impunity

This was definitely the best chapter by far *although I think I say that about every chapter). I can't possibly point out all the highlights (and Tim did a great job of this) but I loved Tony's surprise at Jim's kissing him at the airport and Clarissa's little joke with Kevin and the boys at the end. Also, Ty's just being the brat; I am continually amazed at how much personality you have packed into that one character. Can't wait for next Saturday and the big game!

Brad sidelined himself. Even if Marc does turn out to be part of the conspiracy, he only has himself to blame if his sons turn elsewhere for support.

I can definitely see some powerful third party's trying to take down both Brad and ED by pitting them against each other. And I still think Marc is somehow involved, although more likely a victim (more blackmail?) than a ringleader. In complete agreement re Mark's deviousness. Oh, go ahead and do it, anyway.

One thing we can be sure of: it won't be boring.

So, time for another round of speculation. Does anyone think all the drama with Zach and ED will distract Will from his plan to rehabilitate Brad? I really hope not.

Really? I'm not sure Will would appreciate this. Far too sappy! Actually, neither would Kevin. According to the song's Wikipedia page, in a 2002 UK poll, it was found to be the most-played song at British funerals. I bet it featured at a whole lot of US ones, too.

This was a dangerous and interesting chapter. Daventry is rapidly becoming one of my favorite characters. The banter between him and George was delightful. Not to mention showers and a handsome new haircut! Thank you again.

Thank you so much for the early chapter! I have to say, after all the wild speculating in the forum, the real thing was almost tame. Almost. I loved the comic relief of Will and Zach! As much as Will blew it off, I bet Zach was mortified. Kevin's condition is tragic and an important reminder that treatment failures occur even with combination therapy and motivation to take it. Looking forward to the inevitable war (and hoping that whatever revenge JJ is plotting doesn't inadvertently screw things up). Finally, I am happy that the family no longer have to slum it in a substandard private jet. That was getting a bit embarrassing.

You're the best! (Although not helping the time issue.)

I take everything back. New chapter of Valiant! Huzzah! Now all I need is time to read it.

In his defense, he was trying to be reassuring.

I was all optimistic until Mark's response to my comment said "within a day or two, at least."

Sorry, one of this was my fault.

I don't know. Does anyone really like Mark? Also, that is an incredibly transient statistic.

I actually think Marc's show would be the hardest to arrange at short notice. His pieces are large and heavy and take a fair amount of time to make. He would need several months' notice to make sure he had enough on hand for a show and to ship them to China. JP's invitation could have been more last-minute, although the conference dates would likely have been set a year or two in advance. For example, he could be filling in for another speaker who met with a nasty accident. Wade set his own travel schedule, although it is timed to work with the wedding, the baptism, and his summer break from law school. I don't think the timing of Darius's ROTC cruise could have been messed with.

It seems a bit hit-or-miss, though, especially if it needed to be coordinated with JP's and Marc's events. Academic lectures and art shows are typically scheduled pretty far in advance.

I agree that she could have gotten him there. Just not sure she could have controlled when he went.

I'm not sure how Wade and Matt could have been manipulated into going to Kenya when they did. JP's invitation to speak in St. Helena could certainly have been engineered, as could Marc's show in China.

I am perfectly happy to be included among the simpletons. Haha. And also happy to keep Mark entertained. It took me a minute because I've not seen it as R+L=J, but I am definitely onboard with this.

Ah, sweetie, the amount I know about football would fit in a thimble and still have some room left over for the amount I know about every other sport.

Hope you're feeling better now.

I think the only way it makes sense is if it is purely about revenge. Someone is out to hurt the whole family, one member at a time. So Zach wasn't blackmailed to keep playing football; football was the leverage to force him to make Will unhappy. After he told Will, they took football away. So, now he can have Will but loses football (with his whole prior record discredited) and, once they figure out it was all about Will, it'll probably destroy their relationship anyway. JJ loses a relationship and a career. The rest is collateral damage. Now I'm wondering again about Marc. Whoever is behind this is playing a long game and Marc always did seem a bit too good to be true. Is Marc another pawn in the game, the one who alienates Brad from the family and distracts him from his business long enough for someone to destroy it?

Poor Zach! Getting kicked out of football for allegedly doping would be far worse than getting kicked out for being gay. Not sure if even the Crampton-Schluter millions and influence can fix this.

Omg, the paranoia is just dripping in your readership right now. Puddling. We're almost drowning in it! You cannot make us wait another week for the next chapter. That would be too damb cruel.

Or, if you happen to be in the UK, gingers.