Summerabbacat

Roger should consider severing his representation of the mafia and take on cases pro-bono if he has more money than he can ever spend. I am certain there would be many in Chicago in need of the expertise Roger could offer who could not afford such expertise, even if he was to restrict himself to representing members of the LGBTQI community only. He has the opportunity to make himself known to the LGBTQI community with Sam writing an article on Thomas and his defence of him. Chief Monroe may be a "dinosaur", but his experience in policing without sophisticated technology and "science-y shit" alerted him to the fact something suspicious was taking place in the interrogation room. Fortunately the recording device reminded him of his VCR, so unless it was faulty he should have recorded the whole conversation between Joe, Sal and Charlie. He has likely assisted Detective Ramos and the FBI agents immeasurably as they now have on record who is the mastermind of the underage male porn racket and have exposed the moles, one of whom is now dead, within the Chicago PD. “We might be the only horny teenagers in Chicago trying to get out of each other’s pants!” was a moment of comic relief for Thomas and Brendon (and for we readers too). Each has been brutalised not only physically and emotionally, but intellectually too, both victims of filial and social intolerance, some of which results from the literal interpretation of religious dogma. It appears from this chapter @Danners that any same sex interaction Detective Ramos may have is likely to occur with Special Agent Janick rather than Roger. A rewarding read again @empath. I like @pvtguy's comments above that "several stories going on at the same time that will come together at the end in a connected manner." I could not have said it better myself.

We don't know enough about Jackie as a person, other than that she is a scheming, selfish and manipulative bitch, to suggest any unusual punishment befitting her crimes, her embezzlement being the lesser of her crimes in my opinion. Usually, one might recommend a mother be deprived of ever seeing her child again, but I don't think this would upset Jackie as it appears Damian was merely a prop, as suggested by @CincyKris. A life of poverty is obviously something which would not appeal to her, but if she is captured and imprisoned she will not be forced to live a life of poverty. Perhaps an enforced orgy on a regular basis with Andreas after he has consumed a huge amount of food and is very sweaty, flatulent and lecherous may be something which would revolt her. I could also suggest all manner of nasty things be done to her various orifices singly or in any combination or all at the same time, but some poor sucker(s) would have to perform said nasties on her and one would not wish such a thing on one's worst enemy. I just hope if she is caught and is still alive that our author has something dastardly planned as her punishment(s).

A fun-filled story again @ObicanDecko. Reggie is the last person I would have pegged as the murderer. Poirot or Marple I am not. I have to agree with @chris191070 and @VBlew, we definitely need more Samson and Troy.

Like our waistlines in later years the Hugillverse is expanding @Gary L.

It was my impression too @Philippe that Uncle Rick was much loved by Todd, which made his witness to his murder so much more devastating.

Thank you @drsawzall. I thought perhaps my eyesight was even worse than my latest eye test revealed. It is a comfort if you cannot read it either, unless of course we are both 'as blind as a bat'.

@KKirk one thing which has intrigued me from the start to the finish of this wonderful story of hope is, what is written on the top border of the two red stockings affixed to the mantlepiece? The one on the left appears to have the word 'Christmay' and the one on the right appears to start with 'Heist' but I am just not sure.

A chance meeting in an environment totally foreign to one of the two protagonists in this story leads to a catharsis for both, resulting in a love neither thought he would ever experience. A beautifully crafted story about two men, one in particular who has a number of endearing quirks. There is little in the way of melodrama, the strength of the story being the character growth of the two protagonists, both individually and in their relationship with each other. I echo the comments of @Gary L, @empath impresses with this marvellous literary debut. An author to follow as evidenced by this and his newer work Kept Boy to Made Man.

We all have those "moments" at times @centexhairysub. I find the frequency of those "moments" increasing with age, particularly when using technology. I think Russ' generosity has perhaps always been there but it took a genuine friendship with Brian and Gordon to fully realise it. If I recall correctly, he expressed surprise on more than one occasion in Brian: Taking Courage that neither Brian nor Gordon wanted anything from him other than friendship and sex, with no financial strings attached whatsoever. He seemingly blossomed after that. I also think his friendship with Toby and Toby's respect for him as an interesting and kind person was a real boost for him in realising his worth as a person rather than just being a "lending institution".

