Summerabbacat

It could be a set-up on the part of Elizabeth and/or Rob, but surely it would not occur to one or the other that Cale may contact Quent, resulting in both of them showing up.

Perhaps Rob and I daresay it may be beneficial for Drew to meet him. Given Drew's charm he may be able to charm Rob into taking Elizabeth off Cale's hands, although I doubt Rob's salary as a Deputy Chief to Quent would be sufficient to keep Elizabeth in the style to which she is accustomed.

Quent may have met his match. Drew seems to be able to get results with a far different approach to his interviewees,

Elizabeth should not have made disparaging remarks about Cynthia being the "town slut", particularly given she has "stepped out" (I love this euphemism, first heard it in wonderful song by the irrepressible Dolly Parton) on Cale. I don't usually like hearing extra-marital affairs referred to as "cheating" as this involves taking a moral stance on the conduct of the married parties, but in this case I would say "take the cheating bitch to the cleaners". I am hoping Elizabeth is the murderer or at least a co-conspirator and that when she is caught and sentenced Cale will be able to divorce her without having to pay her a cent. Every time she opens her mouth I dislike her a little more. As much as I hope Elizabeth is the murderer, the front-runner is I believe Jim (and not just because of the cream coloured cardigans).

"Quent straightened himself to his full height. A good four inches taller than Cale. “Spare me your little speech about honor!” he spat. “I heard it enough from your father. And do you know what Angus had in the end? Do you? Nothing. Nothing but hate, bitterness and his precious honor. I thought you were better than that. I thought you were more than that!” He ignored the hurt on Cale’s eyes. “It has a price, Cale,” he said. “Honor. It has a tremendous price.” Methinks, Quent may have found himself in a similar situation in the past and also done the "honourable" thing, thus denying himself the chance of happiness which has eluded him ever since. I share Quent's opinion (as scary as that prospect is). Elizabeth McCoy may be Cale's wife, but that obstacle to happiness can, and should be removed regardless of whether he is prepared to have any kind of relationship with Drew or any other man. She is as in love with Cale as what he is with her. Everything is artifice with Elizabeth. She seems to believe the world revolves around her and that she should be treated accordingly. The only negative to ending his farcical marriage to Elizabeth is that it may cost him financially. If only she had been the second murder victim. Quent certainly appears to dislike the late Angus McCoy which may not be an indication of discernment on Quent's part as he does not seem to like many people apart from Cale. However, when you combine Quent's dislike of Angus McCoy with Cale's dislike (at the very least) it is difficult not to conclude Angus was not an easy man to like. The "star" of this chapter, in fact of the book to date @Libby Drew, the electric orange Volkswagen bug. And in electric orange to boot (I love colour and am n to ashamed to admit it). I have never owned a car and have not driven one for 38 years, but I do recall the "Herbie, the VW Beetle films from the 1960's and 1970's (I loved them).

No definitely not. We do not have a President, only a Prime Minister at the Federal level. Our system of government at the federal and state levels is referred to as the Westminster System and is based on the British system of the same name. Until her death in October 2022, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain was Australia's head of state, although the role is largely "ceremonial" for want of a better term. We had a referendum in the mid to late 90's to become a Republic, but it was soundly defeated. If such a referendum were to be held now we may find Australia becoming a Republic because our current head of state, King Charles (QEII's son) does not enjoy the same degree of popularity as his mother did. She was widely liked and recognised for her application to her role, even with those who are staunch supporters of Australia becoming a Republic.

"You consider me your friend, Cale, so listen to what I’m saying. Find happiness where you can. Little else matters in life. Especially as we’ve just been reminded – quite brutally – how quickly it can all be taken away.” Wise words from Quent whose eyes have been opened to the cause of the "friction" between Cale and Drew. This comment together with Quent's discussion with Drew in the prior chapter "You can relax. He doesn't see anything in me." He let the words hang. Quent arched an eyebrow. "Somehow, I don't believe you." He pinned Drew with his black eyes. "Do you think I won't approve?" Drew didn't break eye contact. "No, I don't," he said. "That college didn't teach you everything, did it?" strongly suggest Quent is fully supportive of the possibility of a relationship between Cale and Drew. I think Quent recognises that a relationship with anyone would be an improvement on the relationship Cale has with the viperous Elizabeth.

