by Jack Sunn
“Well Susan. It is my venture as you call it, but not my place.” I took out my solicitor’s card and handed it to her. “Here are the contact details of my solicitor. She has been instructed by me to offer all details of the venture to enquiring authorities, but she usually calls me first. Please call her. But in brief I’ll let you in on what has happened. Following a few personal and professional incidents recently, I wanted to put together a program that brings returned servicemen of both Australia and the US low-priced housing in a community setting. One that also incorporates facilities for use by the Legacy Foundation. I am working on community establishment and continuance. Yes, I bought the place, but it is legally owned by a trust, with directors yet to be appointed, so as to be run as a not-for-profit organisation. I am currently getting it shipshape, I like that word, as quickly as possible. I am hoping to have Mr Alexander officiate at the opening. Both recognition of his office, but also his long involvement in the navy. The US Secretary of the Navy has also expressed interest in coming subject to sufficient notice. With that said, please make any enquiries you would like, but before you do so, would you accompany me to Cabin 10 to meet the park’s longest current resident.
She, Susan, agreed to accompany me.
“I have to put groceries in the kitchen, so won’t be a moment.” In the kitchen I loaded rice in a rice cooker to cook, packed green vegetables in the refrigerator, but left out the eggs and some of the cucumbers to be at room temperature.
We left the manager’s cabin and walked in the direction of Bev’s cabin. On the way I saw Ray momentarily, introduced Susan to him, and suggested that he and Tom meet us for lunch at the new kitchen at about 12.30. Ray seemed happy with that and we walked on to be greeted by Bev at her door.
“Jack. You have returned. It is so good to see you again. I have to say it has been busy here with Ray and Tom working hard each day. And you brought a friend I see. Please come in.”
“Bev, this is Susan who has been looking after the Governor-General and has kindly come to see what we have been doing here. She is currently on holiday, so I thought a leisurely guided tour might be appropriate. Tell me Bev, has it been a bit noisy of late? I see Tom’s renovations are getting to you.”
“Ah yes Jack, but Tom and Ray are such lovely young men. And they do so like my date slice. You know I found dates in the box you left me last week,” she said with a sly look in her eye. And without missing a beat she turned to Susan and asked, “How do you like the park so far? I have been here for thirteen years and to me it is getting splendidly revamped and looking better than ever.” And without letting Susan answer, she swooped on the kettle to quickly fill it.
“Tea Jack, Susan?”
Susan was first to respond, “Bev. That would be lovely. Tea please.”
“What would you prefer? English Breakfast or Earl Grey? I’m rather partial to English Breakfast at this time of day.”
Susan and I both agreed and said together, to our mutual surprise, “Sounds good.” We had our tea over general conversation, which also included a little fact-finding on Bev’s part about Susan. Subtle, but it was still there none-the-less. I think Bev liked her, but was also happy to have some female company, a good change from Ray and Tom. I looked at my watch and it was close to 11am.
“Bev, would you like to grab your keys and accompany us to lunch at the manager’s annex? And Susan, you’ll join us, yes?”
She smiled and said, “Thank-you Jack.”
Back at the annex, I suggested to Bev that she take a preview of the newly refurbished adjoining cabin, while I started on lunch preparation.
I took out the rice and spread it to partly dry off. Spring onions and cucumber I quickly chopped, and turmeric, garlic-chilli paste and oyster sauce were readied. Before the ladies came out I was able to make a simple carrot and bean pickle with rice wine vinegar and palm sugar. All set. I checked with Ray on the phone, and he confirmed that both he and Tom were on track for 12.30. Sweet. Lunch for five. I was about to go in the residence when Bev and Susan emerged.
Bev said, “Oh Jack. You should have asked me for some help. We got carried away a little. Let me lay the table if you could show me where to find the cloth and utensils. I pointed them out and Susan gave Bev a hand setting the table. All very cosy I thought. By now it was quarter past twelve, and time to start. Both Bev and Susan sat down and left me to it, as I said I was probably best left alone. At just after 12.25 Ray and Tom came in, and Ray introduced Tom to Susan.
