Philippe

“Evidence turned in by Lady Doris’s maid,” Commander Steele said. “We’ve ran them through every test possible. The conclusion is solid. Lady Doris died of poisoning, your majesty and not childbirth, as reported. She died from poison that her maid insists was given to her by her husband, Prince Isaak.” “Why did she never say anything before?” Amethea asked, shaken, daring not to refute that Isaak was capable of murder. She knew him well enough. She had worried that his level of misdeeds would only increase, but this…murder! “Your announcement spurred the woman forward, along with three guards who have evidence of three more disappearances,” Commander Steele said. “Disappearances?” Amethea asked, a tight band of unease settling in her stomach. “High profile once, Ma’am,” Commander Steele pulled out a document with three names. “You are familiar with these names. There cases have been on the media a few years.” Amethea read the paper and closed her eyes. The names belonged to a reporter, a doctor and a volunteer working at a children’s home, each one a missing person’s case that had caused an uproar in the capital. “What kind of evidence?” she asked. “The location of their missing bodies,” Commander Steele said. “I have a discrete team working on it.”

Excellent summary and thanks for the added prospective. There’s plenty of possibilities for a bleak outcome. But with a few key players and some critical considerations I see shifting powers and some surprising ascensions possible. No need to dismiss a good theory simply because it’s not true...right? lol Likewise, would we refer to that feeling...ahem...filling...as having a custom fit, protective, Over&Under Armor suit? I’d like to be fitted!

Did Ben really mess up are is he playing with the only rules he has available to protect those he has accepted (the Cooper clan) as part of his responsibility and commitment now? Ben appears naive, and carelessly clumsy with emotional reactions, but he has also shown keen awareness of many things. He is at a better level now to perhaps understand much of what’s going on with Travis. He knows his own shortcomings and the frustration of a denied happiness, but as he is now learning to accept himself and protect what’s important him this makes him even more committed to hang on dearly. We know he has had the lawyers investigating Eric, what has he learned? He is aware of the history and the continuing manipulation by Eric. He feels this will never end legally without Travis being totally exposed and left in pieces. Travis is broken but much of that is from that loss of control and being manipulated into submissive humiliation. Travis has shown some signs of healing as he has started accepting one true love, sharing his pain, and even accepting help. But any further emotional damage inflected upon Travis may push him beyond help. So back to the situation at the hospital. Ben has very limited time to insert himself as an actual player into the chess game Eric is playing. Eric’s acceptance of the money opens that door and starts a new game. So do we accept Ben as a love sick reactionary fool (prey) or do we start to see Ben becoming more worldly and protective (predatory) enough to maneuver Eric into a position compromising and discrediting himself? I’m not giving up on Ben, nor Travis, yet. I think we may have been seeing Ben baiting and setting the hook for Eric to serve himself on the dinner platter. I’m hopeful Chef Mac will know exactly how to cook him and serve him up!

Another fantastic chapter. Somehow it seems you’re able to keep finding another box of puzzle pieces to pour out and watch with glee as we turn, twist and analyze them for the exact match that seems so familiar yet ever so elusive. Thanks again for the latest update.

Are you fanning the flames of love? lol

As many may have noticed I’ve been “Benge” reading this wonderful love.suspence.drama.romance story. While you, droughtquake, were surprised by the notification for the chapter I unknowingly arrived at the bottom of the chapter wondering WHY my next chapter button was not loading for advancing to the next. Well I did include suspense in the description...I hope it doesn’t require editing to add horror/triller to explain the emotions leading me to chapter 30! lol For Mac: Thank you so much for not only your wonderful story, but for also joining in more in-depth discussions of story line and associated character personalities. It’s a joy to share this story and discussion with everyone here.

I understand the frustration and it’s very difficult to bring the correct focus to any issues these days without that issue being used as political leverage. I grew so frustrated with the tangent issue of our foster and child protective services system. I went through many hours of training over a period of months just to become a mentor. Only to find the system doesn’t really like outsiders within their domain. The system is terrible. Kids don’t get parental guidance or hugs. They get the police called if they voice frustration or talk back; maybe spending the night in juvenile detention because it’s after hours. Yet, the contractors don’t want to truly find homes for kids, temp or permanent, because the system pays best for occupancy. Single adults, gay couples, even the stereotypical perfect couple may be deemed too old, too limited resources, or a health risk of shorter than average lifespan; therefore all incapable of providing a loving home and a friendly supportive adult that may even be willing to hug them and love them as the children they are. The kids are removed from violent abuse and neglect from bad parents, but when they become part of the system they are still subjected to neglect and at that age it is abuse of a long protracted nature; until the majority age out at 18, with no career, no transportation or license, no educational guidance or support, and little money. No surprise to find that these kids have terrible statistics for education, crime, incarceration, and mental health issues. So I don’t say this to detract from one problem for another, or to try and tie them together, but to acknowledge that we as a society need true grass roots attention and solutions for real life issues. The power of the news media and investigative reporting has failed us, abandoned us, for the sensationalized and polarizing politics. We need to demand more of them and our existing agencies need accountability. Monies are wasted on problems be managed to be perpetual versus managed for solutions. My two cents. Sorry to get on my soapbox. lol

