Anton_Cloche

Andre, glad to have this new chapter, and to see how the family, and especially the children are getting on. Jamie Snr and Iona are coming to terms with the separation from their grandchildren. The Cameron's visit to Cape Town at the end of November (their time not ours) with further put their minds at ease. Your apology as to how long it took for this wonderful chapter to appear? Any reader who is also a writer, will understand that one can't predict how much time it takes to create a story. To use an 'edible' reference, anyone can churn out endless pasta dishes quickly, but it takes a skilled chef to create "... the clay-oven baked lamb with garlic, lemon and oregano...". As for errors in how text appears, I found only two minor spelling errors and five spacing (kerning, tracking, 'break') errors. Authors can adjust for those (if writing in Word for example), but if online publisher doesn't allow those adjustments or uses different software, issues will and do occur (with some sites and "publishers" wrongfully blaming authors). The new owners of MY Amira, Gabriel and Lucas seem to be not just 'gym bunnies', but more like 'gym bears'. It will be interesting to see if they visit SA (and make an inappropriate suggestion to Andrew and Ryan) in the future. Keep up the exceptional writing Andre. As the saying goes: 'Good things come to those who wait'.

As this trip continues, not only are the boys learning new things, but they are also growing up. Not in leaps and bounds, but slowly and surely, and exhibiting empathy they have clearly learned from watching their 'Dad' and 'Pop' - Armand and Colin. After returning 'home' to a new house built as a duplicate and tribute to Ritchie's original family home, the boys will continue to expand their horizons as their futures begin to unfold. Thank you Cal for another insightful chapter.

Ozzie would comment about 'global warming, as 'pumpkin head' and 'da sanctimonius' say it's fake (like their tans). Use sun to charge up LiveWire, OR wait for upcoming Electra-Glide EV using saddle bags for extra battery capacity, 30-min rapid charge & 300 mi range. 'No potato'.

Another great day at sea, and an interesting weather chat between Liebe and Uncle Ritch. Sorry to hear about Wingnut's demise, but the vials are a nice touch. He was a great comfort to Ritch as well as Liebe after Mexico. Carlos, as promised, you've provided us with greater insight into Ritch, his life, loves - Portia and Luce (in order of importance?) - boarding, wines and his love of family, especially the 'munchkins'. Can imagine he and Luce having a passel of their own, someday. Great family visit to Palma, and not having to salvage "noggins" and other kid parts left on tunnel walls. Next stop Formentara and beyond. Or to quote Jeffer and Roo ... "Are we there yet?" Ps This trip an enjoyable respite from freezing rain, snow and yecch.

"...after a very restless night, there was a knock on the door, and Hunter stood to answer it", hopefully with a Sig Sauer P226 or a Glock 43X in hand! I think it's time Edwin went on the Offense, hiring ex SAS, Special Forces members from Oz, NZ, Scotland/UK, Israel and others that have thoughly 'scrubbed' ID's to be posted as civilian: Airport Mgr, Logistics/Facilities teams for hotels, resort & other 'housing', Water and Electrical Services, 'tradies', etc. Basically everyone hired, male and female has a 'public face' job, and very 'private' specialties, not only to identify and stop these 'terrorists', but to subvert their operations and do whatever is needed to 'send them packing'. Hopefully the "foreign agents" who blew up the yacht left a clue to prove which 'eastern' government is behind it and for massive reparations to be paid. Perhaps with RAN / ADF seizing one of their superyachts, make it disappear and turn it over to Edwin. Just one with 'icebreaker' capable hull for 'Arctic' and 'Antarctic' excursions. Time to fight fire with fire.

So the (apparent) full Chinese contingent attends the 'public' meeting so no one could suggest their possible involvement in attempt to blow up His Lordship's yacht (home at sea) and all aboard. Except anyone with 'government' or corporate experience knows, you never send 'everyone' to meetings. But use of a limpet (magnetic) mine / IED to current motoryachts with composite hulls wouldn't stick, more likely specialized (expensive) C-4 IED placed by divers swimming long distance or submersibles... All together now ... C.H. Ina Corporation?.

A wonderful chapter. With their interest in saving another boy from a possible life on the street, and GG's appearance, it usually means Armand (and Colin) are on the right track. 'Fishing' business has the potential for success. By having Alesander deliver the 2 tuna fish to the hotel's chef, and Armand's specific instructions for the chef to bake it stuffed for their dinner (versus pan-fried), Armand teaches Alesander important business steps by his example: · Procurement (catch the right fish & seafood) to meet market demand; · Sales: Sell tuna to hotel restaurant and potentially to 'walk by' customers; · Marketing: proper cooking resulted in a "mouth-watering" dinner other guests not only want, but are prepared to wait for. The hotel sees a new way to make more money. And 'market demand' starts; · Distribution: As 'word of mouth' spreads, more interest grows in a possible A&G Pescadería (Alesander & Grandfather). With angel investor(s) to guide him, instead of "Money" hungry "Sharks", AND dropping in regularly to see how things are going,, Alesander may have found his future. We also see the seeds planted in Marie's mind have her leaning toward returning to America. Things seemed to be going swimmingly (sorry, couldn't resist the lure of a pun 😉). 🪝'ed

Thanks Cal: My 'bucket' gets fuller as the 'list' gets longer. Unfortunately, it's beginning to look more like the 'Scales of Justice' (and most 'thinking' people see how skewed those ⚖️are). Imagine on one end of the scales a bucket marked 'want' and on the other, a bucket marked 'need'. Care to hazard a guess which is more full? Or how they change over time? Still, a trip worth taking!

