Anton_Cloche

Interesting chapter. Glad Karl made it back to England although welcomed to his base like a walking ghost. It appears that most thought him lost at sea. Thankfully no one from RAF (Arthur or others) had told Karl's 'adoptive' British parents, Margaret and Robert Hopkins that he was missing and presumed dead. That saved them from grieving. Kristian is obviously 'choked up' hearing Karl's tribulations. And now, after a 2-week R&R, Karl will be sent back into battle. Perhaps with long-range fuel pods. Still trying to sort out where Karl went down, where he was recovered, and where 4 American non-military sailors (Stan +3) found Karl adrift in the North Atlantic. The Hurricane fighters the RAF gifted to the Danish squadron only had an operational flying distance of 470kms (940 kms round trip) before returning to base. Which put him between Ireland and Iceland.

Lovely chapter. Having the department store arrange for newspaper photos means grinchy New Haven politicians will get coverage they don't want but deserve and lumps of coal. I suspect more than one orphan will ask Santa for a "forever home" 🥲 and yet again be disappointed 🤧 . All of these orphans deserve a 'new haven'. Perhaps Yale has a surplus, off-campus well-maintained building (and grounds) that is vacant? Building brought up to ADA code, renovated as a residence for up to 40 students in twin-bed rooms (plus cafeteria, laundry etc., with small apartments for Pat and live-in 'counsellors')? A building that can be repurposed as a "home"? Perhaps renamed Arrow Hall in recognition of a benefactor? Too many questions? Just one more 'bump' to get over on ...

Some interesting events happening for Devlin. While out for a walk he meets owner/ Captain Sam of a small 5-crew fishing trawler and after a chat about his past, is offered a full time job as deck/galley hand including cabin onboard for accommodation. Devlin meets Sam's wife Josie (Josephine), Engineer Jedd and his partner/senior deckhand Liam. Before setting off for 5-day fishing trip, Jedd and Liam return with supplies and the local newspaper with an article about a missing Devlin Alpike. Brady's police investigation has spawned the news story, so Devlin calls and leaves messages for both local police as well as Brady and Kyle to say; "I left a message with Police Communications to let them know that I am alive and well ... as the local Police Station was closed... Talk to you soon mates, bye". After 5 days at sea they return to Esperance to see Marc Stalder's Blue Seal 6-deck yacht at the wharf. Marc was a guest on Brady and Kyle Anderson's catamaran Anders Way where Devlin was Boson. During the cruise he 'winked' at Devlin, who was a little 'creeped out' with older Marc making a pass at him. Marc previously said Blue Seas was going to be based in WA for charters, so while he may be onboard, there's no way he knows Devlin is nearby. Hopefully Devlin won't get spooked, have another panic attack and run off. At least not before Brady and Kyle get a chance to talk to or hopefully see him (and hopefully get a full medical checkup 👨🏼‍⚕️ 🏥 with head MRI to check for possible problems). 🤞🏼

The 'Court of Public Opinion' is sometimes the one that sways decisions. Less so now than in the past, but still an option. Some refer to the process as "Shame and Blame" - in other words make it so 'uncomfortable' that officials "do the right thing". Let's hope that strategy works for the orphanage. Colin's 'Plan B' of buying a ship, docking it outside the city and using it a a floating 'residence' has some merit, but also some serious issues to consider that makes it unfeasible. Although I have seen a few riverboat cruise ships (20 to 40 twin bed cabins) converted into floating residences, maintenance and others costs (hookups for electrical, water, sewage, etc.) plus safety aspects necessary for children make it unfeasible, even in a fictional story. Sorry if that bursts any 🎈🎈

If Karl's fighter was shot down off the west coast of England (where RAF aircraft flew looking for U-boats in North Atlantic) then he's been found near Ireland? But that doesn't explain Aiden's New York 'friend' Stanley being in what sounds like a smaller boat in Ireland ('Officially' Neutral during WWII). Plus one of the three younger men said: "It will take longer than expected to get back to the old continent. I’d rather let you know,” ... “Weeks, I guess. two, three, four.” Does that means they have too try and find a boat? Did Karl literally wash up on the Irish shore? So many questions. But at least Karl's alive.

