Anton_Cloche

Methinks the good @drsawzall, @Lee Wilson and others are too focused on the combination locks securing the box than on the chest itself, its contents, and that it was buried inside a muslin 'gunny sack' near a tree on private property: " ... the box looks as if it was not only stained, but it was coated with a lacquer as well. Now, I’m curious to find out what is inside the chest that someone felt it had to be buried in order to protect its contents, since it seems he took great care of it before burying it. I’d also like to discover the answer to what might have kept the scent attached to the chest and led us to discover it in the first place. I think we should come back here later as Bear and Buck and see if we can follow the scent to determine who buried the chest out here in the first place. This might be a dead end, but I still want to try to discover as much as I can about who buried it here.” Speaking from experience, a hand-crafted wooden chest, 'stained and lacquered' to protect it for years to come, is an important place and may have been used to hold treasurers and keepsakes of it's owner (like the baseball caps, which would retain the scent of it's wearer through sweat, skin and/or hair follicles). The chest, placed within a muslin cloth 'gunny sack' before being buried near a tree, may have been to protect the box and its contents, or as a tribute to an agricultural (farming) heritage where such sacks once held life sustaining grains, flours etc.*. The favorite baseball caps, perhaps of a child, surround a plastic container and perhaps a hidden treasure within. Or, very likely, the plastic container, ''wearing' two baseball caps, holds the cremains of that cherished person. 😢 * Some people, for various reasons, may be interred in or covered by a shroud (cloth, often muslin) as a means to protect the body, or in lieu of a coffin, if not embalmed, in order to speed decomposition and reintegration into the earth. "Completing the circle of life".

Why is the Madonna VOGUE soundtrack missing? 😄

Cargo hold door floating?

JFCOAS (Catholics and a few Christians should know what that 'colloquialism' is. Everyone else, 😒) ! If Blair does give Loose 👄 Lamont that 'accessory', it won't be the first (or last) time that bag lives up to its Furkin-Birkin nickname. 🤣 As for Cal and the amazing 'antipasto' Warren at Ricci's? Don't lose that number Cal. In fact, text him asap. Worst case scenario Cal will get extra 'Grissini Torinesi', wrapped in prosciutto served with extra salsa di famiglia. 😋 What's on the menu at Ricci's? Preferably something davvero speciale to take home? I am eagerly awaiting more tantalizing chapters @irivera.

CHIMERA: · A composite creature made of different parts. · In genetics, an organism (mitochrondrial, cellular, human being ? etc.) with tissues composed of cells from different donor individuals (or species). · Individual, organ, or part consisting of tissues with diverse genetic constitutions. This can occur through natural processes like microchimerism, where cells from the mother (egg) , from the bio-father(s) sperm, or siblings surviving in the body*. · Generally, anything that is wildly imaginative, implausible, or dazzling. What we know of 'History of Joshua 'Josh' Thomas Quinn, and can surmise: 🔸Rachel Carrington / CIA, was "partnered" for 17 years with Garrett Lindsey also from CIA and close friend with Julian Parks, of CIA. 🔸Was Rachel the egg donor, impregnated by partner Garrett and implanted via IVF and delivered Josh 9 months later? 🔸Fake name and 'adoption of record' to protect Josh from being discovered? 🔸Was IVF handled by Julian Parks as a 'Special Project' of Walter Green at CIA? 🔸Joshua Thomas Quinn is 16 years old, injured in crash of Rachel's Cadillac with a male passenger (Garrett) both burned beyond recognition. 🔸Theoretically with "muscle memory", "mental memory", "experiential memory . * A genetically engineered aka "Test Tube Baby" with the egg from a "mother", combined with sperm from one or more donors, and prior to implantation into the womb, with additional "genetic material" to alter the likely offspring. Already done successful in animal breeding, with possible (?) human testing. A direct offshoot from Louise Brown (born July 25, 1978, Lancashire, England) as the first human conceived using in vitro fertilization (IVF)

"But the moment didn’t get to last. Because standing just ahead, near the edge of the parking lot, half-shadowed by the floodlights overhead, was the one thing that could snuff out my glow in an instant. Ryan McConnell. His arms were crossed. His jaw was set. And even from a distance, I could see it, he was not happy. Not even a little". When did @Jeff Burton decide to drop my unauthorized biography? That's how scary real this is! Been there, done that and bought the merch shirt, (like a dozen!) Change 3 names, and OMG! (Excuse me while I chastise myself: "You're an Editor, restrain yourself"!) Next ... ? To quote Neil Diamond in his iconic 'I am, I said': "... except for the names, and a few other changes, if you talk about me, the story's the same one."

Editors are not surprised when authors act / react surprised at something they wrote. Like they didn't know it was coming. (Unless, like some "famous" well-known authors who shall remain nameless, they claim it was "another" in the driver's seat). To readers, it comes across as a 'H'uh' or 'WTH' moment or "is the author just messing with us". Not saying any of that is at play here, because the Kildare's have had enough drama in their lives, mostly Jonah. But so far in this story it seems @irivera has decided to play "Tag, you're it" with Calvin? Hopefully, not dravin (driven 🙄*) to make that come true. * misread my calendar. Thought it said today was Pun Day.

