Robert Rex

Tim, definitely a case here of a greedy, sloppy robbery. Ryan and joe are definitely heroes--and the future of Ryan and Clayton still looks good. Glad you're following along--and thanks for the comments!

Tough chapter! But, things are (finally) looking up for our hero. And Liam will be a real asset. Looking forward to more!

Aw, thanks, Pzetts! Such kind words! We're fortunate in that we had both brave and level-headed guys in the bar: Barry, Ryan, Joe. And although each man has his own issues/flaws, they merged well into a team here. But, watch for the bullet later... As for Ryan and Clayton, there's progress being made on both sides there; Ryan's more and more comfortable with himself, and Clayton's more and more comfortable with Ryan and the relationship. More awaits them both. THANKS for the kind words and staying with the story--I appreciate you. It really means a lot, especially since I was really insecure about the writing style of the chapter!

Ah HAH! You're the first to notice that and comment! But, you'll find out later...in a future chapter. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but maybe a motivator to keep reading. LOL. THANK YOU for always reading and consistently commenting--I appreciate it!

Like almost everyone, I love the feedback from readers. Their responses are continued motivation for me to tell the story in a consistent way, and in the best manner. In an earlier story, I'd reached a point in a chapter where a character would either live or die in the next chapter. Although I was several chapters ahead, many readers asked that I not kill the character--they loved him!--even though his death was already written. (And, according to my editors and beta readers, it was some of the best writing I'd done.) After reading and thinking about it, I modified the plot line so that character would live. (And yes, I loved that character, too; I was depressed for two weeks after writing his death.) Did I make the right choice? Looking back, yes, although at the time I questioned it. It let me develop the character further, as well as enhance the story line later. And, I'm a sucker for a happy ending, although I could have worked past his death to make positive come of the situation. Would I do that now? I'm not certain. Regardless, I appreciate the comments on both writing skills and plot. They make a big difference for me--and I hope make me a better writer.

Thanks, Cole! I took a risk with this chapter, by changing the point of view; rather than using first person/present tense (my normal comfortable style), I thought that a third person/"fly on the wall" view would work better. And with the intensity of the situation, that point of view would highlight the action, rather than getting bogged down in details. I'm glad the chapter worked for you. THANK YOU for reading along, commenting, and your support. I appreciate it more than you know!

LOL! Glad ya liked, Dad! And glad the analogy worked. And yeah, I do like cars...and if you know cars, you've gotta admire the engineering that went into the Tesla. Thanks for the comment!

Sorry for the confusion, Onim! Perhaps I need to revise some things for clarity. Keep in mind, all the rest of the bar was either up on the stage or at/behind the table. Once the police had done the initial work (at the bar and with Barry), they allowed everyone to leave. And, by nature, everyone "hung together" until the initial shock/adrenaline wore off. I don't know that everyone else was so much focused on celebrating after all that; think it was more a sense of doing something normal/routine after the trauma of the previous night. It was a subdued group, after all, until they'd gotten the report on Barry. After that, they lightened up a bit, but still, most left instead of going to watch the fireworks. Make sense? I may need to spell that out in more detail, but had hoped it'd come through without going into that detail. Let me know what you think. Regardless, I appreciate your following along and your comments--and yes the next chapter (in final review) will give more details. I'm hoping to have it out Friday or maybe Saturday morning. Thanks again, buddy!

Jenay arrives at the bar, and Barry’s frozen in place, hands up at chest level. Jenay goes white at the realization of what’s happening, drops her and Dixie’s empty beer bottles on the bar where they clatter around for a few seconds—just long enough for everyone’s attention to be drawn to the bar. Only the mournful sound of a low volume country song from the jukebox interrupts the now deadly silence of the bar. The robber speaks to Barry in a low voice, his gun squarely aimed at Barry’s ches

Great start to what I predict will be a fun tale! Loving the breezy, conversationalist approach to dialogue, and the description of Logan as a hot man with simmering sexuality--not a traditional pretty boy. And, he's definitely got a story going, since he's recognized as "hitting on anyone breathing". Our hero is also an interesting guy, and doesn't take himself too seriously; not the typical story start there either! Really looking forward to more--you've done well here!

The fine "dust" is going to prove interesting--and I suspect its effects will be far more intense than what the boys are experiencing, and what we've seen in the environment so far. And, as Stephen points out, Monroe boys ARE different (I'm from outside Monroe myself, so I know of what I speak), but as solid country boys, they're gonna offer a different perspective than what the scientists see--both because of their upbringing, and because of their own changes. Good chapter--looking forward to more!

"Hell hath no fury as a queen scorned." Jose has definitely been scorned and his action with the grevience committee I'm certain isn't motivated by solid intentions. Richard certainly isn't blameless here, either--he's willing to play games, and have his fantasies support them--but certainly not at that level of maliciousness. Gonna be fun to see how all this ties together! Another fine chapter!

Curtis definitely needs to talk with Casey...it's eating him up inside. That'll be an interesting discussion! Great to see Casey and Shade bonding--and it sounds like Shade's family is supportive. And Rodney is a typical horny teenager, looking forward to the first date. Nicely done chapter--moving the story along, but you're keeping our interest. Good job!

