Summerabbacat

It has just occurred to me @ReaderPaul that there may be an even bigger magic trick. Perhaps the body in the pool was not Patrick, but Dante. Perhaps Patrick killed Dante. A little fantastical I know. Throuples seem to be a "hot topic" nowadays. I just wonder though if Yashuki may be playing both Dante and Thomas for a fool? Or perhaps (with my unequivocal support) Thomas is playing Dante and Yashuki for a fool. I "predicted" the arrest of Rodney Smith @chris191070, but now that it has occurred it does seem altogether too convenient. By George those vultures, I mean reporters, were full of surprises for Lachlan, Thomas and Dante @Wombat Bill. The possible "suspects" sounded like the 'whose who' of the NSW prison system. The following conversation between Thomas and Cook puzzled me though: The following morning, Thomas approached Cook and said “Good morning Cook, what a wonderful day it is” “I suppose so...oh I see what you mean, Dante’s back, Carol’s back, Mia’s on her way back and they’ve arrested the real killer”. The real killer had not yet been arrested, or was Cook just being sarcastic?

Your reiteration of this belief has just inspired another speculation from me @chris191070. Perhaps Rodney Smith is a jilted lover of Dante's.

@ReaderPauland @chris191070before I read this chapter I had a "new suspect" in mind, one which after reading this chapter is not as fantastical as I envisaged. I now have to wonder if the mysterious Rodney Smith may have been in prison for possession of underage pornography, and had been a friend of Padre Ricardi or known him from the father/son weekends Patrick, Dante and Tony participated in. Perhaps he blamed Patrick and Dante for their father's death or his own incarceration, and set about seeking revenge. He may have attended the murder party weekend with the intention of commencing surveillance of Patrick and Dante and witnessed the fight between them, seizing the opportunity to kill one brother with the intention of framing the other for his murder, thereby avenging his friend's death or paying them back for his incarceration. Or perhaps it is Patrick and Dante's deranged mother escaped from the "care facility", fully charged and loaded with a cocktail of drugs including steroids which have altered her appearance, giving her a more masculine appearance and physical strength. You are keeping this one very close to your pouch @Wombat Bill. As both Paul and Chris have remarked, "this is just getting curiouser and curiouser".

It is as "clear as mud" to me @ReaderPaul. My immediate thought regarding the teaser - Virginia to the rescue, is that Thomas is arrested on suspicion of murder too. If so, it would not surprise if Yashuki somehow implicates Thomas as I find it impossible to believe Yashuki's concern for Thomas' welfare is motivated by genuine friendship. And thank you @Wombat Bill for knowing the correct spelling for Thomas' and not writing Thomas's. One of my pet hates is the double s with an apostrophe in the middle. “Sorry guys” said Lachlan “Blake Hodge, our decorator and Connor O’Connor, from the police department” “Have you come to arrest anyone” Blake asked “I’m available, where are your hand cuffs?” he continued as he put out his hands. Is it possible Blake is somehow related to Brett? Are they twins separated at birth? Boorish braggarts both. They are not amusing or clever, just sleazy. "No need to worry her unnecessarily about Dante” Thomas was silent for a few moments, then said “Oh Lachlan, I don’t want him to go to prison, even though I now know how all this mess started”. Is this statement from Thomas merely reference to the tension between Patrick and Dante due to the latter's dalliances with Yashuki, or has Thomas had a sudden epiphany? I would be interested to know if my fellow CWB groupies @ReaderPaul, @chris191070 or @VBlew have any thoughts on this.

