Summerabbacat

No doubt a fine upstanding gentleman like yourself would not frequent such a place; you would have your butler visit such a "low" establishment. I remember the staff member who told me it was the highest grossing Liquorland in Australia telling me their biggest seller was Passion Pop. I remember drinking that swill as a teenager in the late 1970's/early 1980's. Ghastly and cheap (the Passion Pop, not me).

Ex-wife @Cane23 and she is a nightmare. I am acquainted with a former married couple who were both psychologists, both psycho. Their marriage was a farce, until one day he beat the crap out of her. She was a pain in the arse, but certainly did not deserve it.

I suspect she may have "used" her children against her ex-husband. She may be manipulative with her children too, laying guilt trips on them if they don't do exactly as mummy says. I am surprised at her liberal attitude allowing Benjamin to stay with Justin on Friday and Saturday nights, unless of course he has referred to Justin as Justine to his mother.

"Again, a more thoughtful pause, “Well since you’re asking, actually OK. I’ve begun to realize the house is a bit empty with just me there, but Simon I’m going to have to talk to you about any legal issues.” I think Martin is being very sensible contemplating legal advice from Simon, particularly after Benjamin's response when Martin raised the issue of him having to tell his mother, Nagtasha, that he wanted to move in and live with his father: "And, Benjamin, what are you going to tell your mother.” “Oh shit. I’m going to need your help there.” We readers have not had the "pleasure" of Nagtasha's company yet, and yet every time her name is mentioned it is not with any degree of fondness, but with mistrust and dread. Is Benjamin fearful of his mother's reaction because it may involve violence, or is it because of the more likely manipulation, hysteria and verbal abuse he may have suffered at the hands of this woman before. The mention of Forest Lodge (Glebe) as the place of Justin's residence brought back memories of my having lived in Camperdown from 1997-2013 @Paladin. What with Forest Lodge and nearby Chippendale having huge student populations for those attending Sydney Uni and University of Technology, it is little wonder the Liquorland at Broadway has the biggest turnover of any Liquorland in Australia. Bring on Nagtasha @Paladin; it is about time she got a taste of her own medicine. "And deconstructed wattle seed pavlova with pomegranate jus." Yum, that sounds like a dish which would appeal to me greatly, particularly if the pavlova was made from chick pea brine rather than egg whites.

"As they walked away, the father at the next table said to his wife “What do you think’s going down there?” “Just a father and son thing” “Yeah, that’s what some call it” It's called mind your own fucking business. I can almost bet the father assumed Edward is gay and therefore assumed his intentions towards Kilby were anything but noble. Statistically the nosey father is more likely to have forced sex with one of his children. Kilby's character "growth" whilst in the care of Edward and Romel has been a joy to witness. Edward and Romel have offered Kilby a home life he has never experienced before, a home life where he is secure and is afforded opportunities and choice, something his mother, Bernice, the "evil bitch" demanded he rescind so he could fund her junkie lifestyle again. Speaking of Bernice again has me wondering if Kilby's maternal grandparents are still alive, and if so, if they know of his existence. Perhaps this is something he and/or Edward could enquire about. "Four months later, Rajani announced at dinner “I’ve reached another milestone today” “What’s that?” asked Romel “I was running for the bus today and noticed my growing breasts bouncing up and down. Now I feel like a real woman” . What a wonderful conclusion to this story @Wombat Bill. I can just imagine what Rajani's selfish, nasty bitch sister, Rani, will say. With her transition underway, I wonder if Rajani's parents will disinherit her? If I remember correctly Raj was due to inherit the family business as a male, something I imagine Rani will fight now Raj is becoming Rajani, the "freak" (Rani's words I imagine, certainly not mine). Love the T-shirt, just the perfect antidote to J K Rowling, Germaine Greer, et al.

Howzat for speculations @Seraph28, including a murderous lesbian. I don't think @Josh Aterovis has included any lesbian characters in the stories he has published on GA to date, so the inclusion of one who is a possible murderer, and a second character who may be lesbian/bisexual or at least a dyke for dollars, would break this "drought".

