Summerabbacat

I too am finding the policing content interesting and realistic. The domestic violence call out scene was well-written and wholly believable. The flirty texts have received much admiration from my fellow readers, and I shall add my favourable comments too @lawfulneutralmage. It seems highly likely a relationship of some sort is going to develop between Leon and Mike.

I observe that several of my fellow fans of the works of @Robert Hugill have commented on this interesting slice of English life too. When I commenced reading this chapter I could not help but reminisce about a number of British police shows which have been shown in Australia in my lifetime, particularly The Bill. Although I did not watch it frequently, I always enjoyed it whenever I caught an episode. The premise for this story has been raised immediately, Leon is uncomfortable working with a Special Constable whom he finds attractive. Whilst I can sympathise with him, methinks he should not deny himself the opportunity to work with someone competent and whose company he appears to enjoy too. Deal with it Leon and if a friendship or something more forms between you and Mike, which appears to be likely, enjoy it while it lasts. I had not heard of a Special Constable before, therefore, I did a little research on the 'net and was astonished to find how many people volunteer in this capacity in the British police force. Some very humorous moments amongst the first chapter too, particularly when Leon's first nickname, Stella, was revealed. Whenever I hear the name Stella, I cannot but help think of Marlon Brando in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' yelling out Stelllllaaaa. A very impressive start to this story @lawfulneutralmage. As others have commented, I also look forward to reading more about the lives of Leon, Mike and their colleagues at Enfield.

I now think of belligerent Bronwyn as conniving Connie. She is so self-centred and manipulative. I doubt her interest in Owain's family is sincere, she seemingly just has to know everyone's business to be "happy". It is possible her apparent favouritism towards moralistic Miles was based on what he could do for her, rather than genuine affection. Unless she displays a side of herself yet to be revealed, I don't think she has many, if any, redeeming features. I really do not like her at all. It was pleasing to learn Annalisa has stood up to Miles again and is not accepting his nonsensical behaviour. With conniving Connie apparently showing more "interest" in Colin, the little green-eyed monster may have raised its ugly head for Miles. Too bad so sad. Put on your big boy pants dickhead and start behaving like a reasonable adult male instead of a little bully boy in the school yard. It's onward and upward for Owain and Colin. What an enriching relationship they are forging. Wonderful stuff @Robert Hugill.

I think the overused comparison that Sydney is the painted whore and Melbourne is the dowager duchess is still valid even today. I think Sydney's greatest natural asset is the harbour and its greatest man-made asset is the Opera House (surely one of the most unique and greatest architectural feats in the world). Without these I consider it would pale beside Melbourne.

@Andre Delport my reference to the lavish lifestyle was not a criticism nor a comment on the meals, it was more a comment on the frequent travels and the manner in which the Devlin-Major family travels, although I must admit at least some of this travel is a mix of work and pleasure. I must confess I had forgotten the employee profit-sharing scheme which I agree is philanthropic, even though it benefits the Devlin-Major family too. I only mentioned the charitable foundation because of Andrew's emotional reaction to the death of some employees, particularly Thomas, and his upset at the loss of jobs at other hotels/resorts which failed during COVID leaving these employees with nothing. He appears the ideal "candidate" for establishing such a foundation, perhaps in honour of his parents or in honour of Beth and Nicky. I daresay Ryan shares his ideals, he is just not as demonstrative as Andrew. Although they may be insensitive in the current South Africa, I just love the names of some of the towns/cities/locations because of the absurd length of the names. Pietermaritzburg is a classic example.

Lygon Street Carlton v Norton Street Leichhardt. It is many years since I have been to the former, but if it remains as it was in my younger years then Norton Street is no match for Lygon Street. I am a Sydneysider, but Melbourne is a wonderful city, it just has horrible weather (way too cold in winter and way too dry in summer). I love the trams and the restaurants, Brunswick Street and Lygon Street to name but a few. And it has not one, but two great shops which sell vegan leather products which one can buy in person or online. I have bought all my shoes, belts and wallets from one of these stores as Sydney has nothing like it. Mamma Rosina may be a stereotype, but stereotypes are invariably based on real-life examples and she is a real-life example of the Italian Nonna. I have met a number in my lifetime and she is so very much the Italian Nonna. The boys are enjoying themselves, even though their trip is tinged with sadness. Let us hope that Nonna's oncologist has caught the cancer in time and that it can be successfully treated.

