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You already know my answer to your questions. Yes this was emotional. Yes this added to my understanding of Will, my empathy for Will, and a touch of the over-riding force sucking Will into its power and control. This was good. I wasn't sure I would like this side trip, but I really did. Thanks.

This short story is a perfect example of why I love to year your writing. You have a prosecutor's mind, well organized, direct yet succinc, with enough detail to entertain and keep my interest. Like I said, I am ready for more of this story when you are. What I don't understand is how you have the time to do it all. Multiple stories and a full time baby job -- wow. Concrats of this publication. Thanks.

A wonderful chapter, well written, but sad. Sad for Cooper and Spencer. Sad for Cooper and the kids. Sad for Cooper and Chase, which Morgan truly did a number on at least Cooper and possibly Chase. Sad for Cooper and Kyle. I was also depressed about Bass' response at the dinner, almost like he was not there for Cooper, Kyle or even Spencer. I hope things turn upward sometime for Coop.

I have followed this story since the beginning. I look for it regularly. One accident is enough! Don't take out Charlie or Scott! The family has endeared themselves to me. Thanks.

Is Cooper really getting his life under control? Or is this just another twist of the knife before reality sets in? I come from the Cooper/Kyle camp, shifted to the Cooper/Chase camp, then back to Cooper/Kyle, and now I am back to the Cooper/Chase camp. I don't think my heart can ta ke too many more flip flops and still survive. I think I need to have the pacemaker battery recharged before the next chapter. I really liked this chapter, especially after the last chapter kept me guessing on whether Coop was going to be alone permanently. Thanks!!!!!!

Andy, the anticipation leading to the epiloge was unbearable. I have been checking daily now for a week. As usual, you did a wonderful job. The style, the content, the right emotions came through. I had sympathy for Jordan up until this Chapter. His attorney or his family did a great diservice to him with his approach to his mitigation statement. He finally came though as being an unfeeling, unrepentant, and arrogant psychopath. I feel sorry for the lengh of the sentence, but Peter was spot on! Too lenient would open the doors for others, but the sentence give my Milton was just right to set the tone for future sentences for others. Milton's sentencing was great, and it was clear from his approach that he was expecting an appeal, and created a record to withstand the appeal. I am sad to see this come to an end. I hope you will reconsider as you sit rocking Baby Q about doing something soon to continue this story. I feel a sense of loss already. Best wishes to your family for the holidays. GR

And how about Matt and Andy? Have they flipped in their sexuality? Will Matt have someone to turn to? Oh, the questions that remain, and stir my emotions. As always, such a good chapter. Thanks.

What a terrible title for this chapter. I kept waiting for the axe to fall, and have Coop loose his kids, Chase, his job, and all of his friends! I finally took a breath at the end of the Chapter, but I am still not sure whether to sigh in relief or just hope for the best. The fight with Morgan was classic, and something that Chase needed to see. I think it adds credibility to Coop and Chase over Coop and Kyle. Welcome back.

A sad ending to the trial for everyone. Even though the guilty verdict vindicates Peter's attack, and will lead to punishment for Jordan, neither of them truly will be better because of this. Peter will likely suffer at least emotionally if not physically as well for likely the remainder of his life, it is also questionable whether Jordan will recognize what he did as wrong, and accept the consequence of his actions. You did a wonderful job of portraying the courtroom and the verdict scene. The emotion of the trial was gone. The somber tone of the verdict came through. Although I have only dealt with civil trials, no jury verdict can ever be considered a "slam dunk." The hesitation and concern Martin expressed as he waited for the verdict was real, human and accurate, even for the most experienced lawyers. I do look forward to the sentencing and ending of the trial. And you are very correct that nothing you wrote previously would suggest a cause of action against the Colmars. Although you suggested that there might be a federal investigation of the Colmar business dealings! Do we ever get to see something there? I would love to have a companion story about the investigation and trial of the Colmar's business activities!

The calm before the storm? I guess I don't recall enough about Nick or his story to fully understand his response to the gift. What that does say is much more about the character of Charlie than anything else. I have grown to appreciate him, and I think Scott has too. Barbara, on the otherhand is such a crusty, but loving mother, and I can't help but love her as well. Thanks.

What a great abridgement of the closing argument/rebuttal. I heartily approve of the mini closing with the full statement in the rebuttal for the story. I was on the edge of my bed reading this tonight. The flow of the analysis through the primary witnesses was well done. There appeared to be the correct amount of almost sarcasm, with that showing through for the jury. A well crafted review of witnesses, the impact of credibility or lack thereof, and yes a wonderful analysis of each primary witness and the impact or lack thereof, on the case itself. Wow, I would love to sit in the back of one of your trials, and see you work in real life (but not for what is it 6-8 weeks). Best wishes to you and Baby Q. Life does change as they get older, but the stresses and time consumption changes, making life worth living! G (ps how do I give you multiple "likes" for this chapter?)

Yes, I did not see that coming, again. I am even more conflicted that I was after the last chapter! Chase -- Kyle -- this chapter seems to put Kyle back in the driver's seat and Chase out in the cold! What is next..... reconcilliation with Devon??? All I can do is wait with anticipation for the next chapter! Don't keep us waiting too long!

