Anton_Cloche

Back in the days before 9/11 and TSA, those flying private could literally drive right up to aircraft at FBO, so 3 jackwards running onto tarmac, even at Chi, not impossible. I think Joey will decide to stay. And I think Carleton may have a 'Lightweight' or 'Black Belt' hidden somewhere.

Too many municipal, state and national politicians, like this rude bugger Shite CEO need a mother's smart rap on the back of their heads. They need to be reminded that the voters and rate-payers are their bosses. So as my late grandad would say, "Stop being an arse you Shining Whit". (he'd usually have left the room before they 'got the message').

Hmm, when I read chapter title, I thought 'Paddington Bears'. my bad, as no physical description of our newlyweds has been made. Interesting chapter, but what if Roger and Conrad aren't pranking Max and Charles?

After seizing the camera/ mobile/tablet or whatever was used to take a snap of Edwin, and deleting it, 3 suggestions come to mind. 1. Having him charged for illegally gaining transport by false identity (minor charge maybe a fine); 2. Whether he's a freelance or contract 'Pap' sue the publisher; 3. Keel Haul the bastard, under Ancient Maritime 'law'. Or walk the plank near a reef frequented by nurse sharks. They don't bite, but he'll soil himself for sure. One last chapter?? Maybe for this Book of Fordell, but there's still work and obligations in the UK, and an aging Uncle who can't do it all (and more titles and lands to 'gift' to Sir Edwin, Lord Fordell). After all, got to keep her Majesty busy! .

CL, there's absolutely nothing to forgive! Especially not a self-proclaimed "...this old man". If Betty White can say "90 is the new 60", then using her math you're only 54. I prefer to think of forgetting as having too much information and not enough accessible mental storage at any given moment. Oscar Wilde may have said: "With age comes wisdom." but few recall the next line: "But sometimes age comes alone". He said it in his 30's and died at 46. Wilde could not begin to imagine how many others would have their own view on his words and that topic. 'Wisdom does not come with age, wisdom comes from knowledge of the world itself, and things you have learned from in your lifetime, no matter what age'. Or to quote Hugh Hefner, at age 80, "If you're only as old as you feel, that's why I have 30-year olds to make me 'feel' better". So chin up, go out if you can and enjoy the weather (yours HAS to be better than my snowy 23 F which makes me feel as old as an effing glacier. I'd make a hot coffee with rum, if I could remember the recipe (you better be smiling at that) One last thought, (while I have it in hand), CL there are LOTS of folks out there older than you, Joe Biden, Queen Elizabeth, and her 100 year old hubby Phil The Greek. (but if you've seen recent pics of him, he makes the Crypt Keeper look good! Oooh, ya might not want to stand close to me, there may be lightening coming) Take care my friend

As far as 'knowledge', a lot of it acquired working for government, NGOs and reading. The 'favela' (Brazilian 'slums') was not my comment. I think you were responding to TonyR in chapter27? Never been there.

While true, there are harsher laws regarding pre-marital sex. In many Muslim countries, religion (and government) not only look the other way but tacitly encourage the ancient custom of "bacha bazi" (translates as 'boy for play'). The hypocrisy of child abuse in many Muslim countries, young boy children are sold to men as sexual slaves. In Afghanistan, allegations were made against foreign governments ordering their soldiers to "look the other way". No charges have been filed with / at The Hague. (where Carleton acts as a lawyer).

Or, instead of holding all of Stefania's 'ova', the box contains a single 'golden egg' (as in... 'the goose that laid...').

Have you ever noticed garden gnomes seem to have moved? And they resemble leprechauns Do they turn real after dark? Hehe

More properties and building going on despite Sebastian effectively turning the taps off on the flow of money. Is this an indication of necessary 'belt tightening' / financial restraint of both the senior family (Seb and Lewis) or everyone else including the twins and Xander? Waiting for the coming to reveal more. And perhaps a trick or two?

Perhaps now, after having Huon dead for 15 +/- years, is a good time for him to reappear in a dream to both his son Xander and his 'best mate' Kyle. At breakfast, they'll say to each other "I had the strangest dream, that Huon was in". They compare notes about their dreams and wonder if he's: (a) watching over them, including his namesake Huon, Kyle's son; and (b) somehow able to protect / help them out. While they're talking, Sebastien walks in and says, "I had the same dream". Da, da daaah (creepy music plays).

March 17, 1919 - St. Patrick's Day in Romania, they're still at war with the Hungarian Empire for another year. No clue there. Woodrow Wilson (Dem) is President. No clue there. In year 432, 16- year old Patrick is taken from his home in Great Britain by Irish Pirates and sent to Ireland as a slave. Not much of a clue there. Bolshevik Marxists fight the remaining 'White Russian' supporters of Tsar Nicholas. News of the Romanoff's demise not widely known. No help. So maybe, somebody trapped a leprechaun in the box and where to find the hidden Pot of Gold, but only if the box is placed under the 'matrimonial bed' to provide good luck (and a strong Shillelagh, aka 'club' aka 'Blackthorn Walking Stick'). To quote Monty Python, "Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink, Say no more"

Great chapter André, with lots of good things happening for Andrew, Ryan and their extended 'family' including news of the 'twins', expected to arrive in June-ish? Hopefully the accident on the highway including the tanker truck doesn't trigger any PTSD for Andrew. (It would be worse if later news reveals it's the same trucking company that killed Drew's parents). As I recall, you indicated at the beginning that Never Walk Alone is Semi-Autobiographical in nature. I do hope there was no similar loss for you, and that the similarities are just T&T (Travel and Tourism) related. In the 'real' world, headway is being made with likely C-19 vaccines in sufficient doses to treat the world in the New Year. Let's hope that comes to fruition. Take Care, Stay Well, and perhaps make Masks both a medical necessity and a fashion statement to the world. Maybe then Social Media 'Influencers' can truly do some good. Tony

weinerdog's comment about Costco may not fit Carleton's time-line. Even with his jet, you might be in mid-80's. First Costco opened in '83 in Seattle but didn't expand to east coast until after it bought up Price Club in mid-90s. More likely his choices were still Sears, K-Mart, maybe a Walmart. 'Ancient' history

