" You own the garage . How ? " Was all a shocked Walter could manage , his jaw dropping .
Richard said nothing at first , giving Walter the chance to recover from the shock . " It was a week after you signed the contract to work for me . Although you accepted all i offered , i still felt if the rest of Scorpion approached you to reconnect , you would most likely want to do that . Through my property manager i heard that the bank were going to put the garage up for sale , as was, with all the contents .
I arranged for my property manager to go to the bank and offer $100,000 above their asking price . They accepted the offer without any argument . I got the property manage to mothball everything . Which he arranged and makes a visit every two weeks to ensure everything is still safe and secure .
After a couple of months , you never mentioned anything about Scorpion or your ex friends . It was then i heard from some of my associates that Centipede Partners had gone out of business , mainly due to their inability to give a good service to customers . It seemed once Paige left , none of the others had the ability to present an acceptable bid . The few jobs they did get , they were always late in completing them , so they were always being hit with penalty charges for going over the contract time . "
Walter had listened in silence , but now he put his hand up to stop Richard speaking .
" If i sign a contract i stick to the terms strictly . As far as Scorpion , that is history , i have no intention of contacting other members of Scorpion . I gave them everything i could for almost seven years , then they just walked out on me , without any good reason . The one exception being Paige , i hurt her by lying to her and not treating her correctly .
We have now reconnected and are having councilling to help us sort out any problems we may still have . Now i have a real family to care for , both Paige and Ralph cannot wait to move in to the new house . Unfortunatly until the problem of the arms can be sorted out , that is not going to be possible . I must add i am really happy working for you . "
Richard smiled . " I am really glad about that , because i have always wanted you to work for me . The reason i mention the garage was i can get you the keys and you will have access to the computer power you need to help Homeland . "
Walter had a tear in his eye . " You would do that for me ? "
Richard nodded before speaking . " I need to get you and new family living in the house . I will contact my property manager and get him to bring the keys to me . "
" I will speak to Paige and see if Ralph can help over the weekend and hopefully we can trace what we need . "
" Ok i will contact him as soon as i can , i will make sure they are here no later than Friday and also check if he as altered the alarm code . "
All Walter could manage was . " Thank you . "
Walter walked back to his own office , his mind confused . Why would Richard buy the garage , it just seemed a little strange as he had just signed a contract for a four year deal . Does Richard actually think i would not uphold my side of the deal , maybe two years ago things may have been different , but now all he was interested in was his new family and getting them moved into the Malibu house .
He spent the next hour , talking to his team , checking on how the various projects wre getting on .
Paige pulled up outside of Richard's office building at 12.25pm. Megan was gurgling away in her bassenet , fastened in the back seat . Paige heard an occasional Da, Da , Paige looked between the two front seats and gently spoke to Megan .
" Yes this is were daddy works , he will be here in a minute . " .
Megan gave a little giggle as Paige fiinished speaking . As Paige turned back from looking at Megan and saw Walter coming out of the door . She opened her door and got out to meet him with a hug and a quick kiss on the lips .
" Good afternoon my handsome man , your little princess is asking for Da, Da . " Paige said a big smile on her face .
" Good Afternoon love of my life , i have some news to tell you , but first i think i should go see the little princess . "
Paige's smile grew bigger as she said . " Of course . "
Once he had spoken to Megan and placed a kiss on her brow , he then got into the passenger seat .
As Paige began to drive towards Ann's office , Walter began speaking .
" I have had a very interesting conversation with Richard . I went to explain to him about what we had found in the house on Sunday and how Homeland are now involved . I also mentioned , Ralph and i were trying to help , but the computers we are using are not really powerful enough and how i wished i had access to the computer power of the garage .
That was when he told me he had bought the garage from the bank . "
Paige almost lost control of the car , as Walter told her . " He What ! " She almost yelled as she managed to slow the car down and pull up at the side of the highway .
Paige's raised voice had disturbed Megan , who began to cry . Walter immediatly released his seat belt and got out of the car , opened the back door and gently picked Megan up out of the bassenet and bought her to the front seat . He gently held her and in a quiet , soothing voice began to speak to her .
" It is alright my little princess , mommy didn't mean to shout so loud , i had just told her something that shocked her . "
The smile appeared back on Megan's face as she uttered ," Da , Da ."
