Previously on A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 90
"I love you so much Ron Weasley. Yes I'll marry you."
Grabbing Celia up in a hug, Ron suggested they hold onto their news until it could be shared with both sets of parents at the same time. Celia agreed suggesting now that her mother and father would be residing in Wiltshire, perhaps they could be talked into making a Sunday Lunch and inviting Molly and Arthur Weasley.
Ron agreed. "My mother knows how I feel about you but she'll never expect this. Let's see if we can make it happen. Right now, I want to see you to our bed. After that, we can discuss wedding dates and plans."
Using her sexiest voice, Celia told Ron to come get to work in the bedroom because she looked forward to discussing wedding dates and plans.
A very willing Ron followed closely on Celia's heels.
/*/
Matt had remained behind at MCC after everyone was gone to savor the glory of putting Chloe Knight in her place when his phone pinged twice. Checking his phone, Matt was pleased and a bit nervous to see he had a text from Mila. At the very same time, the mobile rang showing Chloe Knight calling. Matt let the phone call go to voicemail as he opened the text from Mila.
{Sender}: Mila Kohl
{Recipient}: Matt Lozio
Hello Mr. Maida. What are you on about? I mean I realize what you mean, but what are you on about? Move myself and my business to London? I think not….unless MCC plans to take on and nurture my business.
Matt smiled as he replied.
{SENDER}: Matt Lozio
{RECIPIENT}: Mila Kohl
I can do you one better Miss Kohl. I plan to take care of you for the rest of your life. I plan to marry you.
Matt laid the phone down on his desk. "Let that sink in Miss Mila."
/
A Tale Of Two Wizards Full Circle: Chapter 91
Mila was speechless. She hadn't expected to hear those words come out of Matt's mouth. She had hoped but hadn't expected. After several deep breaths and a bit of thought, Mila returned the text cheeking the wizard who says he wants to marry her.
{Sender}: Mila Kohl
{Recipient}: Matt Lozio
Blokes say anything when they are trying to get their way. However, since it is my plan to marry you, I'll let that go for now. For now, my business will remain in Belgium. Ask me again when the ring is on my finger. Love you Matt Lozio.
Ding…..
Matt hadn't expected such a quick response. However, when he read it, he couldn't get the smile off his face. Mila wanted a ring and he was the wizard who would give it to her. It was coming up on 8:00 pm. Matt realized any specialty jeweler was probably closed, but he was going to try. He needed to get Miss Mila a ring.
As luck would have it, Regal Jewelers the third jeweler on his list answered. Less than ten minutes later Matt had an appointment for 10:30 am to review a selection of rings. He was all set.
"Well done Mr. Lozio. Mila will have her ring within the week."
After sending a quick text to inform Emilio and Gas he would be in the office early but had a 10:30 appointment away from MCC, Matt let out a sigh. His Wednesday morning was set. Gathering up his case, Matt headed to the floo. It was a good night to have a drink and ponder the next steps in his life.
Which is what he did.
/*/
Hermione went upstairs to check on Scorp who was already asleep. After a quick Refresh Spell, she stepped into an ankle length house dress and called her faithful elves.
Pop.
Pop.
Pop.
Embers spoke for all three. "We here Mrs. Hermione."
"Excellent Embers. I have to go see Mr. Emilio. I'll need for you, Crissy and Dusty to watch over Scorp until I get back. He's sleeping so there shouldn't be any problem. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Yes Mrs. Hermione. We'll be looking after young mister real good."
Dusty had to chime in. "We'll do a real good job."
Ember rolled his eyes in Dusty's direction, but didn't comment knowing it wasn't smart to argue in front of his mistress.
Hermione noticed as well. "Dusty. Sometimes, actually many times, you speak out of turn. Embers is the senior elf. When I am addressing the three of you, it is understood Embers is in charge. When I specifically call your name, I am speaking to you. Follow his direction and you won't go wrong."
Dusty had her eyes on the floor but answered Hermione. "Sorry Mrs. Embers is in charge."