Follow the plan Grasshopper. Wax On, Wax Off, and Wax Eloquent. Can't believe how easy it was to "go there" @Jeff Burton. 😆🤣 But speaking of Josh and all things encrypted , where are you with Uncle Greg paying a visit to Josh Quinn at his temporary home? And we WILL see how quickly Daniel, Claire and the whole Kincaid foster family closes ranks to protect Josh. Oh, and living in Grandfather Kincaid's prohibition-era custom built home, you just know that there are rooms, secret passages etc. that Fibbie Uncle Greg (and the CIA) may not know about. Just staying. 🚪 ⛔ 🚫 🚨🚨🚨

Oh great, 😒 another nifty story that sucks. Chock full of nuts, tropes, and memes. Wake me when it's over. Oh wait, 🦇 🧛‍♂️are "undead", so never really "over".

Wow, I can't believe no one has commented yet on this well-written chapter, @FV2112. And only 13 emoji reactions? While authors may have access to tracking ('clicks') information to see how many people read chapters (and stories), as an editor I know how important it is for authors to have feedback from readers. I want to take a moment to pass on a few thoughts. On "free" sites like GA (and others), feedback is often the only compensation authors receive. Feedback helps sustain authors and encourage them to keep writing, through praise, constructive critiques, and/or suggestions. So I encourage readers to take a few moments and pass along their thoughts. In summer, peoples lives are busy and recent horribly tragic events have most of us very much saddened and distracted. 💔 My heartfelt thoughts go out to all those affected. ~ ~ ~ @FV2112, Damien's metamorphosis is slowly making changes to him that he desperately needs; emotionally, physically and yes sexually (although at a rate slower than a 🐌) . His crush on muscular older men (Bears? Daddies?) in the form of school teachers is likely to cause even more problems than those he's experiencing with the jocks and cheerleaders, especially during lunch. Candy is certainly not "sweet", but we catch a glimpse at the pressure she's under, after an intense exchange between herself and Damien: "Damien pushed his way past Candy and walked away from her as fast as he could. As he rushed down the flight of stairs, Candy couldn’t help but look onward in abject sadness, knowing that the few times she did try and speak out in Damien’s defense, she’d find herself on the receiving end of similar cruel treatment and ridicule. “You think I haven’t tried!? It’s not that easy, Damien.” Looking forward to the coming chapters.

Once again Dr. David McLavic Sr is off on another archeological adventure. Years ago he had an unfinished and interrupted journey. Then a successful 'dig' uncovering treasures in Peru. Now, hopefully a return to Egypt. In search of a missing Pharaoh? If you've seen one pyramid you've seen them all. Or have you? Will Dr. McLavic find the supporters, financial backers and the 'team' to make this expedition a success?

And there it is... “Jock-boy wants to see you in shorts.” Sloane said from the couch like a Cheshire cat. I groaned. “It’s not like that. He’s fucking straight.” “Uh huh.” Ry's crush is Sky (since Ry is as straight as 'Bachelor' Colton Underwood in 2019. Uh huh. His 'Tight End' practiced but never dressed for game play with Chargers, Eagles or Raiders. He just 'hung out' in locker rooms😮). And Gabriel? 6' 3 and heaven sent to add more Catholic angst to Skylar? Three HOT saints, Sebastien, Michael and now Gabriel (“Yeah, but I don’t blow trumpets,”) Who's next to enter Sky's personal purgatory? The swim team captain who winked at Sky? Is his name Jude, (Patron Saint of desperate situations and lost causes)? Holey cow!

This chapter, and Joel's trip "home" to get his belongings raises a few more issues for Joel and Trace to deal with. Joel being thrown out of his home is bad enough, but living two counties over, AND in the rival school district? This could cause Joel to lose his scholorship eligibility, not to mention university scouts not bring able to find him, video him and open up potential drafting opportunities. There is a chance Joel's current high school, could waive his 'residency' requirement, but he still needs to be able to get to school, baseball practice and games. Oh wait, his dad fixed the broken fan belt on his Grandfather's truck and it's good to go. (and his father tried to give him the keys). At the next weekend, Trace can take him to visit Cody AND get Josh's pickup truck at the same time. There's the issue of Joel's saving account at the bank, which Trace can help Joel stop his mother from taking the money. Finally there's brown-eyed Grady Roy Mason that Joel runs into at the shoe store. Will Roy spill the beans about the bridge and gun incident? Or will smoldering eyes lead to a different resolution for Joel and Roy?