Jake's revelations of home life for the Sheridan children, particularly for Todd, added further to the portrait of a tyrannical and violent father, and an enabling and complicit mother. May they both rot in hell if such a place exists. Perhaps Todd had a propensity for mental health problems even before his father forced him to witness the murder of his Uncle and bury his body to cover for his father, but this event and the ongoing beatings sealed his fate. I found myself feeling almost as much sorrow for Todd as for his victims as he too was a victim who perhaps could have been saved in the right family environment and with therapy. And as much as I disliked Zach and Gilly, neither deserved to die in the manner in which they did. As for Mr and Mrs Sheridan, karma is a bitch. Jake's future was left somewhat open ended. Given his experiences I hope his Aunt Judy was able to protect him from the "celebrity culture" which often results from such horrific events, anonymity a must to help him heal. Killian's father got what he deserved. I had zero sympathy for him. Riveting from start to finish, with a strong emphasis on fully developed characters rather than one-dimensional caricatures. A superbly written story @Josh Aterovis, with splatter and gore kept to a minimum rather than becoming the focus of attention. I look forward to reading more stories featuring Killian in any order you choose to publish them, although being of ordered mind, I would prefer to read them chronologically.

Russ is proving to be far more down-to-earth and generous than I ever imagined he would be when first introduced in Brian: Taking Courage. Although obviously still a shrewd businessman, unlike Francis Heyward, Russ is essentially also an honest and caring friend, unlike Francis Heyward. Morrie's comment "I think the private Russ Kahn, might be a bit different to the public one" appears well founded based on Russ' behaviour hitherto in Brian: Taking Courage and now with several appearances in this story. I am so looking forward to Ralph and Gordon meeting again. I envisage the meeting is going to contribute significantly to Ralph: Breaking Free, on this occasion breaking free of the guilt he continues to harbour over his treatment of Gordon. Gordon will no doubt set his mind at rest very quickly, and when Ralph observes how happy Gordon is with Brian and his stepson, Toby, I believe he will be greatly affected. It may be that Gordon and Brian being a more established couple will be a positive influence on Ralph and Nolan as they traverse the complicated waters of cohabitation, and perhaps Toby may take an interest in the activities of the girls given their penchant for activities considered more aligned to boys (such bullshit of course). Delightful as usual @Robert Hugill; Russ Kahn and a Scottish country dance.

I am reading this story, purely coincidentally on Armistice/Remembrance Day 2024, and it is without a doubt one of your finest works @Mark Ponyboy Peters. The horrors of war only hinted at thankfully. The yearning for news of a loved one, even if bad news, centre stage in this simple story of a boundless love at a time when such love was illegal in most parts of the world. And yet it was a love accepted by the parents of both Davy and Jack, parents seemingly untainted by the bigotry of many, their pride in their sons' blind to social constructs. I seem to recall Mark that you mentioned an older gay couple, one of whom was a Thompson, in The Seventeenth Summer. Am I correct in believing it may have been Davy and Jack to whom Danny or Nate referred? As I age I appreciate more the sacrifices made by many to ensure an ideal of a freer world. Although the sacrifice has not always achieved this aim, or the achievement has not proved lasting, it was an ideal motivated in many instances, but not all, for the good of all.

Perhaps Guy's concern is the perception Tim might have that he was calling home to ask for money, the call taking place so soon after Tim made his plea for independence in response to the vandalism of Guy's car. $600.00 to replace some plastic bits and pieces, another good reason for why I have never owned a car, nor driven one for almost 40 years. My legs still work very effectively and when needed the bus gets me from point A to B. I can understand the necessity for a car in regional Australia though where public transport is almost non-existent and distances between point A and B can be problematic for some. Tim and Guy's public friskiness was cute and a sign of their growing confidence. As noted by @Paladin the observer, Tim and Guy should recognise the acceptance shown by the people on the boat. A "light" chapter as described by @Paladin @Mark Ponyboy Peters , dare I say a chapter worthy of a newly minted Dame @weinerdog.

I had a great laugh at your understated assessment @Paladin. He is a loose cannon amongst those he so respectfully referred to as "the ancient Italian artifacts who supposedly ran the city". I suspect no one in the mafia is watching him not only because no one wanted his books, but also because they are hoping he will come to the interest of the police and his business will be shut down when he is offered no support to maintain it.

