Empirical son chp 16 Sweden: I'm Disko Troop,
Sweden:
A four-a-half-hour train ride from Trelleborg to Gothenburg. Short drive to our hotel in another German tank SUV. Will have Samual get the tires changes to something softer and less jarring. That must be one of those German car eccentricates. Or a passive-aggressive way to hold the speed down.
The beautiful Arken Hotel & Art Garden Spa is soothing from the moment we walked in a registered. The spa is going to be great and just what we need. Christian is very stoked to be here with me. A doing things, he has never done before. Everything is new to him. And me. Since my spa experience as been mani-pedi and Madison's green facial mask watching horror movies on Saturday night.
We won't deal with the Flat-Earth Software Grange on Näsetvägen road in the Frolunda neighborhood till day three of our visit. The management crew here already, needs the time to finalize several legal and monetary items. So, only an hour or two a day for the home office and Roz, then It's COUPLES TIME!
We spent the rest of day one and the next in spa, sex, and room service minus two hours of sexy CEO Christian Grey doing the office voodoo. As I play secretary ala wearing only his dress shirt. Modeling the Sienna Miller look from Alfie (2001). That seem to motivate him to finish and move on to more enlightening activities.
The Spa:
Under the instruction and tutorage of the head masseuse, the lovely lady Lena. I paint herbal concocts on his back, then massage it in. Wash it off. Giving him a great spa experience; His first ever. Later I promise to recreate the experience ala naked Anna; Love slave novice masseuse in our room.
Sings a little jiggly Bangles "I'll teach you everything that a boy should know. In our room. I'm alive when I'm with you. (kissing his back) Gonna make your dreams come true. (leaning down, purring softly and husky into his ear) In our room." Chris is smirking like a kid stealing Willy Wonka keys to the edible garden. My man! Massaging his back till he is mellow and Jello. A so relaxed; I just lay next to him and purr in contentment. These are the days!
Drinking tea, lounging in the Solarium. We lounged in the hot spring pool. Talking and talking about everything and nothing. We seem to spend a lot of time here lounging about various amenities. Not doing much talking. But enjoying the quiet and each other's company. We could waste a month here, easily. Next time we roll in here; will plan a month; maybe in December for the snows.
Snows, A nice fantasy. We could find an isolated little place on a fjord; be snowed in for a month. Just the two of us; maybe in time the kids might accompany us. Little cozy Sauna, hot-tub, maybe a wild hot spring fed little pool. Wood burning fireplace; the northern lights and big bed, with mountain of quilts and comforter. A nice dream, will work on seeing if I can make it come true. If not here than maybe the Alaska panhandle. At least a month of no phones, no tv, no internet. Just books, music CDs, DVDs, and Us.
Day three:
In our German tankesque SUVs. I bet they could bust thru a couple of walls before the paint would dare to chip. I can visualize storming Europe in these beasts; Fighting the evil forces of Red Skull's Hydra. These cars give one those strange comic super hero visions.
As my personal Captain America, brow furrowed in concentration on the business battle plan in hand. We are head into the wilds and undiscovered country of the Frolunda neighborhood, and the Wild Things roaming there.
Reading as Chris takes calls. Flat-Earth Software Grange brief is the strangest non-fiction thing, I've read in years. The group is a hodgepodge of Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Two Norwegians, two Finland, one Demarks and one Poland, one Laplanders with the rest Swedish. Ages range from teens to early forties. Nine advance computer degrees and three doctorial. Anyone of these kids could be heading a research center or think tank. But they resist all attempts to be poached.
The Photos from the American holiday is more telling. I see the extroverts' crazies and yet "The Adventure of the Norwood Builder" sticks in my mind eye. Could the plots be the same, only time will tell.
I can't wait to see the weirdos in person. This should be fun. The sooner we deal with them; the sooner we can see the Liseberg Amusement Park, Gothenburg Botanical Garden, Haga, New Älvsborg Fortress. Christian is interested in the floating museum the Maritiman and Universeum aquariums, and the 'fish church' market dedicated to everything derived from sea, the Feskekôrka. He's on a seafood kick right now.
We pull up and wonder if these people are even sure what planet they are on. The building has a camouflage feel is bold, glow in the dark kind of color scheme. Maybe they were trying to blind Grey House's henchman or maybe the space station astronauts passing overhead. I'm glad I have shades on, "the game is afoot."
The inside reminds me of the Curiosity shop back in Seattle and Ripley Believe or Not Museum years ago in San Francisco ala hoarders paradise. We tread cautiously between walls: Wondering if it's like stucco to real walls. Or hoping to God there are real walls behind the one appearing to be made of garbage, old equipment. Thank God, this is not earthquake country. I'd fear a cave-in.
Down the rabbit hole maze of a hallway we trek, each yard darker, narrower, twister. Little cubicles have become computer command centers, pockmarking the way. Wonder at the power bill for all those pc and monitors in each pod. A where is Alice's rabbit; surely this is way to tea.
Our trek into the bowels of the Nerd cavern is more a frighting exploration of a bad post-apocalyptic or drugged fuel alternate universe B-movie film set. The largest room so far, maybe space is a better description as I cannot define a strait section or even geometric shape of the 'room?;' I'm not sure that this is like the maze walls or real walls. Maybe the building is a barn with no real internal walls. And the hoarder designed walls are all that is really in here.
The main conference table, the largest and only rectangle shaped thing in the bloody space, is littered with papers, food carton, shiny cd disks, even floppy disk, food scraps and even a partially complete Galaxy Quest Star Ship about the size of a large suitcase. Looks like a 3d printer is building the internal assemblies; Very detailed.
The leader is a man about forty with beard to his knees and monks cut hair. Potbelly like the guy on the Simpson. He smells from the other side of the room like the perfume zealots at Macy's have exhausted the stores supply; in a mankini of all things. A weaker mortal would be heaving on the floor.
His number two, is half and half and half. Face painted half green and half purple, arms and half the trunk red and orange the other side. Legs yellow and blue; in stripper pasties and G-string. Hair is impossible to describe. Like irregularly random broke arc slices about her spherical head; little broken sectional tuff's, glued mohawk sharp. If she pisses me off, a magnet should hold her immobile, the metal in her face piercings should attract any small rogue moon passing in orbit.