Drew is a regular boy scout; helping the townsfolk here, there and everywhere. I don't think it is an accident he is in town and is assisting Jim. I have to wonder if he is in the FBI or some other government agency (his licence was issued in the District of Columbia) and is in town investigating some criminal activity. Maybe Jim is helping his wealthier clients launder drug money or maybe he is ripping clients off or maybe there is a large drug cartel in the town. Clearly the relationship between Marci and Elizabeth is not as antagonistic or frosty as they have led others to believe. How else did Marci know Quent was on his way to interview her about the events of the evening before unless Elizabeth telephoned her? Cale needs to start to develop a plan to rid himself of Elizabeth, preferably without having to pay her an obscene amount of his family's money. If only the killer would do him a favour and eliminate Elizabeth permanently.

"Elizabeth could suck the joy out of a flock of angels. Cale, a mere man, didn't stand a chance.". Very amusing @Libby Drew and very apt. I know this story is long finished, but I am so hoping the second murder victim will be Elizabeth. If it is she her killer should be given the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Powder Mill Road - a beat perhaps, although if this were the case one would think Quent would be aware of it. Braden may fancy Drew and may believe he has a chance to have some sort of liaison with Drew after his kindness to Braden. Was it jealousy then which reared its ugly head when Quent mentioned how Drew had left the pub the night before accompanied by Cynthia? Elizabeth is up to something. A rendezvous with two women she allegedly despises the night before one of them is murdered. Her little "act" in Cale's home office/study raised my suspicions immediately, especially given her rendezvous with Cynthia the night before. I wonder if Elizabeth was discussing with Cynthia the possibility of hiring her services to trap Cale. Perhaps Elizabeth is suspicious of Cale's disinterest in her and has hatched a plan to prove his infidelity (her more likely suspicion) or his disinterest in women altogether (a less likely suspicion). I don't believe it would occur to Elizabeth that her appearance or more likely her behaviour may be the reason for Cale's disinterest. I am enjoying this story so far @Libby Drew. Quent's totally unscrupulous and unprofessional behaviour is drawing out little tidbits of information about various townsfolk, which may or may not assist in the solving of the murder, but will keep we readers interested and yearning for more if nothing else.

Quent's rudeness is wearing thin. It is all very well to be rude and intimidatory to a murder suspect against whom you have some evidence or to someone horrible and annoying like Elizabeth, but it is an entirely different matter to be rude to someone whom you have never met. I am glad Quent's attempts to intimidate Drew largely failed and that to some extent Drew got under Quent's skin. When Quent showed Drew the photograph of Cynthia's disembowelled body he really crossed the line as far as I am concerned. Totally unprofessional, unwarranted and disrespectful to Cynthia. Drew's big mistake was allowing Quent to come in without requesting he explain the purpose of his visit. I commented previously that I believed Quent knows the root cause of Cale's unhappy marriage i.e. the likelihood Cale is gay (which I think we can safely assume is the case after his reaction to Drew). Given Quent was puzzled as to why Cale seemed upset by or scared of Drew, I have changed my thinking. @Libby Drew the comment made by Cale about Drew going out for fresh donuts early in the morning, and then finding that this was what actually occurred gave me a good chuckle. I assume this was Cale's unsubtle reference to the stereotype of the less than svelte American cop with a passion for donuts, which I have seen in American police shows, although I could name which one(s).

Spot on @Leo622. The contrast in the treatment of their "son" by these two "mothers" was staggering.

In reading the reviews submitted by my fellow readers, and particularly that of @raven1, I have come to the view the story title may not be limited to the 'great restorations' of the homes inherited by Sawyer and Marc, the mill purchased by Marc and the riverside properties to be developed by Bruce. The 'great restorations' may apply equally and perhaps more importantly, to the lives of the two main protagonists, Sawyer and Marc. When they meet each in his own way is merely existing, not living life authentically and fully, both lives tinged with sadness and regret. Ultimately both their lives are turned upside down by events sad, painful and joyous, leading to a happiness and contentment neither could possibly have imagined before meeting, in essence a 'great restoration' of the happiness and contentment they had at one time in their past experienced. As also noted by my fellow readers, all kudos to the author, @Libby Drew, for this most marvellous of works. Read it and reap the rewards.

