Anton_Cloche

First this story is well written and thought out @Robert Hugill with few writing errors to catch my 'Editor's Eye'; which is a good thing. Less Blue Pencil for me to sharpen. Second, I think there's enough current (and future?) story ideas for you to continue this as an open-ended serial. This primarily focused on Brian and Gordon with Toby introduced as integral to Brian's role as a Dad as well as Gordon's boyfriend and husband to be. Once Toby has done his A Levels and is thinking about a gap year before Uni, you might want to use that as a launching point for Book II; focused on Toby's goals to initially get his B.Eco (at LIS?), with Noah as his Uni 'mate'. Brian and Gordon continue as 'supporting' characters. As for dreary Deirdre and Jasper? I see that as a train wreck in the making. Are drugs involved in his move 'south'? Perhaps to avoid / evade police interest? My Portsmouth grandfather would describe Jasper as a RBA (Round Brown Arseh**e)

As someone who 'toils' in editing, (as will as being on journalism), let me paraphrase Bette Milder ... 'If not for the backstage pixies who work unseen to make actors (authors, playwrights and others) look good, the show would never come together'. Your (and all the editors and 'beta' readers) work is very appreciated. As are the gifts of @Mancunian. BTW, I mention 'toil", because IMHO, much of what is written or reported in the last 2 decades, shows an utter lack of basic writing, grammar, composition and comprehension skills. And an ill advised reliance on 'Apps' (names not mentioned to protect the guilty). Anyone educated from the 1950's (or before) to the late 80's often cringe at the errors being propagated. NB: @drpaladin can you find in your bags of tricks a 'Kleenex / Tissue Box emoji?

@chris191070 9 hours ago @drpaladin said: Are you implying she's a sloth? Sloths don't fart. Technically @drpaladin is correct. Unlike virtually all other mammals sloths do not fart via the butt. They have a much more odious way of passing gas, and they can do so whenever they want, by expelling horrible methane gas through their mouth; if they feel nervous or threatened, as a defense mechanism, or just a build up of gas. Usually without any sound to warn you. It looks like a yawn, until you keel over. Up to 10 or more feet (3+ m).

Hmmm, hadn’t thought of it that way. What psycho could visit them? A 'Shining' example and perhaps obvious answer, would be Adam's father. The description of his actions up to and including murdering Adam's family (and shooting this dear boy in the chest) would meet the layman's criteria of "psycho".

@RainbowPhoenixWI said: Well my nerves are now shot. Someone give me a hand, I'm out of fingernails. There better be one hell of a glass of wine at the end of the next chapters Dr's say 1 glass of wine a day is good for heart health.

Mein Gott somebody activated her personal WABAC machine to find Sgt. Schultz enjoying "ein bier" (Thanks Nickelodeon ).

Get an early start on tax returns?

It's too bad they didn't maximize the 747-400 'seating' capacity by 6, to 666 👿 economy seats. But XL ReptoVamps will be squeezed in like sardines in a can. But most 747-400 have 8 crew 'jump seats' just aft of the cockpit. BTW, the cargo hold on 747-400 is equipped to allow 'pets' and large animals (some zoos transport animals the size of baby elephants in pressurized and temperature controlled 'modules' under 1st class). Of course is Air Kasar goes missing over Bering Sea, @kbois and Krew have nothing to write about. Sebastian's chosen battleground is essentially like an old fashioned 'Western' shoot out in a 'Box Canyon'. To quote Bruce Willis' John McClane "Yippee-ki-yay, M*****F*****"

Drew, don't be in a rush to write because of reader's desires (nice to know tho). As the saying goes: "All good things comes to he who waits". I'll be here. Take care, be well and Best Wishes for Happy Holidays!

Are you ready for an epic journey? @CLJobe could be described as an author who writes stories that make you feel good, but in my humble opinion, that would be doing him a great disservice. This story - ARROW - like many of his previous 43 stories, and the over 1.8 MILLION words he has written, does more than make you "feel good". ARROW makes you feel! All the emotions you thought you knew, and then some. This story tells the journey of Armand, a young 8 year old boy discovering that the old lady who visits him in his dreams is his "Grandma A’s great-great-grandmother". (from photo taken in 1814). His 'GG' tells him stories of her life, a 🐦 who sings in the tree outside her window, and GG encourages his interest in art. And so begins a journey, not just of his life, but of all the lives he touches. As @CLJobe has told some of us that he is in the last quarter of his "journey", I encourage you readers to do more than just click an emoji at the end of each chapter you read. Write him a comment, to brighten his day, as that is the only 'payment' authors receive. Enjoy! 🫂

Liam appears to be on a path that will allow him to make friends and perhaps form a relationship. But Ed is on the inside, and we will need to see what facilitated Liam's release and got to where he is. The British Courts version of 'protection of minors released from custody' with new identities, has failed miserably (in 'Fact'); they are punished by impoverishment (low paying jobs, no 'real' and hiding from the public). Next chapters please.