The third person in the room looks like a delinquent runaway from middle school: I've never seen anyone with that much eyeshadow, forming shadow boxes about his stunning green eyes: Looking like a skinny panda dressed in Wednesday Adam's drag. He smiles and throws the Vulcan salute.
"I am Captain Steele, you are?"
"COMMANDER OF FLAT EARTH ONE. BATTLE CRUISER OF THE TERRAN NOIR CONFEDERATION. WE ARE PREPARED TO REPEL BOARDERS."
"Request parlay." Vaguely remembering Noir is a computer video game or anime. I think Captain Larry talked about last fall.
"Shit! She has us." He laughs at the two older adults. I think they are adults. "Parley accepted"
"Good I brought donuts." Donuts to nerds, and cops, is like catnip to cats. A like the magic words opening the secret cave door. The whole crew invades the room and then like a gully washer. The water recedes as fast as they arrived. Just the original eight of us are left, with the empty donut boxes still spinning in the air to the dirty floor.
Lucky, Jason didn't shoot anyone as the hungry hoards wave cresting him; He did have the donut boxes. May not have been a good utilization of security. The leader has one in each hand. And a third in his mouth, the girl is nibbling one like a gerbil. "All rights you are?" They look mute, mutinous, and moronic. "Failure to identify yourself means you forfeit parley"
"I'm Jeff, he's Minka, she is LUluna. Please have seat?"
"One; you do not have any seats in here. Piled old Pc chassis do not count. Two; your floor is dirtier than a frat house after pledge week and lastly, You three look like your vitamin A& D deficient. Do you have a patio?" For some reason Christian is letting me take the lead. Not sure why?
"Sure, this way" Jeff the kid leads us outside to a very nice well care for garden with very comfortable padded benches.
Chris-pov:
Watching my girl shine. As she leads, realizing that she is being herself, honest and truth. A everyone is seeing it. She could easily live in my business world. I'm not sure, I could live in her publishing one. But right now, and here, I see the start of Croatia and ending of London was a mistake. Anna on mission, is Happy Anna. Must not let my fears for her safety and welfare stifle her passion and abilities to what? Work? Career? What is her real passion? Watching her easy the fears, these three are throwing off in waves, making this take-over easier and humane.
A-pov
The sun is bright and the light breeze is charming. We sit and they look worse outside then insides dim recesses. At least none burst into flames in the sunlight. "Christian?"
He lays out that they have lost and he own the tech and the patents. He points to a square guy in a suit. He looks about as relatable to these people; as a blue whale to his uber Mini Cooper ride. Thinking about all the engineers and super nerds; I have met since meeting Christian; none strike me as relating to this crowd of lost children and misfits. Maybe Peter-Pan could relate; not sure if even I could? Maybe we can find someone else.
The door opens and out comes a woman dress normally, at least compared to these ones, and smiling. First one I've seen smiling. She kneels and begins to weed an herb garden patch. Ignoring Christian and the others "Hi, what herbs are those?"
"Chervil, lovage, horseradish, ramsons, are in this patch. Nettles in the pot next to you and Elderflower in the pot next to your boyfriend." She whispers just loud enough to be heard.
"Your name?" I ask. Without turning from her task.
"Eva, Your Anna; He is Chris; He's Talyor the gun, and they are HTH," waving at the manager and lawyers. She smiles a continues to weed. Getting up, I kneel beside her and start to weed following her lead. "Why don't you want be with us?"
"Straights never treat us fair. They always hate what they don't understand, don't conform, Straights don't see us."
"You understand that Chris has bought the company?"
"Yes, but we are afraid."
"I understand. How about you guys talk with Barney and Fred. Are they ok?'
"Yes, what about him" Without turning and looking, she points to the new manager.
"I think we can get someone more, with better vision. Ok?" all four nods. They have spent years being the invisible, weird, misfits. They just want to be left in peace. A more important not have their world radically changed; losing their fragile safe space and identity. Much like a girl I know: Prefers library stacks and quiet intimate volksmarches in the forest too crowds and most social things.
"Ted, I think Morris in Spain might be a better fit here. Get him on a plane today." Christian speaks. Ted and the others leave. "Chris, lose the jackets and kneel: a weed that pot over there. Why aren't you three weeding?" At that, two older one sprint for the door into the dark confines of the building. Jeff the pipsqueak spokesman, kneels and talks to Christian as they weed the bush in the pots. "Not much for plants?"
"No, they are afraid of things that grow. Too much like nature, not enough silica, and remind them of sports bullies."
"Yes, I can see that. You work inside?"
"Yes, I design input output interfaces. Jeff creates brains. He is here most of the time because his fathers in jail and his mother is, not a mother. We are afraid the state will take him. An we will lose him."
"Yes, we will work on getting him a stable home life. And help him not lose himself. The inside need cleaning. How do we do that?"
"Last year I took them to the states, the cleaning crew did very little for a lot of money; cheated us."
"What about Liseberg Amusement Park for a day?'
"We don't have the money. We just paid the electric bill; the water and sewer are due soon. And the last contract stiffed us. Dared us to sue them." She looks embarrassed "Our lawyers in jail for stealing Salmon."
"Christian's treat." I eye him, he heard the issues. He can solve them toot-sweet. He nods to me; that silent telepathy he teases, must be working.
"Yes, that would work Friday. (two days away). Tomorrow we are rebuilding a device. Barney's corrections should make it functional. We are hoping to have a working prototype by Monday. Luluna is mad that she could not see the solution. And Selena is mad that Luluna yelled at her for talking to Barney. She is crushing on his protégé Clarence. Have you met Clarence? Do you think Selana and him be like you and Chris?"
"Having not met Selena, I could not compute the outcome." She stands takes my hand; leading me into the building, the maze and to a nice dragon tattoo kind of girl. With a sweet smile and pale blue eyes. That speaks of pain, suffering and fear. "Hi I'm Anna, Clarence is a hottie; do you have him online?"
She taps keys and Clarence mug pops up in a tile. He spills his coffee. That my man Clarence; making good first impressions, at least his shirt was fresh sometime this week. Bedrock was upset Gwen and I instituted fresh clean clothes at least once a week and bathing no less then every other day. Gwen and I are saving GEH a fortune in odor removing air cleaner by that simple fiat "Hi Clarence from reindeers land!"
"Anna, Finland is reindeers. We are Ikea." Say serious Eva.
