Summerabbacat

@NimirRaj with an ageing population, Gran could prove a vital link to an as yet untapped source of business and income for the boys; parties at retirement complexes. The recent success of the charity auction has exposed them to philanthropy and, with the business doing well perhaps they could tap into this niche market. They should explore the tax implications of providing subsidised events and, of course, Justin would have to limit his exposure (he would not want to cause any heart attacks for a start), but it could be a viable income stream. Who knows, it might even lead to one or both of them getting an AC, but of course they would have to play tennis too.

Juanito showed his true colours, totally oblivious to Andy's feelings. His motivation was as I expected, monetary gain. Andy stood his ground, he quickly wised up to how shallow Juanito is. I had a voice in my head, spoken with a British accent, no doubt from a British comedy or crime show of yesteryear, echoing "sod off you ungrateful little prick". I foresee trouble ahead for Edward and Romel if Juanito does avail himself of their kindness. I sense Romel's familial relationship with Juanito will mean little to Juanito unless there is some benefit in it for him. An interesting cameo by our former Prime Minister, a paradoxical political man if ever there was one. A member of the dreadful Liberal Party, I think he was more admired by those on the left of the political spectrum than by those in his own party. He was a conundrum for his party, so they did what they do best, knifed him in the back and got rid of him, only to replace him with an evangelical, whose professed beliefs and behaviour bear little resemblance to the tenets of christianity as I understand them. Justin, a delight yet again. I would like him home delivered to me for my exclusive pleasure and adoration. Do you think you could arrange that for me @Wombat Bill? @Wombat Billanother fine chapter from your mythological pen. I have no doubt your usual CWB groupies (myself included) will have much to cross examine and critique in this chapter.

You have certainly achieved character development with Avery. He was incidental in Camp Refuge, much like Harlan in Guarded. He is certainly the "star of his own story" now (what a great goal for you to have) When Lee cried "He's my friend" as he was dragged out of the van I found myself weeping freely, much like many moments when reading your masterpiece Ash & Ember.

Understandably, much has been made of the setback to Lee's recovery this unfortunate event is likely to trigger. This is I believe, unquestionably so. However, this is only part of the damage done by this unfortunate event. Apart from the obvious danger to his life, this event will likely setback Avery's recovery too; the progress he has made in beginning to have trust in, and forming a relationship with his foster parents; and, being more comfortable in his own skin. Lee's remark "You're lucky they want to" appears to have been the catalyst for Avery's realisation that Bill and Anna genuinely want him as their foster son, that he is not just a source of state-funded income for them. One of my favourite paragraphs in this chapter "A bemused smile turned his scruffy face into a handsome study of unexpected happiness. He glanced at her. She grinned” is testament to the progress being made by all parties in the Avery, Bill and Anna relationship. I think it is likely that even if Lee is allowed and does return to the campground, he himself, or others in attempting to protect Avery, will endeavour to keep them apart, ultimately setting both back in their recovery. Greg and Joseph’s reactions whilst not ideal were based on fear for Avery and on Lee’s history. I hope that @Wayne Gray allows all parties to return to the “scene of the crime” to rationally discuss what happened, and equally as importantly, what precipitated it. @Wayne Gray with just a few simple words you created more havoc and drama for Avery and Lee than what would have been achieved with overwrought language and a saturation of character interactions. I think this is your greatest gift as a story teller; the gift of telling a story, creating tension and drama, with an economy of words and scene-setting. I have witnessed this gift time and time again in your story telling, and I must say it never ceases to amaze me. Superb story-telling is your forte.

@ReaderPaul I think this is what makes @Wombat Bill's story telling so entertaining and compelling. He invariably evokes a strong reaction from his readers, and is in this case, our reactions are not always the same. You seem to have a sense that Juanito is sexually focussed, whereas I believe his primary motivation is financial gain. He seemed very disappointed when the opportunity to become a permanent trick for Mr Price was withdrawn. I sense his disappointment was not the loss of regular sex, but the loss of income and all the trappings that may be available with wealth. I hope we are both wrong, but he does not appear to share his cousin's kind and caring nature.

