Summerabbacat

You say tom-a-to and I say tom-ar-to. Well done Ella, or are you Louis?

I have a new speculation @Josh Aterovis. The killer was looking for a photograph which would link him to Paul, the photograph Jake now has in his possession. And who is it that has just opened the front door to Paul's apartment? Jake perhaps? Did I imagine it, or did Tad disclose to Killian on the night they met at Michelangelo's that his full name is Thaddeus? Razi definitely knows more about Paul's death than what he revealed to Killian. I just hope he does not take out his anger on Tad. Killian's "gift" is going to play a crucial part in either catching the killer or stopping the killer from murdering him when he uncovers who the murderer is. Outstanding chapter @Josh Aterovis.

"No more cramming. No more panic spirals. No more nightmares – at least for now. Just me. Just Jack. Just the start of something new. And yet, even as I lay there smiling, a small part of me wondered how long this fragile peace could last." And there he goes again. Nick cannot help himself, catastrophising again before he and Jack have even left Harrison West for the school break. I cannot hold it against him though; it is a hard habit and mindset to break. As many have stated, but clearly Nick has not been listening, he desperately needs one-on-one therapy, and not just medication, to help him. He also needs, as do all the boys, to start eating some decent food. How they possibly could have gotten through all the studying and the exams, eating the usual junk food they eat, is a miracle. It is time to head on home and fully engage in some serious canine cuddling. There is nothing like some Bojangles adoration to boost Nick and Jack, better than any therapy or medication. Let us just hope that Dr Kincaid is going to spend some serious time with the boys before Jack departs for Seattle. And this version is my very favourite.

That must be why Veronica's marriage did not last. Her husband was neither blind nor deaf, both essential to spend any longer with her than "the length of a commercial break.”

I personally think cranky and scornful Gray is still very likeable, in fact, quite endearing and amusing at times in his crankiness. If I am not mistaken the next chapter will be the last. I do hope that one day "the itch" to revisit these wonderful characters arises, and that you find you cannot resist scratching that "itch", an "itch" which will bring great joy to the faithful Hugillites.

"Vince and Peter’s absence gave Matt and I space. But it meant that Vince would not be around during the day on Friday, so I had to be nice to people and talk about my poetry without his help." As impressive as Gray's character growth has been, it is reassuring to have his "young curmudgeon" persona return from time to time. "I was introduced, and a few had ‘serious dignitary’ or ‘pompous prick’ emblazoned across them. I got told more than once what an honour it was for me to be included in the December Art weekend. Really?" Gray still retains a healthy dose of disdain for at least some of his fellow species. I can imagine some serious eye rolling during his mixing with the attendees. Although a relatively short chapter @Robert Hugill, it was entertaining nevertheless. I do appreciate crotchety sneering Gray appearing from time to time still as I can identify so strongly with him. And what of young Matt, what a support he is to Gray, calming his "artistic temperament", adding joy and a sense of purpose to the life of someone who struggles with self-doubt so much of the time. Matt is so much more than Gray's muse now.

I think for now his "vision" is almost exclusively concentrated in his "one-eyed trouser snake", with the two eyes on his face a distant second, at least where Harry is concerned. I am surprised how gullible he is.

Oliver is forgiven by me @Davide, particularly given it was self-realisation he had "messed up" with Mack. I don't know how Grant became Greg in this chapter as I had referred to him as Grant on numerous occasions in comments on the previous chapter. I have corrected my comment as my misnaming characters is one of my "pet dislikes".

You're welcome.

The comments above from @Davide and @chris191070 made me revisit the Prologue, and I am so glad I did as it yielded some "good news". I overlooked a vital piece of information, Dean's father is already gone, has been for years now, hopefully dead, and if not dead, in a facility of some description where he is never able to make contact with Dean again. His father's mental and physical abuse continue to plague Dean though, even in absentia. I wonder if Dean's mother is still alive, and if so has she has ever attempted to reconnect with him and his brother, Marcus, again? She left when he was 10 years old, her parting words "You be strong now, OK". I know it is easy for me to say and to judge, but how did she think she was doing the right thing by leaving him behind. The fact Dean shares an apartment with Marcus indicates they must still have some kind of relationship, although if the description of their apartment in the Prologue is accurate, it does not appear to be a home in which Dean finds solace, contentment or happiness. Misery and torment seem to be the only constants in his life. Another "dark" tale @ChromedOutCortex.

