Previously Mastermind had taken a quick trip back to Wellington, New Zealand, to spend a little bit of time with his finance Maria, and also sort out some business matters.

After a great night of sex Maria had woken up to find Mastermind had left. It was the first time he had left.

We met David McKay for the first time. He was the owner of McKay Towers which he owned, and he had business dealings with Mastermind. It was here that we learned that Mastermind handed back a company to David after working together for years, but they did not discuss what it was about, only that Mastermind did not want it coming back to him. We are still learning plenty about Mastermind and his past.

And now to the final part of A Quick Trip Home.

Mastermind sat down with Jeremy Boxall, his new Financial Adviser now that Jack Armstrong died in the crash. He had been Jack's assistant for the last few years, and had often sit in different types of meetings with him.

"So before we make it official with our signatures, is there anything you would like to ask me?"

Jeremy looked at the contract, and then at another piece of paper.

JEREMY: "No sir, it looks all good."

"You seem a little perplexed, what is it?"

Jeremy looked over the page, and then back at the first page.

JEREMY: "I'm in charge of all the finances of all these companies?"

"Correct, but each time a decision has to be made, I am the final signature. It depends on whether I say yes or no to what happens."

JEREMY: "I understand that, I had seen Mr. Armstrong work in those conditions, I am confident that I can provide you with the best service."

"Great, so what's the issue?"

JEREMY: "It maybe nothing, but the only thing that Mr. Armstrong took care on his own without me or anyone else, is a project he liked to keep secret. I've seen the name of the project a few times, but it's not on this list."

Mastermind semi smiled.

"That's because it was his project, that he liked to combine while working for me. I had spoken to him several times about it, because I felt that he was too wrapped up in it, and my fear was that he would use my name in particular to make sure it would have good growth potential. The reason it's not on the list is because it's not my company. So whatever he did with it, that was on him."

JEREMY: "Fair enough."

Mastermind studied Jeremy. He seemed to accept that reply.

"Any more issues?"

JEREMY: "That's all there was. I'm happy now."

Mastermind smiled, then he signed the papers, and passed them across to Jeremy, who signed his signature. He then passed them back.

"Great work Mr. Boxall, you are now officially my Financial Officer. I'm expecting big things from you."

They stood up and shook hands.

"I hope I make you proud."

"I know you will. You need a number two, so when I get back next week, I'll find a number two for you."

"Sounds good. I better get my office sorted so I can get on with things. Good luck against Maverick on Monday, I'll be cheering for you."

Mastermind laughed.

"Thanks. Let me know the update of the Orion Account, once their Special Meeting has finished."

"That meeting is tonight, I'll be attending on your behalf."

"Good work."

---

Mastermind went from his business to picking up Maria, and they headed to the airport in his limo.

For most of the ride, Maria was silent. Which was very unlike her. He finally had enough and turned to face her.

"Okay Babe what's wrong?"

Maria looked out the window.

"Nothing I'm fine."

"Like hell you are, you are giving me the silent treatment. Very effective if I must say so myself."

Mastermind saw a little smile creep across Maria's face.

MARIA: "Well if you must know, since you been back, you didn't even ask if you're own father had called to enquirer to see if you were still alive, or how you were once he found out you were okay."

"So you've been in touch with him again?"

MARIA: "That's not the point and you dam well know it."

"Okay, well you know the situation with me and him. I didn't think it would matter. Someone would have told him I was fine, or he would have found out that I'm a o.k."

Maria shook her head, and continued to look out the window. Mastermind sighed.

"You know I've got a week off after Monday babe. I was planning with your help of course, to work on talking to him."

Maria looked back at Mastermind. The change in his voice meant that he was serious.

MARIA: "It's kinda hard I know, well I'm finding it hard, because I have a great relationship with my parents, so I don't know what you're feeling. I'm hanging in there."

"You know you are my rock Babe. That's why I am doing this, so that you can help see us through this."

Maria smiled and nodded.

"What else is going on? Don't tell me nothing because I can feel it."

MARIA: "The way you disappeared this morning, that was the first time you ever did that to me."

"I had a business meeting to get to."

MARIA: "But you could have woken me up, and said goodbye, instead of leaving a note, but I admit a gorgeous note."

"I was in business mode, when I'm in business mode, I tend to forget about these things. You're the first real relationship I've had in years, and I need to keep reminding myself that I need to let you in. So I am getting there."

MARIA: "I know you are trying."

"But?"

MARIA: "I want to learn about your businesses. I haven't seen them. It's a part of who you are."

"Okay, okay I hear you. How about after we get this situation with my father under control next week, I'll show you around my business. Sorry, 'our' business. After all when we get married it's about you as well."

MARIA: "I wasn't expecting that. I have my own business to take care of."

"Well I have been thinking about it for a while, it's something that I want to do."

MARIA: "We will talk more about it, when you get back from beating Maverick to smithereens. If he turns up that is."

Mastermind smiled, and lifted up his arms. Maria came cuddling into him, so for the rest of the trip to the airport, they just cuddled, and were close to one another.

Then he was off again, just to spend the weekend in the states before coming back home on Tuesday for four more days. But at least it was something, rather than nothing.