It is early days yet for Juanito, the latest character to enter the lives of our motley little group of friends, but I am sensing he may be somewhat an opportunist. Perhaps he is looking for a "visa Daddy" to allow him to remain in Australia? Whatever his intentions, I doubt they are entirely altruistic. If Juanito is as mercenary as I fear he may be, I hope Andy wises up to this sooner rather than later. I sense that he, Andy, is a tender-hearted and perhaps too-trusting man, one who could be easily hurt by a manipulative lover focussed solely on their own needs and desires. Thomas' suggestion as to how "the group" could show their support for Justin and his mother, the latter whom they have never met, adds another facet to his character. His character growth at the hands of our writer has been slow but steady, painting a man who has much in common with Andy I think, although perhaps Thomas has a stronger veneer than does Andy. @Wombat Bill I may be jumping to conclusions regarding Juanito, but I trust you will reveal more as this tale unfolds.

I think he is even less popular than Margaret Court @Wombat Bill; a truly despicable member of the clergy. His "profile" has sunk somewhat of late, but I daresay he is not suffering any guilt of conscience for the acts he overlooked and those he was accused of committing himself.

As much as I dislike Brendan for his treatment of Justin and Jessica and the murder of Sam, I cannot help but feel some sympathy for him. It is likely the same priest(s)/brother(s) who brutalised him as a child, indoctrinated him and filled his head with warnings of the evils of homosexuals and their practices. It is baffling to me how the average person can equate homosexuality and pedophilia as one. My first experience with this was when an intelligent woman who is a very good friend of my mother, remarked upon learning that I was gay "at least you won't have to worry about him molesting children as he is a good person". I was shocked at the time as I did not realise the average person thought like this. What is surprising to me is that almost 40 years later, there are still those in the community who have this belief. Craig has redeemed himself significantly in the last two chapters. He has shown himself to be compassionate and very caring, qualities I initially admired in him before he seemed to "lose his way" and become someone I found myself liking less and less. @Wombat Bill you have outdone yourself in the last two chapters, but particularly this chapter. You have introduced a "delicate" and controversial issue and written it with such authenticity. Chapter 24 was emotionally challenging and very moving; what I did not expect to find was this chapter being even more so, with the character for whom I expected to have no sympathy, Brendan, being far more than the one dimensional homophobe he could have been in the hands of a lesser writer. I don't know if this was your intention, but you have painted a very troubled, flawed and violent man, and given him a humanity that has moved me greatly. Beautifully and superbly written chapter, proof of your versatility and ever increasing skills as a writer.

That sounds serious. Are you able to work to support yourself?

I have no doubt Brendan will use either the "gay panic defence" or claim he was avenging the "man who stole his son's innocence". If Brendan resorts to the former as a reason for the murder, I wonder if the toilet block in question is a known beat, one which Brendan has frequented. Perhaps Brendan himself may be attracted to men, but has attempted to quell such desires due to his religious beliefs. Internalised homophobia over such proclivities might explain his violent opposition to Justin being gay. I have done a little research just now on the 'net and was surprised to learn that Sam is considered to have committed statutory rape when he had sex with Justin. Although Justin willingly participated in the sex if I remember correctly, the sex is legally classed as statutory rape because Justin was underage at only 15 at the time. It is more commonly referred to as unlawful sex with a minor (this is what I have always heard it referred to as). Whilst I do not condone Sam's actions, I have always thought that rape was non-consensual sex, and usually had an element of violence associated with it. I was surprised by the comment made by @NimirRaj, which is what prompted me to undertake this research. Not to make light of this, but @Wombat Bill this story has provided me with an opportunity to better educate myself on an issue which I would not ordinarily have researched. Having said all this, I do not think Brendan should be able to use this as an excuse for the murder. I am probably living in "cloud cuckoo land", but if anything good comes out of this, I hope the principal of the school is charged for not having reported the statutory rape, and the school itself held to have a degree of culpability. Had the school principal acted in Justin's best interests in the first place (laughable I know to think this would have happened), the murder may not have taken place. In the real world this of course would not happen, as we know only too well of the appalling atrocities which have been committed against children in religious-based schools, the leaders of whom have often turned a blind-eye and/or blamed the children for what happened.