Feliz cumpleaños papá César. A wonderful birthday, with the best presents being husband, family and adorable grandchildren sharing life together! A wonderful chapter, lots of activity (to tire out Liebe, Roo and Jeffer) and plans for the other 'kid' (Brett's) 1/2 century mark in 6 yrs. (Ooh to be a guest at that one). We also get to see the trail marking CJ's life & career path. Next stop for this Flying Circus troupe? Thank you Carlos.

Like an '💘Arrow' to the heart, this chapter makes you love this story more and more. Alesander gets surprise breakfast from Armand, but as 'Sander' puts 1/2 away for grandfather, (surreptitiously he thinks), Armand notices this act of kindness and generosity of a young boy, thinking of others. Going out further into better fishing grounds, thanks to a full tank of fuel paid for by Armand, they arrive at his Grandfather's secret 'spot'. As soon as 🎣fishing lines are in the ocean, the harvest begins. And what a bountiful harvest it is: mackerel, cod, shrimp, a few lobsters and John's monster 90lb / 41kg Blue Fin Tuna 🐟 and a few more. But where to sell them? Armand sends Colin and Alesander to Marko's restaurant, as he knows that seaside restaurants in Barcelona (and elsewhere) feature a 'catch of the day' / 'la pesca del día' on their nightly menu, both as a main course and in paella. Marko returns to buy most of the impressive 'catch' from Grandfather (and his 'partner' Alesander) who are likely to be his new main supplier. A great day at sea, with more planned for next day. Guessing Marie and the grandmothers had a good day at the Gaudi Museum, and their shopping afterwards didn't feature any gaudy outfits. "Please sir, I want some more", as a line in Oliver seems appropriate for this story (and many of your other stories Cal, @CLJobe). 🫂

Yes Alesander made a mistake, but as a young teen, working his first job to help support his widowed mother and himself, I think he deserved a warning and not to be fired. Armand will have 'a few words' with the hotel manager about this, and about how the manager lets strangers into the hotel, perhaps tipped off by desk staff when they see guests heading out for the day. However, Armand likely knows when they check out, Alesander will be fired, again. Instead, he invites Alesander to join the family at lunch and learns of Alesander's father's tragic death. They then go with Alesander to see his grandfather's boat. He 'advances' grandfather money to fuel the boat and charters the boat to take him, Colin, the boys and grandfathers on a fishing trip the next day. Alesander may find a new job working at Louis' family restaurant. Or, he may work with his grandfather's new venture as a charter fishing boat 🎣 (thanks to some 'Angel' financing). Another wonderful chapter Cal.

What you didn't realize 16 years ago was that your Oz vacay was 'research and reference' that's been put to good use in your 'CJverse'. I can picture the grandkiddos sliding on their butts from port to starboard as Flying Circus heels from side to side. Whee! Similarly, your recalling John Denver's 'Calypso' is right and fitting given Owen's work with the Nature Conservancy. The haunting 'ship's bell' 🔔in the song still reverberates in me. My cousin spent 20 years as an exec-assistant to Jacques Cousteau, both onboard Calypso during expeditions / filmings (in more than a few cameos) and in the Foundation NYC office. More great work Carlos! Hope you weren't battered about during the last 2 (!) hurricanes of the 2022 season. So looking forward to the continuation of this journey, as well as what you have on the horizon (ooh nautical AND aeronautical reference 😋). Keep the wrist twisted and the shiny side up.

3. Hybrid Journey - Power is going to be much more plugged-in to Kasar's attack plans for his 300. It will be Supercharged with Sebastian planning their defense with Cassiel (acting with the approval of King Auberon and the 'FaeForce'. Who knew tiny Pixies, like Tinker Bell in Peter Pan have a sinister side hidden in the forest, as velociraptors beyond the veil with "Their small size and speed allowing them to strike rapidly and with precision. Their teeth are venemous"). (All puns intended). At least we now know the importance of the laptop computer Elijah's father secreted away in his 1955 Chevy Bel Air restoration project car. As a final surprise cliffie, Caleb finds redemption with his announcement: "We discovered a cure for the hybrids!" And as Eli still feels "a sweet warmth spread across his scar" (above his heart left when Kage's spirit pierced his chest), he may reappear, if not to fight, then to safeguard Elijah and: "Elijah knew it was Kage's way of conveying his approval" of Ashton as his mate. (Everything neatly tied off?). As great as this book 2 is, there's no time for @kboisand her Krew to rest on their laurels. There's sleuthing to be done, manuscripts to be written, edited, proofed, ready to be published. Maybe even adapted for a movie (by PixiesAr)?