"Hi Anna. How Sweden?" Clarence smiles.
"Can't he see you, Selena?"
"No!" She shakes. I hug her and Eva leans around hitting some keys. A tile shows me hugging Selena pops up.
"Clarence, Chief, Second Class engineer on USS Greystar, this is Selena." They gawk. "Selana has some question about their rebuild tomorrow." I lean up and snaring Eva; we walk out as the two shy nerds interact. I pull my phone and texts Andrea to arrange a quick Clarence trip to Gothenburg Sweden.
I wander with Eva around the maze getting a feel for the people. I think the colors and weirdo thing is all about keeping people away, so they cannot hurt them. Keeping people at a distance is a full-time misfit requirement for survival. Thinking, a talk with Roz and Gwen about social and emotional support is needed here. We will help them be better. Otherwise, I fear a computer hacker cancer will grow uncheck. Must not let Sky-net take root.
Walking outside to the cars. I see my man talking to Samuel and Jason. His face must hurt smiling that intense; making me want to gift him my panties right now. I should have stopped inside and removed them, bet that would shock him or maybe fire the kink master into action.
"Anna, I think you are wasted in publishing. You are a born fixer and people soother." He speaks. I laugh. "Christian Grey; publishing is less about words, grammar, and spelling; more about compromise, people skills and seeing authors fears and horror settled as you let their baby go out into freeway traffic."
"It just doesn't need managers and lawyers, at least every day." I smirk as we both laugh. "What now?" he laughs.
"Andrea is going to send Barneys protégé Clarance, and Reed (Fred's hardware and site expert fixer). Roz and Gwen will get with senior staff here, once we finalize, and help them adjust. This guy in Spain?"
"Micheal Miller Morris; know far and wide a M&M&M or M cubed. Captain of Spain's star ship USS Sevilla. Long experience working with fringe genius and software developers. Solid guy with a famous performance avant-garde mother. She is also one of the best child psychologists in Europa. She is teaching at the Sorbonne this year. Next year at Harvard."
"Good. Jarl what do you think food wise?" I ask the local CPO. "Pastry shop down the street makes a great light, fluffy cinnamon Kanelbullar buns, Swedish specialty; paired with dark-roast coffee, is heaven. Six to eight apiece. I can have it delivered within the hour. A dinner down the road can delivery real food this evening."
"Jarl that is a great idea. Make it so. An have a dozen buns at our hotel room. For us to sample the local haute cuisine." Christian smiles. "We will be back here tomorrow. Hopefully they and this is settled."
"Well, the evening is young, maybe a stroll into the wilds of Gothenburg Botanical Garden?" I beg.
"Yes. Lenny (local CPO) drive us there. Please." We hop in an away we go.
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Walking in the woods: Gothenburg Botanical Garden
With his arm around me, I feel calm and loved. We wander down the path, occasional passing other couples, gardeners, and single men with complicated cameras. More of them than I would think to see. Several photographers down in the dirt total concentration are angry at any intrusion; an inform us thusly. Seems a local tourist publication is having a macro flora-a-fauna contest; A competition is very stiff, something about a sponsored gallery show, as the grand prize. Too bad Jose (juniors) not about, he would win, but I'm biased to the little Log-head. We wander away from any hassle.
"Chris, the India thing?"
"That finished; They arrested the brothers, and the rest of the family's hiding in exile in the central highlands. Anil leveraged out his holding to keep pace with people like me; a house of cards. A series of bad buys and sells and it crumbled. The tech steal was the only way he could stay afloat."
"Finished that fast?"
"As far as me and the company. Yes. The court and legal shit will go on for five maybe six years. But we have no part of it."
"Sister?"
"She in France on financial crimes, theft, and drugs. Gwen thinks she may be out by the time her brothers' legal shit is over."
"You said five to six years?"
"Yea, she should be out in five or six years."
"Ok; no more will we deal with that shit here. Now about your massage technique. I believe you may have to practice a lot more, to be qualified to work on my bodacious body!" I squeak taking off down a side trail. Hoping to not find a photo enthusiast at the end.
Finding a quiet secluded bench. We relax, just letting the calm and quiet of the moment. Slowly I turn in his arms. My hand caress his bearded thorny chin. My caveman. Looks hot and bothered. As I tug his ear down. Licking up to his lips. And fight tongue to tongue for dominion.
Slowly his hands invade my shirt, releasing my bra and making me squirm in need. Standing dropping my jeans. I slide onto his lap, release my toy. My windbreaker hides my pantlessness; straddling his hips, sliding down to mount him. We ride and ride in ecstasy. I cling to him as the world spins and distorts in pleasurable waves. Grabbing his coat collar in my teeth to stifle the scream.
My kinkery is expanding. After he comes, we straight up, putting my pants back on. He steals my panties. Public sex is very exciting. My second attempt. The first in London town, that first week. We relaxed in a roof top restaurant after a theater show, sliding my hand into his lap; payback for that night in the Brown hotel. He used his napkin linen to keep himself clean as I milked him dry.
By my scorecard, I owe him four more public encounters. We head for the hotel. I plan a late dinner in bed and later hour to sleep. Tomorrow, we have nerds to herd and lawyers to corral. A we have a dinner interview with a Lady owner of a farm outside Jönköping; about Amelia's dog fostering program. A tragic barn fire over the winter. She lost her husband, three quarter of her sheep and four border collies. She's just been released from the hospital last month. She is looking at several cold weather herding dogs that Amelia has to sale. Including the Romanian Carpathian Shepherd breeding pair.
The Flat Earth Crew is surprising more normally dressed and at least washed. They seem calmer and more relaxed as Christian and newly arrived M&M work to bring them into his company. The new company accountant is digging; a fixing problems like taxes and bills and even stocking in descent coffee. Christian's Swedish lawyers are harassing the four delinquent accounts. I had Samual stop at a grocery store; very upset at the quality of the tea selection. Googling tea shops in town.
Jarl drives along Dag Hammarskjöldsleden passing by the Gothenburg Botanical Garden. Memories of yesterday turn my face red. Passing a modern building "what is that?" "Education Library" Jarl says. "Schedule a visit."
We drive into shopping district, Inom Vallgraven. He drops Samuel and me off in front of The Huset on Kungstorget. My Amex is smoking by the time Samual lugs my four bags out to the car. Not counting the four bags FedExing to Seattle, London, New York, and Sara in Rijeka.