Hermione sighed. Last word Dusty strikes again.
Embers and Crissy simply bowed.
"I'll be back shortly."
As soon as Hermione had apparated out, Embers told Dusty her mouth was going to get her kicked out of Malfoy Estate. Dusty didn't reply and was the first elf to Disapparate back to her duties.
/*/
Hermione landed directly in living room. She was about to call out, but Emilio was already standing at the door staring at her.
"This is a pleasant surprise."
Hermione smiled at her fiance. "I'm glad you think so. After my little snit, I wasn't sure what my welcome would be."
Striding over, Emilio wrapped his arms around Hermione. "You are always welcome wherever I am. While I agree our parting could have been better, it wasn't something of any magnitude. Are you here to spend the night?"
"No Mr. Lozier. I am not here to spend the night. I am here to apologize, get some kisses and hugs and be on my way. So, I apologize for being a hormonal witch, give me some kisses and hugs and I'll be on my way."
Emilio laughed as he pulled Hermione close. "An apology isn't necessary and I will inundate you with kisses and hugs. And he did.
/*/
After many kisses and one humongous hug, Hermione was ready to get back home. "Now that everything is back to normal, I'll be getting back home. I love you Mr. Lozier. I'll see you tomorrow. Depending on what Grace can or cannot offer, we can set our next steps."
Emilio was reluctant to let Hermione go, but knew she needed to be home for Scorp. "Alright love. I'll be to the house by 6:30. Matt sent a text to inform Gas and I he would be in early but has a 10:30 appointment. He who arrives late gets to stay late. MCC rules."
Giving one last searing kiss, Hermione laughed. "That only works in muggle movies. It's more apt that, he who is CEO gets to arrive late and leave early if he so wishes."
Emilio chuckled. "Right in one. I look forward to hearing what Grace had to say. Love you Mrs. Hermione. Thank Embers, Crissy and Dusty for watching over my little man. I'll speak to you tomorrow."
"Goodnight love."
Emilio stood gazing at the spot where Hermione had just been standing. "Thank you my love for coming to ease my heart. Sleep will come much easier now."
He was just about to head to his bedroom when the door to his suite opened and in walked Matt. "Hello cousin. I'm not interrupting, am I?"
"Hello cousin. No. You aren't interrupting. Five minutes earlier and you would have been. What can I do for you?"
Matt plopped down on the couch and Accio'd a bottle of water. "Glad I caught you before you crawled into bed. I need some advice."
Emilio sat down and Accio'd himself a Guinness. "Sounds serious. How can I help?"
Matt grinned at his best mate. "It is serious and it isn't. I asked Mila to move her business to London. She said no of course."
Emilio laughed. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Well, the long and short of it is, I've made an appointment to look at engagement rings. If I marry Mila, she'll have to move to London."
Emilio laughed so hard he ended up wearing more Guinness than was in the bottle.
"Really sot?" Emilio sniped as he cast a Tergeo over himself. "Mila won't move to London so you're going to marry her to make her come to London."
"That's it in a nutshell Emilio."
"Hahaha. You're barking. Perhaps you should wait until you find out how she feels about you before taking any next steps."
"Oh ye of little faith. She loves me. She and I….."
Emilio cut across Matt. "I know. You dated in the past."
"Yes smart arse we did. However, I know she loves me because we have exchanged that sentiment. Besides, I told her earlier that I plan to marry her and I can't go back on my word."
Emilio wanted to laugh but realized Matt was dead serious. "Alright cousin. If you're sure you've really found your life witch, I'm onboard. What do you need me to do?"
A dead serious Matt Lozio stared at his cousin. "I need you to talk me out of it if you think I'm mad."
For five whole seconds, Emilio stared at Matt before cheeking him as hard as he ever had. "Perhaps you should have another go round with the viper Chloe Knight to be sure you do have the right witch. Comparisons are everything."