Perhaps I am a hard-nosed bastard or expect too much of my fellow humans, but Maggie's apology to Marc was so "touching" it made me want to vomit. I still don't think she has a clue how her neglect impacted her son and I still don't think she cares. Her apology to Marc was as hollow as Maggie herself, it was all about Maggie, alleviating Maggie's guilt. If her sorrow for the manner in which she treated Marc was genuine she would have marched out the front door when Jonathan sounded the horn and told him to go fuck himself. I am not buying her apology at all. She is still the self-centred and selfish bitch she has always been and Marc is at last free of her and his equally contemptible sperm donor. Aunt May recognised Maggie and Jonathan for what they are and now Marc does too. He has his own family now, a family who wants to share in his successes and failures, his joys and his sorrows, unlike the two losers who sired and incubated him. I loved the final exchange between Marc and Sawyer. Both have experienced considerable character growth which has brought them to a point in their lives of extraordinary happiness and contentment. And what better way to celebrate this than with a return to how it all started, a visit to an estate day sale. Even in death Aunt May is still caring for the boy whom she "thought of as a son". This final scene brought a huge smile to my face @Libby Drew, accompanied by a trickle of tears in recognition of Aunt May and her legacy, an endearing and ultimately loving and successful, Marc. Reading this story has been a wondrous experience; humour, happiness and sadness abounded as characters leapt off the pages and into our hearts and minds. Truly remarkably Libby (and like many others have expressed, a return to Edgewood one day would be most welcome).

My admiration for Quent all but disappeared in this chapter. His rudeness to Jim appeared completely unnecessary. I also did not like the inferences he appeared to be making about Jim's relationship with the "boy" Drew. His disclosure that Cynthia was gutted seemed a deliberate move on Quent's part, designed to cause maximum distress to Jim. I think Jim behaved in a remarkably pleasant and restrained manner. If it had been me Quent had spoken to like that I would have told him to fuck off, especially at 7.00am in the morning.

"Elizabeth mused as she picked invisible lint from Quent’s coat. His hands twitched with the desire to smack her. Cale wasn't perfect, but he gave Elizabeth more leeway than she deserved." Let yourself go Quent. If as stated in the first chapter Quent IS the police in Farther's Run surely he could arrange for Elizabeth to permanently disappear without it raising any questions amongst the townsfolk. I think Quent is wise to the reason why Cale is not happy with Elizabeth. His comment "No. Instead, you’ll ignore her and avoid your bed. Excellent idea. I’m sure she’ll never notice." suggests he is aware of Cale's likely nature and is not the least bit concerned.

You're not wrong @Mancunian. A shocking and enthralling introduction to the town of Farther's Run and some of its residents. I was reminded again of Laura Palmer @Libby Drew, a parallel which is hopefully, and I am quietly confident is, indicative of the quality of your writing once again and the entertainment value of the story yet to come. I like Quent already. He had no hesitation to call the murderer a monster. He was no less sympathetic to the victim just because she was a hooker, a sentiment I believe Cale shares. I was also very impressed they shared a night of drunken celebration upon the death of Cale's father, Angus. I know nothing about the man, other than that he "instructed" his son to marry Elizabeth, thereby sentencing him to a life of misery thus far it would seem, but I loathe him already. Now as to Elizabeth. "Elizabeth wasn’t a bad person, unless one counted spoiled and self-centered among the more ruinous traits. Bright, but not overly intelligent, she had a middle of the road attractiveness, which was often ruined by a pinched whiny expression." If first impressions count I have to respectfully disagree. She is vile. Her description of Cynthia as "town slut and call girl" pissed me off big time. The judgment of sex workers of any gender as degenerate or deviant humans because of their profession is something which has always made me very angry. On the contrary, I think they make a significant contribution to the mental health and happiness of many in society and their profession is much undervalued. My immediate thoughts regarding Cale's plea of fatigue was he is likely gay and tired of pretending to be straight. I dare say even if he is straight, sex with another man may well be preferable to sex with Elizabeth. What a shame it was not she who was murdered on the front lawn rather than Cynthia. Cynthia's contributions to society would have been immeasurably greater than those of the vapid and nasty harridan, Elizabeth. I hate her already. Brilliant start @Libby Drew with strong characterisation to the fore already.

