impunity

This chapter was a delightful surprise! Looking forward to watching Jake coordinate the investigation. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Many hugs.

A great, if sad, beginning! You managed to pack a lot of upheaval into one chapter. Looking forward to more of the story.

In my opinion, the book could have ended perfectly well with the previous chapter, but I loved this little glimpse into post-draft life for the former (and some current) Leopards. And, of course, I would never complain about getting more of the Leopards' story. Incidentally, I read these chapters (and most of the previous ones) at 4 am, having been too tired to appreciate them at midnight and too excited about a new chapter to wait until morning. Looking forward to any additional story you give us, no matter what format it's in. Although, at the risk of irritating you with a request, I'd love to see a chapter or short story about the wedding (mostly to see the brat's antics). Thank you again for a fantastic read!

Graeme, this chapter was truly a joy to read. Unfortunately, Tim said so many things about it, I'm slightly at a loss regarding what to say. However, at the risk of being repetitive, I am so happy you allowed Jim to be picked by Carlton in the rookie draft. And the elaborate set-up with Paddy and the brat was perfect! I also loved Paddy's joke to Shane about the brat's brattishness. Dave's being drafted was almost a given but I'm glad he ended up at Hawthorn rather than Geelong. Both clubs seemed supportive of his needs but, as has been discussed many times in the story, location is important and my recollection is Geelong is a few hours from Melbourne. Being that far would limit his access to his support base (primarily Charlie) and his psychologist. Paul's being drafted was a lovely surprise, although there were suggestions the Bulldogs would take either him or Todd. I'm a little sorry to see them split up but, of the two, I'm glad it was Paul who got picked. Although he became a relatively minor character in Books 2 and 3, he was a major one in Leopard Skin Cover, and his money issues contributed to the mystery that was central to hat book's plot. I also think Todd's new family might need more of his time and attention than an AFL career would allow. Btw, is Todd young enough that we can imagine him as a rookie draft pick for the Bulldogs next year? Ross's happy ending might have been the happiest of all. As a Leopard he will have unreserved support from his fellow players and the extended Leopard family as well as a coach who will help him hone his skills to AFL level. I also loved the playful banter of his coming out on air at Pride FM. I'm not going to mention the rest of the characters. Suffice it to say you left no one unhappy and no real loose ends. I feel I should also mention that I was slightly startled to notice this was only chapter 26, making this book approximately half the length of Book 2. Maybe it felt longer because it took us so long to get to the draft. The almost seamless transition from Leopard Spots might have contributed, though.

Loved, loved, loved this chapter! Jim's and the brat's reactions to the revelations about crappy bio-dad's actions were priceless. I also really liked how Alastair worked with Ross to get him the best possible deal for the upcoming year. And I am totally with Carlos on hoping Carlton picks Jim in the rookie draft. That would make things perfect. Btw, since you compared the relative desirability of a rookie draft vs. a VFL contract, how would you compare the options of the TAC cup and the VFL, if Ross had had to choose?

This chapter was perfect from beginning to end! There was just enough pre-draft activity to show the players' anxiety. And using the Phil Hughes tributes to provide pretext for a confrontation between the brat and his crappy bio-dad right before the draft was just plain brilliant! I really enjoyed the draft, itself! You captured perfectly the contrast of tension and (through Clarissa's comments) tedium of the event. And I am so, so happy with the outcome, especially for the brat! As much as Peter wanted him, Carlton clearly wanted him more than the Bulldogs did. Although, I'm not sure I understand all of Peter's disappointment at the Bulldogs' not taking the brat as a first-round pick. I didn't think they had a pick in the first round, unless he was thinking of the one they traded away. Of course, I'm happy for Deon as well. The bedroom negotiation (or lack thereof) was hilarious. And I'm delighted that Clarissa and Deon will be staying together. Paddy's little revenge on the crappy bio-dad was also excellent! Looking forward to seeing the brat learn the truth from Paddy (and Peter) and the resulting confrontation. Of course, it was sad for those who didn't get picked, especially Ross. Although, I think a year with the Leopards (I can't see Julie's not taking him)--and a calmer coming out as the second gay VFL player--will be a huge benefit to him. Thank you! It was well worth the wait. (It also made for a lovely start to my birthday.)

Well, that was dramatic. I have to admit that I wasn't expecting what seemed to be an opportunity for Marcus to provide Deon some "fatherly" advice to turn into a real-world illustration of the vagaries of professional sports injuries. That was a really sad incident but I think it fit well into the context of your story. I realized while reading this chapter how much Deon and Clarissa have been holding their relationship back waiting for the draft. I'm glad Deon told Clarissa before the draft how important she is to him. It seemed like Clarissa was ready to give up on him if he was drafted somewhere other than Melbourne. Now they're more likely to work together to find a solution if that happens. Not sure Liam would want to share a house with his ex, although that pink room is becoming quite the hot commodity. I am totally with Tim on the horror of gender-specific bedroom colors. We have a blue bedroom but there is no way I could tolerate a pink one. So, now we are really in place for the big moment. It's going to be a long week. *sigh* Thanks for an excellent chapter!