Matt Gave Emilio the dirty stink eye. "Good. Problem solved. If my choices are Mila and Chloe, Mila will have her ring before the week is out." Heading to the door, Matt threw a few words over his shoulder. "Bye tosser. Thanks for your help."
Emilio finished the last of his beer then sent the empty to the bin before heading to have a pee. "My cousin is in love. Welcome to the family Mila."
/**/
Wednesday morning found many witches and wizards in very pleasant moods.
Hermione had initially hesitated to text Ilaria so early thinking Nonna might not feel like coming through from Pavia to sit with Scorp while she had the meeting with Grace. It was a very pleased Nonna who informed Hermione she and Emiliano had spent the night at Tudor Lane and she would be glad to pop over. They set the time for 10:00 which would give Hermione plenty of time to have a tea with the Nonna.
Hermione showered and dressed thinking how pleased Scorp would be to see his Nonna and probably his Nonno as well. Speaking of her little wizard, he was also up, dressed and ready for breakfast when Hermione stepped into the hall.
"Good morning young wizard. What would you like for breakfast?"
Leaning down to give her boy a kiss, Hermione whispered that Nonna was coming to sit with him for a bit that morning. Scorp was delighted.
"I always want Nonna to sit with me when you go on errands. I think she might want to go out back to see the flowers."
"Let's just wait to see what Nonna wants to do. She might want to watch Thomas."
Scorp gave Hermione a quick look not sure if she was joking knowing neither Nonno nor Nonna liked cartoons. At least not the pink and blue ones and Thomas was very blue. Instead of speaking about blue cartoon characters, Scorp changed the subject.
"For breakfast, I'd like cereal with banana, bacon and juice. Let's call Crissy."
"Crissy is doing linens right now love. Mum will make you breakfast."
"Okay mum. I like it when Crissy does linens. She makes my pillow and sheets smell so good."
Hermione smiled. The linens and towels did smell good after a wash day.
"Hold my hand and be careful walking down the stairs."
"I will. You and Emilio wouldn't like it if I fell."
"That's correct. We want our little man in one piece. Have a seat at the table. You can watch me magic up your breakfast."
"Yay! I like Magic."
Grinning like a mad witch as she pointed her wand to gather ingredients, Hermione was reminded that particular sentence or a variation of, had been beaten into the ground by none other than Harry James Potter.
Ding.
"Accio phone." Hermione's phone came zipping out of the living room. She had a text from Emilio who was already at work. He told her he loved her, thanked her for the late evening visit and couldn't wait to hear what Grace had to say. He also told her to remind Scorp to eat all his breakfast, to be careful on the stairs and he loved him. She returned his text with a smile plastered over her face. She loved both her wizards to the moon and back.
/*/
Scorp was just finishing up when Ilaria and Emiliano stepped out of the floo. "Good morning all. Emiliano and I thought we'd come through a bit early to have breakfast with Scorp."
Scorp whipped his head around to look at Hermione before speaking. "You're too late Nonna. I finished my breakfast already. All I have is juice left, but I'll sit with you while you have yours."
Emiliano answered. "That sounds fine Scorp. Nonna will fix my breakfast while we men have a chat."
Scorp began wriggling around in his chair. "Oh yes Nonno. We men like to have our chats."
The three adults couldn't hold back their grins. Hermione excused herself to get the list she would be discussing with Grace, after which, she Summoned her purse before bidding everyone goodbye.
"Be good for Nonna. I'll be back soon."
When Hermione was out the door, Scorp had a thought to share. "Mum forgot to say be good for you Nonno but I'll be good anyway."
All Emiliano Lozier could say was thank you.
/*/
The first stop Emilio had made that morning was Matt's office to see if his cousin had changed his mind or at least adjusted his thinking. The answer was no to both questions. In fact, Matt had a humorous story to share. It seemed Mila, who must have risen before the sun had texted Matt asking where was her ring. Matt couldn't stop chuckling.
"I'm in it now cousin. If I fail to get Mila a ring, she'd probably show up ready to box my ears, and we can't have that."
Emilio simply went along. "Nope, we can't have that."
