kbois

Shush.

Welcome! I like getting readers hooked with the first chapter. You came in at a good time, I just posted the last chapter, but there's still an epilogue left which will post on Friday. Feel free to leave comments as you go along!

I know I've mentioned that my company has had us doing ongoing sales training. As part of that training the owner was offered to have all employees do a behavioral/personality assessment. We've all done these, I think. I, personally have never been a great fan as the results are either way off base or vague. So anyway, got an email link for one of these assessments. So I did it this morning. I have to admit I went into it skeptical. But.... when I got the results I was blown away. This assessment started with 'Behavioral Characteristics'. Three paragraphs of how I typically approach things and how I work best in my working environment. Pretty much every point was spot on correct. Then there was a section of what value I add to the company. Next section: "Checklist for Communication". This was a bullet point list of ways to best communicate with me. The first five were general things like provide personal assurances, give her time to analyze, be patient, respect her quiet demeanor (got a raised eyebrow), use the proper buzzwords. Then I read the 6th bullet point and damn near fell off my chair laughing: Keep at least three feet away from her.. That, my friends is everything you need to know about dealing with me on a professional level in a nutshell...🤣🤣🤣 It went on to list more dos and don'ts when communicating with me. "Don't touch her body when talking to her." Absolutely true. I do not like people I don't know touching me or getting in my personal space. Overall it was definitely the best assessment I've ever done. I really think it will help me be a better manager and I'm hoping that my upper management will utilize the communication tips as I have to deal with a lot of strong personalities who aren't always the best at dealing with other people. Maybe the dingbat who keeps interrupting me will get the hint and realize that's not the proper way to talk to anyone. So anyway... have a good evening. (And stay three feet away!!!)

It's funny that you mentioned the change in POV. Mrs. Gnomie pointed it out in the edits and I didn't even realized I had done that. It was a little too late to rewrite it, so I'm glad it wasn't too distracting for you as a reader. Sometimes mistakes work in your favor and this time it did for me. Bruce thanks you for the steak!❤🥩

I'm happy that it turned out the way it did. Suspenseful and dramatic are new-ish to me as a writer. I haven't used it too much. Thanks!

Do you really think I'm going to spill the beans Kitt?

You know the saying .... be careful what you wish for!

Send your version to @Mrsgnomie and we'll splice them together. 🤣🤣

Like I mentioned... ends are tied up. Gonna have to wait until Friday though! Between me and my best friend, we had most of the nostalgic toys from way back when, plus Tonka and GI Joe from her brother!

He gets my vote!

Thanks Mawgrim! It was actually a pretty easy chapter to write. Once I got going it took wings and flew. It was the final edits, which I did last night, that almost had me chewing my nails!

There just might be a extra little snippet just for Bruce... if I can finish it by the weekend. No puppers will be fatally harmed in my stories.

There's still stuff that will get resolved in the next chapter/epilogue. But the scumbags got what they deserved, although my beta, @Danilo Syrtis wanted more pain and torture. As far as cliffhangers...no more, at least in this story!

Thanks Quixo!

Hell, I forgot all about the thumb! 🤣🤣. I guess it was part of the 'bruised and battered' body parts. I'm glad you really enjoyed the chapter!

You're getting more and more demanding with each chapter... 🤔😋 I'm waiting for @Mrsgnomie to send it back. Cool your jets! (And yes.... there might be one more name slipped in. We'll see. 🤭)

Still a little bit to go. It's not quite done.

Bruce is a hero just by being a dog! Being a badass police dog doesn't hurt either. Thanks!

Thank you Mags! It was touch and go for a while. I still haven't gotten up the nerve to kill off a main character. I fear if I do @Kitt's pitchfork will be laced with poison. ☠😬

I had them both too, plus the farmhouse and school..lol I'm happy that the chapter made you emotional. It's a great compliment for a writer.

I know you had to wait until the middle of your day, but it's morning over here. Thanks for being patient!

Geesh.... I haven't even finished my coffee...😋

Kyle was exhausted. Sleep had been elusive more often than not. That and the fact that they were woken up often and randomly by loud pounding footsteps overhead. He had no clue how much time had passed and Kim just shook her head when he asked her. There were no scratches in the windows to let in any light. Greene, or his brother had made sure of that. Other than occasional bathroom breaks, the brothers had kept him and Kim tied to chairs. They were able to move their feet a couple of inch