Sorry for the delay in posting this chapter , but as some of you may know , I have spent four weeks in hospital and a week at home recovering , once I got back to using the computer I found that this chapter was completed . Hope you enjoy .
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Walter was awake as usual at 6.00am. Saturday morning . Paige curled up to him , her head resting on his bare chest , her low purring of contentment coming from her mouth . Walter was happy just to watch her sleep , his concentration was broken by a knock on the door .
" Mom , Dad , you need to be up , if we are going to have breakfast , then go and collect a hire van . "
Walter pulled the sheet up further so as to cover Paige's bare shoulder , since they had got back together they always slept naked , both liking the feel of each other's skin touching .
" I am awake but your mom is still asleep why don't you go and shower and get dressed . I will be out soon to start breakfast . "
" Ok dad , see you in a while . "
As Ralph walked away , Walter felt Paige move . " Morning my love , thank you for thinking of me in case Ralph walked in . "
She moved her head from his chest , pushed the sheets back a little and moved her body so she could give him a kiss on his lips .
" Well you heard Ralph , we need to get up and you have promised to make breakfast . " Paige said a smile on her face .
Paige , Walter and Ralph were at the van hire company just after 9.00am . by 9.30am. Walter was driving the same style of van towards the garage . Paige and Ralph followed in Walter's car .
Once Walter had pulled the van into the garage , locked up and set the alarm . Paige swapped with him to drive to the industrial estate . They pulled up at the gate , a security guard came out of the small hut at the side of the gate , and asked them their business there , Walter explained they were there to meet the realtor to view two units . After checking his list he found their names and opened the gates . As they drove in Paige told Walter to stop the car , as he did the guard moved to the drivers window .
" Is something wrong sir ? " The guard asked .
Paige leaned across Walter . " Does everyone get stopped at the gate like this , only we are opening what will be a semi retail business , which won't work if people cannot just walk in . ?
The guard smiled at her . " Only on a Saturday and Sunday , at the moment all the units that are occupied only work , Monday to Friday . In the week the gates are open although there is still a guard here .
Paige with a smile still on her face said . " Thank you very much , but I presume we would have 24/7 access if we need it . "
" Certainly , if you take a unit you will be issued with a pass which you would just show to whoever is on duty after a while you will be known to all the guards and they will just let you in . If you are expecting someone out of hours just tell the guard on duty and they will put them on the list like you were . "
" Ok , thank you . " Paige told him as she pulled herself back into her seat .
As they pulled up at the first unit they were going to see , they saw Mary standing outside waiting for them . They all got out of the car and made their way to her , She opened up the personnel door in the roller shutter , they walked into a large empty space ,about half the size of the garage . Ralph left all of them at the door and began running around the space .
" Be careful . " Paige shouted to him .
Ralph just put his hand up ,
Mary a smile on her face . " Let me show the facilities that are actually in here . " As she spoke she began to walk towards the back of the building .
The back of the door had two doors in it , she opened the first one to show a toilet , wash hand basin and a shower cubicle , all looked brand new . Paige walked in and checked everything out .
" These all appear to be brand new . " She told Mary .
" Yes the landlord as refitted most of the units , since the last tenants left . Come and look what is behind the next door . "
They walked to the next door , this one opened to reveal a much bigger area than the bathroom and was fitted out as a kitchen . A full size cooker , dishwasher and sink unit , leaving room for a fridge and freezer if anyone wanted to put them in . Mary told them it would be a one year contract at $1200 a month , it could be renewed at the end of the year , but the landlord reserves the right to increase the rent .
Paige looked at Walter . " That is more expensive than any of the previous offices . What do you think ? "
" The space would be ideal , how much is the rent on the other one ? " Walter asked .
Mary smiled at him before answering him . " $1000 a month . "
" Why is that ? " Asked Paige .
" It as not been renovated like this one , why don't I show you and then you can see what you think . " Mary told them .
They all left the building . " Follow me it is only three units from this one . "
Mary opened the personal door in the roller shutter . They all entered the building , this was the one with the mezzanine floor . Ralph immediately made his way to the stairs and ran up to the mezzanine floor .
" You be careful Ralph . " Paige shouted after him .
Walter began to look around . " Does this have a bathroom and a kitchen . "
Mary looked at him . " Yes , but not up to the standard of the previous unit . "
Paige immediately asked . " Can you show us please ? "
Mary led them to the back of the unit , similar to the previous one there were two doors at the back of the unit . Mary opened the first door , this was the bathroom , a toilet and a wash hand basin , but no shower . Paige went in and checked both , came out and nodded to Walter to indicate they were clean . Mary then opened the second door , again it showed a small kitchen area ,fitted with a sink unit containing a stainless steel sink and a wall cupboard above it , next to it a well used cooker , that appeared clean , again a space for a fridge and freezer . A kitchen table and chairs would need to be put outside of the door of the kitchen .