His name may be Roud, but my GrandUncle (ex UK WWII Army Intel) would have called him "Round brown arseh**e" Thankfully Janet and Aiden (with Union help), plus Mark and Mrs. Stewart-Graham will protect Liam.

My mother always told me "better to be late to a party, as a sign of respect and gratitude (to your host), than not show up at all." (I was paying attention. 🙄.) I tried to be brief. This is 3rd edit. First I echo the comments that came before, Cal. (I've just written a review and hopefully it will post soon). Armand and Colin truly 'lived' each and every day of the 70 years they were together. Not only for themselves, but for the children they saved, helped, and housed in 'The Home' that was not an institutional orphanage. For the children they adopted, and those too 'old' to adopt, who became their "brothers". Armand feared Colin would not make it home from renovating Pierre (and Collette's) cottage in Paris, but Colin's sheer tenacity and his love for Armand ensured he made it home. Armand implored Colin: "Our time here is limited. Promise me that when our time comes, we go together. One thing you being away helping Pierre taught me, I don’t want to live without you. Promise me. "Colin replied,“I promise.” They spent their last month seeing their remaining three adopted sons get married, with Pierre and Collette being the last. The day before Pierre and Collette were due back from their honeymoon, Colin took Armand out for a walk around their property, pointing out many of the projects, 'his life's work', he had completed for their family, including the pool and fountain with their wedding photo enclosed in glass. Asking Armand to “Come and sit here. The sun is warm", they "pulled two lounge chairs together, holding hands, and we took a nap". Armand awoke to find Colin had passed peacefully while holding his hand, Armand was devastated at being left behind. Colin had promised they would be together. After a while of being alone, Armand's son David took him to visit the mausoleum on the knoll, and discovered a new painting (by Carl) of "an Angel with bluebirds flying around". David took Armand home. That night GG, Louise and Colin visited Armand and Colin fulfilled his promise to "take Armand Home". The bible says,"I go ahead (to heaven) to prepare a place for you". Colin "went ahead" to prepare a home for Armand. When it was ready, Colin returned, fulfilled his promise and took Armand's hand to lead him Home. 🐦 Thank you Cal. 🫂

Nice conclusion to this story Preston, although you left the door open just a smidge for an offshoot story to appear in the future. Perhaps Seb, William, Nicholas and Simon reconnect for a gap year of cruising, under sail or MY? Perhaps Mum or Dad (more likely Dad) fails to return from a business trip in time, and Seb has to go searching? A tale that springs from baron ground that Fordells, I mean foretells, the future. (Okay that may be overreaching, but you have to admit you did leave some loose ends and some heirs apparently on IoM and Channel islands). You never know what may grow from seeds planted (in the imagination of an author). Thank you @quokka

Caleb and Asa's canidae 'lover's knot'?

Yay, I'm # Okay, Enya has found the weak point in the reptile monster's 'breast plate' (sternum), and 'Bar-B-Fried' it when "she blasted it in the middle of the chest with a concentrated bolt of fire. The flame shot straight out and hit directly in the seam between two of the scales protecting its heart". Only problem is none of Sebastian's fighters have her ability to 'throw' bolts of fire. Flame throwers can narrow the flame into a thin stream, but don't have the energy force like a bolt of lightning. Unless ... Seb and Reilly can MacGyver a plasma torch and a backpack flamethrower. Or Seb, Reilly, Asa and Caleb become a fantastic foursome, and turn the Flame On?