Tom being Tom, he said, “Hey Jack, how’s it going there? Do you need a can opener or something?”
“Good one Tom,” I retorted. “Why not invite everyone to the table? I am about to serve.”
I served the first plate to Bev, “Nasi Goreng, Sunn Style. Bon. appétit.” The other plates followed in quick succession.
All was quiet for a while. Bev insisted on making Jasmine tea for us, and then Ray and Tom excused themselves saying they had to get going. As he was leaving Tom quietly said to me, “Thanks Jack. That was nice. I think we are on schedule and should be able to move things tomorrow all going well. I think Ray and I can do that if you get the nod. See ya mate. And good luck wink wink nudge nudge.” And he was gone.
“Jack. That was a very pleasant lunch thank-you,” said Bev. “But I think I had better get back home soon. I think I might have run out of date slice and I don’t want to disappoint. Would you please excuse me? And you to Susan? It was so nice to meet you. Please. I can find my own way back.”
That left Susan and me alone. I said to her,” What do you make of Bev, and the cabin renovation done by Tom?” I was pointing at the cabin door.
“She is a remarkable lady for sure. I liked the reno but I think Bev liked it more.”
I replied,” Unbeknown to her, Ray and Tom are ready to move her in tomorrow. I have only to ask her and let her know that as honorary caretaker and manager, light duties only, that it is hers for nominal rent.”
“When are you going to ask her? Would you like me to come with you now?”
I was warming up to Susan’s quick rationalization of what we wanted to achieve with the park and its residents. I stopped momentarily, walked over to the cabin door, turned and surveyed the annex. “Yes please, that would be greatly appreciated. And would you like to visit where Ray and I live afterwards?”
“Deal.”
“Then let’s do it.” We walked back to Bev’s cabin and knocked. She opened the door with floury hands. “Why Jack. Susan, hello. What may I do for you?”
“You have left yourself open with that one Bev.” I said. “Can you do me a favour please?”
She did not hesitate by saying, “Of course.”
“When you have decided for sure, would you let Ray know this afternoon? Both Ray and Tom are ready to move you tomorrow morning into the renovated cabin you saw this morning, that is if you would like it. Be a shame to leave it empty.” Bev simply stopped, and I suspect was in thought….
It was Susan who spoke next. “Bev. I believe that it will not cost you any more. More likely cheaper or rent free if you would care to be honorary caretaker and occasional Legacy Hostess.” Bev was of mature mind, but was emotionally overcome. Quite natural on reflection. She was up to leave the home of both hers and her late husband’s. But also offered an opportunity to her liking. She took a moment to compose herself before answering.
“Jack, you made a lot of things happen here quickly, and good things they are too.” She was now smiling. “With all that you have done, it would be remiss of me, indeed irresponsible of me, to hold up progress in the park’s reinvigoration. I accept with thanks. And Susan, I like your thinking. One proviso looking at Susan will you come and visit me often?”
“Of course. Will be my pleasure,” said Susan.
“So be it.” I said, and gave Bev a hug and said, “I’ll see Ray on the way out and hopefully we’ll call in tomorrow morning to lend a hand. Thank-you Bev.”
Then Susan and I left. We saw Ra
y on the way out and told him Bev was happy to move and that I would be back I the morning.
Susan piped in, “Me too Jack, if you don’t mind?” We walked to the front entrance of the park.
“Sunnybank is not far away. Why don’t you follow me and I’ll show you where Ray and I live, and the facilities we have. I’d be happy to show you especially as I expect to host the Alexander’s for at least a night. Would you care to see?”
She simply replied, “Thank-you. I would.”
I told her the address, and said, “The entrance is difficult to see. If you lose sight of me, I suggest we meet on the nearby corner. Otherwise just follow me in, and park to the left of me. It directly faces an exit door. You should have few problems following. I will be in that FJ ute there.”
At that she barely supressed a laugh. A late model car easily tracks a vehicle built over sixty years ago. Driving over to Sunnybank was uneventful with traffic lights not separating our cars. We drove in and she parked directly behind the exit door and got out.