Happy birthday!

This chapter felt a lot like tying up loose ends, getting all the key players in their positions before the draft. Unless we're going to detour next week to Sydney and Liam and Neil's house-hunting trip. There was a lot of irony in Ross's learning that being gay could have helped his chances at getting drafted. Also, Warwick, what are you thinking? Promising to move across the country for an unstable relationship is not the smartest thing in the world to do. Kevin and Daphne are really sweet together; I loved how startled Alastair was when Kevin told him about Daphne. It's also awesome how you are using her character to illustrate some of the difficulties trans people face. Thanks! Looking forward to next week.

Sorry for the delay in reading/reviewing this chapter. I've been distracted lately and reading very little on this site. Thanks for updating Josh and Galen's story. This was a difficult chapter to read, and I'm sure it was more than doubly so to write. While I'm sure you had your reasons for writing it that way, I'm finding it difficult to believe that Roger's selection of Galen as a victim was entirely coincidental. It just seems so unlikely that a random guy he met in a bar and decided to carve up was the close friend and secret love of the boyfriend he was abusing. It also means that Liam's anger at Josh was entirely unfounded. Even if Josh had recognized Roger's abusiveness and broken up with him, if Roger truly had no idea about Josh and Galen's friendship then he could have still picked Galen (or anyone else) as a victim. Blaming Josh because he hadn't started a relationship with Galen is just unreasonable. No one is responsible for anyone else that way. You could say Galen was stupid for going off with a stranger to his isolated cabin in the mountains. But, ultimately, the only person who can be blamed is Roger. Please don't take this as criticism. I am really enjoying the story! Looking forward to the next installment.

That scene with Roscoe and Warwick was inevitable given how they both went into the relationship with their own agendas. Hopefully with that out of the way, they can attempt to build a more meaningful relationship. Daphne and Kevin are sweet together buto it's sad that he keeps remarking (even if it's to himself) how unattractive she is. Loving how well Julie is managing to balance friendships and professionalism as as head coach. Thanks! Looking forward to next week.

Have you ever seen them in the same place at the same time, though.

I'm glad Warwick is starting to like Roscoe for himself, and not just a distraction from Kevin. Hopefully Andrew's blatant crush and jealousy won't cause too many problems. Andrew also needs to start accepting himself before he'll be ready for a relationship. The brat's conversation with Paddy was hilarious. And now the brat is getting suspicious that something's afoot. Which, of course, it is.

Another great chapter! We're at a little more than 2 weeks before the draft. It seems like this drafting process has gone on longer than our wacky election. Trevor was less creepy this week. Ross has a plan. Actually, I might be a little more worried about Dave's moving up north without a support system. I think he may end up even more withdrawn without a solid group of friends who understand his issues and make an effort to include him. As much as it'd be nice to see Ross drafted, I still don't think you're going to thumb your nose at reality quite so far. I know you won't say, but I'm still predicting Ross will end up with the Leopards. It'll help his playing and his work ethic and make him a stronger prospect for next year. That said, there weren't any openly gay AFL players drafted in 2015 either. And the poor sad brat is trying so hard and remains so unloved by the AFL clubs. Awww.

Are you aware of polari? It was used as a gay "coded language" in the UK, mostly in the early 20th century. A lot of terms were made mainstream by the "Jules and Sand," characters on the radio show, "Round the Horne." I love really love the idea of nonverbal gay communications, like hanky codes. Btw, I get all this information from my nice British husband. At some point, I should just get him to join.

I use Lyft. According to drivers who drive for both services, Lyft treats their drivers better. Also, the Lyft app allows you to tip. I would be happy to use cabs if I lived in a city where they were easy to come by, but it's a pain in the arse to get them in Atlanta. Plus, I love the convenience of the apps.

I'm still hoping things somehow work out for Kevin and Warwick, but now you've made me like Daphne and I have to hope for good things for her, too. It would be great if Ross and Warwick would work out, but it isn't a good sign that Warwick has to remind himself to focus on Ross rather than Kevin. Similarly, Kevin doesn't seem especially attracted to Daphne. Looking forward to seeing were you go with this. I really do think Roscoe would benefit from a year with the Leopards. And I think Julie thinks so as well. On the other hand, Trevor Boss is getting creepier and creepier, calling Ross practically the minute his exams were over. No idea what he's up to, but I have an uncomfortable feeling about it. Thanks for another great chapter!

