Anton_Cloche

Thank you @Connectwriter 🤗 for this wonderful conclusion of Mickey and Drew's lives to this point - at retirement - but you've created and left many loose threads of this tapestry. Colourful threads of the children's (and siblings) lives, enough to weave into other rich tapestries of lives still unfolding. "The best is yet to come" We'll be here, waiting. 🤞

Thank you @Bill W for this chapter and the reminder of the differences between good and evil skinwalkers, and how the evil ones came to be. I recall those explanations from Devin and Mac's conversations and training with the Shaman who helped them.

I guess I should consider adding a "content warning" before making any chapter comments going forward lest someone take umbrage. 1st Amendment Rights only exist when permitted? Apologies ??

Jimmy (allegedly) still under the old Machus Red Fox (now called Andiamo Italian) restaurant wine cellar concrete floor on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Exact same building, lightly renovated. Old sayings that still work: The more things change, the more they stay the same. Let sleeping dogs lay (undisturbed). As for "evil skinwalkers", did what happens to them turn them evil?

Seriously @irivera, don't leave us hanging like this, waiting to learn if the two cars collide head on, killing Jonah' s parents Marcus and Tori, leaving Jonah an unwanted orphan. Or does his parent's car careen off the road into a tree or ditch with the same result? And of coarse, Jonah being shunned as a homosexual by the BAC (Born Again Christian) Alt Reich after being found "together" with his friend James in a compromising position. More please, and the sooner the better. As for your "I'm trying to get back into writing and thought doing this could help exercise that part of my brain"? Your "exercise" has shown success. Or to quote a learned elder: IMHO, Just "Do"!

As great as it was to learn of Kage's return (from whence he originated) it was nicer to see that just before returning to earth, we see his tether to Elijah (as Eli's protector and platonic lover of sorts) sever as the thread from Kage's former heart to the actual heart-shaped scar on Elijah's chest quivers one last time. And in that moment, when Cage sheds a tear for Elijah, we also see that Elijah and Tyler are still together with their mates (and twins) Ashton, and Austin, and their children. HEA, thank you @kbois. As for your "brain vault"? I'm beginning to think of it like Italian Wedding Soup. A little bit of a lot of things thrown together in a pot to heat, and miraculously turn into a wonderful treat. In time, René and Kage's story will be ready for us to consume. In the meantime, more breadsticks and butter please. Healthy and Happy New Year @kbois.

Hmm. Interesting end to story @Lee Wilson. New lawyer in the DA's office, Nestor Medina, cops to the tanning bed murder of Adrian Keller, but lies about the reason, before dying in a hail of bullets when he gets in a gunfight with Det. Gennaro and other police. He also lied about his wife Hannah having left him and taken their 10-year old son Russell, when in fact he killed his wife with two gun shots. Thankfully Russell was on a New Years Eve sleepover at a friends, and escaped the murder suicide by his father, but still leaving Russell an orphan going into the New Year. Will Det. Saggio adopt Russell when no other family are found to claim him? So a 'Death by Cop', Murder Solved and a few loose ends for the next installment of Saggi Old Detective stories? Ooh. 🙄 HNY

Great way to light a fire under this courtroom story. A cliffie would have been a hung jury. This jury's decision may be just the spark needed to get things roaring. (Okay @Lee Wilson I've may have used up my allotment of bun puns in the Prologue, or are there still some left to spark up in the next / last chapter? And why a suicide note for Adrian Keller, if he's to be done up rotisserie style in a chained shut tanning bed? NB: (Full disclosure, I owned a small chain of tanning salons back in the day, with Uncle Buck as a client and investor. And yes, we did have to import a extra large bed from Germany to meet his needs).

First, it's good to see that Dalton appears to be healthy and safely back in his family's arms after this horrendous event, one that could have seen him killed. Second, as to the quick and swift adjudication of American justice, at least in this one NW WA county, there are a few things to take into consideration. One, this judge for Okanogan County has apparently had previous run-ins with Harold, the poor excuse of a county prosecuting attorney, none of it in Harold's favour. Two, Harold failed to follow legal requirements of due legal process, including: Dalton being read his Rights (Mirandized) under U.S. law, being properly charged / notified of the charges; Right to speak with an attorney and have one appointed at no charge and be present especially as a minor at age 17; and given he was kidnapped and taken illegally into the U.S., involvement of the FBI and the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police). Three, as to swift payment of 'Compensatory Damages of $75,000? This County judge, who is elected to office, would be well aware how this would affect his next (upcoming?) election. He's also aware that 'False Imprisonment' and 'Lack of Due Process' 'Compensation' claims and payouts in the U.S. often exceed state minimum payouts - in Washington $50,000 - some into Million$. Better to cut a cheque fast, and with a standard agreement against future claims, "Justice is served". Now, back to the story, and hopefully Dalton doesn't suffer a relapse of his concussion and stumble off the train during the 5-day trip to Toronto. Especially in remote areas of wilderness in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba before even reaching Ontario. 4,007 kms / 2,460 miles is a lot of country to get lost in. Almost as much as falling off the India Pacific train from Perth to Sydney 😉.

