March Stephenson

Chapter 89

March Stephenson

Maxieplus

Sunday had arrived too soon. We dressed in shorts and T-shirts because it turned out to be a nice day. I gave March the money to put in the card and he wrote on it. Mason was excited to go and see the other kids and I had made a stack of sandwiches to take, March was slowly working his way through them. 'Sheep' was kissed and hugged and we set off to Mike's schoolhouse.

"You're either a mother or not, make your mind up." I heard Bobby yell.

"It's the only free time I have."

"Sure mum, they are not going with you today, they have a party to go to."

"What party, they never go to parties."

"They do now."

"Next time ring first." He closed her car door and she glared at March, then started her van and left.

"She was here to take the kids out for lunch, there's no way they would want to go with her."

"She should have rung Bobby."

"That's what I told her, several times."

"Now calm down, you have a party to go to." March smiled.

"I do, and I don't need her shit. Not today of all days it's Mike's day and I should be with him."

"lead the way sunshine, here take the sandwich plate." March handed it over to him.

There was a big crowd forming already, I could smell the barbeque going and the tables were covered with food. I took the sandwiches and made room for them, March took another handful to help me out. Lily and the kids took Mason to go and play and I found a seat next to Faith.

"They won't let me do anything."

'"Good. Have a day off from it all."

"I'm happier when I'm busy."

"I have a backyard that needs mowing."

"You know what I mean, how is March?"

"Good, he's just over there eating the sandwiches we bought."

"I can see that, he never puts on weight Nicky?"

"No, but I watch him."

"Obviously not too closely he's just filled a plate with barbeque meats."

I laughed.

"Do you want anything my friend?"

"No, I had a sausage earlier, but you go."

I did just that, the smell was getting to me. I took a few and put one aside for Mason to cool off, then sat again.

"Have you heard from Jimmy?"

"Yes everything's alright, his man is looking after him and their exams have finished. I hope to see them at the farm in a week or two."

"Good, where's Hank and Tom?"

"They will be here shortly. Hank has a troublesome mare, she started birthing early this morning."

"I hope they come, it will be good to see them."

"They will if not in the next hour maybe around four."

Rose winked at me when she passed by. Tinker was being handed around to the ladies and I could hear Mason's screams down the back yard. Gran's little cottage was awesome she had stacked pot plants all over her porch and that had softened its new look.

March laughed as he talked to Joel and Nudge behind the barbeque, but he must have looked for me. I saw him smile my way. Bobbys workmates were there and I spied a wishing well box sitting on another table, envelopes go in that. There were gifts but not a lot, it wasn't anyones birthday just a housewarming sort of party. Lenny looked good, he was standing with his arm over Ellen's shoulder and they were chatting to Ethan and Brenda. The teens were all inside watching a movie or playing on the computer. A young man sat next to me and I looked sideways. Christopher, my clerk of courts said hello.

"Hello Chris, how's things in the law business?" I smiled.

"Really good Nicky. I'm learning heaps of new stuff."

"Thank you for what you did for Bobby."

"We won't speak of it Nicky, it could cause a lot of trouble for my grandad."

"I have told no one. I promise."

"Good, because he was furious with her. I told him to ask you."

"I see,"

"She's just been out the front causing trouble again, she wanted to take the kids to lunch."

"From what I'm hearing she hasn't bothered to see them, only the once."

"It's sad Chris, she only has to chill out a bit. But it is what it is."

"That's for sure, can I talk to you?"

"Yes of course you can. What's up?"

"That friend of yours, Pete. The one that visits Rose."

"He's a long-time friend of mine."

"He's very good looking Nicky."

"He is, have you got a crush on him?"

"Yes and no, I like his style, and I am attracted to bad boys."

"I can introduce you to him, but he lives in the city."

"I know, and thank you. But that's not what I want to talk to you about.

Nicky can you ask him to tone it down a bit, he's been noticed."

"By who?"

"Let's just say his name came up in court with a stolen small goods case."

"Which court?"

