Chapter One
Aaron Jacob Ira Caleb Mitchell looked up from the papers on his desk and sighed. He hated forms that demanded his full name. The boxes were never big enough to fit them all in.
Only his grandmother, Dr Williamson, and his father called him Aaron, to his friends he was Jake, to the love of his life he was AJ, to his ex commanding officer he was Mitch, and to his uncle more often than not, he was just ‘sport’.
His mind wandered while he gazed out of his office window. He was on the 12th floor, but he didn’t take in the glorious view of the harbour, nor did he note that from there he could see his home on the wharf. It’s not that he didn’t appreciate the view, his mind was just on other things.
Jake was 32 years old and co-owner of A&M Risk Management. An interesting company, with Jake the Managing Director, running the Sydney office and overseeing the developement of the new London office, and his best mate Michael, Financial Director, who ran the New York office, soon to be relocating to Chicago. A&M Risk was a security firm specialising in high risk insurance for company personnel (kidnap and ransom to those in the know), and also consulting on internal security for their clients.
Jake was also used from time to time by the Sydney police as a specialist negotiator. Both he and Michael had been in the military, special forces, and Jake was on ‘active reserve’ status holding the rank of Major.
Right now Jake was suffering from terminal boredom. He was restricted to his office due to his love of powerful motorcycles. He had recently parted company from his Harley and the plaster had only just been removed from his leg. He longed to be out in the field once again, even though he and Michael were always saying that they were strictly meeters and greeters these days.
There was a quiet knock on the door and a head poked round the opening.
“Are you busy?”
“No, Jinny, come in please.”
Jake’s PA, Jennifer Clark, always had to stifle a grin when he called her by name. She had emigrated to Sydney from England 20 years ago, and was well used to the Aussie accent, but was still fascinated by her boss, who was born and bred in New Zealand. His mother was a quarter Maori and his father had a Maori mother and an Australian father. It seemed that no matter how long he lived in Australia, his Kiwi accent was always just beneath the surface, and she loved him for it.
“What can I do for you Jin?” he asked.
“You’re going to hate me Jake, more paperwork for you I’m afraid.”
“How does this get done when I’m not around?” Jake asked.
“I do it, silly.” Jennifer replied.
“Well then,” Jake said, a twinkle in his eye. “Why change the habits of a lifetime eh? You can do it for me now.”
Jennifer started to reply but Jake held up his hand to stop her.
“Okay, luv, just sort through ‘em and leave the completed ones for me to sign when I get back.”
Not waiting for her reply, Jake rose from his desk, grabbed his elbow crutch, and limped as quickly as he could out of his office and down towards the lift.
Once he hit the street he stopped and breathed in the fresh air…where to go from here? It felt good to be out of the office for even a short time, and he felt like a naughty schoolboy playing hooky.
He decided to go back to his apartment, but it was too hot for a taxi (he still wasn’t driving yet), he decided to take a slow walk home past the Opera House and along the Harbour Walk on the edge of the Botanical Gardens, certain of the breeze coming off the harbour to keep him cool.
By the time he got past Circular Quay and was headed towards the OH he thought that he’d made a bad choice in trying to walk. His leg was aching already and he hadn’t even reached the gate of the gardens. There was still quite a walk along the flat, then a slight rise and lastly quite a few steps before he got home. Ah well, let’s just call it his physical therapy for the week. He could relax and take a swim when he reached home.
30 minutes later found him halfway round the harbour walk sitting on a bench watching the ferries go by.
“I’m rooted,” he thought. “It’ll be tomorrow before I get home at this rate.”
He looked up to see the scenic train heading his way. He raised up his crutch to stop it, thinking he wasn’t too proud to hitch a ride to the other side of the gardens.
“G’day, wanna lift?” asked the driver.
“Cheers mate. I’m not a tourist mind, so spare me the chat.”
“Where ya want me to drop ya off then?”
“As close to the wharf as you can would be good mate.”
“No worries, hop on.”
Jake managed to clamber into one of the little trucks, and as he was the only one on board, the driver decided to take him as far as he could whilst staying within the gardens. He got to the top of the rise and stopped.
“This good for ya?”