Jason smirks as I lug two bags into the Misfits office breakroom. The herd descents as baked good, fresh coffee, and tea. Christian threw the old coffee machine in the garbage. A new machine like his one in Seattle is a hit as the nerds programs the machine. A near riot as I intervene with rock-paper-scissor for disputed nickname. Once they leave, I sit and sip my Grönt te smaksatt med fläder och äpple. The today is rebuilding: tomorrow is team building at the Liseberg Amusement Park; roller-coaster are waiting my man. Maybe roller-coaster sexcapade. UMMMM! Fun in the sun.
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a-pov:
I find Jeff hiding in the garden; Christian has disappeared with the lawyers. Something is off, suddenly from an hour ago. "Jeff?"
"My dad's in town."
"OH! Why?"
"He's testifying in an Interpol case about a Belarus biker he knew in the day. The lame State lawyers are trying to decide if they put him in prison or extradite him to one of the countries that executes evil shits."
"Your father not concerned he is testifying" I ask
"NO, the evil shit already rolled over a lot of bikers, and criminals. So, Dad's clear."
"Do you want to see him?"
"Yes, but popeye said I couldn't."
"Popeye like the cartoon?'
"No, Popeye is a cop: Him and E-man were uncover cops infiltrating the biker gangs. They are cool dudes." Jeff looks more lost. Like the contradictions have never occurred to him. "When I was five, we were up in the Abisko National Park around Torne träsk, Torne lake. At a biker gathering, Grandfather grabbed me and threw me in a pit with two older boys. To fight. Odin Olaf dragged me out before I was too bloody. Dad's father before he grabbed me; hit my father with a front tire and rim from the back. He was in a coma for a week. Dad quit the bike club and we lived in Tromsø for a year. When dad was in Juvenile prison, he learned to cook. So, in Tromsø he worked in a high-end resort as a line cook."
Jeff gets up and we walk about the garden, not saying anything. "A year later, Grandfather was still pissed and put a contract out on Us. Odin Olaf challenged him and won the presidency of the Motorcycle club. We came back for grandfather's funeral. Dad didn't want me to see him pissing on Granddad ashes. But I walked up and pissed on him to. I've seen dad's scars. About two years later Olaf was busted; before they could arrest him, he learned about the two police spies in his club. Ordered a hit and attacked them. E-man was shot eight times, his wife shot twice, their two foster kids were each hit, mostly ricochets. Popeye ran Olaf down and arrested him, during the fight; Olaf lost both of his eyes and was damaged, he died in hospital, two months later. Thus, he popped Olaf's eyes out, ala popeye. Dad was then president of the combined fragments of several Motorcycle clubs, criminal enterprises for almost four years before he was busted."
"Malik, get a car. We are going to the jail" Taking Jeff hand we head to the vehicles out front. Samuel meets us there. First, we head to the jail and then the court house. Walking into a hallway. I see a senior, tall over muscled Beowulf, stone faced uniformed Policeman. Any sane person would be heading away from the scowling beast. We walk up.
"I told you no." says Beowulf.
"I want to see my father! POPEYE!" Jeff stands toe to toe.
I can see the giant has sad eyes about this.
"Growwwwllll!" Beowulf just growled at Jeff, and scared him. This is not happening. "GROWWWL!" They both look at me. As I pull Jeff about and stand looking nearly vertical to the giant.
"Police Sergeant Mall Jedvardsson."
"Mall like the store or castle in rugby? Miss Anna Steele!" I say sticking my hand out. He takes my hand and doesn't shake, but lifts it up and lowers his upper body and kisses my hand. "America?"
"Yes; My fiancée (showing my ring, incase he's a player) has bought the company Jeff works for."
"Their inside with my brother, Detective Superintendent Nils Jedvardsson and Detective Inspector Emanuel Swedenborg."
"E-man must be pissed" Jeff looks around for a place to bolt.
"No, they are solving the problems. You need to chill Jeff." I try to ignore the world and concentrate on holding a fragile young man from harming himself. Remember Jose (junior) freshman year at WSU. Do not want a repeat of that disaster.
"Send a note?" I start to demand as the door opens and man is being lead away in handcuffs. Jeff launches on me, nearly taking me down to the ground. Beowulf grabs my arm to steady me as Samuel braces my back. Jeff is whimpering in fear. I turn to the evil glaring bastard.
"WALK AWAY OR BE BURIED WHERE YOU STAND!" Hissing and growling more than speaking.
Beowulf barks in Swedish. "Få bort den jäveln härifrån. Innan jag slår upp hans ögon och sliter av hans bollar. Se till att fångvaktaren sätter honom på folkvakt. Jag är säker på att min bror kommer att lägga till den avgiften innan företaget stänger idag. (GET THAT BASTARD OUT OF HERE. BEFORE I POP HIS EYES AND RIP HIS BALLS OFF. MAKE SURE THE JAILER PUTS HIM ON PEDOPHILE WATCH. I'M SURE MY BROTHER WILL ADD THAT CHARGE BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY.) The cop and what I think of as bailiffs or court officers rush him away.
"Who was that?" I demand
"My social worker, Kerstin sleeps and shares drugs with him." Jeff whimpers. Samuel moves us to a bench. I sit hold jeff on my lap. And realize that this is Christian at that age. How things could have been so much better if Someone had been able to reach him. I blame Carrick and Grace, but must give them a pass as Carla and her last few sperm donors never got me.
"I sent a note to E-man. He will decide." Beowulf calmy pets Jeff's shoulder.
"What will happen to me?"
"Well, Chris is demanding a guardian appointed not a social worker. New foster parents, vetted by his lawyers. A you continue to work at the Grange. Maybe move from middle school to college?" I end the stress on a happy thought and wish.
"You think they will; the asshole son of a criminal, an outlaw motorcycle chieftain. They didn't before?" Jeff whispers. I look accusing up into the giant Beowulf's face. Set in stone, emotionalize in bland indifference, but the eyes are sad and pained. He cares about the boy.
"I just returned from a year in the Far North; E-man was in Belgium at the Hague for the last six months, on the international trafficking tribunal. I'f you had send us a email or told E-man's wife?" he ends the sentence hanging and unsure how much to spill in public.
"I didn't want you guys getting in trouble again because your dad's friends." Jeff says calming down. The two police narcs are still his father's friend. That is one forgiving guy, or these are really stupid cop's. Time will tell "Friends?"