"In the city last Tuesday. I get around the courts a bit and the offender mentioned your friend, so I thought you could warn him to clear out his warehouse."

"How mentioned was his name?"

"It was noted down and passed to the authorities, he will be watched."

I took my phone out and sent an urgent message to Pete.

"Thank you Chris, apart from what you think he's a good guy. I won't go into details but he has helped me throughout the years. I went to school with him."

"I understand, and hopefully he will tone it down."

"Do you still want that introduction?'

"Oh yes." He shivered.

"Next time he's in town you come for lunch."

"Thank you Nicky. I don't get many chances to meet others like us. There was some talk about Jimmy Wagner being gay but I never had the chance to see for myself."

"He's happy in the city with his new man."

"And Hank?"

"He's happy with Tom out the farm."

"It's hard Nicky, theres no one left for me." He smiled.

"There will be, just be patient."

"I hope so, I don't want to be on my own all my life."

"You won't be, why didn't you make a pass at Jimmy?"

"I like the bad boy look Nicky. He was too clean cut."

"That's an argument I will have to have with you later on." I laughed.

I guess working in the bad boy industry would turn him on just about everyday poor man. My phone heralded a message.

'I'm on top of it Nicky, all's good, thank you.'

'Thank Chris when you next see him.'

"Chris who?'

'I will introduce him to you, he likes bad boys.'

'Okay, got to go, teaser.'

"He's onto them Chris, you don't have to worry."

"Good."

"He wants to meet you too."

"Did he say that?"

"No but he will when I get through with him." I smiled.

He thanked me then he went to find his friends, they were all at school together with Mike and Bobby.

"Now where's my husband?" I asked my next neighbour, mum.

"I just saw him walking down the backyard with Mike."

"I will be back." I didn't know whether Pete would fancy Chris, although he was pretty good looking. All I can do is try, if he doesn't then there's nothing I can do about it. I walked up the backyard and saw Mike and March talking, I overheard March say.

"But it's a better car."

"I don't want it. I like my car."

"But we can swap them over you take Nicky's old one."

"March, there you are."

"Hi Nicky, I was just going to find Mason."

"No you weren't you were badgering Mike."

"I only wanted to help."

"I know and that's very admiral of you, but he doesn't want your help."

"Are you sure Mike?" He laughed and patted March's shoulder.

"Yes." Then he walked off to find his man.

"Trying to give away my car March?"

"Yes Nicky, it's a better one than Mike's."

"You can't keep doing this March you will drive them away. The money is enough they will appreciate that more than a car."

"Where's Mason?"

"At the family table, Ellen has set their lunches up in there."

"He won't like it."

"He will cope. Come on let's find him."

Mason's plate was the fullest Lily had filled it with small cakes and fairy bread.

She was entertaining him with her stories about elves and fairies that she knew. Mark and Debbie were helping to serve the kids, and I had better keep my mouth shut. The afternoon was a great success, town folk were calling in and leaving all day. Everyone was fed ridiculous amounts of food, and Mike's speech was heartfelt and genuine. He praised Nudge, Joel, and their men, his parents and his boy Bobby, then March, dad, and me. He also talked about the posters that will be ready soon. That was it, so we decided that March had too many sandwiches, said our goodbyes, and left up the side of the house. No sign of Tom and Hank they had missed a great party.

We found out later that the mare that was giving birth had died, and Hank had to pull the little one out by hand. He wasn't in a party mood so they spent the day trying to find a foster mum for the foal.

"Nicky I was only trying to help."

"Well I think you have done enough March, they have to learn not to rely on you all the time."

"I'm sick Nicky."

"You eat too much,"

"But I love my food."

"It doesn't love you back."

"Can I get a massage?"

"Coming up sir."

He rolled on his stomach and I went to town. Later on I thought about Chris and Pete. I don't think they would be a good fit. Chris can't be seen hanging around bad boys, not with his job, but I will ring Pete tomorrow.

