Anton_Cloche

Nice chapter. Brad still battling his fear of something bad happening, while helping little Danny overcome his fear of being punished for an accident out of his control. Makes you wonder how bad Danny's 'life' was before Sanctuary Will Brad's 6th sense prove true? I really hope not. As for the comment: "...the chapters are so short. A few paragraphs doesn't make a chapter", technically that statement is incorrect. First, 'few' is defined in numerous places (Merriam-Webster, dictionary.com, Wiki et al) as: "deemed to be more than one, but still a small number , generally three". Second, from an editorial perspective, single sentences / lines (ie conversation) don't generally comprise a paragraph. Multiple sentences do, and multiple paragraphs (in this case at least 15), comprise a chapter. Ergo, this IS a chapter, albeit short. There are other stories on GA with equally brief chapters, just as there are some that probably qualify as a tome. One just has to find what works for them.

January 1st, and April 1st are like a 'gimme' in a round of golf. It's a freebie. No harm, No Foul. So whatever goes sideways on those days, (using current speak) gets a m'eh. It'll get fixed, in time. While you're waiting, check out some of the other @CLJobe stories you haven't read yet. Better yet, here's a completely radical idea, pick up the phone and actually call someone and have a conversation. No texts, no email, but FaceTime, Skype and Zoom allowed. You'll feel good, and make someone feel good. Try it!

Wow, great . Fasten your seat and shoulder restraints and get ready for a G-Force ride as Ritchie, ahem 'Ritch' enters the Academy. Not surprised Cap and Papa joined him in Colorado before he starts training. Let's hope everything goes as smoothly as possible (or what passes for smooth and calm in Casa Abello-Davenport). Nice to see all the support Ritch has. Thanks Carlos for this great start. Stay Safe, 6ft apart, Wash Hands a Lot, #WearTheMask (HD logo version available) and (not to needle you, pun intended) #GetTheJab.

First Carlos, my condolences on your loss. 90 years is an accomplishment on its own. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Second, well we made it to '21' despite everything thrown at us. Wishing you a healthy and Happy New Year / feliz Año Nuevo. 3rd, yay Richie's back. Oops, my bad, that would be 'Ritch', as he liked to correct everyone. Well he's off to the Academy. And Wingnut? Let's see what he gets into, (other than skirts), and hopefully doesn't turn out to be a 'douche' like his father, as CJ referred to his step-father And now, 'Off we go into the wild blue yonder...'

Another great chapter Calvin. I doubt Emily has a future at Sanctuary even if she were to apologize to Brad. Asking her question, in front of minor children shows her lack of bedside manner, common sense etc. There's no way to redeem herself, especially in the eyes of the children. She'd have an almost impossible task to gain their trust. Tony is turning out to be a very trusty 'sidekick' to Brad. He appears to be in it for the long haul. Corky and his mom will be great additions to Sanctuary, and Brad's hiring her as laundry supervisory shows his outreach to the community. To all of you out there reading this, Best Wishes for a healthy, hopeful and Happy New Year in 2021. It's going to take time, patience and cooperation if everyone to beat the pandemic. Stay Safe, 2m / 6ft apart, Wash hands a lot, #WearTheMask and #GetTheJab (vaccine).

Either Emily is 'fishing' on her own for 'dirt' or someone(s) has put her up to it. Most certainly not a question (or statement) to be made in public, especially where small ears can hear. These children were securely used and abused, and Brad worn their trust by saying he wasn't interested in them for sex. Emily could destroy all of that. Perhaps those on trial or worse the defendants lawyers. If the latter sanction and disbar them.

Another good chapter, another new arrival. Marvin should fit in well. We know more about Brad's long-term goals, becoming a campus without even knowing. I think he needs to put in a multi-purpose sports field on part of the current adjacent property. With 189+ children he has enough for leagues of his own, whether baseball, soccer or other activities. I assumed Brad's city (taking everything we been told into account and a theatre that holds matinee of major stage show of the Lion King), is on the U.S. east coast (NYC), but, the store ordering those 223 'saving banks' has a zip code for north-central Florida (not Orlando). Sorry Calvin, just being a pain in the gluteus .

This story reflects far too many family's dynamics even in this day and age. The silent walls stand. Even after death. The promise of "It gets better", puts it's faith in subsequent generations , (Gen 'X', 'Y', Millennials and whatever is now), rejecting the old and if not embracing the new and/or different, at least grudgingly accepting it. The reality...

