Anton_Cloche

Great chapter, with bit of a cliffie, but who's talking about vampires? ( Just a reminder ICYMI, there were child vampires in both 'Lestat' and 'Twilight' books and movies). It was Greg who was told he had to be home by 9pm not Scott. Plus Scott and Greg are both outside during the day, in sunlight, so unless they are 'Day Walkers' the 9pm thing doesn't apply. If the concern is about 'someone' changing when the moon comes out, 'Moonrise' during summer months in the U.S. doesn't occur until after 10pm. And no one is talking about where wolves are (ha ha) before July 4th. Is this story going to be a howling success?

Or since they are in both Dakota and Connor's dreams are the 'pups' Danny and Jonas?

Thanks Preston for this action-filled chapter that appears to end well (except for Struan getting shot in the arm while saving Mark). Back to @drsawzall's comment / query. How indeed? Either they were incredibly lucky, or Struan and Mark let their guard down just enough, (buying, registering and moving two hovercraft is not discrete), for the two murderers to figure out where Struan's 'bolthole'* is, and were just about to grab him up, except for his being ordered back to base unexpectedly. At that point they kidnapped Mark and left their note stabbed by the knife. Luckily Struan's 'good' military connections were close by and able to put their training into action to save Struan and Mark. But, what IF Struan's 'not so friendly' military superior does have a gripe with him? Would he try to have him killed? IF (2nd Big IF) that's true, once word gets out that the two murderers are in hospital, will someone try to silence them? (Okay now that's just silly conjecture). * Bolthole or bolt-hole, (noun) of British origin, 'A place of escape or refuge'. Synonym 'hideaway'.

Thank you Cal, @CLJobe for this touching chapter. The children all 'ganging up' on Armand to get him down to breakfast shows how much they love him, and will always need him, including the next generation of (giggling) grandchildren like little Ivan. Glad Armand made sure to bring Gerry to the club. Charles aka 'Chef Boy' is starting to settle in, with his Parisien soup a good 'starter' before the Paella main course. Retired Judge Henry returning to the Bench part-time is going to speed up the adoption process for Charles to become Armand and Colin's latest new son. I know that feeling of weariness Armand has, and the sense of an impending departure. Either Arnaud has passed, or likely will before Armand, Colin, Carl (and others? Four original sons?) arrive the next day. It will be a solemn farewell, but I know that GG and Grandmere Lavigne will be there, perhaps with a smiling Arnaud standing next to them. 🐦🧓🏼👑 🫂

Glad Steve has full time position as Head Coach of Washington HS B-Ball team, and PE Teacher. Bryan is going to be a tougher nut to crack a far as recognizing Steve as Dad2, but he's ready for that to happen. Diego seriously has to consult another lawyer, because his current choice is more like firm Dewey, Cheatham and Howe. More looming as Calvin still in play.

Another chapter with lots of action taking place, and a lot of 'clusterfcuk' happening to Struan courtesy of his CO, Col. Dipshite. The unexpected visit by the Brigadier was prompted by his review of monthly command reports in which he noticed Struan apparently doing more than normal hours of duty, effectively being overworked by his CO. With these reports in hand, the Brigadier (correctly) suspected Struan was being singled out because of his decision not to 're-up'. Because of the way Struan has been treated by his CO since putting in his Resignation Letter, and doing so without complaining, I suspect the Brigadier may see fit to award a 'Jump-Step Promotion' in advance of an early 'Honourable Discharge' for "the conclusion of a period of honest and faithful service". This would see Struan 'jump' from OF-2 Captain rank to OF-4 Lieutenant Colonel. 🎖️ Meanwhile the CO may get 'special treatment' of his own. Incoming!

This wonderful chapter sees Armand explain to children why he was away so long, and sadly why he will have to make another (short) trip to Paris when Arnaud passes. Colin helps the children understand. The fishing trip was a good one, except for the three fathers of a few of the children's friends. Those dads should have been made to walk the plank for their bigoted acts and comments about Armand and Colin, but that would frighten the children. Bet they'll open their bigoted mouths and say ugly things about Colin and Colin, probably in front of their own boys at home. 🤬 Dinner of "...baked fish with a garden salad and roasted potatoes... " at The Home was a good time for all, especially when "the head cook told everyone that tonight’s dinner was provided by our fishing men and Ivan". That and the children getting caught up on their weekly allowances by Armand (and Colin). A 'touch up' to the Angel painted above The Home, will see GG standing guard. 🐦 Thank you Cal @CLJobe. 🫂

Wonder what Connor and Dakota's reaction will be when their dreams become reality?