OMG @Andre Delport with the amount consumed and the frequency of the meals Andrew and Ryan partake in it is a wonder they are not the size of the kudu bulls. Just as well they are also "horny" like the bulls and did all that hot sweaty smelly work to shed those excess pounds. "His happiness was dampened however, whenever he, out sheer force of habit, looked around for Thomas and realised that their beloved old doorman was no longer there. The sudden welling up of emotion was very unexpected and he had to go get himself a glass of water and move to a quiet corner to compose himself." For all his wealth and lavish living, Andrew is at heart still an unpretentious, kind, caring and generous man. Wealth has not spoilt him and the "power" it has brought to him has not made him immune to the plight of those less fortunate than himself. If I may be so bold as to suggest this @Andre Delport, with the likely expansion of the Devlin-Major portfolio, perhaps they may be in a position to establish the Devlin-Major philanthropic foundation, which in a country like South Africa would certainly be of benefit to many.

Maybe you know someone named Nathan who is a paradoxical mix of charming and vile.

Outstanding chapter @Robert Hugill. Two things stood out for me, misreading one word which completely changed the event and a wonderful musical reference. "But he was going back to Bart and Greg’s doing some snagging; Greg’s eye for detail meant that the prospect of actually finishing there was constantly receding, still it was good money and he like them, unlike some clients he worked for". I had to read this sentence three times before I read it correctly in light of a comment you made after a prior chapter that Greg and Bart would never have a threesome. The first two times I read the sentence as "But he was going back to Bart and Greg’s doing some snogging". Such a wonderfully English word, reminding me of many British comedies of more recent years. "Once it was over, there was the feeling of ‘Is that all there is?’; Keith’s Gran had had a Peggy Lee disc with a song of that name, it had stuck in the young Keith’s head, and he was pretty sure he could still sing along, not that anyone would want to hear him." I have varied musical tastes, predominantly from the 1970's onwards, but I love some of the great jazz/easy listening music of the 1940's-1960's, including the wonderful Peggy Lee (and Julie London, Doris Day, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Perry Como). Keith's intimate encounter with Thomas was a joy to read. And Thomas has a brother, a vicar named Nate (which I assume is an abbreviation of Nathan). Thankfully, it appears he is nothing like Mhairi's ex-husband and Joe's father. Now Mr Hugill, Keith just has to put the small dildo to good use.

Your razor sharp mind on display yet again @drsawzall. The "little grey cells" in your head are positively 'Poirotesque'.

Oh fuck @Libby Drew. I thought the last chapter was moving, but this one completely tanked me. As soon as the wolf pup appeared I knew it was Kane (and you are not predictable by any means). MIcco's journey to happiness and fulfilment is now complete with the return of Kane. I found great amusement in “So,” Bille says. “What has our esteemed and wise council decided?” “You could try sounding a little more respectful,” Burke chides, hiding his smile in his cup. “I could do many things,” Bille agrees. “But there is only so much time in the day.” I previously speculated Billie had little time for the "politics" of humanity, even if for his "own people". Whilst it may not equate to disrespect, he at least has a healthy dose of cynicism for the motives of his fellow humans. I will definitely be writing a review of this wondrous work @Libby Drew but will refrain from doing so until I can give it the objective review it deserves. At the moment the emotions are running too high and I am exhausted from reading the finale (as well as dealing with a bout of ill health of my eldest feline, the soon to be 17 year old Kiki).

