March Stephenson

Chapter 91

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

I took a drive over the other side of town to look at the silo. The sale yards were in a terrible state, years of stock coming and going had taken its toll. The old wheat silo stood proudly, waiting for a fresh coat of silver paint, and the rust was more than evident. I needed to get keys for the padlocks to check the inside. I took many photos and luckily I found a plate that gave me all the information I needed about the size and volume of it.

The surrounding area was forest which is reclaiming some of the yard land. Further investigation revealed that March Stephenson owned that forest and I wasn't at all surprised. I wiped the mud off my shoes and wondered where it came from it hadn't rained for days. A drive around town revealed it could only be seen from the bridge and it was the first thing I saw when I drove into town. You couldn't see it from Main Street, the shops blocked it, but you could see the top of it from the highway that took you out to the veggie shed but not from our house, it was shielded by other buildings.

The fact it was the first thing to see from the bridge is a big plus. Tinker's cottage, the museum and then Cemetery Road was next. It disappeared when I went past the turn-off to the supermarket, Hotel, and school. I looked at hundreds of painted silos and read a lot about them. I found some that were funded by the town, and how much they had cost. Hundreds of thousands of dollars some of them, but I must say ours was a lot smaller in size. I also looked at alternatives.

Fully armed I went back to work, the boys were pumping iron and I wasn't interested in watching them today, I had to make a plan.

"Come on Nicky get your head out of that computer and come for lunch," March shouted. I shut the screen down and looked up, he was smiling at me but looking at the men.

"What?"

"Just looking Nicky, no harm in that."

"Look away from the light March Stephenson." I started out the door and wiggled my ass at the same time. We ordered lunch and sat in the sun, it had been raining but not enough to saturate the ground.

"So how is your new project coming along?" May asked me.

"How do you know I have a new project?"

"We all know, and are so excited to hear your verdict." She smiled. I took Rosie and gave her my best uncle cuddle and she rewarded me with loads of smiles.

"Okay, here's what I have got so far. It's going to cost too much to do. Many of them are done on the cheap but the maintenance is costly."

"Roughly how much Nicky?" March asked.

"Under three hundred grand, and maintenance will cost almost ten percent of that each year."

"The council can afford it."

"Yes, but it won't make any money, the tourists can't be charged to see it from the side of the road."

"So it's a no-go then?" May said.

I was making a fifty-fifty gesture and told them I was looking at all avenues.

"The sale yards do need demolishing and maybe a park, just some trees and lawn, maybe some swings and slides. That's the easy part. It's the painting that will cost."

"Or you could light them up with strong projectors," March commented. I looked at him and smiled.

"I have researched them also but they can only be lit up at night. The cost is a lot cheaper and minimal maintenance.

But they will shine at night, also the themes can change every few minutes." He sat back and smiled, I shook my head.

"March, thank you. You have done more than what you have told me. Daylight saving means they won't go on until dark around nine pm. The town is mostly in bed by then. We can change the themes when the bushfire season is on. We can do many things, like, the dig, and the old shops, the pioneers and most of those photos already exist. But will they be seen, do they have a place in this town? The problem I have is it's only seen fully from the bridge the rest of the town wouldn't benefit from its full worth But it is also a waste of space."

"I think you should delve deeper Nicky, there's got to be something done with that land." May smiled, she's pushing me to do better.

"Then I'm all out of ideas." Mum bought our lunches out and because she wasn't busy she took Rosie and sat to cuddle her.

"Ab-sailing school, inside squash courts. Scenic walk to the top. The possibilities are endless." Mike said. I stared at him while he chewed on his chicken parma.

"Do a plan, Mike. I will pitch it to the council. We will still do the night lighting because sometimes it will be needed, especially in the fire season. Maybe a sort of weather map warning people that come into the town at night to be aware."

"I was just saying why not a games centre, it can be leased out. The council only have to clear the land and make the silo safe."

"Get onto it Mike you will be paid for the hours spent on it."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Too easy." He laughed. I feel my nemesis is sitting across from me. Why didn't I think of that?

"He's got a point Nicky. The kids will love it." March said.

"It will keep them off the streets," I replied.

May laughed.

"What's so funny?" I looked at her.

"What kids on the streets Nicky?"

"Just saying there may be some in the future if Nudges estate is built."

"And there's that, you could sell it all off." March moaned.

"I saw it was backed up to your forrest March and that was my next plan. When Mike makes his plan maybe you can scab some land off him."

