Mancunian

Chapter 10 of Goldstein Johnson & Cole (2024 re-write) is now live.

Isaac considered himself to be a liberal within the Jewish faith. All of the central tenets, such as observing the Sabbath, religious festivals and forbidden foods, were observed, but some things, such as daily prayers, were often overlooked. But today, when he awoke with the worry of Joseph's case – that he carefully hid from those around him – he felt the need to start his day with prayers. Before he rose from his bed, he recited the Modeh Ani Prayer. Modeh Ani Lefanecha Mele

Thank you for the comments, Paul. I appreciate your reading and the comments you have left. Your friend's observations of the guests/service users are accurate. Many use the help and support wisely to improve their situation, and some return as volunteers or staff. Unfortunately, some will selfishly use the available support just because they can whether they need it or not. As you point out there are people in real life who experience tragedy in their lives but with the right help and support can go on to have a good and productive life. But as you also point they are scarred by their experience, sometimes for life as their experiences can be very difficult to live with. You will see this, to a degree, as you read through other stories from The Boot World. I'm looking forward to your comments as you read through the stories. Please feel free to comment further, I will always reply, or PM me if you prefer.

This is one of the reasons I love reader comments. Not only do you see the 'simple story', like others, you see the complexities that make up that story. As the author it makes me happy that you, and others, see and understand those complexities. You also note the 'behind the scenes' story which we know little about but will come to understand in time. Thank you Anton for your insightful comments. I love this and if I had thought of "Operation Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Trip" I would have been tempted to use it as an alternative title, it's brilliant.

Due to his background and previous life, Joseph probably had low expectations and few dreams for his future, when he becomes better accustomed to the changes that are happening he will be a happier healthier person. As @drsawzall pointed out he is at an age where learning will become second nature, hopefully, when that kicks in he will learn to dream and have ambitions for his life. We will never know Manny's full intentions, but I believe that we have all guessed right. Let's hope that the known obstacles, and any others that crop up, are overcome. 🤞

The cultural differences will be the catalyst for many conversations over the coming months and possibly years for Ian, Kevin and Joseph. They will all benefit from their talks, naturally, Joseph will benefit the most as he gets to live a better life than he would otherwise have had. Some would seek to capitalise in a situation like this, thankfully, Manny was not like this and neither are Ian or Kevin, they will guide and protect him.

I'm sticking to my previous comment, I repeat I can't comment on what I don't know.

I agree, and Kevin will have their work cut out for them, explaining to Joseph and showing him how much life will be different. Their family will grow closer the more Joseph settles and enjoys what is left of his childhood.

I'm pleased to see that you picked up on the most important part of the conversation which is not just what was said, it is that it shows the cultural gap that Ian, Kevin and Joseph have to deal with. There is a lot of learning to be done by all and it will take time, Ian and Kevin will also need a lot of patience. I think Joseph will adjust well and enjoy his new life given time.

Chapter 9 of Goldstein Johnson & Cole (2024 re-write) is now live.

Ian spoke to The Major and Christian, who assured him that Sean was doing a sterling job managing the business. Sean was enjoying the extra responsibility and reporting good figures. They were confident Sean could continue for longer, giving Ian and Kevin another week or more before they needed to return. With the business doing well and running smoothly, Kevin paid the extra fee and arranged the rescheduled flights. Joseph had mixed feelings; he was happy that Ian and Kevin would be s

This is a story that I have read and enjoyed. I may read it again.

I agree with you, any child who is lucky enough to have parents like Philip and Emily must feel like they have won the lottery.

I love seeing and reading all of the comments from readers, yours too. I'm happy that you like the happy note the chapter ended on, I enjoyed writing this chapter.

Thank you for the wonderful comments, this is an exceptionally emotional time for John. With everything John is going through the rush of hormones because of puberty causes him to act irrationally. Not every young boy would behave that way, not every young boy would be experiencing what John is going through. Each young boy is different in the same way that we are all different as we grow and mature and they experience it at different times in different ways, this is an important part that is often overlooked in education. Philip understood and dealt with the matter appropriately.

I'm happy that you like the first chapter. I hope you continue to enjoy the story, I'd love to read any comments you choose to leave.

Sorry, Harry got lost. To answer the serious question, the phone that Ian referred to was his UK phone, that's the one he would use for communication with Sean in the UK. Sorry if I caused any confusion.

I'm not sure what Tom and Dick are doing there, or what they are doing. I hope they don't come up against more obstacles. 🤞

I love that you are following the story but Deus Ex Machina doesn't quite fit, chapter 3 The Major Returns, chapter 4 Preparations and some 'reading between the lines', may explain. I can't give anything away as that would be a spoiler. All will become clear in time, I promise.

These guys are not exactly 'new men', they appeared in an earlier chapter, although you may not realise who they are. There is more than Jacob and Associated Executive Car Services looking out for Ian and Kevin. I don't know what you mean about a Deus Ex Machina solution, we keep everything aboveboard here, I think .

Chapter 8 of Goldstein Johnson & Cole (2024 re-write) is now live.

Isaac prepared for his meeting with Ian and Kevin by reviewing the file his secretary prepared. It was large and included all of the information and documents supplied by Manny. Although the preparations had been made, no application had been made due to Manny's sudden death. The complexity and size of the case required time to search for any detail that might prove valuable. Nothing in the case was straightforward; Joseph had no biological connection to Manny or the lads, and the existing paper

Thanks for the comments Anton, they are appreciated. I can't tell you where the information or research comes from or we may end up in a Mexican stand-off 🔫, but I'd rather we kept weapons holstered as mine is only a water pistol, lol. We are not trying to borrow trouble, we're just keeping an open mind, it's just prudent that's all. The friendship bracelets were Joseph'd idea, bought from a market trader they don't contain tracker devices. Their mobile phones contain activated GPS signals. From the pool of cars owned by his employers, Jacob prefers the Land Rover Discovery 4, as it has more space for his big frame and performs almost as well as the Range Rover on the road and has better performance off-road making it more practical in Israel. His role is more of a 'minder' than a protection detail which allows him to become closer and more friendly with his charges and doesn't require an armour-plated vehicle or other special provision.

Whatever Kevin's idea is hopefully it will help. I would be more concerned about the areas that the secretary says need more attention, what could that mean?