Mason was tired he had a big day and March was already asleep, so I put him to bed and kissed him goodnight then stripped off and crawled in with him. In the morning the party was all over the local page, with dozens of photos and comments. Mike thanked all those that could come and they all had a wonderful day. March scrubbed up well, he felt a lot better as he ate his breakfast and Mason was being his old adorable self watching TV. There was a message from Ellen she wanted to speak to me at some stage this morning so I rang her.

"The boyfriend was arrested last night, he's a dealer, no surprises there."

"Who. Rachael's?" I looked at March.

"Yes they arrested both of them last night, she was let go but he's still in custody. There is no way she will ever get the kids back now."

"That's great news, how did you end up?"

"Good Nicky, so much food left over my freezer is nearly full. The boys have it all cleaned up and we are back to normal again."

"That's great to hear. And Mike was happy with his presents?"

"Nicky, he collected over fifteen grand he's on top of the world."

"That's awesome, don't let him waste it Ellen it's for a rainy day."

"Yes we had a good talk to him last night he is going to put it in the bank. People have been so generous to him Nicky, thank you doesn't seem to be enough."

"The town loves you and Lenny and they adore Mike and Bobby. I half expected more but that's an awesome amount."

"Anyway. I just thought you would have liked to know what the deal is with the mum. It's exciting isn't it?"

"It sure is, so you have a good day and we will catch up soon." I hung up.

"He collected over fifteen grand March."

"That's so good."

"The boyfriend has been arrested on drug charges there is no way she will get her hands on the little ones again."

"Was she in on it?"

"I don't know, but you can bet she knew about it. Mike might know more when we get to work."

"Okay. Are you ready?"

"Give me a minute to shower dress and feed the livestock will you?"

He laughed then took Mason out back to feed his pets.

At work Mike was with mum and dad across the road, he was laughing and waved when we got out of the truck. March picked Mason up and I took Sunny, we grabbed coffee and rolls then we sat with them.

"Thank you March and Nicky, the gift was awesome."

"It's our pleasure Mike, it should have been more but you did get a sizeable amount."

"I did. Have you been talking to mum?"

"Yes she rang about the other business and told me about your windfall."

He laughed again.

"What's up?"

"Nothing Nicky. But let's just say through an informant of mine, certain information was passed on. So the cops got an anonymous phone call around seven last night." I can guess who the informant was, and the caller.

March asked the questions but Mike wasn't budging, he said he had heard it from someone at the party. He also told us that he and Bobby will open a joint bank account sometime this week and start up a savings plan. I am sure Bobby will get much the same treatment when his apprenticeship finishes.

Mike is now allowed to own and work in any garage and on any cars he chooses. I handed him the bag I had bought over for him. Three pairs of overalls and some warm socks.

"Wow, more gifts, they are too small Nicky. I will change them."

"You might like to try a pair on first Mike, I think they will be a perfect fit."

"Nicky." I heard March say.

"The truth be known the ones you are wearing are too big for you."

"They were dads."

"So there's the problem, stop wearing your dad's clothes." I laughed, March wasn't amused. May came out at the right time she asked all the same questions and was happy Ellen had a lot of food left over. I guess that was her intention when she over ordered on it.

He looked much better in them after he tried a pair on, Bobby will be pleased.

"If you like I can soften them up for you Mike."

"Nicky."

"What March?"

"Come with me." The sniggers weren't very quiet.

"What's up?"

"You know what's up, the next thing you will do is poke holes in them."

"I wouldn't do that March, but Bobby would be happy if there were a few."

"My holes are getting bigger."

"I noticed," I slid down the wall and checked them out.

The workshop seemed full today and as I sat and worked on my laptop I could hear the men banging away at some old bolts, or something. Mike didn't do his workout today he was excited. He grabbed a couple of rolls from mum and almost ran up to the roundabout to have lunch with Bobby. His new overalls covered his ass perfectly. It didn't go unnoticed that March Stephenson was watching him also.

"He looks good now, I can't wait to do the calendar shot."

"I bet you can't."

Hank and Tom arrived to have lunch with us they were looking for Mike to apologise for not turning up.

"People were coming and going all day Hank, but your presence was missed. How is the foal going?"

