Northerner

I think the high stakes game is tightly written. Given the state of the world today, I wonder what China is doing in shadows around all of this? The broth isn’t exactly clear as we have so many chefs competing. When the dust settles I’m sure it’s time for Will and the politicians to pounce. Their time will come.

Marc is aggressively plotting future expansion. Just make sure he doesn’t overreach. With that said, our dynamic duo seems to have gotten a younger version of themselves in the making. Life is good!

Justin is in way over his head and rushing headlong into the unknown. I hope Alarik will be there to pick up the pieces should it come to that. Also interesting is that Justin seems to be a bit of a cockhound when in the mood. I hope he’s thinking with the right head sometimes.

Andrew is the ever consummate professional and he handled the lead with aplomb. I wonder what shakes out at the other end? Andrew Carter playing his part in the big game, eh? Love it!

This is eerie and creepy. I wonder what lies is store aboard the ship and in waiting for our heroes?

Dinner and manipulation! Hilarious that Amber got to work on the boys in the band, really getting their numbers. Just like you do some mise en place - prep before cooking, we are now set for some bitchiness and fireworks. I can’t wait to see what Mr Arbour cooks up!

Excited to see where this goes! A small erratum in the beginning: the speant magazine. You should give your editors a flogging. With that out of the way, are the lodgings of critical personnel that easy target for a determined attacker? Terrorists are hard to stop. Now we just need to wait for a grand statement. Meanwhile, lets see what Andrew can do to help.

Things are looking up, expect some trouble ahead. Still, I like that H&M are becoming an item, even without violins. Some 5 sector Prosecco might help those crazy kids at the right moment though. Some hard SF moments ahead are teased, it whets my appetite.

Oooh, the plot thickens! I wonder what the full story is behind Wolf and his crew? Innocent or not. It’s all a will they or won’t they now. Guess we’ll know more next week.

This is a page turner from the start it looks like. Thank you!

The Carter saga continues. This is a very welcome surprise all these years later. A very warm welcome back!

It’s a vivid description of how you sometimes bump into old acquaintances, have a talk and realize they’ve turned into something unreasonable. Alarik has the worst luck so far, but he’s detached and seems content.\ Still, I’m also on team Alarik and Wolf. It’s not likely to happen, but life is strange.

The old MD planes were quiet and nice in front of the engines, but those things were problematic if icing on the wings happened. Modern jets benefit from the much quieter high bypass engines for sure. I’m taking my first flight on a 737 Max in a few weeks. It’s been some time without major incidents, not counting the door plug saga so it should be OK. So, the world of aircraft is thrilling, sometimes for the wrong reasons. I’m rooting for the guys to stick the landing, Mav in the air and Randy in the Inn. They make a good team, I’m not complaining.

First of all, thank you for coming back! I enjoyed this fast paced story set in an unusual setting. Also, the world of racing isn’t a common theme, so kudos for that! I want to know what happens next, so that’s a hallmark of a good story.

Oh Alarik, you blew your first chance of meeting Wolf by being to cautious. Then again, what’s to become of Justin’s attempt at moving closer? Also, the gym guys - don’t be too obvious. It’s a nice distraction, plus regular workout is good for anyone. I hope that Alarik gets a special someone in his life, but he seems comfortable being a loner. It’s an open field, I can imagine so many ways this will go. Thanks for an excellent story!

It’s a tough call, but the kids will get their revenge on Marc after analyzing the attack data? Part of me wishes it, but evasion is key here. Not getting mauled is also a form of victory.

Things are moving at breakneck pace. Does Randy have a say here? I like how the various aircraft are described. Still - prop aviation is so weird. I guess it works for the distances involved here - me I avoid props if I can due to being careful with my hearing and comfort reasons. It’s a glimpse into a fascinating world for sure - aircraft as a tool, not just a passenger conveyance.

Reconciliation and truth. Powerful stuff. There’s still few loose ends like the Serbian Guy Fellowes: who’s pulling his strings, as well as the showdown with grandmaman dearest and her cohort Claire. Plus the minor details of the band of slobs - will they get some well deserved scolding? I bet Stef would love to make them housebroken.

Stockholm got a bunch of my earlier years in the workforce. It’s lovely to read about the place and recognize the places described. For me it was Covid and working 100% remote that made me realize that you get far more for your money outside of the capital region. The old scandals feel quaint given how things have changed, but it hasn’t always been easy. The last mini scandal here was the man proposed to step into the role of chief advisor for national security having had his Grindr nudes leaked. The issue was that he didn’t tell that he had nudes shared on Grindr during the vetting process under oath - nothing about his orientation or dating life 😇 Life after 30 has meant fewer hookups, but it is possible to date, maintain friendships and all that, so not all hope is lost. I like that Alarik is finally catching some air beneath his wings and decides to take control of his circumstances. Also noteworthy is the fact his neighbor is less shy about things - I suspect he knows full well that he’s got an admirer. It’s interesting to imagine where this goes next - thank you!

Oh to lead such a dull life and yet be loved by the people. It’s a welcome return to form by George, and a lovely surprise. It seems that George and Carmella will be the talk of the ton about town propelling his popularity. Here’s hoping he can juggle everything going on while avoiding scandal.

The restaurant business is tough, but itvsens that our duo got it covered. I like how Mav is moving heaven and earth so he can get settled in early. It’s a treat to read how the gang takes care of each other and how the story unfolds. Thank you!

Parenting through tough love. Marc and Adam needed to be stern, Adam content with letting Marc be the bad cop. I’d keep close tabs on Anna in case she’s a schemer of some kind. I love how the family dynamics now involve the children being saddled with adult responsibilities. Everyone will come out better for it, I just hope there won’t be any lingering resentment.

Taylor has clearly bitten off more than she can chew. I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes once the interrogation starts. Or when the unraveling of the Guy Fellowes plot starts. She will need protection from those racketeers or suffer at their hands. Leaving that plot thread - I’m curious to see how Maria is going to work the slob team in shape. Or how a recovering Travis returns to acting. Also, JJ has been quiet as of late. Are we in for some extra histrionics at Thanksgiving? I want Grand to hiss at miscreants, make them suffer for any faux pas.

Marc and Adam aren’t keeping up with the Joneses, they are the Joneses! People get caught up in their wake, I just hope they keep everyone happy. I wonder what Hunter is up to - grandchildren, wedding? He didn’t turn out a bad apple? This story is fast paced, I can’t wait to read what’s coming down the line.

Oh wow - things are bound to get more complicated, both in the country and in office. I like the social commentary - Europe has such a wide gamut of politics. Everything’s possible from countries with a few large parties, to two-party systems like in the UK with first past the post. Voter disillusionment is fast becoming very real - the old guard has been busy with minor issues to differentiate themselves, while losing track of where the ball is moving. Let’s see how Wilma and Justin work it out. Considering how expensive it is to get reasonable accommodations, I can see why practicality wins out. It will be like walking on a wire though, so I suspect it won’t be a permanent solution. The we have the riddle of Alex - it’s not uncommon to not really know your neighbors. I like Alariks quiet musings on the topic and that we slowly can start inferencing things. It’s like slowly unwrapping a lollipop. This is really an intense slow burn. Thank you for the chapter, looking forward to see where it takes us next.