Anton_Cloche

Let the 'peeps all' go?

Liquid as in … alcoholic? 'Liquid Lunch' was and sadly still is a staple for a great many politicians, professionals and others who handle stress poorly, both men and women. The number I've known, whose bottom desk 'file' drawer holds many bottles, is more than I care to remember!

Hopefully Michael won't be a tragic victim in this story, doomed by his his learning disabilities as a child 😢, to never know or be told why his father died because of Joe Vincente Sr., and subsequently form a vendetta against Joe Jr. Nor did he kill spinster Martha Dougherty, but found she died in her sleep and put her body in the freezer (to preserve her body like he may have seen in tv) when he moved into her house temporarily. Now arrested, perhaps Michael will learn the truth of his father's death and not blame or try to kill Joe Jr. And while he may be charged with 'an indignity to a human body', (putting Martha in the freezer), a good lawyer can argue 'diminished capacity' and Michael could live out his life in the community (that he was doing as a mail carrier, as he is not a risk to others).

Preston, you've become part 'stockman' again, roping us in with this latest, really good story. Young Oscar Kingston's tale of boarding school mixed in with family farm 'dynamics' (better than saying 'issues'?) is starting to heat up, like a pot of Nanna's beef stew, forgotten on the stove and close to boiling over. Gramps (and Grams) is slyly working on putting together a 'plot of land' for Oscar to inherit, separate from the family farm that appears his younger brother Deacon and sister Amara will run some day. (Why exactly we don't yet know). Oscar's father appears to have his underdacks (knickers) in a twist about the gift of 100 acres, adjacent to G&G's 175 acres, to Oscar. Dad's most certainly not aware of the 506 acre property purchase adjacent to Oscar's original, that will link all three (perhaps a 4th?) blocks on both north and south sides of the Moore River, giving Oscar a potential 781 +/- acres. He is also not aware of the 'quietly' planned (and properly engineered) small 30m bridge to span a narrow (16m) section of the river, that will allow cattle to safely move from one section to another to graze. The bridge will also allow small farm vehicles to cross over. Not to mention a couple of jetties (docks or wharfs) planned along 3kms of the river for small kayaks etc. But remember, none of these lands will affect the larger farm. So what is Dad's problem? Ooh, this is going to be fun when cow plop 💩 hits the fan. Will Dad be angry enough to blow the whistle on Gramps and call the local or WA land and water authorities about the illegal bridge?

Higher than just a Pack Alpha (especially one who's tenuous 'leadership' is ruled by fear and not respect). Matriarchs among the Packs are most often revered 'elders' and keepers of historical facts, 'lore' and 'visions'. Has "Luna Cassandra Belcore, magnificent and strong, with a clear gaze and bright eyes" foreseen the future? With Grey / Wepwawet as ultimate Leader. With Dave / Aten as mate/Beta and Clara/Osiris supporting him? "This woman, ... slowly got down on one knee, and bared her neck toward me. Toward us".

Well, well @John Henry an interesting chapter. Calvin's not winning friends or influencing people. In fact he seems to be doing the opposite, both as far as 'his' boys and grown ups like Charlie. Could Charlie's 'stunt' of dissembling his Glock pistol and lining up the bullets be seen by Judge 'Crustypants' as a 'threat' or intimidation? Probably, and the judge might use that against Diego and Steve. And Billy won't be thrilled. Whether Charlie's 'stunt' scared the piss out of Calvin, or made him shit himself (out of fear)), it could backfire. In either event, Calvin forgot every Mother's advice to "wear clean underwear (and dark pants) when you go out. In case you get in and accident".

@jagboi 214 Posted 7 minutes ago Hmm, "I'm thinking RMW is actually the murderer, as Jamie was conveniently blacked out when it happened. Jamie was simply there to add credibility to the story about why MW was out in the middle of the night in rural Cumbria" ~ ~ ~ ~ OR...

Make it stop RMW! Wait, is that the solution to these pentakillings? If RMW is 'out of the picture' do ritual killings stop? Or are the 'Midlands Missing limb Murders' an attempt by extracorporeal entities to reconstitute a body? (Frankenstein's monster?).

