Chapter 28: Room 223

Two generations ago Adam Slade arrived in Sunset Valley to start a new life.  Not just for himself but for the Slade family, he dreamt of establishing a family legacy.  But to understand Adam's story, and that of his descendants, we have to go back to Twinbrook and learn about his mother, Wanda, and her relationship with two men; Sinbad Rotter and Walter Fisk.

In this chapter Wanda and Walter enjoy the perfect evening  ...


Finishing off a few chores before her date with Walter later in the evening, Wanda received a phone call from Sinbad.

"Hey babe, how y'doing? Heard you saw our man Walter this morning?"

Slightly confused as to how Sinbad knew of her earlier meeting; "Umm, yeah, just making use of his schedule, and I've arranged a dinner date for tonight ..."

"Excellent, I'm really impressed by how well you're handling this assignment. Now, if you're seeing him tonight, perhaps we should move things up a gear. I will arrange a room for the two of you at the City Hotel."

"OK, if you think he will go for that?"

"No problem, how could he resist you? Anyway, it's a smart enough place but not one that anyone he knows uses so he'll have no worries about being recognised."

Wanda wasn't sure that Walter was ready to spend the night with her but Sinbad's confidence was encouraging and she knew that she normally had no trouble convincing men to do her bidding.

"If you're sure, but I haven't got anything useful on his business yet ..."

"That's OK," Sinbad reassured her, "you're doing a great job, don't worry, we'll get what we need."

-- * --

It was another fine, warm, evening in Twinbrook when Wanda and Walter met at the restaurant so, as they had done previously, they dined in the open air, enjoying the intimacy of the small private garden.

Walter certainly knew how to pick a good restaurant. The food was superb, the service attentive yet discreet, and the setting was perfect.

With no need to hurry, and no questioning looks from the staff, Wanda and Walter took their time to enjoy the exquisite cooking and talk of their many shared interests. As starter gave way to main course and then to dessert their conversation flowed effortlessly from one subject to another.

From youthful indiscretions, to growing into adult responsibilities, and so to plans and dreams for the future it seemed that the two, who had lived very different lives, could have been twins in their values and ambitions.

For Walter, as much as he loved his wife and adored his young son, it was as if he had finally met the one woman who had been placed on this world just for him.

Over two hours after they had sat down, Wanda and Walter rounded off their meal, Wanda with a coffee and Walter with a fine old Armagnac.

Leaving the restaurant, Walter didn't want the evening to end. "Wanda, this has been the most perfect of evenings, I cannot believe that it is over and you will be leaving, that I may not see you again."

"And I cannot thank you enough, Walter, for making my time in Twinbrook so special. And you're right, I don't want this to end either, certainly not yet. Stay with me a while longer, the air is still warm and we can watch and remember the stars on this perfect night."

Relaxing back on the soft grass, Walter put his arm around Wanda, not to keep her warm but to bring them as close together physically as he could so, as one, they could take in the wonder of the night sky, the universe around them.

A universe of unimaginable scale but, at the same time, it was if tonight it had been ordered into the perfect arrangement for just the two of them.

"You know," Walter interrupted the silent reverie, "I wish this night would never end. It is just so peaceful, perfect."

Wanda smiled, nodding in agreement and gently clasping Walter's arm. "My friend has had to leave town for the week-end so I have booked a hotel room for my last night here in Twinbrook." She paused, giving Walter a moment to consider what she was about to suggest before she actually said it.

"We could finish the night there ..."

They looked into each other's eyes, searching for any signs of doubt but they both knew that their relationship was going to end up there anyway. It had become inevitable, and neither had done anything to avert this conclusion.

Walter stood up, reaching out his hand to assist Wanda, "Yes, I would like that very much."




They embraced, kissed, passionately, and walked out of the park to find a taxi.

-- * --

As Wanda and Walter entered the lobby of the City Hotel, a smartly dressed desk clerk, smiled broadly at them, "Ahh, Ms. Phoenix, I trust that you have had a pleasant evening. Your key?" Wanda smiled and nodded at the young man, whom she had never seen until that moment, "Yes, thank you."

Reaching behind him to the key rack, he lifted a key from its hook, "There we are, 223. If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to call down."

Taking the single large key from his hand Wanda noted the name badge pinned to his waistcoat, "Thank you, good night James."

The room Sinbad had arranged was smart and clean, as he had promised, a functional room but appointed to a high standard, reassuring the wealthier guest that their Simoleans were buying the comfort they were used to.

Wanda was, however, surprised to see a four-poster bed taking pride of place in this substantial room.