Similarly to Killian and Jacy, we readers learnt as much from what was said as what was not said by the interviewees. As all have said, including her fellow dig participants, Bridget Foxwell, is much like her mother, blonde. But could it all be an act, like her tears for Professor Healy? Might she actually be very smart, pretending to be clueless because she has an ulterior motive? I suspect not, but one can never be sure. Alexander James did himself no favours by acting antsy and asking Killian to leave for no reason. Might he be the person Mr Thompson saw recently fossicking for artefacts on his property? I don't think he is the killer or the looter, but he might have something else nefarious he is hiding. Israel Meeks, he appears to belie his name. Is it merely a coincidence he has recently come into money and has spent it on sprucing up his apartment? Is it too obvious he may have looted artefacts from the dig to fund these lifestyle improvements? Might he be the killer? Perhaps so. Susan Urban, the arse kissing, possible Professor Healy fucking, second/third in command. I think Jacy's observations of her were spot on. I also think perhaps there is more to her friendship with Elyse Pike than meets the eye. I wonder if Ms Urban has not only been "banging Professor Healy", but banging Ms Pike too. If she is as ambitious as Ricky Wong indicated, she well may have had an each way bet, banging both to ingratiate herself. If so, I think it throws suspicion on both her and Elyse Pike as the possible killer. If Elyse's affection for Susan is genuine and she found out she was banging the Professor too, she may have removed him from the equation for very personal reasons. Killian's statement "Oh, I'll look into it, but I won't take Ricky's word until I have something else to back it up. My instincts are telling me Healy's murder is connected to the thefts, not personal, but I can't ignore the possibility." may well prove to be, the murder of Professor Healy may have been very personal. I think it was very personal as the viciousness of the attack and the number of times he was stabbed (which from memory was many) suggests a more personal and frenzied murder, rather than a cold, calculating, murder. And what of Ricky Wong? I think he fancies Killian at least, and possibly Jacy too. Killian's description of him suggested someone lascivious, someone who is used to getting their own way, often by deception. Were his observations objective or subjective? Excellent chapter @Josh Aterovis. Although too obvious, I think Israel Meeks is the likely looter with Professor Healy himself the next most likely, and Elyse Pike the murderer for very personal reasons, with Susan Urban the next most likely.

You forgot Plenty O'Toole @weinerdog. And I think you made a typo, it was Holly Goodhead.

Promise, not "stalking". There a few authors whose "chart history" I follow.

Just so long as she does not want to watch them "make out". That would be just too much like Kathy or Abel Taft.

Your foray into the Fantasy and Historical genres has been a resounding success @Mark Ponyboy Peters, with this story #1 in the Fantasy genre for the month ending 20/03/26 (up from #9 for the month ending 20/02/26) and #3 in the Historical genre (your first placing in this category). Its #1 position is now your second #1, with A Good Place being #1 in the General Fiction genre for the month ending 06/06/25. You may not quite be ABBAesque yet, but to quote the fabulous Renee Geyer, you are Heading In The Right Direction . Well done.

Maybe she will take on a "grandmotherly" role with Virgil as well.

Brody fucked up. OMG, how dare he be human. Parker's ego was damaged, beyond repair it seems, his trust in Brody destroyed because he omitted disclosure. Parker's reaction infuriated me, and now it appears Brody is dead, or at least on the brink of death, a death which almost seemed liked suicide, at least to me. If Brody succumbs, Parker is going to be very lonely in his brownstone with just his ego for company. Just deserts I think. I wanted HEA for this story @Cap, but it seems that it is not to be. Parker is an arsehole and so disappointing.

"And how's the shitting commune?" For just a moment I forgot Elaine's fondness for the "brown word" and interpreted her comment literally. A rather "unusual" shared passion if such a commune did exist, certainly not one I could see myself joining. Louis' new comic draft found favour initially with Charlie, was then warmly and enthusiastically received by Ruth and Eileen, and finally was read with much amusement by Gloria and PJ, and then a "begrudging" appreciation from the dog "Sarge" himself. A very amusing chapter @Robert Hugill.