“Bewdy! As much as I’d like to think I could, I’m pretty certain I’d not have made that slope in this heat. How much do I owe ya?”
“Have this one on me mate.”
“Okie dokie, thanks. Hey, meet me down at The Bells later, my shout?”
“You’re on, I’ll be there about 8.00. C ya.”
Jake walked slowly across the grass to the track by the Andrew 'Boy' Charlton pool and made his way past, then across the roof gardens above the holiday apartments, and down the steps. By the time he got across the beginning of the boardwalk to the café on the wharf, he was worn out. He sat down to get his breath back and was greeted by one of the waiters.
“G’day Jake, what ya drinking?”
“Cuppa tea please, and a glass of water.”
“Comin’ right up.”
When his water arrived, Jake took out the small bottle containing his meds. He was still in some pain from the accident, even though he would rather have his fingernails ripped out than admit it. Much as he despised taking any form of medication, he shook a couple out and was taking them as the waiter arrived with his tea.
“Taking a bit longer to heal than you want eh?”
“You’re not wrong Pete, I thought I’d be up and around, no sticks, no limp by now.”
“Typical of you Jake, always were ‘Action Man’ weren’t you.”
Pete and Jake had known each other ever since their families had arrived from New Zealand. They had grown up together up in northern NSW, and their families still lived up in the small township.
“You just watch me Pete, a couple of weeks from now I’ll be good as new again. Was just waiting for that bloody cast to come off. I’m going to the pool later, wanna come?”
“The outdoor one?”
“Nah, inside. Give me a buzz when you finish your shift and I’ll let you in.”
Jake drank his tea, paid his bill and limped of down the boardwalk and inside the wharf building. He sank down onto the couch in his air conditioned longe room, and the next thing he knew, he was woken by the shrill ringing of his security phone. Getting up slowly, he answered, and pressed the button to let Pete in the building. Ten minutes later they were both in the pool belonging to the wharf apartments.
Pete never failed to be in awe of Jake when watching him in the water. It was as if he was born to swim. He sat on the edge of the pool and watched Jake swim three lengths under water. His broken leg certainly didn’t hinder him in the pool. He looked happier than he had since the bike crash and Pete was pleased for his friend.
Later, Pete went with Jake to The Bells for the promised drink with the pleasure train driver, and they both helped a very happy Jake back to his apartment at chuck out time, and put him to bed. Jake didn't drink, but somehow they had convinced him to have a beer, or two, or three.
The following morning Jake wished he was dead. His head was killing him, and the room swirled round every time he tried to sit up.
“Shit! Not one of your better ideas mate, now you know why you don't drink!”
He dragged himself out of bed and slowly managed to make his way to the bathroom, where he crawled into the shower and stayed , hands braced against the cool tiles, until the room stopped spinning.
He made his way to the kitchen, a towel wrapped round his waist. As he was making some tea his phone rang. It was Jennifer. He told her to come up, and by the time she was ringing his bell he had managed to get a pair of sweats on. He opened the door and invited her in.
“You had your brekkie yet?” he asked.
“Good morning Jake, no I haven’t.”
“Care to join me?”
“I’d love to, thanks. Can I help?”
“No luv, you go sit down and I’ll show you how independent I am.” Jake replied with a smile.
Jennifer sat at the kitchen table watching Jake limp around on just the one elbow crutch. Although she was only about 10 years older than him, she had distinctly maternal feelings towards him, and worried that he was trying to do too much too soon. It was all she could do to stop herself from jumping up and helping him.
Soon, they were both sitting down to a breakfast of cereal, toast, marmalade (for Jennifer), Vegemite (for Jake) and a nice pot of English Breakfast tea. Jennifer appreciated this very much. Jake knew that even after all these years there were still some things she missed about England, and real English marmalade was one of them. Jake always seemed to have jars of the stuff stocking his larder, and every couple of weeks she would find a jar on her desk, wrapped in a big pink ribbon.
She insisted on clearing up after their meal, and Jake went to sit on the balcony while she stacked the dishes in the washer and wiped down the work top and the table. When she finished she joined him, placing her briefcase by the side of the steamer chair before she sat opposite Jake. He hadn’t noticed the case before then, and he groaned softly knowing what was inside.