"Very nice," Walter nodded approvingly, "from such an unassuming exterior I wasn't expecting quite such a luxurious room. I may have to consider recommending this place to my visitors."

"But," he continued, sitting on the edge of the bed, "we are not here to discuss hotel furnishings."

He moved up to sit at the head of the bed, patting the covers for Wanda to join him.

They had talked a lot already this evening, but now, relaxing together on this sumptuous bed, words seemed unnecessary.

They held each other close, the warmth of their excited bodies feeding their desire for each other.

They kissed, at first slowly and sensually but then increasing passionately, urgently.

They pushed off their clothes, leaving two disorganised piles beside the bed.

As their bodies intertwined neither was demure or submissive, as one took the lead, the other would reciprocate to heighten the pleasure of the other.

For Walter, it was a night of passion unlike any he had experienced in recent years. There was no questions that he loved his wife and they enjoyed a good sex life but this, with Wanda, was fresh and exciting, and he wasn't used to not always being in control.

Wanda was familiar with short-term relationships and one-night stands with men she never cared for beyond the content of their wallet or who wanted her just for fun or until they found someone 'better'. Maybe it was because he was proper, 'old school' rich but there was definitely something different with Walter; like that he was genuinely concerned that she was enjoying the sex as much as he was.

-- * --

Walter rose early, waking Wanda with a kiss. "I really have to go, but thank you so much for a very special night. Please call me before you leave."

With another long, heartfelt, kiss, he freed himself from Wanda's embrace and left the hotel room.

A couple of hours later, as Wanda was preparing to return to her own home, Sinbad called.

"Hey, kid, how'd it go? You had a good night?"

Still in the glow of her night with Walter, Wanda was surprised by his flippant tone. "Err, yeah, it was good ..."

"Great, great. Look, our clients are ready to bring this assignment to a close so I'll come over to your place in an hour and sort out the final details."

"Umm, yeah, cool, I'm just packing up here, I'll be home soon."

"Right, great, I think we've got all we need on our friend Walter, you've done a great job."



Chapter 29: Scandal!

Chapter 27: We Meet Again

This is the story of the Slade family legacy; it began when Adam Slade arrived in Sunset Valley to start a new life.  However, his granddaughter Cleo has discovered that their story did not start in Sunset Valley after all, but rather in Twinbrook with her great grandmother, Wanda.

In this chapter Walter makes a fateful decision  ...


After her successful night charming Walter Fisk, Wanda was keen to secure her relationship with him and get the information about his business activities that Sinbad's clients needed.

Referring to the information that Sinbad had provided, Wanda identified her next opportunity to charm the handsome Mr Fisk.

Early every Saturday and Sunday morning he would jog along the river bank and Wanda knew the perfect spot at which to 'accidently' meet him again.

Walter had crossed the Jebidiah Blackmore Bridge and was heading into the Riverside Junction park when he spotted a familiar face.

"Ms Phoenix, Wanda, what a pleasure to see you again."

"Likewise," she replied, "and I didn't think this park could get any more handsome!"

"You make a grown man blush!" he laughed. "You must excuse me being a little breathless; I am on my morning run. So, what brings you to the park on this fine morning?"

"It's such a lovely spot, with the beach and the river, even so close to town it is so peaceful, especially in the mornings."

"Very true," Walter agreed, "it is probably one of my favourite spots in all of Twinbrook."

"Look, I mustn't stop you on your run ..."

"No, no, I am over halfway round now I think I deserve a short break, especially in such lovely company ..."

Wanda averted her gaze, as if in embarrassment, "Oh stop it! Now you'll make me blush!"

The pair continued to chat, Wanda expressing, and for once truthfully, her interest in athletics and fitness. Wishing that she had known Walter took these runs, that she might have joined him.

As a few more visitors and tourists entered the park, the two shared stories, giggling about their mishaps in training. For anyone who noticed them it looked as if they were two old friends catching up, such was the easy intimacy that they had.

And then Wanda dropped her little bombshell.

"Y'know Walter I am so going to miss you. This is my last day in Twinbrook, I leave tomorrow afternoon, back to Riverview."

Reaching out to hold her hands; "So soon?" Walter sounded genuinely shocked, "I've really enjoyed spending time with and, as short a time as it has been, I do think I will miss you."

"I know, I came to see my friend and ending up meeting the most charming gentleman, I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you." Wanda locked her gaze on Walter, "If only I had met you earlier ..." she paused, "you have been so kind to me."

This is it, she thought to herself, this is the moment the deal is sealed or broken. She saw the sadness in his face and reckoned her chances were pretty good.

She leant in closer, they kissed.

