Anton_Cloche

Damn. Another chapter that had both light and dark themes running through it. Seems you don't want to commit to one or the other even for a short time. Leaving the constantly sparring older but not necessarily wiser Tristan and Jack in opposite corners, we turn to TJ. As he begins to make progress with the guidance and support of Darren, we learn of Darren's own family tragedy with the death of his son Paulo's wife Melody and their two children in a horrible road crash in Colorado. Unable to deal with his grief, Paulo's twin brother Pedro helps him. And Darren is bringing his sons with him to New York to watch over them. So again, more family dynamics at play, with both dark and lightness, despair and hope.

Dean's revelation will go a long way to explaining why he's turned so homophobic (since he was 14, two years earlier). It also explains why the trip to Gran Canaria and the one Spanish boy set him off. Like many young boys who've been sexually abused, Dean is likely feeling he's to blame for: (a) allowing it to happen; (b) somehow bringing it on; and (c) failing or being unable to report it. Oh, and there's (d) which is being suicidal because of the attack. Let's see how right I am... BTW, there's a bit of ongoing spelling and grammar errors in this story. Enough repeated errors that my 'Editor's Eye' is making me reach for the 'Red Pencil' (you know, the one teachers use to mark your papers with). If your editor(s) are using Grammarly or similar software, you might ask them to actually proofread what's been 'corrected'. There have been repeated complaints stemming from the fact software and App are apparently designed and updated by people for whom English is not their native language. (You just have to read some of the instructions that come in product packages to see this clearly). Although there are some differences in 'english' spellings between the UK, U.S., Canada and Australia they are generally for terms and phrases unique to each country. However, the errors I'm speaking of are misusing words like: 'to' and 'too'; 'there / there and they're'; 'where / were', and then really odd ones like using 'crutch' in place of 'crotch'. Just thought you'd want to know. And you're not the first online author to have that happen.

It's a little hard wrapping my head around a new 'language' (although easier than Klingon), but I get the general ideas. Odd that other panets have some of our stereotypes including ageism. As for Adam, thankfully they reached him just in time to both safe his life and cure his HIV. Problem is, now that they've weaned him off Earth's 🌏 atmosphere and onto theirs, if things go wrong can Adam return to Earth? Or does he even want to? 🚀

Unlike holiday 'lets' that are just seasonal and a bit of spare income, investment in a 'lodge' or 'inn' has to make sense (no pun intended). Seasonal operations rarely bring in enough income, and as the owner said, change in weather (for the worse) over 20 years adversely affected the Lodge. I'd walk away from it, unless the owner Mr. Metendorf is prepared to take a huge reduction, OR if Roger somehow learns there's a major development nearby on the horizon (like a major roadway) to bring guests to his door.

I think when Jon pauses from being a 'cheeky monkey', 'bed warmer' and rodgering the boss, they may discover some odd sounds in the cave that leads to either pirate ghosts or pirate booty * *See Disney World 'Pirate of the Caribbean' ride, Pic DM. "Arg mateys, that's a broad sword". (from my memory)

I stand by my previous comments about the UK legal system and the actions of this judge. Kangaroo Court comes to mind. And what about Liam's other teacher, Miss James? Why has she not testified?

Readers unaware of the UK legal system need to keep in mind a BIG difference between UK courts and those of the U.S. In the UK, you are "Presumed guilty, unless and until proven innocent"* (*from HM Solicitor General for the UK and Wales). Also, unlike the U.S. where judges are elected, 'judges' (also referred to as 'Justices' and 'Magistrates') in the UK are appointed (although supported in their 'appointment' by politicians of certain parties, so in they're just as likely to be partial to political whims). This Judge, in his rulings against motions by Liam's Barrister - Mrs. Stewart-Graham, is likely being pressured to achieve a preferred outcome. Thus setting the stage for a trial that ignores the truth or reasons behind what set Liam up for this, and getting a result 'The Crown' (government) wants to keep the public happy. Liam has everything stacked against him, and I feel sets the stage for an unfortunate outcome. Not just in terms of being found guilty, but not getting the help he desperately needs and possibly being suicidal.