Todd was truly insane, but as noted by @Philippe he too was a victim, a victim of his father's indoctrination and a witness to the murder of his Uncle Rick by his "god-fearing and righteous" Daddy. All those murdered by Todd, the result of his enforced witness to his Uncle's death. His father was evil and his mother only slightly better. She was witness to the beatings of her son by her husband and did nothing to stop him, thereby giving tacit approval to his behaviour. I would also not be the slightest bit surprised if she knew who it was that killed her brother. Killian's behaviour was rash and stupid, but understandable given the circumstances. Apart from saving Jake, the other positive which emerged from his rash behaviour was his "victory" over his father, the man reduced to a snivelling shell of his former self. His reference to Killian's mother as a whore was enough to warrant Killian giving him a back hander with the rifle he had grabbed to shoot Killian. What an odious creep he is. Hopefully a stint in prison, in non-protective custody, will wipe the smug look off his face once and for all. Outstanding chapter @Josh Aterovis. I was not surprised it was Todd's father who murdered his brother-in-law, but to have forced his son to witness this and then force him to bury his body, was truly shocking. What a truly evil man, all in the guise of following God's word and removing evil from the world. Arrogant cu#t.

I have a sense of foreboding regarding the safety of Thomas and/or Brendon. Riz is contemptuous of the boy flesh he has used to make his money and of Charles Miller whom has assisted him in this money making venture. His order to Laurel and Hardy “Drop him down some stairs, mix up his medication, poison his food. Hell, find someone to it. Kidnap someone’s kid. Promise to care for some dying tweeker’s grandmother. Figure it out! I don’t like paying empty suits!” Riz let the threat echo as he nodded his head towards the door." has me greatly concerned. Assuming Special Agent Janick is able to get Charles Miller moved into Federal custody, the mole in the police force will inform Riz of this. Riz maybe smart enough or by sheer luck deduce Roger has warned Detective Ramos of an impending hit on Charlie, which may result in Riz ordering Laurel and Hardy to kidnap Thomas and/or Brendon in an attempt to secure Charlie's release. A far-fetched speculation perhaps, but even Lauren and Hardy seemingly think of Riz as unbalanced. @Danners has speculated a possible romantic liaison developing between Roger and Detective Ramos. I thought this a possibility too in the chapter when the latter was first introduced, but had thought it unlikely given there has been no hint since. In this chapter the comment made by Marcel Thibodeaux that Roger is Juan's secret admirer has raised this possibility again. An extraordinarily suspenseful chapter @empath with events occurring at an almost frantic pace. For the sake of all the boys who need help, I hope Charles Miller is not silenced before he proves to be useful in identifying and finding all the boys, and bringing down all those involved in the exploitation of boy flesh with him. Once he has proved his usefulness he is past his used by date and I don't care what becomes of him. Poetic justice would see both he and Riz sent down to the Big House together where they become the bitches of the most powerful, the most vicious and the most humongously endowed Big Bad Daddy's in prison, whose appetite for "man pussy flesh" is voracious.

Perhaps Calvin should buy Carrie a dildo or a vibrator. She is painfully annoying; making the pandemic all about her. Her whining and selfishness would be enough to make me want to throttle her. The first appearance by Calvin's mother and she immediately takes charge, resolving "problems" Calvin and Alan did not even recognise needed resolution for them to setup house e.g. non-existence of household goods and small appliances. I have to wonder if she will sense there is a relationship between Calvin and Alan which is a little more than mere roommates. Will the oft-quoted adage "a mother always knows" prove to be true? This story and its characters, particularly Calvin and Alan, are really developing now @KKirk. The relationship between Calvin and Alan, which even Alan appears to be realising is more than just sex, has become far more interesting than it first promised to be. Alan is more likeable now that he has dropped or at least restrained his "I'm not gay" attitude, which frankly pissed me off severely. He is not the one-dimensional arrogant arsehole I thought him to be, at least not all the time.

I reiterate what @Cane23 has stated in his review of this most poignant of stories. Additionally, it is also a story of hope, particularly pertinent as we approach the festive season, a time of year when many feel the loneliness of isolation, or yearn for the what was, the what ifs and the what may be to come. A beautiful account of a time in life which had a profound impact upon what came thereafter. I join @Cane23 in thanking the author @KKirk for sharing this with those of us fortunate enough to read it; and, wishing him a happy festive season in whatever form it takes.