Oscar's younger sister Amara has Rubella (aka German Measles)? While mostly eradicated (in Australia and most western nations) through stringent childhood MMR vaccination programs in the 1950's and 60's, it can still be contracted from travelers (as rash 'spots' takes up to a week to show) and unvaccinated persons, which is happening more frequently by parents refusing to vaccinate children. It is spread either airborne via sneezing and coughing, by touch and by sharing food or drink. Good Oscar high-tailed it out of kitchen and house. So he and Rizen will spend time with Oscar's Grands.

All those arms and legs in the fray, but where's the one missing? And 3 separate lightening ⚡ hit the barn but no fires? 'Rods' attached? With Jamie knocked out, what of Minister Rupert?

Very good chapter @Lee Wilson. Fred's diligence and tenacity appear to have now become his reputation as a lawyer. And well deserved. Recognition of Fred's work by the AC (Appellate Court) judges was reflected in their comment: "Mr. Jamers, while you are lauded for your performance on these two cases, you unfortunately have just obtained a potential mountain of work. We hope you are up to the task". The firm is happy that their wealthier client's son was declared 'not guilty' and would be released from prison the next day, along with Mo St. Louis. Fred now has the onerous task of righting the wrongs of previous lawyer Thompson. But hopefully (with help) he can handle it.

So who's blushing now? You like a super bright red neon light? And so hot it's like you're gonna burst into flame? 🧯

Hmm? I think Oscar will be able to reconfigure where he gets to spent his long weekends and school 'breaks', with any persuasion his grandparents have over his parents, especially now that he has his own 100 acre 'block' bought by his 'Grands' for him. (Knowing his elder brother and sister are likely to inherit the 5,750 acre family farm. I suspect he will inherit 'Grands' adjacent 175 acres in time). His schoolmate Rizen appears to a problem about where to spend the second week of term break. Oscar holds an answer (and perhaps another 'friendship'?)

Possibly, but each may have to file action separately for negligence, because Texas (for reasons too many to go into here), requires a minimum of 40 plaintiffs for Class Action. Also separate suits for the same issue many have "greater impact" on possible disbarment. However, if Fred finds that all the cases assigned to him are because he and those others are all gay, then Fred may be the target of 'pink filing', which if proved could open the Firm, Partners and Associates to discrimination claim, hearing before State Licensing Board (yeah, right, in Texas? Where men are men and sheep are...), with fines, penalties or suspension. IF there's proof, perhaps a "quiet confidential initial conversation" with ACLU?

Great chapter Mac, both from a story perspective and sadly from a historical one. In 1910, Daniel (an Indian Prince) was caught between three countries that didn't want or accept him. Persona non grata in the UK for being half Indian by an aristocracy as racist as possible despite recently deceased Queen Victoria having had an Indian 'Munshi' as her 'personal aid' and confidant in her last 14 years. Rejected by his own Indian aristocracy for being a half-breed, and targeted for death once the English imperialists and Indian 'royals' were cast out. And while disdained in the U.S. for being 'coloured', he had enough wealth as the son of a 'Raj' for Harvard to accept their money to teach him to be a medical doctor. In the meantime, Dani reveals some of the riches in his two 'carpet bags' that nearly dragged him to a watery death in the ocean if not for Abbie, who he rewards with a large emerald, and a sapphire for Aunt Pearl. Will "girlie boy" Abbie and Dani become more than friends? Will Aunt Pearl be able to protect them both from Ralph, who has his own 'designs' on Abbie, and a clear hatred for 'colored' Dani?

