CLJobe

The morning came early, and I found myself with two scamps in my bed with me. For a long time, they hadn’t crawled in my bed to sleep, but here they were, curled up next to me with arms over my stomach. Maybe this was God’s answer to my prayers, and this is what I was meant to be doing. I looked into innocent eyes as they sparkled with mischief. “Good morning, Dad.” I pulled them onto me, kissed them on the head, “Good morning, sons.” I got up, and they scampered off to their bedroom. Dr

I think knowing Michael's name and his non response from his family has eased his guilt a little. It would take a csertqaaint typeof man to go through what he has gone through. I'd like to think that my friends would rise to the occasion if they were faced with a decision that Carleton had to make. PS I'm glad you have caught up. I'll be posting the next chapter about 5, my time . that is about 2 1/2 hours from now

Carleton has medical for his sons covered by a policy, however these two boys are not covered as they are not his sons, yet.

No one will harm those boys again if Mo has his way. Carleton will see to that. I pity those men when Mo catches them and he will.

Yes, then they will get a taste of what they had done to those boys

very appropriate

The better hope Mo doesn't get them first

No man knows the level of cruelty man can reach. What triggers a man to do this, what thrill does a man get out of hurting a small child, what demons drive a man to commit suchhorrows. One must arrive at the conclusion that a man would need to be insane to do this.

It is beyond belief the cruelty of man. I have always wondered why men are cruel, what psychological basis is there.

You are welcome, Tony

I made a few trips to Europe, but mostly I was involved in litigation on issues between Mexico, the US, and Canada. I did get involved with some business negotiations in South America, usual agriculture in nature. The UN had a few issues that they sent me to resolve or investigate. But to say I was busy would be an understatement. I didn’t mind. It allowed me to spend more time at home. I would have expected the movie theater to supplant the reading. But it didn’t. We still read books in the

Yes, Alex has a good friend in Carleton. If you have ever had to evacuate in an emergency, you know the feeling Alex had. He should have slept in the bath tub. I'd bet, Carleton will attend each graduation, along with Maria and Alex.

They are, and they have fully accepted that position. The younger boys look upon to the older boys, they will defend their home and brothers. The show respect to the elders in the home, the men have become as uncles and Maria is Grams. There is aa lot of family love in that house.

She will be with him as a friend who is a girl. She found him attractive and I'm sure she is attractive as well. Carleton is taking no chances. I'm sure as the other boys start to attend college, they won't the so protected. I'm not sure he's going to fall invoke with her, she is probably a little older than him. But hey, if you are in an unknown place, it helps to have an attractive friend, girl or boy.

I use to go to the library and they had a table where "used" books were sold. I would look these books over and if I found one I liked, I'd buy it. Not only did I enjoy reading it, for me it was a treasure.

Giving the kids something special is always good. Kids need acceptance, they need to be part of something and using the candle was a great touch. I remember as a kid wanting a club house, which really was a shack. It was important to have some symbol, for me it was a club house. For those children, it was the ritual of the candle. Excellent.

I don't think Carleton is a homophobe, as you suggest. He doesn't know Mo, his interactions with Sal have been one where he assumed he was straight, since he was a close friend of Alex. Carleton knows Alex was a street boy, therefore he has assumed that Sal was straight. The introduction of Mo and their relationship was a shock to Carleton. He needed to make sure his boys would be safe, for all he knew at that time was his assumption of Sal was wrong. Sometimes we jump to conclusions, and then when we are faced with the opposite, we are shocked., Carleton would kill to save his boys, that is certain. I think Mo's reaction, cemented their friendship. He certainly didn't want the boys to feel threatened in any way. Buz, I have enjoyed your comments. You are a reader, out there somewhere in Australia/New Zealand. You are a person who reads my stories and comments on them, which I enjoy. For the record, I don't care what you look like, you are aa human being, with a mind who likes food, my writings and mysteries, that is enough for me. You would be welcomed in my home.

In many cultures in the East, the male children are treated as heir apparent. Except in this case, Nour's comment about the staff using him shows that he wasn't the son of the Ambassador but rather a step-son. This behavior would then be acceptable to his step- father as in all likely hood, the step-farther had a son of his own.

I have eaten at a zoo cafetereis , it isn't gourmet but it's standard kids food, hotdogs, hamburgers, peanut jelly sandwiches.

😀

I am thankful for my readers, your comments are appreciated and I try to answer everyone.

It would be difficult for these boys. The fear of the streets keep them at home.

You do know I look forward to your comments.

You would have thought they would have needed that truck before. Going from 10 to 30 more or less overnight, really pushed the limit on grocery shopping.

I went back and edited chapter 16, have you read it in the last few weeks