Very intriguing chapter. After 10 years Army service Struan has earned his peace and quiet, and his custom built and fortified home aka Fort Kenrick provides that. After the visit of his current CO and military 'guests', Struan realizes they were trying to trick him into re-upping in the Army. That duplicity seems to have made his decision to leave the Army easy, with him "...returning to my study to type up a draft email to my CO to inform him that I was not happy about the sneaky way that the Lt Colonel was trying to keep me in the Army, beyond my ten-years service commitment, and that I will not be accepting the transfer of jobs or the promotion, and that I would not be renewing my service to the Army when it expires in nine weeks". Then Struan changed his mind? But he didn't finalize the draft or send the email. So will he or won't he? In the meantime will he continue to fortify his bolthole, especially with two murderers out there trying to put him and Sawney in their sights, again.

Ivor, don't misinterpret my 'sad' emoji. Although 1/2 of it is for what we've learned of Josh's situation as it stands now, the other 1/2 is for what is looming. Ethan coming to find out what's going on with Josh (missing from school) shows how mistaken Josh was in cutting him off. Ethan's empathy may be the saving grace. The picture, to me, showed not necessarily the decade or two before cellphones, cable and internet, (mainly because the boys / Josh are wearing lower cut gray briefs, rather than the ubiquitous 'Tighty Whities' high-waisted FOTL - Fruit of the Loom) briefs of the 60's and 70's), but part of society for whom those items are either out off reach financially, 'not part of God's plan', or both. If grandpa's daughter was Josh's Mom, he may have some deep, ill-placed resentment of Josh being a constant reminder of her death. Looking forward to the next chapter. - fin ? - PS: Having just read other's comments, including Ivor's repeated 'time / era setting', please ignore my 3rd paragraph above. Blame it on an ever-present critical 'Editor's Eye' that in addition to grammar etc., includes 'continuity'. This is 'fiction' after all, which a famous and long dead author defined as "suspend all beliefs, and throw reality to the wind."

Sawney's new 'friend' Mark definitely multi-talented; station worker, diesel mechanic and pastry cook/demi chef (Not distracted by bouncing barmaid 'bits'). At least guys won't starve or have mechanical breakdowns that can't be fixed. As for 'reinforcements of CO, RSM & Staff Sgt suggests the problem is more than just two would be murderers and a female train steward. Struan building his property boundary fence with used railway steel line / track is brilliant. 'Hot-rolled' steel tracks are some of the strongest metal, made to last up to a century. FYI - 4m straight track pieces (standard 12m section cut into 3) when 'rammed' half deep into the earth as 'upright' vertical posts combined with full 12m length rails welded as top and middle horizontal 'rails' would be very difficult to ram through.

Calvin, another shoe did drop, along with its matching shoe and more pairs ... into the shopping carts on the trip to buy new clothes for Charles (and other boys in need of more). (too smart by half?) Clearly any trip away from the children ramps up their fears of being abandoned - again, let alone 5 weeks. 🐦 reminds Armand and helps him get to sleep. Colin's explanation of a necessary return trip to bid farewell to Arnaud, sparked some emotion and empathy, especially in David. Charles is having some difficulty in realizing he has a new home and family. Adopting him will go a long way to helping him accept this. 🫂

An interesting lead-in to your latest book Justin. All the characters we've met (so far) are walking around in the daylight, so I don't see a🧛🏼‍♂️ connection, and no one appears to be FOL (Friends of Lestat), yet. I was torn between giving this chapter a 'thumbs up' or 'angry' emoji, so settled for 'fingers crossed'. The anger due to this: "The school has an anti-bullying policy, but considering some of the teachers are the worst bullies, it's not enforced. One boy came out two years ago and was beaten so bad he had to transfer schools. The guidance counselor said, “It's his own fault, if he wasn't like he is he would've been fine.”" Ever since college, and becoming 'wiser', I've developed a deep dislike for the 1st line of John Denver's 'Take me Home': "Almost heaven, West Virginia..." Don't get me wrong. I AM a fan of Denver and loved visits through WV; and clearly the rest of the lyrics appeal to Denver's love of nature in all her glory. But the bible-thumpin BAC Alt-Reich anti-LGBTQ2 pervasive attitude just rubs the wrong way. Let's see what awaits us in coming chapters. A spooky farm house? Ooooo

