Anton_Cloche

Another interesting chapter @Robert Hugill. You mention in your end notes "30 chapters", yet only 19 listed. I presume that's updated as more are added. Keith continues to slowly reveal what has life was like growing up and the, "...beatings, but other stuff. Terrorizing me..." he received from his angry and homophobic "father". And he is relying on Thomas who is trying to help him figure things out. The 1985 'Lambeth' photo of his "father" and other (C of E) churchmen, seems like an odd piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Not likely a group of 'Masons'? (Interesting note: that although not linked 'directly' to CofE, 6 prior UK Kings, Head of the CofE, were Masons, and Charles III is supposedly not, but his father Philip and grandfather George VI were, and his uncle the Duke of Kent is UK Grand Master). 🐝

Probably similar questions to mine. Strange how Ahmed's "mother's" (?) fake name sounds like a declaration of entitled wealth, 'Is my fortune'. And of course it's a penthouse. Yet Ahmed isn't a smart as he thinks, or he'd have suspected whoever grabbed up Mohammed would find out where his mother lives. Are George and Tom safe in 'no tell motel' when Ken and Joe head to Manhattan? Let's just hope Joe plays it safe and leaves some "Associates" behind, just in case. (You know how @chris191070 likes his surprises and cliffs ). Ps: Sexual exploits at university and college aka 'campus interuptus' 😃

Shouldn't Calvin's history of clinical depression be another determining factor of his being 'unfit' to be a parent. What if he owns a gun (no surprise)? If instead of taking pills for depression, Calvin took 32 S&W Hemingway? Bryan seeking comfort sleeping with his dads like when he was a younger child was a touching gesture. Until: “Good nights, Dads.” “Good night, Bryan,” Steve said. “Good night, Chico,” Diego said. He chuckled and said softly to Steve, “Good night, Daddy.” “Oh my God!” Bryan cried out, as his fathers laughed and hugged him. 😆

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Ass over teakettle might be just one of many positions Joe's "consultants" will use to loosen (before removing) Mohammed Bin Ibrahim's tongue. (According to someone with first hand knowledge of "their" ruthlessness.) Hopefully Ken, Joe and PD can find chopper flights, and also continue to stake out the local FBO for jet being "readied".

As fun as the sound of the solid jellied cranberries "slorping" from can to platter to floor is, I'd prefer the sounds of The Traveling Wilburys. Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty. Still very listenable in 2024 (and '38).

Thank you @Lee Wilson for a proper wrap up to your latest book in this series (jeez there's a hint?) As an editor and reader I appreciate 'properly' written stories, with a beginning, middle and an end that wraps things up. (Or as my first English prof put it: "Say what you are going say; Say it; Say that you said it"). Your epilogue pretty much ties up most of the "loose ends", but like many sweaters, there's always a thread or two that if pulled will start to unravel, revealing? As you said that might be a story featuring Bart and Noah and their 'challenged' ("minor disabilities") sons; perhaps with various types of help from their cousins, Karl-3, Barry, Calvin, 'Little' Jason, or Carla and Billy and their 4 children? Doctor Carlo mentions "I made another mistake during a group session and lost my license to practice psychiatry" (meaning the State revoked it, not him simply resigning?). Well they all survived to 2038, (not a Presidential election year, yeah). Carlo and Brand are in their early (?) sixties and as Brendan's father showed, longevity is in the genes (note I didn't go for easy pun), so Book 3 is within reach? Little Jason's math skills, could he be the next Warren Buffet? Sharing his knowledge brings the whole extended family along?). And now we, your fans, wait patiently ... Stay well.

"Seems" may be an apt description based on Oscar's trepidation at Koen's offer to join his trip home to Canada for a Christmas vacation. Lucky for Oscar, there isn't sufficient time to get a passport. Oh wait @quokka, there is. While the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) normally takes 6 weeks to get a new passport, if you are travelling on short notice you can, according to their website, use the: "Urgent applications Priority processing. If you need your passport urgently, you may be eligible to pay the priority processing fee for faster service. We’ll process priority applications in two business days from when we receive your application". Oscar and Gramps could pick up his new passport on 3rd business day at office in major nearby city, like Perth. And Quantas flies non-stop Perth to Vancouver round trip for $3600. But it is a 23-hour flight and that might be too much for Oscar to handle. 😒 IF he changes his mind and really wants to go and give 'snow' in BC a try? Normally he would need his parents to sign passport application approval, but as previously stated, they gave his grandparents 'Guardianship authority'. So ? https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ZaVKLgtVmuq2CCs/?mibextid=0VwfS7

My oh my @Ticklishboy30, if 'we' study the emoji ratings of this chapter like a political poll, the unsure /'Wow' / leaning towards 'mad', plus the angry emojis are effectively 2 to 1 "not pleased" with these recent 'machinations' of yours. It's one thing to write a 'cliffie', and another to lean over the edge to see below to the hard ending ... ... (while unaware of the charging bison about to butt you hard, into the abyss).

