Summerabbacat

A delightful story, with something to appeal to even the most difficult to please reader. The death of Jack's wife, Betty, after 40+ years of marriage to a terminal illness, was sensitively written and moving. The description of the plague of locusts, in the form of the husband-hunting parasitical widows who disguised their true intent with faux concern for Jack's health, dropping off food and overstaying their welcome because Jack was to well-mannered to tell them to fuck off, was very amusing. Contrast their predatory behaviour with that of Jack's neighbour, Larry, made for even more amusement. The only disappointment, the story ended too soon. I would have enjoyed further exploration of the lives of Jack and Larry, and their sons Stephen and Peter.

I like your suggestion of incarceration for Jack's parents @drsawzall. I assume they are likely to be in their late 30's to late 40's. Given this, they may have years of life ahead of them, although their drug and alcohol abuse may reduce their life expectancy. I would like for their remaining years to be as miserable and financially reduced as possible. It is pleasing to observe the health professionals for both Jack and Nick recognising and insisting that drug therapy alone will not overcome their problems.

I hope Charlie brushed his teeth to get rid of the stench of the cigar, in fact, I hope he took a shower as his whole body will have been affected. Calvin has certainly come out of his shell in a relatively short period of time.

This interaction between Oliver and James appears more mutual than those with either Declan or Mack. They have a strong historical connection which neither time nor distance has broken. The massage, although given for a specific purpose, appears to have been a sensual experience for both. I sense a sizzling adult experience is nigh.

If all these events have only ever taken place in Adam’s mind then he certainly has a vivid imagination.

Back in the day when you were a Macho Man @Gary L?

As with all stories penned by @empath, authentically written characters placed in believable situations are the key to its appeal and success. On this occasion, the story examines the ugliness, the brutality and the wanton destruction of humans by religious zealotry. The dogma of their fathers and the passivity of their mothers, a recipe for self-hatred on the part of two men, one emerging from years of unhappiness and doubt into young adulthood, the other entering the darkest moment of his young life after several years of self-recrimination and torment. Into this bleak and desolate landscape arrives a beacon of hope, a stray dog named Small Fry Speed, Thomas Cicero in canine form. Small Fry Speed, one of, if not the greatest of, all @empath's heroic creations. A must read, provocative, challenging and for some nourishing and an affirmation of self worth.

"Elisha was far too exhausted and overwhelmed to articulate the immense relief he felt knowing they weren’t going to take Fry away. A muffled string of thank you's followed a renewed hug. With everything in his life suddenly feeling uprooted and unknown, Fry’s presence was an anchor." and "Elisha felt as though he had been born again – again. His secrets were no longer secret and, if Marcus was right, his sins might not actually be sins at all. The only thing that felt steady was Small Fry Speed, who listened intently as Elisha tried to make sense of his day of lasts which had somehow become a day of firsts, instead." and "He didn’t focus on the obvious damage he had somewhere, sometime suffered, even though each breath sent messages of pain to the dog’s brain. Nor did he dwell on thoughts of his former den, or memories of the day’s trauma. Homosexuality, the past, God, and the future didn’t concern him. That his life had changed as completely as Elisha’s didn’t even occur to him. Instead, Small Fry Speed, belly satisfyingly full, listened contentedly to his boy’s voice as his caudate nucleus hummed with love." Although I am a cat person @empath this story resonated with me nonetheless. Small Fry Speed was the catalyst (this word recognises how truly extraordinary felines are, LOL) who changed the lives of 7 humans. 7 humans whose lives have transformed into something much more meaningful, who are much more connected to each other, and most importantly, who will their lives more authentically and with a genuine sense of belonging. To borrow a biblical aphorism, praise be to Small Fry Speed. Now if only Small Fry Speed could meet the Cuntess of Chicago, however, I don't think even he could improve her in any way. The only hope for improvement for her is a coffin, the ugliest one possible to match her to perfection.