"Nicky?"

"Well, wasn't that your plan from the start?"

"Maybe."

"We are not in the business of selling good land to family members March, and you know that. I have to look at all alternatives before anything is done with it."

"May!"

"Stop it Nicky, leave March alone."

"Excuse me councillor?" I looked at her.

"Sorry Nicky but I got to back him up. I do agree with you, no freebies." She laughed.

Mike had a big smile on his face and I said I will send him everything I had.

When March pulled me towards the shed he was laughing.

"What's the matter?"

"I got you good this time."

"How so?"

"Well I thought you wouldn't use the old silo, and I could make an offer for the land. Even better now because Mike doesn't know what I know. He gets paid for something the council can't use."

"Let me guess, you have no confidence in Mike's ideas?"

"Yes I do, and he probably will do a good job of it too. I am happy he will get some more money. But there's a big snag."

"What is that?"

"I can't tell you." By this time my shorts had been well and truly felt up and he was ready to dive on his goal. Maybe I had better go and have another look at the property, and I have got to start running again.

He was thoroughly enjoying himself and smiled for the rest of the day and into the night. It also rained heavily and our fire was once again on.

"That rain was powerful last night March, the backyards full of water."

"So are the old sale yards." He winked.

I stared at him, placed his breakfast on the table then I opened the laptop. I researched floodplains around our town.

I got a Google Earth view of the property and that dark patch behind the silos isn't a good thing. I searched, then read some obscure report that was on the council site, they had it surveyed ten years ago, before the current councillors arrived.

'The property is slowly eroding, the flood banks have been breached. If not attended to, the gully will swallow up the land. This property is on a floodplain. We recommend it be demolished and secured. Tree planting should stop its deterioration.'

Got you, and yes we will offload it. The trees and forest will anchor the property, and stop the erosion hopefully, it will save our beautiful gully in the process.

I wasn't mad with March. I sincerely thought he had done something wonderful by pointing this out to me. My next move will be pointing the council his way.

"So what are you offering Mr. Stephenson?" I folded my arms.

"A small donation to take it off your hands." He couldn't help himself he burst out laughing.

"Well played Mr Stephenson, very well played."

"Did I do well Nicky?"

"You certainly did, your forest will secure the property but you will have to pay the costs of demolishing the sale yards and the silo."

"I have people that can do that for me. Got you Nudge, got bloody you, really good." He screamed laughing then.

"Why Nudge?"

"He paid millions for his land and I get mine for next to nothing."

"He benefits March."

"So do I, the town, and the environment, not to mention the gully." He scooped up his scrambled eggs and hummed away texting on his phone.

I got a message from Brenda.

'Just had an offer on the sale yards, ten grand. Is he joking?'

'Sell it for ten. The lands worthless.'

'What?'

'Read item three twenty in the council business register. Get rid of it.'

"She's thinking about it."

"Good, are you ready to go?" He dumped his plate in the sink.

"Yes March, poor Mike."

"I have it covered Nicky, he and Lenny will get the contract for demolishing the property. Lenny does know his angle grinders."

"What's it going to cost you March?"

"Brenda will get back to me."

"The tree planting I meant."

"I will pitch it to the environment department, maybe they will cover some of the costs. I am sorry Nicky. I couldn't be seen interfering in council business. Otherwise, I would have told you the plan right from the start."

"You could have told me and saved me all that effort."

"No councillor Stephenson you had to come to that conclusion yourself. If we are sued then you wouldn't be lying in court because you didn't know I was going to make a pitch for it."

"Very well played Mr Stephenson. One extra suck coming up today." He smiled as he blushed like a naughty school kid.

He picked Mason up and we all walked out to the truck. On our way to work, he drove by the sale yards and yes it was a foot underwater.

Mike was excited as we sat for breakfast, he passed over his drawings and I looked at them. A job well done and what's that? Escape room?

"Mike there is something I want to tell you," March said.

"Yes boss?"

"It's not going ahead, I have almost bought the land and I want to extend my forrest which means we demolish the silo."

"Not so fast Mr. Stephenson," I said. His phone beeped.

"Uh? Hang on." He read his message and fist-pumped the air.

"I got it for ten, it's a deal. Now what were you saying Nicky?"

"You would have to be the luckiest man in town March Stephenson. That message came through just in time."

"So what was your new plan?"

"Forget it March it doesn't matter now. It's a shame all Mike's hard work is in vane."