“Anything planned for the evening?” asked Giles “I’m thinking... meet some mates for a few drinks, dinner, then hit the dance floor at Pump till I boogie off all the day’s stress” “Have fun and don’t do any boys that I wouldn’t” “Thanks for the good wishes Grace, but I won’t take your advice” Then he left, skipping down the corridor. And here I was @Wombat Bill with an image of Connor as a young and very butch detective until he skipped down the corridor. Suddenly, I had an image more akin to Cindy bloody Brady than a butch young stud. Funny how one word, whether intentionally used or not, can totally change one's image of something or someone. Cook diminished her appeal greatly in this chapter, almost to the point of no return, with her appalling treatment of Claudia. She was definitely off my Christmas Card list until she relented, although disappointingly she only relented because she recognised a feline companion was likely to be beneficial to Carol, not because she recognised Claudia deserved to be accepted for herself. I shall be monitoring Cook's behaviour for any further transgressions @Wombat Bill and if she steps out of line again, she will be dealt with. I am not sure Carol will make the best human companion for Claudia though, she really is a fucking airhead at times (Carol that is, not Claudia). I have already taken a liking to Claudia, she bears a strong resemblance behaviour-wise to my beloved Ava, until she mellowed with age. The plot thickens @ReaderPaul, @chris191070and @VBlew. Who is Rodney Smith and is his presence at the party of any significance? And a long-shot speculation which has just occurred to me when writing this nonsense, is Axel's "sudden appearance" as Rosemary's love interest merely coincidental or could it be something more sinister? And like both @chris191070 and I have previously pondered, was the wrong twin murdered? Well @Wombat BillI think you may need to "bring out the big guns". Poirot, Marple or Jessica Fletcher may need to pay a visit to Crystalline with Fraser, Giles and O'Connor to solve this one.

“Do I get a ride home?” asked Yashuki.“We’re a police force here, not a taxi service”. I do so like Fraser's acerbic wit. And as much as I don't like Yashuki, he seemed to be quite truthful in his responses to police questioning. This of course assumes our resident marsupial has been honest in what he has to date revealed about this visitor from the "land of the rising sun". The banter between Fraser and Giles was amusing, enlightening and nurturing. I say the latter, because it appears Fraser has much respect for the talents of both Giles and O'Connor and is wiling to share his wisdom and experience not just to solve this mystery, but also to develop Giles and O'Connor's skills, thus improving their career prospects. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit @Wombat Bill, @ReaderPaul, @chris191070and @VBlew, I assumed Giles was a male detective, using some of those other well known male/male crime solving partnerships, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, Inspector Morse and Lewis, and Batman and Robin (now don't laugh boys) as my reference point.

That bloody marsupial has got us all scratching our heads again @chris191070, @ReaderPaul and @VBlew. Are wombats able to grin, laugh or guffaw @Wombat Bill? I seem to recall photographs of Fatso when he was a star in which it looked like he was grinning.

It is apparent from the conversation between Fraser and Giles they have doubts Dante murdered Patrick; more likely "it looks like accidental death caused by reckless behaviour”. I am glad they have not discounted Yashuki as a suspect though. I doubt he will reveal he “kneeled on his back, with one knee at the base of his spine”, but further examination of the body may uncover this. This action may not have caused any damage to Patrick, but who is to say, other than @Wombat Bill, it did not. Who is to say the reckless behaviour of two persons did not cause the accidental death of Patrick. I still don’t trust Yashuki. I don’t believe the motive(s) for his friendliness towards Thomas are in any way altruistic. The suspense is palpable @Wombat Bill. Hopefully, we will not have to wait until the beginning of the "next series" (a la who shot JR) to learn of the outcome of the police investigation. The cryptic teaser (or is it?) for the next chapter suggests progress will be made.

“I’d like to think I could be more than staff, I could be a friend if you want. Patrick was also your friend, that’s why I got into that argument with Patrick”. Argh, my skin crawled like it was covered in leaches when reading this. I don’t for a moment believe Yashuki’s offer was genuine; Yashuki was merely protecting Yashuki. His disclosure of his activities with Dante took me by surprise initially, but then I realised it is all part of his plan to appear as the honest, caring and genuine person who could not possibly have murdered Patrick. I call bullshit. He is manipulative, conniving, cunning and mercenary. I concur wholeheartedly with my learned CWB groupies @VBlew and @chris191070 in their assessment of his character. I look forward to @ReaderPaul's take on Yashuki's motives for his behaviour. It would not surprise me though if you are leading us up the garden path again @Wombat Bill, encouraging our dislike of Yashuki, only to reveal that we your faithful readers have been far too harsh in our judgment of him, that he really is a pleasant young man. If this is the case, then you have masterfully manipulated us with relative ease.