Mary let the two of them look things over , then began speaking again . " The landlord as indicated that if you stay here five years , there is a clause in the contract you can purchase the unit outright for a price based on the last years rent multiplied by five . "
By now they had been joined by Ralph . " Mom , dad it is brilliant up there . "
Walter smiled at him . " I am glad you are pleased , we will go and see for ourselves in a minute . "
Paige ruffled Ralph's hair , then turned to Mary . " I have a few questions before we can even think of making a decision . "
Mary looked at Paige a half smile on her face . " Ok go ahead , I will do my best to answer your questions , or if not I will call the landlord . "
Walter smiled at Paige . " It's your show . "
Paige smiled back at him , then turned to Mary again . " First can you confirm we can put up partitions up , as we would not want customers to see the work going on in the back area . "
Mary nodded her head . " I can understand that and I can confirm that . Alterations can be made , but must be removed if you decide to leave at the end of your lease , any damage will be repaired and the cost will be taken out of the $1000 deposit if in excess of that you will be invoiced for the balance .
" Ok , we can accept that . Although this is a gated compound with 24 hour security are we allowed to fit our own security system including C.C.T.V ? " Paige asked .
" Of course in fact I can give you a list of companies who could do the job for you . " Mary told her .
This immediately bought a big smile to three faces . Paige had to stop herself from laughing before answering " That won't be necessary , I already have someone in mind that can design and build then install , that will most likely be better than Fort Knox . "
Mary looked a little shocked . " That sounds very expensive . "
Again Paige smiled . " " Not really they are standing by you and most of the items we have in storage . If not they will buy the cheapest items and upgrade them way past the best on the market . "
Mary's mouth actually dropped open as she stared at Walter and Ralph who both had big grins on their faces .
" One last question , do you offer a first month free of rent , to enable us to move in ? "
This time Mary took her phone out of her small case . "Let me ask the landlord . " She walked away from the trio and dialed the landlord . She was back a few minutes later . " He his prepared to give you a 75% reduction for the first month and a 25% reduction for the second month , that is equivalent to giving you the first month free , he just wants some cash coming in right away . You will still need to pay the $1000 deposit .
" That sounds good , but I think we need to look up stairs first . " Paige told them .
At that Ralph took off followed by the others at a much more sedate pace . It only took them a couple of minutes to decide , that the unit was ideal . They followed Mary out of the building and waited while she locked up .
" I will prepare all the paperwork and give you a ring on Monday to arrange another meeting so you can sign all the paperwork . When would you like to move in ? " Mary asked .
Paige looked at Walter , who just said . " Next Saturday . "
Mary looked a little shocked . " That quick ?"
" No time like the present , the quicker we can get our things moved in , the sooner we can open our business . Walter replied .
Paige then took over . " We also have to get our own paperwork printed . I am sure Ralph will be able to print of it on the computer , but some we will have to source out .
"
" I understand I will see if I can rush things though , can you three get me three passport pictures for Monday , so I can arrange your security passes , so you will not have any problems getting past the gate security ? "
" The guard on the gate was good enough to explain the system on the site . " Paige explained .
At that they parted company , On the way back to the garage they stopped and picked up an extra large pizza , garlic bread and French fries .
Once they had finished eating the pizza and drinking water , . Paige turned to Walter . " We need to take one fridge and one freezer , I think the ones in the garage are the better one's , also we do need to take the kitchen table and chairs. "
" Then we best get those on the van first as they are the bulkiest items we are taking today . " Walter responded .
Between them they managed to load the fridge , freezer and table and chairs on the van . It was almost 7.00pm. before they had removed all of the items from the loft into the van . Between them they also managed to dismantle the shelving that the items had been kept on and put them all on the van .
Walter suggested they leave the van inside the garage until the next day , when they could take it all to their storage unit . As it was getting late Walter suggested a visit to Kovelsky's was in order , much to the pleasure of Ralph .
Sunday morning Walter was again awake at 6.00am. , Paige curled up against him , her head on his chest as usual , the soft purring coming from her mouth . Ten minutes later Paige stirred and rolled off him , with her eyes still closed and her hair covering some of her face .
She scrambled up the bed so she could give Walter a kiss , as she pulled away from him she asked .
" When was the last time you phoned or video called your parents , only I have remembered what Sly said after we met at the Bryson Bid ."