Grandma Maggie is certainly very different in attitude and temperament to her hot-headed, homophobic son. Her offer to move in with Maureen, Steven, Sam and Bobby is a win-win situation. Somewhat surprisingly all the boys are on board with her moving in. The only possible conflict I can see at this point in time will be if any of the boys badmouth their father she may not take kindly too it, although she does appear to be quite well aware her son is no angel. A wonderfully warm chapter @Lee Wilson.

"This is it," Brody croaked, his voice sounding like a cement mixer full of wet gravel. “I’m done. I can feel the lights going out." This scene was hilarious; Brody reduced to a big baby by a viral illness. Brody's jealousy was completely irrational and he knew it, but felt powerless to control it. His behaviour when Parker returned home was frightening and obsessive, a little like his manic behaviour before Parker departed and he unpacked and re-packed his bags for him. Brody's impending departure for 4 months has him shell-shocked. I fear both he and Parker are going to have a meltdown of major proportions being apart for that long. A new "chapter" in the relationship between Parker and Brody, and it was off to a rocky start. Hopefully this does not herald an unsettled future for them, but I fear it does. Challenging times ahead @Cap. Let us hope they fare a little better than Britney has of late @Cap.

Carronne's residents banded together to protect the Prince and his fellow escapees, their ingenuity ensuring none were found. From loaves of bread to slippery eels, they used whatever was available to halt Septimus' soldiers. Not a rocket launcher or AI in site. Marin's a bit full of herself isn't she. Maybe she needs to be brought down a peg or too. And for Felix's sake, get that woman a decent haircut. Prince Raemande and the Warlock are in need of nourishment, both weak after their recent imprisonment. No fast food outlets within cooee, will they survive? The food they were given by the residents of Carronne certainly cannot last long, and they cannot live on stream water alone. Where is Delia Smith when she is seriously needed? Out looking for crème fraîche again I suppose.

"Life is full of irritating little coincidences. For instance, I caught up on the paperwork just in time to start interviewing for our new receptionist/secretary. Alanis Morrisette would have probably called it ironic." I knew this was going to be a good chapter from the opening paragraph. The text highlighted in bold, perfectly matched. Killian is not listening to you @drsawzall. Speeding again and possibly over the legal alcohol limit still from the night before. Perhaps it is time for you to pay him a visit in your beautiful frock and cardigan, with full "Nanna" make up, a beautifully coiffed "do" and "armed" with that garden hose. The interviewees were a motley bunch. I wonder if Novak has Judy in mind for the receptionist's job. I don't imagine her services as an interior designer/decorator would be in demand as much as they were when she and Jake moved to L.A. The distressed caller who sobbed but did not speak was disconcerting. I hope it is not Tad calling and he has gotten himself into a compromising situation or worse still a dangerous situation. The "Micah" situation is clearly a sticking point for Killian, but sooner or later he will have to make a decision. @Josh Aterovis as noted by several "Aterovisionados", a chapter without a cliffhanger. Perhaps this as an indication all hell will break loose in the next chapter.

A deep and thought provoking tale of two men living somewhat shallow and unfulfilling lives in the military, men who meet by chance and soon realise they have found what they thought they never would - being seen by another, becoming important in the life of another, being a safe haven for another and mind-blowing, wholly satisfying, sex. A brilliant debut @Cap.

It's testament to the strength of a relationship if a couple can find joy in the tedium of domestic chores or the mundane of grocery shopping. It was interesting to observe how these tasks, which had previously incited dread or even fear in Brody and Parker, suddenly became something to celebrate and enjoy sharing. Absolutely marvellous story @Cap, one which I am pleased to observe now has a sequel.