Another wonderful chapter @Ronyx allowing us to look in through the window that Phil looks out of, and catch glimpses of his current and former life. I am saddened 💔 to hear about Stanley's fight and subsequent flight from his home, now turned into a toxic homophobic (father) environment. His distract mom, Phil's nurse Mrs. Sullivan. For Stanley to be outed through discovery, is enough to turn his thoughts to killing himself, but at 15 he doesn't understand the enormity of doing that. Hopefully Colin's contacts at the police department can help find Stanley in time. 🙏 As for Colin and Jason hijacking Phil for a makeover and lunch, in the real world? Absolutely amazing! 💗Hopefully Phil's matchmaking works. Thank you for your comment about Comsie @Comicality. R.I.P. Gone for too soon at only 47 (a week before his 48th birthday). Definitely not forgotten.

Gory chapter @chris191070 and the mysterious Saudi student no one has never seen (and lived to talk about it) doesn't care who he (and his 'associates) kill. Pretty sure Joe's 'consultants' are more than capable of 'handling' vicious and deadly thugs. Maybe "sleep with the fishes"?

Another fantastic chapter Preston, with Oscar's future starting to look pretty well sorted. There are many things that need to be completed for the 'Grands' plan for Oscar's future to come together. First and foremost is his finishing secondary school (pretty sure 'dux' is not in the cards, given his medical time off), and planning for Uni, with a possible combined B.Fin, B.Agribus & B.Env.St. (Bachelor of Finance, Agribusiness and Environmental Studies, whew!) to successfully run what is being put together. A close second is looking after his health: physical, emotional/ mental and sexual (his identity). That will also mean finding a fix for the issues with his parents (absentee father and controlling mother), and perhaps more important, strong loving connections with his younger sister Amana and brother Deacon, so none of them feel abandoned or estranged from each other. Finally is Oscar's friendships and relationships with his mates from school. And as @JohnnyC said: "I’m hoping he will meet someone who he could grow old with. He needs some more love & comfort in his life". My gut feeling is he already has, he just doesn't know it yet. And @quokka hasn't let us in on that secret ... yet 😉. But discovering that person, can't trigger any further anxiety/panic attacks.

Better if pennies were quarters or 🪙 bitcoin? As for Stephanie (who like Wicked Witch on Oz should have a house dropped on her), Karl should notify the school ASAP for all three children's safety, alert the police (for attempted kidnapping of Karl) and get a temporary injunction and a restraining order. With Dr. Carlo Marini's input, that should be easy, and quick. Carlo does great work with Calvin and Barry, solving two issues: Calvin being lonely, (missing Becky) and wanting to sleep in Barry's room; and Barry's bedwetting, which he will grow out of a his body grows. His conversation with Karl-3 also alerted about Stephanie. Really good chapter @Lee Wilson

Tom and George need to call AND text Ken immediately with (Prince?) Ahmed's info. IF Ahmed's still at the University, Ken (and Joe's bodyguards to protect Tom & George) need to get there ASAP. By car it will take at least 3.5 hrs, but NYPD or private helicopter can be there in 40 mins. In the meantime Ken can alert Binghamton PD and NY State Police since its a potential kidnapping. And with a potential wealthy Saudi suspect involved, (possibly one of 500+ 'Princes'? Maybe 'Diplomatic' status? OR just someone who 'looks' Middle Eastern - Borat?) Plus his ability to take private jet out of Binghamton to escape U.S. is high. Call in FBI as well?

Holey Schitt. Somebody seriously 'fanboying' Dan Levy aka David🌹? 😉 On a more (?) serious note, did Billy "in Chambers" pot Hon. Crustypants in his place? BTW, someone's previous comment about courtroom scenes being "a drag"? To missquote Ru Paul, "Honey, a Judge wearing a little black frock with no accessories? Borrow something special from J. Edgar's closet".

After a especially long, hard day, Jamie and Mike text each other: "I'm on the way home. Dinner out? See you in 30". Due to traffic, they're delayed. 40 minutes later, one arrives home, opens unlocked door to find what looks like a struggle. "Hon"? But there is only silence. Just then a mobile on the floor starts to buzz with an incoming text. 😱 @lawfulneutralmage

Another wonderful chapter @quokka / Preston, although I am saddened that Simba thinks this may be his final trip to his Kilimanjaro "home", and "which I had a feeling may be my last time". The saying "An elephant never forgets" has been tested and documented many times by zoologists, and proven to be true. That appears to be the case here; as this bull 🐘 charging at Simba and his friends suddenly scents something and stops, as he remembers: * "... the baby elephant stepped closer and wrapped its small trunk over my shoulder, and smelt my chest, face and head". 🤔 😃 * Survival Book 1. Kilimanjaro, Chapter 19.

