Headstall

It probably does count for something, leaving the place he has memories of his mother, but he hasn't been happy in that house in many years. It may be bittersweet, but there has to be incredible relief to overshadow that. Albert is a dangerous man who thinks his youngest son is soft. You're right that what you quoted shows Albert in a nutshell. He's a taker who lacks empathy, someone you can turn your back on. Maureen must have been special indeed. I'm so glad you picked up on the bit about the handwriting. I don't think you're wrong about 'hesitation'. I would even go so far as to say he might even be reevaluating his opinion of August. There was some grudging respect there... and the double eagle has to mean something. I won't humanize him, but maybe he is realizing he took August for granted, and might have misjudged him. I doubt he would admit that, but he has to see there is a strength to August that rob doesn't have. Virginia? Is he nervous about having a replacement in the house? I think it's a fair question to ask. Yeah... five kicks from a rank bull... Albert had some grudging respect for Fletcher too. At any rate, he got exactly what he wanted, and now the pressure is completely off. He was played perfectly. More about August's name later. Oh, and good question about daughters being treated differently by Albert. I have no doubt that would be the case for Albert. I think he sees women as possessions, their job to prop up a man. Death to the patriarchy. Thanks, my dear friend. Hope you are enjoying the ride.

Hey, Patrick! Thank you for thinking this was an amazing chapter. I needed to hear that. Last week had the lowest engagement from readers so far, so it concerns me readers are losing interest. Guess I need to work harder. We've reached a turning point in the story after some real life angst for the boys. Will Willy James and Runyan get away safely? Only time will tell what is in store for them. I did really enjoy showcasing the difference in the two families. August has not had an easy life despite his father being affluent, but I thought it was interesting to see Fletcher has been sad for the last couple of years, enough so his family worried about him. it had to be tough growing up gay back then with no support groups or such that we have today. Anyway, thanks for the support, as always. Cheers!

Changed my three mower blades. Laying on concrete, holding one end of the blade with one hand and trying to loosen each one with a socket wrench in the other... well... it makes me feel old. Not as strong as I used to be, but, I got it done.

Happy Birthday, Brother B!

I really wanted that contrast, Kris. In every way, August is reminded of who his father is, and what other families can be like. Of course, not all families are like the Crawleys... Willy James seems to have gotten a less than ideal one who does not accept him. Albert is a brutal man. he sees compassion as a weakness, and saw worth in Fletcher only because he stood up against Roland. His outlook is skewed, and yes, despite his influence, August is not one iota like him, and never will be. Um... I don't know what you mean. No cliffs? No bandits? I assure you the journey will be uneventful and boring. You can trust me. He he. Thanks, buddy.

Thank you, Albert. I liked the wagon cover scene a lot. It was a chance for me to slow everything down and solidify for August that he is part of a new family. August knows how to play his father now. He knows he will never be like him, but I wonder if that begrudging respect Albert showed him, even comparing himself to August in how he was always someone who tried, had any impact on August. And could August be wrong... did Albert remember his birthday, but sees making a fuss as a weakness? It could well be he thinks only the toughest kind of love is acceptable. I've seen that in my own experience. Just food for thought. And yes, they have taken that firm step forward into the future, and they are happy. Cheers, my friend.

Great point, Cane. I'm sure the Crawleys will pay attention to what the Cooleys are doing more than they ever have. I enjoyed showing the sharp contrast between the families, though it is kind of sad for August to see just how uncaring his father is compared to Roland. I think he was a little confused about that double eagle from Albert, though. Maybe Albert loves him in his own way. Cheers, my friend.

Yes, they are. They've weathered that storm of finding themselves and each other, beat the odds stacked against them, and are heading towards their future. It was a rewarding chapter to write as we see the stark differences between the Cooleys and the Crawleys. Thanks, my friend.

Chapter 10 is now posted.

Godspeed Dawn was hours away—near three of them—when August crept quiet as he could down the stairs, careful of the squeaks on a couple of the steps. He had no wish to talk to anyone afore leaving this house for good, and he surely wanted no more wailing from Yolanda what got him feeling bad, but it wasn’t to be when he heard his father’s voice coming from the lantern glow of his office. “Not planning on saying goodbye?” August stepped over to the doorway, trying his

Sigh. I thought we were on here to have fun. Fine. You win... there has never been nor ever will be flirting between you.

Cause we watch in it in real time. Plus, it gets your goat to bring attention to your 'ship'.

Greetings one and all. Rainy Sunday here. My son took Cookie for a walk... she HATES the rain.

Even when you're thinking of the Spikeman?

Clo is an angel on earth. Your perviness has infected your mind.

Sure seems like weird foreplay to me.

I stand by my statement.

Dreary day, and I'm watching old movies on TCM... "Calamity Jane"... and now "Love Me or Leave Me"... I love Doris Day.

Yeah, well I can't tell with you guys. You were bossing him around, so.... whatever... never mind....

Sounded like Drew was playing dom and you were wanting him to force you or whatever.

Are you guys roleplaying again?