impunity

I love that Valiant just happened to have a counterfeiter onboard. Criminal pasts can be so useful! Can't wait to see how this plays out.

Wow, you just dove right into the drama with this one. Loving it!

I still dislike Doug but he redeemed himself somewhat this week. Peter's conversation about the team's losing key players was steeped in irony. No loss of a player will hurt the team as much as losing their head coach will.

This chapter was difficult to read: the frustration of watching Clarissa and Liam go off on the wrong track, Neil's dad's unemployment, the lost match. It felt very real, though. Maybe a little too real for comfort. That ssid, Deon's continually improving relationship with Sam and Marcus was a bright spot, as was Peter's pep talk and Ty's rallying of the team at the end. I'm still hoping that Neil tells Liam about Rod's bullying him and that Liam drops Rod as a friend and also takes a stronger stance with Doug's constant criticism of Neil. I am also hoping that Neil finds a way to fix his Dad's reputation; a joint interview on Pride FM would probably accomplish this.

Thanks for another entertaining chapter. I loved the surprise entry of Prince/Mr. Genarro, and pleased that he exceeded Granger's expectations.

Finally someone acknowledges that Doug and Rod are not particularly good friends! I really hope Neil takes Todd's advice and tells Liam. And not just because it'd make for some pretty spectacular drama. Interesting that Deon is recruited by an agent rather than a team. I would think the former would be a more positive sign but will plead ignorance (as usual).

Aa manipulative as O'Malley has been so far, I want to hug him for thiS. And, who knows, Ty may end up with another father figure. I still hope he finds out what his father did; I wonder if O'Malley would tell him or consider it in bad taste to do so. Also keeping my fingers crossed for (poor embarrassed) Jim. Positive developments for Neil and Liam. And Ollie and Helena are always excellent for a little comic relief.

I'm glad Liam's mother is loosening up a bit. Hopefully they will realize that he will soon be 18 and that their restrictions are unreasonable. Well, Ty made a good showing even without stepping on the field. I agree with Tim that he is going to be annoyed when he finds about the ruse. Still hoping that Carlton decides to pick Jim, too. I also really want the brat to find out about his father's shenanigans. Maybe someone at Carlton will tell him.

I keep wanting to see the good side of Doug and it just isn't happening. While his attempts to protect Liam are well meant, his intimidation tactics are just an extension of his former bullying and likely to do more harm than good. I'm pretty sure Liam would be horrified if he knew about it.

A prince is a very different proposition to the upstart American wife of an Earl.

You might want to switch the adjectives: Alex is aristocratic (or, more accurately, an aristocrat); Susannah, while well bred, is very much upper middle class.

Mary Ellen had always been at the very top of the Virginia social heap. I don't think she even realizes there's a ladder for her to climb. However, I completely agree with your assessment of the Grangers' ability to keep her in line.

Another fantastic chapter! Liam continues to realize how much he and his friends have damaged Neil. I especially loved their conversation about the Alf persona and the "caricature of Four-Dork". That's an awfully cruel nickname, btw. How on earth did you come up with it? I don't think I ever realized that Paul was so noticeably large. I really hope there are good things in his future. He is such a sweet guy and has had such a hard time since Rochelle screwed him over. There has been a lot of discussion about Liam's parents and their overreaction to his going to the party. I agree they are being unreasonable, but I think their actions are heavily influenced by the recent revelation of the five years of bullying Neil and Liam's violent behavior at the football match and, therefore, somewhat understandable. Hopefully they will see reason, though, and lighten up soon on the draconian restrictions. Looking forward to the Carlton training! *fingers crossed for a positive outcome* (Not that it'll do any good. Haha!)

Hey, happy birthday, hon!

This was a really wonderful chapter. Galen finally started to make an effort in his relationship with Ethan, rather than comparing him to Josh all the time. The ending was definitely ominous...can't wait for next week (and hoping I have connectivity where I'll be at the time)!

People still do the debutante thing? How bizarre.

I am firmly in the Will-loving camp! I don't remember that exact conversation between Stef and Brad, but I agree this scene continues the theme. I have always liked Brad as a character, but he is very self-absorbed. It didn't help that Robbie was kind of the same. If things between Marc and Brad work out, Marc will probably help Brad become more balanced in his interactions with the rest of the family.

Graeme, that was perfect! You've been building up to this party for weeks, and it Was well worth the wait. The early anxiety and frustration built perfectly to a beautiful climax...followed by more anxiety and frustration (of course ) and a delightful resolution. Like Tim, I would have enjoyed seeing Liam's outburst, but hearing about afterwards it was fun, too. I hope this doesn't mean We're getting to the end of the story. Also, this chapter was appropriately all about Neil; I am looking forward to hearing more from the brat in the aftermath of the Victoria game.

Yay, George is back! This was a fantastic chapter! Tons of the diplomatic intrigue and the foreshadowing of more Oranian treachery. Not to mention the mysterious prince who still hasn't turned up; I bet he turns out to be pretty. Also, who knew the Sicilians were so tacky?

Lovely chapter and another excellent meal! I'm glad Galen is giving Ethan a chance, but it does feel a little like he's settling. Hope you're feeling better today.

A chapter of Streak was just what was needed to brighten up an otherwise tedious Monday. Brad and Marc: I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop; everything just seems too easy. Although, maybe Brad deserves a little bit of things going his way after everything (rollercoaster!) you've put him through. Btw, I've never noticed that Brad refers to Isidore as 'Mother'. Also, he does it somewhat inconsistently, and doesn't refer to JP as 'Father'. This isn't a criticism, just an interested observation. I'm feeling a bit sleuthy now, so might check out other chapters to see what he did before. Will seems to be getting increasingly manipulative as he works to make things come out the way he wants them. In his own way, he may be even more controlling than Brad. Although his motivations seem to be more aligned to making other people happy, whereas Brad's are usually to further his own goals. Anyway, thanks for a great chapter. Looking forward to more.

Wow, Tim does write a comprehensive review, doesn't he. Hopefully this isn't too redundant. I am very impressed with the way Liam is giving Neil the upper hand in their relationship, such as it is. I think this is important to gain Neil's trust after the history of bullying and Alf's 'betrayal'. I also really love where you are going with Ty's story; once again his path to the AFL is blocked by circumstances, but I have faith that Graeme has a happy ending planned for him.

There is so much to love in this chapter! I'm surprised at how much I am enjoying the football bits; I usually skim over sports descriptions. I also really like the newly dated chapters; it helps to be able to gauge the passage of time between events.

It's great to have you back, even if it is temporary. Thanks for an excellent chapter! Incidentally, I assume the coach's "fowl look" wasn't intentional.

Another great chapter; I like how you are building the tension. When is Kyle going to figure out that he can get information about the outside by communicating with the furballs? And what happened to the one in the lab after it escaped?