"So it's not going to be done then?" Mike finally asked.

"No Mike the lands unstable."

"That's a shame."

"Mike I will make sure you're paid for your work but sorry kid I only found out last night." March picked the plans up and looked them over, then he talked to Mike.

"Mike I will own that property and need it all demolished. You and Lenny can do that and will be well paid, it doesn't need to be done straight away. I can plant around it so there's plenty of weekend work to be had."

"Cool and dad can do it also?"

"Lenny is a brilliant welder Mike, I reckon he would love to take that silo apart."

"Water tower."

"What March?"

"Water tower Nicky." He pointed to Mike's plan.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

He pulled a face and tapped his finger on a particular room inside the silo.

"Do I have to draw you a map?"

"No March, keep your cool." I looked at the spot. Escape room then I gave him a blank stare.

"Water tower." He said slowly.

"It can be run at night or on the weekends. They are brilliant places I went to one in the city a couple of times with the school."

"So did I." He kept nudging his head towards Mike.

"Oh, yes of course. I'm sorry March I forgot. Mike the Water tower is ready and waiting for someone to lease it. Your Escape room would be perfect for there."

Mike stared at me.

"For God's sake, you two are the worst amateur manipulators I have ever come across. Mike what they are trying to say is your escape room suggestion is bloody brilliant. Why don't you lease the tower and create one in it, run it at night or on the weekends? Only open it when you have teams, I'm confident the rent will be minimal." Dad joined in.

"I know all about them I used to go plenty of times. I knew the guy that ran it and I was thinking he might like to open another one at the silo."

"A team of six players at fifty bucks a head is a decent living Mike. May could show you how to dodge the tax man." I laughed.

"Wow, my life just keeps getting better, I know all about them, Bobby can help set it up. Sorry March I can't do the demolition."

"What?"

"I have a business to run. How do I get a key to have a look?"

"I have one Mike, you can go out there sometime today."

"What am I going to do then?" March whined.

"Find a demolition company March, good luck with that." I laughed.

"But it will cost me heaps."

"Stop your whining March you got it for next to nothing." I got up to get another coffee and grabbed him a roll while I was at it.

Mike was on the phone with one of his friends when I got back. He was asking how to set one up. Job done.

We headed back to work and he wasn't happy.

"Nicky now you have cost me money."

"No March you cost yourself money by suggesting the escape room."

"But it will cost a fortune."

"I'm sure with your scheming brain you will come up with something. You could always go to dad's shop and see if they have angle grinders on sale." I laughed as I carried my washing out the back. It's turned into a beautiful day today and the sun will dry it in no time.

I rang Brenda and worded her up. It will cost the council a bucket of money to clear it out, so March's offer is justified. I was also a bit mad the previous council hadn't done it when it was recommended. She reminded me that they were lazy and didn't have any money.

"Is he happy?"

"Yes, but not happy he now has to pay top dollar to clear the land."

"Nudges men will have it all down within a weekend he should ask him."

"He's working up to it." I laughed.

"Also while I have you here, the water tower."

"Yes."

"I think we are going to be approached by Mike, he wants to lease it."

"What do we charge him?"

"That's my next question, it's a pretty useless property but if you think it's worth a big rent then so be it."

"Nicky, how much a week?"

"Maybe a hundred and fifty?"

"Agreed, better than it sitting empty, what's he going to do with it?"

"Escape room."

"I love them, book the council in we can all go one day or night."

"I shall do that, and I will send him up to sign the lease."

"It will be ready for him."

I was feeling very pleased with myself and wrote down the councillor's names including me. March and I will book for the opening night with mum, dad, Rose, May and Jason.

I then went to talk to Mike. He was under a car and I nearly rubbed his crotch with my foot to get his attention.

"Nicky!"

"Sorry March. I didn't see you there."

"Clearly you didn't." Mike rolled out and said.

"What's up?"

"Mike I have spoken to Brenda she wants you to go and sign a lease. One fifty a week."

"What?"

"One fifty a week, it's not a lot."

"I know. I was thinking they might sting me for five hundred."

"Think about it, it's not the best property to rent out, it's out of town. Your rent is minimal to cover its survival. I also have some bookings for you, do you have a diary?"

"Is he serious?" Mike looked at March.

"Welcome to my world Mike, and yes he's serious."

"Here's a list of things you must do while you're at the council, you have to register the business, read all the health and safety rules and get public insurance. The tower has its insurance."

