Summerabbacat

Twenty five comments on this chapter and counting @Paladin. It has certainly proven to be one which has created a lot of interest, speculation and debate.

This was my "fear" initially @Philippe, but I was somewhat comforted by @CincyKris's comment. I have just re-read my initial comment and I am back to being more concerned again, for the same reason as initially stated that if Horse somehow became aware that someone believed to be Joshua had orchestrated a meeting with someone believed to be Daniel, then he could capture both at the same time with the assistance of his bikie friends, who well may be members of an outlawed motor cycle gang whom Horse has connections with. I just hope @CincyKris's speculation is correct.

Before I comment on this chapter @Jeff Burton I have a question regarding Ari, the answer to which makes no difference to my opinion of Ari or the story itself, it is merely a curiosity. On all bar one occasion, that I have noticed, you have used the personal pronoun they, their or they're to describe Ari, suggesting Ari at least identifies as non-binary. On one occasion though in chapter 7 you use the personal pronoun her "Caleb let out a loud snicker and got immediately smacked on the arm by Ari, who muttered something under her breath". I only noticed and recalled this because if I was to hazard a guess I would have thought Ari was more likely male given the name, unless of course it is an abbreviation for a longer given name. @weinerdog's comment regarding Jamie's friends and their offer of immediate support is so true. I found it interesting that Ari's offers to assist led to Luca revealing he had found himself in similar circumstances i.e. the victim of assault, presumably at the hands of his family, without anyone to support him. I wonder if he would have revealed this to anyone, even Jamie, if Ari had not repeated the offer to assist on several occasions. Ari's suggestion that photographs be taken of Jamie's wounds was an excellent one, obviously she had been listening to the feedback provided by @drsawzall and took that feedback on board (LOL). The good doctor's reminder of the immediate post-assault behaviour of Jamie's mother was well warranted. She too has perhaps been a victim of her husband's bullying, although up until the assault I have always thought she was complicit in the mistreatment of Jamie. Perhaps her husband had previously revealed a violent side to her, or perhaps she is aware of his having been subject to similar treatment by his father as a child/teenager as speculated by @weinerdog in his comments on chapter 9. As stated by @Njdenni, this chapter further enhanced Luca's already beloved status, such that it is now stratospheric. As noted by @drsawzall, this chapter also continued the change of Jamie's character from one of perpetual victim to one who is now fighting back, and fighting back on his own terms, Jordan's remarks testimony to this: “You didn’t run because you were scared,” he said. “You ran because somewhere deep down, you already knew staying would mean losing parts of yourself you’d never get back.” My breath caught. Something in my chest shifted at that. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “You didn’t fail by leaving. You saved the part of you that could still feel. That could still hope. That takes more courage than most people ever manage.” The feedback is unanimous @Jeff Burton, an outstanding chapter, which I rated as 'sad' solely because of Luca's revelation that he too was assaulted.

I am pleased I am not the only one whose opinion of Deirdre has see sawed and is now "back in the toilet" (LOL). I agree @pvtguy, especially with your comment in bold text (LOL).

An apology is not necessary @Paladin as quality is worth waiting for, although it will be a relief (and hopefully positive relief) to be able to read the next chapter so quickly. A very good point @CincyKris, such that my doubts regarding whose interest the bikies are protecting have been been completely laid to rest (almost).

Methinks Deirdre is not as ignorant of Jasper's illegal activities as she tried to insinuate. Methinks Jasper's mother may have been close to the truth when she complained to Denise that Jasper only got involved in the smuggling because Deirdre "egged him on, constant demands for money, never satisfied, smuggling was the only way he could come up with enough to satisfy her.” If Jasper is imprisoned or heavily fined I will not be surprised if Deirdre attempts to become more involved in Toby's life again with the intent of "blackmailing" Brian for money. In recent chapters I thought Deirdre may have been becoming a nicer, more thoughtful and caring person and mother. Methinks now her recent behaviour has been a sham. She is NOT to be trusted. Toby is the one most likely to be affected by any fallout from Jasper's arrest, particularly if it is proven Deirdre had involvement in the smuggling too, or at least knew about it. Between Brian, Gordon, Russ, Evie and Drew, and Denise, hopefully they can protect Toby from any adverse comments or actions if Deirdre is charged, and more particularly if convicted too. "By dint of combing the websites of local newspapers in the Portsmouth-area, where Jasper lived and sailed, Brian managed to find a couple of frustratingly vague articles about police breaking up a smuggling ring. But no details, of course. " Another educational opportunity, never had I seen dint used in such context. Excellent chapter @Robert Hugill.

