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Will going to Brad and Robbie's room was wonderful. It shows that Will was sorry and not just saying he was sorry. It also showed that Robbie and Brad really forgave him. You could feel the love! Tony is also the walking wounded. I think him being with Will and the gang is helping him find out who and what he is. Last is the changing relationship between the brothers. I don't think Darius has understands the changes yet, but him will. I think the best thing is we can see Will growing up. Maybe now with the help of his whole family we will see what he truly can become. I have a feeling the whole family will and proud and amazed at the fine young man that he is. Thank Mark and wonderful chapter and I have given almost all your chapters the five stars they deserve.

After reading chapter 37 a few times, I finally got it. Maybe I'm a Hayes too. Everybody though it was the money or the stuff, but it was something much more important, Why? Why did Will do this? Once Will opened up and told Robbie why. He understood. I think that the Why was so important that, now Robbie and Will can resume they relationship. Unlike Will and Brad, I don't think this one needs to be rebuild. Both Will and Robbie are more than willing to forgive. Another thing that struck me was Will's plan to stay at Escorial rather than return home. I am not sure if Will would have thought of Robbie and Brad's relationship, before himself but now he was willing to sacrifice his relationship with his Dad, for Brad and Robbie's. That says a lot for a 14yo. Not the selfish brat, anymore? Will is growing up. I think all three of them (Will, Brad, and Robbie) will have a closer, better and more solid relationship than they ever had.

Well Mark, my response to chapter 37, can be stated in one word, AWESOME!!! Sometimes you almost give up on people like I did with Robbie and then they give me renewed hope. Thanks Mark!!

When Mark writes his stories he is dealing with life and in trying to make those characters real, he has added that spark that make them so real. Some of us could consider it a soul. My back ground was that on Sunday morning there was no question what to do. Going to church was not a duty, but a joy. Thankfully it still is. Back to the point, what draws us to those stories? Because they reflect life and people we can relate to. Even though the Cap guys and George are richer than most of us, they still have the same needs, desires, want as all the us. Their love of life is the same as ours. They maybe screwed up but that makes them even more real.

Maybe just maybe the Wilcox's will move their attention to George's brother when they both return to the Indies. When I think of the 15yo kid who first went to sea it seems so long ago and see what he has done I can hardly believe it. All those years ago the Earl had his doubts if his son could be a warrior was he too kind? But George has that combination by kindness and bravery that makes him who he is. I think that is why we love him so much. At first I looked to this story with trepidation. George has been in some tight spots in the past but this one seems like it would be worse. When Mark thought of naming this story Mutiny it is almost unbelievable that something like this would happen to George and his crew. So when it was changed to Odyssey, I was relieved. As we begin this adventure, the can see George sailing into the unknown. So many questions, so much uncertianly. But knowing George it will be a great journey full of dangers, surprises, and hopefully something that George needs love. Thank you again for your unbelievable ability to take us into the lives of these wonderful characters.

There are many things that are bad about getting old and one is waking up in the middle of the night. This Sunday morning, the thunder woke me up. As I was thinking about this last chapter (36) another story came to mind. Only a few times has religion come up here, but the last part of this chapter reminds me of the Prodigal Son. As in the story the youngest son (Will) leaves home taking his father's money with him and goes to a far away place. Then the son decides to return. The father (Brad) sees his son (Will) from a far off (surfing) and he runs to him and embraces him and welcomes him (Will) home. A powerful image! In the biblical story there is another son, the old brother who is not happy that his younger brother has returned. Is Robbie or Darius that older brother? I hope not. I think as Stefan said Robbie is upset with Will but underneath the anger is love and forgiveness. What moves me the most about this story, well really both of them are these few things. First we never know how much we have until we lose it. Second, the important things in life are not possessions, but people, people we love. The last is forgiveness. It is sometimes one of the hardest lessons in life but one of the most important. Mark as the master story teller, has shown us the importance of these lessons in the lives of these characters and if I can say it, in ours too.