An extraordinary chapter @Libby Drew. I did not expect to be moved by the plight of any of the humans as much as I was by the plight of the animals, but I found myself weeping uncontrollably (and still am as I write this comment) to: "Dear Michael, You told me once that there are two wolves inside of us. One good, and one bad. And that the one who wins is the one we feed. I understand now how true that really is. You probably believe I never listened to you when you talked about things like that, but I did. I always did. And I want you to know that I’m going to make this right. Tonight, as a matter of fact. I’m going to tell them the deal’s off. I’m not going to hurt you or your animals, or risk anyone else, because I’ve made mistakes. It’s time to face the consequences, whatever those might be, and I’m ready. I feel like I’ve been feeding the bad wolf all of my life. Like, until I met you, I didn’t even know there was a good wolf. All I’ve ever known is lies, greed, and addiction. You taught me peace, humility, kindness, and truth. Thank you. It’s two a.m. Time to go. I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you. I hope you give me a second chance to prove that I can feed the good wolf. Always, Sam" Sam's death was as much in vain as Kane's. I hope he and Kane are together in some afterlife paradise (if only I could suspend reality long enough to be believe in such things). I hate that murderous bitch Martina even more. She is/was one disgusting Marjorie Lauren. As for Frank and Rory, I don't give a flying fuck about either of them. I warmed to Calhoun in this chapter, in fact, I had another Twin Peaks moment with this story. The image of Kyle MacLachlan (Agent Cooper) arose from the mist to become Agent Calhoun. If only I could hear the dulcet tones of Julee Cruise singing Falling. Perhaps I can apply it to the rekindled relationship between Micco and Chase, although there sweet moment was accompanied in my mind by Roberta's masterful interpretation of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. As for the revelations from Burke, the only thing he disclosed which surprised me was that he avenged Maria and her daughter's death (and this act was accompanied by Tony Christie's I Did What I Did For Maria). Perfect Libby. Benny and Bjorn could not have written it any better, and Frida and Agnetha could not have "sung" it any better.

“It will all work out,” Keres said in his bizarre metallic voice. “We will soon have our third star with us.” and “Relax. I have someone else in mind. Someone beautiful,” Keres replied. “Only the best for our soon to be loyal customers.” I suspected a connection between Otis and Keres, a connection I suspect Otis has no knowledge of or has suppressed because of trauma he experienced because of the connection. Is their connection solely because both are scarred or is there a filial connection between the two? Did Keres know Otis' mother, is Keres Otis' father? So much to conjecture @Laura S. Fox, Mistress of the Macabre. The cruelty and torment inflicted on Otis by his mother may ultimately save his sanity, if not his life. I believe his recently discovered marksman skills are going to prove useful in bringing about the demise of his captors and/or freeing him from captivity and/or protecting Hudson and/or Jackie and/or Jasper. Otis may well be the crucial ingredient proving the guilt of those involved in the murders Hudson is investigating. Whatever scenario I envisage it involves Otis being the "real" hero, the one coming to the aid of Hudson rather than the other way around. Riveting @Laura S. Fox. You and your fellow authoress @Libby Drew have recently written two outstanding stories which have kept me on the edge of my seat, rooting for the good guys and wishing the worst for the evil-doers.

Excellent chapter @Robert Hugill with much debate regarding the source of the revenue forming Mhairi and Owain's grandfather's estate. I would like to think I would be as principled as Mhairi and Owain, but unless the money was made from being cruel to animals (which I abhor), I am not sure I would be as principled as them. If the money is tainted or at least partially tainted, and it appears this is almost certainly so, Joe's idea of establishing a charitable trust to distribute the proceeds is a very good one, in fact, it is a very good idea even if the money is not tainted and Mhairi and/or Owain want to part with some or all of their share. This chapter painted a somewhat more flattering picture of Mhairi and Owain's father, particularly if any of the money was sourced from providing for or supporting the Nazis. I very much enjoyed observing Mhairi in particular including Colin in the discussion and welcoming his comments. He has been well accepted by Mhairi and Joe much to his obvious delight, which must surely gladden the heart of Owain too. I am sure @drsawzall will have some thought provoking comments to make on this chapter @Robert Hugill as he has questioned before the conduct of those in charge of the estate. I am looking forward to his "take" on what was revealed by Sandra.

I cannot see any motive in Calvin's desire to regain custody of Bryan and Caleb other than money @drsawzall. He certainly does not want them back because he wants to play happy families, unless there is a financial gain to be made by doing so. I am certain Calvin's legal team will play the 'gay' card and I am certain Judge "Crustypants" will be very persuaded by this; in fact, I doubt he will even attempt to pretend otherwise. The smell of corruption in the legal profession in this story is rancid, reminiscent of at least some of the "Justices" (and I use this word in the strictly legal sense) of the current US Supreme Court from what I have read. Is there a Ruth Bader Ginsberg amongst the lot of them?

