Summerabbacat

Another exhilarating chapter @Cap, with a number of humorous moments too, none moreso than: "It was a crushing, suffocating, wonderfully grounding weight. He was trapped under a literal mountain of heat. Brody was sprawled over him and holding him tight—clinging with the comical, hard-core affection of an overgrown koala." As an Aussie I particularly appreciated the koala reference. They are so not the cuddly and affectionate little creatures most think they are though, they are often grumpy and can be rude and aggressive, but they certainly are cute. Parker and Brody have each found in the other someone to reduce the "noise" in their heads, to put the life into living rather than just existing. I found their expression of vulnerability very appealing, particularly that of Brody, a mountain of men who had brief moments of "mush".

"Patsy was tall like her brother, but far broader of beam. And whereas Graham had been distinguished looking, she was, well, more robust all round." and "Patsy’s shapeless sack-like garment seemed to opt for comfort". 🤣🤣🤣🤣. I do so love your euphemistic physical descriptions @Robert Hugill. Patsy was tall like her brother, but had wide hips and a fat arse. Her clothes were shapeless in an attempt perhaps to conceal her largesse, but they failed miserably to do so, in fact they emphasised her corpulence. Graham's illicit business dealings have finally caught up with him, much to the delight of his sister Pasty, and her gossip-hungry and equally corpulent husband, Bobbie. It appears Graham was about as well-liked by his relatives as Aunt Daphne was by her's. Perhaps this is what drew them together in the first instance. It may also emerge yet Graham had business dealings with Farouk Georges aka Farouk Joski. With Graham and Aunt Daphne's home now for sale, it appears unlikely Charlie will ever have to have any contact with Graham again. In hindsight it is just as well Graham did not lend Charlie any money as he may have had to return it in a lump sum, if it was funded from proceeds of crime, which appears likely. Another highly amusing chapter @Robert Hugill

Bernice, what a fucking bitch. She does not want Kilby to come back and live with her because she loves him, she wants him to come back so she can return to the streets and a life on drugs, a habit she will use him to support. She was more than happy to reveal to Edward the true nature of Kilby's nocturnal adventures, thereby jeopardising his ongoing foster placement. Hopefully Kilby has seen her now for what she really is, a selfish junkie who has no regard for him or his future, only for herself. If anyone is a "traitor" and an "ingrate" it is she. Perhaps you can arrange for a fatal accident for Bernice @Wombat Bill. She has overstayed her welcome.

"G-gone, Sire,’ the unfortunate guard replied; with these being the last words he would ever speak." Septimus is a tyrant and a cold-blooded killer. He would fare well in today's world in certain nations, many of which have been poisoned by religious zealots. "These two riders were the Dark Lord himself, and his traitorous servant, Judayah, and defiance of their orders would mean only one thing. No more evil a pair than these two, loathed by soldiers and citizens alike, had ever ridden these roads." It is interesting, and hardly surprising, Septimus is not only loathed by the general populace, but also by the soldiers in his army. Does this bode well for Prince Raemande, Luther and those who rescued the Prince, together with the Warlock and Carel? If enough of the soldiers rebel against Septimus' tyrannical rule it may bring about his downfall, but I won't hold my breath waiting. Jamal, Deven and Whip are making good progress in the tasks laid out for them by Chandar. Fortune shone on them in this chapter in the shape, a very ample shape, of Maisie. Her payment, kisses from one or more of the three. Fortunately Whip is not averse to heaving bosoms and all that goes with it, and he was able to satisfy Maisie's carnal desires, something which neither Jamal nor Deven had any experience with, and seemingly no desire to acquire it. Another intriguing chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters, with a showdown pending between Septimus' forces of darkness and evil, and the Knights of the Order of the Dragon's forces of light and goodness.

And/or keeps us sane, or as sane as is possible (speaking for myself).

She does not have the time or the inclination for romance @Paladin. She has "Jeff" to satisfy her physical needs: always hard ready, willing and able able to adjust to different speeds silent and obedient battery-operated dishwasher safe made in Merrickville by a company she and Steve own, which employs 12 staff, one for every inch

I daresay rimming and toe-sucking are off the menu for Kenny and Steve, unless the relevant body parts are wrapped in industrial strength plastic and coated with a protective chemical, which defeats the purpose of the practice. How ever will Kenny cope with cum here, there and everywhere, douching and occasional accidents? Sally smoking Clovis' cigars again🤮🤮🤮🤮, and drinking a glass (or more) of Pinot Noir. She has certainly shed her prim and proper image. Next thing we know she will be getting a nose ring AND a tattoo, snorting coke and participating regularly in a bisexual ménage à trois.