My fellow sleuths @ReaderPaul and @chris191070 have offered perfectly plausible explanations regarding the circumstances of Patrick's death, but I strongly suspect his death was a very unfortunate accident, not a murder. He may have been injured without even knowing it when Yashuiki “kneeled on his back, with one knee at the base of his spine” and further injured when Dante kicked him in his mid-air pirouette. Patrick may have stumbled because the lights were off, fallen and hit his head on the concrete surrounding the pool and then tried to get up and fallen into the pool and drowned. If it was murder, I wonder if perhaps he was not the intended victim, perhaps Dante was the intended victim and it was a case of mistaken identity (it has happened before). Perhaps their mother is one of the murder party weekend guests and witnessed the fight between Patrick and 女性器, and then between Patrick and Dante. She may have then slipped out and pushed Patrick into the pool with the hope that one or the other of Patrick’s foe would be charged with his murder. I am very upset Patrick is dead. Although he was not perfect, he was a bloody lot nicer than 女性器. If you must kill off any more characters @Wombat Bill can you at least pick from the "bottom of the barrel".

I hope you are correct @chris191070. I won't lose any sleep if it is him.

It could be Patrick or Yashuki @ReaderPaul and Lachlan not identified them as the body is lying face down and "the male staff on duty all dressed in standard waiter’s black pants, white shirt, black vest and black bow tie, even Patrick, after much coaxing by Lachlan". Unfortunately, I think it is most likely to be Patrick rather than the slimy parasitical Yashuki. If Patrick hit his head as he fell backwards he may have stood up too quickly when noticing blood and fell into the pool and drowned. I have had a head injury myself when I cracked my head open on the spa bath in my bathroom and one can lose a lot of blood from such an injury.

Bloody marvellous @Wombat Bill (pun intended). The obvious conclusion to draw is the body in the pool is Patrick's, however, I am hoping it is not. If it is, I do not believe it was murder or even manslaughter if it was as the result of his fight with Dante. It was an unfortunate accident. I shall be very cross if the body is Patrick's though as I like him, although his reference to Thomas as Dante's other "bum boy" was totally uncalled for. I am hoping the body in the pool is Yashuki's, although if it is then Patrick would appear to be the obvious murderer. I look forward to comments from my fellow sleuths, @ReaderPaul, @chris191070 and @VBlew.

You make a good point @ReaderPaul. I would not like the resort to suffer from the bad publicity of having Yashuki murdered onsite. Alternative storyline - Yashuki is reacquainted with his former lover who attends the "murder party" weekend and invites Yashuki to meet up again for old-times sake. Yashuki remembers the generosity of his former lover (not realising how the family makes their money), so he readily agrees to a secret rendezvous at his palatial harbour-side mansion, intent on being handsomely rewarded again, as he was in the past. What he does not know is that his former lover is very ill and blames Yashuki for his illness and believes he has nothing to lose if he murders Yashuki.

After reading your comment @VBlew, I had to read the “peeping Tom” episode again, and in doing so, realised I had completely misread the episode on the first occasion. Upon reading it for the second time I realised the boot was thrown through the window from within by the person in the room who screamed upon noticing Patrick peering through his or her window. For the first time in memory Thomas disappointed me. His slight of the movie Calamity Jane “You lasted for half the movie, you’re a glutton for punishment. Luckily I was rescued by a call from Cook about the supper arrangements” did not sit well with me as I am a big fan of Doris Day, the actress, the singer and most impressively, the animal rights activist. I am prepared to forgive him this once due to his relative youthfulness, however, he is on probation. Clueless Carol at least made me laugh in this chapter “Ooo that’s naughty” replied Patrick.“Yeah it’s a bit much expecting me to do breakfast”“I meant about staying overnight. Her and Axel taking a room” then Patrick laughed. My dislike of Yashuki grows with each chapter, although I cannot in all honesty hold him responsible for Dante’s continued indiscretions. I would like to offer a storyline suggestion, if I may, @Wombat Bill. A group of Agatha Christie enthusiasts, known as the Roger Ackroyd’s, books Arcobaleno for a “murder party”. What they do not realise is that amongst their group is a member who will commit a real murder, and the victim is Yashuki. The murderer is a disgruntled former lover of Yashuki’s, whom Yashuki did not know was a member of an outlawed motorcycle gang (not just a motorcycle enthusiast) and a member of a very well-known Sydney crime family. The cause of death is either being repeatedly run over by a large ride on lawn-mower or stabbed repeatedly with Musashi knives (Cook only works with the very best of knives). This would certainly prove his boast regarding "entertaining men in other ways", although for him it would be the last time.