Devlin's Hospital A&E visits show on (OZ) MediCare card use records. His 3 recent Hosp visits for LOC will provide a trail pointing in a general direction. Plus Devlin's purchase of 'new' Ute / SUV has registration / number plates linked to owner's Driver's license, and shows specific area (and yes I know it's a big area 'Q'). As a result, a BOLO (& Welfare Check) request can then be given to a smaller geographic area of WA.

There are some points raised that need, IMHO, addressing (by @quokka?) hopefully in short order but without cliffies 🤞🏼. IF (that's a BIG if) Devlin "has developmental issues", when his parents died, his elder siblings can be legally responsible not just for throwing an underage 'minor' out of home, (for what a 'reasonable' person could see as a 'hate' crime due to his sexuality), but also for denying medical care or 'endangering'. However, there is significant medical evidence that persons suffering TBI (Traumatic Brain Injuries) such as concussion (even "repeated micro concussions**) or other 'unseen' brain damage can experience psychological and physiological issues, including change of character, judgement etc. That is why IF Det. Brady is trying to find Devlin, hospital record checks could reveal a potential brain 'timebomb' before it gets worse. Also Det. Brady, needs to step up his 'investigation' which by now should include potential illegal actions of Devlin's siblings vis-à-vis "...his parent's estate and proceeds from the sale or realization of any tangible bank accounts, life insurance, wills, and house". * I am not a doctor, but medical references are from documented case reports, some of which is based on experience as a Patient Advocate. ** In 2022 numerous F1 racers experienced "porpoising" or "severe repeated bouncing" of race cars with in-helmet monitors recording greater than 1.3G head impacts, equal to micro-concussions. Currently under medical investigation for both short and long-term implications.

God forbid a drunken Jake-ass mechanic falls off or into a piece of machinery and is taken away (for medical) treatment and can not return. Perhaps he scuffles with Ambulance crew and police have to assist. Come on Det. Anderson what's taking you so long to track down a missing person (Dev) in dire need of a medical 'well-being' check. Ps. Sleeping outside in a swag leaves Devlin exposed to rat bastard Jake. Sleep inside Jeep if necessary with perimeter alarm on! Better a sore back than any alternative.

Most anxiety or 'panic attacks' are a response to a psychological 'trigger', however, physiological incidents like concussions and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) are shown to result in what 'appears' to be Panic Attacks as well. All the more reason Det. Brady should be checking hospitals to see if Devlin was a patient (including A&E) which would show multiple visit reports and locations, getting him and Kyle closer to finding Devlin before a 'ticking time bomb' like an embolism, aneurysm or tumor gets worse.

But it is still Richie's 'family' home, one that's big enough to house his new 'family', Dad, Pop and brothers? And only an hour away, is commuting distance to visit the orphanage, the Club and the Gallery. While keeping apartment over the Club for quick stays. (Dropping suggestions and hints like an ACME anvil)...

Oh Devlin what have you done? Jumped "out of the frying pan into the fire". First, Devlin should have replaced his broken 'mobile' cell phone, (a necessity when travelling alone, let alone in the outback where a 'sat-phone' has better range); and it would have a new Sim card with a different number. Ditto to previous comments, not only about Jack being an arsehole, and abuser, but possibly a murderer (if previous staff didn't quit, but simply disappeared). The purple handprint around Devlin's neck and the bruising on his face must have been clear for everyone in the dining room to see, that Jack has "back handed" and assaulted Dev. And just to be 'medically' clear, a slap that forceful to someone who has already suffered numerous LOC's can be equivalent to a concussion, and just as deadly! Will station owners Mike and Carol come to his aid, or are they also threatened by Jack? Come on Brady and Kyle, figure out where Devlin is before it is too late!