If anyone deserves two birthdays, it is Mark! I wish you all the happiness and joy you have given us over the years.Happy Birthday.

I doubt, really doubt, if Mark could have had a better reunion between Brad and Will. Long ago, Roger taught Brad how to surf. It became Brad's passion and his sport ever since. He passed the love for surfing to Will. It is something they share. During this whole time, I was worried just like Brad and Stef something bad would happen to Will. Thankfully, it didn't happen. Will is home and safe. There still is a whole to do, but the beginning of healing has begun. I agree with Stef that once Robbie and Will talk things will get back to normal. Brad once said that Robbie would over look being hurt himself, but heaven help the person who would attack his family. Though out all this I believe that Brad, Robbie and Will have learn a few things: that even after all that has happened the really love each other and maybe they all have grown up a little bit too. Image that!

Brad's email, his talking from the heart, that brought tears to my eyes. Perfection is this world is rarely found. It think we have found it here with Brad's email and Will's feelings after reading it. I think now healing is possible. Thank you so much!

Sorry I am late doing this. I thought JP's email was a little stilted. Maybe to balance out Stef's. I find it heart warming that Will and Wade are so close. The other thing I thought was funny. as Will was flying home, the guys were flying to find Will. Maybe the planes passed in the night. After reading and rereading the chapter a number of times I came to a few conclusions I am so glad Will has returned to CA. I think It was the right thing to do at the right time. It seems like Brad and Robbie did the same thing so very long ago. I am hoping that Will is now safe. He needs to call Wade and tell him he is in SC. As for Robbie and Darius I am thinking Robbie thinks of Will as Brad's son, or maybe more Brad's problem. Darius is something different, first he off at college and not directly in the situation. JJ is at the same school and lives at same house. Honestly, I think Stef was right everybody is a loser. Brad and Robbie lost stuff but much more important the relationship with their son. Will may have lost the relationship with his Dad, as he once said the most important person in his life. Years ago JP took in wayward youth (Robbie, Mouse) it seems to be Claire's turn. Above all what worried and impressed me was how Will handled himself. A 14 yo with $ 50.000 is a big target for those who prey on youth. Maybe working at the Mission paid off in a number of ways. Having someone you can trust, having your back is important. Will has a number of people who can do that for him.He know that now. Mark you did it again. Ever since Bloodlines I've thought your stories were getting better and better. This book, this story is the best so far and that is saying a lot. All those years ago you got me hooked, and never let me go. When you worry about these characters, laugh with them and cry with them says something. You've created a powerful story. Thank you for that.

Way back in the early part of Bloodlines I began to comment on Mark's stories. Over the years they have only got better. This last chapter (32) was as close to perfect as I've seen. I will tell you Wade is one of my favorite characters. He has a strength and caring spirit which comes out while his sense of fun can be seen to. In many ways he is perfect for Matt. They balance each other well. Jeff said it that people know what Wade could do, but Wade is also a honorable person. Wade will always try to do the right thing. I don't see many people who that can be said about. His pledge to Will can never be broken. I hope Will can grow up to be more like Wade. This story has raised strong feelings. Many of those feelings are reflected in how each one of us were raised or how some of us raised our children. Sometimes it's to bad parenting did not come with a hand book. It doesn't. Each parent can only try to do the best they can. I think Mark has shown us how even the closest of parents can lose control of the situation. It happens in hundreds of families throughout the country every day. Children runaway and get lost in a overloaded system. It can even happen in the best of families. Thankfully, here we have a lot of people who care a lot about Will, and his family. I feel Will will be found and reunited with his Dad. It may take time to heal, but knowing Mark it will heal. Things will not go back to how they were, but hopefully Will and Brad will be better for it. I want to thank Mark again for a great story. With great characters that are so real I've always thought you could meet on the street. Thanks again.

