Paladin

Sorry @Al Norris. I hope things will be clearer in future chapters.

I hugged him back. “Are we good now.” “Sure, thanks.” He let go of me and hugged Andre. Ronald watched and smiled, “Well I don’t believe there’s any doubt that you three are an ideal match.” The case was listed for hearing in court on Thursday afternoon. Because he had decided to plead “guilty” there wasn’t a trial with a jury. The judge heard the charges, read the victim statements and listened to argument from the defense barrister. As expected, the judge took into accoun

Obviously we have all come to like Manny and hoped he would have a complete recovery. Real life isn't always like that. Considering that where Manny was shot could have been fatal (and ended the story) losing a couple of fingers isn't a bad outcome. Rocky is showing that his concern about Rocky isn't just about having another parent figure die. He obviously has a lot of affection for Manny. This suggests that Manny and Rocky will be together very long term.

I know practically nothing about the Osarks Mountains and Plateau so my question is probably naive. There's some discussion of logistics in getting to the potential treasure. @drpaladin suggests ATV's and trailer initially. Are there trails through the area for backpackers or more usefully for horse riding? Adventurers following a horse trail wouldn't look out of place and saddle bags can carry a lot.

This trip gave Mac ad Devin a lot of experience in living in their transitioned form for extended periods of time, which is something they hadn't done before. Meeting the other wolf pack also gave them practice in transitioning from one animal to another; wolf to bear. Now they have to remember how to find the cave again, and possibly locate its position on a map, for their return trip. Now back to family celebrations.

Thank you for reading @Lee Wilson. More is revealed as the story develops, but yes he is locked up pretty quickly.

Well they caught the murderer and supplied a back story for his motivation. I was impressed that one of the straight undercover cops was prepared to strip naked and ride in an elevator with two naked gay guys and a probable murderer. You could say that in the line of duty, he rose to the occasion. Of course in one way he didn't. I know that all good things must end and sadly this is one of them. Maybe we could have a sequel of Tom and George getting themselves into trouble (They are more than capable) and Ken and Joe rescuing them. No, I think I would just prefer the occasional return of Detective Ken and family in the future along with a mystery to solve.

Wow, what a roller coaster of a chapter. The boys have the love and support of Matt's parents and certainly Luke's mother. Even Luke's father is showing some support. There is also other support including, it seems Con and Matt's boss. There is a lot hanging over the boys, including their HSC results which they will have in a few weeks and which may give them a way to leave town and attend university. Much to resolve in the future. Excellent chapter @Mark Ponyboy Peters. Thanks.

Tom and George have a lot to learn about going undercover. They get sprung and apprehended by the undercover cops. Wait there, the cops didn't spring them. The cops were tipped off by the guy on reception who didn't believe Tom's story. Now what if the desk clerk is the killer and he realized they were onto him and was using the police to get the boys out of the way. That hasn't works so what if now he's made up a story about a Mike Foreman booking into room 304 to send them off on a wild goose chase. Oh the possibilities but it all does sound fishy.

Well we think Manny survives and we see that there is a group of people who care about him. Manny's shooting has been cathartic for Rocky so hopefully he'll move on and we could see a different Rocky 🤞 Yes there being two places called Georgia could be confusing for Putin's military.

Anything Margaret has told the police about Matt and Troy and "the kiss" is hearsay and not admissible. As such it is largely irrelevant. It then comes down to who to believe, Matt or Troy? Don't worry about Margaret there's a spot already reserved and kept warm for her in the ninth circle of hell.

While I understand @Al Norris that you don't mean it this way, I'm always concerned when people use mental illness as an excuse for totally unacceptable behaviour. Unfortunately courts seem to accept it too readily. There is a strong body of research that indicates that the sex is secondary to the perpetrator and the primary motivation is the power imbalance. The sex is part of a power trip. As you said Normal sexual drives are not satisfied with such young playthings. I agree that George has Greg figured out even more than Greg has and that he deliberately refused to take the phone calls.

This story just gets better and better. Great writing @Ronyx. I like the tension between Colin and Jason. It's refreshing to have a love interest where they don't immediately fall into a relationship. The storm was close, the tornado threatened, people took precautions and everyone emerged safe, even Jason and his close call with the tree. I see this as a metaphor for this story. At present no matter how much Phil complains he feels safe in his room but, Colin is showing him that he can enjoy and benefit from going out. Phil is also looking forward to being able to walk by himself. Because of Colin and Jason he is motivated to become more independent. It seems the house is maintained and empty so there is the possibility of Phil moving out of the centre at some point. He has somewhere to go.