Greg's and Bart's child, teen and young adult years were very different, but for both the years seem to have been mostly happy and positive, the polar opposite to Keith's which were hinted at in the story promotion. It is interesting Greg's father was a vicar who supported his son as a father very well may, but struggled to support him in his role as a vicar. At least he appears capable of independent thought, unlike the fools who sired Keith and Owain. As someone who was raised in a rather religious household it seems blindingly obvious to me, Greg's father's support as a father seems perfectly natural, whereas in his role as a vicar his support was constrained due to manmade rules espoused in the biggest selling fiction of all time, the Bible. Whilst I cannot deny some of it has merit and is still relevant even in today's world, much of it is utter nonsense which one cannot take seriously. A "gay lite" chapter @Robert Hugill, which well may pave the way for the next chapter being dark, heavy and/or violent, the proverbial calm before the storm.

I know I should be more reasonable and forgiving and have sympathy for Zoey for what she went through, but fuck that I don't. I am not condoning what Chase did to her, but I just cannot see past what a truly horrible person she is. A heartwarming conclusion to this chapter with the arrival of Luiza. Was there a little excitement there on Audrey's part, I guess I shall have to read the next chapter to find out.

I was very pleasantly surprised how well the visit went @mikedup, largely due to Annalise and the twins. Annalise is a formidable woman used to dealing with a bully, so a belligerent mother-in-law is probably a piece of cake in comparison.

Annalisa proved to be everything some of we readers had hoped, and then some. I was surprised to learn she is of Italian descent @Robert Hugill. For some reason I thought her name was Annalise in earlier chapters and had it in my mind she was going to be of Czech or Hungarian descent. I had also envisaged Connie (formerly known as belligerent Bronwyn) as a robust woman of ample girth and stupendously buxom (a la Mollie Sugden as Mrs Slocombe in Are You Being Served, but without the lilac-coloured wig). To learn she is small and blonde was a surprise and I immediately thought of her as a Maltese-Shizu, yapping for attention. I was also very surprised when she made an unflattering comment about her favourite, referring to moralistic Miles "He came over last weekend, tried to help me in the garden", Connie sniffed, "he's a dead loss." Annalise is wise to her mother-in-law, summing her up beautifully with "Oh, Connie'll outlive the lot of us. But she has a role to play". Without Miles around to proselytise, Connie may actually find herself enjoying Colin's company, not just for the services he performs for her, but as a son whom she can admire. Connie may benefit from a visit from Evie and Drew. Imagine her horror to all that nudity and their casual attitude towards sex. Perhaps Drew could persuade Connie to pose nude for him, a nude of Evie and Connie together, celebrating older women like Calendar Girls. And those twins, Maria and Bella. I had mentally prepared myself for them being obnoxious spoilt little brats, but they were the opposite (I suspect largely due to their mother). And their natural curiosity was not annoying, particularly their enquiry if Owain was Colin's boyfriend, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Delightful. Thoroughly enjoyable chapter Mr Hugill. Perhaps Keith can join forces with Colin and offer home renovations of the highest quality, with superior quality refurbishment and ultra-smart "gussying up" for only a fraction of the price of some so-called interior designer with chic and refined taste (yawn). I had a great chuckle at the chapter title too. Connie likely thought she would be able to lord it all over Colin and his "friend"; she did not find either to be the pushover.