I agree with previous comments that Devlin seems to be suffering from some serious and possibly life-threatening neurological issue(s). They may have stemmed from the initial incident at the caravan park where his caravan (trailer) and others where vandalized by thugs, who according to Devlin did not beat him up as he had an panic attack and "blacked out", resulting in him being hospitalized. (At which point with 'unexplained LOC / Loss of Consciousness) he should have had an MRI to determine cause, possibly a brain bleed, edema or other issue. Fortunately for Devlin, two former school mates, Det. Brady Anderson and his cousin, lawyer Kyle, discover Devlin and after learning of the caravan park incident, and Devlin's family issues that saw him thrown out his home at age 17 and struggling for four years, hired him to work on their family yacht and have permanent 'onboard' room & board. Now, after a second 'panic attack', and an out-of-character disagreement with Brady, Devlin takes off in the early morning hours, no explanation to Brady or Kyle and simply vanishes with a large amount of cash and not use his bank cards (although Brady should be able to track his car using police tracking of licence registration plates). Then Devlin has a third incident where his car narrowly avoids being hit by a train and rolls over a couple of times. He stumbles into town bruised and battered, doesn't report 'accident' to police and checks into a motel (motel staff don't query his appearance?), only to have a 3rd LOC putting him into another hospital. Again no MRI, no apparent 'concussion' check either, is able to check out of hospital, buy a used SUV and set off again? 'Medicare Australia' health cards, issued to individuals, provide access to hospital of other medical facilities. They are linked (though card nbr) to help provide electronic records. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Medicare_card_(Australia).jpg Because of Devlin's previous 'LOC incidents', his hospital record would normally get 'flagged' in the system, especially if Det. Brady (and Kyle) are trying to find out why Devlin vanished, and put out a missing persons 'Well-being check BOLO (Be On LookOut) for where he is and might be. (Brady will be able to access hospital records, bank records and new vehicle registration to find him. Hopefully sooner and get him the help he needs!). 😕

Ohh

The problem is that virtually all government, whether a local council, municipality, town, city, state or country, have one huge advantage ... 'Right of Eminent Domain'. That is: "the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation". And, the "compensation" need not be fair, equitable or even current market value. "GG came, sitting in her rocking chair, the squeaking noise as she rocked calmed me", and calmed Armand enough so he gets a good nights sleep. In the morning Colin will go into action, like a terrier after a snake. Watch out! Ritchie's briefcase holds the key, or at very least plays a key role?

Karl was lucky to: (1) crash into shallow waters; (2) be seen by one of few U.S. 'Tench Class' submarines that actually had viewing ports / portholes), (3) be rescued. But poor Aiden, 'forced' by his father - the Admiral - to join the Navy at only 17 years of age after being 'found' with another boy back in New York. Only to die when their submarine is attacked (sub had to have been just below the surface, having dived after spotting the Nazi ship) only to have depth charges explode around it, mortally wounding Aiden. At least Karl stayed with Aiden so that he didn't die alone. Rescued by the very enemy Nazi's that sank the sub, because they wrongfully assume he's a Danish 'ally'. Now they're going to take him back to Denmark? Will Karl be repatriated to Denmark and have to find his way back to Britain? Or will the Nazi rescue ship be attacked by the Brits and allow Karl to 'jump ship'?

And a good time was had by all. Despite not playing sports in school, Armand adapted to be a 'good sport' and play touch football with his boys and children at the orphanage who are desperate for that connection (with a parent figure) 💞

Even though Armand has inquired about putting an inflatable dome over the club's rooftop, that's not feasible in the long term. The boys enjoy the bunk beds in one room for now, but that may change once they're all teenagers. Adding a nursery and a wetnurse / nanny to care for an infant also requires more room; the room a house would provide, with perhaps a large enough yard for children to play in, and provide room to expand the house if necessary. Hmm, who do we know that might have a vacant home available? Perhaps paperwork and legal documents in a briefcase might hold the key? Marie knew of one such house not too far away, and she might be persuaded to return from France, même si ce n'est que pour un petit moment, jusqu'à ce que le plus jeune enfant soit un adolescent (even if only for a little while, until the youngest child is a teenager). Food for thought Cal? (or a really annoying 'nudge'?) @CLJobe

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How can anyone not have "wet eyes" like Armand after reading this? All those claiming "it's allergies" or "dust in my eye" ... check your nose. Abandoned at least gives this infant girl a chance to have a life, vs the alternative we see in the news almost daily.* Armand, Colin, Mom and others give the children at least one time to experience Halloween that they hear the other chidlren in school talk about. An opportunity to be 'normal' even if only for a day or two. (damn where's the kleenex tissue?) What the Rowe-Roberts family and friends are doing is amazing. Some people say "why bother when there are so many children like this, and you can't help them all". Armand and Colin might say, "if we can help just one, maybe others will be inspired". After all, Armand has been inspired since he began drawing as a child; encouraged by his GG, and along the way was inspired by a model who became a model husband and father ... Colin. Thank you Cal. Ps. About that briefcase... * Over 8,000 children reported 'abandoned' each year in U.S. alone. Europe over 20,000, and the number increases exponentially for other countries and continents. Africa over 30,000 with South Asia, Asia and China much higher at 100,000 . UNICEF 2021 report - before war on Ukraine - shows more than 132 Million abandoned and orphaned children worldwide. BUT we can make a difference. Don't give up hope, because that is something children need.

