Summerabbacat

There are a few songs which have been written about Montana over the years, much to my surprise. As soon as I spotted this one I had to post it. Although I am not a fan of John Denver, I am of Emmylou Harris, and fortunately her vocal features prominently. The song is a sad one so tissues may be needed.

I have noticed the use of the word unlovely on several occasions in this story thus far @Robert Hugill. I don't recall seeing it used before, but it is another of those delightful words you have used to "soften the blow" when describing the appearance of a building or work of art or occasionally a person. Unlovely - butt ugly, a thoroughly unpleasant pain in the arse. I like Kat, a younger version of Lesley or Dawn, plain spoken, does not mince words, calls a spade a shovel. A good friend for Oliver to have, will give him a kick up the arse if he is overwhelmed by Julian's much greater financial means. I look forward to a meeting between Oliver and Ma, an Oliver and Nana, especially the latter. I have a feeling Nana might be a bit of a devil, a prankster, wont to tease Oliver. High quality entertainment again Robert.

Me too @dboggs9700. I like his laconic manner. His comment about George Strait was amusing. I had heard his name, but knew nothing about him or his music. According to his Wikipedia entry he is enormously popular in the USA, or at least has been. He was rather a handsome man when younger (he is now 74 years of age). I listened to a couple of his songs on Youtube music and they were OK I guess. Do you like his music @Mark Ponyboy Peters? It was an educational chapter for me Mark. Besides researching George Strait, I learnt what a gooseneck trailer is, what a RAM is, what a mesquite tree is and what the word 'Jefe' means. When Diaz referred to Rip as 'Jefe' I thought he must have been abbreviating Rip's possible birth name Jeffrey, but learned 'Jefe' meant otherwise after a little research. I was very pleasantly surprised by Rip's reaction to Beth's revelation some cowboys are gay. I thought for sure he was going to spit chips as he has struck me thus far as a redneck. Perhaps he is more than what he has projected, although he may baulk at some of Dixon Dallas' raunchier songs. I did not realise Texas is such a large state until you described how long it took to drive out of it Mark. It is now the second most populous state in the USA after California. I am liking the story thus far Mark and have not yet had to skip over anything. The characters are well developed and interesting, with Carter and Beth being the most interesting to date. The writing is your usual high quality, with @MJC doing a stellar job as always.

No complaints from me @Mark Ponyboy Peters. I note some readers have been a little "demanding" in the past, champing at the bit, so I thought notice of your posting schedule may quiet their overexcited state. I have not long finished work for the day and just noticed in my e-mail inbox you have posted the next chapter anyway.

There have been quite a number of reasons speculated for Natasha’s visit @Paladin, all with merit. The one thing they all have in common - they are intended to benefit Natasha in some manner, without having any regard for the impact it may have on anyone else. The power of the written word on display again @Paladin. You have stirred a hornet’s nest of activity, provoking much speculation with this intriguing chapter. Well done yet again with quality writing.

Do you have a posting schedule for this story yet @Mark Ponyboy Peters?

This may be something that even @Paladin has not contemplated. It would certainly not be out of character.

And I am an idiot again @Lee Wilson. I just remembered I have a set of Sennheiser headphones at home and they are more than acceptable for the price I paid for them. And the work headphones are in fact a Sennheiser headset, not headphones, but they really are rubbish.

It did not occur to me Natasha visited Martin in an attempt to persuade him to withdraw reporting of the fraud. I think this is a very likely explanation @Paladin, which only the author knows for sure. I remember the name Amanda now, but not Dixon or the fact it was her husband who had stabbed her. Natasha's request for a reconciliation another tactical ploy @Paladin. Surely not? Would she be smart enough to know this? You are correct. Never underestimate her as she has a very devious mind.

In an increasingly limited number of nations @Vcs.

Maybe the tradies can put her under the new kitchen floor? Her best performance ever in the kitchen. Underfloor heating?

Natasha's new theme song @Paladin? I hope so.

Would Natasha be stupid enough, or is it conceited enough, to offer "herself" in exchange for immunity from prosecution? It would not surprise me.

I was thinking the Pacific or Indian Oceans, but they have enough toxic pollution in them already. Perhaps with the construction of a large apartment block she could be "buried" under the earth dug out for an underground car park.

OMG @CincyKris. We could be twins. The sheer audacity of that woman is almost unbelievable. From the moment she arrived, apologising to Martin for her past behaviour, playing the victim to the hilt, my inner voice was screaming "don't trust the bitch Martin, she is using you AGAIN". I don't for one moment believe Natasha was surprised by Martin's offer to pay her legal fees; I am sure she was counting on his misguided loyalty to do so because she knows him to be a man of honour. He at least had the sense to reply to her feigned surprise with: "Natasha, that's it. You have to stop thinking just about yourself. I'm really helping Ben, Maria and Noah, who haven't done anything wrong and who don't deserve having their mother labelled a criminal or even worse, in jail. To try to help them I've got to make sure you have good legal support." What did surprise me @Paladin, but in hindsight should not have, was this plea from Natasha when leaving Martin's home after successfully "negotiating" engagement and payment of legal counsel for herself: "As they stood outside the door Natasha looked around at Martin. "Thank you for helping me. It was totally unexpected and I really appreciate it. I've been such an idiot." After a long sigh she continued, "I don't suppose . ." Does Natasha really think Martin is so desperate he would want to rekindle their former relationship? As my late grandmother would have said "that bitch sure has tickets on herself doesn't she". I must agree with @Philippe, to a certain extent, that Natasha doing a little prison time would serve all well. Where I disagree with @Philippe is the "little" prison time. Place her in Cell Block H and throw away the key. It appears from this chapter my speculation it is Jonathon whom Harlan Black was interested in rather than Martin or any of the family, may be correct. It was revealed Harlan Black is a private investigator and Jonathan has a sense he is being followed. Intrigue plus @Paladin. And finally (almost) @Paladin, when you stated Mr Dixon had been charged with the attempted murder of his wife, I thought to myself who is Mrs Dixon. I realised shortly after when you mentioned Nathan will be testifying in the case that she must be the woman who was stabbed whom Nathan assisted. I did not remember her name, I only remembered the name of Nathan's ghastly ex-wife, Amelia. I don't recall, had you previously revealed that it was her husband who had stabbed her? If so, then my memory is definitely in decline. An outstanding chapter @Paladin, with Natasha under the microscope, and revealing herself to be even more cunning, dishonest and shameless than I could have possibly imagined. Natasha sincere? Not bloody likely.