"She's a beauty like her mum was, we found a surrogate and had to take her there. I then had to bury mum, it was

a sad day."

"It can't be fun living around animals sometimes."

"It is, the foal will be gone for six months but when she's back, I am going to teach Mason to ride her. She can be his horse."

"He would love that, and I already know what he will call her." They laughed.

"So tell me, who is this Chris?"

"What do you mean?"

"Pete said you have a Chris lined up for him."

"He's a great kid, works for the courts, his grandad is a roving magistrate. He gets the inside scoop, probably around twenty-one, lonely, and he likes bad boys."

"Pete said not to call him about it, he will be up to see Rose in a few weeks so he will talk to you then. He's also aware he's being watched, his stuff has been shifted and he's rented the warehouse out to a big importer."

"When did you speak to him?"

"Yesterday, we have burner phones, so no contact with him for a month otherwise you will get pulled into it all."

"I hope he will be okay Tom,"

"He will, you know Pete."

"Can you pass this to Mike, it's money we didn't know what else to give him."

"He collected quite a stash yesterday, they are opening a joint bank account sometime this week. Thank you guys."

"That's cool, there's one more thing."

"Yes?"

"The person that was arrested yesterday and let go, needs to have her car searched. There's something in the spare tyre well."

I smiled and how the hell does he know about all that?

"One of my cleaners mentioned it last week, it may have been cleared out by now but she's so dumb she might not have thought about it."

"I will pass the message on."

As I said before I don't have an opinion on Rachael. What she did to March was awful, but apart from his regrets he has taken it on the chin and moved on. His main concern is the kids and that has been fixed. What she does is up to her but if this little snippet of information gets to the cops, she is toast.

Hank was still down about losing a pet so Tom was taking him out for the day. They were going over to Town and Country to buy him some new jeans then onto May's for some sweets. Just chilling for a day then he can get back on his horse again tomorrow. When they left, dad, March and I with our troops went back to work. Mike turned up ten minutes later.

I don't know why I did it but I didn't say anything about Tom's news. I thought it best to let sleeping dogs lie. She will be caught eventually but for now. I won't be responsible for her undoing.

"Did he like your new overalls Mike?"

"My god yes, he couldn't stop touching them." I looked at March and said.

"My job is done." Then laughed all the way back to my office.

Mason didn't have play school today, so he spent it with me and Sunny. When he finally succumbed to having a nap his furry friend laid his head on his tummy and slept with him. I looked at the Town and Country stock, they have some awesome jeans.

"What's been going on Nicky, what was Tom on about?"

"I will tell you at home March, too many ears around."

"Okay, do I have to hide my things again?"

"No March, you're safe for now."

"Nicky it's afternoon tea time can we go?"

"Lead the way." He picked Mason up and I once again took Sunny's leash.

"Mike, dad tea time."

The street was busy today, the good weather brings them out. March had turned the temperature down in our spa and I'm using less wood. I helped him make a list of things to do with the water tower and then he went with Joel to survey the surrounding area. They will do a backburn sometime next week, and the council said they can use the digger anytime. Bobby will get the job of placing power boxes around the grounds so he has to go and talk to him about them. We figured six would do for a start and while March has the digger they will also do his groundwork for the cables.

"No portable toilets Nicky?"

"No March, self-contained units only, we don't want people setting up tents but we will need a dump point, the council has to install one."

"So we are all set then?"

"Yes March, you're good to go."

"Bobby wants to know how he goes about joining the volunteers."

"He talks to March. But do you want him to do that?"

"No. But he's eager to learn."

"Discourage him Mike, it's not a pretty job," March said.

I can see March was protecting Bobby, but how is the fire brigade going to survive without its volunteers?

"We will talk about that tonight Nicky, you would look good in all that gear." I glared at March and of course, he laughed, along with dad and Mike.

When we arrived home I told March everything I knew about Rachael and her drug involvement. He sat patiently and had very little to say except he thought he knew her better. We were to find out three days later when a letter was found under our cottage door. It was addressed to March so I left it on the table. When he had changed and settled Mason in he opened it. After reading it several times he looked at me and said.