Paige leaned over and looked at Megan . " I am so sorry sweetie but daddy shocked me , i did not mean to shout loud like that . "
Megan continued smiling at Paige and then uttered . " Mo , Mo. "
Paige's face broke out in a big smile . " Did you hear that Walter ? She called me Mo,Mo . "
Walter's face gained a bigger smile . " She is no longer just a daddy's girl . "
Walter got out the car and put Megan back into her bassenet . He returned to his seat and redid his seatbelt . He turned to Paige . " I think i will tell you the rest of my story once we have seen Ann . "
" I think that would be a good idea . "Paige replied "
They arrived at Ann's office a few minutes late , Ann called them straight into her consulting room .
" Good afternoon Paige , Walter and a special hello young lady . " Ann said as she looked into the bassenet . Megan smiled back at her .
Walter and Paige took a seat , Megan's bassenet at the side of Paige . Ann pulled a chair over so she could sit in the middle of them while looking at both of them .
" When we spoke on Friday , it was apparent you both still have a few issues you want sorting out . " Ann explained .
Paige was first to answer . " After this weekend we have just had , our personnel problems seem to have faded into obscrurity . But we still need guidence , i still have abandonment issues , due to what has happened to me all my life . But i soon realized that Walter would never abandoned me or our little family . However i suppose at the back of my mind it is still lurking . I just need help to make me forget about those . Walter is the love of my life , i have never felt so safe than when i am with him .
The past two nights i have slept in the same bed as Walter , cuddled up tight to him , without any sexual activity . I have had the best night's sleep for over ten months , even Megan , who's cot is in my bedroom , slept through the night , the first time since she was born . This is Walter's presence that makes the atmosphere so conducive . I cannot believe i could be so lucky to have him back in my life . " With a sigh and a look of love at Walter she stopped speaking .
Ann immediatly jumped in . " Ok, wait a moment , what was so different it as caused you so much concern ? "
Paige looked across at Walter , who shook his head .
" I am sorry Ann but it is something we cannot talk about . "
Ann gave Paige a serious look . " I don't understand . "
Walter began speaking . " Before the break up both Paige and myself were Homeland contractors . Although neither of us now do any work for Homeland , we did need to sign an official secrets act agreement , this is still in place , so i am sorry we cannot discuss anything when Homeland is involved . I will tell you , what happened over the weekend does not come anywhere close to what occurs in our personnel life . "
" I understand , but i am pleased you have mentioned it . " Ann replied .
She then readjusted her position in her seat and turned to Walter .
" Ok , Walter what would you like to tell me of why you think i need to give you advice . "
Walter had felt confident when he spoke to Ann about Homeland and why they could not discuss that problem All he needed to do was basically state facts . Now he was being asked a question that involved using his emotions , something that still at times made him feel uneasy , unless talking to Paige .
He looked down at the floor and gave a small cough . As he began to speak , Ann stopped him immediatly . " Walter , you will need to speak up so i can hear you . "
Paige immediatley realized Walter was begining to withdraw into himself .
" Walter would you like to hold Megan ? "
Walter looked up and a smile began to appear on his face . " Yes . "
Paige carefully picked up Megan , as she did Megan uttered " Mo, Mo. "
" Yes sweetie , do you want to go to daddy ? "
The smile on Megan's face grew bigger as she uttered ," Da, Da, DA."
Ann gave Paige a quizzical look . " How old did you say Megan was ? "
" Just over three months . " Paige replied .
" Well that sounded like she was trying to call you mommy and Walter daddy . "
Paige smiled . " She started to call Walter Da, Da, on Sunday . The first time she called me , Mo, Mo, was about fourty minutes ago . "
Ann looked surprised . " That seems very early for a baby to say something understandable . "
Paige , the smile on her face getting bigger . " Well Walter is a genius , our son Ralph is also a genius , so there is a good chance our newest addition could be a genius as well . "
" I don't think you have mentioned Ralph before . " Ann commented .
" Strictly he is my son , but he regards Walter as his dad , as do i . " Paige replied as she looked across at Walter , who by now had a big grin on his face .
" I think we may have to return to that situation a little later . " Ann replied , a smile on her face .
Paige gently passed Megan over to Walter , who carefully arranged her in his arms , ensuring she was completly safe .
" Are you ready to talk now Walter ? " Ann asked in a quiet , calm voice .