The sod will have his day at the old Bailey, and to misquote the Beatles, 'Ryan's Father's Defense Solicitor, says he must go free', "The judge does not agree, and he tells them so, oh oh oh. But as the words are leaving his lips A noise comes from behind, Bang! Bang! Maxwell's silver hammer Came down upon his father's head Clang! Clang! Maxwell's silver hammer Made sure that dad was dead Wo-wo-wo-woh' (Apologies to Fab Four Fans. )

Another very good chapter, although Brad's starting to fray around the edges a bit. When he repeats about just getting 3rd Floor done, or his Dad going after the money, those can be signs of exhaustion, both physical and emotional burnout . A matinee of Lion King is a break, but not R&R. He's using his Dad as judge to go after the evil guys , BUT (and it's a big but), if it comes before him, he has to recuse himself. Even IF the defendant's lawyers don't make the connection between father and son, Brad's Dad is on Board and a contributor. Those could get cases dismissed and bad guys free. As things ramp up towards a trial, bad people are going to try and get rid of witnesses, (the boys). School uniforms (with 'Sanctuary' name sewn on) makes them too easy to target. Outfits similar to other nearby schools would help them blend in. "200 savings banks" (piggy banks?) for the children to put their 'allowance' into? Unless they really grab all the bad guys bank accounts, where's this money coming from that flowing out of Brad's hands? MegaPowerMillionLottery? Brad saying: "...money was never a worry for me. I guess I was one of the rich kids who never had to worry...", unless his Dad bought $100,000 of Microsoft at its 1986 $14.90 IPO and hung on to it all through ALL subsequent stock splits, etc now worth $160Million. x 1000

Drew, you wrote a couple of responses that really resonate: "I know so many people have forgotten the horrors of that time, and that's a good thing, but us who lived through it all should find ways of telling these stories". I couldn't agree more. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that the past's history must be accurately recorded and shared with new generations. "The worst condemnation, I saw, came from the LGBT community, back then, and that really disgusted me". That the LGBTQ community is hypocritical in its condemnation of previous generations actions comes as no surprise. I think back to the mid-80's when so many guys my age (early 20's) sneered and made snide comments about older guys, out of shape etc. Now that they're in their 50's, 60's (or older) and no longer 'studs, the shoe is on the other foot. "Davie is me, in a cameo. Sean isn't my husband, but is an old ex of mine. I have written an outline for a sequel to this story, I really need to write it". Drew, thank you for this and your other stories. I very much would like to read the follow-on or sequel.

Seriously, I think you have to write an epilogue to this, where our narrator has a week of no sleep, not eating and finally realizes he needs to talk to Christopher Waters' lawyer about what the cops said, and that he saw Christopher in the copse when his wife was murdered. He can't let an innocent man go to jail.

Since Jamie played the same 'rent boy to the Labour MP' you'd think his fantasy for a break from his role, would be for the 'MP' actor to trip over his corgi at home, and be laid up for 8 weeks, propelling Jamie into that role. (at least I would).

And the search begins. Hopefully Murray and O'Shea find the building, not only in time to save the children, but with 'buyers' inside. (In many 'real life' cases it's usually former hotels, with the rooms used to 'store' people for convenience while awaiting auction/sale). I see Brad's planning for the future when he says (perhaps jokingly) to Amir: "Pat is my assistant. He’ll probably inherit this project". That may turn out to be true, after Pat first becomes a teenager, finishes school and university, and returns to Sanctuary. But that's years ahead.

Another very good chapter. Showcases not only Andrew and Ryan's genuine concern for others they come in contact with, but their growing strength as a family. The surprising flight arrangements are one I can highly recommend (been there, done that), to anyone who gets such an opportunity, even though it spoils all other flights as Canuk affirms. Not unlike travelling first class in the 90's when dinner was like a fine restaurant, with similar service, presentation and choices. If the G650 is any indication, the Texas Lass will no doubt 'one up' or surpass Belle Catherine's amenities, but not Andrew's South African cuisine. As for Clint's video, I think we've not seen the last of it, hopefully not to Ryan's detriment. Thank you Andre.

Good Chapter. More work being done as Sanctuary grows and more development being planned. Trouble is not just looming, as Brad's already had attempts at infiltration. First to steal some boys back. Now with lawsuits filed, some 'alleged' kidnappers, rapists et al will want boys to 'disappear' rather than testify. These powerful bastards, in business and office, will do whatever it takes to save their own asses and assets. Going after 'offshore accounts' is nearly doomed to failure as these locales are specificity chosen to hide assets and identities from scrutiny, lawsuits and the IRS.

Another interesting chapter Bill. As for the Manila Film Centre and it's 'creepy feeling', perhaps the spirits of those entombed are struggling to get free or find proper rest.

Salvation? Calvin, I've added the following in case anyone may be wondering. BTW - Too much Christmas Turkey, containing 'amino acid Tryptophan' causes sleepiness and Brain Fahrt. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Child's Haven - 4. Chapter 4: “Brad, you’re going to have to come up with a name. You can’t keep calling it the warehouse.” “Yes, your right. What do you think I should call it?” “Why did you take on this project?” “Because I wanted to provide a haven for the street kids; where they can be fed, sleep safely, and not have to depend on strangers on the city streets.” “There are other words for a safe place. Maybe you should check them out and select one.” I had a sign made, and one of the carpenters nailed it over the front door, Sanctuary.