The time jump was interesting. At first I wondered if you'd posted the wrong chapter (I blame the lateness of the hour entirely ). It also took me most of the first section to figure out Julie'd gotten the job. Of course, that was intentional on your part. Very sneaky! Also, yay! I was impressed with Henry's willingness to take the assistant coach job under Julie. Although, I'm wondering if he's withdrawn his application with the Bulldogs as he said he would if he became the Leopards' head coach. The brat's confrontation with the guy from the Lions had me giggling. Although, I wasn't sure why they were so annoyed about an AFL club representative's visit. It seemed more how one would treat a nosy reporter. Was it just because the guy was being an arse? Warwick and Ross are sweet together but there are definitely things to be worried about. Warwick is using their relationship to get over Kevin, and Ross seems concerned mainly about having a boyfriend to support him if he gets outed before the draft. This doesn't bode well. The whole situation with Daphne was also, frankly, a bit weird. But I guess we won't really know until we get Kevin's POV. Thanks for another great chapter!

Mark, I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I know from personal experience (fortunately in the distant past now) how not fun having cancer can be, and how it fucks with the rest of your life, including your libido. Everyone else has already said it but you definitely need to focus on yourself right now. Stories can wait. Love and hugs, Nicky. PS: I'd offer naked pictures, but I doubt you'd want them.

This was a really great chapter! (Ok, they're all great, but I did like this one a lot.) I'm glad Doug has finally figured out that Neil's a decent person and a good boyfriend for Liam. And, yes, it was too much to expect an apology, but they'll probably end up as friends in the long run. (They'd be better friends with an apology, just saying.) I'm still hoping Neil and Liam will somehow end up in Melbourne (and will feature in a 4th book) but all signs are suggesting otherwise. *sigh* I loved the awards dinner! I'm so glad Jim and Dave got awards. Dad's award was probably a bit of a given (but no less lovely for it), but being recognized as one of the best team members must have meant so much to Dave after the difficult year he just had. And, of course, there was the the brat. I've been avoiding saying so since I looked at the near-final (Oct 26) draft list a few weeks ago but, now that you've posted the final list, it's looking pretty likely Carlton will get him. I know you can't say, but I have my fingers crossed that he'll be a first-round pick. I do have a random question about the draft, but will put it in the forum. I laughed so much at Kevin's earnest speeches to Ross to convince him that gay men are people, too, (and also not sexual predators). Fortunately, Warwick saw through Ross's questions and figured things out. Now I can't wait for their date! Of course, it'll be hard to keep things secret from Kevin if they end up hanging out with him sometime after the date, especially if the date goes well. But it's going to be really fun to watch! So, the next big events are on Tuesday with the selection of the head coach. I'm torn on this one. Of course, I have to hope for Julie's getting the job, but Henry seems both qualified and a nice guy. There's still a possibility he'll get the job with the Bulldogs and drop out of the running, but the chances of that happening before Tuesday are probably low. I also love how supportive Paul is of Julie! I looked back at the chapter when she was hired and how they both found the situation a bit awkward in the beginning. I'm glad they managed to get past that. Thank you!

It seems like he doesn't log onto the site unless he's posting a chapter or responding to reviews, and he hasn't done either of those. So his not logging on isn't necessarily worrisome on its own, but an update would be nice.

Hopefully we won't have to miss them for quite that long.

I'm glad Doug has finally realized the consequences of bullying, not only on a personal level but also how he has fostered an atmosphere of bullying at their school that will be perpetuated at their school after he leaves. I really hope a sincere apology to Neil is in his near future. Ross's tour of AFL uniforms was hilarious! I thought it was a bit odd that he contemplated his reaction to Deon's indirect comment about the nightclub but not the extremely direct question that preceded it. I hope we get to see more of Andrew. He seems nice.

Happy birthday!

More draft trading intrigue! I am constantly amazed at how you've managed to turn the arcane details of the 2014 AFL draft order into a critical plot point. Carlton are taking a risk that only they and the Bulldogs know about the brat. They have overlooked Hawthorn, but I'm not sure how much that matters. I hope Kevin doesn't somehow end up sleeping with Ross. Ross would probably be more ok with casual sex than Warwick is, but he doesn't need the added stress. And it would hurt Warwick again if he found out. Even without sex, this could cause problems. I'm pretty sure Warwick still thinks Ross is a homophobe. I can't remember if Kevin was there when Ross ran out on the Pride FM group. Henry really does seem like a nice guy, but I still want Julie to get the job. I like that the team wants her, too. Thanks for another excellent chapter! Looking forward to next week.