"Daniel was startled, but before he could respond Jordan was pushed aside and a hand grabbed Daniel’s arm. “Come on Dan. I told you this was a trap. But I’m not going to let them take you back. Let’s get you away from here.” Jordan turned to look at the intruder and that’s when he saw the two large men in full black Bikie Club leathers walking towards them ominously clutching batons." Now that is just cruel @Paladin, reminiscent of the "Who shot JR?" cliffhanger. Chapter 6 was posted on 25/04/25 and this one on 12/05/25; I don't know if I can wait 17 days for this cliffhanger to be resolved, assuming it is resolved in the next chapter. The suspense may kill me, literally. It appears Daniel has recognised the board as belonging to Adam. I assume where he rubbed his hands back and forth on the board is where it was damaged in the shark attack which killed Adam. I also assume Daniel has recognised Joshua but is playing it cautious, believing perhaps that Joshua is being used as a decoy to capture him and either return him to the Gold Coast or terminate him. If Daniel has met Jordan and remembers him and his relationship with Adam, he will hopefully realise he is not in any danger. And what of these two bikies in leather clutching batons? Are they providing protection for Daniel or have they somehow been alerted to a possible meeting between Daniel and Joshua and are there to capture both for Horse. A riveting chapter @Paladin, with some very clever plot developments e.g. the reporting of Joshua and Daniel as "missing" by their Uncle. What a devious prick. I hope the imminent arrests all proceed without drama, although if Joshua and Daniel's Uncle and/or Aunt should be injured in capture, well shit happens.

We can only hope @Flip-Flop Victor inadvertently hurts himself whilst trying to harm Will and/or Jonah.

Did it make you Numb?

Or maybe he did and it was a Lemon.

Given Will's admitted history of alcohol abuse, you may be "on the money" @Lee Wilson. Victor has plenty of alcohol to choose from too if he chooses to harm Will in any way. If he does harm Will, will he do so to spite Jonah, or will he do so in a manner which appears to lay blame at the hands of Jonah? He is conniving and evil, he is his parents's son, and should not be underestimated.

You are full of surprises @Lee Wilson; I thought U2 would appeal to you. Given your elevation to God status by @weinerdog, are there any songs with "God" in the title which appeal to you? Perhaps God Of Thunder by Kiss?

A brand new BMW for the triplets for their 16th birthday? WTF, are you kidding Vienna and Nolan, they are 16 not 25? I also think it was a little insensitive on their part to give the triplets such an expensive gift for their 16th birthday when Jonah does not have a car. The "fun" will start when more than one of the triplets wants to use the car at the same time, for an outing where the other two are not invited e.g. on a date. Of the three, Monty is the only one who has displayed any degree of maturity to date and is likely to try to compromise, Blair and Calvin will just scream and pout if they cannot have the car for their exclusive use when they want it. I also think Vienna and Nolan need to read the riot act to all three, but particularly Blair and Calvin, about drinking and driving. Victor is definitely plotting something, and whatever it is I doubt it is to the advantage of anyone other than Victor. I wonder if his parents have left for Europe for the summer, leaving him to fend for himself or in the care of hired help?

I am by nature a "glass is half empty" rather than "glass is half full" person, and as such I remain skeptical regarding Jeff's apparent attempts to address his homophobia and taunting behaviour, particularly towards Stephen. Like several of my fellow readers have speculated, if his attempts to address his behaviour are genuine, I hope any improvement in his homophobic attitude is not undone by being sent to a military school. Michael's parents, Lester and Angela, are eminently sensible; their attitude towards any experimentation between Michael and Stephen which may have occurred and which is likely to occur, being one of acceptance, with a discussion to be had between Lester and Michael. I only hope that a discussion between Stephen and his parents is as calm and rational, as if not, it will likely jeopardise the home-schooling his parents have approved to be conducted by Angela. Another fine chapter @Lee Wilson. Perhaps U2's Mysterious Ways is an homage to @Lee Wilson @weinerdog, with U2 changing the gender of the song's subject to protect the innocent.

Although it was not necessary as Aaron ultimately accepted the "gift" of the new truck after some initial consternation, Tony could have emphasised the gift benefitted both of them as partners in the business, as the truck is an investment in the business. The 8 letters, 3 words, 1 meaning admission by Tony and subsequently by Aaron, was well received by both. They are evenly matched in their feelings for each other, equally invested in their relationship and their future. I hope in the not too distant future Tony is able to purchase Aarontone, the sprawling white house on the hill, for them. A chapter of affirmation @Mark Ponyboy Peters, with the only question remaining regarding Old Betsy's (Bessy's)' replacement, what is her name.

Aaaarrrrgggghhhh, 1992, I remember it well @Bry Bryant. Something Good by Utah Saints (with those otherworldly "guest" vocals by Kate Bush) was a top 10 hit in Australia and I was still regularly going to gay bars and dancing. Bry made a little progress going to Dollars with his workmates; he felt relatively comfortable there and allowed himself to enjoy dancing. The "cliffhanger" which concluded this chapter will likely send him into a spin of confusion though. Is he about to have a bisexual three-way with two work colleagues, both of whom are possibly in an "altered state" of mind. I look forward to the next chapter @Bry Bryant with bated breath.