“Impressive entrance here Jack. Very nicely hidden. And that, pointing to another car, does it belong here?”
“Of course. You never know when a little style is needed.” The car she had pointed to was a metallic silver and dark green 1985 Rolls Royce Silver Spur with a long wheel base. Overall length 534cm, powered by a turbocharged 6750cc light allow V8.
We left the garage through a side door in the concrete wall, and entered a smaller room with an overhead skylight, similar in some respects to a mudroom of American homesteads, then entered the home proper.
“To the left is the common bathroom and restroom.” We were standing in the kitchen. “To the right are bedrooms, and straight ahead is the main indoor living area.” I went to the cupboard and took out two glasses, a platter, some plates and knives and forks. From the refrigerator, I took two bottles of white wine already stored in cooler sleeves, some cheese and strawberries.
“Come, let me show you the outdoor living area.” Susan’s head was busy scanning all to be seen, and quietly followed. We exited through a transparent glass door, and entered the outdoor kitchen. This area comprises a roofed wet kitchen with thatched roof in the style of a Balinese wantilan, fringed with water pots and colourful shrubbery. Sitting down in the garden atmosphere was a pleasure and I took a moment to just settle. “Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio?”
“This is seriously very civilised Jack. Whatever you are having is just fine with me.”
“Pinot Grigio it is then.” We had large wine glasses so I only poured to about one third full. Somehow wine from large glasses just seems to taste and feel better than it does from small glasses.
I toasted, “To the present, and to the future.” We sat in relative silence for a minute or so, which after the last eight week’s events provided welcome respite.
“Let me bring you up to date with why things are the way they are.” I went on to explain over the next fifteen minutes all that had happened in the last few months, and why I appeared to have a sense of urgency. She seemed to readily follow my explanation and did not interrupt. We also enjoyed a few more top-ups of wine, together with some fruit and cheese. We continued with casual conversation when an older gentleman wearing a dark but lightweight suit came out of the house to see us.
I rose and said to Susan, “Susan, may I introduce to you my friend and associate Edwin? Edwin, this is Susan from the AFP.”
With pleasantries exchanged, Edwin presented me with an A5 sized piece of paper and said, “Tonight’s suggested menu Mr Jack, if that be to your approval. Being Master Ray’s birthday, I thought a Korean theme might be in order. And an extra setting, say 6.30 for 6.45?”
“Thank-you Edwin. Most kind and considerate. And yes for another setting.”
“Very well sir. And the spare room has been readied.” He then left.
Susan said one word, “Edwin?”
“Yes. Edwin has been a friend of the family for many years and assisted me greatly with taking care of Ray after his mother passed away. Used to be a chef and at another time a butler. He likes the old ways and partial seclusion here, or at least separation from the bustle of modernity. He still loves cooking, and though I do not need a butler, Edwin takes care of mostly everything when I am not here, and even when I am here. He lives here on site and adds a wonderful dimension to our sense of family and living. I ask little of him, other than he be happy to live here, which seems to be the case.”
Susan then said, “You seem fairly sure of yourself, and also of me. What if I have other arrangements tonight?”
“Then you would have told me. And the guest room comes complete with new replacement clothing of all sizes all at your disposal. Edwin will have made sure of everything. Come. Let us refresh our glasses and I’ll take you on a short tour of the garden.”
I like the garden. It is a place where I often meditatively wander knowing I will be recharged. It is also pleasant to share the experience with someone who has not seen it before, but can appreciate it whether being a gardener or not. The time passed with sips of wine and stories from both our pasts. In a few places I stopped momentarily and aided some of the Buddha statues on their journeys about the garden. It always seemed that the garden was alive if the Buddhas were seemingly in motion, albeit it fairly slow. The light began fading, the time approaching 5pm.
“You may like to freshen up and rest before dinner. May I escort you to your lodgings?” She accepted and we adjourned till dinner at 6.15. Ray was back by 5.30 and relayed to me the progress of the afternoon. He said they had seen Bev and agreed to meet between 8 and 9 in the morning.
“How did she seem Ray?”
