Paladin

An excellent start to the story. Phil telling Colin about his past will be engaging. Phil has lived through some of the most significant events and changes in LGBTQIA+ lives over the last 100 years, including the disastrous years of HIV/AIDS. I am totally looking forward to reading this recounting from a personal perspective.

What a great thought. Chris doesn't make much money from his YouTube channel because he doesn't accept sponsorship. We'll have to see what Tyron and Jackson (in Melbourne) think about it.

A really wonderful twist to the plot. Fortunate for Ken that the Chief asked for them all to be treated as suspects. Now who are suspects? One of the guards? The detective with the look of sheer disgust on his face.? Or is it Monte's second cousin's ex-brother-in-law?

Thanks @CincyKris for rescuing Skye. I like the description that raising children is like making pancakes. The first is a mess, the second is good and by the third it's, ah whatever Friend's communicating less when in different countries isn't unusual, especially given significant time differences, so stopping usually isn't sudden. Chris' parents are nice and friendly and somewhat self absorbed. Michael's parents' moved to another part of Melbourne while the boys were in Uni, so the parents no longer lived near each other. Michael came to assume that Chris dropped contact because he no longer cared about him. When Chris returned to Melbourne, Michael was no longer there and he quickly became involved with Xavier. Because the joint family reunion was at Michael's parents home we can assume they organized it. Did I miss anything? I'm thrilled that you are enjoying the story so much. Thank you.

Thanks @Cane23. Chris and Andre are looking for a bigger place to live so I suppose that will have to include a bigger bathroom or at least shower. Maybe Michael and Jamie have a pool. As you can see Jamie's crush on Beau hasn't diminished since high school. "One correction at the end, not a funny chapter, a cute one!" Yes, cane23, cute was used a lot in this chapter

I'm happy @Summerabbacat that my writing is allowing you to "get things off your chest". This chapter was intended to be lighthearted and hopefully entertaining. While I do research age appropriate names for the characters Tyron is, I think, my own invention. I came up with it while establishing the character, liked it, and kept it. As an aside, a few times I have mistyped his name as Tryon, but that is more about him and his girlfriend.

Back from Melbourne we both returned to work. Nothing urgent had happened over Easter but I still had a list of routine issues that had been logged and needed attention. I was by myself as Tyron had asked if he could have the rest of the week off to go surfing with his mates and work on some Uni assignments. He had been backup if I needed him over Easter so I couldn’t refuse. The next Tuesday came very quickly. Skye had phoned during the week and weekend. She was so excited about going back

I agree @Cane23. It could be a good thing that Mike is a chef! Jamie does seem to be realizing that his hunger and thirst come after he uses his power and exerts himself. Does this mean that after strenuous sex he'll raid the fridge rather than cuddle and sleep?

I just remembered that the caterers were left by themselves after dinner. Even Larry went to the pool. When did they leave? Did one or more of them stay and commit the murder? It did take two people to carry Abe's body down to the freezer. Does that mean there are two killers? OK I'm just throwing thoughts out there. However I'm not sure about the Chief. Sure he doesn't want anyone to know he's at the weekend party (are they that notorious?) but he did spend the dinner silently looking venomously at Monte. Abe's body was tied to Monte's door which indicated the murder is directed at Monte. And The Chief forgets to interview Barry, which could be because he already knew Barry was dead. Again it's fun to speculate.

Yes, there is a sense of relief and celebration but there are still questions. Why was/is the "entity" after Morris-Walker? What is the "very complex investigation" Chief Inspector Mwangi referred to? What was Morris-Walker doing so far from his home and constituency with the traffic incident happened? I have a feeling that Jamie will continue to be involved in this mystery and his "special powers" will be useful.

Without being superstitious, 13 has turned out to be an unlucky number for the weekend party. I'm curious about Monte organizing a guest list where three guests would have to share a bedroom after the others paired up. Why did he do that? Why is there no sign of blood? And where is the missing body part? What happened to the syringes? Hmm looks like I'm going to have to keep reading.

Oh dear you are such a tease @Arch Hunter. As much a tease as Liam. I hope soon there will be relief for both us and Mike.

An amazing chapter and I agree with @chris191070 on describing the incident. What is going on here? Doctored video footage. A strange CI who mysteriously appears and says the interview isn't disciplinary and then suspends Jamie. Strange things happening with Jamie's blood levels. More than enough to keep me reading.

This chapter had me hooked. A first date that they were both anxious about turned out to be both revealing, understanding and loving. We now know their background and experiences. Testing together hints at both wanting a long term relationship but Jamie's bed is not ideal for that. I wonder what Mick's bed is like. Are they moving in together? Great writing. Thanks.

A very enjoyable and happy conclusion to a story that certainly had its ups and downs. Thank you for writing and posting it. I loved the description of the wedding. So different from the gay wedding usually depicted in these stories.

Another love filled chapter with tickling interaction. So who is the dungeon's mystery magician and will something happen to Taylor during the hunt? Great writing.

Thanks for reading @drsawzall. Yes Chris is babysitting for the first time and Beau gets to meet Michael

An excellent start that has me captivated. There's, tension, hinted at but not disclosed background, secrets and the possibility of friendship. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

Thanks @Lee Wilson for a heart warming chapter. Public proposals are special and more so when the people around are approving of gay marriage. The boys are so delightful. I was a bit concerned when Dylan said "the cone of silence, my bedroom", however my concern was short lived.

Thanks @chris191070

Oh I love the whole story surrounding Kinsey and his team's scientific approach to studying human sexuality and the detailed reports. From memory he found nearly half of the males surveyed had "reacted" sexually to persons of both sexes during their life. There are a lot of people out there who are "fluid". I also like to distinguish between sexual and sensual behaviour.

Thanks for commenting @Summerabbacat. While I'm including some serious issues in this story, I still like to have some lighthearted segments. Yes, Chris and Andre are being accepted by their families. I know that is not true for every gay person, or gay couple, but I'm trying to reflect the fact that the overwhelming majority of Australians voted in favour of marriage equality for everyone including gays.

Thanks @Cane23 for your thoughtful comments. Yes Beau is involved in bringing Andre and Chris together and Andre and Jamie together, but more as a bystander than as a matchmaker. He didn't actively do anything to bring them together (except to get concerned later on when he thought Chris was interested in Calvin). Beau didn't (still doesn't) know why Jamie initially become close friends with Andre. Please don't take Andre's comment about Jackson too seriously. Remember Michael's comment at the club. “Once you see them together, you’ll know neither of them is getting away.” Andre is secure in the relationship. (And I needed a way of getting that Jackson is straight into the conversation.)

Sunday morning, I was still soundly asleep when I felt someone slide into bed next to me. Andre was still on the other side of me. I opened my eyes the best I could. The curtains were drawn so the room was still dark. “Jamie. What are you doing here?” “Getting into bed with you. Michael’s gone to his meeting. He agreed to meet at the hospital at 8 O’Clock this morning.” “What time is it now?” “7.30. Are you going to stop with the twenty questions so I can go back to sleep?” “

Wow @chris191070 what a fantastic start for a murder mystery. Not only a whodunit but also a wheredunit. I'm so looking forward to the next chapter.