I have just revisited chapter 8 again to check on that photograph Killian found in Jake's bedroom. I have mistakenly believed, for some time it would seem given my recent comments on the photograph, that Jake was in the photograph with Neal, but alas he was not. The photograph is of Neal with a well known state Senator, someone who likely uses the discreet and elegant services provided by the attractive and cultured superior gentleman whom are employed by The Drake Group. If this is so, it is possible Neal is unknown to Jake, the connection to whatever event at which the photograph was taken, may be the state Senator. Perhaps Jake is a freelance escort who knows the state Senator, although how he would know someone of that ilk is difficult to fathom. Neal presented, to me at least, as clever, level-headed, disingenuous, dangerous, and definitely not to be trusted. He allegedly made a fortune and retired young, perhaps not all, or perhaps even none, of this fortune was made legally. He may have some very shady connections, connections which have helped him establish his current business. More bamboozling @Josh Aterovis.

Perhaps they could have a weinerdog instead.

And each becomes the "object of affection" of the most unsavoury and lust-filled prisoners in their respective prisons. Harrison West adopts a new ground-breaking policy and admits Mr Bojangles as a "student aide", a therapy dog for Nick and Jack, which has a positive impact on other students too. Miss Charice champions the policy and becomes even more beloved by the student body. Dr Kincaid takes time off to spend with Nick and Jack, and also takes a day off here and there even when they are not at home. She meets a new man, although why limit her, a new woman if she is so inclined, and begins dating again. Nick approves of his mother's choice of date. Butt Breath Johnson is convicted and sentenced. He is placed in solitary confinement, not for his protection, but because the other prisoners and prison staff complain of his love of farting and his repulsive odour. And anything else your literary talents devise @LittleBuddhaTW.

I read with great interest and genuine surprise of the new mayor. A wonderful mix of apparent contradictions, which to the enlightened are perhaps not so contradictory. If he can achieve even half of his goals NYC will benefit greatly.

As a gentile I find Judaism fascinating quite often @empath; its focus on challenging beliefs and learning the very antithesis of conservative Christianity. The ideals of Liberals, dismissed as socialism by the rabid right. I have never understood this conclusion, one which seems particularly prevalent in the USA, but then again I don’t understand the obsession with guns that even some more moderate Americans have.

And well deserved.

You are "preaching" to the converted @empath. There are moments when I entertain the existence of a "higher being", a "deity" of some description. Those moments occur when I observe my cats, or I observe a dog, or nature in all its splendour. I am misanthropic, I cannot entertain such an existence when I observe our species.

I don't wish to diminish the psychological pain Elisha is currently suffering, but for fuck's sake, Small Fry Speed's physical injuries which are clearly causing him extreme pain, as acknowledged by Marcus at least, are not being taken seriously enough. Stop with the biblical debate for now and take Small Fry Speed to an emergency vet hospital post-haste before I lose my shit completely. Cruelty to or neglect of a non-human animal, just like cruelty to or neglect of a human animal, is the ultimate abomination. Julian takes two steps forward and one step back, but his world view has shifted significantly. “Tonight, I witnessed a miracle. God sent a stray dog, barely able to walk to my son’s back door. I watched the animal lead Marcus directly to your shed at the very moment your son tried to take his own life. He was already hanging, literally seconds away from death. I can’t help but think that I was here, against all odds and my better judgement, to witness the hand of God at work with my own eyes because I’ve been ignoring his more subtle messages. Maybe that’s hubris, but I think God is trying to speak to me tonight.” And if Hosea refers to Marcus and Joshua as sodomites one more time I hope someone buttfucks him into the middle of next week. The man is obsessed with anal sex. Is this because he himself lusts for it but Ruth won't put out. I would suggest he is the one who needs "conversion therapy", not Elisha. The reality is Hosea that anal sex is not exclusively practiced by gay men. Another terrific, if infuriating, chapter @empath.

David "Scar" Hodo, rather an impressive looking man.

We have had a cool spring day today @CincyKris here in Sydney, Australia, with a top temperature of 24°C only. Last week we had one day when it was 40°C, much more my kind of weather. I have had my 2 cats curled up to me today on and off all day as they like the warmer weather too. My 16 year old has not left my laptop's side since about 5.00pm as she likes the warmth it gives off. She cares naught if it is covered in cat fur, snot (she is quite sneezy at the moment) and has regular "keyboard conniptions".

I am an oddball @Gary L. I love high humidity.