One of the real joys of this story is the intergenerational friendship between Gran and Caleb. It is wholly believable, perhaps even moreso now they have had their first disagreement, with Caleb storming off and Gran now forlorn. I am sure it will all blow over quickly as both genuinely like each other and are inherently kind and respectful. Kilby has turned a corner. He is feeling guilty for lying to Edward about his former nocturnal profession. I don't believe Edward will be either shocked or disgusted when Kilby finally reveals all, in fact, his "slip up" in his conversation with Edward did not go unnoticed. Given Kilby's life with his mother, Edward may have contemplated Kilby turning tricks to survive. Peggy rules, but she needs a friend. Perhaps a kitten named Lee, Julie (London) or Doris (Day) or Clara (Bixby) an alias of Doris Day's.

My, you do cut a "fine figure" in your frock and cardigan @drsawzall. I am trying to work out what it is you have placed around your neck. Is it a tea towel or some other decorative accoutrement? And what is it that you place in your mouth ever so delicately? LOL. Certainly one of Massachusetts finest older "lady's" by the look of you.

3-5 TV channels you say @weinerdog; such variety. In my youth growing up in rural Australia we had 2 TV channels to choose from. TV's did not have a remote control to change the channel or volume, one actually got off one's arse, walked to the TV (often a in a "box" with a timber frame) and turned a knob to change the channel (mind out of the gutter now). TV stations did not run 24/7 and until 1974 (I was 10) programmes were in black and white. Expletives were not commonplace (I did not learn to swear from TV that is for sure); if there was any swearing it was as "offensive" as bloody or sometimes poofter; certainly no fuck, motherfucker, cocksucker, shit or any such "vulgarity". In my family (pre-divorce of the parents in 1977), one was allowed to watch certain programmes, but not others (nothing with sex), and preferably either Aussie or British produced (which I did not mind).

I have heard of a Rolodex @drsawzall, but I don't recall ever having seen one 'in the flesh' before. I wonder what the significance of the skull is? Was the "owner" of the skull perhaps murdered, and if so, will said owner inhabit Killian's body at some stage to do some "spirit talking"? Or will Professor Healy perhaps do so? I wonder if your speculation is indicative of your generation @weinerdog because I had the same response. Elyse referring to him as Quinn initially surprised me because she had previously indicated she was not personally fond of him, but this suggested if not a level of intimacy, certainly some degree of camaraderie. The fact she "corrected" herself quickly and referred to him as Professor Healy made me suspicious. I think we may be of a similar vintage @weinerdog, so our reaction may have been generational. I was not surprised when Elyse revealed Professor Healy was a chauvinist. I got that impression of him in his dealings with Lily. Her strong personality and no bullshit attitude would no doubt have rankled him even more. I think I may have speculated this previously, but I wonder if the copper beads found at the dig site resemble those found on the Thompson farm? @drsawzall appears correct, the red herrings are multiplying.

"Wow, dad really screwed up this time. His temper has gotten him close to trouble before, but this time... holy fuck." Steven confirmed what I suspected. His father is not very smart and has gotten him close to trouble before. With the police possibly, which may be why he was so hostile towards them when discussing Sam with Maureen before Sam returned home. I doubt he will be released from prison any time soon given the number and severity of the charges. Steven was very comforting to his brother. I wonder if Steven's gay friend is Alan, and Alan's gaydar pinged when he has met Sam? I Maureen's parents live in the same town/city it may be that she will move in with them if there is room. It would be a win/win scenario for all concerned. Her parents would get to see more of their grandchildren, all of whom appear well adjusted and well behaved, the children would see more of their grandparents, and financially all we be better off. This assumes Maureen's are still alive and pleasant. I daresay both Sam and Bobby will cop flak from some of their fellow classmates once it becomes common knowledge their father is in prison awaiting trial for attempted murder. Bobby may cop the worst of it being that he is the youngest. Well well well @Lee Wilson. The lives of the Lassiter family have certainly been turned upside down to put it mildly. Phil's temper has almost certainly cost him his marriage, and more than likely the respect of all three of his children and his virginity. Bubba awaits and he is very horny for daddy butt.