“A little reserved. Almost a mixture of excitement and caution. Hard to pin it down. I guess being alone these past few years was difficult, and then come along the Sunn’s and the whirlwind of life was again upon her. I think she will be alright. I guess it’s an emotional time for her and maybe she needs some reassurances. She told me she liked Susan and that she was a good choice Uncle.”
“Go on.” I said. “Edwin’s got dinner ready at 6.15 for 6.30. Can you change in time?”
“Try me. And yes, a sparkler would be welcome Uncle Jack.”
Edwin had done the usual amazing preparation. Susan arrived at 6.13 wearing a traditional Korean hanbok that Edwin had layed out for her, complete with instructions on how to fit and tie the front bow. We men wore an assortment that was a bit ill fitting, but who cared. Edwin wore traditional butler apparel, I had a now-old traditional Korean suit, similar looking to a Chinese jacket, while Ray, well Ray was modern all the way to the pointed shoes, slightly pleated trousers and dark maroon velour waistcoat over a sheer black shirt. Well. It was his birthday.
Edwin played the part of a maître d'hôtel to perfection. He had tall flutes of sparkling wine ready to refresh each of us. We were all present, and I persuaded Edwin to also take a glass.
It was time for me to speak, “Ray. Happy birthday. May your shadow never grow less, and may we wish you every happiness and joy that life can bring you. Cheers.”
We sipped and chatted as Edwin quietly but unperturbed, rearranged our dinner area. On a large round table he had placed an equally large lazy Susan turntable at its centre, upon which sat a gas fired grill. Also on the table were trays of sliced vegetables including shitake mushrooms, marinated seafoods, as well as some chicken. Rice had already been cooked and waited in covered bowls. Pickles and kimchi, both made to perfection by Edwin in the previous weeks, also awaited us.
Edwin was in his element, and we were in his theatre. It seemed as if nothing was any bother, when he announced, “Tonight we celebrate another special day in the life of Master Ray. I am your chef and sommelier this evening. I have chosen a selection of dry white wines, as well as a shiraz and cabernet merlot which I trust will be to your liking. Madam, Sirs, shall we commence?”
Edwin was truly the master. He prepared the meal to perfection, balancing main ingredients with sauces. His h
ands showed an unhurried and unflustered flow of a professional Asian chef. He continued at a steady pace matching the rhythms of our readiness to consume. We lacked for nothing and adjourned to the outside kitchen to continue with our drinks. The sun had long set by this time, but was replaced by discreetly positioned candles that effused a pleasant soft lighting. Recent rains had set the flowering of the Angel’s Trumpets coinciding with today. The result, a garden filled with floral perfumes from several cultivars of trumpet flowers which ensured that the nasal tract taste buds joined the palate’s taste buds in a full range of sensation. It seemed an amazingly balanced way to appreciate a red wine’s subtlety. A perfect way to close an evening of celebration. I thanked Edwin again for all he had done, again wished Ray a happy birthday, and said good night to all.
To Susan, I said, “Thank you for sharing today. When you are ready Edwin will happily escort you to your room. But please stay and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. I bid you farewell until tomorrow.” I extended my hand, and she hers.
“It is I who thank-you Jack. Thank-you.” And she lightly kissed me on the cheek.
Sleep came quickly. I was soon onboard a submarine again, with a sailor yelling at me, “Wet floor. Watch out.” And I slipped and fell. Blackness, extended blackness, followed by dreams of power shortages, storms, fires, guests and reunions, more blackness, and I woke in the middle of the night startled, sweating, but also realizing I was back home at Sunnybank. No need to relive all this I thought. Or is there a message in there that I have not fully realized yet? I had no way of telling. Go back to sleep Jack. Sleep and rest.
The following morning Ray was up and gone before I had a chance to say good morning. Edwin, bless his soul had prepared a cut fruit salad for Susan and myself. Usual top quality fruit and presentation, comprising papaya, pineapple and passionfruit. All done and left in the kitchen for us to help ourselves. I made spiced tea, black tea with cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, and sat down for a restful start to the day.