Anton_Cloche

At the very least there are grounds for appeal based on new evidence, including 2nd DNA from semen unknowingly left behind by Bully with pinprick* in condom he used to rape murder victim Stephane and pin it on Fred. Also, how the 'heck' did Bully get picked to be only on jury, but also in charge of jury as 'foreperson'? * Neither a comment on Bully's brain, or necessarily his 🍌 or 🥜 size.

OBJECTION Fred's lawyer failed to bring up fact that Propofol is not available "Over the Counter", and while not a "Controlled Substance" (contains no opioids), it has to be injected via IV by anesthesiologist who has access to the drug in a hospital, dental surgeon's office or medical clinic. Which raises three SERIOUS legal issues: 1. Who had access to and obtained Propofol to knock out both Fred and Stephane? 2. Propofol is not safe or effective when administered via the IM route ( 💉 in butt); as a result of poor systemic uptake of hydrophobic drug. It ONLY rapidly renders a patient unconscious when injected via IV. 3: A few murder cases in U.S. with Propofol involved had to rely on postmortem blood and tissue toxicology test results 📊 (which take 4 to 6 weeks. Even in a high profile death, it took 6 weeks to get tox reports for Michael Jackson! Just provided for clarity!).

There were a few typos but I forgot my Editor's 'Blue Correction Pencil'. A family BBQ where a disagreement (fight) didn't break out after too many drinks? I guess when your waterfront home is $900K+ that's just not done. Chris arrives with: "... esky contained a pavlova, a cheesecake, an apple crumble and lots of whipped cream, all homemade", and ends the night getting Ubered ? 🫢

This chapter is not a trifling matter . Lots of areas covered, an introduction to Skye, and a big ask of Chris to be Best Man at the wedding. I think Beau's 'Tradie Tool' may qualify him as best man. 😜 Well written. Next up is family and friends BBQ. What could go wrong? Too much drinking? Sparks fly?

An interesting first story from a novice writer to the "gay" genre. It starts with literally 'bumping' into someone in a carpark. And leads to ... (that would be giving something away, so let's leave a bit of mystery). 😜

Hmm. An interesting premise for a story @Paladin with a well written first chapter. And I guess Beau can honestly tell his girlfriend Skye, "oh he's just someone I bumped in to in the carpark"? Chance encounters do happen and sometimes lead to more. Your response to @Cane23 comment: "The protagonist's, or narrator's, name is Chris. ... I'm telling the story as Chris..." leads me to ask, is this story autobiographical? Anyway, you've piqued my editor's curiosity with novice writers, so I will read on.

Another good chapter @Mancunian with lots of details to be found "reading between the lines". Apologies in advance for the length of this comment (twice edited by me). The Major (aka Ox / Alex) and Marty's dinner meeting with their "connections" Drew and Aiden in a pub with a military ambiance was very fitting. Something out of a John le Carré novel? Ian & Kevin are on their way. As for adoption issues, there are a few things to consider. IF Joseph somehow has UK citizenship, or if one of his biological parents or grandparents were British subjects (even before 1948) there are provisions that make Joseph eligible for citizenship (mine via my Portsmouth Grandfather). The Israeli system for adoption however is made more difficult if Joseph has no such claim to the UK. Israel does not usually permit adoption of Jewish children by non-Israeli citizens, however as Manny was an Israeli citizen he could "adopt" Joseph since Joseph is deemed (by ?) to be Palestinian. However, The Palestinian Authority (PA) under Shari'a Law has rejected the concept of adoption as it exists in the western world but presents several alternatives including personal liability, declaration of "guardianship", bestowing a gift and leaving a last will and testament. It was previously stated that Manny had "guardianship" of Joseph, and it is clear(ish) that Manny made provisions for Joseph in his Last Will. The PA having already allowed Manny to be Joseph's legal guardian, plus the provisions of Manny's Will meets two requirements. It will be Israeli hurdles to jump. IMHO.