Had to stir up my memories of the U.K. for this story. Euston is familiar. I think Liam aka 'Leo Brown' is in a 'relocation' plan, but for witnesses not criminals (although we may find out he may have been unwillingly dragged into a criminal act). His fear of being identified, is revealed in his bus trip to see his 'Probation Officer', when his face is shown on CCTV. Liam thinks about not being able to go back to his Mother and Nurton Cross (where his former 'room' was larger than his current B&B room). IF Liam had been in gaol / jail, his cell would have been barely half the size of his current bolthole. It seems a sad tale as it begins, but I hope things get better for Liam.

Jack wants to not only reconcile but maybe turn back the clock to before things went off the rails. Unfortunately stuff happened that can't be wished away or memory wiped. Or can it? People need to learn from their mistakes, and to do that, they needed to remember. As for young Tristan needing to see a neurologist, that's a wise decision, but the ER Dr should have suggested that. Hanging from a cliff ...

Wayne, Thank goodness you're back! Love the idea of a Refuge from the madness of the world, especially since spring 2020 when it all went sideways. Unfortunately it seems we're stuck on this track for a while. Which is why your (and others author's) stories are so important. In this time where we're seeing reports of children in distress (of all types), depressed, even suicidal (highest rates of suicide are in the 10 to 17 age group!!), Refuge stories give us all, but especially young people, hope and inspiration. Harry 'finds' himself through his interactions with Gus; enough that on the ride home he tearfully comes out to his parents (who suspected) and thankfully reacted the way parents should. I look forward to occasional visits to the camp and perhaps the reappearance of former residents (young truck driver, cook, ex-navy, 'mobster' and more) taking a vacation. Thank You. Tony (Anton)

Hmm. Seems Jon, in addition to being an architect, is also a handy man. And one who know hard wood from soft wood. (okay I'm stopping now).

Cal, I won't repeat what everyone else already 'wished' you, other than to say I'm looking forward to this story from a favorite author. ✒️ IMHO Roger should have consulted a lawyer, who would have told him to haggle over the taxes due because most governments that seize properties for unpaid taxes after a year will negotiate, sometimes more than 50%. As for the proviso that Roger must agree to operate a hotel (motel, Inn etc) on the property or see it seized again? The city is almost as bad as loan sharks or a NYC tenement owner . They're just trying to grab the 'Occupancy' tax (10-30% or more) that they skim oops take on top of municipal services taxes. The joke comes to mind... 'How to become a Millionaire in the hospitality industry? Start as 💰 Billionaire and buy a money pit 💸.' Cynical? Moi? No, just seen it before, but I won't bet the proverbial farm on it, as you have a knack for turning things around. Tony C

"Mini?" I heard my father say. "Hey, dad," I said and started crying. I felt his embrace even though I know he wasn't there..." Still find it strange how some dead / ghosts in the Tristan stories have 'form' as if alive and can hold people while they comfort them, and others, like this exchange between TJ and his Dad, are only voices. Anyway, it's comforting to TJ and that's what matters. 🫂 Darren? Well that's different.

So 'curse' is an aneurysm? If it's who I think it is, and you have your 'junk' taken away, the only 'thing' left to hold is a grudge. (Ooh it takes cojones to make bad puns 🍆) 😆