Well, I did ask about a 'Prologue', and like the train, it has arrived in fashion. (just like some trains are delayed ) Now that we know what happened with Murder on the Indian Pacific* a few years ago, there's an possible explanation as to Sawney's reaction to seeing the two men at the "Pop Rocket Café"? Those interested in more information about The Ghan and its 44+ 'cars' (engines, generator / power vans and other 'carriages'), check out: https://www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/the-ghan/about-the-ghan/ FYI - The Ghan is sooo long, its 1st Engine arrives at the train station platform 15 minutes before the caboose or last carriage does. 🚆 * Nod to Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

Well, I did enquire about a 'Prologue', and like the train, it has arrived in fashion! And now that we know what happened with Murder on the Indian Pacific* a few years ago, there's a possible explanation as to the end of the next chapter? For all information about the Indian Pacific train, its 37 'cars' (2 engines and 35 carriages), and the next one, start your journey here... https://www.journeybeyondrail.com.au/indian-pacific/about-indian-pacific/ * nod to Agatha Christie and 'Murder on the Orient Express

G'Day Preston. Or is it? Who doesnt love a good mystery? This new story - Terror Again - jumps right in with narrator, a Captain in Australian Army bringing us up to date on ? But with no Prologue, (introduction) who is speaking? Unless readers previously purchased Premium Content GA package they have no clue. Bit of a sneaky way to get subscribers, like online streaming services teasing a movie clip but then asking for more money to see whole thing. As an editor and writer, my suggestion might be to include original 'Prologue' to inform and entice readers. "After many years of University and Army training, 21-year-old Struan Kenrick is given two weeks leave before being transferred to a new position in Darwin. On arrival at the airport close to the family properties, Struan learns from his oldest brother, Euan, that their youngest brother Sawney is being ostracised by their grandparents, making him isolated and depressed. Determined to improve the situation for his baby brother, Struan organised for Sawney and him to go on a short holiday, firstly on the Indian Pacific train, and then a stay on Rottnest Island, but things take a dramatic change once on the train". Otherwise readers of this 2nd book in the series have to read 19 paragraphs to discover the Captain's brother is Sawney, and 9 more paragraphs to learn his name. In paragraph 33 Sawney makes friends with Mark while waiting for a tourist helicopter flight and asks him to join them. We learn Mark is a 21-year old station worker and diesel mechanic. While off the copter in a café, Mark asks “Why are those two men over there staring at us and frowning? ... and I saw Sawney instantly freeze, have a look of horror on his face and go ghost white, ..." Struan "casually glanced in the direction of the men that had been watching, and ... in shock at what I saw, and facing away from them I retrieved my mobile and dialled a number. 000? AFP? Army Command? Who is Struan calling for help, and who are those men striking fear in Sawney? This looks like a good mystery, and time will tell. All aboard?

Either you are running for office, OR "As always, should you or any member of your team be caught, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions". Options ? Let's hope a speedy posting is forthcoming.

Calvin, a short chapter, but oh so sweet. From the very first sentence, with Christian escorting Arnaud's cherished guests to the airport, showing he is very much his father's son, putting noblesse oblige* first (despite his father could 'slip away' without any warning). I was surprised that the airline gate attendant, aware of Armand's 'Frequent Flyer' status on the computer terminal (which 'flags' such persons) didn't move the group into the vacant First Class. But then again, knowing Armand, he'd have suggested that other passengers in coach with children go ahead of him. "Blabbermouth"? Not everyone understands (or appreciates?) Armand's sense of humour 🤨. But Charles has Carl as his protector and guide. * Unwritten obligation of people from a noble ancestry (mostly French & royal related), 'high' standing or position to act honorably, respectfully and generously to others. Now we wait for the other shoe to drop. 😟 🫂

So glad Jonus gets to stay with his older 'brothers' Robin and Dakota. At least part of Dakota's dream (vision of a future?) seems to be coming true. Hopefully he will reconnect with Connor and Danny, but as they head off to their new 'home', the only other 6-year old at Custers, Jared, is going to dearly miss Jonus. As James said to Dakota: "While we love seeing a boy get adopted, it hurts the others that are left behind. Not from jealousy, but from losing a brother.” Hopefully we don't have to wait too long until Dakota finds out Harry is missing (got out of the horse trailer to pee, or did someone steal the little dog?). Will the horses start to kick up a fuss, causing Dakota to stop and check the trailer, discover Harry is gone and head back or call the truck stop?