The sad 'emoticon' has been chosen by me, as much for Giovanni as for Étienne. Giovanni is clearly saddened and threatened by the developing friendship between Étienne and Enzo, one which he obviously believes will lead to a relationship, one which will include sex on the menu. I assume Giovanni is likely a runaway or an orphan and for this reason has formed an unusually close connection with Étienne in such a short time, a connection which he is very possessive of. The green-eyed monster of jealousy has reared its ugly head. Action similar to that of Giovanni's would normally earn a swift and harsh assessment from me @E K Stokes, but the personal circumstances of Étienne, Giovanni, Alessandro and Enzo, are such that one cannot but help feel sympathy for them. Perhaps the relationship between Étienne, Giovanni and Alessandro can extend itself to include Enzo too.

And we would not have it any other way @E K Stokes (LOL).

"He was maturing faster than I ever expected. I’d always heard that boys took longer to grow up, that they avoided hard conversations and ducked responsibility. But Alex was proving that wrong. Sixteen years old, and in this moment, he seemed older. Wiser. More grounded than I was at his age. More grounded, even, than Keith. Keith, who was technically an adult now. But more often than not, acted like the younger one, angry, closed off, unwilling to face things." James is completely blinded to the irony of his thoughts, too wrapped up in his own misconceived sense of guilt to recognise Keith is the not only one adult who is less grounded than the younger Alex, not the only adult closed off and unwilling to face things. Alex afforded his father the perfect opportunity to disclose his growing relationship with Jonah when he said: "It’s weird,” he said after a moment. “Like… I feel closer to you now than I have in years. But also like I don’t know everything about you.” “You don’t,” I said. “But you know the important parts. The parts that matter.” He looked at me again. “I think I’m ready to know the rest. When you’re ready to tell me.” This invitation was not given lightly. I have to wonder if Alex may have an inkling it was Jonah whom his father kissed outside the apartment block in which little Miss Homophobia, the ex-girlfriend resides. His comment “Jon seems like someone who hikes a lot, or who would enjoy it.” Alex said offhandedly." may be purely coincidental, but also may not be. James' intention to end his relationship with Jonah is nonsensical @ChromedOutCortex, although it does make for entertaining and provocative reading. I hope before he commits it to action he has a rethink, or even better, Alex reveals he knows it is Jonah whom his father kissed and that he is happy for him.

I remember you mentioning you had met him and how kind he was when I made comments, probably referencing Serial Mom, on Bleeding Hearts. I don't remember you stating you had been to his home though, which must have been thrilling to say the least. I have a number of his films on DVD, Serial Mom being my favourite. His comment about Jeff Stryker is one I will always remember too, when he referred to him as the 'Cary Grant of porn'.

Joey's dead in the pool. Shit happens. Next. If Joey has been murdered there is likely to be any number of potential murderers at the party as he was certainly not well liked. It appears he has left a trail of destruction behind him since starting college, a trail of destruction which began long before Will's confession of love. I tried to conjure some sympathy for Joey, to find a reason for his reckless, heartless, self-absorbed behaviour. After giving it a fleeting thought I confirmed I did not care why he is, or now was, like he was. He was a horrible person, and whatever the cause of this, if any, I don't care. Joey left behind a reminder of himself, one which Caitlin is charged with responsibility for, one way or another. Will's offer to help her raise the baby is indicative, I think, of how mentally unstable he clearly still is. He has neither the financial capacity nor the mental strength to care for himself at present without some concern, so how could he possibly assist Caitlin in raising Joey's child. Has Joey changed that significantly @Josh Aterovis? It was impossible to find anything likeable about the person whom Will confronted at the party. Alcohol and weed may have loosened him up a little, but did it completely change the essence of the man? It is hard to imagine it changed him that drastically.

Are you sensing Scanlon may deliberately sabotage the investigation to undermine both Juan, the faggot, and "Uncle Teddy", the bleeding-heart liberal Commissioner @drsawzall? If so, I hope for once you are very wrong. One comfort I believe we can draw is that this story is set in early 1997 and not the present day. If it was the latter I would be very concerned too, assuming of course people like Juan and Uncle Teddy still had a job at such a high level.

I have always been rather scared of birds, of all sizes and varieties, @centexhairysub (and I don't recall ever seeing The Birds). It's the cooing noise some make, the flapping of the wings, and in many cases their ferocity (think eagles, falcons, owls, kookaburras). I would never trust a bird by turning my back on one and would never attempt to handle one in any way, shape or form. Controlling the sex lives of members does sound cultish doesn't it, especially if the leader(s) of the cult start "encouraging" then demanding sexual favours for themselves, for the good of the cult members of course.

Good point @drsawzall. If Robert does turn his anger on Marie physically and Luca has taken photographs of Jamie, I would hope the charges of domestic violence/battery against Robert would be more severe. As suggested by @weinerdog, perhaps Jamie's Uncle Greg could be brought in to mediate as Robert does appear to have some respect for his brother, unlike his son and potentially his wife.

Crushed nuts anyone? Come on customers, get your bag of crushed nuts today, half price or a free bag with every kilogram of zucchinis, carrots or bananas you purchase.