Hopefully Aldo's heart issue (if that) is minor and treatable. If he had to stop working Mario would be torn between working the restaurant and cooking at Sanctuary. Tony & Brad? Brad's priorities are clearly ALL Sanctuary for now. He will make himself wait for personal issues, but can Tony bide his time? Who knows? Da da daah...

Wow! That 4-way beats any gift under my Christmas tree. Santa failed! Seasons Greetings. Stay Safe. Wash Hands. 6' / 2m apart. #WearAMask, #GetTheJab.

Merry Christmas Calvin! (fair warning, you asked, ) Seeing that you're not old enough to be know the history of 'Boxing Day', allow me to put in my two cents (two shillings?) worth. University profs would be amazed anybody paid attention in History 101 . Boxing Day kind of got started in England in the 1800's and there are two choices. It's either the day officially* recognized by Queen Victoria when 'gift' boxes, often food or clothing (discards) were given to servants to thank them for their service. The 'box' was given on the '2nd Day of Chrismastide' also known as the Feast of Saint Stephen, which is the day after Christmas (traditionally the 1st Day of Christmastide). * there are historical references back to 1660's of servants, tradespeople etc receiving 'Boxes' after Christmas as thanks for their service * The 2nd English reference is the day after Christmas when the 'Alms' Box ("Alms for the poor") in the Anglican church lobby (Narthex) were opened and the 'offerings' would be given to the poor. However this really dates back to the early Roman/Christian churches. There you go. Two 'Boxes' to choose. Or in the true spirit of giving, pick both. Oh and in keeping with the themes of your (and other author's) stories, these 'street children' would be the most deserving of either/both 'Box'. Since the 1960's or before, but really since the 1990's Boxing Day has been misappropriated by stores to 'clear out' shelves as a day to shop electronics (and spread germs). Ho Ho d'Oh. Tony

Hello André: Before I give a review on this chapter, I see it's already Christmas Eve in South Africa, so allow me to wish you (and yours) my Best Wishes for a very Merry Christmas (or other holiday as applicable). And I thank YOU for the continuing gift that is Never Walk Alone. With that segue, let me say that Chapter 18 is yet another well written, well laid out chapter. It continues the ongoing lives and adventures of Drew, Ry, Cameron, Elizabeth and yes Rascal both on land at home and aboard Belle Catherine, (where it appears the spirit of Drew's mum continues to watch over and protect the family, as MV Ranger bears down on them on New Years Eve ). This story, in your mouth watering description of the various meals, is a virtual movable feast. I think I've gained 5 kg Speaking of 'feasts', Clinton is proving to be an attraction to all eyes on board, especially Drew and Ry. He's either one of 'those guys' who always known he is 'hot stuff' and doesn't think about it, OR, he loves playing it up as 'guy candy' as he seems 'interested' in Drew and Ry, whose love for each other and family make them immune to distraction. Finally, speaking of immune, I see as of yesterday (23/12/20) another, more virulent strain of Covid-19 has suddenly emerged in South Africa. According to my epidemiologist friend at Pfizer (who as a doctor was an early vaccine tester): "It seems way too convenient that the original 'supposed wet market' virus is now doing 'this' and following the same flight path". He urged me, to urge others to get the vaccine shot ASAP if not STAT (Pzifer or Moderna as most stringently tested) to protect ourselves. So I pass that message on to you. I want to read more of your story (stories) and for that, I need you to: Stay Safe, 2m apart, Wash Hands frequently and Wear The Mask. Take Care, Best regards, Tony

If "the line" is a cord, like rope used to tie a boat to a dock, care should be used so you don't get snared, tripped up, trapped, or in a bind. __________ Read __________

Another very good chapter CL. This 'story' has Brad trying to fix a problem of kids on the streets, kids at risk, kids being abused and worse. Brad is working on the premise of 'shine a light on a problem to expose it and fix it. But what if the 'higher ups' are part of the problem, and not interested in a solution that doesn't 'serve' their twisted interests? Can the Brad's fix it? The 'good cops' revealed to Brad what he told to the latest rescued boys: "... the Senator was picked up in Washington, your caregivers terminated your phones, drain your bank accounts, and wiped away all of your histories..." This 'story' is fiction, but... " Abusing children is not limited to common people, it goes up the line.

It's important to keep in mind the teens who have been in Foster Care, some for most of their life, who 'Age Out' at 18 and have no place to live, no continuation of health care, and no education funding. Thank you brykerr for offering a brief respite to this young man on Christmas Day . Hopefully he has a place to stay, especially during this pandemic. There are 'guardian angels among us' .