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Placid is not an attractive word.  It is non-descript.  It is not a word that evokes strong emotions.  It evokes an even keel; keeping calm in a storm.  Michael was always calm even-tempered, easy going.  Nonchalant.

 

Michael did not have a care in the world.

 

*

**

 

Michael had nothing to care about.  His past and his future was secured.

 

Michael had just had a meeting with Dr Gibbons.  Dr Gibbons worked in Harley Street which was expensive, extravagant even.  However, Michael Maizey could afford the fees.  Dr Gibbons was used to being the harbinger of bad news and he always did his deliveries with professionalism and aplomb.  He credited himself on these attributes.  Dr Gibbons had become adjusted to the various reactions of his patients and had provided himself with immunity from the emotional response but even Dr Gibbons was somewhat taken aback by the reaction of Michael Maizey. 

 

*

**

 

Told to put his estate in order, Michael simply smirked.  Not the usual reaction of an elderly man. 

 

Michael did intend to put his estate in order. 

 

*

**

 

If it had been a musical, Michael would have appeared to trip the light fantastic, because this morning Michael was certainly light on his feet.  So, he strolled to his solicitor’s office without a care, with almost a spring in his step.

 

*

**

 

Derek Gilson was a sombre man.  He was a factual man, he dealt with facts and not emotions.  So, despite the gaiety of Michael Mazey’s mood, Derek Gilson was just the man for the job; Michael needed a man to get the job done.  There was to be no asking of questions.

 

The job was done and Michael Maizey walked away from the offices with a spring in his step.

 

Job done.

 

Anger abated.

 

*

**

 

Michael Maizey had just written his last Will and Testament.

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