At local don't scratch your rump trophy shop

Thank you @lucretiaseeks for this one chapter tribute to our friend Carlos. Were he here, I have no doubt that he would be encouraging you. Musing upon your chosen ID image, I'm feline hopeful there are at least a mini-novella of chapters waiting to burst forth. (As for the bad pun, even editors use them from time to time 😉.) HNY 🎉

Anyone will multiple children usually agree that having them a year or so apart (usually less than 2 years apart) seems to allow them to bond better versus a larger age gap (5 - 7 yrs) where an older child may become jealous of the younger getting more attention (which is only natural as babies require more attention). Another great chapter @Connectwriter. Drew's Dad showing up on their doorstep appearing disheveled and lost doesn't bode well.

Via con dios Carlos...🫂

As this year (2024) draws to a close, I need to thank @JJ Quinn for this tremendous book, and for this chapter tying up so many loose ends in the story of Master Sgt. Sam Trammel. Perhaps not all of the loose ends , afterall we need enough threads to weave together more stories to tell the tales of the people so important to Sam: Max, A.J., Sofia, Adelyn and Emma and of course Fr. Ben. With this chapter, Sam with the help of Dr. Max starts to comes to grips with his demon of PTSD. Not a cure, but one step in dealing with them, and most important, steps that help him reconnect with Ben; to forge a life together as a married couple. Challenges remain, but together, with the love and help of family and friends, there is a bright future ahead. Thank you JJ for your personal strength and courage in the face of challenges to bring us this Book I (with the promise of more). 💓

@CLJobe almost done? But will an epilogue bring Happy closure or an entry into life after college for Albin, perhaps into the 40's 50's or beyond (bringing Albin into his 50's? Or do we leave him forever young?)

Not so sure Uncle Joe will want to move from his Indian roots TeePee into a room in the house. Perhaps young David can renovate the TeePee? Nice chapter @CLJobe with a few hints of what's to come. (The Evelyn Woods "Speed Reading, Between the Lines" course pays off 😉 ).

Andre I echo all of the comments and sentiments of the others. This chapter is yet another outstanding example of your writing which has, IMHO, transported readers into the locales (yachts, hotels, resorts and game reserves) in your obviously beloved South Africa, as if we are actually there. And the foods on the menu? I think I gain weight with each reveal. I wonder when the next appearance of Drew and Ry's American friends might occur. Perhaps they take a vacation from the politics at home? Or now that Jamie and Elizabeth are a little bit older, a trip to visit family in the Scottish Highlands ? Just a suggestion. As we prepare to bid farewell to 2024, I renew my Best Wishes for good health, prosperity and a Happy New Year in 2025 to you (and everyone). Take Care, Stay Well, Be Safe. 💓

Thank you Preston / @quokka for Springbank. You introduced us to Cooper Hudson and his family in WA (near Perth where Coop is a 3rd Year Uni student). Over the course of this story we see Coopers circle of family and friends grow as you brought more people into his life. Cooper's life changes through these interactions, and we saw his future and circumstances change as a result of an unforeseen inheritance. Cooper uses his inheritance (properties and funds) to the advantage of others he comes in contact with and to the aid of, including his teen Canadian cousins Reuben and Roderick when their parents are murdered, and homeless college student Kristian whom he found secreted away in the Watch Tower on his Estate. After a mostly complete recovery from a long bout of Meningitis, (those with medical experience know it can have both lingering and recurring effects), we see Cooper start to move forward with his life. Although Chapter 16 marks this Springbank book as 'Complete', there are enough loose threads, and unresolved 'issues' with many characters, which can only be addressed in Springbank - Book II and III. The ongoing international investigation into the "cut brake lines" murder of Reuben and Roderick's parents in Canada. "International" due to their jobs for government 'Security and Intelligence Services' linked to other 'Services' like Cooper's dad with the AFP. The return of Kristian to college / TAFE to complete (and expand) his culinary degree, while continuing to work for Cooper on the Estate. And then there is Cooper's dual citizen Canadian mate Jasper, now that his father, the Canadian Ambassador, is retiring to Australia. Oops, more things lying around to deal with than cow pat 💩 on a Station. 😀 On that remark, and hopefully encouragement for your next / upcoming story projects (🫰), I leave you with Best Wishes for a Healthy, Prosperous and Happy New Year in 2025 to you and yours. Take Care.