“I thought it might be too hot for you to be in the office today,” said Jennifer.
“It’s air conditioned.” Jake replied.
“Yes I know, but be honest, you’re going stir crazy in there. This is the longest time you’re spent in your office since you opened the business. After you skipped out yesterday, I spent all afternoon clearing the pile on your desk.”
Jake looked up at her guiltily through his long lashes. Jennifer thought he looked like a naughty little boy who had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and had to stop herself getting up to give him a big hug and ruffle his hair.
“Don’t worry, I’ve just brought the ones that really need your signature today. All the rest can wait until you feel like turning up again. It should only take you about half an hour to look through and sign these, then I guess you can take the rest of the day doing whatever you want.”
“Jinny, your blood needs bottling luv.” Jake said, beaming across at her.
True to her word, half an hour later everything was checked, signed and placed back in the briefcase. Jennifer got up ready to leave for the walk to the office, but Jake grabbed hold of her wrist and stopped her.
“Why don’t you give the office a call luv and get one of the messengers to come round and pick them up, after all that‘s what we pay them for. Claire can deal with them, and you can play hooky along with the boss for a change.”
Jennifer started to protest, but then she looked out from the balcony across the bay and thought...why not!
“Okay boss, never let it be said that I don’t do what I’m told.”
Ten minutes later the messenger arrived and the papers were sent off to the office without Jennifer or Jake.
“What shall we do now then?” asked Jennifer.
“Right, I suggest a quick trip to your place for you to pack an overnight bag, then it’s off to the airport.”
“Where are we off to?”
“I think it’s time you came up to the old homestead.” Jake replied, winking at her as he made his way to his bedroom to pick up his holdall.
Two hours later the company helicopter touched down at Jake’s country retreat and he was introducing Jennifer to his grandmother, Emily. Even though she had never been there before, she instantly felt at home. Emily seemed pleased to see her, and not at all surprised that Jake had taken her there.
After freshening up in the guest room, Jake decided to take her for a quick tour around the house and the area just around the building. He didn’t think he was up to taking her too far around the property yet.
She loved everything she was shown, especially the horses. They rounded a corner of the house and she saw a large enclosure with high wire fences. She was wondering what was kept in there when she saw a flash of grey shoot towards the front of the enclosure where she was standing. Her blood ran cold…it looked like a wolf.
The wolf was snarling and growling, its hackles risen up the length of its back. Jennifer was frozen rigid where she stood. Suddenly the wolf stopped growling, sat down wagging its tail, looking past her with its tongue lolling out of the side of its mouth.
Jennifer turned round to see Jake lower his hand. This creature was obviously his and obeyed his unspoken commands.
Jake took hold of Jennifer by the hand and led her to the gate of the enclosure. She pulled back, afraid to go anywhere near the creature. Jake looked at her and told her not to worry, she would be okay with him there. They entered the enclosure and Jake closed the gate behind them.
He slowly managed to bend down on his undamaged leg and the wolf approached him, lay down and rolled onto its back. Jake spoke to the animal.
“Lupo, meet Jinny.”
The wolf looked at Jennifer and held up a paw. Jennifer let out a soft gasp, but stooped down to take hold of the offered paw.
“Jinny, meet Lupo.”
They spent about twenty minutes with Lupo and then headed back to the house.
“He’s beautiful but a bit scary Jake. Where did you get him?”
“He was a gift from a grateful client in Europe. I’ve had him since he was a little bundle of fluff. He acts scary, but he’s safe really.”
They went back into the kitchen where Emily was putting the kettle on for a cup of tea. Jake limped into the lounge room while Jennifer stayed in the kitchen.
“Thanks for bringing him up for a visit Jenny,” said Emily.
“Well, I think it was the other way round, he decided that we should both skip the office for a couple of days,” she replied.
“He’s going mental with the inactivity isn’t he?” Jake’s Grandmother asked.
“Yes, he surely is. I’m just glad the cast is off and he’s getting more mobile. I’d have hated to see him more badly hurt, he wouldn’t have been able to cope with it.”
“Do you ever miss the bustle of the city Emily?”