A ride on the Stygian Ferry? With a silver coin on his tongue to pay the one way fare? How is Aziel alive? Or is he? Was Adam looking down from above? Also, you keep referring to "the floor" when they boys are clearly outside the church: "Daniel dropped the rifle on the floor and ran back to Aziel, sliding his battered knees across the soaked corn-covered floor and falling over his friend's body, crying. "Aziel, Aziel...please wake up. Please," Daniel prayed." Since this repeats numerous times, (Beta reader should have caught and edited), can only presume, on the basis of probability, a grammar App at play?

Seems I was on the mark about Gramps and Gran wanting to ensure that Oscar would own, (directly or 'In Trust'), or inherit property equivalent to that of his siblings (fairness to all regardless of his parent's decisions). Interesting to note that acquisition of lands, (whether a 'Private Coastal Reserve' or not), adjacent to the ocean and any shipwrecks therein, does not grant ownership of any treasures found to the discoverers, whether in the sea or on land. In fact 'The Crown' (Gov of Australia) claims vested ownership of any and all treasures. Darn, anyone with thoughts of finding and keeping treasure from the 1656 Dutch ship Vergulde Draeck / Silver Dragon, just had that vanish, like a dream!

Many questions and challenges happening in this chapter @J92. Adam deserves what ever bad things happen to him and his bunch of thugs. Jail or worse for kidnapping and beating Thomas. Although Adam (or somebody else) put a hand over Thomas' mouth, they didn't use chloroform to knock him out. Perhaps Thomas will see and grab the emergency (glow-in-the-dark) trunk lid release handle and escape if the car stops in traffic? (or will driver behind see it and call police?). But when Thomas was grabbed from behind, "... his phone is pulled off his hand and chucked into the open trunk". So the question is, was his phone "chucked into" his own trunk, or the one he's been thrown into? Clearly Adam is as deranged and homophobic as his "bible thumping" parents, all of whom are determined to change Thomas back in to the 'Sophie' he was born as. They refuse to accept his gender identity issue which he has (apparently) physically and probably surgically has changed from FTM.

The Tardis could be the solution. Not just to Jamie and RMW's current predicament, but too so much more. Like the real housing crisis everywhere. With a 'static' exterior size, but an adaptable and expandable interior, each could house an entire family. Imagine, a city block filled with 100 Tardis, could house 1,000's. Back to your story @lawfulneutralmage and the 'cliffie'. "... the minister ... lifted his pistol. “I can do it.” “No, you won’t!” I couldn’t believe this! “Jamie, step aside!” “The hell I will.” I put my hand on my pistol, ready to draw. “Don’t make me!” Part of Jamie's training as a UK police officer, included in their mission statement, is to "protect lives" and prevent others from committing crimes. Will Jamie be forced to shoot the Minister (disarming or killing him?) to prevent RMW murdering the hostage woman (even as the leader of the demons is about to kill her)?

She probably was even way before the fire ('set' or "accidental", depends on what FD investigators find). But the hatred shown in the letter? Difficult chapter @Lee Wilson. The deaths of Karl Snr, Janet and 9 year old Becky are heart-wrenching, and that loss will be felt forever, especially by Calvin, who as a child will have terrible survivor's guilt. Hopefully, being welcomed into his Uncle Karl's family, and his cousins Karl-3 and Barry, will help Cal heal. BTW, this story, (along with Spring and Fall 'time changes' - where occuring), reminds everyone to check their smoke detectors, replace batteries and vacuum detector to get rid of dust blocking sensors.

@Ronyx this story, Phil's life story, continues to reveal itself. Like layers of an onion being peeled away, (which explains my tears from time to time). Most of us have heard it said that before you die, "your life passes before your eyes". What Phil sees through the glass is his cavalcade. And perhaps his tiredness at the beginning of this chapter, is more weariness. I saw this 'weariness' in my own grandfather's eyes before he passed decades ago (in a nursing home he disliked); and also reflected in my parents before they passed. I hope Phil is able to rally enough to get into an apartment of his own, perhaps big enough with an extra bedroom for Colin and Jason. If for now better reason than to piss off his own son. 😉

Aaarghh! What The H E double hockey sticks are you doing? And what does the demon Mephistopheles (sp not one that seems to refer to furball) want with young Stormcloud / Ethan. (Aside from the carnal evilness he is known and reviled for in Germanic lore). (facial response to being tickled? 🤔)

Hopefully Phil's jackass son does not hold financial or medical POA's for Phil, otherwise I suspect someone helping themself. Don't forget Phil said he was financially secure enough to stay in his own place and pay for 'attendant' care. Otherwise, another wonderful chapter in a really good story @Ronyx. Phil playing cupid for Jason and Colin? A real treat! 💘 Especially when Jason 'accidentally' comes to Phil's room to book his next day physio, when he knew Colin was probably there? Someone is taking the bull by the horn. 😉