I could see Mike's eyes were moist, and he stood up and took my paperwork, then he hugged me tightly.

"Thank you, thank you."

"My pleasure baby." I looked over his shoulder and winked at March.

"My friend is going to help me set it up, he reckons there's loads of money to be made."

"Three games a night three nights a week, you should come out with around eighteen hundred a week and more if the demand is there. Get some fliers done and send them to every school within a hundred miles. You will probably need staff to help because you also have a day job."

"No! you can't leave the garage." March yelled.

"I won't and yes, I have plenty of friends to hire."

"Who?"

"My cousin Brian and his mates."

"Not my staff Mike, you can't use them." I heard March laugh.

"They can sort it out between their other jobs."

"You have thought this all out haven't you?"

"Almost, but Bobby helped. We are going to use some of our nest egg money to finance it."

"Well you will get it back very quickly."

March sent him up to the council chambers and got him to pick Mason up on the way back. I was ushered into the shed for that extra suck I promised him.

A small van stopped outside Mays while we were having lunch, the posters had arrived and May signed for them and March opened the big carton. There were rolls of posters in the box and he handed them out. They were beautiful, Barry had done a great job. One went up in May's window and she stood the carton inside the cafe for shop owners to take a couple. Mike strolled up the footpath with Mason on his shoulders and he screamed when he saw us.

"Fuck Mike pick me up daddy." I nearly fell on the floor laughing.

"Back to the drawing board March." May smiled.

May posted a message on the local page that they were available, and when I looked there was also another post.

'Who wants to help me destroy the old sale yards and silo? Fun day out, free sausage sizzle, and bring your angel grinders. Power is supplied and the fresh air is free. This Saturday and Sunday nine am to three pm. March Stephenson.' I laughed again and thought to myself, he probably will pull this off, he's pretty damn lucky.

Mike had a stack of paperwork and was so excited.

"Did you sign the lease?"

"Not yet Nicky I want to talk to Bobby first, but Aunty Brenda said she has it on hold for us."

"Good. Talk to him."

"I will." He grinned.

"March I can't come on the weekend I will probably be at my friend's business learning about it all."

"No problem Mike, you do you. I will get plenty of volunteers."

"No one has replied March, they are not exactly falling over to do it."

"Give them time Nicky, what man doesn't like destroying stuff."

"We will see." I am now having doubts.

"Now bubs what would you like for lunch?"

"Chippies and sum gravy daddy."

"Oh, something different."

"Yes daddy." He giggled.

I went to get them for him and grabbed March and my lunches while I was in there. He kept looking at his phone while Mike talked to dad. The food was

delicious, curried chicken today. Rose arrived just as we had finished, she grabbed four posters, a few for the shop and one for her front window at home.

"They are beautiful, and a great idea." She said.

"How is Tink?" I asked.

"At Ellens today he likes it there. I think Faith's is too quiet for him but she does take him on farm tours. Can you have him tomorrow?"

"Of course I will."

"I will too Rose, Rosie needs a playmate."

"You have a business to run."

"So does Nicky."

"March!" I yelled.

"Stop it May, and Nicky you take Tink."

"I am." I looked sideways at May, and she almost sniggered.

"Dad do you have any angle grinders in stock?"

"Plenty son."

"Can you ring Mark and see how many he has sold this morning?"

Dad did his bidding and when he hung up he said.

"Four March."

"Good. Mike is Bobbins working today?"

"He's working on Nudge's job at home."

"I will ring him."

"Why?" he asked.

"I want him to check the power at the silo."

"It might be dangerous March," I said.

"The security lights come on every night I don't see why there would be a problem. But I want it checked out anyway."

"You don't own it yet. Don't you think you're overstepping the boundaries?"

"May!"

"Stop it Nicky. It is not illegal and he has the council's permission."

"Sorry March." I smiled.

"And before you say it I have insurance."

"I wasn't going to say that March."

"But you were thinking it." Mike cracked up and said.

"It's like watching me and Bobby argue."

"No arguments Mike, just covering my ass because I know Nicky will come up with something to impede my plans."

"I wouldn't do that March I was only trying to help you. And anyway you may not get any volunteers."

"I have four already." He grinned. I looked at the page, there were some likes but no comments.

"No one has offered March."

"Four grinders sold this morning, that's four volunteers."

"And how do you work that out Einstein?"

"Dad when was the last time you sold one?"

"Very few March, they aren't a good seller."

