Al Norris

The one thing I disliked about this story was that we never got to find out what happened to Andy Thompson or Jacko (aka Red). Regardless, in my imagination, we have a HEA ending. Thank you Mark for giving us a glimpse of the changing life of small-town Australia.

A couple of comments alluded that this could come back and bite Alex in the ass. I can see that, should JJ wish it. Consider: JJ tells the Court (and press) how Alex was there watching the many times when JJ had sex with Mary Ellen. And how it was Mary Ellen who said JJ could continue to have intercourse with her as long as JJ let Alex have sex with him... While she watches! Not that I think Mark would use that scenario. Yet I could see JJ being that vindictive. You have to admit that it would really screw with things in their Happy Marriage. Now, it's 0530 here in the Intermountain West and I'm out of popcorn!

The Zach/Will breakup didn't happen the way I thought it might. This is Okay though, it is much better. Means more drama between them. I still want to know if Wade will let it slip that he knew Mary Ellen was going to cook JJ's goose. I never liked Alex. With the Crap about Wade and Mary Ellen, I have no use for him. Interesting thought about ABC being involved but I still think it is Elizabeth. Mary Ellen doesn't hold a candle to her mother. I do wonder how much further the Brad stuff goes! With as many chapters as there are for this segment of CAP, there must be all kinds of stuff going on. Not just the breakups!

So Brad begs off of his and Will's weekend lovefest with what Brad thinks is a plausible excuse. Only Will knows Brad well enough to know he is lying. So what's Brad really up to? As I see it 1) Brad makes another excuse for the next weekend. 2) They meet the next weekend and Brad announces they need condoms. Either way, Will will know that Brad shined him on. What that might do to their "relationship" only Mark knows. But I suspect this chapter is the start of their failed relationship. I see only a few comments that directly implicate Elizabeth Danfield. While the "marriage" of Alex and Mary Ellen can be repaired, JJ is now out of the equation. JJ must now find the means to not get kicked out of the USFSA (ED has set this up to destroy JJ's career). Then there is the skewed attack on the entire Crampton-Schluters family (ED wants that destroyed also). God help Wade if Will discovers that Wade knew of Mary Ellen's plan to get rid of JJ and never said a word to anyone about it. Wade's money is a drop in the bucket compared to Brad whose own wealth is a drop to Stef! Of course, that also means that Elizabeth will get destroyed. Heck, Nanna might even help Will against Wade (perhaps enough to teach him a lesson) and Alex. Does anybody notice how many Black Widows are running around? LOL!!!

I agree that to the extent it is SOP. I would also argue that JP has almost shown who will be the Family leader in the unforeseen future.

LOL! It was never a spoiler for me. Zach has always put football ahead of anything and anyone. Doomed from the start. The only thing I have been waiting for is how and when it falls apart.

This is delicious! Such a good prologue and first chapter that even Tim was riled up! As usual. LOL!

It sounds like things may be escalating in Thompsonville! That's the hope, anyway.

I have enjoyed this chapter in the Saga of CAP. It has ended well in honoring Robbie, and to a lessor extent, Matt. I have to get some work done before I start on the next story of CAP. Just wanted to thank your talent, Mark.

At last! I'm glad that JJ clued Alex in on Mary Ellen's plans. We will have to wait to see what happens in that regard. I am still ticked off at Wade for not saying anything to at least JJ. I loved the practical joke that Will played on Brad. It serves Brad right. In case everyone forgot, What was said at the condo was said in front of JP. So I can certainly see why JP said nothing to Will about it.

I simply love how back in Chapter 46, ME lets Wade know how she is going to get rid of JJ. Wade says nothing about this to either JJ or Alex. Here, ME blithely tells JJ what's going to happen as soon as the baby arrives. Wade knows. Mary Ellen knows. JJ now knows. Alex is in the blind. I can see why JJ has not said anything. He thinks he is smarter than ME. But I wonder why Wade did not say anything to JJ or Alex at the start.

I cannot see how JJ is going to be there on the wedding night or the honeymoon (should that be in separate places). That gives plenty of time for ME to work JJ out of the picture. 😡

Mwaaahh! [rubs hands together] Battle of the Bitches! Bring It!!!

This may be a case of "be careful of what you ask for. You might get it!"

This is what I figured would happen. My only difference was that I thought she would go after Matt again. It was fortuitist (for ME) that Alex came along. I would almost bet that ME would love to have broken up Wade and Matt's partnership. But with Alex there, well becoming part of British Royalty would enhance her ego even more. At this point, Alex has very little choice but to marry ME and fulfill his familial duty. Regardless, the entire thing leaves JJ out of the loop and he knows it. Depending upon his actual mental state, even a 2-inch blade can kill you.

I would have thought that Brad figured this out long before 9/11 and he lost Robbie. What do I know? I couldn't admit that I was gay until I was 70! And I'm guessing that this takes place at Goodwell... Hmm, I wonder how JJ is going to react when EM announces how good a lover Alex was...

Oh Hell! Arsen? What the hell is he doing there? How the hell did he get mixed up in this shit?

It's exactly how case law is developed. You have a law of which a part may be vague or ambiguous. It gets taken to court, and the court defines the terms. I suppose Wade would understand...

That's what I thought it was but I wasn't sure. So I claimed ignorance!

I think we all know that at the Thanksgiving table, EM will (not so subtly) let everyone know that she enjoyed Alex's time with her. I wonder what JJ will say or do? Will that be before or after Alex pops his cherry? I do keep wondering about the Jekyl/Hyde behavior Alex displays when having sex with JJ. It is a complete reversal from when he was doing Wade and Matt. I completely understand why Wade is permitting Matt to um, play around, while in Australia. I'm thinking that Matt may give in if he gets too snockered. Just based on past behavior. Yet, I also understand that Wade is also telling Matt he doesn't trust him. It's a double-edged sword. I hope that Matt can remain faithful but I doubt it. Surprise me, Mark.

While almost everyone is saying crap about what is wrong with Zach and Wally, I'd rather focus on why Will and Zach as a couple is doomed. In the very first part of this chapter, Zack is thinking this: Not even Will can fight that.

From what little I (think I) know about Aussie police is that they are assigned an area. Unless it is a large metro area, they most likely never grew up in the towns they serve.

Has anyone given a thought that perhaps Alex has sought professional help after being confronted by Wade over his supposed Madonna Syndrome? It would perhaps explain some of Alex's responses to JJ.

Gads! From reading stories about the British legal system and other Australian stories, I sometimes wish our American system was as fast and efficient! Still, it looks like Andy Thompson will get his comeuppance. Hopefully, there's a camera that captured Red and his handiwork. That would make Matt's day and give us a Twofer!

Or the 40 or 50-something woman who takes a 20-something male paramour? -- Lordy do people get bent over that! I feel sorry for Will. Despite the best of intentions, this love for Zach is doomed as long as Zach's primary goal is to be in the NFL.