Wow, what to say. So much happening. Nobody will miss the late Baron Evans and his lifestyle. Greg is now a seated Baron with a new home and more staff. I assume that means James gets his home back to himself again And, another child added to the extended family. Greg will need to start the school very soon! Where to now. Jake needs to be changed. There is still the meeting with Prince George and Greg will need to meet with his Baronets. He is going to be even busier than he is now. I can't see him continuing to attend school. I feel for Brian; still human and in love with a vampire. He needs his own near death experience so Greg will change him.

I agree with you @Al Norris about what Tony was attempting to do when he was alone with Luke. After all he did follow Luke to the room. My comment was looking at his behaviour once his mother was involved. At this stage we don't know what he said to the police. We only know that his mother, not surprisingly, did most of the talking. So much revolves around the police response.

I'm conflicted in my attitude to Tony. As far as we know he hasn't admitted he's gay to anyone. If course attempting to kiss Matt shows us that he is. Even when he started talking to Luke he started to deny being gay ( I'm not a little kid anymore. And I'm not . . .’ he started to say.) and he was "Horrified" when Luke went to out him to Margaret. This all indicates that he is still solidly in the closet and shit scared of his mother finding out, not that I blame him there. When he first tries to blame the kiss on Matt he could either be still trying to claim he's not gay, or he could be trying to stir problems between Matt and Luke. Either way he is wrong to do it. When Margaret "overhears" Tony (I believe she snuck around to check what was happening) he is pushed further into his closet. We have to decide if he is a closeted scared and dominated gay son who is trying to avoid his mother's wrath or a vindictive little shit doing all he can to hurt Matt and Luke. Either way the hurt for Matt and Luke is real and totally unjustified. I just hope the police have enough sense to not charge Matt, but so far the police have not been shown to be gay friendly.

Tom and George are doing it again and going off and putting themselves in potential danger. To make it worse they have set it up so Ken and Joe shouldn't worry if they are missing. Yes, I know, they are thinking like typical teenagers and believe they are both invincible and immortal. I don't have much faith in five straight police who don't want to work undercover in a gay resort. I like Ken and Joe performing their public duty by relieving Alex of so much pent up desire.

Amazing turn of events. Manny has a successful house party (apart from Rocky's mouth) for the bar staff and then a shooting in the bar with Manny being shot along with a customer. I hope both survive. It's a good thing Manny has been having shooting lessons.

I remember having a large, loud, gushing, domineering, opinionated and self satisfied aunt. Fortunately I didn't have a lot of contact with her and it will be best if Luke does the same. Wow, things are moving quickly for Matt and Luke. They come out to each other at the end of high school and are moving in together before Christmas and obviously with the blessing of Matt's parents. Of course a lot has also happened in that time. Christmas should be interesting in Luke's family home. Nobody mentioned the Christmas decorations. So Matt and Luke both have the hots for Tony. Tony said on the phone that he had a friend who is gay but that can be code for "I'm gay but not out". Soon the boys are going to have to face the probability of a future involving university and moving away.

Thanks @VBlew as I said above, Ollie moves in next chapter and it already looks like the three families are going to be very neighbourly.

This chapter doesn't tell us much more regarding the murderer. Yes there is an unidentified guy in a speedo at the nude pools. Ken has photocopied the resort registers but they still need to be checked. We do however find out that Alex is hitting on Ken, and not even subtly. We also find out the boys have hooked up with two others and had sex at their motel room, rather than back in the Holiday Hotel. Are these relevant to the murder or just an enjoyable part of a gay holiday in Miami?

Like everyone else I'm curious to know who is the other baby in the photo. Liam saying "About the boys, no, I didn’t tell them. I’m still figuring it out myself, so I wouldn’t even know what to say." is a bit of a worry. The signals he is sending Mike are clearly saying he's gay. What's going on here? Why the secrecy about going to see Mike's mum? Did Maggie just want it to be a surprise, or are there family secrets we are still to find out about and do they include the photo strip. Yes @Arch Hunter I hope the next chapter comes soon.

Thanks @chris191070. Not a spoiler but the next chapter includes the trial and Ollie moving in with Andre and Chris.

Thank you @Cane23 for your wonderful and supportive comments.

I agree with you @drsawzall and thank you for commenting on it. Yes the awesome4some have taken on more life than I expected, however they are providing great friendship and support for Ollie.