"Yea, Dad never takes business personal, unlike Olaf and grandpa. When they busted him, he fought but made sure innocents were never in danger. One of his crew in Stockholm, drunk riding, hit a woman and her baby carriage one night. Drove away laughing like a loony over the damaged foreign born. The next day, dad dragged his beaten carcass to the main police station. Children were off limits, any one below the age of seventeen was off limits. He sees you hitting your kid, any kid. A dad would demonstrate his name, usually on their face."
"Slägga like a sledgehammer. A Jeff's dad is only an inch shorter and maybe a kilo or two heavier. I have watched him bench press his Harley." Beowulf says pridefully. "The court is still going on. Your father not here yet."
"Let's sit here and you can tell me about the best places to fish?"
"YOU FISH?" Chorus the males around me. Laughing like a loony lady of old. "O'f course I don't fish, cook them yes. Clean and catch them; NO. But If I can direct my copper haired ogre to a time-consuming fish spot that will allow me to read and relax over a nice civilized cup of tea. I would be a fool not take advantage of the weaker minded sex. Now, good local fishing spots or charter boats?"
This kicks off a dozen police, court officers, lawyers and staff slipping me notes and txt messages. I may write a wife's guide to the husbandry distraction of fishing in the greater Gothenburg area.
A court staff member whisper to Mall. An he takes Jeff into met his father. I slip away with Samuel back to the Grange. Mall promised to get the boy back to us.
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c-pov Thursday: inside the court room.
Standing in conference room 4-G of the Gothenburg Court House or whatever they call it here. The Judge is a middle-aged woman with sharp hard features. Next to her is the What-ever called head of the Social Services for minors in this area. With the State Attorney for minor sitting to the Judges left. A nervous looking man next to him, my lawyers tell me is Jeff's current social worker.
Across from me is a scary, serious, senior Policeman. My lawyers tell me is the local deputy (Polismästare) District Police Commissioner, the fixer and troubleshooter, former Kriminalkommissarie med särskild tjänsteställning (Detective Superintendent). Next to him, my lawyers tell me is the organized crime Kriminalinspektör med särskild tjänsteställning (Detective Inspector). Why they are here I'm not sure?
"Gentlemen? Since everyone is fluent in English. We will conduct the hearing in English. I've read the emergency brief. Mr. Carl Linnaeus, States Attorney: Is everyone present?"
"Judge Isabella Frode; We are waiting on a last minute interested party. We beg the court indulgence for his late arrival. We are prepared to begin without him."
"Anyone have objections? No. Proceed"
"Mr. Jakob Berzelius, Head Social Service. We are notifying you at the end of these proceeding; that Eric Bjurman will be remanded to police custody for neglect and maleficence in this matter. Mr. Eric Bjurman; a judge has found sufficient evidence for custodian neglect and maleficence in the case of the minor child Mikael 'Jeff' Kessiakoff. Your honor." States Mr. Carl Linnaeus.
"Your Honor! I object to the Mr. Linnaeus jumping the gun so to speak. The internal investigation is only started yesterday. What evidence do you have Mr. Linnaeus?"
"Missing Records, fake drug test and the fact that Eric Bjurman officially recorded Mrs. Kerstin 'Snålskjuts' Wahlström in his office Monday with a successfully clean drug test; Even though she is currently in jail in Tarragona, in Spain. An has been since the first of the month. That he recorded the last six successfully clean drug test for Mrs. Wahlström; charging the state, with no record by any drug testing lab he is required to use showing any test or results. A cursory audit this morning showed: He has some thirty clients taking drug test; charging the state money for theses drug test. A no lab has any record of him submitting a drug test for any client in the last nine months."
"Mr. Berzelius; I am sure we will be revisiting this lapse. How long has Mrs. Wahlström been out of the city?" Mr. Linnaeus demands, the Judge is looking pissed and unbenting.
"I don't know? Eric (Bjurman)?"
"I have no comment at this time under the advisement of my attorney." Eric Bjurman whispers
"Have you? Are you going to give any evidence in this hearing Mr. Bjurman?" The judge is getting pissed off.
"Under the advisement of my attorney, no comment."
"Very well, Mr. Swedenborg (Detective Inspector) call an officer to remove Mr. Bjurman."
"Your honor. I respectful request a postponement to get another social worker in here to take over the case?" Jakob Berzelius Head of Social Service
"NO. You were made aware of Mr. Eric Bjurman failure before the hearing. You should have already replaced him and had his replacement here." The Judge glares at the asshole bureaucrat. Bjurman is escorted out by a policeman, not one of the court bailiffs or what I believe are the bailiffs here.
"Mr. Grey?" The judge asks. Since my lawyers' spear-headed the court proceeding. It's my turn to talk. "Your honor." I start. The door across from me open to a tall tattooed man in chains; his hair is buzzed on the sides and not as short on top, with a very well-cut trim pirate's beard. With two policemen; although I suspect the unarmed one is a prison guard.
"Excuse me your honor. I am Bernt Kessiakoff, Mikael father. We were caught in traffic. I apologize for our delay." He speaks educated, softly and assured of himself. The eyes tell me he is a predatory, violence just below the veneer of civility.
"Please be seated. Mr. Grey?" The judge says as he sits on the other side of my lawyer.
"Your honor. I believe it's in Jeffs best interest, that you assign a guardianship: to oversee the boys living and education, and employment. Rather than another ill prepared social worker."
"Mr. Grey, the boy is thirteen. Way too young for any employment, he is in middle school having failed twice in the last two years." the judge interjects.
"Your Honor, respectfully. He has been working at Flat-Earth Software Grange for nearly four years. He is a genius and brilliant young man, with a very High IQ. We believe his academic failures are the direct result of his home environment and being bored in school. His behavior issues are directly tied to his parents."
"Your honor. I agree with Mr. Grey. He is bored in school. He should be in college. A guardianship would solve most of the problems he has had in the past. My failures as a father to protect and see to his welfare. Is directly tied to the decision I made, my crimes. That does not relieve the state of its failure, nor my ex-wife. Without my son; she losses her money." States forcefully the father, Bernt Kessiakoff. I begin to like him.