"I was right having faith in her, can you read it now and see if I have read it wrong?"

"Of course baby."

The letter was from a loving mother and friend, she wanted to make some sort of amends to her terrible behaviour towards her children and best friend March. She said she was writing to Bobby and will tell him much the same. She had stolen his childhood and driven him to attempt suicide. She will never forgive herself for what she had become. The stories she wrote to March about were lies but she loved telling him of her new life and in some ways she believed them. She was leaving town once again and she will make every attempt to make those lies become a reality and maybe someday return to our town with her head held high. He was to look after her kids and love them as he has done in the past and she will write to them with only positive comments. It went on for three pages and I could feel the regret in her words.

"Maybe she just had her big wake-up call March, she sounds genuine."

"I hope so Nicky, but I won't be helping her this time."

"Truth be known she's taken the money the boyfriend had and will use that to start over. I hope she keeps her promise and stays in touch with the kids, especially Bobby."

"Do you think she also took the drugs to sell?"

"I don't see why not."

"Then she hasn't changed and this letter is bull like all her others."

"Maybe March, but maybe she will take the money and make something of herself. Do what she said she was going to do."

"I can't work her out, I never could anyway. But I pray it's the latter of the two options."

I picked my phone up and rang Mike.

"Mike where did you store all that money?"

"I see, so gran has a small safe then?"

"No. Just checking that's all."

"You had the same suspicion then?"

"I will talk to you in the morning."

"You don't think she would try and steal their money?"

"No there's too many eyes around the schoolhouse, I needed to know it's somewhere safe."

"I will take them to the bank tomorrow morning."

"You do that, the sooner the better."

I sent Tom a photo of her to send to Pete, he hangs around with some dubious people and if she is dealing he would know.

March couldn't sleep, so he got up around midnight and told me he wouldn't be long to go back to sleep.

"Don't get out of the truck March, just look then leave." I knew he wanted to go and see if everything was ok at the school. He came back an hour later and said it was all quiet but there were lights on.

I sent Mike a message.

'Mike, go to sleep'

I got a thumbs up back.

"It's Mike he's sitting up watching."

"He's a good kid Nicky."

"He loves his family."

We managed to fall asleep again then out of nowhere it was morning.

March was still tired but I bounced around doing my morning chores, breakfast was on the table when he finally emerged and Mason had been organised.

"Why are you so happy Nicky?"

"Because she is gone from our lives, so that's one less worry I have."

"How do you know she's gone?"

"She announced it. She commented 'Road trip' at six this morning."

"I hope she's telling the truth."

"Mike will know I reckon he had eyes everywhere last night."

"He should have told us."

"He wouldn't want to bother us."

"Tell him to bring the money to work and I will go with them."

"Okay." I sent a message off and got one back.

'Dad is coming with us, so I will be in a little late.'

"Lenny is taking them. Mike will be in a little late."

"Good as long as they have backup."

He folded the letter up and placed it in his pocket, maybe he wants dad to read it. I want to go and see Sam today. I need to know what happened with her boyfriend. If she has ripped him off he will be mad and might do something to her kids in retaliation. We ate and then he got ready. Mason has play school so he's loaded up with all the toys he can carry which isn't much his backpack is tiny. We pulled into the garage and surprisingly Sam was sitting in his car waiting for us.

"Good morning Sam what brings you out on this fine day?"

"Hi Nicky, March. Just to clear up something, can we talk in private?"

"Yes come into my office."

We three went into my tea room there were only two clients in and they were working hard on their bodies.

"Coffee Sam?"

"Yes please Nick,"

I made us all one and March sat Mason on his lap.

"Now tell us."

"The guy we arrested the other night has been transferred back to jail, he was out on early release but he's violated his parole, so he goes straight back in for another year."

"Good, so there won't be any repercussions?"

"Not from his end. Sources tell me that Rachael has left town, have you any idea where she has gone?"

"I saw that on the local page, and no she never said. Why?"