@Wombat Bill has Thomas considered @ReaderPaul for Patrick's apprentice "pool maintenance and equipment repair" position yet? If that fucking little prick Yashuki can be given live in accommodation, surely @ReaderPaul should receive the same treatment. @Wombat Bill if you ever decide to take the tried and tested path of ridding the story of excess characters by a well placed bomb (a la No. 96) or by a pantyhose strangler (a la No. 96) or some other dastardly means, may I please nominate Carol and Yashuki for the "death lottery". How rude was she calling Mia a "clumsy girl" and then berating her. As for him, smarmy little parasite. The urethra insertions seem to be a popular pastime with a number of the current and prior "cast members". Perhaps Justin could invent a new cocktail in honour of the kink he shares with the Car Nations, with the essential ingredients being cum, carnations and gin. A very organic and fertile cocktail it would be. I wonder if the carnation petals have any nutritional value and if they would give any colour to the cocktail like raspberries do?

Have I missed something @ReaderPaul and @chris191070, but what is puzzling about the Car Nation group? I recall as a child and as a teen both my mother and maternal grandmother (whom I adored) were very fond of carnations. If anyone bought them carnations for a special occasion they would nearly always take a "cutting", plant it and grow a whole new plant. My grandmother had (she is now deceased) and my mother has, green fingers. A love of gardening is something I did not inherit from either, but one of my siblings did. The least formally educated of my mother's three children, he is brilliant with gardening and landscaping, which is just as well as it is his profession. I viewed many of the carnations online after reading this chapter @Wombat Bill, and some are truly beautiful (Superstar and Neon Star especially). The carnation has been considered passé, at least in Australia, for many years. I am not quite sure why, but I personally think they are still an attractive flower, the type of plant that even I would have difficulty killing (not on purpose of course, more through ignorance, laziness and neglect). I liked Plumarius in particular, even if his naughtiness embarrassed Snowy. I suspect there will be a lot of harmless flirting with the male staff by resort guests as time goes on. Perhaps Thomas should invite Edward/Ed Wiener to a meeting where he/she could share some experiences which may make the staff more comfortable in handling unwanted attention, even if it is, as it has been to date, harmless. I am in agreement wholeheartedly with Patrick, I do not like Yashuki at all (I am being very restrained and polite). He is an arrogant, self-centred little prick and I can see him becoming nothing but trouble for the resort. I think Thomas and Lachlan will have to keep a very close watch over him as if left to his own devices he will be "entertaining men in other ways" which has the potential to damage the business of the resort. Perhaps Ed Wiener could put him in his place as he certainly needs "bringing down a peg or two".

When reading of Eden's "casting couch" behaviour I could not but help think what the #MeTooMovement would have to say. If his acting career moves beyond being a soapie-star in his current role he may need to reconsider his behaviour. Given he appears to be bisexual, he has double cause to be concerned someone may take exception to being a one-time play thing. Thomas once again displayed why he is perfect for the role he is in. He is level-headed under pressure, genuine in his concern for all parties in any given situation and charming. He is an asset to Crystalline/Arcobaleno. Max and Charles have such a comfortable relationship; their rapport is enviable. They delighted me with “Well it’s the truth. How would you feel... in your mid twenties, you go to a gay resort looking for some action and instead of ‘chicken tonight’ you get offered ‘aged corned beef?” When Max finally stopped laughing, he said “Bring that old beef over here and let me see if I can turn it into a juicy fillet steak”.