Walter nodded then looked at Megan , the smile on both their faces matching . " I think i have told you before , it was my mistake that caused your mommy and me breaking up . Although to be honest after i had taken Florence to the lecture the one your mommy did not want to go to . Everyone except Cabe and your mommy knew , i was given so much conflicting advice by one person in particular , someone who should have known better . He professes to be a Harvard trained psychologist , i took the advice i thought would cause your mommy the least hurt . But this turned out to be incorrect , it hurt your mommy so much , when she found out the truth , she walked out on me . In future i will stick to what i always tried to do before . That is , i only state facts . "
Paige looked across at him a tear rolloing down her cheek . " What did Toby tell you ? "
Walter looked up from Megan , his face dropping as he saw the tears rolling down her face . "Please don't cry , it is not importent now what happened as happened and is now history . "
Ann was quick to intervene . " It may be in the past , but it was the catalyst that caused the breakup , So Walter i think you need to Answer Paige . "
Walter had not taken his eyes off Paige while Ann was speaking . " Intially everyone was giving me information what i should do . At first i was certain you did not really need to know , because nothing happened . however while you were in Hawaii , i began imaging i was ill because i was sweating , my pulse rate had increased . I began to go though medical books to try and self diagnosis . Toby being his usual self saw me and told me it was guilt , over taking Florence to the lecture , like a fool i asked for some help , big mistake , he told me there were two ways to solve the problem . First tell you everything , but this would hurt you , but make me feel better , the second , not to tell you , this would keep you happy . but i , would still feel guilty .
I would never knowingly , do anything to hurt you , so i kept quiet . Then when i was buried in the sand in Africa , you told me you knew i was keeping something from you , but i could tell you anything and you would forgive me . You remember i told you once you had helped get me out of the sand , i told you about the lecture but before i could tell you i had taken Florence , you left the cab to help change a wheel on the truck . You seemed so happy i had told you about the lecture , i did not think i needed to tell you anymore . My biggest mistake ."
Paige smiled as Walter finished speaking . " It was my biggest mistake and have no intention of making that mistake again . "
Ann listened to the way they spoke to each other . " Well you are communicating well together now , i am sure with just a little more help you are both going to be fine . "
Paige looked at Ann . " Thank you . "
They carried on speaking for another ten minutes , before Ann closed the session .
Paige pulled up outside of the office block a few minutes past two . On the way back Walter had explained , how and why Richard had purchased the garage , he also explained his plan to go back to the garage Saturday with Ralph , as long as she gave permisson . Paige was happy for Ralph to go to the garage , but suggested she would go back to the Malibu house , taking Megan with her , as she did not think the garage would be the ideal place for Megan , as it had been unoccupied for over ten months . Walter was in complete agreement .
Before he got out of the car , he kissed Paige , then went and opened the gack door to see Megan and gave her a gentle kiss on the brow , he was greeted with a Da, Da . He had also arranged to see all the Dineen's for an evening meal .
Once Walter reached his office , he found a note on his desk , to go and see Richard when he returned .
After checking that everything was alright with his team , he made his way to Richard's office .
Richard's secretary told him to go straight in .
" Good afternoon Walter , i hope your session went well today . " Richard greeted him .
" Good afternoon , it went really well . Is something wrong ? " He asked .
" No not at all , i just need you to come with me tomorrow to Pasadena . I have a meeting arranged with a company that wants to be an agent to sell the hoist in Western Europe . It could be a very profitable arrangment, they have already shown some to prospective customers , who are showing a lot of interest in them , some will be reselling some are people who are interested in using them .
Walter returned to his office , once Richard had given him all the information about the next days meeting .
He made sure he shut the door , before he sat down behind his desk and took his phone out .
He went through his contact list until he saw Rachael , a smile came on his face as he saw the name and remembered how they had met .
It was before Scorpion had been created and not long after he had the argument with Cabe over the bombing of Bagdad . He had placed a very short advertisment in a computer magazine , offering a service of building web sites and instructions on how to get the best out of your computer .
Rachael had been one of the first people to answer the advert . She explained that she had a small jewelry business in the main making one off pieces for customers . But business had been a little bit hit and miss , at times she could be working on two or three pieces at a time . But for months she would have no orders , during these times she would make different pieces and then about once a year , she would book a stall at a craft fair and try and sell her items . By now she had many moulds made , so wanted to increase production .
But this would need a better way of selling her goods . Which was why she contacted Walter to advise her on building a web site . On their first meeting Walter was impressed by Rachael , a lady in her late thirties . Rachael soon realized Walter was not very happy dealing with people , but was actually surprised how much knowledge he had for one so young . They became friendly and she took him home for dinner and to meet her husband and two children .
The smile on Walter's face grew bigger as he hit the dial on his phone . The call was answered on the second ring .
" Good afternoon , Rachael's Jewelry . Rachael speaking . "
Walter . " Good afternoon , this is Walter O'Brian . "
Rachael " Walter it as been a long time , how are you ."