I hope you are OK.

OMG @Wombat Bill I had visions of some of the women behaving like they reportedly did at Tom Jones concerts, screaming and throwing their knickers at the bachelors on the runway. And, the contest for the final "bachelor"; this could have descended into a "scrag fight", with women well lubricated by expensive champagne fighting over Justin like they do over handbags and shoes at the Boxing Day sales in David Jones and Myer. Justin can add another occupation to his steadily growing resume - fluffer. Is there no limit to his talents? He seemingly embraces each new "challenge" with enthusiasm, testament to his growing confidence and enterprising nature. What havoc will Papa Haynes wreak in the impending chapter? I would love to see him "come up against" Craig's Gran. I expect she would "rip him a new one", very politely and pacifically of course. A total demolition by Gran of his pious bullshit would be such a gleeful occasion, I may well behave like some of the Price's Perves, without even needing the assistance of expensive champagne.

Well "Hitch" the only possible "red herring" I could find in this chapter was: “That’s sweet of you Justin, but unfortunately Craig did not get to see him that day.” “Oh I thought he did, maybe I was mistaken.” A delightful chapter with "Gran" once again demonstrating why Craig thinks so highly of her. Her honesty is refreshing, her generosity seemingly boundless, and her joie de vivre infectious. Justin's appreciation of what he has found in Craig's family demonstrates he is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside. He is, I think, my favourite character in this story, certainly a character who has experienced significant growth from his somewhat humble and naive beginnings. @Wombat Billthe image for this chapter matches the title perfectly. It represents the essence of this chapter, the joy experienced by Justin from something as simple as "having a cuppa with Gran". For a lad who has not experienced much in the way of familial love, the joy of acceptance and love from Craig's beloved "Gran" is a simple pleasure most heartfelt.

I think Romel and Edward handled a delicate situation rather well. The request to Juanito that he retire from sex work could so easily have been seen by him as judgmental i.e. a request motivated by a belief that sex work as a profession was immoral and/or degrading. The motivation, as explained to Juanito, was to allow him to devote time to his studies which he had forfeited due to his inability to pay for same; and, to take on less demanding work such as working for Craig and Justin. A rather short chapter @Wombat Bill with no new characters introduced. Another glimpse at the many faces of Edward, this time the maternal/paternal Edward, which had previously been hinted at, became reality.

@Wombat Bill there are quite a lot of characters, but I think you have "fleshed them out" well enough, and they make regular enough appearances at present, for your readers to remember their significance to the story. For example, i remembered Dean the barman from the first "book", although could not place where the boys had met him. You had obviously described his character sufficiently though for me to remember him, where that was I suggest is of less importance.

I thought Juanito may move from a "special guest appearance by" (a la Joan Collins as Alexis in Dynasty) to a "feature role" (a la Joan Colins as Alexis in Dynasty). I imagine there will be some moist knickers at the auction. Not something I wish to dwell upon.

Grief over the loss of a beloved pet is very real and much understated by many Andre. A bond with a pet is a very special one, far stronger than many realise. Your continued grief says, I believe, much about the type of person you are, kind and compassionate at a minimum. My first cat passed away 14 years ago this March, but there are still times I find a tear or more escapes my eyes when I think of him, even though I have my six beautiful rescues who keep me very busy and entertained.