I mostly agree with your second paragraph statement @ReaderPaul, but there is at least one thing the resort is responsible for, the responsible service of alcohol as has been discussed in a prior chapter. Perhaps an even blunter statement is required for scenarios like the one Eden Monaro presents, the resort cannot guarantee your privacy will be respected by other guests, only by resort staff. A delightful surprise to have Max and Charles as guests. I have to wonder if Yashuki has some "hidden talents" like Justin as where did he conceal the envelopes containing the gift certificates before he presented them to Max and Conrad. I loved the comment by Roger that Eden/Marky/Marty's butt deserves its own Logie. If presented "in person" to said butt it would be worth watching the ceremony. I have to ask @Wombat Bill, did Eden earn the nickname "Marky" because his physique is similar to that of Marky Mark when he was modelling Calvin Klein underwear and singing with the Funky Bunch? Carol annoyed me with her stupid comments about selfies etc. I have had reservations about her maturity in prior chapters, reservations which were well-founded given her behaviour in this chapter. She is vacuous. I don't believe if Eden were "outed" it would automatically be the death knell to his career though. He may find he is taken more seriously as an actor and not just pigeon-holed as a "soapie star", although his income may reduce at least initially. I have to wonder @Wombat Bill if Thomas and Lachlan have considered the situation which is almost certain to arise of staff members providing services to guest(s) other than those for which they are employed. It would not surprise me to learn of Yashuki providing services other than waitering services to any guest(s) who may make such a request. If such services are provided free-of-charge or outside the workplace I cannot see it is an issue, but if Yashuki receives remuneration for the services and they are provided in the workplace, is it acceptable to his employers? Do such activities pose a WHS risk? I would be keen to see if @ReaderPaul, @chris191070 and @VBlew have any thoughts on this. And, did I miss something in a prior chapter, but I cannot recall Harry and Vince having previously made an appearance, only Charlotte?

Firstly, I have to bow to your infinite wisdom @ReaderPaul. Your "prediction" was spot on. Of all the waiters in Sydney Justin could have hired for the opening night of Arcobaleno, he hires Yashuki. I doubted you @ReaderPaul, but you have proven to be correct. Clearly Six Degrees of Separation was at work yet again. Dante is either not very bright, is very brazen, is very conceited or does not give a fuck about Thomas and his feelings. I suspect it is a combination of the latter three, but predominantly the latter two. He appears to be tiring of Thomas’ “vanilla” attitude towards sex, so I do not see a sustainable future for their relationship, which may be for the best for Thomas. Blake’s current behaviour is not going to win him any admirers and cultivate financial opportunities, which I suspect is his real motive. He needs to be far more circumspect with what he says and to whom he says it, or he will soon realise he is not the flavour of the month. His dismissal of Patrick as “pool man” particularly irked me. I had several misreads in this chapter @Wombat Bill (an increasingly frustrating occurrence, perhaps it is my eyesight). One was very funny, the other not so much. “Virginia arrived a little late and made a grand entrance on the arm of Justin, in minimal attire”. I first read it as Virginia was the one in minimal attire and had a good laugh. I almost immediately realised my error, particularly when one remembers Justin’s penchant for minimal attire. The not so funny misread was “The stables theme was kept by covering the floor with hay and equine equipment decorated the walls”. I read this is as the walls being decorated with equine excrement, probably because you were describing the former stables, and the association with horses and hay. Again I quickly realised my error, particularly when I read the feed store was set aside for a boutique shop. What a refreshing relationship Thomas and Virginia have. "I’m pretty sure we were noticed” replied Justin.“Yes, the oldest woman here, accompanied by the sexiest man alive, how could they fail to notice”.“Oh, that’s not entirely true” Thomas replied.“Which part’s not true?” asked Virginia.“I’ll get that drink for you now Virginia, while Thomas talks his way out of this” gave me another really good laugh @Wombat Bill, something which is becoming a not unpleasant habit of yours lately. "After the tour of the bedrooms, Virginia and Blake descended the stairs, arm in arm, like a queen and consort making a grand entrance to their ball." Your timing of this posting is impeccable @Wombat Bill given the events of the past 24 hours. As you know I don’t watch TV and from the complaints of family and friends about the saturation coverage, I am more thankful than ever I don’t. I by no means disliked ER, but would soon grow weary of the media circus. A thoroughly delightful chapter, but I have to ask where was young Troy? After his epiphany courtesy of Thomas in the last chapter he has grown on me.