A number of interesting twists emerging in this story. Cousins Brady and Kyle buying a somewhat 'smaller' MY (Motor Yacht) to increase their part-time charter business and to provide Devlin with separate 'permanent' living accommodation is good for everyone. Having a 'Stag-do' for some friends who are gay and have both gay and straight friends in the wedding party should prove interesting. But it may raise issues as well. Plus one of the guests has already been targeted by a 'neo-Supremacist' group? I'm always cautious around 'neo' anything since, as 'neo' implies, it is usually just a new spin on old ideas, causes and beliefs. And most are decidedly right-wing, white centrist, anti-gay and prone to violence (if push comes to shove). Not always, but ... Finally we're all interested in seeing what Brady and Kyle can so when turned loose to find out what really happened to Devlin, starting with being chucked out his home as a minor and sudden death of his parents (sorry to keep whinging, but somebody 'opened the door').

I can picture the boys running into the building and yelling: "Yay, Nonna Carmella is back". Even little Ivan is accepted by his new Nonna. There is lots to do in the lead up to Thanksgiving, but first is Halloween. It's wonderful that Armand, Lando and James, along with Mary will help Pat plan a Halloween 👻 🎃 party for the children at the orphanage. Still waiting to find out what Colin discovered after driving 1 hour up to Greenwich (?) to check out Richie's family home and meet with the estate lawyers to see what Richie is due to receive. There is more going on than meets the eye. Is some one up to not good? Hmm.

And here I thought you were a little older than 33. (graduate HS at 16 + 17 ... ergo 33. 😉 And NO please don't correct that, or as the saying goes, "Let sleeping dogs lie").

We are getting closer to discovering more (everything?) about Richie's past (et Tante Marie est la clé).* In advance of family trip to France to visit 'Tante Marie', both Richard (pronounced 'Ree-shar' with the 'd' silent or 'soft') and Marcel will be helping Armand to teach the boys how to speak 'en français' like a native. The boys now understand and appreciate the caution that James now drives with. In time, the wait to cross road intersections will lessen (that and driving a 'tank'). Merci Cal for this really nice chapter. * Don't reach for Google Translate, what I said is: "and Aunt Marie is the key". And 'en français' as I'm sure readers guessed, is: "in French". A votre Santé 🍷

A wonderfully touching story of two people, close to entering the 3/4 of their lives (36th Anniversary + 14 years prior + probably 20 years old when they first met = 70ish?), reminiscing about their lives and what the future holds. Touched many heartstrings. Well worth reading, and remembering!

WOW! “Take my hand, Take my whole life too, For I can't help falling in love with you.” How can you top Chipper singing Elvis as a term of endearment at the wedding of two people somehow fated to be together - Liebe and Fab - getting married in the Rose Garden of the White House? Not to mention it's the White House of two-term President C. J. Abelló in his final years of an amazing Presidency. On top of all that, one of his twin sons, Jefferson better known as Jeffer, has his girlfriend, the granddaughter of King Charles III, Lilibet Windsor (technically Mountbatten-Windsor) as his date. And speaking of England, we hear CJ make special reference to their daughter Liebe's lineage: “My daughter, Elizabeth, is a mutt.” Looking at her, he grinned when she scowled. “Half Hispanic and half Australian, her Aussie side stretches back to Scotland and England. What a great story, for those of us waiting for a look into the future! As for a possible future President Elizabeth Baravento? If people had called British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher "The Iron Lady" for her strength of character, she was a light weight compared to the steel the Liebe has inherited from CJ and Owen. But with that strength there is still a soft side as Liebe wants her surrogate birth Mother at the wedding. Watch out Washington! Nice to see Brion Atwater involved in this story too. Thank you Carlos for yet another @Carlos Hazday treat!