@Wombat Bill I am trying to be reasonable and kind, but sometimes Craig annoys me SO MUCH. Why does he feel it necessary to so often "rain on Justin's parade"? I seem to recall Craig made Justin an equal partner in this enterprise, and yet so often he treats him like the "hired help". Justin may be a little gauche at times, but Craig is so uptight (worse tham me, which is probably why he annoys me so much). Philanthropy, when genuinely motivated, is a very attractive quality. The late and much-loved George Michael was apparently very philanthropic, but this did not emerge until after his death, unlike some celebrities who bask in the glory their ostenatious philanthropy attracts. Cynthia and her group seem to have their hearts (and hopefully their purses) in the right place. Fortunately for them, they have wisely chosen their causes to support. Price's Perves, I wonder how the ladies in question would react knowing Justin had referred to them as such? I think it a brilliant idea on Justin's part to suggest the two groups get together for some "cross pollination". They are likely to have one thing in common - money, and plenty of it, just what the foundation needs. Juanito must surely get some work with Craig and Justin with both Edward and Andy making a plea on his behalf. if he performs his duties well, he may even find a place for himself in this motley group of friends; and, he help to heal the rift between Edward and the others. No doubt more interesting times ahead from the pen of our author @Wombat Bill.

My favourite character, the beautiful and joyful little Rascal, certainly enjoyed the children's birthday party, eating and rolling in the smash cake that was strewn all over the lawn. I will perhaps be admonished for this comment, but I find him far more interesting, and no doubt cuter, than either Cameron or Elizabeth. @Andre Delport I have a suggestion for a future acquisition for the Devlin-Major portfolio, a pet-friendly hotel or apartment complex like 'The Cameron' (perhaps not as lavishly appointed, and definitely with no carpet), something like the late, great Doris Day owned in Carmel, USA. Perhaps it could be named 'Rascal's Retreat' in honour of Rascal's bravery and the unfettered joy he brings to all he meets. Although I am a "cat man" (I have six rescues), I do like dogs too, and my family had a dachshund when I was a child.

Beautifully written chapter yet again @Wayne Gray. Greg is such an astute judge of character; the "escape" route is one he could have offered to Lee, but he recognised that Lee is finding solace in his current environment, but would never admit to this as he does not trust himself or anyone else, yet. Greg's kindness, encouragement, patience and wisdom never cease to amaze me. One could say that Joseph "escaped" in this chapter too; escaped the negative consequences that he feared in coming out to his partner, a coming out which he did not even need to undertake. Anderson's indifference to Joseph's admission of his sexuality was a delight to witness, his good-humoured ribbing of Joseph evidence of his acceptance of Joseph's sexuality and his forthcoming nuptials. The tentative "relationship" between Lee and Avery is perhaps fraught with danger for both, given their fragile emotional, and the case of Lee physical too, state. I have to wonder though if they are each the key to the other's "recovery". They appear to have much in common, with difficult and hinted at, violent pasts. I look forward to the progression of their relationship, hoping it is beneficial to both.

The weather is crazy everywhere @drsawzall. In Sydney, Australia, we had a sunny 37C (98F) with high humidity on Tuesday (my kind of weather); today (Friday) it was a cold 20C (68F), which frankly I don't believe (It felt much colder), with no sun and drizzle all day. We are supposedly in the middle of summer here, and I have had my doona (I think you call it a duvet) on more nights than not (could have even put my gas heater on the other night, but refrained because it is supposed to be summer). I could happily live near the equator where it is basically summer all year round. @quokka I am enjoying the sense of serenity this story engenders. Although there has been death and now some violence, the overall "feel" of the story is positive, with much beauty to celebrate in the natural environment and the relationships of the family members, by and large.

Edward certainly is an enigma. It is hard to believe the Edward who offers to assist Juanito financially is the same person as the "evil old witch" who was so vicious to all present at the dinner party. @Wombat Bill I do so enjoy how you reveal a little more of your characters each time they make an appearance. You paint them well too, their idiosyncrasies adding depth and in most cases, a certain appeal. I think @chris191070 is right. Thomas' loose tongue could get him into a little trouble (perhaps not all of it bad though).

