CincyKris

My three best guesses are embezzling, money laundering, or espionage. But I'm leaning towards money laundering. Embezzlers usually Just cut and run when things get too hot. Since she expected Ludo and Damian to continue to provide a respectable cover, her disappearance was probably rushed. Corporate or political espionage seems unlikely because local cops are investigating, not MI6. If it is money laundering, whichever baddies produced the dirty money may be involved.

I've read a few true crime accounts of real life "those left behind" families. Fortunately Jackie was not a serial killer, so Ludo and Damian don't have to deal with that stigma for the rest of their lives. I think I'm getting on the bandwagon of "Jackie's life was a sham", that would explain her comment that Ludo ruined everything, and also that she chose a suburban life, which was out of character.

When smartphones started to be a thing, my 60-something coworker became addicted to Facebook and some online games. She played constantly at work, it consumed her. Not all addictions are to drugs, I would think that online addictions are similar to gambling addictions in regards to brain chemistry. It is terribly sad that Ry destroyed their relationship, but I don't see how you get past filming and posting sex (and bathroom!) videos without consent. Dan should just move on, trying to change an addict who doesn't think he is an addict is a losing venture. But, @drsawzall is correct, a call to a lawyer is not a bad idea. What if this online porn comes back to bite him in the ass?

You created so much tension and anxiety in your writing I found myself trying to read as fast as the guys were racing through the forest. Great job!

I have a feeling that Ralph was just as oblivious to social cues whilst dating Therese as he is with Ralph. Hopefully he learns those subtle cues before the girls start dating! This was a fun day out with the twins, days the girls will always remember.

Was the mention of "Uncle Gus" the little detail?

I hope that Jackie's vicious and perplexing note comes back to bite her in the ass! Whatever the "project" turns out to be, I'm sure it's not on the up and up. What about the two young cops? Were they really police? If so, how do the authorities already know about Jackie's illegalities if Ludo only just "ruined everything" the night before?

Instead of pointing out how stupid most of these teens are acting, which is unfortunately a realistic portrayal, I will ask again, where is Dr. Gavin?! Dad, Chris, and Nathan need to sit down and communicate. Before any of them go off the rails, the others need to intervene and call the doc. Being a teenager is enough of a challenge without severe mental health issues, it's a wonder any of us make it out intact!

I was expecting a "correction" to Nathan's great mood, but was surprised at the sudden switch. His admission of love (probably should have said it first to Corey instead of his mom), sent him into a tailspin. I hope that Corey doesn't start shrinking back into himself. Gavin ... where are you?!

Yesterday I saw a commercial on TV which featured a young woman with big curly red hair and a long multicolored flowing dress and I yelled "Mrs. Roper"! I loved that show when I was a young teen. If @Summerabbacat can reference old British sitcoms, we can reference old American ones!

This was the one that felt like the "main" story in your Thompsonville tales. It's where all the characters come together as a family. It's been a minute since I read it, so I'm going to really enjoy their antics!

I'm glad that Gordy is not the threat he could have been, no thanks to Jackie. Damien is on his way to being a happy well adjusted, well informed young teen, something that Ludo was denied by his repressed, controlling parents. Perhaps all four of our crew should visit The Garden and Ludo.

This seems like it's going to be a fun story!

Welcome back! Tom seems happy, Mitch is happy. I know you author types sometimes like to mess with us. No one needs killed off!

I like Rym more and more as this chapter progressed. We know that each side possess some magic. It is also confirmed that the humans invaded the Pactrid lands, not the other way around, as Callum and his kind have been told. The Pactrid's long life makes their narrative more likely than the humans' stories. Here are my early guesses, for what it's worth. The humans are living in a military state, the Anberans have dictated the fake story to convince the people to fight their war. The tremendous lack of communication between the two peoples allowed the lies to take hold. The Anberans used their transport ability to move armies to locations they otherwise wouldn't have been able get to while facing a superior army. I'm wondering if the humans are not originally from this world. Did they get stranded centuries ago? Their old technology lost to time?

Knowing Therese's desires, I expect that Dribble is good looking, respectable, very presentable and good at keeping up appearances. It would be a real hoot if he is hiding a little something in his closet!

I couldn't be more impressed with Gus. He is literally saving Ben's life right now. Josh will help if Dr. Gavin can get Ben to unblock his brain. Dr. Gavin sure is a busy guy, Ben just might be his biggest challenge. I'm guessing we saw Nathan prior to his big incident with Corey.

I’m rooting for the pactrids! It sounds as if the humans clearcut the forests that the pactrids live in. This sadly sounds familiar.

George and his entourage are wary of a powerful Caroline, as they should be. But, her power and influence will be less than before. George would be well served to produce a spy (perhaps a servant?) to keep an eye and ear on her. Caroline is smart and is well aware of her lessened influence, she will be on the hunt for people who can help her cause. We have to remember that to destroy George would also destroy her children, she doesn't want that. But she has no sympathies for the entourage.

Ludo is building quite the support system of friends that do not include Jackie, one wonders if she has anyone to fall back on once the shit hits the fan? I love Lesley, she brings a fun outgoing personality to their group, sounds like Dot will be a hit with Damien. I'm still guessing that Jackie's intrigue will involve money laundering. Hmm, maybe she has some association with dodgy art smuggling!

This chapter reminded me of a suspense movie, where we all know the secret but the main character is in the dark. His defense mechanisms are operating on overdrive just to keep Ben afloat.

Just for @Summerabbacat, could you pretty-please work in some sort of illegal trafficking to Jackie's job intrigue? It would make him so happy, and via his comment, we would be overjoyed as well.

I'm with @pvtguy on this one, Therese seemed somewhat supportive. She griped, of course, but wasn't dismissive, and agreed to adjusting her schedule. I'm not ready to vote her mother of the year, but I don't think she will be an impediment to Ralph's public coming out. I have a feeling that everyone will take delight in the discomfort and over the top reactions Ralph's parents will broadcast.

I so want the compromise that River worked out in his head, but the problem with that is the two are not operating on remotely even levels. River, and most people, are assuming that your day will go by without getting physically attacked. Kenji lives in a business business world where he might be killed at any time. It seems that Kenji is going to need to compromise than River.

I liked the tension created by the fast pace. Will Sgt. Adams succeed in training these young recruits to shoot, more importantly will he succeed in secretly shooting more than bullets!