I am so conflicted right now, that I can hardly think straight (well straight is not exactly the right word). I have long been in the Coop/Kyle camp (since The List), but lately I have shifted to the Coop/Chase camp. What a tangled web for Coop. Nothing is working out right. Devon/the kids, Chase, Kyle. Where to now? Every chapter is a new adventure, with new emotions and new hopes for Coop. I can see something coming from SMU next to make things worse for Coop. I am, yes, so very conflicted right now. Thanks!

Accidents Happen has been the over-riding theme from the beginning, so putting it into words in this chapter only solidifies the title. This was an easy read, calm story line, filling in a few blanks, but moving the story forward. I loved it. Thanks.

OK, so I read this almost a week ago now, and couldn't log in to make comment. Snowed under with my deposition, a discovery hearing, mediation and then an office move, I didn't get back, so I had to re-read the chapter again. Wow, is all I can really say. Like a well crafted tapestry, this chapter weaves so much together. Just enough facts and bits of information to entrap (a word I know prosecutors don't like to hear) and pull the defense apart. I really liked the development of Berriman's probable bribe, his mis-calculation of visits by Jordan, and the flip-flop of statements, leading to a double credibility challenge to Jordan and Warren's testimony. Then the coup-de-gras to have jordan's bail revoked and him taken out in handcuffs. Yes! What a visual picture of defeat. Well, without hearing the verdict, I won't assume a final victory, but hope only for a foreshadow of future events. I look forward to the final word from Plaintiff's summary of closing/rebuttal and ?the verdict?. How will I survive without more? I may have to find another story of yours to read. Thanks, and best wishes.

Intense, strange gamesmanship, but each new twist adds intrigue and a desire for more. After the List, I didn't think this saga could get better, but it has and does each new chapter. My impression of the Tx judicial system has not improved with Kyle's discussions with Coop -- when will they come out of the dark ages and realize mothers are not always the best choice for children! I can only hope that the judge here has enough sense to see through Devon's intrigues! Thanks again for a great read!

I still think there is something unsaid, unexpressed, and perhaps unfelt between the two that relates to either Andrew or Cameron. I hope I am not missing other subtle hints. Thanks for another great chapter.

I had long been a Kyle/Cooper fan, but Kyle has certainly taken a hit by his actions with me. Chase is an interesting side, and has moved up the scale a bit now. I have been in situations where I really thought a physical contact would soften the blow, but in reality the talk by Chase was what was needed. For Chase to see the true needs of Coop, that talk was more urgently needed than sex, was a huge step for Chase. Up to this point, all Chase seemed to be was a self-centered, egomaniac, intent on his desires, with little or no interest in Cooper's needs. As for Sebastian, Spence and Kyle, the jury is still out. Thans for this chapter.

Another great chapter, although I can't see that I will be satisfied with only 5 more chapters. I hope you rethink that! Perhaps you could do a Ricky Jr & Wade sequel? I do look forward to your posts. Thanks.

Well, since Kyle has destroyed his own credibility, and Chase seems to have started to rebuild his, I am wondering if I should move from the Kyle/Coop camp to the Chase/Coop camp! Great interaction with the kids. Great chapter again. Thanks.

I must agree that the chapter was way too short. I love the realism, the accuracy to detail, and the gamemanship of Martin and the team. I can't believe that Rankin tried to push an objection to undisclosed rebuttal witnesses, his demeanor, for being a Philadelphia lawyer, smacks of unprofessionalism and cynicism, but he certainly leaves himself open to contempt from the Judge/Milton. The interaction between Martin and the sheriff/deputy about Berimen is interesting. While not something openly talked about by attorneys, the general thought is that there is closer interaction between the prosecutor and other staff such as Court staff and the sheriffs department. Great realism on the surprise witness on Friday and the work over the weekend to prep for the witness. It seems like that happens all the time during trials that extend over a week in length. Good slap at Rankin with the surprise witness and the trap set to get Jordan on the stand. Although the trap was essentially set by Rankin himself by poor planning on his own witnesses. Great chapter. Thanks. I have my own deposition scheduled for this week. I don't think it will be as eventful as your story, however! GR

Do I believe anyone at this point? NO! Do I have better thoughts about Chae? Yes -- barely. And Kyle? I am so very disappointed! At least Coop seems to be getting better, and Devon seems to have mellowed a bit. Thanks!

Brilliant strategy with Josh's testimony. A great witness, although coming in to the chapter I was not sure about Josh's ability to stay on target with his testimony. His emotions did not overshadow his statements. Interesting interplay between the prosecution attorneys, with a clear impression that the state's attorneys are as equally qualified as the private attorneys brought in by Josh's family. This chapter highlights and defines to a great extent the prosecution's case and the defense's approach, and still allows the story to have suspense and intrigue. Thanks. I really enjoyed this chapter.

First Coop, then Kyle --- both are in dire need of a reality check as well as some fairly extensive therapy. Chase, ever the spoiler, is right there in the middle. Then the cliff hanger --- I don't know if I can stand much more. I will, the story is great!

How sad for Coop. I had high hopes for him and Kyle. But then this journey has taken many different unexpected directions, I still have hope for them. Coop is show some slight movement in the direction of a more mature approach to life, but he is still struggles and backslides. Great story, none-the-less! Thanks.