Detective Superintendent Nils Jedvardsson raps the table. "I have a senior Polisinspektör (Police Sergeant) and his wife, an accountant. Fully vetted and experienced as foster parents. Their last ward, nineteen, is in her third year of University in Oslo. The social services have not seen fit in two years to utilize them. His wife is experienced with gifted special needs children; her youngest brother, who she raised since age seven, earned his medical degree at twenty. Slägga?"
"Detective Superintendent, Language and decorum."
"Its alright your honor. I'm used to friends calling me Slägga. My nickname, Grey. Sledgehammer" he raises his chained fist, as example and threat. "Fail or screw over my son!"
I rise and lean over my lawyer getting face to face as the father rises to meet me. Shark to shark. "Jeff is special. I know what he's gone thru. Make no mistake about me. If you try me. I will burn you down and stomp on the bones. Am I clear?"
"Yes. Am I clear?"
"Yes."
"Gentlemen sit down." The judge orders. "Mr. Kessiakoff do feel threatened, do you want to make a complaint?"
"No, Your honor. Mr. Grey and I understand each other. I believe he truly has my son's best interest at heart."
"Detective Superintendent, Detective Inspector?" the judge asks.
"No, your Honor. We; all four understand the threats and implications. And believe we have the boy's best interest in our hearts." Detective Inspector says. "Having talked to the boy last night. I believe keeping him employed at the Grange is the best solution right now. We don't need another computer genius amok in society. His wages?"
"Yes, we will need a full accounting of the wages owed young Mr. Mikael Kessiakoff. To access fines and penalties." Spouts the worried Mr. Berzelius head of social service for the area.
"Full accounting will take years. An he may end up owing more than he has made. Per my buyout; all the fines and penalties are owed by the Granges former business manager and his company. I believe he is currently residing at Mr. Bernt apartment complex." That has everyone laughing. "If so Grey, I'll be happy to make sure he cooperates."
"My Lawyer here has drawn up a release of liability for wages, taxes, and any owed moneys." I start
"Mr. Grey are you refusing to pay the boy?" The state's attorney barks.
"The Granges books and accounts are in such disastrous shape. An audit is going to take years. The crew are great programmers,' but lousy businessman. I am offering each one the same deal. Sign the release; I will balance the books to set level from; This past Monday forward. A fair a reasonable salary, benefits, and work load." Looking at his father, eye to eye. "For Jeff; I am going to put into an account controlled by his guardian and cosigned by his father, you: You will have no access to the funds (I say forcefully to the father. So, there is no mistake). Nor his mother. Just approval of big-ticket items." I state, he nods. Looking at the rest of the table; They nod.
"How much?" the judge asks
"One hundred thousand dollars after taxes. His wages from now on will go into the account. That should see him in the fall semester in college. If he leaves the Grange to pursue a college degree. I will personally fund his educations."
"Why?" his father asks.
"What do you know of me?"
"You're a billionaire, tough guy, Sadist." Mr. Linnaeus states. Pissing me off. I thought he was a good guy, not another lawyer working into politics.
"Slägga. Mr. Grey was adopted at four. From horrific abuse, neglect, and torture. That makes your childhood like KFUK-KFUMs Scoutförbund. His adopted parent tried but failed. He ran away, met a Jason Boure like guy. Remerged a few months ago as Grey from his alias C.G. Martin of Henry Trastamara Holding Incorporated (HTH, Inc)."
"Naples? Uh?"
"Yes. Naples."
"Gentleman, please explain Naples?" The judge demands.
"Your honor, we have gone far from the matter at hand. I will explain Naples after we are thru here." Jedvardsson pleas.
"Very well, submit the document. Detective Inspector Swedenborg; Please move Mr. Mikael 'Jeff' Kessiakoff to his new foster parents; as a personal favor, release the officer to aid in settling the boy. I will assign a guardian; make no mistake; he is in charge. Once the documents are drafted and signed. Copies to all parties. I will review the case in ninety days. That is all. Adjourned."
"Your Honor?"
"Yes Mr. Grey?"
"Tomorrow we are planning a team building outing at Liseberg Amusement Park. As well as clearing the garbage and hazardous working conditions in the Grange building. If the Superintendent could release the officer that day as well. If you assign a guardian by then, ask him to join us."
"Whose idea was that?' Swedenborg asks.
"My Girlfriend's, Anna Steele. Ask any of the Grange, they respect her more than me. Maybe because she understands them or just feeds them loads of donuts and Kanelbullar buns." I smile at them
"Well Mr. Grey. I see you are smarter than most men around this table. Knowing who's the mover and shaker in the world." The judge laughs.
"We would never doubt that at all, Isabella. Nor am I brave enough to dispute it with my wife or his wife (pointing at Detective Inspector) or even Linnaeus's wife. To say nothing of the formidable Miss Steele." Nils Jedvardsson laughs.
Most of the people leave. I stay and Emanuel Swedenborg, the Detective Inspector, and Slägga and his guards. Swedenborg waves at the door. A moment later Jeff comes in the room, looking more normal, less gothic emo posterchild. His father stands up. "Jeff?"
"I'm ok. Anna's explained what was happening. I guess from the smiles: I'm not going back to nut house in Uppsala?"
"No, a decent foster family is taking you in, you'll going to university, work with the space nuts." Slägga smile down hugging his son.
"Kerstin? Or Bjurman?"
"Gone, not allowed in your life." Swedenborg
"Can I visit you?"
"If you want to. Yes. I'm sure that can be arranged."
"I miss you." Jeff cries holding his father. We leave letting him have all the time they need.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Outside in the hallway.
"Slägga's won't be eligible for early release till the boy is twenty-one, full release when Jeff is nearly thirty. He had the brains to do anything. But his father was a brutal sadist outlaw motorcycle leader. Slägga never had a chance to be anything else. He made damn sure his son would never know that life, nor his fist. If the mother had been even a sliver decent. He would be in university and not here." Emanuel says sorrowfully.
"If not for Sam, my Jason Bourne; I would be in the next cell. If not for Anna in my life: Jeff would be in the street. She makes me want to be the man she thinks I am, could be."
"That the difference between Kerstin 'Snålskjuts' Wahlström and women like her and the rest of the females of the world. My wife is hell on wheels; the kindest, gentles soul. She is on probation for beating a pedophile teacher nearly to death two years ago. Her Father died in jail for molesting her and her brother. She has never talked to her mother in forty-five years. We are on are fourth round of foster and refuge kids."