"In all seriousness though, I'd like to put a couple of Fourth Levels onto finding Mila a place for her business."
Emilio held up one hand. "Hold on Matt. If you and Mila can wait a few months to relocate her business, I have the perfect solution."
Leaning back in his chair, Matt held his arms out wide. "Explain please cousin."
And he did.
When Emilio finished sharing his thoughts, Matt couldn't believe he hadn't thought of offering Mila a space in the new SSE building himself.
"That would be a win for everyone. My future bride to be wouldn't have to search for premises, she would be in London with me and Seth and Sal will have gained a completely vetted tenant. You are the wizard cousin. Of course, I would have thought of SSE had you given me a minute."
Emilio rose from the chair. "I'm sure you would have Matt…..if I had given you a minute. As long as Mila can wait six or seven months for her ring, it's all golden. Time for me to get to the work on my desk. Speak to you later."
/*/
Matt sat thinking about Emilio's great idea while reviewing the items in front of him by rote. The only place Emilio had gone wrong was thinking Mila would have to wait six or seven months for her ring. Mila would only have to wait as long as it took for Regal Jewelers to show him the correct ring. Speaking of Regal Jewelers, it was almost time for his appointment. But first…. Reaching for his phone, Matt began a text to Chloe Knight for one last confrontation. He didn't even bother with a heading. He was an almost engaged wizard. He didn't have to observe any of the niceties with a scheming harridan of a witch.
{Sender}: Matt Lozio
{Recipient}: Chloe Knight
This is a courtesy response to your discourteous phone message. You seem to think whatever you say is so. I beg to differ. I have spoken to Caitlin and Nicholas at length. I have no idea why you think Nicholas was disrespectful. If you are referring to the part where Nicholas corrected your statement about me being part of the presentation, he was quite correct. As I previously mentioned, because you say it, doesn't make it so. Additionally, it is my understanding the meeting was very well received by your father and his top staff. For the future, there won't be any reason for you to contact me by text, phone or in person. Good luck flitting from wizard to wizard. In polite society, they have a name for that.
Matt dusted his hands together as if he was putting paid to something distasteful. It was time to get to his appointment.
/*/
Theo and Andrew had discussed SSE London progress after their visit to the site. Each wizard was pleased with the quality of the work as well as the speed with which it was being done. The next level of magical professionals builders, plumbers, electricians were being called in. Between them, Theo and Andrew decided the owners should have a look at their building. Theo texted Seth and Sal from the Devlin & Nott phone to update and extend the invitation.
/*/
As was their usual habit, Sal & Seth were up early. After a leisurely breakfast, they first reviewed the message they had received from Devlin & Nott. The outer grounds had been prepared, workers had been called in to start work on the rooftop and warehouse portkeys as well as the building and warehouse infrastructure. They were invited for a walk through on Friday 11/13. Seth had messaged Theo and Andrew back accepting the invitation.
Sal was more than chuffed. "Imagine if you will Seth, a building so magnificent the whole of London will stop by simply to gaze upon it."
Seth rolled his eyes. "Calm down Mr. Maida. We still have a long way to go. I will admit we should work more quickly on getting our staff together. Nothing like having a brand new building without one arse to place in a seat. I had another idea as well. I believe we should hire a professional not only to help with hiring staff but setting positions and securing and vetting renters as well."
"Wow Seth. Is that all or is there more? We'll have to hire an entire company to do all that."
Seth let out a loud chuckle. "And yet, you were completely fine asking Hermione to do it. Hypocrite."
As he did when anyone mentioned his faux pas, Sal blushed from chin to hairline. "Yes tosser. Let's bring up my mistake. Why not make a badge and pin it to my chest. Merciful Minerva."
Seth clapped his mate on the back. "Don't get all twisted Sal. It's just you and I here. What do you think of my idea?"
"I actually like it." Sal remarked as he swished his wand and called out. "Looksee." Immediately, a list of businesses appeared in front of them. "What are we looking for, a management company…? Sal let his voice trail off.
