impunity

Loved this story! Hope to see more of Rex and Hayden. I assume Rex has an office at his restaurant.

Mark's got a lot of personal stuff going on as well as professional commitments. We've accepted that postings for this book and Black Widow will be sporadic and are just happy when they happen.

As bad as America's reputation for religious homophobia is, there are plenty of gay-friendly religious people and churches here. Btw, I just saw the news that Australia is working towards banning private or religious schools from expelling gay students. While it's commendable that the government is taking this action, I'm kind of shocked that it's allowed now.

I looked back at the scenes where the brat discussed the plans for supporting Dave during the trial with various people. Unless additional discussion happened behind the scenes, it seems like he might have only told Charlie about the AFL Players' Association's plan to try to keep Dave's identity hidden from the media by having all the former Leopard AFL players at the trial. Certainly Deon doesn't appear to know, and he seems to be the most likely one to be suspected, as predicted by the brat and evidenced by Clarissa's initial reaction. Not sure how pleased Deon's going to be when he realizes he wasn't in on this part of the plan. I think everyone knows my opinions on Clarissa by now. Andrew seems nice and, thankfully, not homophobic. I expect he'll be very helpful as a mediator when Ben eventually gets outed to Eve. Ben and Mason will be very interesting as a pairing. Hopefully the long-distance issue won't be insurmountable; Mason has money to travel but he won't have copious time for too much longer. Thanks, Graeme. Awesome chapter!

Thanks the the reminder. I'd forgotten that bit of Ben's backstory.

I was surprised that Ben's family were both anti-religion and anti-gay. Is that a common combination in Australia? Here religion is the most common reason for homophobia. Regardless, I do hope Ben ends up with a true ally in his family; having her in Melbourne would be a huge plus in that case. Btw, do people really just show up unannounced like that? Surely she could have managed a little advance warning? José isn't very bright, is he? This will no doubt eventually work in Mason's favor. Thanks for a great chapter!

I really enjoyed this chapter, although it didn't improve my opinion of Clarissa. In addition to the bossiness, she really is a bit too self-absorbed. I'm looking forward to seeing her reaction when she realizes what the Melbourne trip is about and how unjustified her treatment of Deon was. I'm not entirely sure Deon will be pleased to see her there. Did we ever hear why Mason's parents have so much money? Congressional representatives don't make that much. I'm not sure most lawyers do either, although it would probably be more then a congressional salary. Regardless, I am really enjoying Mason as a character.

Happy almost birthday to my favorite CAP character. Would be lovely to celebrate the occasion with a chapter.

It certainly could be. But would be perfectly understandable. And eminently reasonable. I really like this chapter. Thanks!

I thought the brat's speech sounded familiar. I'm glad Mason found the apartment on his own. Clarissa's telling him might have seemed like she had an ulterior motive. Which, of course, she would have.

The security is the same for all flights here.

Well, it's good to know Clarissa's human, although she still has a way to go. At some point she might actually have to apologize to someone. I really liked this chapter! Lots of great character development plus Ollie for some comic relief. I'm glad Dexter seems to be a long-term friend prospect for Mason. And I predict the house buying will start after the house-warming party when Mason learns about the 3-bedroom unit for sale near Liam and Clarissa. Speaking of houses, it sounds like Neil might be rethinking his decision not to live with Liam. I can't imagine Sam and Marcus would hold it against him if he moved out. As an unrelated aside, airport security must be different in Australia. It's been decades since nonpassengers could pass through security and hang out at the gate area in the US.

I've done it! At least, I've read the first two novels and am embarking on the third. Am enjoying him immensely! At any rate, he's keeping me entertained until the next Northern Exposure chapter.

Thanks, hon, you're the very best! And, yes, I definitely owe you.

This was a fun chapter! I'm enjoying watching Mason make friends, including getting a relative stranger's perspective of the characters we know so well. Shri seems nice, too, but Greg is providing an ominous note. Looking forward to more. @Timothy M., I can't remember the not-to-be-mentioned disaster. Can you bring yourself to mention it, or at least point me to its location?

Interesting. Thanks for explaining.

All I can say is they're lucky Daphne was there to keep this whole book from going off the rails. Also, Mason should probably mention at some point that his mom pulled some strings to get him that offer. Btw, Mason's whole acceptance strategy confused me. Why would an Australian school accept US test scores? Is there no standard mechanism for accepting foreign students into Australian universities?

I'm glad someone finally pointed out that Clarissa's abrasiveness was a bit OTT. Also that Mason finally made his first foray into the Leopards' family. I like Dexter; hope he sticks around. Edit: Jacarandas were ubiquitous when I was growing up in South Africa. I had no idea you had them in Australia, too.

Looking forward to many more (birthdays and chapters)!

Too cute! I spent a few days in Copenhagen (and Reykjavik, Stockholm, and various bits of Norway) in the late '90s. Definitely need to make a trip back.

Not an expert on those fake famous Norwegian sailors then? We need a curtseying emoji.

I didn't remember the ride, but I remembered the voice (and the Smörgåsbord -- I had my first Thanksgiving dinner there after I moved to this country). I wasn't sure at first because I sometimes have a hard time figuring out which of your characters are historical and which are fictional. I was driving myself crazy trying to google famous Norwegian sailors. I came pretty close to messaging @Timothy M. to see if he knew if "Apkott" was real. I also googled the Norwegian Pavilion and found a similar, but not identical, quote in a transcript. In the end, you provided enough clues that I took a chance. So, what do I win besides your undying admiration...for getting there eventually? First one to limp over the finish line. On crutches. Haha!

I actually got as far back as 11 yesterday (skipping 17 which was posted after this thread) before I gave up. I found one possible reference (coincidentally in chapter 13) but I wasn't sure about it. Since it's all I can find, and you've confirmed the chapter, here goes. Am I the only one playing?

So, now I have to start the backwards reading process all over again?