An oh so powerful chapter @empath, that moved me to tears more than once. Some were tears of sadness as more was learned about the suffering of these boys (and former boys like Qian and Roger). Other tears were happy and hopeful, like when young Jasper said: "I’m coming, Oli,” the boy whispered out the small window as the plane lifted off the tarmac and into the sky." As the younger brother is determined to save his big brother. This story, sadly, mirrors the real life situations of hundreds (likely thousands) of young boys (and girls) who are 'taken' each year, many of whom simply vanish at the hands of vile 'beings' (who don't deserve to be called 'people'), when these children's value as sexual 'commodities' has expired.

@empath, I don't know how many more chapters might be percolating in your head like so much of the coffee that is a regular thread through this story, but might I be so bold as to hope that instead of trying to wrap things up in a "10 years later" Epilogue, you seque to Kept Boy to Made Man - Book II - Liberty Academy? Yes I know Christmas is over, and I shouldn't be looking for unfound presents... Oh wait, that's a great way of thinking about the 90+ missing boys, as Unfound Presents. As I wish you all a Healthy and Happy New Year, I also hold good thoughts, hopes and prayers for all the children, wherever they may be, in need of help, protectors and people to love them in an honest way. 💓 🫂

Andre, it is great hearing from you again 💓. I am writing this before I unwrap and read your Christmas 🎁 to us. When I didn't see anything posted for a while, I was concerned enough to begin planning a trip to SA, BUT trying to get my dogs and dog-sled organized and wait for enough ice to set out? Well let's just say the logistics are hell. 😀 🛷 I am glad you are feeling better and that you resolved tablet issues (hopefully restoring / recreating most of your treasured stories, and backed up either physically or to "The Cloud"). As for work, not sure if it's still in beverage industry, but if so, most people aren't aware how tough it can be, and not just uncork 🍷 and enjoy. In any event, I hope you had a Happy Christmas and wish you a Healthy, Prosperous and Happy New Year to come. And now, on to Never walk alone- Walk on - Chapter 38. (chapter comments to follow).

The way in which ADA Timothy spoke to Roger when he said he wanted to question Brendan as a witness for Thomas beating his father in self defence has me very worried that he is alive: “Brendon was admitted to Mercy Hospital yesterday afternoon, Mr. Cicero.” Timothy said quietly. “Please Timothy, its Roger or Rog. What happened?” ... “He told his father that he planned to flip his testimony. He was going tell the jury he was in love with your client from the stand. Brendon’s father forbade him from doing so, and their argument got physical. His father is in custody.” The ADA couldn’t meet Roger’s eyes". 😥

So miracles may come true after all. BTW, in Manhattan NYC, Duffy's Irish Pub on 57th St intersects with 34th St. So? A "Miracle on 34th Street" if that is where Tim's brownstone apartment is? 🎄 + ✡️ = 🎉 ?

As @CLJobe has correctly indicated, Albin was in the few years just before the stock market crash of 24-29 Oct 1929 (Black Thurs 24th & Black Tues 29th when the Market lost over $14 Billion). Thanks to advice of his good friend George, Albin escaped financial ruin that wiped out bank savings of many including his mother Marie. BTW, his Italian Grandfather and Uncle's construction company likely survived to benefit from the "1930's re-building boom" and the same held true for his Swedish grandfather's (Albin's late father Lars) Engineering firm. So Albin had an option to pursue a position with them as 'scion' / successor, although it would mean bringing Marie to Sweden. Hmm? Ps: as the Holidays approach, a wish to all for Seasons Greetings, Merry 🎄 Christmas, "Festivus for the rest of us" and Happy Holidays for however you may celebrate. 🎉 💓

Another great but challenging chapter @JJ Quinn. Sam's incident with Ben is just the tip of the iceberg, with just 10% of the berg revealed and the rest hidden, waiting to reek havoc. But with war-related PTSD, the iceberg is more like a huge piles of IEDs, that anything can trigger an explosion. Max has been able to point out to Sam what he needs to do to help deal with his PTSD and where to find help. Now it's up to Sam to follow Max's orders like it was a mission, just not military in nature. Sam has a good support network with Ben, Sofia and her girls, and AJ. Let's see him work through it?