WHOA! Helluva chapter here--I'm exhausted from all of Toph's introspection; he's really digging in deeply, isn't it. Probably the most striking thing (for me) was how unemotional he seemed over both Austin and Nico. During the love scene with Austin, he's thinking, "that slight difference told us it was to be our last coupling". Seemingly no real regrets, just a recognition that they both have moved on. And Nico's visit, while certainly cordial, was more of the same, with the mention of a tennis game, "that will never happen". That's more than a little emotionally isolated! And yet, it's enough to trigger the analysis that maybe Toph is pushing them all away. Deep stuff! The new job is great, and is a veer in another--unplanned, but perhaps fortunate--direction. And the source of the funds is problematic. I'm still convinced Gary is in that up to his eyebrows, and isn't to be trusted, but I'm concerned that Toph is about to mistakenly open up to him. We'll see. All in all, an incredibly complex chapter, delivered in your clear-headed style, with enough missing details to keep us all involved. Damn fine job here, my friend!

GRRR! High school is so horrible. There's definitely a one-on-one confrontation coming with Parker, and Annabelle is a mess--spoiled and nasty. Gonna be fun to see them both get their comeuppance. Good job!

Thank God Mom walked in! Now, maybe this insanity of abuse will stop...and just in time. The coach helped, and the new friends are a solid plus, but ending the violence will go a long way into making a normal kid. Good job here--realistic dialog, and nasty (but solid) portrayal of the cycle of abuse and recovery. Looking forward to the next chapter!

Vitriol, take you're time--when it does all come together, it's in the right time for it. In the meantime, enjoy the wide variety of genres here, the opportunity to leave likes and comments on what you read, and the friendly people you meet in chat. You've found your spot. Welcome!

Glad you're here, Artie! You're gonna love this place...and probably the biggest thing is the immediate feedback you get from everyone. It only emphasises how important your voice is here; whether you're leaving comments and likes on the stories you've read, getting encouragement from all sources, or just enjoying the chat room, you'll find a supportive place. Welcome!

Gotta give Richard credit for letting his kinks come out to play--at least in his imagination. And the more he finds out about Mr. Phillips, the more complex the man becomes. What kind of hell--or purgatory--did he put himself through to get over that accused "indiscretion"? And now that it's become obvious from the secretary's comments that he's at least interested in Richard, how/when is he gonna loosen up? After the banking deal is done and he's no longer a client? A nicely done story--really looking forward to seeing how you resolve all this!

Damn fine chapter! Really enjoying the mental hijinks Becker is going through as he tries to figure out what he wants. It definitely feels as though he's seriously consider coming out. Kevin, on the other hand, has some kind of security by being in the closet, and he doesn't seem (at this point) to be willing to leave that, despite his "lump in the throat" at the end of their discussion. (And hate that the conversation was interrupted--it WILL get resolved before they finish spring break, right? You've done well here--looking forward to the next chapter!

Obviously, lots of setups here for future plot developments. One point kinda sticks with me, though--the Dads have already started the financial education (a wise move), but they're also planning CJ's future with the foundation and giving him an American Express. While their trust has been justified so far, is it safe to assume they're also gonna monitor his spending? And although they're heavily involved in the foundation, did they take it too far by assuming CJ will become involved and eventually take over, rather than asking how CJ felt about it and giving him a choice? I've no doubt of CJ's answer, but at the same time, asking feels like something they'd have done. Or am I mis-reading the situation? Regardless, I'm loving the story, and it's delivered in your usual efficient writing style, with realistic dialogue between the characters--and I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with some of the plot openings you put in. Good job, buddy!

I'd have paid good money to see Ms. Oliver get the preacher's leg with her cane! Too fun! Glad Colton took up for Tiffany, and glad he moved in for a kiss on his own--this had the humor to say, "Ok, I lied when I said I wouldn't do anything." All in all, an eventful chapter, despite the low-key start. It's particularily telling that Jacob is ready to change his name--cutting his ties to the past. You did well covering lots of territory in a brief chapter. More, more!

Really loving the relationship between mom and son. It's open, direct, and despite the teenager's embarassment with his mom (aren't all teenagers embarassed with their parents?), there's a solid approach by Mom that's far more supportive than son might believe. Also loving the doc...he's relateable, direct, and did a lot to make the boy feel more comfortable. (Is he gay? Worthy of a story on his on?) Wish all docs were like that! A fine chapter--and then you throw in the mystery message at the end. You've got my attention--looking forward to the resolution of that mystery. More, More!

Don't ya hate it when life gets in the way of fun stuff like reading? But, glad you're here--I'll take ya any way I can get ya! And glad you liked the chapter. Yup, things are really coming together here...a nice change from the insanity of most of our lives. THANK YOU for following the tale!

Glad ya liked the chapter--and sorry about the cliffie; just no other spot to provide a break! Promise the cliffie will get resolved in a chapter or two. Thanks for following along!