Very intriguing @Libby Drew. I am not certain what happened, but there are many clues, perhaps some of them deliberate red herrings. I think the most likely scenario is that Wade's letter which stated "Dear Brendan, he saw on the first before the yellow flames licked the words away, I’ve met someone" alerted Brendan to the fact that Wade had dumped his brother Dennis. Brendan subsequently learned Dennis committed suicide because of this and to avenge Dennis' death he murdered Wade. I think Jeff was and is in love with Brendan and is well aware Brendan murdered Wade, and now that he knows why he will never disclose what really happened to Wade. Then again Dennis could be alive and he might have murdered Wade in an act of jealousy or Jeff may have murdered Wade because he thought Wade had murdered Brendan. The only thing I am relatively certain of is that Wade is dead, and from the description of him by both Brendan and Jeff, good riddance.

I am always guilty of writing long-winded reviews whenever I write one. On this occasion I am going to avoid this pitfall in honour of this short story. A wonderfully moving story from a very talented and gifted author. With a minimal number of characters and minimal interactions between those characters I did not expect such pain, compassion and love to express itself. Few words are spoken, but when spoken the words are full of passion and are compelling. Profoundly moving, beautiful and inspirational. For this reader this "small" masterpiece encapsulated everything that Christmas and the festive should represent.

This one was spectacular @Libby Drew, again read in the early hours of the morning whilst not feeling well (read directly after 'Spark'). A minimal number of characters, minimal interaction between those characters and minimal dialogue, but a very powerful "message" delivered loud and clear (for me at least). I have commented elsewhere (on 'Great Restorations' at least) that I am an Australian. Given this, I cannot relate at all to a White Christmas. Christmas is invariably 40C+ and the day is spent eating and drinking far too much and often a dip in the swimming pool or a visit to the beach in the sweltering heat (if I am lucky). I hate cold weather and frankly have no desire to EVER experience a White Christmas. I don't know if it was your intention @Libby Drew, but the weather experienced by Jamie, John and Marion was the perfect analogy for what many people experience at Christmas time regardless of the prevailing weather conditions, particularly those who have been shunned by their families as Jamie has seemingly been. Christmas Day for many is a time of despair, isolation, unhappiness and misery, not helped by the mass-consumerism of the season and the media portrayal of people playing happy families. “Hello? Can I help you?” Jamie started, turning toward the voice where there had been nobody just moments before. The man behind him flashed Jamie a crooked smile. It did little to soften his size and appearance. His black, curly hair stood up in tufts, framing a scruffy, but youthful face. He shook out his arms, shedding the rain droplets that had beaded on the sleeves of his coat. “Hi,” Jamie said, then cleared his throat when the word emerged as a croak. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d said something out loud." OMG Libby, this last statement has to be one of the saddest things I have ever read in print. I was wracked with sobs for several moments when I read this, particularly as I believe for many it is the stark reality of Christmas Day, in fact the entire festive season. Unlike 'Spark' this one "finished right" Libby. "John snorted. His one hand found Jamie’s cheek; the other he snuck around his waist, reeling him close. “I can deal. Ready to call it a day and head home?” had me sobbing again, but this time for a very different reason, hope for a happier future for not only Jamie, but for John too. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Christmas as so often portrayed in the media, particularly in movies, is a cliche and stories depicting Christmas as a time of misery ending with a beacon of hope often fall into the same trap. Your story did not.

Unlike many of the other readers who have commented @Libby Drew, I had no idea Derrick was a ghost until "he stepped into the abyss". The fact I read the story in the early hours of the morning and am unwell at present may have something to do with it, but this cannot be the only reason. The story was not like anything I have read that I can recall and whilst I once again admired your literary talent, I ultimately was a little disappointed because the story was so sad and the resolution so final. My mother would say "I did not like it because it did not finish up right i.e. happily ever after".