It was all just a game, with the only "loser" being Kyle, although he may get something out of it yet.

Steve, entrepreneurial and philanthropic. A powerful combination and aphrodisiac. Kenny has no option but to surrender with a total abandonment of all he holds dear, except Steve won't make him do that, he will let him keep the perfect socks fetish and other OCD habits.

I assumed Blake's "investigation" was in jest, that he was not serious, playing a practical joke on Steve, the crème de la crème of practical jokers. It appears most, if not all, of my fellow readers think Blake is being serious. Perhaps the joke is on me.

“I’m utterly shocked” “Why you didn’t think I would look so good in my corset dress?” “NO, I’m shocked that you are wearing fur” “Now before you get your knickers in a knot, it’s very old, made long before we knew any better and I bought it at an op-shop just for fun” “Well, that’s OK I suppose, now about the act” Shocked! I was utterly appalled. Given its vintage it is perhaps acceptable, and it is a very timeless coverup for what lies beneath. I am intrigued as to what song Ruby has chosen to accompany her striptease, perhaps something cliched like DSB's Big Spender, or more likely something dreadful from any number of talentless pop tarts purporting to be singers and entertainers in today's world. Is Gran on a mission to learn more about Bernice, expose her as a fraud or send her a message not to fuck with Kilby or his new foster parents? I suspect Gran is far more clever, and perhaps even devious, than Craig gives her credit for. And for Felix's sake, get that woman a drink. A G&T and on the double.

I am very pleased Jason and Blake have resumed their relationship and all appears to be going well. As noted by several of my fellow readers, the characteristics of Jason and Blake very much mirror those of Kenny and Steve.

@Cap published this chapter on another site on 07/02/26 (or 02/07/26 if you are in the USA) and has published three additional chapters since @VBlew. I believe the story has become better with each passing chapter. It is rather timely too given current events in Iran, almost as if @Cap was prophetic (or perhaps he "borrowed" @weinerdog's crystal ball). I know nothing about guns, the military (of any country) and warfare @Cap and have no interest in it. I have never been a fan of "war" movies and did not read "war novels" as a child or build model aeroplanes or anything remotely like that. I cannot remember why I started to read this story on the other site, but once I got to Parker's statement "General, neither the delay nor the presumed hesitation at the LZ was the variable," Parker said. His voice was raspy from the dry air of the transport plane, but it carried the absolute authority of a man who had navigated these waters from the inside. "It was the inevitable result." I was hooked. I can only but imagine the lies which are manufactured to defend certain military actions taken or perhaps even not taken, and imagine the fall guy or guys is or are often those lower down the ranks rather than those who should shoulder the blame. Parker's no bullshit attitude left no stone unturned in challenging the rhetoric of General Miller, and for this he deservedly earned the respect of Brody and his colleagues, who I assume have previously borne the brunt for the failure of those in charge who have fucked up big time. Human nature at its very worst, which I imagine in the current climate may be worse than usual, and almost untenable for anyone whose "lifestyle" deviates from "the norm". And the sex, sizzling, my laptop almost caught on fire (and it gets better @VBlew). However, it is the realisation by Parker and Brody they have found someone who understands and desires them, and is very capable at expressing it physically and perhaps more importantly, emotionally, which is the real "stand out" in this story thus far. An exceptional debut @Cap, even if I don't understand the military jargon (and it does not matter) or the "nature" of warfare.

I have the 'flu at the moment and it is a long-lasting, fever-inducing, and very tiring dose, so my brain is somewhat foggy. This may be the reason why @Topher LydonI am somewhat confused by the following explanation from Lydia to a query from "Chase Stirling": "Next issue: the Nail Salon. The inventory variance is consistently high. We are losing $500 a week in unaccounted product. Your theory?” Lydia finally put her phone down, her face taking on a look of sharp, cynical focus. “Mr. Jensen’s too honest to steal, but he’s too polite to stop others. It’s teenagers stealing energy drinks and chocolate bars from the vending machine out front. It’s always teenagers.” “And your solution?” Kenny asked, impressed by her quick analysis. “Raise the price on all Red Bull products by fifty cents and put a cheap security camera directly over the vending machine. The profit increase will cover the losses, and the camera will make you feel better that he’s doing something about the loss prevention.” Kenny leaned back, stunned. The efficiency was terrifying. “You just created a balanced budget, increased profit, and solved a personnel issue with a single pricing adjustment.” Am I correct in assuming Lydia has attributed the losses being experienced by the Independent Grocer to Madame Chao's Nail Emporium, presumably for some valid reason? Kenny, the "boring" accountant with an eye for the law too. Perhaps he should consider a double degree.

Whoopiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii sister. Is that Lauryn up on the hill?

Hopefully a death notice in the newspaper.

They'd probably get caught on the bus and either beaten by a bunch of homophobes or arrested for lewd behaviour.

I have a sense the comments you made on the last chapter will come to fruition @weinerdog. I doubt either of Virgil's parents will be disturbed if he is gay, but Sam's parents are an unknown quantity. His mother responded to his missing status with the expected concern for his safety; his father however, responded with vitriol directed at the police. I wonder if he has had personal dealings with the police in the past which have informed his attitude. He is the potential "fly in the ointment" I think, and given @Lee Wilson's comments above, I think there will be at least one fly in that ointment. I suspect the "lite" will soon become "dark" or "heavy" in Wilsonlandia.

It's a terrible idea in one respect @chris191070 because I am almost certain she will cause trouble. If she does it might make Kilby finally realise she is not worth the effort, which would be a good thing for him to be rid of her as she is like a poisoned chalice.

Killian, Killian, Killian. You are way too honest. "I feel like I'm being guarded," Micah grumbled with a nod in their direction. "How'd it go?" I shrugged. "He wasn't very talkative. He said he'd be out to give you a statement soon." "He didn't tell you anything?" "Nothing I can share," I said carefully. Micah turned to me in disbelief. "What is that supposed to mean?" "He didn't tell me much, and what he did tell me was confidential." Why did Killian reveal to Micah there was information Sergeant Kaplan shared with him which he could not share with Micah? He should have just shut his mouth and said nothing, thereby avoiding the tense situation he created as a result of this. Putting aside he was a pompous arsehole, why has Professor Healy been murdered? Is it because he is the head of the team conducting the excavation of the site, or is it because he failed to protect the site from prior disturbances, or something else entirely? And is it merely a coincidence he has been murdered on the day the burial grounds were uncovered? The only thing of which I am now certain is that Professor Healy was not the person who assaulted Fletcher. I think Gordon Wallace is somehow involved, but I am not certain who or what it is that he is trying to protect or prevent from discovery. The story has taken a dramatic turn with the murder of Professor Healy @Josh Aterovis. And what of Killian's relationship with Micah? It appears to have deteriorated, perhaps past the point of no return. And most importantly, isn't Eve dead yet?

Any sympathy I had for Bernice, which was minimal to begin with, evaporated when she dared to judge the members of the household in which Kilby is being fostered and referred to them as "shirt lifters". These "shirt lifters" have done more for her son in the short time they have had him in their care than she had done in the first 16 years of his life. Bernice, the selfish junkie whose parental rights were severed because drugs were more important to her than her son. Addiction is a disease that she has to live with, but her son should not be forced to tolerate it and live with it just because she gave birth to him, which is why her parental rights were severed. Edward was remarkably polite to Bernice given her remarks equating gay men to paedophiles. If it was not for the fact Kilby wants to see his mother again, and I cannot understand why given her consistent abandonment of him, Edward may well have rescinded the invitation. If she attends and causes any difficulties, which I can easily see happening, Gran may put her in her place. I cannot imagine Gran tolerating any nonsense from her, regardless of any excuse(s) she may make. I must say @Wombat Bill, "Peggy" is the spitting image of my late Zelda.

Odd how different "God's laws" are south of the border, especially the further south one travels towards the next border with Mexico.

I vaguely recall the Ms Patel who is hired by Mrs Katz and by Orel in later works is the daughter of the referenced Mr & Mrs Patel in this chapter, or have I imagined this @Topher Lydon?

Me too, but not with icing; and it has to be moist and preferably without dates. And I love to eat it with either lemon or passionfruit sorbet.

Sally certainly shed the 1950's housewife stereotype she was scared of becoming. The breakdown of the stereotype started with Sally smoking one of Clovis' cigars, and progressed to not one but two slaps across the face she delivered to Jason. Frankly, I thought she was a bitch for doing this, and had it been Jason who slapped her across the face twice he would likely have been charged with assault. She did however, redeem herself with the following statements: "You're fond of me, Jason, and you do love me, but not like that," she said, looking toward Blake with a terrible, weary kindness. "I've always been in his shadow, and it's dark in there. I lied to myself. But the lie doesn't work anymore. I'm divorcing you. I need to be free of the lie, and you need to be true to your heart." and her friendliness towards Blake. If Sally and Jason divorce it might affect his continuing tenure as pastor of the Baptist Church. If Jason and Blake become a couple, which I hope they do, I imagine his tenure as pastor would cease immediately. It may not be foremost in either of their minds, but I think Sally and Jason would both be happier if they left the nonsense behind and found a church they could attend at which all are welcome.