@CLJobe, you said a few weeks ago that you had hoped to finish this saga by Christmas, 😢 but that reader's comments had you writing more than you intended (aww). Nice chapter Cal (with few? More? Many more? Plus epilogue to come? Eventually. OR, could it be the never ending story, as Book II explores the 'boys' continuing Armand & Colin's 'mission'. With some help 🐦) . Things in Paris almost settled. Pierre's (and soon to be épouse or wife Collette) cottage expanded into a larger home with room for lots of children (and direct access to 'hidden' basement and other treasures?). Armand hires Louvre worker (who helped hang Arnaud's guardian angel Michael on his mausoleum) and his son to renovate Pierre's 'home'. Colin stays behind in Paris to oversee construction? Leaving Armand to fly home alone? These two are seldom separated! On flight home flight attendant serves Armand slice from 'special' cake Pierre's (honourary) Mere baked. With a surprise! So someone knows where same of the 'Royal Treasury' hides? Reminds me of birthday cakes my Nana 'Grandmere' made when I was a child. There was a coin baked inside, and whoever got the coin in their slice, got their wish. Is this the 'crowning' touch? 👑 🫂

So the step-brother becomes son. Named to honor his real father, Charles, who in death becomes an organ donor to help others live longer lives, versus having an 'endless' life by being saved and changed into a vampire by Greg. Meanwhile decisions are being made almost minute by minute and Greg's new 'household' staff is growing by leaps and bounds. Perhaps somebody (hint, hint) will either print a program so we know who the players are, OR, add a PS (Post Script) at the end of an occasional chapter to introduce / remind us? (As David Bowie sang: "Turn and faces the strange, ch-ch-changes...")

Thank you for both comments David. Over a number of years (less than 30) I've had interactions with more than a few Aussies, some of whom have become mates. In that time I've found senses of humour vary depending on many factors. From which state they grew up in, to schools attended, mates etc. And whether they had a pint or two, or sober as a judge. Just like everywhere in the world. Some can have a dry whit one moment, ironic the next to self-mocking. Then it alters on where they are: at home, at a pub or social event. So no worries.

Other than a few spelling errors, a wonderful chapter @CLJobe. It seems a circle is drawing to closing (which is a little sad), but inevitable, even in great stories like this. But it is filled with because of the love and giving spirit of Armand and Colin, which is both a gift and a legacy they have given to ALL their children and families to carry forward. Thank you Cal. 🫂

@kbois. After re-reading the chapter, I was trying to think of what Asa and Caleb could change in to in order to defeat Kasar and his "monsters", and this came to mind: "The saying “Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart” is often used to advise people not to do something until they are fully prepared for the consequences. The proverb is derived from the ancient Greek story of Arion and Proteus. Proteus was a shape-shifting god who could change his appearance at will. Arion attempted to steal some consecrated water from Apollo’s temple, but was caught by Proteus, who asked for one hour to think about what punishment he should give Arion. During that hour, Arion changed into all sorts of different beasts in order to understand how best to evade capture again. In the end, he learned that it wasn’t necessary for him to overpower or outsmart his pursuers – he just needed time to plan ahead and be smart about it."

I fired Otto Korreck, as he vas often wrong. Verrry Interesting ! (und Was ist das? 🫂 )

Love that 5-year old Adam volunteers to read to other children Kevin and Kelly. Not only is Adam smart, but also empathetic despite the horrible event of seeing his deranged father murder his family and shoot him in the chest. 😭 Glad to see Judge Ridge is bringing her heavy gavel down on corrupt FPS Head Paul Morris and even more (morally and financially) corrupt CPS Head Dawn Prescott. Soon both of them will be viewing dawn's early light through barred windows. Hopefully for a long time and a (not big enough fine). FYI - Charges for 'Public Corruption' and 'Embezzlement' by government employees in Florida: Florida Statute 838.016, 838.22 and others – are 2nd degree felonies, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Trying to understand use of 'Davidka' in this passage. Is it a stupid little David (as in a boy, meaning Miles is acting like a child) or a reference to small hand-made mortar weapons used in 1947-49 that were: "...extremely loud, but very inaccurate and otherwise of little value beyond terrifying opponents"? 🇺🇦

While Tasers and Stun Guns can temporarily make a miscreant like Miles unconscious they can not, in their 'standard' format neuter a raging bull (shiter). But since they are illegal to buy or import into the UK, they can be purchased on Ireland, IoM, Channel Islands and off course EU. However, Electric Cattle Prods are legal. They come in the standard model looking like a police baton, with two wired 'prods' on the 'business end'. Newer versions actually closely resemble a hand-held taser. BTW, any electrician will tell you it's not the Volts that harm you, it's the amperage. Which is to ask the question; can the power be increased? Hmm? ⚡ You might want to warm Miles not to stand in the puddle or wet grass. ⚡