While it was renamed Route 491 in 2003, it still carries signage and is referenced as Route 666 (probably for the 'spookie' that caters to tourists of a certain nature. Not naming anyone, or "anything" lest I get hexed. Oooh 👻👺). FYI, the link below has more information, AND specifically mentions "Skinwalkers". https://www.dangerousroads.org/north-america/usa/4993-route-666.html "The road features a pretty spooky reputation and some of the strange activity witnessed are: a haunted truck, the girl in the white dress, weird lights, hell hounds, disappearing drivers, the Skin Walkers or Satan’s sedan".

Sometimes, like a dog with a bone that it won't let go, editors and readers see something that doesn't quite add up (make sense). Math was not my best subject, but I think addition still works. Here is the problem (involving either a typo, math, continuity and / or previous statements). In this chapter Arnaud's age is referred to, more than once, as 90+: “I asked Christian that. He said he wasn’t sure but he thought late 90’s possibly early 100’s.” First off, Arnaud is Christian's father, so how can he not know his father's age, birthdate etc. Second, people with 'Royal' connections going "back to the Louis XIV", some supposedly in family mausoleum, are sticklers for accuracy. Then Armand replies: “I am sure he is in his 90’s. I’ve known him for over 30 years.” When @CLJobe says that Arnaud was in his "late 30s" when they first met, if you round that up to 40, and Armand's known him for 30 years, that makes Arnaud 70 not 90+. OR, @CLJobe typed '30s' instead of '60s' in which case the ages almost add up. Or the editor needs less (or more 😳) coffee with a shot of Kahlua (cutting back on cream). ☕

And Mick Jagger was 73 when his last child was born. No longer hard to keep up. Old guys just see Alice for vitamin 'V'. Puns intended. 🤣

Another great chapter Cal / @CLJobe that brought both smiles and hidden tears. Knowing that Arnaud is nearing the end of his journey, and his life's work (especially as a patron of the arts and early supporter of Armand and now Carl), is giving Armand sad reflections of what might have or should have been. But he and the boys stayed long enough to give Arnaud a last gift - of Saint Michael. By my recollection, Christian was about 30 when he married. (which meant Arnaud became a father again in his early 60's. Younger than De Niro at 79 😃). Carl will be a great help to Charles getting 'settled' in the U.S. A return trip to Paris will be a sad farewell to Arnaud, but will see Christian elevated to fill the family patriarchy*. Time marches on, inexorably. [* Since the beginning of French Third Republic on 4 September 1870, the French nobility has no power, but 'Royal' titles such as Duc/Duke and Marquis for the eldest son of Duc, continue to be handed down to successive generations. For example if Arnaud's family name was Montreuil (pronounced Mon-troy), (a ducal area near Paris) his title of Duc (Duke) is tied to the family name to become Arnaud, Duc de Montreuil. When Arnaud dies, the 'patriarchal' title goes to his eldest son who becomes Christian, Duc de Montreuil. Isn't history fun?]. 🫂

Not for lack of trying, but the 🐦(of happiness?) was nowhere to be found). 😁

Cousin found a way around theft issue if you don't mind what the exterior of the vehicle looks like. When he travels to iffy areas on business, uses 2nd 'beat up' SUV that looks like its not worth much. Damaged body panels, faded paint, dents and dings (needs a good paint job and cosmetic repairs), but mechanically is A1. Majority of 'car' thieves steal to order: to ship overseas; a quick flip; sales of 'Good Condition' body parts or catalytic converter. The latter made theft-proof by welding a 'u-shaped' steel or iron box over it to frame. Protects the converter from road damage and needs a hoist and torch to remove. If it can't be stolen in less than 5 minutes, thieves go elsewhere. Which is why adding a steering wheel 'Club' is an additional TIME deterrent.