Seth stood up. "What mate? What? Speak to me please."
"Sorry Seth, but the answer is so obvious it took my ability to speak away."
Seth growled at Sal. "Stop being an arsehole and tell me what you're thinking."
"We have hired MCC as our investment company, correct? We are under the MCC umbrella, correct? Why not use their resources? The FF might have loads of shite on their plates but I understand the Fourth Levels are in training with the FF. We have an entire Level to assist us."
"Well shite. I am impressed. My partner has gotten off hiring his mother and sister and onto a fantastic idea. I'm with you all the way. Let's text Matt."
"What are you thinking? This is too important to be discussed via text. Get dressed. We'll go directly to MCC and speak to Mr. COO or Mr. CFO. They'll tell us if it can be done."
"Fantastic. Give me five minutes."
Sal mumbled at Seth's back. "If you'd put something other than shamrock covered boxers on, you'd be ready to go now."
"I heard that Sal. Fuck you I'm ready. Just get a portkey out of my kitchen drawer so we can go."
Two excited and happy partners grabbed onto the small tile and were off.
/*/
When Seth and Sal arrived at MCC, the only available Head was Emilio who welcomed them to his office.
"Personal or business?"
"Huh?"
"If this is a personal visit, I'll close the door. If it is a business related visit, I'll leave the door open. Personal or business?"
"Business." Seth and Sal said at the same time.
"Okay, That's a place to start. How can I or rather MCC help?"
It had been Sal's idea. Seth gestured for him to speak.
"It's like this Emilio. Seth and I would like to snag one or more of your Fourth Levels to assist us with….with, a lot of shite."
Emilio smiled at the two wizards. "A lot of shite like what and why Fourth Levels?"
Sal ran down the list: "Setting positions; hiring staff; securing and vetting renters. We are asking for Fourth Levels because the FF are probably extremely busy."
This time, Emilio laughed out loud as he snapped into business mode mentally searching his mind for candidates.
"You speak of the FF but you don't have a clue how competitive they are. When they hear about your request, they'll duel each other for the chance to assist. Tell you what I'll do. For starters, I'll allot one of the FF and one Fourth Level to assist you. I suggest you get exactly what you need down on paper."
Seth pulled out a four page document and handed it to Emilio who laughed out loud once again. Glancing from Sal to Seth, he shared a bit of cheek.
"Be careful wizards or Matt will be hiring you as Fourth Levels. What we have discussed here is contingent on a unanimous decision among Matt, Gas and myself. I'm inclined to give you whatever you need. Matt and Gas might see it differently. Matt is out of the office right now. If you are free this afternoon, come back at 2:00 pm and speak to us together. I suggest you use the conference room to put your plans in order of need and leave them with me. I'll discuss it with Gas and Matt when he returns. We should have an answer for you this afternoon."
Sal and Seth smiled at each other. Things were looking promising. They headed to the conference room to get their wants and needs in order.
/*/
Emilio sent a group text to the FF informing them a big job might soon become available and they should tidy up any important projects. He would let them know more after he spoke to Matt. Five minutes later Emilio received five return texts all saying the same thing…. Pick me.
The competition was on. Everyone wanted to be chosen but only one would succeed. Emilio couldn't wait to see their faces when they learned one FF would be working with a Fourth Level.
Getting back to his own work, Emilio wondered if this,lots of shite,Sal spoke about was what he had expected Hermione to do. Taking a few deep breaths to control his irritation, Emilio mumbled a few choice swear words under his breath and got on with his work.
/*/
In Belgium, Mila couldn't keep the smile off her face. Her wizard had made a very big statement. Even though it hadn't been in person, she was extremely happy with the words. She was getting her first love…..for keeps. Several of the staff commented on her smile but Mila didn't give anything away and wouldn't share anything until or when she had a ring. Several times, she had whispered to herself how she hoped Matt meant sooner than later. She couldn't allow another trifling witch to step between them ever again.