This maybe the last time I comment on Mark's stories. Honestly it gets me to upset. While no one is perfect, not even Mark. Even though most of us think he comes damn close. I don't understand why some people think Will can do nothing right. Some have said Will is a mouthy teenager, who doesn't listen to either parent, and is very disreceptful. I always thought that was what teenagers were. In same ways Will reminds me of one of his relatives, Tonto. She was a person who always stood up for herself and others. I am sure that some people thought of her as a pain in the a**. Over all she was a damn good mother and aunt, and great leader in the community. I hope her parents were better than Brad and Robbie have been. it is hard to understand the relationships between the three brothers: Darius, Will and JJ. Darius is four years older and some what out of the picture at this point. I think he has the easy going charm and he picked Robbie who in most cases is easy going too. Many times being the oldest is more difficult but in Darius case I think he is suited for it. That of course leaves Will and JJ. Even though Will is younger, he acts more like the older brother to JJ. I don't think brothers have to spend every minute together to be close. JJ's diva act gets to Will sometimes but I think they really love each other. When they need each other they will be there for each other. Since this maybe my last commentary, I will try to may this my best case of Will and his parents. Through out the saga up to the first part of Poor Man's Son Will and Brad have been close. Will and Jeanine have had their issues but the blame must come down of Brad. Jeanine tells Will sometime and Brad tells Will something else. Example: Will can stay home until Brad get home then he needs to go to school. Brad tells him to go surfing. Therefore Will feels he doesn't have to listen to Jeanine. It wasn't until the John, Will and Zach situation that Will and Brad had any problems. Part of that is again Brad's fault, he always must know everything that is going on. Brad and Will have the heart to heart and agree to talk things over before any actions is taken. Their relationship seems to have been restored. Then the kidnapping and rape. Will finds Roberto in Rome. They have a good time. Brad takes Robbie home and leaves Will with JP and Stef. I personally would not have let Will go to Gay strip club at 13 yo. And if Stef would have not let him go, the pole dance would not have happen. Whose at fault Stef. At this point Brad is spending less and less time with Will. Who does Will have to talk do? To guide him? He turns to Pat and then Pat is gone. With out a word or comment from Brad. Why? Brad would be afraid of what Will would say. Brad leaves Will alone without anyone to guide him. Wade is 400 miles away. JJ is into his skating. Brad and Robbie are too busy to care. Remember Will and Brad were once so close. Will was thought of Brad's clone. Will thought that his Dad would always be there for him. Now his was gone. Not only that but his Dad had broken his promises. The person who Will thought would always have his back was gone. What can he do? He sees himself drowning. First he tries to speak up. Call Brad and Robbie on their broken promises. What do they do reject him over and over again. Then they declare war on him. What parent declares war on their own child? What parent? So he hits back. For rejecting him. Then he leaves. Runs away. It is the only thing he can see to do, after he has been beaten by that child molester which his father picked to take care of him. I ask you that kind of parent would do that? Yes Will has make some foolish mistakes, but are they worth being beaten for? I think not. Who here has not make mistakes that they would have wanted not to have done? It is worth losing your son just to be obeyed? Who here would risk braking your child's spirit just to be obeyed? Will is not a bad kid. He needs guidance. That is what parents should do. Not have their children beaten.

Chapter 32 was, is outstanding! Stef was impressive! He layed almost all of the blame on Brad. Where it belongs. Will is not his enemy Will is his son. Stef was right on. They have never dealt with the kidnapping and rape. They removed Pat without a word to Will. They hire Martin who beats the crap out of Will. All these are facts. Unquestioned facts. Not the best track record in parenting. Whose fault? Brad! If you don't believe that read this chapter again. I am hoping Stef, JP and Wade will be able to find Will before any more will happen. How would Brad feel if Will decides to live at Paly instead of Malibu. I'm not sure if I could trust them again if it was me. If the question is who is the bad parent or who is the bad child? Brad wins as the bad parent hands down. If you doubt that read chapter 32 again. I used to think Brad was a pretty good guy. No more. Just like I thought Robbie was a kind and loving good guy. Not any more! The only thing I can say thank God for Stef!