"Theres a few things we want to clear up March. See the guy had a big haul of drugs hidden somewhere. My guys couldn't find it in the unit and we thought she may know. I have the city cops looking out for her van but it's easier if you tell me."

"She didn't say anything about where she was going Sam." March reached around into his pocket and gave the letter to him. He read it and I could see March was getting a little bit nervous.

"Sounds like she's going to try and change March. This is much the same letter Bobby received. He dropped it into the station last night."

"He did?" March was surprised.

"He told me that it's all lies, he's seen letters like this before. He thinks she's taken off with the drugs to sell them and if that's true then we have a problem."

"We thought the same thing Sam, I was coming to see you this morning. I have no idea where she went."

"See it's like this, he had to have a dealer to get the drugs and that's the guy we are looking for. I don't blame her for wanting to raise some cash, and she's not our problem. We thought she might like to aid us in arresting the main offender."

"We have no clue Sam, keep us informed will you?" March relaxed.

"I will, but in the meantime keep your ear to the ground and let me know if you hear anything." He looked straight at me.

"We will Sam, I promise," I said.

"Please." He smiled.

"Now I have to go and see two boys I believe I am escorting them to the bank."

"Lennys been on the phone has he?"

"He's a mate and the kids will feel safer with me being there, all's good." He left and we went across the road to sit with dad and May.

"I see she's left town Nicky."

"Apparently May, March got a letter." He passed it to her to read.

When she finished she passed it to dad.

"That's a bit sudden March are you sure you can believe her this time?"

"No. Sam thinks she's left town with a bag of drugs to sell."

"My God, that fool digs deep graves for herself. Does Bobby know?"

"Yes. He got a letter too. Mike was on watch last night just in case she came after his cash."

"That's terrible. If you can't trust your own mum who can you trust?"

"My thoughts exactly May, but at the moment we have to trust she means everything she says in the letter." Poor March if I had of known him back then, I would have set him and May straight.

I went to get the rolls while Mason talked to mum, it was all about eggs and sheep with some toys thrown in. After a half hour Lenny and Mike arrived.

"How did you go?"

"Easy as, it was like they were expecting us. We are now officially a couple with a joint bank account. Aunty May I will give you the account number can you shoot half my wages into it?" Mike grinned.

"That would be all my pleasure Mike, well done." May smiled.

"Bobby is doing the same although he gets paid more than me." He looked at March.

"You get paid extra Mike, I can't stretch it any further, sorry."

"Did Sam catch up with you?" I asked Lenny.

"Yes he sat out the front and waited." He laughed.

"He doesn't mind Lenny?"

"He loves it, gives him something official to do. Mike do you want a breakfast roll?"

"Yes please dad, two thanks." Lenny rolled his eyes and went to grab some.

"Bobby said she's taken off with the stash of drugs and will try and sell them."

"We thought the same Mike. Sam is only interested in the main supplier. He has the city cops looking out for her van."

"Good, the sooner that bitch is locked up the better."

"I agree, but on the other hand I hope she gets rid of them and uses the money to do what she said in the letter. She has to do something otherwise she will never get off the merry go round." May said.

We ate our rolls and cleaned up, Lenny went to work and we walked Mason up to play school, then did some work ourselves. Oblivious to what was occurring in the city it was business as usual for us.

By eleven that night Rachael Knowles was sipping on a champagne in business class on her way to London. She had dumped her car in the city and met with her boyfriend's dealer then sold him back the drugs. She raised enough money to survive in London for a few months then she will start up her own cleaning business. She will write to her family and let them know how she is and there's no way the cops will have her deported because they have no proof she even had the drugs. Christopher walked out of the restaurant with a stuffed backpack in his arms. He had a big smile on his face because he made an excellent deal. He was annoyed his little operation was almost busted, but will find another stooge to sell his drugs to. Being a clerk of courts he has access to all sorts of underworld businesses, and he does love his bad boys.

Sam had rung March and said they found her van and he confirmed that she caught a flight, but there was nothing they could do.

"So it's over for now March?"

"Yes Nicky, keep up."

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