"There I have four volunteers." He laughed.

"Five." Dad said.

"Thanks dad."

"What man can resist cutting up a chunk of metal and a free sausage sizzle." He laughed.

"Come on Mike work to do." March stood up.

When they left I wiped Mason down, he gets gravy spills, May helped.

"He will do fine Nicky, there will be a lot of volunteers."

"I worry he will be trying to do it on his own." Now she's laughing.

"March? Doing stuff on his own you must be joking."

"It's a big job."

"He will probably just get the sale yards done, then call in a demolition team for the silo. It will be a fun day out for the guys."

"Point taken, and as usual you're right. He has some good friends."

I went with my son and his dog back to the gym, I convinced him he was tired so he put his head down for a nap.

I need to get Hank to make a larger hobby horse, old 'hank' was looking a bit worn out and is ready for retirement.

Nudge came in and told me his men will be there on Saturday and they are looking forward to some destructive therapy. I told him about Mike's plans and he was very happy for him. He said he would tell him if he needed anything he was only to ask. He grabbed some posters also, I had taped one in my window and one in the change room. I did one in March's window, and I will be placing one on my front window at home. While Mason slept I looked at Escape rooms on the internet. I heard a car roar into life and Mike was taking one out for a spin. I hope he doesn't opt out of being a mechanic, a man has got to have a trade. Mason woke up and once again we walked across the street. May's poster box was nearly empty, we had better do a reprint. She was telling me that just about everyone in town would have one in their windows by nightfall. They were appearing all over the local page and March's plea for help had moved down quite a bit, but I did notice he had quite a few likes and some comments with questions.

Mike was on his phone and you can take one guess who to. A letter had arrived at their place for the kids. He was urging Bobby to open it, but as it was addressed to the twins he was reluctant.

"They won't mind Bobby, just read it first. And if there's any crap in it don't give it to them."

"Okay then give it to mum to decide."

He hung up.

"So at long last, she has written."

"Yes, but only to the kids, not Bobby."

"That's a sad sign if I ever saw one," I replied.

"Well mum will read it first, you can bet on that," Mike said.

"She will, it's her job to protect them."

"March what do you want for dinner?"

"I don't know Nicky I will leave it up to you."

A council truck pulled up and two men got out, they wanted to speak with March. As it turned out they were volunteering and will bring the big truck to the working bee to be filled with old metal, and they will take it to the scrap metal yard.

I went inside and grabbed some food for dinner before mum started putting it all away, then I decided I had enough for the day and asked March to drive myself and our son home.

He obliged and tomorrow I start running again. Mason will love being back in the stroller, and the fresh air.

I sat with him watching one of his favourite shows and to tell you the truth it was quite funny. My phone rang it was Ellen.

"What do I do Nicky, do I give them the letter or trash it?"

"Is it okay? I mean no nasties."

"It's good and loving. She wrote that she's having fun in Europe and she has a home and job. She misses them very much and one day they can come and see her for a holiday. There is no mention of Bobby."

"I would give it to them and watch their reaction. We can't do much about Bobby he's just got to weather the storm. Hopefully, Mike will turn his full attention back to their relationship."

"Okay so we are on the same page?"

"Yes Ellen there's not much else you can do." I was happy she felt she had to keep us in the loop, I liked this woman very much. When March arrived home he showered and changed and then he took Mase on his tour. I walked with them and told him about the letter. He wasn't too happy she had forgotten Bobby, but I had confidence in Ellen, Lenny, Jason and Mike to pull him through.

Saturday arrived and March was up early, he had to get to the silo. Most of the townsmen arrived and I could hear their machines going from our back porch. I readied Mason and we called into the gym, it was deserted, so I closed it up and went to the sale yards.

I was amazed at the speed the men and women were cutting up the steel fencing and throwing pieces into the truck. It was still a little muddy around so I didn't put Mase down just went to look for March. I found him in the silo with Joel and Nudge.

"I will get a demolition team in Nudge, I know it's not a huge size but it will take weeks to do."

"Or we could blow it up," Joel said.

"I don't think that will work. If it was made of timber maybe, but steel is another medium."

"Okay we will think about it March, I won't be starting on the new estate for another month or two so some of my men will need work."

"I will get quotes."

"Or you could use my men."

"You will charge a fortune Nudge, and don't deny it."

"Or I could do you a quote and you can get some more to compare."

"March!" I nearly yelled.

"Yes Nicky?"