Walter looked into her eyes . " About a week after you all walked out on me but the reaction was not what I quite expected , they told me I was a fool and an idiot to betray you , by having an affair with Florence , then put the phone down on me . "
" My poor Walter , I think their reaction was based on what Sly told them . Once you left the Bryson bid , Sly told me he may have told your parents a few untruths . I think I should speak to Louise once we have eaten breakfast . "
Walter smiled at her . " I appreciate the thought but they are both stubborn , Irish farmers and once they have made their mind up about something it usually take a bomb under them to change them . "
" Then I am afraid it will be light the blue touchpaper and run , once I start speaking to them . " Paige told him .
Once breakfast was finished and everything cleared away , Paige and Walter sat on the sofa , Ralph went back to his bedroom . Once comfortable , Walter put his arm around Paige's shoulders , causing her to lean into him . She pulled her phone out , smiled at Walter and hit connect Louise .
Louise answered on the third ring .
"Good Morning Paige , I hope you are well , Sly told me how Walter had treated you . "
Paige's face immediately changed . " So Sly as not phoned you back to tell you the truth . "
" No , we have not heard from him since that one . "
" Well first Water and I are back together , the person who caused the problem was working with my ex boy friend and ex member of Homeland Tim Armstrong , to split Walter and me up . A couple of weeks after the split , she left and left Walter a letter explaining every thing . "
Walter handed a copy of the letter to Paige , who began reading it to Louise , once she finished reading she carried her conversation on . " None of us had any sort of contact with Walter , until we saw him again at a bid . Sly immediately began to berate Walter , until Walter showed him a copy of the letter . Walter just walked out of the bid and we all read the letter all feeling totally foolish . . I was so upset I could not stop crying . Happy was the only one to chase after Walter and when she came back she persuaded me to take Ralph to see Walter . So once I picked him up from school [ took him to see Walter . After awhile Walter came out of the garage and stood by the door and we both said sorry , once we got inside , Walter proposed to me and I accepted . "
Louise screamed down the phone . " Did he give you a ring ? "
" Yes . " Was all Paige said .
" Is Walter there could I speak to him ? "
Paige turned to Walter . " Your mom wants to talk to you. "
Walter's face fell and with some reluctance he took the phone from Paige . " Hello mom , yes I did and I am now living in Paige's condo as I have to hand in the keys of the garage to the bank as the bank have foreclosed . Maybe we could call back another time as we have to be some were .
" Ok son , I will explain to your dad what as happened and speak to you again soon . Can you say goodbye to Paige for me . "
At that Louise cancelled the call .
The O'Brian farm Callen .
Five minutes after she disconnected the call Sean walked into the kitchen .
" I have just had a phone call from Paige , she as filled me in on the truth of what happened on the night they all walked out on Walter . It is a lot different from what Sly told us , Paige is no longer with Centipede Partners , she as joined Walter again to begin a new company . Walter as proposed to Paige and she as agreed to marry him . .
Sean just stood there for a moment in total silence . " Why would Sly tell us such a different story ? "
" Maybe he wanted our sympathy , because according to Paige he actually physically attacked Walter . it would appear the girl was a cousin of Tim's , who Paige was with when they came over for Paton's day. They had broken up when he took a job in Jordan , but he was always jealous that Paige had always had feelings for Walter even while she was with him . So once he found out they were actually together he set his cousin up to split them up , the break up of Scorpion was a bonus to them . "
Sean had remained silent all the time Louise was explaining the phone call . Once Louise had finished he sat down on one of kitchen chairs , rubbed his face with his callused farmer's hands , then he looked at Louise .
" I guess I should phone him and apologize for what I told him when he phoned us the last time . "
Louise gave him a look , that if it had been much colder , Sean could have turned into a block of ice .
" After what you did say , I am not sure he would even answer your call . I think you should call Paige and ask if you can speak to Walter . But I know they have left the house for some sort of appointment . "
Sean gave a big sigh . " I don't think I will ever really understand Walter , but at the same time he his my son so I should at least be able to accept who he his . "
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By 11.00am Walter was pulling into his parking spot in front of the garage . All three got out of the car and made their way to the garage , once inside Walter got in the van and drove it out of the garage . Paige and Ralph walked out alarmed and locked the garage , then climbed into the van next to Walter .
Twenty minutes later Walter was pulling up in front of the storage units , first job was to go and collect a trolley . They began unloading the projects from the van , it took three trolley loads to move all the projects into the unit , then they removed all the shelving units , or at least the bits and pieces they would be able to rebuild into shelving units , finally with a little more effort they moved the fridge and freezer into their unit . By 2.00pm the van was empty , Walter and Ralph took the trolly back and got Walter's deposit back .
By now all three were feeling hungry , so they decided to go to the beach for tacos . They parked up and made their way to Taco stand . By 2.30pm they were all sitting at a table tucking into tacos . Just as they had finished their tacos , Paige's phone rang , checking the I.D. she was surprised to see Sean's name .