I don't think I have ever loved Stef more. Both him and Wade were wonderful! The sense of problems, that something was wrong first by Wade and then by Stef was right on. They make a good team. No DA or lawyer could have presented the case better. It takes one's breath away. Stef was beyond great. Mark, you have again brought this story to new heights. Words can not express how good this is! Again you have brought these characters to life with their passion and your skill.

I was reading the other posts. Will and Brad were kidnapped and Will was raped in Paris. That was not Will's fault. Over the last few stories a few things I don't understand. The first one was in Poor Man's Son: After Gathan stopped Brad's assassination, it was like nothing happened. Jeanine acted like it didn't happen. Brad could have died! I would think that would have effected Will. Next Will was kidnapped and raped in Paris. I not sure if anyone has been kidnapped and raped but to me that would have been trammatic for a 14 yo kid. Look how it screwed up Robbie and still effects him years and years later. Would it not effect Will too? If you look at Will's behavior after the kidnapping and rape, pole dance, college party, etc. even the mouthing off could that be effected by the rape? If I can see this why can't Brad and Robbie. They both have been abused. This is not a foreign concept. What have they done over and over again. Blaming Will rather than trying to solve the problem. Now what do they do, Brad is too busy to spend time with his troubled son. Robbie once the kind loving generous guy, now has no time for Will. The only one who is there for Will, Pat is taken away with not a word. Will is crying out for help and either Brad or Robbie will listen. Wade trys to talk to Brad about it and is dismissed. Even Stef is sidelined. How can anyone, anyone after all this say it's all Will fault? I don't agree with a lot of things that Will has done but don't Brad and Robbie have any responciblity here? They are blameless. No! If they would have taken the time to listen and help Will a lot of this would not have happened. They are too busy. If you are a parent you can never be too busy. I hope the family ( JP, Stef, Wade and Claire) can show Brad and Robbie the right way to be a parent. Before it is too late.

Wow. Once another explosive chapter. I feel that Will did go to far. However the brainless couple need to understand what they have done. How could after the rape in France brought this person into Will 's life? If Brad was really worried about Pat. How could he ever do this? He created this problem with his indifference. Shame on you Brad! You and Robbie don't deserve to be parents. At this point I am not sure if rhey deserve to be called human beings. I am fed up with both of them. Will needs to live with people that care about him not these two. Brad and Robbie seem to only thing about themselves. No parent would just leave his child with a stranger a.d then leave of four days. No parent who really cares would do that. Maybe Brad and Robbie should be charged with child endangerment. Sorry Mark but this really upsets me. One can only be thankfull that Will is a very smart kid. If not God only knows what would have happen.

What a pleasant surprise! Looks like things are working out for George. He is falling in love with his new ship, He has two officers. One old, one new. The beginning of a new crew and now a meeting with the king. Will it be Lord George? The only thing that bothers me is the new crewman. Is he going to be trouble? Also the idea of transporting his brother back to England, while bringing Arthur one to the East Indies. Does Mark still have the Idea of a mutiny. I am hoping Winkler and most of his old crew will come along. I think Roby is loyal to. I guess the question is will George's luck hold out? The problem with having only one main character is Mark can't kill him off and continue the story. George is too young to die! Close calls however are add to the adventure. It is so good to have George back. I have missed him a lot! Thanks Mark.

Chapter 29 and 30 were wonderful until the end of chapter 30. Robbie and Brads reaction to Will's flask were over the top. Maybe that article about Brad being a saint has gone to his head. Both Robbie and Brad have killed people of had people killed. Both Robbie and Brad have used illegal drugs and drank a lot in high school. Robbie and Brad both were sluts with many different people in high school. The only thing that they not guilty of the mouthing off to their parents. That is true of Robbie but not of Brad. Robbie and Brad ran away twice. As JP said Brad was the hardest to raise. I hope Will runs away. Maybe to Santa Cruz or Paly. I wonder how long it would take Robbie and Brad he was gone. When they finally find him explain to the family why he felt he had to run and why it take so long. Maybe at dinner at Escorial.