This good chapter reveals things that require plans to be put in motion, with 'back up' and 'special assistance' if, when and where required with the more than capable aid of the 'Major'. Those without military background or understanding should know that being 'mustered out' in good order means the Major (Pop) had / has invaluable connections, assets and resources available to him for life. (Long after leaving his 'active' service). These very likely include Special Operations and Intelligence, at home and abroad (including Israel). So, as @Mancunian and @raven1 work their magic on the coming chapters, Ian and Kevin have a trip to make, an important visit, and decisions to weigh ⚖️. 🫰

Manny (bless his soul) may have lived through and seen first hand the old and ongoing strife of Isreal and Palestine, and wanted to pay forward his good fortune in life by taking in a 10 year old Palestinian street boy, and give him a home and better life. Unable to "adopt" the boy, Manny was granted "guardianship" of Joseph Emmanuel Goldstein and intended to bring him "home" to the UK. With Manny's untimely death two years ago, the people Manny entrusted to look after now 12-year old Joseph, stole his money and threw him out onto the streets. Learning of this Ian and Keith step forward to honour Manny's wishes and with lawyer Mark's help, want to assume guardianship of young Joseph Emmanuel Goldstein and bring him home to the UK. To be part of their family.

This chapter is a wonderful re-introduction to Ian and Keith as they reminisce about what brought them together, their initial struggles, being rescued by Pop after being beaten and later taken to hospital, and the help of Christian. 12 years together can seem both "a lifetime" and "a blink of the eye". It's all a matter of perspective. Your re-writing @Mancunian , coupled with @raven1 editing (and more) is off to a very good start.

@Mancunian, having read the previous Lost Souls and The Boot series during the COVID years, I had enjoyed Ian & Keith's story, in spite of some errors and other issues that caught my 'Editor's Eye'. (making for a less fluid and enjoyable read). Not that the series was rife with typos, plot, continuity and other errors, because they were not, but they were there. I look forward to reading your revised re-telling or re-write. Why? Well to quote a wartime reporter who later went on to create some noteworthy tales of his own: "The only (best) kind of writing is re-writing". And by his own admission (and comments by his wives and co-workers that he created "mounds of balled paper"). That re-writer was Ernest Hemingway. I look forward to renewing my acquaintance with Ian and Keith, and their friends. Let the story begin!

"Breaking News from BNN, Alphabet Murders continue in Nyack. Even as all guests at the 'bachelors long weekend pool party', including a local police chief are now alleged suspects, and in police custody in separate jail cells awaiting bail hearings in Monday, someone killed a man named 'E' and cut off his penis, according to inside witnesses. This follows the murders of men named A, B, C and D. When questioned, police officers supposedly in charge of prisoner safety, replied "No Comment" to media." Stayed tuned for more breaking news."

Pregnancy not tolerated, and the offenders likely "punished" or "disappeared".

Apollo is going to find his young, barely legal butt hauled off to someplace in the middle east, where thousands of boys (and girls) just "disappear" each year, according to FBI, Interpol and other police agencies. Agencies that stop searching for missing boys, when (allegedly) obscene amounts of 'baksheesh' appear, courtesy of a sheik or emir, who's diplomatic immunity seemingly puts them beyond a 'Red Notice'. Can anyone save Apollo?

Or, the ME being tasked by possibly conservative Texas DA to match Fred's semen to Stephane's body would dismiss a "minute DNA trace of 'other' semen" as being consistent with gays promiscuity. 8 weeks in lockup does not bode well for Fred. Maybe someone from ACLU or an LGBTQ lawyer will see report on news and offer to assist Fred? They could request toxicology test results that show Propofol and tissue samples from injection site will also show propofol, and Fred has no access to the drug. Police should run record checks on anyone on building (BullSH*T) who might has access. And BINGO.

Dani, a young man sent by his family in India to America, specifically Boston and Harvard? Yo become either a doctor or a solicitor? Those 'carpet bags' likely contain all the wealth (gold or jewels) necessary to pay for years at college and living expenses. In those days, as now, that would be a fortune. Abbie & Dani? Abbie & Johnny? Abbie & Ralph? Dani & Johnny? The possible connections are making mind twirl like a tidal whirlpool. Next chapters please Mac. Your east coast tales are a delight!

