Paladin

Thank you @Summerabbacat, and I'll admit the Adam moment was also emotional to write. The weekend is providing the break they all need as well as bonding time for the lovers.

Thank you @chris191070 and yes, the families are blending together and this weekend is providing a circuit breaker for all of them. They've all said goodbye to Adam, but he won't be forgotten.

Joshua and Olivia were already minding a table in the pub dining room when Jordan, Cameron, Daniel and Kevin arrived. Olivia waved them over to the table, which was situated next to a large window with a view across the river. The small, enclosed fishing boat dock and marina was on the left and further out they could see the beginning of the breakwater guarding the river mouth on the southern side. Across the river the lights of another larger fishing village were starting to be switched on.

Steve has a reputation for developing and implementing complex hoaxes and like the 'boy who cried wolf', he isn't believed when he is serious. Steve's reputation for pranks and his desire to be taken seriously collide when Kenny (Grade A+ student) is assigned as his tutor. Steve has to get Kenny to believe him, but Kenny is very wary, expecting to be pranked at any minute. Add to this mix that Steve is also talented at devising money making schemes. These two things set the scene for a rollicking schoolboy love story full of unusual, but lovable characters, surprise twists and humour that will capture your attention and keep you wanting more. Fortunately, the next chapters are already posted. A highly recommended read.

City guy Alvin is in Merrickville because he has inherited his grandmother's house. A 'charming cottage' that is totally outside Alvin's comfort zone. He soon discovers that the cottage, or rather the garden, comes with a resident gardener, Tabby, who is also outside Alvin's comfort zone. Alvin has to weave his way through his relationship with the cottage, the neighbours, the township, winter and Tabby to fulfill the conditions of granny's will. We follow Alvin's first year in the cottage as Granny's plan for her two kittens is revealed. This story is fun and entertaining, while having serious messages on acceptance, relationships, independence and, of course, love. You will enjoy reading this story and if you are a Merrickville fan, you will love it.

Brian is changed, even if not for the reason I expected. I loved that Jenny was with him for the change and is now caring for him. That will bond them even more. Brian shocked us with his solution; he would have the OBR provide him with an invitation to study abroad for four years, during which he would die in a tragic accident, never to see his parents again. I hope this is just a ploy for the parents' benefit, and Brian and Jenny will stay in the story and not disappear abroad for four years.

I agree that Corcoran is becoming more brazen and I think much more desperate. He is watching Rick so he would know the police have found his lair and the incriminating mementos he kept. I am particularly concerned that Nick and Brad will be in the crowd watching the parade. I know that they are extremely keen to go, but I doubt they understand the potential danger they are facing. I hope the police float and the dancing are a hit.

Damn, @drpaladin beat me to pun. I am now feeling ruthless.

Hmm, @Ticklishboy30 a character who isn't ticklish in one of your stories. Never thought it would happen. I loved the twist of the parolee who has previously got what he wanted being tickled into submission.

We now know that Corcoran is a serial killer and isn't just killing guys connected to Rick. This makes him even more callous and dangerous. Obviously his collection of mementos aren't all a particular lock of hair. If they were someone would have identified that as linking the murders. Corcoran kept different mementos from different victims. The current murders are very personal and directed at Rick. One thing that worries me is that Rick is taking two teenagers, that Corcoran has photos of, to Mardi Gras. I doubt that Corcoran's cousin is Corcoran in drag. If that were so, forensics would have found evidence; make up mirrors, make up, wigs, clothes etc. Internal Investigations have cleared Rick of being involved with Barrett or the Minister, and they are about to arrest Barrett. The trap is also set for the Minister who immediately after Barratt's arrest will asked questions in parliament about his associating with Barrett. The "Bear Pit" can be interesting.

I've been concerned about Brian. He's still human and has a vampire mate, Jenny, and so far they have been unable to complete their mating. This accident could provide the situation where Greg has to save Brian by changing him. So far Greg has been unusually successful (for a Vampire Noble) in changing his human friends. We will have to wait to see if Greg's success rate continues with Brian.

These marble fireplaces were worse. They had coal burning grates. Definitely not used.

Complete with the shepherdesses on lace doilies.

I agree that nearly all the Australian fireplaces in houses I've occupied were not operational, and the mantlepiece was a place for ornaments, and for some reason a mirror was often hung in the space above the mantlepiece. At one time we lived in a terrace which had three rooms with marble fireplaces; beautiful but all non operational. The only house I lived in with an operational fireplace was in Central West NSW. The only problem was that my cats were mesmerized by the flames and had to be prevented from getting too close.

A truly delightful story @Topher Lydon. I liked the shed: now a studio and potting space. The shed is shared just as they now share their lives and like in the shed they retain their individuality while occupying another shed called love.

I think the answer lies in one of Martin's notes in his journal. Corcoran tried it on with Rick (grabbed his balls and tried to kiss him). Rick rejected him. Rick suppressed the memory but it continued to fester with Corcoran.

Oh what a sheltered life you had @Summerabbacat. The shepherdesses complete with crooks standing guard on either side of the mantelpiece, and even without sheep there were always the flying ducks to watch over.

Does an uninsured jacket mean that there was minimum risk of losing it in winter?

I agree that Rick handled Casey's crush on him with openness, sensitivity and truthfulness. My gut feeling is that the Inspector being surprisingly open about Barrett and the Minister means that the inspector knows more about what's going on than he's revealing. I am still uncomfortable about the 'mood' and 'tension' in the squad room.

Another beautiful chapter. Granny's plan has worked and her two favourite cats are lovingly entwined forever. Like the ice and snow, even Tabby's father is thawing. All that's missing is Brian with a wedding cake. Thank you @Topher Lydon

I'm not sure about chill @Summerabbacat. I was thinking more of a Theo wanting to keep his human companions closer, protect them and accept being hot for them.

Well the "team building" has explosively happened and the three of them will face danger as a unit. I suspect we will be seeing a changed Theo.

Which Carter? Your Carter or the other one?

I love street art and we should always encourage the Arts.

And rapidly unload any shares you have in school chalk companies