“No. I like it fine up here in the sticks. I still do a shift in the local hospital once a week, not bad for a doctor of my age. For a country hospital we are very state of the art, mainly because we are the main base in this area for the RFDS. Hopefully you’ll get to see it before he whisks you back.”
“I’d like that very much, thanks for the invite.”
Just then they both heard a car pull up and their heads turned to the kitchen door together. The door flew open and a short dark haired young lady in a nurse uniform entered.
“Hiya Emily…Oh sorry, I didn’t know you had a visitor.”
“Angie, this is Jennifer from Sydney.”
“Jennifer? JENNIFER!!!! Is AJ here?”
“Yes, he’s in the…..”
Angie flew past the two women at the kitchen table headed for the lounge room. By the time they rose from their seats to follow she was standing by the sofa looking down at the sleeping Jake, love radiating from every pore in her body.
On hearing the two older women enter the room, she turned and walked towards them, whispering quietly.
“I’m sorry, that was very rude. I’m Angeline, AJ’s girlfriend. I’m pleased to finally meet you Jennifer.”
“Likewise, and please, call me Jenny.”
“Okay, Jenny, thanks, I’m Angie to my friends. How was the trip up, was Jake okay?”
“It was good. He had a little nap. I think being in the office has drained him. When I suggested that he didn’t go in this morning he dragged me to the airport and the next thing I knew, we were here. He really needed to get out of the city for a bit.”
“Thanks for letting him bring you up here, it’s the best thing you could have done. He hasn’t been ‘home’ for such a long time now.”
They all turned to look at the still sleeping form of Jake when the silence was broken by Sam and the dogs coming through the kitchen door. The dogs homed in on Jake right away and in no time his sleep was interrupted as he vanished under three excited cattle dogs happy to see him.
“G’day Sport,” cried Sam slapping his nephew on the shoulder. In truth they were more like brothers as Sam was a late child for his parents and was only 5 years older than Jake. He managed to get the dogs off his lap and struggled up to give his Uncle a hug. Then he saw Angie.
“Hi Angel,” he whispered.
“Hi AJ,” she replied.
Although she and Jake had grown up together since they were ankle biters and had always loved each other, it was only in the last couple of years that she had realised she was actually ‘in love’ with him. She was certain that Jake had been ‘in love’ with her a lot longer. She was still overwhelmed with emotion every time she set eyes on her man, and she went weak at the knees when he smiled at her.
Jake introduced Jennifer to his uncle, then they all sat down to catch up with the news. Before long the women went to the kitchen to prepare the evening meal. Sam and Jake stayed chatting away, Jake asking Sam how his love life was going, and Sam jokingly asking if Jake wanted his other leg breaking.
After supper, Jake finally admitted that he was pretty bushed, and he got up and said goodnight to everyone. He headed for his room, but after half an hour of tossing and turned, he was still unable to sleep. Angie came quietly into the room and asked him what was wrong.
“Can’t get comfortable, my leg is aching too much.”
“Okay, you stay there for a minute and I’ll see what I can do to fix that for you.”
With that, Angie headed towards the master bathroom and soon Jake heard water running. Angie stuck her head round the door.
“Can you make it over here okay, or would you like some help?” she asked.
“Oh, I think I can get over there, luv,” said Jake, grabbing his crutch and hobbling towards the bathroom.
When he got inside he smiled to see the spabath full of steaming water.
“Come on, let’s see if warm bubbles will relax those muscles.”
Jake dropped his sweats and slowly entered the hot tub. Soon he was so relaxed in the bubbling water that he began to drift off. Angie was loathe to get him out as he looked so peaceful, but the water was cooling and she needed to get him out before he resembled a prune.
She managed to help him out and wrapped him in a large warm fluffy bath towel, She rubbed him dry and took him back to the bedroom. He sat on the edge of the bed and allowed Angie to help him in. He was asleep almost before his head hit the pillow. Angie slipped quietly in beside him and smiled as he turned and spooned in behind her. He had been away too long she thought as she too drifted off to sleep.
The weekend went by too quickly and before they knew it they had to head back to Sydney. Jake promised to bring Jennifer back as soon as he could, and they headed back towards the city. Before long Jake was back in a suit, moaning every time another piece of paper was put in front of him to read, approve and sign.