James: Glad to hear there's another 'Puppy / Greenstone' segment in the works. Cindy dropped a giant hint about a story line when she told Puppy about the sad arrival at Greenstone of 15 year-old Australian Cal who is orphaned after his father dies from a heart attack while onboard a 21 hour flight from Sydney to London. Just FYI, ALL International flights and most national planes have onboard AED (automatic external defibrillator) and ALL flights experiencing such medical emergencies have Priority landing rights globally. So unless they were on final approach to London, they should have set down immediately. With Cal's mother dying (in Australia?) when he was 7, were he and his Dad flying to UK to meet 'extended' family? Are there no 'ties' left in OZ? Is Cal's stay at Greenstone temporary until family can be found? If not, and with UK turning orphans OUT when they reach 16 years of age, where's Cal to go? Does he meet up with Puppy and family by accident and get invited to stay? These and many more questions await your answers and explanations. James, you've laid the seeds, now you have to make this grow (into a 16+ chapter). * The OTHER Tony (Anton) C.

This chapter reminds me of the last Beatles' album* recorded and the song The End in which they sing: "and in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make". It speaks to the relationship of Hunter and Jenson / Puppy. * Before anyone mentions my age, let me just say it was Mum's favourite band and I only heard it YEARS later.

Another good but cathartic chapter. * And now for some comments from my Editors Eye 'Red Pencil'. Whether you and/or your editors are using Grammarly or another App to czech for heirs (see what I did there?), they are not foolproof. Most of those Apps are created in foreign countries and/or by foreign 'designers' for whom English is not their native language. In your Puppy series there have been a number of repeated errors. One in particularly has Puppy 'scolded' in the shower or in this chapter "reached for the towel hanging on the scolding radiator". I'm quite certain you meant 'scalding' as in hot and not rebuked or reprimanded. (Now back to chapter commentary). I think everyone agrees that how Hunter was acting, right up to slashing his own throat was him trying to deal with ALL the demons in his too short life so far. He' s only 16 and what he's tried to deal with, the average teenager doesn't have the life experience or even mentality to deal with rationally, hence the attempt to kill himself. Hopefully a 'family', that is a group of concerned people, including Taylor, Jenson, Max & Susan and even Steven will gather around him now. 🫂 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 🙏 all needed for Hunter and the 'family' helping him. It will be a long journey. (How long? Only James know how many chapters MAY be yet to unfold. 😉 ) Tony C.

Meth? From a 💉 needle that's been in who knows how many arms? And for those who don't know it involves drawing in a little blood so you know it's in the vein before 'slamming' in the 'juice'. What the eff? At least Hunter tried to stay with him to ride it out, but 🤬. 😧 😡

travlbug has hit the nail squarely on the head in his assessment of Hunter and his 'home' situation. To say it is precarious at best is a huge understatement. As Hunter told Jensen, his father's share of the jewelry store robbery, after paying for a better psychiatric facility for his Mum, prepaid the rent for a year and left some money behind to pay rent after that. But it's obvious his older brother is barely holding things together. So one thing goes wrong and then what? One can't help but feel sorry for Hunter. He deserves better but I fear that's not in the cards. 🥲

Sorry the way things turned out with Dave. There's a lot of negative comments about him, but if the naysayers (including Puppy) took proper time to reflect on what he went through with his Mum, you'd see he has 'abandonment' issues (as well his younger brother), that need counseling as much as Puppy has. Unfortunately the NHS (UK Health services) isn't set up to provide those well, especially to certain economic groups.

A very good story (and sequels) too good to pass up. Maybe the next story could take place on the Emerald Isle? Plenty of places there with 'interesting' histories as a starting point. Perhaps Sinclair, Jamie and Jeremy stop there enroute to Europe. During the first night in a Dún Laoghaire Inn, something awakes them in the middle of a dark and stormy night...😳 Tony C.

You aren't elected?

I think a Review / Preview for the entire Tristan series should include: "Warning, Readers should wear a Bungee Cord due to all repeated Cliff Hangers".

You just had to throw one last monkey wrench into the works? It's like you can't help yourself, or you're manical or something. I'll vote with the majority and accept the HEA. BUT, and it's a giant Kim K one, the alternate, REALLY skewed ending can be a starting point for your next whodunit whydunit.