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There are so many new facets to this mystery. Luca has his own agenda, but holds his cards very close. I can't figure out if Luca's appearance in Hailey is in anyway related to Corbin. Corbin is going back to his roots to find out. Stefano's finding out about Harris' family, and how Harris got vengeance, makes me wonder if Corbin knows about what happened. Stefano is on his way to join the party. Who is the Don Stefano is calling? The only really bright spot is Zampa and her chicks. This is becoming a very complex web.

This is the second time where Carol was indirectly involved in a leaked info situation. I'm beginning to suspect she one of Stefano's spies. The get together went well and Chad was on his best behavior.

Hi All, Hope your Valentine's Day went well! Myr posted the next group of Reader's Choice stories. Gary had 6 more stories in that group of 19 stories. Awesome!

Going to say Goodnight everyone. Tonight is the third birthday this week. One more on Thursday. Big party week. Have fun!

Hey Nick! Glad to have you back. Happy Valentine's Day to you too.

Luca is a wild card at this point. He could be an ally or in league with Stefano. I'm leaning to an ally. First, because he seems to honor Corbin. Second, because he seems old fashioned and would not like what Corbin's family was going to do with the Russians. Last, because his son sounds a lot like Corbin and may not want to work in the family organization. Harris now knows there is a spy and the false pictures of Stefano were planted. Great writing!

I agree with Timmy. I think Stefano knows exactly where Corbin is now. First, because he has spies in Harris' organization. He also said Chicago was closer to his destination (than Boston and Philly). Corbin seems to think the new Family are not hostile. I hope so also. I think that Jenoah may provide a way to determine if his Family is friendly or hostile. He seems to get along well with Bruce and may be in the same situation Corbin was in with Liam. I like the fact that Corbin has made a decision to establish himself permanently in Hailey, and is not afraid to be out. I suspect we will see Stefano soon in Hailey. Hopefully Harris will be there ahead of him and know about the spy. The way Harris is thinking about his family makes me fear that they are no longer alive.

I just wanted to send my congratulations on Boss Nanny and Tied up in Knotts making the top 9 list on the Readers' Choice poll! Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I appreciate you doing this for readers. I now have 25 new stories lined up on tabs across my browser, and some reminders of stories I want to read again. Thanks!

Great summary! I couldn't have said it better, so I won't. 😆 Great chapter as the suspense continues to build.

Hi Page! Hope your day goes well!

Stefano is slippery and has evaded capture for a few years. I still feel his presence is looming around Hailey. Hopefully Corbin and Paul will get some advanced notice. The hot tub got more than the water heated up. Corbin has been a busy boy building his chicken coop as well as getting Paul's road built. And of course, the check for STDs and making the road safer has nothing to do with Corbin's future plans for Paul.

Did you all notice how Drew's nuke missed the asteroid that crashed into France. Bad aiming! Same for Pattaya. He didn't even get close.

Since Harris has informed the police about Stefano, I suspect Chad's interest in Corbin is to make sure Paul isn't falling for a fugitive from law. I like Chad, and think he would be a good friend for Corbin. Being a policeman and best friend of Paul, Chad would add another resource to protect Corbin and Paul if Stefano appears. Mia has a good sense of humor.

It's great that Colin finally has someone to trust. I can see love developing between these two quickly. The story of his past with Liam was sad. Liam could possibly have been saved if the authorities had acted quicker. Paul is a wonderful man for Colin, and I was happy he decided Colin was worth the risk.

This part got my heart racing, first in panic then in lust! My eyes couldn't leave the screen as my mind raced through the chapter. Excellent writing meant there was not one word I didn't believe. I hope Harris will be able to give Colin the OK to share his story with Paul.

The name does describe him well. However, he is a hobbit of many names. My current favorite is Mr. TTT. (Tiny Texas Tyrant)

I was wondering in the last chapter if the memory of Liam would have an affect on Corbin's behaviors. Now we know, I want to know a lot more about Liam. Was he a friend or lover? Was he a victim of a crime Corbin observed or an attempt to keep Corbin quiet. I think that Corbin needs to rethink his relationship with Paul. I understand what he is doing now is trying to protect Paul. However, I also think telling Paul what is happening will add a layer of protection for Corbin.

I hope Corbin buys some dry wood soon, or at least has his fireplace and chimney cleaned several times this year. He doesn't need to risk a chimney fire in his all wood cabin. Corbin taking care of himself before Paul comes over will not take care of his problem, especially at his age. That's just wishful thinking. The trip to the coffee shop concerned me. I am leaning towards the idea Corbin is in a witness protection program. He seems determine an suspicious, but he made a mistake using Italian to talk to the stranger, and in front of the barista who would probably tell someone who asked if anyone in town spoke Italian. It is an important fact that could be used to identify Corbin. I'm not worried about Paul, and Corbin needs to trust someone. It is very obvious that Corbin needs Paul's help to teach him how to live in the country. It is also obvious that these two are beginning to like each other romantically.

Hi Albert! Hope your day was good! Say Hi to Steve for me.

Hey Spike! How are you today? Is Drewboy giving you and trouble?

All the stories in that series are good. I am currently following the latest book, Higher Education. It's also a good book, but none of them are as beautiful or as well crafted as Malaise.

Cheerful flirty barista or Mountain Man neighbor. Tough choice. I liked the easy encounter between Paul and Corbin. Paul is very much a good neighbor, and the sexual tension between the two was well written. I also liked the increase tension surrounding Corbin's flight to safety. Small details, but effective in creating a stronger mystery. Liam sounds like a painful memory of loss. I wonder if it will affect Corbin's thoughts or actions in the future.

You have done a very good job of combining several different elements to entice me with this start. The first is the setting featuring the mountains and forests of the Pacific Northwest. The cabin is a dream house for me. Corbin, of course, a young man surrounded in mystery, running from something, intelligent and resourceful is another draw to the story. Finally, I like the few characters introduced. They are naturally written and reflect the hospitality of a rural community. In short, I'm hooked.

I love the comments in this chapter, as well as the chapter. For what it is worth, I definitely feel that Shannon is a slimy bi.ch. I think she will show up later in the enemy's camp. Trevor is very comfortable with himself, and that includes his wolf. If Trevor's wolf were to express an opinion on a mate, I think the wolf would think of the person first and not the sex of the person. I can easily imagine Trevor finding a mate with either sex. That was the reasoning behind his personal question to Thad and Wade about how they got together. It was good to see that Trevor easily applied his education to quickly pass the test. He's going to be a great asset to the pack.