I will acknowledge again that Declan irks me, increasingly so with each chapter. The events of this chapter illustrated beautifully the difference in the attitudes and behaviour of Mack and Declan. Mack’s sexual encounter with Oliver was far more reciprocal and respectful, and without any of the arrogance and conceit displayed by Declan. I also found Mack’s response to Oliver’s question about where do they go to now, hilarious. I realise they are only teenage boys and they all, including Oliver, are only experimenting so I should cut Declan some slack, but I won’t. Grant might be a tougher nut to crack @drsawzall as he may share Oliver’s orientation, or he may be a late bloomer and have no interest in sex of any kind yet, or he may have a physical difference he is embarrassed by. Oliver has made him an offer and I don’t think he will put any pressure on Grant to respond to that offer. Mack indicated an interest in a revisit, which should be relatively easy to arrange given Oliver usually shares Mack’s bed when he sleeps over. Given Declan’s discomfort after their previous encounter, I would be reluctant to repeat it if I was Oliver, even though Declan seemingly was not embarrassed by it when he disclosed it to Grant.

I was laughing at your spoilers disclaimer @Davide, specifically the comment you don’t remember what you thought when you first read this chapter. I have read some stories for a second time and don’t remember entire scenes, so it amuses me when others have a memory lapse too. I was also amused by the length you went to, to explain you did not want to ruin the story for others by commenting on our speculations.

A revenge fantasy of mine @SilentandBroken. Jack is still at Harrison West when Spermie and the Incubator are involved in an horrific car accident. Jack is charged with making a decision of maintaining them on life support. His response “don’t waste their estate; pull the plug”.

I have to confess I have never read any novels about either the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, the only thing I know about either is that in the 1970's TV shows were made, which I have never seen, starring Shaun Cassidy and Pamela Sue Martin. Favourite Christie novel is The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, favourite adaptation is Murder On The Orient Express, although I rather like some of the TV adaptations starring David Suchet as Poirot too. As for Miss Marple, it simply must be Joan Hickson.

His boss is an ungrateful arsehole guilty of wage theft and intimidation, and his father is a violent bully guilty of spousal and child abuse. Life ain't exactly grand for Dean. Death by carbon monoxide poisoning and acute alcohol poisoning would seem a fitting resolution to these two “problems” in Dean's life. And why did his mother leave him behind, knowing what a c u next Tuesday his father was? Could she not have taken him with her?

I'll happily be one of the Hardy Boys @Josh Aterovis but not Nancy Drew. When all is said and done though, I probably have more in common with Miss Marple, old and dottery at times (the result of a head injury 15 years ago).

@Rafy continues to challenge, amuse, and ultimately entertain we readers with his often quirky and always sparklicious stories. The wit of Cole Porter, the irreverence of John Waters, the sense of fun of The B-52's, and the glamour, heart and soul of Auntie Mame, are what continues to draw me to his works. This latest treat, a story of romantic yearning set against the backdrop of a Halloween party, held little appeal for me, until I read it. Frothy and fabulous.

Or a very conservative religious leader who does not want it known that he is very much like those whom he accuses of destroying the fabric of society with their evil sodomite behaviour. I am almost certain his killing was not random @drsawzall.

As noted by @Seraph28, the verbal stoush between River and Veronica was glorious to observe, with River emerging as the clear winner. His reference to Veronica's cosmetic enhancements, especially her BBL (an acronym I was not familiar with until now), a comparison to one of those hideous K or J creatures who pollute print and electronic media with their frequent appearances, was the ultimate put down. As much as I enjoyed the verbal stoush between River and Veronica, the dismissal of the latter's complaint by Leonardo and Elena, and their statements she likely got what she deserved, was even more exhilarating. I found it very intriguing, and not at all surprising, that whilst Elena acknowledged Veronica has done a lot for the family, she also reminded her she has done a lot to the family. I had suspected Veronica and Harry were working together on a plot formulated by the former. I have pondered what it might be, and now believe it may be to wrest control of the family company from Leonardo. I am not sure of the mechanics of how she will achieve this, but assume Veronica believes it will be possible to do so if Harry marries Zayn. This is where I believe River's law expertise may come to the fore; I think it will quickly become apparent Zayn has been duped by Harry for purely financial gain, and that Veronica is the architect of a coup d'état. Will she somehow frame Leonardo for embezzlement perhaps. I don't believe there is any low to which she would not stoop. The tender scene in the church in which Leonardo admitted his failures as a father and Zayn admitted his reactionary behaviour, were I believe only made possible by Leonardo's recent discussions with River. Perhaps the revelation of this, more than anything, will make Zayn realise what a fool he has been. River becoming Zayn's husband will be a joy to witness if it eventuates, but River being responsible for wiping the smug grin off the bitch's face once and for all, well that will be the pièce de résistance. Veronica in a drab prisoner's outfit, her Brazilian butt lift resembling two saggy, deflated, empty wallets, her botox, fillers and lip injections desperately in need of replenishment. A hag in a shapeless beige jumpsuit with unkempt hair and no make up. 😂🤣😂🤣