Robbie thinks the war is over. Boy is he wrong! Brad thinks he is always right. He is going to fall. Has he forgotten all about his past. Would Brad have done the same thing? HA Ha in a heart beat. Soon JP, Wade and Stef will be forced to intervene. If that happens Brad will not be happy. He will find himself and maybe Robbie alone and rejected by the whole family. It is not right to declare war on your own son. It is time to take Brad down a peg or two. I am burning my I love Brad card!

For some time I have wondered where is the kind and lovable Robbie and Brad who once was more than willing to die for his son. The question is did someone take them away and put those two characters who are so clueless, so dumb, so brainless in their place? In my book they get the most worthless parents of the year award. Remember this come from me a former Bradophile.

The old saying is you never miss something until you don't have it. I've missed George. He playfulness and his spirit of adventure. No one reading could help but want to be there him him sailing around the world. I wish him a safe journey and a better homecoming next time. Thanks Mark for continuing the store.

That thought makes me cringe. I have been rereading the saga starting with the Land Whore. In doing so I am trying to see the difference between Brad and Will. If you take out the kidnapped and rape, the pole dance I don't think you see much difference. In fact, Brad was worse. The idea of Brad turning into his mother is almost unthinkable. Sparing the rod does not spoil the child. This will hurt both of them. What is my greatest worry is that the bond between father and son could be broken. That would be tragic. I have never had children. I wish I would have. At this point it is much to late, but I know the bond between father and son is sacred, precious, something that is worth more then all the wealth in the world. If these characters were real, I would tell them wake up look what you could lose!

I thought this last chapter is one of those feel good chapters. It is nice to see Matt and Wade share Sean. In some ways I miss the drama with Will. He is one of those single minded people. Two things bother me. One is the people here who think Will is nothing but a spoiled brat. I would agree with Mark that he is just being a teenager. Maybe some people here had forgotten how hard that can be. Will is a gay 14yo. He's out. He is trying to find his way. He is going to make mistakes. The second is part of the story. I do not understand Brad and Robbie's reaction to the situation. Their reaction to Will doesn't seen to fit the people they are. Even Wade can't understand why they don't understand the situation. They also seem not to be listening to anyone. Not Stefan or Wade. It's like they have forgotten all the stunts they did while growing up. I hope they wise up before things get really bad. Brad was not the prefect kid. It is time he becomes a better father. I thought ever since the kidnapping Brad and Will's relationship has been strained. If you look most of Will's over the top behavior happened after that. Who here can blame him. Who here has been kidnapped and not had some reprocussions. Remember he's is only a 14yo kid and Brad is the adult, or is he?

I wonder what Mark will say about that.

Family problems are never a good thing to deal with. First you have two very strong minded people, Brad and Will. Both have been hurt. It seems like a while back Brad and Will talked about this very subject. Brad said that he would talk to Will about things which effect Will's life before he did any thing. If Will did not agree Brad would lay out his reasons and so would Will. However, Brad has chosen to rule of degree. He has not come to Will and talked it over with him as he promised. As he promised! Brad has broken the agreement. Not Will. Matt said Brad has the power. That is true, but for how long? Four years. Will is not perfect, he has pushed, and pushed and pushed. Many people think too far and too much. But Will is a 14yo kid. The question is: is Brad acting any better? A parents role is to guide their children. Part of that is protection but not too the point of servitude. If things don't improve, maybe Will needs to move to Paly like he planned at first. Would that make Brad happy? or Will? No it wouldn't and what is worse, far worse, Brad would have lost his son. And Will his father. That is something so sad I do not want to think about it. To much could be lost. Therefore somebody who has the power to calm both parties and bring them to the table must come forth. Who is that person? Stef? JP? Wade?