Poignant, all the more so because it is so personal @KKirk. I was so moved by the Post Script. A fitting tribute to Gil and all those who lost their lives too soon.

You are correct if the statement made by the killer “I wanted you to leave me alone, but that was too much to ask. So now I want you to come join me for a little game. Do you like hide and seek?” is taken literally @Geron Kees. However, if one applies this statement more generally it could be Dr Martinez. The implication may have been that Killian has persisted in his belief that Seth was murdered because he was gay and that it was not some random mugging; that Killian has agitated to have the police take Seth's murder seriously and not sweep it under the carpet and make little effort in resolving it.

Jason Rizzo (Riz) is a small time punk who thinks he is a hotshot mafioso now he has taken over the books from Eddie's vacant enterprises. The "real" Rizzo would never have treated Roger so appallingly, she would have shown him the respect he deserves, after all Grease is the word. Hopefully, Riz will be covered in grease and thrown into Lake Michigan from which he will be unable to escape due to his greasiness, after all even the mafia have standards. Boy Flesh. This reference to what has gone on behind closed doors in Uncle Charlie's home made my skin crawl. I hope none of the boys involved have been murdered or sold into sex slavery. I dare say some have committed suicide or become addicted to drugs or reduced to a life of crime to survive. If any are found, I wonder if Thomas will become involved in their recovery from their ordeal. I sense great things for Thomas at a personal and professional level, and this may be one of those great things. Like the good doctor @drsawzall has speculated, I too suspect there will be some people in very influential and powerful positions in politics and the legal profession who will be very worried at the moment, and will certainly lose no sleep if Uncle Charlie ends up "in the drink". For the sake of all the boy flesh I hope not one of them manages to elude prosecution. I too would not be at all surprised if Chief Monroe is the "mole". His treatment of Detective Ramos was akin to harassment, demeaning him as "boy". Regardless of whether he is the "mole" or not, I hope his days as the Chief are numbered. This part of the storyline made me think of L.A. Confidential and the the role the great James Cromwell played. Roger's revelation of his parents' abuse and rejection of him appears to have lit a flame of resistance in Sandra, motivating a desire to understand and support her son regardless of the bullshit she has been fed in her life to date. These revelations have not only helped Roger and Thomas, but appear now to be helping Brendon too. The as yet to be developed storyline between Sam and Melissa is one I Iook forward to being realised @empath. As many have commented with unreserved and fully deserved admiration, this story is growing exponentially, becoming a "blockbuster", but one with its heart still deeply rooted in compassion and catharsis.

A most amusing chapter @ObicanDecko with several of the celebrities finding it increasingly difficult to stay in character and not reveal a personal dislike of one of their fellow cast members, most notably Samson's apparent dislike of Kelly, which is perfectly understandable given she is such a bitch. It may be purely a coincidence, but only two of the characters who are still alive, Miss Maxwell and Mr Wordsworth, were not asked any questions by the audience. After this chapter, Mr Wordsworth and Father Tabernacle remain my prime suspects as the murderer. I must say @ObicanDecko I thought Ms Thibodeaux's revelation was going to be a little more complex. I had assumed her response as given, but imagined the reason for the non-marriage may have been that she was transgender and unable lawfully to change her birth certificate to reflect this. Now that I think about it though, it would not have made any difference legally as they could have still married, it would have just been considered a same-sex marriage.

You raise some good points @Geron Kees for it not being Killian's father or mother as I wildly speculated. Another possible murderer whom I thought of, prior to writing my comment, is the school principal, Dr Martinez. I got the impression his enthusiasm for the Gay/Straight Alliance was somewhat lukewarm and forced, lip service you might say, and his apology to Killian somewhat disingenuous, but then again maybe that is what I wanted to "see" in his interaction with Killian.

Wow just wow. I did not expect to be so moved and so hot within the space of a few paragraphs. You really excelled yourself with this chapter @KKirk. Gil is an exceptional young man, emotionally sensitive and sexually dynamite. 🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆

Actually @Mark Ponyboy Peters, on second thoughts I think you would be in much better company if you were Dame Mark Ponyboy Peters AO as there are some very questionable choices for knighthood, including but not limited to Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Sir John Kerr. As a Dame you would have fellow Dames such as Nellie Melba, Olivia Newton-John and Joan Sutherland to name but a few (but can you sing?)