Sold! He didn't pull back, he didn't push her away, Walter was as much a part of this 'special moment' as Wanda wanted him to think she was.

"I can't let you go without a proper goodbye." Walter said as he pulled out of their kiss. "Dinner, tonight, I insist. Unless, of course, you have anything else planned ..."

"No I have no plans, so yes; I think I will, that would be wonderful. Thank you Walter."

"Excellent! Shall I pick you up?"

"Oh no, there's no need for that, thank you. I will meet you there."

"If you’re sure, shall we say eight, at the Little Corsican?"

"Yes, perfect, I'm looking forward to it already." Wanda smiled at him, squeezing his hand.

"Well," Walter said, breaking the moment, "I really must get back on track and finish this run!"

Walter left the park with a new spring in his step; he could hardly believe how quickly he had fallen for this lovely young woman.

Wanda returned home to find Adam watching some documentary on their ancient television, she really didn't understand why her boy was so 'serious', he certainly didn't get it from her.

"Oh, hi honey. Will you be OK tonight, I'll be out late, I might not be back before you go to bed."

Not diverting his attention from the TV, "Sure ma, we'll be OK, you just enjoy yourself."

-- * --

As Wanda and Walter made their way back to their respective homes, someone else was checking the results of their morning at River Junction Park ...

Chapter 28: Room 223

Chapter 26: Meeting Walter

This story tells of the Slade family legacy; it began when Adam Slade arrived in Sunset Valley to start a new life.  However, his granddaughter Cleo has just discovered that her family's story did not start in Sunset Valley at all, but rather in Twinbrook and that the actions of her great grandmother, Wanda, were going to have repercussions for years, for generations, afterwards.

In this chapter two families meet for the first time and events are set in motion ...

Adam was up early, as usual, his homework already done so he had time to water and tend his little vegetable plot before going to school. There was something very rewarding about seeing his plants grow and develop, eventually producing a tasty harvest.

So, with his garden tended, Adam went back into their small home to get dressed and ready for school.

Rather surprisingly Wanda was already up and about.

"Adam dear," Wanda spoke softly to her son, "I have to meet someone in town for Sinbad."

"Sinbad?"

"Oh Adam, I told you about Sinbad, he's given me this job where I get to meet and interview all these rich and powerful people and today is my first day."

"Okaaayy." Adam wondered if this was just another hustler playing his mum, again.

Sensing the doubt in Adam's voice, Wanda was quick to reassure him, "Come on Adam, this could be our big break, I'm gonna meet this guy today who's doing some really big business deals and we'll get a cut of the profits."

"Okay mum, if you say so. Anyway, you look really nice so he's bound to be impressed."

"Aww, thank you sweetie, now, you have a good day at school and I'll see you this evening." With a quick kiss and pinch of his cheek Wanda hurried out to a waiting taxi, leaving Adam to wait for the school bus to arrive.

Before he left for school, though, he gave his trusty companion, Sandy, instructions to guard his valuable garden plot.

There was one particularly annoying aspect of life on Bayou Gulch as far as Adam was concerned; in this part of town wild animals, rabbits, raccoons and even deer abounded and they loved taking their meals direct from his garden.

But, with Sandy standing guard he had significantly reduced the loss of plants. Always eager to please his master Sandy seemed to enjoy the responsibility entrusted to him.

But, he was still just a dog, and wasn't very good at keeping his mind on one task for very long, so in between stints watching out for those 'vegetable eating vermin', he would be snuffling around looking for interesting things to dig up and present to his master.

-- * --

Wanda's taxi took her to Puddlewick Drive from where she walked the short distance to Earl's Bridge Road, and within a few minutes she saw a face she recognised approaching.

"Excuse me" Wanda intercepted the man, "I appear to be a little lost, I wonder if you could direct me?"

"Why, certainly miss, where are you headed?"

"Well, I'm new to Twinbrook and thought I would go for an early morning stroll around town and I've completely lost track of where I am, if I can just get back to the centre I'll be fine."

"Ahh, yes, if you're not careful you could follow these avenues for miles out of town, thankfully I imagine you have just taken a few too many turns, you're not that far from town at all."

"That's a relief!" Wanda smiled, "as you can see I'm not really prepared for a trek!"

"Indeed not. I could call a taxi for you, but you're not more than twenty minutes walk from Central Park ..."

"Oh, that is excellent, thank you. It is a beautiful day so I think I will continue my walk."

"A splendid plan," the handsome gentleman agreed, "It is not a complex route at all but let me draw you a simple map, I always forget directions so quickly."