A wonderful chapter @Mancunian and @raven1 with the boys, Joseph and Benjamin safely 'home' in Manchester. And it is a safe home for both. Full of love and acceptance with their new 'Dads' Ian and Kevin, who they previously thought of as big brothers. Technically they are still 'guardians' of the boys, (or are they? Time to review?), until they all visit with their UK lawyer Mark, renounce their Israeli citizenship so that they are not subject to mandatory conscription into IDF at 18. Especially as they promised to return to Israel to visit Isaac, Shamira, Ashton, Aaron, Ben's beloved dog Ariel and puppies Jed & Zach, along with Jacob. As Benjamin and Joseph have their first good night's sleep without bad dreams (or nightmare in Benjamin's case), they awake to a new family 👨‍👨‍👦‍👦 and a new world to discover; friends to make (hopefully no enemies), a Granddad 👴 who loves them, and so much more. Enough to fill many chapters in a new book - G, J & C 2.0. (What was that giant 'thud'? Oh that's the sound of a massive NUDGE! 🫵 Hint, Hint.)

Perhaps some metamucil, a 'high colonic' and a 40 mile hike in the mountains? (If it was Yellowstone, someone would yell "thar she blows"). Still a great chapter!

Glad to see a new story, and a new bunch of characters Preston / @quokka. Boarding school always offers the possibility for something to go sideways, or not. Whether a conflict of personalities, problems new 'mates' are having adjusting to school especially if they're "from away" (not from Australia) and other reasons. 12 year old Oscar Kingston has a mix of everyone in his 'pod' or group. A Canadian, a lad from the UK (not necessarily a 'Brit'), and a New Zealand (who may not appreciate being called a Kiwi). It's early days, so let's see how things settle.

Interesting story @chris191070. Those trying to hook the ticket stubs should sea if they're for 'The Little Mermaid' otherwise it could be a just for the halibut. 😉 Ken and Joe were exhausted and "... they failed to hear scratching on the basement door. Someone was trying to break into the house through the cellar entrance." It might not be the killer. Could it be someone trying to get in to be safe, because the killer was after them?

Wow! Fred is showing why he was in the top 5% of his class at LSU. Through his dedication to putting in the hours (early in and late out) at work, his attention to detail and ability to see and catch small things that either slip through the cracks in the system (or are allowed to slip through by prosecutors, and even judges for whatever reason), Fred is proving his worth. He's also found the flaw in Mo's conviction that at the minimum will allow an appeal and a retrial, and could see the conviction overturned and Mo set free. Perhaps, Lady Justice is not blind after all? Blindfold to be impartial Scales for balance Sword for swift justice (But I asked for tarts 🥧 not Torts 😉. )

Done! I know @Mancunian is listening. 😉

Thank you @Mancunian and @raven1 for this wonderful chapter. While there were tears with Benjamin and Joseph leaving, especially for Aaron and Asher loosing their 'big brother' Joseph, there are promises of return visits in the future. In the meantime the twins will be happy with Facetime (or Skype) calls from the UK. The same applies to Jacob and his two younger 'brothers' Ben and Joseph. Grandad Ox is pleased with his new 'title' (better than Lt.Col?), while Benjamin and Joseph are proud of having a grandparent (especially Benjamin after his grandmother was murdered). Shamira is partly correct about Ariel staying with her pups (however, dogs from EU countries including Spain, if microchipped, with a current "Pet Passport" and vaccinated for tapeworm and rabies 5 days before entry may avoid 4-month quarantine). Perhaps the additional chapter will be "a few years later" epilogue that reveals the boys in their later teens; Ben 18 passed 'A' levels (Cdn Grade 12 / U.S. Senior) getting ready for Uni, with Joseph 16 taking 'O' level (Cdn Grade 11, U.S. Junior). Both work part-time at Goldstein, Johnson & Cole, and volunteer at The Boot? I mean, you're stilling writing and editing it, so ... 🥺 🤞 (Asking for much? )

Is it hot in here? Oh right, the oven is open. Phew!

Not sure I have, but if I did, where and how to get credit for it! Surely worth a few ₪, £ or $, maybe enough for coffee and a pastry? 😉

The last two chapters have me @drowning in a sea of everchanging currents, threatening to drag me deep. Or as Dave so succinctly said: "SO MANY QUESTIONS! AHHHHHHHH!” Now with most everyone back on 'our' 'plane' of existence (the seat belt sign is on, please stay in your seats), will clarity begin? Resume? Will Chronos be our new temporal guide? Or just overheat Clara / Osiris?