/*/
After a bit of prodding from Nicholas, Fourth Level Lance Peterson had plucked up the courage to approach Caitlin for something other than business while Richard was kicking himself because he hadn't spoken up first. Caitlin had shown a deliciously lovely feminine side for her presentation to daddy Knight at Whitehall Investments. Many wizards at MCC had taken notice, but Lance was the first to step up.
Stepping up had been great, but Ezra had set everyone straight when he heard what was going on and didn't mince words. For ten minutes, he had gone over the rules, especially those of fraternization. He ended his recitation asking if anyone thought a few snogs would be worth losing a stellar position. No one answered, but each of the FF felt the same way. None wanted to lose his or her position….over a few snogs.
The die had been cast. When Lance approached Caitlin, he had been met with a kind but firm no. Lance was disappointed but understood her reasoning. He even joked with Caitlin about becoming a better choice when he reached FF level. Caitlin had enjoyed the joke explaining that levels had nothing to do with her refusal but everything to do with the rules. Lance walked away disappointed but chuffed at the same time. Caitlin hadn't turned him down because she didn't like him. She had turned him down because of the rules.
Richard walked around with a secret smile covering his face for an entire day. He didn't have a chance with Caitlin but neither did any of the others.
/*/
When Hermione arrived home after her appointment, she was greeted with big hugs and kisses from Scorp who was absolutely beaming. His Nonna and Nonno had walked him down to the park.
"The park?" She had repeated. "Sounds like you had a good time."
"Yes mum, we did. We're going to have beef and bacon stew for lunch. Right Nonna? Right Nonno?"
Emiliano nodded but Ilaria spoke.
"Yes Nipote. That's what I planned unless mum wants something else."
Hermione gave Ilaria a hug. Mum wants what Nonna wants. If you and Emiliano don't mind, I have to write up a few notes before I forget. I'll be in the study."
/*/
Hermione did need to make a few notes, however, her primary purpose for being in the study was to contact Jasmine Wright. The promise she had made to the enterprising witch had caused dissension between her and Emilio and that wouldn't do. She was going to step back from her promise because it was the correct thing to do.
She rang Jasmine to explain her thoughts. The conversation was brief. Jasmine understood perfectly, especially when Hermione quantified her decision by explaining the last thing she wanted to do was to step on toes at MCC. Jasmine said she understood and thanked Hermione anyway. Hermione ended up promising she would be by to open accounts for herself and Scorp soon. Jasmine was appreciative. The conversation ended on a very pleasant note. After that, Hermione looked over the notes from her visit to Grace. There really wasn't anything to add until she had a discussion with the fiance.
/*/
By the time Hermione left the study, the lunch was on the table piping hot.
Scorp spoke out. "Yay mum! We were waiting for you to come. This lunch is so big. It's better than toasted cheese with ham. Nonna made garlic bread too. It smells so good."
Hermione patted Scorp on the hand. "Mum is sorry she took so long, but I'm here now. We can all have some lovely beef and bacon stew."
Ilaria was beaming over the compliment but wondering if she had gone too far. She hadn't thought about it, but was sure beef and bacon stew was a bit heavy for the middle of the day. Hermione and Scorp probably wouldn't eat another morsel for the next twenty four hours. Ilaria didn't know it, but Hermione was thinking along the same lines. Beef and bacon stew wasn't something she would normally serve for lunch.
/*/
Matt had arrived back at MCC in even better spirits than when he left. The first thing he had done was track down Emilio. After minutes of ruminating on how many beautiful rings the jeweler had, he produced a lovely engagement ring.
"Here it is. Lovely isn't it? Do you think Mila will like it? Is it big enough? Shall I wait until the weekend to see Mila portkey over tonight?"
Emilio sat quietly smiling at his overly excited cousin knowing exactly what he was feeling because he had gone through the same thing a month ago. He hadn't ever seen Matt this excited even when he was courting Kim. Emilio believed this time Matt had the correct witch.