The result of your catharsis, another powerful and emotionally rewarding experience for we readers of your fine work @empath. Like the good doctor, @drsawzallcommented above: I cannot however, let the opportunity pass to make a few further comments @empath. I cannot laud you enough for not only including Small Fry Speed as an important character in this story, but also for recognising his courage and tenacity under extreme duress. Whilst it is not my intention to diminish the role Marcus in particular played in saving Elisha, his actions would not have occurred without the initial action of Small Fry Speed. Dare I say, and I shall, Small Fry Speed is the unifying force in this story, the one character who has passed no judgment on any other, the one character who has asked for nothing and expected nothing in return, the one character who is totally selfless. I found it particularly telling that he was the only character to whom Elisha displayed any connection after his suicide attempt. If, and it is still a mighty big if, Hosea has an epiphany, I hope that epiphany includes a recognition of the profound impact Small Fry Speed has had on his son's life. Small Fry Speed deserves nothing less than total acceptance as a member of Elisha's family, without any reservation. He is a fucking hero.

I had an image of Cathal resembling Simon Callow as Gareth in Four Weddings And A Funeral, but was very surprised when Cathal described Jamie's "substantial midriff". I thought for sure he would be lean given his passion for the outdoors and walking. I got the sense that Cathal, whom was described as "voluble", whilst amusing, could become a little overbearing at times, particularly if his passions were not appreciated by any and all guests. I have got to say @Gary L and @Robert Hugill, the weather in the UK and Ireland would definitely not be to my liking. As for snow at Christmas time, that would be a big NO. Give me a Kylie and Dannii Christmas at 100 Degrees any day in preference to a White Christmas.

Well men, the assessment is unanimous. Brian, Gordon, Russ and Toby, a family, just like those Sledge sisters.

In backless leather chaps, leather harness and a leather cap, all faux leather though please. And this little ditty, especially for Joe, to hump and grind to on the float @Gary L. I do not trust him though; I think he might be the bent cop or even the killer, a closet case rejected by young good looking guys so he kills them. I had a sense Alexis was going to "surface" from Sydney Harbour @Mark Ponyboy Peters, the word surface suggested "water" to me. Like @centexhairysub, I have to wonder if Alexis' murder is linked to Martin's murder. If not, it is a big coincidence. And is Jarvis' linked in any way to the murders? I don't think he is, but Mr X from Bondi Junction certainly might be. Shane needs to be relocated and quickly, preferably with Jimmy, the "other" Jimmy, not Jimmy Tan. Speaking of Jimmy Tan, he sounds very amusing, but his perpetual state of "up" may wear thin after a while. No surprises @Mark Ponyboy Peters. @Summerabbacat loved much of the trashy Euro-disco from the 1990's like this song. Snap, La Bouche, Culture Beat, 2 Unlimited, The Real McCoy, Army Of Lovers, Cut 'N' Move and JX, to name but a few; and absolutely hated fucking grunge 🤮🤮🤮🤮. I am nothing, if not a stereotype.

"Leah gave a small, knowing smile. “I’m telling you, he’s gay. Not that it matters he’s such a sweet guy. I just hope he finds someone. Might be tough around here.” The girls nodded, their chatter softening into thought. Leah went back to wiping down the counter, glancing once more through the window. She sighed quietly. “Yeah,” she murmured to herself, “tough around here.” Has Leah had an epiphany, a realisation that Dean too is gay, or at least questioning? I won't be surprised if she has, and equally won't be surprised if she attempts to do a little matchmaking between Kris and Dean. Hopefully Kris' mother has not had another accident, or worse still perished. When reading this chapter I thought of many of the gorgeous, melancholic songs released by the fabulous Lana Del Rey in recent years. For some reason this one stuck with me for this chapter.

After this chapter your moniker has reverted to the Baltimore Bamboozler @Josh Aterovis. I was certain the man in the photo with Jake was the killer, but then again perhaps it is. The question I have now after this revelation is, who took the photograph and where was it taken? I don't recall it being mentioned it was a selfie, so presumably someone took the photograph. Perhaps the photographer was Paul. Undoubtedly @drsawzall. I agree with @Philippe; there is almost certainly some high ranking public officials and other prominent, wealthy and influential members of society, who will have their tentacles in the widespread corruption, and their testicles "in" a discreet and discerning gentleman courtesy of The Drake Group. Perhaps Paul became a little too well acquainted with the private affairs of one such person, and for that paid with his life. Very, very intriguing @Josh Aterovis. This story could well be your magnum opus, your The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, your Bohemian Rhapsody, your Serial Mom, Cry-Baby or Hairspray.