JTed

Am so glad to see the conclusion finally at hand. I'd been following CC since the early days, back when you had a Yahoo group dedicated to the story. But I gave up during your procrastination, as trying to keep my head wrapped-up in a story that was so dormant for so long just proved to be too much for me. But I was involved enough to keep watching your progress, and now that I know you're "done", I'm gonna go back to start from the top. And I'm REALLY looking forward to the ride.

WOW! I'm totally hooked, and on the basis of only one chapter, that's unusual. Your writing style is just right: believable, entertaining, and a joy to read. Am really looking forward to this tale as it unfolds. Have you posted other stories elsewhere, perhaps under another name? I'd like to bask in more of your sunshine! <g> JTed

Well I, for one, wish that you WOULD go on writing about the trials of these guys forever! I won't pretend to be an experienced literary critic, but I found the sutiations and relationships to be quite believable, and the story thoroughly engaging. I loved it, beginning to end, even more than I did "The List". Writing in the first person isn't the easiest task, and I commend you for having done a masterful job. Your writing skill is head-and-shoulders above ninety-five percent of the authors who write for free on the story sites; you're definitely one of my favorites. I'm really looking forward to what you'll come up with next! JTed

Chapter 35: What? You thought we actually might LYNCH you if the Peter's outcome were otherwise??? Where would THAT leave our favorite story? Andy: I'm really impressed. You're quite masterful at this storytelling business, and I'm usually pretty reticent with my praise. But this story has made me chuckle as well as cry. Your character development is quite insightful, and I really enjoy the "aside" scenes (like automobile auctions, etc) that are kinda unrelated to the central story, but still go a long way in revealing interpersonal relationships and character development that would otherwise be cumbersone to convey. At any rate, Second Shot is evidence of a much more seasoned author than you seem to claim to be, and I realize what a significant commitment you have undertaken to bring the story to fruition and to offer it to your audience. Just wanted to offer a big THANKS, since I'm enjoying it so thoroughly. JTed