" It's your dad . " She told Walter .
Walter looked a little confused . " You had better answer it .
" Hello Mr. O'Brian , how can I help you ? "
" Do you think Walter would be prepared to talk to me , I know I was very unpleasant to him the last time I spoke to him . "
Paige looked at Walter . muted her phone . " He wants to talk to you. "
Walter pulled a face , at first he shook his head , but Paige moved her phone towards him , Paige took the phone off mute and eventually but begrudgingly he took the phone from Paige .
" Hello father . "
" Hello son , I owe you an apology , your mom as filled me in on exactly what happened . It would appear Sly bent the truth to suit his own needs . I do not expect you to forgive me at the moment but I hope in time we can become a better father and son relationship . . I won't keep you any longer but I hope that soon we can have a longer conversation . "
" Alright father I will let you go to bed now and maybe I could ring you next weekend , goodnight "
Paige leaned into him and gave him a kiss on the cheek . " Are you alright ?"
" Fine , I just cannot believe that was my father on the phone . "
They finished off their drinks and Walter suggested a short walk along the beach , both Paige and Ralph agreed .
Monday morning , once they had dropped Ralph of at school , Walter drove to the garage , parking his car in his usual spot . Paige followed him into the garage , Walter got into the van and drove it out of the garage . Paige closed the roller shutter door , set the alarm and went out the small door and locked it for the last time .
As she pulled the key out of the door , it was as if she froze , the key was in her hand , still pointing at the lock as if it still wanted to go back into the lock and open the garage door and nothing had changed . Happy would be hitting metal , Toby would be sitting or lying on the sofa reading some medical journal , Sly would be working on a white board and she would be sitting at her desk opposite Walter , who had a big grin on his face . By now tears were flowing down her cheeks .
" If only I had not lost my temper and not given into my separation issues , we would still be inside , with Toby causing everyone problems . "
She was so lost in her thoughts , she did not hear Walter approaching .
" Are you alright sweetheart ? " Walter whispered close to her ear .
Paige jumped , then turned and threw her arms around Walter's neck and pushed her head into his chest . " I am so sorry , if not for me that night you would not be having to give up the keys to the garage . "
Walter put his arms around her . " As one door shuts another one opens , at least now we will not be facing danger , unless you count paper cuts . "
Paige gave a chocked laugh , leaned back and took her arms from behind Walter's neck . " You always seem to say the correct thing even if at times to some people , they would not make any sense of it ."
She began to wipe the tears from her cheeks with her hand , until Walter took his arms from around her and removed his handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Paige who gently wiped the tears from her cheeks and patted her eyes dry . She handed the handkerchief back to Walter and kissed him on the lips .
Walter gently took her hand and walked her to his car . She got into the driver's side of Walter's car ,then followed Walter ,driving the van , to the van hire company . '
Once all the paperwork was completed , Paige got out of the drivers seat and walked round and got into the passenger seat . They made their way back to the condo as they wanted to work on some things for the new company .
Just as they walked through the door ,Paige's phone rang , checking the I.D. she saw Mary's name , she immediately answered the phone .
" Good morning Mary _great we will see you at 4.00pm today _Goodbye .
" She is going to meet us at the unit at 4.00pm today . " Paige told Walter .
As she finished telling Walter , her phone rang again , this time the I.D. showed unknown .
" She answered it . " Hello , _Oh ok _How much . _I suppose that will be alright _Of course bye . "
As she turned to Walter she had a little bit of sadness in her face , which made Walter a little concerned and pulled her into a hug .
" Is everything alright ? " He asked .
" Yes, it was the garage , the insurance assessor as been this morning , they are offering $9500 for the car as they consider it a write off . They will be sending me written confirmation , the garage offered the insurance company $500 which they accepted . The problem is I now don't have a car .
Walter gave her a smile . " I think we can sort that out . "
" I don't know how , all my savings were put into C.P. and you knew I only got $300 back . " She told him .
Lets see shall we . " He told her a big smile on his face .
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Grykon Well at least they have found a premises that suits them , just one problem NO SHOWER .
Masikka sorry but you will need to wait a few chapters to find out the secret of the loft , glad you enjoyed the chapter .
LouBe96 Well Ralph seems to like their new premises . Must admit I enjoy writing back stories , so maybe look out for more .
Pearliegirl Thank you , the items in the garage , later .
DaToad Ralph seems happy now they have found a new garage .
2LawDog That is very true , they are all moving forward to hopefully a better life together . Ralph is really looking forward to the items found in the garage being sorted out , although I am sure a lot will just end up as scrap metal .