That is, without a doubt, one of the triggers. The other would likely be (if I recall correctly) not having seen 'this son' before the burial (after a mortician had 'cleaned up' the body). A body that's been 'made up' can sometimes help ease a person's mind. For Carleton, the only image in his mind is when he saw the boy immediately after attack happened, 'knew' (?) he was dead and Carleton couldn't help him; locked the bathroom door with his killer still inside. Harry had closure Carleton never will. T

"I thought of my boy. I wondered if he would look like this when he slept. No matter how much my attention is diverted, I always reflect on him. I think I need another visit. I don't believe the hurt and guilt will ever leave me. Sometimes we punish ourselves more than other people punish us". Even with all the good Carleton has done, and does to save other boys, that one 'lost' boy continues to haunt him. Vasily can't ease the pain. Taking Harry to England to visit his Mum's Grave and see the headstone now marking her final resting place, doesn't ease his guilt. Carleton needs to accept the words he told Harry rephrased, ".. his soul is in heaven watching over you. And I know he's proud of you".

Where to begin? It appears that when word of Carleton rescuing street boys, (without any ulterior motive, ie sex) got around, important 'connected' people saw him as a way to help solve the problem of boys on their streets who were unwillingly working for foreign criminal organizations. So when Carleton's legal expertise brought him to the ICJ at The Hague, certain European Ambassadors met with Carleton to see how they could help each other. The result is Carleton's 30+ 'sons', financial and other assistance to not only re-settle the boys, but to establish 'trusts' to help their education and future. Sort of Payback for the U.S. help after WWII. Where do we go from here. The second 'Air Lift' may offer clues to the future of all concerned. (or I'm so far out in left field, a team of 'sluggers' couldn't hit me).

YAY.

Interesting new book. Had to go back and review a bit to remove the Covid Cobwebs of memory. So I understand Mr. Green and Mr. Black being bodyguards / 'minders', hence no 'real' names, but Black's son Jeremiah has a surname?

With at least two 'safe source' Covid-19 vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna, on the horizon, (not Sino, Brazilian or Russian which have so far failed to provide reports to CDC to verify), you CL are in the 'primary' group to get vaccine (age or Front Line) & could be eating together by summer? However, you need 2 shots 6 months apart. Second, (fly in ointment, not on head), ONLY 30 Million shots MAY be available immediately. 1/2 to U.S. and 1/2 for rest of world. BUT look on the bright side, it took YEARS to get a Polio vaccine. These C-19 vaccines took less than 1 year (and NO I'm not old enough to know this first hand! I paid attention in history class!). Have faith and patience, fingers crossed, and DO NOT let politicians get in the way. Take care. Whipped cream on pie!

I used a 'sad' emoji but I chose it for the tears. Of gratitude, happiness (Carleton's first 'son' appearing to him in a dream), and sadness for the children killed. I'm thankful for this chapter as our friend CL actually (albeit 'fictionally') touches on a subject that has been going on for decades, and unfortunately continues still. Think of Carleton as a sort of Oskar Schindler (see movie - Schindler's List), with the German Ambassador and other 'gentlemen' Alex knows as helpers or saviours. Yep, it time for Carleton to build another 'home' for his newest 'sons', (if it's not already under construction when Carleton gets back). Ten on this trip and at least another ten on the next trip. Unless Alex 'magically' comes up with another jet. In the meantime, Alex can go shopping for clothes to prepare the next group of boys for their trip 'home'. Thank You CL, keep up the good writing. Stay Safe, 6 ft / 2 m or 6 turkeys apart, and yes Wear A Mask. Tony

I had to review a few chapters to try a see who set the agenda for Carleton's previous trips to ICJ at The Hague, and the side trips to pick up 'passengers'. The 'boys' who went back with Carleton mostly seem to be 'connected' with East-Europe. Are they orphaned children (collateral damage) of 'agents' who are no longer alive? Whatever the case, it has caused Carleton to demand a "...face to face briefing". His profile in the international legal community is high enough that he can't 'disappear'. But I hope he has more backup than just Alex.

In a word, CONTINUITY. There Is a gap between chapter 15 and 16 that requires fixing, or an explanation. But we also have to remember these are Carleton's recollections written in his 'book' (diary) and perhaps with age he's having a brain fart. However, the editor in me would suggest something to fill the gap like this: "I can't be it's been 5 years since my last big meeting in London. The one that made me a lot more money and allowed me to bring home new sons. Since my first son came to live with me, I've gone from 1 to 12 boys, gained some pet dogs, and had a massive renovation to the house to where I now have 30 boys living here. Some are graduating high school and are getting ready to go off to college. But in my quiet moments, my memory always goes back to my first lost son" It fills the gap and sets the stage for future chapters until we eventually come back to the future with our new owner and Steven talking about carrying on 'The Trust'. 'Ed',

The bastard boat deliverers! On one hand I hope Calamity Jane goes aground on some uncharted isle and they're not found for a LONG time, for what they did to Edwin's new MV. On the other hand, hopefully with Edwin and Uncle Robert's 'connections' they are able to reverse the funds transfer and make some and everybody pay. Now let's go on the 13 week booze cruise that is 'Below Decks'. Somebody's gonna get Keel Hauled AND Walk The Plank.

Absolutely amazing chapter André.