"I understand."
"After Jeff is done, I will take him to meet his new parents."
"Thank you." We shake and part ways. I head back to the Grange to Anna and crew. Jason smirks he was standing in the shadows with the bailiffs.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Outside the court building in the smoking area. "Emanuel? You think Grey is being truthful?" Nils looks about.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Simple. Really simple. He sees a boy like he might have become if he had never left and never trusted his adopted parents." Emanuel looks down at the lite cigar, his one a week.
"Not his Birth mother?"
"Slägga and Grey are a matched pair. Either could be in the others shoes. Or worst, Grey could have been like Slägga's father. If Odin Olaf had not put him down. I would have. Evil shits like that don't"
"Stop! Thinking is ok, as soon as you say it out loud. Your fired. Because I would know your serious and committed. OK?" Nils looks serious.
"OK! So, what to do now?"
"Watch, wait, I suspect we will quickly see how things really are." Nils suddenly looks up. "Miss Steele?"
"Gentlemen, I understand your caution. A Christian is not exactly easy to read. But he sees Jeff and most of his employees as people to protect, and encourage. Jeff in particular; he sees how his life might have turned if his adoptation had turned out different or not occurred at all. Questions?" Miss Steele looks into our eyes, dead on and unflinching. Reminds me of my grandmother, one of the first Policewomen to kill an armed robbery suspect; Lost a rib saving a dozen people from the drugged-out madman, shooting innocents for fun, while robbing a bank. Scary, caring, no-nonsense, solid was her brand to the day she passed. Miss Steele is the same, she has seen evil and knows its name personally. I will not dare to cross her. "How can we help you?" Says Nils.
"One of the local CPO, Jarl is going to head the Granges security. With the new manger Micheal Miller Morris, they call him M&M or M-cubed. Running the Local office of Henry Trastamara Holding Incorporated (HTH, Inc). Please feel free to cultivate a relationships with both as well Jeffs new foster father, the policeman. I have instructed M&M and Jarl to provide any and all information you might require." She says sweetly and kind, but we can feel the fire behind it.
"Grey is on board?" Emanuel asks?
"My call. My rules. If you think he or his COO Roz would cross me on this?"
"He proved a smart man listening to you. We will do the same. If we have any issues: We will talk to Jarl and M&M." Emanuel reaches a hand out. An they shake. I shake her hand and we part.
Thinking about her. I see why my grandfather would never cross grandmother when she had fire in her eyes or voice. Come to think about it: I do not cross my wife when she sets that jaw with that hell or high-water glare, we are doing what she sees as right and the only way to do it. I smile in the thoughts as I head to the next court case." Nils reaches for the court house door handle to enter.
Anna-pov:
I think on the car ride to the Grange building. If Christian got his thing done, I got mine and we are moving the company and staff forward. It's been a good day. An, I think after the dinner with the dog lady tonight; I will work my new witchy magical elixirs on Christian skin and warp his mind as he ravishes my body, mind, and soul. That edible massage liquid is suddenly siren calling my name.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
friday
Jason rents a bus to take us to the park. Keep the herd together. Many are bringing girlfriends and boyfriends. Thus, the 12-genius computer nerd, 13 friends with benefits, two kids and four parents including Jeff new foster parents; A senior cop and his accountant wife.
Minka has a daughter and a girlfriend, shocking. The happy lady is about as opposite as you can get in a relationship. She is a gardener at Universeum, owns no cell phone or computer. His Daughter is happy little pixie in third grade.
Steve, a gothic flocked guy second oldest about four foot three runs the GUI (Graphical User interface) section. Has a daughter, Stevie, named after the singer. Stevie is a calm high school junior. Steve's wife is a very tall four foot five inches, Librarian at the Education Library. With Minka girlfriend; We are excited to talk books not related to Sci-Fi or computers.
Lulune girlfriend is a wild haired Nurse. Eva the easy, shy computer genius, gardener has a boyfriend and a girlfriend. Clarence arrived last night and is already lip locking Selena.
Eva 'two' the bleached blonde hardware specialist; Boyfriend is a rough tough police patrolman and her grandparents, medical doctors, who raised her. We are a herd with six mangers including the accountant and Swedish lawyer: Christian, Jason, M&M, and me and ten CPOs' of course.
We break into more manageable groups at the parks, Christian and I will wander between the four groups. As the day ends, we will meet at the Double Decker Carrousel. We separate and wander the rides and attractions. We enjoy the day, and learn what makes these new employees tick.
Lulune is very extrovert while her girlfriend is introvert. Eva shines more confidently with her two lovers then most people. I seem to be one that she is comfortable with as we ride the swings while the scaredy-cats wait on the ground. Roller coaster do not scare Christian but the Loke swings do? Who knew?
Jeff is most effected, for the first time in his life, parents are there for him, even if only foster parents. We suspect he should be in university not middle school. Foster parent agree. We are joined after lunch by his new court appointed guardian. Oscar Gustafsson is a retired judge, and legal lecturer; He knows Carrick personal. He is quickly relating to the misfits. Laughing his late wife of forty-years was a beat and hippy; A taught baking and preserves making at a local Farmers market. By the time it is to leave, we will have a good handle on the misfits needs and goals.
Christian becomes not just a boss, but a big brother. Saga, one of the brain designers, sticks to Jarl like glue. At first, we thought a crush. But we quickly see she is afraid of men and big men, in particular. A little girl talk, reveals she is a victim of long-term sexual abuse. Her girlfriend is very protective as she too was an abuse survivor as well. Jarl takes them under his wing. We plan on making him the site security. He can overwatch the needy and be a friend to the rest.
Kållerado was perfect during the afternoon heat. We are laughing as the next group wanders out. We lounge, wandering around the Minka's girlfriend workplace Universeum. As the herd forages the food court.
After a coaster or three. Over ice cream, while groups move thru the Gasten Ghost Hotel. The horror maze with actors was wild. I was cuddled in Christian arms almost the whole time. Scream my head off. Loved it next time we are town, we are doing this again. Maybe bring Madsion or Amelia. Getting the groups to stop and snack with us; getting them relaxed.
As evening falls, Christian takes everyone to Spelhuset with bags of tokens and people rotate thru local food stands for dinner. I sit nearby in a quiet nook, on stone bench; reading a book on the history of the park.
