Read Ultimate Justice for Free Online Page B

Jack.
    A couple in their early forties sitting opposite started to stare in their direction and Jalli lowered her eyes.
    Then, “Jalli, Jack?” called the woman. “Is it Jalli?”
    Jalli looked up. “Kakko!” she exclaimed, pushing her chair back as Kakko came across the room. “And Tod! Whoa. It’s wonderful to see you.”
    â€œWhat brings you here?”
    â€œSame as last time,” said Jack reaching out and finding Tod’s arm. “It just seems to happen that way.”
    â€œHave you come for Pero’s retirement party tomorrow?” asked Kakko.
    â€œI g… guess so,” stammered Jack.
    â€œWhat’s happening tomorrow exactly?” asked Jalli.
    â€œThere’s a reception in the hotel tomorrow afternoon, but Mr. Pero doesn’t know about it. It’s a surprise. He thinks the suite is booked for a wedding anniversary. So mum’s the word…”
    â€œSure thing,” said Jack, “shan’t say a word,” and, turning towards the young people, said meaningfully, “will we guys…”
    Jack and Jalli introduced their children. Jalli’s friend was really delighted to discover they had named their eldest child after her. “You named her after me! That’s terrific. I’m so pleased to meet you, Kakko. Is she like me?” she asked Jalli.
    â€œIn some ways – ” Jalli began.
    â€œNo. I expect not,” broke in Kakko Smith. “I’m me. But I’m pleased to meet you.” She held out her hand and Kakko took it. Shaun and Bandi got to their feet and took Kakko’s and then Tod’s hands.
    â€œSo what’s with this?” Tod asked Jack. “This not being able to see. Is it temporary?”
    â€œOh. No,” replied Jack. “I’ve been blind for… well since about six months after we were last here. More than half my life now.”
    â€œWhat happened? If you don’t mind me asking. Sorry, I shouldn’t pry…”
    â€œNo, no!” insisted Jack. “No. Just happened during one adventure. Bit of a shock at the time. It was a salutary reminder that I’m not indestructible. And anyway I am surrounded by a wonderful family so I don’t need to see.”
    â€œHe can read our thoughts,” contributed the younger Kakko. “You only have to think of doing something you shouldn’t – well, shouldn’t according to Mum and Dad – and he knows. And he’s got ears that can hear anything!”
    â€œYeah,” agreed Shaun. “He can hear round corners!”
    â€œAnd smell,” sighed Kakko.
    Jack laughed. “I don’t know what they actually look like these wonderful children of mine but I know if they haven’t washed! Anyway they’re getting rather grown up now.”
    â€œThey are about the age you were when you were last here.”
    â€œThat is true, eighteen, sixteen and fourteen.” Kakko screwed up her nose. What secrets would her parents reveal next? They all crowded around the large table and ordered coffee and croissants.
    â€œOK, Kakko. I’m not going to say anything else. I’ll leave all the rest of your exploits up to you to tell,” said her father.
    The older Kakko exclaimed, “You really do know what they’re thinking! Impressive. I wish we had children,” she sighed, “but it just didn’t happen. Still I’m really happy for you guys.”
    â€œWhen did you marry?” asked Jalli.
    â€œA couple of years after we met you. How about you?”
    â€œAbout the same time. Jack and I were not actually together as boy and girl friend when we came here. We were just friends then. We had, kind of, just bumped into each other.”
    â€œBut it was kind of obvious you were… an item,” said the older Kakko.
    â€œNo. We weren’t at the time. We hadn’t known each other very long at all.”
    â€œYou could have fooled