Reaching into his pocket to withdraw a slip of pre-printed paper, the man began sketching the line of roads and junctions that would take Wanda back to the town centre.

"If I may be so bold," he asked, "what brings you to our small town?"

"I'm visiting a friend and while they are at work, I thought I would explore."

"Ahh, I see, Twinbrook is not what you might call a tourist destination, but we do have a very pleasant town centre and many lovely parks and even the swamplands are worth a visit if you are interested in native flora and fauna."

"I know," Wanda agreed, "it is very pretty and these big old houses are so lovely."

"Indeed they are, there is quite some history to the town and, if you are interested, the library has many fascinating documents about the people who built this town on the swamps."

Wanda looked quickly at the map he had drawn for her and noticed the name printed on the paper; "Thank you, I'm sure this will get me back safely, Mr Fisk."

"Walter, Walter Fisk, at your service ma'am, I'm pleased to have been able to help you, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Twinbrook."

"Thank you Walter, you have been most kind, and should we meet again I hope I will be able to return the favour."

With a courteous handshake, they parted company, Wanda heading back to Puddlewick Drive as if to walk back to the centre of town.

Walking, however, was not Wanda's style so, as soon as she was out of sight, she hailed a taxi to take her to one of her favourite bars on the esplanade.

It was a quiet afternoon, there weren't many other customers there to buy her drinks or take up a challenge on one of the games machine so she rang Sinbad to update him on her meeting with Walter Fisk.

"Hi, Sinbad, it's Wanda. I met up with Fisk this morning. Just to introduce myself, so he will know who I am next time."

"OK, that's good. Now, what day is it? Thursday. Right, this should be in the notes I gave you, he usually visits the Red Rendezvous after work on Thursday. Why don't you put on your best frock and I'll meet you there at about five thirty."

"OK, I'll see you there, it's a date." Wanda giggled and ended the call.

That was still a few hours away, so Wanda stayed in the bar, treating herself to a couple more cheap cocktails by way of celebrating her success so far, and to relax herself for whatever the evening might hold.

-- * --

As the time for her meeting with Sinbad approached Wanda returned home to Bayou Gulch to quickly freshen up and put on her prettiest new dress, a fashionable floral number that exuded modern sophistication. A simple outfit that would, nonetheless, make an excellent impression on anyone.

Half an hour later she was in the Red Rendezvous waiting for Sinbad.

"Hey, looking good girl!" A good start, Sinbad liked her outfit.

"So, tell me," he continued, "what happened this morning?"

"I just 'arranged' to bump into him, just a friendly chat like. I pretended I was a lost tourist. I reckon now he's met me once it'll be easier to get ... friendlier." Wanda smiled; she reckoned she wouldn't mind getting a bit 'friendly' with this wealthy businessman.

"Alright, that's fine," Sinbad accepted her report, "we need you to move it on a bit though, soon as. Now, he should be here in the next half-hour or so; normally for just a couple of beers but I know you could charm him into staying a bit longer and work your magic on him."

Confident in her ability to charm any man she wanted, Wanda was in no doubt that she could entertain Walter Fisk all night if she wanted to. "Oh yeah, no problem, and this is an ideal place too."

As if on cue, earlier than expected, Walter Fisk entered the bar.

Not wishing to be seen with Wanda Sinbad just nodded to his new recruit and mouthed to her "OK doll, he's all yours, good luck." and disappeared into the early evening Twinbrook traffic.

Being a frequent visitor to the Red Rendezvous, Fisk's arrival was quickly noted and he was instantly the focus of attention from the other regulars at the bar, so he didn't notice the young woman who had stopped him earlier in the day.

As he settled into his usual spot at the bar to order his first drink, Wanda moved to position herself alongside him.

"Mr Fisk. What a pleasant surprise to see you again."

He had to think a second, before he recognised the woman who had just addressed him.

"Ahh, well, hello again. I see that you made it safely back then. What a coincidence that I should bump into you twice on the same day."

"Yes, isn't it," Wanda agreed, "but as we have let me pay for that drink; for your kindness this morning."

"Oh no my dear, I couldn't possibly, after all I was only doing what any gentleman would have done."

"No, really,  insist, I could have walked miles out of my way and ended up who knows where, it's the least I can do."

Gentleman that he was, Walter Fisk relented, allowing Wanda to pay for his first beer. "Very well then, as you insist, but who should I thank, I don't believe I got your name earlier?"

“Wanda, Wanda Phoenix.”

“I’m pleased, once again, to make your acquaintance Ms Phoenix and, please, call me Walter.”

“Thank you Walter and, likewise, please call me Wanda.”