Today has been a good day and Christian is inside the two-story arcade, waging war against aliens invading Area 51 with Eva 'two' cop boyfriend. So far, he has beat all the computer geeks, CPOs, and several spouse video gamers.
But I saw Jeff biding his time. I suspect he is a ringer. As Eva 'one' quietly wander around the staff and CPOs' making wagers. I equally quiet, wander about before heading here to the quiet stone bench; making wagers and side action bets. They have no idea, Anna 'Lottie Deno' Steele is a shark among babies.
In the bus, most everyone is asleep for the short ride. Jeff is bummed out that Christian wiped the floor with him. It wasn't even close. He was shooting well below his ability. Jason laughed as his counter bets with the nerd and CPOs has netted him a neat little hoard of coins and IOUs. I won't crush his ego, just yet, that my stack is bigger and the IOU more expense. Just cuddle my man as we cruise around the city dropping off couples and groups.
We snack on the balcony of the hotel. Whispering is the quiet night, as we have only another few days here before heading home to London, and my tour of the countryside ala Authors tour. I dreamily look at my man. He silently picks me up and takes me to bed. We make love till the alarm clock heralds a dawn.
The herd is upset that Reed will only let them back in Tuesday. The electrical and new servers took longer to install as the multi-extension cords daisy chained thru rat tunnels and other cabling to each pod; was a fire waiting to happen. Reed found several smoldering plugs. The break room and bathrooms were the only walled structure in the building.
Reed has the new pods separated, sound proofed and fiber optic interconnected. One of the reason the Grange bought the building because up until the eighties this was the Swedish intelligent, Swedish FBI, and police's 'International Telephone Wiretap HQ'. The Swedish Blue Cube.
With Telephone companies international tie line in the Central Office (phone equipment building) two house down. Now the main internet cable for Scandinavian is there. Which means the Flat Earth has direct, short, access to a main pipe of the internet.
The build also has several access tunnels to several house around it. Jeff and another programmer have been living in the basement of one of the houses, with 'Eva the gardeners' grandparent on the ground floor and the polyamorous trio on the second floor.
The girl we thought was just the eighteen year-old as of three months ago Laplander's girlfriend; She just turned eighteen last month. Is a wanted hacker from Larvik, Norway. Was traffic to a crime syndicate in German at fifteen. Beaten, raped, and forced to black hat for them, she escaped and end up here two years ago. Terrified we would sender her back to Norway. The lawyers are brokering a deal to keep her here.
The girls, including the new local HTH office staff and I cruised the Haga, picturesque 19th century wooden houses, shops, and cafés, Sunday. Refitting the Grange building and the new HTH offices with accessories and decor. I the Loner Queen, have become the queen bee of the company Misfits, the Lost Boys and Girls in Sweden and company at large. How did that happen? Did Andrea and Gwen pay for some voodoo ritual to curse me, have a demonic spirit of Dolly Madison possess my innocent simple frame?
Will have Barney double check the video and alibis of my so-called friends. Maybe ask Gail to get a priest to perform an exorcism of social and society relationships and events. Maybe break a leg or pull a muscle like Andrea did to get out of meeting Barney's family. YEA: That might work; will have to think about it more.
Christian, while the herd can't get in the building, takes the guys to work rehabbing a failed summer camp being turned back into a nature park near Hindås. About 35 km east of Gothenburg. Mostly picking up trash. But it is a chance to get them outside and, in the sun; lord knows they could use the vitamins from the sun. They complain heading out and laughing and joking heading back.
We spent the last days cruising the Feskekôrka, floating Maritiman museum. And settling the kids and combining the difference tech of the trip into Christian brain trust of fish farming. I barely get a half day in the Educational Library. Will add to the authors tour to make him sure he does not, almost get me kicked out of a library again.
Those books in the stack were badly shelved to fall out with my feather light frame leaning on that stack. We just barely got our cloths back on strait; when the staff librarian race up. She may suspect, but cannot prove what my sex god ogre was doing to me.
I find myself giving love, advice and making decisions like Roz. A quiet phone call to Gwen; reveals I'm not alone. Gwen has the same problems with staff. We wives of the bosses are now trend setters. What a strange place to find myself.
Gwen is giggling that her doctor visit was earth shaking to her spouse. "Roz walked in blind to the ultrasound; She fainted when the doctor showed her our little bean of joy. Lewis has it all on tape; I'm going to play it for the baby's first birthday and his wedding." I laugh and tell her I've baby presents from London, Croatia, Germany, and Sweden. Ray is hot footing the cradle build. And Madison is lining up reveal party.
New Älvsborg Fortress will have to wait for the next trip; and we are sure more trips here will be need. We ran out of time. The herd showed several projects outlines that have Christian and Barney creaming their pants. They are genius after all. Jeff is most latched on to Christian. He sees a boy much like he once was. Before the Greys; when he wasn't human and sane. Now I just need to find the boy a girl. Someone to rise him above himself and make him see the world not so gray and black.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of the Norwood Builder" Holmes fears the worst: "All my instincts are in one direction, and all the facts are in another." Villianous Norwood Builder staged his apparent murder to gain revenge, hiding in a secret room in his house. Holmes 'Plot was nearly perfect, but he went one step too far, and was discovered'.
Volksmarching (from German "Volksmarsch", people's march) is a form of non-competitive fitness walking. On a predetermined outdoor path or trail, maps, and written directions. Used in the USA and Canada as a therapy for PTSD and Crowd & Social Disorders. Allows smaller more defined and controllable interacts with others in environments without modern stressor.
Mr. Carl Linnaeus, States Attorney
Nils Jedvardsson Detective Superintendent
Emanuel Swedenborg Detective Inspector (e-man)
Jakob Berzelius head social service
Eric Bjurman social worker
Isabella Frode judge
Mikael 'Jeff' Kessiakoff.
Father: Bernt 'slägga' Kessiakoff. Slägga= sledgehammer
Mother: Kerstin 'Snålskjuts' Wahlström. snålskjuts= free ride
Blue Cube = One of the USA NSA's Spy Hubs. Listening in to telephone traffic.
Paraphrased from IN My Room: Bangles: Written by: BILLY STEINBERG, TOM KELLY, SUSANNA HOFFS: I'll teach you everything that a boy should know. In your room. I'm alive when I'm with you. Gonna make your dreams come true. In your room