Ivor Slipper

Hi Geemeedee. Let's see if I can try to satisfactorily deal with the problems you raised. 1. Tom is considered family, but he is not adopted, just fostered. I'd consider there is quite a difference between your own children having children as it continues your bloodline and those of an adopted child let alone a fostered one. I'm sure you'd still love such grandchildren but I reckon there would be a difference in how you view them. 2. There has been no indication that Mr C has ever spanked Troy. I thus looked on that scene as being an attempt by him to find a light hearted end to a very serious discussion. I rather doubt he could spank a 15 year old boy unless that boy either willingly submitted or was so terrified of his father (as Adam was of his real pa) that he would accept one. Adam's response that if that particular situation arose he'd take down his jeans, I thought showed Adam also looked on it as not being a serious threat. As for the swat, I'd suspect Adam hardly felt that over his jeans. Having said that, you may be right in that some kids would not respond in that way and be much more traumatised by the events which led to the running away. 3. I don't believe that at this point anyone knows for certain who attacked Troy, although they all have suspicions. It is possible the reason why Mr C was up so late may have been because he was regretting not having taken action sooner after the first attack even though the boys wanted nothing done then. Ivor

Thanks, Glennish - glad you're enjoying. I think Adam has finally accepted that he is not the cause of the problems and that he has now found love and security with Troy and his parents. His talk with Mr C convinced him of that and then he discovered even Troy's extended family, in terms of a member of the older generation, welcomed him and his relationship with her grandson.

Thanks FOTW. As you have seen, I love them too - in my own stories!!

Geron - just make sure you book your appointment with the right person. I understand someone in that establishment offers Brazilians

I'm sure Adam will come to realize that leaving would have been a big mistake and that he needs to stand with Troy. Sorry about the wait, but it won't be too long.

Enjoy the wine, Mally - but just one glass. Cheers! Yep - there has to be some retribution, doesn't there??

'Fraid so Wesley. Hold on tight!

Let's hope something develops

Yeah - I hate 'em too, unless I'm writing them! More will be coming - and thanks.

Fingers crossed, Chris. Glad you enjoyed it.

Hi Droughtquake. I can see two anagrams of 'evil' and I hope you don't consider one of the should apply for doing this It does seem Troy isn't too badly hurt from the attack but I think it'll be a while before he's able to wear his skinnies again.

Sorry CG, even with your kind comments, I'm afraid you're not going to get to see the next chapter until next week.

Mr C grabbed my arm. “Get in the car, Adam. We’ll drive around a bit and see if we can find him. Perhaps he’s met a friend and lost track of the time.” I didn’t think that very likely, but I wasn’t going to disagree. As I walked with Mr C to get into his BMW the stupidity of the last sentence I’d uttered hit me and I felt shivers of fear gripping me. Mr C wouldn’t be here if Troy had arrived and as Troy hadn’t arrived that meant something had happened to him. Had he had an accident

The chocolate would be bad or your teeth CG

Thanks CG - both for the kind words about me and the story and for blowing my cover for anyone who hadn't already worked that out! I'm of course very pleased that this story has appealed to a good number of readers and thank everyone for the 'Likes' and comments. As said above, the next chapter should appear during next week - so not too long to wait.

"The checkout assistant started putting the items through. “Got your bags, Mr Whitehouse? You'll need more than one for that lot.” Eric pointed to his usual cloth bag, and a couple of additional plastic carriers. " I noticed Eric made certain he had his own bags. He wouldn't want to have to spend a precious 5p to buy a plastic carrier in the supermarket.

If you click to 'Follow' the story you will receive a notification at GA when the next chapter is posted which will save you searching. However, the plan is that it will appear around the middle of next week.

Hi BA. It sure looks like they forgot the old rule about there being safety in numbers.

Hi Droughtquake. Maybe it was just your post that started that theory off, but I thought I'd seen another more detailed theory posted. Probably though just senility setting in........

Mmm - Troy might need some first responders!! Try not to wear the carpet out, Geron

Thanks for the comment Geemeedee. Mike sure is jealous over Troy's new relationship with Adam.

Not being a 16 year old Canuk I can't give a definitive answer to that question. However, in a lot of US stories the boys do seem to wear boxers in bed. Nor can I give a definite answer as to whether the text is a red herring or not, but it does seem that it must have come from Troy's mom or someone who knew a lot about him and his family.

Your thinking seems logical, Wesley. Time will tell if it is correct.

Thanks, Glennish, More to come in due course. I think the parents must have reckoned what happened the other week was a 'one off' and there was no need for precautions.

I think someone has removed a comment that was posted before yours Mally! There was definitely one there earlier suggesting the text had come from someone other than his mom. I can't say what, if anything, has happened to Troy. You'll have to wait a while to find out the answer, but not too long - I promise! Thanks for following.