I understand that real human fingers don't conform to the Chiclets size keys. There are supplemental lightweight & flexible keyboards available for Apple. Since you've been especially good, perhaps Jolly St. Nick will surprise you.

I Don't presume to speak for everyone else ("Some people" say that 'special' ability lies with those who want to be elected"); but since "good things come to those who wait", I'll be patient, and hopeful that more of @CLJobe wonderfully written stories will arrive in due course. FYI, there are no calories in birthday cake and family dinners. (Surprises, wit, possibly sneakiness, but nothing untoward 🤞🏼). As some of us in the northern hemisphere begin a quick 'slide' into winter (🤬), be careful. Thank you Cal for making days (and nights) better with your stories. And for anyone who hasn't yet read your other stories, I suggest they check your chronological listing and start at the beginning. It will be time well spent!

I expect there will be some 'problems' with the 'developers' / 'other occupants' on Keswick Island, that Edwin and Sir Robert will be dragged into. Given the acrimonious state of affairs between China and Australia this will continue to occur. Whether with so-called "private companies" or as in this circumstance "developers", ALL must report back to Chinese government 'handlers'. It is the nature of the beast when dealing with a dragon who believes a 'lease' is in fact them taking over and 'owning'. The very idea that some "western" entity is overseeing them is an affront. 🚨 Alert! 🚨

Not necessarily. As we know, many nefarious (or soon to be nefarious) squirrel away money and other assets in numbered offshore accounts, or in crypto "wallets" that can be recovered and used even after 'supposed' death. (NOT suggesting KH an 'angel', but rising from 'dead')

No matter what Karl does, he isn't allowed a break, a peaceful ending. Why? And at the start of this chapter, as they prepare for another mission, he and Kristian speak, and Kristian says: “Be careful, and when I say careful, I mean really careful. I don’t want you to end up like him.” Who is the "him"? Has Jørgen died? In, or trying to escape from a Nazi concentration camp? Because history tells us many Allied deaths (murders) at the hands of Nazis were not reported or bodies returned.

How sooie-t of you to offer 'this' as your sty'le of reply. Just don't boar us in the meantime.

Very interesting chapter (only a handful of typos, but who's counting 😉)? Armand learns (again) what gossip can result in, and I think Colin and others will respect his introvert sensibilities. Surprised none of the boys asked about pet lambs. Ewe know I'm kidding. (BAAd Puns intended). Great that Carlos and Alicia can meet up with the family at their next stop in Barcelona. Looking forward to it.

Hello Cal: Tried to send DM but GA system says you can't receive messages (?), hence this post which will disappear shortly. When we last spoke, I said I'd call to chat after the election but as the quibbling over who won, what votes 'count' etc., it looks it will drag on until the weekend ... maybe. So I look towards calling you sometime this weekend. 🤞🏼 Until then, Stay well & warm. Tony

Does the devil, "If you prefer, you may call me Satan, Amun, Beelzebub, Samnu, Thamuz, or oooooh! How 'bout Loki? That's one of my favorites! Take your pick" exist? Election results of 8/11/22 suggest 'he/she/they' just might. That explanation is as good as any for all the mayhem, and certain 'people' who shall remain nameless. In the meantime let's leave 6 year old Gideon out of this. Innocent little children don't need 'evil' horning in on their precious lives. As for any suggestion that the devil can procreate at all? Medical proof shows that the hotter the environment 'down there', the lower the sperm count. For where 'he' lives, "it'll be a cold day in Hell", before he has any little devils aka mini-me's popping out the regular way. In closing...

Paul (or 'Owen'as Ellie refers to him like a servant), needs to extract himself from his fiancee's controlling attitude. I think Winfield will be good for him in that regard. Meanwhile with one trip to church Dr. Layne has set town tongues wagging. Well written and edited.

Glad they made their way to see Carlos and Alicia and their parents, before dining in their family restaurant. I agree with the boys being kept in the dark about the main course, it's always difficult for children (not raised on a farm) to realize how food gets to the plate. There will be time after the trip to explain 'farm to fork' without stressing out the boys. Let them enjoy being naive and empathetic children a little while longer. They will 'grow up too soon' for Armand and Colin as it is.

1870 churchs, including Baptist, were all 'fire and brimstone', full of invective, and woe to anyone who doesn't fit in. Win and Paulie are at great risk. Especially in a town as small as Franklin with less than 2,300 people, gossip and bad news travels fast.