"Use Nudges men they are your town folk, and he isn't going to rip you off."

"I was just having some fun Nicky."

"Then have your fun and hire Nudges men."

"Awww."

"Come on. I'm in for a sausage sizzle,"

"Hang on Nicky, I will come with you," Joel said.

"Me too." Nudge was laughing.

"I locked the gym so use your keys if you go there."

The tent had a lineup, mostly kids looking for one of May's ice creams she had donated. Rose, Ellen, and mum manned the barbeque and there were cooled down sausages for the kids on the side. I cut one up for Mason and we sat at a table to eat. I watched the guys having a great time and from the looks of things they will finish it all off today. March ate his rolls and then he took Mason for a walk so he could watch the grinders at work.

"Now we have you on your own, we have something to tell you," Nudge said.

"Yes guys, I am all ears."

"Lenny was telling us that he caught Bobby going into the gully yesterday, he followed him and he sat at his hanging tree and cried his eyes out. Nicky I don't think this trauma is over. We are telling you because you are closer to Jason. Can you let him know?"

"I certainly will guys, thank you. Does March know?'

"No, we thought it best we tell you first. He may confront Bob and do more damage."

"Maybe he's just tying off loose ends, but they did get a letter from their mother the other day, maybe that sparked something off."

"Lenny mentioned that. He thought Ellen had dealt with it."

"I will talk to Jason, he is very confident Bob's in a better place now but it doesn't hurt to make sure."

"Thanks."

"Are you going to charge him a fortune Nudge?"

"Of course not. My men will have this eyesore down within a week. It will be sold off for scrap metal. What he doesn't know is all that piping running through it is copper, you get top money for that." Nudge smiled.

"I see, so your charges will be minimal and you make up the rest by selling off the metal?"

"Correct. Keep up." They both laughed.

"Okay. I will go and talk to Jason, and get back to you."

"Please do that, Lenny is so worried."

"Won't be long." I smiled.

I didn't see Bobby at the silo so I pulled Ellen aside and asked her where he was.

"He's gone to the city with Mike to learn all about escape rooms Nicky."

"Okay and how did the kids cope with that letter?"

"It was all forgotten when Lily arrived and wanted to play. I read it to them and I'm sorry I added a few words that she left out, they didn't seem all that fussed.

Their other friends and my two are keeping them very busy. I doubt they will dwell on it."

"And Bobby?"

"That's where it gets a bit difficult. He talked to Mike for ages and seemed all right. It's hard for us now they are adults and a couple. On the one hand, we think they should handle it themselves as adults, and on the other as our kids, we think we should get more involved in their lives. Mike thinks Bobbie is his responsibility and he will handle it. Nicky there's also something I need to talk to you about."

"The gully?"

"Yes, you know?"

"Yes. I am about to go and talk to Jason."

"Please, If you could."

"I will be back." I kissed and hugged her and went to find my brother-in-law.

"He's looking after Rosie, back at home," May said.

I let March know where I was going and took Mason with me.

I walked through the cafe into Mays home and he was sitting on the couch with Rosie talking to her.

"You have it bad Jase, don't fall into the overbearing father pit." Mason was kissing Rosie hello so he put her on the floor so she could scrunch his face up.

"No chance of that Nicky, but I do love spending time with her. I was just giving her some rules on dating." He laughed then said.

"So you heard?"

"Yes, and the guys are worried."

"Tell them not to be, he went there because he was upset about the letter. He wants to face the sadness head-on. I suggested he go there on his own and sit for a while. I knew he would cry it out."

"Then we don't have to worry?"

"Yes and no. He knows there are eyes on him everywhere and he's grateful. His biggest problem is Mike who wants to wrap him up in cotton wool. Bobby is a wonderful young man and wants to heal himself. He knows his mum will never accept him as he is, and he's dealing with that. Mike has taken him into the city to check out the escape room, and I believe they are staying at March's hotel tonight. I have advised Mike on what to do, and how to treat him. He understands he's a bit smothering but that's because he loves him so much."

"Wow, you have been busy."

"I'm not just a pretty face Nicky. I sometimes get results."

"So there's no need to worry then?"

"Not at all, as I said eyes are on him all the time, that will relax when he does, or Mike does." He grinned.

"Bobby has never been in a relationship, same with Mike, who is also a bit like someone we both know. Leave it to me and if they come to you for advice be truthful and loving."

"I will, I am sort of anyway."

"We know you and March both are." He grinned.

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