Okay, you've set the hook and now you're beginning to reel us in? Meanwhile the real murderer is free, thinking they got away with killing Stephane. Fred is arrested, by lazy cops and DA (possibly homophobic) who think "one gay killing his not quite boyfriend" is an easy conviction. Fred's equally lazy public defender takes an easy plea deal, doing no investigating. An ME / Coroner investigation would show if the dried blood on Fred's penis is 'internal blood' from anal sex, or 'external blood' from sleeping nude next to Stephane and rolling into blood on the sheets. In which case there could also be blood on Fred's thigh and leg. In jail, Fred spends time trying to clear his wrongful conviction, but has someone found out and are trying to silence him?

Thank you for this wonderful and soul-touching story @Ronyx that has me mindful of where tissues may be. While I am thankfully not at the age or with the physical and mental challenges Phil is dealing with, I do hear the sounds of clock ticking in the quiet moments. I think, and correct me if wrong, Phil's son harbours anger towards his father for divorcing his Mom and 'turning' gay. I suspect his not so loving son, uses other terms when he thinks of his father. As for not allowing Phil to use his own resources for home care? I suspect son has designs on Phil's home and bank accounts, if he has not already gained POA (Power of Attorney), when Phil suffered the stroke and had temporary diminished capacity. (Phil needs to reverse that and change his Will ASAP!) Hopefully Colin and Phil can help each other. I entrust it you, to help work it out.

One problem in the U.S. is that Chiefs of Police is an elected position. So you might get one without sufficient experience in procedures and how to follow them: 1. Report the crime, especially if you're the Police Chief AND a party (orgy) invitee, to clear yourself. 2. Never move a body once found (let alone twice in Abel's case), until the M.E. (Medical Examiner) or Coroner has visited, investigated and released the crime scene. 3. Document and Protect evidence (see #1). A thorough search fails to find the severed penis? Assuming it's not something that can easily be overlooked (?), where is it? (Unless flushed, flung or put in kitchen sink garbage disposal - eww). Did Chief take photos of Abel and now Barry's bodies before moving them? And with a missing member and no blood in scene, then murder and severing had to be done in tub, shower, or near pool where blood can be washed away. As for only one severed penis, was the killer interrupted before taking Barry's, or is he not a 'collector' / serial killer? In which case, was Abel's murder a crime of passion? So many questions, so many possible suspects and no one thing pointing at anyone in particular? I throw the ball back in your court @chris191070 to deal with the 'Case of the Purloined Penis'. (Brownie points for not going after obvious puns ). Ps: Thank goodness this didn't occur during 'Fashion Week' at a showing for Members Only.

Spy/courier? OR, be like superheroes that by 'speeding' backward are able to go back in time?

To paraphrase two old (before my time and long gone) comedians: "You're only as old as you feel. Do what the doctor prescribes, take two (standing with a young luscious blond on each arm) and you'll 'feel' better". 👀 Now, about the surprising reveal by @lawfulneutralmage of Jamie's supernatural abilities? "WOW" would be an understatement! And no help was coming from the (ahem) Hon. Morris-Walker, M.P. when he told Jamie stated: "... there is neither the Hogwarts School of Wizardry nor the Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Children. You will need to figure the extent of your abilities all by yourself, I am afraid.” Being warned to "tell no one", how is Jamie to uncover what his new "truth" is? And can he do so without the support (and help) of Mike? I suspect he will rely on, and trust Mike with their lives. In the meantime, perhaps we should emulate @CassieQ (feline-like* side?) and take "naps. Lots of naps". * No slight intended

Or 'The Last Airbender'? Like the joke: What's the difference between 'Paranormal' and pair of 'Nutters'? 6+ pints in the pub. I agree with suggestion of someone using AI software to edit both bodycam and dashcam video (stored on SD Card or Cloud). But the David Copperfield disappearing bit? (no 'copper' pun intended). Hopefully Jamie got his personal dashcam and memory card back. Hire a lawyer!

This story is so well written by a budding author with accomplished editors (also authors), how can you not "Follow"? Enjoying it immensely. Well done!

007-ish but without the Pussy Galore.

Nice chapter LNI @lawfulneutralmage . Lots of character development / reveals from your team with @Mikiesboy and @CassieQ. Things between Leon/Jamie and Mike starting to get racy? Leon's got a nice ride; powerful between his knees. Ps: LNI reminds me of LnO short for Law&Order, but in your case 'Law n Imagination' ?