@Libby Drew, mistress of the macabre after that enthralling and revelatory chapter. I must express the same opinion as many of my fellow reviewers, I have no sympathy for Martina. She is despicable, not even the c word which one cannot use when commenting is harsh or ugly enough to describe her. To fully vilify her I shall refer to her as Marjorie Lauren, about the lowest one can go to describe a female of the species. Apart from seemingly loving her husband, Jacob, the rest of her life appears to have been a sham. Did she ever care for the wolves or was it just pretence to placate Jacob? Was she ever a true friend to Micco, after the revelations of this chapter the answer from me is a resounding NO. Her actions to frame Micco were premeditated, carefully planned and well executed. And how dare she denigrate Sam in death with "That kid couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag,” Martina spits. “Unless there was cocaine waiting for him on the outside.” He may well have been a fucked up coke head, but he had more integrity and loyalty in one anal pube than you had in your entire body you fucking Marjorie Lauren. Her crocodile tears (or should it be alligator tears in Florida) for one person only, the only person Marjorie Lauren gives a fuck about, herself. And her patronising comments about Kane should have been enough for Calhoun to allow both Chase and Micco to repeatedly punch her in the face, very very very hard. Part of me hopes Long Ears tore her to pieces when she fled the confines of the shelter, but part of me hopes she is still alive in the sludge somewhere hanging on to life in excruciating pain. I want that bitch to suffer not only for her actions causing the unnecessary death of Kane, but for causing the death of Sam and seemingly inferring it was his own fault. I am seething after reading this chapter @Libby Drew. I know it is only a story, but Martina represents the very things I despise most about our species and she possesses them in spades.

Very amusing @Carybr. I had an instant image of Tiny Tim singing 'Tip Toe Through The Tulips' wearing a tutu for some reason.

You never cease to amaze me @drsawzall with all these gifs (is that the right term?) you find.

Keith's naïveté may find him getting into trouble. Accepting a drink from a stranger in a pub is a big no-no. Perhaps in a small local pub it may be OK, but if Keith ever ventures into a larger, louder, flashier nightclub, I hope he thinks twice about this. I guess it will be some time yet, if ever, that he ventures into such an establishment, and in all likelihood if he does it will not be alone. Ruby Slut, what a simply marvellous name for a drag queen. She sang "bawdy versions of well-known songs interspersed with even filthier dialogue". I don't think I have ever seen a drag queen perform who did not have an even pottier mouth than me (and I could make a sailor blush at times). "How did you meet other gay guys? There were dating websites, but Keith had a healthy distrust of technology, he wasn’t putting his personal business on a computer for any jack-harry to know and use. He wanted to meet people and chat." Keith is so like me in this respect; I do not use any social media and use my mobile phone for making telephone calls, sending texts, taking photographs of my cats (and occasionally other things), watching porn and sometimes reading stories on GA and Nifty. And jack-harry, is that a Leeds idiom, a variation on every Tom, Dick or Harry @Robert Hugill? Another feather in your cap Mr Hugill. This story has a charm all of its own already and you are only two chapters in. Well done yet again.

I felt the earth tremors all the way over here in Australia when Colin's balls not only dropped, but swung like a pendulum sweet and low and clobbered moralistic Miles, telling him in no uncertain terms to go fuck himself, he does not need his permission to be the person he is meant to be with whomever makes him happy. I am still circumspect regarding belligerent Bronwyn. I don't think she will be able to help herself if she comes to visit Colin; she will likely belittle and berate him. The only saving grace may be if moralistic Miles does not accompany them we may see the emergence of amazonian Annalisa who will take on her mother-in-law and tear shreds from her toxic tongue and domineering derriere. I doubt Owain will tolerate any of her nonsense either, so she would do well to be on her best behaviour. Jase and Monique appear to have an equally fun relationship as Colin and Owain. I really liked Monique's sense of humour.

“And you’re surely the guy to talk about extremes. You crazy little beautiful thing,” Hudson scolded his lover, “what was that all about?” “You mean, why did I want to be punished? It’s… I needed it. I need it.” “Why would you need such a thing? I bet you’ve never hurt a fly in your life.” “That is true. But I did hurt someone else.” I have previously speculated Otis may have lit the fire which killed his mother. I have to wonder again if perhaps he did. I also wonder if "Grandma" existed, or if Otis was placed into an institution for children who committed crimes or into foster care where he only survived by having an "invisible friend" whom he named Grandma. Otis' desire to be spanked and spanked hard did not surprise me and I am very glad he is exploring this desire with someone like Hudson, as opposed to someone like Angel, Watkins or Keres. Another provocative chapter @Laura S. Fox. Otis is a sexual dynamo and Hudson completely let his guard down professing his love for Otis and I believe him to have spoken the absolute truth, and it frightens the bejesus out of him.