a newborn , she knew how he could handle Ralph , but Ralph was more of an equal to him . Could he really connect to a baby , who basically ate , slept and filled a nappy . However the past few days , she's seen that Walter is more than capable of being as good a father to Megan , she began to realize , that no person could be a better father than Walter . The smile on her face got bigger the longer she watched him .
Ralph had also stopped counting the money and also watched Walter , his face also showed the pride he felt for Walter . He knew that Walter was capable of doing the best job possible in loving and protecting anyone he truely loved .
Walter picked up the bassenet , walked over to the bed and placed it in the center of rhe bed . As he turned away from the bed , Paige had moved closer to him and pulled him into a hug , after kissing him she began to speak .
" Thank you , the one fear i had when i found out i was pregnant , was that i would never find you , and if i did would you be able to be a father to a possible normal child . However in the past few days , you have shown so much love and devotion to Megan . I now know no one could be up to the job better than you ."
Walter simply smiled . " It as been my pleasure , Scorpion may be finished , but as far as i am concerned the three of you are still part of my Cyclone and the same rule still applies . I will always love you , protect you and put you before anything else . "
Paige gave him a big smile and another kiss . " Ok lets get back to the job in hand . " She told them with a laugh in her voice .
Both Walter and Ralph Replied together . " Yes mom . "
With a big smile on her face , Paige walked back to the chest of drawers and began to look through the drawers . They appeared to be filled with sweaters of different styles and colours , all of which seemed to be size 14 , Paige usually was an 8 .
The last drawer she opened , once she had removed all the sweaters , underneath them all was a small black linen bag tied with white string . She removed it and with a little difficulty managed to untie the knot in the string . She poured the contents out on top of the chest of drawers , four more rings fell out .
" Just found four more rings . " She called across to Walter .
Walter stopped reading to Megan and just said . " Good . "
Paige smiled and began to catalouge her new finds .
Walter went back to his reading and picked up another piece of paper . He began reading and immediatly realized it was actually a set of deeds for a wharehouse in down town L.A.
" Ralph have you counted the money ? " Walter asked .
" Just finished , there is $20,000 . " Ralph replied .
" Ok, can you look up something on your on your tablet for me ? "
" Of course dad . "
" Can you check out this address please . Walter gave Ralph the address , Ralph began to work on his tablet .
Walter went back to reading the deeds , very quietly to Megan . Once he had finished reading through it , he turned to Ralph to see if he had any information , Ralph however was still working on his tablet .
" Paige have you finished all you need to do ? "
Paige looked across to him a confused look on her face . " You have got to be kidding me , i have only done one set of drawers and photographed less than half of the paintings . Why the rush ?"
Walter smiled as he replied . " I am sorry Paige , something is not right , the deeds to a wharehouse , $ 20,000 in the safe , also bank statements from three different banks , which in total show a combined balance of $3.5 million . Plus a lot of stock and share certificates , a few i noticed are for at least three of Richard Elia's companies .
I know Richard bought the house as a bank foreclosure , because the oweners died with no will or family , i think we should do a little bit of digging , any luck yet Ralph . "
Ralph looked back a big smile on his face . " It is registered to a company called Baltic Holdings , they appear to be a holding company with about twenty different subsidaries . They seem to have a diverse range of things they make . However none have sent any tax returns to the IRS in the past few years , the last returns were sent a few months before the main shareholders of the holding company died , Mr J. Squires and a Mrs A Squires . Who are down as living at this address . " Ralph finished telling Walter and his mom .
" Well done Ralph . Paige do you remember when we did a walk through with Jackie yesterday , the one bedroom we went into we walked through the door and then down a corridor about six feet long to reach the actual bedroom . It is unlike any other room in the house , i have a feeling they maybe false walls , i think we should check them out . "
Paige looked at Walter but did not speak for a few seconds . " Well i know you will not relax until you do . So you and Ralph go check it out , i will take Megan back to your bedroom and feed and change her . But before you do that , will you go and check on the cleaners and pool men ? "
Walter smiled . " Practical as usual ok let me carry Megan back to the bedroom . Ralph you are with me . "
" Ok dad . "
The three of them walked back to Walter's bedroom . Walter kissed Paige and with one last look at Megan , Ralph and he left the bedroom , to check on the cleaners and pool men . As they made their way downstairs , they met Charles on the way up .