Thank you for sharing and putting the previous comments in context. A person without the ability to care for themselves can be given unlimited resources and still be unable to properly care for themselves. I don’t believe the representation of droughtquake as not caring is within the context of HOW to best help them. A proper, responsible party or agency should be the focus; not a guilty contribution to a person unable to manage themselves or their environment

Correction

Post removed

I believe Ben was counting on that recognition as a key to his bluff or should I say gamble. Who is or is not wanting attention and who can bring it? and who is willing to accept the the relationship implications of all parties in full public splendor? Therefore, I also believe Ben just made a huge deposit into the Travis Bank and Trust partnership!

Definitely goal driven but Travis did have that strong family bond especially with dad.Then add his determination to show he will not let the judgers keep him from his original dream; even if dad is gone. I believe he stills has faith that dad would have stood with him like mom has.

Given that Ben and Bryan haven’t even talked since his return and he’s being shutout it’s still very much understandable how Ben can perceive the judgement; honesty in communication can only be judged once it has occurred or been attempted.

Remind us of ourselves past and present; it definitely allows one to reflect in a sorta third person way...

So true!

I concur on the hot springs. I haven’t done those in Colorado but many in Japan have made me a believer!

I’m not trying to justify his actions but to highlight the differences of the role reversals. No one has mentioned the full impact of her actions against him. That in itself needs some attention in modern society. To be perfectly honest assault, whether verbal or physical is very serious and inexcusable; especially when sexual. The level of sexual assault he has already endured is inexcusable and repeated now. At her age, blackmail is likewise a serious crime especially for a public figure of his exposure. His initial response from the latest physical and sexual assault (rape in some jurisdictions for unwanted hands on naked genitalia) was restrained but then she escalated to the blackmail threats and he became physically defensive and threatening; as now his life and career were threatened. But then restraint and maturity found balance. Not unrealistic... However, her age and sex does not place the burden totally on him alone, and in many states in the US, her actions could be tried in court as an adult. His resulting actions were wrong, but the notion of society to excuse the initial verbal assaults and provocations against men and for men to not report them until boiling over into resulting physical violence in is a significant problem for men. So my point is that we as men also need to recognize when we are victimized and realize that the “me to” movement is not a one sex privilege to find justice. I’m truly enjoying this story,. For the context and complexity of the story this issue is very realistic too. Thanks for giving us this opportunity to enjoy your work!

I’m so glad your story was featured in the opening banner upon opening my web page; this brought my attention to your wonderful story. I’ve only now completed the first in the series of Perry and Jesse but find myself captivated to the raw emotions of discovery and budding love. I can only hope more readers will follow the banner to discover this wonderful tale. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

This whole relationship is like a very expressive song; not only the lyrics but the music too reflects the tormented condition. 🎶 One step closer to the edge, I’m about o break! 🎶 … Everything you say to me Takes me one step closer to the edge And I'm about to break I need a little room to breathe… Song by Linkin Park

Hmmm....making her the “First” See You Next Tuesday; worthy of special/high recognition as the #1. Thanks to DaBeagle for giving us the comic relief needed to deal with Tyson’s mom.

I don’t know what brought this story to my attention but I’m thrilled to have found it. Please keep up the hard work of developing this story for the exciting journey it promises to deliver. Philippe

So sorry to hear of your decision to end this story. It is a wonder start to a coming of age story of love. This brings back some personal memories but more importantly lets the good in people answer the needs of others before desperation and despair bring disaster. Thank you for sharing your tale.

Wow! Too many emotions to process from a wonderfully written creation of love, tragedy, and commitment. I’m so happy to see the family strength, and sorry to loose that family so quickly. It makes me feel that we climbed the mountain but were unable to stay long enough to enjoy the magnificent view. Thank you for the journey! Max will still need much love and support as he deals with life’s special challenges beyond his youth and the well managed environment he’s been lucky to share with Louis and Don. I hope that we may yet see a sequel as Max develops from a young man to a young adult with experience, sensitivity and awareness beyond his years.

Your stories and the journey you take us on are amazing! I’m not normally an avid reader but anyone observing me reading your stories would find me captivated. I too may have used the expression of it takes too long between chapters, but would explain that as a restless anticipation for the next step in this involved journey you’re able to develop. So in that sense, I beg of you, please accept that hasty expression as a true compliment. I will definitely be waiting for the next installment of this adventure! Until then, I re-read the previous chapters or revisit your other stories to gleam a better understanding of those complexities you weave throughout your books. Thank you so much for the commitment and dedication you put forth and share for our entertainment. Philippe

LoL, poet I’m not, but perhaps it was unique enough to bring forth a smile or a chuckle; too small and humble a reward for the entertainment your stories provide but a sincere thanks none the less. I have truly enjoyed the series thus far and look forward to it’s continuation.