This is a well written tale @Krista, with believable characters in unfortunately all too common situations and circumstances; whether in fiction or in real life. Both in the here and now, and in decades gone by. In Joel"s case he is torn in many directions after being outed by his older brother to his fractured family. His father Phil, a mechanic when his own father 'lost' the family farm, selling it off piece by piece, becomes 'less' due to an overbearing, bible-thumping harpy, who rules the roost, and refuses to envisage a good son turning gay. Lisa's hate not only gives her 'permission' to throw Joel out, but rewards her action even when she learns Joel planned to kill himself with his grandfather's pistol, if not for fate having Trace Connley be on that county road bridge due to an accident on the main highway. A diversion that has him arrive in time to stop Joel from making a huge mistake. Is hate a choice? Far too often it can be a 'learned' attitude and behavior. It can be self hate as a result of learned experiences. The old argument of behavior being a question of nature vs nurture, comes to mind. Or to paraphrase John Connor in 1991's 'Terminator2: Judgement Day': "No Hate but what we make for ourselves."

Speaking of Tropes ... Pat's 1980 single, came from her album 'Crimes of Passion', which seems sadly appropriate given that Darnell Mayer's killing of convicted and 'Registered' pedophiles, could have been argued by any competent defense attorney as "Crimes of Passion resulting from PTSD", following the rape of his teenage son Nigel by Ian Braun, the first "Offender" he 'took out'. The bullying of Nigel by his "schoolmates ... already (thinking) Nigel was gay", and Nigel's suicide by drowning days after the bullying at school only added to Darnell's PTSD and his need to make the guilty pay. "Needless to say, Darnell was incensed". The final "Straw that broke the camel's back", (so to speak), happened the day after Nigel's body was recovered in the reservoir. "... the loss was too much for his wife to bear. She was found in her bathtub after having bled to death". Darnell Mayer should have been found "Not Guilty by Reason of PTSD-related Diminished Capacity". He would likely have been sentenced to prison with a requirement for counselling. But not for "Life". However, the "survivor's guilt" Darnell would be dealing with, following losing his entire family, would likely have resulted in him tragically taking his own life. Sorry for veering away from your story line @Lee Wilson, which was very well written. I think Gennaro will reappear sooner than we think. (Perhaps with the discovery of Darnell's apparent suicide in prison)?

Fed up with boring police work, 'flat foot' Gennaro decides to roll the dice and be a private eye 🕵️‍♂️ aka 'gumshoe' (so called for moving stealthily in quiet rubber-soled shoes). Will he stick with the new job, or will a lack of generous paying clients see him try to return to his old beat? Enquiring minds want to know ... Everything!

Does Skylar's mother's 'evil exorcism episode' clip her wings and deny her passing through the Pearly Gates? Does it earn her a 1st 'Crass' ticket on the Stygian Ferry to an unhappy eternity in a place with no A/C, constant hot flashes and bars that only serve really warm 🍺? If it does, she won't have to worry about where to sit, as Beelzebub's Bar has quadrupled seating using bar stools in this orientation: As partially demonstrated by MTB and part of her cohort: Ooh 🙄 😳

Used GA's GIF search for "Warhol's Campbell Soup" et voila.

Troubles downundies? Don't mistake Wombat 'cubes' for 'Petit Fours'. 🤣

One can be smart, educated, etc. (ie being in AP classes) and still make dumb decisions and/or do 'dumb' things. Synonyms for 'dumb' include 'idiotic', 'Dim Witted' etc. There are too many examples in the news where someone with a 4.0 GPA, speeds in a car while texting, crashes, and kills or injures themself or others. Acting like an idiot in public by intentionally being dumb. People also often confuse 'Dumb' with ' Stupid'. The latter, (not Ryan?), are most often referred to as 'Unintelligent', 'Dense' or 'Ignorant'; however with the right motivation, tutoring, inspiration etc, they can succeed (to the surprise of many). Labels are for cans of soup.

SNAFU 😉

Hmm, a diversion from 'Encryption' as that pot boils (because it's waaay past 'simmering') on the back burner, waiting for more tasty ingredients? How many chapters has "@Inkognito" planned? Summer diversion reading is best done in Moderation ... a small town with excellent beaches, vinyards and wines to "enjoy, in moderation". 😅 🏖️ 🍷

As my late grandmother from Crookston would remind us, Minnesota has 4 Seasons that are unlike those in other places. In MN, Winter is the longest Season (your 'hibernation' comment applies), followed by Mosquito Season (aka Spring), then Deer & Horse Fly Season ('Summer'), with the insects a main event in a state whose slogan is "Land of 10,000 Lakes" and finally Fall. Enjoy your 'Summer' respite 🚣 🏊 🚴 🏕️ 🎣 or just relax. 🙂

In June 9th @empath said: "Don’t worry, I’m coming back to this story soon! Promise! ❤️" Okaay, but is "soon" being used as an acronym a famous author (name withheld to protect the ?) once opined as: Sorry Out Of Notions * 😳 * Notions as in 'ideas'. Otherwise, take care of yourself, be well. 🫂. We'll keep hanging on. 🙂

A remarkable chapter @FV2112, revealing not only Desmond's questions about himself, but also segreti di famiglia (family secrets) that most Italian families would "take to the grave" than talk about ... to anyone. Dezzy has learned so much about his late Uncle Jonny while revealing himself to his parents, and hopefully neither his Mom or Dad conclude by saying "now let's never speak of this again". 😥 Looking forward to the next chapter, but I am rationing myself to one chapter every few days, because your writing is so good that I'm tempted to "binge read".