pvtguy

Donovan is right: no one talks to him like that and that is what he needs - a reality check. Somehow, I think he is going to get it from Roy, Jackie and James!

A short, yet very informative, look into the CJ-verse. CJ and Owen attend their friend's wedding in a most beautiful setting. CJ gets to confront several ideologies and meet very important people who will play a part in his political journey. Very well written, as are all of Carlos Hazday's stories, it is a superb read!

And another wonderful story comes to an end! Very fitting ending - light yet pointed to more adventure.

CJ certainly is being groomed for greater possibilities in his life. Still, Owen will be his biggest grounding agent. I could see how Mr. Parker would want him to be an integral part of his company, but that would not be the political opportunity CJ seeks. Another wonderful chapter.

I have a feeling James' parents might well want to follow through if James does tell them what happened. In any case, Jackie is correct: rape often goes unreported because of shame, potential publicity and the judgment some will try to make that the victim asked for it. Unfortunately, people like Donovan often get away with this behavior until several victims finally come forth - and if your name is Tr++p, it still goes nowhere!

Inno is very good for Niki! Niki might actually get the courage to step out on his own!

Another amazing chapter! For all their wealth, the Devlin-Majors are certainly people oriented - taking great care of their employees. They are correct in their view that when employees feel a sense of ownership, they do their best to keep the standards high! Now on to more adventures!

I love how you weave an even tighter web with each chapter. So many questions - so many possibilities. Looking forward to next chapter!

Our current "leaders" (and I use that word both weakly and derisively!) are more interested in dedication to party than to the American people as a whole (exception: their "base"). That goes for both parties. The days of working for a compromise that satisfies neither party fully but serves the people have all but disappeared. We have to rely on weak majorities that are only out to cancel each other.

Entertaining, educational, potential intrigue and full of warm relationships. I love how you weave all these elements together into exceptional writing! Looking forward to reading anything from you is one of the highlights of my week! Tony

James is indeed in for a wakening! I do hope Roy comes to his assistance before anything bad happens.

I like the process of trying to think of all alternatives in order to see what might be possible or unlikely. They’re looking at her getting away; might it be possible someone else is involved in her getting away?

What relaxing way to start a Friday! I agree with the previous commenter: this story has many elements in a truly short space! Well done! And I love that Owen and CJ get some time to themselves!

First Love (lust?) is clouding James' thinking - sounds normal to me, but also dangerous. I hope he doesn't get taken advantage of by Donovan or anyone else at the party. I do hope James befriends Dion and Dion lets down his defenses. Tough being a poor student anywhere; add to that, he's black and a very strong minority, it seems.

An extremely poignant story that, while taking place in a small town, could equally be situated in any city. Racism, homophobia, and chosen ignorance not only exist everywhere, but are fully fostered in our political, educational and religious institutions. Efforts to change are difficult to do, but worth the effort. The job is up to everyone - not just 'them'. This is a story which needs to be read, pondered, digested and become inspiration to do something positive to move towards love.

As I mentioned in an email, I read the first 19 chapters on another website, but was glad to see it here. I can only echo how well written and poignant this story is. The fans of division are at full force today throughout our society and evident in everything from politics to religion to interactions between family members and neighbors. As a retired educator, I am very dismayed to see the efforts to stifle free speech and full education by governors and legislators. Critical Race Theory has been bastardized in its true definition to keep students from learning any views of history other than a very narrow approved view determined by one group in power. I do hope to see more Good Trouble! Thank you for sharing your talent in giving us this story!

To prevent problems with alcohol at my wedding, I bought just enough wine for everyone to have one glass (I knew people who would have acted as did Fanning after only 2 glasses - and I refused to have any other alcohol. As an adult child of an alcoholic father, I abstain from alcohol by choice.)

So the mystery builds! Private family that communicates frequently but knows little about Jessica; where she works can offer no assistance; a disappearance from the hospital that no one has noticed....it's definitely going to be a "who-dunit!...

Excellent way to end 2022! Happy New Year to you and yours!

I love how you've woven current events into the story. Mamma will have to make adjustments - faith vs. the teachings of the Church. Inno has given her a lot to think about.

The comments about Donovan might be spot on, but they also might be too trite. We don't know that much about him at this point to say that James would be another notch, though that could be true. Nonetheless, I do believe that the Dion-James connection is also very predictable. Another warm chapter.

Powerful chapter all the way around. James is behaving like a normal 16 year old. His mother realizes her reactions were not towards James but grounded in her own reaction to his father. Yes, I do believe you've set the stage for James and Dion...though I'm sure he'd be glad to experience a tall brunette first...

How did I know that Nurse Dorothy was Dion's mother? This is a fitting "punishment".

Dion does need a friend, but he probably is so down on himself and so insulated within his own feelings that he will be slow to trust anyone. I'm eager to see what the punishment is too!

I retired after 47 years as a professional in education - 11 years as a classroom teacher and 36 as a counselor. I lived through the early days when corporal punishment was the norm though I never used it. I felt a good threat was better. However, I did progress in my ability to work with students whether as a classroom teacher or as a counselor. Any teacher who touches a student now can not only be fired but brought up on assault charges civilly. That said, in today's society, you would scarcely see support from a parent for any interaction between a teacher and student: most parents would be attacking the teacher for "disrespecting" their precious child. I knew as a child in school that if I misbehaved, I would also face punishment at school. On one occasion, my mother actually went to bat for me when a teacher used a grade as punishment not because I had not done quality work, but because the teacher lowered my grade for other than academic reasons. Only time my mother ever went to the principal to discuss a teacher's actions. As a parent, my son was well aware that respect was always expected of him and that he would be punished by me if ever he disrespected any adult - even if the adult behaved in a less than respectful manner. That was when I would deal with the teacher or administrator - and I did! Thanks for reading my rant! I am hooked on the story!