@Libby Drew this is the first of your "back catalogue" I have decided to visit, and what a profoundly moving visit it has been. Aaron and Chris, superficially with nothing in common but a love of baseball. Aaron from a seemingly privileged background, in reality a life of isolation from two parents whose primary motivation is cultivating the appearance of a successful and harmonious family. Aaron's father is a belligerent bully, although he at least appears to have some concern for Aaron's welfare, as misguided as that concern is. His mother is the polar opposite, completely divorced from her son and from reality, vain and self-centred. She barely acknowledges his existence, such is her frigidity. Chris, from a children's home, without any of the perceived advantages that Aaron has. The one thing Chris has that Aaron lacks is a "parent" who cares. Mr Dickson. What a contrast to Aaron's father. His quiet resolve in addressing the arrogant, unjustified and ignorant accusations made by Aaron's father against Chris were a joy to witness Libby. I do so love a fight for "the underdog", and this case Mr Dickson was the Chihuahua against Aaron's father the Rottweiler. Apart from the sheer enjoyment of the story itself, it was a rewarding experience to observe the literary talent you possessed from the get-go. I can see a little of Marc in Aaron and a little of Sawyer in Chris. If you are ever inclined to revisit this story yourself I would encourage you to do so as there is much to like about Aaron and Chris and Mr Dickson at least. I believe a little wander down memory lane from time to time is good for the soul. You could think of it as your "Voyage", although please don't stretch it out to 40 years like ABBA did.

I am glad you enjoyed it @raven1. I think Aunt May may have enjoyed such a celebration too, particularly knowing it was not to the liking of her ungrateful niece and her odious husband. She was no fool; she knew exactly what her niece was like, rejoicing the day Marc came of age so she could completely disinherit her. I think Aunt May saw through the downtrodden doormat persona carefully cultivated by Maggie.

I had almost identical thoughts as I read of Marc's generous offer @drsawzall, particularly because I am still not convinced Jonathan is telling the truth about his and Maggie's humanitarian work. I had a great chuckle when for a moment I took your comment literally regarding neutering Jonathan. As much as I like your idea @drsawzall, I think @drpaladin had one which is even better. If Marc were to do as @drpaladin has suggested, the children who are to be the alleged beneficiaries of "Jonathan's generosity" will derive the benefit, and Jonathan will be denied the recognition and acclaim he so desperately covets. He is truly an asshole of the greatest magnitude. As for Maggie, I cannot bring myself to have any sympathy for her. Unlike many of my fellow readers who appear to have believed she is a downtrodden doormat, I regard her as spineless and pathetic. In fact, I think I despise her even more than Jonathan. I would love to have seen a confrontation between her and Simone, with Simone bitch-slapping her into the middle of next week. I was also warmed by the reaction of those present in the diner who gave their unequivocal support to Marc. He derived the benefit of being a good person, one who was raised "proper" by Aunt May. Although he has suffered from the rejection of his parents, it could have been so much worse. He could have been raised by them and become a replica of what they are; shallow, self-centred, self-righteous and dishonest. Like many others have stated @Libby Drew the showdown between Jonathan and Marc in public, particularly in Rachel's diner, was a stroke of genius. Marc won the support of the town's people; their affirmation of him a welcome gesture, and in many ways, a quiet acknowledgment of the extraordinary woman known as Aunt May, something which I think Marc would come to appreciate. Jonathan was publicly humiliated, reduced to less than nothing in the court of public opinion; his ego shattered (or at least given a good bruising). By extension, I think the town's people made their feelings clear on Maggie too. Get out of town bitch and don't show your skanky hide here ever again. Now my final comment, a celebratory parade in Edgewood to honour Aunt May. Marc in drag lip synching to Gloria Gaynor's anthemic 'I Will Survive' and Sister's Sledge's 'We Are Family' followed by his "real family" in outrageous costumes, his work team, Sawyer, Finn, Rachel and Bruce, the latter dressed in drag ala Sylvester in his music video for 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real), with the town's people showing their appreciation for the entertainment and Jonathan and Maggie forcibly watching (and outraged).

@gdaniel I had a vivid image of Charlie "flapping his wings" ala Kate Bush as a bat on the rear cover of her wonderful album "Never For Ever". Unlike Kate, Charlie did not remain airborne and met a nasty end. A befitting demise for a scumbag like him. I have but one question, were the broom handles splintered? Tanner survived his mother and her boyfriends, their drugs and raucous sex. I am confident with Ms M watching over her sons, he and Brian could have overcome their separation. Matthew and Tommy had a triple wedding with Linda and Megan and Alexander (I cannot recall Matthew's father's birth name ever being mentioned so I am naming him Alexander) and Yaakov Liberman (his Sephardic boyfriend born in Spain, raised primarily in Costa Rica who moved to New York City as an adult).