" Hello Mr O'Brian , i was just coming up to see you . We have moved the furniture back and cleaned the conservatory , would you like to check them out before we leave ? "
" We were just coming down to check on you and the pool men , lead us to your work . " Walter replied .
As they entered the living room , Walter noticed immediatly just what a difference the deep clean had made , the carpet after a full clean showed up the colours to their full extent .
" The furniture may not be in the correct position , as we did not remove it , we have placed it as we saw fit . However if you feel some needs moving , just tell me now and we will move it before we leave . " Charles told Walter .
Walter looked around . " It looks fine to me , but if Paige is a little unhappy about some of it , i am sure between the three of us we can move it about . "
They moved onto the conservatory . Walter noticed how much lighter it was in there since all the windows had been cleaned . The wicker sofa and two armchairs also looked a lot cleaner .
" This looks marvelous , i would imagine eating an evening meal in here would be excellent . " Walter told Charles .
" I am sure you are correct sir . " He answered .
" Thank you for your work today . Will you be seeing Jackie tomorrow , if so would you ask her to give me a quote for a weekly clean on the house .
" Of course , i am really pleased you are satisfied with our work . We will wish you goodbye. "
Walter and Ralph showed Charles and the team out to the front door . After saying their goodbyes , Walter and Ralph made their way to the pool , they were met by one of the team .
" Good afternoon Mr O'Brian and you young man . "
" This is my son Ralph . How are things going ? " Walter asked .
" We have repaired the large crack , i believe the team yesterday showed it to you , by applying a clear resin , that will make it completly watertight . Both the pump and filter have been cleaned and completly overhauled , one of my men as measured up for a cover . It would seem we can tap into the electricty easily .You should have a quote for the cover in a few days . Now do you want the pool filled ? "
" Not until the cover is safely in place . "
" Ok, we have almost finished , we just need to finish cleaning around the areas we had to remove the motor and filter from , so we will be leaving in about fourty five minutes . "
Walter shook his hand . " Thank you for all your work and look forward to receiving the quote for the cover . "
Walter and Ralph left them and made their way back upstairs , Walter led Ralph to the corridor bedroom .
" What are we looking for dad ? "
" To be totally honest , i do not really know . What i cannot understand is why you would have to come through a corridor . What if it is a false wall to hide something , or to store items that maybe cannot be shown in the open . We need to check to see if there any secret doors in the wall . "
Ralph's eyes lit up . " A treasure hunt almost . "
Walter smiled . " You want to work on that side and i will start on this side . "
They had no luck by the time Paige came back with Megan , who had fallen asleep once fed .
" What are you two up to ? " Paige asked .
" It is like a treasure hunt . " Ralph replied .
" Can i join in ? " Paige asked a big smile on her face .
" Of course this is a family game . " The smile on Walter's face matching that on Paige's .
Paige put Megan in her bassenet on the bed and walked into the corridor and began feeling along the one wall . As she pushed one section , she heard a click and part of the wall opened inwards . She stepped in through the door .
" OH , my god ! " was all she could manage .
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Skunkee i have received your message thank you for the information .
LouBe 96 Ralph certainly does seem to have fell in love with Megan , the building it is a case of wait and see . Both Walter and Paige just thought Cabe was jokeing about the wife comment because he thought it was a crank call . It will be another case of wait and see
Pearligirl i am pleased you are still enjoying the story . The meal lets hope it goes ahead .
Grykon The mystery building well if someone would open the blinds we would know . now you know what is in the safe , but what problem is that going to cause .As i said to LouBe it is another case of wait and see with regard to the wife comment
JerBr She certainly seemed interested in some of the art work , but so far she is not telling . Ralph really seems to love Megan . All parties are keen to move in together , lets open nothing will happen to delay the move . But then again you never can predict what can happen when any members of Scorpion are involved . I certainly hope Walter can get a copy of the design .