“So, Wanda,” Walter enquired, “what is a lovely lady like you doing in a bar on their own?”

“Well, I was going to have a night out with my girl friend but she had to go back into work for some emergency.”

“My, what an unlucky day you have had, first getting lost and now being abandoned.”

“It’s OK really,” Wanda tried to sound positive, “I quite like to meet new people and, today, I have met you, one of the true gentlemen of Twinbrook. So, not an unlucky day at all.”

“Hah, I admire your positive attitude Ms Phoenix, sorry, Wanda. And I really cannot let you spend this evening alone, so please join me for a drink or two and tell me all about yourself.”

The next couple of hours passed quickly, one drink turned into two, turned into four as Wanda charmed Walter with tales of her mundane life in Riverview and of her friends and family there and the (imaginary) friend she was staying with here in Twinbrook.

For his part, Walter told Wanda about his doting wife Anna and his young son Lewis. He didn’t want to talk much about his business, “oh, it’s dull stuff but I have been lucky enough to have success enough to afford a good home and a comfortable life for Anna and my son.”

As the evening wore on, the lights within the bar were dimmed and a DJ started playing and a few of the other customers moved onto the small dance floor.

"Oh, I love this song!" Wanda exclaimed as a classic tune from the legendary band Spirit of Dorsai started playing. "I just have to dance whenever I hear it. Walter, will you dance with me?"

Walter shook his head, smiling at the absurdity of the idea, "Oh no, I don't think so, I'm too old for, really not my thing ..."

"Nonsense!" Wanda stopped him, "you're never too old to dance, and I bet you're a pretty good mover."

"Well, in my youth ..."

"There you are! You just need to get into the rhythm and let the music take over."

Truth be told, Walter was quite the demon on the dance floor in his youth, he'd quickly picked up on the fact that girls loved dancing ... and loved a boy who would dance with them. He remembered how he and Anna had spent many a joyful afternoon at the old Palais Royale Ballroom.

He conceded defeat, "Very well, let us see which of us has 'the rhythm' tonight!"

-- * --

While Wanda was enjoying an evening of drinks and dancing, back on Bayou Gulch Adam had returned home; to prepare his own meal and complete his homework – always under the watchful eye of his best pal, Sandy.

Once he had finished his school assignments and the remaining household chores it was time for Adam and Sandy to have some fun.

Just goofing around Sandy seemed to have endless energy and enthusiasm for whatever game they played but there was no doubt that, most of all, he loved being taken out on walks along the lanes and tracks of the swamplands to hunt out little treasures.

-- * --

Once they had hit the dance floor Wanda and Walter quickly lost all track of time and when they eventually stopped they realised that it was getting late. Walter, particularly, was in town much later that normal and although he would sometimes work late he always kept his wife informed.

“My goodness Wanda, is that the time? All this fun, I’ve quite lost track of time, what will my wife say!”

Wanda was immediately apologetic. “Oh, I’m sorry Walter, I hope I haven’t got you into too much trouble.”

“No, no, its fine, it’s just that I normally warn Anna if I am going to be late.” Walter paused and his face settled into a thoughtful frown. “Are you hungry Wanda? I fear that your plans for the evening have been forgotten, as well as mine. Now, I can’t expect Anna to prepare a meal for me this late, so would you like to join me for a light meal at the bistro?”

“Well, all that dancing has made me a bit peckish, and the bistro sounds ideal, thank you.”

“Excellent! I will just call Anna to let her know that everything is OK and that I am enjoying an evening in town with a friend.”

Phone call completed, they made their way to The Little Corsican Bistro, one of the most popular restaurants in Twinbrook. The food was simple but always beautifully prepared and it was in a great location overlooking the Central Park.

In the warm evening air, it was the perfect spot for an intimate alfresco meal.

The pair continue to chat throughout their meal.  Wanda was an expert listener and always found something appreciative to say when Walter described his various passions and interests.


Wanda Phoenix agreed that family is just about the most important part of any person's life and orderliness was essential to keep ones goals and ambitions in focus.  By the end of the meal Wanda Slade had managed to transform herself into very nearly the  ideal woman for a man like Walter.  If she had given it any thought Wanda would have been mightily impressed with her interpersonal skills.

The meal over, it was time to part company.

"Walter, thank you for a wonderful evening, I don't think I've had so much fun in ages."

"It has been my pleasure, I have enjoyed your company immensely, and thank you for the getting me on the dance floor again.  I had quite forgotten how much I loved it."

"I could tell," Wanda laughed, "and I hope we can do it again sometime."

"I would like that very much."



Chapter 27: We Meet Again