Walter . " I am so sorry i have not been in touch , but so much as gone on , far to much to tell you over the phone . Do you still make bespoke jewelry ? "
Rachael . " Of course . "
Walter . " I have a ring i would like made , i want to propose to the most beautiful and wonderful woman in the world . She actually designed the ring many years ago as her ideal engagement ring . Once i propose and hopefully she accepts i would love to introduce you to her , she would love to design jewelery , but was stopped doing that when she gave birth to her son at the age of eighteen . "
Rachael . " His he your son ? "
Walter . " Unfortunatly not , but i treat him like he was my son and he always wanted me to be his dad , almost since we first met . But i do have a three month old daughter with her . "
Rachael . " Walter it would be a pleasure to make the ring . Do you have the design ? "
Walter . " Yes i will send you a picture over to your phone .
Rachael . " Ok , do that , i will have a look and then give you a price . "
Walter . " Thank you , i trust you . One thing though if you want to contact me , please ring Monday to Friday between 9am-12 noon and 2pm.-5pm . , just so she will not know .
Rachael . " Ok , send the photos and i will get on with it . Hear from you soon . "
Walter . " Thank you and goodbye . "
...
Walter left the office at 5.00pm. . he decided to go home first and get a change of clothes for tomorrows meeting , this would mean he could stay with Paige and Ralph longer in the morning . It was 6.30pm. before he arrived at Paige's condo . .
He knocked on the door , Paige opened it just as he finished knocking .
" You are late , i was begining to get worried . " An almost franitc Paige told him .
Walter was carrying his suit and shirt in a large zipped bag , his shoes in the other hand , so he was unable to pull her into a hug to calm her down .
" Paige please calm down i am here now and fine , let me put these down and then i will give you a hug . "
Paige moved to one side so Walter could come through the door . As soon as he had stepped inside he put the shoes and zipped bag on the floor and pulled Paige into a tight hug .
" See i am here and safe , i went home first to collect some clothes for tomorrow . " He whispered into her ear .
" You do not usually bring a change of clothes you just go home early as the last two mornings . " Paige answered back .
" Lets go sit on the sofa and i will explain . " They made their way to the sofa , sat close together , Walter put his arm around Paige's shoulder .
" I was hoping to tell you this after our meal , but i will tell you now . "
Paige smiled back at him . " That is why i love you always thinking of others , but especially me . I had better go and check the meal . I had it planned to serve it about now , it is probably spoilt . Thank you , but please tell me later . "
She leaned in and gave him a kiss on his lips and slowly got up off the sofa . Walter sat on the sofa for a few seconds until he heard Paige's voice .
" Daddy's home , safe and well . "
He then heard " Da, Da. " from Megan . He almost jumped up off the sofa and made his way to the kitchen . He leaned into the bassenet , a smile breaking out on his face as he looked at Megan .
After the meal and all was cleared away , Ralph went to his room to go over some homework . Paige put Megan to bed in her cot , after Walter had given her a goodnight kiss . Once Megan was settled , Paige joined Walter on the sofa .
" You were going to tell me why you were late . " Paige said as she laid her head on Walter's shoulder .
Walter kissed the top of her head , before speaking . " Well as i said , i went home first to get a change of clothes for tomorrow, Richard wants me to meet a client with him tomorrow , so i won't be able to have lunch with you and Megan tomorrow . So i thought if i bought my stuff over tonight , we could sit down for breakfast instead . I could also drop Ralph off at school . "
Paige moved her head so she could kiss him . " I think i would like that . "
Walter smiled and then with a serious look on his face . " I also think we should mention to Ann , how you reacted when i was late tonight . Because i assure you , i am never letting you out of my life again . "
Paige stared at him for a moment . " Yes it probably be a good idea to talk to Ann about it . But you are mine now until eternity . " As she finished speaking both their faces lit up with smiles .
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Grykon Interesting about the guy and the 3D printer , when you consider that can print a model of the human heart to help prepare for difficult heart surgery . Now you know why Richars bought the garage .
SkunkeeFunk Now you know why Richard bought the garage , glad you are enjoying the story
Pearliegirl Glad you are still enjoying the story.
LOuBe 96 There may be a few more mysteries to unravel , Buckle up nerd a case of wait and see . The Squires maybe after Saturday more may come to light .Megan is a good baby, , but Paige will have to restrain from her vocal accompanient she likes when Walter works his magic on her , she as already told me she does not want to be disturbed by Megan at the wrong time . Now you know why Richard bought the garage .
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