Patrick's experience grappling with the uncooperative leaf collector was very familiar. It could have been me on any day of the week, but particularly on a work days, grappling with unreliable and often incompatible computer systems. His expletive laced rant was almost a direct quotation from me. Now if only I had his "well-stacked chest and six pack abdomen", "strong thighs" and obviously impressive butt. I have two questions for you @Wombat Bill, why was Jonathan concerned about baring his feet to Patrick and would Thomas consider hiring @ReaderPaul as Patrick's assistant pool person? Thomas and Cook continue to entertain and delight. Between the two of them they sorted Troy's issues with a minimum of fuss. Troy's fears may seem irrational to those of us who have been fortunate enough to live with a degree of security until adulthood, but for someone who grew up in his circumstances I can only but imagine the "reality" of such fears. The teaser for the next chapter Virginia makes an entrance conjured immediate and vivid images @Wombat Bill, the most grandiose being she makes an entrance like Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard or Mame Dennis in Auntie Mame. The camp-loving part of me would love her to do so, swathed in expensive finery, swimming in a sea of expensive bubbly, but this would be tasteless given the financial circumstances and background of the new employees. I just hope Desmond is not his usual humourless and priggish self. The last thing the new employees need is him being a sourpuss or worse still, Dwight Babcock or Gloria Upson.

I assumed she kept them on @ReaderPaul otherwise why would they be wet. A non-pushy real estate agent you say. I did not know such a person existed. I have certainly never encountered one, although my interactions with them have been more limited in recent years. The teaser for the next chapter is as usual intriguing.

I so want Axel to be the "genuine article" @VBlew, but my naturally cynical and suspicious nature, combined with Axel's occupation, have alarm bells ringing. He certainly has a way of flirting, a smooth talker for sure, which only heightens my "concern". The saving grace for Cook is she does not appear to be easily impressed or gullible. However, with continued attention, flattery and possible gifts, will she have the strength to resist his charms. Only time and our resident author will tell. My favourite line from this chapter “You are an exasperating girl sometimes”. Another most enjoyable chapter @Wombat Bill. Cook continues to impress with her wit and self-deprecation.

@ReaderPaul it would seem your wish has been partially granted. @chris191070 has commented prior to me and @VBlew is yet to comment. Well, it is about thyme Rosemary disclosed her name (sorry @Wombat Bill I could not resist writing this after our recent discussion on the merits of UK-based crime TV shows). I think the name Rosemary suits this "full-breasted chicken" perfectly. I have to agree with @ReaderPaul, two emojis were required for this chapter, but ultimately I also had to choose the equivalent of 🤣 as I guffawed on several occasions. “Wow, I’ve never been in a limo before” exclaimed Carol “But, I’ve got nothing to wear”. “That should make the night even more exciting” commented Jonathan. I cannot recall Jonathan ever reacting with such a quick quip before. Not to be outdone it was Carol's turn “Ok it’s...” but before she could finish her sentence, Carol flopped into the chair next to her and exclaimed “I’m shit faced and can’t take another step”. I was surprised Carol used such "colourful" language to be honest, but I guess she has been known to "expand her horizons" before when having partaken of some "bubbles". I am very intrigued to learn more about Axel. I had a neighbour many years ago whose given name was Axel. He was of Danish birth and was hot (sizzling in fact), in addition to being very likeable and charming. He was married at the time to a very pleasant, but less attractive woman whose name I cannot remember, although I remember she was also of Danish birth. If Rosemary's Axel resembles him in either looks or manner, she had best have plenty of moisturiser on hand as she is going to "burn baby burn". I hope for Rosemary's sake Axel's intentions are anything but honourable. She needs some "lovin'" after the drought she has apparently endured. In summary @Wombat Bill, bloody marvellous chapter mate (as Trevor would be apt to remark).

@ReaderPaul my experience with diabetes is limited to caring for my first cat who was diabetic for most of his life (twice daily insulin injections for almost 10 years). A horrible disease which I am sad to hear you have. What a wonderful account of the family you know. It always gladdens my heart to read of such occurrences, reminding me of my days of fostering felines (I had a family of 13 at one stage, 5 of whom were kittens). I don't think I have ever felt I was making more of a contribution to society than when I was fostering. My current family of 4 started out as foster cats, but the decision to adopt permanently was an easy one to make. Ava and Bassey were the only cats I have ever had who did not start out as "fosters". And yes, a moving chapter (yes those bloody tears again) @Wombat Bill.