@Wombat Bill you certainly have a familiarity with this story; anyone would think you were the bloody author. LOL (I promised myself I would never use this or LMAO), but i have succumbed to the temptation, perhaps like either Craig or Romel. My re-read of chapter 38 was somewhat superficial; I primarily concentrated on the discussion between Craig and Romel as they sat in Green Park. If I had been more thorough in my re-read, I would have noted the following conversation you have extracted and thoughtfully underlined: On Romel's return to the ward. “I need your help with Mrs. Collins in bed 4b. It says here on the drug register that you gave her intravenous meds about an hour ago, but she is still complaining of pain. I remember being struck by this conversation at the time, but forgot all about it once the story continued and Nigel's death raised no suspicion with anyone in a position of authority. However, you may have done an "Agatha" on us yet @Wombat Bill, or perhaps Dorothy L Sayers would be a better comparison given her name and her inclusion of explicitly gay characters without derision in some of her books. @Wombat Bill you have added yet another twist to this story, (or have you), to keep your readers "on their toes". You certainly have @chris191070, @ReaderPaul and I intrigued and engaged in healthy discussion and debate. Well done.

@ReaderPaul this is particularly so with the conclusion Edward appears to have drawn on Romel's utterances in his sleep regarding the death of Craig's grandfather. I revisited chapter 38 of 'Catering With Benefits' to review the content of the discussion between Craig and Romel subsequent to Craig's visit to his grandfather, in which the request for assistance to die with dignity was made. There does not appear to have been anything said by either Craig or Romel which suggests that either intended to assist Nigel. The only subsequent event to raise suspicion was Romel's unexplained absence from the workplace when Edward telephoned to speak to him. This could just be a "red herring" though, perhaps @Wombat Bill may be "going all Agatha Christie" on us. I hope if Romel has assisted Nigel to die with dignity, Edward will recognise this as the act of compassion that it most certainly would have been. Given Edward's involvement in the gay community, I am almost certain he would have witnessed the death of friends and colleagues at St Vincent's Ward 17 from the late 80's onwards. This in and of itself, must surely be enough motivation for him to "let sleeping dogs lie". @ReaderPaul you raise a valid question regarding the possibility that Edward may have diabetes, particularly as it appears he often over-indulges in consumption of alcohol. It may also be true that Edward is not always as drunk as he appears to be. A drunken appearance is a classic symptom of hypoglycaemia, something which can plague diabetics. I have first-hand experience of this awful disease, my first cat having had it for most of his life. Hypoglycaemic attacks were the worst side affect of this disease, with urgent veterinary attention often required to prevent a coma and possible death. Another enjoyable chapter @Wombat Bill

Edward totally overreacted to the harmless deception on the part of his friends regarding Andy's "mastery". If "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", it may be that one has to multiply the fury exponentially if the "woman scorned" is a drag-queen. His behaviour seems at odds with the Edward who sought to "right the wrongs" perpetrated by Oliver against Romel, or am I merely naive? Romel's disclosure to Andy that "Edward has been good to me......... . But, his bitchiness is getting worse lately." has me wondering @Wombat Bill if there is to be a revelation regarding Edward's health in later chapters. Perhaps he is finding ageing more difficult than most, particularly when his closest friends and partner appear to be significantly younger than he? Is he jealous of their youth or are there more "sinister forces" at work here? Is he in the early stages of dementia? I cannot help but think there is something that we your readers are not privy to yet. "The politicians just have to get on and do the fucking job we pay them for”. How often did you hear this statement during the lead-up to the plebiscite @Wombat Bill? I know a number of friends and work colleagues made this statement to me, even several work colleagues who did not support marriage equality due to their religious beliefs. A great deal of money was needlessly spent which could have been spent elsewhere if the governing party had not been hijacked by those with a religious axe to grind. All the subsequent debate and waste on the 'Religious Freedoms Bill' has continued the debacle.