"Slow down Matt. Yes, the ring is lovely. Yes, Mila will like it. Yes, it is big enough. Finally, it's up to you whether you wait or ask Mila tonight. With things being what they are, if you wait until the weekend, I'm sure you'll stroke out by tomorrow. Go to Belgium tonight. Take the day tomorrow and do what needs to be done. However, before you do all that, I'll need a few minutes with you and Gas."
"Regarding?"
Emilio handed Matt a copy of Seth and Sal's plan. "Regarding a plan your brother and his partner have asked about. I told them I would inquire. They asked for the services of two Fourth Levels to assist them with setting positions; hiring staff; and securing and vetting renters."
"Two Fourth Levels is it? Well, since I won't be needing any Fourth Levels for Mila, I don't see why we can't make it so."
"Before we get anything down on paper, let me tell you my idea. I believe we should start off with not two Fourth Levels, but one of the FF and a Fourth Level because….."
Matt cut across Emilio. "….Because we would get the same amount of work accomplished, but also have a Fourth Level being trained up."
Emilio nodded. "Right in one Mr. CEO. What do you think?"
"I think it is a fantastic opportunity. In addition, if whomever is chosen needs an additional hand, we will give them another Fourth Level. Win-win. Get Gas. We can meet here in my office."
Emilio sent Gas a short text before mentioning he had one more item to disclose.
"Alright cousin. You've been working very hard in my absence. Disclose away."
Emilio then disclosed he had sent an informational text to the FF announcing there might be a big project coming up and we would be choosing bodies soon."
Matt laughed. "I imagine our top team went into hyper drive. Who stepped up?"
"All of them." Emilio replied crisply. "They'll be so disappointed when they find out only one will be chosen."
"For now." Added Emilio.
"Hello team. What have I missed?"
/*/
Gas had arrived.
"Good morning again Gas."
"Good morning Mr. Maida. Come join us for a short discussion. Our client SSE London has asked for assistance which Emilio and I feel we should allow."
"Okay. I've heard some whispering. Tell me the particulars."
For the next hour, Matt, Emilio and Gas discussed Seth and Sal's request. In the end, they decided the more cerebral Adam would be the wizard from the FF and witch Dorcas Macavoy would be the Fourth Level.
"Alright men, we have made our choice. Let's get them down here to see if they accept the project.
"If, Matt? I think you mean how fast."
Matt nodded. "Yes, there's that. Now. If...they accept, we'll introduce them to Seth and Sal at 2:00 pm. Even before that though, I'll need you Gas to have a word with Dorcas to ensure she knows what a gift she's being given. Also, advise the rest of the Fourth Levels they should study up because they might be called upon in the future. Get Adam and Dorcas to my conference room. I'll be there in five."
"Consider it done Matt. See you there."
"I'll be there shortly. I need a visit to the men's." Emilio remarked, heading to his office.
/*/
By 1:50 pm, Adam and Dorcas had readily accepted the project and were looking forward to meeting Seth and Sal. All work was to be done in Adam's office. They were allowed to ask for help from Ezra, Nicholas, Caitlin or Richard when they had free time. However, if the task became overwhelming, they would notify Gas and he would bring in another Fourth Level. It was settled.
At 2:05, introductions were made. From 2:15 until 3:30, the process was explained to Sal and Seth who were making liberal use of the words, fantastic, amazing, and unbelievable. At 3:35, Matt, Gas and Emilio stepped away while Adam, Dorcas, Seth and Sal all headed to the FF floor and Adam's office.
The SSE London Project part two had begun.
/*/
Before Gas and Emilio dispersed to their offices, Matt informed them he would be leaving the building by 4:30 and taking the day away tomorrow. They wished their CEO a good evening before continuing on to their own offices.
By 6:00 pm Wednesday evening, Matt was sitting on the couch in Mila's flat patting his inside pocket and trying to rid himself of a severe case of nerves. When Mila came through at 6:35, Matt jumped up and without so much as a hello, blurted out the words which had been on the tip of his tongue since that morning.
"I have your ring."