“Hey, Mr. Nash…” I waltzed my way to the front of the class and maintained a sheepish, cocky, grin. He may have been temporarily in command but we both knew who the luckier one was to have had our little affair." and "I nodded my head slowly, understanding. “Right…and I’m doing this for…what exactly? What’s in this for me…” Just when Jason seemed to be toning down his arrogance he uttered the above statements. How can he be such a douche bag so often, and yet be very pleasant on occasion. Perhaps he has learned from the best, Daddy douchebag. His comments in his discussion with Jason did not impress me much: “Good on you for getting another extracurricular on your resume. Make sure the college knows about it.” “Dad, Iowa already signed me, I don’t need to impress them anymore…” “Son, you never know if you’ll fuck something up the rest of this year. Knowing you, anything’s possible. Keep ‘em impressed with what you bring to the table."

The opening scene was quite funny. I could not help but think of a scene from The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Janet! Dr Scott! Janet! Brad! LOL. It seems Jason is not a complete arsehole after all, although he has a complete arsehole. I suspect Mr Nash will be making a frequent deposit in said arsehole henceforth, particularly if Jason does the right thing and tells Bradley the (w)hole truth, and nothing but the truth. Raunchy @Golden Ghost Pen, with a surprising amount of humour in this chapter.

"I heard a dramatic gasp… “JASON WHAT THE FUCK!” Oh no." His father? His coach? Jason certainly likes to indulge in very risky behaviour, which I guess in his case is part of the enjoyment. Putting aside the health risks, advertising himself as a cumdump, blindfolding himself and leaving himself wide open, in more ways than one, to abuse as a football playing star in Texas, appears to be the actions of someone with a death wish.

Perhaps it is a by-product of his profession or his attitude regardless, but it appears many interactions in life, perhaps even all, are a financial transaction for Razi@Seraph28.

Grant is reserved, does not like talking about himself and has never discussed girls or any sexual experience(s) he has had with them. Maybe there is a reason for the latter, one which Oliver has not entertained. Maybe Grant is not as straight as Oliver assumes he is. I thought for a moment or two Grant might have been going to ask Oliver to give him a blowjob, but that was not the case. Grant was apparently only concerned for Oliver's emotional welfare given Declan is straight and was not likely to ever reciprocate, the same Declan who disclosed to Grant that Oliver had given him a blowjob without getting his expressed permission to do so. The same Declan I am finding increasingly annoying and unlikeable.

Whilst Razi was kind to rescue Tad from his precarious life on the streets, his "kindness" has not come without a price. Tad has essentially been forced into servitude, living his life as a "wife" in the traditional sense of the word; cooking, cleaning and being available for sex whenever "her" man needs some lovin'. He is 15 years old with apparently little to look forward to in life, although he does not appear to have completely given up yet. Perhaps there is some hope for an improved situation in life for him, particularly if Killian takes an interest in his welfare beyond the solving of the murder. I hope Tad does not become another murder victim because of his living arrangements with Razi. Given Razi is loud and intense and likes to be the centre of attention, the murderer may visit his apartment with the intention of finding out if he knows anything about the murder of Paul, only to discover Tad also lives there. Whatever else happens in this story, I hope Tad is not a casualty @Josh Aterovis. I am surprised Micah has not shown Killian a photograph of Paul. I can only assume he does not have one as I would think seeing a photograph of Paul would be one of the first things Killian would want to see. Unless the photograph of the older and the younger man Killian found in Jake's bedroom was a red herring, I think, as I have stated before, the younger man in the photograph is Paul. If so, I hope Jake has not been involved in his murder in any way. I wondered after the last chapter if Chris might be a lesbian, and that this was one of the reasons her father was keen for her to accompany Killian in his investigation of Paul's murder. She believes her father’s motivation for this was to dissuade her from becoming a cop and/or "curing" her of her lesbianism. but what if the latter is not the case. What if it is her father's way of demonstrating that although he does not understand her lesbianism he accepts it, and wants Paul's murder solved because Paul's sexuality, like his daughter's sexuality, should not make any difference in how he was treated in life or in death. A very sad chapter @Josh Aterovis; Tad's bravado cracking and revealing his desperation for a better life, and disclosing that Paul was even more likeable and honourable than Micah intimated.